End-of-Year Holiday Hours at 
Town Facilities 

As the Town enters the end-of-year holiday period, the following schedule changes are being shared to help residents plan ahead. 

Town Hall will close at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, December 24, and will reopen at 8:30 AM on Monday, December 29. 

The Department of Public Works will close at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 24, and will reopen at 7:30 AM on Monday, December 29. 

The Transfer Station will be closed on Friday, December 26, and will reopen on Saturday, December 27 at 7:30 AM. 

Snow Library holiday hours during this period are as follows: 

• Wednesday, December 24:10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Thursday, December 25:Closed
• Friday, December 26:Closed
• Saturday, December 27:Regular hours, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

A special thank you to The Farm for supplying the cheerful holiday wreaths to Town Hall, DPW, the Police Station and Fire-Rescue Station.  

New Holiday Installation Lights Up the Village Green: Buoys of Joy

A new holiday installation is now glowing on the Village Green, offering a festive and meaningful addition to Orleans’ seasonal landscape.

The Buoys of Joy installation features three illuminated buoy sculptures spelling J-O-Y. Constructed from reclaimed marine materials, the buoys celebrate Orleans’ maritime heritage while highlighting environmental stewardship and reuse. By day, the sculptures reflect the history of the fishing industry that shaped the town; by night, they become a luminous centerpiece for the holiday season.

Created by Orleans artist Scott Feen of Atlantic Workshop, the project was developed in collaboration with artists Elaine and Beatrice Alder, artisan Tiran Dagan, and student volunteers from Nauset Regional Middle School. The tall structures are built on aluminum frames and wrapped in repurposed aquaculture mesh, fishing nets, and lobster bait bags. Students helped craft the red and green J-O-Y letters using reclaimed clam-bag netting, adding a hands-on youth component to the project.

From the Town’s perspective, Buoys of Joy is part of a broader holiday placemaking effort aimed at enhancing key public spaces, supporting local artists, and offering a distinctive alternative to traditional holiday décor. The Village Green was selected as the first location due to its visibility, central role in community life, and alignment with the installation’s scale and storytelling.

Buoys of Joy was made possible in part through the support of the Orleans Cultural Council and CARE for the Cape & Islands, whose contributions reinforced the role of creative projects in fostering community connection and environmental awareness.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the Village Green, experience the installation, and enjoy a new holiday feature that reflects what makes Orleans unique.

Orleans Elementary Kindergartners 
Visit OPD 

The Orleans Police Department welcomed some very special visitors this week as the kindergarten class from Orleans Elementary School stopped by for a festive “Cookies with the Cops” event. 

As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth outreach, officers invited students into the Police Department’s Community Room for a hands-on cookie-decorating experience. The cookies were baked earlier that morning by Cottage Street Bakery and delivered to the department ahead of the visit. 

Upon arrival, students were greeted by officers and given aprons and chef’s hats before taking part in the activity. Officers, dispatchers, and teachers assisted the students while engaging in conversation about school and the upcoming holidays. 

Chief MacDonald and participating staff emphasized the value of early, positive interactions between public safety professionals and young residents. Events like this provide an opportunity to build familiarity with the Police Department in a welcoming and accessible setting. 

The Orleans Police Department thanks the teachers and staff at Orleans Elementary School, Cottage Street Bakery, Carole Willette, and Dispatcher Mary Alice Machado for their support in making the visit possible. The department looks forward to continuing community outreach efforts with Orleans families. 

Three State Grants to Support Future Development in Orleans 

The Town of Orleans has been awarded three grants totaling $705,000 through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Community One Stop for Growth program for Fiscal Year 2026. 

The Community One Stop for Growth is a competitive, statewide initiative that coordinates multiple state funding programs to support local planning, economic development, housing, and infrastructure projects. 

For FY26, Orleans received funding for the following initiatives: 

• Governor Prence Motel Redevelopment- $650,000 through the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP), supporting planning and infrastructure improvements to advance housing redevelopment.
• Orleans Wayfinding and Signage Strategy - $30,000 through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI), to guide the development of a cohesive, town-wide wayfinding system.
• District Improvement Financing (DIF) Feasibility Study - $25,000 through Real Estate Services, to evaluate the potential use of DIF as a tool to support future economic development and infrastructure investments.

Together, these awards support the Town’s long-term goals related to housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure planning, and economic vitality. 

Solstice Sparkle Weekend Brings Seasonal Light to Orleans 

As the days grow shorter and the holiday season reaches its peak, the Orleans Cultural District invites the community to pause, reflect, and celebrate with Solstice Sparkle, a weekend of free, family-friendly activities marking the winter solstice. 

Taking place Saturday and Sunday, December 20–21, Solstice Sparkle offers a mix of creative, wellness, and reflective experiences in the heart of Orleans. The weekend begins on Saturday morning at Snow Library with a special Solstice Storytime and Craft, welcoming children and families for seasonal storytelling and hands-on creativity. Later that afternoon, the library will host Gentle Yoga for Everyone, an inclusive, all-levels class focused on relaxation and renewal. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Lower Cape Outreach Council Food Pantry. 

On Sunday, the celebration moves outdoors to the Orleans Village Green, where residents and visitors are invited to walk the Solstice Labyrinth Path. The labyrinth offers a quiet opportunity for reflection, intention-setting, and connection during the turning of the season. 

Solstice Sparkle reflects the Orleans Cultural District’s mission to create meaningful, accessible cultural experiences that bring people together year-round. All events are free and open to the public. 

As part of the weekend, many local businesses will also be joining in the celebration, offering holiday specials and seasonal cheer - making Solstice Sparkle a perfect time to enjoy Orleans and wrap up final gift shopping while supporting local shops. 

Feeling the Holiday Pressure? 
CredibleMind Can Help 

The holiday season is joyful for many - but it can also bring loneliness, anxiety, and money stress. Lower & Outer Cape towns have partnered to offer CredibleMind, a free, confidential online platform with trusted, evidence-based tools you can use before a crisis. 

What you’ll find on CredibleMind 

• Loneliness & connection:practical ideas to strengthen social ties, set healthy boundaries, and cope with grief or distance during the season.
• Holiday anxiety:quick self-assessments, breathing and sleep guides, and step-by-step strategies to manage worry, family dynamics, and overload.
• Money stress:worksheets and tips for budgeting, gift-giving on a budget, and reducing financial anxiety.

Resources include short articles, videos, podcasts, and book/app recommendations - all vetted by experts - plus private self-assessments to help you understand where to start. Use is anonymous; participating towns only see aggregate trends to improve local programming. Multilingual access is available (Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese). 

How to get started 

1. Visit lowercape.crediblemind.com
2. Search topics like “loneliness,” “anxiety,” or “money stress.”
3. Take a brief self-check and bookmark your favorite tools forquickreturn.

This regional resource is made possible through a collaborative effort of Lower & Outer Cape towns and supported by grants from community partners. 

Important: CredibleMind is an education and self-help platform, not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent emotional support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). 

Snow Library’s Winter Music 
Series Returns 

Snow Library’s “Warming Winter with Music” concert series (sponsored by the Helen Telfair Trust) returns in the new year with weekly Saturday afternoon performances featuring musicians from Cape Cod and beyond. 

All concerts are free and open to the public, with a rotating mix of jazz, blues, pop, classic rock ’n’ roll, and country. 

When: Saturdays in January and February, 2:00 PM
Where: Snow Library, Craine Gallery 

2026 Concert Lineup 

• Jan. 3: Mozelle (with Mike Flanagan on piano and saxophone)
• Jan. 10: Fred Clayton & Trio
• Jan. 17: Jesse Liam Band
• Jan. 24: Tish Adams & Fred Boyle
• Jan. 31: Bart Weisman’s Smooth Jazz Group
• Feb. 7: The Lariats
• Feb. 14: The Kingfish
• Feb. 21: Rose and the Thorns Trio
• Feb. 28: Fred Boyle Trio (finale)

Questions: Call Kaimi Lum or Joan Kozon at (508) 240-3760

A Warning About Cryptocurrency 
ATMs and Scams 

The Orleans Police Department is sharing an important reminder for residents - particularly seniors - about a growing scam involving cryptocurrency kiosks, sometimes called “crypto ATMs.” 

These machines, often found in convenience stores or gas stations, allow users to buy or send digital currency such as Bitcoin. Unfortunately, scammers are increasingly directing victims to use these kiosks to steal money. Once funds are sent, they are usually impossible to recover. 

What Is a Cryptocurrency Kiosk? 
A cryptocurrency kiosk looks similar to a traditional ATM. Instead of withdrawing cash, users deposit cash or use a debit card to send cryptocurrency to someone else. These transactions happen quickly, are difficult to trace, and cannot be reversed. 

Why Scammers Use Crypto ATMs
Scammers favor cryptocurrency kiosks because: 

• Payments are immediate and irreversible
• There are few fraud protections
• Transactions are hard to track
• Once money is sent, it is typically gone for good

Banks and law enforcement are generally unable to recover funds sent this way. 

Common Scams to Watch For 
Residents have reported being instructed to use crypto kiosks in scams such as: 

• Government impersonation scams(IRS, Social Security, or police)
• Tech support scams claiming a computer or bank account has been compromised
• “Grandparent” scams involving a loved one in trouble
• Romance scams that build trust over time

Scammers often create a sense of urgency and may stay on the phone while walking victims step-by-step through the transaction. 

Why Seniors Are Often Targeted 
Seniors are frequently targeted because: 

• Cryptocurrency may be unfamiliar or confusing
• Scammers exploit trust in authority figures
• Pressure tactics are especially effective when someone feels isolated
• Retirement savings can be a significant target

Red Flags to Remember 
Be cautious if you are: 

• Told to pay using cryptocurrency
• Asked to keep the transaction secret
• Pressured to act immediately
• Directed to scan a QR code or follow instructions at a kiosk

No legitimate government agency, business, or police department will ever demand payment in cryptocurrency. 

What To Do If You’re Unsure 
If something doesn’t feel right: 

• Stop and do not send money
• Talk with a family member or trusted friend
• Contact the Orleans Police Department at508-255-0117

A Final Reminder 
Cryptocurrency kiosks themselves are not illegal, but they are commonly used in scams - especially those targeting seniors. If anyone asks you to use one to pay a debt, fix a problem, or help someone in distress, it is almost certainly a scam. 

When in doubt: pause, verify, and call before you act. 

Phase 2 Sewer Construction Update

Phase 2 construction is nearing completion, with remaining work moving toward closeout. Remediation and restoration activities are expected to resume in the spring. In the interim, testing and occasional roadway work will continue and may require temporary traffic details; however, no full lane closures are anticipated. More detailed information regarding individual homeowner and property connections will be available soon.
 
Ongoing updates related to construction, traffic, and roadway work can be found here. 

Orleans Behind the Scenes: Understanding Town Finances 

The latest episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes takes listeners inside one of the most essential - and often least understood - parts of local government: the Finance Department. 

In this episode, hosts Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten sit down with Orleans’ new Director of Finance, Darrin Tangeman, who brings a wealth of experience (pun intended!) to the role. Together, they explore how municipal finances work in Orleans and walk through the town’s budgeting process, from early planning and departmental requests to public review and approval. 

The conversation highlights why budgeting matters, how financial decisions support town services and long-term planning, and what residents should know as the upcoming budget cycle gets underway. Whether you’re interested in how town government operates or want a clearer picture of how financial decisions are made, this episode offers a helpful, plain-language overview and encourages residents to stay informed and engaged throughout the process. 

Listen to the episode on the Town’s website or wherever you get your podcasts.