In this episode, we sit down with Kim Newman to talk about her role as Orleans’ chief administrative officer and what happens behind the scenes at Town Hall. She also shares her path into public service and what continues to motivate her in municipal leadership.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Town Manager's office operates day to day - this episode offers a clear and personal look inside.

As Orleans enters a new year, this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes a step back to reflect on what defined 2025 - and looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026.

Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Town Manager Kim Newman and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil for a wide-ranging conversation about the themes, priorities, and behind-the-scenes work that shaped the past year. Together, they discuss community support, housing, public service, staffing, communications, and the major initiatives that set the stage for the Town’s future.

The episode also offers insight into how Town government approaches long-term planning, what residents may not always see, and what the community can expect in the year ahead - making it a helpful starting point for anyone who wants to better understand how Orleans works and where it’s headed.

How does a town manage its finances - and what goes into building the annual budget?

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten take a behind-the-scenes look at how municipal finance works in Orleans with new Finance Director Darrin Tangeman.

The conversation breaks down what the Finance Department does, how the town’s budget is developed, and why financial planning matters for both day-to-day services and long-term sustainability.

Listeners will learn how departments work together during the budget process, what challenges towns face when balancing priorities, and how residents can stay informed and engaged as the budget takes shape.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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