Weekly Town Manager Newsletter
Dear Ashland Residents,

I'm happy to officially announce Ashland's partnership in the MetroWest Regional Vaccination Site. Along with neighboring communities, our staff has advocated for a local site to administer COVID-19 Vaccinations. Thank you to Jenn Ball, Ed Burman, and the Board of Health for making this opportunity possible. The details for this clinic are enclosed below.

While this email is quite lengthy, I could not be happier. For the first time in a year, I'm thrilled to see all of the in-person events coming up, especially at the Corner Spot. Thank you to all of the talented individuals for creating safe activities for residents and visitors to enjoy and thank you to the Board of Health for providing guidance.

Along with the events, the construction on Pond Street is creating quite the excitement, even with inconveniences and aggravation associated with construction. Traffic to the interaction of Shaw's plaza, Spyglass Hill Drive, and Pond Street will begin as early as Monday. The ground will be reduced to gravel for a few weeks, so please drive carefully. The DPW team and contractors agree this is not an ideal situation and will pave this area as soon as possible. However intrusive this project seems, the end result will be worth it! Sign up for direct construction updates to 126/ Pond Street here. Consider signing up for the Downtown Construction updates as well here, because this project will begin soon.

Closing this email, business owners, you will find a new grant opportunity. Ashland Economic Development Office teamed up with Framingham and Natick to bring you the Business Marketing Technical Assistance Grant, focusing on an identified need- marketing support within the business community.

I look forward to seeing you around town soon!

Michael Herbert
Town Manager
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
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

COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs. Click here

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.

APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED:
  • The majority of the appointments are filled directly through the State's Preregistration System. Please register at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/. The State will contact you when there are appointments available for you and provide you with a link to use to select and book your appointment.
  • The pre-registration system is only for scheduling first doses. If you are looking to book your second dose, please contact the location of your first dose. If you are unable to book your second dose at your first dose location, please learn more about securing a second dose at a mass vaccination site, here.
  • The remainder of the appointments are filled directly through private links for the collaborating communities. If you live or work in the towns of Ashland, Boylston, Holliston, Hopkinton, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough, contact your respective Health Department to learn more about how to signup via their private link. 

LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS:  In order to prevent wastage of vaccine, last-minute vaccine appointments will be posted at the below link between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm on scheduled clinic days which are currently Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You must register for an appointment using the below link. The site will NOT accept walk-ins. You must be able to arrive at the scheduled appointment time as the clinic stops taking patients after 2 pm. Please take the earliest time slot possible. Anyone who lives or works in Massachusetts and is aged 18 or older is eligible.

Click here to signup for email notifications and to be added to the standby call list for last-minute appointments.
 
OTHER DETAILS:
  • This site is currently administering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. At this time, the State of Massachusetts suspended the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Please arrive on time and do not enter the building earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
  • Have your photo ID ready. Please wear short-sleeves and wear a mask at all times.
  • You cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you received another vaccine in the last 14 days.  
Local Case Data and COVID- 19 Information


The following information as of April 21, 2021

Ashland has 1,516 positive confirmed cases with the PCR test for COVID-19 with 1,487 cleared cases. Ashland has 201 confirmed cases with the Antigen test and 198 cleared cases.

Click the graphs above to view them larger
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.


Local Information
Welcome back!
The Senior Center reopens at limited capacity on May 3rd!

I am thrilled to announce that the Senior Center staff will reopen on May 3rd with some restrictions. We will be maintaining records for contact tracing purposes and want to ensure that the rooms are disinfected. Here are the guidelines of the Senior Center attendance: Masks are required to enter the building; Hands must be sanitized as you enter the building; Pre-registration will be required for all scheduled programs; Each person will need to check-in and out at the front desk using the My Senior Center Kiosk; Windows will be open in program rooms to maintain air circulation; All chairs, tables, etc. will be sanitized by staff as participants leave; Each participant should only stay in the building for 90 minutes.

Read the Senior Center's latest newsletter here

Outdoor Dining is Back!!

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather with outdoor seating options at your favorite restaurants. Currently, there is outdoor seating at Mexico City Taqueria, Los Cabos Mexican Grill Cantina, Ashland Ale House, TJ’s Food and Spirits, Mazi, and Erica’s Ristorante.

For a full list of Ashland restaurants click here
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!


Contact us to Pop Up your business!

Learn More about #thebestspotintown
Support local businesses!
Despite the construction around town, our favorite local businesses on Rt. 126 are open and waiting to welcome us! Stop by local shops and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat while you shop. Purchase gift cards for Teacher Appreciation Week, a birthday, graduation, or for a loved one!

Visit our business directory here

Route 126 Project Construction Updates

Monday, 4/20- Friday, 4/23
 -Wetland Replication Area

Thursday, 4/22 & Friday, 4/23
- Topsoil stripping near Holliston Town Line

In addition, please note this IMPORTANT update: Construction will begin as soon as Monday, April 26th at the future location of the roundabout- the intersection of Pond Street, Spyglass Hill Drive, and Shaw's and Star Market Plaza.
  • Intermittently throughout the day, traffic will be reduced to one lane. The police detail will assist with traffic management at this time.
  • The road surface will be gravel for a few weeks. The contractor will pave this area as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide updates as often as we can. 

If you would like to speak with someone from the State to inquire if your property will be affected please email: dominique.deis@state.ma.us.
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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Visit the Town of Ashland Website Calendar for committee meetings and agendas


Visit the Town of Ashland Event Calendar for upcoming events
Ashland Lions Perscription Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, April 24th from 10 am- 2 pm

Stop by the police station and safely dispose of the prescription drugs cluttering your medicine cabinets.
Dream Factory Community Dance Party
Saturday, April 24 from 12 pm - 4 pm at
The Corner Spot

Last year, during a global crisis, the catchy South African song and dance, "Jerusalema" by Master KG and Nomcebo with dance moves by Angolan dance troupe- Fenómenos do Semba went viral. This infectious song, with its amazing beat and heartfelt lyrics, filled us with happiness, hope, and reminds us of our common human spirit and unites us.

Everyone is invited to participate in this global phenomenon. Dance, listen and enjoy these beautiful rhythms. There will be a performance at 1:00 by Dream Factory Community members led by dance instructor, Carol Sereda. Afterward, there will be a dance party and an opportunity to learn the dance. Let’s rejoice with our communities in a celebration of unity!

Learn more about Dream Factory here
Candidate's Night Forum
April 26 & 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom

The annual Candidate's Night Forum will be streamed live over Zoom again this year. We have 3 contested races- Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee!! Join WACA TV to learn about all the candidates running for office.

If you have questions you'd like to submit to the forum, you can email them to candidateforumashland@gmail.com
Ashland Housing Production Plan and Inclusionary Zoning Public Forum
April 26 & 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom

Ashland seeks public input on draft goals and strategies for the town's Housing Production Plan (HPP) Update. Please join myself, the HPP Steering Committee, Ashland Affordable Housing Trust, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for the second forum via Zoom. We want to know what you think about our plan to provide more housing options both now and in the future.

After registering, MAPC will send a confirmation email with the online meeting information.
Green up Ashland!
Saturday, May 1st & May 2nd
Pick up bags by 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.
Any questions: info@greenupashland.org
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.
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.

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!
Shout outs!
Latest news from Decisions at Every Turn!

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.

Are you a business looking for help? Send your job posting to breynolds@ashlandmass.com.
Sign-up for Champions Before & After- School Care!
87 W. Union Street in Ashland
Contact- C-C Owanisian, 508-446-7985

Champions is the first after-school program where learning meets fun with friends! Give your child the advantage of exploring their interests with activities in technology, arts, science, and math.

Local Business Information
This grant focuses on an identified need- marketing support within the business community. 

The pandemic negatively affected businesses; leaving businesses with a depleted workforce, increases in cost with lack of sales, and changing business plans to accommodate new regulations. These impacts created restrictions on the amount of time a business owner can dedicate to marketing their businesses, at a time when maintaining revenues is crucial. Thanks to our Economic Development department, this grant opportunity provides a much-needed resource to help businesses survive during a very challenging time. Business owners will have an opportunity to work directly with marketing professionals to create, redesign or update their website, upload online point of sale tool to business websites, and focus on social media marketing strategies for direct marketing to consumers. 

Through the Technical Assistance Grant, the communities of Ashland, Framingham, and Natick are providing consultant services to assist businesses to improve their marketing efforts to increase sales. 

To apply for this grant please click here to download an application.

The application deadline is Monday, May 3, 2021, by 5:00 pm.

If you are a marketing specialist and interested in applying to be one of the marketing specialists used for the grant please click here to submit your BID.
Deals & Steals
Round 4 begins Monday!

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
Updates from the Economic Development Team

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.

Visit our webpage here
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