Dear Ashland Community Members,
In May of 2021, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which contained significant funding for state and local governments. Ashland will be receiving $5.3 million under the Federal Government’s ARPA assistance. This consists of a direct allocation to the town of over $1.8 million and the balance coming from the town’s share of funding to Middlesex County.
While the allowable uses of this funding are broad, it is restricted to COVID-related expenditures and minimizing the impacts of COVID-19, especially in underserved communities. Additionally, water, sewer, stormwater, and broadband infrastructure projects are specifically allowed under the law.
Federal guidelines were refined over the summer and are still being finalized. I do not anticipate major changes in the guidelines as they are being finalized. In addition to federal and state guidelines, Both the Select Board and I have developed several parameters for using funds. This includes:
- Focus funding on completing existing approved projects before taking on anything additional
- Directing ARPA funds towards expenses that are NOT re-occurring (aka operating costs)
Based on the aforementioned guidelines, a preliminary plan for ARPA funds has been developed and is detailed in the attached plan. We invite the public to offer comments on the proposed plan; please take this survey. After comments have been received, a final plan will be developed and reviewed by myself, as well as members of the Select Board, and the Finance Committee.
I have also included an additional column on this sheet for the public to see what other funds we are using in addition to ARPA funds to complete initiatives and fund programs. While these are outside of ARPA, and for informational purposes only, it is included to help show the comprehensive nature of the plan.
Sincerely,
Michael Herbert
Town Manager
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Ashland Vaccine Clinic
September 14, 2021, from 1 pm- 4 pm.
MassBay Ashland Campus 270 Eliot St.
This free clinic is open to all, including community members without insurance, aged 12-years-old and older.
Participants can receive their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine from the last clinic held on August 24th or choose to receive the Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson vaccine when registering for an appointment. We are NOT offering Boosters at this time.
Questions? Please contact Sgt. Ed Burman, 508-532-7988
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The following information as of 9/9/2021:
Ashland has a total of 1,662 confirmed cases of this, 1,644 have been cleared.
Ashland has a total of 230 Probable cases of this 227 have cleared
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According to DPH as of July 27th 2021 they feel that the DELTA Variant is the most prevalent at this time in Massachusetts at around 55% and to note it is twice as contagious as the original virus.
Please remind people if anyone is sick in their homes regardless of vaccine status and/or test status they and everyone in their household should remain home.
We also need to encourage testing for anyone who feels they were exposed or has any symptoms at all.
Please also note if you are vaccinated you are protected at a minimum of 90% so you still have a small chance of getting Covid-19 if exposed to a positive person.
For any concerns or questions contact Sgt. Ed Burman at 508-532-7988 or the Covid-19 hotline at 508-532-7900
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Vaccinated Individuals within the Town of Ashland as of 9/12/21 |
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Vaccination FAQs
Click each question for more information
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Mosquito-borne Disease Prevention Tips
PROTECT YOURSELF & FAMILY
There are simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, and the illnesses they can cause.
-Use insect repellents any time you are outdoors.
-Wear long-sleeved clothing.
-Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours -from dusk to dawn during peak mosquito season.
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The Town of Ashland urges developers to prevent erosion with proactive measures
The Town of Ashland reminds developers and contractors to control erosion before, during, and after construction. Weather conditions like rain and hot, dry days, alongside snowmelt use in the winter, create perfect conditions for erosion on construction sites.
"Dirt and pollutants that run off construction sites end up in our lakes, rivers, and streams. This can make them unsafe for swimming and fishing," said DPW Director Doug Small. "That's why we're encouraging developers to choose practices that prevent erosion from happening in the first place."
Controlling erosion helps control water pollution. Water that runs off construction sites washes into storm drains, which empty into lakes, rivers, and streams. These fluids can harm fish, wildlife, and contaminate our drinking water.
The Town of Ashland participates in the Think Blue Massachusetts campaign. The campaign is a statewide effort to help residents and businesses do their part to reduce polluted runoff and keep our state's lakes, rivers, and streams clean and healthy.
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Shop Local Ashland!
Did you know Ashland has over 650 businesses!? Don't let the construction around town keep you from indulging in your favorite treat from a local restaurant, shopping at your favorite local business, or connecting with a local professional.
Visit our business directory and search by category to connect with an Ashland business here.
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IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
Pond Street, Route 126 Construction
Eversource will be working for another 2 1/2 -3 weeks and will complete the gas work from 152 Pond St. to Algonquin in that time. Northern Construction will be finishing at the intersection of Eliot Street by mid-week next week. And there will be a saw cutter working from Tuesday through the rest of the week between Nickerson and Algonquin.
Downtown Construction
This week - the Contractor (P.Gioioso & Sons) will have two crews on site. The following is the plan for each crew:
Crew One - Install duct bank in Main Street from Pleasant Street to the Railroad Tracks. Traffic entering downtown from Myrtle Street (southbound) or from Pleasant Street will be detoured via Pleasant to Tilton to Cherry Streets. Northbound traffic will not be detoured.
Crew Two - install utility hand holes along Front Street.
On Thursday (9/16), southbound traffic from Myrtle Street will be detoured up Raymond Marchetti.
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Thank you to Ashland's Decisions At Every Turn Coalition, for their Wish Tree creation event. This intergenerational program had participants both young and old use their imagination and creativity to create something wonderful. Special thanks to Kristin French (Director of Prevention Outreach), Talia Seavey (DAET Project Coordinator), and Ana Vladamirov (Activity and Volunteer Coordinator) for putting on such a great program and the ongoing work they do!
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Over the weekend, Animal Control Officer Dona Walsh was honored by the Holliston American Legion for her work in removing a number of animals in a house fire in Holliston earlier this year.
Thank you to Senate President Spilka as well as Representative Dykema for joining the service and recognizing all the awardees.
Congratulations, Dona! Thank you for the work you continue to do for our two communities.
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Upcoming Meetings & Community Events
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The Corner Spot
The fun isn't over at the #bestspotintown
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FALLFEST!
Saturday, October 2nd from 3- 7 pm
FallFest is one of our favorite events of the year! Join us for fall time fun!
Enjoy food from Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, ice cream from the ice cream truck! Grab a cold glass of wine or craft beer from Wine Empire or fresh lemonade from our friend Dennis!
There will games for all ages too! Games which include Pumpkin Tic Tac Toe, Checkers, Tin-Can Bowling!
There will be tons of hay and a perfect spot for that annual family photo! Get your face painted with Gina under the tent and sit back and enjoy the music!
Can't wait to see you for this fun-filled fall event at the #bestspotintown!
More exciting events at the #bestspotintown:
THIS WEEK: Open Mic Night, Dragonfly Festival, Local Author Book Fair
NEXT WEEK: 67 Degrees Brewing
OCTOBER: Zelus Beer Garden, Festival of Lights
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In the Heights
Tuesday, September 14th from 6- 8 pm
The Corner Spot
We're so happy to be bringing our In The Heights Sing-a-long to The Corner Spot- Ashland! We'll be singing, and dancing - with a special dance-a-long with Miss Pru of Annemarie's Dance Centre. All ages are welcome, no singing or dancing experience is needed (just the capacity to have a great time!). Hope to see you then!
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The Kidde- Fenwal Car Show
September 18th from 9 am - 2 pm.
All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
We are so happy another staple community event is back this year!
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Dragonfly Festival
Saturday, September 18th from 1 - 5 pm
at both the Ashland Historical Society & Corner Spot
Arts & Crafts • Live Music • Dance • Delicious Food •
Fun for the whole family!
Organized by Arts! Ashland Alliance, the Dragonfly Festival features seasoned musicians, dance performances, entertainment for children, artisans, and food vendors. This family-friendly event is free to attend, and offers a diverse community arts experience!
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St. Cecilia's Annual Flea Market
Saturday, September 18th from 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday, September 19th from 9 am - 1 pm
54 Esty Street
Stop by St. Cecilias for their annual flea market featuring everything you need and more! Christmas items, household items, furniture, toys, kitchen gadgets, dishes, glassware, antiques, home decor, sporting goods, books, games, you name it!
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Metrowest K9 5K
Sunday, September 19th at 10 am
Start/Finish: MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center - Soccer Fields - 45 East Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
Run with or without your dog to benefit MVMA Charities!
The day will feature:
-Timed 5K walk/run (with or without a dog)
Cross Country Course (over fields and through woods)
-Shirts for human participants; Medals for dog participants
-Free entry to the health & fitness fair
-Family-friendly activities throughout the day
-Exhibitors from the human and animal fields
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.
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Local Author Book Fair
Sunday, September 19th from 2- 5 pm
We hope you can join us for this opportunity to meet some of your local authors! The Ashland Public Library is teaming up with the Framingham and Hopkinton Public Libraries to showcase our talented local authors who write for adult audiences. They will be chatting about their books and spending some time on the stage to do readings or short workshops.
This event is outside at The Corner Spot, but if the weather is predicted to be bad, we'll move the event into the Ashland Public Library, where masking and social distancing will be required. We'll still have fun, though!
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For the Love of the Game
Saturday, September 25th
11 am - 6 pm
Warren School Softball Fields | Fruit Street, Ashland
Please join Ashland Youth Softball and Baseball for this Softball Jamboree Fundraiser in honor of Coach Andy Lymburner & to benefit Ashland Youth Softball.
The Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 2 pm.
Enjoy raffles, games, activities, prizes, and of course, SOFTBALL!
This family-friendly fun event is welcome for all ages and abilities.
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Ashland Community Theater (ACT) RETURNS!
"The Viewing Room"
Sept 23-24-25 and Oct 1- 2, 2021
at Marconi's Theater at the VFW in Ashland
Directed by Joe White
Written by Mark Smith
Starring- Will Annand, Amanda Callahan, Randy Divinski, Larry Loring, Bob Maibor, Lida McGirr, David Mularski and Lynda Slocomb.
"The Viewing Room"The show is an original comedic play about the death and life of Chester Dumbrosky. “The Viewing Room” takes place in January of 2005 at the Hollerbach Funeral Home at the wake of Chester Dumbrosky, patriarch of the Dumbrosky family. The play is about family interactions and the interpersonal relationships we all have or want to have with our families. While every family dynamic is different each one of us plays a role within that dynamic. We guarantee you will see some similarities to a family that you know. Perhaps even your own.
CLICK HERE for tickets! Book them now there is limited seating!
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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!
Remember: The Ashland Farmers Market continues to offer a SNAP match of $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).
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