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Athena Montori (right)performs with Circus Smirkus.

Lincoln’s Montori returns with Circus Smirkus

Lincoln’s acrobatic teenager Athena Montori (the subject of a Lincoln Squirrel feature article in 2022) will be performing with Circus Smirkus on July 28-31 at Gore Place in Waltham. Click here for details.

Library features photos by Steven Edson

The Lincoln Public Library will display fine art photographs by Steven Edson in its main gallery starting on July 28. He attempts to describe moments in transition while observing the complexity and vastness of people, land, and objects within constantly changing conditions. For these brief moments, time stands still for eternity.

Natalie McCarthy in Thailand with an elephant friend.

McCarthy does pre-veterinarian work in Thailand

Natalie McCarthy of Lincoln, a 2022 alumna at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, recently spent three months in Thailand helping animals and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Traveling on the Thailand Veterinary Semester Abroad hosted by study-abroad organization Loop Abroad, Natalie was part of a small team that learned alongside veterinarians from around the globe while volunteering with elephants, sea turtles and other marine life, zoo animals, and shelter dogs. Some of her most interesting projects were volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and helping provide medical care for elephants, creating enrichment projects for zoo animals, and living on the island of Koh Tao for three weeks studying marine biology and helping to restore coral reefs and protect sea turtles. Natalie and her team also helped at a spay and neuter clinic for dogs in the rural mountain villages of northern Thailand.

Lincoln resident honored by Rep. Peisch for volunteer service

On behalf of Rep. Alice Peisch, Minuteman Senior Services Ombudsman Program Director Krystyn Milone (second from left) presents Janna Hadley (third from left) with her award. With them are Volunteer Coordinator Yuen Li (far left) and Director of Community Programs Hilary Viola.

For 24 years, Lincoln resident Janna Hadley has volunteered with Minuteman Senior Services to support her older neighbors, and State Rep. Alice Peisch (D–14th Norfolk) recently awarded her a citation to honor her service. While nearly 90% of older adults want to remain in their homes as they age, the nation-wide home care workforce shortage makes meeting this wish a challenge, and Hadley is a longtime volunteer with the organization’s Ombudsman program.

Summer concerts at Codman Pool

The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring summer concerts at the Codman Pool on five Wednesday evenings:

• July 19 — Kat Chapman Band (6–8 p.m.)
• July 26 — The Honey Steelers (6–8 p.m.)
• August 2 — Knock on Wood (6–8 p.m.)
• August 9 — The Nays (5:30–7:30 p.m.)

Film screening: “Cold War”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Cold War” (2018) on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. Set against the background of the Cold War in the 1950s in Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, the film directed by Pawel Pawlikowski (88 minutes in Polish with English subtitles) depicts an impossible love story in impossible times.

Food pantry, Lovelane awarded grants

Two Lincoln organizations have received grants from the Sudbury Foundation in its second round of granting for 2023. The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry received $3,000 while the Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program was awarded $10,640 for a pilot program with the Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital. The foundation awarded a total of $887,829 to 42 organizations in this round. In 2022 it distributed $1.78 million in grants and scholarships to students and organizations in Sudbury, organizations in communities surrounding Sudbury focused on children, youth and families, and Massachusetts organizations engaged in farm and local food initiatives. 

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee and the Select Boards of Lincoln and Sudbury announce a vacancy for the position of School Committee member. Anyone interested in applying should complete submit the attached LSSC application to Donna Cakert, District Clerk at donna_cakert@lsrhs.net or schoolcom@lsrhs.net. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.

Virtual session on teen anxiety and mental health

Sara Eldridge, LICSW

The Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative (GMPHC) invites parents and caregivers to “Just Talk About It: Anxiety, Leaving High School, and Adolescent Mental Health,” a virtual program about youth mental health focusing on anxiety and young adults, on Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m. (click here for the Zoom link). Join clinician Sara Eldridge for a dynamic presentation providing a framework to understand and navigate your young adult’s emotional health, the signs and symptoms of the most prevalent mental health concerns, and how to be an effective support as they transition out of high school. A student will also share her experience with anxiety.

The GMPHC was established through two state grants and includes Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland, and Weston. Its goal is to pool resources, increase staff capacity and expertise, attract additional funding, and deliver better health protections, programs, and outcomes. For more information, contact Regional Public Health Nurse Katie Rines at krines@wayland.ma.us.

Rep. Gentile to hold office hours

State Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury), whose district includes Lincoln’s Precinct 1, will hold in-person office hours on Friday, July 21 and virtual office hours on Thursday, July 27. In-person meetings will take place at the Sudbury Senior Center (40 Fairbank Road, Sudbury) from 10-11:00 a.m. Virtual meetings will take place via Microsoft Teams video call from 11 am.–12:30 p.m. RSVP is required to attend virtually, and is strongly encouraged to attend in person. Sign up for a 20-minute time slot by emailing Rep. Gentile’s legislative aide, Ravi Simon, at ravi.simon@mahouse.gov. 

Tanglewood trip for seniors

Lincoln residents age 60+ are invited to hear a concert at Tanglewood on Sunday, July 30. Before the show, there will be a brunch at Shortstop Bar & Grill in Westfield. The Boston Symphony Orchestra will play Ellen Reid’s When the World as You’ve Known It Doesn’t Exist, Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet. The bus leaves the Donelan’s lot at 9 a.m. and returns at approximately 8 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of the LCOA. Tickets are $120; mail checks made out to “FLCOA Trips” to LCOA&HS Trips, c/o Town Offices, 16 Bedford Rd., Lincoln MA. For more information, call Amy Rettig at 781-259-8811 ext. 102.

Share your thoughts on Climate Action Plan

The Town of Lincoln has developed a 2023 Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and is now seeking feedback from residents through an online survey this summer.

The plan unveiled in late June serves as a framework to help guide the town and its community members towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also advancing community resilience in equitable and sustainable ways. An online dashboard provides a summary of the plan and will be used to track the town’s progress towards its climate goals and strategy. 

L-S School Committee chair resigns

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee Chair Heather Cowap has resigned from the committee, according to the July 7 issue of the Sudbury Weekly. The remaining committee members, along with the chairs of the Sudbury and Lincoln Select Boards, are expected to appoint a new member until the next election.

Get outdoors during RiverFest Summer 2023

RiverFest is the annual celebration of the federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers, with six weeks of guided paddles, interpretive walks, art installations, and kids’ activities from July 1 to August 13. Events will be hosted on and along the rivers highlighting the historic, recreational, scenic, and ecological values of our rivers. Click here for a full list of activities.

Meet and eat at The Food Project

The Food Project invites everyone to its annual Farm Lunch on Wednesday, July 12 at the intersection of Baker Bridge Road and Route 126. Learn informally about TFP’s mission and programming, including through conversations with teenage members of Root Crew, professional farmers, and regional directors. Arrive by noon for a walking tour of the farm. A complimentary buffet lunch including vegetarian options featuring items from the farm will be provided at 12:30 p.m. as everyone gathers at picnic tables or under the pavilion. While philanthropic support of The Food Project is always welcomed, there is no expectation of a donation associated with these community building events. Due to limited capacity, RSVP is required; email jsoto@thefoodproject.org.

Rubik’s cube workshops

Always wanted to learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube? Now’s your chance! Learn about “speed cubing” and how to solve a 3×3 cube at workshops hosted by the Lincoln Public Library on Mondays, July 10, 17, and 24 from 6–8 p.m. Best for ages 8+. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all three sessions. Registration required as space is limited; email dshaver@minlib.net to register. Made possible by the Friends of the Lincoln Library.

Morris dancers coming to Lincoln

The American Traveling Morrice brings the Morris dance (an English country tradition with roots in medieval street theater) to a new geographical region each summer. The dancers, with small bells strapped to their legs, leap through complex figures accompanied by the music of the accordion, fiddle, or the ancient pipe and tabor. They will appear twice in Lincoln on Monday, July 24: at the deCordova Sculpture Park at 3:15 p.m. and in South Lincoln behind Donelan’s at 5:30 p.m. They will also appear that week in Sudbury, Concord, Maynard and other area towns; click here for the full schedule.

Lincolnites are awarded diplomas

• Christopher Harrison received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Hamilton College on May 21.
• Iris Sodowick received a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychological science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges on Sunday, May 21. Sodowick, the daughter of Adam C. Sodowick, studied abroad in Galway, Ireland while at HWS.

Committee seeks new at-large member

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which works to improve safety for walkers and bikers in Lincoln, is looking for a new at-large member. Current BPAC work includes:

• Implementing and maintaining the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
• Advising on infrastructure work such as Complete Streets, DPW and MassDOT projects 
• Organizing biking and walking education events such as Walk/Bike/Roll to School and the e-bike demo
• Conducting outreach around Massachusetts laws as they pertain to biking and walking

The BPAC meets monthly, generally on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Members also attend other town meetings as interested and available, including Transportation Coalition, Roadway & Traffic Committee, walk/bike events, and project-specific meetings. Click here for more information.

Bells to ring Monday after for Juneteenth

At its May 22 meeting, the Lincoln Select Board reaffirmed Lincoln’s recognition of Monday, June 19 as “Juneteenth” in Lincoln. The proclamation shares some history of the Juneteenth holiday and underscores the Town’s commitment to “using our voices and resources to protect the rights of all residents, students, employees, and visitors to participate fully in the life of our community.” In recognition of the important events of June 1865, the Select Board voted to issue a proclamation and to arrange for the ringing of church bells throughout the community on Monday at 4 p.m.

New three-year teacher contract ratified

The Lincoln Educators Association and the Lincoln School Committee have ratified/approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement that will be in effect September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2026. One outcome of the new agreement is that the start date for all students will now be Thursday, August 31, 2023. The School Committee approved a revised 2023-2024 calendar adjusted to conform to the negotiated agreement to move a teacher development day from the end of the year to before the start of school for students. Meet and Greets — particularly for younger children — may be scheduled on August 29 or 30.

Lincoln students honored

Katherine Mountz and Anaysha Benalfew recently graduated from the Nashoba Brooks School.

Katherine Mountz and Anaysha Benalfew graduated from the Nashoba Brooks School (a coed lower school for preK-3 and an all-girls middle school for grades 4-8 in Concord) on June 9. Also, Robert Reiter and Kellie Snyder were Dean’s List students at North Shore Community College in spring 2023.

LincFam hosts Grownups Night Out

All are welcome to join LincFam to celebrate summer solstice at another Grownups’ Night Out on Tuesday, June 27 from 8–10 p.m. at the Codman Community Farms market. LincFam will provide the drinks and snacks For $10 per person payable at the event or Venmo @LincFam. Click here to RSVP.

Session on town’s Climate Action Plan

The town is kicking off the summer review period of the Climate Action Plan and all are welcome at a virtual event on Thursday, June 29 from 7–8 p.m. Join us to learn more about the plan and the strategies to reduce carbon emissions and increase our community’s resilience to climate change impacts that came from the planning process. Interpretation services will be available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian. Click here to register. Questions? Email Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Curtin at curtinj@lincolntown.org.

Check out electric vehicles on July 4

CFREE (Carbon Free Residential, Everything Electric), a working group of the Green Energy Committee, is sponsoring an electric vehicle display with various models and at least one dealer on Tuesday, July 4 after the parade at the Pierce House Boy Scout barbeque. If you have an EV you’d would like to show off, please email Colette Sizer at cfreeworking@gmail.com.

Barn Buddies for kids at Codman

Kids ages 5-8 are invited to enroll in Barn Buddies at Codman Community Farms held on four Wednesdays starting July 5. With a crew of trained youth farmer guides, kids will learn about the farm’s pasture-raised chickens and their eggs, visit the pigs and cows, work in the market garden, pick and arrange flowers, etc. Dress in work clothes and close-toed shoes and prepare to get dirty. Sessions meet rain or shine. Session 1 is on July 5, 12, 19, and 16 from 10:30–12 p.m. Session 2 is August 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 10:30–12 p.m. You can also sign up for individual classes. Click here for more information and registration.

Chili cookout and campout this weekend

Codman Community Farms will hold a Chili Cookout and Campout on Saturday, June 17 from 6–9:30 p.m. Vegetarian and pasture-raised beef chili as well as chili dogs made from Codman-grown ingredients will be on offer. Sides include CCF-made potato salad, cornbread, and cookies. Bring a favorite drink, gather around the campfire, stuff yourself with s’mores, and sing with friends. Optionally, pitch your tent, stay overnight, wake up to the sounds of the farm, and enjoy a simple breakfast on Sunday morning. Space is limited; click here to buy tickets in advance.

Learn about climate effects of Hanscom expansion proposal

Join climate change activist Bill McKibben of Third Act, Neil Rasmussen of Save Our Heritage, and others who are fighting to prevent a major private jet expansion at Hanscom Field (or anywhere) for an informational virtual webinar on the climate impacts of the proposed expansion on Wednesday, June 21 at 5 p.m. Rasmussen will present recent research on the impacts of the proposed development on state and municipal climate goals. McKibben will address why he calls the Hanscom proposal a “zombie project from the fossil fuel era.”

Click here to register. Sponsored by the Coalition to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere. For more information, email Sabine von Mering at vonmering@brandeis.edu or info@StopPrivateJetExpansion.org. 

Lincoln250 logo contest

The Lincoln250 Planning Committee, along with community partners and other town committees, is planning multiple historical, educational, and cultural activities and events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 2025. Residents are invited to submit designs for a logo that will act as the official emblem of the “Lincoln250” celebration.

Logo designs should be in color measuring about 8”x10” and feature a simple and a clearly identifiable image (feel free to include a brief description of the idea behind it). Send submissions to Select Board member Kim Bodnar at kbodnarselect@lincolntown.org by Tuesday, July 4. Submission constitutes the individual’s agreement to allow the use of the logo and also acknowledges that graphic renderings of the logo may be used for publicity purposes. It is also understood that no additional payment, monetary or otherwise, will be given.

Sign up for July 4 Firecracker Run

Register now for Lincoln’s annual Firecracker Run (2.5 miles or 4 miles) on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each group. Click here to register for the Firecracker Run, and click here for more information about all the Fourth of July events in Lincoln.

Climate film: “Current Revolution”

St.  Anne’s Episcopal Church will show the next in its Climate Justice Film Night series, “Current Revolution,” on Friday, June 2 in Flint Hall starting with a vegetarian soup supper at 6:30 p.m. The 37-minute documentary about the challenges of converting the electricity grid from fossils fuels to renewables will start around 7:10 p.m. Climate activist Nathan Phillips, a professor at Boston University, will respond to the film and discuss his work on the issue with ISO New England, followed in turn by a discussion about opportunities for activism here in New England.

Lincoln Academy events hosted by the COA&HS

“Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut”
Friday, June 2 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall
This documentary tells the story of the citizen scientists who are working to restore this ecologically and economically valuable species.

Health/wellness fair
Friday June 9 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall
Local healthcare experts will answer your questions. Special presentations:

• • “Depression: How to Help a Friend” with Claire Gerstein, LICSW
  • “Don’t Get Scammed” with Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy
  • Tai chi demonstration with Jane Moss

Fraud Watch Network
Friday, June 16 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall
Lincoln residents have had over $360,000 reportedly stolen from the since January. Knowledge is power; fight back by attending this presentation by Alice Diamond on how scammers think and how ti safeguard against identity theft.

Become a memory champion
Friday, June 23 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall 
Join Kristin Nelson, founder of Auduvi, to learn about memory banks, memory loss, and memory tricks to improve short-term memory and ways to champion memories (yours and those of others).

The A&W Players
Friday, June 30 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall
Live music performance of ukulele enthusiasts from the greater Boston area playing a mix of songs from the 1920s to the 2010s.

Film screening: “Ida”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen the Oscar-winning “Ida” (PG-13, in Polish with English subtitles) on Thursday, June 15 at 6 p.m. 18-year old Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative. Naïve, innocent Anna soon finds herself in the presence of her aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza), a worldly and cynical Communist Party insider, who shocks her with the declaration that her real name is Ida and her Jewish parents were murdered during the Nazi occupation.

Select Board officially recognizes Pride month, Juneteenth

The Lincoln Select Board recently voted to recognize the month of June as Pride Month in Lincoln as a way of “celebrating our diverse LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirming our Town’s commitment to using our voices and resources to protect the rights of all residents, students, employees, and visitors to participate fully in the life of our community.” The board also reaffirmed Lincoln’s recognition of June 19 as “Juneteenth” in Lincoln. The proclamation shares some history of the holiday and underscores the town’s commitment to “using our voices and resources to protect the rights of all residents, students, employees, and visitors to participate fully in the life of our community.” 

Donations sought for farm mural

Hannan Healthy Foods is soliciting donations to fund a farm mural on the wall of the farm stand at 270 South Great Rd. The artist, Robin Taliesin from Raven Creative, is donating her time, but the farm stand hopes to raise at least $700 to cover the cost of materials for the project. For $25, you can have your name or a dedication to someone painted in small print on one of the plants or veggies in the mural (first come, first served). To make a donation of any amount, you may pay the vendor on site with cash or check, or make a payment via Venmo to @hannanhealthyfoods (use the code 0748 if requested). If you use Venmo, you can add a note to request a specific plant or other sponsorship opportunity.

Retirement celebration for Becky McFall

The Lincoln School Committee invites all residents to a retirement celebration for Dr. Becky McFall on Thursday, June 8 from 4–7 p.m. in the Lincoln School Learning Commons and courtyards to honor her more than 30 years of dedication to public education and her 11 years of service as Superintendent of Schools. 

The school is collecting photos and video tributes to Dr. McFall that will be shown during the event and given to her upon her retirement. Click here to submit a photo or video (30 seconds maximum). The program will begin at 5 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, May 22. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages; casual attire.

No school district funds are being used for this event. If you would like to make a non-deductible contribution, please send via Venmo to “Tara-Mitchell-365” or mail a check to Tara Mitchell, 67 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln MA 01773. Any funds left over after the celebration will be donated to the school building project.

School project on Lincoln trails

Four eighth-grade students are doing a project looking at use of Lincoln trails. Click here to take their survey. 

A deCordova history tour: Julian and Lizzie

Have a peek into the fascinating lives, vision, and grand accomplishments of Julian deCordova and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dana deCordova, whose dream of a “castle on a hill” became their home and later a museum and sculpture park. On Sunday, May 21 from 10–11:30 a.m., we’ll tour the building outside and inside to discover unusual architectural features, changes over the years, hear some fun and interesting stories, and discuss some of the sculptures that are important to deCordova’s history. The cost is $12 for members and $20 for nonmembers (free for children). Click here to learn more and register.

Concerts at deCordova 

An Evening of Jazz and Julia
Thursday, May 25 at 5 p.m.
Mezzo-Soprano Vanessa Schukis portrays culinary icon Julia Child in composer Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appétit. Schukis will keep the audience laughing with her fast-paced performance of Julia Child in this 25-minute one-act operetta, accompanied by pianist Scott Nicholas. The concert takes place in the Dewey Family Hall at deCordova. Click here to buy tickets.

Gracie Curran & the High Falutin’ Band
Wednesday, May 31 at 6 p.m.
With their unique blend of blues, soul, jazz and Americana, the band is a musical melting pot that will take you on a journey through the human condition that’s inspiring, at times hilarious, and authentically heartfelt. The concert takes place on Linda’s Lawn (indoors in case of rain) so bring chairs and blankets. Click here to buy tickets.

Ash & Eric
Wednesday, June 14 at 6 p.m.
This folk duo writes songs that reflect the hope and pain we all experience, sung in voices as vulnerable and honest as their lyrics. Their songs feel like a warm welcome, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold at the end of a long day. The concert takes place on Linda’s Lawn (indoors in case of rain) so bring chairs and blankets. Click here to buy tickets.

The hours for the eighth-grade car wash on Saturday, May 20 (rain date: May 21) have changed. It will now be held from 8 a.m–2 p.m., not 10 a.m.–3 p.m, as originally reported in the May 15 edition of News acorns. That post and calendar listing have been updated.