acorns

Food pantry needs help with neighborhood food drives

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) food pantry is looking for volunteers to organize a neighborhood food drive. This is a great project for a young person to shine, or for anyone to step up and know they are doing something meaningful. Staff will help and can also sign for student volunteer hours.

Food drives are integral to the food pantry’s operations. With the increase in the number of clients (152 clients in January 2020 to 336 clients served in December 2023 — see SVdP’s annual report), the increase in food prices, and the decrease of food available free or at a lower cost at the Greater Boston Food Bank, our expenses have exploded. We heavily rely on donations and food drives. 

If you can’t organize a drive but still want to help, food can be dropped off any time on the back porch of the white house behind St. Joseph Church (142 Lincoln Rd.). The most needed items at the moment are cereal, pasta sauce, gluten-free items, and condiments.

For more information on the food pantry’s needs, see “My Turn: Neighbors helping neighbors via the SVdP food pantry in Lincoln” (Lincoln Squirrel, March 4, 2024) and the SVdP website.

Farrington Nature Linc events

Learn how to salsa dance
Thursday, March 7 at 8:30 p.m. — Havana Club (288 Green St., Cambridge)
Come learn how to salsa dance, or try out new moves, at Havana Club in Cambridge. Ticket sales benefit Farrington Nature Linc and include entry and an instructor-led lesson before everyone is free to dance the night away. Click here to purchase.

Natural Dye Workshop
Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m.— Farrington Nature Linc (291 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln)
Explore the world of natural color with an introduction to dyeing fabric with plants. You’ll create your own set of four dyed cotton napkins using plants, including some foraged at Nature Linc over the summer. Different surface techniques will be explored, including creating resists on fabric with natural materials. Adults only. Pre-registration required.

Gentile seeks summer intern

State Rep. Carmine Gentile’s office is looking for a summer intern. He encourages candidates from towns represented within the district, which includes Sudbury, Lincoln, Concord, Wayland, and Marlborough. If you or someone you know is an interested student, please click here for details and email Gentile’s legislative aide Ravi Simon at ravi.simon@mahouse.gov.

Lyceum on the pursuit of beauty

The Walden Woods Project will present “A Virtual Lyceum: The Pursuit of Beauty” on Wednesday, March 20 from 7–8:30 p.m. via Zoom. During Henry David Thoreau’s era of increasing industrialization and mercantilism, poets and artists were accused of idling away in unproductivity. Likewise, in today’s seminar rooms and art galleries, to focus on the beauty of a novel or painting is often seen as detracting from art’s political and ethical potential. How can we negotiate between these tensions, especially during this era of increasing political and environmental catastrophe? When is the pursuit of beauty crucial to moral engagement, as Thoreau argues, and when is it a distraction from it? This lyceum event brings together an interdisciplinary group of artists, scientists, and scholars to ask where they stand on the purpose and pursuit of beauty in the 21st century. Click here to learn more and register.

According to NASA, turf grass lawn covers more of the U.S. than any other irrigated crop. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in New England. Learn why you should “kill your lawn” and how to replace it with beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens. Transitioning your yard to incorporate native plants in the lawn or gardens helps to mitigate floods, heat waves, sea level rise, and the mass extinction of species.

This free session will be presented by Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. and is sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions (a growing partnership between First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Lincoln, the Congregational Church in Weston, Energize Wayland, Sustainable Weston Action Group, and other communities and individuals). To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Talk on “killing your lawn” to save ecosystem

According to NASA, turf grass lawn covers more of the U.S. than any other irrigated crop. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in New England. Learn why you should “kill your lawn” and how to replace it with beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens. Transitioning your yard to incorporate native plants in the lawn or gardens helps to mitigate floods, heat waves, sea level rise, and the mass extinction of species.

This free session will be presented by Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. and is sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions (a growing partnership between First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Lincoln, the Congregational Church in Weston, Energize Wayland, Sustainable Weston Action Group, and other communities and individuals). To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Comments invited on planned work at Minuteman NHP

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to permanently remove the boardwalk, overlook structure, and close the trail accessing the vernal pool in Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln. The NPS is proposing a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for this proposed action and is providing a 30-day public comment period that will be open until Wednesday, March 21. Comments on the proposed action must be submitted online through this NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment web page or via U.S. mail to Minute Man National Historical Park, ATTN: Vernal Pool Trail Public Comment, 174 Liberty St., Concord, MA 01742.

“Talking with Your Kids About Current Events”

The First Parish in Lincoln continues its “Conversations on Tap” series at the Tack Room with Rev. Nate Klug in “Talking with Your Kids About Current Events” on Monday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. Open to all spiritual backgrounds and towns. This year especially, with war in Ukraine and the Middle East and a national election upcoming, we may feel overwhelmed in thinking about how to approach current events with our children.

Lincoln and Sudbury school concerts this week

The All Towns Concerts with students from the Lincoln School, Curtis Middle School, and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School takes place on Monday through Wednesday, March 4–6 at 7 p.m. in the Kirschner Auditorium at L-S. Admission is free.

• Monday, March 4 — Band concert. Each school will perform individually and then combine together for Armory, a composition by Randall Standridge. 
• Tuesday, March 5 — Orchestra concert with Lincoln and Sudbury middle school students. The L-S Orchestra will perform “Waltz No. 2” by Shostakovich and a movement of “Symphony No. 8 by Dvorak,” and the L-S Select Orchestra will perform “Romanian Folk Dances” by Bela Bartok.
• Wednesday, March 6 — Choir concert. Each Middle School will perform two pieces. The program includes l-S chamber singers performing a French madrigal and a jazz vocal arrangement of “Georgia on my Mind,” concert choir with sopranos and altos on a Taylor Swift medley, and tenors and basses on “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie, as well as performances by the Musigals, Coro de Chicas and Singing Valentines quartets.

The concerts will be broadcast on Comcast channels 9 and 1074, and Verizon channels 32 and 2130 and will be available as on video on demand a few days after the concert. For more information about supporting L-S music, visit www.lsfom.org.

LOMA features Rob Siegel

Folk singer/guitarist Rob Siegel is the featured performer at the next Lincoln Open Mic Night on Tuesday, March 12 from 7–10 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Come listen or sign up for a slot to play yourself by emailing Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com or signing up at the event. Names of those who are signed up by 7 p.m. will be drawn at random.

Prepare for the coming eclipse

Prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse with Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky & Telescope, at a session on Saturday, March 16 from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. After the presentation, weather permitting, we’ll go outside to learn how to safely view the eclipse. Bring your own telescope, binoculars, or handheld solar viewer for a quick check as to function and suitability.

Council on Aging & Human Services activities

All events take place in Bemis Hall on Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

March 8 — Suicide and Aging: Fact or Fiction?
Samaritans will provide information on suicide risk factors, warning signs, and questions to ask someone who may be at risk. This two-hour suicide prevention training focuses on older adults, but the information is relevant for all ages. Space is limited. Call 781-259-811 to sign up.

March 15 — Irish Music in America
John Clark’s multimedia presentation features a treasure trove of music including “Danny Boy” and “Tura Lura Lura” that came with the influx of Irish immigrants. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Lincoln Council on Aging & Friends of Lincoln Library.

March 22 — “King Lear”
Join us for a free live theater show where actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby portray a haunting, darkly funny adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless story of love, ambition, and mortality. This one-hour show draws directly from Shakespeare’s text while adding modern twists. Co-sponsored by Friends of Lincoln Council on Aging and Friends of Lincoln Library.

Film: “A Coffee in Berlin”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “A Coffee in Berlin” (2012, unrated) on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. The film portrays a day in the life of Niko, a twenty-something college dropout going nowhere fast. Niko lives for the moment as he drifts through the streets of Berlin, curiously observing everyone around him and oblivious to his growing status as an outsider.

Session on green energy and batteries

Are you wondering how to keep the lights on when the sun’s not shining? Jay Turner, an environmental studies professor at Wellesley College, will draw on his recent book Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future and his experiences retrofitting his home in Natick to be net energy positive to discuss the big picture and fine details of electrification on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Click here to register and receive a Zoom link. This series is hosted by CFREE, a working group of Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee.

Pierce House Committee seeks volunteers

The Select Board is seeking interested volunteers for the Pierce House Committee. The committee advises the Select Board with respect to the use, maintenance and security of Pierce House and Pierce Park as well as recommending an operating budget and a capital budget, together with periodic five-year projections. Those interested should contact Peggy Elder, administrative assistant in the Select Board’s Office, at 781-259-2601 or elderp@lincolntown.org.

Inns and adventures with Alison O’Leary

On Thursday, March 7 from 7–8 p.m. on Zoom, author and adventurer Alison O’Leary discusses a variety of adventurous weekend trips in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Berkshires with doses of humor, history, and peeks inside historic inns from her book Inns and Adventures. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library. Click here to register.

See “Frozen Jr.” at the Lincoln School

Lincoln School’s production of “Frozen Jr.” based on the Disney film will be on Wednesday, March 13 at 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. in the Donaldson Auditorium. Buy tickets at the door ($5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults).

Police officer receives letter of commendation

Sgt. Ian Spencer and Acting Chief Sean Kennedy of the Lincoln Police Department presented Officer Laura Stewart with a letter of commendation for her actions taken during a critical incident on February 13. Officers responded to a call for a person suffering from a mental health crisis. Officer Stewart, while alone, used her communication and de-escalation skills to disarm the individual who was holding a knife and actively harming themselves. The incident came to a successful resolution and the person was transported to a local medical facility.

Virtual office hours for Rep. Gentile

State Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury) will hold virtual office hours on Friday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.–noon. Any constituent who wishes to speak to Rep. Gentile can sign up for a 20-minute time slot by emailing his legislative aide, Ravi Simon, at ravi.simon@mahouse.gov. Please provide your full name, address, phone number, email, and discussion topic.

Second forum on mall redevelopment set for Feb. 29

The Rural Land Foundation will hold its next public forum on the future of the mall on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Click here to join the meeting (passcode: 94034). Redevelopment of the mall will be guided by rezoning in South Lincoln mandated by the Housing Choice Act. At the first forum on January 18, the RLF unveiled two visual concepts for 40 units of housing and 5,000–10,000 square feet of first-floor and/or street-activating use space. 

Town flags at half-staff for Rundell

By request of the Select Board, the flags on town buildings will be lowered to half-staff to mark the passing of Virginia Rundell, a longtime Lincoln resident who served as the town’s archivist for the past two years. The flags will be at half-staff from Tuesday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 25. In recognition of Virginia’s service to the town, this inscription will appear on the inside cover the 2023 Annual Town Report.

Democrats to caucus on Saturday

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee will hold a caucus on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Bemis Hall map room to elect six delegates and four alternates to the 2024 State Democratic Convention in June. Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Lincoln who are 16 years old as of February 15, 2024 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates. All are welcome but only registered Democrats may vote. 

At the state convention at the DCU Center in Worcester on June 1, delegates will place a candidate name on the statewide primary ballot in December. Those interested in getting involved with the Lincoln Democratic Committee should contact Travis Roland at travisroland89@yahoo.com or Joan Kimball at selenejck@gmail.com. Young people (ages 16-35), those with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention.

Event examines Russia sanctions

Christine Abely, author of The Russia Sanctions (2024) will discuss the sanctions enacted by multiple nations, including the United States, in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, on Thursday, Feb. 29 from 7–8 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Her book examines the sanctions’ effects on food, energy, and the global use of the U.S. dollar. She will discuss sanctions on oligarchs, the freezing and seizure of their assets, and steps taken to promote financial transparency worldwide. The talk will also explore the humanitarian impacts of sanctions.  

Training for domestic violence volunteer advocates

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is looking for community members to participate in their free Volunteer Advocate training program at the Concord Police Department in March. The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize the 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, DVSN’s Volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The initial training will be held from March 4–22 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m. For those who wish to activate as Advocates, an additional 10 to 12 hours of individual field training will take place after successful completion of the classroom segment. All materials will be provided. Those who’d like more information or an application should call 978-318-3421 or e-mail training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Monday, Feb. 26. To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

Opening reception for library exhibit

There will be an opening reception with Lincoln resident Prajakta Badri for the “Madhubani Art: A Glimpse Into an Indian Folk Art Form” exhibit at the Lincoln Public Library on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2–4 p.m. Madhubani painting is a traditional art form that originated almost 2,500 years ago in the Mithila region of Bihar, India that typically tells stories with colorful images. The pieces by Badri (a clinical pharmacologist who works in drug development) depict traditional Indian mythological stories, Boston landmarks, and even Native American dance.

The exhibit will be up until February 24. Click here for information on exhibits.

Poll workers needed for Super Tuesday

The Town Clerk’s office is seeking volunteer poll workers for the presidential primary on Tuesday, March 5 (Super Tuesday). There will be poll worker training on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall. Please email foxv@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-2607 if you’re interested and can attend the training, which is useful for both new and experienced poll workers. Even if you can’t volunteer for Super Tuesday, please consider attending the training so you will be prepared to volunteer at a future date.

“A Few of our Favorite Things” concert

Music Street, a group will give its 10th anniversary concert on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. From Gershwin, Schubert and Chopin, to a string duo by Mexican composer José Elizondo, cowboy songs by American Libby Larsen and more, “A Few of our Favorite Things” will perform works from their past decade of performances. The ensembles features Lincoln resident Diane Katzenberg Braun (founder and artistic director of Music Street) plus violin, cello, clarinet, and soprano. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library and supported by the Lincoln Cultural Council.

Sign up to volunteer with hospice patients

Care Dimensions, the region’s largest provider of hospice care, will hold online training classes for those interested in becoming volunteers for the nonprofit organization. You can make a difference in a patient’s life by:

• Engaging in a shared interest or hobby
• Helping with letter-writing or life review
• Visiting with your approved dog
• Reading to the patient
• Listening and by providing a supportive, comforting presence

Volunteers visit patients in their homes, in facilities, and at the hospice houses in Lincoln and Danvers. If patient visits aren’t the right fit for you, you can volunteer in other ways such as providing administrative office support or making check-in phone calls to current patients or bereaved family members.

Training will be held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 4–27 from 9–11 a.m. (register by February 24). For more information or to register, please go to www.CareDimensions.org/Volunteers or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.

Concert by Melissa Ferrick at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host folk rock artist Melissa Ferrick on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Ferrick is a Professor of the Practice at Northeastern University’s College of Arts Media and Design. They teach courses on songwriting creative entrepreneurship, demo recording and production, live performance, the intersection of psychopathology and creativity, nonprofit arts management. Ferrick performs throughout North America, sharing the stage with Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Ani DiFranco, k.d. lang, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and more. Click here for tickets ($28 for Trustees members, $35 for nonmembers). Ticketholders will be able to place pre-orders from Twisted Tree Café at deCordova.

Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is Wednesday

Wednesday, Feb. 7 is the second Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day of the school year. For children who take the bus to school, each bus will circle the regular drop-off loop and then stop at the end of Ballfield Road so students can walk the last quarter-mile, supported by volunteers and staff. For those who normally are driven to school, consider leaving the car at home and walking or biking to school. The event is sponsored by the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee in partnership with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.

Pop-up Arts and Farmers Market

There will be a Lincoln Arts and Farmers Market Valentine’s Day pop-up market on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Pierce House. Join the community of vendors and patrons to catch up on the winter happenings around town, buy flowers, find unique handmade gifts and cars for friends and family. Vendors will be:

• Spencer Borden, wooden bowls
• Liz Brown — elixirs, tonics and teas
• Phoebe Clarkson — origami earrings
• Mary Drouin — crochet gifts
• Jocelyn Finlay — photography (Finlay is taking pre-orders for high school senior portraits, corporate headshots, passport photos, fand family photos at the event. Click here to pre-book a 30-minute photo session time).
• Annie Gauger — hats
• Hazen Hill Flowers — tulips, winter flowers, and vases
• Lisa Himelman — jewelry
• Bill Huss — alpaca yarn
• Charlotte Kirsch — gift cards
• John Rizzo — fine art photo prints and cards
• Carolyn Ryan — printed textiles
• William Stason — pottery
• Tracey Terrell — hand-crafted jewelry

Chat with L-S superintendent/principal

The LSPO invited the L-S high school community to a “coffee chat” with Superintendent/Principal Andrew Stephens on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 a.m. in Conference Room A. If you would like to submit questions for the superintendent before the meeting or if you aren’t sure you can attend the chat, please use this form and submit as many questions as you’d like.

Seniors invited to apply for scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for the Lincoln Scholarship for high school seniors. Both merit-based and need-based scholarships and awards are available. For descriptions of the scholarships and awards offered and applications, see the Lincoln Scholarship Committee website. The application and instructions can be found at this link on the left hand side of the webpage or at the bottom of the page on a mobile device. The application deadline is March 31, 2024. 

Coming up at the Lincoln Public Library

Robothink! Stem Robotics Workshop: Two Wheel Race Car
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 4-5:30 p.m., Tarbell Room
Students will get an opportunity to see what the world of STEM and robotics is all about as they build their own simple machines, then use gears, motors, axles, and batteries to bring their creations to life! No experience necessary, just prepare for some real fun! Registration required! Intended for ages 7+. Registration required; click here.

Yo-Yos, Music & Dance Show
Thursday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–noon, Tarbell Room
This high-energy show is a family experience full of laughter, music and yo-yos! Join Ooch as he shares his favorite yo-yo tricks and dance moves in a fun and energetic presentation that all ages will enjoy. No registration necessary.

Films on the Holy Land

This month, the GRALTA Foundation continues its Holy Land film series with two more documentary films.

“The Settlers”
February 7 at 7:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
February 11 at 2 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
This film by Jewish-Israeli director Shimon Dotan traces the history of Israeli settlements in the West Bank (a clear violation of international law by an occupying power) that began in 1967 and continues to this day at an accelerating pace. The settlement population now tops 850,000 (including East Jerusalem) and has mythologized the touted “two-state solution.” Watch the trailer.

“Boycott”
February 21 at 7:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
February 25 at 2 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
In 2005, 170 Palestinian civil society organizations called for a non-violent boycott, divestment, and sanction (BDS) campaign to pressure Israel to comply with international law. Although the campaign has gained little traction with the American public, the pro-Israel lobby has aggressively pursued—and in 36 states, succeeded in—enacting legislation that penalizes the free-speech “right to boycott.” The film follows three cases: a newspaper publisher in Arkansas, an attorney in Arizona, and a speech therapist in Texas who were forced to choose between their jobs and their political beliefs. Watch the trailer.

Following each screening, there will be time for discussion and questions.

Council on Aging events

The following all take place in Bemis Hall.

Codman House History
Friday, Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m.
As we celebrate Black History month, it is important to consider the ways in which enslavement existed in Lincoln, the lives of the enslaved of the Codman Estate, and how to honor their legacy today. The story of those individuals and members of the Codman family is deeply woven into the history of the town of Lincoln. Presented by Jen Turner. Co-sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA & Friends of Lincoln Library.

Valentine’s Day Speed Dating
Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Speed dating is the fun and efficient way to meet new people. Bedford, Concord, Carlisle, Lincoln, and Sudbury are teaming up for this event. You’ll meet up to 12 local single seniors (aged 65+) through a series of six minute “pre-dates.” We facilitate the whole thing so there’s no awkwardness, no pressure, no embarrassment… just great fun! After the event, we’ll contact you to let you know if you’ve made a match (more than two-thirds of speed daters match at least one person). Space is limited; sign up by calling 781-259-8811.                 

Lunar New Year
Friday, Feb. 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln resident Edwin Tam shares about Lunar New Year, which is one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asia. The new year is celebrated with family reunions, food, and gifts. What are the lucky foods eaten this time of year? Have you heard it’s the year of the dragon? What does that symbolize?

The Reality of Being a Movie Extra
Friday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln resident and member of the Screen Actors Guild Sally Kindleberger explains what it’s like to be a movie extra on set. Afterwards, watch “The Holdovers” (2023), in which Sally was an extra. It’s a comedy/drama starring Paul Giamatti, DaVine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa, directed by Alexander Payne.

Used cookbooks on sale

The Friends of the Lincoln Library are sponsoring a sale of gently used cookbooks on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1–3 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Over 300 cookbooks in excellent condition will be on sale for $1 to $5. Cash, checks, and Venmo accepted. Enjoy free hot cider and cookies as you browse. All book sale proceeds will go to fund programs, lectures, special equipment, museum passes and other library services. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.

Session on teen dating violence and relationships

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Please join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. where teen panelists will highlight what is important to them and what they want adults and peers to know about relationships, media consumption, trust, and boundaries. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to show your support for teen dating violence awareness. For more information, email infodvrt@gmail.com.

“Conservation 101”

Join Lincoln Conservation Director Michele Grzenda for a Zoom presentation on the Conservation Commission’s six-part mission on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 7–8 p.m. This talk will focus on how ConCom, along with Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, protects land, manages open space, and educates residents. Michele will share some tips on how residents can help protect the open spaces and wildlife habitat in their backyard. RSVP here. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library.

Apply for grants from the Lincoln Garden Club

Community members and groups are welcome to apply for a general grant from the Lincoln Garden Club for projects that are in keeping with its mission of community service to the town through beautification, horticulture, conservation, and landscape design. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the club has set aside up to $4,500 to fund grant proposals. In addition, the club will award the Annual Gabrielle Brenninkmeyer Award ($500). Applicants for general grants must partner with a Garden Club member, though this is not necessary to apply for the Gabrielle Brenninkmeyer Award.

Since 2005, the Lincoln Garden Club has awarded almost $50,000 in grants to support community projects including the native plant bed and hydration station in Station Park; funds to plant the next generation of trees along Baker Bridge Road, near the Pierce House and on the Lincoln School campus; working with the Lincoln Public Library board to care for and propagate the iconic Catalpa (“twisted tree”) growing in front of the library; supporting pollinator gardens along the Magnolia Path; and a Lincoln Boy Scout project to build raised beds at Codman Community Farms.

L-S School Committee listening session

The Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee will hold its next virtual listening session for students, families, and community members on Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 7–8 p.m. In attendance will be committee members Mary Warzynski and Cathie Bitter. Click here to join via Google Meet. These sessions are not public meetings with an agenda, but rather a casual opportunity to meet with Committee members.

PTO Bingo Night needs donated prizes

The Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization (LPTO)’s annual Bingo Night fundraiser is on Friday, Feb. 2 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Dining and Learning Commons. Organizers are seeking donated kid and family-friendly raffle prizes such as special experiences, private lessons, time at vacation homes, and custom-made gift baskets as well as gift cards and new/unopened “regiftable” items valued at $10-$15 each such as small toys, craft/art supplies, games, etc. They’re also seeking 12-14 teen volunteers from 5–8 p.m. to help with food distribution, working the raffle table, tracking numbers, and confirming winners. The L-S Community Service Coordinators have approved this event. To volunteer or donate, email diana.jong@gmail.com.

LOMA features Lorraine & Bennett Hammond 

Lorraine and Bennett Hammond will be featured at the next LOMA open mic night in Lincoln on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 7–10 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). The Hammonds sing and play instruments including mandolin, harp, banjo, guitar and mountain dulcimer. Check out their video of Banjo Pickin’ Girl performed live at the legendary Caffe Lena coffee house. Come listen or sign up for a slot to play yourself by emailing Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com or signing up at the event. Names of those who are signed up by 7 p.m. will be drawn at random. 

Editor’s note: We’ve changed the name of this recurring feature from “News Acorns” to “Acorns” to see if that solves the problem some readers have had in accessing the last two editions of this type. Please email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com if you have any trouble with this one! 

“Loss of Adult Child” grief support group starts Jan. 25

Care Dimensions is offering a grief support group for Massachusetts parents who have lost an adult child on Thursdays, Jan. 25 to March 14 from 10:30 a.m.–noon at the Care Dimensions Hospice House (125 Winter St. in Lincoln). To register or ask questions, call 855-774-5100 or email Grief@CareDimensions.org. Although there is no charge for this support group, donations are appreciated.

Session on reducing influence of money in elections

Julie Brogan and Susan Ryan of American Promise will explain the proposed For Our Freedom amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aims to reduce the influence of money in American politics and elections on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library to learn about the For Our Freedom amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Brogan, a Lincoln resident, is Senior Legal Fellow with the nonpartisan democracy reform group.

Lincoln Land Conservation Trust events

LLCT January Fireside Chat: “Bats 101 with Chris Richardson”
Thursday, Jan. 25 from 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
After giving the audience the quick 411 on bats, Chris Richardson will share highlights from his research into bat metabolism, thermoregulation, and immune function. Since 2012, much of his research has focused on white-nose syndrome in bats. Click here to register.

LLCT Fireside Chat: “Spotted Turtles with Liz Olson”
Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
Liz Olson, a wildlife biologist and Assistant Director of BiodiversityWorks on Martha’s Vineyard, will share stories from the field. Since 2020 her team has been tracking and tagging spotted turtles on the Vineyard. Click here to register.

Winter Fairyland
Saturday, Feb. 3 from 1–3 p.m. at Lincoln Station (145 Lincoln Rd.)
Step into Fairyland in your fairy finery! For one day only, a dazzling enchanted forest will appear at Lincoln Station, complete with fairy houses, ice sculptures, tasty treats, twinkling lights, and fun nature-oriented activities for all ages. Hosted by Farrington Nature Linc, LLCT, and RLF.

Farrington Nature Linc is hosting a complementary activity on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 1–3 p.m. where families can sign up for an afternoon of fairy house building. Let your imagination run wild as you create enchanting homes for our tiny friends!. Completed fairy houses will be displayed at the February 3 event at Lincoln Station. Suggested donation of $15 per house. Click here to sign up.

North River Music to play at deCordova

North River Music has an Americana sound, playing covers of rock, bluegrass, and country songs from the Eagles and Bob Dylan to the Indigo Girls and Grateful Dead. They’ll play at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30). Click here to buy tickets.

Curator talk on “Huff and a Puff”

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host “’Huff and a Puff’: Thoreau’s Legacy with Jeffrey S. Cramer and Sarah Montross” on Thursday, March 14 from 6–7:30 p.m. to celebrate the recent installation of Hugh Hayden’s Huff and a Puff on the museum’s front lawn. The piece is a slanted replica of the one-room home where Henry David Thoreau lived in relative isolation at nearby Walden Pond and wrote Walden. The individually cut shingles of the cabin are of cedar, which Thoreau used for his original cabin, and the slanted bricks were custom created using locally sourced clay. The windows are mirrored so visitors can see themselves as well as the ground and sky, further altering the perception of this small house and emphasizing the viewer as part of the work. 

Huff and a Puff was commissioned by Art & the Landscape, an initiative of The Trustees of Reservations. Click here for tickets.