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

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Transfer station ends Monday hours

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DPW temporarily added Monday service hours to the transfer station schedule in an effort to reduce crowding.  This expanded service will end Monday, Aug. 31. On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the transfer station will return to its normal operating schedule of Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Library news

Library now open by appointment

The Lincoln Public Library is reopening by appointment with separate times for high-risk patrons. The library is limiting capacity to five adult library users and five children’s services users at any time. Contactless pickup of reserved materials is still available as well. Click here for information on hours and making an appointment.

Help with job searches 

Looking for advice on finding a job and getting hired? The library is offering a weekly Q&A session with Patty Levy, founder of Hired Insider, each Monday from 12–12:30 p.m. via Zoom. The sessions are open to anyone who is currently searching for employment and needs advice on search strategies, interviewing, networking, communicating value, creating a standout resume, and LinkedIn branding tips. To receive a zoom invitation, email lrothenberg@minlib.net.

Reading for racial justice

The library is hosting a book group exploring racism and racial justice, reading both fiction and nonfiction. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. To receive an invite to Zoom or to obtain more information, please email rrapoport@minlib.net.

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo — Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m.

Oluo explores the complex reality of today’s racial landscape, from white privilege and police brutality to systemic discrimination and the Black Lives Matter movement, offering straightforward clarity that readers need to contribute to the dismantling of the racial divide Copies are available in book format, Overdrive E book, Overdrive Digital Audio book and Hoopla audio book. 

How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi — Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. He is the author of five books including Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction. Available as an Overdrive E-book and Digital Audio book

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones — Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American dream and the New South, but their lives are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. This love story is a deeply insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Available in hardcover, Overdrive e-book & digital audio book.

Lincoln residents raise funds to fight cancer

Lincolnites Jane O’Rourke and Peter von Mertens will choose their own route on October 4 for the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Participants are encouraged to walk wherever they choose: around their neighborhood, a local hiking trail, a treadmill, or anywhere else they’re comfortable. While the event will not physically bring walkers together along the Boston Marathon course, it will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $145 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 30+ year history. Click on either person’s name to donate.

News acorns

Events from the Lincoln Public Library

  • Harper Kincaid will speak on her newest mystery, To Kill A Mocking Girl, via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. The library invited her after one of its book groups enjoyed the book last month. The book is available online either as an e-book or a digital audio book through an Overdrive Advantage subscription. To access the title without a waiting list, you will need to log in with a Lincoln Library card. For an invite to the Zoom meeting, please
  • Mandy Roberge will host a virtual mini-dreamcatcher craft activity for children 10 and up. Sign up to receive a craft material package via curbside pick up at the library, then join artist and teacher Mandy Roberge for the craft class via Zoom. Limited to 12 screens. Email sfeather@minlib.net to register and receive program information, including when to pick up materials and the Zoom link and password.
  • The library will host Virtual Trivia Night with the Trivia Brothers. This is an invitation-only program for children going into grades 4-7 who have completed their Summer Reading Challenges. Return your completed Summer Reading Challenge to dleopold@minlib.net to receive your invite. The deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Talk on monarchs and milkweed

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is sponsoring a virtual talk on “Monarchs, Milkweed, and Citizen Science“ with Kristin Steinmetz on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. Steinmetz, the education coordinator at Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, will cover information about milkweed plant species and how to collect seed, as well as citizen science opportunities and resources. She’ll also provide an update on the status of monarchs in our area this year. Free, but registration is required; click here.

Dash ’n Dine for seniors

The Council on Aging is sponsoring a Dash ’n Dine drive-through box lunch pickup for Lincoln seniors on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Real Restaurant. Seniors must register by calling 781-259-8811 or emailing GagneA@Lincolntown.org by August 11. Contactless pickup offered by COA staff. Co-sponsored by Deaconess Abundant Life Services and The Commons.

The Lincoln Chipmunk is here!

Dear Lincoln Squirrel readers,

After an lengthy gestation period due to unexpected software complications, I’m happy to announce the birth of the Lincoln Chipmunk — the direct offspring of the Lincoln Review:

chipmunk.lincolnsquirrel.com

Along the top of the screen, you’ll see links to pages that give a bit of history and guidelines on submitting your work. I’m sure there will be questions that aren’t covered on those pages, so please send them along. Suggestions for changes or improvements are also welcome — have a look and let us know what you think. The next issue is tentatively planned for October 1, but we’ll post a notice well in advance for those who want to submit work.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted their creative work — and to the readers who patiently waited for this day. Enjoy!

Alice Waugh
Editor, The Lincoln Squirrel (and the Lincoln Chipmunk)
lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com
617-710-5542 (mobile)

News acorns

Chat with Lincoln’s public health nurse

Do you have questions about Covid-19 prevention, transmission, symptoms, or treatment? Are there other concerns you have about seasonal health issues such as ticks and Lyme disease or EEE? Do you have general health questions? Join Tricia McGean, Lincoln’s Public Health Nurse, on Wednesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Tricia will answer your questions and provide you with accurate and science-based information To attend, email bottumc@lincolntown.org. Advance registration required. 

Contribute to the town’s Covid-19 time capsule

To preserve our recollections of this time, the Lincoln Public Library is starting a digital Covid-19 time capsule. Everyone is invited to submit recollections, photographs, and videos. You can submit materials as many times as you want — daily, weekly or when you come across something that makes an impression on you. We would like to make the items and reflections open to the public, but we will only publish them or make them available in our archives with your permission. Click here to make submissions to the time capsule. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email lincoln@minlib.net. The time capsule form can also be found on the library’s website.

Town recognizes eighth-graders

The Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the Town of Lincoln and especially its eight-grade students, proclaimed the days of June 9 and 10 as “8th Grade Class of 2020 Days” within the Town of Lincoln. The proclamation was approved at the board’s June 8 meeting

Kids’ summer reading program event next week 

The Lincoln Public Library’s Children’s Room Summer Reading Program kick off Wednesday, June 17 from 1–6 p.m. (rain date: June 18 at the same time). Children and families are invited to drive to the library any time during that period to pick up summer reading materials, including information about virtual summer programs and the beloved Summer Reading Challenge. 

Families will remain in their cars while a masked staff member greets you and safely hands the reading materials to a masked family member in your car ready. The library is discouraging arrivals on foot or by bike and is asking all participants arrive and remain in their car. Come see what costumed character is on the lawn waving hello. Anyone with questions may email dleopold@minlib.net.

deCordova announces Cronin lecture speakers

Artists Mark Dion and Dana Sherwood will be the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s 2020 Paul J. Cronin Memorial Lecture speakers in a live event taking place virtually on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Dion and Sherwood often collaborate on projects that explore how dominant ideologies and public institutions shape our understanding of history, knowledge, and the natural world. Their work exposes the human desire to tame nature and impose traits and categories on animals, plants and natural phenomena. For this live event, they will share insights into their collaborative process and offer a view into their studio practice from Copake, N.Y., where they live and work.

The artists’ collaborative installation, Conservatory for Confectionery Curiosities, is currently on view at the deCordova. Recalling a nineteenth-century horticultural hothouse, the octagonal windowed structure houses a display of what appears to be jellied desserts covered in insects partaking in the sugary sweets. Conservatory emphasizes how humans construct heightened, artificial versions of nature, particularly in cultivated gardens and sculpture parks.

“We’re excited to present this unusual opportunity to visit with Mark and Dana in their studios. Their work offers imaginative and often fantastical explorations of some of today’s central issues, including the relationship of humans to the natural world,” said John Ravenal, vice president of arts and culture for the Trustees of Reservations and the deCordova’s artistic director.

The lecture series was established in 1981 to consider topics broadly focused on changing attitudes towards contemporary art. The Cronin Lecture series is made possible by a generous grant to deCordova from the Grover J. Cronin Memorial Foundation. For more details and to register for the webinar, visit decordova.org/calendar/cronin-2020.

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