The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

charity/volunteer

News acorns

Two Lincoln organizations receive mini-grants

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has announced that two Lincoln nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $2,000 from the foundation’s Community Spirit 9/11 Mini-Grant program. The Massachusetts Audubon Society received $1,500 and The Food Project was awarded $500.

The program, which was created to commemorate Harvard Pilgrim members who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, allows each Harvard Pilgrim employee to award a $500 grant, completely funded by the foundation, to the local charity of his or her choice each calendar year. Since the program began in 2002, Harvard Pilgrim employees have directed more than $6.5 million to thousands of organizations throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. 

Thanksgiving luncheon for seniors

The MLK Action Project at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School invites the senior citizens of both Lincoln and Sudbury to the annual Thanksgiving Senior Citizen Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at noon in the high school cafeteria. Come enjoy the festivities, a wonderful meal accompanied by the L-S Jazz Band and other music groups.

Holiday event at deCordova store/cafe

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a Holiday Hygge at its store and café on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3–6 p.m. where visitors can enjoy art making, local shopping, food, drink, merriment, and hygge—the Danish word for coziness, comfort, happiness, and kinship. Tickets ($20 for members, $15 for nonmembers, free for children 12 and under) include admission and also:

  • A family-friendly paper lantern-making activity
  • A winter-themed story hour
  • Hot mulled cider and seasonally inspired snacks 
  • An exclusive 10% off discount at the store (20% for Trustees members), including the 26th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market, during the event for ticket holders only
  • Free gift-wrapping on purchases made during the event
  • Artist demonstrations
  • Entry into a raffle for the chance to win a variety of prizes, including a Trustees membership, fun merchandise packages, a private tour of deCordova, and a gift certificate toward registration at its summer camp

Girl Scout projects help Lincoln seniors

The Lincoln Girl Scouts are working with the Council on Aging to help Lincoln residents enjoy the holiday season and be more aware, prepared, and safe during snowstorms through three important projects. The Scouts will once again be collecting items for holiday gift baskets to be given to elders in need of basic items. Others are collecting items for winter preparedness kits that will be distributed to elders in need to ensure they’re ready for storms in a project in collaboration with the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation. Keep an eye out for collection points around town for both these projects.

Additionally, if you would like a bucket of sand to help with slippery spots on your driveway or walkway, contact the COA by phone at 781-259-8811 or come on down to Bemis Hall to sign up and the Girl Scouts will arrange to deliver one to you.

Seniors can get well-being calls during emergencies

The COA and Public Safety are pleased to offer well-being telephone calls during storms and other emergencies. They will call you when storms cause extensive power outages, and in extended spells of extreme cold and other similar situations. If they can’t reach you by phone, Public Safety will do a well-being check at your home to make sure you are all right. To sign up for this service please call the COA at 781-259-8811 and give your name, address, and any phone numbers you would like them to call (a cell phone or family member, for example), as well as any other pertinent information you would like to share with us, such as special medical needs. You may ask to be taken off the list at any time.

 

 

Lincoln Dems say climate change is the #1 issue for 2020

By Joan Kimball and Barbara Slayter
Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Over 40 enthusiastic Democrats attended the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDTC) at a November 16 meeting that defined strategy and goals for the group in the 2020 elections.

Lincoln Democrats voted climate change as the overwhelming #1 issue. Identified as “very important” were gun control, health care, and immigration. As the group looked ahead and discussed goals for 2020, they also reviewed fall activities, including collecting signatures to get ranked-choice voting on the ballot.

Kate Kavanagh and Denise Gieseke, co-founders of Concord Indivisible, shared how individuals can work with their group to promote voter engagement, election integrity, and causes. Everyone is invited to write postcards, text, call and canvas voters around the country and participate in registration drives and rallies.

Barbara Slayter described the work of Force Multiplier (FM) a volunteer group that focuses on raising funds for outstanding Democratic House of Representative candidates in swing districts. A recent Metrowest FM event in Lincoln drew almost 150 people to hear Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who is seeking re-election in Virginia’s 7th district. The event raised over $17,000 for Spanberger. 

Joan Kimball, coordinator of the Grandmothers for a Brighter Future, described the postcard writing that Lincoln volunteers have done. In 2016, the Lincoln Grandmothers for a Brighter Future sent out 5,000 postcards for senate races in three states. Anyone over age 10 is invited to write postcard either separately or in groups. The goal for 2020 is 5,000–7,000 postcards. For more information, email Kimball at selenejck@gmail.com.

All interested Lincoln residents are invited to the next LDTC meeting on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9–11 a.m. in Bemis Hall.

News acorns

Dems host strategy session for 2020 election

Join the Lincoln Democrats’ planning session on Saturday, Nov. 16 to “get fired up and ready to go” for 2020. Hear about the work of Concord Indivisible from co-founders Kate Kavanagh and Denise Gieseke. Share your thoughts on getting out the vote and communications. Explore the critical issues ahead and determine which Lincoln Democrats will prioritize for action. Coffee and pastries starting at 8:30 a.m.; meeting starts at 9.

Bluegrass gospel band at First Parish

On Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m., the First Parish in Lincoln welcomes Dover’s Pilgrim Bluegrass Gospel Band, who (together with choir director Ian Watson) will share their music as they perform a variety of traditional and contemporary songs to complement the order of service. Band members are Michele Sauter on mandolin and vocals, Geoff Sauter on five-string banjo and vocals, Bob Cocks on guitar and vocals, Francesca Wier on vocals, and Greg Algieri on upright string bass and vocals.

Old Town Hall Corp. meetings

The Annual Meeting of Members of the Lincoln Old Town Hall Corporation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Office Building. The agenda will include the election of trustees for the ensuing year, as well as financial reports and a review of the past year’s activities. The Annual Meeting of Trustees will immediately follow, and will include the election of officers and the conduct of such other business as may be brought before the meeting. All members are urged to attend.

Jamming for L-S school in Cambodia

Former students and musicians from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will get together to jam and support their sister school, Memorial School in Cambodia, on Friday, Nov. 29 from 7–11 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Likely performers will include Chris and James Nifong, Eve Elkort, Nick Smith, Madelyn Paquette, Nate Gerry, Sam Pace, John and Molly Roach, Nora Telford, Kerry Kittelsen, and Lauren Weintraub. Tickets are$10. Food will be sold at the event. Send RSVPs and any questions to danielle_weisse@lsrhs.net.

News acorns

Writing class, free-range parenting discussion at First Parish

A spirited presentation and dinner discussion with Dr. Andy Clark on the Free Range Child movement will take place at the First Parish in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.) There are many parenting books on the grit, resiliency, and self-direction that children need in order to thrive. Come see how these tie in with the “free range” lifestyle. We will discuss strategies that parents, grandparents, educators, and community members can employ in supporting each other and ultimately, our children. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for children $25 maximum per family). Child care will be provided from 6–7:30 p.m. Open to the public.

A two-session course on “The Writing Life” will be offered on Tuesdays, Nov. 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. in the Garrison Room (14 Bedford Rd.). Teacher Barbara O’Neil will offer participants a chance to write in the company of others, inspired by prompts to spur the imagination. This is not a critique group, but a place to build “writing muscle.”

Lecture on Arnold Arboretum

The Lincoln Garden Club is sponsoring a lecture by Andrew Gapinski, head of horticulture at the Arnold Arboretum, on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall. His topic “The Who, What, Where, When and Why of the Arnold Arboretum.” 

FoMA honors three for Lincoln work

The Friends of Modern Architecture will premiere a short film and give its FoMA Annual Award to three recipients at its annual member appreciation evening on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the de Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum. The film is “Three Modern Houses” by master architect Walter Bogner, and its award-winning film maker Molly Bedell, internationally known architectural photographer Rick Mandelkorn, and Lincoln town historian Jack Maclean will be honored for their work documenting Lincoln’s important Modern legacy. 

L-S Friends of Music meet

Lincoln-Sudbury Friends of Music (LSFOM) welcomes All Parents of the L-S music program to a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A at the high school. Meet with the choral and instrumental directors, and learn more about upcoming concerts and events. Ideas, energy and enthusiasm are encouraged at any level.

Film: “La Strada”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “La Strada” on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room Directed by Federico Fellini and starring Anthony Quinn and Richard Basehart. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1956. A care-free girl is sold to a traveling entertainer, consequently enduring physical and emotional pain along the way.

Paws for the Holidays on Nov. 10

The fourth annual Paws for the Holidays festival to benefit Phinney’s Friends (a Lincoln nonprofit that helps low-income people and their pets stay together) will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Pierce House. Live music, food, a silent auction, baked goods, photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, pet photo contest, and gifts for animals and people.

Mass Audubon offers free admission to vets

Military veterans and their families get free admission to any of Mass Audubon’s 60 wildlife sanctuaries on Veterans Day (Monday, Nov. 11) to thank the men and women who have served their country in the military. To learn more and to confirm that a specific wildlife sanctuary will be open, please visit www.massaudubon.org.

Lecture on fly fishing

“Storied Waters: 35 Fabled Fly-Fishing Destinations and the Writers & Artists Who Made Them Famous” takes place at the Walden Woods Project (44 Baker Farm Rd., Lincoln) on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 7:30–9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. for wine and cheese reception sponsored by The Cheese Shop of Concord. Free admission; open to the public. 

Estate sale to benefit MCC

The METCO Coordinating Committee will hold an estate sale on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 18 Cerulean Way in Lincoln. MCC member Joanna Schmergel has been collecting donations of antiques, art, china, silver, and collectibles from supporters all over the MetroWest area, and her basement and attic are stuffed with treasures. Also for sale will be American Girl Doll baskets and fleece hats made by Boston and Lincoln resident students in a social entrepreneurship program. Marika Hamilton, Lincoln METCO director, has been teaching students finance, accounting, marketing, home economics and social responsiveness through this program. All proceeds go toward summer camp scholarships, late buses, field trips, and enrichment programs for Boston-based METCO enrolled children attending the Lincoln School. 

Session on soul injury

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:30–8 p.m., Care Dimensions will present “Restoring Inner Peace, Sense of Self After Soul Injury” at Bemis Hall in Lincoln. This is for anyone who has experienced loss, heartache, or trauma, or has been a victim of combat, crime, abuse, neglect or other unattended emotional injuries, including but not limited to military veterans and their families. Soul injury presents as a sense of emptiness and a loss of meaning, or the feeling that a part of the self is missing. People who have experienced loss such as bereavement, divorce, or betrayal by a significant other may also suffer from soul injury, as can personal and professional caregivers. Open to the public; please RSVP by Nov. 18 to 781-373-6574 or jcorrigan@caredimensions.org.

Learn about how to combat climate change

What are the impacts of climate change, and what can we do about it? Come Bob Moore of Climate Reality discuss the causes of climate change and its impacts on our economy, national defense, food and water supply, as well as the surge in infectious diseases, on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Each of us has a role to play to ensure that our country’s future is healthy and sustainable; see the tools we already have to change our trajectory. Discussion will follow the presentation.

Council on Aging activities in November

Musical jazz lunch
November 1 at noon
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert.

Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle sing and play the blues
November 3 at 2 p.m.
All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the third annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. It is a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life. Washington has delighted and awed audiences in Boston and around the country and the globe for decades as both a singer and songwriter. She has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Sax Gordon, known for his “hard-blowing, exciting, gutsy” signature style, has performed around the world, won numerous awards, and recorded six CDs. Marty Ballou on bass, Bryan Claunch on keyboard, Tom Avery on drums, and Cheryl Arena on vocals and harmonica will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon for this fabulous afternoon of music. For more information about the concert, call Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

New group focusing on family issues
November 4 at 10 a.m.
For many people, relationships with family members are central. They may be a source of great support, satisfaction, and pleasure, but they also may be a source of conflict, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. All are invited to join a new group that will meet for five Mondays starting on Nov. 4th from 10–11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. This group will be an opportunity to share those feelings and to get ideas for ways of trying to improve relationships and to examine expectations and communications which may lead to greater satisfaction. For many the holiday season can bring these feelings into sharper focus and groups can offer support. The group will be led by Claire Gerstein, a social worker with many years of experience assisting people with family challenges. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in November

News acorns

Events rescheduled

  • The India Discovery Center has postponed its seminar on India and Britain from November 2 (when the State of the Town meeting will take place) to Saturday, Nov. 30.
  • The free screening of the documentary “The River and the Wall” originally scheduled for October 18 has been rescheduled for Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Filmmaker Ben Masters and colleagues traveled 1,200 miles along the U.S.-Mexico border via horse, mountain bike, and canoe. Sponsored by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee.

House party for Democrats in Congress

Learn about Force Multiplier (a strategic, voluntary fundraising organization) and meet legislators at a house party in Lincoln on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 2–4 p.m. Hear Rep. Katherine Clark’s analysis of 2020 election challenges and opportunities and meet Abigail Spanberger (Va-7), a newly elected Democratic representative who hopes to hold on to her seat in a red district. Sponsored by the Arlington, Natick, Lincoln and Wayland  Democratic Town Committees. RSVP and donate (location of event available with reservation).

Domestic violence workshop for faith communities

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable is offering a workshop on “Our House Too: How Faith Communities Can Support Survivors of Domestic Abuse in Their Congregations.” This program is designed for clergy, members of social action/social justice committees, caring communities, and anyone who wants to make a difference in their congregations.

The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland). For those who prefer an evening workshop, the identical program will also be offered on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 7–8:30 p.m. at First Parish in Wayland (225 Boston Post Rd., Wayland).

Roundtable board members from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence and Journey to Safety (the Jewish Family and Children’s Service response to domestic abuse), will lead the workshop and discussions. The workshop will highlight how important it is for people in faith communities to learn and talk about domestic abuse, clearly sending the message that abuse happens in “Our House Too.” Participants will leave with a better understanding of domestic abuse and action items they can carry out in their own congregations. For more information, email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Conservation Commission seeks new member

The Conservation Commission is looking for a new commissioner to fill a vacancy of a member who has moved out of town. The commission meets every third week on Wednesdays from 7–10:30pm. Its job is to approve or deny permits within our jurisdictional area under the guidelines of the state wetlands law and our own Town bylaw. In addition, the commission maintains 80 miles of trails in town and stewards 200 acres of agricultural land. Commissioners are also expected to participate on related town boards or committees as representatives from Con Com.

The best way to find out what the commission does is to attend one of our meetings.  Our next meeting is on Wednesday November 6 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. For more information please contact Tom Gumbart in the Conservation Department office (2612) or any commissioner. Anyone interested should download and fill out the volunteer form and send it to Peggy Elder in the office of the Board of Selectmen, which makes appointments to the commission.

FELS invites direct donations for pie-sale beneficiaries

Although the Foundation for Educators for Lincoln-Sudbury (FELS) won’t be selling pies this year, residents can donate directly to the organizations that benefit.

  • The senior citizens’ Thanksgiving luncheon is organized by the L-S MLK Action Project. To donate, send a check payable to LSRHS with “MLK Thanksgiving Luncheon” on the memo line and mail it to Susan Frommer, LSRHS, 90 Lincoln Rd., Sudbury, MA  01776.
  • To donate to the Lincoln food pantry, make a check payable to St. Vincent de Paul and mail it to St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 324, Lincoln, MA. 01773

Letter to the editor: thanks to everyone for moyamoya fundraiser

To the editor:

Contestants line up at the cornhole fundraiser at Codman Community Farms.

On behalf of our whole family, I want to thank the community for their outpouring of support and generosity at our fundraiser last weekend. We hosted our first (hopefully annual) Brain Games Corn Hole tournament benefiting moyamoya disease research at Boston Children’s Hospital. There were numerous sponsors and donors that made the event possible.

This past May, our 4-year-old was diagnosed with moyamoya disease, a rare brain disorder, and in June, she had bilateral brain surgery. Thankfully, the best surgeon in the world who also helped pioneer the surgical procedure, Dr. Ed Smith, is located here at Boston Children’s Hospital. Kalea’s cousin was diagnosed 12 years ago with the same disease, and his family’s fund-raising inspired our event. Without their fund raising, genetic testing advances would not have been made (that our children are undergoing now), as well as several lives saved from procedures perfected from his funding. 

In the wake of our Lincoln fundraiser, we thank the police department for cooking all of the food, Dan Pereira with Parks and Recreation for transporting tents and setup/organization, Twisted Tree Café for numerous gift cards for raffle prizes, Boon Ice for donating all the ice to keep drinks cold, and last but not least Codman Community Farms and Pete Lowy, who made the location and atmosphere perfect! Most importantly, we thank the countless volunteers (adults as well as eighth-grade students) who went out of their way to show up early, carry tables and set up, serve food, and assist in the kids arts and crafts tables and bouncy houses. 

There have been so many times since moving here five years ago that we have appreciated this community. However, the past five months have truly made us grateful to be part of this town. The saying “it takes a village” has never felt more true. Community is defined as a unified body of individuals. That could not be seen anymore clearly as it was shown yesterday.

The event alone raised just over $12,000. Our online fundraising page at www.doofamilyfun.com is currently at about $27,500, and has been climbing over the course of today. For those of you unaware, every penny of the event is going directly into the surgeon’s trust to further research. He is one of the surgeons who pioneered the surgery that has saved our daughter’s life.

The Doo family.

Additionally, I have an entire carload of toys, puzzles, and books that we are donating on Monday, Oct. 28 to the ninth-floor hospital play rooms. Kalea is beyond excited to share these items with a place that made her hospital stay more enjoyable. The generosity of friends, family, and people we have not met before has just overwhelmed us.

We hope that everyone enjoyed the day. Our thanks seems so trivial and insignificant for the kindness that everyone has shown, from the bottom of our hearts we do truly thank you for everything! Hope to see y’all again next year!

Sincerely,
The Doo family: Bryan and Brianna, Mikayla, Kailani, Alana, Kalea, Maddox, and Atticus
7 Reiling Pond Rd., Lincoln

Letter to the editor: no FELS pies this year

To the editor:

FELS, the Foundation for Educators for Lincoln-Sudbury, regrets that we will not offer a Thanksgiving pie sale this year. Our supplier is unable to support our 2019 sale because of health issues.

We understand the inconvenience this creates and the significant void for our food pantries, the LSRHS Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon, and our towns’ public safety officials. We plan to offer the sale again next year. In the meantime, we hope you will consider supporting the local food pantries and the L-S MLK Action Project, host of the senior citizen luncheon, with direct donations this year.

FELS is in the midst of its 2019 annual appeal, donations can be made via our website. We will host alternative fundraisers in addition to our annual FELStalk in 2020. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing generosity in allowing us to support the teachers and staff at LSRHS.

Sincerely,

Nancy Marshall (president, FELS)
23 Beaver Pond Rd., Lincoln

Ceremony marks launch of EV charging stations at Drumlin Farm

Officially launching Drumlin Farm’s new EV charging stations this week were (left to right) Mass Audubon VP for operations/CFO Bancroft Poor, PowerOptions president and CEO Cynthia Arcate, Eversource electric vehicle infrastructure project lead Sean Tully; Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary education manager Jennifer Feller; and Horizon Solutions business development manager Jessica Cardona. (Photo: Mass Audubon/Kelly Moffett)

Visitors and staff at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary can now power their electric cars with two new electric vehicle charging stations, allowing for eco-friendly visits to the popular working farm and nature center.

Each of the two EVC stations is capable of charging two cars. One station was donated by the nonprofit PowerOptions, New England’s largest energy-buying consortium. Eversource paid for and coordinated the infrastructure improvements needed to power the stations, and Horizon Energy Solutions handled installation, which was completed in July.

“Drumlin Farm is proud to be making a difference in providing education and motivation for a healthier and sustainable world,” Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi said at an October 7 ribbon-cutting event to inaugurate the power stations. “We’re grateful for the donation from PowerOptions and the infrastructure support from Eversource to help us reach our goal of reducing our own carbon footprint and providing opportunities for our visitors to ‘drive green’ on their trips to the farm.”

PowerOptions’ EV Charger Program offers discounts to its members on equipment and software, as well as assistance during installation, configuration, and operation. The nonprofit organization delivers cost savings and predictability to other nonprofits and the public sector in Massachusetts, Connecticut. and Rhode Island. 

Drumlin Farm is one of 11 wildlife sanctuaries owned and managed by Mass Audubon, the state’s largest nature conservation nonprofit, that now have EV charging stations for public use.

Boys from two continents join to build birdhouses for charity

Richard Kelleher (right), father of two Lincoln Boy Scouts, helps South Sudanese boys build birdhouses in Bemis Hall.

On a recent Saturday night, the Lincoln Boy Scouts helped South Sudanese boys construct dozens of bird houses to help fund the ongoing operations of the Lincoln-based South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF).

Bemis Hall was buzzing with energy as Scouts and members of the Sudanese community and Boy Scouts worked side by side assembling wren and bluebird houses along with bird feeders.

“I am so so grateful to the Boy Scouts who made birdhouses with the Sudanese — they are incredible!” said Susan Winship, executive director of SSEF, which had its origins in helping resettle some of the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” Local artists who are interested in painting those birdhouses should call her at 781-424- 8774. The birdhouses will be sold at a gala in May celebrating the “lost boys” being in America for 20 years.

The Boy Scouts are accepting new members in grades 6-10. The troop meets Thursday nights from 7–8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Soukup, troop leader, at nickandnate@comcast.net.