Weekly Town Manager Newsletter
Latest COVID-19 Information
March 18- Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Phase IV of Reopening Plan
Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV on March 22; Replaces Travel Order with Travel Advisory Learn More

UPDATED QUARANTINE GUIDELINES PER DPH
Please note that individuals who had COVID-19 in the last 90 days (from day of symptom onset or day of 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 an exposure. 
Click flyer above for the clickable PDF document
COVID-19 or Allergies?

It’s allergy season. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but not others.

Use this chart to compare the common symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies so you can tell the difference.

If you’re sick, you may need a COVID-19 test to confirm your diagnosis. For more information, click here
Local Cases in Ashland
The following information as of March 25, 2021

Ashland has 1,376 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 1,339 cleared cases, 190 probable cases, and 188 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
Save the Date!

Annual Town Meeting will be Saturday, June 12th Tentatively at 1 pm

We will continue to update the community as we continue preparations for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election.
Yard Waste Pick Up- Spring 2021

Waste Management will be collecting yard waste at curbside (Mondays ONLY) beginning on Monday, 4/5/2021 for 8 consecutive weeks (with the exception of Patriot's Day/Marathon Monday, 4/19/2021, and Memorial Day Monday, 5/31/2021). The last day of collection will be on Monday, 6/7/2021. 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.

Questions? Call 508-532-7943 or email [email protected]
Support Town of Ashland's 2021 Marathon Runners!

Support Town of Ashland's 2021 Marathon Runners! The 125th Boston Marathon will be Monday, October 11th.

Donate and support our runners using City Hall Systems for secure online payments.

For more information click here
Construction Updates- 126/ Pond Street Project

- Stump and tree clearing will continue down Rt. 126. 
- Expect heavy activity at SpyGlass for drainage work
- Mirra Construction (Eversource) will begin work next week March 29- April 2
 
Please drive carefully in this area as there are many surveyors and crewmen in the area preparing for future groundwork. 

In addition, please note this update from the State:
If your property is located directly on Route 126, and you have an underground irrigation system along the roadway that is in the State's right of way, please be advised that it will likely be damaged as the state continues to clear the roadway. In many cases, irrigation companies mistakenly install these systems in Town or State-owned property unbeknown to the home or business owner. Most homeowners assume that their property abuts the sidewalk or road which is incorrect. A portion of the land adjacent to the road is part of the State or Town Right-of-Way. Property owners should contact their irrigation installer if they have questions. 
If you would like to speak with someone from the State to inquire if your property will be affected please email: [email protected].
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.
Curbside Composting Initiative

The Towns of Ashland and Holliston have partnered with Black Earth Compost to offer subscriptions for household curbside food waste weekly collection services. This innovative partnership allows residents to receive lower rates for service as more and more households sign up. Once 500 subscriptions are registered or pre-registered, the prices for 6 months of service will drop from $89.99 to $59.99. To date since the Initiative started, new enrollees have cumulatively diverted 10 tons of organic material from the waste stream and saved the Town $755 in disposal costs. 

Sign up today to receive a 13 gallon curbside compost cart at no cost! Reserved for first 200 new enrollees. CLICK HERE for more information.
Deadline Reminders!

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bill due Monday, March 29th
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 Tuesday, 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.

2021 Dog Licenses Due April 15, 2021
Due to COVID-19 residents can only license online, by mail, or place their payment and rabies certificate in dropbox. 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
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.
Downtown Easter Egg Hunt
Anytime Easter Weekend- April 2nd- 4th

Follow clues to find eggs around downtown anytime Easter weekend, April 2nd- 4th.

Visit the Corner Spot Website to download a mobile-friendly Easter Egg Hunt Map. Save the photo to your phone and mark off all the eggs with your phone's editing tool to keep track. There's also a printer-friendly version available.

After you complete the egg hunt, don't forget to show your completed photo/flyer to redeem your goodie bag (while supplies last) on Monday, April 5th from 4- 5:30 at Montenegro Square!

Thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for sponsoring this community event!
Shout outs!
Clocker Logo
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!
Ashland High School Reality Fair
May 28th 8 am - 2 pm

Ashland High School Student Council needs your help running the annual Reality Fair! Whether it be parent volunteers to run the "luxury" booth or professionals in the automobile industry helping students choose the best type of transportation, the Fair is a great way to support the community and teach students about everyday expenses.

Ashland is hiring!

The Town of Ashland Department of Public Works seeks a Light Equipment Operator. View this opportunity here


Search for a new opportunity locally or submit an open position here
Ashland Nutrition Services is hiring!

With the children returning to school, Ashland Nutrition Services needs help! Work with great people, preparing and serving delicious meals to our students. There are school year positions available, as well as summer hours. Please apply at www.schoolspring.com job ID  3469189 or call 508-881-0665 for more information.
Local Business Information
CORNER SPOT!
A new season of pop-up shops and events coming soon!

We are making it official...the calendar for the 2021 season is drafted, now we need to fill in the blanks! The #bestspotintown will open again this spring, summer and fall and we couldn't be happier! We believe we can create a fun gathering place that is safe for all. If you know someone that wants to pop up, or maybe you have started your own home business during the pandemic and want people to see what you have come up! Sign up for a week or a weekend! Email Beth at [email protected] to check availability!
Deals and Steals!
New Deals Available!

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!  

Right now grab deals from Abbey Carpet and Floor,

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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