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

charity/volunteer

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.

Council on Aging activities in October

Celebrate nature in a watercolor class with Jane
October 4 at 9 a.m.
Rediscover your joyful soul through art and nature in Jane Cooper’s watercolor class. Enjoy painting scenes of nature, landscapes or some favorite sky. Two classes of four sessions each will be offered on Fridays and Mondays beginning Fridays, Oct. 4 and 21 from 9–11 a.m. The cost is $30 for each class of four sessions, materials included. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Musical jazz lunch
October 4 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring old friends. Make new ones. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Friday, Oct. 4 starting at noon.

Lincoln Academy with John Getsinge — Evolution of Science, Episode 2: Tom Swift and the Quantum Annihilator
October 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 7 at 12:30 p.m. when John Getsinger discusses “Evolution of Science, Episode 2. Tom Swift and the Quantum Annihilator.” From the publication of quantum math, matrix, and wave in 1928 to the invention of the digital computer, artificial intelligence, atomic fission, quantum annihilation, Tom swiftly foresees electronics technology, intelligent military robots, atomic bombs and… universal nonexistence. What can Tom Swift do to counter the existential threat to all humanity posed by the possibility of the Quantum Annihilator? Tune in for the thrilling sequel. 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.

Learn and play mah jongg
October 7 at 1 p.m.
Have you always wanted to learn mah jongg? Are you a new or former player looking to improve your skills? Are you an experienced player looking for a friendly game? Come to Bemis Hall each Monday from 1–4 p.m. for mah jongg lessons for those who would like to learn as well as a drop-in game for those who know how to play. Mah jongg is an exciting tile game which offers many of the same cognitive benefits as chess and bridge. Bring your own card or we will provide one for $9. For information or to register for lessons or a game, contact Joan Ingersoll at ingersollj@lincolntown.org or 781-259-8811.
[Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in October

Walkers step up to help food pantry

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) and the Food Pantry in Lincoln got a boost from several dozens people who participated in a fundraising walk on September 28. In addition to raising funds, the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” walk aimed to increase awareness of the real need in our town. The food pantry served close to 150 people in August; approximately 75% of them are Lincoln residents, according to Ursula Nowak, president of SVdP, St. Joseph Conference. In addition to food, SVdP and the food pantry also provide emergency financial help for for rent, utilities, car repairs, medical bills and other urgent needs. If you or anyone you know is in need, please call St. Julia Parish of Weston and Lincoln at 781-899-2611. (Photo by Ursula Nowak; click to enlarge)

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

News acorns

Codman Harvest Fair is this Sunday

Children of all ages and their families are invited to Codman’s annual Harvest Fair on Sunday, October 6 from noon–4 p.m. There will be games and activities for children, a skillet and hay bale toss for adults, the annual Rooster Run, Codman’s own burgers and hot dogs on the grill, and the Reasons to Be Cheerful Chillwagon! Bracelets for children’s games are $20 for members, $25 for non-members — and every bracelet gets a free ice cream. Entry is free for all, with treats, lunch and more for sale, including tickets for the Pig Roast and Barn Dance Harvest Feast on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 5–9 p.m. — click here for tickets.

Blessing of the Animals at St. Anne’s

On Sunday, Oct. 6, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will will honor St. Francis, patron saint of animals, with a Blessing of the Animals at the 10 o’clock service with Holy Eucharist and Choir. Animals on leashes or in carriers are welcome, as are photos and stuffed animals. Other services on that day are Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and a Contemplative Eucharist at 5 p.m.

What Park & Rec / COA activities do you want?

The Lincoln Council on Aging (COA) and the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) invite residents of all ages to fill out a short survey on what programs and services you’d like now and in the future.

The short survey asks you a few simple questions about yourself and how you currently get information about COA and PRD programs and services, and your preferences for learning about what the two departments offer.  You may then choose activities in the areas of arts and humanities, community events, education/science/nature/technology, fitness, health/nutrition, legal/financial/benefits, music/dancing, social/supportive/recreational, social service programs, and trips.  The survey also asks about barriers to using COA and PRD programs and services and any additional comments you may have.

Fill out the survey online or pick up a paper survey at Parks and Recreation, Bemis Hall, Town Offices, or the library, then return them to either the COA or PRD. Please complete the survey by October 31. For more information, please call Carolyn Bottum of the COA at 781-259-8811 or Dan Pereira of the PRD at 781-259-0784.

L-S School Committee meet-and-greets

The Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee will hold public input events on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 9–10 a.m.: Listening coffee with LSSC members Carole Kasper and Kevin Matthews at the deCordova Cafe
  • Thursday, Oct. 10 from 8–9 a.m.: Parent coffee with Superintendent/Principal Bella Wong on in L-S Conference Room A
  • Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.: Listening coffee with LSSC members Ellen Joachim & Candace Miller in the Goodnow Library conference room (21 Concord Rd., Sudbury)

Upcoming deCordova offerings

Nature, Sculpture, and Movement Meditation with Jamie Hunt
Sunday, Oct. 5  from 10 a.m.–noon
To attune to the summer landscape, Jamie will weave together nature-based meditation practices, movement meditation, and observation of art in the Sculpture Park. We will explore several meditations to open our sense of awareness and deepen our appreciation and experience of deCordova’s sculptures. For ages 12+. $24 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Click here for tickets.

Ceramic Workshop: Ornamental Form, Surface, and Texture in Garden Sculpture
Saturdays, Oct. 5 and 12 from 10:30 a.m.–noon 
Create a unique sculpture for your own garden inspired by deCordova. In this two-part workshop, build and decorate a small garden sculpture that will stand the test of time and weather. All levels welcome. No ceramic experience necessary. For ages 16+. $85 for members, $95 for nonmembers. Click here for tickets.

The Aesthetics of Nature: Cyanotype Workshop with Kyle Browne
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Artist Kyle Browne invites you to take a closer look at the aesthetics of nature through a focused exploration of the “All the Marvelous Surfaces” exhibit, walking through the deCordova grounds, followed by creating a cyanotype from natural materials. Participants will reflect on the practice of aestheticizing nature as well as design and print with natural materials to create a personal artwork. Click here to sign up.

Ceramic Sculpture Workshop: Expressive Vessels, Forms and Environments
Wednesdays or Thursdays starting October 30 or 31 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 
Create unique vessels and sculptures for your home or garden in this six-week course. Sessions will introduce new techniques, projects, and concepts inspired by museum exhibitions and installations in the Sculpture Park. No experience necessary; for ages 16+. Click here to sign up.

Harvard’s Lessig to give Bemis Free Lecture

The Bemis Free Lecture Series presents “They Don’t Represent Us: Reclaiming Our Democracy,” a talk by and conversation with Lawrence Lessig, the Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership at Harvard University, on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. In his talk, he will make the case that our government “does not represent us” and that reform is both essential and possible. Lessig ran for president in 2016 and has advocated for campaign finance and electoral reform with a Second Constitutional Convention.

Volunteers, donations needed for diaper drive

The Metro-Boston Diaper Drive organized by Lincoln mothers Kim Jalet and Kerstin Sinkevicius, will run October 5–20 and needs volunteers to manage collection boxes at collection sites in Lincoln and surrounding towns. The diapers will go to recipients of WIC (Women, Infants and Children) aid, which does not cover the cost of diapers.

All diapers will be donated to the Somerville WIC office, which serves Lincoln as well as Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown, Belmont, Bedford, and Lexington. Donors can also visit the Diaper Drive website for links to their Amazon and Target registries for sending donations directly to the WIC office. Volunteers will:

  • Obtain a box big enough for diaper donations, wrap or make it look presentable in some other way, affix a flyer, and bring it to one of the local collection sites by Friday, Oct. 4:
    • Lincoln: Lincoln Public Library, Smith School,  Lincoln Country Day School, Lincoln Preschool
    • Bedford: Bedford Free Public Library
    • Lexington: Lexington Children’s Place, The Waldorf School of Lexington (pending approval for box), Lexington Bright Horizons
  • Leave your name and number with someone at the collection site so they can contact you to empty the box if it fills during the drive (but this is rare).
  • After the drive ends, pick up the diapers and deliver them either to the Lincoln home of one of the organizers, or directly to the WIC office in Somerville. 

Anyone interested in managing a collection box or approaching area stores for in-kind diaper donations should email Jalet at jaletkl@gmail.com.

Lincoln Nursery School schedules open house

Thinking about preschool for next year? Lincoln Nursery School (LNS) is hosting its annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9–11 a.m. where families can visit the classroom studios and talk with teachers and current parents. Children are welcome. LNS is a parent cooperative established in 1944 and inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and is located at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

Learn about ranked-choice voting at house party

There will be a house party on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 3–5 p.m. to learn about ranked-choice voting (RCV) and have some fun testing it out. RCV allows voters to rank candidates on a ballot in order of preference. The system is already in place in Maine and in Cambridge (for city elections), and Voter Choice MA is gathering signatures to put it on the statewide ballot. Please RSVP to Selectman Jennifer Glass at jlrglass@mac.com.

Allendorf to perform at next LOMA night

Ric Allendorf

Ric Allendorf is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Oct. 21 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and he’ill perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. A meticulous finger-style guitarist and captivating vocalist, Ric is a frequent performer at Club Passim and other venues, and last year he released his debut album, “Take It All In.”

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.

Domestic violence survivors to share stories

To commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will gather to honor the stories and reflections of survivors who have experienced domestic violence in their intimate relationships on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 3–4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Sudbury Police Department (75 Hudson Rd., Sudbury). There will be a panel presentation by survivors from area communities and the advocates from The Second Step who support them.

Benefit at deCordova for breast cancer awareness

Join Emerson Hospital at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum for “An Evening of Inspiration” to support breast cancer awareness on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30–9 p.m. The event will feature Ann Jillian, a three-time Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress and breast cancer survivor raised in Cambridge. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets and a complimentary gift. Tickets are $25 with all proceeds supporting patients who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit emersonhospital.org/inspiration or call Julie at 978-287-3221.

Letter to the editor: show domestic violence awareness with purple

To the editor:

Why are those buildings purple? Purple, it is said, is the color of courage, survival, honor, and hope. It is also the color recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which takes place each October. During this month, domestic violence service providers use the color purple to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and the three to four women and girls who are murdered each day in our country within intimate relationships. Some people in witness and protest wear purple clothing, attach a purple pin, or tie a purple ribbon around a tree.

Last year, we at Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable (SWLDVR) , in collaboration with the Lauren Dunne-Astley Memorial Fund and First Parish Unitarian Universalist, went beyond that. We lit several faith and public buildings in purple. Some of you may have seen it. It was a beautiful and dramatic display that both honored those lost to domestic violence and brought awareness to the community that domestic violence has no borders. We want to do that again this year, bigger, brighter, and more powerful than ever.

There are two main ways to participate in the purple lights campaign. Those representing public buildings and faith communities may request to participate by emailing Lauren Montanaro, chair of the Program Committee for the SWLDRV, at lauren@reachma.org. Homeowners may also take part by installing purple bulbs in their door and porch lights and their lampposts. An effective 4.5-watt Feit purple LED electric bulb is available inexpensively and locally at Ace Hardware in Wayland.  

To learn more about the work of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, please visit our website at www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.

Sincerely,

Susan Pettit (on hehalf of the SWLDVR)
Sudbury, Mass.

Twisted Tree marks one-year anniversary on Sunday

Owen Maron and Lily Doyle man the counter at the Twisted Tree cafe.

To mark its one-year anniversary as Lincoln’s coffee shop, Twisted Tree is donating a portion of its proceeds to charity on Sunday, Sept. 29 — and the owners hope to make this type of “donation day” a regular thing.

Some of the sales on Sunday — which also happens to be International Coffee Day — will go to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF). ACC is a very rare, slow-growing but incurable cancer that Twisted Tree co-owner Christine Doherty’s brother has been living with for 19 years.

“I know we wanted to give back, and I’m hoping this is something we can do more frequently…  Hopefully this will lead to more connections in the community,” Doherty said. Similar events in the future might benefit Lincoln community and school organizations, she added.

There’s another charitable promotion going on this week. Through Saturday, Twisted Tree will donate 50 cents from every sale of its Moon Over Drumlin Latte (coffee with maple syrup and fall spices) to Drumlin Farm’s educational programs. (Moon Over Drumlin, the farm’s annual fundraiser, takes place Saturday, Sept. 28 from 4–6:30 p.m.) While supplied last, customers will also get a free Twisted Tree travel mug this week. Future refills using the mug earn a 10-cent discount.

Doherty and her husband C.J. opened the Twisted Tree about six months after its predecessor, Trail’s End, closed. A staff of 10 does the day-to-day work at the café while the busy couple continue in their day jobs (he owns a water/sewer excavation business; she works in corporate development at a biotech company). They’ve lived in Lincoln since 2015 and have three children at the Lincoln School.

During the Twisted Tree’s first year, “everyone has been so supportive. We really appreciate everyone coming along for the ride and helping us grow,” Doherty said. The business has slightly tweaked its offerings to match customer preferences — not many were interested in the “grab and go” pre-made sandwiches, but online ordering of everything from a single cup of coffee to lunch for eight has been a hit. Menu items featuring local produce or bacon and eggs from Codman Community Farms have also been popular.

“There won’t be any major pivots in what we’re doing,” she said.

Lincoln Station gets its own Little Free Library

Lincoln’s Little Free Library (click to enlarge).

Lincoln Station has a new Little Free Library thanks to a donation from Ann Yos, the now-retired librarian at First Parish in Lincoln (FPL), and teachers and students form the church.

Yos provided the sixth- and seventh-graders in FPL’s Neighboring Faiths Sunday school class with some money to be used for a social action project, and the kids decided to create a Little Free Library — now one of more than 90,000 free book exchanges in 91 countries where people can a “take a book, return a book.”

Together with their teachers, Terry Green and Mark Goetemann (and with further funding from FPL’s Outreach Committee), the students researched, planned, designed, built, and painted a Little Free Library, which is now installed at Lincoln Station near the Clark Gallery and Twisted Tree Cafe.

“There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; Little Libraries have been called “mini-town squares,” the organization’s website notes.

Ann Yos (center), former librarian at the First Parish in Lincoln, with teenage congregation members who built the Little Free Library.

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Join Sept. 20 climate strike via 9:09 Lincoln train

On Friday, Sept. 20, many members of the Lincoln community plan to attend the Boston Youth Climate Strike at Boston City Hall and will board the 9:09 am train at Lincoln Station (see this letter to the editor). Around the country and around the globe, young people and their adult allies will be leaving school and work to raise their voices to protect the Earth’s climate from further damage by fossil fuel emissions. St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church invites anyone who is planning to take the 9:09 train to join us for a brief Liturgy for the Climate at Lincoln Station beginning at 8:45 a.m. as clergy and congregants offer prayers of blessing for the Earth and acknowledge the climate emergency threatening the future of humanity. See Massachusetts Mothers Out Front for more information on the Boston Youth Climate Strike.

Water Commission seeks new member

The Water Commission is seeking interested volunteers. The commission ensures that the town’s drinking water meets all applicable federal, state and local laws and standards, as well as ensuring that the system revenue covers system operations, debt service, and reserves. The deadline for submittals is Friday, Oct. 4. Send letters of interest to Peggy Elder, Administrative Assistant in the Selectmen’s Office, elderp@lincolntown.org. For information or an application, call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601.

Drumlin Farm gets $20,000 grant from foundation

Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary has receive a $20,000 grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation to support its full suite of Leaders in Environmental Access for All (LEAF) programs for children up to age 18. Programs include specialized field trips and guided programs, vocational internships, staff training, and adaptive curriculum and equipment for special-needs students participating in Drumlin Farm programs.

“Funding will allow us to continue our robust vocational internships opportunities, grow our adapted curriculum based environmental education programing, and implement a variety of staff trainings on disability and inclusivity,” said Drumlin Farm Education Manager Jennifer Feller.

Talk on women’s suffrage in Mass.

The Lincoln Historical Society  presents Barbara Berenson, author of Massachusetts in the Woman Suffrage Movement: Revolutionary Reformers, on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Massachusetts was at the center of the national struggle for women’s suffrage; in a 1915 referendum, the men of Massachusetts voted two-to-one against woman suffrage. Nonetheless, in a remarkable reversal, Massachusetts ratified the 19th Amendment within three weeks after it was approved by Congress. Berenson is also author of Boston in the Civil War and is senior attorney at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Walk to benefit SVdP and Lincoln food pantry

Come on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10–11 a.m. to St. Julia Church (374 Boston Post Rd, Weston) for a walk to raise awareness for people in need in Lincoln and Weston, and to benefit the work of our local Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) conference and the food pantry. Suggested donation $10 per person or $25 per family. This will be an easy walk along the new rail trail with an ice cream social at 11a.m. at St. Julia Church. SVdP provides emergency financial help to residents of Lincoln and Weston and operates a food pantry at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln that serves clients from both towns.