I recently spent time in the podcast studio recording two episodes of Orleans Behind the Scenes. In one, we reflected on 2025 - what we accomplished together and what lies ahead. In the other, I shared more about the role of the Town Manager and my own professional background. 

Those conversations were thoughtful and wide-ranging - and they reminded me that there are likely many more questions out there. 

Municipal government isn’t always straightforward. From how priorities are set to how decisions move from idea to implementation, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. The podcast gave us the opportunity to explore some of that - but it also made clear that an ongoing conversation would be valuable. 

That’s why we’re launching a new quarterly series: Ask Me Anything, Orleans. 

Several times a year, I’ll be answering questions submitted by residents, business owners, and community members through our social media and digital communication channels. You can ask about my background, the responsibilities of the Town Manager’s office, current projects, long-term planning efforts, or anything else you’ve been curious about.
 
You can submit your questions anytime through this online form. We’ll share responses through our social media and digital communication channels. 

Orleans works best when we stay informed and connected. I look forward to continuing the conversation.
 
Less than a month before spring! 

Kim Newman 
Town Manager

Celebrating Year-Round Agriculture 

In late January, the Orleans Winter Farmers Market welcomed a special guest: Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. As part of a statewide tour highlighting the value of winter markets, the Commissioner met with local vendors and shoppers to see firsthand how Orleans supports year-round access to fresh, locally produced food.

Beyond fresh produce and artisan goods, the visit underscored the market’s role in local economic development. Winter markets help sustain small farms and food entrepreneurs during the off-season, keep dollars circulating in the local economy, and strengthen connections between producers and residents. It was a strong affirmation that even in the quieter months, Orleans’ local food system remains active, resilient, and an important part of our year-round economy.

Orleans Open Space & Recreation Plan

The Planning Department is pleased to share that the 2025 Open Space & Recreation Plan has been finalized and approved by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services. The updated plan builds on the Town’s 2017 document and reflects current land use data, recent open space acquisitions, and evolving community priorities. 

Goals and recommendations were shaped by public input gathered through a community survey and workshops, helping to ensure the plan reflects the values of Orleans residents. 

As residential development continues, it remains critically important to strategically protect key parcels for natural habitat, environmental resilience, and the quiet enjoyment of residents. The plan outlines clear objectives for open space protection that will guide future land acquisition and conservation efforts. 

With this approval, Orleans remains eligible to apply for state reimbursement grants for open space protection. Historically, the Town has secured more than $4.7 million in funding to help offset the costs of preserving open space. 

The full plan is available on the Town website.

Lifetime Learning Returns to Snow Library  

The Friends of Snow Library’s spring Lifetime Learning session returns in mid-March with 25 new courses. Topics range from popular culture to politics, science to religion, and art to American history. 

Highlights include “Searching for Mars, and Beyond” with Stephen Muroe, professor of biological sciences at Marquette University; “The Health of Our Democracy and the Rule of Law in 2026” with former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger; and “Painting the Revolution” with art historian Beth Stein. 

Registration is now open. Forms and complete course information are available here or at the library’s circulation desk. Most classes are offered in person and simultaneously via Zoom. 

For questions about the program, email the Friends of Snow Library at Lifetimelearning2@outlook.com. 

Volunteers Needed for Herring Run Counts

Each spring, river herring migrate from the ocean into freshwater ponds and rivers to spawn. Monitoring these annual runs provides important data about the health of our local waterways and coastal ecosystem. 

Volunteers are currently needed to assist with counts at the Orleans herring run at Pilgrim Lake. 

What volunteers do: 

• Participate in a brief training session
• Conduct short, scheduled visual counts during the spring migration season (April–June)
• Record and submit observations to support regional scientific monitoring efforts

No prior experience is required. The time commitment is flexible, and each count typically lasts about ten minutes. 

Residents interested in volunteering should contact the Orleans Marine & Freshwater Quality Committee directly for additional details regarding training and scheduling. 

Volunteering for the herring count is a meaningful way to contribute to the stewardship of Orleans’ natural resources and to support ongoing environmental monitoring efforts in our community.

Spring Is Just Around the Corner - Explore Recreation Programs!

As we begin to thaw out from the cold stretch of winter, longer days and brighter skies are reminding us that spring is right around the corner. With the change in season comes a fresh lineup of opportunities to get active, get creative, and get connected here in Orleans. 

The Recreation, Culture and Community Events Department features a wide range of youth and adult programming for the upcoming season. Whether you’re looking to try something new, build a skill, meet neighbors, or keep the kids engaged this spring, there’s something for everyone. 

Registration is now open. Click here for full program descriptions, schedules, and online registration.

Orleans Cultural Council Announces 2026 Grant Awards

The Orleans Cultural Council has announced the recipients of its 2026 local cultural grants, awarding full or partial funding to support a diverse slate of arts, humanities, and educational programs in Orleans and the surrounding region. These grants are made possible through funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports community-based cultural programming across the Commonwealth. 

2026 Grant Recipients include: 

• Payomet Performing Arts Center - Circus arts program at Orleans Elementary School
• John Dennis Anderson - Historic costumed presentation: “Gellhorn v. Hemingway: In Love & War”
• Orleans Council on Aging - Summer lunchtime concert featuring Hyannis Sound
• Henry Lappen (Henry the Juggler) - Live performance and educational workshop
• Piti Theatre Company - “Story Wizards” family theater program
• J. Hagenbuckle - “Cape Noir Radio Theater LIVE!” at Snow Library
• Free Family Fun Day - Community event at the Cape Cod Museum of Art

Orleans is one of 329 Massachusetts municipalities that receive annual Mass Cultural Council funding. Grant decisions are made locally by the Orleans Cultural Council, a board of municipally appointed volunteers who serve as stewards and advocates for arts, humanities, and sciences in the community. 

Orleans is a Vibrant Community Because People Stay Involved

Town boards and committees play a meaningful role in shaping day-to-day life in Orleans - from environmental protection and housing to the local economy, recreation, and community events. 

Residents who serve on these boards bring local knowledge, lived experience, and care for the Town into the decision-making process. Some help guide long-term planning and policy, others work with staff to carry out regulations, and some focus on creating the events and programs that bring the community together. 

Together, this work helps shape Orleans - now and into the future. 

If you’re interested in getting involved, there are many ways to contribute your time and perspective. Learn more about current boards and committees and how to apply here.

QUICK POLL: When you’re talking about the Main Street / Route 6A area of Orleans, what do you usually call it? 

Cast your vote and help us better reflect how our community talks about this part of town.

A Few Reminders from Town Hall 

A few important dates to keep on your radar: 

• Motor Vehicle Excise Bills will be mailed on February 20 and are due by March 24.
• Water Bills were mailed on January 29and are due by March 2.

Bills can be paid online.

It’s also not too late to return your Annual Town Census form. Returning your signed form helps keep our resident and voter lists accurate and up to date. 

Dog licenses are due by March 1. Proof of current rabies vaccination and spay/neuter (if applicable) is required. A late fee applies after March 1.

And if you’re considering serving the community, nomination papers for the Annual Town Election are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office. 

Thank you for helping keep Orleans running smoothly!

Join In

• Attend a meeting
• Serve on a board or committee
• Apply for a job
• Enjoy a community event or program
• Follow along @townoforleansma
• Send feedback