It’s hard to believe that mid-August is already here. I hope you’ve been able to spend time with friends and family and enjoy all that Orleans has to offer. I’ve been fortunate to make some wonderful memories with my two teens over the past few weeks, and I’ll be treasuring every minute as we get ready for back-to-school season.

A cornerstone of good governance is a commitment to open communication and public education. Since my arrival in July 2023, we’ve introduced many new tools to keep our community informed. If you’ve missed a meeting or two (no judgment - it is summer, after all!), I encourage you to take advantage of these new ways to stay connected. I’m incredibly proud of the work my team has been doing for the Town of Orleans, and I want to share it as widely as possible. Please feel free to share this edition of Town Talk with your friends and neighbors. Or follow the links below to learn more.

Did you know Orleans now has:

• Three newsletters: Orleans Housing Update, Orleans Business Connections, and Town Talk.
• Our own podcast: Orleans Behind the Scenes, with more than 40 episodes recorded.
• New webpages to make information easier to find, including Town Meeting Central, Fire-Rescue Station Headquarters, and pages with updates on previously passed Town Meeting articles.

Just this past month, we presented on important topics such as the Residential Tax Exemption, proposed zoning updates, and launched a new centralized Community Calendar.

And now, in addition to these resources, you can also find monthly Town Manager’s Reports posted on the Town’s website. These reports provide brief updates from each department on projects and priorities across town government.

If you have questions, ideas, or if something in these resources isn’t clear, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at knewman@town.orleans.ma.us. My team and I are always happy to connect and share our latest projects with you.

In partnership,
Kim Newman
Town Manager

Orleans Accolades 

A Decade of Connection and Pride
On June 25 the Aging Matters newsletter highlighted how Orleans’ Council on Aging has cultivated a profoundly inclusive environment over the past 12 years. Originating in 2013, the COA’s LGBTQ+ programming began with modest, intimate socials - just 25–30 participants - and has since flourished. This month’s 10th annual Pride event drew more than 200 attendees, demonstrating the program’s remarkable growth and its impact in helping LGBTQ+ older adults rediscover community and belonging through every stage of life. 

Recognized for Housing Leadership in Massachusetts
On July 29 the Healey‑Driscoll administration announced that 43 Massachusetts communities earned the prestigious 2025 Housing Choice Community designation. This honor secures Orleans (if selected) access to exclusive state funding streams and technical support to bolster housing production and affordability. The 2025 round -zexpanding on Housing Choice 2.0 - also introduced new eligibility pathways, including recognition of rehabilitated units, to broaden opportunities for housing innovation. 

New Program Offers Cash Incentives for Year-Round Rentals 

Have an empty property or short-term rental in Orleans? You could receive up to $15,000 for converting it into a year-round home for someone who works locally. 

The Town of Orleans is proud to launch Lease to Locals, a new program designed to help ease the housing crunch by creating more year-round rental opportunities for local workers and residents. The program is being offered in partnership with the Town of Eastham and is managed by Placemate, an organization experienced in helping vacation communities address housing shortages using existing housing stock. 

Why It Matters 

We’ve heard loud and clear from our residents and business community: affordable, stable housing is one of Orleans’ biggest challenges. Lease to Locals is one way we’re working to support our workforce and preserve the character of our year-round community. 

“Supporting our local workforce goes beyond simply providing housing - it’s about building a strong, connected community,” said Town Manager Kim Newman. “Lease to Locals gives us an opportunity to help our year-round employees find stable homes, which in turn strengthens the businesses and neighborhoods that make Orleans such a special place to live and work.” 

How It Works 

Property owners in Orleans and Eastham who rent to a qualified local worker for at least 12 months are eligible for a one-time incentive payment of $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the unit size and number of tenants. To qualify: 

• Properties must not have had long-term tenants in the past year
• Units must not currently be on a 12-month lease
• Tenants must work at least 30 hours/week for a local business or organization

In short: if you have a cottage, ADU, or rental property that’s sitting vacant or listed as a short-term rental, this is your chance to make a real impact - and get paid for it. 

Fall into Fun with Orleans Recreation 

It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down, but the Orleans Recreation Department is ready to keep the momentum going this fall. The Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring a wide range of youth programs, adult classes, and special events to keep you active, engaged, and connected. 

Youth Programs include activities like Flag Football, Youth Soccer, and Tennis. 

Adult Programs feature Strength & Conditioning, Pickleball, and Yoga - great options for staying healthy and meeting new people. 

Special Events this season include Group Paddleboarding, a Fall Mixology Class, and Adult Craft Night.  

Registration is now open

Sewer Smart: Q&A Forum

Have questions about the Town’s sewer project? Join Sewer Program Coordinator John Nelson for an informal drop-in session on Thursday, August 28 from 4–6 PM in the Skaket Room at Town Hall. This open forum is your chance to ask about timelines, connection requirements, and what to expect next - no long presentations, just direct answers. This is the first in a series of opportunities to stay informed as the project progresses. All are welcome. 

If your property is located in the Meetinghouse Pond area (Phase II of the sewer project) and you missed the July 28 meeting, you can view the full presentation and discussion online. The session covered the construction schedule, next steps for property owners, and how to prepare for your connection. Visit the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee page to watch the recording. 

A Big Shout-Out to the Orleans Firebirds! 

The Town of Orleans proudly recognizes the Orleans Firebirds for another exciting summer season filled with big plays, community spirit, and incredible talent. 

With 16 players from the past three seasons drafted in 2025 into Major League Baseball - including two from this year’s roster - the Firebirds continue to be a powerhouse in the Cape Cod Baseball League, clinching the Division Title this summer. Their success on the field makes fans proud and puts Orleans on the map as a destination for top-tier collegiate baseball. 

Orleans consistently leads the Cape in attendance, thanks to the team’s incredible following and the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible. 

Thanks to the Firebirds for giving us another unforgettable season. Orleans is proud to be your home field. 

Drought Update for Cape Cod: Please Conserve Water

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has elevated the Cape Cod region to a Level 2 – Significant Drought due to ongoing dry conditions and below-average rainfall. This means it’s more important than ever for all of us to do our part to conserve water and protect our natural resources. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Limit outdoor watering to handheld hoses or cans, and only between 5 PM and 9 AM
• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full
• Fix leaks promptly - every drop counts
• Avoid washing vehicles, boats, or hard surfaces unless absolutely necessary

Even if landscapes appear green, groundwater levels and streamflows remain low across the Cape. Every small action helps reduce strain on our water supply. 

For more information and statewide updates, visit the Massachusetts Drought Management page.

Intern Spotlight: Preparing for the Unexpected 

This summer, the Town of Orleans was fortunate to welcome Reagan Karecz, a student with a passion for public safety and emergency planning, as an intern with the Orleans Fire-Rescue Department. Reagan played a key role in reviewing and updating the Town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), which outlines how the Town prepares for, responds to, and recovers from disasters. We sat down with her to learn more about her experience, what drew her to this important work, and what she hopes to do next. 

Can you tell us a little about your background and what you’re studying? 

I graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in June this year with a degree in Emergency Management. I am currently enrolled in the master’s program in Emergency Management at MMA and expect to graduate in May. 

What inspired your interest in public safety? 

At Massachusetts Maritime Academy many of our courses focus on public safety and many of my professors had careers in the military, law enforcement, or emergency management. Their passion and real-world experiences inspired me to explore the field further. I have always enjoyed the fast-paced nature of public safety work and the chance it gives to serve and protect communities. 

What did you learn from reviewing the town’s comprehensive emergency plan? 

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how well the different departments in the Town of Orleans work together during emergencies. The teamwork and dedication to public safety were inspiring to witness. 

How do you think your work this summer will benefit the community? 

The updated plan gives residents, town officials, and department leaders a clear understanding of their responsibilities during an emergency. It also outlines the resources available in Orleans which will help the community prepare and respond more effectively. I am grateful to know that the work I did will have a lasting impact on the town’s safety and readiness. 

Is there a particular area of public safety that interests you the most? 

I am especially interested in community-focused law enforcement. I enjoy the idea of building strong relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve while also working to keep communities safe. 

What are your career goals moving forward? 

I am pursuing a career in law enforcement. Meeting with Deputy Chief Diamond was a great learning experience and he shared valuable insights about community policing and leadership in law enforcement. His perspective strengthened my desire to serve in this field, and I am preparing to take the police exams this fall. 

What skills or experiences from this internship do you think will help you going forward? 

This internship gave me the chance to work closely with many town officials and department leaders and to see how close-knit the Town of Orleans is. The support and appreciation I received for my work on the plan meant a great deal to me. Presenting to the Select Board was an important learning experience in understanding how local decision-making works. I am very thankful to Chief Deering for his mentorship. His commitment to public safety and emergency management was truly inspiring and I value the professional connections and personal growth this summer internship has provided me with.

Dance to the music of Woof Woof Meow

Summer is drawing to a close, but the merriment continues with an outdoor concert for all ages from 2 to 3 PM on Saturday, Sept. 6. on the Village Green in front of Snow Library, 67 Main St.  

Enjoy live music by Woof Woof Meow, Cape Cod’s original ska, funk, new wave and afro-beat dance band. The group features Truro’s Michael Holt (singing and keyboard), Orleans’ Rikki Bates (drums), Wellfleet’s Lisa Brown (percussion and singing), Eastham’s Trevor Pearson (bass), and Truro’s Ken Field (sax and flute).
 
If you’d rather sit than dance, bring a chair or blanket. If it rains, it will be held indoors in Snow Library’s Craine Room.  

This free concert is sponsored by Snow Library’s Helen Telfair Trust.
 
For more information contact Kaimi at (508) 240-3760, ext. 11.

Orleans Volunteers Help Monitor the Health of the Estuaries 

From July through September, more than 60 trained Orleans residents rise early to collect water samples from Pleasant Bay and the Nauset Estuary - part of a regional citizen science program coordinated by the Pleasant Bay Alliance. Volunteers from Orleans, Chatham, Brewster, and Harwich gather samples five times each summer from the same locations year after year to build a long-term, consistent dataset. 

Samples are dropped off at the Orleans Town Annex and processed through a well-organized system that sends them to UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) for laboratory analysis. The results, shared with the public and partner agencies, play a critical role in tracking water quality over time and informing local and regional decisions - especially around estuary management, climate change impacts, and the future of wastewater infrastructure. 

Volunteers are fully trained and certified, using proper equipment and techniques whether they’re wading, paddling a kayak, or navigating by motorboat. Local businesses like Goose Hummock and Nauset East generously donate boats to help the effort. 

This work began as part of local estuary management planning and has become even more important as the Town implements its Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. The data is used by the Pleasant Bay Alliance, Cape Cod Commission, and other agencies to assess progress and determine where additional action is needed. 

The Committee is always looking for new volunteers - especially those with boats, an interest in field work, or to help with maintaining equipment. Outreach typically begins in spring, with sign-up opportunities at Celebrate Our Waters, the Orleans Farmers Market, and online. 

To learn more, view the data, or get involved, visit the Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee webpage.

What’s still on your summer bucket list to do before the season winds down?
Take our poll

Answer Options: 

• Catching a sunset at Skaket Beach 🌅 
• Visiting a local ice cream shop one more time 🍦 
• Attending a summer concert or event 🎶 
• Getting out on the water - kayak, paddleboard, or boat 🛶 
• All of the above - summer’s not over yet!