Dear Community Member,
I would like to take this opportunity to share the latest update regarding our search for a new Police Chief. I am pleased to announce two candidates as finalists for the Ashland Police Chief position.
*Cara Rossi is a Lieutenant in the Natick Police Department where she has been on the force since 1994. She currently serves as the Commanding Officer of the Community Services and Traffic Division. Prior to that, she served as Commanding Officer of the Operations Division. Prior to her police career, Cara worked for the Department of Youth Services as a Case Worker. Lt. Rossi graduated with a MA in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.
*Samuel Santiago is currently the Police Chief in the town of Shirley, Massachusetts, and is a 19 year veteran of the department. Prior to becoming Chief, he was a Police Sergeant and Patrol Supervisor. Chief Santiago is also an adjunct faculty member at Anna Maria College. Chief Santiago holds a Masters In Public Administration from Clark University, an MS in Criminal Justice, and an MBA from Anna Maria College, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Criminal Justice from the California University of Pennsylvania.
The Police Chief search yielded 14 candidates. After a review of resumes, six of those candidates were moved forward to be interviewed by an independent screening committee. After the interviews, the screening committee agreed to advance these two candidates for final interviews. The process will continue with me interviewing both candidates. These interviews will take place on Thursday night, March 31st, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and broadcast on WACA TV. The public is encouraged to watch and provide feedback after the interviews: My email is mherbert@ashlandmass.com. The process will conclude with an offer of employment extended contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Acting Chief Briggs elected not to pursue the permanent Chief position. Gratefully, he has agreed to continue as Acting Chief until a new Chief is selected.
I wish to extend a thank-you to Chief Briggs for his ongoing leadership. Additionally, I extend a thank-you to the Screening Committee members: Superintendent Jim Adams, Izzy Assencoa, Retired Fire Capt. Micheal Brogan, Retired Police Chief Bob Gonfrade, Makeda Keegan, and Fiona Sirur, as well as all of the residents who participated in surveys and focus groups as part of the process.
Sincerely,
Michael Herbert
Town Manager
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The Town of Ashland currently seeks applicants to fill the following positions:
Ashland DPW - Mechanic Assistant
-This individual will assist the lead Mechanic with maintenance, repairs, and overhauls of a variety of motorized equipment.
Ashland DPW - Light Equipment Operator, Water & Sewer
-This role performs work related to the construction and maintenance of municipal water and sewer infrastructure.
Ashland Fire Department - Fire Department Dispatcher
-This important position receives, processes, and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Ashland Town Clerk's Office- Deputy Town Clerk
- This vital role oversees all the records and events management for the Town Clerk Department.
Ashland Planning Department- Sustainability Program Manager
-This individual will design and implement programs for lowering environmental impact.
Ashland Police Department - Police Officer
-APD seeks Civil Service Lateral Transfers, who perform basic police services in accordance with the department's mission, goals, and objectives.
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Calling all Dog Owners!
Rabies Clinic
Sunday, April 3rd from 10 am - 12 pm
at Ashland Animal Hospital
The Vaccines will be $20 each. Proof of a previous Rabies Certificate must be shown in order to get a 3-year shot.
REMINDER: Register your dog with the Town Clerk's Office by April 15th. Learn more
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Spring 2022 Yard Waste Pick-Up
Mondays beginning April 4th and ending June 6th.
There will not be yard waste pick-up on the Patriots Day Holiday (Marathon Monday) and on the Memorial Day Holiday.
This is a yard waste collection (grass clippings, pine needles, pine cones, leaves....rake-able materials).
Do not leave brush and tree limbs at curbside for collection....they will not be taken. Yard waste should be within brown paper leaf bags or trash barrels clearly marked as "YARD WASTE" and should not exceed 50lbs. each in weight.
Please be sure to have your yard waste at the curbside by 7 am on the collection day.
This service is provided only to residents that are enrolled in the Town's contracted curbside rubbish & recycling collection program.
Questions? Call 508-532-7943 or send an email
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Protect your household from Mosquitoes!
Did you know as an Ashland Resident you can get your yard sprayed for mosquitoes for free? The Board of Health offers a spraying service with the Community of the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP).
Requests for service may be made by calling the CMMCP office at (508)393-3055 between 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
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Construction updates!
As we enter this next phase of construction both Downtown and on Rt. 126/ Pond Street, this requires more crews on the road.
Please enroll in our e-mail notifications for potential traffic impacts and related updates. And I want to thank you once again for your patience.
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Important Dates for Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election |
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Tuesday, March 29, 2022, by 5 pm- Deadline to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk's Office
Thursday, April 14, 2022- Voter Registration Deadline for Annual Town Meeting and Election
Office Hours- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, May 4, 2022- Annual Town Meeting 7 pm at Ashland High School
Tuesday, May 17, 2022- Annual Town Election 7 am - 8 pm at Ashland High School.
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Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events |
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Celebrate Holi!
with Ashland Indians Inc.
TODAY March 26th from 12 - 3 pm at The Corner Spot!
Gather at the #bestspotintown to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors! Holi is a traditional holiday in India that signals the arrival of spring and is celebrated as a day of spreading happiness and love.
Each color used during this celebration carries a meaning, red for love and fertility, yellow is remedy, blue for divine, and green is for new beginning.
Join us for this joyous celebration!
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Ashland Human Services presents:
A Promising Young Woman--Panel discussion following the film
*Adults* Thursday, March 31st @ 6:30 pm at Ashland Public Library
Keep in mind, this film is potentially triggering for viewers. The film highlights central themes prevalent in our society, including- sexual assault, consent, suicidality, misogyny, internalized sexism, substance use, and victim-blaming. Voices Against Violence Support Line: 1- 800- 593- 1125
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Save the Dates!
Mark your calendars for...
Meet your Neighbor Mingle - May 14th
Opening Day Birthday Celebration - June 4th
Pride Day Shop on the Spot- June 10th
Summer Movie Night- June 11th
Juneteenth with AREA & Ashland is United- June 18th
Returning this year, Open Mic Night, Tot Spot, Book Chat, Storytime with Ashland Public Library
Introducing this year, monthly Shop on the Spot event days!
SEEKING ARTISANS | ENTREPRENEURS | MUSICIANS | CHEFS
Are you interested in popping- up this year? Send us an email!
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Arts! Ashland Alliance Fundraiser
April 1st at 6:30 at Dulce D Leche
Join Arts! Ashland Alliance next Friday for an evening out.
Enjoy a performance by Sophia Laura on vocals accompanied by guitarist Ricky Fleet at Dulce D Leche.
Refreshments are available.
Please purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee your seat. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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Support our Marathon Runners!
The following individuals are running for the Town of Ashland! Click each runner's name to learn more about them. Stay tuned for more spotlights on these amazing community members!
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Apply now! Select Board Scholarship is now available.
This scholarship is open to any graduating senior that is a resident of Ashland. The board is interested in finding students who have demonstrated community engagement that has enhanced the community in some way. Two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,500.00 each. Submissions are due back no later than Wednesday, May 15, 2022.
Questions, please contact Susan Robie by email or phone at 508-532-7921
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Ashland Business Association Scholarship is now available too!
The Ashland Business Association (ABA) will offer two-$1,500 scholarships to high school seniors living in Ashland who best demonstrate good work ethics, motivation, creativity, and business/ community interests. Applicants can be home-schooled or attending schools outside Ashland, such as Keefe Tech, to be considered. The deadline to submit an application and supporting material is midnight on Thursday, April 28.
For details and a scholarship application, visit the ABA website, here. For more information, contact Scholarship Committee Chair Chrissy Reynolds, at 508-881-5109, or email her, here.
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Additional Scholarship Opportunities...
Ashland Farmers Market
Amount: Two $1,000 awards.
Guidelines: The Ashland Healthy Harvest, Inc. Scholarship program will provide funding for 2 graduating Ashland High School seniors (or recent graduates) beginning studies in 2021 at an accredited institution. Field of studies must be in line with the mission of the AFM including (but not limited to): agriculture, nutritional science, environmental science, and community development.
Deadline: May 1st
The Rotary Club Framingham, MA
Amount: 15 $4,000 awards.
Guidelines: The student’s school record indicates the probability of success in college The student has a recommendation from high school principal and/or guidance counselor. The student has a demonstrated financial need.
Deadline: April 1st
Ashland Lions
Amount: 4 $2,000 awards.
Deadline: May 1st
Applications are available at the Ashland High School and Keefe Tech Guidance Offices
Greater Framingham Running Club
Amount: 2 $500 awards.
Deadline: April 1st
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Is your business celebrating a birthday?
The Economic Development Office would LOVE to feature your business and highlight your years of service in our community. Send an email to Beth Reynolds.
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New State Grants Available to Businesses
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $75,000,000 available to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be administered through two different grant programs, the New Applicant Grant Program and the Inclusive Grant Program.
This program was created to provide $25,000,000 in support of businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 that have not previously received financial relief from MGCC’s COVID-19 Relief Grant Programs.
This program has $50,000,000 available to businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, and those owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, or those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Both programs will award grants ranging from $10,000 - $75,000. The programs are now accepting applications until April 4, 2022. (Click the grant program above to be linked to the application page)
For questions regarding these grants please contact Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation.
Customer Service Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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