Watch Town Government in High Definition on Channel 1072

The Town of Orleans Government Access Channel has a new look - and a sharper picture! You can now watch local meetings, updates, and community programming in high definition on channel 1072. This upgrade makes it easier than ever to stay informed and connected with your town government, featuring clearer visuals and improved audio for every broadcast. 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors 
this November 

This month, the Town of Orleans is hosting a November Food Drive to support the Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC) and the nine food pantries serving residents across the Lower and Outer Cape. Donation bins are available throughout November at Town Hall, Snow Library, the Council on Aging, and the DPW, and all nonperishable items collected will help stock the shelves ahead of the busy holiday season. 

As we come together to support this town-wide effort, it’s also important to recognize the tremendous work LCOC undertakes each year to ensure that families across our region have what they need during the holidays. This Thanksgiving, LCOC expects to distribute more than 800 meals to local households - including a turkey or chicken and all the traditional fixings to prepare a full family meal. 

With recent reductions in SNAP benefits, this program is timelier and more essential than ever, helping to bridge the gap for neighbors who rely on these resources. 

To support the purchase of Thanksgiving meal items, donations can also be made: online to lcoutreach.org or by mail to Lower Cape Outreach Council, PO Box 2013, Orleans, MA 02653

Fire-Rescue Station Project Update 

Voters at Special Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved Article 8, authorizing the Town to purchase 56 Eldredge Park Way as part of the planning for a new Fire-Rescue Station. This land acquisition allows the Town to move forward with a modern, safe, and efficient facility that will better support emergency response and future operational needs. The site also eliminates the need for a costly temporary facility during construction. 

With this approval, the Town is now actively advancing the next phase of the project. The Town has engaged Pomroy Associates as the Owner’s Project Manager to lead the planning and oversight process. In addition, the Town has issued a Request for Qualifications for architectural and design services, with sealed qualifications due by November 21. 

These steps mark meaningful progress toward a long-needed investment in Orleans’ public safety infrastructure. The Town looks forward to continuing this work and keeping the community informed as the project develops. Visit the Fire-Rescue Station Project Headquarters page for regular updates.

Holiday Happenings in Orleans 

The holiday season is right around the corner, and Orleans is ready to celebrate with festive traditions, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to support local businesses. From tree lightings and trolley rides to artisan markets and neighborhood shopping strolls, there’s something for everyone this season. 

Thanksgiving Weekend: ‘Tis the Season Kickoff
Start the holidays in Orleans Thanksgiving weekend with the Orleans Chamber of Commerce’s annual ’Tis the Season celebration. 

Friday Night – Holiday Tree Lighting & Downtown Shopping Stroll
The festivities begin Friday evening with the Holiday Tree Lighting and Downtown Shopping Stroll. 

• 4–8 PM: Hop on the holiday trolley as it loops around town.
• 4:30 PM: Join the Candlelit Caroling Stroll from Snow Library to Depot Square.
• 5:30 PM: Watch the Orleans Improvement Association tree light up the night, then enjoy extended shopping hours and special promotions from downtown businesses until 8 PM.

Saturday – A Full Day of Holiday Magic 

• 8:15 AM: Santa arrives by boat at Cove Road Town Landing, escorted by the Harbormaster.
• Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus: Festive breakfast at the Orleans Yacht Club (tickets required).
• 1–4 PM: Horse & carriage rides depart from 44 Main Street.
• All Day: Local shops offering specials, pop-ups, and holiday cheer.

Artist Cottages Winterfest – November 28 & 29 
Kick off the holiday weekend with Winterfest at the Artist Cottages in Orleans Market Square. This two-day event brings together local makers, festive activities, live music and plenty of seasonal charm. 

Winterfest Vendor Market
Browse handcrafted goods and unique gifts from local artists - a fun, creative way to start your holiday shopping. 

Santa & Mrs. Claus – Photo Opportunity
Stop by for a festive photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pups are welcome too for a dog-friendly holiday moment! 

Saturday, December 6: Santa Stampede + East Orleans Holiday Hop
The excitement continues on Saturday, December 6, with a festive day from morning through evening. 

Santa Stampede 5K
Kick off the day with the Orleans Chamber’s Annual Santa Stampede at the Barley Neck from 8:30 AM -12 PM

East Orleans Holiday Hop (12–5 PM)
After the race, head to East Orleans for an afternoon of neighborhood fun. Hop between local favorites - including The Barley Neck, The Rail, Garvey Rita Art & Antiques, Adorn, Nauset Farms, and more - for artisan pop-ups, live music, food trucks and treats, holidays sips and seasonal shop specials.

It’s a warm, welcoming way to support Orleans businesses and enjoy the spirit of the season!

What are you most looking forward to during the holiday season in Orleans? 

• The Holiday Tree Lighting
• Supporting Local Businesses & Shopping Local
• Carriage Rides & Seasonal Fun
• Live Music & Festive Activities
• Seeing Santa Around Town

Take our Poll

Now’s the Time to Lease to Locals

The Town of Orleans and Eastham are still seeking participants for Lease to Locals, a housing incentive program designed to convert underused properties into year-round rentals for local workers. 

Through the program, eligible property owners can receive a one-time payment - between $5,000 and $15,000 - for signing a 12-month lease with a qualified tenant who works in Orleans or Eastham. 

The goal is simple: to create more stable housing for people who work in our communities -people who keep local businesses, schools, and essential services running year-round. 

If you have a rental property that’s vacant most of the year or used as a short-term rental, this is an opportunity to help a neighbor and receive compensation in the process. 

To learn more or get started, visit placemate.com/orleans, call (508) 290-7979, or email hello@placemate.com.

Winter Programs with Orleans Recreation, Culture & Community Events

The Department of Recreation, Culture & Community Events has a full lineup of winter programs designed to keep Orleans active, creative, and connected throughout the colder months. For kids, the season includes after-school open gym time for grades 2–5, offering a fun and energetic space to unwind, along with instructional basketball for younger players and an indoor soccer program for grades 3–6. Older elementary students can also take part in the Lower Cape Recreational Basketball League and enjoy open-gym sessions during winter vacation. 

Adults have plenty to look forward to as well. Winter Yoga with Jennifra returns indoors, and early-bird fitness sessions provide an energizing start to the day. Indoor pickleball makes its seasonal comeback, along with a beginner and advanced-beginner clinic for those looking to learn the basics or build confidence on the court. 

The department is also offering a series of special seasonal events that bring creativity and community together. These include a wreath-making workshop at The Farm, a winter paint-and-sip night with local artist Abby Fay Smith, a mixology class at Las Chidas, and community bowling nights at The Alley. Families can also look ahead to February Vacation Ice Skating, a favorite mid-winter outing. 

All programs and events reflect the department’s commitment to affordable, diverse, and community-focused recreation that brings people together year-round, no matter the weather.

Get Sewer Smart: 
Drop-In Office Hours This Fall 

As the Town of Orleans continues its multi-phase wastewater management program, residents and business owners are invited to take part in Sewer Smart Office Hours - a chance to meet one-on-one with Town staff, ask questions, and get tailored guidance on connecting to the municipal sewer system. 

The Sewer Smart Office Hours will take place Fridays in November and December from 9–11 AM in the Skaket Room at Town Hall (except for 11/26 and 12/26). No appointment is necessary - just drop by when it’s convenient. 

Town staff will be available to discuss project timelines, property-specific details, and available financing options, including information about connection costs and low-interest loan programs. Whether you’re preparing to connect soon or simply want to understand what’s coming next, these sessions are designed to make the process clear, manageable, and accessible to everyone. 

The Sewer Smart Office Hours are part of the Town’s commitment to providing transparent, helpful communication as the wastewater program progresses.  

For more information, contact the John Nelson, Sewer Program Coordinator 508-240-3700 ext 2319 

Grant Award Strengthens the Future of Farming at Putnam Farm

The Town of Orleans has been awarded a Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to construct a new agricultural barn and refrigerated Harvest-Process-Store facility at Putnam Farm. 

This new 720-square-foot building will give local growers access to dedicated space for harvesting, washing, processing, and storing fresh produce - helping to reduce waste, maintain quality, and expand distribution across the Lower Cape. The project marks an important next step in the long-term vision for Putnam Farm as a community-centered agricultural hub that supports local farmers, strengthens the regional food system, and advances sustainable land stewardship.

Superintendent Launches Entry Plan & Community Listening Opportunities

The Nauset Public Schools are inviting families, staff, and all community members to help shape the district’s future through a new Superintendent’s Entry Plan. As part of his first months in the role, Superintendent Glenn Brand, Ed.D., is focused on listening, learning, and gathering feedback from across the Nauset region to gain a clearer understanding of the district’s strengths and areas for growth. 

To support this work, Superintendent Brand is developing a comprehensive Entry Plan that will summarize the common themes, ideas, and insights shared by community members. The information gathered will help guide the district’s vision and priorities in the years ahead. 

Nauset is encouraging participation from everyone - whether or not you have children in the schools. Strong public schools benefit the entire community, and the voices of Orleans residents are an important part of this regional conversation. 

Community Listening Sessions
Superintendent Brand and Assistant Superintendent Victoria Saldana will host in-person listening sessions in December. These conversations are open to all community members and provide an opportunity to share thoughts, experiences, and hopes for the future of Nauset Public Schools. 

• Thursday, December 4 | 4:30–5:45 p.m. | Nauset Room, Nauset Regional Middle School
• Thursday, December 11 | 4:30–5:45 p.m. | Brewster Town Hall
• Tuesday, December 16 | 3:30–4:45 p.m. | Eastham Town Hall

Once all feedback is collected, Superintendent Brand will prepare a summary report for the community so everyone can see the themes that emerge.  

For more information, visit the Nauset Public Schools website or contact the district’s central office.

Shout-Out to Our DPW Team

A big thank you to the Department of Public Works for all their hard work at Snow Library this past month. The team has been restoring the weather-worn front entrance - including repairs to the canopy columns and fresh paint - creating a safer, more welcoming entryway. Inside, DPW partnered with Capital Carpets to replace worn and lifting carpeting in several high-traffic areas, improving both safety and appearance. 

The improvements are already making a real difference for library visitors and staff!