001[Music] hello clockers and welcome to our first segment of waa news blog my name is hi silver and today I will be reading you a brief summary of the Ashlin town manager newsletter starting off we have the pawn Street project update this week Dennis GM Betty from the Senate President spilka's Office representative Lewis select board chair Yolanda Greaves and town manager Michael herbet met with the Mass DOT leadership to address frustrations over the lack of progress on the Route 126 project Verizon's delay in moving wires from old polls to new ones particularly at the AL gunman intersection is a major issue the revised project completion is now expected in spring/summer 2025 Mass DOT plans to complete some drainage and sidewalk work by the end of the year they've also committed to improving site maintenance in
002memorium Cheryl Bell dunavan we are saddened to announce the passing of Cheryl B Donovan ashlin's Outreach coordinator after a brave fight with cancer though Cheryl wasn't working for us long her dedication to the seniors and the community was remarkable she deeply loved her work and was committed to returning to serve even until the end Cheryl will greatly be missed and we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering following we have the state primary election results for the Republican Party John Deon wins for Senator against Ian Kane and Robert antonellis for the Democratic party for counselor Mariel elae Kramer had the most votes in Ashland but was still beat out by Tamisha civil representative in general court Jack Patrick Lewis beat out Carl Phelps following that the MBTA community's update the MBTA working group
003will hold one more public discussion the week of September 16th date and time to be determined via Zoom the session will share updates on NBTA zoning plans ahead of the Fall town meeting as Ashlin Works to comply with MBTA community's legislation the zoning plan aims to meet requirements with minimal Town impact and Resident feedback is encouraged about the MBTA community law the law requires towns near MBTA services to adjust zoning to allow more multif family housing Ashland as a commuter rail Community must zone for 1,124 new units 15% of its housing 2020 housing stock the town received a grant to assist in creating a compliant zoning bylaw following we have the baa Grant opportunity the baa Grant application is now open for nonprofit organizations the Ashlin select board began the fall 2024 baa Grant round
004on August 21st 2024 with two opportunities available fall 2024 baa Grant available to qualifying 501c3 organizations funded through Boston Athletic Association entries applications are due by September 30th 2024 next is the fall 2024 select board Community Grant applicants can request up to $1,000 per cycle with a, 1500 cap over two rounds applicant are due by September 30th 2024 as well for assistance please contact Susan Roby at 508532755 Boston Marathon bib application now available the select board is offering the chance to run the 2025 Boston Marathon whether you're an active Runner or simply just pursuing a lifelong dream apply by October 15 2024 names will be drawn at random with priority given to ashin Residents and employees notifications will be sent via email for questions contact Susan Roby at sroy asley mass.com or 58 532 7921
005a message from the Ashlin Board of Health and how to avoid mosquitoes in early fall mosquitoes remain active in the fall so it's important to protect yourself your family and pets from mosquito bites that can lead to some serious illnesses so here's some tips that you may follow to avoid this use EPA registered mosquito repellent Outdoors wear long sleeve pants and socks when Outdoors eliminate standing water around your home and this standing water can be included in bird baths flower pots so just be careful of that repair window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering and then keep pets indoors during Peak mosquito times which would be during Dusk and Dawn coming up we have some Ashland Recreation programming Ashland wre offers a variety of programs for all ages here's a sample of upcoming events backyard
006Discovery explore nature at Ashton state park with activities like examining leaves and turning over rocks for grades K through 5 on Tuesdays 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in ages 3 and a half through 6 on Thursdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. safe sitter babysitting classes preparing teens to care for younger children Friday November 15th from 4: to 6:30 p.m. for grades 5 and Up following we have safe at home for students interested in staying home alone this will take place on Friday November 22nd from 4:00 to 6: p.m. grades 3 through 6 we have some preschool crafts and stories Halloween themed crafts and activities for ages 2 to six will take place on October 22nd then we have some October early release days with half day explorers fun adventures for grades K through five on early release
007days will pick up from school and return to the community center by 5 p.m. for more details and a full list of programs visit the Ashland Recreation website and check out the fall events Brer next up is the department Spotlight this week it is it information technology for those of you who do not know Ashlin stands out with its combined it Department serving both town offices and school which is a rare setup for Massachusetts this approach has been successful thanks to the efforts of director Paul Carpenter and his team by merging schools and it departments Ashen has reduced staff while efficiently managing a wide range of tasks from setting up new employees to Distributing hundreds of Chromebooks to students each year this team is crucial to the town's operations and success now we have some
008facts and polls and some news from the Ashen Public Library the Ashen public library and the residents of town sure we're busy this summer in regards to reading with 558 people participating comprising of 433 schoolage kids and 86 infants and toddlers there were about 4654 reading minutes logged equal to about 7668 hours or 7,768 we are so grateful to our amazing Library team for their hard work to make this so special for our residents the many events they provide are wonderful hats off to a great team of professionals and way to go everyone last week poll results the question was what after school program would you like Ashlin Recreation to offer for middle school kids the results were as followed I will read from the results from least popular to most so art received 8.9%
009of votes followed by Sports which had 11.1% of votes coming up next was homework help receiving 13.3% of votes and then music with 15.6% of votes and my personal vote in addition next up our drop in programs with 20% of votes and last but not least cooking with 31.1% of votes remember the total number of responses was 45 so if you want to play a role in future results make sure to cast your vote another Community shout out we have the ashin election poll workers as we wrap up the September State primary and prepare for the November presidential election a big shout out goes to the election poll workers their dedication and hard work are crucial to the election process with some starting as early at 6:00 a. and working until 9:30 p.m. whether it's
010their first election or their 50th these unsung heroes are the backbone of our democracy upcoming events we have some really exciting ones first off is Kitty fenwall car show on September 14 2024 join the community at Kitty fenwall and Ashland for a car show supporting the relay for Life movement the event aims to raise $45,000 building on the $40,000 raised in previous years enjoy a fun afternoon with beautiful cars live entertainment and tasty food all for a great cause the event will take place on the spacious lawn front lawn at kitty fenwall next up for events is the ashon line 16th annual charity golf tournament the date is Monday September 16th 2024 and will be held at the highfields golf and country club in graph Mass celebrate 58 years with the ashy lions at their
011annual charity golf tournament enjoy a day of golf and camaraderie while supporting the Lions Community efforts all proceeds will benefit their charitable work then this is followed by Ashlin day on September 21st time will be 10:00 a to 4m mark your calendars for ashin day a Beloved Community event returning this year enjoy a day filled with delicious food games boost prizes rides and jumpy houses there's fun for all ages last but not least is the dragonfly street fair this is going to take place on October 5th from 1: to 6:00 p.m. and it will be located in downtown Ashland Main Street the dragonfly Festival returns bigger and better than ever enjoy a day filled with nine musical acts on three stages dance performances Street performance face painting and food at various locations including The Corner
012Spot Ocean House and historical society and clover Road Brewing tap room 25 vendors support local businesses and engage with five nonprofits offering kids activities beer and wine will be available at The Corner Spot in Clover Road parking is available on the street and in Municipal Lots the event is free but support for local vendors and businesses is encouraged note that there is no rain date so we're really hoping for some sunny weather stay tuned um for another event a big one sep nber 20th 7M where the Ashlin clocker football team will be playing Wayland this will be commentated by Rob silver and Josh Abrams and to wrap things up I just want to give a special thank you to our town manager Michael Herbert and St Town staff for providing this newsletter and I want
013to thank you all for tuning in today for our very first segment uh thanks for tuning in on waa my name is hi silver and go clockers [Music]