acorns

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.

Lincoln authors and athletes recognized

Two Lincoln authors, Elizabeth Graver and Katherine Hall Page, recently won honor for their work. Graver’s Kantika was named one of the 10 best historical fiction books of 2023 by the New York Times. (See also this Q&A with the Lincoln Squirrel from May 2023.) Page, author of several mysteries, was one of two 2024 Grand Masters special award winners announced by the Mystery Writers of America.

L-S graduate Alexandria Taylor of Lincoln will represent the United States at the 2024 Youth Winter Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea starting on January 19. She is also one of 10 athletes named to the Junior IBU Cup and Junior Open European Championships Roster and will also compete in the 2024 Youth/Junior World Championships in Estonia. Meanwhile, Lincolnite hockey player Collin Graf was featured in the Boston Globe. He decided to forgo turning pro this year and returned a junior at Quinnipiac College.

Learn about incentives for green purchases

Are you planning to reduce your home energy costs or buy an electric car this year? Larry Chretien, Director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, will review 2024 state and federal incentives offered through the Inflation Reduction Act in a Zoom talk on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Presented by Lincoln CFREE, a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee. Click here to register.

Celtic fiddling at deCordova

Jenna Moynihan, Assistant Professor in the Strings Department at Berklee College of Music, will give a Celtic fiddle concert at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). Her fiddling style draws strongly from the Scottish tradition, but is also influenced by American, Irish, and Scandinavian styles.  Click here to buy tickets.  

Former Capitol police officer to discuss insurrection

Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Winston Pingeon will give a talk titled “Three Years Later: A Reflection on the January 6th Insurrection” on Friday, Jan. 19 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Winston grew up in Lincoln and moved to Washington, D.C. in 2012 to study at American University. Upon graduation. he joined the U.S. Capitol Police and was an officer from 2016–2021. Join us to learn what life was like as an officer and what it was like to be an officer on January 6, 2021 and the days following.

Dance party by Insight

Insight Seminars is sponsoring a dance party for adults and older teens on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 6–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Insight is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the wellness and life satisfaction of all people through the processes of learning, uplift, and growth that sponsors seminars in Boston and other locations. Please bring a snack-type finger food (no dishes or silverware needed) or beverage to share if you like (no alcohol please). Questions? Contact Stephanie Kramp at 978-460-4891 or stephkramp@yahoo.com.

Talk on building rituals for kids

Clinical psychologist and parent coach Dr. Rachel Kramer will speak on “Building Routines and Rituals to Support Independence” on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Dewey Gallery at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. She will give a presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Donate items to help Boston homeless

A group of Lincoln teens are collecting clothes and necessities to deliver to the homeless in Boston through the CityReach program. Needed items include: 

• new white socks/underwear/bras for men and women
• new or used coats, hats, gloves, scarves
• sweatshirts and sweaters
• t-shirts/long-sleeve shirts
• pants/belts
• boots/shoes/sneakers
• blankets/sleeping bags
• backpacks/tote bags/fanny packs/suitcases with wheels
• travel-size toiletries
• toothbrushes, disposable razors, tampons

Drop off donations in the Religious Education office at the stone church. Teens are also invited to volunteer on January 26-27 visiting homeless sites in downtown Boston and distributing goods and food to the unhoused. Cost is $70. Contact Lora Venesy (lora@fplincoln.org) or Jason McLure (jmclure@yahoo.com).

L-S Cabaret Concert on Thursday

Join us for a night of music in an intimate musical setting featuring a capella groups, vocal soloists, symphonic and concert jazz ensembles, and jazz combos at the annual L-S Cabaret Concert on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 7:30–9 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Admission is $5. L-S Friends of Music will sell snacks and beverages.

File papers to run for town office

There are 13 seats in town government that will appear on the ballot at the town election on March 25, and nominating papers can be picked up at the Town Clerk Valerie Fox’s office until January 31. Papers must be returned by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2. For more information, please contact Fox at foxv@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2607. The following offices will appear on the March ballot:

• Board of Assessors — one seat for three years
• Board of Health — one seat for three years
• Cemetery Commission — one seat for three years
• Commissioners of Trust Funds — one seat for three years
• Housing Commission — one seat for three years
• Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee — two seats for three years each
• Parks and Recreation Committee — one seat for three years
• Planning Board — one seat for three years
• K-8 School Committee — two seats for three years
• Select Board — one seat for three years
• Bemis Trustee — one seat for three years
• Water Commissioner — one seat for three years

Deadline for Annual Town Meeting petitions is Jan. 22

This year’s deadline for submitting citizens’ petitions for the March 23 Annual Town Meeting is Monday, Jan. 22 at noon. Citizens considering sponsoring a Town Meeting petition are strongly urged to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-259-2607 or foxv@lincolntown.org) for guidance about the process. The office will contact the people identified as lead petitioners to ensure coordination as we prepare for the discussions and presentations that will be occurring in advance of Town Meeting.

Film on esteemed architect

Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln presents “Josep Lluis Sert: A Nomadic Dream” as part of the Lincoln Winter Carnival on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Library’s Tarbell Room. The 2015 documentary tells the story of Sert, a talented architect and city planner. who fled his home country during the Spanish Civil War and was later dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design from 1953 to 1969.

Two new police officers join the force

Donate items for those dealing with domestic violence

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites everyone to donate items and help assemble Valentine’s Day bags for families in shelter and transitional housing on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Sudbury First Parish Church (327 Concord Rd, Sudbury). Examples of needed items are gift cards for CVS, Target, Market Basket, and gas cards as well as full-size bath products, socks, cosmetics, nail polish, hair products, journals, gloves/mittens, boxed candy, wash cloths, underwear and scarves. Items for children could include playing cards, educational materials, small toys, small stuffed animals, underwear, socks, and candy. No books, crayons, pencils or markers please. Donations may be left in the collection basket provided at Sudbury Wine and Spirits in the Rugged Bear Plaza Road (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) from January 19 to February 2. For more information, email info@dvrt.org.

Christmas tree pickup

The L-S girls’ basketball team and the L-S Class of 2006 will hold a Christmas tree pickup fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 6. Cost is $20 per tree ($10 for seniors). Click here for more information and to sign up.

Library-sponsored events coming up

Drop-in tech help
Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., library reference room
The library offer tech help drop-in hours on Thursdays. Bring your devices, charging cables, and any passwords you might need to address your tech issues.

Tech talk: email filtering
Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 2-3 p.m., Bemis Hall
Do you receive lots of junk email and other messages? This session will discuss how to filter, sort, and search through your email more efficiently. We will also address how to unsubscribe from many email-generating services to free up your inbox.

LOMA featuring Zion Rodman
Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 7-10 p.m., Tarbell Room
Rodman is the featured performer at the next monthly Lincoln open-mike night. His vocals are suave in the genres of folk-rock and indie-pop, and his award-winning songs tend to be meaningful, soulful and hard-hitting. His engaging style is immediately apparent in the video “Everybody That You Know.” Register here if you’d like to perform. 

Music and movement with Kat Chapman
Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tarbell Room
Kat Chapman has taught music to young children and is a singer-songwriter, performer, music educator and parent. All ages welcome; no registration necessary. 

Film: “Young@Heart”
Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m., Tarbell Room
See the final weeks of rehearsal for the Young at Heart chorus based in Northampton, Mass., whose average age is 81 and many of whom must overcome health adversities to participate. Their music is unexpected, going against the stereotype of their age group, performing songs that range from James Brown to Coldplay. Sign up here for the Lincoln Library Film Society mailing list.

Cookie swap
Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 6-7 p.m., Tarbell Room
Do you have a favorite cookie? Bring your cookies and your recipe to share! There will be taste testing and hot cocoa. Best for ages 10+.

Madhubani/Mithila painting
Thursday, Jan. 25 from 6:30-8 p.m., Tarbell Room
Join award-winning artist and educator Sunanda Sahay as she talks and demonstrates Madhubani, or Mithila painting, a 2,500-year-old folk and traditional style of art from Bihar, North India. Make your own art inspired by her works. No experience needed. Registration is required; click here to register (registration opens on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 9 a.m.).

“We Move Together” 
Saturday, Jan. 27 from 2-3 p.m., Tarbell Room
Join us for movement, puppetry and fun as we journey to the bottom of the sea with Little Uprisings and the Gottabees, who will explore the book Swimmy by Leo Lionni, a classic tale for young children about the power of organizing. Best for ages 4-7. 

Documentaries on the Holy Land problem

This month, the GRALTA Foundation will screen two documentaries related to the “Holy Land problem.” Each will be shown twice:

• Sunday afternoons at the Lincoln Public Library on January 7 and 21 at 2 p.m.
• Wednesday evenings at Bemis Hall on January 10 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.

“’Til Kingdom Come,” a film by Jewish-Israeli director Maya Zinshtein, illuminates the passion and power of Christian Zionism to influence U.S. foreign policy. Julia Bacha’s “Naila and the Uprising” focuses on the important role that women played in creating and guiding the protests and civil disobedience that comprised the 1987–1993 First Intifada. That long campaign led to the famed Oslo Accords, which were supposed to be the first step in establishing a separate Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Please let us know if you plan to attend and on which day so we can plan for enough chairs by emailing steve.low@gordianconcepts.com.

Office hours with Rep. Gentile

State Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-13th Middlesex) will hold virtual office hours on Friday, Jan. 22. Meetings will take place via Microsoft Teams video call from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Sign up for a 20-minute time slot by emailing Rep. Gentile’s legislative aide, Ravi Simon, at ravi.simon@mahouse.gov. Constituents signing up for a meeting must provide their full name, address, phone number, email, and their discussion topic. Please provide all necessary details in describing the topic of discussion so Rep. Gentile may prepare for the meeting.

Can new fission/fusion technologies help fight climate change?

Many experts believe that next-generation nuclear technologies could be an important option in our transition to a clean-energy future. Others are wary, expressing concerns about ongoing safety and waste disposal challenges. Join MetroWest Climate Solutions on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. for a Zoom webinar where David Butz from Eco-Nuclear Solutions and Aina Lagor from Energy for the Common Good will provide an overview of the latest nuclear technologies and their prospects for helping us transition to a “low or no” carbon society and economy. Moderator Ross Trimby qualified as a reactor plant operator and then served on a nuclear sub for three years. Click here to register.

Ed Begley Jr. speaks about his memoir

Ed Begley Jr. will talk about his book, To the Temple of Tranquility… And Step On It! on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 7–8 p.m. in a free online event sponsored by the Walden Woods Project. An audience Q&A will follow the conversation. Begley, a star of “St. Elsewhere” and many films, is equally well known for his environmental activism. He is also the author of Ed Begley Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living: Learning to Conserve Resources and Manage an Eco-Conscious Life and Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life. Click here to learn more and register.

Holiday services at First Parish

Winter Solstice Service
Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., outside FPL sanctuary, 4 Bedford Rd. (across from library)
First Parish in Lincoln welcomes you to celebrate the longest night of the year at our annual Solstice Service, featuring the return of our traditional Abbots Bromley Horn Dance! Bundle up and join us around the fire as we honor the darkness and await the light in community. With special guest musician John Tyson on recorder.

Christmas Eve services
Sunday, Dec. 24 in the sanctuary, 4 Bedford Rd. (across from library)

• 4 p.m. — A service for all ages, especially families with younger children. Lessons and carols, and a short message. Service led by Rev. Nate Klug and Director of Religious Exploration Lora Venesy.
• 8 p.m.— Candlelight service featuring the First Parish choir, special music, and lessons and carols. Service led by Sarah Klockowski.
• 10 p.m.— Candlelight service featuring the First Parish choir, special music, and lessons and carols. Service led by Rev. Nate Klug.

Solstice stargazing, family hikes at deCordova

On Thursday, Dec. 21 and Friday, Dec. 22 from 5-7 p.m., bring beauty and light to the darkest days of winter and watch the last rays of sunset disappear into the night sky as you explore the deCordova Sculpture Park and learn about the season’s celestial bodies with the Aldrich Astronomical Society amateur astronomy club. Take part in self-guided activities for all ages, or join one of our museum guides for a lantern tour. Bring a flashlight or lantern. Click for Thursday or Friday tickets ($24 for Trustees members, $30 for nonmembers).

On Sunday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m.–noon, outdoor instructor Kate Hamm will lead all-ages, all-levels hikes for families. Celebrate the New Year surrounded by the inspiring creativity of art and beauty of nature. Click here to purchase tickets.

LincFam hosts early New Year celebration

LincFam will ring in the New Year on Saturday, Dec. 30 from 3-5 p.m. with music, a photo booth, snacks, and a special craft in collaboration with beehive ART at the First Parish stone church. Free for LincFam members, $10/child for nonmembers (maximum $20/family). Click here to RSVP. Pay at the door or via Venmo to @LincFam. Questions? Email info@lincfam.org.

Talk on brain health

On Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., join an online talk with critical care neurologist Jonathan Rosand, M.D. about brain care and brain health prevention with an emphasis on lifestyle behaviors and modifications that can help delay or prevent the incidence of dementia and late-in-life depression. Click here to register for the Zoom link.

English handbell concert

The First Parish in Lincoln’s handbell choir will give its annual holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Stone Church.

Film: “The Ice Storm”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “The Ice Storm” (1997, rated R) directed by Ang Lee on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. In the 1970s, an outwardly wholesome family begins cracking at the seams over the course of a tumultuous Thanksgiving break. Sign up for the mailing list by email to Lincolnlibraryfilmsociety@gmail.com.

Lincoln’s ladder truck is back in action

The Lincoln Fire Department’s ladder truck is back after a refit. “Ladder one, or L1 as it’s shortened to, was sent to Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin, where it was then disassembled. From there, the main 105-foot ladder, along with its supporting system and substructure were completely rebuilt and inspected. The truck also had most of its lighting upgraded to LED, has repairs inside and outside performed, and then rebuilt,” according to the department’s Instagram page. Click on the page to see a drone video ascending the adder and surveying the landscape east of the building.

Coming up at the COA&HS

Holiday Doo-Wop Concert
Friday, Dec. 22 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
All ages are welcome to this musical event. Peter Stewart and Friends will share their talents with us singing familiar songs that will include a holiday theme. Clapping and singing choruses encouraged. The doo-wop group practices on Mondays at 10 a.m. if you feel like joining the fun.

New Year’s Celebration
Friday, Dec. 29 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
All ages are welcome to join us for a pre–New Year’s party with music, singing, and visiting with friends. Enjoy live music as Ken Hurd plays the piano. Refreshments provided.

A Gathering of Celtic & Christmas Music
Friday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. (Bemis Hall)
Come enjoy the magical sounds of Celtic instruments coupled with vocals. Musician Jeff Snow‘s knowledge of his Scottish heritage helps create a program of traditional and original songs. Sponsored by Friends of Council on Aging & Friends of the Lincoln Library.

The holidays and survivors of domestic violence

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for survivors of domestic violence, and the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites everyone to attend “Winter Workshop: Supporting Survivors This Season” on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 1-2 p.m. on Zoom to learn how to support yourself or those in your life who may be experiencing this. Topics will include self-care, grief, safety planning, how to support someone you know, and more. Click here to register. Questions? Email infodvrt@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Roundtable featuring presenters from The Second Step and REACH Beyond Domestic Violence.