Good Afternoon Ashland!

The past week has been fraught with activity both at home and abroad. Last night, I attended a prayer vigil on Front Street hosted by Temple Sha’arei Shalom. Many thanks to Rabbi Craig and President Carolyn Fertig for putting the program together. It was also great to see Pastor Keene from the Federated Church participating as well. As we watch events unfold across the sea, let’s remember that what is happening has deep impacts at home, too. Be kind to one another.

We took some big steps forward with regard to our Comprehensive Plan in the last couple of weeks. It was great to meet a number of people at the Comprehensive Plan table at last Saturday’s Farmers Market (and thank you to members of the Steering Committee that staffed it). First, we now have a website where you can find info on what the comprehensive plan is, what our process will look like, and links to previous plans and studies.

Second, as part of the Comprehensive Plan, our planning consultant JM Goldson is collecting pictures from residents like you to come up with a pictorial directory of Ashland’s special places. If you want to submit a photo, please click here.

There are a number of events coming up this weekend, including Movie Night tonight at the Public Safety Building and Fall Fest at the Corner Spot tomorrow afternoon. Additionally, Carl Hakansson and Greg Wands will be leading a tour of Warren Woods on Sunday. Dr. Curtiss Hoffman and the Historical Commission will be leading a tour of Native American stone structures in the Town Forest tomorrow afternoon. Take advantage of all Ashland has to offer!

Until Next Week,

Michael Herbert

Town Manager

Ashland Cultural Council News

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.