Ashland Town Manager Newsletter | |
Good Morning Ashland!
Hello Everyone - there is a lot of stuff happening this weekend so please make sure you take a look at the event section. Please also make sure that you check out the information on the 40b projects detailed below. This will have a significant impact on the town.
I am pleased to let you know that we now have a new podcast, “Clocktown Chronicles”! Podcasts allow us to dive deeper into current issues facing the town and introduces you to some of our staff and volunteers. The first two episodes are up…our first episode is dedicated to a recap of the last ten years in town and include guests Select Board member Joe Magnani and Assistant Town Manager Jenn Ball. The second is a deeper dive into the Comprehensive Plan, “Envison Ashland”, and features co-chairs of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Stacey Grant Lews and Rajashree Ghosh.
You can find the podcasts on YouTube here: Youtube Podcast https://youtu.be/gJSnkb2xtO4?si=grNiWFPL7jx1NpGV
And also on Spotify - Spotify Clock Town Chronicles
Have a good weekend!
Michael Herbert, Town Manager
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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! | |
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Boston Marathon
In Ashland, the planning for the Boston Marathon begins promptly after the previous year's race ends. Town departments and emergency services collaborate in debriefings and after-action reviews to ensure best practices are upheld. Meetings increase in frequency starting in January, culminating in large-scale training exercises to test capabilities across various disciplines like public safety, EMS, transportation, and MEMA. By mid-March, detailed planning and scheduling are in full swing, involving both the entire group and individual entities within the town. In Ashland, different town departments including Police, Fire, DPW, and Town Hall work closely together, each with specific tasks essential for the marathon's success. Resources are allocated, and personnel are assigned specific roles, leading to multiple meetings both internally and with MEMA in the days leading up to the event.
On marathon day, assets from neighboring towns and law enforcement agencies join Ashland's staff to ensure a smooth race. Approximately 100 uniformed officers, along with dispatch communication teams and civilian employees, work together to maintain a safe route for both runners and spectators. Operations commence at 5 am on race day, with a briefing for uniformed assets at 6 am, followed by road closures at 6:45 am. Despite Ashland being the second community on the route and spectators typically moving on quickly, personnel remain at their posts until late afternoon. Preparations account for all possible scenarios, including weather contingencies. Post-race, the cleanup effort begins promptly, with barricades and infrastructure removed swiftly.
While demanding, the Boston Marathon serves as a showcase for Ashland's teamwork and dedication, spotlighting the town on a global stage.
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Route 126/Pond Street
Crews will begin work again along the 126 Corridor. Crews will start working at the Framingham Line finishing up sidewalks and curbing that they were unable to complete last year. They hope to be done with all curb and sidewalk by the end of May.
The State will be working with the utility companies to schedule the movement of lines to the new poles and the removal of old utility poles.
We will do our best to keep you updated as to what is happening each week. Please remember to use caution while crews are working and give yourself a little extra time.
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Road Work Update
The highway department alongside a contractor will be paving the bridge section on 135 ( Union Street @ Fountain ) as well as the intersection of Fountain Street & Union Street. This project will commence on April 8th at approximately 8:00/8:30 AM. Fountain Street to Union Street will be closed at some points briefly during the paving to allow work to be done in the intersection, access will be available via Front Street. Traffic will be allowed through in both directions when possible.
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Sanctuary at Ashland Mills
We recently received notification from MassHousing that a developer has filed a site approval application with them to develop the Ashland Mills site at 10-50 Main Street. This is important as it is a precursor to the developer filing a 40b development application with the town.
Why is this important to you? Chapter 40b projects do not have to abide by local zoning and bylaw requirements. This means that rules that the town has established for buildings such as height limits, density, and design do not apply as long as 25% of the units are set aside as “affordable”. This typically results in much denser and larger project than are allowed by zoning. In this specific application, the proposal calls for 250 units on the site with a building that goes up to five stories tall.
Even though we are limited in what we can do because it is a 40b project, we are committed to organize a process that provides the public ample opportunity to share their thoughts on the project in an effort to help shape it for the better of the community. The process itself and the rules are complex, but at a very high level it includes the following:
- Developer submits site approval application to subsidizing agency, in this case, MassHousing
- MassHousing notifies the town of the application, and opens a 30 day comment period for the town to submit comments on the proposed plan. I have requested and have received a 30 day extension to receive more comments, so we now have a 60 day comment period
- After receiving town comments, MassHousing makes a decision to approve/deny the site application from the developer.
- If granted approval from MassHousing, the developer files a 40b “Comprehensive Permit” application to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals. They will also be required to file an application with the Conservation Commission under the state’s Wetlands Protection Act.
- The Zoning Board of Appeals has to open a hearing within 30 days of receiving the application.
- During the hearing process, the ZBA and the Developer have an opportunity to negotiate and revise the proposal to better fit the community.
- After conclusion of the hearing process, the ZBA can either approve the project, approve it with conditions, or deny the project.
- If the project is denied, or if the developer does not agree with the conditions approved by the ZBA, the developer has the ability to appeal to the state through what is known as the “Housing Appeals Committee” (HAC). The HAC can uphold the ZBA’s decision (but rarely does so), or they can find in favor of the developer and overturn the decision.
I anticipate that this will be a very public and involved process. To help inform the public and allow for the general public provide comment, we have uploaded the proposal documents and included a form that residents can use to provide comment. We will collect these comments, combine them with our own, and send them to MassHousing as part of their process. That information can be found HERE.
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Comprehensive Plan Open House
Saturday April 6th | 3-6PM
Police Substation | 49 Pond Street
The Comprehensive Plan Steering committee is hosting an open house this Saturday at the Police Substation in Market Basket Plaza 49 Pond Street.
The public is invite to drop by any time between 3-6PM to share your ideas for Ashland.
Make Your Voice Heard!
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MBTA Communities Zoning Bylaw Public Hearing
On Thursday, April 11 at 8:00 pm, the Ashland Planning Board will open the public hearing regarding a proposed bylaw change drafted for compliance with the MBTA Communities Legislation. The Planning Board’s meeting will take place in Ashland Town Hall and can also be accessed via Zoom.
See the calendar on the town website or click the link below for the full agenda and the Zoom link.
https://www.ashlandmass.com/.../Vie.../Agenda/_02272024-6804
In this public discussion, an overview of the MBTA Communities Law will be provided as well as the Zoning Bylaw changes being proposed for Annual Town Meeting on May 1, 2024.
The new MBTA Communities Law was enacted by the state legislature to address the current housing shortage by requiring municipalities near MBTA services to adjust zoning regulations around stations and to promote and allow by right multifamily housing. Communities must establish a zoning district meeting specific criteria, including a minimum density of 15 units per acre within 0.5 miles of transit stations.
Ashland, categorized as a "Commuter Rail” community, has to meet compliance requirements set forth by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Regulations include zoning for 1124 living units (15% of Ashland’s 2020 housing stock).
All information including the proposed zonings bylaws and zoning map can be found through the following link: https://www.ashlandmass.com/1092/MBTA-Communities
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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.
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Rabies Clinic
The Animal Control department is having a Rabies Vaccine Clinic on Saturday April 6th!
The Clinic will be held at the Ashland Animal Hospital at 10 Fountain Street from 2 to 4 p.m.
Please bring proof of a past Rabies Vaccine for a 3 year shot.
State Law requires that all dog owners vaccinate their pet against rabies. This helps control the spread of rabies and ensure the safety of the animals and residents of Ashland.
Questions: Call Ashland Animal Control at (508) 881-0122
Sponsored by the Ashland Animal Control, in partnership with Ashland Animal Hospital
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Vaccine Clinic
The Health Department is hosting another Flu/COVID/RSV/Tetanus Clinic this Tuesday, April 9th 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/240644563443153
Access from the back door and come down the stairs to the lower level.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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, 2nd Floor
Learn more here: https://ashlandmass.com/1159/Medical-Reserve-Corps--MRC
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Envision Ashland: Survey
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.
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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.
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Did You Know?
Did you know Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933) born in Framingham ( what is now Ashland) attacked the political corruption of New York City government?
Tammany Hall was a New York City political organization in New York City created in 1789. At it's inception it was a benevolent association that helped the city’s poor and immigrant populations. However, the organization later served as an engine for graft and political corruption.
In 1894, a Committee of Seventy was organized by Council of Good Government Clubs to break the stranglehold that Tammany had on the city. Reverend Charles Parkhurst, through his undercover investigations into organization, gathered evidence crucial to the committee's efforts. This evidence not only exposed the corruption within Tammany Hall but also paved the way for subsequent social and political reforms.
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Jay Byrnes
Jay Byrnes, Recipient of the 7th Annual Mary “Penny” Mortensen Public Health Award
Last night at the Ashland Board of Health Meeting, John “Jay” Byrnes, recieved the 7th Annual Mary “Penny” Mortensen Public Health Award!
Jay is a current Member of the Board of Health and was nominated by residents of the community who know of his work with the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic and his success in bringing the RAM Clinic to the MetroWest area in 2023; plans are now underway for a second RAM Clinic this year. Jay’s fellow Board Members agreed with the nomination and voted their approval.
Organizing a free medical clinic of this scale is a great undertaking; Jay began preparations well over a year in advance of the 2023 Clinic which served over 300 uninsured or underinsured people, with free medical, dental and vision services, over the two-day period. Jay learned about RAM, a non-profit organization, in 2005 and has volunteered in many RAM Clinics and events, traveling to Tennessee, Ohio and New York, providing mental health support and running the medical floor.
Past recipients of the Mary Mortensen Public Health Award include: Ed Hart, Janet Gamache, Decisions at Every Turn, Ed Burman, the Covid Response Team (Police, Fire and School Nurses), and, Marie Kane. Congratulations Jay!
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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
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Local Meetings, Programs, and Events | |
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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:
Monday, April 8th:
8:00 AM | Economic Development Advisory Group
7:00 PM | Conservation Commission Meeting
Tuesday, April 9th:
2:15 PM | DMS Site Council
5:00 PM | School Committee - Wellness Sub-Committee
7:00 PM | Historical Commission - Zoom
7:15 PM | Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
7:30 PM | Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 10th:
6:45 PM | Ashland Republican Town Committee Meeting
7:00 PM | Town Forest Committee
Thursday, April 11th:
10:00 AM | Council on Aging Meeting
7:00 PM | Community Forum for Sustainability Priorities
7:15 PM | Planning Board Meeting
Note: Agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law at least 48 hours in advance.
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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.
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Cooking with Chef Lee
Ashland Senior Center
Chef Dong Hee Lee has experience cooking at Hotels, Senior Centers & hosting a T.V. cooking show.
Tuesday, April 9th
- 12-1:30 PM - Chicken Curry
- 6-7:30 PM - Chicken Curry
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!
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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!
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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!
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ACT Spring Play "MA Law"
April 5-6 at 7:30p.m.
Marconi's Event Center, 311 Pleasant Street
The Ashland Community Theater presents their Spring play "MA Law", An original comedy of 9 Short Scenes about lawyers and Courts!
Tickets are on Sale Now at the link below!
https://our.show/malaw2024
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Happening NOW! Holi - Festival of Colors
Saturday, April 6th | 12-3pm
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry St
Join the Ashland Indians for a vibrant celebration! Experience the joy of Holi, the festival of colors, symbolizing the arrival of spring. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of hues, each carrying its own significance - red for love and fertility, yellow for remedy, blue for the divine, and green for new beginnings.
This free event is open to all! Colors will be available for purchase, made of corn starch with food-grade dyes, ensuring a non-toxic experience. Please note: Colors are flammable, and we accept cash only.
Don't miss this opportunity to welcome spring with a burst of color and joy!
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Friends of the Ashland Public Library Book Sale
Saturday, April 6th | 10am-1pm
The Ashland Library | 66 Front St.
The Friends of the Ashland Public Library's invite you to their Book Sale on April 6th from 10 am to 1 pm.
Explore a wide range of gently used books, movies, and audiobooks for all ages. Donations are still welcome, and you can drop them off in the library parking lot. There's a dedicated donation cart in the mezzanine lobby available during library hours.
The sale includes thousands of titles, organized by genre and author, with a special section for children's books. If you can't attend, you can still find great books on the 1st floor of the library during regular hours.
All proceeds from these sales support all Ashland Public Library programs and services.
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Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, April 8 | 1:00-4:00pm
Ashland Farmer's Market Field
It's a once in a century opportunity to see a potentially 95% totality eclipse (more likely a 50% partiality, but we're not picky)! Join us with the library on this special day as we celebrate this special occasion. We will have eclipse watching glasses (while supplies last) for the day so come by, set yourself up, and watch this once (twice) in a lifetime event with friends, family, and community. SubZero will be on hand to sell ice cream and there will be music - it's a party!
This program will have to be cancelled if it rains or is super cloudy. Check out social media outlets and website for on the day updates.
No registration necessary, but remember the library has a limited number of eclipse glasses and may ask families to share - they will be giving them out starting at 1:00pm on April 8th and it will be first come first serve. They will NOT be giving glasses out at the library prior to the event. Please remember to NOT watch the eclipse without some sort of NASA approved glasses.
Please feel free to bring your own eclipse glasses, a blanket, lawn chairs, snacks, etc. It's an Eclipse Viewing Party! (no alcohol will be permitted as this is a library program).
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and in collaboration with Ashland's Department of Economic Development.
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ABA - Virtual Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, April 9th at noon via Zoom*
Virtual Lunch and Learn: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of work
Join James Donald, Director at BAM! Films to understand the current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) followed by a question and answer period.
In this session you will learn:
-What is and is not taking place in terms of the transformation of work
- What generative AI looks like
- The benefits and pitfalls of AI
*Register for this event on our website to have this virtual meeting link emailed to you, https://ashlandbusinessassociation.com/event-5649888
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Greater Ashland Lions Club: Quiz Night
Friday, April 12 | Starting at 6:30 PM
Ashland VFW Hall | 311 Pleasant Street
Get set for an evening of fun, learning, and friendly competition at the Greater Ashland Lions Quiz Night! Gather your team, pool your knowledge, and prepare for an exciting quiz event where teams of up to 8 people will compete for the win. As you dive into the challenge, try your luck with our International Basket and 50-50 Raffles, indulge your sweet tooth at the Dessert Table, and relax at the Cash Bar. The anticipation of winning is heightened by the Cash Prize that awaits the victorious team! To keep your energy high throughout the night, feel free to bring your own food and snacks. Reserve your spot now by contacting Lion Ro at 508-881-4743 or emailing roporter2@verizon.net. Don't miss out on supporting the Greater Ashland Lions while enjoying a fantastic time with friends and neighbors. Save the date and join us for Quiz Night! Admission is $20.00 per person, with a maximum of 8 people per team and a total of 20 teams allowed.
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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
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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!
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Painting with Artist Youveline Joseph
Saturday, April 20 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Ashland Public Library | 66 Front St.
A CultureSchool Onsite Educational and Shopping PopUp event!
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Haitian artistry as Youveline Joseph brings her unique talent and cultural perspective to life before your eyes. This FREE live painting demonstration for kids, teens, and families is interactive so we invite you to bring your art supplies to follow along if you choose! Be sure to mark your calendars for April 20th and spread the word among your friends, family, and colleagues.
This event supports the local nonprofit Culture x Community and is funded, in part, by a grant from the Ashland Cultural Council, which the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, supports.
Please register HERE!
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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!
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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 online starting April 6th!
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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
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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)
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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
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