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

kids

GearTicks robotics team recognized for community outreach

The GearTicks team with their robot. Back row, left to right: Oliver Chu, Ethan Chu , Will Mendelson, Henry Hussey, Maeve Hussey, Camille Gammack. Front row, left to right: Miles Wang, Aaron Ortiz, Ela Koro, and Ira McLure (click to enlarge).

The GearTicks, a Lincoln-based student robotics team, competed in March at the Massachusetts FTC Robotics State Championship in Boston and were runners-up for the Motivate Award for their strong outreach efforts, including volunteering at the Perkins School for the Blind and in various community events in Lincoln. 

The GearTicks take part in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition for students in grades 7-12, where teams around the world design, build, and program robots to complete a challenge each year. At competitions, 18-by-18-inch robots are pitted against each other in two-on-two matches, where teams compete to have their robot score points in a variety of ways. The robot must be fully autonomous for the first 30 seconds of the match, while the final two minutes are driver-controlled.

This year’s challenge, “Into the Deep,” features rectangular blocks, or “samples,” which robots are tasked with picking up. These samples can be scored by dropping them into four-foot-high baskets. Alternatively, they can be delivered to the human drive team, who can modify the sample so that it can be hung on a bar. The most exciting part of the game comes in the final seconds, or “Endgame,” when robots can attempt to hoist themselves up a series of two bars and hang at the top, a full three feet off the ground. 

The GearTicks’ robot after a completed “Ascent,” where it climbed up two rungs to hang over three feet off the ground. 

At the state championship, the GearTicks showed off their custom-made robot in signature blue colors. They most notably created an arm that could extend out 48 inches and rotate 100 degrees. Blocks were picked up with a silicone-molded intake and could be dropped off with the same mechanism. An innovative part of the GearTicks’ design was a NeoPixel LED panel that they coded to display custom images to provide information for drivers. In addition, the GearTicks were one of the few teams who were able to find a solution to the difficult task of hanging the robot from the highest bar.

Much of the FTC Robotics competition is centered around judging — teams are evaluated based on their robot, design process, programming, and community outreach — and the GearTicks took second place in the last category.

The event capped off a strong season, where the GearTicks were able to advance to the state level after winning their initial qualifying competition, achieving the Inspire Award (the top award) out of a field of 22 teams. With their season now over, the GearTicks are running outreach events and preparing ahead of next season. 

If you or your child is interested in joining the FTC program as a coach or team member, contact us at hello@gearticks.com. If your child is too young to join FTC, there are also LEGO-based FIRST Robotics programs for elementary- and middle school-aged students, FIRST Lego League/FLL (grades 4-8), or FLL Explore (grades 2-4). To learn more, come visit to the FIRST Robotics Open House at the Lincoln School on May 27.

News acorns

July 4 events in Lincoln

Firecracker Run
8:30 a.m.
Check in at Town Hall from 7:45–8:15 a.m. Click here to register.

Children’s Bike Parade
10 a.m., Upland Road
Decorate your bike or scooter in patriotic fashion and meet at 9:45 a.m. on Upland Road
for a parade that goes to the library and back.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
10:30 a.m., Town Hall

Parade
10:40 a.m., leaving from Ballfield Road, past Town Hall and back
To enter a float in the parade, click here to download a form and email it to Jessica Downing at jdowning@lincnet.org

Cookout & EV Car Show
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Come by the Pierce House tent and purchase a hot dog, hamburger or cheeseburger! Hosted by the Lincoln Boy Scouts. The Pierce House grounds will also host an electric vehicle and landscaping tool show after the parade. Cars on view will include a Ford F150, Tesla Y, Nissan Leaf, VW ID4, Mustang Mach-E and more. Sponsored by C-FREE, a working group of the Town’s Green Energy Committee.

 Town-Wide Swim & Codman Pool 50th Anniversary Celebration
12–7 p.m., Codman Pool
The All Purpose Bakery and Café food truck will be on hand, and there will be live music from 2–5 p.m. from Antarctica, and an inflatable obstacle course from 2–6 p.m.

Summer concert series

Free concerts take place on Wednesdays at the Codman Pool from 6–8 p.m.

Meet town officials this summer

The Council on Aging and Human Services invites residents of all ages to have coffee and learn what’s going on around town, ask questions, and share your ideas with town officials in Bemis Hall on these dates:

  • Tim Higgins, Town Administrator — Thursday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
  • Jim Hutchinson, Select Board — Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Kim Bodnar, Select Board — Tuesday, August 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Call 781-259-8811 for more info. If you would prefer Zoom, email Amy Rettig at the COA&HS at rettiga@lincolntown.org.

Coming up at the library

Click on an event title for more information and registration.

Japanese Fish Kite Marking with Beehive Art
Tuesday, July 16 from 4–5 p.m., Tarbell Room

Science Heroes: Adventures of the Lost Treasure
Wednesday, July 17 from 11 a.m.–noon, Tarbell Room

Li Liu: Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics
Thursday, July 18 from 4–5 p.m., Tarbell Room

Film: “Mesrine: Killer Instinct” (2008, rated R)
Thursday, July 18 from 6–8 p.m., Tarbell Room

Craft & Chill (adults)
July 23 from 4­–5 p.m., Tarbell Room
Click here for series descriptions; click here to register for July 23 event

Whalemobile (kids in grades 1–6)
Wednesday, July 24, Tarbell Room
The Whalemobile team will take you inside the belly of Nile, a life-size inflatable whale, to explore the captivating world of these majestic creatures.

The Highwaymen: Songs and Stories with Matt York (all ages)
Friday, July 26 from 12:30–1:30 p.m., Tarbell Room
Click here for event flier.

2023 water quality report available 

In compliance with state law, Lincoln’s detailed 2023 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is now available for review here. The town’s drinking water met all state and federal water quality standards in 2023. For an emailed or hard copy, please contact the Water Department at bolanda@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2669.

School composting program brings together kids and volunteers

This spring, the Lincoln School launched a school-wide food composting program. The Lincoln School Foundation sponsored the pilot program, working with second-grade teacher Nicole McDonagh, Principal Sarah Collmer, and many others to create a greener future for the school and the town.

Diana Smith, Belinda Gingrich, and Emily Haslett were among the volunteers who helped launch the Lincoln School composting program.

Over a period of four weeks, volunteers in a total of 72 slots (two adults per lunch hour) went to work. After participating in an informational session and reviewing an instructional slide deck, they guided students as they dumped organic matter, trays, and other items into either compost or trash. Unopened, non-refrigerated food items that meet the official guidelines for food sharing are donated to the local food pantry. Students and staff move the compost binds to a holding location, where Black Earth Composting picks them up weekly.

The school will receive some composted soil that will be used in raised beds that the Lincoln Garden Club is funding. The club’s Diana Rice-Sheahan will be responsible for planting and maintaining the beds for two years, after which Lincoln Common Ground and other volunteer groups will continue.

Daniel Ravanales and Gordon Allen stand proudly with the schools compost containers.

The composting program also has the benefit of showing what students are consuming, which can inform menu choices and help minimize food waste and spending. Studies have shown that American school cafeterias waste more food (especially fruits and vegetables) than those in other developed countries.

One of the volunteers who helped with the program’s rollout was Select Board Chair Kim Bodnar. “The lessons it shares with students around environmental sustainability and waste reduction are important, and it’s something that brings the Lincoln School community together with the broader community.”

In addition to the LSF, Garden Club, and Select Board, members of the School Committee, PTO core team, METCO Coordinating Committee, First Parish Church, Friends of Modern Architecture, Friends of Lincoln Public Library, the Council on Aging & Human Services pitched in to make the composting program possible.

Lincoln Girl Scouts “cross the bridge” in ceremony

Lincoln Girl Scouts at the Bridging Ceremony in Bemis Hall (click  enlarge).

More than 30 Lincoln Girl Scouts stepped up to the next level of the organization at the Girl Scouts’ annual Bridging Ceremony at Bemis Hall on May 16.

Four different troops hit these bridging milestones. The girls from grades 3, 5, 10 and 12 spoke about their year of service, adventure, and camaraderie including helping local food pantries, running donation drives, delivering sand buckets, rock climbing, camping, and coding.

Two Lincoln-Sudbury High School seniors explained what they did to earn their Gold Awards, the organization’s highest honor. Courtney Mitchell created and implemented hands-on curriculum about wetlands to add to the second-grade science program in the Lincoln Public Schools, while Lucy Dwyer created and implemented an age-appropriate awareness and education program surrounding menstruation and de-stigmatization of periods for fourth-grade students in the Lincoln and Hanscom Schools.

Lucy Dwyer and Courtney Mitchell receiving their Gold Awards.

Gold Award projects are individual service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours including research, coordination, and implementation on a topic that will make a positive and lasting impact on the girl scout’s community. Courtney and Lucy were recognized along with other Gold Award Recipients at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts headquarters on May 19. Two months earlier, Lucy also received the GESM’s Leading Women Award at the Boston Copley Marriott on March 20.

Anyone interested in starting a Girl Scout troop should reach out to Laura Taylor at lauranastos@yahoo.com or Diana Jong at diana.jong@gmail.com.

Library activities during April vacation

Rubber Biscuit Band sing-along fun
Tuesday, April 16 from 10:30–11:30 a.m., Tarbell Room
Come dance and sing-along with the Rubber Biscuit Band! Music for kids, but adults love it too. Luscious three-part harmonies played on miniature instruments with songs ranging from gospel to doo-wop and much more. All ages welcome. No registration necessary.

Pokémon trading day
Wednesday, April 17 from 4–5:30 p.m., Tarbell Room
Bring your Pokémon cards and meet up with other fans! We will provide snacks and a place to trade or just show off your cards – you get to have fun with other Pokemon fans! While we will not be running card games at this event, if you would like to play with other participants, please provide your own decks and play mats. For ages 7-13. Registration required; click here.

Help the animals with Dr. Rosie
Thursday, April 18 from 4–5 p.m., Tarbell Room
Do animals get earaches or sore throats? Who helps them if they can’t talk? Meet the author and illustrator of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals, an award-winning picture book informed by real-world veterinarians. The author and illustrator will tell the story behind the story of Dr. Rosie and engage kids in an interactive reading. After that, there’ll be a hands-on activity where kids (and their grownups) learn how to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a stuffed animal. Each participant will receive their own mini vet kit and diagnostic/treatment sheet to take home. This program is best for children ages 4-8. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Children should bring their own stuffed animals. Registration required; click here.

Professor Bugman’s Arthropod Petting Zoo
Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m.–noon, Tarbell Room
Get up close and personal with some of the biggest, creepiest, and friendliest insects you’ve ever seen! They might look scary, but these gentle giants are friendly, fun, and can teach us a lot about creatures very different from ourselves. This program is designed for children ages 4+ and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Click here for more information. Registration required; click here.

Friends and Family Card Game Afternoon
Saturday, April 20 from 1–4 .pm., Tarbell Room
Get together with friends and families of all ages for a card gaming afternoon at the library! All kinds of card games will be provided, from the standard 52-card deck to Uno and Phase 10. Ages 6+, no registration necessary.

Town Meeting and election information

Child care during Town Meeting

To ensure that Lincoln families are able to participate during Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, March 23, LEAP is providing child care that’s open to all families attending Town Meeting, even if they are not currently registered with LEAP. They will be open to kids age 4-12 starting at 8:30 a.m. for $40 per child (snack and pizza lunch included). Click here to sign up.

Magic Garden is also providing child care for children who are currently enrolled at Magic Garden. Drop-off starts at 9 a.m. and pick up is scheduled for 15 minutes after the completion of the community center vote. The cost is $25 per child, snacks included. Children must bring their own lunch.

In order for LEAP and Magic Garden to provide child care during Annual Town Meeting, both organizations need to schedule staff. The programs cannot run on March 23 if families do not sign up as soon as possible. 

Town Meeting logistics

Town Meeting Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden encourage residents to sign in early starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 to avoid a backup. The meeting will be called to order promptly at 9:30 a.m. — don’t be late. Discussion and voting on two major issues will occur early in the meeting (Article 3, the HCA zoning amendment, and Article 4, the community center.)

When the right moment arrives, we will break for about half hour for lunch. Only snacks will be available for sale; bring your own sandwich if you like.

Residents will receive the warrant booklet in the mail soon. It includes all the warrant articles as well as rules and procedures for the meeting. For more information and links, go to the Town Meeting home page.

Voting in the town election

This year, there are three ways to vote in the annual town election on Monday, March 25:

  • Early voting in person
  • Vote by mail — please complete this application form in the link below and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office
  • Vote in person on Election Day

Click here to see a sample ballot.

Early voting in person starts on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and will continue from Monday, March 18 to Thursday, March 21 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Donaldson Room at Town Hall. Early voting in person means you can show up on those days and vote your ballot there and then.

If you have requested a vote-by-mail ballot, you can return it to the drop box behind Town Hall, bring it to the Town Clerk’s office, or mail it in. Election Day voting takes place on Monday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Reed Gym on Ballfield Road.

If you are not already registered to vote, the last day to register in order to participate in the Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election is Wednesday, March 13. Click here to register online.

“My Turn” submissions to the Lincoln Squirrel

“My Turn” opinion pieces about any issue to be discussed at Town Meeting or the town election must be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. For quesrions and submissions, email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

Ms. G predicts an early spring on Groundhog Day

Ms. G gathers data for her long-range weather forecast on Groundhog Day at Drumlin Farm.

(Editor’s note: this is press release from Mass Audubon in Lincoln.)

Ms. G did not see her shadow on an overcast Groundhog Day morning (February 2) at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, which means everyone can look forward to an early spring. If the Official Groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had seen her shadow, we’d all be facing six more weeks of winter.

This is the fifth straight year that Ms. G did not see her shadow. Over the 16 years she has been making her prognostications, she is now even with eight predictions apiece of early springs and six more weeks of winter. Unlike in the past, this year she agreed with her Pennsylvania peer, Punxsutawney Phil.

The always anticipated seasonal gathering at Drumlin Farm again attracted an enthusiastic mix of attendees, from Ms. G fans including lots of families with kids to nature lovers and weather followers, the latter happy to consider woodchuck folklore as meteorologically valid for a day.

Mass Audubon Metro West Regional Director Scott McCue welcomed those participants and others to the Groundhog Day celebration, which also featured family-friendly groundhog crafts, opportunities to observe other resident wildlife, and exploring the 291-acre sanctuary’s trail network. McCue and Senior Teacher Naturalist Tia Pinney discussed how New England wildlife survives the winter and how the changing climate is impacting their habitats.

This year’s format was a bit different, with Ms. G’s meet-and-greet and prognostication taking place in the sanctuary’s Farm Life Center rather than outside. Ms. G is in the midst of hormone-related hair loss that is common among juvenile females, despite being completely healthy. Due to that hair loss, our Wildlife Care experts decided, out of an abundance of caution, to keep her indoors safe from the chilly winter weather.

Although Ms. G couldn’t go outside, she enlisted the help of approximately 30 kids in attendance who went out to look for their shadows but did not see any. They reported their findings to Ms. G, who then made a prediction of early spring. Ms. G is grateful for her helpers this year and is already looking forward to being back outside next Groundhog Day.

Winter Carnival 2024 schedule

Friday, Feb. 2–Sunday, Feb. 4

Open skate
Community Ice Rink, Pierce House (dawn to dusk)
Come skate with family and friends all weekend long!

Thursday, Feb. 1

“Josip Lluis Sert: A Nomadic Dream”
6:30–8:30 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
A documentary film about architect Josef Sert, who fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War and became the dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (1953- 1969). He designed many buildings in the Boston area, including Lincoln Woods in Lincoln.

Friday, Feb. 2

LPTO Bingo Night
5:30–7:30 p.m., Lincoln School Dining Commons
Prizes awarded for each winning bingo board. Awesome raffle prizes! Pizza sales start at 5:30 p.m., with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase. Free entry. Bingo cards are $5 for a 15-game multi-pack; raffle tickets are one for $1, six for $5, or 15 for $10 (suggested donation).

Saturday, Feb. 3

Pancake Breakfast
8–11 a.m., First Parish Stone Church
Start off Saturday of Winter Carnival with delicious pancakes and real maple syrup at the Lincoln Girl Scouts’ annual Pancake Breakfast. Plain, chocolate chip, and gluten-free pancakes with coffee, tea, orange juice, and fruit. Meet friends, catch up with neighbors, and enjoy crafts for kids. Girl Scout Cookies will be on sale. $5 for children under 12, $10 for everyone else ($30 family maximum).

Scavenger Hunt
10–11:30 a.m., Codman Community Farms
Where are the pigs hiding? How many cows can you count? Complete the list and receive complimentary hot chocolate! Breakfast sandwiches available for purchase. All ages welcome.

Cozy Story Time & Outdoor Play
10–11:30 a.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Please join us for a cozy outdoor story time and hot chocolate at deCordova followed by outdoor play at Lincoln Nursery School.

Winter Fairy Land
1–3 p.m., Mall at Lincoln Station
Step into Fairyland in your fairy finery. A dazzling enchanted forest has appeared at Lincoln Station, complete with fairy houses, ice sculptures, hot cocoa, and fun activities for all ages. For details, visit lincolnconservation.org and farringtonnaturelinc.org.

Winter Wildlife Walk
2:30–3:45 p.m., Mt. Misery
Join us on a guided hike around the trails of Mt. Misery as we look for tracks and other signs of life to understand how our local wildlife survives New England winters. We look for the presence of a variety of animals, including beaver activity, to learn how they spend stretches of winter under the ice. This family-friendly hike will be guided by the Lincoln Conservation Department. Click here to register.

Energy Blaster
Reed Gym
3–4 p.m. — ages under kindergarten
4–6 p.m. —kindergarten and above
Jump in a bounce house, run through an obstacle course, climb, and slide! The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out energy. A mini bounce house will be available for our youngest bouncers. Enjoy a craft project and some snacks on the sidelines! Free for LincFam members, $10/child (maximum $30 per family ) for nonmembers.

Valentines for Teachers
3–5 p.m., Reed Gym lobby
Create Valentine’s Day cards to celebrate and thank the teachers and staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Take your card with you or leave with us to deliver. New: Photo booth for picture to keep or to include in the card. Materials and hot drinks provided. $5 suggested donation to fund the Lincoln School Foundation.

Farmer’s Helpers
3:30–5 p.m., Drumlin Farm
Help our farmer take care of the animals! In this hands-on activity, you’ll get to meet and feed the animals their dinner, help keep the barns clean, and make sure everyone is tucked in for the night. Adult & child members: $14. Adult & child nonmembers: $17. Click here to register.

Family Night Hike & Owl Prowl
6:30–8 p.m., Drumlin Farm
Search for signs of owls as we enjoy a winter night hike through fields and forests. Start just outside the visitor center where you’ll look at samples of owl wings, skulls, talons, and feathers to learn how these animals are adapted to low-light conditions. We’ll talk about owl calls, behaviors, and habitat as we look and listen for our resident screech, barred, and great horned owls. Adult & child members: $17. Adult & child nonmembers: $21. Click here to register.

Acoustic Coffee House
7–10 p.m., Bemis Hall (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
This is the Parks and Recreation Department’s annual night to showcase local musicians and performers! We have a diverse roster of performers — some returning, some new — ready to play for you, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee/tea and desserts will be served. Tickets: $12 per person or $180 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at LincolnRec.com.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Yoga and Meditation
10–11:30 a.m., First Parish Stone Church
Come in out of the cold and learn some easy yoga stretches and poses as well as meditation techniques at First Parish in Lincoln’s Stone Church auditorium. Kids and adults welcome!

Family Life in Lincoln at the Time of the Revolution
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Bemis Hall
What was life like for parents and children in 18th century Lincoln? Come join the Lincoln Minute Men to talk about life in Lincoln of 1775, and try your own hand at the tasks, skills, and amusements of 18th-century life. There are hands-on activities for the entire family.

Reptiles in the Winter
1:15–1:45 p.m. OR 2–2:45 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Winter is cold in New England, but not everywhere. Learn how animals survive freezing temperatures, floods, and other winter challenges in different parts of the world. Who is active and outside? Who is sleeping or hiding? Joys of Nature will share information on how local animals and others around the world survive their winter seasons. Attendees will also meet live reptiles! We are offering two half-hour sessions for families with children ages 4+. For more information, email dleopold@minlib.net.

Cookies and Cookbooks
1–3 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Join Friends of the Lincoln Library for free hot apple cider, cookies, and the gently used cookbook sale. All proceeds will go towards supporting programs and services at the library.

Eighth-grader named as school’s Project 351 ambassador

Amirah Jeffrey

The Lincoln School is thrilled to announce the appointment of eighth-grader Amirah Jeffrey as its 2023 Ambassador for Project 351.

Amirah was selected by the teachers because she best exemplifies the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude, and demonstrates the skills of an aspiring leader and also exhibits a strong ethic of service, according to team leader Julie Reynolds.

“I’m excited about being able to meet other kids my age, and for having the opportunity to do something I’ve never done before,” said Amirah, adding the ambassador appointment came as a surprise. “I’m really looking forward to having a new experience.”

On January 14, Amirah met at Faneuil Hall with more than 425 ambassadors and alumni mentors for Project 351’s 13th annual Launch and Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Launch Day kicks off 12 months of leadership development through unifying service, alumni mentorship, and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy. 

Over their year’s term, ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize schools and communities in four statewide service campaigns: Spring Service benefiting Cradles and Crayons, Hope & Gratitude Walk benefiting nonprofits selected by Ambassadors; 9.11 Tribute Service with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund; and Fall Service, which seeks to eradicate hunger through support of hundreds of hometown food pantries. At the close of their service year, ambassadors are invited to continue to hone skills and lead communities as a member of the Alumni Organization.

Amirah, whose favorite subject is English language arts, said she plans to attend L-S for high school and then continue her learning at a university, though she has not yet decided on an undergraduate course of study. She enjoys reading and listening to R&B/soul, especially the superstar SZA. 

Project 351 is an independent nonprofit organization that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero and quiet leader from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. 

Updates on Winter Carnival

Due to the forecast for extreme cold this weekend, there are some changes to the Winter Carnival schedule for this weekend:

  • The MCC Winter Carnival Games on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m.–noon will take place in the Smith gym rather than outside Town Hall.
  • The Family Night Hike and Owl Prowl on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Drumlin Farm, the Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk on Saturday at 10 a.m., the Winter Family Nature Walk on Saturday at 2 p.m. have been canceled.

See the updated post headlined “Winter Carnival kicks off this Friday” for more information on activities.