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

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

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

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

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 strengthen year-round vibrancy.

From walkability and wayfinding to housing, public-private partnerships, and grant programs, this episode offers a look into the strategy behind Orleans’ economic development efforts.

Town of Orleans business information:

town.orleans.ma.us/35/Business

Sign up for the business newsletter:

lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/srLoFyG/orleansbusinessconnection

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.orleans.ma.us/945/Recreation-Culture-Community-Events

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 Conservancy: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/

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 Resources | Orleans, MA

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 for a behind-the-scenes look at what these decisions mean for Orleans, how the meeting process played out, and what’s ahead for the community.

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.

Annual Town Meeting – May 12 at Nauset Regional Middle School at 6pm

For more info, visit the Town Meeting Central page https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/894/Town-Meeting-Information

To sign up for childcare at the Town Meeting, visit https://orleansma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30177

For further background on warrant articles, listen to OBS Episode 32 on the annual budget and Episode 33 on the Fire-Rescue Station