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

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Council on Aging events in May

bemisMeet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
May 4 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, May 4 at 1 p.m. to meet with Anthony Moreschi, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. He will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You are also welcome to discuss other matters with him that he may be able to help with.

We honor veterans: end-of-life and survivor benefits
May 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Veterans and their families have special needs when it comes to end-of-life care, whether related to the unique life and health care experiences of veterans or to the benefits of the Veterans Administration for end-of-life health care, burial benefits, or survivor benefits. “We Honor Veterans” is an initiative of the Veterans Administration and local hospices and other care providers to make sure that veterans receive sensitive and compassionate care and know about all their benefits. Come find out more when Mary Beth Kawalek of Brookhaven Hospice comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Want to sit back and enjoy some old-fashioned harmony?
May 6 at 12:30 p.m.
A melody you can sing along with? Hum, tap your toes to? The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will be bringing those tunes you know and love to Bemis Hall on Friday May 6 at 12:30. “Geezers” swingin’ on piano, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, sax, bass and drums will be there to entertain you. Come join the regulars singing along to When You’re Smilin’, put a smile on your face with Ain’t Misbehavin’, do the Charleston or the Lindy Hop if you’re up for it. Or just put your feet up and relax.

Lincoln Academy with Kathi Anderson—The Walden Woods Project: keeping Thoreau’s legacy alive in Lincoln and beyond
 May 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, May 9 at 12:30 to hear Kathi Anderson discuss “The Walden Woods Project: Keeping Thoreau’s Legacy Alive in Lincoln and Beyond.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging 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.

May 11 at 7 p.m.
Medicare 101: basics for those about to sign up and others
Learn the basics of Medicare on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. Come if you will be signing up soon or you just wish to understand your benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, medigap plans, Advantage plans, and medication drug coverage (Medicare, Parts A, B, C, and D), how to go about choosing the plan or plans that are best for you, timeframes for enrolling to avoid penalties and more. [Read more…] about Council on Aging events in May

Hundreds of Lincolnites flock to the fair

Dancing around the maypole in Pierce Park.

Dancing around the maypole in Pierce Park.

There was something for everyone at Saturday’s “40 Years of Community” fair, and Lincolnites of all ages flocked to Pierce Park on a bright and sunny spring day to connect and have fun.

Visitors enjoyed music from Colonial fifes and drums, a grand piano, guitars and an a capella group; hundreds of hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones and ice cream; bounce houses and fair games; an art exhibit; and tables showcasing dozens of Lincoln organizations where they could learn about everything from 19th-century rifles and toys to People for Pollinators, the Lincoln Diversity Committee, The Food Project and the Town Archives.

Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy, who helped out at the barbecue, estimated the attendance at well over 1,000. “It’s a great day for Lincoln. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

Here’s a gallery of images from the fair. For best results, view the pictures on a desktop computer. Click one of the images to see a larger version in the lightbox that pops out. Then you can:

  • Click on the “i” icon at the bottom of the image to see the caption at the upper right of your screen
  • Click the diagonal arrow button to see the maximum size image
  • Move between photos by moving your mouse cursor to the far left or right of your screen and clicking on the white arrow that appears.
  • To return to the Lincoln Squirrel, click the “x” in the upper right of your screen.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”42″ gal_title=”40 Years of Community”]

Photos by Alice Waugh

Fair celebrates 40 years of three town institutions

40 years fair logoLincoln is gearing up for the “40 Years of Community” Fair packed with activities, art, music and history on Saturday, April 30 to recognize four decades of the Council on Aging, Parks and Recreation and the Lincoln Review.

The fair will feature children’s games and activities including a live animal demonstration, games and activities, storytelling, crafts related to Lincoln’s architectural heritage, a photo booth with a frog cutout, reading by “grandparents,” a scavenger hunt, a trackless train, 18th-century games, a sewing project, carnival games, a sketching demonstration and chance to meet a canine author, an activity table, and seed bomb and pollinator habitat making.

Lincoln’s history will be front and center, with displays on Lincoln history and iconic Lincoln buildings and landscapes. The Lincoln Minute Men will demonstrate aspects of life in Lincoln in the 18th century. Local organizations will provide information and demonstrations on such important topics as energy efficiency, agriculture, heirloom plants, nature and pollination. They’ll also have valuable information about their activities, programs and services.

Lincoln and Lincoln-associated artists will show their best work in the Pierce House, which will also feature historic photos from the Town Archives. The exhibit in Pierce House will also be open on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 from noon to 3 p.m.

What’s a fair without food? The Lincoln Police Department will host a barbecue while the Minute Men will offer baked goods and cider for a small cost. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy a meal or a snack on the grass in the park.

While you’re enjoying all the activities, exhibits and art, you’ll be regaled by music by some of Lincoln’s many virtuoso musicians. Bands and performing groups will play outside on a stage while more musicians will play and sing classical and other musical genres inside the Pierce House. The Lincoln Minute Men musicians will also be on hand.

Among the groups participating are the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Drumlin Farm, First Parish, Food Project, Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Green Energy Committee, Historic New England, LEAP,  Lincoln Council on Aging and Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging, Lincoln Family Association, Lincoln Garden Club, Lincoln Historical Society, Lincoln Minute Men, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln PTO, Lincoln Review, Lincoln School Foundation, Magic Garden, METCO Coordinating Committee, Old Town Hall Exchange, People for Pollinators, and the Town Archives.

For more information about the fair, call Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 or Dan Pereira at Parks and Recreation at 781-259-0784. Local businesses interested in donating goods are also welcome to call Carolyn or Dan.

Lincoln Minute Men events for Patriots Day

minutemen2The Lincoln Minute Men invite residents to join in the following events around Patriots Day.

Saturday, April 9

The Capture of Paul Revere
2:45 p.m. — Minute Man National Historical Park Visitors Center (250 N. Great Road, Lincoln)
3 p.m. — Capture Site
March behind the Lincoln Minute Men (LMM) down Battle Road or join us at the capture site where Paul Revere’s ride ended here in Lincoln. See Revere, Samuel Prescott, William Dawes, Mary Hartwell and Major Mitchell tell the true story, despite poetic efforts by special guest Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  Music and musket fire. For all ages.

Tuesday, April 12

Lecture: “Lincoln’s Minute Men after April 19, 1775”
7:30 p.m., Bemis Hall (15 Bedford Rd., Lincoln)
Rick Wiggin, LMM historian and author of Embattled Farmers, will trace the journey of Lincoln men who fought at North Bridge, from the Siege of Boston through the Revolution to their lives in the new republic.

Saturday, April 16

Battle Road: Captain Smith, Parker’s Revenge, Tower Park
9:30 a.m. to noon — The LMM interpret the home of William Smith and his wife Catharine Louisa.
2 p.m. — Parker’s Revenge Battle, behind Visitors Center
4 p.m. — Battle of Tower Park (1200 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington).
The LMM inhabit the 1775 home of their first captain. Later, hundreds of British and Colonial soldiers recreate the running battle along the deadly stretch of road on the border of Lincoln and Lexington. Then both sides regroup to battle at Tower Park in Lexington.

Sunday, April 17

Lincoln Salute: Festival of 18th-Century Fife and Drum Music
2-3:30 p.m. — Pierce Park (17 Weston Rd., Lincoln)
The LMM host fife and drum groups from as far away as Michigan in a musical performance. Bring your picnic basket and lawn chairs for rousing entertainment.

Sunday, April 17

Alarm and Muster
7 p.m., library lawn opposite First Parish Church (3 Bedford Rd., Lincoln)
An ancient Revolutionary War veteran reminisces about those fateful early hours of April 19, 1775. Capt. William Smith rides down the hill to alarm the citizens of Lincoln. Bells ring, drums roll and the LMM fall in on the steps of the meeting house to receive their orders to defend Concord. Then march with the LMM to Pierce House for a firing demonstration.

Monday, April 18

Dawn tribute and march to the Concord parade
6:45 a.m., outside Bemis Hall (15 Bedford Rd., Lincoln)
9 a.m., Concord parade
The LMM salute the patriots buried in the Old Meeting House Cemetery as they emerge from the mists of the burial ground for roll call. Fifers play a lament and the muskets fire a volley. Then join the LMM on their walk to Concord (three miles) amid colonial music and musket fire. There will be bus transportation across Route 2 courtesy of Doherty’s Garage. All ages welcome.

Sunday, April 24

Old Burial Ground tribute
2:30 p.m. — Pierce House (17 Weston Rd., Lincoln)
March with the LMM and the Regulars from Pierce House to the Old Burial Ground on Lexington Road to honor the patriot dead and five British soldiers killed in Lincoln along the Battle Road. Hear Mary Hartwell tell her story of their burial. Ceremonies include music and musket salutes by both sides. A reception follows at Pierce House at 4 p.m. courtesy of the Lincoln Historical Society.

For a full description of events in Lincoln and surrounding towns, see www.battleroad.org or  www.lincolnminutemen.org.

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Kids and staff enjoying Farrington Nature Linc.

Kids and staff enjoying Farrington Nature Linc.

Learn about Farrington Nature Linc

This year in Lincoln, nearly 2,000 city children experienced the peace and freedom of nature with the Nature Linc project at Farrington’s 75 acres just off Route 2 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, April 17, 2015). Nature Linc provides a connection to the natural world for children who otherwise might never have a chance to go sledding, run barefoot through the grass, or walk quietly where they can see nothing man-made. Come learn more about this venture in our own backyard on Monday, March 7 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall for the COA Lincoln Academy program about Farrington Nature Linc. Trustee Susan Taylor, Executive Director Wendy Matusovich, and Program Director Brianne Studer will share stories and slides of the past, present and future plans for Farrington, its vision, mission and strategies.

Revolutionary War reenactors at Muster Day March 19
Revolutionary War reenactors at a previous muster.

Revolutionary War reenactors at a previous muster.

On Muster Day—Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—dozens of volunteer colonial and British reenactors from New England will fall in for inspection at Minute Man National Historical Park‘s visitor center (250 North Great Rd.). The National Park Service has invited reenactment groups to the park for an inspection of arms and accouterments to facilitate Patriots Weekend events in April. At Muster Day, guests can meet and talk with reenactors as well as take photos and record video. Commemorating the actions of the “embattled farmers” who risked their lives and livelihoods is what the Patriot’s Day celebration is all about.

Companies of colonial minutemen and British regiments, with many volunteers traveling a great distance, will participate. Last year, approximately 7,000 spectators attended the event. For the Battle Road event, dozens of British and colonial reenactors will stage a running battle demonstration along a half-mile of the original Battle Road that has been restored by the National Park Service. For more information, call 978-318-7833 or email phil_lupsiewicz@nps.gov.

A pillar of the community (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Before Friday’s snowstorm, cows and geese relax in the field on Old Sudbury Road with the storied Pillar House in the background. Editor’s note: the house was built in Newton as a private residence in 1828 and later became the Pillar House restaurant from 1951-2001. After the restaurant closed, Chris Brown and his family won the rights to the Pillar House in 2003 after the state seized the property at the junction of Rtes. 128 and 16 by eminent domain and sold it for $1 on the condition that it be dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. It’s now a private residence once again for Brown and his family. See Boston.com’s photo gallery about the building’s move and its earlier history. (Photo: Harold McAleer)

November activities at the Council on Aging

bemisLincoln Academy with Avram Kalisky—From the desert (Israel) to the midnight sun (Scandinavia)
November 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 2 at 12:30 to hear Avram Kalisky discuss “From the Desert (Israel) to the Midnight Sun (Scandinavia).” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging 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.

Minuteman High School building conversation
November 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Join the Minuteman High School Building Committee on November 3 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall to get an update on plans to build a new Minuteman High School. The project, with Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) support, is now in the schematic design phase. Building a new school was determined to be the least expensive alternative for local taxpayers and the option with the most educational benefits for students by Minuteman and the MSBA. The new building will be in Lincoln, next to the existing high school. Come with questions and concerns. [Read more…] about November activities at the Council on Aging

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Lincoln Family Association open meeting Wednesday evening

On Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. the Lincoln Family Association is hosting a wine and cheese social and open meeting for parents, to kick off its 20th season. Enjoy some snacks and refreshments, find out about upcoming events, and offers your ideas and suggestions. The LFA is actively looking for a few good folks to help continue its annual and seasonal programming. Iif you know someone new to town with children, please invite them as well. Please RSVP to LFA President Erica Gonella at egonella@gmail.com for event address and so we can ensure that we have enough libations and snacks on hand.

The 1940 Gaskill House in Lincoln designed by John Quincy Adams.

The 1940 Gaskill House in Lincoln designed by John Quincy Adams.

Tour Lincoln houses on Saturday

Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and Docomomo-US have organized a tour of seven modern houses in five area towns, including two in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seven houses on the tour, designed between 1930 and 1960, include the 1940 Gaskill House (John Quincy Adams), and the 1942 Jacobs House (Walter Bogner), both of whom lived in Lincoln. Other towns included in the tour are Belmont, Concord, Carlisle and Weston, with houses by Edwin Goodell, Carl Koch, and Marvin Goody.

Participants will be greeted by volunteers at each home on this self-paced tour. Light refreshments will be available at the Concord Museum from 9:30- 11 a.m. Tickets are $85 for general public and $70 for members of FoMA/Lincoln, the Concord Museum, Docomomo, and students. To purchase, visit the Concord Museum website or call 978-369-9763.

Lincoln Country Day Preschool open houses scheduled

Lincoln Country Day Preschool (LCDP) is hosting two morning open houses and one evening open house for prospective students from 2.9 years of age in September 2016 through 5-6 years of age for our pre-K program. The morning open houses will be held on Friday, Oct. 16 and Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and our evening open house will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Parents and their children are invited to take a tour of our school, speak with our teachers, and play in our Threes, Fours and Pre-K classrooms. Please RSVP at 781-259-8607. If you cannot attend any of these open houses, feel free to call to schedule another time and day to meet. The preschool is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. LCDP is located in St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church (147 Concord Road in Lincoln) and welcomes families from Lincoln, Concord, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and other local towns.

October doings from the Council on Aging

bemisHere are the October activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging.

Hot jazz for a cool fall afternoon
October 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Whether you like your jazz hot or cool, you’ll love the Trad Jazz Sextet free concert on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This roving band of jazz-lovin’ retirees will have you on your feet dancing one minute, then reminiscing to favorites that will bring back sweet memories the next. Nothing is better for lifting your mood than music, so treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and uplifting old-timey tunes.

Wellness clinics for all ages
October 2 at 10 a.m.
All Lincoln residents are invited to meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods’ Community Building at 50 Wells Rd. on Friday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. [Read more…] about October doings from the Council on Aging

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First Parish seeks teachers

The Youth Programs Committee at the First Parish Church in Lincoln is looking to hire two teachers, one for the nursery class and one for the K/1 program. The commitment is four hours per Sunday on 15 Sundays per year from September 27 until the end of May 2016.

The ideal candidates are those who enjoy and relate well with young children, have the ability to motivate and lead, and a willingness to work closely with parents. Preference will be given to those with previous experience working with children in a classroom or volunteer setting. To learn more, please contact Kathy Kronin, Acting Director of Religious Eduction, at kathycronin@firstparishinlincoln.org.

Yoga class starts this week

“Gentle Kundalini Yoga” will be presented at Bemis Hall for a 10-week session class from Wednesday, Sept. 23 through November 25 from 9:30–10:45 a.m. The class is subsidized for seniors by the Council on Aging, but all ages are welcome and encouraged. If you are 60 or over, the cost is $100 for the series; for those under 60, the cost is $150. If you’d like to try it out, you may attend two classes at $10 per class to see whether it’s a good fit for you. All yoga supplies are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own mat, pillow, blanket, or anything else for your comfort. Please bring water to class. For more information or to sign up, please contact Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio at asanajai@verizon.net or 781-738-1920.

The Flint homestead.

The Flint homestead.

Horse show on Saturday

On Saturday, Sept. 26 starting at 8 a.m. at the Browning Field (Weston Road just north of Conant Road), share in Lincoln’s horsey history at the Lincoln Horse Show. Versions of this show, now primarily a low-key schooling event, have been taking place in Lincoln since the mid-1950s. The Old North Bridge Pony Club sponsors the most recent iteration and all money raised through entry fees goes to the maintenance of the town-owned ring.

This is a free, family-friendly, informal event that is perfect opportunity to enjoy a part of Lincoln’s unique history and perhaps introduce yourself and/or your child to the world of horses.

Tour the Flint homestead

The free tour on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 1-4 p.m. is a unique opportunity to view the interior of  this historic Lincoln house dating  back to the early 1700s. It has been in the Flint family for 11 generations and is filled with mementos of the town and the Flints. The homestead is on the National Register and is protected by a preservation restriction easement, the first agreement of its kind in Lincoln. The house is located on Lexington Road adjacent to Flints’ Field, across the road from the large white barn commonly referred to as Flint’s barn. There will be a special activity for kids as well. The tour is sponsored by the Lincoln Historical Society and the Lincoln Historical Commission.

Library news notes
  • Sunday hours to resume—Starting on October 18, the library will be open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
  • Delivery for home-bound residents—Books and other library materials can be delivered to Lincoln residents with temporary or chronic physical limitations. This is a service of the Friends of Lincoln Library (FOLL). For details, call the library at 781-259-8465, or Belinda Gingrich of FOLL at 781-577-7004.
  • “A Slice of Life with Ron Boisseau”—Join Lincoln resident Ron Boisseau on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 2-4 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room as he shares with you inspirational short pieces exploring love, politics, nature and more, including slices of his own life and those he has witnessed. Ron will entertain and inspire people of all ages as he brings his unique and insightful perspective to experiences we’ve all shared as well as those that are more unusual. Co-sponsored with the Lincoln Council on Aging.