Ashland's Mill Buildings on Main Street
Are you interested in the future of the Mill Building complex on Main Street? The complex includes the granite buildings and brick building across from the Bagel Table. While there has been discussion of a project on the site, nothing official has been filed with the Planning Board and the owner of the property is still getting public feedback on his proposed concept and design before submitting an official application.
To that end the owner (Rich Gordon), is hosting two forums to present what his current thoughts and design on the project are and getting resident feedback. The first forum will be held on May 24th at 6:30 PM over Zoom. Here is the link.
The second forum will be held on June 8th.
These forums will be moderated by an independent third party (not a member of Rich’s team or town officials) in an effort to dig into some of the thoughts and questions and come up with actionable items that could be incorporated into the design.
I feel confident in saying that all town officials are interested in hearing your thoughts and comments as well, and we encourage as many of you as possible to attend.
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Route 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project Recap
Starting June 6, night paving work will begin on Route 126, starting at 68 Pond Street and moving south towards Nickerson Road over a four to six week period. While it is an additional temporary inconvenience, paving at night will shorten the overall duration of the project, as one night of paving is equivalent to three-four days of paving work. It is necessary that this work is conducted overnight to ease the burden on businesses during operation hours. Keep in mind that weekly updates for this construction project and the downtown project are held on our DPW Department's website page. We also will continue sending direct emails now for Rt. 126 Construction, sign up here, and Downtown Construction, sign up here.
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Warren District
The Warren District now has an exciting new feature! In addition to Warren Woods and trails, the Warren Conference Center and Inn, the district expands to include The University Community Club. Run by Framingham State University, the University Community Club now offers memberships to Ashland Residents and the greater FSU community.
This new feature complements our town's Warren District which was proposed by myself and established by the Select Board in early 2020. This district was established to preserve both Henry Warren's legacy as well as retain some of the last vestiges of Ashland's agricultural heritage. The District itself consists of the Conference Center, Warren Woods, the farmhouse at 22 Eliot Street, and the Warren Yeager house currently being restored at 433 Chestnut Street. All properties have connections to Ashland’s most famous resident, Henry Warren, inventor of the electric clock.
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Select Board Meeting Recap- Ashland is United
The community organization, Ashland is United, sought Select Board approval to begin a new initiative at the Select Board meeting last night on May 19th (watch here). Ashland is United will assist residents to display his/her/their cultural pride by flying their home nation's National Flag during a community event. Ashland is United will have a process for community members to submit a flag to be considered and communicate where this flag will be flown.
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Construction updates!
Downtown Revitalization Project is underway with anticipated completion in Early 2023. Currently, light work is occurring, including stringing wire for street lights and laying out building connections. Crews will be taking a break after from May 16th to June 3rd as we wait for the material to come in. In June the curbing and sidewalk work will begin.
Full depth construction is expected to begin on May 31st on the Rt. 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project. This requires 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.
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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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Unofficial Annual Town Election Results
Thank you to all of our residents for participating in our Annual Town Election and to all of those that volunteered to run for an open seat. Congratulations to all of those elected!
Moderator- Adam B. Shuster
Select Board- Brandi E. Kinsman & Joseph J. Magnani, Jr.
Assessor- Charles Wilmanns Lidz
School Committee- Paul H. Kendall & Erin J. Williams
Board of Library Trustees- Bonnie D. Mitchell
Board of Health (3 years)- John J. Byrnes
Board of Health (2 years)- Edward D. Burman
Planning Board (5 years)- Marcelo Arjona
Planning Board (3 years)- Catherine D. Jurczyk
Housing Authority- James P. Neilsen, Jr.
Our Unofficial Election Results are now posted on the "Latest News" section on the homepage of our website here.
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Senior Center Open House
Wednesday, May 25th from 1- 3 pm
162 W. Union Street
Restoring a sense of togetherness
After years of our senior community not being together, it's time to change that...join us! 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. Everyone is invited- Seniors, family members caregivers! A light lunch and dessert will be provided.
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Important message from the Treasurer/ Collector's Office:
Fiscal year 2022 Real Estate & Personal Property fourth quarter bills are past due. Please pay by Friday, May 27, 2022.
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60 Section 15, a $30.00 irrevocable demand fee will added. Demand bills are scheduled to be mailed May 27, 2022.
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Pick up your free COVID-19 Testing Kit
The Ashland Board of Health has COVID-19 testing kits available for Ashland residents.
Kits are available for pick-up during business hours at Town Hall at the Town Manager's Office and the Board of Health Office, as well as the Community Center.
Ashland residents are eligible for one testing kit per person. A valid proof of photo identification is required.
Testing kits are first come first serve. We will not be putting any kits aside for individuals.
Town Hall
101 Main Street
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs. 8 am - 3:30 pm
Wed. 8 am- 7 pm.
Community Center
162 W Union Street
Hours:
Mon. - Thurs.: 9 am - 3:30 pm
Fri: 9 am - 1 pm
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Take the Climate Conversations Survey!
Only 12 more days to provide your input!
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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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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Thank you, ABA!
Thank you, Ashland Business Association for hosting a great event, "The Future is So Bright," supporting the Rt. 126 Project and the businesses in the corridor!
Thank you to Habitat for Humanity Restore, Mazi Kitchen and Bar, Ashland Early Education, MetroWest YMCA, Decisions at Every Turn, Refreshin' Concessions, Shaws and Star Market, The Residence at Valley Farm, 126 Self Storage, Minucci Auto Body, and Ashland Ale House for participating/sponsoring this event!
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Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events |
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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.
Don't miss this event, Supporting Teen's Mental Health on Tuesday, May 31st from 6:30- 8 pm! Learn more
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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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Friends of the Ashland Public Library Book Sale
MINI Book Sale- Saturday, May 21st from 10 am - 1 pm
Friday, June 10th from 6- 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Join the Friends of the Ashland Public Library for a Big 2-day Book Sale! FAPL members can preview the sale on Friday, June 10, from 6 pm to 8 pm. You can become a member by joining at the door that night so you can browse early for the best selection. On Saturday, we’ll be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm with a half-price sale (new!) from 3 pm to 4 pm.
Shoppers can start the day at the first Farmers’ Market of the season, then head over to the library to browse and buy from the huge collection of books and AV items, all generously donated by Ashland residents.
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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!
Join us on Thursday, 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.
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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Memorial Day
Monday, May 30th at 9:30 AM
Ashland VFW
Participate in Memorial Day for a Taps and Gun Salute at 9:30 am and ceremony at Wildwood Cemetary.
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Opening Day Birthday Party Celebration!
Saturday, June 4th
12 pm- 3 pm
The Corner Spot event calendar is filling up for the season! Don't miss the fun! Sign up for emails from the Best Spot in Town and Download the June Calendar!
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Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm
June 11th - October
125 Front Street
This MetroWest famous market is not to be missed! Enjoy live music, food vendors, artisans, and local organizations each week!
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Ashland Lions Community Shred- It Day
Saturday, June 11th from 9 AM- 12 PM.
VFW | 311 Pleasant Street
Shred confidential documents safely, securely, and for free!
- Paper ONLY (staples are okay)
- Max: 3 bankers boxes or 3 grocery bags per car
- Limited to Ashland residents
Donations to the Ashland Lions Club are appreciated. Eyeglasses, cell phones, and hearing aids will also be accepted. All donation proceeds will benefit local charities and Lions eye research.
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Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 18th from 12 Noon to 2 pm.
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
Join Ashland is United and Ashland Residents for Equitable Action community groups to celebrate Juneteenth.
Enjoy live music, dancing, shopping, and food by Sentie's Kitchen.
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