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

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Talk on education in the age of AI

Charles Fadel

“Educating Our Children in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” will be the subject of a talk on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the First Parish Church in Lincoln. The guest speaker is futurist, education expert, author and inventor Charles Fadel, who is convinced that “AI and biotech are about to redefine what it means to be human, and that the overarching goals of a modern education should be to nurture wise, versatile ‘Renaissance’ humans who have learned how to learn.” The Adult Education Committee at the First Parish is hosting this program, which is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure seating. For more information, contact Mary Helen Lorenz at mhelen@rcn.com.

See movies on Amazon, dragonflies

Movie night at the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will feature “Wild Amazon” on Monday, Feb. 11 and “Skyhunter: World of the Dragonfly” on Thursday, March 14 at 7:30. Both movies start at 7:30 p.m. in the LLCT office at the Lincoln mall and are free.

“Wild Amazon” (45 minutes) filmed by Nat Geo Wild reveals dense forest concealing a hidden world of unusual wildlife and extraordinary stories of adaptation and survival—but human impact on this natural world has already dramatically altered it. Dragonflies existed 90 million years before the first dinosaurs hatched and are still found all over the world. “Skyhunter” (50 minutes) follows these predatory monster-larvae as they hover over ponds and pools. Their dazzling metallic colors and unique ways of flying are captured in slow-motion photography, and their journey in time is documented using remarkably realistic CGI animation.

Artists talk and kids’ vacation activities at deCordova

The deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park offers “Art for February Vacation” on Wednesday–Friday, Feb. 20–22 from 1–3 p.m. (drop-in). Stack, balance, knot, knit, and string sculptures together, inspired by the range of work included in “Sheila Pepe: Hot Mess Formalism.” Designed for families with children ages 5–12, but all are welcome. Free with admission or membership.

Exhibiting artist Sheila Pepe will give an artist’s talk on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. From ancient Rome to feminism to her personal biography, Pepe weaves together many far reaching subjects through her expansive fiber art installations and multimedia works. Free admission; registration requested.

DCR seeks comments on Walden Pond renovations

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites area residents to comment on alternatives for renovation of the Walden Pond State Reservation bathhouse and universally accessible connections between the Route 126 crosswalk, the bathhouse, and main beach. Click here to view a January 30 presentation. Comments may be submitted online through Friday, Feb. 15 or in writing to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Office of Public Outreach, 251 Causeway St., 6th floor, Boston, MA 02114.

Domestic violence group offers volunteer training

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is holding its next Volunteer Advocate Training program at the Concord Police Department from March 12–30. This 40-hour training session is provided at no cost to attendees and is being held on evenings and Saturdays. Classes will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30–9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m–3 p.m. on March 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, and 30.

Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. The training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Those interested should call 978-318-3421 or e-mail to dvvap@concordma.gov. Applications are due by March 4.

Groundhog Day to feature new focus on climate

Ms. G of Drumlin Farm. (Photo by Eric Roth)

Drumlin Farm is set to host its annual Groundhog Day event on Saturday, Feb. 2, with a new focus on climate science and weather. “Climate Action Day” will feature activities centered on what children and adults can do to learn about and respond to the effects of climate change.

The event will again feature Ms. G, the official state groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as she emerges from her winter hibernation and determines whether or not spring will come early this year.

“The impact of climate change on people and wildlife in New England is already evident, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing that we can do about it,” said Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi. “Climate Action Day is intended to be a way for families to engage with a serious issue in a positive way, focusing on the small but meaningful actions that they can take in their own lives to help meet this challenge. As the Commonwealth’s most prominent wildlife ambassador, Ms. G serves as a symbol of the animals and their habitat that we all can help to protect by working together in our communities.”

The traditional Groundhog Day ceremony and forecast start at 10 a.m. (encore at 11:15 a.m.), followed by winter activities such as meeting resident wildlife, exploring wilderness trails, and learning how to identify animal tracks in the snow. A live music performance will take place at noon, and hot cocoa will be provided throughout the day.

Drumlin Farm will be open on February 2 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This special event takes place from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and is free with paid admission ($9 for adults and teens, $6 for children 2–12 and seniors, and free for Mass Audubon members). 

Featured programs
  • Learn the forecast for spring’s arrival from Drumlin’s woodchuck weather expert (six more weeks of winter if she sees her shadow; an early spring if she doesn’t).
  • Visit with more of our resident wildlife and farm animals, learn about winter tracking, and explore the wildlife sanctuary’s trails.
  • Listen to live music performed by the local band Sweet Wednesday from noon–3 p.m.
  • Make winter crafts to take home,
  • Investigate our local climate with Don McCasland of Blue Hill Observatory Science Center,
  • Purchase produce grown at Drumlin Farm,
  • Learn how climate change impacts hibernating species in New England,

Ms. G was declared the Official State Groundhog by then-Governor Deval Patrick on July 31, 2014, when he signed the proposed bill submitted by Wellesley’s Hunnewell Elementary School students, enacting it into law.

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Upcoming events at the library

  • Open house for Barbara Peskin’s “Moments in Nature” photography exhibit at the library — Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Lincoln Library Film Society screening of “The Heart is  a Lonely Hunter” starring Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke — Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. (note new starting time from now on). Based on the novel by Carson McCullers. 
  • Harp recital with Tess Maxwell — Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1–3 p.m.
  • “The Roaring 20s” with Dr. Gary Hylander (part 2 of 6) — Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
  • “Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century” — Thursday, Jan. 31 from 7–9 p.m.

Click here for a calendar of all events offered by various clubs and book groups  for adults and children.

Guest minister at First Parish

Rev. Mariama White-Hammond

Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, associate minister for ecological justice at Bethel AME Church in Boston, will give a guest sermon at the First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. White-Hammond is an advocate for ecological and social justice, youth engagement, and spirit-filled organizing.

Monthly Memory Café kicks off Jan. 24

The Lincoln Memory Café will debut on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 9:30–11 a.m. at The Commons in Lincoln with an open house for family, friends, and caregivers of those with dementia from Lincoln and area towns. Beth Soltzberg, director of the Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, will talk about memory cafes and their benefits to families experiencing dementia.

Ongoing sessions of the free Lincoln Memory Café, which will feature refreshments, entertainment and activities, will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30–11 a.m. at the Commons beginning in February. The café is a joint effort of The Commons in Lincoln, Right at Home in-home care and assistance, and the Lincoln Council on Aging. The goal is to offer an opportunity for elders and their care partners to spend relaxed, fun, social time together and with others who share their same experience. For information, contact Amy Gagne of Right at Home at 781-275-1400 or amy@rightathomecare.com.

LLCT film and lecture

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will host a movie night this week and a lecture on water supply protection later this month.

“Bearwalker of the Northwoods” will be screened on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the LLCT offices at Lincoln Station. In the forests of northern Minnesota, biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers follows the fortunes of black bear June and her three cubs over a year. (Note: the film shows the passing of a cub to disease and the opening of hunting season, which might be difficult to watch for some viewers.)

David Kaplan

David Kaplan, watershed manager for the Cambridge Water Department, will speak on “Cambridge Watershed: Water Supply Protection in a Developed Environment” on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 2–3 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Come learn about this fascinating body of water, its history, and how it’s maintained.

Events look at special ed issues and teens

Sessions on topics including anxiety, ADHD and making friends will be hosted by the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) starting on January 29. All events are free and open to the public. Check the SEPAC calendar for details.

  • “The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Learning” with Dr. Erica Kalkut, Child & Family Psychological Services — January 29 at 7 p.m., Goodnow Library (21 Concord Rd., Sudbury).
  • “Tips for Managing ADHD at Home and at School” with Brendan Mahan of ADHD Essentials — February 12 at 7 p.m., LSRHS conference room B.
  • “Helping Kids Make and Keep Friends” with Donna Shea, founder of the Peter Pan Center — February 28 at 7 p.m., Curtis Middle School (Pratt’s Mill Road), Sudbury.
  • “Executive Function Workshop for Parents and their Teens” with the executive function coaching team of Engaging Minds — March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Goodnow Library (21 Concord Rd., Sudbury).
  • “Guardianship and Special Needs Financial Planning” with attorney Meredith Greene of Fletcher Tilton — March 27 at 7 p.m., LSRHS conference room B.
  • “Special Education Mediation” with Leslie Bock, mediator with the Mass. Bureau of Special Education Appeals — April 2 at 6:30 p.m., LSRHS library classroom.

Borrow gadgets from the library

The Lincoln Public Library loans more than books and music. Borrow a digital converter to preserve VHS home movies, a portable WiFi hotspot for an upcoming trip, a Kill A Watt meter to measure energy use at home to see where you can save, or a USB floppy drive to read old floppy disks. For a complete list of items, click here.

Residents can sign up for “well being” calls

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

Water Department proposes rate hike

The Water Department will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Offices on its plan to institute first rate hike since 2015.

Residents are charged quarterly for town water in a three-tiered system based on their level of usage (0–20,000 gallons, 20,001–40,000 gallons, and 40,001 gallons or more). The Water Department plans to raise the charges by 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while the base change for all users will go up by $5 per quarter, said Water Commission member Ruth Ann Hendrickson.

“We’re really focused on minimizing the impact on lower-level water users who are conservation mindful,” she said.

Part of the increased revenue will be used to pay off an anticipated bond of about $1 million. Investments are needed because the Water Department is now subject to Occupational Health and Safety Administration rules, and because of recent annual inspection of procedures and methods “with a new inspector who had a big long list of things we have to do differently,” Hendrickson said.

“Just to make a perfect storm, we had some big failures this [past] year,” she added. Those included a water main break outside the library, an acid sink, and a 3,000-gallon water heater used to clean the treatment plan filters.

The three-tiered pricing structure and quarterly billing were introduced in 2015 to encourage conservation with the goal of meeting water usage limits required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Although its budget and revenue structure must be approved by the town, it is funded entirely by user fees, and its revenues are expected to meet or exceed expenditures on a year-to-year basis, with the difference held in reserve to fund emergency repairs and system improvements.

The department plans to apply for a state program that offers zero-percent interest on bonds, though it’s unknown whether it will be accepted, Hendrickson said. As part of the process for qualifying for bonding, the Water Commission has developed a long-term financial and capital improvement program.

If approved, the increased rates will become effective on all rates and charges on any bill for usage after January 1, 2019.

New climate justice program for teens at Drumlin Farm

A new Youth Leaders for Climate Justice program announced by Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary aims to engage youth in grades 9-12 to create and implement local climate action projects.

This program, stressing commitment to community through a lens of climate action, begins with a Climate Learning Intensive Program on January 26, 2019 at Drumlin Farm for leadership and education workshops. Working alongside Mass Audubon’s climate professionals and local climate activists, each team of 3-12 students will create and implement a unique action project in their communities and will present the project at a Climate Summit on May 18, 2019.

To apply, student teams need not have determined what their project will be; all they need is an adult sponsor and an interest in climate justice. Click here for more information and an online application. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Dec. 21. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The fee for accepted teams is $300. Mass Audubon will work with any team that needs assistance funding the participation fee.

This program is made possible by grants from the Foundation for MetroWest and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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Climate justice film on Tuesday

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church will host a screening of “Living in the Future’s Past” on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. following a light supper at 6:30. Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists and a dazzling array of living creatures to shows how no one can predict how major changes might emerge from the spontaneous actions of the many, and how energy takes many forms as it moves through and animates everything

Meeting on deCordova–TTOR integration

Those interested in learning more about the planned integration of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum and The Trustees of Reservations and its implications for the town are invited to attend a community meeting hosted by the deCordova on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Hear from the town’s deCordova Working Group; Linda Hammett Ory, president of the deCordova Board of Trustees; deCordova executive director John Ravenal; and Barbara Erickson, CEO of The Trustees. Learn more at www.decordova.org/integration.

Scouts selling Christmas trees, wreaths

Lincoln Scout Troop 127 is selling Christmas trees and decorated balsam wreaths at the corner of Codman Community Farms across from the police station every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. until Christmas, and we will be open as many weeknights as we can staff. All profits above cost will be used to fund scouting activities. Lincoln Troop 127 supports the Lincoln community in many ways, including setting up for the Memorial Day service and providing the July 4th cookout after the parade

Shop to help domestic violence victims

On Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon–4 p.m., Mango Tree Artisans of Sudbury will host a special shopping event to benefit the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. At its new location at 593 Boston Post Road in Sudbury, Mango Tree Artisans sells handcrafted sterling silver and ethnic jewelry, ceramics, baskets, eco-friendly clothing, instruments, and other ethically sourced items from around the world. The Roundtable receives a percentage of proceeds from this event.

Dungeons & Dragons group for teens

Kids in grades 6–12 who want to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons are invited to join L-S student/dungeon master Roshan Kharbanda on Sundays beginning December 2 from 1:30–4:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Have fun using your imagination and problem-solving skills while socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games. All materials will be provided. For middle and high school students only. Registration required; please email dleopold@minlib.net or call 781-259-8465 x4.

Discussion on teen vaping and pot

Recreational marijuana shops have opened, even as more teenagers are becoming addicted to nicotine through Juuls and other vaping devices. L-S Connections is sponsoring an event titled “Vaping and Legalized Marijuana: The ‘New Normal’?” on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the L-S Lecture Hall for parents. On hand will be Mary Cole, program coordinator of the Greater Boston Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, along with L-S counselors and administrators and representatives from the Lincoln and Sudbury police to talk with us about what they’re seeing in our communities and how parents, the school, and the community can work together to help our kids make healthy, well-informed decisions. Register here as space is limited. 

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Mass Innovation Night in Lincoln on Tuesday

This month’s Mass Innovation Night, where startup companies present their products, will be at Lincoln North (55 Old Bedford Rd.) on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 6–8:30 p.m. The event features networking with entrepreneurs, experts, and sponsors. The top four favorite product/companies from online voting prior to the event (as well as the in-person favorite) will present five-minute pitches.

“Once Upon a Mattress” this week

Performances of the LSB Players’ production of “Once Upon a Mattress” will take place on November 14-17 at  7:30 p.m. at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Click here for details.

Learn about using more green energy

Come join members of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee to ask questions about how you can reduce your impact on climate change or just listen to the ideas of others at an informal session on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 1–2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Ask about energy assessments on your home, energy-efficient heating systems, electric cars, solar systems, the net-zero school project, the community choice aggregation program, or whatever you like.

Donate or purchase items to benefit domestic violence roundtable

Each year, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable sponsors a family from a local domestic violence agency for the holidays. These agencies need help to provide happy holidays for families in shelter and to meet the ongoing needs of additional families who have been victims of domestic violence. Sponsored families are anonymous, though the agency will share the number of family members and their ages. Match yourself with a smaller family to sponsor, or invite relatives, friends, and colleagues to join you in sponsoring a larger family.

For those who can’t sponsor a family, gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessities to stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, CVS, Target, and Stop & Shop are welcome. Wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape are also needed. Advocates from each agency provide help with “wish lists” for survivors and their children. The deadline for gift delivery is Monday, Dec. 3. To learn more about how you can help, contact:

Screening of “Westfront 2018”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Westfront 1918” on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. The 1930 film (in German with French and English subtitles) follows a group of German infantrymen in the trenches of France during World War I.

Dobrow to speak on new book about Emily Dickinson

The Lincoln Public Library and the Lincoln Historical Society present Lincoln resident Julie Dobrow speaking about her latest book, After Emily: Two Remarkable Women and the Legacy of America’s Greatest Poet on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Dobrow is a professor with appointments in Tufts University’s Department of Child Study and Human Development and the Tisch College of Civic Life. After Emily is the untold story of the mother and daughter who opened the door to Dickinson’s poetry. Copies of the book will be available for signing.

Works by Lincoln artist Milan on display

The Bemis Hall gallery will exhibit artworks by Lincoln artist Ellen Milan from mid-November through December. Milan has taught in Wisconsin, Israel, and in the Boston area. During a ten-year stay in Israel, she established regional art programs and a group studio/gallery in the Old City of Jerusalem. This show at Bemis Hall includes pastels, paintings on silk, and watercolors. Many of the pieces were inspired by the gardens and landscape in Lincoln at Farrar Pond Village.

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Scarecrow Classic steps off this Sunday

More than 550 participants are expected to join the LLCT for the sixth Annual Scarecrow Classic on Sunday, Oct. 14. The race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Codman Road by the fire station and runs along Lincoln’s scenic roads, fields, and trails.

After the race, there will be a raffle with prizes, live music, cider donuts, seasonal soup, and prizes for the top three runners in each age category. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance at the LLCT offices, from LLCT trustees, or on October 14 before the race. Online registration is open through Friday, Oct. 12 and same-day registration is available starting at 8 a.m. Visit scarecrowclassic5k.com for the route map and online registration.

In keeping with conservation principles, participants are asked to bring a refillable water bottle (they can place it at the finish line ahead of time). There will be a hydration station and limited emergency water supplies for those without a water bottle. All utensils, cups, bowls, and napkins will be 100% compostable.

Diaper drive headed by Lincoln residents seeks donations

Residents are urged to drop off disposable diapers at the Lincoln Public Library for the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive, which runs through Sunday, Oct. 21. Diapers will be donated to the Somerville WIC office, which serves Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown, Belmont, Bedford, Lexington, and Lincoln. Donors may also purchase diapers from these Amazon or Target registries and having them sent directly to the WIC office.

The diaper drive began six years ago after Kerstin Sinkevicius (now of Lincoln) and Aimee Mills of Somerville read an article detailing how difficult it was for financially challenged families to afford diapers. Neither WIC nor SNAP benefits cover the cost of diapers. Two years ago, Kim Jalet of Lincoln replaced Mills as co-coordinator. A full list of collection points can be found at mbdiapers.org.

The Metro-Boston Diaper Drive was formerly called the Somerville Moms’ Diaper Drive, but “we changed the name this year to the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive because it has grown far beyond the original scope of Somerville now that we have 31 collection points in eight towns,” said Jalet said. A full list of collection points can be found at mbdiapers.org. Last year, the event donated more than 22,000 diapers. This year, organizers hope to donate at least 30,000 diapers.

College planning seminar at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Adult Ed is offering a college planning seminar for parents of ninth- and tenth-graders on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 7–9 p.m. in the L-S lecture hall. Tuition is $20/family and pre-registration at www.lsrhs.net/sites/adulted/ is required. Todd Richman, founder of Achieve Admissions, and Annika Noren, co-founder of InspireDo LLC, will address how colleges evaluate applicants, academic planning during high school, extracurricular and summer activities, considerations for student-athletes, when to take standardized tests, and why sophomore year is important to financial aid. 

Tales of the Night at Drumlin

Put on your favorite costume, grab a flashlight, and come to Tales of the Night, Drumlin Farm’s  family-friendly Halloween tradition, on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 25 and 26 from 6:30–9 p.m. Visitors will have the chance to:

  • Explore the farm at night, lit by a display of over 100 jack-o-lanterns
  • Meet some of the nocturnal wildlife of Massachusetts
  • Enjoy treats, “spider cider,” and “witches’ brew” at the ghoulish graveyard
  • Step into a story on the Nursery Rhyme Trail to meet your favorite characters
  • Venture out into the fields for a haunted hayride full of spooky surprises (7–8:30 p.m.)

Tickets ($15 for Mass Audubon members, $17 for nonmembers) must be purchased in advance—no admission at the gate. Purchase tickets online or register by phone at 781-259-2206.

Amelia Earhart events at library

Actor Sheryl Faye returns to the Lincoln Public Library to portray aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. As attendees learn how Earhart follows her dream with an indomitable spirit, her story will inspire them to pursue their own budding interests and passions. Local historian and Medford Public Library Director Barbara Kerr will discuss Earhart’s Boston-area connections on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to all.

Seminar covers Hindu period in India history

The next seminar in the India Discovery Project (IDP) covering the Hindu period (500–1500 AD) is on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The seminar is an all-day event with slide presentations, lectures and music; lunch and tea will be provided. Presenters will include Lincoln resident and IDP President Bijoy Misra. The public online registration fee is $25, but Lincoln residents can get a $5 discount by sending a check to the India Discovery Center, 180 Bedford Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773.

Churches host environment-related events

Two churches in Lincoln are sponsoring events focusing on environmental and sustainability issues.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m., the climate justice film series at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church continues with the documentary film Eating Animals. Based on the bestselling book by Jonathan Safran Foer, narrated by co-producer Natalie Portman, and directed by Christopher Quinn (God Grew Tired of Us), Eating Animals looks at the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming and spotlights farmers who have pushed backed against industrial agriculture with more humane practices. There will be a light vegetarian supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m. and discussion to follow as time allows. Free and open to the public; donations accepted to defray the cost of screening rights.

The First Parish of Lincoln’s Green Committee (FPL Green), in partnership with the Green Energy Consumers Alliance (formerly Mass Energy), will host the FPL Green Fall Rollout and Green Energy Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary building (4 Bedford Rd.). This event launches the partners’ Renewable Wind program. Under the initiative, current customers of Eversource will be able to reduce their carbon footprints by switching from fossil fuels to wind for the electricity used in their homes. On hand to describe the program and answer questions will be Erin Taylor from Green Energy Consumers Alliance.

Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, a minister and climate change activist, will lead worship at First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. and will speak on “Rising Up with a Faith: A Christian Response to Climate Change.” Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ. Her latest book, Joy of Heaven, To Earth Come Down, is a collection of daily Advent-Christmas meditations on the sacredness of the natural world.

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Library kicks off several fall series

Lincoln Library Film Society

The first film this fall shown by the Lincoln Library Film Society will be Sami Blood (2016, in Swedish with English subtitles) on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. A reindeer-breeding Sámi girl who is exposed to the racism of the 1930s at her boarding school starts dreaming of another life. But to achieve it, she has to become someone else and break all ties with her family and culrure.

Book groups

Copies of books in various formats will be available at the library two weeks prior to each meeting. New members and occasional drop-ins are always welcome. For more information, contact Lisa Rothenberg at lrothenberg@minlib.net.

  • Who Picked This Book? Club — starts Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. to discuss The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. The group reads current fiction (maybe even nonfiction) that are entertaining and well written.
  • Friday Morning Book Group — This fall, the group will read American and British historical novels starting with Caleb’s Crossing by Gersldine Brooks on Friday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Mystery Mondays — starts Monday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. with The Poacher’s Son by Paul Doiron.

Lincoln Open Mike Night

The Friends of the Lincoln Library and LOMA present Lincoln Open Mike Night with Rob Lytle on Monday, Sept. 10 from 7–10 p.m. He’ll perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30 p.m. Lytle played a key role in the 1990s Boston folk explosion working with legends such as Geoff Bartley, Dar Williams, and Ellis Paul.

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.

“Plants and Pollinators” walk and talk

The Conservation Commission presents “Plants and Pollinators” with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart and master gardener Robin Wilkerson on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 1-3 p.m. in the People for Pollinators near the Smith school parking lot on Ballfield Road. Learn about the plants in the meadow and field, and observe the bees, butterflies, dragonflies and other pollinating wildlife that visit this habitat in  September. An informational tent will be set up with reference guides and resources. Bring binoculars to zoom in on the wildlife and a camera to record your observations for upload to the meadow’s citizen scientist site at iNaturalist.org. Dress for the weather, including protection from sun, ticks and mosquitos, and wear sturdy shoes. In case of inclement weather, call LLCT’s general line at 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk.     

Harvest Celebration at Drumlin Farm

Explore Drumlin Farm’s gardens and crop fields with farm staff, meet some native wildlife, create fun crafts, and enjoy nature’s best from the farm’s vegetable stands on on Saturday, Sept. 15. Drumlin Farm teacher-naturalists will present family-friendly activities throughout the day to share the bounty of the fall harvest and help visitors discover how tasty sustainable agriculture can be.

All activities are free with admission ($8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 2-12, free for Mass Audubon members). Drop-in activities will run from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and the wildlife sanctuary will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Click here for a schedule of free drop-in activities (weather permitting).