Ashland localtownpages Vol. 2 No. 8
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Hundreds Expected to Attend Second Annual Metrowest College Fair and Career Day
The Snow is the Story
Event will be held on Saturday, March 21 at Ashland High School By Liz Taurasi
By John Kelley Editor As with most stories, there are two sides. Some would see the new snowfall as (cold) beauty, while others see a nuisance to be endured. School children see a unique opportunity for play, or a day off from school. The pragmatist sees the cycle of water that includes evaporation in one season, and conden-
sation in another. At some point, many people understand it as a fact of life, sometimes mild, at other times dangerous. Certainly, we are experiencing a harsh winter by most standards. From October through most of January, we did not see this coming. Over a three week period through the middle of February, Ashland has received about six feet of snow. Fortunately, the town has the capa-
Headquarters of the Department of Public Works is located at 20 Ponderosa Road where equipment is maintained in a state of readiness.
bility to deal effectively with the effects of the storms, and the staff at the Department of Public Works (DPW) has demonstrated superb fortitude in executing one of their
Snow Story
continued on page 2
Students and families from more than 15 local high schools across the area will have the chance to be armed with all the information they need as they begin the college search process thanks to the second annual Metrowest College Fair and Career Day set for Saturday, March 21. Co-sponsored by the Ashland PTO and Ashland Education Foundation, the event began in 2014 with the goal of providing valuable information to families with children in high school navigating the path to the right
college or career upon graduation. Last year more than 200 students participated in the event which included representatives from 150 colleges and professionals from more 100 different careers. The 2015 Metrowest College Fair and Career Day takes place on Saturday, March 21 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Ashland High School, 65 E. Union St. in Ashland. Organizers say they expect to see an increase in attendees at this year’s event, and expect to have the same
College Fair
continued on page 4
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Page 2 Snow Story
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primary missions—keeping the transportation network functional. The DPW is organized along budgetary lines in five areas: highway; cemetery/trees/parks; water; sewer; and a new functional group for (sports) fields. The water and sewer functions are staffed as a single entity. The supervisor of both the highway and cemetery/ trees/parks groups is Benny Bonaveri who is also the designated operational boss for dealing with snowstorms. At the head of the Department is David Manujian who has been Director for about two-and-a-half years. For the two years prior to his appointment to the Director’s position, David was the Town Planner/Engineer. David is a degreed engineer who graduated from Tufts School of Engineering, and received a Master’s De-
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gree from Clemson University in South Carolina. Prior to coming to Ashland, David was Oxford’s town planner/engineer. According to Mr. Manujian, there is a very well-defined strategy for dealing with snowstorms. The first priority is to achieve at least a lane of access to all homes and businesses for emergency access by fire and police personnel. Salt and/or sand is applied to main roads and hills when the snow first starts to fall. This prepares the road for plowing. Public safety is the goal, followed closely by providing the resources to do all that is possible to prepare for opening of the schools. This includes widening the roads so school buses can navigate around corners, as well as clearing sidewalks that are used by students who do not take a bus. Once the roads are sufficiently cleared, and the schools are opened, the DPW works on widening the roads and clearing snow around fire hydrants and street drains called “catch-basins”. The rationale for the clearing the drains is that any sudden rise in temperature could result in flooding conditions for some streets and property due to melting of the snow. The DPW has sufficient organic staff and equipment to handle storms that bring up to about four inches of snow. This includes several dump trucks with plows and sand/salt spreaders, pickup trucks with plows, and other equipment that can be outfitted with plows, such as front-loaders. There is a full-time mechanic on staff at the DPW, and repairs can
March 1, 2015
be made since the Department maintains a significant stock of repair parts, to include pistons, plow blades, gaskets, hydraulic pumps and other such items. Once the forecast exceeds the We are very pleased that the Ashland four-inch benchmark, the DepartSchool Committee voted in January to ment prepares to activate up to name the new baseball field behind Ashabout thirty contractors and their land High in honor of SGT Joseph A. plow equipment. Such contractors Seaman, a graduate in the class of 1965 are designated each year and have who made the ultimate sacrifice for his pre-assigned specific areas/streets Nation in Viet Nam in July 1970. Memto maintain once the activation bers of the community, some of whom were classmates, are planorder is executed. The turnover ning support theA. dedication ceremony thefrom Memorial rate onAscontractors a follow-upfrom to ouryear storytolast month ontoSGT Joseph Seaman, we receivedover a note Carl Day weekend. Funds are being collected in order to possibly place a year isHakansson low, so thewho town is able to wrote “I remember him well. I can still see him playing ball and working at monument at the site, as well as a kiosk containing information maintain a high degree of skill in Mickey's. The operators New Year's he was he was at the Rose Parade with a bigHakansson, sign about SGTkilled, Seaman. Donations made be sent to Carl its workforce—the getDay before 346 Chestnut St., Ashland, MA 01721. The MetroWest very familiar withthat their for Ashland theassigned camera kept showing. I remember it like it was yesterday.” To be honest, weDaily News ran a story on the effort at http://www.metrowestdailyareas. had expected there would be others who would share their memories. Recall at the end of the news.com/article/20150205/News/150207856 At the center of the operation is wewho stated a belief that the town ought to consider naming a principal street in SGT Benny article, Bonaveri travels about +++++++++++++++++++ town inspecting the work Seaman’s honor, andand havediSGT Seaman’s name engraved on the Viet Nam memorial in the verting resources as necessary. Gordon A. Green town square. SurelynhisInname belongs with thewe other heros on theirofrespective our February issue, showed a pair photos depictThere are also several employees ing about the mild it duringanJanuary. We were war memorials. Havingtothought the winter matter, as wewe arecaptured going to suggest alternative who “float” and are ready be further delighted that none of our readers accused us of jinxing the mild used atto critical locations where the naming of a street. Given the number of athletic letters earned at AHS, it would be fitting weather, and bringing about the storms of February. The folks in the assigned equipment cannot dedicate the new athletic behind the to SGT areAHS just the best!!Seaman’s memory. No one has keep uptowith any increased rate ofcomplexAshland snowfall. stepped forward to carry these suggestions to the “powers that be.” Is there a patriot out there +++++++++++++++++++ It should be noted that Ashland who can make this happen? There is, surely. has a policy regarding damage to n As we go to press, Charlie Nickerson on South Street called mailboxes caused by plowing. to tell us about a very special police officer who stopped by to The town does not pay for reAnother letter regarding our May issue: check on him. Charlie was atop his barn shoveling the snow placement or repair of mailboxes from the roof, as he was concerned that the snow load would should a plow strike a mailbox or “Dear such John,as We spoke abaswhile back collapse about placing an ad in A your the Ashland Memorial the structure. fewpaper hoursforlater, Police Officer Bill Fosother things portable services to be held on May 26, 2014.terWhile the Ashland Veteran's Counsel appreciates the had completed his shift and arrived back at Charlie’s place, ketballmention equipment which is left in in the paper I was very disappointed to see the title on page 6 above the notice. shovel in hand, and spent three hours atop Charlie’s barn. Charlie the street. thatresponders, Officer Foster made andDay cleared Given the extreme Memorial Day is conditions not a day of tributesaid to first police andthe or difference, fire. Memorial is the roof as good as a snowblower. Now, that is the kind of neighborliness brought on by this winter, the designated for the purpose of honoring those comrades who died in defense of their country. for which this town is known. DPW has done an outstanding job I have utmost for our police and fire men and women and do not want to show any of clearing thethesnow andrespect performlack of respect for them and what they do each day however, if you read General Logan's Order ing its assigned missions.
Public Safety
Editor’s Notes
Editor’s Notes
you will see the true meaning of Memorial Day. Regards, Jane O'Leary American Legion Auxiliary Unit 77, Ashland, MA
Interim Fire Chief Scott Boothby cautions citizens to insure that snow drifts do not cover furnace exhaust pipes which exit many homes about five feet above grade. The exhaust is carbon monoxide gas and may back up into a dwelling if sufficient snow blocks the pipe. Exhaust vents which pass through roofs are not likely to become a hazard as the heat from the gas will melt any snow above the pipe. Chief Boothby states that there have not been any serious emergencies reported during the recent spate of storms.
During a storm in early February, the Town of Ashland established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which coordinates with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Authority (MEMA) located in Framingham. Seated left to right: Chief of Police Craig Davis, Town Manager Tony Schiavi, Director of Public Works David Manugian, unidentified person, and Fire Captain Keith Robbie. Standing: Police Logistics Officer Ed Burman.
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
March 1, 2015
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Ashland Business Association and United Home Experts to Host Business Social, March 3 By Cynthia Whitty The Ashland Business Association (ABA) and United Home Experts will host a business social on Tuesday, March 3, 6 to 8 pm, at the home improvement company’s new headquarters, 60 Pleasant Street. ABA members and local business owners and managers are invited to attend. Beer, wine and “light eats” will be served. “Come and check out our new office and display space. We also have space for lease and will build to suit,” John Dudley, one of the United Home Experts owners, said. To date, a couple of attorneys and nonprofit organizations have leased the space.
moved into the former Gamewell building in November. In 2014, United Home Experts was named Everlast Siding Distributor of the Year; received the Norandex Award for Excellence; and was the featured contractor in Roofing Contractor magazine. The following ABA business networking socials are scheduled for the remainder of the year: May 5: Cheryl Cohen Mosaics Art Center The United Home Experts team will welcome ABA members and local businesses to their new headquarters on March 3. (Photo/submitted)
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Ashland residents and parents Rich Boccuzzi and Scott Wood are the presenters. Boccuzzi has lived in Ashland since 1997 and has two daughters age 13 and 11 in the Ashland school system. Boccuzzi started programming computers in Radio Shack as a pre-teen and has played with technology ever since. He worked in Big Data Analytics as CTO at Lavastorm Analyt-
ics for 15 years and before that worked with the Trident missile system at Draper Laboratory. An Ashland resident since 1994, Wood and his wife Lisa brought up two girls, who are now 18 and 20 years old, in the Ashland school system. Wood is a technology professional and says he owns enough computers to open a small museum. As a technophile, he loves computers –but believes
The Digital Age: Positive Parenting for Tech Savvy Clockers By Cynthia Whitty The Decisions at Every Turn Coalition and the Friends of the Ashland Public Library will present “The Digital Age: Positive Parenting for Tech Savvy Clockers” on Wednesday, March 25, as part of its 2014-15 program series. The presentation will be held from 7 to 8 pm at the the Ashland Library Community Roon, 66 Front Street. The program is free and open to the public. Parents often are not as skilled at the Internet as their kids are and
when their kids are ‘online’ all the time, they often find it difficult to know what to do. This program will present some easy-to-implement strategies and suggestions for parents or guardians of children in grades 4-12.
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For more information on the March event, contact the ABA, 508-380-0555, info@AshlandBusinessAssociation.com, or United Home Experts, 508-8818555. Visit www.UnitedHomeExperts.com.
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the Internet explosion is making ‘privacy’ a thing of the past. Wood is the founder of VeriCode, Inc., which provides software testing services. For more information about this program, email president@ friendsoftheapl.com or visit www. friendsoftheapl.com/events/events/ adult_education/parenting_seminar_series. For a schedule of the complete parenting program, visit www. ashlanddecisions.org/daet-community-programming.html.
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ABA meetings with speakers and member presentations are held in February, April, June, August and November. Business owners and managers may join the association by visiting the website, www.AshlandFirst.com, or at a meeting or social.
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College Fair
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Math for Snow Engineers By John Kelley, Editor At the height of the blizzard, it struck me that all this snow was going to melt someday. My mind saw the flooding in Biblical proportions; then came the mud. The locusts cannot be far behind. Too bad this stuff won’t just take the short route back to the sky and evaporate. I needed a point of reference, so it wouldn’t seem all that bad. I took an empty Market Basket coffee can, regular blend, not de-caf, and filled it with snow. I set the can near the fireplace to let it melt. The can is precisely six inches in diameter, and five and a quarter inches deep. Using the constant of Pi, I multiplied three-squared (3 being the radius) by 5.25 by 3.14.1592654 which, of course, is not exact, but close enough to allay my caffeine induced jitters about the blizzard. The volume of the can is about 148.44 cubic inches. Upon melting, there was three-fourths of an inch of water in the bottom of the can, and that amounts to 21.21 cubic inches. Dividing the latter by the former means the water content of the snow is 14.3 percent, about what the Internet suggested would be the case for northeastern snow. I felt like I had made some progress examining the very nature of the blizzard, but another four inches fell on my
driveway while performing some basic science. Here in the middle of February, Ashland has had over six feet of snow in the last three weeks. Since the area of the town is 12.9 square miles, I knew that the numerical representation of snow volume would be impressive. Let me see, I still recall that there are 1,760 yards in a mile, and I can square that to find out how many square yards in a square mile. That comes to 3,097,600 square yards. So, 12.9 times that amount gives 39,959,040 square yards in the town. With snow two yards deep, that calculates to 79,918,080 cubic yards of snow in the town. I drank a cup of coffee to get my mind around that number. One cup wasn’t enough. I know that the moisture content changes with each storm, and even changes as it just sits there. But with my estimate of 14.3 percent water, that snow will become a liquid in the amount of 11,428,285 cubic yards of water. A cubic yard of water is just about 202 gallons. So, when it is all said and done, it looks like it IS Biblical to the tune of 2.3 billion gallons of water. I am starting to think about all the potential water sitting up on that hill to the west that they named Hopkinton. Some of it will go to the south, some to the north and some to the west of that town;
it was the east-bound flood in my imagination that caused me to start wondering about waves like the one in that movie “The Perfect Storm”. I sweetened a cup of coffee with some peach brandy. After waking up from a short nap, I noted that a few more inches of snow had fallen. The thought of going outside made me shiver. I needed to warm up. The coffee pot was only half empty. I noted there are 85 miles of roadway in Ashland. You can argue over the average width of streets, but I chose a nice round number like 20 feet. I still recall that there are 5,280 feet in a mile, so that’s 85 times 5,280 times 20 to arrive at the number of square feet of snow on the roadways. Assuming they have plowed all six feet of snow, the town has paid some serious money to move snow around. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard which gives just under two million cubic yards of snow that has been plowed, enough to
Page 5
fill the average 8-cubic yard dump truck about 250,000 times. That number made me shake so much I could not get the coffee cup to my mouth without spilling half of it. I checked the Internet and found that the Ashland Reservoir holds 3,800 acre-feet of water at normal levels. The area of Ashland in acres is 8,256. If the six feet of snow is reduced to water,
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the depth would be 0.858 foot of water covering the town, just over ten inches. So, that would amount to over 7,000 acre-feet of water, an amount that would fill the reservoir to normal levels almost twice. The numbers tired me, so I went to bed and had a weird dream. I saw myself in July at the reservoir swimming in…coffee, and it wasn’t de-caf.
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March 1, 2015
Meet Ashland’s Town Clerk By John Kelley, Editor Tara M. Ward has been the Ashland Town Clerk for the past 11 years as of March 15th, which happens to be just four days after her birthday. In this capacity, she is responsible for myriad critical functions to include the coordination of key documents, maintenance and safe-keeping of vital records, certification of voting results and myriad other duties and responsibilities. As town clerk, she is charged with understanding and compliance of over 450 state statutes, in addition to those of the town and county. Ms. Ward is an engaging and sensitive personality with a wry sense of humor. Her selection of
personal things in her office tell you a lot about her. She has her father’s briefcase, given to her by her mother after her father passed in 2000. She has her grandmother’s high school diploma from 1917. A seaside painting of a boat named “Miss Tara” sits on a shelf, a gift from a senior citizen. A few photos of her parents, her daughter and son-in-law, and her grandson face her when she looks up from her desk. A bust of President John Kennedy is on the opposite side of the office from a small photo of her with Mitt Romney and his wife. The most telling object in the room is the large print of a seaside porch. It helps her keep her eye on the ball, so to speak.
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Ashland Town Clerk Tara Ward (Photo/John Kelley)
young daughter to support, she took a job washing pots and pans in a school cafeteria. With humility, she understands what it takes to work your way up toward success. She has served in varying capacities of town clerk offices for three other towns before coming to her position in Ashland. During her bout with cancer, she took three years away from public service and worked at a clinic serving cancer patients. She was able to relate to the people who were struck with life-threatening disease. She learned to draw blood samples, even though she detests needles herself. She loved the work, but she needed a job that enabled her to pay the bills. There have been periods of time when Tara had no assistants in her office. She now has a valuable assistant Rose Miranda who,
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under Tara’s tutelage, is working towards becoming a Town Clerk herself someday. There are senior citizens who spend hours doing the filing, and working off their tax bills at the same time. Thus, the Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Keeper of the Seal, and adjudicator of parking tickets is able to devote her time to primary duties. The Town Clerk is responsible for maintaining the master copy of the town’s by-laws and charter, posting warrants for town meeting and maintaining the minutes, organizing voting and certifying results, and a host of other key functions. Recently, Tara secured almost a quarter million dollars from the Community Preservation Authority in order to properly seal and secure over a century and a half of vital records dating back to the town’s founding in 1846. Such records are now permanently sealed and maintained in a database, and are more readily accessible but most importantly, they are safe. Recently, the State raised the fees for dog licensing to $15/$20 (neutered/un-neutered) and the fine for failing to license ($50). This law takes effect April 1st. Information about dogs in a household is also relevant by law for the annual Town census. Census documents were issued to citizens in early January. Recently, Tara made a decision to participate in a Federal program to update census records with regard to addresses near bordering communities. Odd as it may seem, some postal addresses do not coincide with the town of residency. Tara was able to gain the assistance of a volunteer named Lynn Fielding who is also a professional geographical information systems specialist. Lynn found over 350 addresses that were approved for addition to the town roles. This means more funding from state
Town Clerk
continued on page 7
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
March 1, 2015 Town Clerk
continued from page 6
and federal governments, as well as increased local tax revenue to the town. Needless to say, that isn’t “chump change” to a town of about 16,600 citizens. Among the hours dedicated to her chosen profession, Tara has made time to gain certification as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and a Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk (CMMC). Her credentials required years of study and examinations for the record. At graduation, the tradition held that each student had to break a quarter inch board with the side of a bare hand. It took two tries, but she did it, and the broken board hangs in her office. It is, perhaps, more than a symbol of the certification--a reminder of what it was to have her world torn apart at one point in her life. The board cannot be made whole again, but there are two pieces of good wood where there was once only one. The two most cherished aspects of Tara Ward’s life are her family and her profession. She has lived by the strength of her faith and her determination to persevere. She never forgets where she came from, where she’s been, or the seaside where she wants to go.
A Matter of Time By Rev. Larry Iannetti, Pastor Federated Church of Ashland This month, as we do every March, we will all move our clocks ahead an hour as we enter into daylight savings time. On that night we will all sacrifice an hour of sleep in order to gain a bit of additional sunlight at the end of our standard work day. Of course we will consequently awake each morning with less sunlight, as there is a price to pay for the additional late day light which we “gain”. I doubt that any of the readers of this paper were asked their opinion of this time adjustment, yet we all will comply because if we do not, we will be out of sync with rest of the world around us. It is the price we pay for being social beings in a larger society. March is not only when we take the step into daylight saving time, but it is also a month which falls in the middle of Lent, during which time the Christian community sets aside time in preparation for Easter, its most holy of days. Like daylight savings time,
Christians sacrifice a bit of their normal routine in order to shed some additional light on what is most important. While it has historically been a time of fasting in preparation for Easter, a time of “giving up something for Lent”, it is also means setting aside some time to reflect upon the way we spend our time, our priorities, and our pursuits. Our personal value system is best represented by the way we use time, how we spend it and the way we apportion it. If we think about it, Lent offers us an opportunity to take inventory, to assess
Page 7
our priorities and to refocus our attention on that which is most important. Setting aside some time to pray, perhaps some time to read the Bible, or some time to go to church and gather with other believers are all part of a very long tradition of setting aside time during Lent. The Federated Church of Ashland is hosting a Lenten Bible
study series each Tuesday evening from 6-7pm in the church parlor, Wednesday evening services of prayer and song at 7pm in the chapel of the church, and Sunday morning Worship Services at 9:30am. All are welcome to set aside some time and join us for any or all of these Lenten opportunities. It is all a matter of taking the time.
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Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
Page 8
March 1, 2015
Bring It On: Ashland Community Gardens Plans for Spring Gardeners interested in ACG may ask to be on the waitlist for a garden bed By Cynthia Whitty With snow still on the ground, Ashland Community Gardens (ACG) coordinators and gardeners are planning for warmer days. ACG has two locations: one at Stone Park near the center of town with 56-4-by-10 feet raised and in-ground beds and one at Cutler Mill Herb Farm on Fountain St. with six-10-by-10 feet in-ground beds. The organic garden was established in 2009, and is maintained by volunteers. New and returning gardeners are invited to the ACG pre-season meeting on Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-noon, in the Ashland Library Community Room, 66 Front St. The event is open to anyone who wants to sign up for
At the beginning of every season, ACG gardeners pitch in to spruce up the butterfly garden, a certified monarch waystation. (Photo/ Cynthia Whitty)
the waitlist or learn more about the group’s many exciting activities, such as growing and donating fresh produce to the Ashland Food Pantry, planting a ‘permaculture guild’ around the Asian Pear tree, and holding potlucks using fresh ingredients. Residents may also be on the
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waitlist at any time by sending their contact information to info@ ashlandcommunitygardens.org. Requests are accepted on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Gardeners wasting no time getting ready for spring planting now. Owen Ackerman, a garden coordinator, is looking forward to creating a vegetable garden for the Food Pantry and planting some jalapeño and poblano peppers for himself. Another coordinator, Linda Mercer, said, “I’m looking forward to the garden so I can learn from the mistakes I made last year. I want to keep it simple and neat.” Mercer reviewed 2014, her second year gardening at ACG: “Last year, my lettuce did well,
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Sunflowers from scattered seeds spring up unexpectedly in ACG garden beds. (Photo/Florence Seidell)
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Gardeners grow a variety of vegetables each season in the community gardens. (Photo/ Florence Seidell)
and I enjoyed going over to Stone Park in the evening and getting a soft variety of lettuce for supper. I planted too many tomatoes, and they were messy. I had ‘garden envy’ for other people’s kale and bok choy, so I will add those this year. I bought an onion set, which did well. This year I will look for a red onion set. Another gardener gave me some arugula that was spectacular! I am going to find out how she planted so much and take some notes from her. “So, my goal for year three is to have a neat garden with these favorite things: soft lettuce, bok choy, red onions, arugula, chives, two tomato plants, and one sweet potato plant if I have room.”
March 1, 2015
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
How Do I Know if I Need an Interior Designer? Four important reasons to hire a professional interior designer: n You have invested a good deal of money into your home and you want to showcase it to look its best. For example: you’ve paid for an addition or other major renovation. A professional Interior designer will be invaluable to you during every phase of the project: in the preconstruction phase by planning the interior space for the function you intend and helping with preliminary materials selections. Further, your designer will assist you, the architect and the construction team throughout the process maintaining the integrity of the design. When the construction is completed, your designer will help you by finishing the design; adding visual interest and details
knows how to provide the look and feel you want without doubt or second-guessing. You are also buying talent: a good designer has a built-in sense of proportion, style perception, aesthetic ability and good taste. Some of this can’t be taught. It’s innate artistic ability. n You are overwhelmed with your home and don’t know where to begin. A designer knows how to organize, prioritize and execute in the correct order. A professional interior designer has the experience and knowledge to systematically take you through the process in a methodical way, keeping the project on track. n You want to avoid costly mistakes by planning ahead and hiring the professional. This applies to any remodeling project, preparing for resale or simply up-
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Local Dance Troop Success The Movement Project of Annemarie's Dance Centre is preparing for their annual concert to be held March 14th 7:00PM at the Ashland High School Auditorium. The performance company is a select group of dancers interested in pursuing dance more seriously. This year the company is comprised of 20 students including 7 from Ashland and 6 from Holliston. The students have been working on choreography since August of 2014 and are eager to take the stage. One of the pieces they will perform is original choreography they created.
For high school seniors Etana Handelman, Stephanie Ciccarelli, Bailey Dupont and Bree Morgan this will be their last performance with the group.
The Movement Project Performance Company of Annemarie’s Dance Centre
Golden Pond Assisted Living Invites you to attend our Free March events Mondays: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & April 6
Saturday, March 21
• Veteran’s Talk: What is the • Chronic Pain Self-Management Lecture Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Series: Practical ways to deal with pain, Benefit and Who is Eligible? fatigue and stress. Presented by The Healthy Presented by John Givner, Living Center for Excellence MetroWest in Director of Veteran Services conjunction with Bay Path Elder Services. for the Towns of Hopkinton, 9:00am –11:30am Holliston, Medway and Ashland. Pre-registration is required. 9:00am –10:30am
Wednesday, March 11
• OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION Serving wine and cheese. Come learn about our independent & assisted living options available at Golden Pond 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION Have coffee, tea and muffins while you learn about our independent & assisted living options available at Golden Pond. 9:00am –12:00pm
To rsvp for any of these events call
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that will enhance the space and provide that wow factor you’re looking for. Many people leave out this last vital step by not budgeting enough to actually finish the project. Bare walls, incorrect furnishings and a space lacking in personality or taste is clearly NOT what you intended. n You have some ideas but are not sure how to pull it all together. The professional training and natural ability of a good interior designer will save the day! Because a professional designer has been formally trained, the benefit of hiring one for reassurance and general recommendations amounts to more than just another set of eyes. A designer will think of things you won’t. A designer
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dating your home. Proper lighting plans, traffic plans, visual balance, use of focal points, color and finish selections and arrangements are crucial to the success of the project, whatever it may be. When you make the decision to hire a professional interior designer, meet with a few first. Don’t hire the one with the lowest fees or the one your friend likes. Hire the one that shares your vision and earns your trust. Nancy Werneken is the lead designer at Masters Touch, a local design build firm in Holliston, Massachusetts. For questions or comments call (508) 359-5900 or email info@masterstouchweb.com.
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Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
Page 10
March 1, 2015
LIVING HEALTHY Are You a Pimple Popper? By Lisa Massimiano, Licensed Esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist Owner Skin Smart Salon Listen up pimple poppers; you know who you are, always picking at your skin, scrutinizing your face in the mirror everyday looking for any signs of an emerging pimple. There is even a name for this excessive skin picking, “acne expire.” Although picking and squeezing may give an immediate sense of satisfaction, in fact the skin damaging fall out from overzealous picking can leave you with permanent scars that are very difficult to remove.
Adverse effects from picking. Besides dark marks and pitted scars on the skin’s surface, a more serious problem with picking is how it effects your acne overall. Squeezing and picking a pimple damages the follicle wall deep inside the skin causing more inflammation and breakout. You could get a cluster of pimples in the picked area or the popped pimple may come back in the same place again and again because the follicle wall inside the pore has been damaged.
How to get rid of a pimple.
to apply ice to the lesion for a few minutes twice a day. The ice reduces the redness and swelling, healing the pimple from the inside out, and minimizing the chance of scarring and post inflammatory pigmentation. I tell my acne clients if they pick at their skin subconsciously (like while watching TV) to wear gloves or wear something around their wrist that makes noise like jangling bracelets or bells. If they pick in front of a mirror, tape a picture of a picked scar on the mirror to remind them to keep their hands off their face. Whatever it takes to break the picking cycle. Instead of picking, schedule an acne treatment to have your follicles cleaned out safely, without damaging the follicle wall and spreading bacteria. Better yet, get on a good home care program to prevent the breakout in the first place. Questions about acne? Call me at (508) 881-1180 or email me at skinsmartsalon@aol.com. Visit my salon website skinsmartsalon. com for information on my acne clinic and other services.
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NewEnglandFatLoss.com Student Becomes Teacher Local real estate agent Debbi Mosher spent many years researching for a reputable weight loss program. After two decades and thousands of dollars on nutritional books, she came across a New England Fat Loss article. She was intrigued with their methods and after reading and viewing every testimonial she could find, she decided to join. “When I went in for my appointment on September 9, 2014, I knew this was for me,” Mosher said. “The staff was very supportive and having contact with the doctor everyday was such a benefit to me and my success.” With Mosher’s successful outcome and high recommendations on the guidance of Clinic Director Dr. Johns, three of her friends have since joined New England Fat Loss and achieved winning results. The Medway resident credits her weight loss success (35 pounds and 48 inches) with the program’s diagnostic process and individual customized plan. Once her trigger weight gain and weight loss foods were identified, the pounds quickly came off! “It’s more than just food combinations,” Sixty-three year old Mosher explained. “I am eating the food that is good for my body, good fat-burning food. When I started, my metabolism was like a 78-year-old-woman,
by the end of the program, my body is running as a 50-year-old. There is no way I could have figured that out on my own.” In addition to shedding the pounds and inches, Mosher now feels rejuvenated and energetic, feelings she was missing with her added weight. More importantly, she is able to enjoy special events, going on vacation, attending parties and eating out, and continues to lose weight. “You are totally satisfied and not hungry,” Mosher said. “I walked out of there knowing how to live the rest of my life without gaining weight. I think that is phenomenal!” Mosher was so impressed with the New England Fat Loss Program she asked if she could join their organization and will soon be sharing her story and helping other people through their weight loss journey. “I know how long I searched,” Mosher said. “I would love to help other people.” Your personal passage to weight loss can start today! New England Fat Loss offers two convenient locations: 22 South Street, Suite 204, Hopkinton and 188 Needham Street, Suite 255, Newton. To learn more, visit their website at www.newenglandfatloss.com, or call 1 (844) 437-8446.
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Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
March 1, 2015
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LIVING HEALTHY Adult and Geriatric Day Center Opens in Hopkinton HOPKINTON, MA -- Hopkinton Health Center (HHC) has opened its doors offering quality day care for individuals with functional or cognitive impairments. HHC presents a convenient alternative for guests who would benefit from short-term medical and rehabilitative ser-
ton Health Center can extend a person’s sense of independence. The outcome can delay the need for long term care, enhance their well being, promote a positive self image and improve overall health and wellness. Hopkinton Health Center maintains direct communication
vices in the form of assistance and guidance from an experienced medical staff, including nursing care and physical, occupational and speech therapy. In addition, the Center also provides an engaging destination for individuals without special needs but would benefit from a social environment to meet and interact with people outside of their home. Through its services, Hopkin-
with each member’s primary care physician and is qualified to administer medical services to enhance the patient’s physical and mental health. A skilled nurse is on available to administer medical treatments, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, dispensing medications, wound care and diabetic instruction. Professionals are also available to assist with personal/ incontinence care, physical, oc-
cupational and speech therapy kinton, MA. For more infor- 497-2300 or visit www.hopkinrehabilitation and specific dietary mation, contact Janice at (508) tonhealthcenter.com. needs. Caregivers can rest assured their loved ones are receiving a stimulating and socially filled day through entertainment, onsite cultural events and outings. On premise amenities include foot care and hair salon services. A hot breakfast and lunch are served as well as an afternoon snack. Hopkinton Health Center provides families with valuable assistance through caregiver support groups, transportation to and from the center, and as a liaison between members’ physicians. HHC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Financial assistance may be available through Commonwealth Health, United Health Care, MassHealth/ We offer transportation to & from your door step! Medicaid, NaviCare insurances, ASAP state-funded home-care For a Tour call Karen programs, the Veterans’ Administration and long-term care inat 508-497-2300 ext 101 surance. Private payments are also accepted. HOPKINTON HEALTH CENTER Assistance in personal hy25F SOUTH STREET, HOPKINTON giene and grooming, medication WWW.HOPKINTONHEALTHCENTER.COM monitoring and administration, nursing services and health oversight, social activities, organized groups and outings and meals are all included in the daily cost. Hopkinton Health Center is located at 25 South St. F, Hop-
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ADULT & GERIATRIC DAY CARE
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
Page 12
March 1, 2015
Sports Ashland Wrestling
Mike Crupi By Christopher Tremblay Although only a sophomore, Ashland’s Michael Crupi has been bestowed an honor usually given to seniors and occasionally juniors. The sophomore has been named co-captain of the Ashland wrestling team this winter. “His record is a little above .500 this year, but he’s wrestling in a class that has a lot of upper classmen,” Ashland Wrestling Coach Pete Zacchilli said. “He’s one of our main leaders on the mat and continues to compete at the highest level. He has a strong work ethic and I see a lot of potential in him.”
Until his freshman year in high school, Crupi had never entertained the idea of wrestling. A couple of coaches convinced him to give it a try. “My football and baseball coaches thought it would be a good idea to try it because of my aggressive approach,” he said. “As a freshman, I finished 18-14 and was third in the 106-pound weight class at the Division 2 Central Sectionals.” Although he was originally unsure of how he would do in his inaugural wrestling season with the Clockers, his decent showing throughout the season as well as the tournament convinced him to spend a little more time in the
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offseason preparing for this year. “Last year I learned that even though I had just started wrestling, that if you keep trying you’ll eventually get it,” Crupi said. “I wanted to get better, so I began staying after practice to continue to work on my moves and lifting every day.” Currently, he has posted an 11-10 record on the mat for Ashland, but he’s wrestling in a higher weight class (120 lbs) against upper classmen. The Clocker sophomore could have dropped down a weight class, but felt if he did, it may hinder his performance. “I decided to stay at 120, as I didn’t want to lose any weight; with weight loss would come loss of strength,” he said. “Besides my wrestling partner Jorge Hurtadl (from Keefe Tech)
is a little heavier than I am, so he helps me build my strength up during practice and gives me an advantage when I wrestle those who are a little lighter than he is.” The coach agrees that Crupi could have moved down, but he’s probably better where he is. “He could have moved down a weight class, but his deciding to stay where he is will only make him better,” Zacchilli said. Despite having to go up against more experienced wrestlers, the second year grappler doesn’t let it bother him. “I’ll check out websites just to get info on my opponents, but I don’t really worry too much about it,” Crupi said. “I just go into my matches with a positive attitude, work to find a position, and when I get a good shot, I go for it.”
Throughout the rest of the season, the sophomore is looking to not only get into the sectionals once again, but improve upon his performance from a year ago, and possibly earn himself a place in the state tournament. “As a second year wrestler, he has had a lot of success, and if he continues to wrestle the way he has, he should surprise some people at the sectionals this year,” the coach said. “Mike practices the way he wrestles--very aggressively--and I’m very excited to see what he can do this post-season.” Crupi is looking to continue with his work habits and enter the sectionals on a high note, hopefully wrestling well enough to earn a spot in his first state tournament.
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Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
March 1, 2015
Page 13
Sports Ashland Girls’ Basketball
Leone Sees Bright Future By Ken Hamwey Staff Sports Writer Samantha Leone can identify with older Red Sox fans and their lament of “wait ’til next year’’ — a phrase that referred to the team’s futility in winning the American League pennant. Ashland High’s versatile 5-foot-9 point guard, who just wrapped up her junior year of basketball averaging 15 points and five assists, won’t be involved in tournament play. The last time she competed in the playoffs was as a freshman, both in basketball and field hockey, and the Clockers came very close to winning the Division 3 South Sectional in both sports. A captain in basketball this year, she’ll be a captain in field hockey in the fall. And, she’s already established her primary objective for her senior campaign. “I was on the varsity in basketball and field hockey as a freshman and we went to the Sectional finals in both sports,’’ said Leone, who is a National Honor Society student and vice president of her class. “We didn’t win the title in either sport but it was exciting to get that far. I want our teams to return to the tourney next year. It would be awesome as a senior.’’ Although Ashland’s basketball squad finished with an 8-12 record, the thought of heading to tourney play in 2016 isn’t farfetched. The Clockers won six games in the second half of the season. Leone likes the caliber of play
of her teammates who’ll return and she’s acutely aware of what’s needed to qualify. “We were a young team but we’ve got more experience now,’’ she emphasized. “What we have to learn is how to finish a game. If we’re in a close battle, we’ve got to do the things to close out our opponent. Winning tight games builds confidence.’’ Having teammates like forwards Meghan Russell, Taylor Mazurek and Joy Maswoswe and guard Courtney Thurber returning next season will give the Clockers
a formidable nucleus. “Meghan drives well using her left hand,’’ Leone said. “Taylor is strong on the boards and can post up, Courtney can control the ball and shoot, and Joy is a good outside shooter.’’ Another factor Leone believes will help is on the coaching front. “This year I played for my third head coach in three years,’’ she
noted. “Coach (John) Del Bonis will be in his second year and he’ll be more familiar with the program. He’s a good motivator, knows the game and is very effective at teaching us how to improve.’’ The 48-year-old Del Bonis, who led the North Attleboro girls to the Hockomock League championship before arriving at Ashland, is quick to laud Leone’s play. “Sam makes others around her better,’’ he said. “She’s a tall point guard and that presents problems for opponents. She’s a leader on the floor, she’s unselfish and she anticipates well. She can be a good college player in Division 2 or 3.’’ A Tri Valley League all-star and the conference’s No. 4 scorer as a sophomore, Leone missed her first two games this year because of a concussion. But, she returned against Millis and had a 17-point outing. Against Bellingham this season, Leone hit a key shot to force overtime and finished with 32 points as the Clockers won. “That’s my career-high,’’ she said. “I hit my jump shots, drove for baskets and converted free throws. Our entire team did all the little things to win.’’ Defensively, Leone averaged four steals and she credits that statistic to quickness. “My quickness and speed are assets,’’ she noted. “But, there’s always room to improve on defense. You don’t want to get lazy on that end. Another area where I’d like to improve is rebounding.’’ A league all-star in field
hockey last year because of her 12 goals and six assists, Leone knows a return to tourney play for the Clockers will be challenging. “We’ll lose lots of seniors and we’ll have to rebuild,’’ she says, “but it would be nice to get to the Sectional final again.’’ Leone was a Boston Globe and Boston Herald all star in field hockey, chosen primarily for her aggressive style going for the ball.’’ College athletics is definitely in Leone’s future. She just isn’t sure where she’ll be competing or studying. “I’m leaning on playing
basketball in college,’’ she said, “and I’ll probably major in business or graphic design.’’ Ashland’s field hockey and basketball teams should be in good shape for the future with a leader like Leone. Especially when she discusses the value of athletics. “I compete to win, to improve my skills and to have fun,’’ she said. “Competing helps us learn to work as a team, how to achieve goals and how to overcome adversity.’’ Samantha Leone has terrific perspective. And lots of athletic ability.
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Page 14
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
March 1, 2015
Calendar of Events February 27 – March 30 At the Ashland Library
“The Fieldbrook Reserve: Wildlife in Action” by Brad Dinerman. Ashland resident, businessman, and photographer Brad Dinerman has always enjoyed taking photos. In recent years he has developed a passion for wildlife photography with an emphasis on birds in their natural environment. This exhibit is a sampling of some of the bird, insect and animal images he has captured, most taken in the Ashland area and eastern Massachusetts, and selected to highlight the beautiful colors and diversity of wildlife and nature. Also“The Art of Drawing Nature” by Carol Govan Ashland artist and resident Carol Govan will be exhibiting a collection of her botanical and nature drawings in the upstairs display case. This is a collection of lovely and detailed images, executed in several mediums, displaying a keen sense of observation and a wonderful talent and facility for capturing, on paper, the world of nature. A wonderful exhibit to spend some time with during the spring season in New England.... and a great companion exhibit to the nature photographs of Brad Dinerman.
March 10 Middle School Band Concert AHS Aud. 7 P.M. March 11 Positive Discipline – It Really Works! Sponsored by MetroW-
est YMCA at the Library 6:00– 7:30 P.M. Come learn about the power of Positive Discipline! Do you ever feel like all you say is “No?” Learn about negative attention seeking, and why children and adults get caught in patterns of negativity, and how Positive Discipline can raise a child’s confidence and decrease feelings of anger and stress. We will engage in a lively discussion of real life challenges and provide take home strategies that really work!
March 1 AHS Drama: “Guys & Dolls”, 2 P.M.
March 12 Documentary Film & Discussion Series The Mechanical Universe: Gravity and Uniform Circular Motion (Part 4, 60 min). Library, 7 -9 P.M., Free. Building on the discoveries by Galileo, Kepler, de Fermat and others, Newton explained why the physical universe works as it does. Until Newton, how the physical world works was to some degree understood. Newton’s profound discoveries explain why it works. (Film originally scheduled for Feb. but was postponed due to snow.)
March 2 High School Spring Sports Meeting, 6:30 P.M.
March 13 AHS: NYC Art Trip (early release 11:45 A.M.)
March 4 Middle School Choral Concert AMS Theater 7 P.M.
March 14 Artist’s Reception: Brad Dinerman, Library 1 -4 P.M.
March 5 AHS: Parent Conference Night, 6 - 8:00 P.M.
March 14 Listen to the group BobTown at the Steeple Coffeehouse, Pilgrim Church, On the Common, Southborough, MA. Steeple Coffeehouse is an all-volunteer, fullcharity venue. 7:30 P.M. See press release on this page.
School Committee Meeting 6:30 P.M. March 7 The Friends of the Library will be holding their Book & Cupcake Sale from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
March 15 Maureen Taylor Presents THE LAST MUSTER: Images and Stories of the Revolutionary War Generation. Come see a
fascinating collection of photos of Revolutionary War veterans, wives and widows who lived long enough to have their portraits taken in the earliest days of photography. Additionally, learn about the effort undertaken to collect them. Maureen Taylor is an internationally-recognized expert on historic photograph identification, photo preservation and family history research. All are welcome. At 2 P.M. Ashland Historical Society, 2 Myrtle St., Ashland, MA. For more details and links see the Upcoming Events page at www. ashlandhistsociety.com. March 16 – 19 AHS: PARRC Testing for Juniors March 17 AMS Wind Ensemble, combined 8th grade/AHS Bands, AHS Aud. 7 P.M. Happy Saint Paddy’s Day March 18 Early Literacy and STEM – What Do These Mean for My Child? Library 6 - 7:30 P.M. “Early Literacy” and “STEM” are buzz words in education. Come and find out what these curriculum concepts are all about. We will spend the evening learning about how to raise a reader and how to encourage your child to ask questions and explore concepts in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Learn about the importance of play in the education of a young child and how you can create an environment which nurtures your child’s creativity and curiosity in these areas and helps them to love learning! March 18 College Planning Night, Ashland Middle School Activity Room, 7 P.M. Cara Camire,
M.Ed from College Admissions Consulting Group, will be speaking on College Planning for students with special needs, or those who learn differently. Please visit ASHPAC.org for more information. This event is free and open to the public.
March 19– March 27 Ashland Education Foundation Inc (AEFI) online auction. Some items may close prior to the evening of the Gala on the 27th, while others will close at the Gala. Auction bidding the night of the Gala will be via your iPhone or android device. A link to all items and more details can be found on the website www. AshlandEducation.org. March 20 AHS: Nat’l Honor Society Talent Show All-State Music Festival March 21 AHS: MetroWest College & Career Fair, 9 – 11 A.M. Free. Over 100 Colleges, 100 Professionals spanning different careers, and a Speaker Series on a variety of topics including financial aid, admissions and essay writing. March 24 Front Street Readers, Library, 7 P.M. March 24 Documentary Film & Discussion Series The Mechanical Universe: Fundamental Forces Gravity, Electricity, Magnetism and Light (Part 5, 60 min). Library, 7 -9 P.M., Free. Benjamin Franklin thought electricity was a fluid with positive and negative charge. In 1820, Hans Christian Oersted performed an experiment that showed there was a connection between electricity and magnetism. Later, Scottish mathematician James Clerk Maxwell formulated the theory of electromagnetic radiation, bringing together for the first time electricity, magnetism and light. March 24 – 26 AHS: MCAS – English March 25 Decisions at Every Turn Coalition & Friends of the Ashland Public Library Community Programming present: The Digital Age: Positive Parenting for Tech Savvy Clockers, by Rich Boccuzzi and Scott
Wood. Library 7 – 8:30 P.M. Are your kids online all the time? If they are, you are not alone. It’s nearly impossible to insulate your child from the Internet. It’s everywhere. As a parent, what can you do? It’s a real challenge! You can’t always monitor them, and let’s face it - you aren’t as skilled at the Internet as they are. Don’t get discouraged, we can help you. To help you improve your game, we’ll discuss some easy to-implement strategies and suggestions. Don’t know where to start? We do. March 27 Ashland Education Foundation, Inc. 12th annual Awards Gala at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. The evening will include our awards ceremony, dinner, raffles, auctions and lots of dancing! This will be a sold-out event so please get your tickets early by clicking on Order Tickets at https://www.biddingforgood. com/auction/auctionhome. action?auctionId=228865192 The online auction will be opening on March 19th at this site. All bidding will be done there. Items will include sports experiences with the Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins, overnight packages and much much more. All proceeds from the Gala and Auction benefit the AEFI’s Teacher Grant Awards. March 28 For Young Families: The Vermont Puppetree, Library 10:30 A.M. March 29 Palm Sunday March 31 AHS: Choral Concert
UPCOMING EVENTS 5th, 6th and 7th Grade Band Concert Tuesday, March 10 @ 7pm AHS Auditorium Be sure to check out the
Footloose video on the AHS site
http://ahs.ashland.k12.ma.us/
March 1, 2015
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
Page 15
home MARKETPLACE Our Ad & Editorial Deadline is the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.
Spring In Our Step Full disclosure: at press time Ashland was buried under more than two feet of snow, with yet another huge storm on the horizon. It’s fair to say that cabin fever had set in. So in the absence of a tropical vacation on our calendars, we decided to fast forward to spring. Just getting into that mindset cheered us up. Hardy tulips poking through the frosty ground. The sight of that first little robin. An urge to clean up and open the windows wide. We could almost smell the green grass again, the fresh coat of paint on a newly spruced-up fence, the lemony furniture polish after a thorough spring cleaning. Everyone wants a fresh start this time of year. Where to begin? Right here, of course. One friend in a robust neighboring town recently told us that Ashland is always his go-to for multiple home services, and we can understand why. Landscapers, cleaning services, general contractors, chimney sweeps, tile installation, fence specialists, window treatment companies, handyman services, roofers, painting contractors, architects, driveway pavers…all based here in Ashland. And that’s just scratching the surface. “Ashland literally has hundreds of businesses,” Mike Kane, vice president of the Ashland Business Association, said. “We’re very proud that the thriving home-improvement sector has continued to grow and flourish as it has.”
Sha’ arei Shalom Community Announcements PURIM CARNIVAL – SUNDAY, MATCH 8TH @ 10:00AM-NOON at Ashland Middle School Children and adults alike will enjoy our lively, interactive Megillah reading and ever-popular carnival. Lots of games of skill and prizes for the kids! This event is open to one and all. Come and join the fun! SHABBAT SERVICE – FRIDAY, MARCH 13th @ 7:30PM Experience the warmth of the Sha’arei Shalom Community. Join us for a traditional Friday night service with Rabbi Margie. A community Oneg Shabbat will follow. Ashland Community Center, 162 West Union Street SHABBAT ‘LIVE’ SERVICES – FRIDAY, MARCH 27th @ 7:30PM Shabbat Live! Is a musical and interactive service featuring our Shabbat Live! Band. Come experience our lively twist on a traditional Shabbat
service. A community Oneg Shabbat will follow the service. SENIORS – Thinking about reconnecting with the
Jewish community? Sha’arei Shalom offers very affordable member rates for those over 65. Join us at one of our upcoming Shabbat services and experience our warm, family-like congregation. SHA’AREI SHALOM is a member-driven, diverse congregation offering the warmth of a small community. We recognize the wide range of views in our congregation and provide both tradition and innovation, giving us the opportunity to learn and grow as a community. Web: http://www.shaareishalom.org Phone: 508-231-4700 Email: info@shaareishalom.org Address: Sha’arei Shalom
P.O. Box 454 Ashland, MA 01721
In real estate, spring always brings a thaw in the market. New ‘For Sale’ signs pop up in front yards like rows of daffodils. But in this increasingly competitive Metrowest area, your home needs to be at its best. Utilizing so many local resources is an excellent way to ensure that your home looks impeccable while supporting the neighborhood businesses that make up the fabric of our town. (In the meantime, excuse us while we call another fabulous local business…for snow removal.) Log onto our website www.oakrealtyma.com for further information or to look for a home. Search right away, or create an account to get daily listings. Buying? Selling? Not sure, but need to know more? Call us anytime. We welcome your questions at 508 309 3538 or info@oakrealtyma.com.
158 Pond Street Suite A Ashland MA 01721 508.309.3538 www.oakrealtyma.com
Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com
Page 16
March 1, 2015
Ashland Library Book and Cupcake Sales Are All About Community By Cynthia Whitty This month, Kate Evans-Correia will step down from her role as volunteer coordinator of the Friends of the Ashland Library book and cupcake sale, a post she held for over 20 years. The year she moved to Ashland, in 1992, Correia started helping with the library book sale, “when it was run out of a small, musty basement room [before the renovated and expanded library opened in 2005]. But, we had great volunteers and great fun,” Correia said. “We were dong one sale a year on Ashland Day. With help from volunteers and my family—my girls were young at the time—we would haul books to the Friends’ booth at Stone Park. I remember being there in the rain, wind, cold and heat. We sold some books, but mostly we were there to get visibility for the library. “When the renovated library opened in 2005, we got a wonderful, large room for storing and
Over 2,000 books are for sale at each Ashland Library book and cupcake sale. (Photo/submitted
sorting books and use of the Community Room for selling. The new space was a game-changer. We were able to offer sales four times a year.” Residents may bring gently their used books, DVDs and CDs to the library on the first Saturday of each month. The book sales are generally held on Saturdays in March, June, September and December from 10 am to 2 pm in the library’s Community Room. Correia and her volunteers are
overwhelmed with donated books at times, and that can be a challenge. The book sale sells an average of 800 items per sale. Items are usually priced at twenty-five and fifty cents and one dollar. At least 2,000 books are available at a sale. “The money raised goes directly to the library for children and adult programming. The Friends added the cupcake sale about six years ago. Volunteers bake and decorate the cupcakes and try to outdo each other decorating them. Kids and parents love them,” Correia added. “We are one of the best book sales in the area, and that’s something to be proud of. The book sales have 100% support from the library trustees. Most of them volunteer at the sales,” Correia said. The library sales are also about community. “There is nothing better than seeing the faces of the children when they realize they can take home a book and keep it or of parents who pick out five or ten books, worth $10 to $15, for
a few dollars. That look of excitement is worth everything,” Correia said. People stock up for summer reading or buy books as gifts for the holidays, as well. The sales are social events. “People meet people there that they know or there is a conversation about a book among strangers. It’s an event for all demographics. People walk away from the sale very happy. The book sale is a happy place to be on a Saturday morning,” Correia said. Correia said it is time for her to step down as the coordinator – she will be available to work the sales the day of the event – and give someone else with fresh ideas a chance to do it. The next book and cupcake sale is set for Saturday, March 7, 10 am to 2 pm, at the Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street. For more information on the book sales or to volunteer, email president@friendsoftheapl.com, visit www.friendsoftheapl.com, or call the library, 508-881-0134.
Pictured (l to r) are Debbie Berch and Kate Evans-Correia at Ashland Day, 2011, when the Friends of the Ashland Library received a Citizens Award for a job well-done. (Photo/submitted)
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