Showing posts with label Solar energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solar energy. Show all posts

Saturday, January 11, 2020

FM #190 - Economic Development SubCommittee meeting - Jan 8, 2020 (audio)

FM #190

This internet radio show or podcast is number 190 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Economic Development SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Municipal Building at 5:45 PM. (It was listed to start at 5:30 and I covered the Board of Health meeting which finished at 5:40 so I expected to get to this one late. However, I was able to get there just for the start.)
Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

Good insights on the solar farm business as background for the 1a agenda item

The meeting runs about 45 minutes, so without further ado here is the Economic Development SubCommittee of Jan 8, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDxP56KX




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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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MountStMary_Solar2
The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013


Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room 
Franklin, MA
January 8, 2020 = 5:30 PM


Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

MountStMary_Solar2
The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013

Sunday, October 20, 2019

"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"While traveling to Yellowstone National Park in a car during the summer of 2018, state Rep. Marjorie Decker and her family were escorted by pilot cars through active wildfires, the road illuminated by glowing flames. 
“It was 40 minutes of driving through thick smoke with (my two) grandmothers and the kids,” said Decker, D-Cambridge, as volunteer firefighters chopped down trees to allow drivers through. Some residents were evacuated, while others stayed put and went about their daily lives, taking detours around fires and limiting their time outside. 
While on the road, Decker said her family had to regularly monitor for smoke, air quality and location of the fires. 
“Boy, my anxiety was just right up there,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191018/climate-change-proves-to-be-hot-topic-in-franklin



"This is a massive, societal undertaking"
"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

Thursday, February 14, 2019

In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year
"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year. 
Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent. 
The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working. 
“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse
SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin
"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street. 
A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers. 
The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage. 
Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013
the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2019

"where the buffer zone is between conservation land and the proposed solar array"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A new solar array is being proposed in town while conservation concerns loom in the planned area. 
A public hearing will be held on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building. The application for the photovoltaic solar was filed by Kearsarge Upper Union LLC of Boston. 
George Russell, conservation agent for Franklin, said that this is the third solar array proposal that Franklin has considered in just the last few months. Currently, there’s one solar array in town, located on Union Street. 
Russell said they’re working with Industria Engineering in Hopkinton to finalize a potential design"
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190116/large-solar-array-proposed-franklin


The new proposal for this solar array is located not far from the first one on the Mount St Mary's Abbey property which provides Franklin with about 90% of the electricity supply. The existing solar farm is located to the left of the big bend in Upper Union shown on the map. There is also a wind turbine across the street from the 'big bend' on the map.




The public hearing notice just came in for the Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan 31, 2019.
"Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on a Notice of Intent filed by Kearsarge Upper Union LLC of Boston, MA for installation of photovoltaic solar array in open farmed field in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands. 
This project is located at 1061 Upper Union Street"
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/upper_union_street_solar.pdf

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013
the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Saturday, January 6, 2018

"Congratulations on the Town of Franklin’s designation as a Green Community!"

Here is the official letter from the MA State Department of Energy Resources announcing the "Green Community" award for Franklin:




This announcement had been posted here at the beginning of the month
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-gains-green-community-status.html

You can also find the letter on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin.gc11.ltr_1.pdf

solar panels at Mt St Mary's Abbey provide over 90% of Franklin's electricity
solar panels at Mt St Mary's Abbey provide over 90% of Franklin's electricity


Sunday, July 9, 2017

"protect the environment, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the wake of President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, local officials and environmental advocates remain committed to combating climate change. 
After all, that work is a win-win by saving money and helping the planet, they say. And, the growth of green energy creates jobs. 
“It’s our future and cities and states are stepping up,” said Ellen Tohn, co-chairwoman of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee. “The responsibility falls to us and Wayland is embracing it. Whatever the federal government does or doesn’t do, we’re moving forward.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170708/locals-take-steps-to-slow-climate-change-despite-feds-pulling-out-of-paris-climate-agreement




new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin
new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html

The MDN article on the Santa Foundation receiving the free solar system (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

"a free solar system for a local nonprofit organization"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"This is the time of year when the Santa Foundation is giving presents - last Tuesday, its office was full of wrapped gifts ready for distribution to needy families in town. 
That day, though, the local charity received a gift of its own: a 5.4-kilowatt solar array on the roof of its Joy Street headquarters. 
The donation - made by Ashland firm SolarFlair Energy - was the result of the successful completion of the Franklin Solar Challenge campaign in 2015. The challenge, based on the state's Solarize Massachusetts program, offered increasing tiers of savings for residents who agree to put solar systems on their properties. SolarFlair administered that campaign."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin
new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council. 
Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street. 
According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them. 
"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html


The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds?

A copy of the Citizens Comment made to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct 5 was obtained after the meeting and shared here:


Dear Council Members and Officials,

Solar Photovoltaic Systems and other sustainability based energy solution are key components of our future. However, their installation and placement needs to be carefully managed for safety and the community characteristics Franklin offers its residents.

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds? This according to my conversations with Building Commissioner- Lloyd Brown, when discussing a 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street. The installation is on the side lot of 42 Prospect Street, Franklin's first designated scenic road, the lot borders my property. Under the garden shed guidelines no screening from the road is required nor protective fencing is necessary for safety to shield children and others from accessing the energized electrical components.
completed installation
completed installation

The 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street was complete weeks ago and signed-off by the inspections and building department. Now all of a sudden the panels were removed, stacked neatly and modifications are being made? Possibly to add more panels? I have contacted the inspections and building department who indicated no work should be taking place but the work continues?

left: rework underway; right: before installation
left: rework underway; right: before installation

I urge the council, zoning board and town officials to consider specific zoning and permitting guidelines for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems that include; Solar panel quantity limitations, screening and setback requirements from roads and adjoining properties along with safety measures to protect children and others from accessing the electrified components.

I also encourage each of you to visit the 42 Prospect Street installation to understand the full impact undefined Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems permitting guidelines are having on our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Swetz

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Solar Legislation into Law


Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito were joined by a bipartisan group of legislators to sign solar legislation into law to continue the expansion of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and establish a long-term framework for sustainable solar development in our state. The bill, An Act Relative to Solar Energy, passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support and achieves the Baker-Polito Administration’s goal of reducing costs to ratepayers while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards the greenhouse gas reduction requirements set forth under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). 
“This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future and we look forward to collaborating with the legislature on an omnibus energy bill that includes cost-effective, hydropower generation.”

You can read the full press release here
http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governor-signs-comprehensive-solar-legislation-into-law.html

You can find the legislative document here
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S1979

Commonwealth of MA
Commonwealth of MA

Friday, December 18, 2015

In the News: solar funding announced, Santa Skate Sunday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of a $30 million residential solar loan program on Thursday. 
The program will support Massachusetts lenders with loans between $3,000 and $60,000 with low, fixed interest rates to homeowners throughout the commonwealth who opt to add solar panels to their home and is also available to borrowers with lower credit scores or incomes. For homeowners who adopt solar energy, the program also provides long-term financing options.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216352/1994/NEWS


The Franklin Youth Hockey Association will hold Santa Skate from 6:10 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Pirelli Veteran's Arena, 910 Panther Way. 
All ages are welcome to skate and take photos with Santa. Admission costs $5 or a small bag of nonperishable food items to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 
Attendees are also asked to bring any unused equipment to donate to FYHA. 
The event will include raffles, team spirit packs and calendar sales. 
For more information, visit the event's page on Facebook.

FYHA event
FYHA event

Friday, September 25, 2015

Franklin Solar Challenge: SolarFlair hits Tier 6!



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The Franklin Solar Challenge has reached Tier 6!

Thank you Franklin residents for all the great support, without your help we could not have reached this important goal. SolarFlair has contracted 52 projects totaling 411 kW, and we hope many more will sign up before the October 15th deadline.

SolarFlair will be donating a 20 panel system to a local Non-Profit Organization in Franklin. After this system is installed, SolarFlair will have donated a total of 20 kW across 4 Massachusetts communities!

Great Work Everyone!




  


 

United Salvage
190 Pleasant Street  *  Ashland, MA  *  01721



















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SolarFlair Energy Inc | 190 Pleasant Street | Ashland | MA | 01721

Thursday, September 17, 2015

In the News: GMO food labeling law, Tri-County kids group, cub scouting registration, Solar Challenge extended



Before eating an ear of sweet corn on the cob or opening a package of cookies from the grocery store, do you want to know if it contains genetically modified organisms? 
With science now allowing for crops to be genetically manipulated to better tolerate herbicides and produce their own insecticides, a growing group of advocates and legislators want to let consumers know if there are GMOs in their food. 
The group Citizens for GMO Labeling is gearing up for a big hearing at the Statehouse next Tuesday on a bill that 75 percent of the Legislature is co-sponsoring.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150917086/1994/NEWS


The Tri-County Regional Children’s Center, 147 Pond St., seeks to fill openings in its weekly toddler playgroup. 
The Toddler Program is open to children who are between 18 months and 30 months by Oct. 1. 
Sessions are held on Mondays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Parents or caregivers are required to stay during the toddler session. The cost of the Toddler Program is $8 per week.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916839/1994/NEWS


Franklin Cub Scouts are now accepting registration for the 2015-2016 school year. Cub Scouts is for boys grades 1-5. 
A registration event to learn more about scouting and join in on some scouting activities is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-4 p.m., at the King Street baseball field in Franklin. 
At 2 p.m. there will be a live entertainment event.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150915/NEWS/150917474/1994/NEWS


Officials announced this week that the Franklin Solar Challenge had been extended for a month to encourage as many residents as possible to sign up for solar systems. 
The challenge's original deadline was Tuesday, but it has been extended until Oct. 15. 
Town Councilor Brett Feldman, who coordinates the challenge, said he felt it was appropriate to extend the program given the interest. 
"We still have people thinking over existing proposals, so we wanted to give them more time," he said. "Also, when you're near a deadline, you start to get new interest, so we wanted to accommodate that."

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916685/1994/NEWS

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Franklin Solar Challenge: Program Extension!



Program Extended!
You now have until Oct. 15th to receive the lowest tiered pricing in the Franklin Solar Challenge

47 Franklin residents are already saving approximately $2,350* off of the cost of their system at Tier 5 pricing. That means we have already contracted 381 kW.

Let's keep it going and make it to Tier 6 (400 kW)
Only 19 kW to go!

*based on an average 5 kW system

SolarFlair will donate a 5 kW system in Franklin when we reach Tier 6!

Take advantage of tiered pricing while you still can!

  • If you have already signed a contract remind your friends and neighbors of the deadline. 

  • If you've already had a site assessment and are still considering solar energy, please contact your sales representative to get your questions answered and a contract signed by October 15!

Residents in Franklin are already taking advantage and saving on prices 25-35% below market value!


SolarFlair Energy Inc
190 Pleasant Street
Ashland, Massachusetts 01721
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SolarFlair Energy Inc | 190 Pleasant Street | Ashland | MA | 01721

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

In the News: Medway considering joining SAFE, Solar Challenge coming to an end



The Board of Health, which currently has a member belonging to SAFE Community Coalition, hopes to solicit community members to join the coalition, which seeks to solve the statewide heroin epidemic. 
At Monday’s meeting, Board of Health member Jordan Warnick said Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, asked him to be on the Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Community Coalition to “help bring Medway into it.” 
“We’re trying to forge a relationship with Franklin,” Warnick said. “Alone, we can’t do it.”
Continue reading about Eco Embrace here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150810/NEWS/150819440/1994/NEWS

Local officials are encouraging town residents to participate in the Franklin Solar Challenge before the program's Sept. 15 deadline. 
Town Councilor Brett Feldman, who coordinates the challenge, said it was based on the state Clean Energy Center's Solarize Massachusetts program, which offers increasing discounts on solar panels as more and more townspeople use them. 
"It's based off that, but we did our own to maintain flexibility," he said, noting that such flexibility allowed the town to run its program over a longer time frame. "It started a year ago, and it will end in September."
Franklin Solar Challenge
Franklin Solar Challenge

Continue reading about Eco Embrace here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150811/NEWS/150819510/1994/NEWS

Friday, July 17, 2015

Franklin Solar Challenge: the last Open House is scheduled for July 18th 11AM-3PM

Now is the time to go solar!

The Franklin Solar Challenge is in Tier 5 pricing!
SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, will be holding the last open house this Saturday. Food and soft drinks will be provided, with SolarFlair representatives on hand to answer your questions. 
The Open House is scheduled for July 18th 11AM-3PM.

  • Prewitt Residence 
  • 17 Sunset Rd. 
  • Franklin, MA
Franklin Solar Challenge
Franklin Solar Challenge

"the school will receive solar credits"


Tri-County is waiting until students return in the fall before celebrating the completion of a new solar farm that will provide 85 percent of its electricity. 
Sometime after classes resume in September, the school will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to christen its 1.3-megawatt solar farm. Nearly finished, the solar array is set to save the school about $1.8 million on energy costs over the next 20 years and will serve as a four-acre lab, allowing students to study the technology behind solar power. 
“Since this is an area of study for our engineering technology students, we decided to hold off until they are back in school so that they can learn more about the solar array during the ceremony,” said Tri-county spokeswoman Jessica Silva.
Tri-County website header
Tri-County website header

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150716/NEWS/150717172/1994/NEWS

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Franklin Solar Challenge hits Tier 5 pricing! (the lowest discounts available)



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Franklin Solar Challenge
 
Solar Flair
Dear Franklin Resident,

 


Great news! 

The Franklin Solar Challenge has officially hit Tier 5 pricing, the lowest pricing available in the program. SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, is offering 
discounted solar panels
 to Franklin residences and businesses for a limited time.

Homes that have minimal tree shading will have a return on investment in just 5 years! We also offer $0 money down options, where you pay nothing upfront and lock in your electric rate for 20 years.

Don't let this special offer and great investment go to waste, now is the time to schedule a free site assessment! 
To schedule an assessment, please call 508-808-4424 or send SolarFlair an email at FranklinSolar@SolarFlair.com




  


 

United Salvage
190 Pleasant Street  *  Ashland, MA  *  01721



















Forward this email


SolarFlair Energy Inc | 190 Pleasant Street | Ashland | MA | 01721