Curbside Compost Pilot Launch Event May 16

The Town of Lexington is happy to announce the launch of a curbside composting pilot program. The program will allow 2,000 Lexington households to sign up for curbside pickup of food waste and other compostable items at no cost. The service will be run by Black Earth Compost. With compostable waste making up 35% of Lexington’s waste stream, this pilot is a critical step in reducing waste in our community.

Join us virtually or in-person for the official launch event, where you will learn more about the pilot program, how to sign up, composting best practices, and the many benefits of composting.

When: May 16, 6:00 PM

Where: Select Board Meeting Room, Town Office Building (or Zoom)

Visit our website for more information.

May is Mental Health Month; Events and Resources Available

May is Mental Health Month in Lexington. Mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing. Free and confidential resources are available in our community for people of all ages.

Throughout the month, we will be highlighting available resources and hosting a number of events focused on improving our mental health.

Take a FREE Mental Health Screening

Take your free online mental health screening today. Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

The first 100 Lexington residents to take a mental health screening could be entered to win a free mental health toolkit. Visit our website for details.

“Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better” Mental Health America, (2022).

Mental Health Month Events

Throughout May, we have a number of great events sponsored by the Lexington Mental Health Task Force and Human Services Department.

Additional information on each event is available on our Mental Health Month webpage.

Earth Day in May: “Take One Step Now”, Event on May 11

Join us for an “Earth Day in May” learning session focused on taking action! You will come away with the tools you need to “Take One Step Now” for a more sustainable future.

May 11 from 6:30 until 8:30 PM

Cary Library, 1874 Mass. Ave.

Panel discussion will start at 6:30 PM in the Living Room
Tables will be open from 7:30-8:30 PM in the Large Meeting Room

Hear from a panel of Lexington residents who have taken steps, as they share their experiences with:

Home weatherization and heat pump installation
Innovative waste reduction strategies
Solar and battery storage installation
Electric vehicle purchase and use
Natural landscaping practices

After the panel discussion, panelists and other community leaders in sustainability will be available at the tables to talk with you and share resources.

Co-hosted by Cary Library, Lexington Climate Action Network (LexCAN), and Town of Lexington Sustainability.

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:

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

Household Hazardous Waste Event Sat., May 13; Pre-Registration Required

The next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Eay will be Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

You must pre-register online in order to come to the Collection Day. Only residents of Lexington and other member towns may participate.

Lexington Compost Facility

60 Hartwell Avenue

Lexington, MA 02421

The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be Saturday, June 10.

Dose of Nature Walks Series on Tuesday Evenings

As the weather warms, it is time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Our Conservation and Public Health divisions will be giving free guided tours of the many gorgeous conservation lands in town.

Spring and Sumer Schedule (all events take place on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM):

May 16 at Lower Vine Brook (Vine Street Entrance)
June 13 at Willard's Woods (North Street Entrance)
July 11 at Whipple Hill (Winchester Drive Entrance)
August 15 at Cotton Farm (Marrett Road Entrance)

For more information, contact the Public Health Division via email, or call 781-698-4533.

COVID Vaccine Clinic Available Throughout May

Our Public Health and Human Services departments are offering bivalent COVID vaccines throughout the month of May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new recommendations allow for an additional bivalent vaccine dose for adults ages 65+ and for people who are immunocompromised.

Vaccines will be given at the Lexington Community Center (39 Marrett Road), by appointment only. In-home vaccines will also be offered, if needed.

For appointments, dates and information, please call Wai Chong, RPh at 781-698-4847 or Kelliann Coleman, RN at 781-698-4509.

Upcoming Conservation Walks

Garlic Mustard Pull at Lincoln Park

May 6 from 2 until 4 pm

Garlic mustard seeds can take up to seven years to sprout, requiring repeated efforts to control and eradicate this aggressive invasive species. Come join CLC’s multi-year effort to pull this year’s crop from along the pathways in Lincoln Park. Bring gardening gloves. Steady rain cancels. Meet at the Fitness Path entrance on Middleby Rd across from the entrance to Bridge School, where you may park.

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

Birding Lower Vine Brook

May 7, from 7 until 9 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

Lexpress Walk Series #1 North Street to Depot Square via Lower Vine Brook

May 9 from 9:30 am until 12 noon

This approximate 2.5 mile walk will trace the course of Vine Brook to where it emerges from under the Town Center at Hayes Lane via gentle woods trails and a paved bicycle path. Meet your guide in time to catch the 9:30 am B Lexpress bus in front of the Depot. Steady rain cancels.

Registration is required – Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.

Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ kohmart@verizon.net

COVID-19 Data; Test Kits Available at Town Buildings

The Lexington Office of Public Health will end weekly COVID updates as of May 5.

View Lexington’s case numbers

View the State’s COVID-19 dashboard

Test Kits Available

Free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits are available at Town buildings across Lexington. Town buildings have free test kits that expire in August 2023. Be sure to check the date on your test kit before using.

You can pick up a test at the following locations:

Town Office Building (Health Office) - 1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Fire Department - 45 Bedford Street
Police Department - 173 Bedford Street
Community Center - 39 Marrett Road
Visitors Center - 1875 Massachusetts Avenue
Public Services Building - 201 Bedford Street

Test kits are available during regular business hours (Police Dept. open 24/7) while supplies last.

For questions, contact the Office of Public Health at 781-698-4533.

EQUITY OFFICER UPDATE

Diversity, equity, and inclusion information and resources from the Town's Chief Equity Officer

As we enter the month of May, we are excited to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize and honor the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of the AAPI community.

We take pride in the fact that our community is made up of individuals from various backgrounds, including those of AAPI descent. This month, we encourage everyone to take the time to learn about history, traditions, and achievements of the AAPI community. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of their culture, and honor their contributions to our community and our nation as a whole.

Take this opportunity to celebrate AAPI Month and to reaffirm Lexington's commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming community for all.

Learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage at these upcoming events:

Celebrating AAPI Writers and Their Journeys:

May 15 from 7 to 8 PM at Cary Library.

Join Cary Library for an evening of literary discussions in honor of APPI Heritage Month. Authors Grace Talusan, Rishi Reddi and Weina Dai Randel will talk about their work as it relates to representation, identity, culture and lived experiences.

My American Story sponsored by CALex:

May 21 from 2 to 4 PM at Depot Square.

The purpose of the event is to show diversity and commonality within the Asian American Community through storytelling. We hope you’ll join us to hear the stories of the panelist.

JOBS