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

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Talk on Lincoln’s Black residents in the 1700s

Last spring, the Lincoln Historical Society began to explore Lincoln’s past as a town that included enslaved people with a talk by Elise Lemire (co-sponsored by the Bemis Free Lecture Series) on “Slavery in Lincoln, Massachusetts: Reckoning with Our Past, Planning for a More Honest and Inclusive Future” (click here to watch video). The LHS will dig deeper on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. with a talk on “Entangled Lives, Black and White: Lincoln and Its African American Residents in the 18th Century” by LHS board member Donald Hafner, a retired vice provost and professor of political science at Boston College. Click here for the Zoom link (meeting ID: 936 3276 0035, passcode: 177417).

The event is co-sponsored by the First Parish in Lincoln’s Racial Justice Journey, which began this fall with a focus on national, local, and church history and the ways in which that history has involved us in questions of race. The aim is to offer access to a variety of sources of information and perspectives that will let participants reconsider these questions together, in preparation for the next stages of the journey, focused on issues (winter) and action (spring). Every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. this fall, there will be Zoom meetings with talks, documentaries, book discussions, or movies. Field trips are also offered as part of the program. Everyone is invited. To learn more, contact Mary Helen Lorenz at mhelen808385@gmail.com.

Fall Fest this Saturday

The Parks and Recreation Department will host the first-ever Fall Fest at Pierce Park on Saturday, Oct. 30 from noon–3 p.m. The event will feature the popular Trunk-or-Treat along with activities such as caramel apple decorating, bounce house, hayrides, an apple pie contest, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. This event requires online registration and a $5 per person entry fee ($20 maximum per family).

Learn how to restore apple trees

Want to learn how to restore an apple tree? Or a whole orchard? Join the Lincoln Garden Club on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. for a presentation by Matt Kaminsky, aka “Gnarly Pippins.” Matt is an arborist, author, and expert in the production of cider. Click here to register in advance for this meeting; you will then receive a confirmation email with your Zoom link.

Enter work for the Lincoln Arts Show

Lincoln-affiliated artists and artisans of all ages are invited to submit their work for the Lincoln Arts Show from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 5–7 from noon–5 p.m. at the Pierce House. Show the town your two- and three-dimensional creations for display or sale. Click here to register (entry fees start at $10, though the fee is waived for students). Once you’ve registered, a form for the artist statement and labels will be sent to you. Entry forms, artist statements, and art labels must be received by Monday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Any late entries will be accepted on a space-available basis.

There is no commission; artists are responsible for collecting sales tax. All work must be ready to hang or present. Hanging/displaying times are Thursday, Nov. 4 from 4–6 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon. Take-down time is Sunday, Nov. 7 from 5–6 p.m. Artists or their designees will be responsible for hanging/displaying and removing their own works. Hanging materials and tools are provided. The opening reception is Friday, Nov. 5 from 5–7 p.m. Questions? Contact Sarah Chester at schester636@gmail.com.

Lincoln residents in area performances

John Lynch

Lincoln resident Sammy Andonian will be the featured artist in Massachusetts Peace Action’s Music for Peace series opening concert on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Harvard-Epworth Methodist Church (1555 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge) from 7:30–9 p.m. Limited tickets are available for in-person seating; the event will also be live streamed. Support a worthy cause while enjoying beautiful classical music for solo and accompanied violin.

Lincoln’s John Lynch will be on stage of Lovers and Other Strangers, a comedy of 1970s love lives in five one-act vignettes, on November 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m. and November 7 at 2 pm. at Theater III (250 Central St., West Acton). Vaccination and masks are required. For details, see theatre3.org or email lsminkoff@theatre3.org.

Public form on use of Lincoln ‘s conservation trails

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) and the Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) are hosting a virtual Trail Use Public Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 7–8:30 p.m. LLCT and LCC have begun a comprehensive review of the multiple uses of Lincoln trails and how best to manage them for the protection of open space and overall public benefit. Trail uses have changed over time, and we are seeking a current community understanding of the appropriate way to use and enjoy our open spaces and trails.

The forum will start with a brief slide show reviewing the goals of Lincoln’s 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan and a summary of previous and current trail uses, with the goal of developing a trail use vision that is appropriate for Lincoln today. After the presentation, attendees are encouraged to provide feedback and comments. Click here for the Zoom link (meeting ID 927 0523 1109, passcode: 971375). If you’re unable to attend the public forum, please submit any comments you’d like to share regarding the use of Lincoln’s trails to the Conservation Department (conservation@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2612) by November 30. 

State to conduct triennial special ed/civil rights review of schools

During the week of November 15, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Lincoln Public Schools. The PSM visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights will include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students. 

In addition to the onsite visit, parent/guardian outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from PSM will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, PSM will interview the chair(s) of the district’s Interim Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents/guardians and others may email PSM chair Erin VandeVeer at erin.vandeveer@mass.gov or call 781-338-3735 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chair will provide the district with a report with information about areas in which it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which it requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report here.

News acorns

Build Scarecrows at Stonegate to benefit PTO

Show fall spirit for your town and your school by build a scarecrow during the annual Scarecrows at Stonegate fundraiser. Bring a pillowcase for your scarecrow’s head, old clothing (pants with belt loops and long-sleeve shirts – teen to small adult sizes are best), and fun accessories (hats, masks, wigs, etc.) or old Halloween costumes. Stonegate Gardens provides hay, twine, stakes, additional craft supplies, and step-by-step instructions. Choose to display your scarecrow in Lincoln or take it home (display scarecrows will not be returned).Dates are as follows:

  • Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and 13 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 10 from noon–5 p.m.

Scarecrow-building takes place at Stonegate Gardens (33 South Great Rd.), and caretaker supervision is required at all times (no drop-offs). There is a $15 donation fee per scarecrow, which will be donated to the Lincoln School PTO. Social distancing and masks are required. For more information about how Stonegate is modifying this year’s event to prevent COVID spread and to sign up for a slot, please visit this SignUp Genius link.

Film on Mike Wallace at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Mike Wallace is Here” on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. The documentary offers an unflinching look at the legendary reporter, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in over 50 years on air, and his aggressive reporting style and showmanship that redefined what America came to expect from broadcasters. Unearthing decades of never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault, the film explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.

LSB Players start season with “The Addams Family”

The LSB Players at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School have announced their schedule of plays for 2021-2022 and invite residents to subscribe for season tickets. The shows will be:

“The Addams Family”
November 17–20 at 7:30 p.m. (Kirschner Auditorium)
Directed and choreographed by Carly Evans, music directed by Michael Bunting. This hilarious and irreverent musical tells the story of the Addams Family, a loving yet macabre family set in their ghoulish ways, as they face the prospect of their daughter/sister marrying someone far too normal for their taste.

8th Annual Winter One-Acts
February 4 at 7:30 p.m., February 5 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Rogers Theater)
Three L-S seniors will direct “That’s Not How I Remember It,” “As It Was,” and “I, Chorus.”

“Sense and Sensibility”
April 8 at 7:30 p.m., April 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 10 at 2 p.m.
Kate Hamill’s fast-paced adaptation of the Jane Austen novel takes on the gossipy society of late 18th-century England and examines the societal pressures that affect the lives of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

9th- and 10th-grade play (title TBA)
May 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.. (Rogers Black Box Theatre)

COLLAGE XXVI, a collection of scenes, one-acts and original pieces selected and directed by students
June 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. (Rogers Black Box Theatre)

Tickets for all 2021-2022 shows are $8 for students and senior citizens, and $15 for adults (Collage XXVI is free). Benefactors and season ticket holders receive advance notice before tickets are available to the general public so they can reserve for the evening of their choice. Season tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for students and senior citizens, while Benefactors’ tickets are $60. All Season Ticket holders and Benefactors are named in each program of the year. Click here to order.

News acorns

Film on slave trade

The First Parish Racial Justice Advocates will screen “Traces of the Trade: a Story from the Deep North” via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. The film is about a Rhode Island family that follows the route of the  triangle slave trade through Ghana, Cuba, and Rhode Island and see a family reacting to the past and the present. Click here for details and the Zoom link.

Two from Lincoln are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Amanda Pillar

Sonali Das

Lincoln residents Sonali Das and Amelia Pillar are among the seven Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School students who have been named semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Competition. The other honorees are Nicola Donlan, Madison Johnson, Spencer Reith, Joy Ren, and Jeffrey Zhang. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Free flu clinic on October 23

The town will offer a public flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the newly renovated Brooks School gymnasium for residents age 3 and up. High-dose vaccines will be available for those over age 65. To sign up:

  1. Click here to register for a time.
  2. Download and complete the Vaccination Consent Form (one per person) and bring it with you.
  3. Download the Vaccine Information Statement for your records.

Jeffrey Gibson exhibition opens at deCordova

Jeffrey Gibson, INFINITE INDIGENOUS QUEER LOVE, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, glass beads and artificial sinew inset into wood frame. Courtesy of the artist and Sikkema Jenkins and Co. Image: Jason Wyche (click to enlarge)

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announces the exhibition Jeffrey Gibson: INFINITE INDIGENOUS QUEER LOVE opening Friday, Oct. 15 and on view through March 12, 2022. The two outer terms suggest boundless spaces and generative, tender relationships, while the interior words convey markers of identity that Gibson disassembles and reconstructs through his artistic practice as a queer Choctaw-Cherokee man. The exhibition comprises a series of collages, an immersive display featuring three hanging fringe sculptures, and recent videos created with collaborators, musicians, and performers. It complements Gibson’s large-scale outdoor installation Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House (an homage to pre-Columbian architecture) on the sculpture park’s front lawn. A series of related programs will take place throughout the fall and spring; visit thetrustees.org/jeffreygibson for more information.

Flints and Hannan spread Lincoln’s farming bounty at dinner

Two farming concerns in Lincoln — one centuries old and one very new — recently collaborated on a farm-to-table event to raise awareness of local agriculture and the Flint Homestead Project.

About 65 guests were treated to food made from Hannan Agro Farms produce prepared by Lincolnite Brianno Doo and helpers (both Doo and Mohammed Hannan donated their time and effort). Codman Community Farms also helped by loaning a grill and chairs.

Tom Flint and Mohammed Hannan (left) address the guests at the Flint homestead dinner. (Photo by Ose Schwab)

Sponsors arrived early for private tastings, a half-hour tour of the Flint fields, and gift bags hand-sewn by Tom’s wife. After dinner, everyone enjoyed music and learned about Hannan’s journey from Bangladesh to Lincoln in a short film produced by Tom Flint, a filmmaker and the latest in a line of Flint owners dating back to the 1600s.

“The event went swimmingly, and it was a real tribute to Lincoln’s agricultural heritage,” Flint said.

Guests also learned about the Flint Homestead Project, which aims to preserve the 1709 Flint farmhouse and barn dating from the 1750s on the north side of Lexington Road (Matlock Farm, also owned by the Flint family, is on the south side of the road). On the day of  the dinner, organizers turned the barn into a pop-up museum displaying historic artifacts from the family and items borrowed from the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

The Flint family did some repair work on the buildings that was deemed critical by a 2014 conditions assessment, though the trust fund devoted to maintaining the property is almost exhausted and much more work remains. They’re also exploring other options including donating the homestead to a nonprofit or turning it into a museum, but the maintenance costs have been an obstacle, Flint said.

The family has connected with a preservation consultant to help Tom and his sisters Sarah and Susanna (all three inherited the homestead in 2013) to help formulate financial and repair strategies. She previously arranged a charrette with about a dozen people specializing in history preservation, fundraising, archeology and museum curation. The Flints had hoped to have an open house two years ago but weren’t able to, so “Saturday was the first opportunity to showcase the project and speak to a larger group of people,” Flint said.

What does it take to raise 500 pigs and 100 chickens?

By Gus Browne

It’s no surprise that Lincoln’s history as a European settlement began with farming on Thomas Flint’s land in the mid-1600s — land that the Flint family still owns and farms. Agriculture was the lifeblood of the community for 300 years.

How did farming families do it? Not easily. A sample day for Joseph Cotoni Sr., whose farm was on Mill Street where Oakdale Lane is now, began at 3 a.m. in the 1940s when he and son Joe Jr. (known best as the proprietor of Joey’s Auto Repair on Lincoln Road and then Concord Road) drove their truck around town collecting food scraps from the in-ground receptacles beside residents’ back doors as food for their 500 pigs and countless chickens.

The Cotoni Farm Homestead

This trip was followed by farmyard chores, feeding pigs and chickens, and cleaning out the mess that well-fed pigs and chickens make. Then it was time to shower and change clothes for Joe Sr. to drive a school bus route, and for Joe Jr. to walk up Mill Street to North Great Road (a/k/a Route 2A) to get on the school bus — a long walk because for years the school bus did not go down Mill Street.

After the school bus run, Joe Sr. would return to the farm for a day’s work until it was time to get back on the school bus to deliver students from the school to their homes. For Joe Jr., it was a school day like any other, ending with a bus trip back to the top of Mill Street and then a walk home. At this point, Joe Sr. and Jr. would change clothes again, and at 4 p.m., load the truck with crates of produce and baskets of tomatoes for a drive into Boston’s Haymarket, where they would sell it all to wholesalers – and pick up outdated produce to take back to Lincoln for the pigs and chickens.  The trip was even longer when they had to stop in Everett to pick up more crates and baskets to bring back to the farm.

After the trip home, there was dinner to eat (thanks to the wonderful cooking of Mrs. Santa Cotoni, whose first name appropriately meant “Saint”) and afterward for Joe Jr., homework for the next school day. And then to bed, to get up at 3 a.m.  and repeat the day all over.

Makes your day look a little better, doesn’t it… unless you’re a farmer, in which case I’ve  just described your day here.

Photos of Joe Cotoni Sr. and his parents who started farming here in 1901 can be found in Images of America: Lincoln, pp. 62-63, available from the Lincoln Historical Society.

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.

Did you know… Lincoln is home to a Century Farm?

By Sara Mattes

The letters from Gov Dukakis and Gov. Dever (click to enlarge).

To be honored as a Century Farm, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, and a family member must be living on the premises. For the Flint family and their Matlock Farm, these were easy qualifications to meet. The land was acquired by Thomas Flint in the 1640s and has been farmed by Flint family members continuously since the early 1700s. 

When the Flints received their Century Farm Award in 1990, Gov. Michael Dukakis wrote to express his “warmest congratulations.” As he said in his letter, “You and your forebears worked the good land of Massachusetts and you have personified the ideals of hard work, self-sufficiency, and dedication which we all hold so dear.”

The Flints’ farm had been honored earlier by Gov. Paul Dever in 1949, when Warren F. Flint was inducted into the Green Pasture Club in recognition of “production of pasture feed in order to conserve grain, reduce feed cost, and maintain the dairy industry.”

The Flints and Matlock Farm are no longer in the dairy business, but the family continues in other agricultural endeavors and continue to personify “the ingenuity and perseverance of successive generations of the family that has owned this Massachusetts farm for more than one hundred years.”

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.

Lincoln’s first inhabitants arrived millennia ago

(Editor’s note: the Wikipedia links in this article were added by the editor for explanatory purposes and were not provided by the author or the Lincoln Historical Society.)

By Sara Mattes

About 1,000 years ago, the inhabitants of what would become Lincoln were the Algonkin people. The paths created for trade between tribes, in some instances, became the routes of roads in use today. But contact with Europeans in the 17th century brought diseases that killed a significant portion these original inhabitants.

Algonkin tribal territories in 17th-century New England.

A settlement that survived in the Concord area, led by Squaw Sachem and sagamore Tahattawan, was known as Musketaquid, their name for the Concord-Sudbury River. (Sachems and sagamores were paramount chiefs among the Algonkins and other Native American tribes of the northeast.) In 1635, the Great and General Court granted a six-mile square tract at Musketaquid to English settlers, to be called Concord. The following year, Squaw Sachem, Tahattawan, and others consented to the sale of this land to the English settlers.

Some of the original Massachusetts tribe remained on the land, but by the end of King Philip’s War in 1678, the few remaining original habitants had been driven from their homes or had died from disease brought by the Europeans. By the time Lincoln was formed in 1754, all of its portion of Musketaquid was owned and settled by Europeans.

None of this tells of the conditions of the relationships between the First Peoples and the Europeans in Lincoln, and especially under what terms the sale of land was made. That is a topic for another day.

    *     *     *

This article is indebted to A Rich Harvest by Lincoln’s town historian, Jack MacLean. A Rich Harvest is available at the Lincoln Public Library and for purchase from the Lincoln Historical Society. For a more in-depth study, see The First People of the Northeast by Lincoln authors Esther K. Braun and David P. Braun, also available at the Lincoln Public Library.

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.

One of Lincoln’s historic house builders started with Sears Roebuck

By Craig Donaldson

Did you know… that one of Lincoln’s foremost builders started with house plans from a Sears Roebuck catalog?

Robert Douglass Donaldson was born in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, in 1870. He migrated to Boston in 1888. Like many immigrants, he came without formal schooling past the eighth grade, but with farming and building experience, family and community values, and motivation.

In the banner year of 1900, he married Charlotte Alcock, daughter of Irish immigrants, and became a U.S. citizen. In 1902, the couple acquired the house at 7 Old Lexington Rd., the original part of which was completed by the town in 1786 as the poorhouse. At the time, Lincoln was a farm town with a scattering of rural estates and summer homes, sufficiently close to Boston for farmers to take their produce to market and for Bostonians to escape via road or railroad for fresh air.

The Donaldsons quickly got busy raising a family (four boys and two girls), expanding a contracting business, farming, and engaging in civic activities. To his kids and grandkids as well as employees, R.D. Donaldson was well known as “the boss.” The well-kept secret was that his bride, Charlotte, was at least the co-boss, with her bookkeeping and communication skills. Other Nova Scotians from his home community migrated to Lincoln for work with Donaldson, including his brother James and the Langilles, Isaac and Claire.

R.D. Donaldson at the age of about 40 (ca. 1910).

Donaldson served as a Selectman from 1913-1939 and on the Board of Health and the Cemetery Commission. The Lincoln chestnut tree on Lincoln Common, included on the town seal, was salvaged by Donaldson after it succumbed to the chestnut blight. He milled and stored the boards, some of which now line the conference room at Town Office Building. By 1942, he was a leader of the Congregational Stone Church on Bedford Road when it merged with the Unitarian Church to form the consolidated First Parish, sealing the deal by handshake with Dr. Robert L. DeNormandie. The Donaldsons’ Glendale Dairy of Guernsey cows functioned until 1947 on land at 16 Weston Rd. acquired from John H. Pierce.

Donaldson constructed his first house in Lincoln in 1895 at 27 Tower Rd., using plans bought from the Sears Roebuck catalogue. His later projects included moving the Old Town Hall from its adopted site beside the Unitarian white church to its current location on Lincoln Road across from the Town Office Building. Because it was in use as a general store and post office, the Old Town Hall was kept open during its ride on rollers to the new site. The Center School (now the Town Office Building) was completed by Donaldson in 1908.

Scattered along the south side of Trapelo Road are many houses displaying Donaldson’s craft, including one that was cut off from a piece of a house on Weston Road and rolled across the field. More than 90 Lincoln buildings were constructed or altered by Donaldson, including the Farrington Memorial, the current Massachusetts Audubon headquarters, and the Storrow/Carroll School.

An image from a 1912 Sears Roebuck catalog of a complete home via mail order. This model resembles one of the R.D. Donaldson houses still standing in Lincoln. Sears sold this house — blueprints and all building materials delivered to the site — for $753.

R.D. Donaldson placed a distinctive mark on the town’s architecture. Rob Loud has described the style as “vernacular.” A unique feature of the style is a sleeping porch, examples of which are evident at 3 Pierce Hill, 1 Old Lexington Rd., and 27 Lexington Rd.

Robert and Charlotte’s kids also placed their mark on the town. Three of the four Donaldson boys played baseball in school and college and were members of the Lincoln Mohawks, coached at one time by Robert. All six offspring were put through college in pursuit of careers in business, law, medicine, hospital care, and resort hospitality. During the 1950s and ’60s, they all lived at one time or another in Lincoln Center’s “Fertile Valley” neighborhood with families totaling 11 grandchildren. The original Donaldson house in Lincoln is now occupied by one such grandson, with another grandson and three great-grandchildren still currently in town.

Robert Douglass Donaldson, builder of Lincoln, died in 1964.

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.

Smithsonian is streaming Hanscom student film on Ida B. Wells

“Ida B. Wells: The Princess of the Press” (click image to play video).

A short film made by two Hanscom Middle School students Sophie Hrad and Morgan Gibson will premiere nationally as part of a National History Day (NHD) online showcase.

“Ida B. Wells: The Princess of the Press” is one of 33 films produced by middle school and high school students that was competing in the 2021 NHD National Contest and selected by National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) staff. The films will be available to stream online via the Smithsonian Learning Lab through Wednesday, June 23.

NHD students whose films were selected for the showcase grappled with topics consistent with the mission of the museum. Their documentaries address topics of African American history, civil and human rights, and the experiences of historically underrepresented, marginalized, or subjugated peoples. These 10-minute films also reflect the 2021 NHD theme, “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.”

The Hanscom students will have a similar honor next week as the Massachusetts Historical Society will include their project as part of its Juneteenth recognition, according to their teacher, Jason Peledge.

Sophie and Morgan’s documentary highlights Ida B. Wells, her dual fight against racism and sexism, and how she never stopped fighting for what she believed in and giving a voice to the voiceless. Through the power of the press, she shed light on the inhumane treatment of Black Americans during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Knowing the power of her communication, Wells advocated for women’s suffrage, racial justice, and much more, which has paved the way for people of color in the field of investigative journalism. Click here to watch their video.

The films would normally be shown in person in the NMAAHC’s Oprah Winfrey Theater but are being screened online due to the pandemic. “Despite the ongoing public health emergency, the virtual nature of this showcase allows us to leverage modern technology to share student work that addresses important movements and advancements in communications history,” said NHD Executive Director Cathy Gorn. “These students have recognized, researched, and refined powerful stories of communication breakthroughs and pioneers of the past. We are so grateful to our partners at the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC and the Smithsonian Learning Lab for making this showcase accessible to millions of people around the world.”

Civic Action Project

Peledge also teaches the seven-week Civic Action Project at Hanscom Middle School, part of the curriculum for all Massachusetts public school eight-graders. Students begin by identifying an issue of importance to them, and in groups based on shared interests, they research the history of the issue and how people have tried to solve it before, as well as identifying the community influencers and decision-makers. They conduct interviews with community experts and create a step-by-step action plans involving the community or legislators to try to resolve their issue.

Peledge’s students chose public awareness campaigns as their action plan. One group created a reusable bag infographic (see below), while another worked on this article about opposition to products are tested on animals.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”149″ gal_title=”Animal testing infographic”]

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Juneteenth films and online exhibit

In honor of Juneteenth and its history, the Lincoln Public Library is offering two films and an online special display about the new state and federal holiday. Online Special Displays will be an ongoing project to highlight the library’s collection and various websites that patrons may find informative, as well as and streaming video available through its Kanopy subscription.

Friday, June 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Into the Fire, 1861-1896 — an episode of the PBS series The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (2013) featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Learn more and view the trailer on Kanopy here. Register for the film screening on Zoom here. Please contact Kate at ktranquada@minlib.net with any questions.

Saturday, June 19 at 12:00 p.m.
Miss Juneteenth (2020). Learn more and view the trailer on Kanopy here. Register for the film screening on Zoom here. Please contact Robin at rrapoport@minlib.net with any questions.

Riverfest 2021 activities this weekend 

Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers (SuAsCo) is offering free guided group activities on and along portions of the three rivers on June 19 and June 20 during the 22nd annual Riverfest celebration. Activities will include cycling, paddling, nature and history walks, and many children’s activities including fishing lessons, a Snakes of the World presentation, and an exhibit on reptiles that live along river banks.

One guided boating group will depart from the canoe landing parking lot on Route 117 in Lincoln, and others will launch from sites in neighboring towns. Multiple community activities will be held at the historic Old Manse in Concord. See a complete list of this weekend’s events. For more information about the Wild and Scenic Rivers and River Stewardship Council, click here.

Summer concerts at Codman Pool

The following free summer concerts will take place on three Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Codman Pool, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department. Click here for details. Concerts will be cancelled or rescheduled for rain; check LincolnRec.com for updates.

  • July 14 — Kat Chapman Trio
  • July 21 — Knock on Wood
  • July 28 — Marc Berger

Summer concerts at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has announced a new outdoor Summer Performance Series that explores different traditions, histories, and arts that inspires social justice.

Performances will take place on the lawn at deCordova at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 fo adults and $15 for children; click here to purchase. Please bring a picnic blanket or chairs if desired. In case of rain, performances will be rescheduled for a Thursday in August. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Lincoln resident graduates from Cotting School

Zoe Clapp, daughter of Pamela Clapp of Lincoln and Andre Clapp of Somerville, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 5  as a member of the school’s 127th graduating class. Zoe received the the school’s Award for Improved Adaptability, given to recognize a graduate who has shown an increased willingness to try new things, no matter how challenging they may be. The Cotting School enables students with special needs to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence.