Extremely Cold Temperatures in the Forecast this Weekend; Resources and Tips to Stay Warm
An official Wind Chill Watch has been issued for much of the region: temperatures may drop to -8° F and wind chills may reach -20° to -60° F late Friday night and Saturday morning.
See the official National Weather Service forecast for Lexington.
Protect yourself, your friends, your family, your pets and your home.
If You Must Go Out, Dress for the Extreme Cold
-Don't go out if you don't have to - wind chill can cause hypothermia or frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
-Dress in multiple, loose layers and wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves when outdoors.
-Wool stays warm even when wet. Don't wear cotton outside if you might get wet or sweat.
Cary Library is open Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Community Center is open Friday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
More information on how to stay warm indoors, avoid freezing pipes, and caring for others is available on our website.
Statement & Resources in Response to the Death of Tyre Nichols
We are outraged and profoundly saddened by the violent death of Tyre Nichols. We stand with Mr. Nichols' family, loved ones, and those grieving this senseless loss. This brutal act erodes the public trust between the community and the police. The Town of Lexington and Lexington Police Department remain committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all, where each individual matters and their rights are recognized and protected.
The Lexington Police Department’s foremost priority is to build and maintain trust and legitimacy in the community through transparency and positive community engagement. Our officers have mandatory training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, de-escalation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and above all, are mandated to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Our officers are proud to serve a deeply-involved community who set high standards and expectations. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to make Lexington a better place to live, work and visit. We have encouraged our officers and staff to use this moment as one to reflect on how we carry ourselves and interact with all members of our community each and every day.
A tragic event like this is a reminder for all of us to speak up, listen, talk to one another, act, and effect change. We invite you to partner with us as active “upstanders” who shape history and create a more compassionate, humane world.
Free and confidential resources are available through our Human Services Department to help anyone in our community who has been traumatized by the horrific and violent death of Tyre Nichols and needs support. The Human Services Department can be reached at 781-698-4840 or humanservices@lexingtonma.gov.
Sincerely,
James Malloy, Town Manager
Michael McLean, Police Chief
Job Opportunity: Recording Secretary for the Town's Finance Committees
The Town's Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee are looking for a part-time Recording Secretary to take the minutes at their meetings.
The position requires approximately 4-12 hours per week, with variable hours based on committee meeting schedules. Meetings are typically in the mornings and evenings.
Position requires good writing skills and attention to detail. No experience in municipal government necessary.
This opportunity is good for:
-Students
-Retirees
-People with flexible schedules
View the full position description, including how to apply.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance.
Agenda for Feb. 6 Select Board Meeting
The Select Board's next regularly scheduled meeting is on Monday, February 6 at 6:30 PM via hybrid participation via Zoom, and in person at the Town Office Building.
Among other items, the items for individual consideration include:
-Review and Approve Food Waste Pilot
-Presentation - Draft of Zero Waste Plan
-LexFarm Request to Extend Current Lease for an Additional Five-Year Term
-Presentation - Proposed Street Art Pilot Project
-2023 Annual Town Meeting
-Request to Approve License Agreement with Property Owner to Existing Fence Permit on Town Property - 3 Goffe Road
-Discuss FY2024 Town Manager's Preliminary Budget & Financial Planning 9:00pm
-Discuss Schedule for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Requests on Future Meeting Agendas
View the complete agenda and agenda packet
Local Business / Non-Profit Recovery Grant Program
The Town of Lexington is offering a grant program to local businesses and non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. The Select Board has authorized $500,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be available to the Lexington business community.
We are now accepting applications for the second round of ARPA Small Business and Non-Profit Grants.
-Businesses that have not yet received a grant are eligible for up to $25,000.
-Businesses that have already been awarded a grant can apply for up to $15,000.
-Non-Profit Businesses can apply up to $10,000 for both first-time applicants and those who have already received an award.
To learn about eligible use of funds, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and more, visit our website.
Sign Up for Other Town E-Newsletters and Emails
Did you know the Town has a number of other topic-specific newsletters you can sign up for? You can stay up to date on:
-Sustainability
-Recreation
-Economic Development
-Conservation
-Transportation
...and much more!
See the full list of emails you can sign up for at LexingtonMA.gov/email
Affordable 4 Bedroom Condo For Sale; Application Deadline Feb. 6
A new affordable housing opportunity in Lexington is available for eligible applicants.
$281,662 Four-Bedroom Condominium
Pine Grove Village
9 Judges Road, Lexington, MA 02421
4 bedroom condominium with 2 levels of living space in 1,631 square feet.
-1st floor offers a kitchen, spacious dining room, and living room, and full bath.
-2nd floor offers 4 bedrooms plus a full bath.
-2 parking spaces, walkable to downtown Lexington
-Prestigious community, excellent schools.
Applying
-Application Period opens – Friday, January 20, 2023
-Application Deadline – Monday, February 6, 2023, 1pm
-Lottery – Thursday, February 9, 2023, 11am, via online Zoom meeting
-Details and Application (PDF)
More Information
Learn more about this affordable housing opportunity, including eligibility requirements.
February is Therapeutic Recreation Month!
Therapeutic Recreation uses purposeful leisure-based activities to enhance an individual's overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
By providing inclusive and specialized programs, it ensures that individuals of all ages and abilities have the appropriate support to successfully participate in recreation.
Come by the Community Center at 39 Marrett Rd. to learn more about therapeutic recreation and to see what programs you can take part in!
Learn more about therapeutic recreation in Lexington.
COVID-19 Data; New Test Kits Available at Town Buildings; Old Test Kit Expiring Soon
The Lexington Office of Public Health will update weekly COVID-19 case numbers each Friday. The data represented on the dashboard DOES NOT include at-home test results. The data only represents results of PCR and antigen tests verified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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 received a new shipment of tests that expire in August 2023. Old test kits that were picked up prior to mid-January 2023 are set to expire on January 26, 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.
As we observe Black History Month, we take a moment to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. From civil rights movement to the arts, sciences, and beyond, Black individuals have left an indelible impact on our society. During this month, let us honor their legacy and continue to work towards a future that is inclusive, equitable, and just for all.
How is Lexington Celebrating Black History Month?
The Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL), initiated the Black History Project of Lexington. “ABCL’s Black History Portrait Banners honor 24 trailblazers. They represent four centuries of contributions of Black residents to American history and culture” (abclex.org). You can see these banners up close at Cary Library.
Please register for the following upcoming events:
February 15, 7:00 PM: LexSeeHer Speaker Series: Celebrate Black Women During Black History Month
Join this special LexSeeHer Speaker Series event to celebrate Black women in Lexington’s history from the 18th century forward. Learn more about the installation “Putting Black Women on the Map: Then and Now” with exhibit co-curators. The gallery space at LexArt brings our focus to the ongoing research taking place to document the lives of women in the 1700s, including Phebe Banister Burdoo, Cate Chester, and Margaret Tulip, who won her freedom in the courts in 1768.
February 23, 7:00 PM: Meet the Author: Earnestine Lovelle Jenkins
Join Dr. Earnestine Jenkins for a presentation about her recently published book Black Artists in America, From the Great Depression to Civil Rights. She will share images from her book to narrate a visual journey, that explores the artists, discussing how they expressed and documented the social issues and the black experience in their time.
Cary Library supports ABCL’s goal to incorporate Black history and achievement throughout the year and will continue to collaborate on this programming. Please check the ABCL webpage and/or the Cary Library webpage for upcoming events!
School Superintendent Dr. Julie Hackett's latest Superintendent's Report is available online. Topics covered include:
-We all belong
-Kindergarten registration opening soon
-Youth counseling connection
-Snow days and early release days
-Status of contract negotiations
You can view the full Superintendent's Report on ParentSquare.
JOBS
-Municipal Account Assistant (PT)
-Sr. Economic Development Coordinator
-Police Cadet NEW
-Recording Secretary NEW
Visit LexingtonMA.gov/jobs for more information.
