Weekly Town Manager Newsletter


Latest COVID-19 Information
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 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 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 April 1, 2021

Ashland has 1,421 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 1,377 cleared cases, 192 probable cases, and 190 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
Reopen 2
We're back!
Town Hall Offices are Open to the Public!
COVID protocol will be followed in the building. Masks are required as well as social distancing. If possible it is best to continue to make appointments with all departments so we can keep everyone safe and eliminate waiting times. Thank you!

Town Hall Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 am - 3:30 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 7 pm
Phone: 508-881-0100
Ashland Human Services partners with Metro Community Development Corporation
Introducing New Services!

Tax Preparation Assistance Program
Assist families and individuals who have an income of less than 50K a year prepare and file their taxes.

Email: vita@strongcommunity.org
Call or text: 508-658-0882

Financial Coaching & Hoarding Services
Call: 508-658-0880

Please contact Jennifer Wuelfing with any questions, 508-532-7942 or email jwuelfing@ashlandmass.com
Would you be interested in renting space in a co-working facility?

Businesses have certainly changed the way they do business these days and more and more people are working from home. We want to know...if there was a place you could rent by the hour, day, week, monthly...would you be interested? Co-working spaces were very popular before the pandemic hit, are they still key to doing business now? Would you like to get out of your house for a few hours a day, use a meeting room for a small meeting, or do you just need a small office to call your own but don't want to pay top dollar for space you may not need? Let us know! The Economic Development Office is working on securing space and we need to know if there is a need here in Ashland. Please fill out the simple survey below to share your thoughts.

CLICK HERE to fill out the co-working needs assessment survey
Construction Updates- 126/ Pond Street Project

-Mirra Construction will continue installing 8” gas main on 2 portions of Pond St. Crew #1 will proceed from the Pond St / Eliot St. intersection toward McDonald's. Crew #2 will proceed from the Butterfield Dr. / Pond intersection toward Algonquin Rd. 
-Drainage work will continue in the Algonquin area next week and will take a full week to complete. Drainage work will then continue to Eliot Street towards the Holliston line.
-Work will continue at the retaining wall on the corner of Pond St. and Eliot Street. Crews will be excavating and shortly. 
-In the next few weeks work will continue to install the 8” gas main. Crew #1 will continue the 8” gas main installation in the vicinity of Nickerson Rd. Crew #2 will continue the gas main installation in the vicinity of Algonquin Rd.
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: dominique.deis@state.ma.us.
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.
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
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!
The Journey of Dementia: What are the Family Members Experiencing?
Presented by the MetroWest Alzheimer's Partnership
April 8th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

This educational program explores what the family members experience during the journey of dementia. Every member of every age is impacted. The examination of the five stages of grief are combined with the lengthy experience of anticipatory grief. Understanding the Dementia Grief Model allows validation for the feelings generated. Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder occurs in about 20% of care partners of people with dementia. Learn how to build tools for resilience to support your grief process.
Click the photo to view the flyer
Great Decisions 2021- Prepare to Discuss the World
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library
April 14th at 7 pm via Zoom

Are you curious, have passionate opinions about politics, social and cultural norms, historical precedents, and national and foreign policy? The Great Decisions Discussion Program created by the Foreign Policy Association of America is the perfect discussion group for you. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month via zoom.

For more information click here

Questions? Contact Kim, k.kotob@friendsoftheapl.com
Candidate's Night Forum
April 26 & 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom

The annual Candidate's Night Forum will be streamed live over Zoom again this year. Join WACA TV to learn about all the candidates running for office.

If you have questions you'd like to submit to the forum, you can email them to candidateforumashland@gmail.com



Shout outs!
ABA Scholarship Opportunity

Each year the Ashland Business Association (ABA) awards scholarships to high school seniors residing in Ashland who exemplify community and business spirit, work ethic, and creativity. In 2021 we will award two $1,500.00 scholarships.

The ABA scholarship application is open to any high or vocational school senior residing in Ashland who is graduating in 2021 and has been accepted to an accredited school or apprenticeship program for further education.

The deadline to apply is April 30th!

CLICK HERE to apply!

CLICK HERE to donate!
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.

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 breynolds@ashlandmass.com to check availability!
Deals and Steals!
Round 3 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 few 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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