This week I am experimenting taking over the "Town Manager’s Tuesday” column that has been written so aptly by Patch reporter Denise Dube.

Denise has an incredible knack for taking the verbal report I make to the Board of Selectmen at their Monday evening meetings and making it sound interesting to Patch readers. Denise and Patch Editor Patrick Ball thought it would be a good idea if I communicated to Lexington directly and asked me to give the Town Manager’s Tuesday column a try.

I have been a Town Manager for more than 20 years, but I have never been a columnist (OK, this isn’t that much of a column) but in any case I am outside my comfort zone. Thanks to Denise for being such a good and patient teacher with me. I hope that Denise and Patch readers will feel free to offer suggestions and comments. I have a thick skin!

Veterans’ Services Officer Reception – There was a community reception for Joe Alfonse, our new Veterans’ Services Officer. The public was invited to meet Joe on yesterday, October 18 from 2-4 p.m. in the Lexington Senior Center, Muzzey Building. Desserts were served. Of course, veterans should feel free to make an appointment with Joe at any time. He is a terrific advocate for those who have served our country.

Fire Department Update: Don’t miss out on the Fire Department’s open house at the main station on Bedford Street this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be representatives there from the Police Department and Human Services Department.  It is a great time to learn about signing up for the town’s new CodeRED emergency notification system. (Confession: Even though my two daughters are grown and won’t go with me anymore, I still go to this open house to see the equipment.) 

Our Generous Community – Shire HGT Pharmaceuticals has donated $2,500 to the Fire Department for firefighter safety training and equipment. The Elks are donating $2,000 for obtaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for the elderly, which the Fire Department will install upon request.

Movin’ and Groovin’ – On Thursday, Oct. 20, the Treasurer’s Office, Lexpress Office and Liberty Ride Office will move into their renovated office space in the Town Office Building. After this move, the contractor will be able to begin work on the Community Development area. This is the final area to be renovated and is anticipated to take about 6 weeks to complete.