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

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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.

News acorns

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. 

News acorns

“Embrace Change” sessions at library cancelled

All evening sessions of the “Embrace Change” series at the Lincoln Library have been cancelled. Daytime programs will be held at Pierce House as scheduled (see updated News Acorns, Sept. 4, 2019). For more information, see FullyEmbraceChange.com.

Garden Club event for prospective members

All Lincoln residents with an interest in gardening and the natural environment that surrounds us are welcome to the Lincoln Garden Club’s fall wine and cheese party for new and prospective members. Come learn about their activities on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. RSVP to Annparke@verizon.net, Lucypage@aol.com or Membership@lincolngradenclub.org to receive the event location.

Codman Community Farms Harvest Feast rescheduled

Due to concerns about Eastern equine encephalitis and the potential risks of holding evening events before the first hard frost, Codman Community Farms has decided to move its annual Harvest Feast from October 5 to Saturday, Nov. 2. The annual CCF Harvest Fair will be held as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Fall events at Farrington Nature Linc

The following children’s events will take place at Farrington Nature Linc (295 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln):

Goat Yoga with Chip in Farm and Julie Aronis of Little Elephant Yoga
Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10–11 a.m.
Join us for an outdoor yoga class featuring a herd of friendly baby goats from Chip-In Farm. Goat kids are naturally curious and playful and our little goats love to cuddle. While this may not be the most meditative and relaxing yoga class you’ve ever been to, it will surely be the most memorable. Learn more on leader Julie Aronis’s Facebook page. Bring your own mat, blanket, or towel but be prepared for the goats to potentially taste test everything. We recommend towels for easy cleaning. In case of rain, the class will be inside the barn. $25 class fee includes 50 minutes of yoga instruction with 10 minutes of goat cuddling and photos.

Tales and Treats Family Storytelling with Doria Hughes
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us for a crisp evening by the fire as Doria Hughes tells us stories about the fall, nature, and animals and everyone makes s’mores.

Wild Edibles with Stephen DeFlorio
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon
Led by Naturalist Stephen DeFlorio, a 30-year veteran of outdoor education. Explore the world of ethnobotany. The class will focus on edibles in the woods but also cover medicinals such as lip balms, salves, tinctures, poultices, etc. Geared for adults, but children welcome. Limited to 25 attendees.

Slightly Spooky, Mostly Kooky Fall Fun Fest
Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4–9 p.m.
Come as a family wearing your favorite Halloween costumes to enjoy fall crafts, outdoor games, a hike and some Halloween treats.

Mah Jongg Mondays set to begin

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? Every Monday from 1–4 p.m. beginning on September 30, the Lincoln Council on Aging in Bemis Hall will host Mah Jongg lessons as well as a drop-in game for those who know how to play. It is a four-player tile game of strategy, luck and skill that offers many of the same cognitive benefits as chess and bridge. Bring your 2019 Mah Jongg card or we will provide one for $9. For more information and to register for lessons or a game, contact Joan Ingersoll at ingersollj@lincolntown.org or 781-259-8811.

“Hikes Through History” presentation at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents “Hikes Through History” with Alison O’Leary on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. A hike is more than a stroll through the woods when you know how the land was used in the past. O’Leary is coauthor of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Boston. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Tour historic houses and neighborhood

On Sunday, Oct. 6, Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and Historic New England are offering a rare opportunity to compare the interior and exterior of Gropius House and the 1939 home of Walter Gropius’s esteemed Harvard colleague, Walter Bogner. This special, ninety-minute tour begins at Gropius House and continues with a short walk through the adjacent Woods End Road neighborhood. Woods End Road features an exceptional cluster of Modern houses, including a home designed by celebrated Modern architect and designer Marcel Breuer, and the home of Harvard ethicist and housing specialist James Ford and writer Elizabeth Morrow Ford, designed by Gropius and Breuer. Tours start at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.) every half-hour from 1:30–4 p.m. Tickets are $65. Click here to register and select a time.

Kids to learn first-hand about recycling

Lincoln children are invited to bring discarded plastics they’ve collected from their homes the previous week to an educational recycling event at the transfer station on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 2–3:30 p.m. The event is being organized by Kim Jalet, chair of community service events for the Lincoln Family Association, along with Laura Berland and Susan Donaldson.

There will be a short presentation about trash and recycling in Lincoln, and the kids will determine which plastic items will go into the trash and which plastic items can be recycled. Jalet will then help them make reusable bags out of old pillow cases and read stories about being good stewards of the environment while Berland facilitates a discussion about ways to reduce plastic waste. The event is open to anyone with kids in Lincoln, but advance signup is required; click here to register.

Donations of old pillowcases are needed (they can’t have any holes, but can otherwise be well worn). Jalet can pick them up; email her at jaletkl@gmail.com.

News acorns

Piano concert by Wanda Paik

Lincoln resident Wanda Paik will give a free piano concert on Friday, Sept. 26 at noon in Bemis Hall featuring works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, with refreshments to follow. Handicap accessible; all are welcome.

American Girl dolls sought for social entrepreneurship program

Lincoln’s METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC) is seeking donations of American Girl dolls for use in a new social entrepreneurship program for both Boston and Lincoln students led by Lincoln METCO Director Marika Hamilton this year. She will be teaching the students finance, accounting, marketing, home economics, and social responsiveness. Students will create attire for American Girl dolls that will become part of American Girl baskets that will be sold at the huge MCC estate sale on November 15-16 here in Lincoln.

Please place your gently loved American Girl dolls in a bag and drop them in one of the labeled donation bins in the Smith and Brooks School main lobby. Please contact Marika if you would like a 501(c)3 receipt for your American Girl Doll donation at mhamilton@lincnet.org.

Drug disposal kits available at Bemis

Expired or unneeded drugs in your medicine cabinet can be deadly temptations to family members or others. You may drop off unused drugs at the Public Safety Building, but you can also pick up one or more Safe Disposal Drug Kits at Bemis Hall. Empty medications into the pouch, fill halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds, then seal, shake, and throw it out with the regular trash. See Carolyn Bottum or Joan Ingersoll at the Council on Aging at Bemis Hall to get kits.

Volunteers sought at Old Town Hall Exchange

The Old Town Hall Exchange (the nonprofit that maintains the 1848 Greek Revival building across from the town offices) is looking for volunteers. The Exchange sells consigned antiques, artisanal crafts, baby gifts, books, penny candy, etc., and crafters and consignors retain 70% of retail prices. Profits raised contribute to the operations and maintenance of the Old Town Hall. This is an all-volunteer organization working to maintain a part of Lincoln’s history, going strong since 1962. Volunteer commitment is 2.5 hours per week; no special skills needed. For details, email Stacy Osur at stacyosur@gmail.com.