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Obituaries

• A memorial service for Ralph “Randy” Earle III, who died on December 26, 2025, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11:00am at the Weston Art & Innovation Center (356 Boston Post Road, Weston). More information.

• Dorothy Goodman passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on Jan. 26 at the age of 95. More information.

(Editor’s note: Full obituaries with photos are published in the Lincoln Squirrel for a fee paid by the funeral home. Please email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com for details.)

Lincoln Arts and Farmers Valentine’s Market

Click here for details on vendors selling Valentine’s gifts on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9:00am–1:00pm at the Pierce House.

Celebrate Lunar New Year

First Parish in Lincoln welcomes back the Nüwa Athletic Club to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10:00am-noon at the Parish House (14 Bedford Road). They will perform a traditional lion dance and provide a fun workshop for kids of all ages afterward. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Benefit concert for emergency immigrant support 

A concert featuring the Honey Steelers on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 2:30–4:30pm at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. Tickets available at the door; suggested donation of $20 (free for children). Refreshments and raffle ticket included. Co-sponsored by Lincoln Witness and St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields’ Social Justice Commission, with support from the First Parish Lincoln Racial Justice Committee and other generous contributors. All donations support immigrants through the Waltham-based Fuerza Emergency Interfaith Fund. For details and how to donate for those unable to attend, click here. 

“Baby & Me” meetup

LincFam is hosting its next “Baby & Me” walk for new and expecting parents on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1:00pm in the Town Hall’s Donaldson Room to help families with young children meet other parents in the community. Registration requested but not required at Lincfam.org. Updates will be posted on the website and in LincFam’s New & Expecting Parents WhatsApp chat. Questions? Call Emily at 207-712-7363.

Two speed-dating events

The Councils on Aging of Belmont, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln are teaming up to offer Valentine’s Senior Speed Dating for seniors age 65+ on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10:45am at the Belmont Council on Aging (266 Beech St., Belmont). You’ll meet up to 11 other local, single seniors through a series of six-minute “pre-dates.” After the event, organizers will 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; call 781-259-8811 to sign up. 

Friend Speed Dating is a low-key social event designed to help adults age 20–45 make new friends on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. During this event, you’ll spend three minutes talking to each of the other attendees, followed by time for light refreshments and the opportunity to continue chatting over crafts and a puzzle. Registration recommended but not required.

Library activities for kids

All activities are in the Tarbell Room. Click on an event title for more information. No registration required unless otherwise indicated.

Songs with Seth
Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10:30am

February Fiddle Fun
Saturday, Feb. 7 from 2:00–2:45pm

Science Challenge Fun
Monday, Feb. 9 at 4:00pm (registration required)

Valentine’s Dance Party
Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10:30–11:15am

Vacation week activities:

Puppet Playtime & Storytime with Nicola the Puppeteer
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 10:30–11:15am

Hip Hop Xpression Dance Class
Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 11:00–11:45am

Big Ryan’s Mystery Rooms presents Alien Escape
Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 4:00–5:00pm (registration required) 

GearTicks Robotics Demonstration
Thursday, Feb. 19 from 4:00–5:00pm

Lego Club
Friday, Feb. 20 from 1:00–3:00pm

Coming up at the library for adults

Click on an event title for more information. No registration required unless otherwise indicated.

1890s: Gilded Age Fashion
Friday, Feb. 13 from 12:30–2:00pm, Bemis Hall
While dressing in vintage and reproduced undergarments, clothing, and accessories, Kandie Carle adds humor, history and intriguing anecdotes about fashion, home life and etiquette of men and women during the Gilded Age.

A First-hand Look at Second-hand Books
Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6:00–7:30pm, Tarbell Room
Ken Gloss of the Brattle Book Shop will talk about some of his favorite finds and the joys of the hunt. He will also give free verbal appraisals of books that attendees have brought in.

Film: “Growing through Covid-19”
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 6:00–7:30pm, Tarbell Room
A documentary telling the dramatic story of the 144-year-old family-run Russell’s Garden Center during the pandemic.

Burglary at the Louvre: How Can Writers Top This?
Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 7:00-8:00pm (Zoom)
This program is in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library. Click here to register.

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Concert: “A Glittering Embrace”

On Sunday, Feb. 22 at 7:30pm in Bemis Hall, Lincoln pianist Diane Katzenberg Braun accompanies award-winning Music Street musicians in a unique instrumental and vocal concert including Georgian folk tunes, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, romantic Amy Beach and Rachmaninoff, jazzy Bolcom, and more.

Town offices closed Monday

All non-essential town departments/offices will be closed Monday due to the snowstorm. Some of our employees will be available by e-mail. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday morning.

The public safety and public works operations will be fully staffed throughout the storm. The Public Works Department can be reached at 259-8999. The Police Department can be reached at 259-8113 for routine matters (and of course, for emergencies, dial 911). In case of power outages, our public safety team will attempt to coordinate with Eversource to ensure that any emergency conditions receive priority attention.

Activities hosted by the library

“Creating a Modern Homestead”
Monday, Jan. 26 from 7:00–8:00 pm via Zoom
Modern-day homesteader, blogger, and author Victoria Pruett will chat about her book Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life. She’ll walk through various aspects of homesteading and cover simple life changes to get closer to nature and less dependent on large commercial organizations. This program is in partnership with the Ashland Public Library. Register here.

The Dudleys and the Howards with Authors Joanne Paul and Nicola Clark
Thursday, Jan. 29 from 10:00–11:30am via Zoom
Join authors and historians Joanne Paul and Nicola Clark as they discuss their books, The House of Dudley:  New History of Tudor England and The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens. This program is in partnership with the Ashland Public Library. More information and registration here.

February Fiddle Fun
Saturday, Feb. 7 from 2:00–2:45pm, Tarbell Room
Fiddlers Julia Sullivan and Alanna Widman will play music from Ireland and other Celtic countries. Julia and Alanna (Tryder) both grew up in Lincoln and they have been fiddling since they were 5. Julia’s sons Finbar and Owen will make a special appearance, as will Alanna’s son Walter. This event is designed for families, but music lovers of all ages are welcome.

Steve Heck with Teri Coate at next LOMA

Steve Heck

Noted piano player Steve Heck with Teri Coate are the headliners at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, Feb. 9 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Here’s a video of him at Berklee College with Chris Emkey playing an intricate, boogie-woogie duet, “Rockin’ Pneumonia.” 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.

A boy checks out the community center construction equipment from his perch in the Magic Garden Children’s Center.

Community Center work progresses

The new Community Center foundation is near completion, and workers are excavating and installing underground utilities across the front sections of the site. Steel installation and framing will start in February. For more information and photos, see the Community Center Building Committee website.

Outdoor winter scavenger hunt

Can you find all four “tree-mendous” deer recently spotted on Lincoln Conservation Land? Each deer has been carefully placed in a scenic spot — use these descriptions and photo clues to guide your search. When you spot one, feel free to snap a photo of you (and/or your family) with the deer and share your discovery with the Lincoln Conservation Department here. It’s the perfect winter adventure for families and a great way to explore our town’s conservation land. Questions? Email conservation@lincolntown.org.

Webinar on estate planning for parents

LincFam is hosting its second collaboration with Parents Estate Planning Law Firm on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 8:00pm via Zoom. Learn how to ensure your kids are cared for by the short- and long-term guardians you trust, how to navigate essential documents, how to avoid probate court, and how to pass on your story, values, guidance, and advice to the people you love the most. Open to all.  Register here.

Jan. 26 deadline for Town Meeting petitions 

The deadline for submitting citizen petitions for the March 28, 2026, Annual Town Meeting is Monday, Jan. 26 at 9:00am. The Select Board  began accepting petitions on Jan. 12 when they voted to open the warrant. Citizens who may be 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. They will contact the people identified as lead petitioners to ensure coordination as officials prepare for the discussions and presentations that will be occurring in advance of Town Meeting. The Select Board’s office (781-259-2601 or elderp@lincolntown.org) is also available to assist. 

“Inside the Sensorium”

Neuroscience meets music, plants, and perfume in “Inside the Sensorium: What Science Can Bring to the Senses,” which explores how scientists and artists turn life Into sound and scents on Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 6:00–9:00pm at the deCordova Museum. Hungry Ninja in Newton is providing vegan rice and ramen bowls for dinner, available for pre-order or for purchase at the event (limited supply). Free, but donations and/or dinner purchase are encouraged. Register here. Sponsored by Catalyst Conversations, a Cambridge nonprofit.

Webinar on going green

Domestic violence service group offers volunteer training

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is offering a free 40-hour training to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. Advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in 13 communities.

The training will be held at the Lexington Police Department from March 2–20 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00–7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am–3:30pm. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10–12 hours of supervised field training. For more information about the training or to request an application, call 978-318-3421 or e-mail training@dvsn.org. Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Coming up at the Council on Aging & Human Services

AI For Seniors: The Benefits & Pitfalls
Friday, Jan. 16 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
Henry Quinlan will bring an engaging presentation into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). He will cover what AI is, some of the benefits, and potential dangers. Attendees will learn about the most popular AI tools and their accuracy and reliability, and see a practical demo.

Film screening: “Selma” (2014)
Friday, Jan. 23 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965. Directed by Ava DuVernay.

Activities at Codman Community Farms

Click on an event title for more information and registration. 

Sunday Supper
Sunday, Jan. 25

Soup Making 101
Wednesday, Jan. 28

Cozy Story Time in the Greenhouse with Sarah Bishop
Saturday, Jan. 31

Pizza in the Pavilion
Thursday, Feb. 5

Summer Barn Buddies
Twelve one-week sessions from 9:00am–1:00pm starting on June 15. Click here for more information and registration. 

Quilt exhibit closing reception

Winners of the silent auction for the quilts that have bene on display in the Lincoln Public Library in January will be announced at the exhibit’s closing reception on Friday, Jan. 30 from 3:00–5:00pm. Proceeds will go to the successful bidder’s charity of choice. Questions? Call Tricia Deck at 781-223-8983.

CFREE tip: Benefits of a shift to plant-based foods (serving #1 of 12)

Editor’s note: This is “Serving 1” in a series of 12 items on the benefits of a shift to plant-based foods, which in turn comprise CFREE tip #9. To view the full series, click here.

Reducing the carbon footprint of humans is critical to preserving the viability of Earth. One of the few things affecting the climate that we as individuals can control, and one of the most important, is what we eat. A plant-based diet is healthier for us — the medical community is united on that. And climate scientists say with one voice that it is also healthier for the planet. In the graph below, notice the trifling impact of plant-based proteins (in green) on our world.

Orange represents animal products and green represents plant foods. Figures are the mean of greenhouse gas emission ranges across thousands of farms studied. Source: Canary Media/Science.

CFREE (Carbon Free Residential — Everything Electric) is a subcommittee of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee that provides guidance on how households can reduce use of fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions to help Massachusetts meet statewide emissions limits set for 2030, 2040, and 2050. It also provides information about state and federal incentives that help reduce the cost of such changes. For guidance on such projects at your home, email lincolngreencoach@gmail.com.

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.