The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

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Council on Aging activities in December

Jazz oldies concert at Bemis
December 1 at 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will present a concert of beloved songs from the early days of jazz at Bemis Hall at 12:30 on Friday Dec. 1. Channel your inner Al Jolson, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, or Fats Waller by singing along with the band. Or, if you prefer to get up and move around to the music, feel free to do your best Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Everyone welcome!

Lincoln Academy with Kathy Mierzwa: What’s so cool about Iceland?
December 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 4 at 12:30 to hear Kathy Mierzwa discuss “What’s so Cool about Iceland?” Why is Iceland such a popular travel destination these days? Do tourists go for the ice, the geothermal pools, the volcanoes or the Northern Lights? Come see some stunning photos from Katherine Mierzwa’s recent trip to Southern Iceland. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Demystifying probate when executor of an estate
December 5 at 2:15 p.m.
Does the word “probate” make you nervous? Has a loved one recently died and left you to manage his affairs? Are you unsure whether and when you might need to file Probate Court paperwork and tax returns after someone’s death? Please join Lincoln resident and estate planning attorney Sasha Golden on Dec. 5 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall to demystify probate and talk about what you need to do if you are appointed as the executor of an estate.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
December 6 at 1 p.m.
A Constituent Services representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen
December 6 at 2 p.m.
Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or stay for the hour, they hope to see you from 2–3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Bemis Hall.

Coffee and conversation with Abby
December 7 at 10 a.m.
Come share coffee and conversation with the COA’s new assistant director, Abby Butt, on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Abby provides assistance in evaluating in-home needs and finding services, as well as crisis intervention, and general support to Lincoln seniors, families, and caregivers, individually or in groups. She brings many years of experience working in other COAs as well as conducting community needs assessments, program and policy development, and more. Come and ask her a question about what the COA can offer, concerns you might have or ideas you would like to share.

Have coffee with the library’s photo share
December 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Come join the members of the group “Photoshare at the Lincoln Library” on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2:15 at Bemis Hall to celebrate their exhibit in the Bemis Gallery in December. In the decade-plus that the club has been around, it’s been a haven for people to come together to share and grow their photography. They accept all, both in terms of experience and in subject matter — portraiture, nature, wildlife, travel. Come on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Tarbell Room of the Lincoln Library.

The Birches musical: “The Ocean Show”
December 8 at 8:15 a.m.
The Birches School grades K-3 invite you to their fall musical, The Ocean Show, on Friday, Dec. 8 at 8:15 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Follow the journey of Ashley and Maya, two businesswomen bent on destroying tidal pools to build luxury apartments, as they visit the wonders of the ocean and encounter fish and plankton, sea mammals and bioluminescent creatures. This fun and educational journey shows that oceans are a series of interconnected systems, and destroying any one part will have unintended consequences elsewhere.

Lunch and tips for eating through the holidays
December 8 at 11:30 a.m.
You may be tempted to overeat or eat foods you shouldn’t at the holidays, but you can eat healthfully and have a delicious holiday season, too! Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. to have a yummy lunch prepared by the chef from the Commons and hear some tips for eating well through the holidays without feeling deprived from Sadie Daniels, RD, dietician at the Commons. You’ll feel better, look better, and enjoy the holidays knowing you are being good to yourself! On the menu will be a formal gourmet luncheon! Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by December 4 as space is limited. The Commons in Lincoln recently earned a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for overall quality and staffing in its skilled nursing center.

Lincoln Academy with Mark Hopkins: Making a difference in rural Honduras
December 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 11 at 12:30 to hear Mark Hopkins discuss “Making a Difference in Rural Honduras.” In this presentation, Mark Hopkins documents how a small, volunteer-run NGO (non-government organization) has spent the last 25 years helping the residents of a remote mountain village raise themselves out of poverty. His talk describes the many challenges involved — lack of education, poor health, polluted water sources, and an uncaring government — and follows the organization’s progress as it brings in teams of doctors, teachers, and engineers who volunteer their time to solve those problems. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Free elder law clinic
December 11 at 3 p.m.
Got a question about issues such as estate planning, MassHealth, protecting assets for a loved one with a serious disability, guardianship, conservatorship or probate? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Dec. 11 from 3-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
December 12 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.–noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Celebrate the holidays in a new way
December 13 and 27 at 2 p.m.
Most of us are used to celebrating the holidays through certain activities and traditions we have done for decades. But often there comes a time in our lives when those ways no longer serve us. Come join Pam Mizrahi on Wednesdays, Dec. 13 and 27 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall for a comfortable and informal yet upbeat discussion about how we can rethink and reinvent our holiday traditions to fit who we are and our lives now. We will then spend low-key yet festive time with others in the group. No need to sign up.

Breathe, relax, and de-stress for the holidays
December 14 at 10 a.m.
Whether you perceive the holidays to be stressful or not, this is a perfect time to give yourself the gift of a little relaxation. Ahhhhh! Learn some practical, easy-to-remember techniques and strategies for reducing your stress, relaxing your body and mind, and enhancing your well being when Catherine Collins comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. She’ll show you a variety of ways to both begin a relaxation practice that you can do every day as well as calm yourself down when you find yourself getting overly upset. Catherine Collins, RN, MS is a registered nurse and a master’s level nurse practitioner with 30 years experience in health care.

Prevent falls and trips to the E.R. with the Fire Dept.
December 15 at 11 a.m.
Falls are the #1 reason why people end up in the Emergency Room, yet they are almost entirely preventable. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Friday, Dec. 15 at 11 here at Bemis Hall to learn how you can make your home safer with easy-to-take actions, staying on your feet in winter weather, using assistive devices, health conditions that may contribute to falls, and more. The Fire Department will be serving a sandwich lunch, so please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Gourmet luncheon with friends old and new
December 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at St. Anne’s Church. They welcome new diners often — give them a try! Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know if you need transportation or a seating partner when you sign up. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

The COA Science Group: 4,000 feet of climate change, Part III
December 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Join physicist Stanley Solomon on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m. in Bemis Hall for the third in a three-part series exploring the physicists’ view of climate change using articles from three issues of Physics Today, a professional journal published by the American Physics Society and read by physicists worldwide. In this session, Stan’s presentation will examine how the collected data leads to an inescapable conclusion. He plans to distribute copies of the articles before the sessions, so if you would like copies, please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to leave your name and email address.

The fireside chat: the First Amendment
December 27 at  10 a.m.
Many of us take the First Amendment for granted and proudly stand up for it, at least our own interpretation. What do “freedom of speech,” “free exercise of religion” et al really mean? Come join the discussion as the Fireside Chat group wrestles with this important topic on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. at their new location in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Save the date:

Revel at the Top of the Town winter gala
The Friends of the Lincoln COA (FLCOA) are pleased to announce that the annual Top of the Town Winter Gala will again be held at the deCordova Museum! The date is set for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5–8 p.m. Mark your calendars and look for your invitation in the mail in late December. Be sure to return your reservation form promptly — space is limited to 200 people. Don’t procrastinate! The event is free but the FLCOA, as always, is extremely grateful for any donations to support this event and all its activities.

Tell your story with the memoir group
In the spring, there will room in the memoir group for a couple of new (or returning) members. If you are interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the group at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, January 10 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what the group does. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Jan. 10 and 24; Feb. 7 and 21; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18; and May 2 and 16. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Color your life with pastels with Juliet
Express your most vibrant self with the brilliant colors of pastels in a class with Juliet Rago. She will begin with a short introduction to drawing for those who feel they need it. The class will meet from 10 a.m.–noon on January 8, 12, 19, 22, and 26. No experience is necessary. All materials will be furnished. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Limit of six people. The fee is $40.

World hand drumming for fun and well being
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to express yourself and enhance well being that’s sweeping the country. It’s a great way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve overall musical skills, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Come learn the joy of drumming with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning January 16 at a cost of $78. Please sign up as space is limited. No need to bring a drum.

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Screening of climate change film “Freightened”

The film Freightened will have a free showing on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church as part of the church’s ongoing Climate Justice Film Series. The shipping industry has become one of the planet’s most dangerous pollution sources contributing to climate change. It is calculated that the 20 largest vessels pump more sulphur into the atmosphere than all the billions cars on the planet. Every day, 5,000 tons of toxic waste are dumped into the sea.

A light vegetarian supper will be served at 6:30, followed by the film at 7:00. All are welcome. Donations will be accepted to defray the costs of public screening rights which are paid for all our films.

Marijuana committee seeks members

The Board of Selectmen is still seeking volunteers for a committee to make recommendations on regulations, policies and bylaws for recreational marijuana businesses that might be interested in operating in Lincoln. The state’s Cannabis Control Commission expects to establish license regulations by March 2018, though Lincoln has approved a moratorium until November 2018. The issue first came up for discussion at the 2015 State of the Town meeting. To learn more about the work of this Committee, please contact the Town Administrator, Timothy S. Higgins (781-259-2604 or higginst@lincolntown.org). To apply, please submit a letter of interest to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant (elderp@lincolntown.org). Applications will be accepted until  Thursday, Nov. 30.

More home energy assessments could result in grant for town

The town of Lincoln has achieved important milestones toward a grant from National Grid designed to motivate residents to take easy and inexpensive steps in 2017 to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. If 60 more residents sign up for no-cost home energy assessments by the end of December, Lincoln will receive almost $8,000 for energy saving programs. Lincoln has already reached 200 percent of the goal for new heating and cooling systems. We are at about 70 percent of our air sealing and insulation goals.

The energy assessments are performed by a trained technician who recommends improvements to insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling systems. They also include a safety check on furnaces and gas water heaters and an inspection for asbestos, mold and mildew. Significant discounts and rebates are provided to the homeowner for insulation and HVAC systems. No-cost LED light bulbs, smart power strips, smart thermostats, and air sealing are provided by the program. For more information, see the Lincoln Energy Challenge website, or contact Sue Klem of Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee at Susan.M.Klem@gmail.com or 781-305-3319.

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FELS pie sale extended

The FELS Thanksgiving Pie Sale deadline has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 14. Through the proceeds from this sale, FELS (the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury) can fund opportunities for L-S teachers to grow and refresh next summer and add to their teaching. Pies ordered will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Beware of phone scams

The Lincoln Police report that a Lincoln senior received a scam call saying that several arrest warrants had been issued for the senior and the senior needed to call the scammer’s number. Police want Lincoln seniors to know that this is a scam and they will not be coming to anyone’s home to arrest them. If you receive such a call or would like more information, please call the police at 781-259-8113.

Advent workshop for kids

Pictured making crafts at last year’s Advent Workshop are Atticus Borggaard and Peter Covino.

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold an advent workshop for children on Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10:15–11:30 a.m. in the Parish House at 14 Bedford Road. Children will make seasonal crafts at this event, and refreshments will be provided. Free and open to children of all ages in the community.

A capella music, book preview at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents the Mistletones in concert on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and an adult and children’s gift book preview from 1–4 p.m. The Mistletones a capella group sings classic winter and holiday songs mixed with a modern twist and contemporary sound. All ages welcome. Before the concert, enjoy a holiday book preview where staff we can help you with suggestions for “just right” books for the children and adults on your gift list.

Minute Man trail reconstruction begins

Minute Man National Historical Park has announced that the Battle Road Trail, located in Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord will begin an extensive rehabilitation to improve the trail surface and drainage beginning Wednesday, Nov. 15. Sections of the trail at Hartwell Tavern will be closed. There will be a pedestrian trail detour, which is narrow and impassable to bicycles or strollers and is not suitable for running or jogging. The project runs from November 20 to December 31. Additional work at North Bridge will begin in April 2018.

Tour the Pierce House on Nov. 25

The Pierce House will offer free tours for the public on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. For more information, call 781-259-9757.

Fuel bill and financial assistance available

If you need help paying your winter fuel bill, the state’s Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help. The Fuel Assistance Program provides a cash benefit, payable to an authorized fuel provider, for both home owners and renters whose incomes are eligible. How much you receive depends on your household income, how many people you have in your household, and your heating costs. Those who receive fuel assistance may also be eligible for other benefits, such as weatherization services, heating system repairs, and discount utility rates. To apply for fuel assistance, residents of all ages should call Carolyn Bottum or Susan Isbell of the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 for an appointment. The Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will review the application to determine whether you’re eligible Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, please call to find out.

When Lincoln residents have an unforeseen and extreme financial emergency that threatens their well-being, the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund and the Small Necessities Project may be able to help. The Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund is supported entirely by the Ogden Codman Trust, First Parish, and donations. For more information or to ask for assistance from the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund, call Carolyn Bottum or Abby Butt at the COA, 781-259-8811.

New kids’ gallery at deCordova explores art, science, and nature

Children investigate Flint’s Pond at the deCordova.

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announces The Lab, a new interactive gallery on the museum’s fourth floor designed to explore the relationship between art, science, and nature. Changing several times each year in conjunction with new exhibitions, visitors will experience immersive installations, creative building activities, nature investigations, and a topical reading area.

The Lab’s first theme is Pond, inspired by deCordova’s current exhibition Bodies in Water and the neighboring Flint’s Pond. “We’re excited to introduce our newest interactive and interdisciplinary gallery where children and their families can experiment, play, and take ideas home with them,” said Emily Silet, head of educational exhibitions. “We hope our young visitors return again and again to The Lab this fall and winter to meet new friends and observe the dramatic seasonal changes at Flint’s Pond.”
The Lab: Pond, which takes a close look at pond ecosystems, features a variety of activities and experiences:
  • Walk-in camera obscura: To experience this naturally occurring phenomenon, visitors enter a darkened room where a simple hole in the window covering allows the view of the park and pond from outside to project into The Lab purely through the magic of optics (see image here).
  • Building table: Children can build “ice” sculptures using Lego bricks, wooden blocks, and Magna-Tiles ICE.
  • Drawing station: Visitors are asked to consider the pond life that exists both over and under the water in Flint’s Pond throughout the year through drawing or writing.
  • Reading lab: Carefully selected story and scientific books about Henry David Thoreau and pond life are available in a cozy reading nook overlooking Flint’s Pond through floor-to-ceiling windows equipped with binoculars.
  • Pond water display: Brilliant images of microscopic pond water samples allow visitors to see what can be found in water when it’s magnified.
  • Historical panel: An illustrated sign describes both Henry David Thoreau’s and Julian deCordova’s relationship to Flint’s Pond.
In the spring The Lab will begin a new theme, Air, in conjunction with deCordova’s exhibition Sculpting with Air: Ian McMahon and Jong Oh, opening April 20, 2018.

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First Parish unveils renovations at open house

Curious about what’s been happening with the church restoration in Lincoln Center? The First Parish in Lincoln welcomes the entire community on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. to visit the restored sanctuary and renovated Stearns Room at 4 Bedford Road. Drop in for refreshments, conversation and information. Construction began in September 2016 after much debate.

Art opening and gallery walk at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will host an art opening and gallery walk on Monday, Nov. 20 from 6–7 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. The gallery walk will include a guided tour of the many pieces hanging throughout the school building, including an introduction of Dana Chandler’s collage art and Hakim Raquib’s digital photo collage. The Math Mobile will be hanging in the Math Department light well, and the Community Mural was supported by artist Alex Cook, whose “You Are Loved” project strives to bring messages of affirmation and support to school buildings and other public spaces throughout the country.

Music will be provided by L-S students. The event is made possible by the Ogden Trust, SERF, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Lincoln Cultural Council, the Sudbury Cultural Council, and the L-S Parents Organization.

Contra dance on Thanksgiving night

Dance off some of that turkey and stuffing at Lincoln’s annual Thanksgiving Night Contra Dance on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 7–10 p.m. in the Smith gym featuring caller Chris Ricciotti, and musicians Amy and Jonathan Larkin (former Lincoln residents, returning for a comeback performance this year). Tickets are $6 for adults and students, $4 for children 10 years and under All ages and abilities are welcome.

Drumlin Farm hosts art and nature event

On the day after Thanksgiving, join Massachusetts artists at the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary for the annual “Giving Thanks for Nature and Our Senses,” a family outdoor art experience on Friday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Engage your senses on a nature walk with interactive artist demonstrations, enjoy art installations throughout the farmyard, and make your own nature-inspired crafts. Highlights include:

  • Music with the Grey Whisker Pickers
  • Wildlife sketching
  • Natural sculpture by William Turville
  • Nature crafts workshop with Musketaquid artists
  • Installations and gallery artwork by local sculptors, painters, and photographers
  • Storytelling with Ron McAdow

Cohosted by Mass Audubon and Musketaquid Arts & Environment. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and children age 2–13, and free for Mass Audubon members and Lincoln residents.

Now there’s coloring for adults, too

The Lincoln Public Library is starting a coloring club for adults starting on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m.–noon in the Tarbell Room. Come spend some peaceful time coloring your concerns away. No experience required; all materials will be provided by the library. For ages 16 and up. For more information, please contact Robin Rapoport at rrapoport@minlib.net.

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Five from Lincoln are National Merit Commended Students

Lincoln residents Maya Belge, Ruby Carmel, Catherine and Emily Chuang, and Alexander Tam were among the 29 Commended Students from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students place among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Musical performers at Paws for the Holidays

The Paws for the Holidays fundraiser at the Pierce House on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. will feature live performances from the following:

  • 11 a.m.–noon and 12:20–2 p.m. — Jaimee Joroff, a harpist trained in Classical and Celtic Music, and a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner (CHTP), plays on the first floor.
  • Noon–12:30 p.m. — The Pitch Pipes, an 11-member a capella group from Lexington High School, will sing holiday tunes and other selections on the stairwell.
  • 2–4 p.m. — The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will play on the second floor.

Hedgerow to play at LOMA

Hedgerow

Hedgerow is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Nov. 13 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7-10 p.m., and Hedgerow will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Hedgerow is a contemporary bluegrass band from Berklee College of Music fronted by lead singer Madison Denbrock and featuring guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, harmonica and bass. Their high energy and instrumental wizardry is evident in a live mash-up between a folk song and fiddle tune, Gentle On My Mind & Salt Spring.

Artists’ market coming to deCordova

On Thursday, Nov. 16, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum opens its 24th annual Artists’ Market with an opening reception from 6–9 p.m. featuring free sweets, music and complimentary gift wrapping. An expansion of the deCordova Store, the market features gift options including handmade ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, fiber arts, and more. The market is open daily from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with extended hours until  7:30 p.m. from Monday–Thursday, Dec. 11–24. On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1–3 p.m., the store will offer a 20 percent discount to new members who join that day as well as complimentary gift wrapping.

“The Secret Garden” takes the stage at L-S

The LSB players, the theater performance company of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, will stage performances of The Secret Garden based on the classic children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The Secret Garden (directed and choreographed by Carly Evans, music directed by Michael Bunting, and conducted by Tom Grandprey) will be performed in the Kirshner Auditorium on Wednesday–Saturday, Nov. 15–18 at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Click here to purchase tickets.

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“Lucy Vincent Beach, Cloudy Day” by Jim Wojno.

Artist’s reception for Wojno

There will be an artists’ reception on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 2–5 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library for Lincoln resident Jim Wojno, who is having an art show in the library’s Main and Stay Put galleries from October 29–November 25.

Five-part opera series scheduled

“Opera for Everyone with Erika Reitshamer,” a five-part lecture series presented by Erika Reitshamer, will begin at the Lincoln Public Library on Sunday, Nov. 5. All sessions are from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. Topics will be as follows:

Giuseppe Verdi

  • November 5—”The Life of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).” Verdi was the leading Italian composer of opera in the 19th century. He was not only a great operatic composer, but also a symbol of an entire country’s hopes & dreams.
  • November 19—”Otello.” Verdi’s greatest tragedy is a miraculous union of music and Shakespeare’s drama, a masterpiece. On DVD, Placido Domingo will sing his greatest role to Kiri Te Kanawa’s Desdemona.
  • December 17—”Falstaff.” Verdi’s last opera is a brilliant comedy based on Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor.” It was written when the composer was nearly 80 years old. On DVD with Renato Bruson and Katia Ricciarelli.

Other dates in the lecture series are January 7 and 21, 2018.

“Nutcracker,” South Asian poetry at library

The Lincoln Public Library will host a reading of The Nutcracker geared to young children accompanied by dancers from the Commonwealth Ballet Company acting out some of the parts on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m.–noon. All ages welcome; drop in. On Sunday, Nov. 12, there will be a program on “South Asian Poets of New England” at 2 p.m. For details, email B. Misra at misra.bijoy@gmail.com.

The Lincoln Public Library will be closed on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11 in observance of Veterans Day. It will also close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23. The library will reopen on Friday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. and will be open regular hours for the remainder of the holiday weekend.

Movies at library in November

November is Alfred Hitchcock month for the Lincoln Library Film Society. All screenings start at 3 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Refreshments served. To join the mailing list, email Lincolnlibraryfilmsociety@gmail.com.

  • November 6 — Rear Window (1954) with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.
  • November 13 — To Catch a Thief (1955) with Cary Grant with Grace Kelly. When a reformed jewel thief is suspected of returning to his former occupation, he must ferret out the real thief in order to prove his innocence.
  • November 20 — Vertigo (1958) with Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak. A San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend’s wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her.
  • November 27 — North by Northwest (1959) with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint. A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive.

FELS offers Thanksgiving pies

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at L-S, announces its the annual Thanksgiving pie sale. Home-baked apple, pumpkin, pecan, and chocolate pies are available for $18 each; purchase for your own family or as a donation to a local charity (Lincoln or Sudbury fire/police, the Sudbury Food Pantry, the L-S Senior Citizen Thanksgiving dinner, or a specific L-S teacher). Proceeds help fund enrichment grants for L-S faculty and staff. Order online or download an order form from the website and mail it in. Pies must be ordered by Friday, Nov. 10; pie pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 21.

A historical comedy look at marriage and taxes

The Lincoln Historical Society will present Marriage is Taxing, a look into Britain’s imposition of the Stamp Act on the American colonies, on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. at The Commons (1 Harvest Circle). This one-act comedy by Lincoln attorney, author and humorist Martha Lufkin was inspired by the documented “stampede” to marry in the weeks before the Stamp Act took effect, as couples sought to avoid the impending tax on marriage certificates. The program also features Lincoln resident Walter Bossert as the Prime Minister of England, delivering a scathing rebuke to the rebellious colonies. Light refreshments will be served.

Lincoln kids stage one-act comedies

Lincoln middle school students will celebrate friendship, teamwork and great storytelling with performances of Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures and Nate the Great on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the Brooks auditorium. Gooney Bird Greene is about the new kid in second grade and what happens when she bursts on the scene with a dazzling imagination and amazing stories. Nate the Great, from the book series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, is about a kid detective, who solves the neighborhood’s most pressing mysteries along with his faithful dog Sludge and his band of friends. This family-friendly production runs 90 minutes plus one intermission. Tickets ($5 each) will be sold at the door.

deCordova reopens cafe with new location, longer hours

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s cafe has reopened in a new location in the central courtyard with more seating, longer hours, and and an expanded menu.

The deCordova Café was moved from the fourth floor of the main building to a central location near the store and parking lots. Hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Groups of 10 or larger are encouraged to call in advance and order from the group menu. School groups are not permitted to dine in the Café without prior warning. Seating for larger groups is available at the Sculpture Terrace, and the Store’s Courtyard.

The café menu includes sandwiches, salads, and soups made fresh daily in house. It also offers snacks, desserts, and hot and cold beverages including beer and wine, plus warm pastries, quiche and espresso for breakfast. A selection of artwork by local artists from deCordova’s corporate art loan program is on display, and there is free WiFi.

DeCordova’s courtyard was renovated with the help of local businesses and community members under the leadership of landscape architect Natalie DeNormandie, with new design elements and plantings. More than half of the courtyard project was donated by local residents, designers, contractors, and others.

“We’re excited to reopen the deCordova Café and Courtyard to offer the community a beautiful space to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine with friends, or simply relax outdoors surrounded by art and nature,” said David Duddy, deCordova’s deputy director for operations.

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School, community center updates on Friday

Join the School Building Committee (SBC) and the Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee (CCPPDC) on Friday, Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall for an update on the two proposed Ballfield Road campus projects. This session is a great opportunity to get caught up on the campus projects and also to share your questions, concerns and feedback with the committees.

Water bottle documentary at St. Anne’s

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Environmental Club is joining up with St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church and its Climate Justice Film Series to discuss the club’s proposed single-use water bottle and plastic bottle ban and to view the documentary  film Tapped. Tapped looks at the bottled water industry and its environmental, health and economic long-term effects. Join the group on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a light meal and presentation by the students. The film will begin at 7 p.m. with a discussion to follow.

LFA Halloween party is Oct. 29

The Lincoln Family Association will hold its annual Halloween party at Codman Barn on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 2–4 p.m. There will be crafts, pizza, popcorn, and a trick-or-treating parade and costume contest around 3 p.m. Free for LFA members, $10 for nonmembers (maximum $25 per family).

Piano recital with Rhapsody

Rhapsody, a group of amateur pianists, will offer a piano recital on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The performance is free and open to the public. The recital will feature selections from Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Godowski, Guastavino, Ginastera, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Shchedrin, and Schumann. Rhapsody was formed in 2003 by a amateur pianists who sought a venue in which to perform for each other, both to grow musically and to share their musical journey with others. It has since grown to 18 people from the Boston metropolitan area, and members have met continuously every month for 14 years. Now an annual event, this will be their eighth public performance on Bemis Hall’s restored Steinway.

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Public hearings coming up

  • The Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10 to review an application for a sign permit. The applicant, Sujit Sitole, proposes to construct a directory sign at 152 Lincoln Rd.
  • The Lincoln Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the application of Ventianni, LLC to demolish two garden sheds at 144 Sandy Pond Rd.

DeCordova hosts after-school program, nursery school open house

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is offering a new Art + Nature After School
drop-off program on five Thursdays for kids ages 7–11 from 3:30–5 p.m. starting on October 12 and running through November 9. Join artist and nature educator Ann Wynne this fall as we are inspired by five artists’ processes and visions. We will play, move, build, and see like outdoor sculptors. Click here to see the deCordova’s calendar of fall family programs.

The Lincoln Nursery School (LNS) in deCordova’s grounds will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9–11 a.m. Tour the studios and play areas on deCordova’s campus and meet LNS faculty. For families with children ages 2.9 to kindergarten.

Open Studio library exhibit reception

There will be an artists’ reception at the Lincoln Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 4:30–7 p.m. as part of the Lincoln Open Studio exhibit being shown in library’s main gallery until October 28. Offered through the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department, Open Studio meets weekly for a five-hour block. The group welcomes newcomers of all skill levels and media (except turpentine-based oils). We meet during the school year on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. in Hartwell B-10. For more information, call Lincoln Parks and Recreation at 781-259-0784), or email Sarah Chester (schester636@gmail.com) or Joan Seville (joanseville1@gmail.com), and stop by at noon on Thursdays to say hello.

Apply for Lincoln Cultural Council grants

The Lincoln Cultural Council (LCC) invites applications for its 2017-18 grant cycle. Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs are due by Monday, Oct. 16. These grants support artistic projects and activities in Lincoln including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances in schools, workshops, and lectures. The Lincoln Cultural Council is especially interested in receiving grants to support performances and programs about local history and environmental issues.

The LCC is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each community. This year, the Lincoln Cultural Council will distribute about $4,400 in grants. Application forms and more information are available at www.mass-culture.org. For local guidelines and complete information on the LCC, contact council Chair Julie Dobrow at jdobrow111@gmail.com.