2017_02_ashland

localtownpages 

Ashland 

PRSRT STD 

ECRWSS 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Taunton, MA 

Permit No. 92 

Postal Customer 

Local 

Vol. 4 No. 7 Free to Every Home and Business Every Month February 2017 

The Voice of Your Community 

Midwinter Market Brings 

Delicious Treats and Valentine 

Delights on February 11 

Produce, specialty food, flowers and sweets will be available at the 

midwinter Ashland Farmers Market. 

The Ashland Farmers 

Market (AFM) is holding its 

first-ever Midwinter Market, 

just in time for Valentine’s 

Day, at the Ashland Middle 

School on Saturday, Feb. 11 

from 9 am to 1 pm. 

It may be deep winter, but 

nearly 20 food vendors will 

bring vibrant color, summer 

tastes and wonderful sweet 

things. There will be root vegetables 

and other winter 

specialties. Several farms 

will be selling the promise 

of summer’s bounty 

in the form of CSA 

(community supported 

agriculture, or farm) 

shares. There will also 

be cheeses, locally grown 

dry beans, Middle Eastern 

specialties, humanely 

raised meats and zucchini-based 

breads. The 

market will feature fresh 

cut flowers Valentine’s 

Day delivery. Nineteen 

artisans—some favorites 

from the summer market 

(held June to October at 

125 Front St. across from the 

library) and some new ones— 

will showcase their crafts. 

For more information, 

visit www.ashlandfarmersmarket.org. 

A Day (and Night) in 

the Life of An Ashland 

Snow Plow Driver 

By Julie Nardone, 

Contributing Writer 

Multiple controls inside the large 

cab. (Photo/Julie Nardone) 

If you think it’s easy to snow 

plow Ashland’s 85 miles of roads, 

please think again. 

Plowing through the snow 

requires intense concentration, 

awareness, and multi-tasking. 

For starters, Ashland’s municipal 

plows are massive. These towering 

six- and eight-wheel giants 

stand 11 feet tall, carry gross loads 

up to 43,000 pounds and run at 

310 horsepower. Hoisting yourself 

up and into the cab takes the body 

strength of Sampson. The trucks 

also have a lot of moving parts: a 

plow, belly scraper, salt/sand box 

and a spindle, all controlled by the 

joystick and other dials in the cab. 

Almost simultaneously, the 

plow operator has to look straight 

ahead for oncoming vehicles and 

people, check the side view mirrors 

for drivers who might have 

entered the truck’s large blind 

spot, check the rearview mirror to 

see if the salt or sand is still spraying, 

be cognizant of where the 

curb and other hazards lie and 

operate the various controls. 

To complicate the situation, the 

operator has to crank the heat on 

full blast and open the windows. 

SNOW PLOW DRIVER 

continued on page 2 

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Page 2 Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com February 2017 

SNOW PLOW DRIVER 

continued from page 1 

localtownpages 

Published Monthly 

Mailed FREE to the 

Community of Ashland 

Circulation: 7,100 households 

& businesses 

Publisher 

Chuck Tashjian 

Editor 

Cynthia Whitty 

Send Editorial to: 

editor@ashlandtownnews.com 

Sales 

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Advertising Sales Manager 

Lori Koller 

Advertising Sales Assistant 

Kyle Koller 

Production & Layout 

Susan Dunne 

Michelle McSherry 

Dawna Shackley 

Advertising Department 

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susanneo@localtownpages.com 

Ad deadline is the 

15th of each month. 

Localtownpages assumes 

no financial liability for errors 

or omissions in printed 

advertising and reserves the 

right to reject/edit advertising 

or editorial submissions. 

© Copyright 2017 LocalTownPages 

“If I don’t keep the heat on high, 

the windshield will freeze,” Robert 

(Benny) Bonavire, General 

Foreman Highway/CPT, said. 

“The windshield gets so hot the 

wipers begin to melt.” 

I observed freezing windshields 

during my recent snowstorm plowing 

tour with Doug Small, Department 

of Public Works (DPW) 

Director. Fifteen minutes into our 

winter wonderland roundabout, 

giant balls of ice formed on the 

windshield wipers. Small had to 

get out and slam the wipers on 

the windshield several times to 

dislodge the ice. The slightest hesitation 

in the wipers resulted in a 

blurry smear of visibility. 

Soon after our own icing problem, 

Small followed a pair of 

snowplow drivers up Oak Street, 

who had pulled over to de-ice 

their windshield wipers. Municipal 

drivers plow their assigned 

roads in teams. The first plow 

goes down the center of the road. 

The second plow stays to the 

right, dispenses salt and/or sand 

and catches the left over drift. In 

really bad storms, the enormous 

rear-wheel drive trucks can slip off 

the side of the road and get stuck. 

In that situation, they call general 

foreman Bonavire to pull them 

out with his truck. 

The heaviest storms wreak 

havoc on the trucks’ windshield 

wipers and hydraulic systems. 

If the driver notices either of 

them start to fail, he returns to 

the DPW garage for a repair. In 

a high adrenaline scene reminiscent 

of an Indy 500 pit stop, drivers 

pull their trucks in, jump out 

and lone mechanic Dan Maurer, 

works feverishly to get the vehicle 

back in service. 

Snow Removal Strategy 

When Small first joined Ashland’s 

DPW department as director 

in 2004, he was told, “Every 

storm is different.” He has found 

that advice to be true. “If the 

storm starts in the morning, the 

strategy would be to salt first 

because salt melts the snow and 

reduces the road’s freezing point. 

Once the roads get covered with 

ice, it’s difficult to remove. If it 

starts at night we might use a 

salt/sand brine and belly scrape.” 

Surprisingly, I learned that plowing 

usually comes last. 

Plowing Dangers 

When the snow comes down 

fast and furious, it can be hard for 

drivers to know their whereabouts 

because identifying markers get 

cloaked in white. As Small continued 

to plow the roads, I, too, got 

lost in the mesmerizing beauty of 

twirling and twinkling snowflakes 

and easily lost my sense of direction. 

I had to keep asking, “Where 

are we?” In addition, the snow 

can blanket hazardous objects like 

curbs, mailboxes and raised manhole 

covers, which if hit result in 

plow damage or driver injury. A 

raised manhole cover can throw 

a truck sideways and the driver 

into the windshield or dashboard. 

Moreover, automobile drivers 

may make a sudden stop or pull 

in front of a plow, not understanding 

that plows are the equivalent 

of mini freight trains – the large 

weight makes it hard to stop. 

Another potentially dangerous 

situation occurs during ascents 

up Ashland’s steepest roads, of 

which there are quite a few. Small 

chugged up the almost vertical 

and dead-ended Bellview Heights. 

Surprisingly, the top provided no 

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PREMIER IMAGE GALLERY 

Specializing in Museum Quality Framing 

Finest Selection of Original Artwork 

by Local Artists 

Celebrating 28 Years as a family owned business 

James Bomba and Robert Bonavire in front of the town’s newest 

snowplow truck. (Photo/Julie Nardone) 

290 Eliot Street, (Ledgemere Plaza) • Ashland • (508) 881-4730 

www.premier-image.com 

place to turn around. Fortunately, 

a former municipal employee allows 

staff to use his driveway. In 

icy storms, the hill gets so slippery 

that large plow trucks have to 

back up the road, sanding in reverse 

order to provide surface grit 

for the wheels. 

End-of-Driveway Blues 

Ashland’s 16 municipal and 

up to 30 contract snowplow drivers 

work as hard as they can to 

clear the roads. If it’s a heavy 

storm, you may see them go up 

and down your road many times. 

Every other time it will be on your 

side of the road, which means an 

unwanted dump of snow into the 

driveway you just spent two hours 

clearing. “We aren’t intentionally 

trying to give residents more 

work. If we try to swerve around 

the driveways, we can’t keep the 

roads safe,” Small said. 

Other drivers concurred. “I’ve 

had residents throw shovels at me, 

run after me or even stand in the 

middle of the road attempting 

to block me when I do a return 

sweep,” Bonivare said. Jason 

Cadima, Foreman Water/Sewer 

Department, added, “It’s difficult 

when residents park cars at 

the end of the driveway to block 

the snow generated by the plow. 

It makes it impossible to clear the 

roads curb to curb.” 

Embarrassingly, I have been 

one of those annoyed residents. 

Now that I understand the driver’s 

side of the story, I’m going to 

view the replenishing snow pile 

at the end of my driveway in a 

more loving light. 

Ashland’s Reputation 

Ashland’s DPW has a sterling 

snow plowing reputation in the 

area. “I often get calls from people 

complaining about the black ice or 

rutted roads in the towns around 

us,” Bonavire said. “We take great 

pride in our work, an ethic instilled 

in us years ago by former DPW 

Director Ben Montenegro and 

mechanic Scott Thouren.” 

DPW Requests 

To ensure Ashland’s roads 

and residents stay safe during and 

right after a storm, the DPW had 

several simple requests. Please do 

not park cars on the road, put 

trash bags directly on the curb, 

pull out in front of the plows or let 

children play in the streets. While 

families are cuddled up in front of 

the fire watching HBO, Ashland’s 

snow removal teams are out in the 

cold often driving for hours on 

end. Adhering to their requests 

seems like a small way Ashland 

residents can contribute to the 

safety of our own winter roads. 

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February 2017 Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com Page 3 

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Family Trivia Night: 

AMA’s Biggest 

Fundraiser 

of the Year 

Attend Ashland Music Association’s (AMA) 

Family Trivia Night on Saturday, Feb. 4 (snow 

date: Feb. 11) at the Ashland High School cafeteria. 

Adults, $10; students/seniors, $8. Doors open 

at 6:30 p.m., first round starts at 7 p.m. There will 

be teams of 6 to 8 players. For more info or to 

donate an item, contact Marilyn Marsh, Marilyna618@gmail.com. 

Town Elections and Town Meeting 

By Tara Ward, 

Ashland Town Clerk 

Nomination Papers 

If you are interested in running 

for Town Office in the May 

16 Annual Town Election, you 

may pick up nomination papers 

now at the town clerk office. They 

are due back by Tuesday, March 

28 by 5pm. You will need a minimum 

of 50 valid signatures to be 

placed on the ballot. We suggest 

you obtain at least two full pages, 

or 64 signatures. 

Office seats available for the 

May 16 Annual Town Election: 

• Moderator (1 seat for 1 yr) 

• Selectman (1 seat for 3 yrs) 

• Assessor (1 seat for 3 yrs) 

• School Committee 

(1 seat for 3 yrs) 

• Library Trustee 

(2 seats for 3 yrs) 

• Board of Health 

(2 seats for 3 yrs) 

• Housing Authority (1 seat for 

5 yrs), (1 seat for 1yr) 

• Planning Board (1 seat for 5 

yrs), (1 seat for 2 yrs) 

Town Election 

and Town Meeting 

All voting is held at the Ashland 

High School, 65 East Union St. 

Deadline to register to vote or 

change party enrollment for 

the Annual Town Election and 

the Town Meeting: Thursday, 

April 13 

Ashland’s Gift Shop 

The Valentine’s Day Gift Destination 

Ashland REIKI & WELLNESS Center 

508-861-3090 • 54 Front Street, Ashland 

www.facebook.com/ashlandreiki 

Community 

Education 

Ashland Community Education provides 

age-appropriate after-school classes 

for students. For more information, visit 

www.ashland.k12.ma.us/community-education 

or contact the program director, 

Jeannie Young, at 508-881-0143. 

Some upcoming programs include: 

• Winter Driver’s Ed. (February & April), 

Fee: $99 

• SAT Prep Class, Feb. 5 to May 2 

(12 Sessions), Fee: $745 

• Lights, Camera, Communicate (for middle 

and high school students), Feb. 21-24, 

10 am to 12 pm, Fee: $160 per student 

Next Scheduled Town Meeting: 

Wednesday, May 3 

Next Scheduled Annual Town 

Election: Tuesday, May 16 (Polls 

open from 7 am to 8 pm) 

For more information, visit www.AshlandMass.com, or contact the 

Town Clerk’s office, 508-881-0100, ext. 7127, TownClerkOffice@ 

AshlandMass.com. 

www.ashlandreiki.com 

AEFI’s Neighborhood 

Fund and Annual Gala 

The Ashland Education 

Foundation, Inc., (AEFI) funds 

special projects for teachers not 

covered in annual budgets. The 

largest source of funding comes 

from its annual Gala. Last year, 

the Gala raised more than 

$40,000. Tickets for the Gala on 

Friday, April 7 go on sale at the 

end of February. 

In the meantime, AEFI is asking 

donations through its Neighborhood 

Campaign to enhance 

the auction and raffle items offered 

at the Gala. As a thank 

Call to learn more today! 

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To make a tax deductible donation, 

visit www.ashlandeducation.org 

and click the Donate 

link next to the Neighborhood 

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The Dental Place, Hopkinton Celebrates 

National Children’s Dental Health Month! 

In honor of the occasion, our 

hygienist, Sarah Doherty, had the 

pleasure of spending some time 

with the students of The Learning 

Center of Hopkinton to show 

how excited we are about teaching 

children the fundamentals of 

dental hygiene. We are happy to 

share what they learned! 

Brush for 2 Minutes, 

Twice a Day. 

Sarah showed the class how 

to brush, counting 10 circles on 

the front, sides, tops, and backs 

of the teeth. Children are much 

more eager and willing to take 

care of their own dental health 

when brushing is turned into a 

game, or has a rhythm they can 

follow. Try encouraging them 

to recite a song, like the ABCs, 

once or twice in their head as a 

way of learning how long two 

minutes of brushing is. 

A Dental Visit is Fun! 

Sarah showed the different 

tools used in our office, like a mirror 

and an explorer. Letting children 

explore the tools on their 

own outside of a dentist’s chair 

eases any apprehension they may 

have, and even encourages them 

to be curious about what takes 

place during a dental visit. 

Healthy Habits. 

The children learned some 

simple habits that they can practice 

to keep their teeth healthy 

- such as choosing chocolate 

instead of hard or sticky candy, 

and avoiding sipping on juice, 

milk or sports drinks throughout 

the day. When they are encouraged 

and taught to make good 

choices from the very beginning, 

they do not have to worry about 

dental health as they grow up! 

When should your 

child first see a dentist? 

Because a child’s smile is so intimately 

linked to self-esteem and 

confidence, Dr. Diab emphasizes 

starting early. When that very 

first tooth erupts, parents should 

begin regular dental care. 

“Our practice is geared 

toward little kids,” pediatric 

dentist Dr. Diab says of Dental 

Place Hopkinton… “from 

infants on up, we cater to their 

needs.” Dental Place Hopkinton, 

along with its sister practices in 

Westborough, Wayland, and Weston, 

(and coming soon, Millis!) have pediatric, 

adolescent, and adult 

dentistry as well as orthodontics 

to form an all-in-one package 

for a family’s varying needs. 

“We pride ourselves on preventative 

dentistry,” says Dr. 

Diab. “We educate the child and 

parent together on oral hygiene 

and proper diet so these become 

habitual. That sets the child on 

the right track.” 

And if things aren’t on the 

right track, an orthodontist is 

available right down the hall. 

“Think of it as proactive orthodontics,” 

says orthodontist 

Dr. Kenneth Webb. “There are 

more options when you start 

younger.” 

Our aim at Dental Place Hopkinton 

is to ensure that maintaining 

children’s dental health 

becomes second nature from 

the beginning, not something 

that has to be a constant care 

or worry. We encourage you to 

visit our website for more valuable 

dental care information. 

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answer any questions you might 

have about how to help your 

children maintain their beautiful 

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seeing you in our office soon! 

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Survey Data Helps Inform Town Decision-Making 

By Deborah Burke Henderson, 


The town conducted a “community 

livability” survey last summer, 

which provided data that 

helped support the passing of the 

new Rate of Development bylaw. 

The bylaw, passed at the November 

town meeting, restricts developers 

to building only 25 percent 

of their permitted housing units 

in a given year. The survey data 

will also help with future decisionmaking 

within the town. 

“This study allowed us to 

gather a better understanding 

of how residents perceive Ashland 

and the services they receive 

from town government,” Assistant 

Town Manager Jenn Ball, 

who oversaw the survey project, 

explained. 

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Collecting Data 

“Livability” is the sum of the 

factors that add up to a community’s 

quality of life—including the 

built and natural environments, 

economic prosperity, social stability 

and equity, educational 

opportunity, and cultural, entertainment 

and recreation possibilities. 

(Partners for a Livable 

Community, www.livable.org/ 

about-us/what-is-livability) 

Ball used the National Citizen 

Survey (NCS), a standardized 

tool implemented in 500 communities 

across the country, to gather 

residents’ opinions on a variety of 

community issues. The company 

conducting the survey mailed 

postcards and sent reminders to 

2,500 randomly-selected Ashland 

households with instructions 

to complete a 45-minute survey 

online. There was a higher-thanaverage 

response rate with 874 

residents participating. 

“I believe this great response 

rate was due to having a very engaged 

community that values the 

importance of their voices being 

heard,” Ball explained. “We’ve 

collected an incredible amount 

of information and insight, and 

this data has already begun to inform 

and guide our decisions as 

we plan for the future.” 

The survey captured residents’ 

opinions within three pillars of a 

community (Community Characteristics, 

Governance and 

Participation) across eight central 

facets of community (Safety, 

Mobility, Natural Environment, 

Built Environment, Economy, 

Recreation and Wellness, Education 

and Enrichment and Community 

Engagement). 

Key Findings 

Most Ashland citizens rated 

their quality of life positively and 

consider the town an “excellent” 

or a “good place” to live. Safety 

was identified as an important 

area of focus in the coming years, 

and many aspects of safety were 

rated positively. The economy 

was also cited as an important 

area of focus in the next two 

years. 

Residents were shown to have 

a high rate of contact with town 

employees and they tended to 

rate those interactions favorably, 

a contact rate that was higher 

than the national benchmark. 

“I’ve been hearing similar 

themes in my time here, and this 

new data gives us more control 

about what we are doing and 

where we are heading as a community,” 

Town Manager Mike 

Herbert said. “This information 

is really valuable. It will help further 

inform our strategic plan and 

serve as a guide for goal setting by 

our board of selectmen and planning 

board.” 

The study also revealed that 

many residents rely on the town 

website as a major source of information. 

“Based on this finding, 

we are identifying new ways to 

enhance online communication,” 

Ball added. 

Both Herbert and Ball noted 

that this data closely aligned with 

statements many residents have 

voiced at town meetings, gatherings 

of the board of selectmen 

and other community forums. 

Herbert plans to have the survey 

conducted every two to three 

years and tweak the town’s strategic 

plan as needed. 

To read the full NCS community 

livability report, visit the 

town website and click the Town 

Manager section or copy and 

paste the following URL into 

your browser: http://www.ashlandmass.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1771. 

Mosaic 

Art Show 

Through 

March 

Students from the Cheryl 

Cohen Mosaics Art Center will 

exhibit their work in February 

and March at the Holliston Library, 

752 Washington St. The 

show opening is Saturday, Feb. 

11, 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will 

be served. The public is invited to 

attend. 

Timothy Daniels House 

Linda Dinius, of Ashland, holds 

her mosaic plate. 

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84 Elm Street, Holliston, MA 

www.rehabassociates.com/timothydaniels 

Cohen, an Ashland resident, 

has been teaching mosaic art to 

adults and children in her Holliston 

art studio for 2 ½ years. 

The show will have a large variety 

of pieces, including mosaic 

picture frames, mirrors, stools, 

clocks, shoes pendants and even 

a guitar. For information, visit 

www.cherylcohenmosaics.com. 

Run Your Ads With Us! 

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(508) 954-8148


Ashland Business 

Association Promotes 

Business Health 

By Cynthia Whitty 

In Sickness and in Health: 

Caring for Your Cat 

By Cris Valas, DVM, 

The Family Pet Hospital, 

an AAFP-Certified Cat 

Friendly Practice ® 

Building Business Health will 

be the topic at the next Ashland 

Business Association program, 

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m. to 

7:30 p.m., at the Ashland Library, 

Community Room, 66 Front St. 

Chris Bond 

New Businesses 

By Beth Reynolds, 

Ashland’s Economic 

Development Director 

Ashland recently welcomed 

the following new businesses to 

town. Be sure to check out all that 

our town has to offer! 

Erica’s Ristorante, 78 Front 

Street. The wait is finally over 

and Ashland residents can now 

enjoy dining at the newest restaurant 

in town. Serving Italian 

food which includes appetizers, 

entrees, pizza and a kids menu! 

978-478-8321 

SMILE Magic Family Dentistry 

and Orthodontics, 39 Pond 

Street (Rt. 126), is open Monday 

through Thursday, 10am-7pm; 

Friday, 10am-5pm; and Saturday, 

9am-2pm. 774-999-0023 

US Siding & Construction, 

300 Eliot Street, Suite 13, is a 

Lisa Campbell 

Chris Bond is an experienced 

business broker who assists small 

business owners with the valuation 

and sale of their businesses 

through incomparably fair, honest 

and expedient service. In his 

presentation, he will share ideas 

for building business health 

which business owners can enjoy 

while they are running their business, 

not just when they go to 

sell. Chris has over 15 years of 

experience consulting with small 

business owners. He has learned 

many ways to incorporate health 

and happiness into his own business 

which enables him to create 

great success for his clients. 

Lisa Campbell will lead 

“Meditations for Successful 

Business Owners.” Attendees 

will learn how to use meditation 

to move beyond stress-inducing 

thoughts towards a mind that is 

calm and creative. Campbell is 

a certified meditation and mindfulness 

Instructor, a course advisor 

for the McLean Meditation 

Institute, a US Air Force veteran, 

and founder of Mindfulfilled 

Meditation, LLC. 

For more information, or to 

renew a membership or join, visit 

www.ashlandbusinessassociation. 

com or contact ABA President 

Alex Carleton at president@ashlandbusinessassociation.com. 

family-operated company that 

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Worcester | Framingham | Milford | Sturbridge | Auburn 

According to statistics available 

to the American Association of Feline 

Practitioners (AAFP), there are 

86 million cats in America, versus 

78 million dogs, yet few cats receive 

regular veterinary care, and 

most are only brought in when 

they are quite sick. Why is this? 

Cats are good at hiding their 

illnesses, so owners may not recognize 

there is a health problem, 

and owners admit getting to the 

vets can be stressful for both 

them and their pet. 

Most cats don’t like to get in 

pet carriers. They don’t like riding 

in cars. Cats encounter overwhelming 

dog smells in the vet’s 

waiting room, and dogs may 

nose up to the carrier, contributing 

to the cat’s fearful experience. 

Some vet hospitals are doing 

everything possible to minimize 

stress on cats and their owners. 

In 2012, the AAFP created 

the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) 

program. Each approved CFP 

practice has demonstrated its dedication 

to increasing the quality of 

care felines receive. 

The Cat Friendly Practice® 

elevates its care standards and 

educates owners about the importance 

of cat wellness and 

disease prevention. The AAFP’s 

website is a great resource about 

caring for cats. You’ll find their 

list of cat-friendly vets at http:// 

www.catvets.com/cat-owners/ 

find-vets-and-practices. 

To achieve certification, the 

practice and its team must have 

a completely new perspective 

OFF EA. 

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Tuxedo Rental 

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available 

The Family Pet Hospital is now 

CAT FRIENDLY CERTIFIED 

• CAT Only Entrance 

• CAT Only Waiting Room 

• Dog Odor Free Exam Rooms 

with the cat in mind. Staff must 

be trained on the distinct needs 

of cats, and each practice must 

designate a “cat advocate” who 

ensures feline standards are met. 

The practice’s physical environment 

is also assessed. A low-stress 

environment will include a separate 

entrance and waiting room 

and feline-only exam rooms, devoid 

of dog smells and noises. 

Feline-friendly practice staff are 

well versed in handling techniques. 

They can expertly treat frightened 

cats and have alternative techniques 

to calm anxious animals. 

An individualized healthcare plan 

is created specifically for each cat, 

and this may include more than a 

once-a-year physical to help diagnose 

diseases earlier. Feline-friendly 

practices create a reduced level of 

anxiety in both cats and their owners, 

ensuring a lifetime of health 

for our feline friends. 

For more information about 

our practice, and why we felt it 

important to become certified, 

contactdrcrisvalas@thefamilypethospital.com. 

We offer Gentle Handling and a Promise to make the 

visit as stress free as possible. 

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508-231-1223 

300 Eliot Street, Ashland 

www.thefamilypethospital.com 

Medicine • Surgery • Exotics • Retail • Cat Friendly Certified 

Doggie Daycare • Dog Training • Grooming • Medical Boarding


Art in the Library 

DOWNSTAIRS GALLERY 

“Imagination in Motion,” 

Paintings by Lisa G Bailey 

January 17 to 

February 25, 2017 

508.381.5299 

MilfordFederal.com 

Milford • Whitinsivlle • Woonsocket 

7 of 9 Lives by Lisa Bailey 

After living in a variety of locations 

around the United States, 

Lisa G Bailey (https://lisagbailey. 

com) moved to Franklin, Mass., 

in 1999 and has established her 

career as an exhibiting artist and 

an art instructor for children and 

adults in her own business, Developing 

Artists. Bailey has also 

given art instruction to adults 

through the local continuing 

education program and the senior 

living activities program and 

has taught art to children at the 

elementary school level. She explores 

many different techniques, 

while adding her own interpretation. 

Through this challenging 

process, she was able to develop 

her own unique, original, new 

style to the watercolor medium 

she calls “Colorweave.” 

UPSTAIRS DISPLAY CASE/ 

FIREPLACE AREA 

“A New Beginning,” 

Clay Works by 

Arti Bhola Goulatia 

Through February 25, 2017 

LOWER LEVEL 

Extended Loan, 

Photographs by 

Lynne Damianos 

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Low rates. Low closing costs. Local servicing. 

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Annual** 

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Thomas Brennick 

Mortgage Loan Specialist 

NMLS# 1233620 

Annual* 

Percentage 

Percentage 

*APR based on $100,000 @ 80% LTV. 180 monthly payments of $7.03 per $1,000 not including taxes and insurance. **APR based on $100,000 @ 80% 

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primary residence. Other fees affecting APR may apply. Offer subject to credit approval and subject to change without notice. NMLS# 465956. 

Rate 

Community Service Project in 

Honor of MLK Day 

By Deborah Burke Henderson, 


Fifteen volunteers, including Dorothy Nail of 

Ashland, gathered together to create handmade 

quilts at The Power of the Quilt Project’s annual 

MLK Day community service quilt-a-thon. In all, 

14 colorful quilts were finished and will be given to 

men and women undergoing chemotherapy treatments 

at the Harvard Vanguard Medical Center 

in Kenmore Square, Boston. 

Nail sewed two of seven “quilt tops,” which will 

be finalized at the spring quilt-a-thon on April 8 at 

the Unitarian Universalist Area Church (UUAC), 

First Parish of Sherborn. The Power of the Quilt 

Project, first established in 2003, is one of the 

UUAC’s many service and justice ministries. The 

work of volunteer sewers and quilters from area 

towns contribute to about 200 quilts for distribution 

annually. Some are given to Project Linus to 

bring warmth and comfort to young children staying 

in hospitals or shelters. 

For more information about the project, or to 

RSVP for the spring quilt-a-thon, contact the project 

coordinator Cris Crawford at cris@theworld.com. 

Join the Community Book Read: 

The Gift of Failure, March 14 

Parents are invited to participate 

in a Community Book 

Read. Join Jim Adams, Superintendent 

of the Ashland schools, 

for a discussion of The Gift of 

Dorothy Nail of Ashland 

sews two “35-patch” 

quilt tops as part of 

a community service 

project to benefit 

cancer patients. 

(Photo/Deborah Burke Henderson) 

Failure: How the best parents learn 

to let go so their children can succeed, 

by Jessica Lahey, on Tuesday, 

March 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the 

Ashland Library. Adams will facilitate 

a discussion as it relates 

to resilience in our children and 

community. 

In her book, Lahey focuses 

on the critical school years when 

parents must learn to allow their 

children to experience the disappointment 

and frustration 

that occur from life’s inevitable 

problems so that they can grow 

up to be successful, resilient and 

self-reliant adults. She lays out 

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a blueprint with targeted advice 

for handling homework, report 

cards, social dynamics and sports. 

Most importantly, she sets forth a 

plan to help parents learn to step 

back and embrace their children’s 

failures. 

The library is currently circulating 

a dozen copies of the book 

and an audio book version for 

participants of this event. The 

book read is sponsored by the 

Decisions at Every Turn Coalition 

and the Friends of the Ashland 

Public Library. For more 

information, email coalitioninfo@ashlanddecisions.org.


Sophomore Kiara Leak Wins Clocker Idol 

By Eryn Flynn, Freshman, 

Ashland High School 

The third annual Clocker Idol 

singing competition was held at 

the high school this past December. 

It was hosted by the previous 

winner, sophomore Peter Saxionis. 

Brave, passionate young 

singers, Allen Brodskiy, Julia Caruso, 

Haley Boccuzzi, Melina 

Karpouzis, Adrianna Fawkes, 

Emilia Fonseca and Anne Fejer, 

each performed in front of an 

entire auditorium. All contestants 

performed spectacularly, but 

Kiara Leak, a sophomore, stood 

out above the rest. I interviewed 

Leak, asking her what it was like 

to win and what she learned. 

Q: When did you start singing? 

What does music and 

singing mean to you? 

Kiara Leak: I’ve been singing 

pretty much since I started to 

talk. Music and singing has always 

been a part of my life. It has 

allowed me to express myself in a 

different way. 

Q: What is Clocker Idol? 

What steps did you have to 

take to get into it? 

L: Clocker Idol is our school’s 

version of the American Idol 

singing competition. The process 

to participate is to audition and 

Jump for Joy 

on Feb. 4 

The family classic event, 

Jumping for Joy, is returning 

for its 7th year in the Ashland 

High School (AHS) gymnasium 

on Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 

2 p.m. Families from Ashland 

and beyond are invited to join 

the AHS Make-A-Wish Club 

in bounce-house craziness—six 

gigantic bounce houses, concessions, 

a bake sale and raffle— as 

we jump to raise money for the 

Make- A-Wish Foundation Massachusetts 

and Rhode Island 

chapter. Admission to the event 

is a $10 donation, which will 

help us grant another wish for a 

child with a life-threatening illness. 

For more information, contact 

Jennifer Pavia-Shiels, AHS 

Make-A-Wish club adviser, at 

jpaviashiels@ashland.ma.k12.us. 

the judges pick the contestants 

who will sing and compete in 

the show. I participated last year. 

Since it was only the school’s second 

competition and my first year 

participating, it was pretty nerve 

racking. This year, the people 

who performed last year seemed 

to be more confident and people 

who participated for the first time 

had confidence as well. 

Q: How did you prepare? 

What was your mindset? 

L: Leading up to Clocker Idol, 

I was nervous. I was unsure if I 

would have confidence on stage. 

Then after a while of thinking 

and mentally preparing for that 

night, I realized that it was not 

about winning, it was about proving 

to myself that I could have the 

confidence and stage presence 

that I have been missing for years. 

Q: What was your actual 

performance like? 

L: My songs for Clocker Idol 

were Back to Black by Amy Winehouse 

and Glitter in the Air by 

Pink. I honestly thought I would 

be filled with nerves, but to my 

surprise, the second I got up on 

that stage I felt pretty good and 

comfortable. I remember mostly 

seeing the other contestants and 

they were really supportive and 

encouraging. 

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Q: How did the crowd, 

your friends, and family 

react to it? 

L: After I performed, some 

people were a little shocked. 

People who have heard me sing 

mostly know me as being shy on 

stage, and I tried to completely 

turn away from that and step 

outside of who they thought I was 

and become more of who I know 

I am when I am performing, and 

my family and friends were really 

happy that I had finally done 

that. I was honestly completely 

shocked when I won. I was of 

course happy, but it didn’t really 

set in that it actually happened 

until the following day. 

Q: Did you ever have any 

doubts, setbacks, or messups, 

and if so, how did you 

overcome them? How do you 

plan to continue pursuing 

music in your future? 

L: There were a few setbacks 

throughout this whole process, 

but ultimately it became clear 

that it wasn’t 100 percent about 

winning, it was about having fun. 

Music has always been and will 

always be a part of my life. I love 

to perform so I plan on continuing 

that. And I really hope to remember 

how good it felt to just 

sing on the stage and not put so 

much pressure on myself. 

Dr. Sal 

Q: What advice would 

you give others about taking 

chances and dreaming? 

L: Some advice I would give 

to others is to not hold back on 

something because you think 

you aren’t good enough, because 

anything can happen and it’s important 

to take chances and risks. 

Sometimes it’s better to relax 

about a situation, and when it 

comes to performing, just have 

fun and enjoy the moment. 

Kiara Leak, the winner 

of Clocker Idol. 

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Acne. 

Not Just for Teens. 

By Lisa Massimiano, 

Licensed Esthetician, 

Certified Acne Specialist, 

Owner Skin Smart Salon 

Acne is often thought of as a 

teenage rite of passage, starting 

at puberty and disappearing by 

the time a person turns 18. This 

however, is just another one of 

the many myths about acne. The 

truth is 50% of adults continue to 

suffer from acne into adulthood. 

What causes adult acne? 

Some people never “outgrow” 

their acne. Other people have 

adult onset acne, breaking out for 

the first time in their twenties and 

thirties. Why their acne remained 

dormant in their adolescence is a 

mystery, but many things can contribute 

to the onset of adult acne. 

Hormonal fluctuations caused 

by pregnancy, menstrual periods 

and menopause can cause acne 

flare-ups in women. 

Medical conditions like PCOS 

(polycystic ovarian syndrome) or 

thyroid disorder can affect the 

skin. High androgen birth control 

pills can worsen acne. 

Pore-clogging ingredients 

can aggravate acne. Daily use 

of inappropriate moisturizers, 

Before 

makeup, sunscreens, shaving 

creams, after shave lotions and 

hair products can lead to breakouts. 

Recreational and prescription 

drugs including: marijuana, cocaine, 

steroids Lithium and thyroid 

medication. 

Stress. It can aggravate hormones 

that lead to acne flare ups. 

The higher your stress level, the 

more prone you are to break out. 

Treating adult acne. 

The challenge of treating adult 

acne is that adult skin is generally 

drier and more sensitive. It is important 

to start slowly with the 

right strength of acne –clearing 

products. This allows the skin to 

adapt gradually and avoid excess 

dryness and irritation. 

At Skin Smart Salon I work 

with both teen and adult acne 

sufferers to help them achieve 

a lifetime of clear skin. There is 

no need for anyone to be embarrassed 

by acne and the scars it 

can leave behind. 

Questions about acne? Email 

me at skinsmartsalon@aol.com 

or call me at (508) 881-1180. Visit 

my salon website skinsmartsalon. 

com for information on Skin 

Smart’s Acne Clinic. 

Achieve Clear Skin 

after 

ACNE CLINIC - for all ages 

Take control and manage your acne with a customized treatment 

program designed to clear your unique skin. 

Education. Coaching. Support 

90% of my clients clear in 12-16 weeks 

Lisa Massimiano - Licensed Aesthetician, Acne Specialist 

Certified by the National Face Reality Acne Clinic 

Call to schedule your acne consultation 

508-881-1180 

44 Front Street, 2nd Floor • Ashland 

www.skinsmartsalon.com 

Builders and Remodelers Are 

Optimistic about 2017 

For most building and remodeling 

companies, 2016 was 

a banner year. This trend looks 

like it will roll into 2017 as new 

construction, remodeling, and 

home improvement sales remain 

robust. It’s hard to drive more 

than a block or two without seeing 

a house with a construction 

dumpster in the yard or a remodeling 

crew on the property. 

It appears that everyone you talk 

to is having work done on their 

homes. Things are looking good 

in the building business. To explore 

this further, here’s a look 

at the pulse of the building and 

remodeling industry for 2017. 

Business owners in the industry 

are very optimistic. 

Consumer demand for home 

improvement and new housing 

is keeping most companies extremely 

busy. This is also trickling 

down to sub trades from 

roofers to painters and everyone 

in between. The demand is causing 

many reputable contractors 

to have a significant backlog of 

work. 

While this is a great “problem” 

to have, it can impact the 

timeline for the customer. If 

you are planning a project, you 

should be aware that the timing 

John’s 

family owned and operated for 45 years 

you are hoping for is not always 

achievable for busier respected 

firms. Factor in extra time to 

your own timeline so you can 

wait for a respected and reliable 

company to be available to do 

your work. 

If you really want to know 

how the economy looks in the 

remodeling world, ask a banker! 

I talked with Brian Hanley from 

Middlesex Bank, and Michael 

Isaac from Needham bank, to 

get their thoughts. 

Brian Hanley, a commercial 

lender at Middlesex Savings 

Bank, says, “Things have ticked 

up a notch, that’s for sure. My 

customers have been busy across 

the board.” Hanley noted, 

“2017 should be a good year.” 

Michael Isaac, a residential 

lender at Needham Bank, says 

he’s expecting a very busy year 

as well. “There are some great 

programs out there for first time 

home buyers, with 3 to 5 percent 

down, so that’s helping stimulate 

some home sales.” Isaac said. 

“When homes are selling, that’s 

good for the remodeling industry...2017 

will be busy, and even 

if rates move up, building and 

remodeling will stay strong.” 

Clearly, the outlook for 2017 

Birkenstock 

repair center 

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sPECializing in laDiEs high hEEl tiP rEPlaCEMEnt 

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John ElhiloW, C.PED, o.s.t. (508) 429-2038 

It’s Coan for a warm and cozy winter! 

A cozy retreat in cold, snow, or sleet 

Great Rebates & Financing* 

Call today and beat the rush! 

for the building industry is extremely 

positive and upbeat. 

This is especially true in our 

area, including Boston and 

metro areas inside the 495 belt, 

which have traditionally stayed 

busier than other parts of the 

country in both the real estate 

and building/remodeling industry. 

Because of this, expect a bit 

of a wait from reputable contractors. 

Remember, there’s no benefit 

in getting a project done 

a month or two earlier if the 

workmanship is poor. A good 

contractor will be honest with 

you from the start about any 

backlog or schedule limitations. 

If you are planning a project 

this year, just be sure to plan a 

little further ahead than you 

may think. You’ll end up with 

the right contractor, and it will 

be worth the wait. 

Masters Touch is located at 24 

Water Street, Holliston, MA For more 

information contact (508) 359-5900, 

e-mail info@MastersTouchWeb.com 

or visit www.MastersTouchWeb.com. 

Gas, Oil and AC Equipment Sales & Service 

*Rebates and financing provided by and subject to Mass Save restrictions and limitations 

Doug Masters 

888-818-2028 

HEATING OIL


New Name, Same Great Service 

at Local Physical Therapy Clinics 

Beginning in February 2017, 

Ashland Physical Therapy, Hopkinton 

Physical Therapy, and 

Milford Physical Therapy are 

changing their names to Platinum 

Physical Therapy. These 

three clinics remain under the 

same local ownership and will 

continue to provide the same 

high quality, one-on-one care 

which has led to their popularity 

and growth. Since beginning 

as a one-man operation in 

2004, Ashland Physical Therapy 

has grown into three locations in 

three towns. After adding Hopkinton 

Physical Therapy in late 

2009 and Milford Physical Therapy 

in 2016, the group of clinics 

is looking for a singular identity. 

According to owner and Hopkinton 

resident James Casady, “The 

highest quality of care must be 

our number one goal.” 

Platinum Physical Therapy 

believes pain-free movement is 

crucial to the pursuit of high 

quality daily life, the ability to 

earn a living, and the enjoyment 

of leisure and recreational activities. 

Platinum PT accomplishes 

this by delivering evidencedbased 

health care and cost-effective 

treatment which improve 

Platinum Physical Therapy Ashland Staff: (left to right) Kelsey Britton, 

Janet Gamache, Elaine Hays, Karen Savolt 

mobility and relieve pain. These 

treatment approaches reduce the 

need for surgery and prescription 

drugs and allow people to 

return to their preferred state of 

life. Platinum PT will continue 

to serve all ages and provide the 

best sports injury prevention 

and rehabilitation using manual 

therapy, modalities, and exercise 

to achieve proper alignment, 

reduce inflammation, and reeducate 

the body. 

Platinum Physical Therapy 

continues to offer cutting edge 

technology and service with their 

Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill, instrument 

assisted soft tissue mobilization, 

dry needling, and many 

other treatment techniques. Platinum 

PT also continues to offer 

free injury screenings. All major 

insurances accepted. 

Eat a Stack at the 

Annual Clocker Club Pancake 

Breakfast, February 5 

The Clocker Club 8th Annual 

Pancake Breakfast will 

be held on Super Sunday, Feb. 

5, 8 to 11 am, in the Ashland 

High School Cafeteria. The 

event will include pancakes, 

scrambled eggs, sausage, 

maple syrup, orange juice, 

hot coffee, raffle prizes and 

fun activities, such as pictures 

with the Clocker Mascot. 

Purchase tickets in advance 

online, www.clockerclub.org, 

or at the Ashland High School 

ASHLAND HANDYMAN 

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SIDING 

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PAINTING 

KITCHENS 

BATHROOMS 

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Clocker Store: $7, adults; $5, 

senior citizens/students and 

$3, children, age 3-10. At the 

door, tickets are $8, adults; $6, 

senior citizens/students and 

$4, children, age 3-10. 

Looking for 

NEW Customers? 

Contact Susanne 

508-954-8148 

Susanneo@localtownpages.com 

Jack Patrick Lewis 

Sworn in at State House 

Jack Patrick Lewis was sworn 

in at the State House on Jan. 4 as 

representative to the 7th Middlesex 

district, which includes all of Ashland 

and part of Framingham. To 

serve as his legislative aide, Lewis 

has hired Ashland native Sara 

Fontes, a graduate of the Ashland 

public schools and the University 

of Chicago. Fontes had worked as 

field director for Lewis’ campaign. 

Lewis and his team can be reached 

by email either at Jack.Lewis@ 

MAhouse.gov or Sara.Fontes@ 

MAhouse.gov, or by phone at 617- 

722-2425. 

Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis and 

legislative aide Sara Fontes. 

Now Offering 

ORTHODONTICS FOR ALL AGES 

SUMMER TUTORING AND PROGRAMS 

TEST PREP 

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Effective! Grades K-12 

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Writing Affordable • Study and Effective! Skills Grades K-12 

Homework Help 

PSAT • SAT PSAT • ACT • SAT • ISEE • ACT • SSAT • ISEE • SSAT 

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SAT - March 11th 

ACT - April 8th 

Reading • Math • Writing • Study Skills • Homework Help 

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Call to schedule an appointment 

508-498-6360 

hopkintonsquaredental.com 

22 South Street, Suite 104 

Hopkinton (Price Chopper Plaza)


Mondays 

11:45 am: Lunches at the Ashland 

Community-Senior Center. 

Cost: $3, must be paid in person 

by 3:30 pm the Thursday before. 

First and Third Mondays 

9:15 to 11 am: Blood Pressure 

check at the Ashland Community 

Center. www.ashlandmass. 

com/429/Activities 

Tuesdays 

12 pm to 1 pm: Ashland Business 

Builders Weekly Networking 

Group, a networking lunch (bring 

your own bag lunch), meets at 

Fitness Together, 126 Commerce 

Park Plaza (Past UPS), 200 Butterfield 

Dr. RSVP to Bob Savin, 

508-438-0050, bobsavin@fitnesstogether.com. 

Every Fourth Tuesday 

7 pm: The Front Street Readers 

book discussion group meets 

at the Ashland Library. 508- 

881-0134. On Feb. 2, the group 

will discuss The Daughter by Jane 

Shemilt. 

Wednesdays 

10 am to 4 pm: Federated 

Church Thrift Shop, 118 Main 

St. Winter donations can be 

dropped off while the shop is 

open. Additional parking behind 

town hall. 508-881-1355, www. 

federatedchurchofashland.org 

Thursdays 

1 pm: Films are shown at the 

Ashland Community-Senior 

Ashland Community Calendar 

Center. Refreshments served at 

intermission. 

Every Second Thursday 

7 to 9 pm: Ashland Documentary 

Film & Discussion Series, 

Ashland Library, Community 

Room. The Feb. 9 film is Chernobyl 

Children: Cuba’s Medical Response. 

Sponsored by the Friends 

of the Library, www.friendsoftheapl.com, 

508-881-0134 

Every Second and 

Fourth Thursday 

1 pm: Caregiver Support 

Group at the Ashland Community 

Center. For more information, 

contact Outreach 

Counselor Susan Wells, 508-881- 

0140, ext. 7945. 

Every Third Thursday 

5 to 6 pm: Golden Pond Assisted 

Living and Memory Care, 

The Lodge, 50 West Main St., 

Hopkinton, hosts an Alzheimer’s 

and Dementia Support Group 

that focuses on individuals who 

care for people in the mid to late 

stages of Alzheimer’s and related 

dementias. Light refreshments 

served. Free and open to the public. 

Register by calling Liz Kemp, 

LCSW, 508-435-1250 ext. 29. 

Last Thursday of Each Month 

6:30 to 7:30 pm: Library Teen 

Advisory Board meets to discuss 

programming for young adults. 

Teens may earn community service 

hours. Ashland Library, 508- 

881-0134. 

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Fridays 

10 am: Tai Chi class at The 

Residence at Valley Farm, 369 

Pond St. Free and open to the 

public. RSVP by calling 508-532- 

3197. 

10:30 to 11:30 am: YMCA 

Play, Learn and Grow Group, 

ages 5 and under, Ashland Library. 

A structured parent and 

child program offered by the 

Metrowest YMCA and the Early 

Childhood Alliance of Ashland 

& Framingham. 

7 pm: Friends’ Friday Night 

Film Series at the Ashland Library 

shows predominantly independent 

or foreign films. Many 

of the films are shown with subtitles 

in English. www.friendsoftheapl.com, 

508-881-0134. 

Wednesday, February 1 

7 pm: ASHPAC Workshop 

with Sarah Ward, MS, CCC/ 

SLP presents “Executive Function 

in Elementary School Students,” 

Ashland High School 

Auditorium. To reserve a seat, 

RSVP at https://goo.gl/4uoHJ5. 

Saturday, February 4 

10 am to 4 pm: Jump for Joy 

family-fun fundraiser for the 

AHS Make-A-Wish Club at the 

Ashland High School. Admission: 

$10 donation. Jennifer Pavia-Shiels, 

jpaviashiels@ashland. 

ma.k12.us 

10:30 am: Take Your Child 

to the Library Day! Story time 

for all ages, and at 2 pm, make 

your own bookmark for kids ages 

4 and up, at the Ashland Library. 

6:30 pm: Family Trivia 

Night, fundraiser for the Ashland 

Music Association at the 

Ashland High School Cafeteria. 

Doors open at 6:30 pm; first 

round starts at 7 pm. Adults, 

$10; students/seniors, $8. 

Contact Marilyn Marsh, Marilyna618@gmail.com. 

Sunday, February 5 

8 to 11 am: Clocker Club 

Pancake Breakfast at the Ashland 

High School Cafeteria. For 

ticket information: www.clockerclub.org. 

Tuesday, February 7 

5:30 pm: Ashland Business 

Association program, Building 

Business Health, at the Ashland 

Library. Early networking, 5:30 

pm; program, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. 

The public is invited to attend. 

www.ashlandbusinessassociation.com 

Wednesday, February 8 

7 pm: ASHPAC Monthly 

Meeting at the AMS Activity 

Room. All are welcome. 

Thursday, February 9 

11:30 am: New this winter, a 

warm bowl of soup for a warm 

body and warm conversation. 

Cost: $3; pay in person at the 

Ashland Community-Senior 

Center. 

Saturday, February 11 

9 am to 1 pm: Ashland Farmers 

Market “Mid Winter Market,” 

Ashland Middle School. 

Over 20 food vendors, plus artisans. 

www.ashlandfarmersmarket.org 

10 to 11:30 am: Ashland 

Garden Club meeting at the 

Ashland Library, Cheever Conference 

Room. The public is 

invited to attend. www.ashlandgardenclub.org 

10:30 am: Join Philip Alexander 

at the Ashland Library for a 

fun family musical performance. 

Admission is free, but space is 

limited. Tickets available near the 

Children’s Room beginning at 10 

a.m. the day of the show. 

Tuesday, February 14 

Saint Valentine’s Day 

1:30 pm: Telescope launch 

Sha’arei Shalom 

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. For more information, 

call 508-231-4700, email 

info@shaareishalom.org, or visit 

www.shaareishalom.org. 

Tu B’shevat seder: Friday, Feb. 

10, 7:30 to 9 pm: Join us for our 

annual Tu B’shevat seder where 

we will celebrate the Jewish 

birthday of the trees using a fun 

event at the Ashland Library. 

Learn about the library’s telescope, 

which can be borrowed by 

Ashland residents. 

2 pm: Trio Swing Strings play 

all of your favorite love songs at 

The Residence at Valley Farm, 

369 Pond St. Free but RSVP at 

508-532-3197. 


2 pm: Chocolate 101: A Tasting 

Workshop with Judith Kalaora 

at The Residence at Valley 

Farm, 369 Pond St. Space is 

limited; free but RSVP at 508- 

532-3197. 

Sunday, February 19 

2 pm: Ashland Historical Society 

presents author Richard 

J.S. Gutman, an “expert on all 

things diner.” Ashland Historical 

Society, 2 Myrtle St. www.ashlandhistsociety.com. 


10 to 11:30 am: Jungle Animal 

Craft with Becky Graessle 

and the MOMS Club of Ashland, 

Ashland Public Library, 

Children’s Department. No registration 

required! www.momsclubofashland.com 

Schools 

For school programs and 

events, visit www.ashlandpto. 

com/events. 

Town Committees 

and Boards 

For times and dates of town 

committees and board meetings, 

visit the town website, www.ashlandmass.com, 

and click “Meetings, 

Agendas and Minutes.” 

Email your event, with 

“CALENDAR” in the subject 

line, by the 15 th of every 

month to editor@ashlandtownnews.com. 

Events will 

be included as space permits. 

and interactive ritual created by 

the kabbalists of Safed, Israel. 

Together, we will explore our relationships 

with nature and the 

seasons through personal, spiritual 

and practical reflections and 

set intentions for the new year. 

Don’t miss this fruit-filled event, 

which will be both delicious and 

nourishing for body and soul! 

Ashland Community Center, 

162 West Union St.


Ashland-Medfield Ski Team Aims for Improvement 

By Ken Hamwey, 

Staff Sports Writer 

The Ashland-Medfield co-op 

ski team, now in its second year 

as a varsity squad, should be improved 

over last season’s maiden 

voyage on the slopes. 

Ashland-Medfield concluded 

its first season in the Central 

Mass. Conference Ski League 

(CMCSL) with the girls compiling 

a 13-23 record and the boys 

going 10-22. Head coach Nancy 

Schlussel is optimistic both 

teams will finish in the top half 

of the league’s standings this 

year because of their numerous 

strengths. 

“We lost only one skier to 

graduation, so we’re more experienced,’’ 

Schlussel said. “Now 

the kids know what to expect. 

We’ve also got more depth. 

We’ve gone from 12 skiers last 

year to 17 currently. Our kids 

possess good skills, they’re strong 

on basics, and they’re enthusiastic. 

Team chemistry and their 

work ethic are also assets. But, 

we need to improve our speed 

and we can be stronger on slalom 

courses.’’ 

The boys’ team consists of 

four skiers from Ashland and 

three from Medfield. The Ashland 

competitors are senior 

co-captain Julian Sherr, Donnie 

Jones, Jim Parisi and Jacob 

Sewell. Medfield’s participants 

are Alex Hagood, Coleman 

Foley and Drew Sly. 

“Julian is one of our top skiers,’’ 

Schlussel noted. “He’s got 

good form and knows how to 

maneuver. A captain who leads 

by example and by being vocal, 

he’s a top-notch competitor in 

the giant slalom. Julian qualified 

for the states last year and performed 

well.’’ 

Schlussel also has admiration 

for the rest of the boys lineup. 

“Donnie also competed at the 

state championships last year. 

He’s a strong, all-around skier 

whose technique is good. He 

strives to improve, and he’s very 

supportive of his teammates. 

Jim has good form and lots of 

potential and Jacob is fearless 

and willing to improve. Alex 

is an adept speed racer whose 

form and technique are solid. 

Drew is coachable and has 

improved his technique while 

Coleman is a quick-learner and 

he’s enthusiastic.’’ 

The girls’ team consists of 

seven skiers from Ashland and 

three from Medfield. The Ashland 

girls include Kaleigh Donovan, 

Alicia Ramones, Olivia 

Sewell, Sabrina Weiner, Abigail 

Williams, Paulina Chumakov 

and Jean Johnson. Medfield’s 

participants are co-captain Leah 

Mason, Sophie Griffin and Sophie 

Lussier. 

“Kaleigh is strong, confident 

and aggressive,’’ Schlussel said. 

“Abigail is a solid competitor 

whose technique and form are 

very good. She’s a returnee who 

strives to ski well. Alicia has improved 

and her approach is very 

positive while Sabrina started 

out as a timid skier, but because 

of her hard work in practice, 

now has speed and confidence. 

Paulina is versatile and coachable, 

Olivia is aggressive and 

strives for excellence and Jean 

is a solid competitor who always 

gives 100 percent.’’ 

Schlussel also is upbeat about 

her trio of girls from Medfield. 

“Leah is a senior captain who’s 

vocal and rallies the team effectively,’’ 

she said. “Her technique 

is good, she’s aggressive and has 

lots of speed. Sophie Griffin 

has a great attitude and is very 

coachable and Sophie Lussier 

has improved her technique and 

is comfortable with her speed.’’ 

Schlussel’s goals for both the 

boys and girls include climbing 

up the standings, becoming 

stronger racers and having more 

than two competitors qualify for 

Sports 

the state championships (qualifying 

is based on rank). To achieve 

these objectives, Schlussel focuses 

on teaching technique to develop 

speed and negotiate turns. The 

teams in the CMCSL are Algonquin, 

Notre Dame of Worcester, 

Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, 

Millis, Nipmuc, Shrewsbury, St. 

John’s, Wachusett and Westboro. 

“The teams to beat on the 

boys’ side are St. John’s, Shrewsbury, 

Algonquin and Westboro,’’ 

she said. “The strong girls’ teams 

are Wachusett, Westboro, Algonquin 

and Shrewsbury. We’re hoping 

to be in the top five for both 

boys and girls.’’ 

Geva Barash, an Ashland 

resident, is president of the selffunded 

team, which is recognized 

by the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic 

Association. “I’m proud we 

got this program rolling,’’ Barash 

said. “It gives students the chance 

to wear their school’s colors and 

to ski during the week.’’ 

Next year, the team, which 

practices and competes at Ward 

Hill in Shrewsbury, hopes to 

be included in Ashland’s athletic 

budget. Athletic fees will 

then be paid to the school and 

would cover transportation, the 

practice facility and ski passes. 

Equipment expenses are not 

covered by the school. 

Schlussel, who teacher Grades 

1-3 at the Summit Montessori 

School in Framingham, was a 

former ski instructor when she 

resided in Colorado. Currently, 

she’s in her sixth year of coaching 

the Wachusett Mountain Race 

Team (under-10 age group). 

“The Ashland-Medfield team 

is an amazing group,’’ she said. 

“I was excited to help get the 

program under way last year and 

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Head Coach Nancy Schlussel 

delighted to have the opportunity 

for the kids. It’s special when a 

competitor can represent his or 

her school. The skiers we have 

are all experienced, and it’s a 

good mix of boys and girls.’’ 

Schlussel’s athletic philosophy 

is to compete to win, reach one’s 

potential,and have fun along the 

way. She’s also a firm believer 

that competition in any sport is 

an excellent way to learn life lessons. 

“When you ski, you may 

face adversity with weather or 

your equipment may fail,’’ she 

noted. “You don’t give up just because 

conditions are against you. 

Sports build character.’’ 

And, it’s that attribute the 

Ashland-Medfield ski team will 

be displaying. In the team’s 

first league race, the boys were 

eighth-ranked (10 places) with 

Jones and Hagood finishing first 

and 10 th respectively. The girls 

are ranked fourth. 

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Sports 

Medway-Ashland Girls’ Hockey Aims to Advance 

By Chris Tremblay, 


Entering their eighth season 

the Medway-Ashland girls’ 

hockey team is looking to continue 

its success and keep its steak 

of advancing into the tournament 

alive. Playing in the South 

Eastern Massachusetts Girls 

Hockey League, the squad has 

seven straight appearances in 

post-season play. Last winter the 

team went 10-7-2 during the 

regular season to earn a 22 seed 

(28 teams made the tournament). 

However, that low number only 

fueled Medway-Ashland as the 

girls upset number 11 Marshfield 

4-3 in overtime and then number 

6 Burlington 5-4 in overtime before 

final bowing out with a 2-0 

loss to Wellesley (who eventually 

lost in the championship game) in 

the Quarter Finals. 

When the program first got 

under way, Coach Kurt Carter 

would schedule anyone he could 

just to get the girls playing; nowadays 

things are different. 

“As independents, I’d schedule 

anyone who would play us,” the 

Medway-Ashland Coach said. 

“As of late, I’ve been scheduling 

more challenging teams. There 

are no softies in our league, and 

the coastal teams have pretty 

much owed it so I want to play 

those them to see where we stand 

as well as get the team ready for 

tournament play.” 

Although the team is currently 

off to a rough start at 0-3- 

2, it’s not exactly where the coach 

had hoped they would be, but on 

the other hand he is not panicking 

quiet yet. 

“I really figured that we’d take 

off right where we were last season 

despite having lost two of our 

key defenders and a top forward,” 

Carter said. “I thought that our 

depth was good enough and this 

would be the year. We have nine 

seniors this year and a couple of 

incoming freshmen, who once 

they’re up to speed, should bridge 

the gap; with this type of talent 

we should be able to succeed.” 

Leading the squad on the 

ice is senior right winger Ashley 

Fondo from Holliston. The senior 

is without a doubt a proven goal 

scorer for Medway-Ashland leading 

the team in scoring last winter 

where she notched 21 goals and 

added 20 assists. On the left side 

Gabby Airosus from Medway will 

play with Fondo on the first line. 

Last year the duo was paired with 

center Kerry Ann Goode, who 

has since moved on and left a big 

hole for Carter to fill. 

“That has been our Achilles 

heel so far, trying to find the right 

playmaker to take her spot,” the 

Coach said. “We’ve been through 

numerous combinations looking 

to find that balance but nothing 

really yet.” 

While Fondo is once again expected 

to lead the team in scoring, 

Carter has a handful of girls who 

should be able to find the back of 

the net on a regular basis. In addition 

to Airosus, Carter will be looking 

to a trio of Ashland players to 

light the lamp in Katie McGoff, a 

junior left wing; Maddy Hornung, 

a junior center and Colleen Reardon, 

a senior forward. Airosus, 

McGoff and Hornung all have 

the potential to score 20 goals this 

season; they just need to step it up. 

Reardon, who is typically a right 

winger, has been used on the first 

line as of late looking to find that 

right piece. 

“It has been my observation 

though my eight years of coaching 

girls hokey that when they 

first come in as freshmen they’re 

all wide eyed and willing to work 

hard,” Carter said. “They get a 

little comfortable in their sophomore 

year and by their junior 

year they either get it or don’t. 

I’m looking for McGoff and Hornung 

to make that leap this year.” 

Another junior is Holliston’s 

Morgan Perry who has stepped 

up her game big time this winter 

and could also make that leap 

Carter is hoping for. 

Defensively, the team is still 

very solid despite losing last year’s 

captain to graduation and a talented 

underclassman to prep 

school. With the vacancies, senior 

Lexi Maher from Ashland and 

junior Allie Smith from Medway 

have taken on more responsibility 

on and off the ice for the team. 

The two have secured the Medway-Ashland 

defense with their 

maturity and leadership inside 

the blue line. 

Three other Medway athletes 

have also shown promise; sophomore 

Sophia Theodore, incoming 

freshman Lauren Norton and 

senior Rae Lambert. Although 

Lambert is currently needed defensively, 

Carter Is hoping to get 

her more ice time with the first 

line in hope that she could be the 

playmaker the team is looking for. 

Medway sophomore Rachel 

Gittings is beginning her second 

year between the pipes for the 

team. 

Medway-Ashland may not 

have gotten off on the right foot 

to open the season, but the squad 

still has high aspirations of getting 

back to the Semi-Finals and 

the Boston Garden. 

“Our thought process hasn’t 

changed although we’re 0-3- 

2right now. It’s still early enough 

in the season to get things going; 

we just need to stop giving games 

away – otherwise we could be 

5-0,” Carter said. “We’ve had 

back-to-back games where we 

were up 2-1 with a minute to play 

and gave it away. We just need to 

learn how to win.” 

If Medway-Ashland can 

find their winning ways, much 

like they did last year down the 

stretch, they should have no problem 

of achieving their goals of 

playing on the Garden ice. 

Medway/Ashland Hockey Team 

Raises $1,252 for Lamson Scholarship Fund 

For the girls on the Medway/ 

Ashland ice hockey team, it 

seems like their friend, Maddie 

Lamson, never left them. 

Lamson was killed in a tragic 

car accident in Franklin on Oct. 

30, 2015, just a month before 

she would have led the hockey 

team as a senior co-captain. The 

squad, comprised of girls from 

Medway, Ashland, Holliston 

and Millis who usually compete 

against one another in the Tri- 

Valley League in other sports, 

were faced with a tragedy that 

no one should experience, especially 

during one’s high school 

days. Lamson had always made 

the girls feel like a family, and the 

girls willed themselves to play 

that season and dedicate every 

game to their friend, leader and 

teammate. 

Today, they continue to display 

her game shirt, with No. 11 

showing, at every game and practice—not 

because they need to 

be reminded of who she was, but 

because she still inspires them. 

Kurt Carter, the veteran coach 

of the team, said that he likes to 

instill in his younger players, who 

did not know Lamson, how important 

she was to the team and 

that displaying the shirt emphasizes 

that message. 

In Marlboro, on Saturday, Jan. 

14, Medway/Ashland faced off 

against league opponent Westwood 

at New England Sports 

Center in a game that was played 

in honor of Lamson, who also 

played field hockey and lacrosse. 

The players and the team’s 

coaches wanted to pay tribute to 

a young woman who influenced 

many lives and to emphasize that 

she still plays an ongoing role in 

the lives of many of the players; 

most notably the seniors. 

The team used the game to 

collect donations to benefit the 

Maddie Lamson Scholarship 

Fund. Westwood’s players and 

coaches were the perfect partner 

for the event and played an active 

role in the ceremony. There was 

a huge turnout of former players 

and friends of the Lamson family, 

all who came out to support 

the family and honor Lamson’s 

memory. 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

continued on page 15


Sports 

Boys’ Hockey: Ashland Six Striving 

For a Return to the Playoffs 

By Ken Hamwey, 


Earning a berth in the ice 

hockey playoffs is always a tough 

slog. 

Last year, the Ashland boys’ 

sextet, a young and rebuilding 

squad, finished 4-12-2 and failed 

to qualify for the tournament. 

This season, however, there’s 

optimism in the air because the 

Clockers are 6-3-1 at the halfway 

mark. 

“Our goal at the start of the 

season was to build off last year,’’ 

said Coach Mike Roman, who’s 

in his eighth year at the helm. 

“We lost only three seniors to 

graduation, and we knew there 

was a chance we could be over 

.500 and qualify for a berth. 

We’ve got a strong corps back 

and it’s a team-oriented group.’’ 

During Roman’s first seven 

years on the job, Ashland has 

been to the post-season three 

times. So, the 37-year-old coach 

is acutely aware of the approach 

needed to be a playoff team and 

the attributes required to handle 

a challenging Tri Valley League 

(TVL) schedule. 

“Our kids are aggressive 

and aren’t intimidated easily,’’ 

Roman emphasized. “They 

aren’t afraid to go into the corners 

or challenge their opponents 

in front of the net. We’re 

a hard-nosed group. The ingredients 

I look for in assembling 

a team include natural ability, 

speed and the ability to pass and 

shoot. It also helps when your 

players are coachable and buy 

into your system.’’ 

Roman is extremely pleased 

with his leadership group that 

includes captains George Boccelli 

and Casey Rosen and assistant 

captains Tyler Dempsey 

and Michael Burman. Boccelli is 

a senior center, Rosen is a junior 

forward, Dempsey is a senior 

center and Burman is a junior 

wing. 

“George is a four-year veteran 

who has a high hockey 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

continued from page 14 

IQ,’’ Roman said. “He’s a strong 

two-way player and he’s a solid 

passer. Casey can play defense or 

forward. He’s coachable, a hardworker, 

physical and has good 

ice vision. Tyler loves the game 

and is always at the rink early. 

He works hard on defense. Michael 

is an offensive talent who 

has strong hands, shoots hard 

and passes very well. He’s got 

passion for the sport.’’ 

Ashland’s first line, which 

includes solid veterans in Boccelli 

and Burman, features the 

Clockers top scorer—freshman 

forward Brian Gazzard, who displayed 

lots of offensive fireworks 

when he registered seven points 

in Ashland’s 7-2 victory over 

Bob Lamson, Maddie’s father, who was in attendance 

with her mother, Alyson, and other family 

members, said that he’s always amazed by the tremendous 

impact that his daughter had on the team. 

He knows that she was also impacted by the many 

friendships she established. A former teammate, 

Emily Munger, who was a senior when Lamson was 

a freshman, said: “As a freshman, Maddie was the 

heart of the team. She was and she always will be.’’ 

The event raised $1,252 for the scholarship fund 

and, very fittingly, Medway/Ashland defeated Westwood, 

3-1. 

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can 

send a donation to the Maddie Lamson Scholarship 

Fund, c/o Medway High School, 88 Summer St., 

Medway, Mass. 02053. 

Jen Tuttle, a senior on the Medway/Ashland hockey 

team, has some kind words for Bob and Alyson 

Lamson, the parents of the late Maddie Lamson. 

Norton. “Brian is fast, has strong 

hands and has the right skill-set,’’ 

Roman noted. “He’ll battle hard 

in the corners.’’ 

Junior center Trent 

O’Connor, sophomore wing 

Mike McSweeney and Rosen 

round out Ashland’s second 

line. “Trent is a solid two-way 

player who’s fast and is an excellent 

back-checker,’’ Roman said. 

“Mike is big and strong, he’s 

physical and isn’t intimidated. 

He’s a hard-worker in the corners.’’ 

Roman has a solid contingent 

of young and capable defensemen. 

They include sophomores 

Jackson Hornung, Jack Merrill, 

and Cole Taddeo, and junior 

Steve Lowd. 

“Jackson is one of the top defensemen 

in the TVL,’’ Roman 

said. “He’s got good instincts 

and he stick-handles well. Jack’s 

ice vision and his shot are very 

good. He plays the body well 

and is used on power plays. Cole 

is a strong defensive defenseman, 

he’s physical and coachable. 

Steve plays hard in the defensive 

zone. He’s a blue-collar kid 

who’s having a solid season.’’ 

Depth on defense is always a 

plus, and Roman has a trio of 

skaters who provide that quality. 

They are juniors Dan Hathaway 

and John Robertson and sophomore 

J.P. Kirk. “They’re solid in 

the defensive zone, they’re positive 

and they give us depth,’’ said 

Roman, who played hockey at 

Bridgewater-Raynham and later 

was captain at Suffolk University. 

The goalie chores at Ashland 

are in the capable hands 

of junior Michael Lowd (Steve’s 

twin). Roman admires his netminder’s 

desire for success, both 

for the team and himself. “Michael 

is very improved,’’ Roman 

said. “He relies on instincts, he’s 

aggressive and he plays the angles 

effectively. He’s a very hardworker.’’ 

Roman credits his players for 

Ashland’s success at the halfway 

mark and he’s also quick to acknowledge 

the work of his assistants—jayvee 

coach Jim Belforti 

and varsity aide Matt Baker. 

“They do an excellent job,’’ 

Roman said. 

Relying on a coaching philosophy 

that emphasizes reaching 

one’s potential and enjoying 

the game, Roman firmly believes 

if those two factors occur, “then 

winning is bound to follow.’’ He 

also is cognizant that athletics 

can teach youth’s solid life lessons. 

“A season doesn’t always go 

smoothly,’’ he said. “That’s when 

kids have to rely on teamwork 

and overcome adversity.’’ 

Rating Hopkinton and Medway 

as top contenders for the 

TVL title, Roman also knows 

that Medfield and Westwood are 

traditionally powerful squads. 

Where Ashland will finish remains 

to be seen, but so far 

Roman likes the Clockers’ work 

ethic and dedication. 

A playoff berth is realistic 

for Ashland and it’s a goal that 

Mike Roman and his Clockers 

are striving to achieve.


New Town Planner to Create 

More Green Gathering Places 

By Deborah Burke 

Henderson, 


A key post at Town Hall has 

been filled with the appointment 

of Sheila Page as Ashland’s Town 

Planner. Since she was hired in 

mid-December, Page has worked 

closely with the Town Manager, 

Planning Board and Board of Selectmen 

to flesh out top priorities 

for the new year. One of her goals 

is to create more public spaces 

where the community can gather. 

“People need to be together to 

create community, so my interest 

is in creating gathering places 

where our residents can get to 

know their neighbors,” Page said. 

“I want to help build something 

that we can all be a part of.” 

Page has great passion for the 

out-of-doors and this connection 

to nature influences her philosophy 

and interest in creating a 

healthier Ashland community. 

She knows that residents enjoy 

the “outdoorsy” feel of Ashland 

with the town forest, state park 

and other green areas. She wants 

to capitalize on that characteristic, 

perhaps tying in the downtown 

district through a green 

meeting space. 

“Sheila clearly recognizes the 

dynamics and relationship between 

the built and natural environments 

here in town,” Town 

Manager Michael Herbert explained. 

“She understands the 

concept of ‘placemaking,’ and 

will strive to ensure that new projects 

are in harmony with a larger 

vision for the town.” 

Her initial projects include 

assessing additional ways to 

stimulate and enhance Ashland’s 

downtown district, looking 

at ways that zoning can create 

greater economic development 

and determining if there are 

areas where the permitting process 

can be streamlined to help 

businesses get up and running 

more quickly. 

“So far, I have been impressed 

with Sheila’s ability to quickly assess 

deficiencies in our planning 

processes and the need for some 

level of standardization to ensure 

fairness to all parties that are impacted 

by planning and building 

in town,” Herbert added. 

With an eye toward conservation 

and open spaces, Page recognizes 

that Ashland has valuable 

assets in its existing natural areas 

and trails. She will oversee work 

to develop the Upper Charles 

River Trail with the goal of creating 

a continuous corridor for 

wildlife and for people, and to 

connect these protected parcels 

to neighborhoods, the downtown, 

the train station and other commercial 

areas. 

Her previous work as a design 

and natural resource planner for 

the Berkshire Regional Planning 

Commission will prove relevant 

here as Page helped community 

groups usher trail projects 

through the federal highway 

funding process and connect with 

other available funding opportunities. 

She will work with the 

Ashland Trail Committee and 

the Massachusetts Department 

of Transportation (MassDOT) 

to advance work on the Upper 

Charles River Trail project. 

Page will also search for grant 

opportunities to support the overall 

work of making Ashland an 

even greater place to live. 

“There’s a lot of opportunity 

and potential here in Ashland,” 

Page added. “That can be challenging, 

but it’s a big part of what 

drew me to this position.” 

Page holds a Master’s degree 

in Sustainable Landscape Planning 

and Design from the Conway 

School of Landscape Design 

in Conway, Mass. and an undergraduate 

degree in Environmental 

Studies, as a graduate of the 

School of Natural Resources at 

the University of Vermont in 

Burlington. 

Besides drawing on her previous 

experience for the Berkshire 

Regional Planning Commission, 

Page has served as the internal 

communications program manager 

with the King County Department 

of Natural Resources 

Sheila Page is the newest member 

of the town management team. 

(Photo/Deborah Burke Henderson) 

and Parks in Washington state, 

and most recently as administrative 

specialist with Needham’s 

Board of Appeals where she focused 

on managing several comprehensive 

permit projects. 

“My skills of consensus building 

and providing exceptional 

customer service, coupled with 

my ability to manage the myriad 

details inherent in planning projects, 

will serve me well here,” 

Page added. 

Page and her husband, Matt, 

reside in Natick, Mass., with their 

two teenage sons. 

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