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

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News acorns

DeCordova set to reopen this week

The deCordova Sculpture Park (though not the indoor museum) expects to open on Tuesday, May 19, but visitors must reserve a parking permit for a specific time slot in advance, even if they arrive on foot or by bike.

The Trustees of Reservations is opening two other properties (Naumkeag and World’s End) using the same system. Fruitlands and Crane Beach will offer parking passes for the day, also available online only. Parking for Trustees members is free or discounted for all five sites.

For Lincoln residents visiting deCordova, there is a special ticket type that allows for continued free access. During the checkout process, you’ll be asked to enter your Lincoln street address to verify residence. Other things to know:

  • The Trustees are limiting capacity to 50% at its parking lots at these sites.
  • Any visitors who do not have proof of a parking pass will not be allowed to enter. No transactions will occur at the sites.
  • In keeping with the governor’s recent order, all visitors over age 2 will be required to wear a face covering at all our properties.
  • The Café at deCordova will remain closed. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink for consumption on site, but alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

Click below for:

First Parish teams up with Lincoln MCC

In partnership with the First Parish Church, the Lincoln METCO Coordinating Committee is accepting financial donations to support the families of the Lincoln Schools’ Boston-based families with unforeseen financial needs. Donations to the Lincoln MCC before September 1 will be administered by school administration and the Lincoln METCO director to support individual Boston families with critical financial requests. You can make donations via PayPal, or send a check made checks payable to: Lincoln MCC, P.O. BOX 393, Lincoln, MA 01773.

Friday book group meets on May 22

The Lincoln Public Library’s Friday Morning Book Group will meet via Zoom on Friday, May 22 at  9:30 a.m. to discuss The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. If you have never attended this group on Zoom before and you’d like to join the session please email lincoln@minlib.net and we will invite you to the meeting. Copies of the book will be available for download in eBook or audiobook formats. Go to www.hoopladigital.com or email lincoln@minlib.net for assistance.

News acorns

Virtual Carnival: resource for Lincoln online activities

Lincoln now has its own Virtual Carnival with links to online programs designed to stimulate, educate, support and motivate residents of all ages. The programs by town organizations include:

  • Home-based exercise classes and children’s activities offered by the Parks and Recreation Department
  • Active Aging, Stretch and Flex, and Line Dancing classes for seniors from the Council on Aging
  • Online read-alouds, personalized reading recommendations, and other activities for children and teens from the Lincoln Public Library. Kids who fill out the library’s Book Match form will receive customized lists of books (e-book, audio, and print format) suggestions from the children’s librarians.

Library activities and offerings

  • In lieu of the previously planned six-part seminar about Walt Whitman at the Lincoln Public Library, actor Stephen Collins has made available his one-man show, “Unlaunche’d Voices, an Evening with Walt Whitman,” via online video — click here to watch. Funding provided by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.
  • Residents can borrow virtual magazines from the library’s large online collection with hundreds of titles. Browse or search magazines on Overdrive by title, topic, or date added.
  • The library will hold its Friday Morning Book Group via Zoom on Friday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. Participants will discuss Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen. Hepburn participated in the Dutch Resistance, working as a doctor’s assistant during the “Bridge Too Far” Battle of Arnhem, the brutal execution of her uncle, and the ordeal of the Hunger Winter of 1944. Copies of the books are available for download in eBook or audiobook formats. Email lincoln@minlib.netfor assistance and an invitation to the Zoom meeting.

Nature Naturalist Online classes from Drumlin Farm

Drumlin Farm is offering a series of Nature Naturalist Online classes as well as a session on “Learning Bird Song Online” on Thursday, April 30 from 7–9 p.m. Each of the six Nature Naturalist Online program features a Wednesday evening online presentation along with questions and discussion; a week to complete guided outside exploration, observations, gather data, and develop questions; and a second online session for feedback, questions, and discussion. Fees are $25 per program for Mass Audubon members ($30 for nonmembers) or $125 for members for all six programs ($150 for nonmembers).

Program titles and dates are below. To learn more and register, click on one of the session titles, email dfeducation@massaudubon.org, or call 781-259-2220.

Council on Aging newsletter now online

Click here for the May COA newsletter, which includes:

  • Information on Town Meeting and the town elections
  • Greetings and reminders from Tricia McGean, Lincoln’s Public Health Nurse
  • Greetings from the food pantry
  • A Lincoln history trivia quiz by Jack MacLean
  • Practicing self-care
  • Benefits for veterans who are unemployed due to the pandemic
  • Information from the Fire Department on Knox Boxes and for those with special medical needs
  • Hosting virtual family get-togethers
  • News from the Conservation Department

Covid news acorns

Property tax deadline extended

The deadline for property tax payments (normally May 1) has been extended to June 1. The town will waive interest and penalties if payment is received by June 30.

Clark hosts telephone town hall with mental health experts

On Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m., Congresswoman Katherine Clark will host a telephone town hall discussion about how people can support the mental health needs of themselves and their loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic. Clark will be joined by Dr. Claire McCarthy, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Brent Forester, chief of McClean Hospital’s Center of Excellence in Geriatric Psychiatry, who can provide best practices and resources available to our community as we guide our families through this challenging time. The public will be invited to submit questions ahead of the call or ask their question live. Questions can be submitted here. Dial 844-734-8764 to join the call.

Student will pick up food pantry donations

A group of Lincoln-Sudbury High School students including Lincoln’s Andrew Craig is asking residents to donate nonperishable food items to the St. Vincent de Paul food bank at St. Joseph’s Church. The teens will stop by your home on Saturday, April 18 to pick up items and deliver them to the food bank. Email him at andrewcraig1210@gmail.com if you can donate. Please leave your items in a bag in a visible location near your driveway or mailbox by 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Donations by check can be sent to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St Joseph Conference, PO Box 324, Lincoln 01774 (attn: Food Bank). Shoppers at Donelan’s can pick up extra non perishables can walk down the left side of the little church across the street and leave them in the basket just inside the door at the top of the ramp.

Memorial Day observance to be virtual

The town’s annual Memorial Day celebration has been postponed, and officials hope to have an observance in the fall. This year, there will be a wreath-laying that residents can view online details TBA.

Walden Woods virtual author talk with Dahr Jamail

Dahr Jamail

Join The Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for a virtual lecture by Dahr Jamail on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. Jamail will discuss his award-winning book The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption, in which he journeys to locations experiencing the most dramatic impacts of climate disruption, climbing and diving alongside leading experts and front-line scientists. The End of Ice was named one of the 10 Best Science Books of 2019 by Smithsonian and is a finalist for the 2020 Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award for exemplifying literary excellence. 

The free virtual event will take place via Zoom. Directions for logging on will be sent to those who register online.

Class and other art activities offered online

The deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park is closed but is offering “Learning from the Masters: An Online Drawing Workshop” on Wednesday, April 22 from noon–2 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. The deCordova is also offering virtual visits and other activities for all ages — click here to learn more.

Covid-19 closings and cancellations

Lincoln Public Library

The library will be closed through at least March 29. All items currently checked out will automatically have a new due date of April 6, and fines for items due during this closure will be waived. The library is always open online: contact a librarian, borrow books and movies, read the paper, and more. Check the library’s website at lincolnpl.org or call 781-259-8465 for further updates. The Friends of the Lincoln Library are also suspending collections and sales of used books and other materials. Please do not bring used books, CDs, or DVDs to Bemis Hall until further notice.

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School

L-S is creating learning continuity plans in the event of extended school closure. The Learning Continuity Steering Committee began meeting this week and is researching what has been done already in other schools, particularly those in Asia during the SARS epidemic.

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Effectively immediately, the deCordova is closing its indoor galleries and will remain closed until the planned late April opening of its spring exhibition, Visionary New England. Members and guests are welcome to the outdoor Sculpture Park, and the gates will now be open for free admission in order to minimize staff with the public in handling cash or credit cards. 

Real restaurant

Real is setting up an online ordering system with a reduced menu at www.keepitreallincoln.com as well as its regular takeout menu. Staff can take credit card numbers over the phone and deliver food to your car. The restaurant itself has also reduced the number of tables to allow more space between diners and is following CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing.

Churches

The First Parish in Lincoln has decided to move its services online for March 15, 22, and 29. The church has also closed both of its buildings to all gatherings until April 1. This week’s worship on Sunday morning will be streamed using Facebook Live — click on this link to view.

St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church is also live-streaming services at www.stanneslincoln.org/live.

News acorns

Piano concert on Saturday

Lincoln pianist Trevor Berens presents “Long Piano Project 2.0” on Saturday, March 7 from 3–6 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This is a continuation of his “Long Piano Project” with two solo piano pieces, each 75 minutes long. The first half is the U.S. premiere of composer Ian Wilson’s multi-movement piece, “Stations.” The second half of the concert is Morton Feldman’s “For Bunita Marcus.” Tickets are $20 at the door (cash or check).

Talk by author of “The End of Ice”

Join The Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for a Stewardship Lecture with Dahr Jamail on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception with the author) at the Walden Woods Project headquarters (44 Baker Farm Rd.)

Jamail will discuss his award-winning book The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption in which he journeys to locations experiencing the most dramatic impacts of climate disruption, climbing and diving alongside leading experts and front-line scientists. The End of Ice was named one of the Ten Best Science Books of 2019 by Smithsonian and is a finalist for the 2020 Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award for exemplifying literary excellence. The book will be available for purchase at the event, with a book-signing by the author after the talk. This event is free, but registration is required.

L-S students go on Habitat for Humanity trip 

Among the group from L-S on the Habitat for Humanity trip to Balitmore were Lincoln students Anjuli Das (far right in gray sweatshirt), Gabriel Feinberg (back row, third from left), and Emily Griffith (back row, second from right). Other students were Keely Durning, Kares Mack, Gretchen Mills, Anna Cincotta, Jesus Tejeda, Emily Fisher,  Khadija Ceesay, Luca Nicastro,  Eric Wilson, Michael Cruz, Katherine Johnstone, and Anna Haberman, and L-S staff Susan Frommer, Steven Driscoll, and Regina Shopiro. Click image to enlarge.

Fifteen students from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, including three from Lincoln, took part in the L-S MLK Action Project’s annual Baltimore Habitat for Humanity trip over February break. For many years, Habitat of the Chesapeake (HHC) has selected entire neighborhoods in which to buy abandoned property and construct new homes. During their three days on site, HHC estimated that the L-S group completed $10,000 worth of work, which included picking up trash, shoveling and transporting dirt and debris, destroying and constructing fences, and smashing a concrete driveway to pieces as well as painting and some framing. Manual labor in place of down payments by HHC workers, volunteers, and future homeowners turn drug-infested, run-down neighborhoods with up to 95% home vacancies into safe communities. 

Wine and beer tasting to benefit Domestic Violence Roundtable

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Shelters at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (Rugged Bear Plaza, 410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided by the Roundtable. A domestic violence survivor is also scheduled to speak.

Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event for families transitioning from shelters. Donations will benefit clients of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence as well as the transitional housing and shelter programs of these agencies. 

Requested items include twin size linens of all types, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances. Gift cards are also welcome. If you’re unable to attend, there will be collection baskets at the Sudbury Police Department, the Wayland Public Safety Building, and the Lincoln Police Department from March 28 to April 13.

This year’s event will also include raffles of gift baskets and donations from members of the Sudbury Art Association. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing to win. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase additional gift cards as part of the Shower for Shelters.

Used electronics fundraiser

The L-S girls’ softball team and Friends of Lincoln-Sudbury Softball (FOLSS) is sponsoring an electronics recycling fundraiser on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m.–noon at Feeley Field (200 Raymond Rd., Sudbury). Dispose of unwanted office and computer equipment as well as small appliances. Monetary donations will also be collected to safely dispose of electronics. Large appliances and items containing chemicals/hazardous waste materials cannot be accepted. Tax receipts will be provided. Click here for more information or email FriendsofLSSoftball@gmail.com.

Council on Aging activities for March 2020

Lincoln Academy with James J. Noble, PhD: Glacier National Park and Lewis & Clark
March 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Noble and 200 fellow riders as they embark on the American Lung Association Transamerica Bicycle Trek from to Atlantic City. You will experience the grandeur of the Glacier National Park in Montana as well as 660 miles of the Lewis and Clark Trail. This video and PowerPoint presentation will have two connected takeaways. The first regards the natural beauty of Glacier NP, the nearby Canadian Rockies, and a global geographical anomaly unique to Glacier. The second focuses on some intriguing political and historical questions regarding President Jefferson, Merriweather Lewis, the Louisiana Purchase, and the 49th parallel. 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.

Relax on a noticing walk with John Calabria
March 3 at 1 p.m.
Place: TBD
Come for a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on March 3 from 1 to 2:30 at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

[Read more…] about Council on Aging activities for March 2020

News acorns

Dancers to read, perform “The Secret Garden”

The Commonwealth Ballet will offer a reading of The Secret Garden geared to younger children accompanied by dancers from the ballet company acting out some of the parts on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. For all ages; no registration necessary.

HeatSmart events coming up

The Heatsmart Alliance, of which Lincoln is a member, is holding information sessions on environmentally friendly home heat pumps on the dates below. Meet installers to learn which systems might work for your heating and/or cooling your home. Talk with neighbors who have installed systems. Meet community heating/cooling coaches who can help you sort it all out. Find out about available financial incentives.

  • Saturday, Feb. 29 from 1–3 p.m. — Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., West Concord
  • Wednesday, March 4 from 7–9 p.m. — Wayland Town Building, Large Hearing Room, 41 Cochituate Rd., Wayland

FELS invites L-s alumni to submit essays on high school’s impact

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, is seeking essays of 500–700 words in preparation for its annual FELS Talk on March 26. This year, in honor of the 20th anniversary of FELS, the topic of the event will be “Warrior Letters: How L-S Influenced My Life.”

L-S alumni and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to submit essays by noon on Sunday, March 1 that tell a good story and explore questions including: What impact has L-S had on the lives of the L-S community? How was L-S a positive, formative influence on who you are today, or the path you chose to pursue? Organizers want a snapshot of a place in time, an event, or a person at L-S that had a profound impact on you. Your story can involve a challenge, a relationship, a gift, a class you took, or some other aspect of your experience at L-S .   

FELS will choose up to 12 essays to be read at the annual FELS Talk on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the lecture hall at L-S by a panel of selected readers. Organizers are also collecting L-S trivia, so whether you want to write an essay or submit a short sentence or two of L-S trivia to be collated for the program, your contribution of interesting/unusual/funny bits of L-S history are welcome. You’re also welcome submissions of up to five photos from your days at L-S.

All submissions should be emailed to Admin@FELSGrant.org. With your essay, please provide your name, phone number, profession and where you live, and a brief biographical paragraph. Questions? Email admin@FELSGrant.org.

Josie Toney headlines next LOMA night

Josie Toney

Josie Toney is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, March 9 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Toney will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Toney combines virtuoso fiddle play and guitar work with forceful vocals. She graduated from the Berklee College of Music, where she received the Sam Eisenson Award for Country Music. Here’s her band on YouTube playing her original song “Cryin’ Lonesome.” 

Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

Test-drive an electric vehicle

There will be a test drive of electric vehicles hosted by the Lincoln Green Energy Committee (GEC) and the Green Energy Consumers Alliance at the Mall at Lincoln Station parking lot on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (rain date: March 22). Find volume-discount EV pricing and government-sponsored incentives at Greenenergyconsumers.org/drivegreen. For other questions about electric vehicles, email Peter Watkinson at pjwatkinson@mac.com. The event is part of the EV 2020 campaign, a GEC initiative to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Lincoln.

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Restaurant benefit for L-S robotics

The Lotus Blossom restaurant at 394 Boston Post Rd. in Sudbury is holding a benefit night for Warrior Robotics, the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School robotics team, on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Part of the proceeds will help the team meet its goal of making it to the 2020 World Championships, including the costs of materials, competition fees, and more. For more information, email joshuaaltman1@gmail.com.

Documentary on voter suppression

“Suppressed: The Fight to Vote,” a 40-minute film documenting voter suppression in the 2018 midterm and gubernatorial elections in Georgia will be shown by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall (light refreshments start at 6:30 p.m.). Lincoln resident Andrew Glass will facilitate a discussion afterwards. Free and open to all.

Talking to children about race

Parents and children are invited to “Courageous Conversations: Talking to Children about Race” on Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30–7 p.m. at the First Parish in Lincoln parish house. Conversations about race and racism can be uncomfortable. We might make mistakes and are unsure where to begin, but not talking about race with children can send many unintended messages. Explore ways to have conversations with children about race, racism, diversity and inclusion. Co-hosted by the METCO Coordinating Committee and the First Parish in Lincoln, this facilitated conversation will use the NPR Podcast “Talking Race with Young Children” as a backdrop for identifying strategies to start the conversation with kids about racial differences, race, racism and more.

Dinner for adults and children will be served from 5:30–6 p.m. and childcare will be available from 6–7 p.m. during the discussion. Suggested donation for dinner: $10 for adults, $5 for children. Click here to sign up for childcare. Registration is requested but not required – feel free to join even if you have not signed up. For more information, email Gina Halsted at ginahalsted@gmail.com.

Film: “Bitter Moon”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “Bitter Moon” (rated R, 1992) on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. After hearing stories of her, a passenger on a cruise ship develops an irresistible infatuation with an eccentric paraplegic’s wife. Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Hugh Grant and Kristin Scott Thomas. Viewers are welcome to bring dinner or a snack.

Sap-to-Syrup breakfast at Drumlin Farm

Maple sugaring season has begun at Drumlin Farm, just in time for the annual Sap-to-Syrup Farmer’s Breakfast weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 7–8. From 8:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. each day, hungry visitors of all ages can feast on hearty pancakes with real maple syrup, as well as Drumlin Farm sausage and roasted potatoes. Seatings take place every half hour, with 45-minute seatings taking place at 8:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for those needing a little extra time.

Other highlights include:

  • Seeing how sap is collected from the wildlife sanctuary’s own sugar maples
  • Exploring the natural history of trees as you learn about the distinctly “Northwoods” product of maple syrup
  • Learning about Native American sap-to-syrup techniques
  • Purchasing maple syrup made at Drumlin Farm to take home
  • Family-friendly, hands-on activities
  • Visiting the evaporator to smell and taste the sweet product made during the maple sugaring process
  • Exploring the property trails and visiting livestock and resident wildlife animals

Tickets are $15 for Mass. Audubon members, $18 for nonmembers, and free for kids 2 and under. Register online or by phone at 781-259-2200.

Program on hearing loss

Hearing Loss Association of America member Carol Agate will speak on “Understanding and Coping with Hearing Loss” on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. The program is geared toward people with hearing loss, people who think they might have hearing loss, people whose friends tell them to get their hearing checked, or people who simply want to know what hearing loss is. The library will also be introducing its new hearing loop system.

Domestic Violence Roundtable presents “Boys Don’t Cry” 

Over the past five years, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable has participated in the White Ribbon Day Campaign by engaging our local communities in events designed to raise awareness and highlight the role of men and boys in ending gender-based violence. This year a group of male Roundtable members has worked together to promote discussions and create presentations to provide tools to help create more peaceful, healthy communities free of gender-based violence. The events began in February with a series of small group discussions on “What It Means to Be a Man” and how to raise boys to be healthy and respectful men.

The discussions will continue on Tuesday, March 10 at 3 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland) with a program featuring the screening of the White Ribbon Campaign video “Boys Don’t Cry.” Following the screening, there will be a discussion of the issues raised by the video led by Stephen Thompson and Jason Verhoosky, members of the Roundtable planning group. The program will also feature the raising of the White Ribbon Day Flag and a recitation of the pledge to end violence against women. The program will conclude by asking for commitments to action.

To continue this discussion, participants are also invited to the Roundtable’s first ever half-day summit entitled “Tough Guys and Gentle Men: Healthy Men in the Age of #MeToo” in Lincoln on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at St. Anne’s-in-the Fields Church. Registration for the summit is required. Details can be found at www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.

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Volunteers sought for Pierce House Committee, CapCom

The Board of Selectmen is seeking interested volunteers for the Capital Planning Committee and the Pierce House Committee. The Capital Planning Committee (CapCom) is charged with evaluating capital requests as well as maintenance funding requests. Members are tasked with evaluating each proposal for need, viability, and the effect on operating budgets. The mission of the Pierce House Committee is to “be stewards of the historic property so that residents of Lincoln, neighbors and guests may continue to use the Pierce House as a venue to gather and celebrate in keeping with the spirit of John H. Pierce’s gift to the Town of Lincoln.”

Letters of interest for either position should be sent to Peggy Elder, Administrative Assistant in the Selectmen’s Office, elderp@lincolntown.org. Click here for a volunteer application form or call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601 for more information.

Library activities for school vacation week

School vacation week at the Lincoln Public Library will feature the following events for kids:

Origami Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 2–3 p.m. for grades 1–3, and 3:30–4:30 p.m. for grades 4–6
Learn how to fold 3D origami snowflakes with Lisa Corfman from Rocky Arts Unfolded. Registration is required. Call 781-259-8465 x4 or email dleopold@minlib.net.

Singalong with Matt Heaton
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m.
Musician Matt Heaton will be bringing his unique mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots and Irish traditional music to the library. All ages welcome; no registration necessary.

Family Bingo Night
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
Come one, come all for a fun night of bingo! All ages welcome, no registration required. Prizes for everyone.

Girl Scouts pancake breakfast on Feb. 29

The Lincoln Girl Scouts will host Pancake Breakfast, Take 2 (postponed from Winter Carnival week) on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 8–11 a.m. at the First Parish Church (14 Bedford Rd., Lincoln.) There will be plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, and gluten-free pancakes with pure maple syrup along with coffee, tea, orange juice, and fruit, and face painting and crafts for kids. Girl Scout cookies will also be on sale. Tickets are $5 for children under 12 and $10 for everyone else ($30 family maximum).

Three-part series on opera singers

The Lincoln Public Library will host a three-part series on “Opera For Everyone: A Salute to Three Great Opera Singers” with Erika Reitshamer on Sundays, March 1, 8 and 22 at 2 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. Each session will look at a different artist: Jessye Norman on March 1, Fritz Wunderlich on March 8, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky on March 22. Click here for more information. Reitshamer was active in the formation of the Boston Lyric Opera Company, has led opera tours to Europe, and served as vice president of the Boston Wagner Society for many years.

Poetry workshop for kids

The Lincoln Public Library will host a poetry workshop for kids in grades 4-6 on Mondays, March 2–30 from 4–5 p.m. with a PoetryFest performance on evening of April 6. Kids will read, write and perform poetry and create an accordion book to fill with favorite poems and artwork. the final session will be filled with lights, snacks, and poetry performances for friends and families. It’s important to attend all five sessions. Registration required; call 781-259-8465 x4 or email dleopold@minlib.net. 

Lincoln Dems schedule caucus for state convention

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDTC) will hold its annual caucus on Sunday, March 8 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Attendees will elect five delegates and four alternates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party 2020 Convention in  Lowell on Saturday, May 30.

Registered Democrats may vote and are also eligible to be delegates. Enrollment cards provided by the Town Clerk’s office will be available for those who wish to register to become a Democrat at the caucus just before it opens. Democrats who will be 16 by February 2020 may pre-register at the caucus and participate and run as a delegate or alternate to the convention, although they are not eligible to vote in general elections until they are 18. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be add-on delegates to the caucus at www.massdems.org.

Anyone with questions may contact LDTC co-chairs Barbara Slayter (bslayter@comcast.net) or Joan Kimball (selenejck@gmail.com).

Talk on supporting healthy emotions in children

Erika Christakis, author of The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need From Grownups, presents “The Essential Connection: Supporting Healthy Emotions in Children” on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Nursery School at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Technology and the demands of 21st-century life can make it especially hard to see how children really think and feel. Christakis will share highlights from the science of early learning and explain how to improve the emotional “cueing system” between adult and child, with special attention to children’s need for autonomy, competence, and connection. Attendees are invited to read articles in The Atlantic and the The Washington Post before the event.

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Forums present focus group results on L-S racial climate

At two upcoming community forums, civil rights attorney Richard Cole and his associate Steven Flythe will present results of focus groups that were held at L-S to hear views and recommendations regarding the L-S school climate and culture, with an emphasis on race, color, and national origin-related issues. The first will be on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Melnea Cass Recreation Center (120 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Boston) and the second will be on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the L-S Chorus Room. 

L-S Cabaret Concert on Friday

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School’s annual Cabaret Concert will feature small vocal groups and soloists as well as student rock combo, jazz combo, and jazz ensembles in the high school café on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 ($20 maximum per family). L-S Friends of Music (LSFOM) will have snacks and beverages available for sale, including cheese plates and dessert.

Music Zoo, mattress sale to benefit L-S music programs

LSFOM welcomes all children ages 5–13 and their parents to visit the second annual Music Zoo on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1–3 p.m. at the high school. Touch, try, hear, and learn about a variety of musical instruments with demonstrations from L-S student musicians, enjoy student vocal performances, and learn about music groups and lessons.

This program will be held in conjunction with the L-S Music Department’s annual mattress sale fundraiser from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The L-S  cafeteria will be transformed into a mattress showroom, where people can browse and try out name-brand mattresses and pillows. Get up to 50% off retail on all styles and sizes while supporting the L-S music program. There will also be a free chamber music concert at 2 p.m. in the auditorium featuring a string quartet, violin ensemble, flute choir, brass ensemble, and vocal groups.

Events explore what it means to be a “good man”

The Domestic Violence Roundtable invites men and boys of Sudbury, Wayland, and Lincoln to come together and discuss the definition of manhood in 2020, examine characteristics traditionally associated with masculinity, and consider the societal pressures that affect the social-emotional development of boys and men in a series of events that will examine what it means to be a “good man.” They’ll culminate in a March 14 summit, “Tough Guys and Gentle Men: Healthy Men in the Age of #MeToo,” featuring guest speakers and discussions.

The events will kick off this month with small group discussions of men and/or boys on the subject of “What Does it Mean to be a Man?” These groups will be led by male members of the local White Ribbon Campaign planning committee and will include faith-, student- and senior-based discussions. The campaign has grown to an international movement bringing men together as part of the solution to help end gender-based violence.

Details about the summit will be released soon. For more information on time and location of the discussions, call Roundtable president Sue Rushfirth at 508-265-8748 or email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Committee now accepting scholarship applications

The Lincoln Scholarship Committee has opened its 2020 application process. Click here for information on the available scholarships and awards as well as the procedures for applying. Application forms and instructions are available here. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 30.

Two new sculptures at deCordova

“Conservatory for Confectionery Curiosities,” 2008/2019, Mixed media installation, New York/Los Angeles. Photo by Jeffrey Jenkins.

Michael Sailstorfer, “Factories,” 2017, bronze, concrete, courtesy of the artist and König Galerie. Photo by Roman März.

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has unveiled two new sculptures: Factories by Michael Sailstorfer and Conservatory of Confectionery Curiosities by Mark Dion and Dana Sherwood. Factories comes from a group of five unique beehive box sculptures in which bees play the role of “factory workers” as they complete and transform the sculpture. The finished sculpture is then cast in bronze. Conservatory was originally created for the Tuileries in Paris and recalls nineteenth-century horticultural hothouses, window panes allow visitors to gaze at the colorful desserts but not touch. The octagonal glass structure entraps stacks of Jell-O-like molds covered in insects partaking in the sugary sweets.