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An Important Message from Ashland Town Manager, Michael Herbert
Dear Ashland Residents & Friends:
Many of you have had a summer unlike any that you've had before. Whlle those of us with school-age kids are used to kids being home at some level or another, the loss of many camp activities during the summer required us to be flexible and adaptable to the current environment. The fact that Kelly Rund and ARC was able to formulate and execute a summer camp schedule for Ashland kids was truly remarkable. Those of us that have an opportunity to witness government work (or not work) at a granular level know that while Kelly and her team were figuring out how to conduct some level of camp activities this summer, many surrounding communities were trying to find the best way to shut theirs down. Kudos to Kelly, Judy, and the rest of the ARC staff on a successful summer.
Tomorrow (Saturday), we will be having a small dedication renaming the MBTA Access Road to "Memorial Drive". The road is dedicated in memory of those Ashland residents who have lost their lives to rare cancers in connection with Nyanza's history. This has been something that we have planned on doing for awhile, however we only recently received the rights to the road. While attendance is limited to invite only due to COVID-19 restrictions, I am so happy that Bernie and Marie Kane will be able to be in attendance for this. You can read a preview of the event here.
This past Saturday, Ashland hoisted the National Flag of India in honor of Indian Independence Day. The growth of the Indian community in Metrowest and Ashland specifically has been exciting to witness. The ceremony at Ashland Town Hall is yet another way that we integrate India's culture and heritage into our existing traditions. I would like to thank the Ashland Indian Club and the Indian Association of Greater Boston for organizing and producing this event.
This is also a great opportunity to extend my congratulations to Deepa Venkat on her appointment to the Ashland Planning Board. She was selected by a joint vote of the Planning Board and the Select Board at a recent meeting, and is highly qualified. Deepa will be fulfilling the term of Phillip Williams, who served on the PB for several years.
Earlier this week, Ashland Fire Department and Ashland Police Department responded to several emergency calls regarding a large explosion at Kidde Fenwal.
It appears an explosion occurred in an underground service line to a production warehouse from a Carbon Dioxide storage tank. The tank was unable to be shut down and hazmat teams and the facilities gas contractor conducted venting operations to safely drain the tank. The incident will be investigated by the facility.
Thanks to Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazmat Units for providing hazmat support, Hopkinton Fire for providing station coverage and Brewster EMS (Framingham EMS) for handling additional medical emergencies during the prolonged incident. As always, great work by Ashland Fire Department and Ashland Police Department.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I do appreciate all your feedback. Please note that sometimes Constant Contact truncates newsletters, so you may need to click a link on the bottom of the message to see all the news and events.
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COVID-19 Cases and Information
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The following information as of August 19th, 2020
Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland = 269
Ashland has 269 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 259 cleared cases, 60 probable cases, and 63 cleared probable cases. The Ashland Board of Health team and volunteer nurses are diligently working to keep our community safe at this time.
Visit our website for updated case information
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The following is a new chart incorporating new data of "Probable Cases". The Massachusetts COVID-19 report has included this data for the past few weeks. The "Probable Cases" are the individuals that have completed serology (serum) testing to test for antibodies. Our Board of Health is required to trace these "probable cases" the same as a "confirmed" or "recovered case." Our Board of Health recommends individuals undergoing serology also take a PCR test also to make sure the individual is currently not infectious.
Serology Testing: Learn more from the CDC hereAntigen Testing: Learn more from the FDA here |
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The following information as of August 19th
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Confirmed Cases Reported in MA
Total Confirmed Cases: 114,786
Total Molecular Tests: 1,946,517
Access MA COVID-19 Dashboard Here
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Confirmed Cases Reported in US
Total cases: 5,460,429
Total deaths: 171,012
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Get tested for COVID-19
If you display symptoms for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with an individual that tested positive.
Serology, PCR, and Antigen tests are also available.
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Voting Information for 2020 State Primary
We established a designated website to help you keep track of 2020 Election Information. View here
All registered voters qualify but are not required to vote by mail in the fall 2020 elections. There will still be early voting hours in the town hall prior to both elections and the polls will be open at the High School on election day.
Voters may vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, September 1 st , 2020, at the Ashland High School, located on 65 East Union Street, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Voting in person early takes place at the lower level of Ashland's Town Hall, located on 101 Main Street, between Saturday, August 22nd and Friday, August 28th. The early voting times are as follows:
Saturday, August 22nd - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, August 23rd - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Monday, August 24th - 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Tuesday, August 25th - 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Wednesday, August 26th - 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, August 27th - 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Friday, August 28th - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
COVID-19 precautions are in place for in-person voting. Voters must wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. Town of Ashland staff and volunteers will wipe down each voting station in-between voters.
The deadline to register to vote for the State Primary Election is Saturday, August 22nd between 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Application Deadline for voting by mail in the State Primary Election on September 1st is Wednesday, August 26th before 5 pm. Keep in mind, if you are an unenrolled/independent voter, you must choose your ballot.
Applications can be returned by Mail (postage is pre-paid on the post card application mailed to you), placed in the payment drop box located on the side of town hall (101 Main Street), or scanned and emailed to townclerkoffice@ashlandmass.com.
With questions, contact Town Clerk's Office by phone, 508-881-0100 x 7127 or by email, townclerkoffice@ashlandmass.com
This information is subject to change based on the Governor's guidelines for COVID-19.
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Stage Two Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
The DPW Crew is patrolling the neighborhood. They have issued warnings to several households, and will begin issuing citations.
With the lack of rainfall, the Hopkinton Reservoir level dropped to 295.35 feet, so we are now in Stage Two Outdoor Water Use Restrictions.
The restrictions are as follows according to the Town Bylaw. If you have any questions, please email DPW- dpw@ashlandmass.com
Conditional Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
The restrictions in Stage 2 are as follows according to the Town Bylaw:
i. Unattended watering using municipally-supplied water is prohibited
ii. Car washing: Car or vehicle washing using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
iii. Washing of structures: Washing of structures including but not limited to buildings,
houses, sheds, driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences, or patios using municipally
supplied water is prohibited.
iv. Swimming Pools: Filling and topping off of swimming pools larger than 300 gallons,
using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
v. Handheld water using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
Should the dry conditions continue, the town will seek a Declaration of Water Supply
Emergency from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
The Town, acting through the Select Board as water commissioners, retains the right to
impose additional restrictions with due notice to residents.
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State Parks and Trails ReminderPlease remember that our State and Town Parks and Trails are open, and encouraged for use but we need your help to make sure they are well kept.
Simple reminders are:
- Carry in/Carry out trash- please pick up after yourself and leave it better than you found it
- Be respectful of private property that abuts town property
- No motor vehicles are allowed in any trails
- Pick up after your dog
- No smoking in any public park or trail
- Parks are open dusk to dawn
- Riverwalk's hours are 6AM to 9:00pm
Learn More from Open Space & Recreation Committee
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Ashland Public School Information
There is a lot of information regarding the upcoming school year. If you are interested in the following information, the Ashland School Committee approved this reopening plan.
Additionally, a reminder for APS parents, the d eadline to enroll in Remote Learning Only is this Saturday, August 22nd.
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Board of Health- Mosquitoes
Ashland is listed as "Low Risk" for WNV map
Mass. Department of Public Health (MDPH) has detected the second human case of EEE this season.
Protect yourself from illness by doing simple things:
- Use insect repellents any time you are outdoors
- Wear long-sleeved clothing when you are outdoors
- Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn during peak mosquito season
- Repair damaged window and door screens
- Remove standing water from the areas around your home
- If you believe there is an unusually high number of mosquitoes around your home, you may place a Service Request with Central Mass Mosquito Control Project. As a member community, there is no cost to Ashland residents for this service.
Learn more
Please use this link to access the latest Massachusetts Arbovirus update.
Our Health Department Web page is regularly updated to provide you with new information. Learn More
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Ashland COVID-19 Home Assistance Program
I am pleased to announce that in response to the loss of income to households due to Covid-19, Ashland has established a program to provide housing assistance for those in need. This program has been created and funded by the CARES Act funds granted to the Town of Ashland and the Affordable Housing Trust utilizing their Community Preservation Act funds. Although the program is temporary in nature, I hope it serves as a way to help people get through these times. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis starting on July 7, 2020.
Applicants are eligible for- up to three months rental or mortgage assistance (Assistance can be used to pay current and future rent, or pay rent that is past due since 4/1/2020).
Download your application here. Paper applications are available by request, contact Emma by phone or email. Submit applications by emailing Emma, dropping off the application by appointment at Town Hall, or by mailing them in.
Please contact Emma Snellings, Assistant Town Planner, by email,
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Upcoming Virtual Meetings
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Mark your calendars for these upcoming meetings!
Visit Town of Ashland's website for meeting links and agendas here.
Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 am
Monday, August 24th at 8:00 am
Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00 pm
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SAVE THE DATE- Mindess School Building
Project Design Update Presentation
The Mindess School Building Committee (SBC) invites the community to participate in a discussion about the new school building project.
This is an opportunity for community members to provide feedback to the SBC and influence the design process.
Join Mindess School Building Committee next Thursday, August 27th at 7 pm virtually with zoom.
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01721 Circle of Love
We installed our first art installation at Town Hall! Thanks to Amy and Visi for their creative touch to bring us all together during this time!
The Circle of Love is a community art initiative designed during the community's isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was designed to use art to bring us together and envelope Ashland in a Circle Of Love!
When you make your appointment at Town Hall, be sure to stop by and take a look at the new artwork.
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This week's market:
Saturday, August 22nd, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
125 Front Street - across from the Library
AFM is celebrating August with those famous 3 H's: 'Hazy, Hot, and Humid'...
Our fabulous farms are now in high gear and are harvesting some delicious fresh food for all your August activities. Shady Pine & Boston Sword and Tuna have your favorite protein... Our Farms have Corn, tomatoes (!), peaches, beans, fresh greens, cukes and lettuces for creating the perfect "cool" summer salad.
Joyberry Farm has the special flavor of locally grown oyster, Lion's mane and other seasonal mushrooms for a great accent flavor to any meal. They also offer a great CSA program. And some very unusual recipes from the Mushroom Council-'Oyster Mushroom Toast with Black Pepper Ricotta and Lemon-dressed Micro greens'.
For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to come early for the Crust Artisan Bakeshop's most popular and delectable Apple Cider Donuts and Monkeybread- they are SO yummy that they are snapped up right away!
Click here to see which vendors are coming this week and for pre-ordering information - and for info about our new delivery option for those 60 and up.
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Annoucement from Ashland Farmers Market
Thanks to a $7,000 MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund grant from the Foundation for MetroWest, the Ashland Farmers Market is offering a generous $25 SNAP match for all SNAP shoppers each week.
In addition, SNAP recipients can receive free freshly picked fruits and vegetables from two farms at the market under the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). Making sure that everyone has access to fresh, local food is an important part of the Ashland Farmers Market mission.
Stop at the Market Manager's tent for SNAP market tokens.
The SNAP match increase started on Saturday, August 15, and will continue through October 10th, or until the money runs out.
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Enjoy Ashland Public Library!
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
While in the library:
- 30 minutes for browsing or 45 minutes for computer use per day.
- Masks/face coverings must be worn.
- Please use hand sanitizer - dispensers are throughout the building.
- Practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet apart from others.
- Please do not consume any food or drink.
Please continue to return your items outside in the available bookdrop. Curbside pickup is still available. Learn More
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Fun Programs at Ashland Public Library
Story Walk- Now through August 28th. Start at the library's entrance and continue the story down the sidewalk and back.
Weekly Virtual Programs
Toddler Story Time with Miss. Lois Wed. at 10:30 am
Read to a Dog Wed. at 6 pm
S.T.E.A.M Story Time & Craft Fri. at 10:30 am
Adult & Teen Make and Take Crafts at your leisure!
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Ashland Community Center Activities!
Monday Lunches begins September 14th for curbside pick-up Learn More
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Friends of the Ashland Public Library
New Little Libraries around Town
Shout out to the Friends of the Ashland Public Library's team of volunteers for creating, installing, and maintaining the new little libraries around Town.
Find new little libraries in the following locations:
Warren School
Pittaway School
Oak Street Town Forest
Ashland Town Hall
Ashland High School
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Send us more Good News!
If you know of other individuals who deserve recognition for the work they are doing on behalf of the community, please contact Ashley Place, by email: aplace@ashlandmass.com or by phone: 508-532-7935.
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Congratulations Putts and More!
Congratulations to our Ashland friends who are just over the town line on their new addition to the fun at Putts & More!
The new splash pad is open for splashing and playing. Be sure to stop by and say hello and spend time time cooling off in this fun new space.
Follow them on Facebook at  @puttsandmore |
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Business Resources from our Economic Development Office
Business Recovery Toolkit makes it as easy as possible to identify resources such as summarized state guidelines, highlighted vendors for PPE supplies, printable signage, located helpful apps, and more!
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Town of Ashland Department Updates
Find updates and more information for our departments on their respective website and on their Facebook page.
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Here are ways you an follow the Town's Communications
Hotline: 508-532-7900
Email: COVID19@ashlandmass.com
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The mission of the Economic Development department is to encourage, promote, and support growth and development within the town.
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