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

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GearTicks teach robotics at Girl Scout event

The GearTicks at WPI for the “Geek is Glam” event: Howie Tsang, Ben Morris, Prerna Karmacharya, Andreas Muzila, Erin Crisafi, Amelia Pillar, and Kevin Ji (click to enlarge).

By Prerna Karmacharya

The GearTicks, a local robotics team based in Lincoln, demonstrated their vacuum pump and helped the Girl Scouts build prosthetic hands and drive LEGO Segways at the Girl Scout “Geek is Glam” event on October 13 at WPI in Worcester.

At the event, the Lincoln GearTicks interacted with girls in grades 4–8, teaching them about how robotics is fun and getting them interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Prerna Karmacharya shows a 3D-printed prosthetic hand to a Girl Scout.

The GearTicks also take part in a competition called FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for middle and high school students, where they design, build, and program robots to compete in a challenge once a year. Teams all over the globe compete in this competition. FTC also encourages community outreach.

Last year for FTC, the GearTicks designed a vacuum pump as part of their design for their robot and built the pump from parts they made on their 3D printer. The team also spent lots of time perfecting the custom vacuum pump and enjoy sharing knowledge about it with others.

The GearTicks also 3D-printed prosthetic hands as part of the e-NABLE prosthetic hand project. Through building the hands, they are able to give back to the community using their knowledge, and share their skills with others.

The Girl Scouts came in four groups of about 100 kids in each group. Overall there were about 440 Girl Scouts there. Other exhibitors were iRobot and Bose, along with other groups including a few FRC teams.

Lincoln GearTicks team members Amelia Pillar, Erin Crisafi, Howie Tsang, and Andreas Muzila get ready for the Girl Scouts event. 

One of the Girl Scouts worked with GearTick members Prerna and Amelia to build the prosthetic hands. It turned out that this Girl Scout’s foster sister had a prosthetic hand that was also from e-NABLE.

“It overjoyed me to learn about someone who had benefited from these hands,” Prerna said.

The GearTicks hope that they can keep helping the community. They really enjoyed teaching the Girl Scouts about science and engineering, as well as getting them more interested in STEM. The team strives to use their STEM skills to help their local community.

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Climate change film at St. Anne’s

There will be a showing of the film “Burned: Are Trees the New Coal?” at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, Oct. 30 as part of the church’s ongoing series of films on climate justice. This film tells the little-known story of the accelerating destruction of forests for fuel, and probes the policy loopholes and subsidies of the burgeoning biomass power industry.

Halloween parade at Lincoln Woods

An image from last year’s Halloween parade.

All Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to the second annual Halloween parade at Lincoln Woods. Costumes encouraged but not required. Gather in the parking lot at 50 Wells Rd. beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31; the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. The parade is short and is accessible for most people, strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, ghouls and of course, brooms. Free parking for the event in the MBTA lot behind Donelan’s.

Fall Work Day in the Sculpture Park

The deCordova Sculpture Park is looking for volunteers to help beautify the park for fall visitors. Meet in front of deCordova store on Saturday, Nov. 3 anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. There will be water, snacks, and “I Dig deCordova” T-shirts to thank volunteers. Please RSVP via email to dduddy@decordova.org, and bring work gloves and some of your own tools if possible (rakes, pruners, spades, brooms). Children are welcome to help with parental supervision.

Water Dept. seeks assistant

The town’s Water Department is looking to hire a part-time (24 hours a week) administrative assistant. Responsibilities include processing accounts-payable invoices; water meter billing; water meter database management; and payroll, general clerical, and project-based work. The hourly rate range is $22.02–$27.89 based on experience. Click here for the full job description and application information, or email jobs@lincolntown.org by November 9.

Fuel and financial assistance available from town

If you need help paying your winter fuel bill, the Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help. The program provides a cash benefit, payable to an authorized fuel provider, for both home owners and renters with eligible incomes and heating costs. Recipients may be eligible for other benefits, such as weatherization services, heating system repairs, and discount utility rates. To apply for fuel assistance, residents of all ages should call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 to set up an appointment.

When Lincoln residents of any age have an unforeseen and extreme financial emergency that threatens their well-being, the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund and the Small Necessities Project may be able to help. The fund is supported entirely by the Ogden Codman Trust, the First Parish of Lincoln, and donations. For more information or to ask for assistance from the fund, call the COA at 781-259-8811.

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Halloween-themed events for kids

  • Dance in costume to children’s songs and Halloween favorites at two Halloween dance parties on Saturday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 31, both at 11 a.m. in the Lincoln Public Library. For ages 6 and under. No registration required.
  • Kids and car owners are invited to the Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Trunk or Treat in the Brooks parking lot on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 5–6 p.m. Decorate your trunk or back of your car and pass out candy or toys, or have fun games for the kids. Car owners may register at www.lincolnrec.com or in the PRD office. Kids don’t need to register—just show up in costume
  • Come enjoy a fun live-action game event, “Escape from the Creepy Crypt,” led by gamemaster Matt Donle from Wicked Fun Games in two sessions on Monday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For ages 10+. Registration required; email dleopold@minlib.netor call 781-259-8465 x4.

Wildflower Society expert to speak

New England Wildflower Society propagator and stock bed grower Dan Jaffe will give a talk titled “Weeds!” on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Sponsored by the Lincoln Garden Club.

“Cat’s Play” on the screen

The Lincoln Public Library Film Society will screen Cat’s Play (1974) on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a heartbreaking story of two unmarried sisters who cast wistful glances back at their lives while still believing in hope and love. In Hungarian with English subtitles. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.

Blues musicians play Bemis

Sax Gordon Beadle and Toni Lynn Washington

All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the second annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert (a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life) and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging. Washington has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Beadle has performed around the world and won numerous awards. The Duke Robillard rhythm section (Bruce Bears on keyboard, Jesse Williams on bass, and Mark Teixeira on drums) will play backup. For more information, call the Council on Aging at (781) 259-8811.

Program looks at Lincoln and World War I

The Lincoln Historical Society will present “Lincoln and the Armistice: A Centennial Celebration of the End of WWI” on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. This event, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, recalls the celebration held in Lincoln when the war ended 100 years ago. The program, which looks at Lincoln’s role in WWI and the impact that the war had on the town, will include biographical sketches of Lincoln’s World War I veterans, the awarding of service medals, and a discussion of life on the home front highlighting the role of Lincoln and New England women. There will also be a display of World War I artifacts, tastings of period foods, and renditions of patriotic songs from the period.

“Once Upon a Mattress” at L-S

The LSB Players, the theater performance company of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, will present Once Upon a Mattress, the musical based on The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Anderson, in the L-S Kirshner Auditorium on Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 14–17 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Carly Evans, music-directed by Michael Bunting, and conducted by Tom Grandprey. Tickets (15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens) may be reserved by e-mailing LSBtickets@gmail.com.

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Scarecrow Classic steps off this Sunday

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

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

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

Diaper drive headed by Lincoln residents seeks donations

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

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

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

College planning seminar at L-S

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

Tales of the Night at Drumlin

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

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

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

Amelia Earhart events at library

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

Seminar covers Hindu period in India history

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

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Fire station open house

The Lincoln Public Safety Dept. will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in observance of Fire Prevention Month. The day will include interactive demonstrations, a fire safety coloring contest, Smokey the Bear, and free pizza.

Free bike safety event for kids

Do you and your kids love to bike? Help keep your kids safe on the road! As part of her Gold Award project, Lincoln Girl Scout and Senior Ashley du Toit will be hosting a free two-hour bicycle safety event for the children of Lincoln on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 1-3 p.m. in Hartwell Pod B Activities include bike and helmet decoration, an educational course on safety, and a bike obstacle course. Be ready for a day of fun for all ages. Bring your bike and helmet. Questions? Email ashley1dutoit@gmail.com.

Outdoor painting, ceramics event at deCordova

Paint outdoors and celebrate love through ceramics in two events at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Bring your easel and supplies, pick a spot anywhere in the park, and enjoy creating art outdoors at the Paint Fest Plein Air Competition Sunday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Juried and People’s Choice prizes ($50–$250) will be awarded. Click here to sign up. At “The Sweetest Day” Date Night Clay Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5–7 p.m., come with your spouse, partner, or friend for a ceramic sculpture project for pairs. No ceramic experience necessary. Click here to sign up.

Battle Road committee offers updates

The Battle Road Scenic Byway Committee invites area residents to a meeting to update the public on the group’s recent activities and offer feedback. The event takes place on Monday, Oct. 15 from 6–8 p.m. at the Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor’s Center.

The state-designated Battle Road Byway stretches from the Arlington/Cambridge line through Arlington, Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln to the national park. It traces the route of Colonial and British soldiers during the American Revolution and highlights historical and cultural sites along the way. (There is an additional loop in Lincoln that traverses Bedford Road to Baker Bridge Road and back up Route 126 to Route 2A that loop highlights Lincoln’s special historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.) MassDOT’s District 4 has been an active participant.

Congress is expected to vote this fall on reinstating the Federal Program for Scenic Byways. If passed, the legislation could qualify the towns for federal money. At the October 15 meeting, the group will review what it’s done to date and invite ideas for future initiatives.

Buy coffee, support L-S Ultimate

Sudbury Coffee Works will donate 10 percent of its proceeds for the day to the Ultimate teams at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, where about 70 students play Ultimate. L-S students receive a 15 discount discount anytime they visit the store.

More from the Masonic Lodge

The October 8 News Acorn item about the October 20 open house to be hosted by Lincoln’s Joseph Warren-Soley Masonic Lodge neglected to include this photo from the group’s Lincoln charity night that included several Lincoln residents. The group raised $17,000 for the following organizations, most of which serve Lincoln: Gifts of Hope Unlimited, the Lincoln Fire Department’s SAFE Program, the Food Project, the Cotting School, Shriners Hospital for Children, the Lincoln Garden Club, the JWS Masonic Angel Fund, Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program, Greater Waltham ARC, the Lincoln School Foundation, the Wayland Public School Foundation, Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., Fischer House of Boston, Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Lincoln’s Parks & Recreation Department. (Click photo to enlarge)

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Public notices

  • The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. to consider the application by Lincoln Station LLC, 145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA for the transfer of an on-premises all alcoholic beverages restaurant license.
  • There will be a bank auction of the property at 129 Concord Rd. formerly owned by Richard D. Salwitz and Susan Fulmer Salwitz on Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Open house at Masonic Lodge

Members of Joseph Warren-Soley Masonic Lodge of Lincoln invite the public to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Residents can learn about Freemasonry, the numerous local charities they support, educational and leadership skills they impart, and the ability for qualified men to seek the best version of themselves. The lodge is in the old South School at 181 Lincoln Rd. On a recent Charity Night, the Lincoln group donated more than $17,000 to regional charities.

Train schedule change will happen Oct. 29

The adjustments to the commuter rail schedule  affecting Lincoln will take effect on October 29, not October 22 as originally announced. Click here for the October 1 News Acorn.

Parent-child ceramics at deCordova

Parents and children age 6-9 can create unique ceramic sculpture together in deCordova’s professional clay studio during “Family Clay Saturdays: Parent-Child Ceramic Series” on Saturdays, October 13 to November 3 from 10 a.m.–noon. Learn basic hand-building and glazing techniques as you work side by side to create a hanging mobile and a seasonal spirit house. Click here for more information and registration. Questions? Contact Julie Bernson at jbernson@decordova.org or 781-259-3649.

Concert, open house at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will present a “Live in Lincoln Center” concert on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.) with works by Corelli, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and de Boismortier performed by musicians from the Handel & Haydn Society. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $30.

The following day (Sunday, Oct. 21), the church will hold an open house coffee at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary’s Stearns Room (4 Bedford Rd.). following the 10 a.m. worship service. Everyone interested in learning more about First Parish in Lincoln is welcome to attend.

Author talk by Cai Emmons

The Lincoln Public Library will host a talk by Lincoln native Cai Emmons, author of the recently published novel Weather Woman, on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Tarbell Room. Emmons, who grew up in Lincoln, teaches in the University of Oregon’s Creative Writing Program and is the author of two earlier novels, His Mother’s Son and The Stylist. Copies of Weather Woman will be available for purchase and signing.

Talk on Codman Estate portraits

From high-end works by John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart to others by once-famous artists to humble family snapshots, the Codman Estate’s portrait collection extends over 200 years of changing styles. “Portraits and Personalities” on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. takes a fresh look at this collection, including rarely seen works of art. Hear the real stories of the people behind these pictures, both the subjects and the artists. $15 for Historic New England members, $20 for nonmembers. Registration required; call 617-994-6690 or click here.

Two new classes at L-S Adult Ed

Lincoln-Sudbury Adult Education has added two classes to its fall/winter offerings. Lisa Cukier, a partner with Burns and Levinson will host sessions on estate planning and probate administration in Massachusetts on two Wednesdays, Nov. 7 and 14, from 7–8:30 p.m. in Room B330. She will also discuss estate litigation, family disputes, and financial exploitation by caregivers relating to the assets of individuals with diminished mental capacity. “Les Petits Chefs” is a hands-on cooking class for seventh- and eighth-graders 0ffered by L-S faculty members Dot Samsi and M.J. Galano (the ability to speak French is not required). A mini-lesson on French culture will accompany each session. The class will he held on three Thursdays (Nov. 29, Dec. 13, and Jan. 24) in Room C124. Click here for more information and to register for classes.

Magic Garden to add infants’ room, second toddler room

Early next year, the Magic Garden Children’s Center will start accepting infants, add another toddler room, and expand into a second location—the “stone church” parish house rooms vacated by the Birches School.

There is a perennial waiting list for Magic Garden’s Rainbow Room, which offers the only full-day, full-year toddler program in Lincoln for children are ages 15 months to 2 years, nine months. The satellite facility on Bedford Road will add a second room for nine children in that age range as well as a room for seven infants up to 15 months old. The Rainbow Room will eventually shift to a more narrow age range and the new room will have the younger toddlers, with the exact distribution depending on the student census from year to year.

Two longtime teachers from the Hartwell facility—Michele Landurand, a pre-K teacher in the Starburst Room for 27 years, and Karen Puglielli, a teacher in the Moonbeam for 25 years—will move to the new facility, and each will be joined by a newly hired teacher aide. Both teachers are already certified to care for infants and toddlers.

“Magic Garden has a culture and an ambience, and we want to make sure that stays consistent across locations,” said Andrew Pang, president of the board of directors.

Karen Puglielli

Michele Landurand

The space will undergo renovations this fall, including replacing an existing exterior window with a new door to meet the code requirement for three exits (one of which is wide enough to roll out cribs during an emergency). There will also new appliances and cabinetry as well as sinks for hand-washing and snack-making. The renovations will be paid from grants and some of Magic Garden’s accumulated reserve funds. “The school is in strong financial shape,” Pang said.

“The First Parish classrooms are ideal for this purpose, filled with natural light from the large, south-facing windows and offering direct access to a new, age-appropriate outdoor play space,” said Lori Leo, Magic Garden’s director.

Magic Garden was established in 1982 by a group of Lincoln parents to fulfill a need for full-time early education and care in town. It’s licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and enrolls children from Lincoln, Wayland, Sudbury, Weston, Concord, Waltham, and other area towns.

“The board of directors and faculty are thrilled to extend the range of Magic Garden’s services to fill these longstanding gaps for local families,” Pang said. “This builds on our 36-year mission of providing high quality early education and care to support area parents.”

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20th anniversary event for Domestic Violence Roundtable

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will host a dinner and documentary play to mark its 20th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 18 starting at 6 p.m. at t the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 53 Cochituate Rd., Wayland The play, No More Secrets: Survivor Voices from The Second Step, will feature professional actors as well as actors from our local communities. Among the cast are Joyce Kulhawik, Aruna Pundit, Gail-Ann Simon, and Lynnet Sloa. Tickets for the evening are $25 and may be purchased online at the Roundtable website or by sending a check to Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, P.O. Box 543, Sudbury, MA 01776.

Last hazardous waste collections for 2018

The last two hazardous waste collection days in the area will take place on two Saturdays, October 13 and November 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hazardous waste collection facility at 60 Hartwell Ave. in Lexington. All residents must preregister with the Lincoln Board of Health by calling 781-259-2614. The next scheduled collection event will be in April 2019. No latex paint will be accepted.

Commuter rail schedules to change slightly

Effective Monday, Oct. 22, new commuter rail schedules will go into effect. On the Fitchburg line that passes through Lincoln, there are four peak-time trains whose stops are changing by more than five minutes:

  • #406 (inbound 6:45 a.m.) – departs Wachusett 5 minutes earlier at 6:40 a.m.
  • #410 (inbound 8:00 a.m.) – departs Wachusett 10 minutes later at 8:10 a.m.
  • #401 (outbound 6:25 a.m.) – departs North Station 10 minutes later at 6:35 a.m.
  • #419 (outbound 5:00 p.m.) – departs North Station 5 minutes later at 5:05 p.m.

The MBTA adjusts commuter rail schedules twice a year to meet changing passenger needs and reflect system upgrades. Schedules are posted at www.mbta.com.

Workshops at Farrington Nature Linc

Farrington Nature Linc in Lincoln is hosting a series of outdoor workshops in October and November. They will take place rain or shine. Minimum age is 6. Tickets are $30 for an adult-child pair, and $10 for an extra person of any age. Click here to buy tickets.

Primitive fire-making
Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.–noon
Starting with a lighter, you will learn the mechanics of modern fire making tools, and we will move back in time and learn about the bow brill, hand drill, and strap drill friction fire making methods. We will then explore hands-on cordage making (rope from plant fibers) learning the history, how to harvest and prepare fibers, and of course make your own. Perhaps the most important ancient skill.

From tree to table
Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m.–noon
What is there to eat in the woods? Every season and landscape offers unique and nutritious plants to eat and use as medicine. Go on a walk and learn about the most local, organic, and free plants in our area.

Shelter building
Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.–noon
It can get cold out there. Do you have the knowledge to keep yourself warm by using only materials found on the forest floor? We’ll learn about clothing selection, things to pack in your survival kit, and how to construct a debris shelter using no tools.

Intro to animal tracking and bird signs
Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1–4 p.m.
Go into the woods with Bob Metcalfe of New England Discovery to look for evidence of the animals around us. Tracking can be a very powerful way to learn about nature while seeing first-hand some of the many connections between animals and their environment.

News acorns

Lincoln Nursery School open house

Lincoln Nursery School (LNS), located inside the deCordova Sculpture Park, will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9–11 a.m. Children are welcome. LNS accepts children from 2 years 9 months through six years, including a pre-K/kindergarten classroom.

Presentation on Maria Callas

The Lincoln Public Library presents “Opera for Everyone: Maria Callas,” a multimedia presentation with Erika Reitshamer on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Reitshamer has lectured on opera for many years and was active in the formation of the Boston Lyric Opera Company more than 40 years ago. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Cabaret night at library

Mary Crowe (vocals) and Evelyn Harris (piano) will present an evening of cabaret music on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. They will perform cabaret songs by Poulenc, Britten, Bolcolm, and Weill, as well as contemporary cabaret songwriters Carole Hall, Harriet Goldberg, and Crowe. She and Harris perform as a duo and with the Lincoln Hill Trio at jazz clubs, arts centers, retirement communities and libraries throughout the Boston area. For more information and calendar of upcoming performances, visit www.marycrowesings.com. Free and open to all. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Hydrant flushing starts Oct. 15

The Lincoln Water Department will be flushing fire hydrants as part of its program to improve water quality. Flushing will begin on Monday, Oct. 15 from 1–6 p.m., Monday–Friday and will continue until completion. Check the Water Department web page or call at 781-259-8997 to see when your area will be affected.

If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes, allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. The water may also have a milky appearance due to tiny but harmless air bubbles that will dissipate. It may also have a more pronounced chlorine taste or odor that will dissipate when water is left to sit in an open container.

Eric Lee at next LOMA

Eric Lee

Eric Lee is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Oct. 15 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Lee will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. He plays various genres including folk, bluegrass, psych-rock, Celtic, and Americana.

LOMA is a monthly event. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

LSB Players announce 2018-19 season

The LSB Players at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will stage several plays this year and invite area residents to subscribe.

  • The season begins with the energetic, family-friendly musical Once Upon A Mattress, a goofy take on the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Performances are November 14–17 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The second main-stage offering, the annual theater-for-young audiences production, is Lion and Mouse Stories. This production will employ audience participation, lobby activities for young children, and a sensory-friendly performance at the Saturday matinee. Shows are January 18–20, with early evening shows at 6 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Two L-S seniors will direct winter one-acts: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fifth Period and The Insanity of Mary Girard. They will be performed ion February 1 at 7:30 p.m., and on February 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • The LSB Players will explore a sobering moment in U.S. history with Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory. This historical drama is a compelling examination of the American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science. Radium Girls will be performed on April 5–6 at 7:30 p.m., and April 6–7 at 2 p.m
  • The year will end with COLLAGE XXV, a collection of scenes, one-acts and original pieces selected and directed by students on June 7–8 at 7:30 p.m. (free admission for all).

Tickets for all shows are $8 for students and senior citizens, $15 for adults. Benefactors and season ticket holders receive advance notice and reservation opportunities before tickets are available to the general public. Season tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students and senior citizens. Benefactor tickets are $60. All season ticket holders and benefactors are named in each program of the year. (For the 2018-2019 season, they may use their tickets for only one of the two winter shows.) To​ ​become​ ​a​ ​subscriber,​ please fill out this form and send in payment.

Volunteers are instrumental in keeping the LSB Players vibrant and thriving. The group welcomes help with sets, lights, costumes, makeup, tickets, publicity and more. If interested, please email Carly Evans at carly_evans@lsrhs.net.