001[Music] hello clockers welcome to another segment of waa news blog my name is hi silver and today I will be giving you a brief summary of the Ashlin Town manager newsletter starting off we had the Halloween parade last week Ashlin hosted its annual Halloween parade bringing together children and parents dressed in costumes participants gathered across library before marching to the Mendes school where they paraded around the gym local judges evaluated costumes and selected winners in various categories the event also featured fun and games for families at the middle school making it a festive day for the community some updates on the sidewalk work along Route 135 the sidewalk project along Route 135 is nearing completion funded by a $250,000 Grant in arpa fund the project enhances safety and accessibility for residents and students connecting key
002locations JH Lynch managed the construction which included the removal of old guard rails and installation of a new sidewalk ever Source has been asked to relocate utility polls ensuring the sidewalks is ADA Compliant the OPB Financial update the town has seen a positive increase in its OPB funded ratio rising from over 9% to nearly 12% this trust fund established to manage retiree health benefits reflects the town's commitment to financial planning Route 126 update traffic delays in the pwn Street area have eased as Verizon Crews progress on relocating lines crosswalk installations are ongoing and completion of the project is expected by Spring 2025 the downtown Street Escape project phase two the second phase of the downtown project starts this week involving underground utility preparations minimal traffic impact is anticipated as this phase progresses e 40b project
003update Mass housing has approved two 40p projects for 250 units at the Mill site and 226 units at 61 Waverly Street these projects can now move forward to the local zoning board of appeals some special town meeting info the special town meeting on November 19th will address Financial articles including the appropriation of free cash and funding for a new water man project registered voter ver voters can participate in discussions about Community issues and proposed bylaws MBTA communities the planning board discusses compliance with the new NBTA communities law during a recent public hearing with details available on the town website the town hall trick or treat is approaching families are invited to trick-or treat at the Town Hall on October 30th with donations collected for the ashin food pantry a simple gesture a local organization is
004collecting donations for the ashin food pantry community members are encouraged to participate especially as the holiday season approaches now this week's Community shout out Becca Solomon the conservation agent since December 2021 has made a significant contribution to Ashland she acts as a liazon to the Conservation Commission enforces the wetlands protection act and serves as a town tree Warden focusing on tree health and safety notably she established the annual Earth Day event collaborating with the sustainability manager to provide educational workshops and nature-based programs for all ages voting information the town clerk's office is preparing for the upcoming November election and the special town meeting key details for residents include in-person early voting which has already begun and will end November 1st voting hours vary by Day election day is November 5th with polls open from 7:00
005a.m. to 8:00 pm. at Ashlin High School the special town meeting will take place on November 19th at ashin high school starting at 7 p.m. residents are urged to Mark these dates on their calendars to ensure their participation in the electoral process for more details visit the official town website now some local events the monthly book sale in donation Day November 2nd at the Ashlin Public Library encouraging Community contributions of Gently Used Books the Veterans Day lunch in on November 12th a free lunch event for veterans at the Ashley and Senior Center featuring a guest speaker and patriotic music comedy night will be held on November 15th a fundraiser featuring local comedians with proceeds benefiting scholarship and emergency funds adulting 101 starting October 29th a new library program for teens to learn essential life skills
006over over several sessions I wish they had that when I was in high school Community Support opportunities the ashin holiday program residents can contribute to support children in need during the holiday season by sponsoring a child or donating gifts sign up is required by November 1st that is all to for today thank you to our town manager Michael Herber for writing this newsletter and keeping us all informed and thank you all for tuning in today my name is hi silver with waa and this has been your Weekly Newsletter summary good night and go clockers