Error, Corrected Date Christmas Tree Lighting

The correct date for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Common is Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4:00 pm. Some of you may have received an incorrect post stating it is on Saturday. My apologies for the error.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held on the Common this Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4:00 pm. The ceremony will be followed by hobo stew served at the Congregational Church.

Library Events for December

Holiday Closings: The Library will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Special Event in December!

Contempaissance – Flute and Guitar Through the Ages

Thursday, December 9 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Library Come to the library and enjoy the music of the season with musicians Chris Glanville and Gary Jackson. This talented duo will perform holiday themed musical selections spanning 800 years of history from the Medieval Age all the way through to the Jazz and Popular tunes of the recent past. The concert is free and can be enjoyed by all ages. It is supported in part by a grant from the Ashby Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.

Chick Flick Nights

Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm Movies on a big screen at the Library! Ladies – Join us for laughter and fun!

Preschool Story and Craft-NOTE: New Day and Time!

Wednesdays at 1:30 pm Drop in and enjoy stories and a related craft activity. Open to 3, 4, and 5 year olds with their caregiver. Enjoy special fun on the second Wednesday of each month when Mrs. Cathy Johnson joins us for a sing-along.

Adult Reading Group

Wednesday, December 8, 6:30 – 7:30 The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise, by Julia Stuart

Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 – 7:30 Book to be decided at the December meeting.

Selectmen's Agenda for Tues. Nov. 23rd

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of November 10, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W21P in the amount of $_______________, Vendor Warrant W22B in the amount of $__________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #11-07 in the amount of $46.15 to the Highway Overtime Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #11-08 in the amount of $500.00 to the Highway Overtime Account

6. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of April Alden as Parks Commissioner effective November 16, 2010

7. 7:30 p.m. – CDBG FY2011 Application Hearing (MRPC)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Amendment #1 for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants Case #6 (MRPC)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Modification of Mortgage Amendment Cost for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants Case #6 (MRPC)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Amendment #1 for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants (MRPC)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Modification of Mortgage Amendment Cost for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants (MRPC)

12. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Agreement for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants Case #7 (MRPC)

13. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

14. Public Comments (if any)

15. Adjourn

Selectmen's Agenda November 10, 2010

Agenda Due to technical difficulties I can only provide a link to the agenda this week.

Vote Tuesday Nov. 2nd

Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 7 am -8 pm at Ashby Elementary, Ballot

Police Anti-Theft VIN Etching, Saturday the 30th

The Ashby Police Department in conjunction with the Ashby Fire Department and the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force will sponsor an Auto Glass “VIN Etching” Day on Saturday October 30, 2010 from 9AM to 2 PM. The event will be held at the Ashby Fire Department located at 1093 Main St, Ashby. Details

Flu Shots, Nov 3rd at AES

Nashoba Associated Boards of Health is conducting Flu shots Nov. 3rd, 3:30 - 6:00pm at Ashby Elementary. Please see the notice for details.

Selectmen's Agenda October 27, 2010

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 13 and 14, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W17P in the amount of $43,509.31, Vendor Warrant W18B in the amount of $693,178.64 and Vendor Warrant W18B1 in the amount of $14,085

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #11-02 in the amount of $84.08 to the Historical Commission Expense Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #11-03 in the amount of $984.00 to the EMT Expense Account

6. Constellation Energy Pricing Proposal (Craig Brazell)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Christopher Ryan as Land Use Agent (Land Use Board/Commission)

8. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Housing Rehabilitation Agreement Amendment #1 for Housing Rehab Program Participant (MRPC)

9. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Modification of Mortgage Amendment Cost for Housing Rehab Program Participant (MRPC)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Kathryn Becker as Council on Aging Director

11. Selectmen Discuss Highway Superintendent’s Memo regarding Diesel Tank Repairs

12. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

13. Public Comments (if any)

14. Adjourn

Job Listing for Accounting Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Police Department

The Town of Ashby is accepting applications for the part-time, non-benefited position of Accounting Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Police Department. Duties include assisting Town Accountant with preparation of accounts payable, payroll, receivables processing, and maintaining accounting files. A thorough knowledge of principles/practices of municipal accounting, financial computer applications and accuracy is a prime requisite. Police Department Administrative Assistant duties include bills and payroll submittals & tracking, electronic reporting for grants, data entry for firearms licensing, ordering supplies, filing and organizing and other clerical/accounting duties as deemed appropriate. A background check including CORI check and finger print submission is required. No more than 19 hrs./week with schedule t/b/d. Minimum two years of higher education preferred.

Send résumé to the Town of Ashby, Attn: Jennifer Collins, 895 Main Street, Ashby, MA 01431 or email directly to tabos@ci.ashby.ma.us

Starting pay rate: $15.07-$15.48/hr. Deadline for applications: 11/10/10. EOE.

Halloween Parking Restrictions on Main Street

The traditional Ashby Halloween event-will be held Sunday, October 31, 2010 in Ashby Center from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

To improve safety through increased visibility, we are prohibiting parking on Main Street from South Road to the library from 4:00 p.m. until the event ends.

You will be able to access your driveways but we seek your cooperation and ask that you do not park on the street from 2:00 p.m.

If you have any questions please call 978-386-5652. Thank you for helping to ensure a safe Halloween.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Drew, Chief of Police

Ashby Crime Prevention Event, Auto Glass Etching

PUBLIC SAFETY
CRIME PREVENTION EVENT
Saturday October 30, 2010
9AM to 2PM
At
Ashby Fire Station
1093 Main St, Ashby, MA

The Ashby Police Department in conjunction with the Ashby Fire Department and the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force will sponsor an Auto Glass “VIN Etching” Day on Saturday October 30, 2010 from 9AM to 2 PM. The event will be held at the Ashby Fire Department located at 1093 Main St, Ashby.

The process which takes approximately 10-15 minutes, etches the V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) of your vehicle on all of the glass windows and a certificate will be issued. This provides a visible deterrent to theft and can be good for a discount of up to 15% off your comprehensive auto insurance.

The moment your vehicle is reported stolen, its Federally Registered Identification – VIN – becomes the mark of a stolen vehicle. Thieves are less likely to risk the theft of an easily identified vehicle, nor are they willing to spend the necessary time, effort, and money required to replace VIN marked windows.

A ten dollar ($10.00) fee is charged to the customer to offset the cost of supplies and equipment used in etching a vehicle.

In order to participate, you will need to have the following items;

1. A vehicle with a current and valid registration.
2. The fee of $10.00 (Cash Only).
3. A valid driver’s license in your possession.

If you have any questions about this event please contact Pamela Surette, Program Coordinator of the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike

Flu Vaccinations

Flu Vaccination in Ashby, October 21, 2010 at 12-2:00 pm in the Legion. Other locations that Ashby residents can receive free vaccinations.

Last Day to Register to Vote for State Election

Last Day to Register to Vote in the Nov. 2nd State Election is Wednesday, Oct 13th

Free Money Management Classes in Ashby

Having trouble keeping up with all those bills?

Worried about that mortgage payment?

You are not alone.

Do you have concerns about your finances? This FREE class is being offered once a week for 4 weeks and designed to help you:

• Develop a budget
• Create a savings plan
• Set financial goals
• Prevent delinquencies and foreclosure
• Learn about IDAs
• Obtain and understand your Credit Report and Credit Score
• Repair poor credit

*Free individual counseling available by appointment

where: Ashby Town Hall, 2nd floor
895 Main Street
Ashby, Ma 01431

when: Monday evenings, November 1, 8, 15 and 22, 6:00 pm TO 8:00 pm

light dinner provided

register by October 28th by calling 978-343-5706 or toll-free 888-978-6261 (Montachusett Opportunity Council Inc.)

Presented by the Towns of Ashby and Hubbardston and the North Central MA NeighborWorks®HomeOwnership Center (Greater Gardner CDC, MOC, RCAP Solutions and Twin Cities CDC)

Draft Report on the Town Administrator Position

Full Report

Executive Summary

At the request of the Ashby Board of Selectmen, the Collins Center researched the Town Administrator position and analyzed options for possible changes to it that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Town government. The full report provides a summary of that research, the options reviewed, and the recommendations the Center is making, as well as the methodology used and the principles underpinning the work.

Notice of Abandoned Checks

September 29, 2010
"Notice of Names of Persons Appearing to be Owners of Checks Issued by the Town of Ashby, Which Have Not Been Cashed and are Deemed Abandoned"

Information about a check may be obtained by a person expressing an interest in the check by addressing an inquiry to Kate Stacy/Treasurer of the Town of Ashby, 895 Main Street – Lock Box 12, Ashby MA 01431 Phone # 978-386-2424 Extension 23.

Name	Address	Town or City	State
Nashoba Valley EMS Inc.	99 Pleasant Street	Groton	MA
John Steffian	40 South Road	Ashby	MA
John Steffian & Frances Steffian	40 South Road	Ashby	MA
Pamela Peeler	708 Main Street	Ashby	MA

Ashby's 20th Annual Pumpkin Festival & Craft Fair

On the Common
Saturday, October 2nd, 10am - 4pm
Rain Date October 3, 12- 4pm

• live music throughout the day featuring country and children's music
• food
• children's games
• a pumpkin decorating contest
• face painting
• fire truck tours
• a tractor parade
• craft tables.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Presentation at the Library

Not Wanted Dead or Alive: Asian Longhorned Beetle

Please join the Ashby Conservation Commission on Thursday September 30th @ 7pm at the Ashby Free Public Library for a presentation on the Asian Longhorned Beetle.

This pest attacks a wide variety of hardwood trees, particularly maples, and is considered a serious threat to the nursery, lumber, wood products, maple syrup, and tourism industries in our state.

If it became established over a large area, it could also significantly disrupt the forest ecosystem.

Come learn to distinguish the beetle from “look-alikes” and recognize signs of it presence.
There will be a presentation from the Forest Pest Outreach & Survey Project and specimens to view from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Selectmen's Agenda for September 29

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of September 15, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W13P in the amount of $____________ Vendor Warrant W14B in the amount of $_________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion of Constellation NewEnergy Evaluation and Signature on Data Request Form (Alan Pease)

5. Request for Selectmen’s Vote and Signatures on Commitment Letter to meet Green Community Status Requirements (Alan Pease)

6. Request for Selectmen to Award Highway Road Materials Bids

7. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Department of Veterans’ Services VS5/VS-6 Certification Form

8. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Faith Anttila as Cultural Council Member for a 3-year term to expire on June 30, 2013

9. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Joanne Boudreau as Cultural Council Member for a 3-year term to expire on June 30, 2013

10. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Letter to Principal regarding UN Day Activities

11. Selectmen Discuss Funding Source for Library Building Exterior Work

12. Selectmen Discuss Madigan’s Buildings Site Visit

13. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

14. Public Comments (if any)

15. Selectmen Enter Executive Session to Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining

16. Adjourn

Draft Ashby Village Sewer Feasibility Study

The Draft Ashby Village Sewer Feasibility Study is available. The Planning Board is seeking comments on it. Comments will be reviewed and included in the final draft.

• by email to webmaster@ci.ashby.ma.us
• on Facebook
• on the Ashby, Mass blog
• by mail to Planning Board, 895 Main St., Ashby, MA 01431
• at the public meeting October 13, 2010

Election Reminder

State Primary Election, Tuesday, September 14th, 7am-8pm at Ashby Elementary

September Well Adult Clinic

Well Adult Clinic at American Legion Sept. 16, 12-1 pm. Vision Screening by D'Ambrosio Eye Care, blood pressure screening by town nurse.

Selectmen's Agenda for September 15, 2010

MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of September 1, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W11P in the amount of $_____________ and Vendor Warrant W12B in the amount of $____________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Letter to Ashby Residents regarding CDBG Funding for Road Projects

5. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Modification of Mortgage Amendment Cost for Housing Rehab Program Participant (MRPC)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on (3) CDBG FY09 Agreements for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participants (MRPC)

7. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Request for Release of Funds and Certification Form for Community Development Fund I (MRPC)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Acceptance of Deed for the Mary Damon Forest Legacy Parcel

9. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Amended Proposal Authorization for Design and Construction of Sewer Disposal System Connection (Board of Health Member)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Bruce Adams as Board of Health Chairman effective September 1, 2010 11. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

12. Public Comments (if any)

13. Adjourn

Ashby Legion's First Annual Car Show

Ashby American Legion Post 361 Just a reminder to all - The 1st Annual Car Show for Charity - to be held on Sept. 5th @ Allen Field - Gates open @ 9:00am. There is a $2 donation at the door for adults. There will be music & food and fun all day! The weather looks as though it will be with us for the day! So come on out and support our cause

Register to Vote for State Primary Election

August 25, 2010 is the last day to register to vote at the State Primary Election to be held on September 14, 2010

Selectmen's Agenda for August 18, 2010

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of August 4 and August 11, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W07P in the amount of

$39,404.77, Vendor Warrant W08B in the amount of $21,189.79

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY2010 CDBG

Community Development Fund I Contract

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY2010 CDBG

MRPC Management Services Contract (Ann Carabba)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Statement of

Authorization for FY2011 Council on Aging Formula Grant

7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Federal FY2012

Forest Legacy Grant Letter of Support (Al Futterman)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on State Primary

Warrant (Town Clerk)

9. Update on the Collins Research Group.

10. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

11. Public Comments (if any)

12 Adjourn

Join the Ashby Cultural Council - We need new members!!

JOIN THE ASHBY CULTURAL COUNCIL !!

We are looking for new members to join the Ashby Cultural Council. This group supports local artists and brings wonderful cultural programming to Ashby, and it is in danger of folding if we can't attract some new members. We meet 4-5 times a year, with our busiest time coming up in the fall when grant applications are made. Please email us as soon as possible at: ashbyculturalcouncil@gmail.com if you are interested in being part of this wonderful local organization !! Or call 978-386-6880 for more information.

For more information about the Massachusetts Cultural Council:
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/lccgrants.html

photo courtesy of Rick Hamelin, (Pied Potter)

Local Contractors Needed for Ashby Housing Program

The Towns of Ashby was recently awarded Community Development Block Grant funds to conduct a housing rehabilitation program within town.

The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has been hired by the Town to administer the grant program. We are looking for local contractors that might be interested in participating in the program.

The type of renovations that are covered within this program is roofing repairs or replacement; installing insulation; window and door replacement; upgrades to heating, plumbing and electrical systems; drainage and structural issues; removal of lead or asbestos; and repairs or replacement for failed septic systems.

If you are a licensed general contractor, lead remover, electrician, plumber, or septic installer, carry insurance, and are looking for local jobs, please contact Shelly Hatch at MRPC, 978-345-7376, x305.

Selectmen's Meeting Agenda for August 4, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010


1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting


2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of July 21, 2010


3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W05P in the amount of $____________, and Vendor Warrant W06B in the amount of $____________


4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on MIIA Health Benefits Trust Agreement (Town Treasurer and MIIA Representative)


5. Selectmen Discuss Next Round of Community Development Block Grant Applications (Shelly Hatch)


6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on HUD Grant Commitment Letter (Alan Pease)


7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2 One Day Liquor Licenses for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club


8. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of to the Police Regionalization Study Committee


9. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report


10. Public Comments (if any)


11. Selectmen Enter Executive Session to Discuss the Deployment of or Strategy Regarding Security Personnel and will Reconvene in Open Session


12. Adjourn