acorns

(Editor’s note: This article was updated to correct the caption of the gentleman riding the bicycle in the 1983 July 4 parade.)

July 4 activities in Lincoln

Due to the road race and subsequent activities, Lincoln Road will be closed to traffic from 8:30am–noon. Parade floats will be allowed to pass and should arrive at Ballfield Road no later than 9:00am.

Check-in for Firecracker Run
7:45-8:15am, Town Hall
Pre-registration is required. for this scenic run of 2.5 or 4 miles. Fee: $20. The top three finishers for each age group/gender will be recognized.

Firecracker Run and Musket Fire
8:30am, Town Hall

Children’s Bike Parade
10:00am, from Upland Field Road to Town Hall and back
Decorate your bike and join the fun! No registration required.

Declaration of Independence
10:30am, Town Hall
Join your neighbors and enjoy a dramatic reading of this classic document.

July 4th Parade
10:40am, Lincoln Road from Ballfield Road to the library
The event will include live music from Scarlett Flannel and decorated car/truck floats from local organizations and families.

Boy Scout Cookout & EV Car Show
11:30am-1:00pm, Pierce House
Cars to be showcased: Ford F150, Tesla Y, Nissan Leaf, VW ID4, Mustang Mach-E, and more, as well as a green landscaping tool show. Sponsored by C-FREE, a working group of the Town’s Green Energy Committee.

Town-Wide Swim
Noon-6:00pm, Codman Pool
With an encore performance by Scarlet Flannel.

Most town offices closed on Fridays for the summer

From Monday, July 7 through Friday, Aug. 29, town departments located in the Town Hall will be closed for business on Fridays. All offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00am until 5:00pm Monday through Thursday. The Council on Aging & Human Services in Bemis Hall will be open on their normal Monday-to-Friday schedule. In the event of an emergency requiring the immediate attention of one of the closed offices, please call the Lincoln Police Department at 781-259-8113.

Town-sponsored summer concerts

Concerts begin at 6:00pm at the Codman Pool on Ballfield Road. Admission is free. Concerts will be cancelled or rescheduled for rain; check the Parks and Recreation website for updates. See the Lincoln Squirrel’s July 1 News Acorns for other summer concerts.

Mister Vic
Wednesday, July 9
Come out for a family-friendly, kid-focused show with Mister Vic, co-director and owner of Music Together of Assabet Valley. Concert ends at 7:00pm.

The Honey Steelers
Wednesday, July 16
The Honey Steelers are an American band that turns every venue into a warm countryside. Foot-stomping style and offering originals as well as reimagined covers.

Desperate Measures
Wednesday, July 23
A four-piece classic rock band. See them at Concord’s Porchfest in June.

Jumpin’ Juba
Wednesday, July 30
The group mixes regional styles of blues from Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans together with rootsy rock and roll. Listen on Apple Music.

Nature events with the LLCT

Sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

July Plant ID Walk
Wednesday, July 23 from 9:45am-noon
Join Jeff Adams for a summer guided nature walk at Tanner’s Brook. We’ll focus on plant ID with select natural history and lore, and we’ll use helpful identifiers such as galls, leaf shapes, flowers, fruits and diagnostic characteristics that enable us to immediately identify the plant. Register here.

Secret Lives of Moths
Thursday, July 31 from 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom
Join Emily May of the Xerces Society for a fascinating look into the secret lives of moths, beetles, flies, and other nocturnal pollinators. Register here.

Summer Stewardship Work Day
Friday, Aug. 15 from 1:00-3:00pm
Join a committed group of volunteers to help clear forest understory at Codman South. This is the last work day of the summer! Sign up here.

Listening experience inspired by deCordova

Explore deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum through an immersive listening experience featuring music inspired by the site. CRB Classical 99.5 midday host Edyn‑Mae Stevenson explores this special place through music, drawing inspiration from its permanent and rotating exhibitions and surrounding landscape. Featured works include Leonard Bernstein’s “Serenade” after Plato’s Symposium, Irving Fine’s “Partita for Wind Quintet,” Caroline Shaw’s “Plan and Elevation,” and more works that resonate with the creative spirit of the property. Listen here.

Concert series at St. Anne’s

The Society for Historically Informed Performance will present a summer series of concerts at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church. Tickets are $5–$35. Click here for details on programs and performers. All concerts are on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm.

• July 8 — “Sicilian Fables & Legends of the South”
• July 15 — “Airs de Cour: Court Songs of 17th-century France”
• July 22 — “Golden Rule: Songs of Corruption and Justice”
• July 29 — “La Magnifique: Music at Versailles”
• August 5 — “Reimaginings”

Summer concerts at deCordova

Enjoy klezmer music with Ezekiel’s Wheel on Friday, July 11 from 6:30-8:00pm at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. You’re welcome to picnic in the park. Purchase beer, wine and food at the Twisted Tree Café in advance (note: outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the property). Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Other Friday concerts in the series:

• July 18 — Blackstone Valley Quartet
• August 8 — Leslie Mendelson
• August 15 — Low Lily Band

Girls’ basketball clinic

This clinic is intended for any girl entering grades 2-9 in the fall of 2025 and run Monday, July 14 to Thursday, July 17 from 9:00am–2:00pm in Gym 1 at Lincoln-Sudbury (LSRHS). The program will be run by the coaching staff and members of the LSRHS basketball program. The cost of the clinic is $250 per person; if there is any financial hardship, please contact Howie Landau at howie_landau@lsrhs.net. Bring a lunch and a water bottle to the clinic each day. All participants will receive a T-shirt. Register here or bring a check made out to LSRHS Girls Basketball on the first day.

Concert at Drumlin Farm

Spread out your picnic blankets, enjoy a cold sweet treat from Super Star Ice Cream Truck, and kick back for a summer evening of music in the outdoors with Boston-based folk band Sweet Wednesday on Saturday, July 26 (rain date: August 9) from 6:00-8:00pm. For one night only, the farm will be open after hours for the performance. The band is graciously donating their time to Drumlin Farm with this benefit concert. Tickets ($6 for kids, $9 for adults) are required; a few will be available for purchase at the door. Sanctuary admission is free with your ticket.

Coming up at Codman Community Farms

Volunteer at Codman Community Farms
Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00am–12:00pm; every other Saturday from 9:00-11:00am
Register here.

Medicinal Plant Walk
Wednesday, July 9, 6:00-7:30pm
$25; register here.

Flowers in the Field Happy Hour (BYOB)
Wednesday, July 16, 5:30-7:00pm
$45; register here.

Codman Farm Before Time: Kids Archeology Dig
Sunday, July 20 from 4:30-5:30pm
$35; register here.

Summer Barn Buddies for Kids
Monday through Friday from 9:00am–12:00pm ($330)

• • July 21-25 — register here.
  • July 28-August 1— register here.
  • August 18-22 — register here.
  • August 25-29 — register here.

Shibori Workshop
Thursday, August 21 from 5:30–7:00pm
$55 — register here.

Summer Tomato Galette Workshop
July 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
$95 — register here.

Standup comic at Bemis on Wednesday

A free hour-long comedy show, “Alan Ames Thinks He’s Funny,” takes place on Wednesday, June 18 at 12:30pm in Bemis Hall. Ames, who grew up in Dorchester in the 1950s, Ames uses observational humor and jokes about growing older and other topics (rated PG-13, no profanity or political humor). Sponsored by the Council on Aging & Human Services.

Online auction to benefit SSEF

South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) is holding an online auction through Monday, June 22 to raise funds for educational empowerment in an online auction. Although their May gala had to be postponed, Lincoln residents and others are offering dozens items for auction including a catered four-course dinner for eight, a sail in Boston Harbor, a painting party for three, a date with alpacas, quilts, and more. Click here to see items, bid, or donate.

Take survey on how Town Meeting is run

Residents are invited to take a survey create by the Town Meeting Study Committee, which has been charged with examining current Town Meeting procedures, identifying what’s working well and not, and developing possible strategies for improvement. Those who rarely or never attend Town Meeting, or who often leave before it ends, can specify their reasons. Click here to take the survey before Thursday, June 26.

Planning Dept. seeks paid summer intern

The town’s Planning and Land Use Department is seeking an administrative assistant summer intern. Duties would include assisting with preparations for Planning Board meetings, taking detailed minutes from recorded meetings, filing paperwork, answering phone calls and taking messages from resident walk-ins. Salary is is $22/hour for 12 hours a week over seven weeks starting July 7 (usually Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from noon to 4:00pm). The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 24. Email curtinj@lincolntown.org with a resume and a brief statement of why you’re interested in the position.

FELS award five grants

The Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury recently awarded five grants to teachers and staff Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School with these project proposals:

• Rebecca Mayer (English), “How to Connect”
• Suanne Peterson (Fine, Applied and Technical Arts), “Encaustic and Cyanotype Workshop”
• Dennis Phillips (IT), for his proposal, Twenty with Appreciation”
• Susan Shields (Associate Principal), “Ma Francaise”
• Brendan Wimberley (Special Education), “Pitch to the Classroom”

Now in its 25th year, FELS has awarded close to 150 grants totaling nearly $200,000. Proposals are usually for projects offering personal refreshment, long-held aspirations, coursework or travel, all of which is undertaken during school vacation time and summer recess. Grants are funded from donations to the FELS annual appeals and proceeds from fundraisers including the annual FELS Thanksgiving pie sale and prom flower sales. 

Nine from Lincoln to ride in PMC

On August 2–3, nine riders from Lincoln will join more than 6,800 cyclists in the 46th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a two-day bike-a-thon across Massachusetts with the goal of raising $76 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They are Hans Bitter, Noelle Edwards, Ocean Xin Hai Feng, Jack Fultz, Kimberly Goldmacher, Kim Mooney, Julia Parrillo Craig, Dan Pereira, and Katherine Wurm. There’s still time to participate in this year’s ride — registration is open through June 30 for riders and volunteers.

Walden Pond to be closed all summer

The Department of  Conservation and Recreation announced last week that Walden Pond’s main beach will be off limits for the entire summer 2025 season due to construction on a new bathhouse (see the Concord Bridge, May 30, 2025).

Coming up at Codman Community Farms

Pizza in the Pavilion
Thursday, June 5 from 5:00-7:00pm
Play some lawn games and enjoy some wood-fired pizza. Register here.

Codman Campout and Chili Night
Saturday, June 14 starting at 4:30pm
Camo out over night and enjoy Codman’s own grass fed beef chili, vegan chili, a toppings bar, and tortilla chips. All are welcome for dinner, even if you aren’t camping for the night, but registration is required. A campsite ticket of $40 per tent includes s’mores and breakfast in the morning (hot coffee, bagels and orange juice).

Flowers in the Field
Tuesday, June 24 from 5:30-7:00pm
Enjoy an evening in CCF’s market garden with friends, flowers and a charcuterie board. BYOB. Register here.

Films and conversation with Julie Dobrow

Come to an afternoon with local author and filmmaker Julie Dobrow, who will screen two short films from her Half the History project, on Sunday, June 8 at 3:00pm in Bemis Hall. Half the History uses short-form biography, film, and podcasts to tell the untold and undertold stories of women in American history. The Lincoln Historical Society plans to launch its own version of this project to tell the stories of some amazing Lincoln residents.

L-S food pantry club wins recognition

The Sudbury Community Food Pantry recently facilitated a presentation by Diana Powers of the Greater Boston Food Bank to the Lincoln-Sudbury RHS Food Pantry Club. State Rep. Carmine Gentile also attended and presented a Legislative Citation to the club in recognition of their support for and advocacy of people living with food insecurity and the SCFP.

Register for Youth Public Safety Academy

Registration for the 2025 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) close at 5:00pm on Monday, June 9. Hosted at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Chelmsford, the program consists of five, one-week sessions where youngsters engage in hands-on activities alongside YPSA staff, local law enforcement, and first responders. The program focuses on public safety lessons, teamwork and leadership. YPSA is open to children age 8-12 living in Middlesex County, as well as teenagers (age 13-16) interested in participating as a counselor in training. Click here for more information and registration. Registration is $100 per child per week and includes transportation to and from designated bus stops, daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as a graduation ceremony each Friday. A limited number of scholarships are also available for families. Capacity remains at several area bus stops.

Program on gun/domestic violence

On Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00pm on Zoom, Ruth Zakarin, CEO of the Mass. Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, will explore the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence and what this connection means for survivor safety and the rate of domestic violence homicides, as well as the role domestic violence plays in mass shootings and community-based gun violence. Zakarin also will examine how easy access to guns gives people additional ways to threaten, coerce, and manipulate their current or former intimate partner without ever firing the weapon. Hosted by the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. Free, but registration is required. Questions? Email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Craft supply swap

Bring your gently used leftover to the library to swap for new-to-you supplies. on Saturday, June 21 from 12:30-3:30pm. Donations are not required to participate. Suggested items include yarn, decorative paper, fabric scraps, paints, beads, etc.

Drumlin Farm events on Saturday

“Children’s Story Hour: The Great Pollinator Count”
Saturday, May 31 from 11:00am–2:00pm, Mass Audubon Shop at Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm Community Preschool teacher Susan Edwards Richmond will present her new community science adventure book, The Great Pollinator Count, and lead children age 3-8 in activities about insect pollinators. Free, but registration is required.

“Bees in the Field”
Saturday, May 31 from 11:00am–1:00pm, Drumlin Farm
Get direct experience working with bees alongside our beekeeper as he cares for the hives at Drumlin Farm. Cost is $35; register here.

Coach for the FIRST Lego League

Join an interactive 90-minute training session designed to learn what coaching an FLL team is all about on Tuesday, June 3 from 6:30–8:00pm in the Lincoln School Learning Commons. Get a feel for how to guide students through challenges, foster teamwork, and encourage innovation — no engineering degree required. Questions? Email hello@gearticks.com.

New Cub Scout program boys and girls

Come to a briefing and info night on Thursday, June 5 at 6:00pm at the Lincoln Public Library about a new Cub Scout program for girls and boys ages 5-10 launching this September. For more information on Cub Scouts, click here or call/text Jennifer Erickson at 978-835-7262 or email jennifer.erickson@scouting.org.

Coming up at the library

“The Siege of Boston, 1775-1776”
Thursday, June 5 from 7:00-8:00pm on Zoom
A talk by Minute Man National Park Ranger Jarrad Fuoss Pat of the Lincoln250 series. Register here.

Pride poster decorating
Saturday, June 7 from 12:30-4:00pm, library reference room
Are you heading to a parade this Pride Month and need a poster to take with you? Come to the library to decorate one.

Saturday math fun with Christine
Saturday, June 7 from 2:00-2:45pm, Tarbell Room
Come listen to a math book read-aloud and try out some fun math games with Lincoln resident and teacher Christine Sizer.

Coming up at the COA&HS

“Live your Best Life” health fair
Friday, June 6 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
Local healthcare vendors and professionals will answer your questions. Free door prizes, blood pressure checks, and chair massages.

“Mixed Messages” staged reading
Friday, June 13 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
WordsMove Theater presents “Mixed Messages” — five 10-minute scenes featuring dueling wits and humor by Massachusetts playwright Jack Neary. The cast includes Lincoln’s Sally Kindleberger, Mary Crowe, Ben Dubrovsky, Alice Waugh, and Corky Becker. Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Lincoln COA and the Lincoln Cultural Council.

Film: “Will and Harper”
Friday, June 6 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
In this documentary, Will Farrell and his close friend Harper Steele, who just completed a gender transition, go on a cross-country road trip to explore a new chapter in their relationship.

Garlic mustard volunteer pull day

Help manage invasive garlic mustard across town by pulling on your own property and by joining the Conservation Department and LLCT for a pop-up pull day on Friday, June 6 from 1:00-3:00pm. Garlic mustard season runs through June 13. Click here for more information on getting free bags and dropping them off. 

Bowder and Drake at next LOMA

Gretchen Bowder and Frank Drake will be the headliners at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, June 9 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. They’re widely recognized as joint members of two regionally famous bands, the Bagboys and the Mudsills. 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 (contact loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Free admission.

Honor your favorite school teacher or staff member

Thank a teacher, staff, or support team member with a personalized HATS certificate (and mini hat) as a gesture of support and celebration of their work. Your gift funds LSF grants to enrich the learning experiences for the Lincoln and Hanscom schools. Place your order by Monday, June 9.

Share your Girl Scout highlights

The Lincoln Girl Scouts are looking for people to share some highlights of your time in Girl Scouting. Send your Girl Scout memories of friendships, leadership training, and adventures to Linda Hammett Ory (LHamme@aol.com) or Tara Mitchell (taramitchell365@gmail.com) before Tuesday, June 10 and pick up a compilation binder and/or poster at their station at Lincoln’s 250th Fair and Feast on Saturday, June 14 from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Learn about sustainable landscaping

Native plant designer and horticulturist Marie Chieppo will discuss “Allowing Your Landscape to Work for You: Designing for Resilience and Sustainability” on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00pm on Zoom. Register here. Co-sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions  and CFREE, a subcommittee of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.

Donate items for food pantry clients

Sarah Liepert is organizing a drive for clean, gently used children’s and teens’ clothing through Tuesday, June 10. Lincoln Food Pantry clients include approximately 100 children, from toddlers through high schoolers. Sneakers, sandals and summer clothes are especially needed. Drop off items at Sarah’s garage/mudroom door at 108 Trapelo Rd. Questions? Call her at 617-633-3260.

Talk on legacy trees

Mathew Cahill of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will draw upon his career as an urban forestry expert to share ideas and best practices for those interested in tree and forestry preservation in “Tree and Forestry Preservation, and the Massachusetts Legacy Tree Program” on Thursday, June 12 from noon-1:15pm on Zoom. Sponsored by the Lincoln Tree Preservation Study Group, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT), and Lincoln Conservation Department. Register here.

Jon the Fife & Drum Corps

The Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps features youths aged 8-18 who perform in parades and at historical commemorations throughout New England during the year. The corps provides music lessons at Sunday afternoon rehearsals at Bemis Hall and welcome everyone, including those who do not yet play an instrument. Instruments, instruction and most uniform parts are provided without charge. They will be at Lincoln’s 250th Fair and Feast on Saturday, June 14 from 11:00am-3:00pm. Click here or email mc4hfd@gmail.com for more information and events.

Lincoln Kids Triathlon is on June 21

The Lincoln Kids Triathlon is back on Saturday, June 21 for the 21st year. The race starts at 8:30am on Saturday, June 21 at the Codman Pool and kids ages 5-14 are invited to participate. Click here for details on race distances and age groups, and register here. Racers ages 8 and younger are individually accompanied by a guard in the water. The $35 fee includes a T-shirt and a finisher’s medal and lots of memories. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help out during the race — email ginger.reiner@gmail.com.

Order senior prom flowers from FELS

Support the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury by purchasing senior prom flowers. Pre-order White, pink, or red rose boutonnières for $20; white, pink, or red corsages for $45; or a combo pack (one of each) for $60. Pick up on Thursday, May 29 from 10:30-noon outside the Lincoln-Sudbury main office. Questions? Email FELSQuestions@gmail.com.

Deadline for Town Meeting citizens’ petitions

The deadline for submitting citizens’ petitions for the Special Town Meeting on June 25 is Tuesday, May 27 at noon. Citizens 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 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.

Benefit concert for Society of St. Vincent de Paul

For the fourth year in a row, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston (SVdP) is putting on an outdoor concert to celebrate the start of summer and to thank all their volunteers and supporters. The concert will be on Tuesday, May 27 from 5:30-8:00pm on the Weston town green. Our performers are Lincoln’s own Doo Wop Team; Adrian Sicam and his Berklee All-Stars, and Twice-a-Day-Ray, a group of medical professionals by day and raging rockers by night. Bring a picnic, take a chance on winning some gift cards from local businesses, and visit Frosty’s Ice Cream Truck. The suggested donation is $25 a person. In the event of rain, the event will be in the St. Julia’s Parish Hall across the street.

SVdP runs a food pantry in Lincoln, gives financial assistance to those who live, work, or go to school in Lincoln and Weston, and provides scholarships to adults who want to upgrade their skills in the workforce. Last fiscal year they served more than 400 community members and provided more than $180,000 in services.

Talk on “Resolute Revolutionaries”

Dana Robbat, author of the upcoming book Lincoln Modern: Plain Living, High Thinking, will give a talk on ” Resolute Revolutionaries: Walter Gropius and Quincy Adams: Modernism in Lincoln, Massachusetts” on Wednesday, May 28 from 6:45-8:00pm in the Tarbell Room at the Lincoln Public Library. Hosted by FoMA/Lincoln and supported by the Freedoms Way Foundation. Learn how Gropius, creator of the world-renowned Bauhaus that changed the world of design, settled in the small New England farming community and influenced the young architect Quincy Adams, a descendent of two U.S. presidents.

Nolli is acting Water Dept. superintendent

Rick Nolli, formerly the water distribution foreman and senior person in the Water Department, is the new acting superintendent. He succeeds Darin LaFalam, who was offered a job with the Concord Water Department. The Lincoln department promoted two employees and will hire a new lower-level person, said commission member Steve Gladstone. LaFalam was hired in 2021 and was named state director of the New England Water Works Association later that year. “He made the water commissioners’ jobs very easy,” Gladstone said.

Pride event on Wednesday

The Lincoln School will hold its annual Pride Month kickoff to celebrate diversity on Wednesday, May 14 (rain date: May 28) from 1:00-3:30pm at Lincoln Station. There will be performances from the Lincoln-Hanscom Step Team and local musicians Layla MacLachlin and David Onigman, a breakdancing demonstration from Jabbar Fair, face-painting, ice cream, and more. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, the Mass. Cultural Council, and the Lincoln PTO. For more information and volunteer opportunities, email lincolnmapride@gmail.com. 

8th-grade car wash fundraiser

To raise money for end-of-year activities including the trip to Washington, D.C., in June, the Lincoln School eighth-graders will hold a fundraiser car wash on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00am-3:00pm at Town Hall. Sign up online in advance or drive up and pay on the day of the event — donations are welcome.

Exhibit by Lincoln artist

Tabor Hill Road resident Liz Wilkinson has an exhibit of 22 pieces at the gallery at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 81 Elm St. in Concord through June 28. Wilkinson, who taught Spanish at Concord-Carlisle High School for 25 years, has exhibited at Concord Art, the Cambridge Art Association, the Umbrella Arts Center. See her Instagram page for examples of her work or contact her at lizwilkinson2013@gmail.com.

Farm needs office items

The staff of Codman Community Farms staff has grown, and the farm is looking for donations for their office space: two office chairs (preferably on wheels), a leather armchair, a large whiteboard, a large wall calendar, school-style lockers, and old flat sheets. Anyone with items to donate may contact Hathaway Ellis at 617-866-0288 or hathaway.fiocchi@gmail.com.

Conservation Commission volunteers sought

There is a vacancy on the Conservation Commission. See details on the duties and how to apply on the town’s volunteer information page. the commission is also looking for volunteers to identify and control invasive Japanese knotweed patches around town. Volunteers “adopt” knotweed patches and control them manually three times per summer. Those interested should contact Conservation Planner Stacy Carter at stacyc@lincolntown.org.

Blood drive to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital

On Tuesday, May 13 from 10:00am-5:00pm, the Doo family (which is grateful for the donations that were available during their daughter’s multiple brain surgeries) and their Brain Games fundraiser will host a blood drive for Boston Children’s Hospital. Registration takes place inside the First Parish stone church, with the bloodmobile parked outside on Bedford Road. The drive is open to anyone able to donate, not just the Lincoln community. As a bonus, Boston Children’s will give each donor a cooler bag with a few Brain Games goodies inside. Sign up here to donate.

SSEF postpones gala due to immigration concerns

South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) has decided to postpone the May 17 celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts arrival of the “lost” boys and girls from Sudan. The event was planned to share their tremendous accomplishments. In light of the controversies around immigration, there is heightened confusion and concern within the South Sudanese community. SSEF has made the decision to postpone the event, but the online auction will go forward — keep checking the SSEF website or call 781-322-0063 for more information.

From SSEF Executive Director Susan Winship and board co-chair Ababa Abiem: “We are committed to rescheduling this celebration for a later date. If tickets were already purchased, you will receive an email with more information. In the meantime, a Legal Assistance Fund has been created to help those in need of immigration legal advice. We truly appreciate your support and commitment to our community as we navigate this situation. We look forward to celebrating with you at a future date. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at Susanwinship@comcast.net or aabiem@gmail.com.”

Donate items for new playground

Magic Garden Children’s Center is creating a new playground and looking to fill it with gently used treasures. Specifically, they are looking for:

• Bricks, old hardware parts (door knobs, latches, locks), small wheels from wagons, bikes, etc.
• Metal baking pans, kitchen utensils, large spoons, measuring cups, whisks, ladles, bowls
• PVC pipes and fittings, outdoor instruments, wind chimes
• Outdoor paint brushes
• Plexiglass or plastic panels

Email Camie Petri (camille.petri@gmail.com) for donation pickup.

Coming up from the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust

Volunteer work day at Twin Pond
Friday, May 9 from 1:00-3:00pm
Join other volunteers to help clear woody introduced plants from the forest understory. RSVP here.

LLCT pollinator plant sale
Sunday, May 18 from 11:00am-1:00pm, Lincoln Station
Native perennials and shrubs that support wild pollinators and promote gardens that bloom throughout the season and offer nectar and pollen resources to bumblebees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. More about the sale and plant list.

Family invasive plant walk
Saturday, May 17 from 1:00-3:00pm
Join LLCT and Danielle Proulx for a fun and educational kids’ program. Young nature detectives will play games, hear stories, and head out on a guided nature walk to track down non native plants. Geared towards elementary-aged children. Learn more and RSVP here.

LLCT and COAHS noticing walks
Space is still available on the May 21, June 3, and June 18 Noticing Walks. Join a group of nature-lovers exploring Lincoln’s trails. RSVP here.

Become a hospice volunteer

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 our hospice houses. If patient visits are not the right fit, 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, June 2-18, from 9:00-11:00am (register by Friday, May 23). For more information or to register, click here or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.

Council on Aging & Human Services events in May

Coming up on Fridays in May 12:30pm in Bemis Hall (see the May COA&HS newsletter for details):

• May 9 — A Visit with Isabella Stewart Gardner
• May 16 — Unusual Plants of Lincoln and Beyond
• May 23 — Film: “American Sniper”
• May 30 — Should I Stay or Should I Go? Exploring the Options (part 3)

Also at the COA&HS: a jazz concert with Jim Mazzy on Thursday, May 22 at 2:00pm in Bemis Hall.

Food Project seedling sale

The Food Project will have a seedling sale on Saturday, May 17 from 11:00am–2:00pm at its Baker Bridge Road field (90 Concord Rd, Lincoln).

Coming up at Codman Community Farms

Click on an event title for details.

• Volunteer — Every other Saturday and every Tuesday, 9:00–11:00am. All ages welcome; advance signup required.
• Kids Archaeology Dig: Codman Farm Before Time — Sunday, May 18, 3:30-4:30pm
• Sunday Supper — Sunday, May 18, 4:30-6:30pm
• Farm to Table Brunch and Tour — Saturday, May 31, 9:00-11:00am
• Club Codman — Saturday, May 31, 8:00-11:00pm
• Codman Campout and Chili Night — Saturday, June 14, 4:30-7:00pm
• Summer Barn Buddies — July 28 – August 1 (weeklong class for ages 3-8), 9:00am-12:00pm

Pair of Gropius House special events

Join the 2025 birthday celebration in honor of the Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius on Saturday, May 17 from 6:30-9:00pm at the Gropius House. This 60’s themed party that continues a tradition of Bauhaus design-inspired revelry will honor both the birthday of Gropius and 40 years of the Gropius House as a public museum. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live music. 1960s attire or adornment is optional. Advance ticket purchase encouraged ($80 for Historic New England members, $100 for nonmembers, $35 for students with ID). Call 617-994-6651 for more information. Thank you to the event’s key sponsor and Historic New England member Mark Allen.

The Children’s Creativity Festival, a collaboration with LincFam and Historic New England, takes place on Sunday, May 18 at the Gropius House from 3:00-5:00pm. Come to an open house and a hands-on celebration featuring art, music and dance in the sprit of the Bauhaus principles of experiential learning and creativity. The event is free and open to all. Contributions to support our organizations are appreciated.

Roadway & Traffic Committee vacancy

The Select Board invites applications from residents who would like to be considered for appointment to a one-year term to the Roadway & Traffic Committee (RTC), which acts in an advisory capacity to the Select Board and Superintendent of the Department of Public Works. It works in close collaboration with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which performs a separate but related role with a more concentrated focus on improving and expanding pedestrian and cyclist safety and connectivity throughout Lincoln.

Although not required, a background in planning, design and construction, project management, transportation planning, or traffic safety would be beneficial. The RTC meets about once a month in the mornings. Send a volunteer application and brief letter of interest to Peggy Elder, Select Board Administrative Assistant, at elderp@lincolntown.org by Monday, May 12.

Property tax exemption available

Seniors and low-income residents who live in Lincoln may be eligible for a Community Preservation Act tax exemption. The CPA tax is a surcharge of 3% of the property tax levied after the first $100,000 of the taxable residential assessed value of your home. Guidelines with adjusted household income limits:

• Seniors aged 60+ — $112,630 for a single person, $128,720 for two persons; add $16,090 for each additional person.
• Others under age 60 — $90,104 for a single person, $102,976 for two persons; add $12,872 for each additional person. For more information or to apply, please call Carlee at 781-259-8811.

Another Israel-Palestine film on tap

The GRALTA Foundation will sponsor two screenings of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” on Saturday, May 3 at 10:00am and 2:00pm, and Monday, May 5 at 7:00pm (all in Bemis Hall). Watch the trailer or click here for a review by the Guardian.

Walk Bike Roll to School Week

During Walk Bike Roll to School Week at the Lincoln School next week (May 5–9), students are encouraged to travel to and from school each day without a car and enjoy the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and an environment-friendly trip. Students who ride the bus will be dropped off at the end of Ballfield Road to walk in from there. Bike trains will leave from a few locations in town (details to follow on LincolnTalk). Click here to volunteer as a crossing guard or bike train leader

Softball league opening day

The Lincoln Co-ed Slow-pitch Softball League will hold an Opening Day event on Sunday, May 4 at 5:00pm at Codman Field with a casual pick-up game and a home run derby as well as contests for kids. All skill levels and awkward batting stances welcome. Equipment provided, including left-handed bats. To learn more and register for the league, click here. 

Screen Free Week for kids

Celebrate Screen Free Week in Lincoln in mid-May. The team at LincolnWait.com has organized a week of local activities including:

• “Fort-Night,” where families are invited for a fun-filled night of reading, games, and making blanket forts in the library on Monday, May 12 from 6:00–8:00pm. Complete the week-long Family Reading Adventure and earn a prize!
• Join a local walk leader from Lincoln Land Conservation Trust for a family nature walk on Tuesday, May 13 at 4:30pm. Registration required.
• Enjoy some popsicles and bubbles on the playground at an all-ages popsicle party with LincFam on Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00pm at the blue playground near Codman Pool while supplies last.
• Stop by Codman Community Farms all day on Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16 to pick up your seed-starting kit with pots, seeds, soil, plant care information and a check-in journal (first come, first served).

Details and signups are at LincolnWait.com, where you can also read more about the “delay smartphone” pledge and the local chapter of the national Wait Until 8th organization. Learn more about Screen Free Week at ScreenFree.org and download resources including a 101 Activity Checklist and Screen-Free Bingo.

Jessa Piaia presents Isabella Stewart Gardner

Isabella Stewart Gardner reenactor Jessa Piaia will appear at the library on Friday, May 9 from 12:30–1:30pm in Bemis Hall. Known for her flamboyant manner and free-spirited ways, Gardner (1840–1924) became known as the first American “patroness of the arts” and her significant collection of Italian Renaissance art.

Lincoln Dems reschedule caucus

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDC) has rescheduled its caucus to elect state delegates from April 26 to Saturday, May 10 at Bemis Hall for the state convention (doors open at 9:30am and close at 10:15am). Six delegates and four alternates will represent Lincoln in Springfield on September 13. All are welcome, but only registered Democrats may vote. Youths age 16 and up, people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who aren’t elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply at the caucus or online to be add-on delegates. Those interested in getting involved with the LDC may contact Travis Roland at travis89roland@gmail.com.

Sweetbriar stars at LOMA

Folk duo Sweetbriar will be the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, May 12 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. 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 (contact loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Free admission.

Town now has EV chargers

The town has installed two electric vehicle Level 3 charging stations at Town Hall through a grant from Eversource and has been approved for two more to be installed at the municipal gravel lot at Lincoln Station. To use the chargers, download the SWTCH phone app (a flyer explaining how to get started can be found here.) The fee will be 35¢ per kilowatt hour.  A vehicle may stay plugged in until it’s fully charged; at that point, the user will be notified via the SWTCH app and will have a 30-minute grace period to move the vehicle. A loitering fee will be charged after the grace period of $1.00 per minute. The town enlisted the help of Beacon Integrated Solutions to set the charging rates; see the memo here.