Weekly Town Manager Newsletter
This week was a nice reminder spring is just around the corner. In Massachusetts, as we all know, the warmer months bring more construction trucks. In Ashland, we are preparing for three major improvement projects for our town. All of these projects have been a decade in the making, and I cannot be any prouder to witness our team bring these proto fruition. With that being said, we have construction projects to two major roadways that we will diligently keep you informed with on our DPW Webpage and our construction newsletters. We've already seen preliminary work to the 126/ Pond Street Revitilaztion project, so continue to sign up for those newsletters here and monitor those updates. The Downtown construction project is also about to break ground in April. You can sign up for this email newsletter here.

The Public Safety Building also will start construction next week (March 15th). We will post building updates on this webpage and here in this newsletter. While these projects will impact our daily commutes, the results will be worth it! 

Sincerely,
Michael
Latest COVID-19 Vaccination Information
State of MA COVID-19 Vaccine Information

People 65 and older, low-income and affordable senior housing residents and staff, people with 2+ certain medical conditions are also eligible for the vaccine as the State of Massachusetts enters Phase 2 Group 2. Individuals in Phase 1 and Phase 2 Group 1 are still eligible for the vaccine and can make appointments at any time.

Beginning March 11, Teachers and K-12 teachers, daycare, preschool workers and staff are eligible to make vaccination appointments at Massachusetts locations. Read more



Eligible for the vaccine- Find a location, book your appointment, and fill out your attestation form HERE. Appointments are based on the number of vaccines at the given location. At the state vaccination sites, appointment slots will be posted on Thursdays for the following week. For the smaller locations, check the websites frequently for appointment availability.
Click flyer above for the clickable PDF document
Latest COVID-19 Announcement from DPH

UPDATED QUARANTINE GUIDELINES FOR THOSE VACCINATED

Please note that individuals who had COVID-19 in the last 90 days (from day of symptom onset or day of the first positive test if asymptomatic), AND individuals who have received either two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or a single dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, at least 14 days ago but less than 90 days ago, are not required to quarantine following exposure. 

Local Cases in Ashland
The following information as of March 4, 2021

Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland= 1,312
Ashland has 1,312 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 1,282 cleared cases, 186 probable cases, and 179 cleared probable cases. 

Click the graphs to view them larger
Stop the Spread! Get Tested for COVID-19

If you display symptoms for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with an individual that tested positive.

Serology, PCR tests, and Antigen tests are also available.


Local Information
Stay Updated with Construction Updates
We will share project updates on The 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project and the Downtown Construction on the Town of Ashland website, ashlandmass.com, in our newsletters, and through our social media channels- Facebook and Instagram @TownofAshlandMA, Twitter @ashlandmass. To sign up for direct emails about the construction work sign up for newsletters at the link below.


Visit the DPW Webpage to stay updated with daily construction updates to both projects.
DPW Rain Barrel Program

It's that time of year again! Submit your order for your Rain Barrel to conserve water and save rainwater by March 19th! Pick-up will be on March 23rd at DPW.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bill due
Monday, March 29th

Motor vehicle excise tax bills for 2021 are due by Monday, March 29, 2021. If you did not receive a bill by mail, please call the Treasurer's Office, 508-881-0100 ext. 7904, with your license plate's number.

2021 Annual Town Election
Nomination Papers Due by March 30th!

If you are interested in any of the seats available, please contact the Town Clerk's Office to set up an appointment to collect the appropriate paperwork and to drop them off.

Visit Town Clerk Website for more information.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Visit the Town of Ashland Website Calendar for committee meetings and agendas

Visit the Town of Ashland Event Calendar for upcoming events
Ashland Community Theater - A Look Back on 2020!
March 12th at 7 pm

Watch on WACA TV Comcast Channel 8 | Verizon Channel 39

Like and subscribe to ACT YouTube channel and help support our local community theater company!
Green Up Ashland Announces:
Green Up day! Saturday, May 1st & Sunday, May 2nd
Registration opens on April 15th!!

Join Green Up Ashland's annual town-wide clean-up event on their website- www.greenupashland.org between April 115th and 29th.

Stay tuned for more information about bag pickup!

Green Up Ashland also has an Adopt-a-Street program to keep our streets clean May through October. 2020 adopters and new adopters, if you have a favorite location in town that you like to maintain over the spring, summer and fall season - signup opens 4/1 to 4/12 online here.
Metrowest Chamber of Commerce Trivia Night!
Open to All!
April 1st at 6 pm

Flex your knowledge and challenge your friends! Attend trivia night for a chance to win $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place! There are sponsorship opportunities available for this event as well, and they will benefit the Ashland Business Association Scholarship Fund!

If you'd like to sign up for the event visit HERE! $10 per person.
Shout outs!
Congratulations! Diversity Early Learning Center celebrates 1 year of business!


Did you guys see their adorable outdoor learning space last year? We can't wait to see what you do next.

Welcome Zen Family Dental!

Zen Family Dental is officially open and accepting new patients. They are conveniently located on Homer Avenue across from the Post Office.
They offer the following services:
  • Cleanings
  • Emergency Walk-ins
  • Dentures
  • Extractions
  • Root Canals
  • White Fillings
  • Invisalign
  • Veneers
  • Snap-On Smiles
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Holistic Dentistry
  • Relaxation Dentistry
Local Business Information
Deals and Steals!
HURRY these deals end tomorrow!

Here's the deal. We've asked local businesses to send us their deals and steals to help you shop away at your favorite local shops and dine at some truly great restaurants. Every two weeks, there will be new deals to snatch up but only while they last!  


Visit the webpage and start shopping here
Shop Local Ashland!

Don't forget to support our Ashland businesses! This pandemic is making it so difficult for our favorite places to stay open and provide with goods and food we love to have in our own backyard. If you are a regular diner or if you want to treat yourself to dinner out this week, please choose Ashland! Our restaurants and business owners need your help- pick up your favorite meal or family-style dinners to go, purchase gift cards, and leave positive reviews on social media. During these difficult times, think ASHLAND! Support all of the business owners who have supported our community groups throughout the years.

Click below for a quick list of shopping and dining options!
Store
Updates from Economic Development
The Economic Development Department put together resources to help business owners establish a location in Ashland, maintain their business, and help reopen their establishment in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSES!
DON'T WAIT!
To see a full list of possible grants and loans available to you visit the Economic Development Page of the town website:

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