Vote in our Annual Town Election
Tuesday, May 17, 2022- Annual Town Election 7 am - 8 pm at Ashland High School.
|
|
Miss the Candidates Forum?
There is still time to learn about the candidates on the Annual Town Election Ballot!
Watch the Candidates' Discussion from Monday, May 2nd here.
Watch the forum from Tuesday, May 3rd to learn about the candidates running for the Planning Board, School Committee, Moderator, or Housing Authority here.
Watch the forum from Thursday, May 5th to learn about the candidates running for the Board of Health, Select Board, Board of Assessors, or Library Trustee here.
|
|
Annual Town Meeting
Annual Town Meeting was held this past Wednesday, May 4th at Ashland High School. Residents reviewed the Budget Document for the Fiscal Year 2023, view here, and voted on the Warrant Articles, view here.
Here are the results of the Annual Town Meeting:
Article 1: Hear Town Reports
No vote is required on Article 1. Town Meeting moved on to the business of the night.
Article 2: Transfer from General Stabilization Fund
Article 2 required a 2/3 vote and passed unanimously.
Article 3: Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
Article 3 passed with a simple majority.
Article 4: Capital Authorization
The Moderator declared that Article 4 passed with a 2/3 majority.
Article 5: Transfer to OPEB Trust
Article 5 passed unanimously.
Article 6: Increase Economic Development Budget
Article 6 passed unanimously.
Article 7: Annual Consent Article - General
Article 7 required a 2/3 vote and passed unanimously.
Article 8: Annual Consent Article: Community Preservation Act
Article 8 passed by a simple majority.
Article 9: Amend Bylaw: Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant
Properties
This article was sponsored by the Historical Commission
To see if the Town of Ashland, MA will vote to amend the Town General Bylaws, Chapter 125, Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant Buildings.
Good debate ensued for and against the bylaw change. A motion was put forward amending the article for it to be referred back to the Historical Commission for further refinement and clarification.
The motion to refer back to the Historical Commission was voted on and passed.
Article 10: Update Chapter 125 Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant Buildings
Given the subject matter was debated and voted on in article 9, a motion was made to dismiss Article 10. The motion passed and article 10 was dismissed.
Article 11: Approve Sustainability Framework
This article was sponsored by the Sustainability Committee
To see if the Town will vote will adopt the Strategic Framework for achieving NetZero emission by 2040, developed by the Sustainability committee.
There was discussion and a submotion was made by a resident to refer the article back to the Sustainability Committee. A vote was taken on the submotion and failed.
A vote was then taken on the original article and passed by a simple majority.
There was no further business and a motion was made and passed to dissolve Town Meeting
Town Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.
|
|
TRAFFIC ALERT!
Today, May 6th, until Thursday, May 12th, please use caution traveling on Union Street and Waverly Street as crews install traffic signals near the new Public Safety Building.
Road work will be limited between 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM while school is in session.
Saturday, roadwork may occur between 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM.
|
|
Construction updates!
Downtown Revitalization Project is underway with anticipated completion in Early 2023. Crews will be taking a break after from May 16th to June 3rd as we wait for material to come in.
Full dept construction is expected to begin on May 31st on the Rt. 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project. This r equires more crews on the road. Patience will be necessary to navigate these areas. This project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Businesses are still very much open for business and need your support. Please give yourself extra time, be creative on ways to navigate around construction, and keep up to date on what is happening so you are informed.
Visit the Department of Public Works webpage, here, for weekly construction updates.
Please enroll in our e-mail notifications (links below) for urgent messages such as traffic impacts and related updates. I want to thank you once again for your patience.
|
|
Moderna Booster Clinic
Friday, May 13th from 9 am - 12 Noon
Lower Level of Town Hall | 101 Main Street
Community members aged 50 + are eligible for a Moderna Booster Clinic at the lower level of Town Hall. Please register for an appointment using this link.
|
|
Important changes to Simple Recycling Services
Simple Recycling provides residents with a free, convenient way to dispose of unwanted clothing and other goods and protect the environment.
Although collection was suspended during the pandemic.
It resumes with a few key differences:
The following changes in service will take effect starting on Wednesday, June 1, 2022
- Residents no longer have to wait for their scheduled recycle day to put their unwanted clothing and household goods out for pickup.
- Pickups must be scheduled online at www.SimpleRecycling.com or call 866-835-5068. A reminder email will be sent the day before the scheduled pickup.
- Residents no longer need to use the dedicated pink Simple Recycling bags for collection. Items must be placed in any waterproof bag(s) or box(es), clearly marked Simple Recycling.
- With pickup no longer tied to a resident’s recycling day, the placement of items for pickup has changed as well. Clearly marked waterproof bag(s) or box(es) can be placed on the front porch or in front of the garage door by 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
- Residents can set out items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, and other household discards such as kitchenware, tools, toys, and books, or other small household goods in working condition
If you have any questions, please contact our Department of Public Works Rubbish and Recycle Team by email, dmiller@ashlandmass.com, or call, 508-881-0120 ext. 7943.
|
|
Spring 2022 Yard Waste Pick-Up
Mondays now until June 6th.
There will not be yard waste pick-up 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
|
|
Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events |
|
GreenUp Ashland Annual Cleanup Event!
Saturday, May 7th
9 am - 12 noon
Stone Park Pavillion
This annual event is a great opportunity for individuals, families, groups, and organizations to take pride in our community and help our town stay litter-free. Do not forget, high school students can gain community service hours at this event. Hope to see you there!
|
|
Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) with the Town of Ashland & Decisions at Every Turn Coalition.
Throughout the month of May, community partners across Ashland will observe Mental Health Awareness Month through programs, education, and events that seek to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote opportunities to celebrate health and wellness.
Featured Event- MHAM Wellness Fair at the Community Center
|
|
Once Upon A BookFest
Saturday, May 14th from 10 am - 4 pm
Ashland Public Library
This event is a free one-of-a-kind book festival devoted to kids, tweens, teens, and their families. The day will be spent in workshops, meeting authors, and hanging out with fellow book lovers. Purchase books from Escape Into Fiction and grab a bite to eat from Sethji's and Dulce d Leche on the front lawn.
|
|
May 14th from 3 pm - 7 pm
The Corner Spot
Join us for a fun afternoon evening. Ashland Clocker Club, Ashland PTO, and Ashland Moms Club will have tables ready to sell you some Clocker swag and introduce you to their organizations. Enjoy music from local band Busker! Grab a bite to eat from Kayem BBQ Trailer and a beverage from Wine Empire. Enjoy the day with your neighbors and participate in an Ashland BINGO!
|
|
Ashland Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 14th from 9 am - 2 pm
Montenegro Square, Front Street
Choose From a Large Selection of Perennials from Members Own Gardens.
Click the image to the right to download the flyer.
|
|
Ashland's Fish and Game
Annual Kids Trout Derby
Saturday, May 21st from 9 am - 1 pm
This event is open to ages 13 or under. Lunch and bait will be provided, but please bring your fishing pole. There will be a prize awarded for the largest fish!
|
|
The Ashland Education Foundation's Innovate to Educate Campaign is going virtual this year!
Please join us for Cooking INSPO with Chef Kelsey Murphy Sunday, May 22nd at 5 pm.
Can't join us live or cooking just isn't your thing, please donate instead! With your generosity, the AEFI can continue to bring innovative education into the Ashland classrooms!
|
|
Memory Café Returns!
I am pleased to announce that after being put on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Clocktown Café returns on May 26th from 10:00- 11:30 am at the Ashland Senior- Community Center.
The café will be held every fourth Thursday of the month, offering entertainment and refreshments.
The Clocktown Memory Café was created as part of the “Dementia Friendly” community initiative recognized by the state. It opened its doors in April 2019; as a way to offer people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive changes alongside their care partner an opportunity to relax and socialize.
Atria Draper Place Senior Living is the co-sponsor for this event. If you would like to attend or sponsor an event, please contact Candi Wilson, Outreach Coordinator of the Ashland Senior Center, at 508-532-7945 or cwilson@ashlandmass.com for more information.
|
|
Save the Dates!
Mark your calendars for...
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, & Programs 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!
|
|
"The Future is SO Bright"...A Celebration of Route 126 and what is to come!
Thursday, May 19th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
The outdoor parking lot at Habitat for Humanity ReStore | 310 Pond Street.
Join us for a special celebration of the future of an improved Route 126/ Pond Street in Ashland! The State project is ongoing and will bring great things to the corridor. Businesses need our support and this is a fun way to show it! Grab your shades and join us for a fun party! Chat with Local and State government guests, featuring business spotlights, games and networking. Enjoy music from The Cardinal gets Jacked, food from Mazi Kitchen and Bar, and ice cream from Refreshin' Concessions!
|
|
Welcome, Crossroads Physical Therapy and Wellness!
We were so excited to welcome Cross Roads Physical Therapy and Wellness to Ashland this past Thursday as we celebrated an official ribbon-cutting ceremony! Cross Roads is a beautiful new space located at 128 Main Street (directly across the street from Ashland Town Hall). It is a functional, welcoming space for all those in need of physical therapy and more.
Their philosophy is simple really, it's about well-rounded care for the whole individual. They understand that the needs of each individual and each injury are unique, and are committed to offering a multifaceted approach to better everyone's overall wellness. They are providing an environment that is both patient-centered and community-built.
|
|
MetroWest Chamber of Commerce invites underrepresented businesses
to join their new guide!
The MetroWest Chamber is working to create a guide to underrepresented businesses in MetroWest. If your business is BIPOC-Owned, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Owned by a member of the LBGTQ+ Community, and/or Disability-Owned, you must publicize your business in their upcoming guide at no cost!
The MetroWest Region is a place where people and businesses thrive, towns and cities filled with promise and opportunity. We have an opportunity to strengthen and support MetroWest businesses which are owned by people from different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders and sexual orientations. The Underrepresented Business Guide for MetroWest will highlight these businesses which are strengthening the social fabric of our MetroWest regions diverse population and gives residents and travelers an easy way to find businesses to support.
To be included in this collection, you must be a MetroWest business that is BIPOC-Owned, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Owned by a member of the LBGTQ+ Community, and/or Disability-Owned. If you would like to be added to the Guide, complete the application and email to Towma@metrowest.org.
|
|
Let's Celebrate!
We have had a few ribbon cuttings in the past few years but out of an abundance of caution have really not celebrated some of the new businesses that have opened since 2020 due to the pandemic.
If we missed your opening and you would like to host a formal ribbon-cutting please email breynolds@ashlandmass.com to schedule that! Also if you are having a big anniversary, 5, 10, or 15 year anniversary coming up, let us know!
We want to celebrate YOU!
|
|
Stay informed with the Town of Ashland |
|
Follow us on social media |
|
Share this email with your friends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
