News acorns

Food project Shindig fundraiser

Join the Food Project for Shindig, their intergenerational harvest festival fundraiser, on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Baker Bridge Farm (corner of Baker Bridge Road and Route 126). Music, dancing, food, games and crafts, a beer and cider garden, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and more. Enjoy a fall afternoon at the farm while empowering young people to make changes in their community through building a sustainable food system. General admission (sliding scale): $20 | $40 | $100. Youth tickets (age 6-21): $10. Learn more and reserve tickets.

Invasive spotted lanternfly found in Lincoln

The state Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in Lincoln. Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hop vines, and many other types of plants. It’s known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. However, the insects themselves do not bite or sting; they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew. While the state is working to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly, its status in other states indicates that it cannot be eradicated.

• Report sightings of SLF
• See what SLF looks like
• Learn more
• Two-minute video about SLF in Massachusetts
• Management guide for homeowners (PDF)

Book talk with author of “Dropkick Murphy: A Legendary Life”

Join Boston Globe journalist Emily Sweeney on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:00pm in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room for a presentation about her latest book, Dropkick Murphy: A Legendary Life, which chronicles the life of Dr. John “Dropkick” Murphy, a professional wrestler and doctor who ran an infamous detox center in Acton.

Note: The library will reopen for regular Saturday hours (10:00am–1:00pm) beginning Saturday, Sept. 5, though it will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in recognition of Labor Day.

Openings on ConCom, Lincoln Cultural Council

The Conservation Commission is seeking a resident to fill a vacancy in the group, which holds public meetings approximately every third Wednesday night to review permit applications under the Wetland Protection Act, issue permits, and conduct other business related to the management of Lincoln’s conservation land. Learn more here. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a Conservation Commission meeting and contact the Conservation Department staff at 781-259-2612 or conservation@lincolnma.gov. To apply, fill out Lincoln’s volunteer signup form and email it to elderp@lincolnma.gov or mail it to the Office of the Select Board, 16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 by Friday, Sept. 25.

The Lincoln Cultural Council is looking for new volunteers to help support arts, culture, and creativity in the community. No background in the arts is needed. Council members meet quarterly, review grant applications, and help support local arts programs and events. Interested? Contact LCC Chair Philana Gnatowski at LincolnCulturalCouncil@gmail.com.

Volunteer training for Domestic Violence Services Network

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is offering a free volunteer advocate training program. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment, and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in its 13 partner communities. The 40-hour, three-week training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. The training will be held at the Lexington Police Department on these days:

• Week 1: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am-3:30pm.
• Week 2: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am-3:30pm.
• Week 3: Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00-7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am-3:30pm.

For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10–12 hours of supervised field training. For more information or to request an application, call 978-318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org. Applications are due by Wednesday, Sept. 16.