I hope all of you are preparing for a wonderful Labor Day weekend as I write this on the most picture perfect September day. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and this year’s autumn season is shaping up to be a special one as we are coming to the conclusion of a number of projects.
In just a few days, kids in third through fifth grade are going to be the first students in the new Mindess School, which is a great achievement for our community. Public tours are going to be given on September 9th and I hope all of you are able to see how impressive a building it is. The culmination of years of planning and construction, the new building is a stark contrast to the old one.
We also finished paving the downtown project this past week, and crosswalks are starting to be installed today. We still have planting and punch list items to do, but for the most part the streetscape portion is completed. The next and final phase is connecting the buildings to the underground utility infrastructure and taking down the poles.
Earlier today I was able to take a tour of the newly renovated Hall House at 433 Chestnut Street. The property was practically falling down when the town acquired it a few years ago. To see it now and all the historic elements that were incorporated into it was pretty inspiring. And as many can see we are making good progress on the Valentine Barn at 133 West Union Street. Regarding the Valentine Property, I will be discussing a proposal for the reuse of the property at the Select Board meeting next Wednesday. At that time we will also schedule a public forum to discuss the proposal.
Last but not least, I continue to be amazed at what is considered “newsworthy” in today’s world. All of these transformative projects, and what makes the local, regional, and now national news? Bees at Montenegro Square! Although it is a matter that we take very seriously, the attention paid to it has been a little mind-boggling. Until we can resolve the issue, please be cautious when in that area.
Michael Herbert
Town Manager
Comprehensive & Strategic Plan
Work on our new comprehensive and strategic plan continues. Right now, the Steering Committee is continuing to focus on preliminary but important items such as developing ground rules and policies and procedures.
Our next meeting is September 21st, and I am thrilled that we will be having our consultant, JM Goldson, there for the meeting. Even though we only received three proposals from prospective consultants, JM Goldson would clearly stand head and shoulders above other firms.
JM Goldson strongly agrees with the town’s leadership that resident and stakeholder input and rational strategies are the key to a successful plan. We look forward to working with them on our own Comprehensive and Strategic Plan.
Oil, Mercury, & Oil-based Paint Collection Rescheduled Due to Holiday - New Date
September 9th 9am-12pm
Due to the upcoming holiday weekend, we are rescheduling the monthly residential drop-off collection of various items. Instead of taking place on the first Saturday of the month (9/2), it will now occur on the second Saturday (9/9). Starting from October, we will resume the regular schedule on the first Saturday of each month.
These collections are held at the DPW (Department of Public Works) on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to Noon. The DPW is located at 20 Ponderosa Road, Ashland, MA 01721. The items accepted for collection include used motor oil, oil-based paints/stains, fluorescent light bulbs (including CFLs), and rechargeable/button batteries with contained mercury (such as old thermometers and thermostats). It’s important to note that the collection happens behind the red salt barn, not inside the DPW building or garage.
Ashland MBTA Station Closure
Effective on August 26th and through Fall 2023, Ashland station will be closed to allow for critical improvement work. A free shuttle bus service will be provided between Ashland and Framingham to connect with the regular Worcester Line train service. However, we have recently been informed that the MBTA plans to close the Ashland Station parking lot and that shuttle bus service will only be avaliable to walk-up/drop off traffic. This is a recent change in the plans and something that we as local officials are disappointed with and we will continue to advocate to the MBTA to keep that lot open.
The work will include the complete restoration of the pedestrian overpass, including stairs and walkways; platform resurfacing and painting; repairs and improvements to the accessible platform; upgraded lighting; and installation of digital signage.
There will be no changes to the Framingham/Worcester Line train schedule.
Shuttles will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day (Monday September 4, 2023) and a weekday schedule on Columbus Day (Monday October 9, 2023).
Neighboring Station Parking Information:
Framingham Station (4.1 miles, 12 min drive):
$4/day M-F; $2/day Sat/Sun; $70 Monthly Pass
Zone 5 fare: $9.75/One-Way; $311/Monthly Pass
Southborough Station (2.6 miles, 5 min drive):
$6/day M-F: $2/day Sat/Sun); $105 Monthly Pass
Zone 6 fare: $10.50/One-Way; $340/Monthly Pass
Same as Ashland
Another Parking Option
Columbus Hall in Framingham has spots available for those interested. The cost is $40.00 per month and the lot is 0.4 miles from the Framingham Station. If anyone is interested they can call 508-875-9018 and speak to John Villa.
Please plan your commute accordingly during this temporary closure period and take advantage of the provided shuttle service and nearby parking options. The MBTA appreciates your understanding and cooperation as we work diligently to improve your travel experience. For further updates and information, please visit the MBTA website or contact their customer service helpline.
Click here for more information and click here for the shuttle schedule
Ashland Day 2023 September 23, 2023 - 10AM to 4PM
Ashland Day is coming up fast! Ashland Day is a time to celebrate the great town we live in. This annual event has been going on since 1986 and continues to go strong (with a brief hiatus for covid). With food, games, and shopping everyone is sure to have a blast!
Apply to be a vendor now!
The vender form can be found here, and for more information visit https://www.ashlandday.com/
Ashland Cultural Council
The Ashland Cultural Council Announces FY 24 Grant Application Cycle September 1, 2023 - . October 17, 2023.
Each year the volunteer members of the Ashland Cultural Council (ACC), under the guidance of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), encourage
corporations, organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in Ashland and neighboring communities. These grants can support a wide range of artistic projects and activities including, but not limited to, exhibits, festivals, field trips, artist residencies, performances, workshops, and lectures. ACC!s cultural projects have taken place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care facilities, town halls, parks and wherever else townspeople come together for the vitality of the community.
Between September 1 and the deadline, October 17, applicants may access the Mass Cultural Council’s online Grants Management System to complete and submit applications to the Ashland Cultural Council and other local councils as well. Grant applications must be submitted to the Ashland Community Council through the online system by the deadline, October 17, 2023, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Application information can be found at the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s website: https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp
Local guidelines and complete information on the Ashland Cultural Council can be found at,https://www.ashlandmass.com/236/Ashland-Cultural-Council. The Ashland Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.
We’re Hiring!
We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following job postings:
Building Department: Local Inspector - Part Time
DPW: Water Technician I, Assistant DPW Director for Administration & Finance
Police Department: Per-Diem Public Safety Dispatcher, Public Safety Dispatcher
Recreation: Recreation Administrative Assistant
For more information please go to the Job Opportunities section of the town website or click the following link: https://www.ashlandmass.com/597/Employment-Opportunities
Important Construction Updates
Rt. 126/ Pond Street Construction
Culvert work at the Market Basket entrance is ongoing. This initiative will lead to lane restrictions for approximately 4 more weeks. Market Basket and the businesses in the plaza are still easily accessible! There’s an alternate entrance just slightly south of the main one that remains open for your convenience. There is one lane open both northbound and southbound in this area.
Downtown Construction
Final paving in downtown is now complete. The final striping will occur in a few weeks after the new pavement has time to settle. Temporary stripes will be placed for safety until then.
Crosswalk work has begun and crews will be continuing this work for the next few weeks. Median strips will also be stamped for a nice finished look. Additional landscaping will happen late September.
Priority Project Updates
Mindess School Building Project
The new Mindess School building is about to open! School starts Tuesday, September 5th!
The Ashland Public Schools invites the community to come out and support its grand opening of the David Mindess Elementary School on Saturday, Sept 9.
Building tours will be available from 12:30–4:30 p.m. at 90 Concord St. Ashland.
Facts and Polls
Weekly Poll Question How can the town better communicate important updates and information to you? Email Updates (like this) Social Media Channels Town Website Other: Let us know!
Did You Know?
Did you know you can report issues right on our website?
From reporting potholes to reporting crimes, this feature will get your problems addressed by the appropriate personnel in just a couple clicks!
You can find this feature on the front page of the town website at the following link: https://www.ashlandmass.com/
Community Shoutout!
Bernie Temple
This week I want to spotlight Bernie Temple. Bernie’s crucial role with the Ashland Boy Scouts has shaped the youth positively, teaching them vital life skills and setting a shining example.
Bernie’s quiet dedication speaks volumes. He devotes countless hours to the Ashland Boy Scouts, teaching merit badges, safe camping practices, and invaluable life lessons.
Bernie also helps the Ashland Lions with their community work as well.
Bernie, your commitment to the Ashland Boy Scouts and the town in general is commendable and your influence on the youth and our community is noteworthy. Thank you for making Ashland a better place through your dedication and kindness.
Do you know someone in town that is working hard to make Ashland an even better place? Let us know! We want to acknowledge all the amazing people that make our town so great! Nominate someone you think deserves an extra shoutout of appreciation. Click HERE to open the nomination form.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Melissa Hayes at mhayes@ashlandmass.com Local Meetings, Programs, and Events
Upcoming Meetings
Learn what is happening in your community and tune into our upcoming meetings. Meetings are held at Town Hall in the Select Board Room or remotely and can be viewed with the local cable station, WACA TV.
This week:
Tuesday, September 5th:
6:00 PM | Board of Health Meeting (Zoom)
Wednesday, September 6th:
6:30 PM | Ashland Cultural Council (Hybrid Meeting)
7:00 PM | Select Board Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, September 7th:
10:00 AM | Council on Aging (In-Person)
1:00 PM | Economic Development Advisory Group Meeting (Zoom)
Note that all agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law up to 48 hours in advance. Meetings Calendar
Ashland Farmers Market
Come explore the fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal crafts available. The farmers market is a great way to practice shopping locally and sustainably. We can’t wait to see you there!
The farmers market is this Saturday from
9 AM - 1 PM and is located at 125 Front Street.
Vaccine Clinic
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ashland Town Hall, 101 Main Street, Lower Level
For all Ashland residents
3 years or older
Please bring your insurance cards
Wear a short-sleeved shirt
Register Here: https://hipaa.jotform.com/222415952385156
Pine Hill Pharmacy will check your eligibility for the COVID Booster when you register
Brought to you by the Ashland Board of Health in partnership with Pine Hill Pharmacy
If you have any questions, please call the Board of Health Office at 508-532-7922
Back to School Movie Night Featuring Super Mario Bros.
September 8th, 2023
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
The Corner Spot
6 Cherry St, Ashland, MA
Mark your calendar for the annual movie night at the #bestspotintown!! We can’t wait to watch Super Mario Bros. under the stars with you! There will be BBQ from Sentie’s Kitchen, Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Truck and Face Painting!! Wine Empire will be there with wine and beer for the adults too!
We love hosting this event with the Ashland Business Association each year, come join us for some fun!
Friends of The Ashland Public Library - Mini Book Sale
Mini Book Sales and Donation Days are held the 1st Saturday of every month from 10am-1pm. Exceptions are the Big Sale weekends in March, December, and June. To keep the shelves stocked with fresh selections, the Friends accept donations in the library parking lot of gently used books, audio books and DVDs. Friends volunteers will be available to assist donors during this time. There is also a cart in the mezzanine lobby for donations at any time during library hours.
Kidde-Fenwal Car Show
Saturday September 9th 9am-2pm
400 Main Street Ashland, MA 01721
All Proceeds Benefit the American Cancer Society
Awards @1pm: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place for Vehicle Categories Sponsor Awards
On the Grass Show Parking!
No Alcohol Please!
$10 CASH - Day of Show
For more information contact Peter: pkpk77@yahoo.com or 508.881.4610
Rain Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
2023 Stone Park Music Festival
The Stone Park Music Festival is an outdoor classical music festival where you can experience the resonance of music in open nature composed of concerts with great artists featuring soloists, ensembles, and orchestras and a music competition for amateur and professional musicians of various ages and levels.
With amazing musicians lined up you won’t want to miss out on any of the fun. Come on down to Stone Park September 9th, 2023, at 3:30PM!
See you there!
Sending Sunshine - Card Making for Seniors!
A few weeks ago, Ashland High Schooler Natalia Melnick reached out to me to discuss a new initiative she wanted to do in town. After several discussions with my staff and me, it brings me great pleasure to announce that we are going to help Natalia with her program. “Sending Sunshine” is a nonprofit organization that connects people of all ages in crafting thoughtful cards for senior citizens across the United States and Canada. It’s a meaningful opportunity for high school students seeking volunteer hours or families looking to spend quality time together. The first meeting will be held at The Corner Spot on September 14th from 5-6pm. After this, meetings will move to Wednesday meeting at the library. It would also be great if you could follow the Instagram page: @sendingsunshineca.ashland
Let’s come together to brighten the lives of senior citizens with a touch of sunshine!
Select Board Office Hours
More Select Board Office Hours are coming up!
Join us at the Ashland Farmers Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 9 AM to 12 PM. This is your opportunity to have your questions addressed by Select Board members Yolanda Greaves and Brandi Kinsman.
Project Empathy - Hopkinton Center for the Arts
Sep 30, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
98 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA
Bringing the power of human connection to our community. Project Empathy is a performance-based project in which people are tasked with telling each other’s true, personal stories. For 6-8 weeks, the cast engages in empathy exercises, reflective writing, and perspective-taking to build trust and understanding. The connective experience culminates in a performance of stories for an audience.
Ashland Town Manager, Michael Herbert, will be one of the cast members sharing his story!
ACT Ashland Community Theater
A FESTIVAL COMING This Fall
ACT Short Film Festival
October 5-6-7, 2023
Marconi’s Theater at the VFW
311 Pleasant Street Ashland MA
For more information Contact us at
ashlandcommunitytheater@gmail.com
Murder Mystery Dinner
Join the Friends of the Ashland COA for a fun filled evening of great food and mystery!
It’s a 50’s prom theme event so come dressed for the event or casual and be our chaperone.
Friday, October 27, 2023 VFW Hall -311 Pleasant St. Ashland, MA 01721
6:30 PM Cocktail Hour
7:30 Family Style Pot Roast Dinner Catered by TJ’s Food & Spirits N Cash Bar - 50/50 Raffle $55.00 pp Stay connected with us Sign up for our newsletters
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