As we turn the corner into fall, Orleans enters one of its best seasons. With lighter crowds and cooler weather, it’s the perfect time for locals to enjoy all that makes our town special - whether it's walking the beach, exploring the trails, dining out, or shopping with our local businesses. At the same time, your Town government is hard at work preparing for the upcoming Special Town Meeting on November 17. This is a critical opportunity for residents to weigh in on key initiatives and investments that will shape our future. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing detailed information across all of our communication channels to help you feel informed and confident heading into the meeting. Stay tuned to: In the weeks ahead, this is where you’ll find the finalized warrant, project details, FAQs, and opportunities to ask questions and learn more. Your participation matters - and we’re committed to making sure you have the information you need to engage fully. Thank you for being part of what makes Orleans such a vibrant, informed, and connected community. Warmly,
Kim Newman |
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 Town Manager, Kim Newman, at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting |
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FY27 Human Services Grants - Applications Now Open
The Orleans Human Services Advisory Committee is now accepting applications for FY27 grant funding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; however, the committee will begin reviewing submissions in November so please submit your applications as soon as possible. If you are a nonprofit organization engaged in health and human service activities in Orleans, the committee would love to consider you for funding! All questions can be directed to Health & Human Services Director, Alexandra Fitch. You will find the FY27 application here.
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Depot Square: Your Input Matters Thank you to everyone who joined on September 15 for the Depot Square Community Forum. Attendees got a first look at early design concepts for this important downtown space and shared thoughtful feedback about how it could better serve the Orleans community. If you weren’t able to attend, you can still view the concept plans, watch the recording, and share your thoughts online. Visit the Depot Square project page to get caught up and add your voice here.
Your ideas will help guide the next steps in planning for a more vibrant, accessible, and community-centered Depot Square.
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Sewer Smart, Part 2: Working with Engineers & ContractorsWhen it’s time to connect to the Town sewer, your engineer and contractor become your key partners. During this session, Sewer Program Coordinator, John Nelson, will walk property owners through who does what, how the pieces fit together, and what to expect so your project is done correctly, on time, and in compliance with Town regulations. You’ll also have a chance to share feedback that will help shape future meetings and next steps in Orleans’ sewer-connection efforts. Thursday, September 25, 4:00–6:00 PM
Orleans Town Hall – Skaket Room
No registration required; open to the public. What you’ll learn - The distinct roles of engineers and contractors in a sewer connection project
- How permitting, inspections, and Town standards factor into your timeline and budget
- Tips for getting bids, hiring wisely, and avoiding common pitfalls
- Where to find reliable information and who to contact with questions
Who should attend
Homeowners, business/property managers, contractors, and anyone planning for a future connection.
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New, confidential mental-wellbeing resource for the Lower & Outer CapeLower & Outer Cape towns have partnered to offer CredibleMind, a free, confidential online platform designed to help residents find trusted mental-wellbeing information before a crisis. CredibleMind brings together expert-vetted, evidence-based articles, videos, podcasts, apps, and topic guides on stress, anxiety, sleep, parenting, grief, substance use, and more. Residents can also take private self-assessments and quickly connect with local services and supports - no account required. Use is anonymous. Participating towns only see aggregate, de-identified trends about what topics people are exploring. Those insights will guide outreach and programming across the region and help address current provider gaps. This regional initiative is fully grant-funded by Cape Cod Healthcare, NACCHO, opioid settlement funds, and Barnstable County, which is also supporting translation, so resources are available in Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese. Start here. Note: CredibleMind is an education and self-help resource and not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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Pop-Up Practices - Saturdays at Parish ParkThe Orleans Cultural District’s Pop-Up Practices return to Parish Park (44 Main St) every Saturday from 1:00–2:00 PM, September 6–November 22, 2025. Watch local musicians rehearse in public, hear how songs come together, and enjoy a short set - free and family-friendly. For the full lineup and updates, see the Cultural District’s page.
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Drive-Through Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic The Town of Orleans Department of Health and Human Services will be hosting a drive-through vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Orleans DPW Building (40 Giddiah Hill Road). Vaccines Offered: - Flu Vaccine (Flucelvax): Available to individuals 5 years and older. Recommended for ages 5–64,but may also be requested by those 65+.
- Flu Vaccine (Fluad): Specifically available for individuals 65 years and older.
- COVID-19 Vaccine (Moderna): Both mNEXSPIKE (new formulation) and Spikevax will be available for individuals 12 years and older.
This clinic is open to the public. No appointments are necessary - but they are preferred. To book an appointment people can call the phone number 508-957-8600 code or schedule here. Protect yourself and your loved ones this season!
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Free, Local Help with Home Energy DecisionsEnergy Navigators Cape Cod is a neighbor-to-neighbor program helping Orleans residents cut energy costs and plan smart home upgrades. Trained volunteers offer free, unbiased guidance on understanding your electric bill and supply contracts, and on options like heat pumps, solar, battery storage, EVs, and indoor air quality. They’ll help you time big decisions - like replacing an aging heating system or vehicle - and connect you with Cape Light Compact programs and incentives. Meet a Navigator at the Orleans Farmers Market or schedule a one-on-one by phone, Zoom, or in person. Contact 508-205-7147 or info@energynavigatorscapecod.org.
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Applications Now Open for Orleans Cultural Council Grants! Do you have a creative idea that brings people together through the arts, sciences, or humanities? The Orleans Cultural Council is now accepting proposals for community-focused programs and events. Past grants have supported everything from free concerts to hands-on school programs to summer reading adventures! Applications are due October 16, 2025. Learn more, review guidelines, and apply online.
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Volunteers Needed: Monthly Food Deliveries for Orleans COA Through a partnership with The Family Pantry, the Orleans Council on Aging runs Healthy Meals in Motion, a monthly program providing supplemental groceries to about 50 Orleans older adults. Participants choose items from a grocery list tailored to their needs. The COA coordinates the program; The Family Pantry supplies the food and delivers it to the Orleans Senior Center; the Friends of the Orleans COA add extra items not typically available at food pantries; and COA staff deliver to participants.
The COA is seeking volunteers to pick up packaged groceries at the Senior Center and make monthly community deliveries. Time commitment: ~2 hours on the morning of the third Friday each month (occasional time off is fine). What’s needed: Ability to climb stairs and carry 5–15 lbs, plus compassion and a friendly demeanor. Onboarding: Application (with emergency contact), valid photo ID, CORI background check (often completed in about 5 minutes). Drivers must also provide a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance. The COA follows best practices for volunteer management. Interested? Contact Lillian Parnell, COA Program Coordinator, at 508-255-6333 ext. 14.
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