There is so much important content we don't want you to miss so this newsletter is pretty long! To ensure you don't miss any of it make sure you click "View entire message" at the bottom left corner of the page!

Earlier this morning, we celebrated all the runners that are running the Boston Marathon in support of our Boston Athletic Association (BAA) grant awards program. Each of these runners raised over $3000 to help fund organizations such as Ashland youth sports and the Farmer's Market. Over the years, the total amount raised for these organizations equals almost $1,000,000. Again, these are funds that are put back into the community.

Running a marathon is a significant commitment that requires training and dedication. Fundraising for these local causes is also a significant commitment. Let's give these runners a big round of applause for what they are doing and make sure you cheer them on this Monday! You can find info about each of the runners here

Fire Department Promotion

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter John Brovelli on his promotion to Lieutenant. Lt. Brovelli was pinned by his wife and son at a small ceremony in the Town Of Ashland, MA Town Hall the morning of Monday, April 8th. Lt. Brovelli has been a member of the Ashland Fire Department since 2015, where he later became EMS coordinator for the department in 2018, overseeing administration, licensing and training. He was instrumental during the Covid pandemic with ever changing regulations, policies, and equipment resources. He served as Ashland Professional Firefighters Local 1893 President for many years and now serves on the Metropolitan Boston EMS council. John has attended many classes at the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and is a certified Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, Incident Safety Officer, and has earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration. Once again, let us congratulate Lt. John Brovelli on his promotion!

495/MetroWest Employer Survey

The 495/MetroWest Partnership invites business and organizational leaders from across our region to take part in our annual 495/MetroWest Employer Survey!

This survey represents a collaborative effort between the 495/MetroWest Partnership and Framingham State University's MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC). Over the past decade, this survey has proven an important tool in gauging business confidence in the 495/MetroWest region. Now being conducted for the 11th year running, the survey is an opportunity for our region’s employers to communicate concerns and challenges, which can guide policymakers in considering needed changes and investments. The survey is also an important tool in forecasting future growth by regional employers, and identifying warning signs of challenges to come.

Click HERE to take the survey!

Who should take the survey? Owners, leaders, or individuals with regional hiring authority for private, public, or nongovernmental organizations that have a presence in the 495/MetroWest region.

This survey should only take about 5-7 minutes to complete.

Your individual responses are anonymous; your answers will be aggregated and reported with all responses.

Community Liaisons

The office of Sustainability is working on a few projects focusing on community resistance and education around climate change. For these projects to be successful we are enlisting residents to help. Throughout these various projects there will be a few paid positions for community members to give their perspective and work with the Sustainability Coordinator to create and plan ways to help build climate resilience across Ashland.

Reach out to Sam Reilly at sriley@ashlandmass.com for more information!

Dog Licenses

Dog License Registration Reminder!

Please register your dog before April 15, 2024. A $50 fine will be added to each dog license after this date. The fee for intact dogs is $20 per dog. The fee for spayed or neutered dogs is $15 per dog but if you (the owner) are seventy (70) years of age or older then the tag is no charge. Don’t forget to bring an updated rabies certificate with you. Please note that the free license does not apply to kennels. You may license your dog using the Town of Ashland’s online system, or by dropping off the form and payment to Town Hall. If you no longer reside in Ashland, or your dog is deceased, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office by email, townclerkoffice@ashlandmass.com, or call 508-881-0100 ext. 7127 so records are updated

Join Energize Ashland

A small group of Ashland residents have started an initiative, Energize Ashland, that encourages families and businesses to take specific actions to fight climate change.

The idea is that we cannot just sit around and wait for the rest of the world to do something. Collectively our actions add up. But sometimes people don’t know enough about what’s available, the benefits (both financial and environmental), or who they can reliably contact. This new website offers information, specific steps people can take, and testimonials from neighbors who took some of these steps. It also tallies the cumulative reduction of our town’s “carbon footprint” with each new completed Action.

Please check out our new website, EnergizeAshland.org. Then sign up, enter Actions you have already taken or are planning to take, and write a Testimonial about what you did. We believe it will encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Come and visit us at the Ashland Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20, from noon to 3:00, at The Corner Spot. We will be there demonstrating the website. All those who sign up will be entered into a free raffle for a $25 gift certificate to the Ashland Farmers Market.

Restaurant Week

May 10th - May 19th 2024

Ashland is merging with Hopkinton to bring Restaurant Week to our region! The Ashland Business Association and the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce invite all restaurants in these communities to join in for a fun week of specials, deals and delicious delight!

Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce and the Ashland Business Association are excited to welcome you to this year’s expanded Restaurant Week serving both Hopkinton and Ashland communities. Our purpose is to drive much needed customer visits and sales to our community of restaurants by providing locals and visitors an opportunity to sample area restaurants and enter in raffles to win Gift Certificates to these same participating restaurants. Restaurant gift certificates are being sponsored by the Ashland Business Association and Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce members who will receive recognition during the campaign for their generosity.  

For more information CLICK HERE! To sign up to sponsor or if you are a restaurant owner and would like to join CLICK HERE!

Any questions? Contact Beth at breynolds@ashlandmass.com.

Boston Marathon Spectators

Attending the Boston Marathon? The B.A.A. Spectator Guide offer helpful information on how to support a great race day experience for all and to help you plan to find the perfect spot to cheer participants on. Find the spectator guide at the link below!

Don't forget...roads close in Ashland beginning at 7:30am on Marathon Day, plan accordingly!

https://www.baa.org/.../2024-03/128thBMSpectatorGuide.pdf

Vaccine Clinic

The Health Department is hosting another Flu/COVID/RSV/Tetanus Clinic this Tuesday, April 23rd from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the lower level of Town Hall (101 Main St. Ashland). They are doing this in partnership with Pine Hill Pharmacy.

- 2 types of flu vaccines (one for 3-65 years and another for 65 year plus) will be available. 

- You must pre-register for COVID/ RSV/Shingles as we have limited doses and you might have co-pay.

- RSV is for 60+ age group, can't be taken with other vaccines and there needs to be a gap of at least 1 week from your last vaccine. 

- Please bring your insurance card with you.

Pre-Register Here: https://form.jotform.com/240920246503145

Access from the back door and come down the stairs to the lower level.

Medical Reserve Corps

Volunteer Opportunity! Join Your Local Medical Reserve Corps!

The Town of Ashland is part of MRC's Middlefolk Region. If you are interested in joining your local MRC, please Register Now with MA Responds. You can register here: https://www.maresponds.org/

Attend the Upcoming Meet & Greet and learn more!

April 30th | 6:00PM – 8:00PM

Ashland Town Hall | 101 Main Street

Learn more here: https://ashlandmass.com/1159/Medical-Reserve-Corps--MRC

Envision Ashland

Thank you to all the Ashland community members that have participated so far in the Community Survey, Crowdmap, and Meeting-in-a-Box focus groups. There is still time for you to participate, but this phase of public engagement is closing on April 26th. Please make sure your feedback is included. There are 3 options for providing your thoughts:

1) Community Survey- which will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and covers a broad range of topics Ashland. You can take the survey HERE and it can also be accessed at the Library and the Community Center computers for an easy way to participate.

2) Crowdmapping- an interactive platform that allows you to show us where you would like changes for Ashland, such as infrastructure or housing. Link to the Crowdmapping HERE.

3) Focus Group (Meeting-in-a-Box)- share your ideas in an in-depth discussion on the direction of Ashland on a variety of topics.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Survey - Closes April 8th!

The DEIB Task Force has been hard at work gathering data from employees and our elected and appointed officials as we gather input for the development of the Town's first DEIB strategic plan.

This is a good opportunity to also talk about what DEI is and isn't. Our work isn't just focused on gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or background. It's about the fact that all of us are unique and we all deserve a chance to feel valued and respected for who we are. We are not approaching this with any agenda other than to accurately ascertain how well Ashland is doing in this arena and more importantly what we can do better and lay out a roadmap on how to do so.

With this broad definition of DEIB in place, we ask that you consider taking this community survey to share your thoughts about this important topic. The survey can be found HERE. Please share this across your social media networks so we can get the broadest input possible.

Did You Know?

Did you know who the first person to grow potatos in Ashland was? Michael Homer (1732-1801) raised the first potatoes ever grown in Unionville (now Ashland). Two potatoes were planted in his farm. The crop the first year yielded two bushels and people came from far and near to see them. The wonder was “What he could do with so many”.

Shoutout Nomination Form

Do you know someone in town that is working hard to make Ashland an even better place? Let us know! We want to acknowledge all the amazing people that make our town so great! Nominate someone you think deserves an extra shoutout of appreciation. Click HERE to open the nomination form.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Melissa Hayes at mhayes@ashlandmass.com

Upcoming Meetings

Learn what is happening in your community and tune into our upcoming meetings. Meetings are held at Town Hall in the Select Board Room or remotely and can be viewed with the local cable station, WACA TV.

This coming week:

Tuesday, April 16th:

11:00 AM | Hoarding Task Force

6:00 PM | Mindess School Building Committee

6:30 PM | Stormwater Advisory Committee Agenda

7:00 PM | Board of Library Trustees Meeting (Hybrid)

7:30 PM | Open Space and Recreation Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 17th:

3:00 PM | Board of Assessors Meeting

7:00 PM I Select Board Meeting (Hybrid)

Thursday, April 18th:

5:00 PM | Affordable Housing Trust (Zoom)

7:00 PM | Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (Hybrid)

Note: Agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law at least 48 hours in advance.

Senior Center Events

T'ai Chi

Wednesdays | 11:00 AM

Ashland Senior Center

The Ashland Senior Center is offering a NEW CLASS! T'ai Chi for Better Balance!

The class will be taught by Instructor Jon Woodward. In this class you will learn flowing movements which enhance balance, increase mobility, and build strength.

Cooking with Chef Lee

Ashland Senior Center

Chef Dong Hee Lee has experience cooking at Hotels, Senior Centers & hosting a T.V. cooking show.

Friday, April 26th

• 11-12:30 PM - California Rolls

A $5 per person donation requested to cover food costs.

Space is limited so be sure to call 508-881-0140 x1 to reserve your seat!

Clash of the Titans: Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse

Thursday, April 18th | 10:00 AM

Ashland Senior Center

This presentation by retired engineer Stanley Forman, will introduce the 3 "Titans" -- Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse -- who were responsible for the introduction and adoption of universal electricity. The background, inventions, and personalities of each of these great men will be presented to provide context to their competition and ensuing battle, how it was fought and how it ended.

Space is limited so be sure to call 1-508-881-0140 x1 to reserve your seat!

Ashland Lions: Hazardous Waste Clean-Up

The Ashland Lions are here to help you get rid of your household hazardous waste! From May 6th to May 10th, you can have your items picked up. Simply call Lion Julian ("Dok") Doktor at (508) 881-4664 to arrange for pickup.

Please note that NO LATEX PAINT WILL BE ACCEPTED. Latex paint is not hazardous. Instead, dry out paint with Quick-Dry, kitty litter, or shredded newspapers, and dispose of it with your curbside rubbish. Remember to leave the lids off of the cans.

This service is exclusively available to Ashland Senior Citizens!

Your items will be brought to the D.P.W. on Saturday, May 11th for proper disposal.

Let's work together to keep our community safe and clean!

ACT Auditions for our Fall Musical  

"Rocky Horror Show"

April 16th and 18th by appointment only

Marconi's Event Center, 311 Pleasant Street

The Ashland Community Theater is holing auditions for their Fall musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".

Book your audition by appointment only by emailing The Ashland Community Theater at Ashlandcommunitytheater@gmail.com

Earth Day Event

The 2nd Annual Ashland Earth Day Celebration is on April 20th (rain date April 21st). The event will be held at The Corner Spot from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Last year was a great event for our inaugural kick-off, with terrarium making, take-home herb kits, and enjoyable music, and this year there will be so much more! At this year's event you will find more local vendors as well as some state agencies in addition to our local committees and boards. Come enjoy great music from The Cardinal, sip on a beverage of choice from Decanted Wine and enjoy a bite to eat with friends!

Ashland Historical Society Event

April 21st | 2pm

Ashland Historical Society | 2 Myrtle Street

The Unsolved $500M Gardener Art Heist with writer Bob Ainsworth 

Free and open to the public

HAS ANYONE SEEN $500 MILLION IN ART LYING AROUND BOSTON?

An hour or so after the 1990 St. Patrick’s Day ended, two men dressed as Boston cops

entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, stayed for about 90 minutes, and left with 13 pieces of art. None of the priceless items have been found. Numerous suspects have been named over the years but none have been arrested. Many are now dead. Bob Ainsworth, the author of DUPED, a fictional account of the robbery, will review the actual details of the theft, the suspects, and the motives behind the world’s most valued art theft. He will also tell of his own brush with the infamous crime.

ACT/Marconi's Theater Fundraiser

April 26th at 8:00 p.m.

Marconi's Event Center, 311 Pleasant Street

Join the Ashland Community Theater for an unforgettable evening at the ACT/Marconi's Theater Fundraiser!

Featuring the sensational UK father & son duo, "Jack & Tim," renowned for their iconic Golden Buzzer moment on 'Britain's Got Talent.'

Secure your tickets now a jackandtimmusic.com!

Putts 4 Pages

April 27th 6:30-8:30pm & 28th 11:00am-4:00pm

The Ashland Public Library | 66 Front St.

The second annual Putts4Pages Mini-Golf in the Library, sponsored by Friends of the APL, aims to raise funds for the Ashland Public Library, with local businesses sponsoring all 18 holes. Thanks to a $2000 grant from the Boston Athletic Association and the Ashland Select Board, event costs are covered, ensuring proceeds support library programs for all ages. Held on April 27 and 28, the event features adult-only "Mocktails, Munchies, and Mini Golf" on April 27 for $20 per person, while April 28 offers family-friendly mini-golf for $5 per person. New attractions include a golf-themed photo booth, activities between holes, music, and a big screen tour of top golf courses. Tickets are available HERE!

Art Saves Ashland

May 9th | 4-7pm

The Ashland Highschool | 65 E Union St

Join The Department of Prevention & Human Services, The Decisions At Every Turn Coalition, and the Ashland High School Art Department on May 9th from 4-7pm for “Art Saves Ashland”, a creative community event recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month!

Ashland residents across the lifespan are invited for an afternoon of creative and collaborative community fun, with events including… Community Mental Health Resource Fair - Superhero Obstacle Course - Touch a Firetruck - Huxley the Therapy Dog - Youth Book Read & Yoga class - Open Comic Collage Art project - Health(ie) Selfie photo wall - Immersive Mental Health Community Mural - Build your own Mental Health toolkit - Stress less activity zone - and more! Email Edodge@ashlandmass.com with event inquiries.

Click HERE for more information about all of the MHAM programs and events.

Ashland Public Schools Spring 2024 Band & Choral Concerts

Save the dates!

5/9 - Choral Concert at AHS, 7 PM

5/16 - AHS Bands at AHS, 7 PM

5/23 - 5th & 6th grade bands at AHS, 7 PM 5/28 - 7th & 8th grade bands at AMS, 7 PM

Performances are free and open to the public!

Full Concert Details at AshlandMusic.org

Elvis: A Fun Impersonator

May 17 | 6:00 pm

VFW-311 Pleasant Street-ashland

The Greater Ashland Lions presents Elvis: A Fun Impersonator

Tickets are on sale for $30 per person and includes a pasta dinner and entertainment.

Doors open at 6:00 pm show starts at 7:00pm

No tickets will be sold at the door.

You can send donation checks to the Greater Ashland Lions (P.O. Box 41 | Ashland, MA 01721)

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Andrea at lionandrea71@yahoo.com or (617) 335-5616

Financial Reality Fair

Friday, May 31st | Ashland High School 65 E Union St

Ashland High School is working to put together our fourth annual "Financial Reality Fair" for the graduating seniors. This event will be held on Friday, May 31st at the high school.

Each senior will receive a paycheck and credit score and will need to navigate various booths where they will have to make financial decisions (renting an apartment, getting a car, getting insurance, etc.) The previous four times we ran this event, the overwhelming response of the students was that they found this fair very informative and that they learned using information that they will use in their lives.  

To run this event successfully we need help from the community. We are looking for professionals who can work with the students to help them make financial decisions and help guide them along the way. Specifically, we are looking for anyone with a background in housing (realtors), furniture, food, insurance (renter's insurance and auto insurance), clothing, transportation, charity/community service, education (paying for college), luxuries (vacation, entertainment, pets), utilities (internet / phone / cable / gas / electricity), personal savings, retirement savings, or budgeting. In addition, we are also looking for anyone who is willing to help out as a "general volunteer." These "general volunteers" will be trained by the professionals at their booth and will then be able to engage in financial conversations with students, helping them make decisions.

For more information (including videos from the previous events) and to sign-up to volunteer, visit our website at: https://sites.google.com/ashland.k12.ma.us/reality-fair/

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lauren Giombetti (LGiombetti@ashland.k12.ma.us) or Josh Wiczer (jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us)

Greenup Ashland: 22nd Annual Town-wide Cleanup

Be part of this large and rewarding event with over 100 other Ashland residents while thousands of others are taking part in cleanups across the state and the country to remove trash in their communities.

Cleanup Event Details

When: Saturday, May 4 check-in or signup from 9am-noon

Where: Stone Park Pavilion

Ashland's ONLY annual town-wide clean up event sponsored by the GreenUp Ashland Committee that occurs annually on the first Saturday of May. 

Participation can be done individually, as a family or group (businesses, scouts, sports teams, civic or religious groups etc.) and is a great opportunity to enjoy the community outdoors while contributing to the look and value of your community. 

For more information on the event, adopting a space, volunteering, or to join this amazing committee, email info@greenupashland.org.

Visit greenupashland.org for all the latest information, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

Ashland Pride

Saturday, June 15 | noon - 5 pm

The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street

Ashland is United presents: Ashland Pride! An event to celebrate the queer community in Ashland!

Opening remarks of the event will be given by Rep. Jack Lewis!

All are welcome! This is a family friendly event with a fashion show, JRI/RISE, OutMetrowest, and the Trans Community of New England. There will also be food and small business vendors to shop from!