OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Want to know what’s up in Old Orchard Beach? The answer is just a phone call away.

COURTESY PHOTO/Facebook

Earlier this year, the Old Orchard Beach Community Friendly Connection, a community group that strives to make the town a good place to work, play and live for all ages, launched What’s Up OOB, a pre-recorded information line that can be accessed by dialing 937-5611, a phone number in the Town Hall phone system.

The message gets updated weekly by volunteer Cathy Chiasson, and a text copy of the message can be found on the OOB Community Friendly Connection Facebook page.

The message lists upcoming town government and committee meetings, activities scheduled at the Libby Memorial Library and community events.

“It’s timely,” said Chiasson.

While the line can be used by all residents who want to know what’s happening in town, What’s Up OOB? Is targeted to seniors who might not be technologically savvy or are more comfortable using a telephone than a computer, she said.

Chiasson has reached out to community organizations for information of events to list on the recording, and hopes to get a more comprehensive list as more groups become aware of the information line.

Chiasson spearheaded What’s Up OOB? after the group reviewed results from a community survey last year.

OOB Community Friendly Connection volunteer Pat Brown said according to survey results, 70 percent of respondents found out about community events from signs posted in town.

Brown said the community group’s future objectives is to install an electronic message board in a central location in town that will display notices in conjunction with the recorded phone message.

Old Orchard Beach residents who want a reminder of the information line to display on their refrigerator can pick up a What’s Up OOB? Magnet at the Libby Memorial Library or by stopping by Assistant Town Manager V. Louise Reid’s office at Town Hall.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.