By Cynthia Whitty

Recent Donations to the Ashland Community Center

The Nourishing Neighbors Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation. The Ashland Community Center received a $9,700 donation from the Nourishing Neighbors Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation. The funds are from the Holiday fundraiser, part of Shaw’s and Star Market’s Nourishing Neighbors Community Relief Initiative. Director of Human Services Jennifer Wuelfing, and Food Pantry Coordinator Meredith Madison are looking forward to using this generous donation to help combat food insecurity in our community. The Town of Ashland and the Ashland Community Center thanks Shaw’s and Star Market for their support during this very challenging time.

Upswing Farms Donates CSA Share. Upswing Farm (upswingfarm.com), known to many residents for their organic produce at the Ashland Farmers Market, donated a year-long CSA (community-supported agriculture) share to the Ashland Community Center’s food pantry, matching a share donated anonymously by a community member. “We are overjoyed at this opportunity to provide fresh produce from our Food Pantry,” Director of Human Services Jennifer Wuelfing said. “Upswing farm has been a staple at the Ashland Farmers market, and we look forward to having them back each year. Upswing has proven to be a wonderful community partner with Ashland.”

Ashland Board of Health Recognizes Sgt. Ed Burman

Each year the Ashland Board of Health honors an Ashland citizen or organization for their efforts to enhance public health. This year on March 16 the Board of Health recognized Sgt. Ed Burman as the recipient of the annual Mary Mortensen Recognition Award. Over the past year, Sgt. Burman spent countless hours helping the town create and implement plans to ensure compliance to the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines. This work included providing plans, continuity of services, outreach and education to business owners and restaurants so they could maintain COVID-19 compliance. In addition, Sgt. Burman provided guidance and information to the schools to create a safe environment for students. He also helped ensure that the town was able to safety execute three town meetings and several elections. Sgt. Burman continues to advocate for local and regional vaccine distribution. 

Board of Health member Chris Daniele, who nominated Sgt. Burman, said, “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on this insane year. So many people have stepped up to the plate in so many ways, but for me, one individual has gone above and beyond. Ed Burman’s thoughtfulness and skillset in logistical planning kept Ashland on the map.”

Street Construction Project Updates

The town reminds residents that they can stay informed on construction and traffic patterns for the Route 126/ Pond Street Revitalization Project and the Downtown Construction project by visiting the Department of Public Work’s (DPW) webpage, www.ashlandmass.com/160/Department-of-Public-Works, and signing up for direct email notifications.

Town Clerk’s Office Reminders

Dog tags. The town clerk’s office reminds residents to get their dog tags by April 15 and that licenses may be obtained online at on the town website, www.AshlandMass.com. If you have an updated rabies certificate, upload it to the website. The town will process your request and mail you your tag. If you do not use a computer, place your information in the payment drop box outside of Town Hall.

Annual Town Census. Please read the town census form carefully. A reminder that the M or D on the form indicates moved or deceased. Please sign the form and return it to the Town Clerk’s office as it is past due. We cannot express how important filling out the Annual Town Census is. The Town of Ashland receives monies for every person we can count as being a resident.