The Lexington Observer

Two hundred fifty years ago this July 4th, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, dissolving the political bonds that tied the colonies to Great Britain, and asserting the foundational right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Lexington, of course, kicked off the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations in April 2025, with the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. But the festivities continue. Here’s how to celebrate this July 4 in Lexington.

Local news brings communities together, drives participation in civic life and helps build the informed citizenry required for a thriving democracy. The Lexington Observer is a hyperlocal, digital-first, nonprofit news site covering issues that matter most to people in Lexington, including local government, education, economy, environment and culture. Learn More » A local community news nonprofit bringing deep reporting by and about Lexington, Massachusetts to the community. SUPPORT US!

I write to clarify the issues raised by the recent apology sent by Principal Johnny Cole to the whole seventh-grade class at Diamond Middle School.

William Diamond Middle School in Lexington, MA, in January 2025. / Credit: Maggie Scales Several Lexington Public School families were upset about a presentation on antisemitism that was given at Diamond Middle School on May 11 and 12. In response to their concerns, the district sent an email to students, apologizing for how the presentation made some of them feel.

Lexington residents deserve to understand what is at stake in the ongoing contract dispute between the Town and its firefighters. This discussion is not simply about wages. It is about whether Lexington can continue to attract and retain the highly trained firefighters and paramedics that residents expect to respond when they call 911.

Our community is strengthened when young people recognize challenges around them and take action to create meaningful change. This year, two Lexington Girl Scouts, Audrey Boulter and Victoire Schaeffer, demonstrated that kind of leadership by earning the “Girl Scout Gold Award”, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award honors Girl Scouts who identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution, and lead a service project designed to make a lasting impact.

In the spirit of the 250th, I’d like to suggest another option for household trash/recycle pickup: eliminate the service entirely. Then, as in dozens of other Massachusetts towns (like Cape Cod, where my parents lived) and thousands around the country (like New York, where my in-laws live), citizens could arrange the service for themselves with private companies.

With America’s 250th birthday around the corner, I’m looking forward to the Lexington Carnival, Concord’s Picnic in the Park, and of course, the fireworks. I’m also thinking a lot about what freedom and democracy mean. In this era of oligarchs and billionaires, it can be hard to hold tight to the American ideals of government by the people and for the people. But we can’t let those ideals fade.

Thursday June 25 @ 7pm Saturday June 27 @ 11am Lexington Venue 1794 Massachusetts Avenue lexingtonvenue.com

Friday June 26 @ 7pm Followed by a Q&A with Director Samuel Dunning Lexington Venue 1794 Massachusetts Ave. lexingtonvenue.com