An urgent but late message regarding a road closure impacting travel in town for several months.

Baptist Corner Road will be closed due to culvert and bridge repair work in the area near Philips Road. This work is planned to start tomorrow Tuesday March 7^th requiring that the closure begin as early as that morning, lasting thru end of May at the earliest.  

As new or additional information come in, regarding changes to the schedule or work scope, new RoboCall messages will be sent out.  Additionally, updates will be posted on the town’s website as well as the Facebook pages for the Town, Fire and Police departments.

Both Fire and Police Departments are addressing emergency plans and contingencies as to minimize impact to public safety for the town.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Fire or Police chiefs directly.  

In regard to school transportation, the school district and the bus company are working on minimizing disruptions to the bus services and families will be contact.

We do apologize for the last minute notification however, we were not made aware of this closure in advance.

This message is from the Board of Health.

The Board would like to inform Ashfield residents of a spike in local COVID cases and is encouraging all to be on the alert and to take safety measures to avoid further spreading of COVID and other viruses currently circulating in our community. 

The board is recommending and encouraging all to use masks in congregate settings to break the chain of transmission, and to avoid large in-person gatherings. It is advised to check with organizers if meetings have been delayed or moved to alternate venues.

If you have any questions please contact the board by email at boh@ashfield.org.

This message is from the Ashfield's Police Chief Beth Bezio .

Please be advised that there will be a temporary road closure on Baptist Corner Road on Thursday 22^nd of December between the hours of 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM.  The closure will be between the area of Cranston Tree Farm and Bellus Road so please seek alternate route.

There will be a Thanksgiving dinner for Ashfield Seniors on November 3^rd, which will be held at the Congregational Church at 12 noon.  It will be a potluck dinner with turkey provided.  

The first message is to boat owners at the lake and to let them know that all boats must be removed immediately otherwise they will be confiscated.  The deadline to remove them is November 1^st.

The second message is to inform residents that the fall cleanup will be held this Saturday at 10AM.  If you would like to volunteer, please meet at the Beach and bring gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, your kids and energy.  Cookies and cider will be provided.

If you have questions, please direct them to the Park Commission at Park@Ashfield.org.

A couple of important messages.

The first message is in regards the forum to discuss gun noise, which was originally scheduled for Monday, October 17th, it has been rescheduled to Monday, November 14th at 7:00 PM at Town Hall.

Second message which is from the Park Commission, they are requesting that folks and their dogs avoid walking on the newly grass seeded areas along Buckland road and on either side of the walking path towards the Boat Landing until further notice.

This message is from the Ashfield's Police Chief Beth Bezio.

The vaccine provider has just informed us that due to staffing shortage on their end, they are unable to hold the vaccine clinic which was scheduled for this morning.  Therefore, there will no flu or COVIC vaccines provided at this point, and we are working on a possible future date or an alternate provider if possible.  If you can get it elsewhere then please do so, since we are not certain that one will be scheduled in town in the near future.   We regret any inconvenience that this may have caused, but please note that this is entirely out of our hands.

This message is from the Ashfield's Police Chief Beth Bezio.

The 4^th annual Ashfield Police flu clinic will be held on Monday, October 3^rd.  Additionally, vaccines or boosters for Shingles, COVID and DTaP will be available as well.

This message is from the Highway Superintendent.

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission to inform residents that the water at Ashfield Lake was retested again today and it meets acceptable standards by Massachusetts regulations.  The Lake is again available for swimming and other recreational use.  Please note that a lifeguard may not always be present so swim at your own risk.  

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission regarding Ashfield Lake.  Once again, a recent water test has indicated E-Coli levels above standard safe limits at the lake.  Therefore, the lake is closed for swimming effective immediately and until further notice.  The next water test will be conducted tomorrow afternoon and until the results of this upcoming or a future test indicate a safe level of E-Coli, the lake will remain closed.  If you have any questions or concerns contact the Commission at park@ashfield.org.

The Ashfield Police Department in conjunction with LifePath are making Farmers Market coupon books available to Ashfield residents 60 years and older.  The coupon book is worth $25 to be used towards the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs or honey.

The coupons may be used at the Ashfield Farmers Market and possible other Farmers Markets if they participate in the coupon program.  Please be aware that vendors are not obligated to accept coupons for payment so check with the vendor before making a purchase.  

Four short messages on behalf of Town Hall. 

First, the Finance Committee will conduct an online budget presentation via Zoom this coming Monday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM.  Please see the website for login information and budget documents. 

Second, the Annual Town Meeting and election will take place on Saturday, May 7th at Town Hall.  Town meeting will be held indoors in Upper Hall, with a short special town meeting beginning at 9:30 AM, followed by the annual town meeting and election at 10.  Warrants AND 2021 TOWN REPORTS are available on the website and at town hall.

Third, there will be a spring cleanup at the beach this Saturday, April 30th at 10:00 AM.  Please bring gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, and your energy.  Cider and cookies will be provided.

Lastly, the Ashfield Directory is currently being revised. It contains useful contact information for residents, organizations, Town services and businesses. Forms and information can be found at the Town Hall, Belding Library, Post Office, Ashfield Hardware, St. John’s Church and on the town website. The deadline is May 15th. 

Message on behalf of the Town Clerk. 

Town Caucus will be held on Tuesday, March 15^th at 7PM to nominate candidates for the Annual Town Election. We need a quorum of at least 25 voters in attendance. 

The event will be held at Town Hall’s Upper Hall, with plenty of space to spread out and with fresh airflow. The mask mandate has ended in Ashfield but attendees who prefer to remain masked are welcome to do so. 

Message on behalf of Ashfield Police  regarding COVID-19 booster availability. 

On Tuesday, January 4^th, 2022 COVID-19 boosters will be available at Ashfield Town Hall between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM.  Pfeizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines will be on hand.

Online sign-up is recommended and preferred however walk-ins are welcome.   To sign up go to Ashfield.org/Boosters and click on the Ashfield.org/VaxSignup link on the page.  For more information or if sign-up assistance is needed, contact Chief Bezio at 413-628-4441 Ext:1.   

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Message on behalf of Ashfield Police. 

Black ice road conditions along Route 116 heading toward Plainfield making it hazardous to travel especially between Spruce Corner and Cummington Road.   Several vehicles have been reported to be off the road at this time along this stretch.  The Police is urging use of alternate routes until road conditions improve.

Message on behalf of Board of Health. 

As of today October 22, 2021, a mask mandate is in place. Masks must be worn in all public buildings as well as outdoors at public events if social distancing is not possible. This is regardless of vaccination status. This decision has been made by the Board of Health given the Delta variant and the on-coming flu season. For more information and questions, visit Ashfield.org or call Town Hal

Message on behalf of Ashfield Police Chief Beth Bezio. 

At the last minute, the chief was informed that there is a limited number of Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines available for Ashfield residents. As a result, a vaccine clinic will be held at town hall on Saturday, September 18th at 10AM. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of doses available which will be administered on a first come first serve basis starting at 10AM thru 12PM. Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible to receive the vaccine but don’t forget to bring your health insurance card if you have one.

This is a status update (#1) on Tropical Storm Henri.

Currently the storm track’s projected path is west of the area impacting us as early as late Sunday night into Monday morning, likely between the hours of 2AM and 2PM on Monday.

As of the latest NWS alert issued at 8AM, Henri is expected to generate 3-6” of rain across the area with potential flash flooding.  Wind gusts of up to 40 mph is expected with the possibility of trees and power line damage.  

We urge residents to remove objects on their properties that can be dislodged by the wind causing personal or property damage.  If you see downed trees or wires call 911 if you feel that it is an emergency otherwise if the situation is not urgent contact dispatch at 413-625-8200.  In all cases do not attempt to clear downed objects and wait for the power company personnel and emergency responders to address the situation.

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission regarding Ashfield Lake.  We’re calling to inform residents that the water at Ashfield Lake was retested and again it meets acceptable standards by Massachusetts regulations.  The Lake is again available for swimming and other recreational use.  Please note that a lifeguard may not always be present so swim at your own risk.  

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission regarding Ashfield Lake.  Once again, a recent water test has indicated E-Coli levels above standard safe limits in the lake.  Therefore, the lake is closed for swimming effective immediately and until further notice.  Another possible water test is expected to be conducted late next week at the earliest.  If you have any questions or concerns contact the Commission at park@ashfield.org.

This is an urgent message from the Ashfield Fire Department.  

Ashfield residents and emergency personnel have noticed an increased amount of haze and or smoke settling in our area. These conditions are not limited to just our town or to a specific area, but rather a widespread issue due to the wildfires in Ontario Canada. Other towns in Western Massachusetts are experiencing the same issues. Some may notice a slight smell that has accompanied the haze in the air. 

This is an urgent message from the Ashfield Police Department.  

Please be on the lookout for an auto crash female victim who is possibly injured and on foot in the vicinity of route 116 and Cummington Road.  She is of slight build, dark complexion, and dark hair.  Wearing a pink top and black leggings.

If she is seen or located, please call 911 immediately to report her whereabouts and please do not attempt to approach her.

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission regarding Ashfield Lake.  We’re calling to inform residents that the water at Ashfield Lake was retested and it meets acceptable standards by Massachusetts regulations.  The Lake is again available for swimming and other recreational use.  Please note that a lifeguard may not always be present so swim at your own risk.  

This message is on behalf of the Park Commission regarding Ashfield Lake.  A recent water test has indicated E-Coli levels above standard safe limits in the lake.  Therefore, the lake is closed effective immediately and until further notice.  With the anticipated rain another water test is not expected to be conducted until later next week at the earliest.  If you have any questions or concern contact the Commission at park@ashfield.org.

This is a vaccination update from the Ashfield Board of Health.  Residents who are 65 years or older, accompanying caregivers, and those 16 years or older who have two qualifying medical conditions can now make appointments to receive the vaccine.

Next Wednesday February 24th and Saturday February 27th a vaccine clinic will be held at Mohawk for those eligible.  Clinics are also being held at the Greenfield Jon Zon Community Center and in coming weeks in the Tows of Bernardston, Deerfield and Montague.  To make an appointment visit www.vaxfinder.mass.gov.  CVS and Big Y Pharmacies in Greenfield are also scheduling appointments online.

Seniors who need assistance scheduling a vaccine appointment or arranging transportation can contact LifePath at 413-829-9285.  You can also call 2-1-1 and follow the prompts to speak with a live operator.

The number of vaccine does shipped to Massachusetts are increasing by the week.  Please be patient, there will be enough vaccine for all who want it.

Vaccine information is updated regularly at the Ashfield website www.ashfield.org or you can call the Board of Health vaccine hotline at 628-4441 x. 77.

Please remember to wear a face covering, wash and sanitize your hands, social distance and schedule your vaccine when it becomes available to you.

A message from the Belding Memorial Library director with an update on the library closure for renovation.

The Library remains closed to fully complete the repair work.   Return to curbside services date has been pushed to Wednesday March 3rd.  While the library is closed, please do not return books to the building or the book drops. No late fees will be charged.

For further enquiries you may reach the librarian remotely at bmlashfield@gmail.com or at 413-628-1505. 

Thank you for your continued patience and please be safe.

A message regarding COVID-19 vaccination status.  As of February 1^st, COVID-19 vaccination is in Phase 2 in the Commonwealth.   In this phase the vaccine is available to those who are 75 years of age or older.  However, the vaccine is still in limited supply, so we urge patience.

If you are in this age group, you may be contacted by your physician with further instructions.   However, for the latest information you may take one of the following actions:

• Contacting Life Path vaccine access hotline at 413-829-9285 Ext: 2375.  Leave a message there with your name, town and phone number and a volunteer will call you back.
• Contacting local pharmacies by phone or visiting their website for information and to schedule an appointment.
• Finding county vaccination sites by visiting www.Mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine for locations and scheduling information. 
• Visiting the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (also known as FRCOG) website at www.frcog.org/covid-vaccine.  Or calling their hotline at 413-774-3167 Ext: 153.

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible by age at the VA in Leeds.  For info and registration contact them at 413-584-4040.

For the most current information you may call the COVID vaccine information line at Town Hall at 413-628-4441 Ext: 77.

A message from the Belding Memorial Library director regarding closure for renovation work at the library. The last day of curbside services will be this coming Wednesday January 27th. The library expects to reopen on Wednesday February 17th. While the library is closed, please do not return books to the building or book drops. No late fees will be charged.

For further enquiries you may reach the librarian remotely at bmlashfield@gmail.com or at 413-628-1505. 

Thank you for your patience.

A message from the Ashfield Board of Health regarding the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic.  COVID 19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic and an important part of our job is to keep you informed of the risk and precautions you can take.  The Ashfield website is a source for local testing options along with information for Franklin County and State Guidance, including latest orders on face covering and social gathering.   

To date Ashfield has had a total of 14 confirmed cases with 4 cases in the past two weeks.  Numbers in Franklin County and the State continue to rise.   Please continue to practice social distancing, washing and sanitizing your hands and wearing face covering both indoors and out.  

The COVID 19 Vaccine is now being offered in Stage 1 for Front Line Health Care Workers.  Widespread distribution is expected to be in mid- late spring.  The Board of Health will update residents often as the vaccine effort moves forward.  

For questions regarding COVID 19 please contact the Board of Health at boh@ashfield.org.  Contact information and COVID Updates are posted on the Ashfield website at www.ashfield.org.  

Calling on behalf of the Town Administrator with an announcement regarding today’s Special Town Meeting and an update on the Library closure. 

Tonight’s Special Town Meeting, planned to start at 6PM, will be held outside the Town Hall in front of the Fire Station. Please dress accordingly. The moderator has indicated that he will use a consent agenda to move all seven articles unless any three voters object. For the posted warrant please visit www.ashfield.org. 

The Belding Memorial Library will reopen on Monday December 14th, pickups and returns will resume at that time. Please keep your book returns at home until the library reopens. No late fees will be charged. 

COVID-19 numbers are on the rise in the Commonwealth and in Ashfield. We urge all to continue social distancing, washing your hands and wearing a face covering.

Calling on behalf of the Park Commission to inform residents that all boats at Ashfield Lake must removed by this Saturday, October 31^st.  

As of November 1^st, all boats remaining at the lake will subject to a $25 retrieval fee.  Also, any unclaimed boats will be auctioned off in the fall of 2021.

I’m calling to inform residents that the 2^nd annual Council on Aging and Ashfield Police flu clinic scheduled for Wednesday, October 7^th has reached capacity, we are unable to schedule anymore appointments.

On Saturday, October 17 from 10 am to 12 pm at Mohawk Trail Regional School on Ashfield Road in Buckland, there will be a drive-thru flu clinic.  

I’m calling to inform residents that there have been numerous reported car break-ins and vehicle thefts in neighboring towns including several in Ashfield.  I’m urging residents to be diligent and to lock their vehicles even when parked in your driveway. These are crimes of convenience and by locking up vehicles and removing your valuables it will discourage would be burglars.  As always if you see anything suspicious please report it to dispatch at 413-625-8200 or if it is urgent call 911.  

We’re calling to inform residents that the water at Ashfield Lake was retested and it meets acceptable standards by Massachusetts regulations.   The Lake is again available for swimming and other recreational use.  We continue to urge residents to follow the posted guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re calling to inform Ashfield residents that the Board of Health has ordered Ashfield Lake and beach closed.  This order is due to E. Coli exceeding safe limits in the lake.  The closure is effective immediately and until further notice.

This is a status update on Tropical Storm Isaias which was upgraded to a storm warning earlier today.   Its projected path will be west of the area impacting us early Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Rainfall is expected during Tuesday afternoon and night which could be heavy at times.  Additionally, this rainfall brings the thread for flash flooding.  Strong wind capable of possible tree and power line damage is expected.  

This week a test for possible algae bloom in Ashfield Lake was conducted and the results are back indicating that the water is clear.  As of noon today, the Lake is again available for swimming and other recreational use.  We continue to urge residents to follow the posted guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are calling to inform Ashfield residents that possible harmful algae bloom was observed at Ashfield Lake.  This algae can be toxic to people and pets, therefore the Board of Health has issued a public health advisory suspending swimming at Lake until further notice.  Also, any fish caught at the lake should not be consumed as it may be contaminated by the algae.

We are calling to remind Ashfield residents that Saturday June 27^th is the Annual Meeting and Election. 

In our effort to continue exercising caution during the pandemic there have been some changes made to the Town meeting and election.  The Town Meeting will be held on the Town Common and will begin at 10 AM. We are asking people to plan on arriving early in order to get through the check-in process. There will also be restrictions on foot traffic flow and face coverings are strongly encouraged. If you are not feeling well, or are showing symptoms, please stay home.

Parking will be limited to the lot behind the Congregational Church. Before heading to the seating area, you are required to check in by the Fire Station. Signage and volunteers will assist with this process. If possible, we recommend bringing a lawn chair, an umbrella or anything necessary for your outdoor comfort.

The Election will be held inside Town Hall from 10 AM to 4 PM.  Please follow floor markings to register, vote and exit the building.  After completing the voting process exiting will be from the side door of the lower hall.  Polling volunteers will be there to guide voters thru this process.

We continue to encourage voting by absentee ballot but time is running out so if you would like to do so contact the Town Clerk Bridget Rodrigue at 413-628-4441 Ext: 5. 

To date Ashfield has had two confirmed positive cases and both have recovered and are no longer symptomatic.  Ashfield is in the process of reopening in accordance with the Commonwealth’s phased reopening guidelines.  Although phase 2 is approaching the start date for it has not yet been decided by the Governor.  Even though Ashfield continues to be in a declared state of emergency, the Emergency Operations Center is being deactivated as of June 8^th and will no longer be staffed 24/7.  You may still reach us by phone or email any time of the day.  Please be aware that the Police and Fire departments are not staffed 24/7 either and if you have an emergency call 911 instead of calling the stations.

Town residents are encouraged to vote by mail for this year’s town election.  Interested voters may download and fill out “Absentee” or “Early” ballot application found online at Ashfield.org/2020TownElection.  Or contact the town clerk at 413-628-4441 Ext: 5 to have one mailed to you.  Completed forms should be emailed to TownClerk@Ashfield.org or placed inside the box outside town hall.

Belding library is starting curbside services on Wednesday June 3.  If you would like to receive material from the library, please request them on their webpage or call the library personnel directly at 413-628-1505.

This is a situational awareness update call to Ashfield’s residents.  Thankfully we can still report that there are no new COVID-19 cases reported in Ashfield. 

As per the Governor’s most recent COVID-19 order, as of today May 6^th, any person over the age of two is required to wear face covering when visiting local businesses and when unable to socially distance from others. A face mask may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. 

To review the Governor’s latest order go to Ashfield.org/MACV19Orders.   Seniors 60 years of age or older, may request masks by calling 413-628-4441 Ext: 77.  Leave your name, address where you live, number of masks you are requesting and let us know of an outside place to leave them at.  All others refer to Ashfield.org/FaceCovering for information on face covering.

Finally, Town residents are encouraged to vote by mail for this year’s town election.  Interested voters may download and fill out “Absentee” or “Early” ballot application found online at Ashfield.org/2020TownElection.  Completed forms should be emailed to TownClerk@Ashfield.org or placed inside the box outside town hall.

This is a situational awareness update call to Ashfield’s residents.  Once more, thanks to the community’s efforts we can still report that there have been no further cases reported in Ashfield. 

We continue to meet daily with our health agent to review and manage open cases seen in the state’s health reporting system.  Similarly, we continue to meet weekly with some neighboring towns to discuss common concerns and strategies on how to address them.

Yesterday the Governor has extended the Commonwealth’s emergency order until May 18^th.  All prior recommendations and practices remain in effect until further notice.  We urge residents to remain diligent by wearing face covering when out in public as well as practicing proper distancing.

As was previously announced, the Ashfield Annual Town Meeting and local election has been postponed until June 27^th.  The Secretary of State is permitting early voting for local elections if held prior to June 30th.  Additionally, the state has also relaxed the requirements for requesting an absentee ballot to anyone who considers themselves to be quarantined at the time of the election.

Interested voters may download and fill out “Absentee” or “Early” ballot application found online at Ashfield.org/2020TownElection.  Completed forms should be emailed to TownClerk@Ashfield.org or by placing it inside the box outside town hall.  If you unable to go online, contact the Town Clerk directly at 413-628-4441 Ext: 5.

For all seniors, 60 years of age or older, the town is making available cloth face masks which will be delivered on Friday, May 1^st to your residence.  If you are interested in receiving a mask please contact us at 413-628-4441 Ext: 77.  Leave your name, address where you live, number of masks you are requesting and let us know if you have an outside mail box or a street side place to leave them at. If we have more requests than masks, we will deliver them to you as more become available.  Other residents may request masks at Ashfield.org/Masks.

This is a situational awareness update call to Ashfield’s residents.  Thanks to the community’s efforts we can report that there have been no further cases reported in Ashfield.  We continue to meet daily with our health agent to review and manage any ongoing open issues.  Additionally, we continue to meet weekly with some neighboring towns to review common concerns and to share helpful information with each other.

Going forward and based on CDC’s recommendation, we urge all residents to wear face masks when out in public.  And when possible please use rubber gloves when handling publicly used material or equipment.

While the town remains in a state of emergency, we are providing important information on the Town’s website at Ashfield.org.  At the top of the page you will find links to pandemic related topics including assistance that may be available during this period. Also, refer to the Town’s Police website for information on COVID-19 related scams.  We do our best to keep the site up to date so please visit it often.

This is a situational awareness update call to Ashfield’s residents.  Since our first reported case from March 18^th there has been no additional ones reported.  However, some residences were required to be quarantined due to their association with our case and with a subsequent one that was reported in a neighboring town.  Our Health Agent continues to monitor and investigate any cases that could impact Ashfield.

Our First-Responders had a shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (also known as PPEs), but thanks to the generosity of some local businesses, groups and individuals we have had several donations to help address shortages.  In addition to the donated PPEs we have been able to secure more supplies from the MA Emergency Management Agency.  Any excess supplies we will be sharing them with Highland Ambulance as well as neighboring towns.  Nothing will go to waste and it will all be used.

Please note that the Select Board has voted to postpone the annual town meeting until Saturday, June 27^th.  There will be more on this and the town elections in a future announcement.

This call is to inform the community that the transfer station will remain open, however there will be some temporary changes in effect starting this Saturday March 21^st.  They include the following:

• The attendants’ shed will be closed to the public
• The “swap shop” and the “book exchange” will be closed also
• The bottles and cans recycling area will be closed and instead these items should be put into the recycling box

This call is to inform the community that an Ashfield resident is confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.  We are working with the Board of Health agent who is currently on the case working directly with the department of public health. 

Additionally, we have been informed that those who were in contact with the infected resident are currently self-quarantined and are asymptomatic.

We would like to remind all to continue practicing social distancing and continue to follow CDC and MA DPH’s recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.

Due to increased concern around the Coronavirus pandemic and out of abundance of caution, although no cases have been reported in Franklin County the Select Board has declared a state of emergency for the town of Ashfield effective March 16th.  

In our continued efforts to prevent its escalation, we encourage our Town residents to practice social distancing and to follow CDC and MA DPH’s recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus. For more information on what to do and how you can help please visit the Town’s website at Ashfield.org for the latest on COVID-19.

If you feel ill and suspect that you may have reason to be concerned, we urge you to consult your medical provider immediately.

All town offices, including Police, Fire and Highway Departments will be closed to the public until April 7th.  Note that the transfer station will remain open. Please use the phone, web and/or the mailbox outside town hall to conduct urgent business.

Additionally, all town meetings are canceled except for meetings held by the Select Board and the Board of Health.  If you have any questions about meetings contact the town administrator or the town clerk.

Please be assured that police, fire and EMS will respond promptly to all calls with immediate threat.  Although we would prefer to interact with individuals in person, everyone’s health and safety is our top priority.

We are working to keep town employees healthy so that they may continue to provide our Town with the highest level of professional service and to avoid further spread of the disease.