May is Mental Health Month; Resources and Upcoming Events

The Select Board has declared May as Mental Health Month in Lexington. The recognition underscores the importance of mental health, early screening, public education, and advocacy for appropriate and accessible services for our community.

Free and confidential mental health resources are available locally through our Human Services Department for residents of all ages. Visit LexingtonMA.gov/MentalHealth for a complete list of resources.

The Human Services Department, in collaboration with other Town departments and community partners, has put together a number great programs over the next month. Visit our website for event information.

Upcoming Conservation Events

Birding Lower Vine Brook

Saturday May 7: 8-10 am

Lower Vine Brook can be a fantastic area to see a nice selection of warblers, beautiful small tropical birds that migrate north at this time of year. They will eventually reach the forests of northern New England and Canada to breed, but if weather and foliage are right, you may see a dozen species here in a single morning. Dress for the weather (boots if it’s wet) and bring binoculars and a bird ID book, or app. Children with adults are welcome. No dogs please. Rain or lightning will cancel the event; if conditions are uncertain, please call the walk leader. Meet at the entrance to Lower Vine Brook conservation area opposite 93 Vine St.

Leader: Harry West: 617-461-9500, hwest2020@gmail.com

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Birding Paint Mine

Sunday May 8: 7-9 am

The Paint Mine conservation area between Grove St. and Turning Mill Rd. is comprised of nearly 50 acres and contains a variety of habitat types including forested land and boggy ponds, along with disturbed open land under power lines. This edge area can be a reliable stopping place for spring migrants, including the possibility of prairie warblers. Please join us in looking for warblers and other migrating and nesting birds. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk along some moderately steep trails. Bring binoculars and a bird ID app if you have one. Heavy rain or lightning will cancel. Meet in the parking lot of Estabrook School, 117 Grove St.

Leader: Dianna Queheillalt, clclexington8@gmail.com

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Spring 2022 Lexpress Walk Series #1

Wednesday May 11: 9:30-12 noon

Learn how to use Lexpress to expand Lexington’s walking opportunities. This 3+ mile/2.5 hour walk will traverse parts of 4 Lexington Conservation areas including Turning Mill, Willards Woods, Chiesa Farm and Parker Meadow. We will board the 9:30 am Lexpress bus at the Depot in Lexington Center, and return to this location at the end of our walk. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Call Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.

Leader: Keith Ohmart: 781-862-6216, kohmart@verizon.net

Town Manager Seeks to Fill Vacancies on Recreation Committee, Council on Aging

Town Manager Jim Malloy is looking for two interested residents to serve on the Recreation Committee, and three for the Council on Aging (COA).

About the Recreation Committee

The Committee is responsible for the planning and administration of public playgrounds and recreational centers in the town. It is charged with administering, expanding, and promoting recreation, leisure activities, play, sports and physical education.

Members should have an active interest in recreation in Lexington. Knowledge of sports and familiarity with Lexington Town Meeting are also desirable.

Full Committee charge

About the COA

The COA provides policy guidance to Human Services Department staff, helping to coordinate, carry out and advocate for programs designed to meet the needs of Lexington's older adults.

Individuals must be Lexington residents and should have knowledge of Lexington’s COA and Human Services activities, and have an active interest in elder affairs and the needs of older adults. Prior experience with affordable or senior housing would be helpful, though not required.

Full Council Charge

Time Commitment

COA: Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month with the exception of either July or August.

Recreation: 3rd Wednesday each month plus other times as needed.

How to Apply

The application form is available online and at the Town Manager's Office.

Neighborhood Haiku Comes To Lexington; Poems Due by June 1

Celebrate Lexington with Neighborhood Haiku – a public art project bringing original poetry to storefront windows! The Lexington Council for the Arts is inviting the Lexington community to take up pen and write a 3-line poem! Thirty haiku will be selected to be hand-painted in storefront windows to show our local small businesses some love and showcase local creativity. All haiku will be published on the Council for the Arts web page and all authors will be invited to read at a July celebration.

So, take the haiku challenge! Write on your own or participate in one of our free workshops.

Poems are due on June 1 via email to: LexingtonHaiku@gmail.com

The Council is also looking for volunteer painters – artists, designers, and creative people who would like to learn hand-lettering with a brush from master sign painter Kenji Nakayama.

For more information, visit LexArtsCouncil.org/haiku

Paper Shredding Event Tomorrow, April 30

This weekend, the Department of Public Works will be hosting a paper shredding event for residents to safely dispose of documents containing personal and/or sensitive information.

Sat., April 30

9:00AM - 12:00PM

Lexington Composting Facility, 60 Hartwell Ave.

Bring any paper you're looking to safely dispose of, and watch as it's shredded in front of you.

Please do not bring junk mail to be shredded, and please do not bring plastic bags.

Health/Safety Requirements

This event is for paper ONLY. Paper files, etc. in a cardboard box are acceptable, but boxes will not be returned.
Paper will ONLY be accepted from trunks, the backs of SUV’s, and pick-up truck beds. Do not bring paper to be shredded in your back seat or other areas of your car/truck.
Please DO NOT exit your vehicle.
Your Driver’s license MUST be available and held up to your window to track who has dropped off paper.
Please DO NOT bring containers that you want back. NO containers will be returned.

Upcoming Dates:

May 28, 2022
September 3, 2022
October 29, 2022

Questions?

For questions, contact the Environmental Services Division at 781-274-8334.

Getting Around Town Without a Car; Upcoming Bike, Walk, n' Bus Events

Warmer weather is here, and we have a number of upcoming events to get everyone outdoors and thinking about the many ways to get around town without a car!

This upcoming weekend, and into next week, you can break out your bike, and your walking shoes, for some exciting events., including:

Bike Commuting Basics
Smart Cycling (Ages 16+)
WalkMass Challenge Kick Off Event
11th Annual National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day

There are more events throughout May and into the summer. Visit LexBikeWalkBus.org for details on all upcoming events.

COVID-19 Data

The Lexington Office of Public Health will update weekly COVID-19 case numbers each Friday. The data represented on the dashboard DOES NOT include at-home test results. The data only represents results of PCR and antigen tests verified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

View Lexington’s case numbers

View the State’s COVID-19 dashboard

JOBS

Visit LexingtonMA.gov/jobs for more information.

SCHOOL NEWS

Updates from the Lexington Public Schools (LPS)

To keep the community informed of the latest updates from the Lexington Public Schools, we regularly include in Link to Lexington the Superintendent's Report from Dr. Julie Hackett.

Topics from her report include: