LEXINGTON

Hello Neighbors & Newcomers,

We had a delightful Fiesta hosted by Upasna and Gaurav! Big thanks to our hosts and to our stellar events committee for the organization. The first book club of the season also had a great turnout to discuss The Midnight Library.
 
As we settle into the new school year and are back to our work routine, LNNC has put together fun activities and events for October, including a Ladies’ Night, Lads’ Night, and waterfall + chocolates excursion, as well as our great recurring activities.

We always welcome your ideas and feedback. Any questions or comments, feel free to email us at lncexecs@lexington-newcomers.org or post ideas/thoughts to the Lexington Neighbors & Newcomers Members Facebook group.

Kindly,
Your Newcomers & Neighbors Board

Upcoming Events

Ladies’ Night
Thursday, October 28 at 7pm

Join the ladies of LNN at Revolution Hall (along the Minuteman Bikeway, 3 Maguire Road), which has a great vibe, a self-serve beer & wine wall, and fun cocktails & food as well. There is indoor and outdoor seating, plus cornhole, ping pong, and shuffleboard.

We will order some shared bites for the group. Drink cards and additional food may be purchased individually. 

Please RSVP to Saskia to ensure we are able to communicate any info as necessary.

Lads’ Night
Thursday, October 14 at 7pm

Join the lads of LNN at Via Lago (1845 Massachusetts Ave) for a make-your-own-Oktoberfest gathering.

The Lex Mecs shall stay local this time to increase the numbers and allow for a little more consumption for those who wish to cycle or even walk to the pub.

Questions: Email Derek to be added to the Lex Mecs distribution list.

Fall Outing
Saturday, October 16 at 1pm

How would you like to have a walk in the fall foliage, find a waterfall and then eat some nice candies or chocolates?

October 16^th you are invited to join other LNN members to meet up at 1pm to drive to Danforth falls, walk to the falls, and then have snacks at Colonial Candies.

This is a family and pet friendly event. Anticipate a 45-minute drive to and from the Bolton area (carpool options available) with a return to Lexington about 4-5 PM.

To RSVP email Lara.

For more information about the locations:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/danforth-falls
https://www.colonialcandies.com/services

Book Club
Thursday, October 14 at 7pm

On Thursday, October 14th, join us for wine, snacks and an discussion of this month’s book club selection, Klara and the Sun.

From Kazuo Ishiguro, the best-selling author of Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day, comes a stunning new novel—his first since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature—about the wondrous, mysterious nature of the human heart.

From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.

In Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?

RSVP by October 13th to lexnnbookclub@gmail.com. Once you RSVP, we will send you the address of our host home before the meeting.

Coffee Talk
Thursday, October 21 at 10am

Join us for coffee in the yard. This event is open to both current members and non-members interested in learning about what LNN offers. Feel free to bring along someone new to Lexington or someone looking to expand their community. See you there!

Please RSVP to Jen.

Walking Group
Tuesdays at 9:30am

Weekly location will be sent to the walking group email distribution prior to the hike. Please reach out to Debbie with questions!

Those interested in additional Lexington walks can also check out CLC’s Fall Walks. 

Dog Meet-Up

If you’re interested in the dog meet-up, please email Rachel by Oct 8th to be included in a poll to find a time and location most convenient for all participants this month!

Membership for 2021/2022

A small ask from the membership team to check your email inbox and/or spam folder, as we have heard that some membership emails and payment requests may have fallen into the spam folder.

Information regarding membership renewal was emailed early September and payment requests were emailed a few days later (directly from PayPal).

Please check your email, and proceed to pay your membership at your earliest convenience. In case you cannot find these documents, please reach out to: lexingtonma.newcomers@gmail.com

Please also let us know, should you no longer wish to be a member, so we can update our membership records accordingly.

Announcements

Seeking:

• Your input on events! Complete the survey here. 
• Dog Meet-Up Organizer (Email if interested)

We hope you and your families had a nice break and this message will find you well. We want to kick off this new season with an in-person welcome back party. Please do not forget to RSVP. The LNN board is actively discussing activities for the coming months, and also remains committed to the safety of our members and our community.

As a Board we’ve decided to return in September with safe, socially-distanced activities and continue those while weather permits. We want to let you know that you should receive an email to renew your membership for the 2021-2022 year. 

We really hope to see you at this month’s events!  Any questions or comments, email us at lncexecs@lexington-newcomers.org or feel free to post ideas/thoughts to the Lexington Neighbors & Newcomers Members Facebook group.

Kindly,
Your Newcomers & Neighbors Board

Welcome Back Fiesta!!

 It’s time to reconnect in person after the summer! Join us for outdoor music, sangria, and tapas. Note that this is an adults-only event and we will follow current CDC/Lexington guidelines for Covid safety. Can’t wait to see you all!!

When: Saturday, September 25^th from 5-7pm

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

RSVP and questions: No later than September 18 to Helena at wennbo.helena@gmail.com. Please indicate the number of people attending.

Men’s Pub Night
Thursday, September 9 at 7pm

Questions: Email Saskia at sashouwing@gmail.com. This will be a recurring event on the second Thursday of each month, if there is adequate interest.

Book Club
Thursday, September 23 at 7pm

Please join us for a lively discussion of Matt Haig’s New York Times bestseller The Midnight Library. 

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. 

In The Midnight Library, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

RSVP by September 22 to lexnnbookclub@gmail.com. Please note this is a new email. Once you rsvp, you will receive the address of our in-person meeting the day before the meeting.

Welcome (Back) Coffee
Wednesday, September 29 10am-12pm

Join us for a welcome coffee to kick-off the 2021-2022 LNN season.  
This event is open to both current members and non-members interested in learning about what LNN offers. Feel free to bring along someone new to Lexington or someone looking to expand their community. See you there!

Please RSVP to Netice Dokmecioglu 
netice71@yahoo.com

Walking Group
Tuesdays at 9:30am

Meet at Starbucks on Bedford Street for the first walk of the season on September 14! Please reach out to Debbie Fortin (dfortin01748@hotmail.com) with questions!

Dog Meet-Up
Friday September 10 at 4pm

Join us at Chiesa Farm Meadow for a doggie meet-up! Dog owners and dog lovers welcome. 

PARKING: Diamond Middle School (park on Sedge Rd at the trail head – very short hike through a wooded area to the meadow)  – Park and proceed to the meadow, we’ll gather near the hill in the open meadow (there are benches there). 
BRING: leash, waste bags, bug/tick spray, towel for muddy paws
For questions, contact Rachel Brownell.

Membership for 2021/2022

For the coming year, we will again be requesting a membership fee to support the planning and organization of all our fun activities.

An email and a payment request will be send out to all existing members in the coming days, requesting payment either via PayPal (a PayPal account is not required to be able to pay) or via check.

The membership fee for an entire household in 2021/2022 is $50. An early bird special of $45 will run from September 1st to 15th. So keep an eye on your email and make sure to pay as soon as possible to benefit from this 🙂

To maintain your membership for 2021/2022, your payment must be received before October 31st

Changes and updates?
Have you moved or changed your name, phone number or email, please make sure to reach out to us at lexingtonma.newcomers@gmail.com to get this updated in the membership database.

Announcements

Seeking:

• Your input on events! Complete the survey here. 
• Men’s Pub Night Organizer (Email if interested) 
• Dog Meet-Up Organizer (Email if interested)

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