Weekly Town Manager Newsletter |
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Dear Ashland Residents & Friends,
About six or seven months ago, I would say that many of us couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic. We were hunkered down, just trying to get through the days juggling situations with work, family, and school. Many of us were successfully isolating ourselves, protecting our physical health but at a cost to our social, emotional, and mental health.
The pandemic also brought us a new element of fashionwear to add to our wardrobes: the facemask or face covering. However, today we start to see a major relaxation of the face covering mandates for residents and visitors. And while I believe that mask will be a necessary part of our attire for years to come, it is nice to see so many smiling faces today outside. Times have been tough and everyone has been prone to agitation and hostility. Hopefully this will be a positive step forward in rebuilding the social fabric in our community.
Please check the information below regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments. Our COVID team and Board of Health have worked tirelessly with several other communities and state officials to bring a more local option to Ashland.
Finally, projects such as Pond Street, the Public Safety Building, and Mindess School keep progressing. Next week is a milestone week for our downtown project as material laydown will begin in the downtown area.
Michael Herbert
Town Manager
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COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments Available |
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This vaccination collaborative site has appointments available for TODAY, Friday, April 30th! They will administer the Moderna Vaccination.
Secure your vaccination appointment for Friday here: CLICK HERE
Contact the COVID-19 hotline with any questions: 508-532-7900
MetroWest-Westborough Regional Vaccination Site
The MetroWest-Westborough Regional Vaccination Site at the DoubleTree Hotel (5400 Computer Drive, Westborough) is a collaborative effort by the towns of Ashland, Boylston, Holliston, Hopkinton, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough. The site is supported by Fire and Health Department staff and resources from collaborating communities as well as volunteers from local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members.
LOCATION: The site is conveniently located at the DoubleTree Hotel at 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, off of Route 9 and near the intersection of Interstate 495. The vaccination site is located on the main floor of the hotel and is handicap accessible. When you arrive, the vaccine site entrance is clearly marked and there is ample, free parking.
Click here to signup for email notifications and to be added to the standby call list for last-minute appointments.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Quick Links
Pre-Register for a vaccine appointment at the Mass vaccination or collaborative locations.
As of April 13, 2021, the administration of the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is paused and not available at this time. Read more
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Local Case Data and COVID- 19 Information |
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New Guidance from the State
April 27- Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening
The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. Learn More
Effective April 30- Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.
Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether indoors or outdoors, and whether in a public space or at a private home, except for when eating or drinking.
At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.
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Latest Case Data in Ashland
The following information as of April 28, 2021
Ashland has 1,535 positive confirmed cases with the PCR test for COVID-19 with 1,519 cleared cases. Ashland has 202 confirmed cases with the Antigen test and 201 cleared cases.
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Click the graphs above to view them larger |
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Stop the Spread! 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 tests, and Antigen tests are also available.
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The Town of Ashland is proud to announce we've received three grant opportunities!
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Reminder!
Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes are due Monday, May 3, 2021
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Annual Town Election
Voter Information
Apply to vote early by mail:
Applications must be received in the Town Clerk's Office no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, May 12th.
In-Person Early Voting Dates
Ashland Town Hall, 101 Main Street
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday, May 15, 2021 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Annual Town Election
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Ashland High School, 65 East Union St
(Last day to register to vote is: Friday, May 7, 2021).
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Miss the Candidate's Night Forum?
April 26 & 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom
The annual Candidate's Night Forum was streamed live over Zoom this week. We have 3 contested races- Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee!! Watch the forum on WACA TV to learn about all the candidates running for office.
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NEW Deals & Steals
AVAILABLE NOW
Here's the deal. We've asked local businesses to send us their deals and steals to help you shop away at your favorite local shops and dine at some truly great restaurants. Every few weeks, there will be new deals to snatch up but only while they last!
Visit the webpage and start shopping here
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The Corner Spot is ready for the 2021 Season!
After a year hiatus, I am excited to announce that our Economic Development team and Corner Spot Committee are bringing you another year of outdoor entertainment, activities, and food trucks!
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Stay Updated with Construction Updates
We will share project updates on The 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project and the Downtown Construction on the Town of Ashland website, ashlandmass.com, in our newsletters, and through our social media channels- Facebook and Instagram @TownofAshlandMA, Twitter @ashlandmass. To sign up for direct emails about the construction work sign up for newsletters at the link below.
Downtown Construction will begin in May!
Visit the DPW Webpage to stay updated with daily construction updates to both projects.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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Green up Ashland!
Saturday, May 1st & May 2nd
Pick up bags TODAY, April 30th
Thanks to our Green Up Ashland committee, Ashland's annual town-wide cleanup will be happening over the weekend of May 1st, 2021. Cleaning up of your signed-up location can be done at your leisure. Residents (of all ages), businesses, and organizations are invited to participate in cleaning up neighborhoods, parks, streets, and waterways. Online registration for this year's event opens up on April 15th - click here. Bags for cleanup will be provided and can be picked up on Friday, April 30th at the Town Hall parking lot between 12:30 and 5:30 pm. Participants should wear gloves and wear sturdy shoes, proper and bright clothing. If you are cleaning up on a busy street or location - town-owned vest and orange cones are available to borrow. Bags are filled and can be left at your cleanup location.
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Project ABC Virtual Family Fair
Saturday, May 1st from 10- 11:30 am
This is a FREE community event hosted by Project ABC, featuring content from local, family serving community partners. This event will have activities for young children and information on organizations and services for families provided by local community partners that highlight: early literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, & math), kindergarten readiness, brain building in progress, healthy habits, social & emotional learning (SEL), information on programs that strengthen families, and so much more!!
Project ABC is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, managed by the MetroWest YMCA.
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Ashland Community Gardens Plant Sale
Saturday, May 8th from 9 am- 12 noon at
Montenegro Square
Join us, rain or shine, at Montenegro Square (Front Street across from the Ashland Public Library) and choose from a wide selection of perennials and potted gift arrangements. It's the perfect gift to treat yourself or a loved one. Proceeds from this plant sale help fund plantings in Ashland’s public spaces.
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Ashland Bark Park Committee presents
Family Fun Day!
Saturday, May 8th from 9 am- 2 pm at
The Corner Spot
This wonderful family and dog-friendly fundraising event is being hosted by the Ashland Bark Park Committee along with some great local photographers, organizations, and businesses.
There will be 15 min pup photo sessions for a donation of $25.00 by Jeff Troutman Photography and Photography by Emily Reilly - Register for your slot here
You can pay via PayPay, Venmo, or Cash at the event.
We will have Basket Giveaways, Food Vendors, and Craft Vendors! Stop by!
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Spring Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Thursday, May 20, 2021
The Ashland Clocker Club, which supports middle school and high school athletic programs and activities within the Town of Ashland, is looking for hole sponsors for its Spring Clocker Club Golf Tournament. The Tournament will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton, MA. This is a great opportunity to support our town's student-athletes while getting high-quality exposure for your business. Sign up for sponsorships here or contact us for more information.
Both the Clocker Club and I thank you in advance for your support of Ashland Athletics. Go Clockers!
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Ashland Education Foundation Inc.
Join the 2021 Innovate to Educate Campaign
Since 1995 the Ashland Education Foundation has been helping to bring innovative education into the Ashland Public Schools. This year, because we cannot host our usual in-person fundraisers, the AEFI is holding its first virtual fundraiser. The "Innovate to Educate" campaign will run from April 26-May 1st. Please join the campaign by donating to Ashland Education Foundation, Inc. and help us continue to bring innovation into our classrooms!
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Local Scholarship Opportunity
Apply for this scholarship by May 19, 2021.
This opportunity is available to any graduating high school student residing in the town of Ashland.
In addition to filling out this online application, please send 2 letters of recommendation directly to:
Town of Ashland
C/O Susan Robie
Attn. Scholarship Committee
101 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721
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Local Job Postings!
Are you searching for a new job close to home? Check out our local job posting webpage for new opportunities! Click here for the Job Posting webpage.
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Local Business Information |
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Updates from the Economic Development Team
Don't forget that there are many resources listed on the Economic Development page on the town's website.
Be sure to check that out for information about UPDATED COVID-19 regulations, incentive programs, NEW grant opportunities, and more.
Sign up for newsletters from the Economic Development Office here
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