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

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FELS Thanksgiving pies on offer

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, www.FELSGrant.org, is offering its Thanksgiving pie sale again this year after a four-year hiatus. Pies baked by The Hyve will be sold through Friday, Nov. 11. Pickup will be available at the high school and the Lincoln Council on Aging on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 3–6 p.m. Pies can also be gifted to staff and faculty at L-S and will be delivered by FELS Board members. For more details, go to www.FELSGrant.org. Pies can also be purchased for donation to the food pantries in Lincoln and Sudbury and the fire and police departments in both towns. Those who are traveling and can’t buy a pie may donate to FELS, a non-profit organization that awards enrichment grants to L-S faculty and staff to pursue their professional and personal interests and passions.

Family portrait fundraiser for food pantry

On Saturday, Nov. 12, Lincoln photographer Corey Nimmer will host a family portrait fundraiser at Flint Farm, where 100% of proceeds will be go directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lincoln and Weston, which operates the local food pantry and provides financial support to families in need. Sessions will be about 5 minutes each. To participate, click here to book a time slot; when it’s time to pay, just select “Cheque” as your payment method. The suggested donation is $75, but any amount goes a long way toward helping your neighbors this holiday season, and you can either bring a check made out to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or click here to make an online donation.

See “Seussical” at L-S

Tickets are now on sale for the LSB Players’ production of “Seussical,” with shows on Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 17–19 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.  This bright and energetic musical combines several well-known Dr. Seuss characters to tell the story of Horton the Elephant and his fierce determination to protect the land of the Whos, despite the scorn and disbelief of his fellow jungle folk. This show explores hope, identity, inclusivity, and the importance of having that “one true friend in the universe who believes in you.” Directed and choreographed by Carly Evans, music directed by Michael Bunting, and conducted by Tom Grandprey, and performed in the Kirshner Auditorium at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Click here to buy tickets. Please pick up your reserved, prepaid tickets at the will-call table on the night of the performance. 

Donate gift cards and items for food pantry clients

SVdP board member Alpheen Menachery and her grandchildren with Turkey Tins they’re donating.

Because of high inflation, Thanksgiving will be more difficult than usual for many of the clients of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lincoln and Weston, which operates the shared food pantry, and its distributor is unable to supply turkeys this year. As a result, the food pantry is asking for donations of $25 gift cards from grocery stores (preferably Donelan’s) and/or items that will go into “Turkey Tin” food baskets. They expect about 130 families will receive the baskets and gift cards. To find out more and to sign up to donate, click here. Questions? Call 781-899-2611 x4 or email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com.

Substitute teachers needed

Lincoln Public Schools need full and half-day substitute teachers at a variety of grade levels in Lincoln and Hanscom Air Force Base. For more information, click here, email Kerry Parrella at kparrella@lincnet.org, or call 508-958-6872.

Another Lincolnite firefighter hired

Michael Goldblatt, Lincoln’s newest call firefighter.

Michael Goldblatt was one of 22 recruits to graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program on November 1. The program delivers a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends. Recruits learn to respond to all types of emergencies including gas leaks, chemical spills, drug overdoses, and trapped people as well as fires. Goldblatt was initially hired in Lincoln as an EMT and had to finish this training before he was allowed to ride on a fire truck or enter a structure fire (the Fire Department has three career firefighters and one per diem call firefighter at night to make up a shift of four.) He’s the third Lincoln-raised candidate who’s been hired in Lincoln as a call firefighter in the last three years. The other were Ronnie Row (who was hired three years ago but left for a job in Maynard) and Tom Blair.

Food pantry’s expenses are skyrocketing

Among those at the recent GBFB visit to the SVdP food pantry in Lincoln were (left to right) food pantry chair Karen Boyce; Christina Peretti, GBFB’s assistant director of community development; Norma Milligan and Lada Yunga, community investment associates; SVdP President Karen Salvucci; and Kim Mai, assistant chair of the food pantry.

Volunteers at Lincoln’s food pantry recently got a visit from their counterparts from the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), which supplies a substantial portion of the food that gets distributed locally. 

GBFB representatives shared snacks and conversation on October 26 as part of its Apple Cider Donut Tour of some of its 590 food distribution partners in 190 Massachusetts communities. The local food pantry, which is tucked away in a former garage behind St. Joseph’s Church in South Lincoln, is run by volunteers from St. Vincent dePaul Society of Lincoln and Weston (SVdP).

SVdP Lincoln/Weston picks up, sorts, stores, and distributes about 4,000 pounds of food per month from the GBFB in addition to items donated by residents and local farms (with the help of grants from the Lincoln Agricultural Council). The GBFB goods account for roughly 40% of the total distributed by SVdP Lincoln/Weston.

“We rely heavily on donations of food and money, especially for our new ‘healthy food’ section which includes gluten-free, lactose free, low-salt, low-sugar. whole grains, vegetarian, nut-free and organic foods to aggressively address the dietary restrictions for those with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and circulatory issues as well as individuals who choose vegan and other eating options for their diets,” said SVdP Chair Karen Boyce.

Both the GBFB and SVdP Lincoln/Weston welcome donations of money as well as food. GBFB purchases 70% of the food it distributes and is seeing an overall 15% increase in average food pricing compared to last year, according to its June 2022 quarterly report, which notes that “the demand for food assistance persists at the highest level in our 40-year history.” SVdP buys about half of the food it distributes in Lincoln and Weston and also provides emergency financial aid, which actually comprises the lion’s share in dollar value of the services it provides. Financial help for clients accounted for 42% of its expenses, with another 25% going to food purchases, 11% for gift cards, and 17% for adult continuing education scholarships. Grants and monetary donations that year amounted to about $152,000.

And the cost for that food is increasing at an alarming pace. According to the latest figures for the fiscal year that ended on October 31, 2022, SVdP spent $71,866 on food — just about double the amount it spent the previous year, which in itself was double the amount compared to the year before that ($36,034 vs. $18,182) as recorded in its 2020-21 annual report.

In October 2022 alone, the cost of food purchased from GBFB and retail outlets was $7,904, even after four food drives and drop-off donations. That includes a $2,553 payment to the GBFB. The average monthly payment from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31 was $2,155.

Because of high inflation, Thanksgiving will be more difficult than usual for many of SVdP’s clients, and its distributor is unable to supply turkeys this year. As a result, the food pantry is asking for donations of $25 gift cards from grocery stores (preferably Donelan’s) and/or items that will go into “Turkey Tin” food baskets. They expect about 130 families will receive the baskets and gift cards. To find out more and to sign up to donate, click here. Questions? Call 781-899-2611 x4 or email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com.

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Early voting begins Saturday

Early voting in person for the November election will begin on Saturday, Oct. 22 and will continue through Friday, Nov. 4 in the Donaldson Room at Town Hall.  Please see the schedule below.

  • Saturday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Oct. 28 — 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 29 — 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (last day to register to vote)
  • Monday, Oct. 31 to Wednesday, Nov. 2 — 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 3 — 8:30 a.m.­–7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 4 — 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Vote-by-mail applications will be processed until Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. If you wish to vote by mail, please complete this application and return it to the Town Clerk’s office. Completed ballots should be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. Ballots will also be accepted up until Saturday, Nov. 12 if postmarked by November 8.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. The polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. at the Reed Gym on Ballfield Road (back near the pool).

Transcendentalist Running & Cycling Club

All are welcome to an outing of the Transcendentalist Running & Cycling Club led by Rev. Nate Klug of the First Parish in Lincoln on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8–9 a.m. Runners and cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to join Nate for an hour of exercise, spirituality, and community. We’ll meet outside the church across from the library, stretch and say hello, and then hear a short passage of inspiration from one of the Transcendentalists. Then we’ll take off on a short run or bike ride through Lincoln. One person will lead the run, another person will lead the bike ride. After 40 minutes, we’ll meet back at the church to drink lemonade and reflect on what came up for us during our exercise.

Lincoln Nursery School open house

Join Lincoln Nursery School for their upcoming Enrollment Open House on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9–11 a.m. (the school is on the grounds of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum). LNS’s Reggio-inspired program is influenced and inspired by the outdoor environment. Nature’s slower pace mirrors a child’s inclination to observe, make connections, and form new thoughts to understand their world. The LNS community promotes the exploration, celebration, and inclusion of all people. To learn more about tuition, financial assistance, and the enrollment process, call 781-259-8866 or enrollment@lincolnnurseryschool.org. Follow LNS on Instagram @lincolnnurseryschool or visit www.lincolnnurseryschool.org.

Sophie Freud

Celebration of the life of Sophie Freud

All are invited to a celebration of the life of Sophie Freud on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. in the Hassenfeld Conference Center at Brandeis University (parking in H lot, a short walk across the street). This will be a time for Sophie’s family, friends, colleagues, and students to get together, share memories, and talk about her impact on our lives. Please RSVP with your name, yes or no, and how many people in your party to Andrea Freud Loewenstein at lillychatte@gmail.com (put “Sophie” in the subject line). For more information, call 347-228-0647. Freud, a longtime Lincoln resident, died on June 3 at age 97.

Garden Club program on native plants

The Lincoln Garden Club welcomes all Lincolnites to a Zoom program on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. Bud Sechler, Ecological Program Director of the Native Plant Trust, will discuss rare plants that can be found in the Boston suburban area, as well as the invasive plants which threaten them. Register online in advance and you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

GearTicks launch survey for energy project

The Green Gearticks, a Lincoln student robotics team, competes in FLL Lego robotics, and part of this competition is the Innovation Project, which this year is focused on energy. The team’s goal is to help Lincoln residents become more aware of their energy usage with a friendly (anonymous) competition between the various regions of town using a survey. They will share the compiled data and tips that users offer to help lower the town of Lincoln’s energy consumption. Click here to take the short survey.

Kasper is new chair of The Food Project

Carole Kasper

The Food Project, a nationally recognized youth development model that employs teens to work alongside adults and strengthen local food systems, has elected Carole Kasper of Lincoln, as the chair of its 21-member Board of Trustees. Kasper joined the board in 2020. She grew up in a New England family with deep farming roots and been a volunteer in many capacities since moving to Lincoln in 2009. Prior to founding and leading an organization development consulting company, Kasper was a partner and senior consultant in a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm, account manager in an Atlanta-based change management firm, and a professional administrator at two major universities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication science and a Master of Education in multicultural organization development.

Pang receives award from American Society of Reproductive Medicine

Samuel Pang

Lincoln resident Samuel C. Pang, M.D. has been selected by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as the recipient of its 2022 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award for Practicing Physicians. Dr. Pang, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, is co-director of Third-Party Reproduction at Boston IVF. “I have two children conceived through IVF, so I have experienced both sides of the IVF process, as a physician and as a patient,” he said. “I’m very grateful to have been able to build my family through the same services I provide to my patients and am deeply honored to be recognized by the ASRM with this award.” Dr. Pang has also received 11 consecutive Top Fertility Doctor awards from Boston Magazine.

“Third-party reproduction” refers to the use of eggs, sperm or embryos that have been donated by a third party (donor), or use of a gestational surrogate. Dr. Pang is a pioneer in providing reproductive care to LGBTQIA+ people, who comprise about a third of his patient load.

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Public forums scheduled on Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is hosting four virtual public forums to review the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan draft and collect feedback to improve the plan. There will also be a short presentation about the master plan at the State of the Town meeting in November.

The master plan, which was drafted by BPAC in consultation with the Planning Department, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and other town committees and departments, aims to make Lincoln to be more safe, green and accessible for residents and visitors traveling by foot and bike.

The public forums each focus on one region of Lincoln, but the BPAC will review the overall plan at each forum and are happy to discuss any region of town at any meeting if participants desire.

  • Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. — North Lincoln (Route 2 and north). Zoom link.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. — South Lincoln (Route117 and south). Zoom link.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. — East Lincoln (east of Lincoln Road/Bedford Road, south of Route 2 and north of Route117.) Zoom link.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. — West Lincoln (west of Lincoln Road/Bedford Road, south of Route 2 and north of Route117.) Zoom link.

More information:

Watering restrictions still in effect

With the continued Stage 3 drought, the state requires maintaining water use restrictions. To comply, the Lincoln Water Commission voted unanimously to extend water use restrictions in Lincoln beyond the traditional stop date of September 30. When drought restrictions are ended, a posting will be made on the town website and via other means. Don’t hesitate to contact the Lincoln Water Department if you have any questions (781-259-2669 or lafalamd@lincolntown.org).

During Stage 2 and above, Water Department staff monitors all sprinkler use in town and will stop to remind residents of the restriction policy. A first offence will result in a $100 fine, and subsequent violations will result in a $200 fine. For more information, see this Restrictions, Conservation & Water Use page and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page.

Film screening: “After Life”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “After Life” (1998) directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. If you could choose only one memory to hold on to for eternity, what would it be? In Japanese with English subtitles. Free and open to all.

Walk to benefit SVdP food pantry

Join a walk to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston, which operates the food pantry for the two towns, on Saturday, Oct. 22 at St. Julia Church (374 Boston Post Rd., Weston) along Weston’s rail trail (approximately 2.2 miles). Check-in/same-day registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk at 9:30 a.m., with an ice cream social at 10:30 a.m. Pre-register by October 15 to receive an SVdP gift. Suggested donation: $10 per person/ or $25 per family. Click here to register and/or donate. For more information, email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com.

“Opera for Everyone” series returns

The Friends of the Lincoln Library present their annual “Opera for Everyone” series on three Sundays from 2–3:30 p.m. at the library. Opera lecturer Erika Reitshamer returns to enlighten, inspire and entertain while passing along her vast knowledge of opera and opera lore to Boston’s educational institutions. Her last offering for Lincoln Library was a lecture on “It Takes Two to Duet,” just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 12, 2022.

  • October 23 —Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love”
  • October 30 —  Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”
  • November 6 — Rossini’s “The Italian Girl in Algiers”

Click here for plot details.

Family Halloween activities at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum offers moonlit sculpture-building activities with deCordova faculty, self-guided mysteries to solve with friends and family, and a sweet treat or two along the way on Friday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per family ($28 for member families); click here to select date and buy tickets. For more information, call 781-259-3647.

Pumpkin Palooza for kids at library

The Lincoln Public Library will host Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Wear your costume and join us on the library lawn for Halloween fun: pumpkin painting, activities, crafts, and more. Drop-in; best for ages 6 and under.

Purple lights highlight domestic violence awareness

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 each October. For the past several years, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, in collaboration with the Lauren Dunne-Astley Memorial Fund and First Parish in Wayland, has chosen to light the towns of Sudbury and Wayland in purple. They have lit numerous faith and public buildings in Sudbury and Wayland and have posted banners and signs in all three communities. The Roundtable invites local businesses and homeowners to join in by adding their own purple lights. Inexpensive 4.5 watt Feit purple LED Electric bulbs are available at Ace Hardware in Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware in Sudbury.

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Goats and owls at Farrington

Farrington Nature Linc is hosting two events in October: 

Baby Goat Yoga — Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.
Join us for an outdoor yoga class featuring a herd of friendly baby goats from Chip-In Farm in Bedford. Goat kids are naturally curious and playful and our little goats love to cuddle. $30 class with 50 minutes of yoga instructed by Julia Aronis from Little Elephant Yoga, and 10 minutes of picture time with the goats. Tickets are $30 (advance purchase required).

Eyes on Owls — Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.
Join naturalist Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls as she demonstrates the hooting and lifestyle of each unique rehabilitated owl. Tickets are $20 each or $60 for a family four-pack (advance purchase required).

Cub Scout kickoff meeting on Oct. 12

Cub Scouts offers outdoor adventures like camping, fishing, and hiking, and exciting excursions: sleepovers at the Museum of Science and on the U.S.S. Massachusetts battleship. Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the program is that it offers kids a real and fun alternative to screen time and gaming. If your child is interested in participating, plan to attend a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Mason’s Lodge at 181 Lincoln Rd. We will discuss getting the Cub Scouts up and running again in Lincoln. Please contact Mark Soukup, troop leader, Lincoln Boy Scout Troop 127, with questions: nickandnate@comcast.net.

Benefit cornhole tournament on Oct. 16

The Doo family is hosting Brain Games 2002, its fourth annual cornhole tournament to benefit moyamoya research at Boston Children’s Hospital, on Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon–5 p.m. at the Pierce House. Their daughter Kalea Rose was diagnosed at age four in June 2019 with moyamoya, a rare brain disease that causes the narrowing of the cerebral arteries resulting in strokes, and without surgery, death. (She has undergone three life-saving surgeries in the past three years.)

There will be a live band, inflatable fun for kids, a magician at 3 p.m., face painting from 1-4 p.m., a cornhole tournament for both kids and adults, raffles, beer from Mighty Squirrel & Barewolf Brewery, tie-dye fun, and food trucks. There is no charge for admission. If you’d like to register a cornhole team, get more details, or make a donation, visit www.doofamilyfun.com.

Tour the 1948 Schwann house

The Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln will host tours of the 1948 Schwann House and studio on Sunday, Oct. 16 every hour on the hour from 2–5 p.m. The house was designed by noted architect Walter Bogner, a resident of Lincoln and a professor of architecture at Harvard. He designed the house for the young William Schwann, an organist and musicologist who became widely known for publishing the Schwann Music catalogue.

Tours will be led FoMA board members Matt Andersen-Miller, who has recently restored the house, and Woodie Arthur, who will speak about the house restoration, Bogner’s design, and the Schwanns’ love for the house. Proceeds from ticket sakes ($50) benefit FoMA’s mission of preservation, documentation, and education about Modern architecture. Visit the FoMA donation page to purchase tickets; after specifying the dollar amount, indicate in the notes section which hour’s tour you would like to attend; we may have to adjust your time depending on demand.

Estate planning evening at deCordova

Join us for a free evening of art, cocktails, and estate planning at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. There will be a private tour led by Senior Curator Sarah Montross of the New Formations exhibit followed by a discussion about how thoughtful planning may strengthen your present finances, reduce taxes, and fulfill both charitable and personal aspirations: “What is Your Legacy?” with Drew McMorrow, President and CEO Ballentine Partners, and “Elements of a Good Estate Plan and Ways to Include Philanthropy” with Julia Satti Cosentino, partner at Nutter, McClennen, and Fish. The event is free but advance registration to reserve a spot is required.

Take survey on recreational land and water use

The National Park Service requires the state to complete a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years to remain eligible for funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. As a part of the SCORP update, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is asking for opinions on outdoor recreation and open space from municipal employees, land trusts, and all users of Massachusetts’ outdoor recreational facilities. It’s critical for us to hear from as many residents as possible to know how to best distribute LWCF funding over the next five years. The response deadline is October 31. Click here to take the survey.

Sustainable products available at Donelan’s

Zero Waste Lincoln, a subgroup of Mothers Out Front, works with the DPW to run the swap shed and encourage recycling at the transfer station. The group also works on the purchasing side of the trash problem and has worked with Donelan’s Supermarket manager Jason Deveau to stock sustainable alternatives to products that are often packed in plastic, including:

  • Laundry detergent in cardboard (three brands available)
  • Shampoo and conditioner bars (Brixy brand)
  • 100% recycled toilet tissue and paper towels (two brands available)   
  • Compostable single-use plates/utensils/cold cups and straws
  • Compostable trash bags
  • 100% recycled aluminum foil
  • Juices in glass bottles
  • Paper bags for school lunches
  • Single-use water bottles in aluminum
  • Locally grown produce

If there are other items you’d like to see in local stores or have other ideas or energy to contribute, email pmokiwi@comcast.net 

Phinney’s holiday festival on Nov. 6

Phinney’s, a Lincoln-based all-volunteer nonprofit that helps keep people and their pets together, will hold its Holiday Festival at Lincoln’s Pierce House on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. This free event will feature caroling and the lighting of Phinney’s Angels Tree. Purchase refreshments and hand-painted ornaments as well as unique wares such as eco-friendly, washable pet pads. Visit phinneys.org/events to learn more. 

Volunteers need for MCC estate sale

The Lincoln METCO Coordinating Committee’s Downsize for Diversity fundraiser is seeking volunteers for its final two-day Estate Sale Extravaganza on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18 Cerulean Way. We will be selling off all pre-Covid inventory of fine china, pottery, linens, luxe decor, estate jewelry, small antiques, holiday décor, and other curiosities donated by generous supporters from all over eastern Massachusetts. Are you a high school student who needs volunteer hours? We are a 501(c)3 and can sign your volunteer form. Volunteers are needed to move and unpack items on November 16 and 17 from 9 a.m.–noon, as well as for various shifts during the sale days and on November 20. Please call, text, or email Joanna Schmergel to volunteer at owenjoanna@yahoo.com or 617-645-9059.

Read the Downsize for Diversity story and see photos of items they’ve sold to raise money in Downsize for Diversity: How We Raised $122,000 with a Pickup Truck and a Little Help from Our Friends.

View recording of postponed piano concert

Abla Shocair

Abla Shocair recently gave a classical piano performance on Bemis Hall’s Steinway grand. The concert, which can be viewed here on Zoom (passcode: de#W1j&$) was a spontaneous preparation owing to a last-minute cancellation of a piano duo performance. She played the Liszt/Paganini Etude No.3,”La Campanella” and Chopin’s 12 Etudes Opus 10, dedicated to his friend Franz Liszt. Despite being a civil/structural engineer by profession, Abla kept up her piano performances in different cities. She was born in Amman, where she started her piano lessons at age 4.

 

 

Grants available for Lincoln growers to supply the SVdP food pantry

The Agricultural Commission is offering funding to Lincoln growers who can supply fresh produce for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston (SVdP) food pantry.

The commission is offering a limited number of grants ranging from several hundred dollars to over $1,000 to qualified Lincoln growers. Grant recipients in the Farm to Food Pantry Program must deliver (or have their products ready for pickup) to the Lincoln food pantry early on at least one day on Wednesday morning, or the Tuesday preceding for nonperishable items.  

Applications are due by Monday, June 27. If you would like to participate, contact Ari Kurtz at arikurtz60@gmail.com. Specify the type of crops you wish to grow, quantities, and expected delivery dates.

The food pantry also recently received $3,000 as part of the Sudbury Foundation’s 2022 round of grants to 31 area nonprofits totaling $374,595. Another grant recipient: the Lincoln-based Food Project, which received $15,000 to redesign its website.

Summer is particularly challenging for food-insecure families with children at home. The food pantry especially welcome donations of Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios (which are versatile since they’re gluten-free) and salad dressings of all kinds, including oil and vinegar, since they can source the necessary produce. Other items that are always in demand: canned solid white tuna in water, Chocolate Ensure, and pasta sauce.

The food pantry serves neighbors who live, work, or attend school in Lincoln or Weston and are in need of food or emergency assistance, regardless of their religious affiliation or background. It’s located behind St. Joseph Church at 142 Lincoln Rd. in Lincoln.

Lincolnite sees her refurbished car go to a young war veteran

>(Editor’s note: This account was posted on the LincolnTalk listserv on June 15 and is reprinted with permission, though she asked that we not use her name.)

The Lincoln resident (right) who donated her car to Second Chance Cars with Marine veteran John Thomas, who was the recipient after voc-tech students fixed up the vehicle.

“In January I donated my 2006 Subaru Forester to Second Chance Cars, a Concord nonprofit organization that matches car donations with in-need recipients who are looking for cars to be able to get to work.

“After my donated car was checked out by a second chance mechanic, it traveled to Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School in Wakefield, where the mechanics class instructor and students thoroughly went over the car, looking for anything to fix or adjust. Then it went to the body shop students who spent months learning how to fix and paint the many dents I had put on it over the 15 years I owned it.

“I’m happy to report that last Friday I attended the car award ceremony for my vehicle and got to meet the person who received my car — a young Marine veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who was spending a grueling four hours a day using public transportation to get to and from his job on a fishing boat in Gloucester. Now he will be able to get there on his own in just over an hour.”

Second Chance Cars made a short video introducing the teachers and students who worked on the car, as well as a visibly moved John Thomas (the ex-marine) and the car donor, who revealed that she came from a long line of Detroit auto workers. She added that she’s a big fan of vocational schools (“I would have loved to have done this!”) and was happy her car could go to a “real person” who needed it. “I like to recycle and I think there’s no reason you should sell a car for parts,” she said.

Students then pulled the cover off the car to reveal a like-new vehicle with all the dents removed. “I want it back!” the donor joked.

St. Vincent de Paul scholarship opportunity for Lincoln residents

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Lincoln and Weston is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for Lincoln residents in need and for all our food pantry clients. The scholarships are intended for highly motivated adults who would like to take courses or attend job training to improve their earning capability but cannot afford to do so. They are not intended for young adults heading to college for the first time, nor are they normally awarded for master’s-level work and above.

Scholarships of up to $2,000 are awarded on a rolling basis. The goal of this program is to encourage neighbors to imagine a better future and to work towards making lasting changes and gaining financial stability.

SVdP is grateful for the ongoing support of the trustees of Ogden Codman Trust who are going to fund scholarships for the next three years. They have also awarded grants for financial emergency assistance and a matching grant for the recent SVdP spring concert fundraiser.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston provides financial emergency assistance and scholarships to financially disadvantaged neighbors and operates a food pantry in Lincoln. To apply for a scholarship or inquire about other programs, email SVdPLincolnWeston@gmail.com, call the St. Julia Parish office at 781-899-2611 ext. 4, or visit www.svdplincolnweston.org.

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Lincoln co-ed summer softball returns

A scene from a Lincoln Co-Ed Softball League game.

Sign up to play softball with the Lincoln Co-Ed Softball League, a “mildly competitive” league dedicated to recreation, sportsmanship, gender equality, and community for players of all skill levels. Registration is $50. Each team will play one or two games per week (games are on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays). Click here for more information and photos of the 2016 season and Lincoln baseball teams from the past, and click here to register.

Farrington Nature Linc fundraiser gala

Farrington Nature Linc invites everyone to their adults-only outdoor summer fundraiser with dinner, drinks, live music, and an auction of outdoor adventures on Saturday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. All funds raised from this event will go toward FNL’s summer youth programs. Purchase individual tickets ($100), tables of four ($350), or tables of 10 ($900). Individual ticket-holders may be seated with others to make a table of four. Click here for details and to buy tickets.

Six summer performances at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has announced its 2022 Summer Performance Series that invites viewers to explore ideas of kinship, connection, and ancestry through the performing arts. These themes are also explored by exhibiting visual artists in The New England Triennial and Melvin Edwards: Brighter Days. Each event offers different experiences of cultures, traditions, and familial connections. Some events are in the Dewey Family Hall while others are on Linda’s Lawn. Concerts are on Thursdays at 6 p.m. on June 23; July 7, 14, and 28;  August 18; and September 8. Click here for more information and to to buy tickets ($28 or $35 for adults, $12 or $15 for children.

My Turn: SVdP concert fundraiser was a success

To the editor:

The “Gather on the Grass for Music” al fresco SVdP spring concert fundraiser was a huge success! It is with much gratitude that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks our local sponsors for providing the raffle gifts and supporting the communities of Lincoln and Weston. We thank all who supported this fundraising event either with a contribution or with your warm applause from the audience. SVdP could not continue this important work with you!

Sincerely,

Karen Salvucci
President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.