Ashland Community,
It is so nice to see the warmer weather here just in time to enjoy some outdoor events in Ashland this weekend! See information below on all there is to enjoy in town tomorrow! A special shout out to our parks, cemetery and trees DPW crew for all their help sprucing up The Corner Spot, looking forward to seeing that spot bustling all summer long.
I am happy to announce that I have extended an offer as Ashland's next Police Chief to Lt. Cara Rossi. Lt. Rossi brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to the Ashland Police Department. Currently, she is the Commanding Officer for the Community Services and Traffic Division. While she has multi-year experience in traffic enforcement and patrol and administrative operations, what really sets Lt. Rossi apart is her ability to forge partnerships with other agencies and collaborate with community organizations such as Natick 180 and the DA's High Risk Domestic Violence Task Force, and I look forward to enhanced community collaborations through her leadership.
And while I do not think policing is the sole answer to all of our social issues, she has experience working in subjects areas that touch us or the people we know everyday like substance abuse and domestic violence. Most importantly, I think given the chance, she can work with the many talented individuals within the department to broaden and amplify the great characteristics they bring daily to their profession and town.
I am entirely grateful to Acting Chief Richard Briggs who has ably led the department with professionalism and dedication for over nine months now. The town and the Ashland Police Department is much better through his service.
Lt. Rossi's appointment is still contingent on negotiating a successful employment agreement, but at this time I would encourage you to join me in welcoming her to the Ashland Police Department.
-Michael Herbert, Town Manager
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Vote in our Annual Town Election
Tuesday, May 17, 2022- Annual Town Election 7 am - 8 pm at Ashland High School.
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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.
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Message from our local public school system:
Fall 2022 enrollment for kindergarten is now open!
Incoming students must turn five years old on or before Aug. 31 to be eligible to enroll.
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Senior Center Open House
Wednesday, May 25th from 1- 3 pm
162 W. Union Street
Restoring a sense of togetherness
Visit the Community Center and the Elder Services Department for an open house welcoming visitors and residents to enjoy spring and being together in person.
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Take the Climate Conversations Survey!
Let us know how you think we can make Ashland, Natick, and Framingham healthier and stronger in the face of climate change. Take the Climate Conversations Survey – only 10 minutes to complete!
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Ashland Food Pantry seeks the following items
Ashland Trash Bags
Diapers- Size 4,5,6
Snacks
Mayonnaise
Canned Fruit
Coffee
Instant Coffee
Herbal Tea
Oatmeal
Pancake Mix
Rice
Mac & Cheese
Pasta
Jars of Pasta Sauce
Donations to the local food pantry benefiting Ashland community members can be made to the lower level of the Community Center (162 W. Union Street) by appointment on Mondays between 9 am and 1 pm, Wednesday between 11 am - 6 pm, and Thursday between 9 am - 2 pm. Call 508-532-7949 to set up your appointment or email, humanservices@ashlandmass.com.
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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 the end of 2024.
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.
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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.
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.
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Pickups must be scheduled online at 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, 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.
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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
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Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events |
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There is something for everyone on Saturday!
Take a look at all these events happening around town!
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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.
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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.
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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. Don't miss Sweetie's Candy Bus! Enjoy the day with your neighbors and participate in an Ashland BINGO!
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"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.
The community is welcome to join the ABA 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!
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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!
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The Ashland Education Foundation's Innovate to Educate Campaign is going virtual this year!
Sunday, May 22nd at 5 pm
Please join us for Cooking INSPO with Chef Kelsey Murphy
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!
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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.
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Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm
June 11th - October
125 Front Street
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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!
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Heros' Movement at Fitness Together
Fitness Together partners with the nonprofit organization, Heroes' Movement to offer strength and conditioning workouts for any Veteran of the United States Armed Forces at no cost.
Schedule:
Tuesday & Thursday: 7 - 7:45 pm
Every-other-Saturday: 8 am - 8:45 am
Call or Text Bob Savin, owner of Fitness Together to get started at 508-438-0050.
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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.
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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!
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