Arbor Day Celebration in Lexington

Come and celebrate Arbor Day with the Lexington Field and Garden Club and the Lexington Conservation Stewards!

April 29, 9:00 AM to Noon - Events for All Ages

SCHEDULED EVENTS: (all events at Cotton Farm except bird walk)

• 7-9 am: Bird walk at Dunback Meadow (Citizens for Lexington Conservation)

Dunback Meadow’s variety of habitats including meadows, forest, and a brook, makes  this property an excellent place to look for the beginning of spring bird migration. Possibilities include the early warblers, vireos, kinglets, and sparrows; plus our resident birds including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.  

Meet at the Allen St entrance. The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Walk Leader: Bobbie Hodson, robertahodson@comcast.net

• 9:30 am: Arbor Day Dedication and Tree Ceremony (Lexington Field and Garden Club and Matthew R Foti Landscape Design & Construction Inc)

At this annual tradition, The Lexington Field and Garden Club will dedicate a tree to members of the club who have passed away over the past year. The tree will be donated by Matthew R Foti Landscape Design & Construction Inc

• 10 am: Tour of the Cotton Farm Apiary (Lexington High School Beekeeping Club)

Lexington resident and master bee keeper Alix Bartsch and the Lexington High School Beekeeping Club will talk about the new Cotton Farm Apiary and answer questions about backyard beekeeping.

• 10:30 am: Home orchard care and pruning workshop (Parterre Garden Services)

Ornamental and fruit tree experts from Parterre Garden Services will lead a 30 minute workshop on proper pruning and tree care techniques for the home orchardist. 

• 11:15 am: Arborist Demonstration; how to plant a tree! (Bartlett Tree Experts)

Tree climbing demonstration and tree planting instructions from local tree care company Bartlett Tree Experts

THROUGHOUT THE MORNING:

Ask an Expert: free landscape and tree care advice with staff from Parterre Garden Services and Bartlett Tree Experts

Native Plants and Pollinators: gardening tips and advice from Lexington Field and Garden Club members

Free Arbor Day tree seedlings from Bartlett Tree Experts

Lexington Junior Ranger Workbooks: prizes available for completed guidebooks!

“FUN AND LEARNING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!” 

JOIN US FOR PART OR ALL OF THE MORNING.

Parking:  Please park along Marrett Road or at the Lexington Community Center

VISIT: http://www.lexingtonma.gov/home/news/arbor-day-celebration-saturday-april-29-900-am-noon-events-all-ages for more information

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6 Easy Home Improvements to Sell Your Lexington Home

Selling your Lexington home might feel overwhelming. The market is hot right now, you think—so you should hurry up while you can still get a good price. Or perhaps your dream home was just listed, but you can’t move in until your current place sells … so you should expedite this, right?

The problem is, if you move too fast, buyers see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this, my friends, might end up costing you time and money. Lots of both, in fact.

So take the time to sell your home right. These six home improvements will make your home sell faster and for more cash. And some of them aren’t even very much work.

1. Spruce up the grounds

This is one of the easiest—and cheapest—tricks in the book: Good landscaping can add up to 28% to overall home value. Why pass up free money?

Hire a landscaper to give your front yard the once-over, or just clean up the details yourself (e.g., edge the lawn, plant flowers), and update the outdoor furniture on the front porch to give the space a fresh, “buy me now” appeal.

But if you don’t have time for a full overhaul of your front yard, at least replace your welcome mat with a new one and paint or re-stain your front door.  

2. Love the hardwood

 One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers is dirty old carpet. To get the best price possible, it is worthwhile to invest in wood floors.

Right now, carpeting isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s a choice that can actively turn away buyers who can’t see beyond it. Instead of noticing what a wonderful, light-filled living room you have, they can think only about just how much money it will cost to get rid of that nasty old carpet. What you have underneath might be far more presentable, with a bit of cleaning and refurbishing. If it isn’t, a new floor is a worthwhile investment.

Decided to keep your carpet? At the very least, make sure to clean it thoroughly before buyers come trekking through your home.

3. Fix windows and doors

So you’re selling an older home, complete with creaking windows and doors that don’t open and close easily after years of use. Maybe you’re hoping buyers will overlook the problems in favor of “charm.”

When a showing starts, potential buyers are going to open and close windows and doors and learn that something is awry.

You’re not just irritating buyers by refusing to fix broken windows and doors. Ignoring basic repair work might actually cast a pall on your entire home.

Buyers will suspect that other hidden items in the house haven’t been kept up either.

4. Paint (and wash!) walls

If any of your rooms are doused in a dark shade, such as eggplant or emerald, cover it up with a coat of light or neutral paint. Buyers find it easier to picture themselves living in a home with neutral walls—plus, they’ll make your home seem larger, cleaner, and far more appealing.

If you still can’t bring yourself to paint over the hues you’ve so carefully selected, consider this: After living in a home for a few years you may become a bit blind to how your walls are showing to newcomers.

5. Clean the cabinets

If you’ve never sold a house before, you might be surprised by how bold buyers are. Digging through your drawers? Peeking inside your cabinets?  But buyers are expected to be little investigators—so be prepared before they start sleuthing.

Buyers should be able to see how much storage is available rather than the clutter you might have there.

Also, check for any loose drawers, hardware, or shelving so buyers don’t wonder what else might be amiss. And hide those strange or semi-incriminating items that aren’t at all meant for public display.

6. Update the lighting

Before putting your home on the market, bring in a second set of eyes (your Realtor or stager is perfect for this) to look over your lighting. Is it dated? Does it serve the space poorly?

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Patriots' Day Weekend Schedule of Events

Saturday, April 15 - Monday, April 17, 2017

242^nd Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington
 

Volunteer to be a  Parade Ambassador!

Schedule subject to change - please check back closer to Patriots' Day for the final schedule

Lexington Alarm Letter on View

Couriers delivered the news of the conflict at Lexington throughout the colonies soon after the event. See one of the actual letters that helped spread the news, penned on April 20, 1775.

On view at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Rd 
Saturday, April 1 - Saturday, April 21
The Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM  

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Saturday, April 15
 

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  Lexington Visitors’ Center - free
1875 Massachusetts Ave, across from the Battle Green
781-862-1450  
View diorama of Battle of Lexington and shop for custom and unique Lexington gift items. Public restrooms
Visitors' Center

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM  Battle Green Guided Tours - free
Official Lexington Battle Green Guides in Colonial clothing offer informal tours, history, visitor information and directions throughout the day. View one of the oldest war memorials in the country where the remains of 7 of the   8 Militia who died on the Battle Green on April 19th are buried.
Lexington Tourism Committee

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Buckman Tavern Tours - $   
1 Bedford St, across from the Battle Green
Self-paced audio tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society

10:00 AM Parker’s Revenge - free   
Lexington Minute Men gather on the Lexington Battle Green to reenact the second call to arms from Captain Parker with additional dialogue from Reverend Jonas Clarke. Following this event, the Minute Men will march to Fiske Hill before continuing on to Parker’s Revenge site in the Minute Men National Park.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Hancock-Clarke House Tours - $  
36 Hancock St
Guide-led tours available every half hour. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Liberty Ride Trolley Tours - $ 
A unique 90 minute trolley tour of the historic Battle Road. Tickets required; purchase tickets online in advance or at the Visitors Center.. 
Board at the Lexington Visitors Center 1875 Massachusetts Ave, across from the Battle Green
Tours at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 & 2:30
Lexington Tourism Committee

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Lexington Alarm Letter on View - free
Couriers delivered the news of the conflict at Lexington throughout the colonies soon after the event. See one of the letters that helped spread the news, penned on April 20, 1775.

The Alarm Letter will be on view from Saturday, April 2 - Saturday, April 23. The Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road       

11:00 AM Meet and Talk with the Minute Men at Fiske Hill - free
At Minute Men National Park, on the Battle Road at Old Massachusetts Avenue.

12:00 PM - 4 PM  Munroe Tavern Tours - $   
1332 Massachusetts Ave
Self-guided or guided tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.  
Lexington Historical Society

1:00 PM Parker’s Revenge Wreath Laying Ceremony - free
Parker’s Revenge site on the Battle Road near the Minute Men National Park Visitor Center, Rt 2A, Lexington
National Park Service  

2:00 PM Parker’s Revenge
A skirmish at The Bluff on the Battle Road at the intersection of Old Massachusetts Avenue and Rt 2A.  
National Park Service                                          

4:00 PM Tower Park Battle Reenactment - free  
Follow the British retreat as they fight the Colonial militia.  Massachusetts Avenue opposite Pelham Road. 
Lexington Minute Men

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Sunday, April 16

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  Lexington Visitors’ Center - free
1875 Massachusetts Ave, across from the Battle Green
781-862-1450  
View diorama of Battle of Lexington and shop for custom and unique Lexington gift items. Public restrooms
Visitors' Center

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM  Battle Green Guided Tours - free
Official Lexington Battle Green Guides in Colonial clothing offer informal tours, history, visitor information and directions throughout the day. View one of the oldest war memorials in the country where the remains of 7 of the   8 Militia who died on the Battle Green on April 19th are buried.
Lexington Tourism Committee

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Buckman Tavern Tours - $   
1 Bedford St, across from the Battle Green
Self-paced audio tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Liberty Ride Trolley Tours - $ 
A unique 90 minute trolley tour of the historic Battle Road. Tickets required; purchase tickets online in advance or at the Visitors Center..
Board at the Lexington Visitors Center 1875 Massachusetts Ave, across from the Battle Green
Tours at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 & 2:30
Lexington Tourism Committee 

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Hancock-Clarke House Tours - $  
36 Hancock St
Guide-led tours available every half hour. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM  Munroe Tavern Tours - $   
1332 Massachusetts Ave
Self-guided or guided tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.  
Lexington Historical Society 

11:30 PM Paul Revere Ride Reenactment - free 
Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock St, Lexington
A reenactment of the arrival of Paul Revere at the Hancock-Clarke House. 
Lexington Historical Society 

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Monday, April 17 - Patriots' Day

5:30 AM “The Alarm” at the Old Belfry - free
Belfry Hill, Massachusetts Ave at Clarke Street across from the Battle Green.
Come ring the bell that sounded the Alarm that the British Regulars were coming

5:30 AM Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington on the Battle Green - free
(Rain date: Saturday, April 22 @ 5:30 AM)
(Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, April 2 @ 2 PM; rehearsal rain date Saturday, April 8 @ 2 PM) 
The Battle Green, Massachusetts Ave at Bedford St
The Lexington Minute Men

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM  Pancake Breakfasts - $

• Boy Scout Troop #160 at St. Brigid Church, 2001 Massachusetts Avenue
• First Baptist Church of Lexington, 1580 Massachusetts Avenue (across from Police Station) 
• The Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street (Massachusetts Avenue @ Meriam Street).  All proceeds to benefit LexRAP (Lexington Refugee Assistance Program).

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM  Lexington Visitors’ Center - free
1875 Massachusetts Ave, across from the Battle Green
781-862-1450  
View diorama of Battle of Lexington and shop for custom and unique Lexington gift items. Public restrooms
Visitors' Center

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM Buckman Tavern Walk Through Tours - $  
1 Bedford St, across from the Battle Green
Walk through the rooms of the historic tavern. Admission tickets available at the house.  Adults $3/Children $1  
Lexington Historical Society 

7:30 AM  Sunrise Youth Parade - free
Starting at Munroe Cemetery driveway, proceeding west along Massachusetts Ave through Lexington center onto the Battle Green.

8:00 AM First Shot! Film Screening and Q & A with British and Colonial Reenactors - $
At the Lexington Depot, Depot Square, one block east of the Battle Green
Tickets available at the door. Adults $3/Children $1  
Lexington Historical Society

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Buckman Tavern Tours - $   
1 Bedford St, across from the Battle Green
Self-paced audio tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Hancock-Clarke House Tours - $  
36 Hancock St
Guide-led tours available every half hour. Admission tickets available at the house.
Lexington Historical Society                             

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Munroe Tavern Tours - $   
1332 Massachusetts Ave
Self-guided or guided tours available. Admission tickets available at the house.  
Lexington Historical Society

8:15 AM  Patriots’ Day Ceremonies on the Battle Green - free 
Massachusetts Ave at Bedford Street. 

9:00 AM First Shot! Film Screening and Q & A with British and Colonial Reenactors - $
At the Lexington Depot, Depot Square, one block east of the Battle Green
Tickets available at the door. Adults $3/Children $1  
Lexington Historical Society

10:00 AM Lexington Lions Club 103^rd Annual Five-Mile Road Race
Starting/ending on Massachusetts Ave at the Battle Green. 
For more information call (781) 862-2534 or visit Lexington Lions Club

10:00 AM First Shot! Film Screening and Q & A with British and Colonial Reenactors - $
At the Lexington Depot, Depot Square, one block east of the Battle Green
Tickets available at the door. Adults $3/Child $1  
Lexington Historical Society

10:30 AM Lexington Minute Men Company/DAR Wreath Laying Memorial Ceremony - free
On the Battle Green at the Obelisk
The Lexington Minute Men

11:00 AM USS Lexington Memorial Ceremonies - free
Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Ave, adjacent to Buckman Tavern.  
Lexington Lions Club

11:00 AM First Shot! Film Screening and Q & A with British and Colonial Reenactors - $
At the Lexington Depot, Depot Square, one block east of the Battle Green
Tickets available at the door. Adults $3/Children $1  
Lexington Historical Society

11:15 AM – 12 PM Annual Patriots’ Day Handbell Concert of Patriotic and American music - donation  
Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue  (the  stone church across from the battle green)
The concert is family-friendly and includes music played on 5 octaves of hand bells and 6 octaves of hand chimes, sure to please all ages: Broadway hits, American gospel,  spirituals, and patriotic songs.  Suggested donation of $3 per person to benefit the Handbell Scholarship Fund to assist ringers to attend workshops and festivals.

12:00 PM   “What Really Happened that Day.” - free
First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road.
Lexington Minuteman Dan Fenn gives a half hour talk on what really happened on April 19, 1775.

12:30 PM Float Judging on Massachusetts Ave in East Lexington - free

1:00 PM Paul Revere Arrives at the Battle Green on Horseback - free
Greeted by the Board of Selectmen and the Lexington Minute Men Company
Lexington Minute Men

2:00 PM Patriots’ Day Afternoon Parade - free
Starting at Massachusetts Ave and Maple St in East Lexington, proceeding west along Massachusetts Avenue through Lexington center, left onto Worthen Road ending at the town pool parking lot.

Make Money From Spring Cleaning Your Lexington Home!

Lexington MA Spring Cleaning Tips

As a Lexington real estate agent, and homeowner, I know how daunting the task of spring cleaning can seem. But what if this year, you go into the task with the plan to come out of it with some extra cash? It’s very possible, thanks to so many websites and companies that will pay you for your old goods. Use that as incentive to clean and declutter your Lexington, MA home once and for all.

House Beautiful shared an extensive list of ways to make some money from your spring cleaning castaways. Here are a few of my favorites:

• For clothing, you’ve got lots of options – thrift stores, eBay, garage sale, etc. But Thred Up is a resell website that will even send you a free clean out kit! Pack your name-brand clothing in it and send it back. They’ll pay you immediately for items listed under $60, and as soon as they sell for items over $60.

• For gift cards, did you know there is a company that will buy your unused gift cards from you? Brilliant! Collect all of your gift cards with balances left, which you probably will never use, and send to Gift Card Granny. They’ll pay you up to 92 percent of the value in cash.

• For sports equipment, sell to Swap Me Sports. You can join for 30 days for just $5 and trade, sell or donate used sports gear. If your kids have grown out of their gear, but are still playing, this might be a great option for trading in equipment for more suitable options!

• Kid toys and clothing get grown out of faster than anything! Earn cash or store credit by bringing your kids’ items into a Kid to Kid consignment shop, or send them through the mail to Swap.com. They’ll even provide you with a pre-paid shipping label.

• Books are heavy, take up space, and are a pain to move with. Collect your old books and textbooks, and even electronics, music and movies, and sell on Amazon’s Trade-In program. They’ll give you Amazon gift cards for your items. Other options include eBay’s Half.com or BookScouter.com for kids’ books.

For more options for antiques, vintage furniture, jewelry, designer handbags, cellphones, laptops and even old magazines, check out the House Beautiful article. It’s amazing how many options you have for making extra money through spring cleaning efforts!

When ready to accomplish your home-selling or home-buying goals in the Lexington real estate market this spring, contact me, your Lexington real estate agent. Spring is the ideal time to buy or sell, don’t hesitate to call me so we can get started!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Liberty Ride Trolley Tour Open for the Season

Liberty Ride Trolley Tour Runs Every Weekend
This Spring with NEW Online Ticketing!

Ride along the historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775 and the literary legacy that defined American identity and culture. 

A perfect Spring outing for your family or out-of-town-guests!

• Tours are 90 minutes long
• Depart from the bus stop in front of:

   Lexington Visitors Center (across from the Minuteman Statue)
   1875 Massachusetts Avenue
   Get directions

• Tours are run by entertaining, knowledgeable guides in authentic period dress
• Information about the battle and life in Colonial America is historically accurate
• Visits Lexington & Concord's historic sites and attractions

For More about the tour:

http://www.tourlexington.us/liberty-ride-trolley-tours

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