About Us
Who We Are
We are residents of Lexington, men and women ranging in age from our sixties to our nineties. Some are relative newcomers to Lexington while others grew up here. Some are active in town politics and most enjoy our eclectic mix of restaurants, the abundant cultural and educational opportunities and the numerous opportunities to contribute to our community. We value the range of backgrounds and experiences of our members, the varied houses of worship, the historical heritage of Lexington as well as contemporary activities shaping our world today. We embrace the diversity of the Lexington senior community and are committed to inclusivity. Any Lexington resident interested in sharing and contributing to the Lexington At Home experience is welcome to become a member.
Our participation as an organization in community life is multifaceted, encompassing but not limited to:
- Staffing information stations at Discovery Day, Farmers Market and Community Health Fairs.
- Forming a team to deliver Meals on Wheels.
- Originating a Community Center hands-on class for seniors on how to use Uber and Lyft.
- Working with the Intergenerational Outreach Club of Lexington High School to facilitate contacts with our members.
History
Lexington at Home was founded in 2008 based on a conversation at a dinner party hosted by our founder, Rachel Rosenblum. The discussion had focused on housing options for people as they aged but wished to remain independent.
She was inspired by articles she had read about groups catering to these needs, most providing services from paid staff, with significant annual membership costs, others without any such expenses. Instead, the members of this group all volunteered to help one another age in place. Starting with 10 members, an organization based on this operating principle, specifically for Lexington residents, began meeting. Word spread and it was evident that it was meeting a need. Considerable interest developed and membership grew.
Under Rachel’s guidance, socializing became the premier starting point, followed by information sessions and the principle of lending a helping hand to fellow members. A committee was founded to create a set of by-laws and operating guidelines and a web site was developed and put into operation. Monthly meetings were held in members’ homes and rotated among them.
Within a few years, we had outgrown the capacity of members’ homes to host monthly gatherings. To preserve the close-knit nature of the relationships developing among members and the flavor of in-home meetings, we transitioned to a chapter membership model, with chapter sizes ranging from 20 -40 members. As of 2024 there are currently 5 active chapters. As interest grows, beyond the capacity of existing chapters to accommodate additional members, a core group of about 10 prospective members will begin operating as a new chapter, with guidance from existing chapters and the board. Reflecting our historical heritage as an organization of Lexington residents, it was decided to name the chapters for historical figures from our colonial era.
Operation/Organization by Chapters
Lexington at Home is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff, that has grown since its founding in 2008 to more than 150 members. It is organized into five chapters as of 2024. This keeps gatherings manageable and fosters the development of personal relationships within the chapter. Each chapter organizes its own programs and activities according to the interests of its members, under the guidance of the chapter steering committee. The chairpersons of the chapter steering committees and additional delegates from the chapters form the Lexington at Home Board of Directors. The board oversees the issues and activities common to all members and chapters.
Socialization, Help in a Pinch, Information & Referral
Programs and Interest Groups
Programs offered by each chapter have the same goal: to build a sense of community by addressing various interests and needs of members. However, each chapter is free to develop its own programs. Programs can differ in their specifics, reflecting the particular culture of the chapter. When circumstances allow, these events occur in person but even when gatherings have to be remote, the relationships that exist within the chapter make these gatherings meaningful and strengthen bonds. In general, the program agendas include the following:
- A monthly chapter meeting consisting of a period of socializing followed by a speaker, breakout group discussions, sharing of foods/recipes, or other such activities.
- Small interest groups developed by its participants and reflecting varied members’ interests, such as: brown bag lunches, poetry, books, opera/ theater/plays/movies, women’s groups, men’s groups, walking/hiking, current events discussion, music, crafts, dining, bridge, memoir writing and storytelling, etc.
Any member is free to initiate an interest group. Depending on its appeal and manageability, members from more than one chapter are often welcome to participate
Offices and Officers
Lexington at Home Board of Directors as of 2024
| Board Position | Member | Chapter Affiliation |
| President | Gary Fallick | Adams |
| Vice President | Mike Friedman | Buckman |
| Vice President | Open | |
| Secretary | Open | |
| Treasurer | Evelyn Silber | Clarke |
| Membership | Joyce Ranney Ducot | Estabrook |
Member SpotlightS
