News acorns

Talk on Lincoln and the Revolutionary War

“April 19, 1775: The Battle of… Lincoln?” is the subject of a talk by author/historians Rick Wiggin of Lincoln and Don Hafner on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Minute Man National Park Visitor Center in Lincoln. How did the people of this small farming community respond to the April 19 alarm? What effect did a prolonged war have on them? Wiggin and Hafner will discuss the distinctive features of the town of Lincoln, its leadership, and the historical quirks that placed it at the center of American history. Free and open to the public.

Kids invited to apply for philanthropy program

The Foundation for MetroWest is currently accepting applications for its Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program for seventh- and eighth-graders interested in learning about philanthropic outreach in their community and becoming civic leaders. Students from any town in the area are eligible to participate in the program, which meets at the Lexington Community Center on Wednesday nights beginning November 28. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 5 and are available online at www.yipmetrowest.org.

Twenty students will work together to evaluate grant applications and distribute funds to nonprofits as they learn about understanding budgets, public speaking, reaching consensus, and case-making. Lincoln School students in the program selected Save a Dog and Lucy’s Love Bus to receive grants in 2017. Since 1997, YIP has educated over 1,250 students who have granted over $1.1 million to over 200 MetroWest youth development organizations.

Join others in biking to school

The Cycling Safety Advisory Committee is organizing Bike/Walk to School days each Friday this fall. Organizers hope Lincoln kids will join their friends to get to school under their own power in order to get some exercise, help the environment, and have fun. Anyone interested in being reminded of Bike to School days, finding out who in your neighborhood bikes to school, or contacting other family biking enthusiasts in Lincoln to discuss routes, gear, etc., may join an email list by clicking here.

Monthly book sale benefits library

Support the Lincoln Public Library by shopping at the Friends of the Lincoln Library (FOLL) book sale on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.–noon in the basement of Bemis Hall. New books are added each week from the donation box in the bemis Hall entryway. Hardcovers are $2 and paperbacks are $1. The FOLL has also added a book sale cart in the first-floor hallway at the library. Bemis Hall book sales take place on the second Saturday of each month except August.

Workshops on special ed at the high school

SEPAC (the Special Education Parent Advisory Council at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School) is hosting four workshops this fall. Each begins at 7 p.m. and offers a chance to ask questions about the special education process and services, transitioning into or out of high school and chat with like-minded parents. For more information, email lssepac.chair@gmail.com.

• Tuesday, Oct. 2 (L-S conference room B) — An overview from the Federation for Children with Special Needs of the transition planning process for families of students with disabilities ages 14-22 who are on IEPs.
• Monday, Oct. 15 (Goodnow Library, Sudbury) — “Strategies for Reducing Academic Stress and Creating Successful Students.” Learn how to help your child get “unstuck” when he/she has trouble initiating tasks, help your child keep track of his/her belongings and schoolwork, enhance working memory and sustain attention.
• Thursday, Nov. 1 (L-S conference room B) — Victor Hernandez, deputy assistant commissioner at the Department of Developmental Services, will review resources available to families of students with special needs, regardless of income.
• Tuesday, Jan. 29 (Goodnow Library, Sudbury) — “The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Learning.” Diagnoses including depression and anxiety can significantly alter cognitive functioning, particularly memory retention and the absorption of knowledge.