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

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School Building Committee meeting rescheduled for March 12

Last week’s School Building Committee meeting that was cancelled due to weather has been rescheduled for Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room. The main focus of the meeting is to learn about the sustainability analysis performed by Bill Maclay Architects. Maclay will be on hand to talk about how “green” each of the project concepts is, and what it would take to make the Lincoln School a “net zero” building. If you can’t make it Monday, the meeting will be recorded and available on the web. Also, the same information will be presented at the community workshops sponsored by the School Building Committee and the Community Center Committee on Tuesday, March 13 at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Brooks gym (weather permitting).

Talk on Jerusalem and U.S. embassy

Lincoln resident Steve Low will speak on “Jerusalem, the Embassy, and the Future” at the Council on Aging on Monday, March 12 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. In his talk, he will discuss why Trump’s American embassy announcement was so controversial and what it might this mean for a two-state solution. A Q&A will follow.

Test-drive an electric car

Electric vehicles will be available for test driving on Wednesday, March 14 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Hartwell School lot. There will be a Nissan Leaf and a Chevy Bolt or Volt. Visitors may also sit in a Tesla S and a Prius Prime and speak with the owners. 

Poll worker training offered

The Town Clerk’s office will be offering a poll worker training on Friday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m. and on Monday, March 19 at 7p.m. If you are interested in becoming trained as a poll worker, please RSVP to brookss@lincolntown.org.

Two more L-S School Committee candidate sessions

L-S School Committee candidates Carole Kasper of Lincoln and Ellen Joachim of Sudbury (a write-in candidate), will make an additional appearance to meet Lincoln voters on Tuesday, March 20 from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room. The candidates had previously announced meet-and-greet appearances on March 9 and 14.

Woolapalooza coming to Drumlin Farm

Celebrate the coming of spring at Drumlin Farm annual Woolapalooza festival featuring fiber, food, and fun! On Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to meet new baby animals, shop local artisans, explore the sanctuary, and learn the history of wool and sheep. Festival highlights include:

  • Sheep-shearing demonstrations
  • Sheep herding with border collies
  • Sheep-to-Sweater Interpretive Trail: Learn how wool becomes yarn and make a craft to take home.
  • A hearty lunch made from Drumlin Farm’s own meat and potatoes for additional purchase.
  • Local artisans demonstrating and selling handmade products.

Tickets are $15 for Mass Audubon members and $17 for nonmembers (free for children under 2). No advance ticket purchase; walk-ins only. Parking is limited so allow extra time.

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PTO hosts candidate forum

The Lincoln School PTO will host a town election and candidate forum on Friday, March 2 in the Hartwell multipurpose room. The PTO will have a general business meeting at 8:15 a.m., and the candidate forum, including a question and answer session, will run from 8:30–9:30 a.m.

“Beauty and the Beast” with ballet

The Lincoln Public Library will host a reading of Beauty and the Beast geared to young children, accompanied by dancers from the Commonwealth Ballet Company acting out some of the parts in colorful costumes on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. Free and open to all ages.

Session looks at “green” features of school options

How “green” are the proposed Lincoln School project concepts? Find out at the School Building Committee (SBC) meeting on Wednesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room. Bill Maclay, founder of Maclay Architects, and Martine Dion, principal architect and director of sustainable design at SMMA, will present the results of Maclay Architects’ energy performance analysis of each of the five project concepts presented at the January 23 community workshops. The analysis includes options for differing levels of building envelope energy performance, mechanical systems optimization, construction cost estimates, energy modeling for both annual consumption and building enclosure-related energy usage, and 20-year capital and operating costs and cash flow estimates.

Eighth-grade parents’ night at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will host Eighth-grade Parents’ Night on Thursday, March 8 from 7–8:30 p.m. in the L-S auditorium. The agenda includes an overview of the ninth-grade curriculum and an outline of the scheduling process, followed by an opportunity to visit faculty members to ask questions about course selection and curriculum. Eighth-graders will have received the Program of Studies earlier that week. The snow date will be Tuesday, March 13 from  7–8:30 p.m.

Nature-themed events at Farrington Nature Linc

Farrington Nature Linc will host several nature-themed events for children and adults this spring. They take place at 295 Cambridge Turnpike in Lincoln unless otherwise indicated.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, March 3 — 4:30–6 p.m.
Have you ever seen or heard an owl in the woods? We’ll begin our “Owl Prowl” with an owl craft and a short discussion about owls. Then we’ll head outside for a guided walk around Farrington’s property, where we’ll we do some “owling” (learning about owl calls and keeping our eyes out for owls). When the sun sets, we’ll head inside for hot cocoa and a reading of the children’s book Owl Moon. $10 per person, $20 for a family of four; click here for tickets.

Galileo Star Party
Saturday, March 10 — 7–9:30 p.m.
Join Farrington Nature Linc for an evening performance by talented and professional actor Mike Francis as Galileo. His performance is perfect for all ages to learn about astronomy. Afterward, we’ll follow Mike Francis outside to our fire circle to enjoy s’mores. We’ll also set up and use telescopes to stargaze. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Free; click here to register.

Art on the Wing
Saturday, April 28 — 9:30 a.m.–noon
Join Farrington Nature Linc and Wingmasters for an interactive program with five live birds of prey. Each bird is displayed by the Wingmasters presenter for 10-15 minutes while the audience has the opportunity to draw and ask questions. The Wingmasters presenter will point out each bird’s characteristics, guiding the audience toward a fuller understanding of what defines a bird of prey. 9:30–10:30 a.m.: Children’s drawing time (parents/guardians may join). 11 a.m.–noon: adults’ drawing time. $10 for children, $15 for adults; click here for tickets.

Farrington Nature Linc will also host a talk and Q&A with Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, at the Kickstand Café at 594 Massachusetts Ave. in Arlington on Wednesday, April 18 from 7–10 p.m.  Attendees must be 21  or older, as there will be alcohol at the event.

Robotics teams gear up for the community

The Red GearTicks.

Robotics programs for kids aren’t just engineering any more—they also teach public service, as Lincoln’s GearTicks teams have contributed ideas and devices to help the community along with winning contests.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) sponsors four different programs. FIRST Lego League Jr. is for ages 6-9, while those age 9-14 can participate in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) international competition. There’s also the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) (age 12-18) and the FIRST Robotics Competition (ages 14-18). All programs emphasize teamwork in designing, programming and building robots intended to play a game, solve a problem or beat other robots in competition.

Two FLL teams from Lincoln—the Red and Blue GearTicks—made it to the state finals in this year’s FLL competition, where kids from 80 countries had to identify and research a problem in hydrodynamics (how we find, transport, use, or dispose of water) and then design, program and build a robot to tackle that problem.

“I think [the program] is brilliantly designed. Each year there are some parts of the robot game that are easy enough for newbies to complete, while there are also missions that are so difficult that MIT grads can’t solve them,” said Ann Hutchinson, a volunteer for the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) who organizes the event each year. The Red Team won the Runner-up Champions Award and the Second Place Project Award at states.

The Red GearTicks (grades 6–8) realized that making T-shirts for various PRD-sponsored activities such as camp, sports, and spelling bees uses a lot of water—about 2,700 liters per shirt. The team came up with the idea of designing different appliqués for each activity and then putting those appliqués on a single T-shirt customized for each participant. Shirts would be purposely sized up so kids could wear them for multiple years until they were damaged or outgrown.

The team approached PRD Director Dan Pereira, who thought this was a great way to reduce the department’s T-shirt consumption and educate people about the drawbacks of disposable fashion. “I was completely unaware of the amount of water needed to grow cotton, and I found the presentation from the kids very informative,” he said.

The students put their idea into practice for their own team T-shirts, designing an appliqué and applying them to their shirts that they will use again again next year.

The Blue GearTicks.

The Blue GearTicks (grade 5) identified toxic algae blooms as their problem of interest, noting that it has necessitated closures at White Pond in Concord and other area ponds. The students sought to inform the public about the problem and how awareness can help solve it. After speaking with the White Pond Advisory Board and town officials, they designed a brochure and a presentation board they used when describing the problem and their solution at the Lego competition.

“FLL is an amazing project-based learning experience where the kids have so much fun that they don’t even realize everything they’re learning. The coaches don’t have the answers, so the kids teach themselves. The competitions are as exciting as sporting events, and kids come back year after year to improve their performance,” Hutchinson said.

Helping a national park

The FTC GearTicks recently designed and installed specialized fencing to protect new apple orchards at Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP) from deer and other wildlife. The apple orchards—some planted by Lincoln Minute Men—have been damaged by goats and deer since their planting began in 2016.

The FTC GearTicks at Minute Man National Historical Park, along with some musket-bearing Lincoln Minute Men.

Brown had noticed that the new orchards at MMNHP were being nibbled by the deer and goat populations. She asked the GearTicks to design 3D printed parts to support a tree enclosure to protect the orchards from the deer population. The device needed to be be adjustable, inconspicuous, and able to level spring steel rings and force the rebar stakes into a vertical position.

Alex Payne, a GearTick eighth-grader, led the design process of the device, which originally consisted of three parts. After the first round of testing, he redesigned one of the parts to improve the installation process and make the device more attractive looking. After one more successful round of testing, the team spent 50 hours printing the parts on their 3D printer.

In November, a dozen GearTicks met Brown and six Lincoln Minute Men at MMNHP. Working together, they installed the enclosures on about 10 of the trees in the orchard, all of which held up very nicely. The next steps involved draping netting over the spring steel and seeing how the parts handle the winter cold and snow.

In Fall 2017, the FTC team dedicated significant time to mastering the technique of 3D printing, including designing custom parts, experimenting with different types of filament, and learning best practices for using the printers. 3D printing was not only instrumental in the success of their robot, but it also provided the opportunity for the team to use their skills to benefit their community—they worked with staff and students at the Perkins School for the Blind to print parts for prosthetic hands and help assembled them.

During the 2016-17 season, the FTC GearTicks designed and installed baffles in two of the donation boxes at MMNHP. These baffles, which were specially angled plastic pieces to prevent money from being taken from the boxes, proved to be effective and prompted Margie Coffin Brown, a landscape architect for the National Park Service, to contact the team with another challenge.

COA activities in February

Want to try out your singing voice outside the shower?
February 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 at Bemis for an hour of old-time jazz. There will be tunes to try out your singing voice in the comfortable company of other seniors as you join them in singalongs and there will be tunes to just listen to and tap your feet. Either way it will be a fun way to spend a lunch hour as the regulars will tell you.

Lincoln Academy with Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and REACH Advocates Jyoti John and Pat Cooper: Update on safety and security issues in our community
February 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Feb. 5 at 12:30 to hear Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and REACH Advocates Jyoti John and Pat Cooper discuss “An Update on Safety and Security Issues in Our Community.” Unfortunately, Lincoln is not immune to the problems of the world outside our borders, whether these be the opioid crisis, crime and scams, domestic violence and elder abuse, and more. Come hear our police chief discuss some of the issues facing our community and how the Lincoln Police Department is responding. We will also hear about a new project to combat elder abuse by REACH Beyond Domestic Violence from Elder Community Advocate Jyoti John and Project Coordinator Pat Cooper. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

[Read more…] about COA activities in February

Letter to the editor: support hurricane victims at student-run blood drive

To the editor:

Did you know that January is National Blood Donors Month? On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Lincoln School Student Council will be hosting their first-ever blood drive in Lincoln in the Reed Field House (Brooks gym).

Soon after hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico, the Student Council decided they wanted to do something to help all the people whose lives were affected by that tragic event. One student came up with the idea of hosting a blood drive. The other students liked the idea and contacted the Red Cross for more information. Sadly, it turned out that they could not actually send donated blood to Irma victims themselves, as blood had already been sent there immediately after the disaster.

However, the Student Council still liked the idea of hosting a blood drive. They learned that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood, and donors are always essential to restock the supply. They also learned that each blood donation can help three at least people in need. Currently, the blood supply is running low, due to many blood drives being canceled due to weather and donors are even more needed.

On the day of the blood drive, students will also be hosting a used book sale and bake sale. They still liked their idea of helping Puerto Rico in its recovery efforts, so all proceeds from the two sales will aid victims of the Puerto Rico hurricane. If you have any gently used books you don’t need any more, you can drop them off at the Lincoln School office anytime before the blood drive, or you can bring them in during the event.

To donate blood, we encourage you to sign up for a time slot, but walk-ins are also welcome. All donors will be rewarded with a $5 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card. To register online, go to www.redcrossblood.org and go to the “Find a blood drive” box. Type in “01773”, then select the “By distance” tab and click on “Brooks Middle School.”

The blood drive is a student-initiated and student-run activity. The whole Student Council is very passionate about this and are hoping for this to be a success. Please spread the word to all your family and friends—we would like to see as many people as possible at the blood drive. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Prerna Karmacharya and Quinn Harnden (Lincoln School eighth-graders)

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

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Library open late for studying

The Lincoln Public Library will be open until 10 p.m. on January 17, 18 and 22 for high school students studying for exams. Snacks and building monitors will be provided but no reference or circulation services.

Ms. G ushers in Groundhog Day activities at Drumlin

Ms. G

The Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is set to host its annual Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2. Watch Ms. G, the official state groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as she wakes from hibernation. If she sees her shadow, plan for six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early this year.

The live groundhog forecast starts at 10 a.m., followed by special winter activities. Hot cocoa will be provided. Drumlin Farm will be open on February 2 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This special event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and is free with paid admission ($9 for adults and teens, $6 for children 2–12 and seniors) and free for Mass Audubon members.

  • Learn the forecast for spring’s arrival from Drumlin Farm’s woodchuck weather expert
  • Visit with more resident wildlife and farm animals, learn about winter tracking, and explore the wildlife sanctuary’s trails
  • Make winter crafts to take home
  • Investigate our local climate with Don McCasland of Blue Hill Observatory Science Center
  • Purchase produce grown at Drumlin Farm
  • Learn about how climate change impacts hibernating species in New England

Special guests will include former WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels and the Wellesley students who joined Mass Audubon in submitting the bill to the Massachusetts legislature to declare Ms. G the official state groundhog. The bill was enacted into law and signed by then-Governor Deval Patrick on July 31, 2014.

Hendrickson works exhibited in Acton

A show at the Acton Memorial Library (486 Main St., Acton) will feature “Paintings of Color and Light” by Lincoln resident Ruth Ann Hendrickson Art Show through February 26. There will be an artist’s reception on Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 5–7:30 p.m.

LSB Players present “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

LSB Players, the theater production company of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, presents The Emperor’s New Clothes by Greg Atkins and directed by Carly Evans on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Kirshner Auditorium. The LSB Players are excited to offer TYA (theatre for young audiences) but audiences of all ages will enjoy the hilarious adaptation of this classic tale. There will be lobby activities for young children. The Saturday matinee will be a special sensory-friendly performance. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, and $5 for children age 5 and under and may be reserved by emailing lsbtickets@gmail.com. Please include your name, date and time of the show(s) you would like to attend, and number of adult, student/senior and child tickets you would like to order. You will receive a separate email confirmation once your order has been filled, and tickets will be held at the Will Call table.

Five days of events coming up for Lincoln Winter Carnival

Weekend-long activities

Online snow sculpture contest
Build your snow sculpture, then snap a photo with you in it and send it to smulroy@lincnet.org. Submit as many sculptures as you like! We will accept submissions until 5 p.m. on Sat, Jan 27, then post them online for voting. Winners will be chosen on Friday, Feb. 2.

Discover Drumlin Farm in winter
See our animals in their winter homes, look for wildlife tracks or other signs of animals in the snow, or check out our feeders at our Wildlife Blind. Drop-in naturalist programs take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free admission for Lincoln residents. Call 781-259-2200 for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Lincoln School Student Council: American Red Cross blood drive
1–6 p.m., Brooks Gym
If you’re healthy and eligible to donate blood, please come on out. Ages 17+ can donate blood, and 16-year-olds may donate with parental permission. Learn more and schedule to donate at: www.lincolnschoolbloodrive.org. Questions? Contact Advisors Jaime Moody (jmoody@lincnet.org) or Keith Johnson (kjohnson@lincnet.org).

Thursday, Jan. 25

FOMA movie night: Columbus, Indiana: Different by Design 
7–9 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Please join us for a film about the architectural odyssey of industrialist J. Irwin Miller of Cummins Engine Co., who re-imagined the architecture in Columbus, Ind. By offering to pay for talented engineers and designers from all over the world, he fostered an architectural environment that would have a positive effect on the lives of people. Peter Sugar, who designed the Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus in 1966, will introduce the film.

Friday, Jan. 26

Intergenerational sing-along
3:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
The LEAP After-School Program, the Council on Aging and Magic Garden Children’s Center invite residents of all ages to enjoy a free Multigenerational Sing-Along including performances from the organizations singing favorite folk songs, children songs, and more.

LPTO Family Bingo Night
5:30–7:30 p.m., Brooks Gym
Come celebrate Family Bingo Night with even more chances to win! Prizes awarded for each winning board as well as awesome raffle prizes. Pizza dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Free entry. Bingo cards are $5 (15-game multi-pack); raffle tickets are $1 for one, $5 for six, and $10 for 15.

Adult cooking class and dinner
7–9 p.m., Pierce House
Ring in the New Year in culinary style as we enjoy an evening of good food and festive flair. Learn the techniques to preparing a mouth-watering dinner with a renowned Boston chef. The evening will include a full meal. Details are available at www.piercehouse.com. Cost is $95 and the class is limited to 10 people.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Girl Scout pancake breakfast
8–11 a.m., Stone Church
Start the weekend off with pancakes with real maple syrup! Plain, blueberry, choc- chip, and gluten-free pancakes with maple syrup along with coffee, tea, OJ, and fruit. Enjoy face painting and crafts! Girl Scout Cookies will be sold. $5 under 12, $10 everyone else ($30 family max).

Snowshoe tours
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Enjoy nature and art in winter. Discover a fun and active way to explore the Sculpture Park. Tours are led by a museum guide and an EMS instructor. Click here to purchase tickets. Rent snowshoes or bring your own.

Magic Garden preschool fun
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Magic Garden Preschool
Come and visit with friends and neighbors at Magic Garden Children’s Center. Enjoy carnival games, arts and crafts activities and indoor “ice skating” in your socks! This event is suited for children ages 2-5.

Lincoln holistic wellness fair
Noon–3 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come learn about complementary medicine, including therapeutic touch, essential oils, energy work, reiki, quick energy balance, food as medicine, sound healing with crystal bowls, shamanic healing, gentle Hatha yoga , family yoga, Kundalini yoga, gong meditation and more! Contact Jai Kaur Annamaria at asanajai@verizon.net with questions.

Community skating and bonfire
1–3 p.m., Cemetery Pond (Lexington Road)
Enjoy skating, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire. Bring your own skates. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will be hosting a capture-the-flag event instead, so stay tuned to www.lincolnrec.com for updates.

LFA energy blaster
3–5 p.m., Brooks Gym
Jump in a bounce house, run through an obstacle course, climb, slide, and joust. The gym will be filled with ways to let out some energy. Free for LFA 2018 members; nonmembers are $10 per child. A new 2018 LFA membership on the spot includes admission. Renew now at www.lincfam.org to bypass the lines.

Lincoln Acoustic Coffeehouse
7–10 p.m., Bemis Hall
Our annual night to showcase local musicians and performers! We have over 12 acts—some returning, some new—ready to perform, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee and desserts will be served. Tickets are available online at www.lincolnrec.com. General Admission is $10. Table of 8 is $160. Doors open at 7 p.m. sharp,

Sunday, Jan. 28

Make you own snow globe
10:30–noon, deCordova Carriage House
Join Lincoln Nursery School in partnership with deCordova to craft your own Winter Wonderland Snow Globe. Choose from a variety of materials to create your own wintery scene. Appropriate for all ages.

Let the games begin!
12:45–1:45 p.m., Stone Church
An old-fashioned battery-free family event. Join us for an hour of games including from Candyland, charades, Jenga and Twister. There will be lots of prizes for all ages! Laughter guaranteed. Cocoa and community. Visit fplincoln.org for info.

Karen K & the Jitterbugs
2–3 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Known for their high-energy show packed with humor and amazingly catchy, well-crafted tunes, Karen K & the Jitterbugs has become one of the most buzzed about “kiddie” bands on the East Coast. Described as “power pop sheen that makes them fun for the whole family,” the Jitterbugs have quickly become a favorite among families. Drop in.

Historical Society event: “Lincoln’s Schools and Who was Joseph Brooks, Anyway?”
2 p.m., Bemis Hall
How did our school campus develop, and what schoolhouses came before it? From the 18th century to the Little Red School House to the Joseph Brooks School, learn how schools and education in Lincoln have changed. Then hear graduates tell tales from their school days.

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“Wildlands, Woodlands and Farmlands” talk

On Thursday, Jan. 18 from 7:30–9 p.m. in Bemis Hall, the Lincoln Agricultural Commission presents Brian Donahue of Wildlands and Woodlands speaking on “Wildlands, Woodlands, and Farmlands: A Vision for the Future of New England.” Donahue will lay out the current state of New England’s managed forests, wildlands, and farmland and show us what needs to happen in the way of coordinating smart industrial and community development, along with the commitment of private landowners to accelerate land conservation, to preserve these natural spaces.

Donahue, associate professor of American environmental studies at Brandeis University and environmental historian at Harvard Forest, is author of the prize-winning books Reclaiming the Commons: Community Farms and Forests in a New England Town and The Great Meadow: Farmers and the Land in Colonial Concord.

First Parish hosts series on domestic violence

The First Parish in Lincoln will host “Hidden in Plain Sight: Domestic Violence Awareness,” a series of three evening events designed to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. Among the speakers will be Lt. Sean Kennedy of the Lincoln Police Department. The program will be an opportunity to learn about local resources available to domestic violence survivors, as well as provide information for those who are interested in volunteering to help.

The classes will be held on January 23, February 21, and March 27 from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). Ministerial Intern Terry Cummings will lead the program. The meetings are free and open to all. To register, please email Terry at terry@fplincoln.org.

February vacation programs at Minuteman, deCordova

Minuteman Community Education is offering programs for students in grades 1-12 from Tuesday–Friday, Feb. 20–23. Programs include Artrageous Art, Aspiring Chefs, Beginner Baking, Creative Writing, Digital Photography, Drivers Education, Engineering Workshop, Games Galore, Graphic Design, Minuteman Sports, Work-It Circuits, and a new Pre-Apprentice Workshop for those interested in the highway and construction trades. Morning sessions run from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions run from noon–3 p.m.  Students can register for just one program or bring lunch and stay the full day. For more information, click here or call 781-861-7150. Minuteman also offers April vacation and summer programs.

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is offering drop-in program on February 21–23 from 1–3 p.m. for kids from 5-12. In the sessions are Inspired by artwork in Screens: Virtual Material and Cool Medium: Art, Television & Psychedelia, 1960-1980, kids can create unexpected electronic and analog art from television drawings to assemblages from computer parts to psychedelic stitched weavings. Free with admission or membership. Click here for details.

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“Snowman Mailbox” built by Team Webber (11 Minebrook Rd.) in February 2015.

Snow sculpture contest now underway

Given the vagaries of New England weather, the Parks and recreation Department has decided this year to widen the time window for the annual Lincoln Winter Festival snow sculpture contest. Resients can build a snow sculpture any time between now and late January. Once it’s finished, take a photo with a time/date stamp and email it to smulroy@lincnet.org. Email submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27. Parks and Rec will then post everything online for the community to vote on. Winners will be chosen on Friday, Feb. 2. Click here to see photos of the 2015 entries and the winners.

Personnel Board has an opening

The town’s Personnel Board is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy. Subject matter expertise isn’t necessary. Anyone who is interested in this position—or any other opportunity to serve on a town board of commission—should fill out and submit this volunteer form.

L-S Adult Ed offers bridge, yoga, tai chi, SAT prep

Lincoln-Sudbury Adult Education is offering a special six-week program in January and February to play and practice bridge with a teacher’s guidance. Bridge players of all abilities are welcome. Muggsie Rocco, a successful tournament player and bridge teacher, will give a brief mini-lesson or “bridge tip” each week, then stay while you play to answer questions as you go. Scoring will be Chicago style and all tables will play the same pre-arranged but randomly dealt hands. This is a great opportunity for newer players to gain some valuable practice under the guidance of a seasoned player/teacher. More experienced players are also invited to play in a friendly, no-pressure setting with new friends and old, ask questions, and gain knowledge of modern bridge techniques. To enroll, you should already know the fundamentals of bridge, as you will launch right into playing in week #1. Bring a partner if you have one; singles are welcome and will be paired up in class. Sessions take place in the L-S library from 7–9 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 18, and 25 and February 1, 8, and 15. March 1 will be a snow make-up date if necessary. The cost is $70.

L-S Adult Ed is also offering special winter classes in yoga, tai chi and SAT preparation. Register online for any of these classes or mail a check payable to “L-S Adult Ed” to LS Adult Ed, 390 Lincoln Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776.

Town offers well-being calls

The Council on Aging and the Public Safety Department offer “well-being” telephone calls to residents of all ages during storms and other emergencies. They will call you when storms cause extensive power outages and during extended spells of extreme cold and other similar situations. If they can’t reach you by phone, Public Safety will visit your home for a well-being check to make sure you’re all right. You may also specify when you would like to be called.

To sign up for this service, please call the COA at 781-259-8811 and give your name, address, and any phone numbers you would like them to call (a cell phone or family member, for example), as well as any other pertinent information you would like to share with them, such as special medical needs. You may ask to be taken off the list at any time.