acorns

Public forum on Dark Skies Initiative

The Dark Skies Committee, a subcommittee of the Lincoln Planning Board, will hold a public information forum on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30pm in the Donaldson Room in the Town Hall and via Zoom. The discussion will center on the effects of nocturnal lighting on wildlife, insects, and humans, and on what can be done to mitigate its negative effects while promoting safe lighting practices. The committee will also address possible bylaw changes that could move the town towards compliance with guidelines in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Dark Skies Initiative.

Library happenings

The Lincoln Quilt Group members (Nancy Constable, Anne Crosby, Tricia Deck, Linda MacNeil, Victoria Mielke, Margaret Olson, Lucy Sachs, Kathleen Sacknoff, Jane Solar, and Dilla Tingley) are showing their quilts in the Lincoln Library gallery for the month of January. The quilts will be offered for sale in a silent auction, and proceeds will go to the successful bidder’s charity of choice. Bids will close on Thursday, Jan. 29 and winners will be announced at the closing reception to be held on Friday, Jan. 30 from 3:00–5:00pm. Instructions for bidding are on the table just inside the entryway. Questions? Call Tricia Deck at 781-223-8983.

Also coming up:

Superspy Science: Science, Death & Tech in the World of James Bond
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2:00-3:00pm (Zoom)
Author Dr. Kathryn Harkup, writer, science communicator and vampirologist, will discuss the science behind James Bond’s exploits, including armaments, tactics, plots and enemy tech, outlined in her book. Register here.

Wildlife Out Your Window
Saturday, Jan. 17, 1:30–2:30pm, Tarbell Room
Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that blue jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the founder and executive director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, and answer your wildlife questions.

How Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 7:00–8:00pm, Zoom
Author Elyse Graham will discuss her new book, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II, the true untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war to defeat the Nazis. Register here.

Drop-in Craft: Make a Vision Board
Saturday, Jan. 24, 12:00–3:00pm
Stop by the Reference Room and create your own vision board. This is a drop-in craft and all materials will be provided — just bring your goals and dreams for the year! Ages 10 and up. 

Pop-Up Art School: Night Sky with Trees
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 5:30–7:00pm
Paint a star-filled night sky with silhouettes of a hillside and trees. Ages 13+. Register here.

Hospice volunteer training

Care Dimensions is offering training for this interested in becoming hospice volunteers and offering companionship and support to patients and families, usually in their homes or at the hospice house in Lincoln. Training is on Monday and Wednesday mornings from Feb. 23 to March 11 via Zoom. Click here to register by February 13 or email volunteerinfo@caredimensions.org to learn more.

Movie: “A Squirrel’s Guide to Success”

Come to the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust office above the Tack Room on Thursday, Jan. 29 to see a Nature/PBS production about squirrels’ problem-solving skills, acrobatic maneuvers, and more. Free; all ages welcome. RSVP here.

Book discussion with Minute Men

All are invited to join the Lincoln Minute Men for their next book group event, a discussion of Alfred Young’s The Shoemaker and the Tea Party: Memory and the American Revolution on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2:30 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The book examines the role of George Robert Twelves Hewes, who participated in key events of the American Revolution. Purchase a copy or order one to borrow from the Minuteman Library Network.

Twisted Tree gathering on Friday

The Twisted Tree Cafe at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a new year’s gathering on Friday, Jan. 2 from 5–9pm. Live music, cookie decorating, and seasonal specials including beer, wine, and mocktails.

File citizens’ petitions starting Jan. 12

The Town Clerk’s office will begin accepting citizens’ petitions for the March 28 Annual Town Meeting on Monday, Jan. 12 when the Select Board votes to open the warrant. The deadline for submitting petitions is Monday, Jan. 26 at 9:00am.  considering sponsoring a Town Meeting petition are strongly urged to contact the Town Clerk’s Office (781-259-2607 or foxv@lincolntown.org) for guidance about the process. The Select Board office (781-259-2601 or elderp@lincolntown.org) is also available to assist. 

Wayside Sound at next LOMA

Wayside Sound (Jack Dudek and Taylor Gonsalves) are the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, Jan. 12 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Here’s a snippet of them covering Chris Smithers’s tune “Love Me Like a Man,” made famous by Bonnie Raitt. LOMA is a monthly open mike night event with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Come and perform (email  loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Free admission.

Conservation Department events coming up

Guided Plant ID and Natural History Walk with Jeffrey Adams
Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 9:45am, Flint’s Pond
Learn how to identify plants even as the leaves are disappearing, and some interesting local natural history as well. RSVP here. Email llct@lincolnconservation.org for details.

Winter Tree & Shrub ID Walks
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24 at 9:30am, Codman North
Join Stacy Carter for a winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants. RSVP here. Email conservation@lincolntown.org for details.

Stew & Brew at Drumlin Farm

Adults 21+ are invited to Stew & Brew on Friday, Jan. 23 from 6:30-9:00pm at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Chase away the midwinter cold with an evening of hearty, house-made stews accompanied by craft beers from local breweries. Enjoy meat and vegetarian stews made from Drumlin Farm-raised meats and veggies, along with seasonal ingredients from other neighboring farms. Fresh bread courtesy of Nashoba Brook Bakery will round out the festive winter meal by the fire.

Learn about Drumlin’s sustainable farming practices and hear from the breweries that are donating time and products, including Jack’s Abby, Rapscallion, and Saltbox Kitchen (gluten-free cider also available). Musicians Thomas Perry and Nikki Shattuck of Lower Quarters, a local fiddle and guitar duo, will play. Registration required ($75 for members and $90 for nonmembers until Jan. 13; after that, $80 for adults and $96 for non-members).

English handbells concert

All are invited to a concert of English handbells at the First Parish Stone Church on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7:00. Children welcome. Free admission. 

School budget hearing coming up

The School Committee will hold a hearing on the FY27 budget on Thursday, Dec. 18 beginning at 6:00pm in the Hartwell Building Multipurpose Room. It will be broadcast on Zoom here. Anyone interested in participating should email mmadrick-schoolcomm@lincnet.org before 3:00pm on the day of the meeting to get login instructions. A copy of the proposed budget is available on the LPS website or at the LPS Business Office (Hartwell building, second floor).

Film: “Model Shop”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Model Shop” (1969, directed by Jacques Demy) on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:00pm.

Lincoln Arts and Farmers holiday pop-up market

Come to the Pierce House on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9:00am–1:00pm to join vendors and residents to catch up on winter happenings around town, buy plants, find unique handmade gifts for friends and family (gift cards, jewelry, crochet gifts, pottery, ornaments), have your family photo taken, or relax with a massage. Live music by Art Grossman. Sponsored by the Lincoln Art and Farmers Market.

“Frozen” matinee

Grab your coziest blanket and pillow to warm up with the Disney classic “Frozen” and some hot chocolate on Monday, Dec. 22 from 4:00–5:45pm in the Tarbell Room. Friends and families of all ages are welcome.

The children’s room at the library will also offer craft activities. Drop in anytime for a simple, fun winter-theme craft activity or use our materials for your own creations! All materials will be provided. All ages.

One of the works on view at the library by Diana Rice-Sheahan.

Artist reception

There will be an artist reception with Diana Rice-Sheahan, the exhibiting artist for December in the Lincoln Public Library, on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6:00–8:00pm at the library.

Immigrant rights vigil

Four area churches have come together to commission and display “On the Way,” a temporary art installation in the tradition of Christmas nativity scenes that uses the motif of road signs to draw attention to the issue of immigrant justice. Each church will host the installation for one week of Advent accompanied by a vigil as attendees pray and work for more just treatment of immigrants in our midst. The First Parish in Lincoln will hold its “On the Way” Immigration Justice Vigil on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 4:30pm on the sanctuary lawn. Signs welcome (there will be extras). Children welcome. Follow the installation on Instagram here.

Webinar on Charles River proposal

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) recently proposed a plan that would allow sewage to continue to be dumped into the Charles River. At w webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., Charles River Watershed Association Executive Director Emily Norton will explain what the proposed plan entails, why the board MWRA should reject it, and what can be done to influence the board’s vote. Cosponsored by CFREE Lincoln and Green Newton.

Film screening: “Endless Summer Syndrome”

The Lincoln Film Society presents “Endless Summer Syndrome” (2023, directed by Kaveh Daneshmand; French with English subtitles) on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:00pm. A lazy late-summer weekend is disrupted by a shocking allegation when Delphine gets an anonymous call from her husband’s colleague about an alleged affair with one of their adopted children.

Organization offers financial education, seeks donations

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable (DVR) hosts the first program of its Survivor Series: Domestic Violence & Financial Abuse on Monday, Dec. 8 from 7:00–8:00pm via Zoom. Financial abuse is a pervasive form of control that can trap survivors in dangerous situations by limiting their access to money, employment, and financial independence. Click here to register. Questions? Email infodvrt@gmail.com.

As the holidays approach and many families are struggling with the loss of SNAP benefits and the prospect of higher health care costs, the DVR is conducting holiday drives to make the season brighter for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Gift cards for Shaw’s, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart or Visa cash cards are especially helpful. You can also make a cash donation or send a check that allows Roundtable partner agencies to purchase gift cards for the families they serve. For more information on the webinar or the holiday drive, click here.

Coming up at the deCordova

DeCordova Performance Series: Antje Duvekot
Friday, Dec. 19 from 6:30-8:00pm

Solstice Stargazing with Aldrich Astronomical Society
Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21 from  5:00–7:00pm

Teen pageant winner launches toy drive

Kit Walkup, Miss Massachusetts Pre-Teen. (Photo courtesy Julia Walkup)

Kathryn “Kit” Walkup, a sixth-grader at the Lincoln School, earned the title of Miss Massachusetts Pre-Teen with the Royal International Miss organization in her very first beauty pageant. As part of her year of service, she will be completing monthly volunteer projects and public appearances to support families and children in need.

To kick off her community service, Kit has launched a holiday collection drive to benefit The Boston House, a nonprofit organization that provides free housing and support for families whose children are being treated for cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital. Residents can support the drive in two ways:

• Purchase toys and other items from The Boston House’s Amazon.com wishlist. In the Gift section, please write “Kit Walkup’s Collection Drive.”
• Arrange a pickup of donated items between now and December 7 by contacting Kit’s mother Julia at juliawalkup@gmail.com. 

The drive also welcomes snacks, pantry supplies, and laundry essentials to help families focus on caring for their child rather than the costs of everyday necessities.

The Commons earns kudos

The Commons in Lincoln has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for short-term rehabilitation, earning the magazine’s highest overall designation of “high performing.” Across Massachusetts, only 17% of rehabilitation centers received a high performing distinction, according to a press release from The Commons. In earning the honor, the facility demonstrated excellence in safety, management, staffing and patient outcomes, among other attributes.

Nearly 15,000 centers nationwide were evaluated for this year’s awards, which analyze the consistency of registered nurse staffing, the use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing emergency room and hospital visits. Short-term rehabilitation ratings further assess the prevention of falls and serious infections as well as residents’ ability to return home. At The Commons, physical therapist staffing is more than three times the national and state average, and nurse staffing is over 50% higher than the average. Ratings are determined using data submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Earlier this year, The Commons was awarded a five-star rating by CMS and was also named a Boston Magazine 2025 Top Senior Living Community.

LincFam gift card drive, meetup

LincFam is organizing an urgent grocery gift card drive to help bridge the next few weeks for local families while SNAP benefits are disrupted by the government shutdown. Drop off new or partially used cards (please note remaining balance) at Erin Rist’s House (10 Hawk Hill Road, Lincoln), email e-gift cards to lincnhn@gmail.com, Venmo a donation to @erinrist (LincFam will purchase grocery cards), or give directly to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry — drop gift cards in the locked box in garage at 10 Hawk Hill Road or email e-gift cards to lincnhn@gmail.com.

LincFam offers new and expecting parents a chance to meet for a walk on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10:00am outside the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park’s Twisted Tree  Cafe. Free beverage after the walk. Anyone with babies under age 2 are welcome. Questions? Contact Emily at 207-712-7363.

Craft & Chill: watercolor pumpkin cards

Give yourself a mental break and have some fun with other adults on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 1:00–2:00pm in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. All supplies are provided by the library. For ages 16+. Register here.

Lincoln resident photo exhibition in R.I.

Lincoln resident Linda Hammett Ory’s is included in the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts upcoming exhibition, “Landscapes: Real or Imagined,” juried by photographer and gallery director Cara Weston (granddaughter of Edward). This show celebrates contemporary landscape photography, offering a wider lens to provide a more expansive presentation of landscape photography today. The exhibition runs from November 20 through December 12, and the opening reception is on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 5:00–8:00pm. More information can be found on RICPA’s website.

Talk by Lincoln’s Dobrow on her new book

Julie Dobrow will discuss her new book, Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3:00pm in Bemis Hall. See her Medium post on how she learned about her subjects.

“Nothing Solid” film screening and Q&A

“Nothing Solid,” a semi-autobiographical, medical dark comedy based on Sharisse Zeroonian’s real-life experience with cyclic vomiting syndrome (a rare neurological brain-gut disorder), will be screened on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6:00pm at the Lincoln Public Library. Zeroonian will be on hand to answer questions. Open to ages 16+.

Coming up at the deCordova

Talismans:  Pysanky Gift Making
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:00am–noon

Holiday Wreath Making with Derby Farms
Saturday, Dec.6, 2:30–4:00pm

Water main update: Town Hall closed on Friday

On Thursday, Nov. 6, Town Hall and Old Town Hall Exchange will be open, but only accessible from the five-way intersection. Tell roadway staff if you are headed to either location and they will let you through. On Friday, Nov. 7, Town Hall will be closed while water lines are disconnected and reconnected. Offices are working remotely, so residents may contact staff via email or conduct online transactions at www.lincolntown.org. Work will begin each day at 8:15am and finish between 4:30pm and 5:30pm as subsurface conditions permit.

Lincoln food pantry gets $5,000 grant

In response to the SNAP funding cut brought on by the federal government shutdown, the Sudbury Foundation announced an emergency funding initiative of $155,000 to support 17 hunger relief organizations across its catchment area. The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry serving Lincoln and Weston received $5,000. The largest grants went to A Place to Turn in Natick and Open Table in Maynard ($15,000 apiece), according to a press release from the foundation.

Session on wolf restoration

The Walden Woods Project and Restore: The North Woods will co-host “Potential for Wolf Restoration in New England” with George Wuerthner on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7:00–9:00pm on Zoom. Wuerthner will provide background on the Endangered Species Act as it relates to wolf restoration, how wolf restoration in Oregon and California has progressed, and its potential for New England. Register here.

Book discussion with Don Hafner

Join the Lincoln Minute Men for a discussion with Lincoln resident Donald Hafner, author of Entangled Lives, Black and White: The Black Community, Enslaved and Free, in Eighteenth-century Lincoln, Massachusetts, on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 2:30–4:00pm in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Copies of the book are available on reserve at the library or for purchase from the Lincoln Historical Society or Amazon.com.

McElligott wins Emerging Leader Award

Robin McElligott with her 2025 Emerging Leader Award.

Robin McElligott, recently promoted to plant operations director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been recognized by LeadingAge Massachusetts with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. The award is given annually by the trade association to an individual who demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and commitment to mission.

“Robin has grown tremendously, from starting at The Commons ten years ago as our concierge to now leading our 28-unit expansion project as plant operations director. She has a gift for combining exceptional communication skills, operational excellence, and a resident-first mindset that sets a new standard for customer service across our community,” said Reynaldo LeBlanc, executive director of The Commons. According to LeadingAge, “McElligott’s collaborative and empathetic leadership has strengthened The Commons in Lincoln’s culture, improved communication and engagement, and fostered an environment of trust and respect among residents and staff.”

“The Art of War: Trench Art from the Civil War to Desert Storm”

Trench art comprises decorative items created by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians using materials found around war zones. Lincoln Veterans Services Officer Peter Harvell shares and describes trench art forged during wartime on Friday, Nov. 7 at 12:30pm at Bemis Hall. Free evaluation of wartime memorabilia offered by Joe Martinelli. Leave all firearms at home, regardless of their age. Sponsored by the Council on Aging & Human Services.

Mattress sale fundraiser to benefit L-S music

The L-S Music Department is holding a mattress sale fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the LSRHS cafeteria. Mattresses come direct from the manufacturers in a variety of sizes and styles at 30-50% off retail prices. Delivery and 0% financing available, as well as sheets, pillows, bean bags, and more. Text LSMUSIC25 to 617-553-7722 for discount coupons or click on the Facebook event for more information.

Arts and crafts show next weekend

The annual Lincoln Arts (and Crafts) Show will take place on Friday to Sunday, Nov. 14-16 from noon–5:00pm at the Pierce House. It kicks off with an artists’ reception on Friday, Nov. 14 from 5:00–7:00pm. The open show is for all ages, all creative arts, and all abilities, and student entries are free. Details and registration (deadline to submit work: November 7).

Wreath-making workshop

Bring your family for a fun afternoon making some festive decorations on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1:00–3:00pm at the LLCT office at Lincoln Station. Please bring some foliage cuttings from your own yard to help fill out your wreath. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. RSVP here.

Celtic music concert

Come hear Hanneke Cassel with Jenna Moynihan and Keith Murphy, three of the top Celtic musicians in the U.S., at the Live in Lincoln Center series on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4:00pm at First Parish Church in the Parish Hall at 14 Bedford Road. Click here to learn more and buy tickets ($14–$28).

Learn about offshore wind energy

Zach Fuerst, commercial director at Vineyard Offshore, will discuss the challenges facing the industry today and opportunities for the future in “Offshore Wind Energy: Overcoming Federal Headwinds” on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7:00pm via Zoom. For more information and registration, click here. Sponsored by Green Newton and CFREE, part of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.

“Beaverland” author talk

On Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:00pm at the Concord Public Library and on Zoom, Leila Philip, author of Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America, will speak about beavers, which play an outsized role in American history and its future. Sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Concord Land Conservation Trust, the Walden Woods Project, OARS, and the River Stewardship Council. Register to attend in person or on Zoom.

In the November 3, 2025 “News Acorns,” the date for the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mic Acoustic) was listed incorrectly. It will be on Monday, Nov. 10. The post has been updated.