Monday, May 28, 2018

Memorial Day History


The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, are unclear.

In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, America’s need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers’ graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation.

After World War I, the day expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
No less than 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and states observed the holiday on different dates. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by an act of Congress; it is now celebrated on the last Monday in May The holiday was held on May 30 from 1868 to 1970 and still recognized by some as the true Holiday.

Since it all started with the Civil War, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of this event by visiting the Library of Congress Civil War collection, which includes more than a thousand photographs.

THE POPPY, A SYMBOL OF MEMORIAL DAY
The wearing of poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day (not Veterans Day). The origin of the red poppy as a modern-day symbol of this day was actually the idea of an American woman, Miss Moina Michael. Read more about the inspiration for the poppy.
In war-torn battlefields, the red field poppy (papaver rhoeas) was one of the first plants to grow. Its seeds scattered in the wind and sat dormant in the ground, only germinating when the ground is disturbed—as it was by the very brutal fighting during World War 1.

The practice of wearing of poppies was further inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by Canadian soldier John McCrae. He saw the poppies in burials around his artillery position in Belgium.

Today, poppies are both the symbol of loss of life as a symbol of recovery and new life, especially in support of those servicemen who were damaged physically or emotionally. 


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Lexington Memorial Day Events



Monday, May 28, 2018

Wreath laying ceremonies will be held at 8:45 AM at the Main Fire Station and 9:00 AM at Westview Cemetery.


The Memorial Day Parade steps off from the Police Station at 10:00 AM with Ed LoTurco as the Grand Marshal. The parade stops at Munroe Cemetery to honor our Civil War veterans, then moves along Massachusetts Avenue to the Battle Green, stopping at several memorials along the way for a wreath laying ceremony. 

The Parade arrives at the Green for the Memorial Day Ceremony at approximately 11:20 AM  Lt. Col Ken Ferland, the 66th Air Base Group Deputy Commander, will deliver the keynote address. 

Schedule:
8:45 AM
    Lexington Fire Station
9:00 AM
    Westview Cemetery
10:00 AM
    Parade Begins at Police Station
10:10 AM:
    Munroe Cemetery
10:30 AM
    Lexington Police Memorial
    Korean/Vietnam War Vets
10:40 AM
    World War II Veterans Memorial
10:50 AM
    All Soldiers Memorial
11:00 AM
    Old Burying Ground
11:20 AM
    Battle Green
    Memorial Day Ceremony

Please call the Town Celebrations Committee information line at 781-698-4640 for details.




Monday, May 21, 2018

2018 Lexington Farmers' Market



2018 Lexington Farmers’ Market
Opening Day
Tuesday, May 29th!
2:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Corner of Mass Ave, Fletcher Ave, & Woburn St.
Lexington, MA


If you are interested in getting in touch about providing entertainment, volunteering or participating in our community tent, email lexingtonfarmersmkt@gmail.com for more information.
We are looking forward to being reunited with our favorite farmers, friends, and all that fresh local food!

Market Hours & Locations
Every Tuesday
May 29th – October 30th
2:00 – 6:30 pm
(closing at 6:00 pm in October)

If you interested in performing at the market please contact Geoff Keith; to lexingtonfarmersmkt@gmail.com


Mission:
The Lexington Farmers’ Market connects residents with local farmers and vendors, providing greater access to fresh, locally-grown and -produced food to community members of all income levels. The LFM educates people about healthy eating, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, and provides a social experience that builds community.






Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Lexington Community Events for May 19


There are several community events in Lexington on May 19, 2018. Come on out and enjoy the slowly warming weather.

7:00AM-12:00PM Lexington Field and Garden Club Plant Sale
Department of Public Works Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street.
Enjoy a beautiful variety of home grown local plants that have been potted and cared for specifically for sale by members of the Lexington Garden Club!.
Come early - as plants fly off the tables!

9:00AM-11:00AM Whipple Hill Photography Walk
Explore the opportunities for capturing the magic of spring at Whipple Hill in pixels with an experienced local photographer. Sunder Neelakantan will be your guide in how to best capture features of the property in memorable photographs. Steady rain cancels. Meet at the signed entrance to the property at the top of Winchester Drive opposite Berkshire Drive. Leader: Sunder Neelakantan (781-424-7558, diadensunder@gmail.com)

2:00PM-5:00PM Lexington Symphony Community Music Festival
Lexington Symphony and Conductor Jonathan McPhee host the third annual Community Music Festival, an afternoon of free family activities and performances that showcase an extensive array of local artistic talent and cultural diversity. Come enjoy performances showcasing the diverse musical talent Lexington has to offer, including Great Meadows Orchestra, Guzheng Ensemble, Eastern Rhythm Dance Troupe, student ensembles from Lexington High School and more. Children can learn more about the instruments that make up the orchestra and get some hands-on experience at the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” with instruments generously provided by Yamaha Music School of Boston.

7:30PM-9:30PM Music from the Movies
Join Lexington Symphony for "Broadway Goes to the Movies" on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30pm at Cary Hall in Lexington. From the stage to the big screen, music is vital in setting a scene, stirring our emotions and telling a story. Lexington Symphony, with special guests the New World Chorale, perform some of the greatest music from Broadway hits that have been adapted for the silver screen. Hear beloved excerpts from Oklahoma, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and so much more.

Tickets for Lexington Symphony’s Music from the Movies: “Broadway Goes to the Movies” concert on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30pm at Lexington’s Cary Hall are $33-$55 and are on sale now.



Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Lexington Bike, Walk 'n Bus Week


Bike Walk 'N Bus Week - Promoting healthy, sustainable, and safe transportation options. Every year in May, the Town schedules a week of free events including historic walks, guided bike rides, free Lexpress rides, and more! This event is organized by the Bicycle Advisory CommitteeGreenways Corridor Committee, and Safe Routes to School Committee, in conjunction with Town staff to celebrate the many alternative transportation resources available in town. Events run from May 12-20.

WEEK LONG EVENTS


Ride the REV shuttle for FREE to/from Alewife Station
May 14 - 18
The 128 Business Council REV shuttle is providing free service during Bike Walk n Bus Week. Hop on at Depot Square at 7:15AM or 8:30AM. Return from Alewife Station at 4:57PM or 6:27PM.

Bay State Bike Week
May 12-20
Bay State Bike Week is an annual celebration of human-powered, two-wheeled transportation.

Find Your Biking and Walking Way Around Lexington!
All week long!
Look for special green and white signs in the Library, at the Depot Lexpress Bus Stop, and other popular spots around town that provide walking and biking and travel times or mileage. It may be easier to get there on foot or by bike than you think!

Parcourse Exploration
Open all year round!
Discover Lexington's "hidden gem" stroller and child friendly parcourse! This self-guided walk includes boardwalks and paths intermingled with outdoor exercise-stations that weave around the Lincoln Fields beginning at Worthen Rd opposite LHS and end at Middleby Rd near the Bridge School.
Location: Worthen Rd opposite LHS, Lincoln Fields parking area, and the Bridge School.

Click the LINK for a full list of activities for each day of the week and for more information



Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Home-Buying Tips for Engaged Couples in Lexington MA

Wedding season is in high gear in Lexington MA! Many engaged couples have weddings and homeownership on the mind. If you are one of these couples, allow me to offer you some tips as your Lexington real estate agent!

The average cost of a wedding is over $33,000 and the average cost of a down payment is $18,000, or $10,512 with FHA loans, according to RISMedia. Here are some tips if wanting to have a wedding and buy a house:

1.  Prioritize. Decide which is most important to you. If it’s the house, consider throwing a small wedding, or have an elopement now and a party later in your own backyard!
2.  Budget. Sit down and set realistic budgets for both the wedding and home purchase, dependent on your income and expenses.
3.  Save and set date. Determine how much you can set aside each month and open separate savings accounts. Decide how long it will take to have enough saved and plan your timeline around that.

If you have questions, or would like help buying a home in the Lexington real estate market, I am here for you! Contact me!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Fife and Drum Muster




The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps will host a Fife & Drum Muster from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at the Minute Man Historical Park in Lexington. The event features a parade, colonial vendors, re-enactors and performances by 30 fife and drum corps from around the country.  These uniformed musicians, representing different time periods in American History, will present our nation’s historical music in an outdoor concert.  

This free event is open to the public and is appropriate for all ages. It is held rain or shine. For more information, please visit www.williamdiamondjrs.org, call 978-387-2949 or e-mail 

For a list of other events, please visit: https://williamdiamondjrs.org/calendar.html