Town Manager Newsletter
Ashland Residents & Friends:

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer season so far. Like many of you, it makes me extremely happy and grateful to see the return of community events like the Farmer's Market (now in its 10th year) and happenings at the Corner Spot. As I mentioned in remarks at the Farmer's Market opening, I believe that many of us took for granted the sense of belonging and community that these festivities generate. So it's nice to see them reopen with a new perspective.

The summer construction season is in full swing, and most if not all of you have had to deal with the inconveniences of construction around town. We have major projects with the Pond Street redevelopment, downtown redevelopment, and the construction of a new Public Safety facility on 135. Soon, we will also add the construction of a new school to the mix. In addition to this, there are a number of other community investments that are currently in some stage of their respective processes. Each one of these projects has its own story, but all of them have been driven by Ashland and its residents. I hope we can all try to keep the vision of the end products in mind as we endure this part of the development.

This summer also brings a big change to the Ashland Police Department. Many of you know that Chief Vin Alfano has decided to return back to retirement at the end of the month. While here only a little over two years, Vin has left an important imprint on the town. Upon Chief Alfano's retirement, I have appointed Lt. Rich Briggs to serve as our Acting Police Chief. Many of you know Lt. Briggs as he has been a part of our department for almost 20 years. I am confident that he can continue the great work Vin has done.

As always, I want to thank our amazing staff and volunteers for the work they do on an everyday basis to make Ashland the community that it is. We have a remarkable amount of talent serving this town and it shows. If you too would like to volunteer, please do not hesitate to reach out to many of the organizations around town, or consider filling out a Talent Bank form if you want to consider working with a government committee.

Michael Herbert
Town Manager
Vaccinated Individuals within the Town of Ashland
Annual Water Quality Report

Please note that the Annual Water Quality Report (Reporting Year: 2020) is now available for viewing. A hard- copy was mailed with the 5/3/2021 Water/Sewer Bill, or you may view it here.
Construction is underway!

Visit our Webpage for updates and sign up for construction project newsletters!


News from Ashland Farmers Market

The Ashland Farmers Market has increased the SNAP match to $25 per shopper each week!

In addition, free fruits and vegetables for SNAP users are available at 2 farm vendors under the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).
News from Ashland Public Library

Do you receive the Ashland Public Library's newsletter? Here's a link for the current issue with all of their July programs and information about summer reading:

You can also download the library's new July brochure to keep on top of all of their amazing programs.

Stop by the library soon! 

The communities of Ashland, Natick, Holliston, and Framingham are proud to announce the MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge, a regional campaign focused on helping residents and small businesses install solar and clean heat and cooling technologies. We’re connecting home and business owners to high-quality discounted clean energy solutions that reduce utility bills, improve comfort, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The communities have secured competitive pricing from reliable installers for solar panels and clean heating and cooling systems, known as heat pumps.

Discounted program pricing is available to residents and business owners in Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, and Natick through December 2021. 
Town of Ashland partners with the Racial Equity Steering Group & Suffolk University

Over the last year, the Town of Ashland through its Racial Equity Steering Group has been committed to gain a better understanding of the perspectives and experiences of people of color within our community. In an effort to systematically collect this important information and data the Racial Equity Steering Group has contracted with Suffolk University’s Institute for Public Service to conduct focus groups and surveys. The Steering Group hopes the community will participate and share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

These focus groups will provide an opportunity for the Town to improve multicultural competency and better understand the equity and racial issues facing our community. 

Stay tuned for more opportunities to participate in a focus group!
Community Events
Upcoming Meetings & Community Events

Visit the Town of Ashland Website Calendar for committee meetings and agendas
Visit the Town of Ashland Event Calendar for upcoming events
Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm!

Every week listen to lively entertainment, shop from vendors and artisans, and stop by the Community Tent to learn about a local organization!

Visit their website for weekly updates for themes and a list of vendors! CLICK HERE to see what you can look forward to!
Check out what's happening at the #bestspotintown!


The Corner Spot is open for tons of fun this summer! There is a lot happening at this spot all summer so don't miss a thing!

On the Calendar for next week:

Zelus Beer Garden with Ribpublic BBQ, Refreshin' Concessions Ice Cream, Cousins ME Lobster Truck, Music by Hit the Bus, Tom Abbott, and The Dale Show!
Tot Spot
Library Kids

To check out the schedule of events, click here.
Ashland Day Committee Stone Park Summer Concert Series

Bring your chair or a blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer!

Save the following dates!

June 29th - Tune Timers Band starts at 7 pm
July 13th - Event Sponsored by the Ashland Business Association. Check out Ashland business booths as well as BBQ from Sentie's Kitchen and more! This event will start at 6 pm for food and booths and Back Pages will be the band for the night starting at 7 pm!

July 27th - Five Play (Adrienne Fawkes Band) at 7 pm
August 10th - Middlesex Concert Band Sponsored by the Ashland Cultural Council starting at 6:30 pm
August 24th - Groove-A-Saurus Rex rock n' roll band at 6:30 pm

Refreshin' Concessions Ice Cream Truck will be at each event!
Shout Outs!
Ashland Farmers Market Celebrates 10 Years!

I want to thank all of the hard-working volunteers creating an eventful season year after year. Thank you to all of the vendors for choosing Ashland. Thank you to all of YOU for attending the MetroWest Famous Farmers Market. It's so special seeing the community come out every Saturday morning to support this wonderful addition to our community.


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