Select Board names new volunteers to advisory boards through 2029

The Orleans Select Board on June 17 approved a slate of volunteer appointments to town advisory boards, filling seats on committees that advise on agriculture, water and sewer, aging, human services and veterans affairs.

Ryan Burchell of South Orleans was appointed to the Agricultural Advisory Council. Burchell said he has grown food locally for decades and would like to formalize his involvement; the board noted his husband already serves on the committee and said conflict-of-interest training will be completed.

Jack Kadzik was approved as an associate member of the Board of Water & Sewer. Kadzik described a long history of volunteer service and work on conservation issues; the board welcomed his willingness to learn technical topics and offered onboarding support.

Janet (self-identified as Janna) Vanassel, a longtime seasonal resident with a background in public interest law and elder services, was appointed to the Council on Aging. Joan Kozan, a retired attorney who described experience in child welfare and nonprofit work, was appointed to the Human Services Advisory Committee.

Cecil Nukem, who said he is a lifelong resident and has served previously on veterans-related efforts, was appointed to the Veterans Memorial Park committee with direction to help move stalled memorial work forward.

All appointments were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. New appointees were instructed to complete required paperwork and, where applicable, conflict-of-interest training before taking their seats.

The board’s actions filled several long-standing vacancies and were presented as part of a broader effort to maintain volunteer capacity for ongoing town programs and committees. No monetary appropriations were associated with the appointments; terms were reported to end June 30, 2029.