001[Music] hello clockers welcome to another segment of WCA news blog my name is Hal silver and today I'll will be giving you a brief summary of the ashlon Town manager newsletter the priority project update FY 26 budget challenges the FY 2026 budget development began in the fall with Department submitting requests to meet residents needs the town faces a structural deficit exceeding $3 million for FY 2026 driven by increase expenses in over $2 million in departmental Staffing requests to maintain service levels this continues from a deficit already present in FY 2025 where expenses outpace income with limited new Revenue growth stagnant state aid and minimal increases in local fees balancing affordability and services remain a challenge upcoming budget discussions with the financial committee select board and school committee aimed to prepare for a vote at the
002town meeting in May the mass saave climate leader award ashon received the 2024 Mass Save climate leader award at the State House recognizing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions notable initiatives include building two Net Zero ready facilities the Mena school and the public safety building hiring a sustainability project manager and increasing public education on decarbonization Town manager Michael Herbert emphasized ashen's dedication to its Net Zero by 2040 goal hoping to inspire similar efforts in other communities the open space and Recreation plan the osrp update Ashlin updates its open space and Recreation plan every seven years to reflect residents and staff's evolving priorities residents are encouraged to participate in a brief questionnaire to guide the plan's future take the survey and share your input today stay tuned for more updates as the FY 26 budget process
003and other initiatives progress some job openings and volunteer opportunities in Ashland serve your community want to make a difference in Ashlin several Town boards need dedicated members to serve until the May election with the option to continue by running for the seat the Board of Health address community health issues create policies and educate the public meets the first and third Tuesdays at 700 p.m. the planning board shaped the town's development policies and ensure neighborhood improvements align with the community's vision meet the 2 and fourth Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. some committee openings get involved in a variety of community initiatives current openings include Community preservation committee two seats Conservation Commission one seat Council on Aging three seats design Review Committee and open space and Recreation committee which has one seat some job openings are you looking
004for a new role Ashland has several employment opportunities the COA van driver water technician 1 and3 heavy equipment operator and Recreation assistant part-time after school hours in a paid opportunity Community lians wanted the office of sustainability is seeking Community lians to help create a decarbonization guide for homeowners and renters no prior knowledge is necessary just a willingness to collaborate and ensure the guide meets residents diverse needs for more information contact Sam Riley at s Riley Riley is r i l e y at Ashlin mass.com don't miss out a nude podcast on waca Cricket fans get ready waca TV is launching a brand new podcast stump mik conversations dedicated to Cricket and its passionate fans hosted by vies and Hassan founder of the hoala social and sports club the podcast promises insightful discussions behind the-scenes stories
005and interviews with key Cricket figures according to w ACA TV production director Paul Bowden this podcast is a fantastic addition to our programming and will provide cricet Enthusiast with a platform to connect with the sport set to debut soon stump mic conversations will be available on waa YouTube channel Cricket lovers be sure to subscribe to catch episode one this week's Community shout out thank you to Marcelo Arona the town of Ashland extends its heartfelt gratitude to Marcelo Arona for his dedicated service on the planning board over the past 3 years appointed in 2022 and later elected to a 5-year term Marcelo has been instrumental in shaping ashlin's development during his tenure Marcelo contributed to the approval of significant projects including 9 through 49 Homer a Starbucks six Chestnut Street and the ashin dog park his
006expertise in design and construction played a vital role in ensuring these projects aligned with the town vision and goals Marcel's commitment to enhancing public spaces and his thoughtful approach to planning have left a lasting impact on our community thank you Marcelo for your service and dedication to ashlin's growth and future some local meetings programs and events stay connected our upcoming meetings learn what's happening in Ashley by tuning into these upcoming meetings attend in person at Town Hall select boardroom or watch remotely on waca TV on Tuesday February 4th we have a board of health meeting at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday February 5th a select board meeting at 700 p.m. the Town manager coffee hours meet Town manager Michael Herbert over coffee and discuss ashlin's latest happenings when the third Wednesday of the month at 10:
007a.m. where the Ashen Community Center and the upcoming dates are March 19th April 16th and May 21st so be sure to mark your Calenders the osrp forum's open space and Recreation plan help shape the future of ashlin's open space and Recreation areas these will be held on February 7th and February 15th at 7:00 p.m. at the the ashin community center and share your input for the 7-year action plan rsbp by February 7th to B Solomon at ashin mass.com Watkins are welcome but RPS help us plan coming up we also have the ashin public library book sale which will be held on Saturday February 1st from 9:30 a.m. to 1: p.m. this will be hosted at the ashin public library so make sure to come out to find great reads and support library programs with your
008purchase a simple gesture food pantry pickup support the Ashen food pantry with doorstep donations organized by ashin high school students the upcoming donation dates are March 1st and April 12th this is how it works volunteers pick up your donations on scheduled Saturdays and you can sign up or email to join the website is as simple gesture ashland.or while the email is a simple gesture Ashland gmail.com thank you for supporting ashlin's Community initiatives the department of prevention and human Serv Services the Ashen food pantry is a vital resource helping residents experiencing food in security if you'd like to support this effort consider donating items that are frequently requested if you are someone you know is in need contact the food pantry at 508-532-7549 or email humanservices asm.com this department in partnership with the decisions at every
009turn Coalition continues to focus on positive Community Health by integrating prevention into social service programs over the past year they've hosted Ed Mental Health Awareness Month activities like art saves Ashland recognized International overdose awareness day and provided events such as family book readings and yoga sessions looking ahead Ashland has been awarded a four-year Grant to help prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth this effort will include promoting diversity and inclusion launching impactful campaigns and working closely with parents and community members the department invites you to share your thoughts by completing their Community survey which helps them better understand what's most important to Residents you can also stay informed by signing up for their monthly newsletter filled with updates and resources for more details search online for ashen's Department of prevention and Human Services or the
010decision at every turn Coalition some upcoming events of the ashin public library on Tuesday January 28th at 4:30 p.m. we have the little Picasso's Club on Wednesday January 29th at 4:30 p.m. we have Lego Club with Kim and Friday January 31st at 10:00 a.m. we have drivein mov at the library for children activities we have gentle yoga on Tuesday January 28th at 6 p.m. a photography challenge winter Scapes wday Wednesday January 26th at 6:30 p.m. and hot chocolate bar in Winter reading discussion Thursday January 30th at 6:30 p.m. these are all wonderful opportunities to connect learn and enjoy something new in our community thanks to our town staff for putting together this newsletter and thank you all for tuning in today my name is Hal over good night and go clockers