LEXINGTON

Hello Neighbors & Newcomers,

We want to wish all of our LNN members a wonderful holiday season, however you are celebrating!  It is strange having such a short December newsletter – usually it’s chock-full of festive holiday events including our annual holiday party.  This year it’s a bit different.  With the cold weather coming we are transitioning to more virtual events and continue exploring in-person (non-virtual) options that are fun and safe.  We are offering a few for December and will continue thinking of more creative ways to get-together in the new year!

We have added quite a few new members, so just a reminder of our website’s membership directory, which is a great way to connect with other LNN members.  Here’s a link membership directory and the password can be found in your email.

Be well, 
Katie and Pam (Co-Presidents)

Upcoming Activities

Holiday Food Drive
through December 18

Let’s give back to those less fortunate this holiday season, in particular House of Mercy in Lawrence and Lowell Transitional Living Center.  Both of these groups help the homeless and people in need by providing food, shelter and other services and both have experienced unprecedented need.  Let’s help them out by collecting nonperishable, vegetarian food items.  Food can be dropped off to Sue prior to December 18.  Any questions, please contact Sue at susantousley@gmail.com.

Virtual Cookie Exchange

Covid won’t get in the way of LNN members sharing their cookie and holiday baking….we’re just doing it virtually this year.  Post your favorite holiday baking – cookies, cakes, candies, etc.  They can be as gorgeous as in the photo, or even a fail!  Don’t worry about perfection, it’s all about sharing.  During the month of December post your baking to our private Lexington Neighbors & Newcomers Facebook Group.  If you haven’t joined yet, follow the link or contact Kim Cramer at kimwcramer@gmail.com.  If you don’t have Facebook, send you photo to Kim and she’ll post it on your behalf.

Book Club
Thursday, December 10 at 7:30pm

Join us for our fun and festive Holiday Book Club virtual meeting! Take part wearing any of your jolly holiday attire – hats, scarves, sweaters, earrings, etc. We will be discussing The Giver of Stars by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes as she weaves a spellbinding tale set in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains. Based on a program instituted by Eleanor Roosevelt in the mid-1930s, The Giver of Stars is about a group of women that begin a traveling library that delivers books to the rural areas of the town on horseback. These so-called Pack Horse Librarians must overcome a number of obstacles on their way to bringing literacy to the masses, but they do so and tackle these challenges together. It’s a tale of love, friendship and of course books – a soon to be motion picture by Universal Studios!

RSVP by December 8 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com . You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

Family Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 12, 5-7pm

No need to RSVP, just drop by the Lexington Battle Green Holiday Tree between 5-7pm to socialize and stroll the Town Center.  Let’s wear our masks and maintain social distance guidelines while we enjoy the festive lights together.  Hope to see you there!  

Questions about the event: email Helena at wennbo.helena@gmail.com

Walking Group
Tuesdays, 9am

Join us for an hour-long walk, rain (snow) or shine!  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 LNCexecs@lexington-newcomers.org (we’re in the process of finding a point person for walking group, so if anyone is interested, email us!)

Coffee Talk
Wednesdays, 11-12pm (new time!)

After announcing in the Weekly Happenings that Coffee Talk was on hold, we heard that many of you want to keep this going throughout the winter.  Weather will be chilly, so we’ve shortened it to 1 hour and moved it up to 11am. As always, this is weather dependent so if it’s really cold or really snowy we’ll probably cancel, so be sure to check the Weekly Happenings or the LNN Facebook Group for updates.

Save-The-Date

Men’s Poker Night
Thursday, January 21, 7pm

Join the men of LNN for an evening of poker.  This event will be virtual and is limited to 9 people, so reserve your spot now.  Note that there is $40 buy-in.

RSVP by January 19 to Ommer at ocmail@yahoo.com

Hiking and Skiing
Monthly, date tbd

Starting in January we’ll be organizing weather-dependent cross country skiing and winter hikes at various locations in the Boston area.  Since it’s weather-dependent be sure to check the Weekly Happenings as well as our LNN Facebook group for details.  Both the skiing and hiking are aimed at all skill levels, including beginners.  So join us for some fresh air in our beautiful natural surroundings!

Hello Neighbors & Newcomers,

If you haven’t done so already, please join our private Facebook group (Lexington Neighbors & Newcomers Members).  Especially with many events subject to weather, and that weather changing every-so-frequently, it’s a great way to stay up-to-date on LNN happenings.  We encourage you to post questions, ideas for fun things to do in the area, pictures of LNN events, etc.  It’s a great way to stay connected with the LNN community during Covid.

Speaking of connecting, we are figuring out what activities LNN can do throughout the winter.  We would love to hear your ideas for fun, Covid-safe, cold weather events.  Even better, if you want to get more involved with LNN consider joining the Board.  We are looking to add some new Board members starting in January, so consider contributing your time to LNN.  We are entirely volunteer run and we need people like you to keep it going!! 

To find out more about the LNN Board or if you have any other questions/comments, email us at lncexecs@lexington-newcomers.org or post to our Facebook group!

Be well, 
Katie and Pam (Co-Presidents)

Upcoming Activities

Hiking & Picnic
Monday, November 2, 10am-1pm

Join us for a 4.4 mile hike at Middlesex Fells Reservation.  We will hike the Rock Circuit trail – rated “moderate” – which offers beautiful views of downtown Boston.  Bring a picnic lunch.  Meeting details will be provided once you RSVP. 

RSVP or questions about the event:  Contact Angela by November 1 at arocbenson@gmail.com

New Member Party!
Thursday, November 5, 6-7:30pm

Are you new to LNN in 2020? Gather with fellow new members over Gluhwein and a warm fire next Thursday, November 5 from 6-7:30pm at the home of Pam & Norm Richter (61 Meriam St). Come as a couple or solo.

RSVP or questions about the event:  Contact Sadia by November 4 at sadia_sharif@hotmail.com

Book Club
Thursday, November 12 at 7:30pm

Join us for our November virtual Book Club!  Named one of the New York Times 10 best books of the year and a finalist for the Pulitzer prize, The Topeka School by Ben Lerner is a tender and expansive family drama set in the American Midwest at the turn of the century. Deftly shifting perspectives and time periods, The Topeka School is the story of a family, its struggles and its strengths: a mother’s reckoning with the legacy of an abusive father, a father’s marital transgressions, the challenge of raising a good son in a culture of toxic masculinity. It is also a riveting prehistory of the present: the collapse of public speech, the trolls and tyrants of the New Right, and the ongoing crisis of identity among white men.

RSVP by November 10 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com . You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

Walking Group
Tuesdays, 9am

Join us for an hour-long walk, rain (snow) or shine!  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 LNCexecs@lexington-newcomers.org (we’re in the process of finding a point person for walking group, so if anyone is interested, email us!)

Coffee Talk
Wednesdays, 10-12pm

Weather permitting, join us for BYO coffee mornings at Hastings Park in Lexington.  Look for Netice with the white LNN sign.  No need to RSVP!  Now that we’re getting into November and the weather is getting colder, and we may have snow (argh!!), be sure to check the Weekly Happenings and/or the LNN private Facebook group for updates each week on whether Coffee Talk will be held.

Questions about the event: contact Netice  at netice71@yahoo.com.  

Save-the-Date

Saturday, December 12, 4-6pm

Bundle up in your warmest ski pants and join us in celebrating the holidays around a cozy fire with delicious cocktails. We will bundle up in small groups and please bring your own beverages.  Adults only.

We are looking for hosts with fire pits or patio heaters.  Contact Angela at if you are able to host at arocbenson@gmail.com

Volunteer Opportunities

As we are stuck at home and know many out there are suffering, many of us are wondering what we can do to help.  One of our members has put us in touch with several volunteer opportunities that can make a difference.  See below:

Dear All,
Shelter communities are dealing with emergency in these trying times. We are certain we will emerge stronger but in the meantime, we need to be there for each other. Social distancing has resulted in the shutting down of several shelters across the state. However, we still have a huge population of those in need of a nutritious daily meal.

As a team, we are serving at the following locations:

A. House of Mercy in Lawrence: We are serving 100 paper bag lunches every Saturday. All the meal bags are collected at one location in Lexington by 10 am on Saturday morning and one of the volunteers drives to Lawrence to drop off. Collection and drop-off occurs in a contactless fashion. To volunteer, please request access to the following file by clicking on the link – https://tinyurl.com/lawrencefoodprogram. We will provide you the access and then you can add your name to the calendar.
The meal consists of:
1. a Peanut butter jelly sandwich (packed in a ziploc bag),
2. a Pack of crackers or granola bar or fruit cup (with a plastic spoon),
3. a Juice box or a small bottle of water.
The above needs to be packed in a brown paper bag with a paper napkin.

B. Lowell Transitional Living Center: We are serving vegetarian lunch for 70 people every other Saturday. To volunteer, please request access to the following file by clicking on the link – https://tinyurl.com/lowellfoodprogram. We will provide you the access and then you can add your name to the calendar.

The meal consists of:
1. Rice (2.5 large trays),
2. Beans (2.5 large trays),
3. Salad (2 large trays).

C. Packed food for homeless shelter for kids in Waltham:  To volunteer, please email us at bhakticenterlex@gmail.com and we will work with you directly on logistics.
The packed food boxes consist of:
1. Cereals,
2. Crackers,
3. Fruit Juices,
4. Chips,
5. Any other vegetarian snack items.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these places, please let us know and we can connect to discuss the details or you are also welcome to directly add your name to the following excel files.

A. House of Mercy, Lawrence:https://tinyurl.com/lawrencefoodprogram
B. Lowell transitional Living Center:https://tinyurl.com/lowellfoodprogram
C. Homeless shelter for kids in Waltham: Please contact us directly.

Contact name: Raj Heda, Email address:bhakticenterlex@gmail.com; Cell number: 617-283-5670

Hello Neighbors & Newcomers,

It was so nice seeing so many of you in person this month – coffee, walking group, ladies’ night.  Turnout has been great; people seem to want to get out of their houses and socialize.  And LNN really wants to continue offering these in-person events.  But we must to do it as safely as possible which means holding events outdoors, smaller groups (10 people max at home events), chairs outside spaced 6′ apart and hosts are not to provide food/drink (I know this last one is incredibly hard for most people, just goes against the grain of being a good host, but it’s really important to follow!).  If we stick with these guidelines we can continue gathering safely, which is what we all want!

Also we would love your help!!  LNN is run entirely by volunteers and many of us on the board have served the 4 year maximum, so we are looking for new people to get involved.  I can’t say enough about how it’s not only a great opportunity to give back, but you get to work with and get to know some amazing people.  Jobs range from organizing activities/events to supporting LNN behind-the-scenes.

To find out more about the LNN Board or if you have any other questions/comments, email us at lncexecs@lexington-newcomers.org.

Be well, 
Katie and Pam (Co-Presidents)

2020-2021 Membership Directory

The 2020-2021 Membership Directory is available on the LNN website – click the following link. The directory includes phone numbers and email addresses for all members who wish to be included.  If you don’t see your information, or if it requires updating, contact Sadia at  membership@lexington-newcomers.org.

And a reminder that we are always accepting new members, so continue to spread the words to your friends, colleagues and neighbors who are either new to Lexington or just want to learn more about our group.  To join LNN, click the following link.  

Upcoming Activities

Walking Group – Tuesdays, 9am

Meet up for an hour-long walk, rain or shine!  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 LNCexecs@lexington-newcomers.org (we’re in the process of finding a point person for walking group, so if anyone is interested, email us!)

Coffee Morning – Wednesdays, 10-12pm

Weather permitting, we will be holding BYO coffee mornings at Hastings Park in Lexington.  Look for Netice with the sign pictured here.  Bring your own chair, set it up 6′ away from others, wear a mask upon arrival and then enjoy chatting with other LNN members.  No need to RSVP! (Note: No Coffee Morning on October 21 because of the North Bridge tour/picnic.)

Questions about the event: contact Netice  at netice71@yahoo.com.  

Picnic Party – Saturday, October 3, 6-8pm

Houses have been assigned (max 10 people per house), so if you RSVP’d you should have received an email with location details.  If not, contact Angela at arocbenson@gmail.com.  If you aren’t signed up yet, but still want to attend, contact Angela to get on the wait list. 

Book Club – Thursday, October 15 at 7:30pm

Join us for our October virtual Book Club! The Unexpected Spy is the riveting story of Tracy Walder’s tenure in the CIA and, later, the FBI. A highly entertaining account of a young woman who went straight from her college sorority to the CIA, where she hunted terrorists and WMDs. A thrilling tale…Walder’s fast-paced and intense narrative opens a window into life in two of America’s major intelligence agencies.

RSVP by October 15 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com . You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

The entire reading list for the 2020-2021 season is now available on our website.  Click the Reading List link to see what books we’ll be reading this year!  

North Bridge Tour in Concord – Wednesday, October 21, 10:30-12:30pm

Join us for a self-guided socially-distanced walking tour of the historic North Bridge in Concord. Stay after for a BYO picnic lunch, if you wish.  (Note: There will not be a Coffee Morning this day.)

RSVP or questions about the event: contact Angela by October 19 at arocbenson@gmail.com. 

Ladies’ Night – Thursday, October 28, 5:30-7:30pm

Catch up with LNN members over BYO drinks in members’ backyards.  Max 10 people per house.  Please wear a mask upon arrival, bring your own drink/food, and be sure to space yourself 6′ apart.  Some hosts will provide chairs, other may require you to bring your own. 

RSVP or questions about the event: contact Jyoti by October 20 at jyotijustin.realtor@gmail.com.  Location information will be provided a few days prior to the event, to those who have RSVP’d.

Hello Neighbors & Newcomers,

It’s been a crazy year!  What more can we say.  We sincerely hope that everyone and their families are doing well, staying safe and that you were able to have a bit of joy and normalcy over the summer. 

Organizations, school systems, etc. are all struggling with how to operate this fall and LNN is no different.  As a Board we’ve decided to return in September with safe, socially-distanced outdoor activities and continue those while weather permits.  We’ll also continue offering Book Club as a virtual option.  Once we are unable to gather outdoors, we will switch to all-virtual programming.  

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.

Be well, 
Katie and Pam (Co-Presidents)

2020-2021 Membership

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Typically at this time of year we’d be requesting members pay their annual dues.  However due to Covid-related programming limitations, the Board has decided to waive fees for the 2020-2021 LNN season.  All members will be automatically renewed.  We are also still taking on new members, so continue to spread the words to your friends, colleagues and neighbors who are either new to Lexington or just want to learn more about our group.  To join LNN, click the following link.  If you have any questions, please contact Sadia at  membership@lexington-newcomers.org.

Upcoming Activities

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Book Club – Thursday, September 17 at 7:30pm

Join us for our first virtual Book Club of the season! A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and a New York Times Bestseller, The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett, is a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood after their mother has left the family home, and a past that will not let them go. The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, dusted with a fairy tale, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are.

RSVP by September 15 to Priya at priyanpatel@yahoo.com . You will receive a Zoom link/password and instructions on how to connect.

The entire reading list for the 2020-2021 season is now available on our website.  Click the Reading List link to see what books we’ll be reading this year!  

Ladies’ Night – Wednesday, September 23, time tbd

Kick off the 2020-2021 LNN season while catching up with old friends and meeting new members too.  This event and Welcome Coffee are our fall kick-off events, open to both existing members and non-members interested in learning more about LNN.  Attend whichever works best for your schedule, or attend both!  This event will be held outside in a member’s yard.  Space is limited, so don’t wait to RSVP!

RSVP or questions about the event: contact Jyoti Justin at jyotijustin.realtor@gmail.com.  Location information will be provided once you RSVP.

Welcome Coffee – Thursday, September 24 10-12pm

Kick off the 2020-2021 LNN season while catching up with old friends and meeting new members too.  This event and Ladies’ Night are our fall kick-off events, open to both existing members and non-members interested in learning more about LNN.  Attend whichever works best for your schedule, or attend both!  This event will be held outside in a member’s yard.  Space is limited, so don’t wait to RSVP!

RSVP or questions about the event: contact Netice Dokmecdioglu at netice71@yahoo.com.  Location information will be provided once you RSVP.  

Picnic Party – Saturday, October 3, 6-8pm

Let’s not allow distance to come between us!  Join us for drinks and bites in small, socially distanced groups in members’ yards.  All members will receive an Evite by the end of the week with further details and RSVP instructions.  We are in need of hosts for this event – it’s all BYO, so hosts just need to provide a yard…easy!  

If you are able to host or have any questions, contact Angela Benson at arocbenson@gmail.com.