Orleans Citizens Forum
September 30, 2021

What has Changed? What have we learned?
Watch the recording of the forum by clicking here 

Many of us believed that, after 18 difficult months, we were nearing the end of Covid-19 and the turmoil that came with it.  We had hoped to be able to return to life as we knew it. Some have wondered, however, if ‘life as we knew it’ was the right place to go. The virus, however, isn’t ready to admit defeat, and it continues to constrain our lives.

In our small, tourist-dependent town, our first providers, town officials and local businesses have faced huge challenges. No surprise: the resilient, capable, and committed people in our Town persevered and most, but not all, have thus far successfully navigated the new terrain. They experienced a great deal, and learned a lot from their experiences. They have insights to share with the community.

On September 30, four town leaders participated in a stock-taking forum to help us grapple with the ways, small and large, that our lives have been changed – what have we gained, and what have we lost? How might we use learnings from this period to emerge as a stronger and more vibrant community?

Please use the link above for a discussion with our four panelists:

• Scott McDonald, Chief of Police
• Geoff Deering,  Fire Chief
• Brad Hinote, Town Assessor
• Lisa Simundson, Executive Director, Orleans Chamber of Commerce

The panel was moderated by Alan McClennen and Sassy Roche.

The Orleans Citizens Forum is an unbiased, public service organization dedicated to keeping the residents of Orleans knowledgeable about the issues confronting our town