“Lincoln’s Trail Use Vision” is the focus of the Conservation Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 8–9 a.m. Conservation Director Michele Grzenda will discuss Lincoln’s previous and current trail use and steps for evaluating future changes in allowed trail uses. Pre-registration is required; click here. After registering, you’ll receive an email with the meeting link. Email conservation@lincolntown.org with any questions.
Celebrate the Lincoln-based Food Project in an online event on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 7–8 p.m. Each year, the Big Shindig welcomes supporters, parents, neighbors and young workers to celebrate the food grown, the communities supported, and the youth empowered as the organization worked together through a pandemic that provided a stark reminder of the importance of its work towards food justice and equality. Click here to register for the free event. Additionally, bidding is now open for the Food Project’s silent auction.
By Ursula Nowak and Karen Salvucci
The Society of St Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston is devoted to assisting individuals and families in our communities who live in dire need due to unemployment, health issues, hunger, and the inability to meet even basic expenses. Over the past two years, more neighbors than ever before have reached out for our help, and the number of food pantry clients has almost doubled. Past support for our mission has enabled us to respond to these requests, but we now need your help to continue this vital work.
On Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m., SVdP is hosting an Every Mile Counts Walk to kick off our fundraising effort. This is an opportunity to walk together to show our commitment to our community and help us reach our goal of $40,000. Please join us by walking and/or donating to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston. We are neighbors helping neighbors.
To register for the Every Mile Counts Walk (followed by an ice cream social), click here. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family. To donate directly to SVdP of Lincoln and Weston, click here or mail your check (payable to St. Vincent de Paul) to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln, MA 01773. Thank you!
Nowak is president and Salvucci is president-elect of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston.
“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.
Area-wide hazardous waste collection days will take place at the Minuteman Household Hazardous Product Collection Facility (60 Hartwell Ave., Lexington) from 9 a.m.–2 p.m on the following dates:
- Saturday, July 17
- Saturday, Aug. 21
- Sunday, Sept. 19
- Saturday, Oct. 16
- Saturday, Nov. 6
Open to all residents of Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham, and Watertown. All residents must pre-register online by clicking here. Pick a date, time slot, and estimated amount of waste you plan to bring, and submit. When you go, you’ll need to show your license or a bill as proof of Lincoln residency.
The Scarecrow Classic 5K, an annual event that benefits the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, will hold an in-person run and a virtual option. The in-person race is Sunday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Anyone wishing to run the race virtually can run a 5K anywhere and any time in the week leading up to race day. Register by Friday, Oct. 4 to have your Scarecrow Classic shirt waiting for you on race day. New this year, the LLCT will offer packet pickup for those who preregistered on October 16 from 2–4 p.m. at Lincoln Station. Registration closes on October 15 at midnight, and there will be limited same-day registration starting at 8 a.m. on race day. Learn more at scarecrowclassic5k.com and click here to register.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston is devoted to assisting individuals and families in our communities who live in dire need due to unemployment, health issues, hunger, and the inability to meet even basic expenses. Over the past two years, more neighbors than ever before have reached out for our help, and the number of food pantry clients has almost doubled. Past support for our mission has enabled us to respond to these requests, but we now need your help to continue this vital work.
On Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m., SVdP is hosting an Every Mile Counts Walk to kick off our fundraising effort. This is an opportunity to walk together to show our commitment to our community and help us reach our goal of $40,000. Please join us by walking and/or donating to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston. We are neighbors helping neighbors.
To register for the Every Mile Counts Walk (followed by an ice cream social), click here. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family. To donate directly to SVdP of Lincoln and Weston, click here or mail your check (payable to St. Vincent de Paul) to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln, MA 01773.
Following the lead of the United Nations, earlier this year the Sudbury Select Board voted to proclaim March 2021 as “Shadow Pandemic Awareness Month.” Over the past 18 months, pandemic conditions have created significant additional concerns for survivors of abuse. While a number of media outlets have noted the increased risk of physical harm, abuse survivors’ experiences with emotional and financial abuse have received less attention.
Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. to learn more about domestic abuse and ways we can offer help and support to people here in our community. Registration is required and can be completed at www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.
Following a short video, program participants will talk more about the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of abuse and how we as a community might respond. In addition to highlighting things that individuals can do to raise awareness and support survivors, Roundtable members will talk about the different initiatives and opportunities – ranging from one-time efforts to ongoing projects – that community members can get involved with. Attendees are welcome to participate in the conversation or come to listen.
We especially encourage people connected with local civic, religious, business, political, education-related and social organizations to come and learn more about how your group might get involved with the Roundtable’s efforts to reach out to survivors and prevent abuse in our community.
Area-wide hazardous waste collection days will take place at the Minuteman Household Hazardous Product Collection Facility (60 Hartwell Ave., Lexington) from 9 a.m.–2 p.m on the following dates:
- Saturday, July 17
- Saturday, Aug. 21
- Sunday, Sept. 19
- Saturday, Oct. 16
- Saturday, Nov. 6
Open to all residents of Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham, and Watertown. All residents must pre-register online by clicking here. Pick a date, time slot, and estimated amount of waste you plan to bring, and submit. When you go, you’ll need to show your license or a bill as proof of Lincoln residency.
Political candidates and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School alumni Brian Worrell (L-S ’01) and Jared Nicholson (L-S ’04) are teaming up for a joint Lincoln-Sudbury community fundraiser, seeking the support of their classmates, teachers, administrators, and the Lincoln-Sudbury community at large. Worrell, a candidate for Boston City Council District 4, and Nicholson, a candidate for mayor of Lynn, had decisive wins in preliminary elections in September and will advance to runoff elections on November 2.
The virtual fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. will feature special guest speakers including retired L-S history teacher Bill Schechter and will offer a unique insight into the candidates, their respective campaigns, and their time at Lincoln-Sudbury. All donations will directly benefit the candidacies of Brian and Jared, and all are welcome to attend.
“I am forever grateful for the education that I got at L-S and have been thrilled to be part of the public education team in the Lynn Public Schools as a member of the School Committee. I’m hoping to build on that work as mayor and excited to partner with Brian on this great way to connect with the L-S family,” said Jared Nicholson.
“I owe my many successes to the foundational education I received from L-S through the METCO program, and I have been deeply impacted by the experience,” Worrell said. “The shared community at L-S and my positive experience at the school has prepared me for leadership and I intend to take with me the many values I learned at the school to city hall.”
Purchase tickets for the virtual fundraiser or donate by clicking here. For more information, email Monique_worrell@yahoo.com or krushfirth@gmail.com.
Come learn about:
- The new Zero Waste Campaign and Zero Waste Lincoln Committee
- Mothers Out Front’s “Clean Heat, Clean Air” campaign
- Healthy soils and nature-based solutions to reverse global warming
Drop in or come for the whole time. We want to hear how you’ve been and what is on your mind. Let’s share our joys and concerns and support one another. Bring friends! Please RSVP to emhaslett@gmail.com so we can contact you in case it rains.
Area-wide hazardous waste collection days will take place at the Minuteman Household Hazardous Product Collection Facility (60 Hartwell Ave., Lexington) from 9 a.m.–2 p.m on the following dates:
- Saturday, July 17
- Saturday, Aug. 21
- Sunday, Sept. 19
- Saturday, Oct. 16
- Saturday, Nov. 6
Open to all residents of Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham, and Watertown. All residents must pre-register online by clicking here. Pick a date, time slot, and estimated amount of waste you plan to bring, and submit. When you go, you’ll need to show your license or a bill as proof of Lincoln residency.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust invites everyone to attend a Zoom meeting with state Sen. Mike Barrett on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. In “We Got a Climate Bill for Massachusetts. Now What?” he’ll talk about the far-reaching climate bill that became law in Massachusetts this spring, what needs to be done to make sure it is fully implemented, and what concerned citizens in Lincoln can do to help. There will be time for Q&A. Click here to register for the Zoom link.
The LLCT’s mission includes helping Lincolnites learn more about climate change and what they can do about it. This presentation is co-sponsored by the First Parish in Lincoln Green Committee, St. Anne’s Climate Justice Ministry, and Lincoln Mothers Out Front.
At a MetroWest Climate Solutions panel discussion via Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., three local residents will share their personal experiences on creating more climate-efficient homes efforts that extend well beyond adding basic insulation and programmable thermostats. Speakers include Bill Churchill of Lincoln, Sarah Maas Scheuplein of Weston, and Roger Wiegand of Wayland. Register at tinyurl.com/Retrofit2021.
MetroWest Climate Solutions is a growing partnership between First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Lincoln, the Congregational Church of Weston, Sustainable Weston Action Group, and other communities and individuals. Our mission is to share strategies for moving towards a low- and no-carbon-based society and economy and to suggest activities that enable individuals to help bring about solutions.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) and the Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) are hosting a virtual Trail Use Public Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 7–8:30 p.m. LLCT and LCC have begun a comprehensive review of the multiple uses of Lincoln trails and how best to manage them for the protection of open space and overall public benefit. Trail uses have changed over time, and we are seeking a current community understanding of the appropriate way to use and enjoy our open spaces and trails.
The forum will start with a brief slide show reviewing the goals of Lincoln’s 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan and a summary of previous and current trail uses, with the goal of developing a trail use vision that is appropriate for Lincoln today. After the presentation, attendees are encouraged to provide feedback and comments. Click here for the Zoom link (meeting ID 927 0523 1109, passcode: 971375). If you’re unable to attend the public forum, please submit any comments you’d like to share regarding the use of Lincoln’s trails to the Conservation Department (conservation@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2612) by November 30.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the amount of trash produced in the U.S. increases by an estimated 25%, according to the EPA. That’s about one million extra tons of garbage each week. Join MetroWest Climate Solutions on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a Zoom event on “Greening the Holidays.” Lauren Fernandez, Zero Waste Policy Analyst at the Conservation Law Foundation, and Janice Paré, Environmental Analyst at the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, will discuss ways to trim the trimmings while preserving the festive spirit of the holiday season. David O’Leary, Magic 106.7 Morning Magic host and voiceover talent, will serve as emcee. To register, visit tinyurl.com/greeningholidays.
MCS is a local partnership of organizations and congregations including First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, the Congregational Church of Weston, Sustainable Weston Action Group (SWAG) and a growing list of communities and individuals.
Climate Action Day, featuring “Ms. G,” the Official Groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, returns as a virtual event at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary with a new focus on climate science and weather on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live (@massaudubondrumlinfarm). Climate Action Day 2022 will include a livestream view of Ms. G’s weather “forecast,” along with insights into how New England wildlife survive the winter and information about how the changing climate impacts their habitat.
This year’s virtual gathering will be co-hosted by Mass Audubon President David O’Neill and Renata Pomponi, Senior Regional Director. “Our warming planet is the most pressing environmental threat of our time,” O’Neill said. “A huge focus of our work, from the programs run at our wildlife sanctuaries, to our land conservation and restoration priorities, and our advocacy on Beacon Hill, is on addressing climate change.
The Lincoln Green Energy Committee (GEC) and the Green Energy Consumers Alliance are hosting an electric vehicle Zoom presentation as part of the GEC’s EV 2022 campaign. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the Zoom. This event will be on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at noon. Click here to register and get the Zoom link. Learn more about EVs on this GEC page or this GECA page.
Registration is now open for a screening of “Kiss the Ground” followed by a speaker panel on Tuesday, Feb. 15 (film starting at 6 p.m., speakers at 7 p.m.). The 2020 documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson looks at a “new, old approach” to farming called regenerative agriculture. The speakers will be:
- Ryland Englehart, co-founder of Kiss the Ground
- Mohammad Hannan, owner of Hanna Agro Farms in Lincoln
- Rachel Neurath, soil microbial ecologist
- Pete Lowy, manager of Codman Community farms
The film is sponsored by the new Healthy Soils/Livable Future working group that includes members of Codman Community Farms, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and Mothers Out Front. Healthy Soils Series workshops will be combination in-person (at Codman Farm) and online in March, April, and May (details TBA). Click here to register for the February 15 event (“Kiss the Ground” can be viewed for free any time from February 12–15). Click here for other Codman Community Farms events.
The Green Energy Committee is hosting several heat pump information sessions. The first will be Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. and will focus on condominiums in Lincoln. Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.