Lexington's Battite Elected Fellow of National Recreation Academy

DATELINE — LEXINGTON

Melissa Battite, Lexington's Director of Recreation & Community Programs, has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, one of the highest professional honors in the parks and recreation field, the town announced this week.

TOWN HALL

Battite's election as an AAPRA Fellow recognizes sustained leadership in Lexington's recreation and community programming, according to the town's announcement. AAPRA fellowship is considered one of the field's most prestigious national distinctions.

Separately, the town is encouraging residents to book a free 20-minute session with Yahan Hua, Lexington's new Energy Advocate, to explore ways to lower home energy bills.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The town's 2026 Summer Concert Series continues Friday, Aug. 14, with a performance by Kadak Chai, with the series returning Friday, Aug. 21, for a show by Mojo Ride. LexFarm's Walking Wednesdays program is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19, and a program titled "Coping With Change" is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"🌱 Patch AM: Meet the Lexington rower joining Harvard's three-time national champions": A Lexington rower is joining Harvard's crew program, which has won three consecutive national titles, according to Lexington Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington)

"Jill Suzanne Hurley Obituary (2026) - Lexington, MA - Douglass Funeral Home - Legacy": Longtime Lexington resident Jill Suzanne Hurley has died, with a visitation planned at Douglass Funeral Home on Worthen Road, per Legacy.com. (read it at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jill-hurley-obituary?id=62176600)

COMING UP

The Board of Appeals holds remote public hearings Thursday, Aug. 13, on properties at 20 Muzzey St. and 323 Marrett Rd., alongside a regular Board of Appeals remote meeting; the Lexington Tree Committee, Lexington Center Committee and Bicycle Advisory Committee also meet that day. The School Committee Policy Subcommittee holds a remote meeting Friday, Aug. 14. The Select Board holds a hybrid public hearing Monday, Aug. 17, on the town's culvert lining project. The Conservation Commission holds remote public meetings Tuesday, Aug. 18, on three properties: 14 Barberry Rd., 21 Valleyfield St. and 46 Turning Mill Rd.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.