Orleans: Behind the Scenes

Latest Episodes:

What Is a Comprehensive Plan | How Can You Help Shape It? (S2, 22) Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

What exactly is a Comprehensive Plan, and why is it so important for Orleans’ future? In this episode, host Amanda Converse talks with Planning and Community Development Director George Meservey, Planning Board Chair John Ostman, and Sharon Rooney of Tighe & Bond about the new Orleans 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

They break down what the plan is (and isn’t), why every Cape Cod community needs one under the Cape Cod Commission framework, and how the plan guides long-term decisions around housing, land use, infrastructure, the environment, and economic vitality.

Review and comment on the plan here: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/325/Orleans-Comprehensive-Plan

Building the Future of Downtown | Understanding the Downtown Housing Overlay District (S2, 21) Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

We’re continuing our Town Meeting education series with a conversation about Warrant Article 2, which proposes the Downtown Housing Overlay District. Co-hosts Mia Baumgarten and Amanda Converse talk with Elizabeth Jenkins and George Meservey from the Town’s Planning Department about what an overlay district is, how it supports year-round housing and local businesses, and how it maintains the character of Downtown Orleans.

Town Meeting Central: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/894/Town-Meeting-Information

Reimagining Eldredge Park | Investing in the Heart of Orleans (S2, 20) Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Voters will consider Article 9 at the November 17 Special Town Meeting — a proposal to invest $3 million in Community Preservation Act funds to renovate and modernize Eldredge Park, Orleans’ most iconic public space.

Hosts Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten talk with Director of Recreation, Culture & Community Events Tom DeSiervo and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil about the project’s design, scope, and funding strategy. From new tennis and pickleball courts to a fully inclusive playground and improved accessibility, this project strengthens the park’s role as a community hub for all ages.

Town Meeting Central: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/894/Town-Meeting-Information

Elections, Records, and Town Meeting | The Work of the Town Clerk (S2, 19) Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Amanda and Mia sit down with Town Clerk Kelly Darling to explore one of the most essential — and busiest — departments in Orleans.

Kelly shares insights into her background and training, what her team handles day to day, how they manage elections and Town Meeting, and why attention to detail is so critical in keeping local government running smoothly.

Whether you’ve visited to get a marriage license, register to vote, or just ask a question, you’ll learn something new about how this small office plays a big role in the life of the town.

town.orleans.ma.us/465/Town-Clerktown.orleans.ma.us/794/Town-Meeting-Doings-by-Year

Civic Spotlight | Town Meeting 101 (S2, 18) Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Town Meeting is the oldest form of direct democracy in New England, and it’s how Orleans makes many of its most important decisions.

In this episode, Amanda and Mia walk through what Town Meeting is, how it works, and what to expect on the day.

You’ll also learn how to stay informed in the weeks leading up to Town Meeting and why reading the warrant ahead of time is the best way to prepare.

Fall Recreation | Quality of Life in Orleans (S2, 17) Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Summer may be winding down, but life in Orleans is just as vibrant in the fall. From crisp walks on the beach with your dog to youth sports, adult programs, cultural events, and hidden trails waiting to be discovered, Orleans is truly a year-round community.

In this episode, Amanda and Mia talk with:

Tom DeSiervo, Director of Recreation, Culture & Community Events – about fall programs, events, and the ways recreation helps bring our community together.

Kristyna Smith, Principal Clerk for the Conservation Department – about some of Orleans’ “hidden gem” properties beyond the well-known spots, and how to enjoy these places responsibly.

Whether you’re looking for activities to join, new places to explore, or simply a reminder of what makes Orleans special, this episode is filled with ideas for making the most of the season.

Resources & LinksOrleans Recreation Department: orleansma.myrec.com

Orleans Conservation Properties: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/202/Conservation-

PropertiesOrleans Community Calendar:https://website.withapps.io/orleansma

Rethinking Public Health | Orleans’ Department of Health & Human Services (S2, 16) Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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 initiatives - and discusses why the department’s new name better reflects its expanded role in supporting the wellbeing of Orleans residents.

The conversation also highlights the Town’s new partnership with CredibleMind, an online mental well-being platform that provides trusted resources for residents while giving the Town valuable insights into community health needs. Tune in to hear how Orleans is rethinking public health, expanding access to services, and making mental wellness more accessible for everyone.

🔗 Explore CredibleMind for free at lowercape.crediblemind.com

🔗 Learn more about the Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/254/Health-Human-Services

Inside the Building Department | Permits, Projects & Public Safety (S2, 15) Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

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 episode is packed with helpful insight and advice from the person in charge of making sure it’s all done right.

Building Department Page: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/186/Building

Laying the Foundation | Zoning for the Future of Orleans (S2, 14) Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

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 the rules, encourage smart development, and support a more vibrant year-round community. George and Elizabeth explain what zoning is, why our current rules need updating, and how new regulations - like form-based zoning -could improve walkability, housing options, and economic vitality.

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or just curious about how your town works, this conversation sheds light on one of the most powerful tools local government uses to plan for the future.

Zoning Modernization Project webpage: orleans.ma.us/1676/Zoning-Update-Downtown-Orleans

Behind the Screen | Inside Government Access Channel 8 (S2, 13) Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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.Access Chanel 8 at town.orleans.ma.us

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