By Cynthia Whitty

Take the Survey: Racial Equity Steering Group Seeks Data to Foster Inclusion

Lt. Richard Briggs Sworn In as Acting Police Chief

In early July Lieutenant Richard Briggs, a 20-year member of the Ashland Police Department, was sworn in by Town Clerk Tara Ward as the Acting Chief of Police. Briggs replaces Chief Vincent Alfano who retired on June 30 after 2 ½ years of service to the Ashland community. Congratulations Chief Briggs! (Photo/supplied) 

In an effort to gain a better understanding of the perspectives and experiences of people of color within our community, the town’s Racial Equity Steering Group has partnered with Suffolk University to systematically collect this important information. This summer Suffolk University conducted several focus groups where residents had the opportunity to share their lived experiences and reflections surrounding race, diversity, and equity. If you have not participated in a focus group, please consider completing a survey conducted by the University: bit.ly/2U4cQ6j. Your participation in this project is crucial in moving Ashland toward its goal of fostering and supporting a greater sense of inclusion and belonging for all who work and reside here.

2021 Boston Marathon “Bib” Runners

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) has scheduled its 125th Boston Marathon for Monday, Oct. 11. Residents and others were selected by a lottery to use invitational entries, or bib numbers, given to the town by the BAA. In exchange for entry, each recipient must raise a minimum of $3,000. The funding raised supports the Ashland Select Board’s BAA Grant Program and scholarships. Each recipient is also responsible for the fee that they pay directly to the BAA. This year’s bib runners are: Christine Avery Henry Baker, Kristine Cavicchi, Meredith Connery, Rodrigo DE Lima, Cesario De Sousa, Allison Gorman, Telio Leal, Maria Mariona, Lisa Masiello, Olga Maturana, Yuliya Mironovas, Danielle Morgan, and Tai Temple. To make a donation in support of any of the runners in this year’s Marathon, visit www.ashlandmass.com/bostonmarathon or mail a check to Town of Ashland, Attention: Susan Robie, 101 Main Street, Ashland, Mass. 01721.