Weekly Town Manager Newsletter
Latest COVID-19 Updates
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.
Local Cases in Ashland
The following information as of March 3, 2021

Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland= 1,277
Ashland has 1,277 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 1,221 cleared cases, 179 probable cases, and 177 cleared probable cases. 

Click to enlarge image
Click to enlarge image
COVID- 19 Update

Did you know, The COVID-19 incubation timeline is up to 14 days?

For example, on Day 0, Joe is exposed to the virus. On Day 4, Joe learns he was exposed to COVID-19 and self-isolates. On Day 5, he gets tested for COVID19 and the results come back negative. On day 8, Joe goes back to work and attends a small gathering, because the result was negative. Meanwhile, Joe does have COVID-19 and is contagious without having symptoms, exposing others. On day 10, Joe develops symptoms and tests positive for COVID-19.

Read this article from Sgt. Burman for more information regarding COVID-19
Local Information
Latest State Information

February 25- Baker- Polito Administration Announce Return to Step 2 of Phase 3 on Monday, March 1st, advance to Phase 4 on March 22

The change effective this past Monday on March 1 made the following updates related to businesses, activities, and capacities:

• Restaurants no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances. Six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table, and 90-minute limits remain in place.
• Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters and other indoor performance spaces are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons.
• Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (e.g., laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity.
• Capacity limits across all sectors that have them raised to 50%, excluding employees.

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.

Rt. 126/ Pond St. Project Updates
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has begun work on the Ashland- Route 126 Roadway Reconstruction Project. The public should expect to see the contractor on-site during the hours of 7:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday however traffic will not be impacted until after 8:30 am. 

Crews are currently working on tree clearing throughout the project corridor. The first week involves heavy clearing, and the following week will have moderate clearing. The clearing will begin at Algonquin Trail and then move from the Holliston line to the Framingham line. 

Drainage work will begin in the next few weeks. Route 126 will remain open to traffic in each direction throughout the duration of the preliminary work. Roadway impacts will be shoulder takings and lane restrictions. Eversource will be working at the opposite end of the corridor preparing for utilities. 
The Town of Ashland is working closely with the State to bring you the most up-to-date information in regards to construction

We will share project updates 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.

Sign up here
The Town of Ashland’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan is now available for public feedback

The Town of Ashland’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan is now available for public feedback. Residents are encouraged to view the plan, submit public comments online, and help create the best plan possible. 
 
The plan is available here
 
Please submit comments and feedback to Emma Snellings at esnellings@ashlandmass.com by March 10, 2021. After public feedback is incorporated into the draft, the final plan will be presented to the Ashland Select Board on March 17, 2021. This meeting will be open to the public as well.
 
For questions about the project, or for more information and to get involved, contact Emma

For more information visit: the Planning Department Webpage
2021 Annual Town Election
Nomination Papers Available Now

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.

Keep in mind, If you are elected at the Annual Town Election you MUST be sworn-in with the Town Clerk prior to participating in any board meetings to which you have been elected to serve. This oath must be given in person.

Seats Available in 2021
Select Board: 3 years (vote for 2) expires 2024
Board of Assessors: 3 years  (vote for 1)    expires 2024
School Committee: 3 years  (vote for 2)    expires 2024
Board of Library Trustee: 3 years  (vote for 2)    expires 2024
Board of Health: 3 years  (vote for 2)    expires 2024
Board of Health: 2 years (to fill an unexpired term) expires 2023
Housing Authority: 5 years (vote for 1)   expires 2026
Housing Authority: 1 year (to fill an unexpired term) expires 2022
Planning Board: 5 years  (vote for 1)   expires 2026
Planning Board: 2 years (to fill an unexpired term) expires 2023

All nomination papers must be filed with the Town Clerk on or before Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 5 pm.

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

Curious Community: Building Bridges One Story
at a Time

Sunday, March 7th at 7:00PM

In line with our mission to build bridges where they don’t yet exist, we invite members of the Ashland community to participate in a virtual storytelling evening.

Participants will each share a family story 
and how it is rooted in your culture, if it is.
(Aim to spend about 3-5 minutes, but shorter is fine.)
Tell us how the values found in that story have become a foundation for your life.

Together we will share our stories to connect around what keeps us grounded.

We hope to have a diverse group of individuals join together. Please help us spread the word!

Please click here to register for our Zoom event on Sunday March 7th 7:00-8:30 p.m.
MetroWest YMCA Annual Marathon Event
March 10, 2021

This is a great event that you shouldn't miss!

Every year the Inspiration award brings tears to eyes. Every year people leave feeling inspired, energized, and ready to see what's next!

With the new YMCA coming soon to Ashland this is a great way to support our soon-to-be neighbors.

Register today, it's free and you will surely leave the virtual meeting happy, and energized!
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 Out!
WELCOME MEREDITH!

Ashland Human Services welcomes Meredith to the team as the Town of Ashland's Food Pantry Coordinator. If you are in need of services from this department please contact Meredith by phone at 508-532-7949 or email mmadison@ashlandmass.com or contact Jennifer Wuelfing by phone at 508-532-7942 or email jwuelfing@ashlandmass.com
Local Business Information
Deals and Steals!

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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