Community Corner

Ways to Beat the Heat in Lexington

Temps and humidity are soaring, but there are ways to keep cool, or at least swelter safely.

With temperatures in Lexington inching toward 90 degrees and threatening to stay there tomorrow, town departments have taken action to help residents keep cool.

The Recreation Department announced earlier today, June 8, that “due to the heat this week,” it was extending hours for aquatic facilities currently operating on preseason schedules.

The will be open from 12 to 8:45 p.m., Thursday, June 9, and is open from 12 to 7 p.m. today and will have the same hours tomorrow.

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“We’re in our preseason right now, until school gets out,” said Peter Coleman, the recreation supervisor. “But, given the temperatures they’re calling for the next few days, we’re just trying to make that option available to people to beat the heat for the next few days.”

Preseason hours will go back in effect on Friday, June 10, according to the Recreation Department’s website.

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Earlier today, the Health Division issued a public service announcement including precautions that could help prevent heat-related emergencies. A PDF of the advisory can be found with the photos to the right.

The precautions include drinking plenty of fluids, wearing appropriate clothing, applying sunscreen, staying indoors if possible and monitoring those at highest risk, such as infants, young children and overweight or elderly individuals.

For Lexington seniors, Carrie Johnson, assistant director of senior services, recommended a Red Cross resource on ways to beat the heat and reminded that the Senior Center’s doors are open daily. A PDF is included with the photos and images to the right.

“The Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is nicely air-conditioned, so it’s a great place for seniors to avoid the heat during the warmer months,” Sullivan said in an email to Patch. “They can partake in some of the organized activities or simply relax in our library and read the newspaper or use one of our computers.”

Other ideas for keeping cool

If escaping to the air-conditioned Senior Center isn’t exactly your bag, here are a few more ideas for beating the heat or, at least, pan-frying safely.

1. Put up that “Gone Swimmin’” sign. Don’t have a pool of your own and can’t bail for the beach mid-week? No problem, you can head to the Town Pool complex or the Old Res, both of which are open expanded hours through Friday.  Or, you could always drop in on a friend who just happens to have a pool.

2. Scream for ice cream. offers flavors aplenty and free WiFi right in the center. And the Dunks down the road has a .

3. Catch a movie or program, or open a book somewhere cool. Gender equality is the name of the game at which is showing dueling pre-wedding party comedies “Bridesmaids” and “The Hangover Pt. II.” Meanwhile, the is an option for old-fashioned or up-to-the-second entertainment.

4. Camp out at your coffee shop with something iced. , , , and the other are all solid options.

5. Stay home and crank the AC. Sometimes, the easiest option is also the best.


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