LEXINGTON

Dear LNN Members,

We are thrilled to be ending our 2020-2021 season just like old times with an in-person celebration!  Don’t forget to RSVP, if you haven’t done so yet.  It’s been a crazy year, but we got through it, and we want to thank our amazing board for making it possible.  We can’t thank them enough for all their hard work in planning events, tracking membership, paying bills, sending newsletters, etc. (FYI here’s a link to the 2020-2021 board).  We’d also like to acknowledge those who are rolling off the board: Pam Richter, Katie Walter, Sadia Sharif, Natalie Reynolds, Priya Patel, Jyoti Justin, Netice Dokmecdioglu and Angela Benson.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce our new board for the 2021-2022 season:

President: Tania Bojanowski
Secretary:  Rachel Brownell
Treasurer:  Mary Reynolds
Membership:  Rikke Bitsch-Norhave
FB Administrator:  Priyanka Dhaul
Parties/Events:  Helena Wennbo, Saskia Houwing, Sue Tousley, Lara Kallander
Book Club:  Kim Cramer, Liliana Kondracki
Coffee Talk:  Jen Oriel
Walking Group:  Deb Fortin
Dog Meet-Up:  Deb Zucker
Men’s Pub Night:  OPEN
At-Large Members:  Alexia Duc, Mary Carmichael, Andrea Parrella

 Note that this will be the last newsletter of the season.  We will continue sending Weekly Happenings for the next few weeks, but then LNN takes a summer hiatus.  We’ll resume activities in September, and you can expect to receive a newsletter in mid-August with details of those events.  We wish you all a very happy, safe and fun-filled summer!  

Warm regards,
Pam Richter, LNN President

Sip, Sip, Hooray!!

The weather is getting nicer, people are getting vaccinated…. so it’s time to celebrate!!  Join us for an outdoor wine and cheese happy hour.  LNN will provide individually-packaged antipasto boxes, members are asked to bring their own beverage.  Note that this is an adults-only event and that mask-wearing is at each person’s discretion.  It’s been a long time since we’ve celebrated in person, so looking forward to seeing members both new and old!!!
When:  Saturday, June 12 from 5-7pm (rain date is June 13)

Where:  LNN member backyard (you’ll be notified of the location once you RSVP).  

RSVP and questions:  No later than June 4.  Please indicate the number of people attending and if you would like an antipasto box (contains cheese, meat and various snacks). Email Saskia at sashouwing@gmail.com

Horn Pond Nature Hike
Friday, June 4 at 10am

Discover the nature abounding at Horn Pond in Woburn.  LNN’s own Kim Cramer will lead the walk and point out interesting animals and plant life.  We’ll walk for about an hour at a leisurely pace. 

RSVP to Kim at kimwcramer@gmail.com

Kayaking in Concord
Thursday, June 10 at 10am

Come join us for kayaking (or canoeing) on the Sudbury/Concord River.  Meet up at 10am at the South Bridge Boat House in Concord to rent kayaks or canoes ($16 each – cash only).  Then we’ll paddle the river to the Old North Bridge and Minuteman Park and then back again for a total of about 3 miles / 2 hours. Note that this activity is weather permitting.

RSVP to Alexia at aducganis@comcast.net

Book Club
Thursday, June 10 at 7:00pm

Join us for our in-person outdoor discussion of the New York Times bestseller A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende. This epic novel spans decades and crosses continents while following two young people, Roser and Victor, as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home. With Pablo Neruda chartering a ship for two thousand refugees to start over in Chile, Roser and Victor will find that joy and their home might have been closer than they thought all along.

RSVP by June 9 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com
Once you rsvp, you will receive the address of our in-person meeting the day before the meeting.

Coffee Talk
Wednesday, June 16, 10-12am

We’re back to being able to serve actual coffee and treats!!  Join us in a member’s yard for coffee and socializing.  No need to bring anything, just yourself!  Location details will be provided once you RSVP.

RSVP: email Netice at netice71@yahoo.com

Dog Meet-Up
Tuesdays at 11am

Join us for a doggie meet-up! Dog owners and dog lovers welcome.  We’ll meet at Chiesa Farm Meadow where dogs can roam off-leash.  Optional walk/hike from there. 

Parking available at Diamond Middle School on Sedge Rd.  Look for the trail head sign.  The meadow is a very short hike from there.  It can be muddy, but there’s a large hill that stays dry most of the time.  Bring your leash, waste bags and a towel for wiping muddy paws!  No RSVP necessary.  Any questions, contact Deb at debbra.zucker@gmail.com .

Walking Group
Thursdays at 9am

Spring is here!  Enjoy the fresh air and join us for approximately hour-long walks in Lexington and neighboring towns. Email Debbie at dfortin01748@hotmail.com to be added to the email group and receive the weekly walk details which are typically sent out the night before.

Weekend Bike Ride

Anyone interested in meeting up for an 18 mile / 2 hour weekend bike ride during June or throughout the summer is welcome to reach out to Rikke at borgensvej@yahoo.com.  Late afternoons on weekdays are also possible.  Otherwise stay tuned for more scheduled rides in September.

With the promising pace of vaccinations in our community and warmer sunnier days ahead, we’re optimistic about planning more gatherings in person, for those who are comfortable with that.  I know I am ready!  This has been a long year and LNN’s mission continues to be to bring people together through social events, activities and friendship.  Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter (the last one till August) and keep an eye on opportunities to get together.  

Best, 
Pam Richter
LNN President

Sip, Sip, Hooray!!

The weather is getting nicer, people are getting vaccinated…. so it’s time to celebrate!!  We’re gathering in members’ backyards in groups of 25 max for a wine and cheese happy hour.  LNN will provide individually-packaged antipasto boxes, members are asked to bring their own beverage.  Note that this is an adults-only event and that mask-wearing is at each person’s discretion.  It’s been a long time since we’ve celebrated in person, so looking forward to seeing members both new and old!!!

When:  Saturday, June 12 from 5-7pm (rain date is June 13)

Where:  LNN members’ backyards (you’ll be notified of your location a few days prior to the party).  We are looking for a few hosts, so if you are interested contact Helena ASAP at  Wennbo.helena@gmail.com

RSVP and questions:  No later than June 4.  Please indicate the number of people attending and if you would like an antipasto box (contains cheese, meat and various snacks). Email Saskia at sashouwing@gmail.com

After-Work Sunset Hike
Thursday, May 6 at 7pm
(Rain date is May 19)

Come out for an evening walk across Chiesa Farm Meadow and Willard Woods to unwind after a working day and enjoy the wonderful surrounding countryside of Lexington. 

Bring your partner or come by yourself!  For those wishing to socialize a bit more, after the hike join us in Saskia’s yard to enjoy a beverage of your own choice (Covid:-).  We will honor social distancing and want all who attend to feel comfortable and safe.

Parking at Diamond Middle School on Sedge Rd.  Look for the trail head sign – the meadow is a very short hike from there.

RSVP by May 5 at noon to Saskia at sashouwing@gmail.com

Book Club
Thursday, May 13 at 7:30pm

Join us virtually for our discussion of the New York Times bestseller Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Toby, a 41-year-old hepatologist, is undergoing a bitter divorce from his wife Rachel, a successful talent agent in New York. One day, she drops off their children, 11-year-old Hannah and 9-year-old Solly, at Toby’s house while he is still sleeping and takes off. A searing, utterly unvarnished debut, Fleishman Is in Trouble is an insightful, unsettling, often hilarious exploration of a culture trying to navigate the fault lines of the institution of marriage that has proven to be worthy of our great wariness and our great hope.

RSVP by May 11 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com
You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

Weekend Bike Ride
Saturday, May 15, 8:30-10:30am

Get the pulse up and join us on a scenic 30 km/ 18.6 mile bike ride in the beautiful area of Concord and Lexington.  **Intermediate level with some hills.**

We take the paved Minuteman Bike Trail from Lexington center to the end at Depot Park, get into the woods and on gravel roads, passing the Great Meadow Park. When reaching the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord and the Colonial Inn, we go back on the paved roads until we reach the Minuteman National Park where we bike on the gravel roads of Battle Road Trail. When meeting Mass Ave at the highway, we go back on the paved roads and end the trip with a wonderful long down-hill run until reaching Lexington center again – tired, sweaty and victorious!

RSVP to Rikke at borgensvej@yahoo.com

Coffee Talk
Wednesday, May 19, 10-12am

Bring your own coffee, or beverage of your choice, and join fellow LNN members for some social interaction!  Meet at Hastings Park Gazebo – on the corner of Mass Ave and Worthen Road.  No need to RSVP.

Questions about coffee talk: email Netice at netice71@yahoo.com

Weekday Bike Ride
Thursday, May 27, 10-12:30pm

A more relaxed alternative to the more intense Saturday bike ride, join a group of LNN members for a weekday bike ride to Concord and back.  Ride will include a stop for coffee.  

RSVP to Alexia at aducganis@comcast.net.

Dog Meet-Up
Tuesdays at 11am

Join us for a doggie meet-up! Dog owners and dog lovers welcome.  We’ll meet at Chiesa Farm Meadow where dogs can roam off-leash.  Optional walk/hike from there. 

Parking available at Diamond Middle School on Sedge Rd.  Look for the trail head sign.  The meadow is a very short hike from there.  It can be muddy, but there’s a large hill that stays dry most of the time.  Bring your leash, waste bags and a towel for wiping muddy paws!  No RSVP necessary.  Any questions, contact Deb at debbra.zucker@gmail.com .

Walking Group
Thursdays at 9am

Spring is here!  Enjoy the fresh air and join us for approximately hour-long walks in Lexington and neighboring towns. Email Debbie at dfortin01748@hotmail.com to be added to the email group and receive the weekly walk details which are typically sent out the night before. 

UPCOMING EVENTS….RSVP NOW!

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Weekend Bike Ride
Saturday, April 24 9-10:30am

Get the pulse up and join us on a scenic 30 km/ 18.6 mile bike ride in the beautiful area of Concord and Lexington.  **Intermediate level with some hills.**

We take the paved Minuteman Bike Trail from Lexington center to the end at Depot Park, get into the woods and on gravel roads, passing the Great Meadow Park. When reaching the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord and the Colonial Inn, we go back on the paved roads until we reach the Minuteman National Park where we bike on the gravel roads of Battle Road Trail. When meeting Mass Ave at the highway, we go back on the paved roads and end the trip with a wonderful long down-hill run until reaching Lexington center again – tired, sweaty and victorious!
 
RSVP as soon as possible (but no later than April 23) to Rikke at borgensvej@yahoo.com.  

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Weekday Bike Ride
Tuesday, April 27 10-12pm

A more relaxed alternative to the more intense Saturday bike ride described above, join a group of LNN members for a leisurely Tuesday morning bike ride.  Ride will include a stop for coffee.  **Beginner level with flat terrain – no hills.**
 
RSVP as soon as possible (but no later than April 26) to Alexia at aducganis@comcast.net.  

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After-Work Sunset Hike
Thursday, May 6 at 7pm

Come out for an evening walk across Chiesa Farm Meadow and Willard Woods to unwind after a working day and enjoy the wonderful surrounding countryside of Lexington. 

Bring your partner or come by yourself!  For those wishing to socialize a bit more, after the hike join us in Saskia’s yard to enjoy a beverage of our own choice (Covid:-).  We will honor social distancing and want all who attend to feel comfortable and safe.

Parking at Diamond Middle School on Sedge Rd.  Look for the trail head sign – the meadow is a very short hike from there.
 
RSVP by May 5 at noon to Saskia at sashouwing@gmail.com 

Take the Book Club Survey now!

We need your input! Please take the LNN Book Club Survey by April 18 – books: https://taniabojanowski.typeform.com/to/t3iv9f. The top 10 books as voted on by LNN members will be chosen for next season’s Reading List. All LNN members are welcome to participate!

Dog Meet-Up
Tuesdays at 11am

Join us for a doggie meet-up! Dog owners and dog lovers welcome.  We’ll meet at Chiesa Farm Meadow where dogs can roam off-leash.  Optional walk/hike from there. 

Parking available at Diamond Middle School on Sedge Rd.  Look for the trail head sign.  The meadow is a very short hike from there.  It can be muddy, but there’s a large hill that stays dry most of the time.  Bring along your leash, waste bags and a towel for wiping muddy paws! 

RSVP requested: debbra.zucker@gmail.com .  Also contact Deb with any questions and/or if you are interested in a doggie meet-up but if another day/time works better for you.

Coffee Talk
Wednesdays at 11am

Come out and enjoy the warmer weather this Wednesday!  Meet at Hastings Park Gazebo – on the corner of Mass Ave and Worthen Road.  No need to RSVP.

Questions about coffee talk: email Kim at kimwcramer@gmail.com

Walking Group
Thursdays at 9am

Note the new date and time. 

Come enjoy New England spring each Thursday at 9am for a brisk 1-1.5 hour walk.  It’s a great way to chat with your fellow LNN members and also explore new parts of Lexington and the surrounding area.  Due to changing weather conditions, walk location is determined the day before.  So to get details about each week’s walk, get on the Walking Group distribution list –  email Debbie at dfortin01748@hotmail.com.  Also feel free to contact Debbie with any questions or suggestions for hikes!

Book Club
Thursday, April 8 at 7:30pm

Join us virtually for our discussion of the New York Times bestseller Normal People by Sally Rooney. Normal People is the story of mutual fascination, friendship and love between Connell and Marianne. It takes us from that first awkward but electrifying conversation high school in Ireland to the years beyond at Trinity College in Dublin, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but have such a magnetism that they find that they can’t. Normal People is now an Emmy nominated Hulu original series.

RSVP by April 6 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com
You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

Arlington Eats Food Drive & Service Day
Friday, April 9, 1-3pm

Hunger is still part of many lives.  Won’t you help by donating food or volunteering?  We are collecting food for Arlington Eats.  Their most needed items include:  olive oil (not big Costco sizes, small to medium sizes are best), shelf-stable soup (all kinds), snacks (nuts, chips, cookies, granola bars – again, regular-sized boxes/bags are best and including gluten-free snacks), cereal (regular sized boxes, not individual sizes).  Additional non-perishable foods are welcome as well.  There will be a bin to place your donations in on Susan’s front porch at 231 Marrett Rd until April 8th.  

Join a group of LNN volunteers on Friday, April 9th, 1-3:00pm.   LNN volunteers will help unload items, weigh them, date check them, sort and stock them.  The food pantry will be well ventilated.  Hand sanitizers and gloves will be provided for your safety.  Masks are required.  

Please RSVP to Susan at susantousley@gmail.com by April 4th, if you would like to volunteer on April 9th or with questions.  We appreciate any help that can be given!

Pizza Cooking Class
Friday, April 30, 5:30-7:30pm

Friday night pizza doesn’t have to be delivery!  Learn how to make pizza – dough, red sauce, toppings – from the comfort of your own kitchen.  By the end of class, you’ll have made two delicious pizzas.  The class is being taught by Katie Walter, LNN member and owner of Two Aprons Cookery, a Lexington-based cooking class business.  This class is meant for individuals, couples and families with all levels of cooking experience.  Once you sign up you’ll receive the recipe, ingredient list and equipment list (no special equipment required).  Note that this is a virtual class – Zoom link will be sent out the day before class.

RSVP by April 29 to Katie at twoapronscookery@gmail.com.

Book Club Survey – We Need Your Input!

We are in the process of determining the roster of books for next season. Please submit a list of up to 5 books that you would like to read next season. We will create a survey with the submitted book titles, and the top 10 books as voted on by LNN members will be chosen for next season’s reading list. All LNN members are welcome to participate! Please email your list of up to 5 book titles to Tania at tania.bojanowski@gmail.com by March 21.

Dog Owner Meet-Up

We are looking to start a weekly or monthly meet-up for LNN members and their furry friends.  Deb Zucker has agreed to coordinate it, so if you are interested, please reach out to her.  Based on responses she’ll figure out a date/time to meet that we’ll communicate in the Weekly Happenings.  If you are interested, please email Deb at debbra.zucker@gmail.com.  

Book Club
Thursday, March 11 at 7:30pm

Join us virtually for our discussion of the instant #1 New York Times bestseller The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. As they sit in silence, the main clue he has is a painting she completed. She titled it Alcestis, named after a heroine in Greek mythology who sacrifices her life to save her husband. It’s an unforgettable―and Hollywood-bound―new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy.

RSVP by March 9 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com
You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

Sparkling Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 26 at 7pm

Join us for an evening sipping sparkling wines from around the world.   Our instructor, Beth Ann Dahan, a former Lexington resident, is a Professor of Wine Studies at Boston University School of Hospitality & Metropolitan College.  She will guide us through a tasting menu of Champagne, a Spanish Cava and an Italian Prosecco.  Beth Ann will let us know at what local Lexington shop we should purchase the wines and the specific food pairings that go with the specific wines.  LNN will pay Beth Ann for her services and members are in charge of buying the wines and food.  Look for an Evite to follow soon. 

Let’s toast our sparkling wines together – safely over Zoom.

Walking Group
Thursdays, 10am

Note the change from Tuesdays to Thursdays. 

However most weeks, join us on Tuesdays for an hour-long walk, rain (snow) or shine!  (Yes, usually even if snow, just not when we get a foot of it!) We are currently meeting at Minuteman National Park, in the visitor center parking lot (250 N. Great Rd, Lincoln).  No need to  RSVP!

Questions about the event: email Debbie at dfortin01748@hotmail.com

Coffee Talk
Wednesdays, 11am to Noon

Meet at Hastings Park Gazebo – on the corner of Mass. Ave and Worthen Road.  Any questions, please contact Kim at kimwcramer@gmail.com