Looking back on 2025, it’s clear that much of the work we did was about preparing Orleans for what’s to come this year - strengthening our organization, investing thoughtfully in our community, and laying the groundwork for the years ahead. 

Throughout the year, we focused on supporting our staff by prioritizing recruitment, retention, and work-life balance. The strength of town government comes from the people who choose public service and bring a wide range of experience, care, and dedication to their work. While much of what they do happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt every day throughout the community. 

We also continued to invest in the places that make Orleans special - improving access to water and open space and enhancing parks and town-owned land that serve as important gathering places. These projects reflect a long-term approach to stewardship and quality of life. 

2025 also brought new energy into Town Hall through expanded internship opportunities, giving young people a chance to learn about municipal government while contributing fresh ideas and perspectives. At the same time, we made a concerted effort to communicate more clearly and consistently through new newsletters, podcasts, and project updates, helping residents better understand the work happening on their behalf. 

Several complex initiatives moved forward this past year, including planning for a new Fire-Rescue Station, downtown zoning modernization, and long-term land planning. While this work can take time, it lays an important foundation for what comes next. 

As we head full steam ahead into 2026, the progress made in the past year allows us to continue thoughtful planning around safety, facilities, housing, efficiency, and long-term leadership. I’m grateful for the commitment of our staff, boards and committees, and residents, and I look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead. 

Stay warm, 

Kim Newman 
Town Manager

2026 Annual Town Election 

Election Day: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 

Nomination papers will be available beginning January 20, for the following offices: 

Offices on the Ballot 

• Select Board– 2 members, three-year terms
• Constable–1 member, three-year term
• Constable–1 member, two-year term(unfilled seat)
• Board of Health– 2 members, three-year terms
• Orleans Elementary School Committee– 2 members, three-year terms
• Nauset Regional School Committee–1 member, three-year term
• Orleans Housing Authority–1 member, five-year term
• Snow Library Board of Trustees– 2 members, three-year terms

Nomination Papers 

• Papers must be obtained in person or by an authorized representative with a notarized letter from the prospective candidate.
• Forty (40) certified signatures are required.

Important Dates 

• Friday, March 27, 2026– Last day to obtain nomination papers
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026– Last day to submit nomination papers to the Registrar (via the Town Clerk’s Office)
• Thursday, April 16, 2026– Last day to withdraw or object to nomination papers

Beach Road Feasibility Study – Community Meeting

The Orleans Transportation and Bikeways Committee will host a community meeting on Tuesday, February 3 at 5:00 PM in the Nauset Room at Town Hall and on Zoom to discuss the Beach Road Feasibility Study. 

The Town has engaged the engineering firm VHB to evaluate opportunities to improve walkability and bicycle safety along Beach Road, a key corridor connecting residential neighborhoods, beaches, and other community destinations. At this initial meeting, VHB will present two preliminary design concepts that explore different approaches to modifying Beach Road to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists while balancing traffic flow and existing conditions. 

This meeting is intended as an early opportunity for public input. Community members are encouraged to share feedback on the initial concepts and suggest additional ideas or alternatives they would like the project team to consider as the study moves forward. 

The Zoom link and meeting details are available on the Town Clerk’s calendar on the Town website.

Winter Nights Out in Orleans

The Recreation Department is helping Cape Codders beat the winter blues with a lineup of fun, social, 21+ events designed to bring people together during the quieter months. From creative nights out to classic bowling fun, these programs are all about staying connected, supporting local venues, and enjoying the season - Orleans style. 

Paint & Sip with Abby Fay Smith
Looking for a fun night out with friends? Join local artist Abby Fay Smith for an evening of creativity, community, and libations at Town Cove Tap House. Grab your crew and enjoy a relaxed Paint & Sip experience where everything you need to create your own masterpiece is provided. 

Each registration includes all painting supplies plus two drink tickets for the Town Cove Tap House bar that evening. 

Spots are limited - advance registration is required.
21+ event 

Friday, February 6
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Town Cove Tap House 

Bowling Night at The Alley 
Strike up some midweek fun at The Alley in Orleans! Each Bowling Night includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a snack buffet featuring fried pickles, chicken wings, and sliders. It’s an easy, low-key way to get out, socialize, and enjoy a classic night of bowling. 

21+ event 
Dates: 

• Wednesday, February 11
• Wednesday, March 11

Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m. 

Click here to register 

A Reminder About Proper Disposal of Certain Items 

The Town of Orleans would like to share a reminder about the proper disposal of certain materials that should not be placed in regular household trash. 

Recently, a small number of trash loads were rejected at the Town’s disposal facility due to the presence of low-level radioactive materials. These materials are most commonly associated with: 

• Certain medical treatments for people or pets that use radioactive isotopes, and
• Household items such as smoke detectors, which contain trace amounts of radioactive material.

These situations have been safely identified and taken care of following established protocols. When a load is flagged, it is returned to the Town and carefully handled. This process requires locating and isolating the affected material, which involves removing and scanning the contents of the trailer item by item. In a recent case, the material was identified as diapers containing medical waste from a household undergoing treatment. 

While this process is effective, rejected loads are time-consuming and costly to manage and place an additional burden on Town staff and disposal operations. 

What residents should know: 
If you or your pet are receiving nuclear or radioactive medical treatments, please contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian for specific guidance on proper disposal of any potentially affected materials. These items should not be placed in regular household trash unless you have been advised that it is safe to do so. 

The Town appreciates residents’ cooperation and understanding. Proper handling of these materials helps protect workers, reduce disruptions, and avoid additional or unnecessary disposal costs, ensuring the continued safe and efficient operation of our waste disposal system.

Recent Grant Awards Support Arts, Libraries, and Waste Reduction 

Several Town departments and initiatives were recently awarded state grant funding, supporting cultural programming, library services, and sustainability efforts across Orleans. 

The Orleans Cultural District was awarded $15,000 through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural District Investment Grant program. This annual funding supports state-designated Cultural Districts in strengthening local arts, culture, and creative economies. 

Grant funds may be used for marketing and promotion, artist and vendor fees, creative placemaking initiatives, cultural planning efforts, and community-engaged data collection. This investment will help advance year-round cultural activity and support local artists and organizations in Orleans. 

Snow Library will receive more than $15,000 in State Aid funding for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The Library received the first installment of $7,935.98 in December and expects a second, comparable payment in April. 

State Aid helps offset the cost of library materials, technology, and programming, supporting Snow Library’s ongoing role as a vital community resource. 

The Orleans Transfer Station received several grants through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, recognizing the Town’s waste reduction and recycling efforts. 

The Town received $2,940 through the Recycling Dividends Program, along with: 

• $8,000 for a new glass container, improving efficiency by reducing handling and eliminating downtime when containers are full.
• $3,000 for composting drop-off equipment, creating a covered receiving area to support growth in the food scrap composting program.

By securing outside funding, these improvements directly benefit residents while helping limit the need to use local tax dollars for these investments.

Learn How to “Cut the Cord”

Thinking about ditching your cable bill but feeling overwhelmed by streaming options and technology? Snow Library is hosting a practical, no-pressure program designed to help. 

Join Sarah Canning on Tuesday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Craine Room at Snow Library for Cut the Cord, an easy-to-follow session that breaks down the process of switching from cable to streaming in plain, approachable language. No technical experience required - and no “dumb” questions. 

Participants will learn how to compare streaming options, understand costs, and navigate installation with confidence. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current cable and cell phone bills along with a list of favorite channels to help tailor the discussion. 

For more information, visit snowlibrary.org or contact Kaimi Lum or Joan Kozon at (508) 240-3760.

Fire-Rescue Building Project Update 

At its January 12 meeting, the Fire-Rescue Building Committee reviewed five preliminary design studies for a new fire station prepared by Galante Architecture Studio, Inc. (TGAS). The concepts explored different ways to address the site’s steep topography and operational needs. 

To keep the project moving toward Town Meeting, the committee narrowed the focus to two primary design options: a three-story hybrid design that works with the natural slope of the site, and a two-story “level site” option. Over the next month, the design team will evaluate the cost implications and construction impacts of both approaches. 

A follow-up meeting is anticipated in February (date to be determined) to review preliminary survey information and initial estimates related to site fill and grading. 

Residents are encouraged to follow the project and review meeting materials by visiting the dedicated Fire-Rescue Building Project page on the Town’s website, where updates will continue to be posted as the work progresses.

Open Burning Season & New Online Permit System

Open Burning Season runs January 15 through May 1, and permits are now available through a new online permitting system. Paper permits are no longer issued. 

Permits can be obtained anytime and are valid for the entire 2026 open burning season. However, burning is only allowed on approved burn days and during designated hours. 

Important things to know before you burn: 

• Burning hours are limited to 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• The Fire Department evaluates weather and safety conditions each day by 10:00 AM to determine whether burning is allowed
• Residents must check the online system on the day they plan to burn to confirm burn approval
• The new system requires users to create an online account
• After applying, users will receive a confirmation email with their permit
  (Please be sure to check your junk or spam folder)

As winter turns to spring, burn days often become less frequent due to changing weather conditions such as increased wind and reduced rainfall. 

Burning without a valid permit or on a non-approved day is not permitted. For questions or assistance, residents may contact the Orleans Fire Department.

Friendly Reminders

We’re counting on you!
The Annual Town Census/Street Listing has been mailed to all year-round households. Please review, sign, and return it by mail, email, in person, or via the drop box. This state-required form helps confirm residency, protect voting rights, support veterans’ benefits, senior housing, jury selection, and school census data. 

2026 Dog Licenses are now available!
Fees are $10 for spayed/neutered dogs and $15 for unaltered dogs. Proof of current rabies vaccination (and spay/neuter status, if applicable) is required. Licenses may be obtained in person or by mail using the form on the back of the census. 

Housing Projects Progress

Over the past couple of years, the Town of Orleans and the Affordable Housing Trust have made significant investments in affordable housing. Below is an update on several key projects and their current status:

Phare at 19 West Road (Pennrose)
This 62-unit development is now fully occupied and home to 87 residents, including 22 children and 20 seniors.

107 Main Street (Housing Assistance)
This 14-unit project is substantially complete. Three units are currently occupied, four are leased, and three have approved tenants preparing to move in. 

Governor Prence Redevelopment (P.O.A.H., Housing Assistance, and Habitat for Humanity)
The development team selected to create 78 units of housing at the Governor Prence site is working to secure project financing and plan for demolition of the existing buildings. The team is also preparing to submit a Comprehensive Permit application to the Zoning Board of Appeals.