Orleans: Behind the Scenes

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, hosts Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten talk with Alex Fitch, Director of Orleans’ newly renamed Department of Health and Human Services. Alex shares her career journey and how she came to lead the department, explains the wide range of responsibilities her team carries - from food safety and septic oversight to public health nursing and wellness init...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes , we talk with Davis Walters, Building Commissioner for the Town of Orleans. Davis shares how he got into public service, what his team does to keep buildings safe, and how residents and business owners can best navigate the permitting process. Whether you're planning a renovation or just curious about how inspections and building codes work, this episo...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, co-hosts Mia Baumgarten and Amanda Converse sit down with George Meservey, Director of Planning and Community Development, and Elizabeth Jenkins, Assistant Director, to break down a topic that directly shapes how Orleans looks and feels: zoning. Orleans is undergoing a major Zoning Modernization Project focused on the downtown area, aiming to simplify...

In this episode, Amanda flips the script and interviews her usual cohost, Media Operations Coordinator Mia Baumgarten, about the behind-the-scenes work of Channel 8 in Orleans. They break down how residents can access public meetings - before, during, and after they happen - and why transparency and accessibility are at the core of their work. Listen now to stay connected to your town government....

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes , host Mia Baumgarten switches things up and interviews Amanda Converse (her usual co-host), the Town’s Public Information Officer and Economic Development Coordinator. Amanda shares how she defines economic development in a small-town context, what makes Orleans unique, and how the Town is working to support local businesses, attract visitors, and str...

In this episode, we catch up with Recreation Director Tom DeSiervo and introduce Jamie Demetri, the newest member of the team. The department has a new name—Recreation, Culture & Community Events—and a renewed focus on engaging Orleans through inclusive, enriching programs. Tune in to hear what’s new, what’s stayed the same, and what’s ahead. Orleans Recreation Department:https://www.town.orle...

In this episode, Amanda and Mia chat with Beach Safety Officer Tony Pike about everything you need to know to enjoy Orleans beaches this summer. From getting your beach sticker to staying safe in the water (yes, we talk about sharks), Tony shares helpful tips and insights for residents and visitors alike. Beach Sticker information: https://orleansstickers.townhall247.com/ Atlantic White Shark Cons...

What does the Department of Public Works and Natural Resources actually do? In this episode, Mia and Amanda talk with DPW Director Rich Waldo about the critical work his team does to keep Orleans running—from roads and water to beaches and long-term infrastructure projects. Rich also shares a bit about his background and how residents can stay informed and engaged. Public Works & Natural Resou...

In this episode, we sit down with Select Board Chair Mark Mathison and Vice Chair Kevin Galligan to unpack the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. We talk about key articles that passed — including the fire-rescue station design, housing initiatives, the cannabis courier bylaw, and waterfront and infrastructure improvements — as well as moments that sparked big discussion (and even a dramatic re-vote). Tune...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil to break down what’s in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Learn about how the warrant is developed, which articles might need a closer look, and how residents can stay informed and get involved. We also talk about efforts to make the process more transparent and accessible for the Orleans community....

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we’re joined by Bonny Campbell-Runyon from the Orleans Cultural District to talk about how Orleans supports and celebrates the arts. We explore the mission of the Cultural District, how it differs from the Orleans Cultural Council, and the role arts play in fostering community and economic vitality. Plus, we dive into Orleans Arts Week—a weeklong celeb...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Public Information Officer Amanda Converse and Media Operations Coordinator Mia Baumgarten sit down with Fire Chief Geof Deering to discuss the challenges facing the current Orleans Fire-Rescue Station—and why now is the time to plan for the future. The station, built in 1987, no longer meets the demands of a growing and aging community or the needs of...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we dive into one of the most important topics in town government—the annual budget. Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Town Manager Kim Newman and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil to explain how the budget comes together, what the Town is prioritizing this year, and what residents can expect at the upcoming Town Meeting. We cover: How the budget proces...

Clean, safe water doesn’t just happen—it takes careful management and a dedicated team. In this episode, we sit down with Susan Brown from Orleans’ award-winning Water Department to explore how our water is sourced, treated, and delivered straight to your tap. We dive into what it takes to maintain the town’s water system, tackle infrastructure challenges, and ensure top-quality service year-round...

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes , we speak with Elizabeth Jenkins, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Orleans, about the housing challenges facing our community and the Cape Cod region. Elizabeth shares her passion for planning, provides insight into the current housing crisis, and discusses the initiatives Orleans is implementing to meet these c...

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we chat with George Meservey, Director of Planning and Community Development, to explore how the department helps shape the town’s future through thoughtful planning and community collaboration. From managing growth and preserving Orleans’ character to addressing housing challenges and developing the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), George shares insig...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes , we dive into the Town of Orleans’ phased sewer project—a vital effort to protect our environment, support sustainable growth, and ensure the long-term health of our community. Co-host Mike Solitro (Special Projects Coordinator), alongside guests Scott Walker (Treasurer/Collector), and Alex Fitch (Health and Human Services Director) join us to explain...

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes , we sit down with Judi Wilson, Director of the Orleans Council on Aging, to explore how the Senior Center supports the town's senior community through innovative programs, essential services, and meaningful connections. Judi shares the Center's mission, its impact on residents, and exciting plans for the future, offering a closer look at how the COA c...

This episode focuses on the Orleans Fire Department's "Homeless for the Holidays" initiative, an annual event designed to raise awareness and support for those who might be struggling in the local community. The event has become a vital part of the holiday season on Cape Cod, with the fire department working closely with the Lower Cape Outreach Council to gather donations, such as unwrapped toys,...

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes , Mia sits down with the Town's new Public Information Officer Amanda Converse, who shares her background and vision for community communication in Orleans. They discuss the launch of Town Talk , the new monthly newsletter designed to keep residents informed on town projects, events, and more. The conversation also covers the importance of accessible co...

On this week's episode of  Orleans: Behind the Scenes , the Mia and Mike recap the highlights from the recent Special Town Meeting with a special guest, Kevin Galligan, Vice Chair of the Select Board. Together they explore the history of Town Meeting as the “truest form of democracy” and discuss memorable moments, key decisions, and the importance of civic participation in Orleans.  Revisit the Oc...

On this week's episode of ⁠⁠ Orleans: Behind the Scenes ⁠⁠, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Town of Orleans' Assistant Town Manager, Mark Reil to discuss the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 28 at 6:00 pm at the Nauset Regional Middle School, located at 70 South Orleans Road. More details are found  here . The Town Meeting  Warrant  ...

On this week's episode of ⁠⁠ Orleans: Behind the Scenes ⁠⁠, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Technology Council to discuss the Massachusetts Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process. Visit FixCapeInternet.com for more information. Welcome to Orleans! Are you a longtime visitor, lifetime resident, or newly min...

On this week's episode of ⁠⁠ Orleans: Behind the Scenes ⁠⁠, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Stacy Faber, Assistant to the DPW Director/Sticker Office Manager to discuss all things stickers. Welcome to Orleans! Are you a longtime visitor, lifetime resident, or newly minted explorer? Mia and Mike are here for you with the scoop on happenings in this bustling and beautiful Lower Cap...

On this week's episode of ⁠⁠ Orleans: Behind the Scenes⁠⁠ , host Mia Baumgarten welcomes Shelly McComb, Coastal Resilience Specialist with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension & Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant and Katie Castagno, Ph. D., Director with The Center for Coastal Studies. Welcome to Orleans! Are you a longtime visitor, lifetime resident, or newly minted explorer? Mia an...