As we head into the summer season, there’s a lot happening in Orleans - from community events to important milestones for the Town. I am pleased to report that myself, Chief Scott MacDonald and Chief Geof Deering, have signed new long-term contracts. I believe this commitment reflects how much we value our roles, our community, and the exceptional teams we have the privilege of working with every day. I’d like to thank the Orleans Select Board for valuing professionalism and for supporting our leadership as we execute their vision. It is, of course, an honor to work alongside Chief Deering and Chief MacDonald. Their commitment to public safety and their steady leadership is invaluable to this community - and to me. As the “new kid” in town just about two years ago, things could have been bumpy. But these two outstanding Chiefs welcomed and supported me from Day 1. Our shared deep commitment to public service, combined with the mutual respect and admiration we have for each other, is rare. I am so grateful and honored that these two are my partners in serving this community. July 1 marks the start of a new fiscal year for us, which also means the start of new projects. Believe it or not, it is also the time we start working on the topics and issues that you will see at FALL town meeting. I know that everyone is ready to enjoy summer, but I highly encourage you to make a note of two important things featured in this newsletter: the new Fire/Rescue Headquarters page on the Town’s website and the upcoming date for our Summer Informational Meeting. Both will offer a plethora of information on top priorities for our community. Here’s to a safe, fun, and fulfilling summer. I hope to see many of you at the parade on July 4th!
Sincerely,
Kim Newman
Town Manager |
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New Online Mapping Tool Now Available The Town of Orleans has launched a new interactive GIS and tax mapping platform - Axis GIS - to give residents, businesses, and visitors easy access to property and land use data. Through this user-friendly tool, you can explore property assessments, zoning and environmental features, and more - all in just a few clicks, from any device. Axis GIS is part of our commitment to transparency and innovation in how we serve the community. 👉 Access Axis GIS
📄 Platform Overview
📍 How to Create an Abutters List
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Orleans Fire-Rescue Station Project:
Learn More & Get Involved After years of planning, study, and community input and support, the Town of Orleans is moving forward with the design of a new Fire-Rescue Station. The current facility, built in 1987, no longer meets the needs of a modern department. With more than triple the number of annual calls and increasing demands on personnel and equipment, the existing building poses significant health, safety, and operational challenges. Multiple studies have confirmed that a new facility is essential to protect our first responders and ensure continued high-quality emergency service for the Orleans community. To help residents stay informed, the Town has launched the Orleans Fire-Rescue Station Headquarters webpage. There, you can explore: - Why a new station is needed
- The timeline and key milestones of the project
- Links to studies, reports, and meeting presentations
- Photos, videos, and a podcast episode explaining the effort
- Ways to ask questions, stay updated, and participate in the process
Visit the page: Orleans Fire-Rescue Station Headquarters Seeking Volunteers
As part of this process, the Town is forming a Fire-Rescue Station Building Committee to help guide the project through the design and development phases. The committee will include Town staff, Fire-Rescue personnel, representatives from the School Committee, and members of the public. The Select Board is currently seeking at-large members to serve on this important committee. Individuals with professional experience in architecture, engineering, construction, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply. All are welcome to apply. Interested in serving? Please submit a Citizens Interest Form to the Select Board as soon as possible to mbates@town.orleans.ma.us.
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Celebrate the 4th of July in Orleans There’s nothing quite like the Fourth of July in Orleans - a day when the town comes together to celebrate community, creativity, and tradition. With festivities spread over two days, there’s something for everyone, from dazzling fireworks to a hometown parade filled with color, music, and cheer. Below is what you need to know to make the most of the celebration.
Fireworks at Rock Harbor – Wednesday, July 2 at Dusk Start your holiday celebrations early with the annual fireworks display over Rock Harbor. It’s a beloved tradition that lights up the sky and brings the community together for a memorable night. Details to know: - Date & Time: Wednesday, July 2 at dusk
- Location: Rock Harbor, Orleans
- Parking: Free lots available at:
- Orleans Middle School
- Main Street
- Old Colony Way
- Skaket Beach
In case of rain: Rain date is Sunday, July 6.
Orleans 4th of July Parade – Friday, July 4 at 10 AM
One of Orleans’ most cherished traditions, the Independence Day parade brings Main Street to life with floats, music, and hometown pride. This year’s theme is "YOU'RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER FLOAT" - a playful nod to our coastal character. Parade details: - Time: Parade begins at 10 AM sharp
- Route: Begins at Eldredge Parkway → continues past West Road → along Route 6A and Main Street → ends on Route 28 at Nauset Middle School
- Grand Marshal: Brendan Gutman
For participants: - Check-in begins at 8:30 AM
- Registration is open through June 15 for floats, marching groups, decorated bikes, antique cars, and more
- Awards presented post-parade in categories including Business, Family, and Non-Profit
Getting there: - Free public parking is available at Nauset Middle School, Main Street, and Old Colony Way
- Expect road closures and detours during the event — arrive early and plan accordingly
Want to be part of the magic? Volunteers are still needed to help with staging, check-in, and logistics. You can also nominate next year’s Grand Marshal or suggest future parade themes. Visit orleans4thofjuly.com for full parade info, forms, and updates.
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Supporting the Local Economy The Town of Orleans is launching three new initiatives to support our business community and those organizing events that bring people together and energize the town. Small Business Survey – Open Through June 30 The Town is conducting an anonymous Small Business Survey to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our local business community. Respondents' insights will help inform future economic development strategies and programs. Whether you operate a storefront, service business, seasonal shop, or something in between - your feedback is essential. Take the survey here Orleans Local Impact Grant Program – Pilot Launch The newly launched Orleans Local Impact Grant Program offers $1,000 to $10,000 in funding for locally owned businesses and community event organizers whose projects strengthen the local economy. This pilot program is designed to support initiatives that help retain or attract customers, promote year-round vitality, and deliver measurable community benefits. Key details: - Open to businesses that are Cape Cod-owned, located in Orleans, and open at least 9 months per year
- Community event organizers are also eligible to apply
- Applications are due by July 14
- Funded work or events must be completed by December 31, 2025
- Information Session: June 26 at 9 AM
Learn more and apply here
Stay Connected: Orleans Business Connection Want to stay up to date on business-related news, programs, funding opportunities, and events in Orleans? Sign up for the Orleans Business Connection, a new newsletter from the Town dedicated to supporting our local business community.
Subscribe here Small businesses are more than just amenities - they are key economic drivers. They generate jobs, draw people to our town, and help define what makes Orleans special. By investing in their success, we’re investing in the long-term vitality of our town.
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Nauset Regional Middle School
Builds a Wetu A new addition to Nauset Regional Middle School’s outdoor learning spaces is taking shape near Boland Pond: a traditional Wampanoag wetu. This new structure serves as an outdoor classroom and centerpiece of a larger vision - a living learning space that honors the lifeways and traditions of the Wampanoag people. Historically, Wampanoag communities moved inland during the colder months, a practice known as seasonal movement. The area around Boland Pond could have served as a winter settlement site, and now, it will again be a place of shelter, story, and connection. The wetu is part of the Earthkeepers curriculum at NRMS, which explores Indigenous history, seasonal movement, and ecological relationships. In addition to the wetu, students and partners are helping to build a teaching garden and create curriculum that also incorporates summer life in the Sipson Island and Pleasant Bay areas. This project has been a true community effort. Partners include the Orleans Conservation Trust, the Town of Orleans, Sipson Island Trust, Friends of Pleasant Bay, AmeriCorps, the Nauset Garden Club, and generous private donors. The wetu itself was built with guidance from Wampanoag elders and educators, including Darius Coombs and his team, Kitty Hendricks, Linda Coombs, and Carol Wynne, who is also designing the accompanying garden. At school, Rand Burkert and his Greenhouse class are helping to construct and plant the gardens, supported by AmeriCorps service member Anthony Baez. Earthkeepers teacher and project lead has coordinated the design, curriculum, and fundraising efforts, with support from NRMS Principal Dr. Peter Cohen and ongoing encouragement from the Blandford family. The NRMS Education Foundation continues to welcome contributions for those who wish to support the project’s next phase. Community members are encouraged to walk the trails around Boland Pond, which are open to the public, and stay tuned for a fall celebration to mark the completion of the wetu, the growth of the garden, and the beginning of a new school year.
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Lecture on Henry Beston &
The Outermost House Historian and storyteller Don Wilding will talk about “Henry Beston’s Cape Cod: How the Outermost House Inspired a National Seashore” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 at Snow Library.
This year marks the centennial of the building of the small cottage on the Eastham shore in which Beston lived for a year, chronicling the changes in the seasons and the nature of the Outer Beach in notes and journals that would eventually become The Outermost House, his classic book. Wilding, co-founder of the nonprofit Henry Beston Society of Cape Cod, will share his in-depth knowledge of Beston’s life and work, much of which he has previously written about in his popular book, Henry Beston’s Cape Cod. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information contact Kaimi at (508) 240-3760, ext. 11.
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Community Workshop on Orleans’
Visual Identity What should the Town of Orleans look and feel like - from the signs that welcome you into town to the way we present ourselves on websites, printed materials, and public spaces? That’s the focus of our ongoing Town Branding and Visual Identity Project, and the community is invited to help shape the outcome. With guidance from creative agency Superette Studio, Orleans is developing a new, cohesive visual identity that reflects the community’s values, character, and year-round spirit. The goal is to create a consistent and recognizable look across all town communications and physical elements like wayfinding signs, event banners, department materials, and more. The project is now entering a key phase - and your voice is essential. The community is invited to attend a community meeting and workshop to: - Learn about the goals of the project
- Preview updated logo and design concepts
- Share thoughts and feedback directly with the project team
This is a collaborative process, and the community's input will help ensure the final designs reflect what makes Orleans truly unique. 📅Monday, June 30
🕕 5:30 PM
📍 Nauset Meeting Room, Town Hall Whether you’re a longtime resident, a local business owner, or someone who simply loves Orleans - the hope is you’ll join us and be part of the conversation.
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Boards in the Stores:
Local Art, Local Impact Boards in Stores is underway in Orleans, and Town Beach Director David Bailey put his artistic skills to good use by creating a custom board sponsored by the Orleans Farmers Market. His work is part of a larger community effort that pairs 40 local businesses with artists to showcase unique, hand-painted boards throughout town. The full collection is on display at the Old Firehouse Gallery (44 Main Street), open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. All boards are currently being auctioned off online until August 20. It’s a great opportunity to support Orleans artists and the Orleans Chamber Foundation - while taking home a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
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Keep Your Voter Status Active - Check Your Mailbox! The Town Clerk’s Office will soon be mailing confirmation postcards to residents who haven’t yet returned their 2025 Annual Street Listing/Town Census. If you receive one, it means they haven’t heard from you. Responding to the street listing is quick, easy, and important. It ensures your voter status remains active and helps us keep records accurate. State law requires a follow up with voters who haven’t responded, which is why you may see this extra mailing in your mailbox. If you do receive a postcard, simply review the information, make any necessary changes, sign it, and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us maintain a strong and up-to-date voter list. P.S. Town Clerk Kelly Darling recently earned the designation of Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk - a recognition that requires a minimum of three years of service as a municipal clerk, successful completion of a rigorous exam, and substantial education and committee involvement. Congratulations, Kelly!
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Kayak Rack Applications Now Open!
Applications for a space on the kayak rack at Westwinds | 72 Tonset Road are still available! Don't miss your chance to secure a spot.
Find the rules and regulations here and the application here.
Completed applications can be emailed to: msolitro@town.orleans.ma.us or returned to the Town Manager’s office of Town Hall at 19 School Road. The annual vessel storage permit fee is $155.00 (Mooring Fee) for July 1 - November 15.
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Want to make a difference in Orleans? Joining a Town board or committee is one of the most meaningful ways you can serve your community. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, housing, arts, planning, or public service - there’s a place for your voice at the table.
No prior committee experience needed - just a commitment to Orleans and a willingness to learn.
Help shape local policies, weigh in on important decisions, and work alongside neighbors who care deeply about our town. Explore open positions and find your perfect fit!
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Fun news! Orleans was recently featured in the online magazine, Islands, as a hidden gem on the “elbow” of Cape Cod, celebrated for its scenic beaches, coastal charm, and vibrant local culture. |
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Save the Date:
Summer Informational Meeting
Wednesday, July 30 at 5:00 PM
As part of the Select Board meeting Each summer, the Town invites non-resident taxpayers, voters, and interested community members for a special conversation about what’s happening in Orleans - what we’re working on, what’s ahead, and how we can keep improving together. Whether you’re here year-round or just for the season, your perspective matters. See you there! |
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