September 1, 2010 - The Ashburnham Municipal Light Company Board of Commissioners have agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Solaya Energy, of Wilmington, MA, to explore the possibilities of building a wind project on Blood Hill, just off Rindge Turnpike in Ashburnham.

According to Ashburnham Municipal Light Company Director Stan Herriott , the memorandum will allow Solaya Energy owners to present a figure at which they will sell the output to the light company. "They will have 60 days to come up with a contract we may approve, and then a Purchase Power Sales Agreement (PPS) on the price can be signed," said Herriott .

Solaya would construct two wind turbines somewhere on the 85 acre Ojanen property. There has been a test tower already on the property, and Herriott stated "the data is good. For inland winds, it's about as good as you can expect."

The town currently uses about 34 million kilowatts hours of power a year. Herriott stated the wind project has the potential of supplying the town with about one quarter of those kilowatts hours.

"We have been exploring wind projects at several locations in town," said Herriott, "either doing one ourselves, or partnering with companies such as Solaya or First Wind. Both of these are involved in other wind projects in Massachusetts. First Wind has proposed a larger project, that we would consider, but the smaller one is similar to what we had envisioned for us at this time."

The light company has a land lease agreement with the "Ojanen Family Trust". Herriott pointed out that the town has a wind generation bylaw under the Planning Board, and the project will have to go through site plan review and can then be approved by special permit. The turbines will be in the vicinity of the cell tower located on Blood Hill.

Municipal Light Company Commissioner Mark Carlisle echoed Herriott's enthusiasm for the project. "We want to be able to explore all the possibilities for renewable energy sources," said Carlisle. "We'll continue to keep our minds open to all the possibilities out there. Many projects can be tied to government incentives for wind and solar companies and this is a wonderful window of opportunity for both these companies and us."

Solaya Energy is a Division of Lumus Construction and located in Wilmington, MA. Chad Palermo, Director of Sales for Solaya, said there will be two wind turbines set on the property for this project. "Typically these turbines are 80 meters in height, with the blades about 82 meters in length," said Palermo. "That would mean the blade would be 41 meters in each direction from the rotor connection. We are more than confident that this will be a successful project. We are ready to to move forward as soon as the agreement is signed."

Solaya Energy is responsible for the project that set two wind turbines on Mount Wachusett and have several others in the northeast, according to Palermo.

"For us here in Ashburnham," said Herriott, "there can be a very nice balance between the wintertime wind that blows and the summertime sun that shines. We will continue to pursue both wind and solar projects that benefit the Town of Ashburnham and our operations."

Ashburnham Light Company just completed the installation of over 80 solar panels at Oakmont Regional High School, and is in the process of constructing a carport like structure at the Public Safety Complex for mounting solar panels to offset energy costs at that building.

For a glimpse of the Princeton Municipal Light Department wind turbines on Mt Wachusetts...

August 25, 2010 - Both the Town of Ashburnham and the Ash-West Regional School District have finalized their fiscal year 2010 financial reports and show substantial year end balances "in the black".

At the August 17 District School Committee meeting, District Business Manager Sherry Kersey presented the final reports showing bottom line revenues to be $52,877 in "revenue overages", and $582,554 in "unexpended/unencumbered revenue" for a "current fund balance" of $653,430.

The report also lists the balances of grant monies awarded to the district, revolving accounts and trust fund balances. Those reports may be viewed at SchoolCommitteePacket.pdf

Speaking to the end of year report, School Committee Chairman Dave Christianson said, "This number will not be certified and available for use until sometime between October and December. What we have done in each of the last three years, is to move some of the funds into the Stabilization Account. The district uses some of this stabilization money, if necessary, to supplement the operating budget during the year if they are running a deficit. Once it (the number) is certified, I imagine we'll be looking at next year's budget already and also want to move some funds to the Excess & Deficiency (E & D) Account."

Christianson pointed out that $300,000 from the E & D Account was used to cover projected shortfalls in the 2010 budget. He also speculated on the possibility of turning back excess reimbursements to the towns, as done in previous years, but could not commit to that.

Town Administrator Doug Briggs will present the final FY2010 Financial Report to the public and the Board of Selectmen at their Tuesday, September 7 meeting. According to Briggs, they were the first to submit Ashburnham's year end reports and "free cash" figure to the Department of Revenue and expect it to be certified in the next week or two.

"We had fantastic communication between the town accountant, the treasurer and tax collector this past year, and were able to be the first to submit our financials to the state," said Briggs. He does not expect the entire $452,350 to be certified as free cash, as they will be paying the state back for flood damage reimbursement, at about $40,000, and for dam inspection, at $26,000.

Briggs would like to target money for the tax taking of delinquent properties, as that has proven to be a revenue source for the town, some for stabilization, the capital improvement fund, and possibly some road repairs.

All of these options will be presented to the voters at the Fall Town Meeting. At this time, the meeting is tentatively slated for November 17. At the last selectman's meeting, the time of the meeting was discussed with School Superintendent Dr. Mike Zapantis and Christianson. School officials hope to have the final number for the J. R. Briggs Elementary School ready for that meeting. The vote to approve the funding for the "New Build" must be done 120 days after the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) gives the district the "go ahead" with the design and building specification plans. Officials are hoping to be reimbursed at a rate of between 53 and 60% of the cost, at this time estimated to come in at anywhere from $26 to $28 million, according to Dr. Zapantis.

August 24, 2010 - In Ashburnham, when it comes to residents taking advantage of a prolific blueberry crop, we are blessed with many public areas of wild blueberries and the cultivated berries of Odd Pine farm.
The next fruit season is apples, and this writer is not aware of any orchards in our town open for picking. We do, however have two great choices not too far away, and both say this is a wonderful year for the apple crop. The two orchards are Ashby Apples. located on Erickson Road, in Ashby, and Red Apple Farm, in Phillipston.

Ashby Apples will open for picking on Labor Day weekend, starting on Friday, September 3. Red Apple Farm has already started picking, with several early varieties that are ready in late July and early August.

This is the seventh year in business for Ashby Apple owners Paula and Phil Bogue and Shawn Zwicker. How they came to own an apple orchard is something they didn't anticipate when they purchased their homes on Erickson Road.

Largely an agricultural community, Ashby farms flourished well into the 1970s and beyond. Even new residents to Ashby have taken on the role of land stewards, such as the preservation and renovation of the Ashby Stock Farm.

The history of Ashby Apples began in 2002 when Greg and Elia Pierce were looking for a spot to build a new home, They found a lovely two-acre lot on Erickson Road in Ashby, and the lot they found had a very interesting back yard -- and about 100 apple trees.

As seen in this photo of the area the Firehouse Pub would designate for outside dining, it is bordered by a retaining wall and fence, and leaves a scant 6 feet for tables and chairs

August 16, 2010 - Firehouse Pub Manager Joshua Wright appeared before the Ashburnham Board of Selectmen last night for a public hearing scheduled to decide on Wright's request for an outdoor seating area on the Route 101 side of the Pub. Also present at the hearing were abutters Deb and Robert Gagne, of 11 Central Street, to air their views on the proposed outside dining request.

Wright pointed out that this area was "part of the original design when the plans were approved for the Pub. The area has an overhang and a retaining wall and fence to separate it from the road ... we would like to put smaller tables with chairs out there for our customers to eat outside."

Smoking is not allowed inside the Pub, but it would be allowed outside said Wright and "according to state law, it is allowed outside the restaurant.

Selectman Ed Vitone had concerns over the egress from the Pub on that side, in case of emergency, that it might be blocked by the tables, chairs and diners.

Selectman Ron Reed was concerned about "you know, maybe a bottle is passed through the fence," and the height of the fence.

Adding to these concerns, Deb Gagne said "there is constant noise from the parking lot, people drunk, and we have 3 children. We have a problem."

Robert Gagne spoke saying there "are people parking on our land" and cited noise and disruption, trash on their property and said "you shouldn't allow it. I feel it is not policed as well as it could be, the customers stay in the parking lot long after you've closed, and now you're suggesting to bring the party outside."

Gagne asked pointedly of the board if there was anyway to get the area policed better. "I am not against anyone using liquor responsibly, "said Gagne, "but what I hear leaving there (the Pub) is not as safe as it should be."

Wright assured the board that his personnel will be "policing" the outside area and that he envisions the seating to be limited to 6 to 8 small tables.

In delaying the decision, Vitone stated he wants to check with the building inspector on zoning issues and safety issues. "I want validation that they looked at it and are okay with it."

Reed agreed with Vitone saying, "We have to listen to the concerns of the neighbors, and also address your business concerns."

Vitone asked Town Administrator Doug Briggs to have a "dialog with the Police Chief on the issues of concern stated by the Gagnes. We have all the facts and we will make a decision at our next meeting."

Just prior to the public hearing on the outdoor eating area request, the board did issue a special One-Day Liquor LIcense for the Firehouse Pub, from 3 to 11 p.m. for their first anniversary celebration to be held this Saturday.

According to Briggs, the Police and Fire Chief had expressed concerns about increased traffic and activity, and suggested that Wright hire at least two officers to police the area during that time.

Wright said he was previously issued a one day license for a motorcycle rally outside, and there were no incidents during that day and questioned why he should be required to hire security for this event.

Reed agreed that "there is now a presumption there will be a problem, and I have a problem with that. I'm sure Josh (Wright) is aware of all the liability and would take precautions."

Selectman Maggie Whitney agreed with Reed. "I tend to go with Ronnie," she said. "Nothing happened before."

Wright agreed there would be extra personnel in the outside serving area.

In the early months of 2010, the Friends of the Ashburnham Senior Center (FASC)was incorporated as a non-profit organization, to support the Ashburnham Council on Aging (COA) in fundraising and other projects in the interest of Ashburnham's senior population.

When planning some of the groups projects, FASC's president Marcy Corby said one of their first tasks was to ask COA Chairman Brian Aho, what the council's most pressing need was, "what we could do to help them. His answer was for our group to revive the monthly senior newsletter."

The newsletter had been one of the responsibilities taken on by the director at the Ashburnham Senior Center, according to Aho. The position has been vacant since 2009 and no newsletter has been published since that time.

Corby contacted Dennis Claire of Senior News Publishing in May and since then the group has entered into a contract with the company to produce the content for a newsletter on a monthly basis.

"We're very excited about launching our first issue in October," said Corby. "We have a committee of members that is tackling the format and content and working with Dennis. We've asked the seniors and the COA to approve a name for the newsletter and Senior News will be contacting potential advertisers to support it."

Several names were circulated among the seniors at the Center in the VMS Building on Memorial Drive and submitted to the COA said Corby. "We (FASC) are meeting next Wednesday to finalize the name and then we'll be working to gather content. We hope that anyone who has information of value to the seniors will submit it to us by the 15th of September," asks Corby. Patty Wells, FASC board member, is on the newsletter committee and information can be submitted by email to: pgwells@juno.com

Wells said there will be 500 newsletters printed and the FASC will distribute them throughout the town. "We know how much the seniors looked forward to the newsletters in the past," said Wells. "We're very happy to be able to provide this service again."

July 29, 2010 - On Wednesday, July 28, Massachusetts School Building Authority announced the staff has reviewed the feasibility study and accepts the Ash-West Regional School District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Briggs Elementary School with a new facility serving grades PreK-5 on the existing site.

School Committee Chairman Dave Christianson said he was very pleased. "Our project was one of four up for approval and, as I understand, the only one with no discussion," he remarked. "For some of us, we've been at this for 4 or 5 years. This is a major milestone. Now the architects can actually do things that the folks in town can see. I've been encouraged through the whole process. It's going to be very fast track and we have to be prepared to submit final design in the beginning of October."

Christianson was also encouraged that the MSBA went wholly with their preference of a "New Build" rather than a renovation. "Now it's the case of the architects. bringing together all the proposed design into blueprints, schematics and renderings," he said.

The summary on the document notifying the District of their support states, "On June 23, 2010, the District and its designer presented their proposed project to the MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee. Based upon this meeting, the District was asked to further review the site circulation for conditions as it relates to the playing field locations and safety of the students. The District and its designer agreed to review additional site configuration options and have provided a memorandum summarizing the District’s reasons to continue with the proposed site configuration.

"MSBA has reviewed the conclusions of the Feasibility Study and the enrollment data with the District and found:
1) All initial paperwork required has been processed including an executed Initial Certificate of Compliance, the composition of the School Building committee and the enrollment information.
2) MSBA has completed an enrollment projection and reached a mutual agreement with the District of a design enrollment of 520 students for the new facility serving grades K-5, plus an allowance of 2 Pre-kindergarten spaces.
3) MSBA reviewed the feasibility study and subsequent supplementary material and finds that the options investigated were sufficiently comprehensive in their scope, that the approach undertaken in this study was appropriate, and that the District’s preferred option is reasonable and cost effective.
4) An operational budget for educational objectives and a capital budget have been submitted to the MSBA for review.
5) MSBA staff will work with the District to establish a design budget and an understanding of MSBA considerations and levels of funding.

"Based on the review outlined above, staff recommends that the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District be approved to proceed into schematic design to replace the existing Briggs Elementary School with a new facility serving grades PK-5 on the existing site."

"The other element of this we try to emphasize," said Christianson. "is that despite the current economy, this is the best environment for building a public building. Contractors are competitive and there's not the kind of inflation in construction prices. The timing is tough, but good for those reasons. "We'll get more bang for our buck."

On or about Wednesday, November 17, the MSBA Board will meet to vote to accept the schematic design solution. Beginning on or about November 18, the Ashburnham taxpayers will have a maximum of 120 days to vote on a proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion to fund the building project. Project costs will be reimbursed to the town at a minimum of 53% from the MSBA.

The estimated total construction cost and square foot cost is $24,519,849 ($287.07/sf).

Several public information sessions will be held prior to November 17.

July 26, 2010 - Veteran Ashburnham Conservation Commission member Lorraine DeSouza tendered her resignation in a letter to her fellow members, Town Administrator Doug Brings, The Board of Selectmen and Advisory Board on Monday, July 26, citing lack of support for the commission's needs to conduct their affairs.

DeSouza's letter reads, "...I find that I am no longer able to reliably honor the serious commitment required to be on the Commission.

"When one accepts an appointment of this type they are required to raise their hand and take an oath to uphold the Wetlands Protection Act. However, given the current lack of cooperation and financial support from the Town, this is no longer possible.

"Failure on the part of the above listed parties to provide adequate and professional support has left the Commission in a difficult and a potentially litigation susceptible position. After having served on the Commission for ten years and during times of varying degrees of support, never I have I seen it in worse shape, nor at greater risk.

"Over the last couple of years I have felt that the Commission has been neither respected, appreciated nor granted the credibility that it deserves. As a citizen I feel as if the town officials are being negligent in their legal responsibilities to provide ample resources that would ensure the continuity of a viable, efficient and professionally supported Commission, as is its legal responsibility to do.

25 July 2010 - Ashburnham Municipal Light Company is using all the resources possible to find alternative energy solutions for their customers. Sounds like a commercial to be followed by a pitch for energy conservation, but it is a stated mission for this small independent energy provider that uses every opportunity to keep on the cutting edge of clean and efficient energy sources for their customers.

Company Manager Stan Herriot presided over a meeting on July 7 to launch the installation of solar energy panels at the Public Safety Complex and Oakmont Regional High School. He was able to do this by applying for federal grants from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

The program is run by the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered through the Massachusetts State Department of Energy Resources. This meeting brought together the providers of the equipment and installers, as well as the recipients of the services, to set the timelines for work to be done.

"We are always looking for any kind of municipal project with energy savings," said Herriott. "We had a very short window and we had the projects ready to go. We worked through the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company as the suppliers (MMWEC), and Great Northern Electric will be doing the installation."

Mike Mauro from MMWEC, and Dan Russell from Great Northern Electric were present at the kick-off meeting this month.

"This was 'stimulus money' that was appropriated in fall of 2009", said Herriott. The light plant itself could not apply for the grant, but the Town of Ashburnham could, so Herriott partnered with Town Administrator Doug Briggs and applied in November, it was approved in March and the first half of the $150,000 was received in May. The final $75,000 will be allocated as the project is completed. "We've been looking at these projects for quiet a while," explained Herriott, "one we could do with the town. It was not a required 'matching grant', but we'll end up putting at least $100,000 in from the light company."

At Oakmont, the panels will be hoisted to the flat roof on the end of what was traditionally known as "the science wing". The panels are anchored by self-standing blocks and metal framework, with no penetration of the roof. The 3' x 5' panels are usually tilted at a 45 degree angle, but because of the wind tests done at that site, the panels will be lowered somewhat, to prevent lifting during heavy winds. The cells are then wired to a converter located in an "electrical room" about 50 feet away, where the power generated will be converted from DC to AC. The panels will face the football field.

At the Public Safety Building, there was no way to mount them on the building itself, so a carport is being constructed to hold the panels. The carport will be positioned on the west side of the building, where the employees park the cruisers. As seen in the accompanying rendition of the carport, for future use, if there were electric powered vehicles, a charging station could be added.

Russell expected the materials to arrive at Oakmont by the 21st of July and installation to begin the following week.

According to Herriott, the system at the high school will not produce a significant amount of energy for the school's system, but "will be used as more of an educational tool for the students to track and see how it performs. It will offset a small percentage of the school's use. They are our biggest user."

Herriott did say, however, at the Public Safety Building the panels could supply up to 1/3 of their monthly usage.

Gardner, MA – Rich Bastien, Republican candidate for State Representative in the 2nd Worcester District, announced today that Citizens for Limited Taxation, a group dedicated to lower taxes and reduced government spending, was endorsing his campaign and two others in the race to succeed Representative Bob Rice in the upcoming November election.

“This is the first triple endorsement for one legislative seat in the 30-year history of CLT. All three candidates filled out and returned taxpayer-friendly questionnaires and signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in which they pledged to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes,” according to information posted on CLT’s website. In addition to Mr. Bastien, CLT stated that they were also endorsing Independent candidate Carolyn Kamuda and Democrat Amy Feeley-Knuuttila. Her opponent in the Democratic primary, Pat Gerry, did not return the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

“The people of the Greater Gardner area are taxed too much, and Beacon Hill is not responsible with the money they receive. I am glad that two of my opponents have also agreed that they will not raise taxes. As State Representative, I believe we need to go further than that in order to help out those that are struggling to make ends meet and help small businesses add more jobs. From the moment I decided to run I have been vocal on this issue and said I will seek to roll back the sales and income tax rates to 5%. I would also ask that Mr. Gerry clarify why he will not pledge to not raise taxes.”

Mr. Bastien said he believes that the 25% increase in the sales tax has led to a slow economic recovery. “This tax and spend doctrine is hurting small businesses in our area. People now go over the border to do more of their shopping every day. New businesses view this state as being unfriendly to business and decide to locate in New Hampshire, leading to fewer job opportunities here.” he said. “Governor Patrick just declared that he will not rule out raising taxes again next year. I believe that the way to get our state back on course is by taking away the credit card from Beacon Hill and entice businesses to relocate in our state so that people can have jobs again.

The 2nd Worcester district includes Gardner, Winchendon, Ashburnham, Ashby, and Royalston. Mr. Bastien is the only Republican in the field to replace Bob Rice in the election to be held on November 2, 2010.

It was announced on July 9, that sixty-eight cities and towns in Massachusetts were the recipients of $33.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), federal funds to create jobs, spur housing, business, infrastructure and social service upgrades. and to the disappointment of many town officials and the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), Ashburnham was not one of those 68.

The total grant request submitted by MRPC for Ashburnham was for $606,000. with $380,000 for housing and septic system rehab, $125,000 for the Senior Center Design and $101,000 included for administration expenses. Town Administrator Doug Briggs said on Monday, July 12, that he would be contacting Senator Stephen Brewer and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) "to determine why we didn't get it. The information we got from MRPC was possibly they thought we wouldn't support the next step, in regard to the Ashburnham Senior Center design part of the grant. I was also disappointed we didn't recieve the two-thirds portion of the grant that was for the rehab of sewer systems and of homes. I will pursue and find out why we didn't get it. It was a very important grant for us. As of right now, I don't know whether or not we can do anything."

Contacted on Tuesday morning, Senator Brewer expressed disappointment, citing an oft quoted Biblical saying, "'Many are called and few are chosen ...', we are already in the process of contacting the DHCD and asking for a sit down meeting with Shelly Hatch (from MRPC). and see where we can make the grants applications stronger."

At the Tuesday, July 6 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, a contract with the Bresnahan Community and Scouting Center Committee and the Town of Ashburnham was finalized. It is a 99 year lease agreement with the town, at a cost of $1 per year, for the approximately 4 acres of land on Route 101 (Center Street) in South Ashburnham. The commercially zoned parcel will be home to the William J. Bresnahan Community and Scouting Center, after over 5 years of fundraising and planning.

The lease was not signed Tuesday night, as the selectmen wanted to reword the terms of who will pay for the repairs to the building. It will be a town owned building when completed, but the committee will be responsible for all repairs under $15,000. Anything above that cost, assured the selectmen, most come before a town meeting vote.

Both parties agreed to the change and stated they would sign the lease at town hall sometime this week.

The project was a dream of an original group of ten people, to build a scouting and community center on a piece of town property with a history ... a property carrying the name of a town son killed in service to his country, and a property where Boy Scouts had, for generations, gathered for their meetings, according to Committee member Val Daigle.

Ashburnham Historical Society President, Bettyna Donelson, stands before the building on Main Street, watching the Memorial Day Parade and inviting visitors into the building to see the various exhibits.

On Tuesday evening, June 29, The Ashburnham Historical Society was host to a reception for members (and those who would like to join that evening!) and artists exhibiting in the "Ashburnham...Then and Now" exhibit, currently on display at the Society's building on Main Street. The exhibit may be viewed every Saturday, this summer, from 9 a.m. to noon. There is an ongoing "roof raffle" of items made in Ashburnham and donated to the Society. Drawings will be held at their annual meeting in September. (See Continued... for a small slide show of the event).

The exhibit is the brainchild of current Society president Bettyna Donelson and her Board of Directors, and has been well received by businesses and artists, and those interested in the history of Ashburnham.

"We were brainstorming last January about how to get the now Ashburnham involved in the old Ashburnham," said Donelson, "how to tie in the history of the society and the building with present day history 'in the making'."

Donelson is well schooled on much of Ashburnham's history, and realizing it was essentially a manufacturing town, she set about to bring out the fact that is still was, only on a smaller scale.

She invited businesses and craftsman, to bring in articles of "then and now", to set up a display of their wares or products and incorporated it into a fundraiser for the society.

"We have many 'cottage industries', and we needed more awareness of our situation in town with this building," explained Donelson. "Our building houses many of the products of past industries, so we thought we'd bring people in with the exhibit and then, hopefully, raise awareness of the needs of our Meeting House."

August 2010 - Boy Scout Troop 27, Ashby, conducted a court of honor on Saturday, July 24, at the Ashby American Legion Post 361 to recognize Ryan Michael Capone for his achievement of the highest rank in scouting, that of Eagle Scout.

In Attendance was State Representative Bob Rice, who praised Ryan for his accomplishment and presented him with a Certificate from the State House. Commandant of the Marine Corps League Charlie Mills and past Commander Orville Antilla also made a presentation. American Legion Post 361 Commander Tom Sanford and Post Adjutant Gerry Johnson were on hand as representatives of Troop 27’s Chartering Organization, awarding Ryan a Certificate of Appreciation.

Ryan Capone crossed over into Troop 27 on January, 15, 2002. During his time as a Scout, Ryan completed a week long youth leader training course, performed over 100 hours of community service and spent 95 nights camping, which included a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Ryan’s Eagle Scout leadership project focused on beautifying several monuments in Ashby, including the John Fitch Monument on South Road.

Upon receiving his Eagle Badge, Ryan made some heartfelt and humorous comments. He thanked his parents, Peter and Carrie, his brother Peter Jr. (who is also and Eagle Scout), as well as Assistant Scoutmasters Vin Collins, Richard Finney and Steve Gallant. Ryan thanked Scoutmaster John Varney for helping to guide him on his trail to Eagle. He then went on to thank Mr. Varney for helping to bring scouting from England to the U.S. 100 years ago.

Ryan currently attends Salem State College. He is majoring in history, with an eye towards a career in education. He also remains in scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 27 Ashby.

Wednesday, August 25
Final registration for the State Primary - Registration of voters at Town Hall, Town Clerk's Office, 32 Main Street, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday, September 13
Last day for filing applications for absentee ballots for voters who will be out of town for the State Primary. 12 Noon.

Tuesday, September 14
State Primary - Polls open at 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the J. R. Briggs Elementary School, Gym, Williams Road, Ashburnham

Monday, November 1
Last day for filing applications for absentee ballots for voters who will be out of town for the State Election

Tuesday, November 2
State Election - Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the J. R. Briggs Elementary School gym, 96 Williams Road, Ashburnham

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