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

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PMC Kids Ride is on April 29

The fourth annual Lincoln-Sudbury PMC Kids Ride to help raise money for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Center will be held on Sunday, April 29 at the Lincoln School campus on Ballfield Road. Kids aged 2–12 ask for donations from friends and family and then ride their bikes around the center green of the schools (or for little ones, a “village” in the Hartwell lot). The event will take place from 7:30–10:30 a.m., with a bike ride, bouncy house, ice cream and other fun activities. Organizers also welcome volunteers to help with the event; to sign up, contact the Parks and Recreation office at 781-259-0784.

Preregistration is $20 ($25 on the day of the event), and each rider must raise a minimum of $30. For more information, see the Lincoln-Sudbury PMC Kids Ride website or email pattylevy.pmckidslincoln@gmail.com.

Barbershop chorus performs on April 29

The New Sound Assembly.

The New Sound Assembly will perform “The Spirit of America in Song” on Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The New Sound Assembly, a 23-man chorus of singers, presents musical programs all over the region and in England and Ireland. The free hour-long performance for all ages will be a mix of barbershop songs, patriotic, and modern favorites. All songs are sung a capella in four-part classical barbershop harmony.

This program is supported by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Hyltons honored at BU School of Law

Professors Maria and Keith Hylton.

Lincoln residents Keith Hylton, the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor at Boston University School of Law, and Professor of Law Maria O’Brien Hylton were honored with Trailblazer Awards from the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (MBLA) at the organization’s 45th anniversary gala. The awards recognize “leaders who have enriched the legal profession and created career pathways for black lawyers,” according to the MBLA.

Keith Hylton is a prolific scholar across a broad spectrum of topics in law and economics, including tort law, antitrust, labor law, intellectual property, civil procedure, and empirical legal analysis. He has published five books and more than 100 articles in law and economics journals and is president of the American Law and Economics Association. Maria Hylton teaches courses on employment law, ERISA, contracts, and insurance law, and has numerous publications to her credit. She is the co-author of Cases and Materials on Employee Benefits Law and Using Civil Remedies for Criminal Behavior: Rationale, Case Studies, and Constitutional Issues.

The Food Project stages “Big Shindig”

The Lincoln-based Food Project will kick off its 27th growing season with the Big Shindig on Wednesday, April 25 at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. This fundraising event, supported by presenting sponsors Bank of America and Linda and Bill McQuillan, aims to raise $400,000 to support the Food Project’s critical work with youth, food, and community.

This year’s event will feature youth speakers from the Food Project’s Dirt Crew and Root Crew and Leadership Award honorees Cassandria Campbell and Jackson Renshaw, alumni of The Food Project and co-founders of Fresh Food Generation, a Boston-based food truck and catering company..

Proceeds from the Big Shindig will support the Food Project’s youth programming, sustainable agriculture on urban and suburban farms, food system change, promoting community economic strength, and the distribution of fresh produce to expand healthy food access throughout the Boston and North Shore regions. Tickets are on sale now. Visit thefoodproject.org/bigshindig to purchase tickets, get event details, and learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Since its founding, the Food Project has grown from a single two-acre farm in Lincoln to an organization that stewards 70 acres of urban and suburban farmland throughout greater Boston and the North Shore. To date, over 1,800 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 have served on the Food Project’s youth crews, and the organization has harvested nearly 4.5 million pounds of sustainably grown produce.

Little League T-Ball registration now open

Youth baseball in Lincoln starts with T-Ball, which is open to boys and girls currently in kindergarten and those starting kindergarten in the fall. Players will meet on the Smith School fields in Lincoln each Saturday morning from 10–11:30 a.m., right after in-town soccer. The basic mechanics of baseball are taught, and each week features a practice followed by a game. Opening day is Saturday, April 28 and the season runs through June 16. Registration and more information are available at www.LSBaseball.org, or contact Chris Andrysiak at 781-259-3719 or chriscoach33@gmail.com.

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Wine tasting benefits Domestic Violence Roundtable

Sudbury Wine and Spirits (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) will host a complimentary wine tasting for the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable’s annual Shower for Shelters fundraiser on Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event.

New household items are vital for helping survivors of domestic violence establish new homes. Requested items include twin-size sheets and pillowcases, summer blankets, and comforters as well as bed pillows, crib sheets, bath towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances. Gift cards are also welcome. Donations also help the Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence.

Learn about India’s golden period at daylong event

The India Discovery Center‘s next day-long on India’s cultural history will look at “The Golden Period of India: 200 BC to 500 AD” on Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. in Bemis Hall. There will be survey talks on various aspects of Indian life during the period, including art and culture, language and literature, politics, philosophy and religion, and participants will celebrate the era with a church choir, a Sanskrit song, and a grammar recitation. Organizers request a donation of $20 ($15 for Lincoln residents). For more information, contact India Discovery Center president and Lincoln resident Bijoy Misra at misra.bijoy@gmail.com or 781-259-0029.

Talk focuses on “deeper learning” in public schools

Harvard Graduate School of Education professor and Lincoln resident Jal Mehta will discuss findings from his forthcoming book, In Search of Deeper Learning: Inside the Effort to Remake the American High School, in a talk on Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The talk, which is sponsored by the Lincoln School Foundation and the Bemis Trustees, will include audience interaction and Q&A.

Drawing on research in 30 schools across the nation, the talk will explore what it means to understand something deeply, why such learning is rare in American public schools, and how some teachers and schools manage to transcend these realities and create powerful, intellectually enlivening education. Mehta will suggest both reformist and radical ways to make the kind of powerful learning which is currently the exception in American public schools the rule.

Lecture series on FDR in May and June

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Lincoln Public Library and the Lincoln Council on Aging present a six-part lecture series on President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Great Depression and World War II on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room starting Thursday, May 3. The lecture series is presented by Gary Hylander, visiting professor at Framingham State University and the Boston University School of Education. Come to one session or all; no registration required. The schedule is as follows:

  • May 3 — The Great Crash Turns into the Great Depression
  • May 17 — 1932: The Worst Year of The Depression and the New Deal; Could Roosevelt Meet the Challenge?
  • May 24 — The “100 Days” in Review
  • May 31 — A Growing Threat in Europe
  • June 7 — September 1, 1939: Hitler Invades Poland/the Arsenal of Democracy
  • June 28 — War on Two Fronts

Concert to raise awareness about campus projects

The Lincoln-based cover band Dadda (Mike Killick, Doug Carson, Bryce Wells, and Andy Ory) is hosting a musical event to “rock the vote” on Saturday, May 5 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall to raise awareness about the campus project vote that will take place at a Special Town Meeting on June 9. The event is free for Lincoln residents. There will be speakers and information available about the school and community center projects now under consideration.

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Hazard Mitigation Plan approved

A summary of Lincoln’s existing hazard mitigation measures (click to enlarge).

The Lincoln Hazard Mitigation Plan has been approved by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and will go before the Board of Selectmen for adoption. The document was created as a useful guide for the town of Lincoln  to meet the challenges of natural hazard events such as flooding, hurricanes and blizzards. Lincoln’s Plan will then be in effect for the next five years. Because the Town will now have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Town it is now eligible to apply for many state and federal grants.

DPW expands hours for brush disposal

To help with the cleanup from the March storms, the Highway Department yard at 30 Lewis St. will be open all four Saturdays in April to accept brush disposal from residents who have a Transfer Station sticker. The yard is normally available for brush disposal Monday through Friday and on the first Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To limit the use of emergency brush disposal privileges solely to Lincoln residents, staff will be checking vehicles to ensure they have valid Transfer Station stickers. If you are hiring an individual or company to clear your brush, you must contact the Highway Department in advance and provide your address, the name of the individual or company you have hired, and the date when this individual or company is expected to dispose at the yard. Any individual or company who does not meet the above conditions will be denied access to the DPW brush disposal area. Please call the Lincoln Highway Department at 781-259-8999 for more information.

ZBA seeks members

The Zoning Board of Appeals is seeking new members for open seats on the board. The ZBA is a land use board that interprets and applies the town’s zoning bylaw, acting on requests for variances, special permits, and appeals of decisions by the Building Inspector, considering the impact on the town and neighborhoods and the requirements of the bylaws. The ZBA has five regular members and three associate members and generally meets one evening a month. For more information, call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601 or click here for a volunteer application.

Cultural Council session postponed

Due to a family emergency, the Lincoln Cultural Council introduction meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 7 has been postponed. Anyone interested in learning more about the council and becoming a member should contact Melinda Bruno-Smith at melindabruno@hotmail.com.

Gospel group coming to First Parish

Joyful Voices of Inspiration, a community gospel choir, will perform at the First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in the Parish House Auditorium (14 Bedford Rd.) Joyful Voices of Inspiration is non-denominational and represents musicians from a wide range of religious backgrounds who find joy and power in the gospel’s music and message. They often donate their services at civic and fund-raising events in the Boston area. Suggested donation for the concert is $20 per person or $40 for a family. Children under 12 are free. Proceeds will benefit the First Parish in Lincoln.

Annual benefit gala at deCordova is May 12

Tickets are now available for the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s annual Party for the Park gala benefit on Saturday, May 12 from 6:30–10 p.m. The event honors Phyllis and Jerry Rappaport, who have been loyal supporters of deCordova for the past three decades, most notably by establishing and funding the prestigious $25,000 Rappaport Prize. Established in 2000, the Rappaport Prize celebrates contemporary artists with strong connections to New England and a strong record of achievement.

The gala will be chaired by Gerard Frank, a founding partner of Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects and former board president of deCordova. Joyce Kulhawik, the Emmy Award-winning longtime arts and entertainment critic for CBS-Boston, will be a special guest.

Individual tickets are $500 and tables start at $5,000. Proceeds support deCordova’s exhibitions, lectures, and programs, and can be reserved by emailing rsvp@decordova.org or online at decordova.org/party.

FoMA sponsors tour of Modern houses

Friends of Modern Architecture is sponsoring a tour of three Modern houses in the newly created Brown’s Wood Historic District on Saturday, April 29 from 3–5 p.m. Built in 1956, 1957, and 1959, each house has been updated and adapted to the needs of its current owners while successfully maintaining the spirit and intent of the original house. Cost is $35 for FoMA members and $45 for non-members. RSVP to fomalincoln@gmail.com.

LLCT raises $360,000 during campaign

The Bob Davoli Band performs on January 6, 2018. (Photo by Ben Kingston)

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) raised $360,000 from more than 300 donors during a matching campaign organized by Bob Davoli and Eileen McDonagh of Lincoln.

More than 150 LLCT members and friends enjoyed an evening of music and community at a benefit concert hosted by the couple on January 6 at Bemis Hall. LLCT raised $3,855 in ticket sales and $1,200 in raffle tickets, which were rolled up into the larger match.

The largest gift came from an anonymous donor who stepped forward with a check for $100,000. The donating couple had been considering a substantial gift for several years and the opportunity created by the matching campaign became the right moment.

“Many years ago, the conservation land and trails attracted us to Lincoln. Since then, the LLCT and the Rural Land Foundation have provided extensive benefits to us, from recreation, protection of surrounding lands, and a real conservation ethic throughout the community. We decided the least we could do was to return at least some of the benefit that has been provided to us,” the donors said.

LLCT’s trustees and membership base helped raise more than $71,600 during the matching campaign period, bringing the total raised to $176,655. Davoli and McDonagh generously increased their matched amount to bring the total raised to an even $360,000.

“We purchased our land in Lincoln over 25 years ago because Lincoln is a community that clearly shares our deeply held belief in the preservation of open space and in the protection of natural areas. And the LLCT and Rural Land Foundation are the organizations that have successfully secured for over 60 years Lincoln’s open, protected, and rural-feeling, despite Lincoln’s location in the midst of a major metropolitan area. It seemed to us that one way to express our appreciation of Lincoln and to support LLCT’s mission, was to give back,” they said.

The funds raised are already supporting a current acquisition project and are being earmarked for future projects. There are still more than 200 parcels in Lincoln that remain of conservation interest, ranging from less than 1 acre and up to 80 acres.

LLCT is putting some funds toward a Stewardship and Enforcement Defense Fund for protection. LLCT presently holds conservation restrictions and deeds on more than 1,000 acres. Property that the LLCT holds for conservation purposes is a permanent financial liability. Funds are needed to initiate management and later monitor, maintain and manage land.

This spring, LLCT is producing a customized naturalist guide that provides identification of and awareness about the diversity of wildlife and plant species that Lincoln’s natural areas and conservation land supports. The newly raised funds are paying for this new publication that will be distributed to faculty within the Lincoln Public Schools at no cost, as well as to other Lincoln-based schools and local organizations. The Lincoln Cultural Council and Lincoln School Foundation are also helping to fund this project.

Several additional projects are being vetted by the LLCT Board of Trustees that will impact on the organization’s immediate conservation, stewardship, and educational goals.

“We are humbled by the breadth and depth of support demonstrated by Bob and Eileen,” said Meghan Lytton, the board’s chair. “It was a very special moment for all of us at the LLCT to experience the overwhelming support we received from the Lincoln community at the benefit concert. And the success of the matching campaign is an extraordinary endorsement by our membership—the very roots of our organization. As we celebrate this awesome philanthropic success, we remain ever grateful to our many supporters, and grounded in our responsibilities to acquire and protect land of conservation value in Lincoln and to cultivate a conservation ethic among all.”

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Two Lincoln drives for Cradles to Crayons

Lincoln Girl Scout Troop 72886 and project 351 are collecting gently used and new children’s clothing for Cradles to Crayons from March 28 through April 11. Collection bins will be located in the Lincoln Library and the Stone Church at First Parish. Please note that pajamas, socks and underwear must be new. They accept any children’s clothing from birth to size adult medium, but the most-needed items include:

  • Boys’ and girls’ size 18-24 months shirts or onesies
  • Boys’ sweaters size 14/16
  • Boys’ pants size 4/5T to 18/20
  • Girls’ shirts size 2T to 7/8
  • Boys’ and girls’ spring jackets, all sizes up to 18/20 (adult medium)

Lincoln School eighth-grader Kiran Rajagopal is coordinating collections for Project 351, a youth-driven service organization that unites eighth-grade ambassadors from each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts for a year of servic, leadership development, and enrichment.

Collection boxes for new or like-new children’s clothing, coats, and footwear will be in the Smith and Brooks entryway and the Lincoln preschool until the morning of April 6. Anyone with questions may email Kiran at kiranthant@gmail.com.

Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive free of charge. Donated items are processed and packaged by volunteers and distributed to disadvantaged children across Massachusetts through a network of social service agencies and school partners.

L-S Jazz Night on April 5

The Lincoln-Sudbury Music Department presents Jazz Night 2018 on Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m. in the L-S auditorium. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), a global celebration to advance recognition of jazz as a historical and contemporary art form.

Jazz Night showcases talented student musicians performing jazz literature from the swing, funk, and Latin genres. L-S performing groups include the Symphonic and Concert Jazz Ensembles, the Sax Quartet, and the Select Jazz Combo. The groups are led by Thomas Grandprey, director of instrumental music and graduate of The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music Collaborative Jazz Masters program.

Special guest groups include the Lincoln Middle School Jazz Band directed by Clayton DeWalt and the Curtis Middle School Select Jazz Band under the direction of Kevin Donegan. The middle school students will combine with the L-S groups for a joint performance of Paul Clark’s fiery Latin composition, “Dance Like No One’s Watching.” Sales of snacks and refreshments will benefit the L-S Friends of Music.

Film Society movies in April

The Lincoln Library Film Society continues its “Swinging London” series of movies in April. All screening are at 3 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room.

  • April 2 — “Alfie” (1966) starring Michael Caine and Shelley Winters. An unrepentant ladies’ man gradually begins to understand the consequences of his lifestyle.
  • April 9 — “Georgy Girl” (1966) starring Lynne Redgrave and Alan Bates. A homely but vivacious young woman dodges the amorous attentions of her father’s middle-aged employer while striving to capture some of the glamorous life of her swinging London roommate.
  • April 23 — “Morgan” (1966) starring Vanessa Redgrave and David Warner. After his wife leaves him for his former best friend, a failed London artist begins his descent into madness in trying to win her back.
  • April 30 — “Blow-up” (1966) starring Vanessa Redgrave and David Hemmings. A mod London photographer finds something very suspicious in the shots he has taken of a mysterious beauty in a desolate park.

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Climate change film on Maldives shown Tuesday

The film The Island President will have a free showing on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln, part of its ongoing Climate Justice Film Series. The film chronicles the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed, who served as the first democratically elected president of the Maldives during a tumultuous period from 2008–2012. During his presidency, Nasheed gained world attention for his activism related to climate change. Though it has put a relatively tiny amount of carbon pollution into the atmosphere, the Maldives (the world’s lowest country, with an average elevation of five feet) will be one of the first to disappear due to the rising sea levels caused by the warming effect of man-made greenhouse emissions.

A light vegetarian supper will be served at 6:30, followed by the film at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Donations will be accepted to defray the costs of public screening rights.

Monthly book sale coordinator sought

The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library are looking for a volunteer to help oversee the monthly book sale held at Bemis Hall the second Saturday of each month. The sale is the largest on-going fundraiser that the Friends run and plays a crucial part in helping the Lincoln Library offer wonderful programs for both adults and children. For more information on volunteering for this position, please contact outgoing coordinator Susan Richards Hallstein at reerichards1@gmail.com.

Arbo and Mayhem at next LOMA

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem are the featured performers at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, March 12 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7-10 p.m., and Arbo and Mayhem will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. The duo has five albums out; their latest, Violets Are Blue (2015), is an eclectic bouquet of love songs infused with poetry and groove.

LOMA is a monthly event. 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.

Group hosts discussion on role of men in a time of #MeToo

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will commemorate White Ribbon Day by hosting a discussion of “The Role of Men in the Time of #MeToo” on Tuesday, March 13 at 3 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland). After an opening ceremony featuring the raising of the White Ribbon flag, two short films will be screened. One features local men and boys sharing their thoughts on the #MeToo Movement. The second screening will feature a segment of the CBS program, “A Panel of Men on the #MeToo Movement.” The films will be followed by a moderated discussion on the issues raised by the films. Participants will be encouraged to identify ways in which they, as individuals, can be allies in creating change.

Robotics teams gear up for the community

The Red GearTicks.

Robotics programs for kids aren’t just engineering any more—they also teach public service, as Lincoln’s GearTicks teams have contributed ideas and devices to help the community along with winning contests.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) sponsors four different programs. FIRST Lego League Jr. is for ages 6-9, while those age 9-14 can participate in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) international competition. There’s also the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) (age 12-18) and the FIRST Robotics Competition (ages 14-18). All programs emphasize teamwork in designing, programming and building robots intended to play a game, solve a problem or beat other robots in competition.

Two FLL teams from Lincoln—the Red and Blue GearTicks—made it to the state finals in this year’s FLL competition, where kids from 80 countries had to identify and research a problem in hydrodynamics (how we find, transport, use, or dispose of water) and then design, program and build a robot to tackle that problem.

“I think [the program] is brilliantly designed. Each year there are some parts of the robot game that are easy enough for newbies to complete, while there are also missions that are so difficult that MIT grads can’t solve them,” said Ann Hutchinson, a volunteer for the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) who organizes the event each year. The Red Team won the Runner-up Champions Award and the Second Place Project Award at states.

The Red GearTicks (grades 6–8) realized that making T-shirts for various PRD-sponsored activities such as camp, sports, and spelling bees uses a lot of water—about 2,700 liters per shirt. The team came up with the idea of designing different appliqués for each activity and then putting those appliqués on a single T-shirt customized for each participant. Shirts would be purposely sized up so kids could wear them for multiple years until they were damaged or outgrown.

The team approached PRD Director Dan Pereira, who thought this was a great way to reduce the department’s T-shirt consumption and educate people about the drawbacks of disposable fashion. “I was completely unaware of the amount of water needed to grow cotton, and I found the presentation from the kids very informative,” he said.

The students put their idea into practice for their own team T-shirts, designing an appliqué and applying them to their shirts that they will use again again next year.

The Blue GearTicks.

The Blue GearTicks (grade 5) identified toxic algae blooms as their problem of interest, noting that it has necessitated closures at White Pond in Concord and other area ponds. The students sought to inform the public about the problem and how awareness can help solve it. After speaking with the White Pond Advisory Board and town officials, they designed a brochure and a presentation board they used when describing the problem and their solution at the Lego competition.

“FLL is an amazing project-based learning experience where the kids have so much fun that they don’t even realize everything they’re learning. The coaches don’t have the answers, so the kids teach themselves. The competitions are as exciting as sporting events, and kids come back year after year to improve their performance,” Hutchinson said.

Helping a national park

The FTC GearTicks recently designed and installed specialized fencing to protect new apple orchards at Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP) from deer and other wildlife. The apple orchards—some planted by Lincoln Minute Men—have been damaged by goats and deer since their planting began in 2016.

The FTC GearTicks at Minute Man National Historical Park, along with some musket-bearing Lincoln Minute Men.

Brown had noticed that the new orchards at MMNHP were being nibbled by the deer and goat populations. She asked the GearTicks to design 3D printed parts to support a tree enclosure to protect the orchards from the deer population. The device needed to be be adjustable, inconspicuous, and able to level spring steel rings and force the rebar stakes into a vertical position.

Alex Payne, a GearTick eighth-grader, led the design process of the device, which originally consisted of three parts. After the first round of testing, he redesigned one of the parts to improve the installation process and make the device more attractive looking. After one more successful round of testing, the team spent 50 hours printing the parts on their 3D printer.

In November, a dozen GearTicks met Brown and six Lincoln Minute Men at MMNHP. Working together, they installed the enclosures on about 10 of the trees in the orchard, all of which held up very nicely. The next steps involved draping netting over the spring steel and seeing how the parts handle the winter cold and snow.

In Fall 2017, the FTC team dedicated significant time to mastering the technique of 3D printing, including designing custom parts, experimenting with different types of filament, and learning best practices for using the printers. 3D printing was not only instrumental in the success of their robot, but it also provided the opportunity for the team to use their skills to benefit their community—they worked with staff and students at the Perkins School for the Blind to print parts for prosthetic hands and help assembled them.

During the 2016-17 season, the FTC GearTicks designed and installed baffles in two of the donation boxes at MMNHP. These baffles, which were specially angled plastic pieces to prevent money from being taken from the boxes, proved to be effective and prompted Margie Coffin Brown, a landscape architect for the National Park Service, to contact the team with another challenge.

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One-woman show about Eleanor Roosevelt

Sheryl Fay as Eleanor Roosevelt.

Sheryl Faye will perform “Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World,” her one-woman show highlighting the life and work of the longest-serving First Lady, on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Experience how this dynamic woman rose above an unhappy childhood to reshape the role of First Lady and how she influenced our world. Faye holds a B.A in acting from Emerson College and has performed throughout the Boston area as Eleanor Roosevelt, Abigail Adams and Amelia Earhart. Sponsored by The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Inc.

Lincoln doctor dons skates to benefit Jimmy Fund

John Ready, a Lincoln resident and chief of orthopedic oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will be among the Dana-Farber doctors, researchers, and staff who will play a charity hockey game against Boston Bruins alumni to benefit the Jimmy Fund. The Dana-Farber Rink Rats’ game will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2–4 p.m. at Warriors Ice Arena in Boston. Dr. Ready has committed to raise $1,200 to play in the February 3 game. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, and are available online and at the door. To support a participant or for more information, please visit www.jimmyfund.org/rinkrats.

Author of book set in Lincoln to appear

The Lincoln Public Library will host a book talk and signing with Howard Foster, author of Miranda’s War: a Novel of the Upzone, on Monday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. The book focuses on the legal and social battles of a determined (fictional) member of the Lincoln Conservation Commission. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Brahms headlines “Live at Lincoln Center”

The First Parish in Lincoln will present “Essential Brahms,” an afternoon of chamber music from the Handel and Haydn Society, on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. in the Parish House auditorium (14 Bedford Rd.). World-class artists Ian Watson, Guy Fishman, Aisslinn Nosky, Todd Williams, and others will perform Johannes Brahms’ Horn Trio in E-flat, Op. 40 and String Sextet in G Major, Op. 36. Watson is also the music director at First Parish in Lincoln. Seating is limited and is first-come/first seated; doors open at 2:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $30, and any amount is appreciated. This concert is part of First Parish’s “Live in Lincoln Center” music series.

Ethan Robbins to appear at LOMA

Ethan Robbins

Ethan Robbins is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Feb. 12 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7-10 p.m., and Robbins will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Robbins is a founding member of Cold Chocolate, a local progressive bluegrass trio that has shared bills with bluegrass giants such as David Grisman and Leftover Salmon, and has performed at major festivals, including Grey Fox, FloydFest, FreshGrass, and Ossipee Valley. His singing and guitar work prowess is evident in his solo cover of “Mercedes Benz“ from a recent appearance at The Spire in Plymouth.

LOMA is a monthly event. 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. 

First Parish hosts end-of-life workshop

“The Conversation Project,” a two-part workshop on wishes for end-of-life care, will be offered by the First Parish in Lincoln on February 14 and March 22 from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). Rev. Rosemary Lloyd, advisor to faith communities for The Conversation Project (TCP) at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, will introduce a process and tools developed by TCP for having crucial conversations. Through guided reflection, personal writing, and small group sharing, participants will gain support and motivation to have values-based, relationship-building conversations about what matters most to you so your loved ones won’t be left in the dark. The March session builds on the February workshop, so attendance at both sessions is helpful. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. Register via e-mail at rsmlloyd@gmail.com or on the signup sheet at the entry to the Parish House.

Donate Valentine’s Day gifts to domestic violence program

Each year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable (DVR) sponsors a Valentine’s Day Gift Drive to help make the day brighter for families who are not safe in their own homes. The families reside in shelters and transitional housing programs of three area domestic violence organizations: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. The DVR gives each family member a bag of age-appropriate gifts to remind recipients that people care about them and support their decision to end abuse in their lives. Click here for a list of recommended donations. There will be a basket for donations at the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd. at the intersection of Routes 20 and 27) from February 1-9.

Volunteers are welcome to join Roundtable members as they assemble the gift bags on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building. For further information, please email the DVR at infodvrt@gmail.com.

Letter to the editor: support hurricane victims at student-run blood drive

To the editor:

Did you know that January is National Blood Donors Month? On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Lincoln School Student Council will be hosting their first-ever blood drive in Lincoln in the Reed Field House (Brooks gym).

Soon after hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico, the Student Council decided they wanted to do something to help all the people whose lives were affected by that tragic event. One student came up with the idea of hosting a blood drive. The other students liked the idea and contacted the Red Cross for more information. Sadly, it turned out that they could not actually send donated blood to Irma victims themselves, as blood had already been sent there immediately after the disaster.

However, the Student Council still liked the idea of hosting a blood drive. They learned that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood, and donors are always essential to restock the supply. They also learned that each blood donation can help three at least people in need. Currently, the blood supply is running low, due to many blood drives being canceled due to weather and donors are even more needed.

On the day of the blood drive, students will also be hosting a used book sale and bake sale. They still liked their idea of helping Puerto Rico in its recovery efforts, so all proceeds from the two sales will aid victims of the Puerto Rico hurricane. If you have any gently used books you don’t need any more, you can drop them off at the Lincoln School office anytime before the blood drive, or you can bring them in during the event.

To donate blood, we encourage you to sign up for a time slot, but walk-ins are also welcome. All donors will be rewarded with a $5 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card. To register online, go to www.redcrossblood.org and go to the “Find a blood drive” box. Type in “01773”, then select the “By distance” tab and click on “Brooks Middle School.”

The blood drive is a student-initiated and student-run activity. The whole Student Council is very passionate about this and are hoping for this to be a success. Please spread the word to all your family and friends—we would like to see as many people as possible at the blood drive. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Prerna Karmacharya and Quinn Harnden (Lincoln School eighth-graders)

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.