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!

Downtown Updates

We are currently in the process of preparing bids for the next phase of the downtown project, which entails making the underground connections between the electrical and utility companies and the buildings along the route of the project. Once connected and energized, we can start the process of removing the utility poles.

The removal of the poles will have a transformative effect on the look and feel of downtown Ashland. Gone will be the poles and unsightly wires that clutter the downtown area and their removal will open the area up to highlight the new plantings and light fixtures. Although a completely different type of project (and a completely different type of downtown), I have included a picture of Weston's recently completed project to give a real-world example of what life without poles looks likes.

Women's History Month

This March, we honor the extraordinary women who have shaped our town's past, present, and future. From leaders and innovators to caregivers and community builders, their contributions enrich us all. Join us in celebrating the diverse achievements and empowerment of women in Ashland throughout this special month!

Comprehensive Plan:

Envision Ashland

Are there things you would like to see differently in Ashland and things you would like to make sure stay? Then now is your time to be heard.

Take advantage of the following opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ideas!

Online Survey: Share your insights and preferences at your convenience.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ashlandCPsurvey

The Crowdmapping tool is an interactive mapping platform that allows you to give place-based responses to different questions, like "Where in Ashland would you like to see utilities expanded or infrastructure upgraded?" You can show us exactly where on a map you would want to see specific things.

Your Voice Matters! Public input is the cornerstone of local government decision-making. It ensures that the policies and plans we develop are reflective of our community's needs and aspirations. Your participation in the Envision Ashland process is not just welcome – it is an imperative. Together, we can craft a vision for Ashland that resonates with every one of us.

Stay tuned for more details on dates, times, and how to get involved. Let's make our town's future bright, together!

Click HERE to sign up for the Comprehensive Plan Newsletter so you can follow along and participate in this initiative!

Click HERE for the dedicated website to Envision Ashland.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY BELOW

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.

Job Opportunity: Ashland Fire

The Town of Ashland is accepting applications for one (1) vacancy in the Ashland Fire Department for the position of full-time Firefighter / Paramedic.

Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, be highly motivated, possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must possess MA certification as an EMT-Basic while EMT-Paramedic is preferred. It is required to obtain and maintain EMT-Paramedic status within three years of appointment. It is preferred that applicants have a minimum of two years of experience working in a 911 Service. FireFighter I/II certificate is desirable. Must reside within twenty (20) miles of the town limits within one year of appointment.

Duties of the Firefighter / Paramedic include fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue, hazardous materials incidents, fire prevention, fire safety education, station and vehicle maintenance, and other duties as determined by the Chief of the Department.

Qualified applicants should submit a job application, cover letter, resume, and copies of required certifications electronically via ClearCompany, email to humanresources@ashlandmass.com or by mail to the Human Resources Department, 101 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721. Applications will be accepted until the end of business on March 15, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is found. EEO/AA.

For more information and to apply click the link below:

https://www.ashlandmass.com/597/Employment-Opportunities

Ashland Town Pantry Needs

The Ashland Town Pantry is seeking the following list of items. Donations can be dropped off on Mondays from 9-12, Wednesdays from 11:30-6, and Thursdays from 9-1. We're located at the rear of the Ashland Community Center at 162 West Union Street.

Mondays: 9am-12 pm 

Wednesdays: 11:30 am-6 pm

Thursdays: 9am-12 pm

March Vaccine Clinics

The Health Department is hosting more Flu/COVID/RSV/Tetanus Clinics

Tuesday, March 12th 11 AM – 1PM

Tuesday, March 26th 12 PM - 1 PM

The clinics are located at the lower level of Town Hall (101 Main St. Ashland).

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/240586489839174

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

Rubbish Bill Update 

Please be aware rubbish bills are now charged semi-annually. The first bill was due 9/27/2023 for period 7/01/2023-12/31/2023. The second bill is due 3/26/2024 for period 01/01/2024-6/30/2024. If you have an outstanding balance it will be reflected on your second bill. The second bill will be mailed by 2/26/2024. Please pay by the due date to avoid an additional $30 demand fee. 

Dog License Registration and Town Census

Dog License Registration is open! Register by April 15, 2024, to avoid a $50 fine. Fees: $20 for intact dogs, $15 for spayed/neutered dogs (free for owners 70+). Bring updated rabies certificate. Kennels not eligible for free license. Use Ashland's online system or drop off form/payment at Town Hall. Notify Town Clerk if no longer in Ashland or dog is deceased.

Annual Town Census 2024 reminder: Return your form with any changes, including all household members, to Town Clerk's office. Inactive voting status risked if not returned. Census form doesn't register for voting or change name. Contact Town Clerk if form not received.

Did You Know?

Abraham H. Lincoln, born in 1861 in Massachusetts to Caleb and Rhoda Lincoln. Despite sharing a name with the President Abraham Lincoln, there's no familial connection. Abe grew up on a farm in Ashland with his three brothers and attended school, graduating in 1879.

Following graduation, Abe worked as a farmer until 1910 when he became a Deputy Fire Warden, responsible for managing fires in his district caused mainly by locomotive sparks. He served in this role for about a decade before entering local politics, becoming a Selectman for two years.

However, Abe's political career faced challenges, and he expressed frustration in a note published in the local paper after losing a bid for re-election.

For the full story and to read Abe's note click HERE.

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:

Monday, March 4th:

9:00 AM | Metrowest Veteran's Services District Meeting

3:45 PM | Warren Site Council Meeting

6:30 PM | Cultural Council Meeting (Hybrid)

7:00 PM | Keefe Tech School Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 6th:

7:00 PM | Select Board

Thursday, March 7th:

10:00 AM | Council on Aging

10:00 AM | School Committee Safety Subcommittee Meeting

5:00 PM | Affordable Housing Trust

7:00 PM | Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee - Hybrid Meeting

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

News from the Ashland Business Association

Ashland Town Update

Tuesday, March 5th | 8:30am - 10am

The Ashland Town Hall | 101 Main St

Join the ABA at Town Hall on Tuesday, March 5th, for an update from community staff and leadership about what has been happening in Town and what is in store for the coming years!

From 8:30 to 9 am, enjoy networking with coffee and bagels, courtesy of the MetroWest YMCA

Then, from 9 am to 10 am, the program begins, so listen for updates on Roadway Projects, new development, new business, and the Select Board goals and vision.

Click HERE to register!

Virtual Lunch and Learn:

Marketing your business in 2024

Thursday, March 21st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Online with Zoom

Join Ashley Place, a local marketing and communications professional, for tips for leveraging your business/organization in this new year. Learn about creating a strategy with obtainable goals for the busy business owner without breaking the budget.

Click HERE to register!

International Women's Day Event

March 8th | 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Common Street Spritual Center | 13 Common St, Natick

Join us for an empowering International Women's Day Event hosted by the Metro West Commission On The Status Of Women!

Featuring guest speakers, female vendors, performers, and delicious food! Let's celebrate, empower, include, and uplift women together.

For more information click HERE!

Let's make International Women's Day a memorable and impactful celebration!

Friends of the Ashland Public Library Book Sale & Member Preview

Friday, March 1st, 6 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, March 2nd, 10 am to 4 pm

The Ashland Public Library | 66 Front St

The Friends of the Ashland Public Library Big Book Sale is here!

Join them for our annual Big Book Sale on March 1st and 2nd! The sale kicks off with a members-only preview on Friday, March 1st from 6 pm to 8 pm. On Saturday, March 2nd, the sale is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.

If you're a Friends member, or want to become one, don't miss the exclusive preview to get first access to thousands of gently used books, movies, and audiobooks.

Donations are welcome on Saturday, March 2nd from 10 am to 1 pm at the library parking lot. Volunteers will be there to assist you. You can also donate anytime during library hours at the mezzanine lobby.

Customers will find a wide range of titles including fiction, history, politics, health, memoirs, biographies, and children's books, all organized by genre. If you can't make it to the sale, visit the Book Sale Corner on the 1st floor of the library anytime during opening hours.

Voices 2024: South Immigrant Stories

Saturday, March 2nd, 6-8 PM

Sunday, March 3rd, 4-6PM

The Academy of Creative Arts, 12 A St., Burlington

Come immerse yourself in the immigrant experiences of tellers from India, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Pakistan. True stories from their lives will include: coming-out to a conservative society, implicit bias, parenting and work culture wars, hair-raising hiking trips, overcoming abuse, unexpected kindness and others. All stories will be shared on Saturday and Sunday and will be told in English. Note: Some themes and stories may not be child appropriate.

Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast & Food Drive

Sunday March 10th 7:30-11:30 AM

Ashland VFW - 311 Pleasant Street

Tickets are $8.00 each with a $20 Family Cap. The ticket includes pancakes, sausages, juice, and coffee!

Tickets May Be Purchased At The Door.

A Donation Of A Non-perishable Item For The Ashland Food Pantry Would Be Appreciated.

Support the event by:

• Donating silent auction items (Gift Cards, Certificates, Event Tickets, Baskets)
• Donating $25.00 for a Logo on placemats (Checks to Ashland Boy Scouts Troop 232, mailed to 311 Pleasant Street, Ashland, MA 01721)
• Printing and displaying the attached flyer in your store window
• Joining for breakfast on March 6th to enjoy with family and friends
• Businesses donating $25 or more will get their name on the placemat & recognition on the troop's Facebook page (Troop 232 Ashland Mass). Ensure donations are received by February 21, 2024, for placemat inclusion.

MetroWest College and Career Fair

Saturday, March 16th | 9:00AM-12:00PM

Ashland High School | 65 E Union St

The Annual MetroWest College and Career Fair will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9:00AM-12:00 pm at Ashland High School located at 65 E. Union Street in Ashland, MA. The college and career fair is free and open to the public.

The event will give students and parents from MetroWest area high schools the opportunity to speak with representatives from over 100 colleges, universities and gap- year options, as well as provide students with an opportunity to engage with professionals from over 50 unique careers. In addition, there will be ongoing speakers to discuss topics such as the college application process, financial aid and SAT/ACTs.

For more information regarding the MetroWest College and Career Fair and a complete listing of participating colleges please go to: https://mwccf.org

Volunteer opportunity to be a Career Representative

The goal is to provide students the opportunity to speak with professionals from many different careers in a relaxed atmosphere and share your own career path. By discussing your job responsibilities, career experiences and education, you will give students a sense of where different majors take people and how their strengths can be utilized in the working world.

If you would be interested in volunteering please fill out the form here: MetroWest College & Career Fair - Career Rep Registration



At the Fair, we will provide an 8 ½” X 11” card on the table listing your career field, job and education. This information will be collected from your registration. 

Ashland Public Schools Spring 2024 Band & Choral Concerts

Save the dates!

3/5 - 6th, 7th & 8th grade bands at AMS, 6:15 PM

3/13 - AHS Bands & AMS Wind Ensemble MICCA Preview Concert at AHS, 7 PM

4/25 Solo Night at AHS, 7 PM

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

Akshaya Patra Talent Contest

Participation is encouraged in a fundraiser organized by the Youth Ambassadors of Akshaya Patra, a global organization determined to help feed millions of poor children in India through their schools - the only reason their parents will send them to school is so they will be fed there, and they have one less mouth to feed. They are holding a children's Talent Contest this month, all online, so it’s super easy to participate. Complete details are in the attached flyer.