Annual Town Meeting:

Community Voice Matters

Residents of Ashland are encouraged to make their voices heard at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Ashland High School Auditorium.

The Annual Town Meeting gives registered voters the opportunity to decide on the town’s budget, local bylaws, and community priorities for the year ahead. This meeting allows residents to speak on the warrant articles, ask questions, and vote on specific proposals that have an immediate impact on daily life in Ashland.

This year’s agenda will include votes on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, updates to zoning bylaws, and a community preservation proposal.

Proposed Operational Override

A key item on this year’s warrant is a proposed operational override. If approved, the override would allow the town to raise additional revenue beyond the standard levy limit.

If passed at Town Meeting, the override will also require approval by voters at the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 19.

Why Your Vote Matters

Town Meeting is where local democracy truly happens. Every vote cast at Town Meeting directly shapes the services and investments that affect our schools, public safety, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.

Participation is open to all registered voters in Ashland. Residents who are unsure of their registration status are encouraged to contact the Town Clerk’s office before the meeting or you can check your status and register online at www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR. The deadline to register to vote at the Annual Town Meeting is Friday, April 24.

Childcare services will be available on-site. To register, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/HWmnrNudV2QRrnTw9

ADA accommodations can be arranged for residents who require accessibility assistance.  Anyone in need of special arrangements, please contact the Office of the Select Board at 508-881-0100 by May 1, 2026, in order that reasonable accommodations may be made.

We hope to see a full house on May 6, reminding residents that the Annual Town Meeting is not just a civic obligation, but an opportunity to actively shape the future of Ashland. For a copy of the meeting warrant and additional information, please visit the town’s website at www.ashlandmass.com or stop by Town Hall during regular business hours.

Annual Town Election – Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Residents of Ashland will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for the Annual Town Election, with voting taking place at Ashland High School. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Offices on the Ballot

This year’s ballot includes seats for Select Board, Assessor, School Committee, Library Trustees, and Board of Health, all for a 3-year term. There is one Housing Authority and one Planning Board seat on the ballot for 5-year terms and one Planning Board seat to fill an unexpired term for 4 years. While local elections typically see lower turnout than state or federal contests, please keep in mind that these roles directly shape decisions about education, public safety, public works, and long-term planning.

Residents who are unsure of their registration status are encouraged to contact the Town Clerk’s office before the election or check their status and register online at www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR. The deadline to register to vote is Friday, May 8.

Voters may also consider voting by mail if they are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. The deadline to apply for a mailed ballot is Tuesday, May 12. There will also be In-Person Early Voting at the Town Clerk’s Office. Please visit Ashland’s municipal website for dates and times at www.ashlandmass.com/219/Elections-Voting)

Operational Override Question

A key ballot question asks whether Ashland should approve an operational override, which would allow the town to raise additional property tax revenue beyond the limits set under state law. A simple majority vote is required for the override to pass.

Every Vote Counts

Residents are encouraged to review the sample ballot, stay informed about the issues, and make a plan to vote on May 19.

With leadership positions and a significant financial question before voters, the Annual Town Election presents an opportunity for Ashland residents to directly shape the future of their community.

Earth Day Celebration:

Join us for an Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 26, from 12 - 4 p.m. at The Corner Spot - located at 6 Cherry St. Join us for a day of fun and education for the whole community! There will be hands-on activities, goats, native tree seedling giveaways, and more. We hope to see you there!

GreenUp Ashland:

Keep Ashland Beautiful: Annual Town‑Wide Cleanup & Adopt‑A‑Street Program

Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Meet at Stone Park Pavilion

Ashland’s annual GreenUp event is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to invite Ashland businesses, congregations, schools, youth organizations and clubs to take part in this year’s one time community‑wide cleanup and/or the Adopt‑A‑Street program. Your involvement helps keep our town clean, welcoming, and environmentally healthy—and it’s a great way to build our community while giving back.

How You Can Participate

 One Time Town‑Wide Cleanup — Walk‑in registration and online registration bag pickup on Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Stone Park Pavilion.

Join neighbors, local groups, and fellow businesses to help clean public areas, parks, and streets across Ashland. While walk-in registration and bag pickup are on Saturday, May 2, folks have the whole weekend to clean up the area they sign up for. This event is a fun, high‑impact way to support our community and protect our shared environment.

Online Sign-up Window - Registration Link:

•  Opens: April 20

•  Closes: April 29

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1y3VBvc1if-4F757Q79gg-x5x6cOHIoRmw_jrb89Du74/preview

More details about participating can be found here: https://www.greenupashland.org/copy-of-participating-volunteering

Adopt‑A‑Street Program

Adopt a street, location, or neighborhood area and help keep it clean from May to the end of October. Your family, business, or organization will receive supplies, support, and recognition for your ongoing stewardship.

Online Sign-up Window:

•  Opens: April 5

•  Closes: April 19

Registration Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Lx-7H9R3fUDWagqWB32kL3Vo1sNtzHPcBZwOyJlI9cE/preview

Learn more about the program here:

https://www.greenupashland.org/adopt-a-street

Why Your Participation Matters

Taking part in the GreenUp Ashland event is a meaningful way to:

•  Support sustainability and environmental responsibility

•  Strengthen team connections and community pride

•  Build positive relationships with other local organizations and businesses

•  Help keep Ashland clean, vibrant, and welcoming for everyone.

Get Involved

If you have questions or would like more information, reach out anytime at [email protected].

You can also explore all program details and sign‑up links at www.greenupashland.org.

Thank you for helping make Ashland a cleaner, greener, and more connected community. We can’t wait to see you on May 2!

Community Recycling and Reuse Day:

Ashland is partnering with the Hopkinton Green Committee to help residents recycle and donate old household goods. What to bring: old dehumidifiers, electronics, appliances, furniture, mattresses, textiles, documents for shredding, plastic film, food pantry donations, and more. 

Being held on April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 pm. at Marathon School, Hopkinton. Any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Marathon Runners: 

This year, we have 19 runners representing Ashland in the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2026. Each runner has committed to raising a minimum of $3,000 each. The funds raised are the sole funding source for Ashland's BAA Grant Program. Typically, grants are offered in the spring and in the fall. Qualifying 501(c) 3 organizations are eligible to apply for grants to fund specific projects, events, or support the Ashland community and its residents in some way. Thank you to all the runners and donors who are supporting our town!

Our 19, 2026 Boston Marathon runners are Thalita Abreu, Welder Inacio Abreu, Tiffany Barry, Rudolph DeMeo, Ari Dinerman, Demetra Edwards, Ella Fong, Rachael Hopkins, Nick Kynoch, Wilson Lin, Kelly Lorence, Kaitlin Loughlin, Terry Rocke, Lawrence Rodkey, Morgan Sunderland, Tiffany Tessier, Sam Thurston, Patricia Vosikas, Alysa White.

We are wishing all the runners luck and can’t wait to see them cross the finish line! 

Communications at Town Hall: 

In a recent edition of the Town Manager’s Newsletter, we asked the question, ‘Where do you go to get information about the town?’ The most popular answer was the Town Manager’s Newsletter. This newsletter is a great hub of information, events, and opportunities around Ashland sent every Saturday morning. If you aren’t signed up for the newsletter, considering signing up; the link can be found on AshlandMass.com under the Town Manager. 

We also post information, almost daily, on social media. This information ranges from alerts and events to general information important to Ashland residents. If you want to stay informed, consider following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at TownofAshlandMa. 

We also have articles here on the Ashland Local Town Pages monthly! It’s a great overview of information. 

If you have any communications questions, please reach out to our Communications Coordinator, Clara Mott, at [email protected]

Ashland Recreation: 

April 2 Half-Day Field Trip - Open to grades K-8 - We will be going to Hometown Arcade!

The ARC Half Day Explorers program will meet on Thursday, April 2, on the K-8 early release day. Students are picked up directly from their school at dismissal by Recreation Staff.  After picking up from all schools, everyone will head out together for an exciting afternoon adventure. We will return to the Community Center by 5 p.m. Pick up is from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Ashland Community Center.

Kids Test Kitchen

Kids learn about healthy foods by cooking together. They explore ingredients, help prepare a recipe, and cook as a team. At the end of class, kids taste the food they made and take home a recipe card and a sample or ingredient to share. Even picky eaters enjoy the class. Tasting is always optional. Classes focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans, with new recipes each session. Please list any allergies when registering.

Spring session starts April 30. Register by April 16 to save $20.

Vinyasa Yoga

A Vinyasa Flow Yoga class taught from an anatomical and aligned standpoint. Great for all levels, especially beginners, to help break or avoid improper postural patterns. The class will take a therapeutic approach, focusing on harmony between mind and body. Linking breath to gentle movement sequences helps to improve mobility at a lower intensity all while allowing your heart rate to increase. Sequences will vary from class to class with offerings of various yogic breath techniques and guided relaxation allowing for a deep sense of mindfulness, self-connection, and ease.

Spring session starts May 5 and May 7.