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As we enter September, Lexington is bursting with events, organizational changes, great ideas, opportunities for community feedback, coffee hours and outdoor activities. In this issue there is truly something for everyone, so be sure to read to the end!
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This is also a great time to share the newsletter with a friend. If they like it, they can sign themselves up on the homepage of the Lexington Green Network webpage. There they will find more great information on things we can all do to care for our environment and tackle climate change.
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In This Issue – September 2021:
- LexCAN (formerly LexGWAC) Hosts "Time to Act" Event 9/14
- Chat With Planning Director About New Comprehensive Plan 9/8
- "How to Make Homes Greener..." Event 9/23
- "What Is Community Solar?" Session 9/27
- LexingtonNext: Developing Lexington's Next Comprehensive Plan
- Mothers Out Front Climate Coffee Breaks 9/9, 9/23
- LexFarm Free Sunset Concert 9/9
- CLC Fall Walk Series Returns This Month
- LPS Green Team's New Year of Composting, In School and Out
- LexSORT Free Composting Pilot Kicks Off in September
- Biking Education, Fun Events 9/18, 9/25
- Celebration of Herbs Event 9/12
- Harvesting Food All Winter Long Event 9/22
- Lex Farmers' Market's Sustainability Day 10/5
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Lexington Climate Action Network (formerly LexGWAC)
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Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition has changed its name and updated its mission.
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Thanks to a grant from the Community Endowment of Lexington and support from our many local partners, LexGWAC has decided to rename ourselves “Lexington Climate Action Network: Educate, Advocate, Collaborate”, with a reinvigorated vision, mission and leadership structure.
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More details to come in October with our new website. Want to learn more? Email: [email protected]
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Check Out LexCAN's First Event, Kicking Off a Year of Climate Conversations:
"State and Local Solutions for Climate Change: Time to Act"
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Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 7:00-8:30PM
Zoom Event (register here)
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Please join us for an evening of conversation with two of Lexington’s climate leaders: State Senator Mike Barrett and Lexington Select Board member Mark Sandeen. They will address the most pressing governing issue of our time: How to make policy to combat climate change.
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We will begin with two primary questions, “What are the most important ongoing local and statewide actions”, and “Where do we need to go from here to meet our goals”. Our speakers will give us their take on the current lay of the land and move on to questions and answers. We look forward to an engaging and informative evening with an emphasis on how we can develop policies to make a real difference. Please sign up at this Zoom Registration Link (preregistration required). Free and open to all.
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Lexington's Planning Director, Amanda Loomis, Joins LexCAN to Discuss Lexington's Comprehensive Plan
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On September 8th, LexCAN will host Amanda Loomis for a short Zoom discussion on Lexington's Comprehensive Plan and how you can provide input on how you envision a climate resilient and sustainable future for Lexington.
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NOTE: LexCAN is planning future monthly events. Come share your ideas for what you would like to see LexCAN cover with speakers, movies and discussion panels. Some ideas like: Book groups? Topic-centered working groups? Expert panels on "x" topic? All ideas invited and welcome.
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LexCAN meetings are usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00PM on Zoom (for now). All are welcome to drop in. The following meeting is on October 6th.
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Zoom Event: "Are We Doing the Right Thing? How to Make Our Homes Greener, Cleaner and Healthier"
Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7:00PM
Zoom Event (link here)
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Our environment is changing rapidly. It's affecting us now and will greatly impact the lives of future generations. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Our speakers have been working to fight climate change for years and they will show you what you can do to help.
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Why do they do this? As it turns out, the energy usage of buildings and homes is a major component of climate change.
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- Climate change, what's happening and how buildings can help
- How solar energy works and its climate benefits
- The financial aspects of solar electricity for residential and commercial installations
- Building science and what it means
- Energy efficiency and what it means for economics, comfort, and climate
- Common ways to get a more efficient home and/or office
Both presenters will talk about the key economic incentives for "greening" up your buildings including the SMART solar incentive, MassSave for New Construction and Renovations & Additions (R&A), and federal and state tax incentives.
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Zoom Event: "What Is Community Solar?"
The Town of Lexington is teaming up with local clean energy partners to spread the word about Community Solar.
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Community Solar is an opportunity to save money and support clean energy without facing the hassle and expense of installing solar panels on your own roof. A Community Solar program allows you to save money on clean electricity produced by nearby solar panels.
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To learn more about this and other potential opportunities to enroll in a Community Solar program, we invite you to join an informational meeting hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the Sustainable Lexington Committee on September 27th 6:30 pm. To join the Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83481405103
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The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC)
Introducing LexingtonNext!
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LexingtonNext is Lexington’s Comprehensive Plan update, which is the first update since 2002/2003.
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A comprehensive plan provides direction to a community on how it intends to develop over the next several years. It is written based on feedback from the community on what our vision is for a better Lexington. It helps our Select Board, Planning Board, Planning Office, and community make decisions about land use, zoning, affordable housing, transportation, sustainability, equity, open space usage and development.
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Social Media Input Options
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- August 16th—Ideas Wall
Share your ideas about Lexington through electronic post notes on the ideas wall.
- September 1st—Survey & Mapping
Provide your thoughts on a Lexington-specific survey that will guide the drafting of LexingtonNext. Plus, tell the CPAC about specific ideas of Lexington (what features should be preserved, what needs improvement, what is missing) through a virtual map exercise!
- September 7th—Ideas Wall
Share your ideas about what is missing and what needs improvements in Lexington.
- September 13rd—Mapping
Share your thoughts on Lexington’s commercial districts and corridors through an interactive mapping exercise.
- September 22nd—Survey
Missed the September 21st Housing in Lexington event, or have additional comments? Log in and answer the questions proposed at the event.
- September 21st @ 7:00PM via Zoom—Housing in Lexington
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Participate in an interactive conversation to discuss the future of housing in Lexington (input from this forum will inform LexingtonNext Plan recommendations) CLICK HERE to access & learn more.
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If you would like to be added to the LexingtonNext Listserv, which you will only receive emails specific to LexingtonNext, please CLICK HERE.
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Lexington Mothers Out Front presents its September Climate Coffee Break - take 30 minutes for action on the environment!
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Fall Garden Clean Up for Biodiversity: Embrace Your Inner Laziness
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Mothers Out Front Massachusetts - Climate Action Call
Thursday, September 23, 2021, 12:00-12:45PM
Preregister at this link
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Make a difference for our climate by taking action at our monthly statewide Climate Action Call.
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Join us for this 45-minute online “actionar” to learn about a specific climate issue and take focused and impactful action. This month, we are calling on the gas utilities to transition from polluting, unsafe, expensive fossil fuels to safe, clean, and affordable energy! We will raise our voices as mothers, caregivers, and ratepayers to call for clean heat solutions!
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You don’t have to be an expert to advocate for just solutions to the climate crisis. At these events, seasoned volunteers will provide background information and clear instructions for actions we will take together.
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LexFarm 2021 Sunset Concert Series, Free Admission!
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Our Next Concert: Featuring "Epic Trio"
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Thursday, September 9, 2021, 6:00-7:00PM
Location: LexFarm's Learning Garden, 52 Lowell St., Lexington
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Epic Trio plays groovy, funky music. The ensemble is a collaboration between violinist Mimi Rabson, trombonist/pianist David Harris, and bassist Tino D’Agostino, each a titan and virtuoso in multiple styles (and all Arlington residents).
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Epic Trio performs funk, soul, ska and afrobeat instrumental tunes, gems from the 1960’s and ‘70s as well as originals.
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Enjoy live music on the farm in our learning garden. Spread out a blanket and pack a picnic or stop by our farmstand for tasty treats for sale. We have some folding chairs or you can bring your own.
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LexFarm thanks the Lexington Council for the Arts for a grant which helps support this concert series. The Lexington Council of the Arts is a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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Thanks also go to Monroe Center for the Arts for connecting us to local talent.
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Sign Up to Volunteer at LexFarm on Wednesdays This Summer!
One of the best ways to learn what it takes to grow the local food we all love, is to volunteer at your local community farm. We welcome volunteers who can work independently after minimal training with the farm crew.
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On Wednesday afternoons, volunteers help to harvest crops or weed around them. Volunteers must be able to walk on uneven ground, kneel, bend and squat. The work can be challenging. It's also exceptionally satisfying. You can register for one (or more than one) Working Wednesdays.
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We are looking for some additional help maintaining the grounds of the farm through pruning, mowing and weed wacking. Weeds and young trees encroach on the property. They give shelter to animal and insect life that can harm crops. Sometimes they mask debris. Additional volunteers would help our property team. Volunteers must be 18 years and older. Please email [email protected].
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Farm location: 52 Lowell St, Lexington, MA 02420
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CLC's Fall 2021 Walk Series
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Citizen for Lexington Conservation returns with a full complement of in-person walks for the fall season.
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Topics will include a bird walk, a photography walk, and an iNaturalist walk, in addition to an opportunity to join Lexington’s goatherd which browses at Chiesa Farm from time to time.
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Let's All Compost Our Food Waste!
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Lexington Public Schools is contracting with the compost pickup service Garbage to Garden for the next three years to allow all our cafeteria staff and our students to close the loop and send all food waste to a facility to become rich, fertile soil again!
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Garbage to Garden is based in Maine and also has an operation in Massachusetts. LPS Green Teams volunteers will continue to support students in separating organics from trash at lunchtime, which accounts for over 80% of waste volume in the nine school cafeterias.
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Not in the public schools? You can compost your food waste at home too! Check out this article for some ideas to get you started!
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If you would rather have someone pick up your compost, check out Black Earth Compost. Currently more that 1,130 Lexington residents use Black Earth’s curbside compost pickup service.
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LexSORT: Free Community Composting Drop-Off Pilot Program Launches September 13th
(Pre-Registration Required)
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Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative (LexZeroWaste) is excited to partner with the Town of Lexington to introduce a community composting drop-off pilot program to save valuable organic resources and reduce the amount of food waste destined for incineration.
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“Lexington Shared Organics Recovered Together” (LexSORT) will make composting free and accessible to Lexington residents who pre-register to participate.
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Save your household food scraps and other compostable kitchen waste. Starting September 13th, drop them off at your convenience into secure bins at two outdoor locations in Lexington:
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- Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Rd.
- 173 Bedford St. (location of former Liberty Mutual building)
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Residents must pre-register to participate in this 6-month pilot program.
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Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to address the impacts of our consumption choices on the well-being of the Earth and all life on it.
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Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager
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Smart Cycling for Adults (ages 18+)
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Saturday, September 18, 9:00AM-12:00PM
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Do you know all you need to feel comfortable and bike safely with traffic? Do you feel you know enough to teach your children how to ride cautiously and conspicuously while on their own? When you drive a car, are you confident on how to share the road with people on bikes? The Smart Cycling program gives you the tips, tools, and techniques to confidently answer YES to each question.
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This class is great for new cyclists, returning cyclists, and experienced cyclists who would welcome some tips. Have a teen under age 18 that would like to join? Call us at 781-698-4821.
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This course is also a pre-requisite for anyone interested in becoming a League Certified Instructor (LCI). There is a need for more bike instructors, so by taking this course, you are on your way to becoming one! (See below for the October 3-Day seminar to become a certified bike instructor. Passing Smart Cycling is a pre-requisite.)
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Bike Rodeo (K-8th Grade)
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Saturday, September 25, 2021, 10:00AM-2:00PM
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FREE event showing youth bike safety skills, handling techniques, bike safety checks, hand signals, and more! Many stations lead by MassBikes and sponsored by Safe Routes to School and community partners.
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League Certification Instructor Training (18+)
Friday-Sunday, October 22-24, 2021
Lexington Community Center
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This 3-Day seminar by the American League of Cyclists is for people interested in becoming certified bike instructors. You need to pass pre-requisites in order to register. We have a need for more bike instructors!
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For more information, contact our office at 781-698-4820 or contact the League. Registration open NOW online. Registration closes October 1. Early registration closes September 25. If you are interested, but missing some of the pre-requisites, please contact our transportation services office as soon as possible to discuss options. 781-698-4820.
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"Herb Fest" - A Celebration of Garden Herbs: Tasty, Aromatic and Medicinal!
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Sunday, September 12, 2021, 12:00-4:00PM
Tour the Lexington Field & Garden Club's gardens at Lexington Historical Society's Three Historic Sites
(Rain location: Lexington Depot)
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Enjoy herb-related demonstrations, crafts, refreshments, and vendors at Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern in Lexington.
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Join us as we dedicate the newly installed Helen Noyes Webster and Mary Milligan Memorial Herb Garden at Buckman Tavern at 2:30 PM.
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Free admission to all activities and garden tours.
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Sponsors: Fancy Flea Antiques & Fine Jewelry & Wagon Wheel
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Harvest Fresh Food in the Winter
Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 1:00PM
Register online at least 24 hours in advance via the Cary Library Calendar
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Do you grow your own veggies in the summer? Do you wish you could continue having your own home-grown produce for a longer period of time? With a little protection and the right selection of vegetables, you can continue to harvest fresh food all winter long. And Holly Samuels with moderator Ashley Rooney will show you how.
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The Lexington Farmers' Market is moving into the fall season with a bang! Hot days and lots of rain mean it's been a banner summer for fruits and vegetables, with fall specialties just around the corner.
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When you eat food freshly harvested during peak season, it not only tastes great, but also has the highest nutritional value. Stop by the LFM Tuesdays from 2:00-6:30PM at the Worthen Road Practice Field to see what the farmers are harvesting in the fields to bring to the weekly market!
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Parking and traffic update: the start of the school year Tuesday, August 31 means that there will be increased traffic and cars parking around the market site. Lexington High School lets out at 3:10 pm, so consider coming to the market later in the day when traffic will ease. Parking and traffic updates will be posted after seeing how the first few weeks go; sign up for the newsletter at www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.org or follow the LFM on Facebook for up to date information.
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Mark it on your calendar: Sustainability Day will be held at the LFM on Tuesday, October 5, highlighting what you can do increase your efforts to protect the environment. Buying local food decreases your carbon footprint, helps the local economy, preserves farmland and supports small farms and businesses, so be sure to save the date for a fun and informative market day!
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Would you like to submit an environmental event or activity?
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Please forward to your network!
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