Prevention and Human Services

We understand that times are especially difficult right now, and we want our community to know that help is available.

The Ashland Food Pantry provides support to any Ashland resident in need. Below are some instructions if you are in need of assistance, please visit https://www.ashlandmass.com/440/Ashland-Food-Pantry for all details.

• Food pickups are available by appointment only.

• If you haven’t used the pantry in the past year, please take a moment to complete our Intake Form before placing an order.

• To submit a food order and to schedule a pickup appointment.

If you or someone you know lives outside Ashland, additional local resources can be found through the MetroWest Food Collaborative

No one should face food insecurity alone. Our community is here to help!

Ashland Access Now Online

The 8th Edition of Ashland Access is Here!

We’re excited to share the newest edition of Ashland Access! In this issue, you’ll hear from many of our departments as they highlight the projects, achievements, and initiatives they’re most proud of.

This edition is fully digital, continuing our commitment to accessible and sustainable communication. You can view, download, or print Ashland Access anytime right from our website, making it easier than ever to stay connected with what’s happening in Ashland.

Take a few minutes to explore the latest updates and see how our departments are working together to make Ashland a great place to live, work, and play on our website: https://www.ashlandmass.com/915/Communications 

Holiday Stroll

Mark your calendars for Ashland’s Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12 – 4 p.m.!

The Holiday Stroll is back again and each year it just gets better! Spend the afternoon walking through Downtown Ashland, visiting our brick-and-mortar shops, restaurants, Town Hall, and even the Library to shop from more than 25 local businesses and vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list, as our vendors will have something special for every member of the family.

Stop by The Corner Spot to roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy festive activities hosted by local organizations. Throughout downtown, vendors will be popping up inside Town Hall (both floors), Sub Zero Ice Cream, Nick’s Pizza, Crossroads Physical Therapy, The Bagel Table, and Blush Bouquets offering everything from handmade goods and art to wellness products, floral arrangements, and more!

While you’re here, take some time to eat and drink at our wonderful downtown eateries, including Stone’s Public House, Clover Road Brewing, The Bagel Table, Nick’s Pizza, and more.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season as you stroll through our festive downtown. Keep an eye out, because some very special visitors from the North Pole may stop by to join the celebration!

Tree Lighting 

The fun continues at the Annual Downtown Tree Lighting! Ring in the holiday spirit with carolers, photo ops with the gingerbread man and snowman, hot chocolate sponsored by Connect Church, cookies provided by the Ashland Lions, and of course, a special guest star, Santa! The fun begins at 4 p.m. following the Holiday Stroll. The tree will be lit to guide the way for Santa at 4:30 p.m. and then plan to stick around for a visit with the big guy in his Santa shed at Montenegro Square. This will be the jolliest Saturday in Ashland, full of shopping, treats,and holiday cheer – we can’t wait to see you there!

Ashland DPW Prepares for Snow and Ice Season

As winter approaches, the Ashland Department of Public Works (DPW) is hard at work preparing for another snow and ice season. Keeping the town’s roads clear and safe during snowstorms requires extensive planning, equipment readiness, and coordination between town staff and private contractors.

For a major snow event, Ashland needs approximately 70 pieces of snow-fighting equipment. Of those, about 50 are provided by private plow contractors. According to DPW officials, maintaining competitive plow rates is critical—otherwise, contractors may choose to work for neighboring towns.

“Finding new plow contractors is challenging,” said DPW Director Doug Small. “We’re currently about ten plows short, but every week one or two contractors commit. Things tend to move quickly as soon as the forecast mentions the ‘S’ word.”

Once contractors are confirmed, the department assigns plow routes and conducts truck inspections, performed by the DPW’s fleet mechanics. Communication and training are also key components of the operation. While some contractors require little oversight, others receive additional guidance to ensure they’re prepared for winter conditions.

Residents or contractors interested in plowing for the Town of Ashland can contact the DPW at [email protected].

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Winter

Putting together the annual snow and ice program involves dozens of coordinated steps, including:

• Winterizing and storing summer equipment

• Draining and protecting municipal irrigation systems

• Placing de-icing materials at building entrances

• Inspecting, calibrating, and repairing salt spreaders

• Assigning six frontline spreader operators for the season

• Inspecting plows, performing maintenance, and replacing cutting edges

• Preparing sidewalk machines

• Training new employees

• Reviewing and updating plow and spreader routes

• Installing snow stakes at municipal buildings such as the Community Center, Town Hall, and Library

• Executing salt contracts and exploring alternative snow- and ice-control methods

• Physically driving each route to identify low branches, raised manholes, and other obstacles

• Coordinating with police, fire, and school departments to review parking bans, bus stops, and emergency plans

Standard Operating Procedure

When a storm is forecasted, the DPW’s senior staff meet to discuss timing and logistics. The department follows a standard procedure for storm response:

• Sanders are called in first to treat the roads.

• Town plows are called in second.

• Private contractors are called in last.

One of the DPW’s primary goals is ensuring that every operator—whether town employee or private contractor—is thoroughly familiar with their assigned routes.

In recent years, Ashland has typically experienced four to five significant snow events per winter. With preparations well underway, the DPW aims to ensure the town is ready for whatever this season brings.

Illuminate Downtown

Ashland - Dec. 13 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.

Illuminate Downtown Ashland is back the second weekend in December. Join the downtown area as we celebrate the important role art plays within a community under the glow of luminaries. Local artists & performers are paired with community spaces (public and private). Residents are encouraged to visit the different locations for an intimate experience with art. 

Eleven locations will open their doors to art. Annemarie’s Dance Centre, The Corner Spot, The Bagel Table, Ocean House, The Federated Church of Ashland, Nick’s Pizza, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Clover Road Brewery, Blush Bouquets, Ashland Reiki and Wellness, and Needham Bank. Dance performances, chorus concerts, piano sing-along, wine tasting, string trio, acoustic guitarist, and art will be on display, to name a few.

This year, Illuminate Downtown Ashland’s community art project will recognize the people in Ashland who act as bright lights all year. Do you have a bright light you would like to nominate? Nomination forms may be found on the Illuminate website or at participating locations. Forms must be turned in no later than Friday, Dec. 5. They may be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at the mailbox at 111 Cherry Street if it is a hard copy. 

The event is Saturday, Dec. 13, and runs from 4:30 - 8 p.m. It begins at Annemarie’s Dance Centre, 111 Cherry Street and ends at Clover Road with a piano sing - a - long. A more detailed map with event times will be available on the website (annemariesdance.org/illuminate-ashland). For more information, please visit the Facebook event page or contact Chrissy Reynolds at 508-881-5109.