The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

kids

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New kids’ singing groups at church

The First Parish in Lincoln is sponsoring two children’s singing ensembles open to all children in Lincoln and surrounding towns in grades K–5. There is no cost. The ensembles will begin rehearsals on Sunday, Oct. 1 at the First Parish in Lincoln. The two groups are:

  • Kid Sing (5–5:30 p.m.) — grades K–2 will focus on singing, movement, and musicianship.
  • Youth Choir (5:30–6:15 p.m.) — grades 3–5 will learn basic singing and choral skills, including singing in two-part harmony.

Rehearsals will take place roughly every other Sunday until June 2018. There is no cost to participate in either ensemble. For more information, contact Blake Siskavich at bsiskavich21@gmail.com or Sarah Bishop at srblincoln@hotmail.com.

Jazz band on Sunday

Classic Jazz at Lincoln Public Library presents Dave Whitney and His Big Band on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 2–5 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Free and open to all. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Learn about net zero buildings

“Net Zero Buildings in Lincoln: A Presentation and Conversation with Bill Maclay” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 7–9 p.m. in the Tarbell Room at the Lincoln Public Library. Before plans for the Lincoln School are finalized, come learn about how buildings in Lincoln can achieve net zero energy use to save energy and money, reduce environmental impacts, increase resilience, and improve the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants. Bill Maclay, founding principal of Maclay Architects of Waitsfield, VT, has been recognized as a leader in innovative, ecological planning and architectural design since 1971. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Green Energy Committee and Mothers Out Front. Anyone with questions may call Sheila Dennis at 413-834-2239.

Group to screen “The Gatekeepers”

The GRALTA Foundation will show the next film in its series, a 2013 Israeli documentary called The Gatekeepers, on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Nominated for an Academy Award (2013), The Gatekeepers tells the story of the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet, and offers insight into Israel’s management and control of the occupied Palestinian territories. No charge; light refreshments will be provided. Click here to watch the trailer.

Tour the new Hanscom Middle School

The School Building Committee (SBC) is scheduling a tour of the recently completed Hanscom Middle School on Friday, Oct. 13 from 12:30–2:30 p.m. The building was designed by the firm of EwingCole, part of a two-firm partnership hired to design a Lincoln School project. Anyone interested must provide his or her name (exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or ID) and birth date to Janice Gross (jgross@lincnet.org) by noon on Friday, Oct. 6 (attendees’ names must be on the approved list to pass through the Hanscom security gate.)

October movies at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen the following films in October:

  • October 2 — House of Games directed by David Mamet, starring Lindsey Crouse and Joe Mantegna (1 hr 42 min., rated R). A psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.
  • October 16—Nine Queens directed by Fabien Bielinsky, starring Ricardo Darin, Gaston Pauls (1 hr 54 min., rated R). Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the “nine queens”).
  • October 23—Read My Lips directed by Jacques Audiard, starring Vincent Cassel, Emmanuelle Devos (1 hr 55 min., rated R). She is almost deaf and she lip-reads; he is an ex-convict. She wants to help him, but he thinks no one can help except himself.
  • October 30—The Spanish Prisoner directed by David Mamet, starring Steve Martin, Ben Gazzara (1 hr 50 min., rated R). An employee of a corporation with a lucrative secret process is tempted to betray it. But there’s more to it than that.

All screenings begin at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Eleanor Buckland at next LOMA

Eleanor Buckland

Eleanor Buckland will be the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Oct. 16 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Buckland will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Buckland’s band Lula Wiles, which has played at venues such as the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, the Green River Music Festival and Club Passim, released a self-titled CD in 2016.

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.

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Garden Club party for prospective members

The Lincoln Garden Club is hosting a wine and hors d’oeuvre party for prospective members on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. To RSVP, call Susan Seeley (781-259-0841) or Ann Parke (781-259-0276) or email membership@lincolngardenclub.org. The club maintain an active yearly schedule of speakers, workshops, and field trips on a range of gardening and nature topics. Members contribute to the community by designing, planting and maintaining various public planters and garden sites, such as Station Park across from the mall. Members also create flower arrangements for the library, Council on Aging events and delivery to local shut-ins at various holidays. No level of skill or expertise is required, just an interest in gardening.

Minuteman offers after-school program for middle schoolers

Registration is open for Minuteman High School’s fall after-school program for area middle school students that starts on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Now in its second year, Minuteman’s Career Pathways After-school Program is an opportunity for students in grades 6–8 to choose from 19 project-based classes including “Build a Steam Powered Putt-Putt Boat,” “Create an Android App,” “Intro to Graphic Design, “The Celebrity Look” (cosmetology), The Importance of Plumbing” and “Basic Plant Science.” The sessions will be taught by Minuteman faculty at Minuteman High School in Lexington.

There will be two, four-day sessions running from 4:15–6:15 p.m. Session A will run October 3, 5, 10, and 12. Session B will run October 17, 19, 24, and 26. Students must register for the program and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to students from Minuteman’s member towns. Students from non-member communities including Lincoln will be accepted if space is available. Tuition for students from member communities is $100 per session, or $500 per session for those from non-member communities. Click here to see a complete list of course titles or to register for one or both sessions.

Scarecrow Classic steps off Oct. 15

The 5th annual Scarecrow Classic 5K Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, Oct. 15. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9:30 a.m. (start and finish are both at the Mall at Lincoln Station). Registration is $30 in advance or $35 on race day. The event supports the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, which helps manage over 2000 acres of land and nearly 80 miles of public trails as a regional recreational resource for the greater Boston area. Click here to register.

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Selectmen’s Sept. 25 meeting at deCordova

The Board of Selectmen will hold its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 25 in the new café at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.  The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and as always, it’s open to the public and will be taped for later broadcast. Items on the agenda will include:

  • An update from the deCordova
  • Roadways & Traffic Committee (RTC) recommendation on Old Winter Street
  • South Lincoln Planning & Implementation Committee (SLPIC) recommendations
  • A status update from the newly formed Housing Options Working Group (HOW)

At future meetings this fall, selectmen expect to:

  • Receive regular updates from the Community Center Planning & Preliminary Design Committee (PPDC) and the School Building Committee (SBC)
  • Form a group to understand the implication of the recreational marijuana law and study the town’s choices for implementation
  • Plan for the November 4 State of the Town Meeting, which will include reports form the PPDC and  SBC as well as previews of Town Meeting by-law proposals and citizens’ petitions

The board will also be scheduling twice-monthly listening sessions at different locations around Lincoln. These will be opportunities for residents to meet with a selectman to ask questions and share ideas. Dates and locations TBA.

Submit nature photos for LLCT calendar

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is looking for high-resolution nature photos from the trails and fields of Lincoln for consideration for use in its annual Open Spaces of Lincoln Calendar and note card series. Funds raised from the sale of the calendar help fund educational and conservation efforts of LLCT and the Rural Land Foundation. Photos may be submitted through Monday, Sept. 18. Email submissions to llct@lincolnconservation.org, or mail a CD or flash drive to Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (Attn: Calendar Photos), P.O. Box 10, Lincoln MA 01773 (mailed submissions will not be returned unless by special request.)

For a complete list of directions on style, format, usage and notification procedures, see the LLCT project guidelines. Photographers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate!.

Tret Fure at First Parish

Tret Fure

Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Tret Fure will perform on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the First Parish in Lincoln during the 10 a.m. worship in the Parish House (14 Bedford Road). The service is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. Fure has 15 albums to her credit and has won the South Florida Folk Festival Singer/Songwriter competition in two out of three categories, as well as the prestigious Jane Schliessman award for outstanding contributions to women’s music.

Codman Harvest Weekend coming up

Codman Community Farms’ annual Harvest Weekend kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. in the Codman barn with a farm feast catered by Blue Ribbon Barbecue with beer, wine and lemonade followed by a barn dance for all ages. Tickets ($40 for adults, $15 for children (12 and under) must be purchased in advance at the farm or online at www.codmanfarm.org. The CCF Harvest Fair takes place on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 1–4 p.m. with games for children and families, hay rides, a petting zoo and a rooster run. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (free for CCF members). For more information, call 781-259-0456 or email info@codmanfarm.org.

Apply to show your art in the library

Applications for 2018 shows in the Lincoln Public Library’s main art gallery are now available and will be accepted until September 30. Copies of the application and art exhibitor agreement form can be found here. Copies are also available at the Reference Desk.

Adult ed classes at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Adult Education’s fall program is underway, with new classes including Social Media Marketing, Make an iPhone App, Learn to Draw, Container Gardening, Men’s Pick-up Basketball, Zumba and Yoga. Click here to see the brochure and registration information.

Auction attracts dolls and dollars for Lincoln METCO group

A Marilyn Monroe doll poses for her eBay portrait in Joanna Schmergel’s home (click to enlarge).

An unusual but generous donation of vintage dolls will benefit enrichment and recreational programs for the Lincoln School’s Boston-based students via the Lincoln’s METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC).

The MCC organizes and funds academic and social activities outside of school for Boston and Lincoln students in grades K-8. Lincoln is one of 35 suburban school districts that participates in METCO, the voluntary Boston school desegregation program begun in 1966.

The windfall came about when Lincoln resident Seth Rosen was looking to donate his late mother’s large doll collection. His friend Joanna Schmergel—who volunteers in the MCC’s after-school kindergarten reading program that connects adult readers from Lincoln with pairs of students—offered to sell the dolls on eBay to raise money for the MCC. After researching each doll’s history and value, she posed them artfully in various spots in her house to photograph them.

Rosen’s mother collected the dolls over about 20 years. Most are from the Franklin Mint, although there are also some older antique dolls and random doll-related or doll-house-related items. “I bought her a doll once for her birthday, and that’s what caused her to have an interest in them,” he said. “She always loved her dollhouse as a little girl, so I think somehow this struck a nerve and she enjoyed it.”

The items are listed on Schmergel’s eBay store. As of September 9, 20 dolls had been sold for a total $998.91 and shipped to buyers in seven states as well as France, Poland and Great Britain, she reported. She hopes to clear $3,000 if the other 40 dolls still on the site are sold.

In addition to Rosen’s dolls, Schmergel is seeking donations of American Girl dolls in good condition for her eBay auction, because they have a a high resale value and are less costly to package than porcelain.

The MCC’s annual budget has grown from about $9,000 in 2014-15 to $13,000 in 2016-17, according to MCC liaison Pilar Doughty. This summer, the MCC collaborated with the METCO office, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Codman Trust to provide almost full scholarships to Lincoln Summer Day Camp for 29 Boston-based children. During the school year, the MCC also helps pay for bus transportation for METCO kids who want to participate in the Lincoln After-school Activities Program (LEAP).

In addition, the organization partnered last year with the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, Stonegate Gardens and the PTO to get kids involved in community activities such as fall bulb-planting in Lincoln’s pollinator meadow and a day of scarecrow-making in October.

The MCC’s biggest non-monetary need is volunteers to help run programs and chaperone events. “Without committed volunteers who can take a leadership role, we can’t continue to offer the diverse programs and social engagement opportunities that we were able to offer last year,” Doughty said.

Later this year, the MCC—which is now a registered nonprofit that can accept tax-deductible donations—hopes to hold a fund-raising event. And the dolls definitely help.

“Much as I would love to take credit for any of this, the reality is that it was 100% Joanna’s effort, ideas, and energy that caused this to happen,” Rosen said. “I was simply looking to part with these dolls, and she turned it into an awesome opportunity to do something helpful and kind for our extended community.”

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Community Cops ‘n Cones

Residents of all ages are invited to meet Lincoln’s police officers and enjoy free ice cream and games at Community Cops ‘n Cones on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Donelan’s and Premier Dry Cleaner. Sponsored by the Lincoln Police, Donelan’s, Lincoln Woods, and the Rural Land Foundation.

Summer music on tap

The Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring three more summer concerts, each beginning at 6 p.m. at the Codman Pool. For the first time, all four bands (including the Nays, who played on June 28) have direct ties to Lincoln. Admission is free. Pool use for non-members during the show is $5/person. Concerts may be rescheduled due to rain; check www.LincolnRec.com for the latest updates.

Wednesday, July 12 — Alter Ego
Talented, entertaining, and versatile, Alter Ego has been performing in the Boston metro area since 2005. They play a variety of music ranging from rock to country, including some originals, that appeal to all ages. They feature excellent vocals (six of seven band members sing) and strong musicianship.

Monday, July 17 — Parkville Zoo
Parkville Zoo plays original music that’s edgy, happy, philosophical, satirical and hopeful. Rich, three-part harmonies jump and swing from a structure of rhythmic wood and steel.

Wednesday, July 19 — Dadda
Not a Norwegian nanny or a German polka band, but four of Lincoln’s funkiest local boys playing the heck out of an eclectic mix of new and old rock classics.

Lincoln July 4 events on video

If you missed Lincoln’s parade or fireworks show on July 4, click here to see a video of the parade by Hal McAleer and click here to see the fireworks finale.

Library offers adult reading challenge, other activities

For grown-ups who don’t want to kids to have all the fun, the Lincoln Public Library has created its second annual summer reading challenge just for adults. Small prizes will be awarded, along with an invitation to a wine and cheese party on a September date to be announced. Participants have to read books in several categories including Pulitzer Prize winners, biographies of people you’ve never heard of, and books that take place in another country. Stop by the library to pick up your reading challenge form or click here to download the reading lists for children and adults.

Other selected events at the library this month (click here for more information in children’s programs or click here for featured adult events:

  • The Hampstead Players perform Beauty & the Beast for ages 4+ on Tuesday, July 11 from 4–5 p.m.
  • Flip Flop Hip Hop Dance Party for ages 6 and under on Wednesday, July 12 from 11–11:45 a.m.
  • Sing-along showing of the movie Grease for all ages on Wednesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 p.m.
  • “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” party for ages 8+ on Thursday, July 13 from 4–5:30 p.m.  (advance signup required; call 781-259-8465).
  • Nappy’s Puppets singalong for all ages on Thursday, July 20 from 11 a.m.–noon.
  • Caribbean concert by the Pan Loco Steel Band on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. on the front lawn (Tarbell Room in case of rain).
  • Zoo New England for all ages on Tuesday, July 25 from 11 a.m.–noon.
  • Family Bingo Night on Wednesday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
  • Beatles Hour with Berklee College of Music Professor Lauren Passerelli on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m.

 

Police, CRANE warn about Snapchat feature

Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix, Lincoln Police Lt. Sean Kennedy and Sudbury Lincoln CRANE wish to inform parents and guardians of a new feature on the Snapchat social networking tool that allows users, including children, to share their exact location with others on the mobile phone app.

The Snap Map feature is automatically included in the latest update of Snapchat, and it allows users to view the locations of their “friends” while they’re active on the app. The feature also includes the ability for users to share their photos and videos publicly, even if their profiles are otherwise private.

“The community should be aware of the potential dangers associated with this update to the Snapchat app,” Nix said. “The ability for other users to track a person’s exact location is a big concern for us, and we highly recommend that parents disable this feature on their children’s phones.”

The Snap Map’s tracking capability can be disabled by activating “Ghost Mode.” Here is how to enable “Ghost Mode” and disable pinpoint GPS tracking:

  • Pinch the screen on the main camera portion of the app
  • Once the map is activated, click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen
  • Press the slider next to the “Ghost Mode” label at the top of the menu
  • If left active, the Snap Map will pinpoint and display a user’s location whenever they are actively using the app, and will also display a person’s most recent known location.

“This new Snapchat feature is extremely concerning as it allows anyone, including strangers, to access an individual’s location,” Kennedy said. “Parents are strongly encouraged to deactivate this feature if their children use the social media app to ensure they aren’t putting them in any danger.”

“This recent update is obviously worrisome, as Snapchat is extremely popular among students and young people,” said Dan Pereira, president of Sudbury Lincoln CRANE and director of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. “We are encouraging parents and guardians to talk to their children about the importance of privacy and never sharing personal information with strangers, especially your location.”

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Fourth of July schedule set

Lincoln’s Fourth of July festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Firecracker Run (registration is from 7:45–8:15 a.m.) and continue with the children’s bike parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the main parade, the Boy Scout cookout, and town-wide swim at the Codman Pool. The evening concert, barbecue and fireworks start at 7 p.m. Click here for a detailed schedule.

12 Lincolnites to ride in PMC

On August 5 and 6, a dozen riders from Lincoln will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of raising $48 million for critical research and cancer care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event draws more than 6,200 cyclists from more than 40 states and eight countries who can choose from 12 routes of varying mileage that run through 46 towns. To learn more about riders’ teams and to donate, type the rider’s name into the “PMC Search” box on the PMC website. Lincoln’s participants are Don Alden, James Alden, Mark Deck, Jack Fultz, Keith Gilbert, Richard Glanz, Weston Howland, Carol Lu, Ed Morata, Julia Parrillo, Dan Pereira, and Tom Wilmot.

Connors receives lifetime achievement award from charity

Agnes Connors of Lincoln recently received the 2016 Top Individual Fundraising award and the Light the Night Walk Lifetime Achievement award from the Massachusetts chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LSS). For the past several years, she has been the top individual fundraiser for LSS’s Boston Light the Night Walk, and this year she raised $20,559.

Connors first became involved with LLS after being diagnosed with diffuse B cell lymphoma in 2003. After successfully being treated with chemotherapy, she began helping LLS by volunteering in its peer support program for patients and participating in the walk. Since then, she’s raised a total of $136,431 for Light the Night.

Lincoln group helps fund Hanscom field trips

Hanscom Middle School students break for a photo op in the MFA’s Egypt exhibit.

The Hanscom Middle School seventh-graders were able to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts this year, thanks to support from the Bedford and Lincoln Cultural Councils. During the June 9 trip to the MFA, students were able to view first hand many of the artifacts they studied in their Ancient Civilization class as museum docents offered an overview of the Art of the Ancient World collection, including works from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Most of them had not been to the MFA before and were pleased to learn that their military discount is valid every day, so many will return this summer with their families.

 

 

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Join the July 4 parade

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and Lincoln’s parade organizers encourage everyone to think about being a part of the parade. Are you part of a group, committee, or team in town? Join the parade with a your very own float! There’s no theme this year, so you can be as creative as you want. Represent our country’s independence or what makes your organization so great! Click here to download the parade registration form. Anyone with questions may email Abbey Salon at salon.abbey13@gmail.com.

Fireside chat on U.S. Constitution

Do you have a favorite line or amendment from the Constitution? Is there something in it that confuses you or excites you? Join others in a lively but respectful “fireside chat” discussion of the U.S. Constitution facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but to share ideas so as to create dialogue and understanding.

Movie series at the library

The Lincoln Public Library invites everyone to a sing-along-version of the movie musical Grease (1978, rated PG-13) starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Special snacks will be served. Other movies in the summer series (all start at 7 p.m. in the Tarbell Room):

  • July 19  — Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart (1950)
  • August 9  — A Fish Called Wanda starring Kevin Kline and John Cleese (1988, rated R]
  • August 16 — The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn (1951)
  • August 30 — Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicholas Cage (1987, rated PG)

Summer services at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold one service per month in July and August. On Sunday, July 16 at 10 a.m., Mandy Beal, who just completed her ministerial internship with the First Parish, will lead the congregation in worship. Terry Cummings, FPL’s incoming ministerial intern, will lead a service on Sunday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Both services will be held in the Parish House Auditorium, 14 Bedford Road.

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School Building Committee workshop

The School Building Committee invites residents to a kickoff workshop on Wednesday, June 14 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Brooks gym. Attendees will have the chance to met SBC members, learn about the next steps and the draft timeline, and help develop the town’s decision criteria for a school project.

Summer kick-off party for kids at library

Children of all ages are invited to the library on Thursday, June 15 from 3:30–5 p.m. for balloon sculpting, crafts, a raffle, make-your-own sundaes, and a magic show by Ed Popielarczyk at 4 p.m. Kids can pick up their reading Challenge forms. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Talk on identifying birds

Lincoln resident Gwyn Loud will give an informal talk on the basics of identifying birds and bird calls on Tuesday, June 20 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Public Library in the terrace off the first-floor link (rain date: Wednesday, June 21).

Summer Fest at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will stage Park Fest on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as a 5K trail run starting at 9:30 a.m. (click here to register). Signature collaborative activities from deCordova’s Learning & Engagement Team will include:

  • A large-scale Play in the Park
  • Roaming performances by larger-than-life puppets Big Nazo
  • Guided tours of the spectacular 30-acre sculpture park in full bloom
  • Art sale with more than 30 local artists and artisans
  • Live music throughout the day including local alternative folk duo The Farewells and singer Jenny Riddle.
  • Curator-led spotlight art talks in the galleries
  • Ceramic Sculpture Studio demonstrations by resident artist Bruce Barry
  • Photo ops near Jim Dine’s Two Big Black Hearts sculpture
  • Food and ice cream trucks
Free for members; click here for tickets for nonmembers ($20 for adults 18-60, $15 for seniors, $10 for children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under).

Kids’ “Splash, Mash Dash” triathlon coming up

The 14th annual “Splash, Mash and Dash” Lincoln Kids Triathlon—with three age-appropriate sets of distances to run, bike and swim—takes place on Saturday, June 17 starting at 8:30 a.m.

The swim segment ranges from a 25-meter swim for the youngest kids (age 5-6) up to a 150-meter swim six lengths of the Codman pool) for the oldest (ages 13-14); the bike ranges from 1–4 miles and the run leg is ¼ mile for the youngest and 1 mile for the oldest kids. Putting all three together into one race means that the time spent switching between events (known as transitions) also counts toward the overall time; running from the pool to the bike, putting on shoes, buckling the mandatory helmet, mounting the bike, and dismounting the bike are all skills that are important for a fast time and make for an entertaining, bustling transition area.

Children ages 5-14 are invited to participate; register in advance at the Lincoln Recreation Department website or in person at the Lincoln Recreation Department. All race distances and other event details are available at www.kidstri.net. Race packet pickup will be on Friday, June 16 at Hartwell from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday June 17 from 7:15–8:15 a.m. There is race-day registration, but the entry fee increases from $30 to $40 on race day, so save money by registering before June 17.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. on June 17 and no cars will be allowed to leave the Lincoln School complex until the bike portion of the race has finished. Residents should also note that the section of Lincoln Road from Ballfield Road to the intersection with Trapelo Road will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until about 10 a.m. for the race.

The event couldn’t take place without support from all aspects of the Lincoln community: the Lincoln Recreation Department, which helps organize the event; the Codman Pool lifeguards, who keep all the swimmers safe, Lincoln Police, who close the road to keep the cyclists safe; and the many course volunteers from the community who help keep the kids on course and hydrated.

In addition, many local businesses sponsor the event. Emerson Hospital, Team Psycho (a local triathlon club), CGI, Allen Sports and Barrett Sotheby International Realty have given key financial support that helps pay for the elaborate timing system, finishers’ medals, T-shirts, and goody bag giveaways. Prizes for the top three in each age group, raffle items and post-race food are donated by local businesses Donelan’s, Something Special, Saucony, Marathon Sports, and Ashworth Awards as well as national companies like TYR and Clif Bar.

Anyone interested in volunteering at this event may email Ginger Reiner at ginger.reiner@gmail.com. (Click here for a story about the 2012 event.)