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An Important Message from Ashland Town Manager, Michael Herbert
Dear Ashland Residents & Friends:
I think it's safe to say a lot of us have felt overwhelmed and stressed for the past few weeks overcoming our own personal battles. I want to invite you to take some time to unwind this weekend. There are two virtual events coming up including, Arts Ashland Alliance hosts their annual Dragonfly Festival tonight, Thursday, through Saturday. Checkout their performers lineup here. Tune into WACA or stream the event through Facebook. Also, Ashland is United will host their Virtual Table: Meaningful Meal event this Sunday. Register for the program here. We also have some amazing recreation spaces that are yours to use, please just remember to respect the spaces. Please clean up your trash, use the designated parking, and respect the neighboring properties.
I want to thank Ashland Recreation Director, Kelly Rund. She quickly created another time slot for children to continue camp this month. Also, she is diligently working to create a program for children during their alternative cohort days. If you are interested in applying for a position on her staff, or wish to place your child on the wait list for the fall program, contact, Recreation@AshlandMass.com.
Also, I want to take the time to thank all of the amazing individuals that have worked tirelessly all summer creating a safe and sustainable environment for the staff, faculty, parents, and students for this year's approaching school year, both remotely and in-person. Special thanks goes to the School Committee, Superintendent Jim Adams and his staff, as well as Paul Carpenter and the Technology team, Joe Richardson and the Facilities team, and all of those who were instrumental in making this happen.
Again, I want to mention, we are having ongoing discussions regarding the intended plans for Special Town Meeting this fall. I've established a working group to define the logistics of this Town Meeting to ensure maximum participation. Select Board Member, Brandi Kinsman, Town Moderator Adam Shuster, and Staff Members- Joe Richardson, Facilities Director, Sgt. Ed Burman, COVID-19 Task Leader, and Tara Ward, Town Clerk, are assigned to be a part of that group.
The two major warrant articles are expected to be votes to authorize the construction of a new public safety facility, as well as moving forward with the design and construction of the new Mindess School. Other, more routine items include any necessary budget adjustments as well as the 41C1/2 Senior Property Tax Exemption. For the latter, we've budgeted for an $800 exemption, increasing last year's amount by $100. Stay tuned for more updates regarding Special Town Meeting.
I hope you enjoy your weekend. For those returning back to school Monday, whether you begin your school year remotely or at home, I wish you a safe and successful year.
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COVID-19 Cases and Information
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The following information as of September 10, 2020
Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland = 293
As of September 10th, Ashland has 12 open cases, and all of the probable cases have been cleared.
Ashland has 293 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 281 cleared cases, 72 probable cases, and 72 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 9th
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Confirmed Cases Reported in MA
Total Confirmed Cases: 121,396
Total Molecular Tests: 2,798,585
Access MA COVID-19 Dashboard Here
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Confirmed Cases Reported in US
Total cases: 6,310,663
Total deaths: 189,147
Cases in the last 7 days: 262, 971
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Get tested for COVID-19 in Framingham, MA!
NEW: FREE DRIVE THRU COVID testing resumes in Framingham at 500 Staples Drive, open weekdays 10am-2pm from Sept. 3rd- 30th.
WALK-UP COVID19MA testing in Framingham still available at:
-Amazing Things Arts Center (Tue./Thur. 3-6pm); and
-South Middlesex Opportunity Council (Mon./Wed./Fri. 3-6pm).
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Best of Luck Monday! Welcome Back!
Whether you are beginning the year remotely or in the classroom, we wish you a safe and successful year ahead!
Kudos to all of the Administration, Faculty, Parents, and Children displaying resilience! Extra thank you to the Administration, Faculty, School Committee Members, and Volunteers creating a safe vision for this year.
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| | photo by Hurcotech |
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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November Presidential Election Information
Last day to register to vote is: Saturday October 24, 2020 From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
You have three options to vote. You may vote by mail (this is encouraged due to COVID-19), vote early in person during the times below, or vote on Election Day.
Mail in Ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk. They cannot be returned to the polling place on election day. Please return your ballots in Town Hall's new ballot box.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM at Ashland High School located on 65 East Union St.
Early Voting for the Presidential Election: October 17th- 30th at Ashland Town Hall's lower level located on 101 Main Street. The dates and times are as follows:
Saturday, October 17th- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday, October 18th - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday, October 19th - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday, October 20th - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, October 21st - 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 22nd - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday, October 23rd - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, October 24th - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday, October 25th - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday, October 26th - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday, October 27th - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, October 28th - 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 29th - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday, October 30th - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Closed
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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
- When using the Riverwalk, please use the Town Hall Parking lot for overflow. No parking is allowed on Pine Hill Rd.
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Ashland COVID-19 Home Assistance Program
In response to the loss of income to households due to Covid-19, Ashland 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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Meeting in-person practicing social distance on 1750 Washington St. in Holliston
Tuesday, September 15th at 7 pm
Thursday, September 17th at 7 pm
Design Review Committee Meeting
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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:
Saturday, September 12th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
125 Front Street - across from the Library
Summer days... drifting away!
Labor Day has come and gone and we're headed back to school (kind of) and work. But there's still time to enjoy delicious ripe tomatoes, sweet corn and leafy greens along with the first crisp apples and autumn squashes.
If you need a little pick-me-up in these crazy times, why not stock up on sinful sweet treats from our amazing bakers and candy makers? This week, check out Samira's Baklava, Julie's Zucchini Bread Bites and Doris' Cocadas! Addicting to say the least!
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.
Virtually "Stop by the Tent"
Celebrate AFM's Artisan Community here and hereLearn from Community Organizations here
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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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Ashland Senior Center Survey
The Ashland Senior Center is looking to serve our seniors more effectively. You can help us by following the link here and answering a simple survey. The survey will only take a few minutes of your time.
Thank you for your time and assistance, it is greatly appreciated,
~The Staff at the Ashland Senior Center
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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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| | Photo by Sushmita |
We teach our kids kindness and giving back to the community. And sometimes they surprise us beyond our imagination. That is exactly what these two 10-year old best friends did! This Summer, Ishanvi Ramesh and Rhea Coutinho from Mindess School, came up with ideas to raise money and donated a total of $155 to the Ashland Emergency Fund. Right around when COVID lockdown started they heard from others how families and children are being affected by the pandemic. They decided to do something about it.
Even though they are a few doors away, using Zoom they brainstormed ideas and settled on making handmade jewelry, plush toys and fridge magnets. Once the restrictions eased up they visited over 25 houses and raised $55 dollars selling their hand crafted items. Then they negotiated with their parents for a contribution match and raised it to $155. They hope it will help someone breathe a little easier with their small contribution. A special shout out to our neighbours who encouraged and supported the girls. We are so proud of the girls who help others by doing their part in this unprecedented time while having fun with their passion for art!
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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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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Hotline: 508-532-7900
Email: COVID19@ashlandmass.com
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