Library Secures $20,000 Federal Grant for Food Literacy Programs
Road crews descended on Harris Road Monday as part of a two-phase summer paving schedule, and Stevens Memorial Library announced it has been provisionally awarded a $20,000 federal grant to fund food literacy programs for the community.
**TOWN HALL**
Scheduled road work on Harris Road is taking place Monday, July 6, with a second round of work planned for Stowell Road on July 9. Residents who use either corridor should expect delays and plan alternate routes. The town posted the notice July 1 to give drivers advance warning.
The town also posted an updated Notice of Town Board Vacancy on July 1, flagging a list of boards and committees with open seats that need to be filled. The vacancies will remain posted until filled. Residents interested in serving on a town board can check the town's website for the current list.
Water conservation restrictions remain in effect through September 30 under an order that took effect May 1. Residents are reminded that outdoor water use is subject to limits for the duration of the summer season.
The town's Annual Water Quality Report for 2025 is now available. The Consumer Confidence Report covers Ashburnham's municipal drinking water and is posted on the town's website for residents who want to review the results.
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health town nurse will hold office hours in Ashburnham on Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. Residents can also attend any other scheduled visit in the regional rotation.
**COMMUNITY & ARTS**
Stevens Memorial Library has been provisionally awarded a $20,000 federal Library Services and Technology Act grant through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The grant, titled "At the Table: Food Literacy from the Ground Up," will fund library programs and resources aimed at addressing the food literacy needs of Ashburnham residents. Library Director Jess Mynes and her team will use the funding to offer programs that help patrons of all ages build lifelong skills around food knowledge and nutrition. The library serves a community of more than 6,000 residents and has positioned food literacy as a gap it can help close in its role as a community hub.
The library also recently released its FY26-FY29 Strategic Plan, a multi-year road map built from conversations with library stakeholders that sets updated objectives for the institution through 2029.
**COMING UP**
- Wednesday, July 9: Road work scheduled on Stowell Road - Tuesday, July 21, 10 a.m.: Nashoba Associated Boards of Health town nurse office hours, open to Ashburnham residents