001[Music] Hello clockers. Welcome to another segment of WACA news blog. My name is Hi Silver and today I will be giving you a quick summary of the Ashlin Town Manager newsletter. The priority project update. At a recent tri board meeting, Ashlin officials, including the select board, school committee, and finance committee, tackled the town's fiscal challenges for FY26. An initial $1.5 million deficit growing to over $2 million with essential funding requests was the focus. Leaders are committed to reviewing financial data and developing long-term strategies to ensure Ashlin's financial stability. Now, for some news that you need to know. Congratulations to Ashlin firefighter Isaac Carlson. Isaac Carlson has successfully completed the 50-day career recruit firefighter training program, joining 29 other graduates in class class #328. Modern firefighters are trained to handle a wide range of emergencies, including
002hazardous material incidents, rescues, and fire suppression. The residences at Ashland Crossing, the 40B proposal for a 226 unit apartment complex at 61 Waverly Street has been submitted by the Gutierrez Company. The development includes 25% affordable units and 391 parking spaces. Public input is encouraged at a hybrid ZBA meeting on March 25th at 7 p.m. Grant opportunities due March 28th, 2025. Ashlin Select Board is offering two grants. The BAA grant up to $4,000 for qualifying 501c3 nonprofits and the community grant up to $1,000 for groups or individuals who don't traditionally qualify for funding. Visit the town website for applications and details. Also, the Ashland scholarship applications are now open and are due May 1st, 2025. Two $2,000 scholarships are available for graduating seniors who reside in Ashland. All students, regardless of school, are encouraged to apply.
003For questions, contact Susan Roby at 508-5327921 or sroby at ashleymass.com. This week's community shout out. Happy 100th birthday, Gabe McGaryen. A big shout out to Gabe McGaryen who turns 100 years old on March 20th, 2025. A World War II Navy veteran, lifelong Ashlin resident, and former Grand Marshall of Ashland Day. Gabe has been a pillar of the community for decades. Known as Mr. Ashland, he made his mark riding his horse silver through town, driving his black Mercury Grand Marquee, and sharing stories of his incredible life. Even at 100, Gabe remains active, visiting the senior center, feeding outdoor cats, and enjoying scratch tickets. The town of Ashlin celebrates his legacy of service, adventure, and community spirit. So, happy birthday, Gabe. Coming up, we have the APS spring concerts. Join us for a special evening of music
004at the AMS band's composers concert featuring two exciting world premiieres by talented students and professional composers. The sixth grade band will debut as the curtain closes. composed by Michael Bowden, an AMS student. The seventh and eighth grade bands will perform Ashlin Woods, a brand new piece by renowned composer Brett Abigana, inspired by the Ashland State Forest. The concert will also feature traditional Celtic folk songs, adding a festive touch just after St. Patrick's Day. The upcoming concert dates are as follows. On May 1st, we have the AHS vocal music solo night at 7:00 p.m. On May 15th, we have the AHS choir at 7:00 p.m. On May 22nd, the AHS concert bands blue and white at 7:00 p.m. On June 4th, the Mendes AMS 6th grade band and jazz ensemble. And on June 10th, we have
005the AMS 7th and eighth grade concert bands. Don't miss these inspiring performances by our talented student musicians. And visit www.brtab B R E T A B I G A G- A.com to learn more about Brett Abagana's work. Hope to see you there. Some upcoming Ashlin events and community highlights. Win four Red Sox tickets. The Friends of Ashlin Public Li library are auctioning four tickets to the Red Sox versus Blue Jays game on April 7th at 6:45 p.m. The online auction runs from March 23rd to 30th with all proceeds supporting the library. Keep an eye out for the auction link when it goes live. The magic show fundraiser for the AHS class of 2027. Join us for a family-friendly magic show at Maroneies, the Ashlin BFW on March 21st at 5:00 p.m. tickets are $10 per
006person and pizza will be available. Sign up online. Ashlin Flavors, Indian Cuisine, and Cultural Connections. On April 3rd at 6 p.m., Ashland is United invites you to Spice Kitchen on 59 Pawn Street for a conversation and dinner about Indian food practices. Registration is $25 per person and must be completed by March 20th. Registration is once available online. The Boy Scout Troop 232 pancake breakfast and food drive. Enjoy a pancake breakfast while supporting the Ashlin food pantry on Sunday, April 6th, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ashlin BFW. Businesses can donate auction items or sponsor placemats for $25. Also coming up, we have some Ashlin Town Forest Committee guided walks. Explore the newly acquired lands with a guided moderate difficulty walk. Walks start at 9:00 am on March 28th through 30th, April 4th through 6th,
007April 18th through 20th, and May 2nd through 4th. Meet at the Eversource Power Lines Gates on Winter Street and RSVP at Town Forest at ashlandmass.com. Also coming up, some exciting events at the Ashlin Public Library. For adult events, we have the Cookbook Club, The New Midwestern Table, 200 Heartland Recipes, March 18th at 5:00 p.m. Great Decisions, American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads, March 20th at 6:30 p.m. For children's events, we have the Kindergarten Book Club on March 18th at 400 p.m. and Laa Delquento Spanish Story Time March 19th at 6:30 p.m. Also, PJ Prom on March 22nd at 11:30 a.m. Join in for some fun, learning, and community at the Ashlin Public Library. Thank you so much to our town manager, Michael Herbert, and the town staff for putting together this newsletter as always. And
008thanks to you all for tuning in. This is Hi Silver with WACA, wishing you a good night and go Clockers.