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

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News acorns

Two Lincoln organizations receive mini-grants

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has announced that two Lincoln nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $2,000 from the foundation’s Community Spirit 9/11 Mini-Grant program. The Massachusetts Audubon Society received $1,500 and The Food Project was awarded $500.

The program, which was created to commemorate Harvard Pilgrim members who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, allows each Harvard Pilgrim employee to award a $500 grant, completely funded by the foundation, to the local charity of his or her choice each calendar year. Since the program began in 2002, Harvard Pilgrim employees have directed more than $6.5 million to thousands of organizations throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. 

Thanksgiving luncheon for seniors

The MLK Action Project at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School invites the senior citizens of both Lincoln and Sudbury to the annual Thanksgiving Senior Citizen Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at noon in the high school cafeteria. Come enjoy the festivities, a wonderful meal accompanied by the L-S Jazz Band and other music groups.

Holiday event at deCordova store/cafe

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a Holiday Hygge at its store and café on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3–6 p.m. where visitors can enjoy art making, local shopping, food, drink, merriment, and hygge—the Danish word for coziness, comfort, happiness, and kinship. Tickets ($20 for members, $15 for nonmembers, free for children 12 and under) include admission and also:

  • A family-friendly paper lantern-making activity
  • A winter-themed story hour
  • Hot mulled cider and seasonally inspired snacks 
  • An exclusive 10% off discount at the store (20% for Trustees members), including the 26th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market, during the event for ticket holders only
  • Free gift-wrapping on purchases made during the event
  • Artist demonstrations
  • Entry into a raffle for the chance to win a variety of prizes, including a Trustees membership, fun merchandise packages, a private tour of deCordova, and a gift certificate toward registration at its summer camp

Girl Scout projects help Lincoln seniors

The Lincoln Girl Scouts are working with the Council on Aging to help Lincoln residents enjoy the holiday season and be more aware, prepared, and safe during snowstorms through three important projects. The Scouts will once again be collecting items for holiday gift baskets to be given to elders in need of basic items. Others are collecting items for winter preparedness kits that will be distributed to elders in need to ensure they’re ready for storms in a project in collaboration with the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation. Keep an eye out for collection points around town for both these projects.

Additionally, if you would like a bucket of sand to help with slippery spots on your driveway or walkway, contact the COA by phone at 781-259-8811 or come on down to Bemis Hall to sign up and the Girl Scouts will arrange to deliver one to you.

Seniors can get well-being calls during emergencies

The COA and Public Safety are pleased to offer well-being telephone calls during storms and other emergencies. They will call you when storms cause extensive power outages, and in 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 make sure you are all right. To sign up for this service please call the COA at 781-259-8811 and give your name, address, and any phone numbers you would like them to call (a cell phone or family member, for example), as well as any other pertinent information you would like to share with us, such as special medical needs. You may ask to be taken off the list at any time.

 

 

Council on Aging activities in November

Musical jazz lunch
November 1 at noon
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert.

Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle sing and play the blues
November 3 at 2 p.m.
All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the third annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. It is a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life. Washington has delighted and awed audiences in Boston and around the country and the globe for decades as both a singer and songwriter. She has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Sax Gordon, known for his “hard-blowing, exciting, gutsy” signature style, has performed around the world, won numerous awards, and recorded six CDs. Marty Ballou on bass, Bryan Claunch on keyboard, Tom Avery on drums, and Cheryl Arena on vocals and harmonica will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon for this fabulous afternoon of music. For more information about the concert, call Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

New group focusing on family issues
November 4 at 10 a.m.
For many people, relationships with family members are central. They may be a source of great support, satisfaction, and pleasure, but they also may be a source of conflict, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. All are invited to join a new group that will meet for five Mondays starting on Nov. 4th from 10–11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. This group will be an opportunity to share those feelings and to get ideas for ways of trying to improve relationships and to examine expectations and communications which may lead to greater satisfaction. For many the holiday season can bring these feelings into sharper focus and groups can offer support. The group will be led by Claire Gerstein, a social worker with many years of experience assisting people with family challenges. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in November

Council on Aging activities in October

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

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

Lincoln Academy with John Getsinge — Evolution of Science, Episode 2: Tom Swift and the Quantum Annihilator
October 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 7 at 12:30 p.m. when John Getsinger discusses “Evolution of Science, Episode 2. Tom Swift and the Quantum Annihilator.” From the publication of quantum math, matrix, and wave in 1928 to the invention of the digital computer, artificial intelligence, atomic fission, quantum annihilation, Tom swiftly foresees electronics technology, intelligent military robots, atomic bombs and… universal nonexistence. What can Tom Swift do to counter the existential threat to all humanity posed by the possibility of the Quantum Annihilator? Tune in for the thrilling sequel. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

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

Twisted Tree marks one-year anniversary on Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Correction

An item in the September 11 edition of News Acorns incorrectly stated that Drumlin Farm was rescheduling its annual Harvest Feast originally planned for October 6. The event is hosted by Codman Community Farms, not Drumlin Farm, on Saturday, Nov. 2. (Drumlin Farm is having its own Fall Harvest Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 14). The News Acorns have been updated.

News acorns

(Editor’s note: the “Embrace Change series scheduled” segment was modified on Sept. 11, 2019 to remove the cancelled evening sessions at the Lincoln Public Library.)

First Parish offers “Blessing of the Backpacks” and children’s programs

The First Parish in Lincoln invites families to send children off for a successful school year in spirit at the ”Blessing of the Backpacks” on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the annual Ingathering Service at 10 a.m. There will be a reception after the service and a gift for each student. You do not need to be a member of First Parish to attend any of its services or events. Ages 0–4 are cared for in the church’s professionally staffed nursery that opens at 9:45 a.m. for drop-off prior to each week’s Sunday service and continues through the after-service coffee and fellowship time.

Registration for 2019-2020 Religious Exploration programs for students in pre-K through grade 7 and the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program for eighth-graders is now open. Click here for more information and online registration. This year, there are only 18 seats available in OWL. Free for members of FPL, $15 for nonmembers. Mandatory parent orientation on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 7–9 p.m.  Please contact Margit Griffith at margit@fplincoln.org with questions.

Display your art at the library

The application for displaying art in 2020 in the Lincoln Public Library’s main gallery is now available. For exhibitor policies, agreement and an application, see the library’s Art Gallery and Display Spaces page. The “Stay Put” downstairs gallery requires no application and has openings through the rest of 2019.

Photography scavenger hunt

Come to the People for Pollinators meadow on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1–2 p.m. and join in a photography scavenger hunt for all ages and abilities sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. What better way to explore this special pollinator habitat than to take a closer look through a different lens? Participants will receive a list of “treasures” to find and capture in a photo. Let your creativity take center stage, as many “treasures” are in the eye of the beholder. Participants under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own camera (phone cameras are great). Free; drop in. Park at the Lincoln School’s Smith School lot by the playground and take the trail by the PFP Meadow sign through the field to the meadow.

After you’ve completed the hunt, send us your photos! Please use JPEG file format. LLCT will create a photo collage display for public viewing at Lincoln Station. The display will be up through October in the windows in the breezeway across from Donelan’s. To participate, email your photos to llct@lincolnconservation.org after the hunt. Include your name if you’d like to be credited in the display.

Mosaic workshop at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents a mosaic workshop with Leslie Doherty on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. During this hands-on introduction to the art of mosaic tiling, create your own piece and choose a small planter or tile to take home. No experience necessary; free and open to patrons 16 and older, but space is limited to 20 people. Registration is required and will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Sponsored by The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Embrace Change series scheduled

The Embrace Change fall program series was created to help ease the transition that parents experience in first year when there are no longer children in the home. We provide opportunities for parents to connect, design and redefine this new state of life. Space is limited; register in advance at FullyEmbraceChange.com. Materials fee of $40 can be waived at time of registration; all sessions are free.

  • “Promoting Productive Communication with Adult Children” with Theresa Simonelli, PsyaD. September 18: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “What’s Next? Finding Purpose” with Heather Zacker, MS, certified personal and professional coach. September 25: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “Navigating Transitions with Self-Care” with Charlotte Sahyoun, yoga therapeutics specialist. October 2: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “Designing Your Journey: Charting Your Own Path” with the Embrace Change team. October 16: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m.
  •  “Expanding Your Horizons: Delving into New Activities and Careers” with the Embrace Change team. October 23: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “It’s All About Relationships” with the Embrace Change team and a special guest. October 30: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m.

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Moon Over Drumlin benefit at Drumlin Farm

Support Drumlin Farm’s leadership in nature-based education and programming for children and adults of all ages and abilities at the annual Moon Over Drumlin farm-to-table gala on Saturday, Sept. 28. The evening kicks off with a casual cocktail hour in the Drumlin Farm wildlife sanctuary courtyard, followed by partner chefs serving up delicious tastings using the farm’s freshest seasonal ingredients. Then meet some of the 2019 Youth Leaders in Climate Justice and get up-close with a few of our wildlife ambassadors and try your luck in the live auction and raffle. The evening concludes with a dessert reception from 9–9:30 p.m.

The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. before the Moon Over Drumlin tent and chef stations open at 6:30 p.m. Partner chefs committed to supporting sustainable agriculture and local sourcing include Real in Lincoln; 80 Thoreau and Saltbox Kitchen Brewery in Concord; Artistry on the Green at the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Cambridge Brewing Companyand EVOO in Cambridge; and Field & Vine in Somerville. Tickets start at $100; click here for event details and purchase.

Tour dives into Codman Estate portraits

Take a fresh, focused look at the Codman Estate’s portrait collection, including rarely seen works of art, on the “Portraits and Personalities: Codman Portrait Collection” specialty tour on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10–11 a.m. From high-end works by John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart, to others by once-famous artists to humble family snapshots, the Codman portrait collection extends over 200 years of changing styles. Hear the real stories of the people behind these pictures, both the subjects and the artists. Free for Lincoln residents, $15 for Historic New England members, $20 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Please call 617-994-6690 or click here to register online.

Drumlin Farms announces Fall Harvest Celebration

Explore the gardens and crop fields with Drumlin Farm staff, meet some of our native wildlife, create fun crafts, and enjoy fresh, delicious produce direct from the farm stand at its annual Fall Harvest Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 14.

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.; the wildlife sanctuary will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Schedule of free drop-in activities (weather permitting):

10 a.m.
Make an Herbal Bouquet
Use herbs from our garden to create a beautiful display to take home. 

10:30 a.m.
Farmer’s Foe
Meet a critter that likes to eat the vegetables in our gardens.

10:30 a.m.–noon
Pick Your Own Veggies
Harvest your own vegetables in Boyce Field.

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Cooking Demonstration
Join our food and farm educator as she uses Drumlin Farm produce to make easy, fun foods. And she might need some helping hands!

12:30 p.m.
Farmer’s Friend
Find some worms that help enrich the soil and learn why they’re important members of our ecosystem.

2 p.m.
Beyond Butter
Help shake cream to turn it into butter, and gather and add herbs to make it extra tasty.

2:30 p.m.
All About Bees
Learn about the science of bees and how pollinators make our crops possible.

3:45 p.m.
Get Crafty
Make a seed necklace.

All day:

  • Kid-friendly crafts
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Farm stand produce available for purchase

Council on Aging activities in September

Noticing walks with John Calabria
September 3 at 1 p.m.
Location TBA
Enjoy a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on September 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. Other walks will be held October 1 and November 5. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Musical jazz lunch
September 6 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Friday, Sept. 6 starting at noon.

Lincoln Academy with Richard Boynton: Global warming and climate change
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. when Richard Boynton discusses “Global Warming and Climate Change.” How can the earth be warming when Boston has had one of the biggest snowfalls in recent history? Besides, who cares if the earth warms by 4 degrees in 100 years. In his lecture, Mr. Boynton, a former rocket scientist, will separate fact from oil company propaganda. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Free wellness clinics for all ages
September 10 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in September

News acorns

Fall Ball benefits South Sudanese programs

A Fall Ball to raise funds for South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Bemis Hall. The event includes a potluck dinner of American and Sudanese food and dancing. At the First Parish Church, kids can make art and bird houses, watch movies, and visit wildlife stations presented by Drumlin Farm.

The event will benefit the SSEF’s preschool and and Saturday Bridges programs, as well as scholarships for summer camp. This year, SSEF granted $25,000 in preschool scholarships and almost $14,000 in camp scholarships, enabling 30 kids to go to Camp Calumet and Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire. The Saturday Bridges program at the Hartwell pods offers care for infants and preschoolers, trips to Drumlin Farm for school-age kids, and classes for parents on parenting skills, understanding the school system, financial literacy and job-hunting.

The Fall Ball starts at 6:30 p.m. but most Sudanese will not arrive until 8 p.m. No admission fee, but there will South Sudanese-style fundraising where people will be asked to put money into a hat while the group dances (most families will contribute between $50 and $200). Questions? Call Susan Winship 781-424-8774 or Laper Kom at 978-332-6881.

“Executive Transitions” with Tom Casey

Companies of all sizes will have to address the implications of aging baby boomers retiring from the work force. Hear Lincoln resident Tom Casey on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library speak on his recently published book Executive Transitions 2: Leveraging Experience for Future Success! Casey, the author of seven books, is the founder and managing principal of Discussion Partner Collaborative, a global executive advisory film. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Management Executive Management Program as well as a licensed clinical social worker. Free and open to all.

“Tom of Finland” screening at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “Tom of Finland” (2017, Finnish with English subtitles) on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski shows the life and work of artist Touko Valio Laaksonen (a.k.a. Tom of Finland), one of the most influential and celebrated figures of 20th-century gay culture.

Beer, music, and art at the deCordova

Enjoy “Art and Ales” at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5–8 p.m. Seasonal craft beers from Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing Co. will be accompanied by live music by the Ways and Means Committee, tasty treats for purchase from Compliments Food Truck, and a view of the sunset from the Sculpture Terrace. Tickets including two full-size beers or four tastings, and access to art on view are $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers (free for kids 17 and under). Additional beer will be available for purchase. Click here for tickets.

Become a volunteer at Lincoln’s hospice house

Are you able to visit with patients, listen to their concerns, and provide a supportive, comforting presence? Can you hold a hand or engage in a shared interest or hobby? Care Dimensions will offer a four-week training program beginning in mid-September. Choose from two schedules: Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1–3:30 p.m. from September 18 to October 11, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6–8:30 p.m. from September 17 to October 10. All sessions are at the Care Dimensions Hospice House at 125 Winter St. in Lincoln. For more information, contact Abigail Langmead at 781-373-6583 or ALangmead@CareDimensions.org.

LLCT presents walks, talk on bird feeding

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s “Noticing Walks” with John Calabria return on Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. Meet at the Lincoln Station parking lot to walk to Farm Meadow and into Bergen-Culver conservation land. Subsequent walks will be on October 1 and November 5 (locations TBA; visit www.lincolnconservation.org). These gently paced walks are a great way to slow down, unplug, and enjoy nature. Walks are co-sponsored with the Lincoln Council on Aging and geared towards 55+ but all are welcome. In case of inclement weather, call the LLCT at 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. on the morning of the walk for information.

Join the LLCT and Tia Pinney for “Bird Feeding 101: Feeding and Caring for Birds in an Era of Climate Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Pinney will cover everything from types of feeder, seeds for different birds, when to feed, and more, as well as the benefits of creating diverse habitats in the yard that enhance local ecosystems, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and attract birds for us to enjoy. Pinney is the senior naturalist and ecological management and adult program coordinators at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.