Ashland Opens Cooling Centers July 1–2, Moves Recycling Event to July 11
With an unhealthy heat forecast bearing down on the region, the town is opening cooling centers on July 1 and July 2, and reminding residents that the July 4 recycling drop-off event has been moved to Saturday, July 11.
TOWN HALL
Ashland is activating cooling centers on Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2, in response to an unhealthy heat forecast. Residents who need relief from the heat are encouraged to take advantage of the centers; full location and hours details are posted on the town's official alerts page at https://www.ashlandmass.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=681.
Separately, the town announced Monday that its annual July 4 recycling event will not be held on Independence Day as originally scheduled. The event has been pushed back one week to Saturday, July 11. Residents planning to drop off recyclables should adjust accordingly. Details are at https://www.ashlandmass.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=680.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Ashland Public Library has a full slate of programming kicking off Wednesday, July 1. Families with young children can attend Baby Time (for ages zero through three with a caregiver) and Sensory Safari (for ages one through three with a caregiver), both on Wednesday. A Garden Workshop for students in grades K through six is also scheduled that day. Adult programs on July 1 include an in-person Mah Jongg session and two virtual offerings: the Environmental Book Club discussing House of Many Gods, and a "Reel Independence" film lecture — part of the library's Celebrating 250 series — exploring the spirit of 1776 in classic Hollywood cinema. The library's Adult Summer Reading Challenge 2026 is also underway online.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
No new coverage from Patch, MetroWest Daily News, or The Boston Globe in this cycle.
COMING UP
- Wednesday, July 1: Cooling center open; Baby Time, Sensory Safari, Garden Workshop (grades K–6), Mah Jongg, Environmental Book Club, and "Reel Independence" virtual lecture — all at or through Ashland Public Library. - Wednesday, July 1: Finance Committee Meeting via Zoom. - Saturday, July 11: July 4 recycling event (rescheduled from July 4). - Thursday, July 9: Planning Board Meeting via Zoom. - Tuesday, July 14: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting (hybrid). - Monday, July 14: David Mindess Elementary School Site Council Meeting, 2:30–3:30 p.m.