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An Important Message from Ashland Town Manager, Michael Herbert
Dear Ashland Residents & Friends:
It's hard to believe that fall is right around the corner. As it is my favorite time of year, it is always welcome. But it is especially welcome given the year we have had so far. Even though we will miss familiar events such as Ashland Day, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of New England in September and October.
I want to express my appreciation for those that were responsible for producing this year's election. The inclusion of mail-in voting, along with early voting, and election day itself presented a lot of opportunities, but it also presented a lot of challenges as well. Based on the feedback I have received, many people felt the process was smooth and well-organized. If increasing turnout was the goal, we showed great progress with almost a 40% turnout rate. For a primary, this is considered the best we have done in decades. That mirrors what happened statewide, where the turnout had not been this high since 1992. Please join me in congratulation Tara Ward, Cindy Livingstone, Kelly Burman,Will Lee, and the rest of the team that made this a success.
Since my last update we have had several meetings regarding the new Mindess School Building and Public Safety Building project. I encourage everyone to continue learning about these critical infrastructure projects and what it means to you as a resident and taxpayer. We plan on holding more public forums soon.
Both projects are expected to be on the Special Town Meeting warrant in the fall. While it will be nearly impossible to find a solution that meets everyone's needs, the Select Board and I need to hear from you about what you think we need to make people feel safe to go to Town Meeting. Should it be indoors or outdoors? A weekend? Let us know by writing to selectboard@ashandmass.com. Write to us directly as opposed to using social media to ask questions or provide thoughts. The Town does not regularly monitor Facebook and other social media pages.
Thank you for your support and patience during these unprecedented times!
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COVID-19 Cases and Information
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The following information as of September 2, 2020
Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland = 283
Ashland has 283 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 271 cleared cases, 77 probable cases, and 71 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 information as of September 1st
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Confirmed Cases Reported in MA
Total Confirmed Cases: 119,138
Total Molecular Tests: 2,448,341
Access MA COVID-19 Dashboard Here
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Confirmed Cases Reported in US
Total cases: 6,004,443
Total deaths: 183,050
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Get tested for COVID-19 in Framingham, MA!
Starting TODAY, August 31st, Framingham will have an additional FREE, open-to-everyone walk-up COVID-19 testing site at South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) 7 Bishop Street, Framingham. Open Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 3-6 pm.
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Smoke Testing begins Thurs. Sept. 10th
The Town of Ashland, MA in conjunction with Haley and Ward Engineers has contracted Flow Assessment Services to conduct Sewer System Smoke Testing for the purpose of locating sources of storm water inflow to the sanitary sewer system.
The study will locate direct and indirect connections such as catch basins, area drains, roof drains, broken sewer pipe and deteriorated pipe joints.
During this test, harmless white smoke is introduced through the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located on the street and plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface.
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State Primary Election- Ashland's Official Results
Ed Markey 2,309 (57.5%)
Joe Kennedy III 1,700 (42.4%) The break down for the official election results for the are posted on our website here |
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November Presidential Election Information
Learn More
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Ashland High School, 65 East Union St Last day to register to vote is: Saturday October 24, 2020 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.Early Voting for the Presidential ElectionAshland Town Hall, 101 Main St October 17- October 30, 2020Click here for more information
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Memorial Drive Dedication Ceremony
We recently held a small ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the MBTA Access Road, to "Memorial Dirve" honoring those that have been impacted by the Nyanza Chemical Plant's decades-long dumping of toxins into the environment.
The premature deaths of young men like Kevin Kane and David Keddy provided conclusive connections to Nyanza, and presumably many more became sick or died after being directly exposed to their chemicals. Through their pain and suffering, the increased intensity of montioring and clean-up activities (state-wide) help to limit and hopefully eliminate the introduction of poisons into our environment.
There are those that do not agree with the path we chose here, and feel like highlighting Nyanza will hurt Ashland's reputation, especially after those chemicals have been cleaned or contained. However, Nyanza is always going to be a part of our history that we cannot escape from. I see the environmental and human impacts of Nyanza as the middle chapters in its story. Hopefully the final chapters will be about how we became a stronger, more sustainable, and healthier community because of it.
It was an honor to have the families of those affected be in attendance for the ceremony, including Bernie and Marie Kane and several of their children, the Keddy family with Lisa and Andy Kaufman, and Tony and Helen Lewis. Dan Borelli, who has become an important educator and storyteller through his art was also in attendance. And thank you to the Senate President Spilka and the Select Board for being there.
I also want to recognize and thank several member of the Ashland Citizens Action Committee for their important work they have done and are continuing to do in ensuring that the EPA does more to make Ashland safe. Cara and Caitlin Tirrell, Kim McGreal, John and Chrissy Rossi, Kelli Sheppard, Suzie Noyes, Merrie Schiller, Michelle Brooks, and Stacy Brinegar all were there in person or in spirit. I know I have missed others but please know your work is appreciated!
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Riverwalk and Mill Pond Ribbon Cutting
The official ribbon cutting at the Riverwalk and Mill Pond Park marks a decades-long project that is open for Ashland residents and visitors to enjoy! Thank you to the Open Space and Recreation Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Jenn Ball, and our amazing DPW crew that created such a relaxing and beautiful resource in Downtown Ashland!!
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Water Supply Emergency
Per the MassDEP, Effective immediately, the current ban on non-essential water use shall remain in place for the duration of this Emergency Declaration. For purposes of this Emergency Declaration, the term "nonessential outside water use' is defined to include those uses that do not have health or safety impacts, are not required by regulation, and are not needed to meet the core functions of a business or other organization. Ashland shall have the authority to enforce these regulations through the assessment of penalties for the imposition of fines.
Ashland is currently in the process of securing a temporary water connection with the MWRA and the Town of Southborough.
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.
The Town, acting through the Select Board as water commissioners, retains the right to impose additional restrictions with due notice to residents.
Please conserve water. The Water Operators will be issuing fines for illegal outdoor water usage per the Ashland bylaws.
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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.
Superintendent Jim Adams' newsletter on August 24th, has a lot of important back to school information. Read it here
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State Parks and Trails Reminder
Please 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 include:
- Carry in/Carry out trash- please pick up after yourself
- Be respectful of private property that abuts town property
- No motor vehicles are allowed in any trails
- Pick up after your dog and keep dogs leashed at all times
- No smoking in any public park or trail
- Parks are open dawn to dusk
- Riverwalk's hours are 6AM to 9:00pm
- When using the Riverwalk, please use the Town Hall Parking lot for overflow
Learn More from Open Space & Recreation Committee
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Board of Health- Mosquitoes
Ashland is listed as "Low Risk" for both EEE & WNV
There have been three reported cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and three cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this season. Ashland is currently at Low Risk for both EEE and WNV. There are four communities currently at Critical Risk, they are in Plymouth and Hampden Counties.
Find the latest Weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Program Report from MDPH HERE.
Our Health Department Web page is regularly updated to provide you with new information. Learn More
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Upcoming Virtual Meetings
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Thursday, September 10th at 7:15 pm
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Attention Community Group Leaders!
Help us maintain our new event calendar on our Town of Ashland website. Submit your event, both in-person or virtual, to Ashley, and she will add your event to our calendar. Contact Ashley by email, aplace@ashlandmass.com |
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7th Annual Dragonfly Festival
Virtually on September 10th, 11th, 12th 2020
Join for Arts! Ashland Alliance for the 7th Annual Ashland Dragonfly Festival with great local Music, Dance, Kids' entertainment, special guests and more!! Learn More
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Click image to access site
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Ashland is United presents
Ashland's Virtual Table: Join us for a Meaningful Meal
Virtually on September 13th from 6:00- 7:30 pm
Our day to day lives are continually evolving and changing faster than ever. The pandemic, systemic racism, polarized views, and financial stressors have taken a toll on our lives.
It's harder than every to connect with others, especially those who may have different backgrounds than ourselves.
In line with our mission to build bridges where they don't yet exist, we invite members of the Ashland community to participate in a virtual moderated discussion over dinner.
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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: Vendors!
Saturday, September 5th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
125 Front Street - across from the Library
Can you really believe Labor Day is here already?! It has, indeed, been a strange summer but we're happy to have been a part of your summer Saturdays - a bit of (semi) normal in a weird world!
And we're not done yet!
AFM will be here through mid October - with wonderful fall produce, fresh meats, fish, baked goods, sauces, jams, relishes, pickles, wine, mead, candy, soap - and more. ALL the ESSENTIALS!
Plus, we're bringing back a few artisans - when we have space for lots of social distancing - because, of course, beautiful things are essential too!
Virtually "Stop by the Tent"
Celebrate AFM's Artisan Community here and hereLearn from Community Organizations here
Click here to see which vendors are coming this week, for pre-ordering information, and for info about our new delivery option for those 60 and up.
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Thanks to a MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund grant from the Foundation for MetroWest, the Ashland Farmers Market is offering a generous $25 SNAP match (up from $20) 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).
The SNAP match increase started on Saturday, August 15, and will continue through October 10 or until the funds are exhausted.
Learn More
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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.
Please return your items outside in the bookdrop.
Curbside pickup is still available.
Weekly Virtual Programs at Ashland Public Library
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!
Learn More
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Ashland Community Center Activities!
Monday Lunches begins September 14th for curbside pick-up Learn More
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Set up an COVID-19 Re-Opening Consult
Owning and operating businesses during COVID-19 is not easy. We are here to help! Sgt. Burman, our COVID task lead will come by your establishment and help you work through your workplace standards.
Here he is pictured at Dr. Greens Indoor Golf with their Manager, Donna.
Set up your appointment today, give Sgt. Burman a call, 508-532-7988
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The Economic Development Department put together resources to help business owners establish a location in Ashland, maintain their business, and help reopen their establishment in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read the latest newsletter from Beth Reynolds, Ashland's Economic Development Director's newsletter here. |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Hotline: 508-532-7900
Email: COVID19@ashlandmass.com
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