By Cynthia Whitty

Tired of Winter? Think Spring!

Join the Ashland Garden Club for a free Winter Seed Sowing Workshop on Saturday, March 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., either in person at the Ashland Library, 66 Front St., or virtually, to learn how to create a miniature greenhouse and plant your own seeds. Live participation will be limited to 15 attendees. All participants must register online to attend. To register, visit bit.ly/3tfenWE.

Nomination Papers for Town Election

Ashland’s next scheduled election is May 17. The last day for potential candidates to submit nomination papers to the town clerk’s office is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29. For more information, visit www.ashlandmass.com/219/Elections-Voting.

Dates to Remember

• Annual Town Meeting: Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m. at the Ashland High School

• Annual Town Election: Tuesday, May 17, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ashland High School

Ashland Searches for a Police Chief 

Ashland is searching for a new permanent police chief. Interested candidates may submit a resume and letter of interest with their qualifications by emailing, [email protected], subject: Police Chief Search, or by mailing Town of Ashland, Human Resources Office, 101 Main Street, Ashland, MA. 01721, Attn: Police Chief Search. For more information, visit bit.ly/35QTcAk. To view the Employment Profile for the position, visit www.ashlandmass.com/597/Employment-Opportunities.

Collaborative Workspaces Available

My Ashland Office at 21 Main St., Suite 103, offers collaborative workspaces to support a diverse and multidimensional business community. Book a private desk, office, shared workspace or time in the video conference room and productively complete your workday. Pricing is available for part-time or full-time depending on your need. Funded in part by a grant from the state Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). 508-621-1222, [email protected], myashlandoffice.com.

Disaster Preparedness

Assistant Town Manager Jenn Ball gave a presentation at the library in January on disaster (hazard) preparedness, focusing on preparation and resources available at the local, state, and federal levels. Hazards can fall into three categories: natural hazards, such as floods, fires, winter storms; manmade incidents, such as acts of terrorism, industrial accidents, cyber-attacks; and emerging issues, such as public health emergencies. Residents can stay informed by signing up for the town’s Code Red system (bit.ly/3oCbBrd) and following the MA Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) for information about statewide emergencies. To view Ball’s presentation, visit bit.ly/3uHKf6P. The presentation is also posted on the town and library YouTube channels.

Annual Dog License Registration is Due April 15

The Town Clerk’s office requires dogs to be registered annually. Be sure to register before April 15 to avoid paying a fine. To register, use the town’s online system or drop off the form and payment to Town Hall. If you no longer reside in Ashland or your dog is deceased, update the Town Clerk’s Office by email, [email protected], or call 508-881-0100 ext. 7127. For fees and forms, visit www.ashlandmass.com/216/Dog-Licensing.

Outside Burning Allowed until May 1

The Ashland Fire Department requires residents to obtain a permit for outside burning. There is no fee for the permit, which is valid for the entire burning season (until May 1, 2022). Each subsequent time a resident wishes to burn, they must activate their permit on that day. Permits are for brush only. Burning construction materials, leaves, paper products, sawn Lumber, and stumps is prohibited. For complete details, visit www.ashlandfire.com/31/Burning-Permits.