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

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Updates on Winter Carnival

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

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

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

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Covid-19 regional vaccine clinic

There will be a Covid-19 vaccination clinic sponsored by the Town of Lincoln/Great Meadows Regional Public Health Collaborative on Friday, Nov. 18 from 4–7 p.m. in the Brooks gym at the Lincoln School. Primary and booster doses for those 6 months and older will be offered. According to the CDC, everyone 5 years and older should get an updated booster if they have completed their primary series, and if it has been at least two months since their final primary dose or last booster. Register online by clicking here. For assistance, call 978-793-5663 or email duffL@sudbury.ma.us.

Mystery-comedy: “The Alibis”

When eccentric billionaire J. Leslie Arlington is murdered, a clueless detective finds the suspects are all reluctant to admit their alibis… because they were all committing other ridiculous crimes at the time. Written by different playwrights, “The Alibis” features seven characters each telling the story of their absurd alibi in ten-minute plays. “The Alibis” will be performed by middle-school students at the Lincoln School on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. in the Donaldson Auditorium. With a cast of 22 and a crew of 21, more than a quarter of the students in grades 6-8 are involved in the show.

Tickets ($10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors/Lincoln Public Schools employees) will be sold at the door starting 30 minutes before showtime. Cash or check only. Production budgets are entirely funded by ticket proceeds.

Talk on Columbus and Thanksgiving by Claudia Fox Tree 

Claudia Fox Tree

Missing information, inaccurate stories, and stereotypes perpetuate myths about Columbus and Thanksgiving. Lincoln School teacher and social justice activist Claudia Fox Tree, a Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness board member, will give a talk on “Settler-Colonist Ties to Thanksgiving & Columbus: Taking Back the Narrative” on Monday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. She will explore this colonial system through primary sources and examine how language perpetuates invisibility and how we can dismantle oppression to bring accurate counter-narratives to life.

Fox Tree has also taught professional development and social justice courses at the college level for Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for all Students (IDEAS) and presented about decolonizing anti-racism initiatives at national and local conferences. She is currently a doctoral student at Lesley University. Click here to register for the Zoom link. Sponsored by Belmont Against Racism and the public libraries of Belmont, Brookline, Chelmsford, Lincoln, Maynard, Natick, Norwood, Stow, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston.

Holiday Wreath Happy Hour at Codman Farm

Join a wreath-making class in Codman Community Farms greenhouse on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 2–4 p.m. Using fresh evergreen branches, Codman grown dried flowers, seed pods, fruits, and foraged elements, you’ll learn how to design and make an all-natural wreath to decorate your home for the holidays. All course materials and tools provided, plus some delicious treats from our farm and local vendors. Bring a beverage of your choice. Cost: $95; click here to register. Masks optional. Questions? Email jess@codmanfarm.org.

Librarians offer kids’ book gift ideas

Do you need holiday gift book suggestions for the young readers in your life? Join the Lincoln Public Library children’s librarians on Thursday, Dec. 1 at noon as they review their favorite new books of the year as well as some perennial favorites. The event is open to all adults (feel free to share with grandparents and relatives near and far). Email dleopold@minlib.net for the Zoom link.

Program on biodiversity and climate change

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will host a virtual program on backyard biodiversity, climate change, and solutions to a looming ecological crisis on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 7­–8:30 p.m. Headlines about global insect declines, the impending extinction of one million species worldwide, and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at protecting the plants and animals that sustain us. The night’s focus will be on how to create backyard biodiversity in Lincoln, connect habitats throughout town, and increase resilience against climate change. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants who register here.

Tallamy is a Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. His award-winning books include Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope, and The Nature of Oaks.

Flashlight candy cane hunt

Grab your flashlight and search for hundreds of candy canes hidden around Pierce Park on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6–7 p.m. Participants will start off the event by decorating a candy cane bag while music and hot cocoa are available. Then we’ll get our flashlights and head into the park to hunt for candy canes. Keep your eye out because you may even find a special candy cane with a prize-winning ribbon! Bring your own flashlight. Free, but online preregistration with the Parks and Recreation Department is required.

Steve Hoffman

Hoffman tapped as CEO of Rova

Lincoln resident Steve Hoffman has been named CEO of Rova, an on-demand delivery platform that connects drivers to businesses. Hoffman was the initial chair of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission from 2017 to April 2022. He has also served as the CEO of two venture capital-backed technology companies, a Senior Vice President at CSC Index (Computer Science Corp.), and an Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Sapient.

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Flu, Covid-19 vaccination clinics

The town is sponsoring two free vaccination clinics starting next week. Residents who want a Covid-19 vaccination may opt for the new bivalent booster or any of the previous vaccines.

  • Flu vaccination clinic — Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 1:00–3:45 p.m., Reed Gym, Lincoln School. Register here.
  • COVID vaccination clinic — Friday, Nov. 4 from 3–7 p.m. Reed Gym, Lincoln School. Register here.

“Get to Know Your Neighborhood Birds with Mass Audubon”

Test out your observation skills with live birds, study their adaptations, and discuss why they look and act the way they do on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 1–2 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. You’ll leave this exploration with a nature journal we will begin together, and a sharper eye for what makes our local birds so unique. Intended for families and caregivers with young children. No registration necessary. Mass Audubon and the Mass Cultural Council are funding this event. Questions? Call the library at 781-259-8465 x4.

“Theology on Tap,” blessing of the animals

Join Nate Klug, co-minister of the First Parish in Lincoln, for a beer or soda at the monthly “Theology on Tap” discussion on Friday, Oct. 28 from 4:30–6 p.m. at the Tack Room. The month’s topic: “What is a saint?” Just in time for Halloween (All Hallows Eve) and All Saints/All Souls Day, we’ll review some of the wildly various notions of sainthood that different religions have put forward over time. What did Martin Luther mean when he said that everyone was “equally saint and sinner”? Who do you think of as a saint in your life – and why? No sainthood required to join the discussion, just a thirsty spirit!

For the animal lovers among us, drop by for a short and sweet, family-friendly “Blessing of the Animals” pet blessing service with co-minister Kit Novotny on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. The service will be held outside on the front lawn near the rainbow chairs, with guitar.

Author talk on “Silent Spring Revolution”

The Walden Woods Project is hosting “Silent Spring Revolution: A Conversation with Douglas Brinkley” on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. In his newest book, New York Times bestselling author and acclaimed historian Douglas Brinkley chronicles the rise of environmental activism during the 1960s. Join us to learn more about Silent Spring Revolution and Brinkley’s discoveries during the writing process. There will be a live audience Q&A. Register here. This event is sponsored by the Walden Woods Project, Concord Festival of Authors, and RESTORE: The North Woods.

Fall Fest is October 30

On Sunday, Oct. 30 from noon–3 p.m. in Pierce Park, the Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the second annual Fall Fest with games, food, beer, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. Also featured will be Trunk or Treat, where families, groups and organizations can decorate their vehicle trunk and and pass out goodies. Trunk or Treat setup starts at 10:30 a.m. and runs from 12–1:30 p.m. The registration deadline for Trunk or Treat is October 24. To attend Fall Fest, buy tickets online in advance ($10) or at the door ($15).

Click here to register your car for Trunk or Treat or buy tickets to Fall Fest. Questions? Email Jessica Downing at jdowning@lincnet.org.

Offer ideas for walking, cycling, driving, and public transit improvements

The Town of Lincoln is in the process of preparing a new five-year Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Complete Streets is a state-funded grant program to help municipalities improve their streets to accommodate users of all ages and abilities, whether driving, cycling, or walking.  Each municipality is allowed up to $400,000 through a four-year rolling period. Lincoln is using an online platform called Wikimapping to gather feedback on where in town you’d like to see improvements for all methods of getting around, including public transit, by October 31. Click here to share your thoughts about transportation issues and opportunities. There will be a public forum on Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Click here for the Zoom link (passcode: 783032).

Blues concert with Toni Lynn Washington

All are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington on Friday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Washington has won the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. This event is generously sponsored by Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother Ronna Cooper’s life.

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Public forums scheduled on Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is hosting four virtual public forums to review the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan draft and collect feedback to improve the plan. There will also be a short presentation about the master plan at the State of the Town meeting in November.

The master plan, which was drafted by BPAC in consultation with the Planning Department, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and other town committees and departments, aims to make Lincoln to be more safe, green and accessible for residents and visitors traveling by foot and bike.

The public forums each focus on one region of Lincoln, but the BPAC will review the overall plan at each forum and are happy to discuss any region of town at any meeting if participants desire.

  • Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. — North Lincoln (Route 2 and north). Zoom link.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. — South Lincoln (Route117 and south). Zoom link.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. — East Lincoln (east of Lincoln Road/Bedford Road, south of Route 2 and north of Route117.) Zoom link.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. — West Lincoln (west of Lincoln Road/Bedford Road, south of Route 2 and north of Route117.) Zoom link.

More information:

Watering restrictions still in effect

With the continued Stage 3 drought, the state requires maintaining water use restrictions. To comply, the Lincoln Water Commission voted unanimously to extend water use restrictions in Lincoln beyond the traditional stop date of September 30. When drought restrictions are ended, a posting will be made on the town website and via other means. Don’t hesitate to contact the Lincoln Water Department if you have any questions (781-259-2669 or lafalamd@lincolntown.org).

During Stage 2 and above, Water Department staff monitors all sprinkler use in town and will stop to remind residents of the restriction policy. A first offence will result in a $100 fine, and subsequent violations will result in a $200 fine. For more information, see this Restrictions, Conservation & Water Use page and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page.

Film screening: “After Life”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “After Life” (1998) directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. If you could choose only one memory to hold on to for eternity, what would it be? In Japanese with English subtitles. Free and open to all.

Walk to benefit SVdP food pantry

Join a walk to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston, which operates the food pantry for the two towns, on Saturday, Oct. 22 at St. Julia Church (374 Boston Post Rd., Weston) along Weston’s rail trail (approximately 2.2 miles). Check-in/same-day registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk at 9:30 a.m., with an ice cream social at 10:30 a.m. Pre-register by October 15 to receive an SVdP gift. Suggested donation: $10 per person/ or $25 per family. Click here to register and/or donate. For more information, email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com.

“Opera for Everyone” series returns

The Friends of the Lincoln Library present their annual “Opera for Everyone” series on three Sundays from 2–3:30 p.m. at the library. Opera lecturer Erika Reitshamer returns to enlighten, inspire and entertain while passing along her vast knowledge of opera and opera lore to Boston’s educational institutions. Her last offering for Lincoln Library was a lecture on “It Takes Two to Duet,” just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 12, 2022.

  • October 23 —Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love”
  • October 30 —  Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”
  • November 6 — Rossini’s “The Italian Girl in Algiers”

Click here for plot details.

Family Halloween activities at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum offers moonlit sculpture-building activities with deCordova faculty, self-guided mysteries to solve with friends and family, and a sweet treat or two along the way on Friday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per family ($28 for member families); click here to select date and buy tickets. For more information, call 781-259-3647.

Pumpkin Palooza for kids at library

The Lincoln Public Library will host Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Wear your costume and join us on the library lawn for Halloween fun: pumpkin painting, activities, crafts, and more. Drop-in; best for ages 6 and under.

Purple lights highlight domestic violence awareness

Why are those buildings purple? Purple, it is said, is the color of courage, survival, honor, and hope. It is also the color recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month each October. For the past several years, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, in collaboration with the Lauren Dunne-Astley Memorial Fund and First Parish in Wayland, has chosen to light the towns of Sudbury and Wayland in purple. They have lit numerous faith and public buildings in Sudbury and Wayland and have posted banners and signs in all three communities. The Roundtable invites local businesses and homeowners to join in by adding their own purple lights. Inexpensive 4.5 watt Feit purple LED Electric bulbs are available at Ace Hardware in Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware in Sudbury.

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Apply for Cultural Council grants

The Lincoln Cultural Council is accepting proposals for programs that serve Lincoln residents. Register here for a Massachusetts Cultural Council webinar for new applicants on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. The application deadline is October 17.  Click here to learn more about local grant priorities and how to apply. Questions? Email Meg Ramsey with any questions at meg.ramsey@verizon.net.

Library hosts banned-book discussions

To recognize Banned Books Week, there will discussions about banned books at the Lincoln Public Library:

  • Readers in grades 4-6 and their families: Monday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register.
  • Readers in grades 7+ and their families: Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. Email sfeather@minlib.net to register.

Kids’ dance classes for LincFam members

LincFam (the Lincoln Family Association) invites new members to join the group and participate in a series of free classes for children ages 1-5 led by Lincoln resident Margie Topf, founder and artistic director of the Topf Center for Dance Education. Classes take place on four Saturday mornings: September 17 and 24, and October 8 and 15. To learn more, see this LincFam web page or email info@lincfam.org.

Cronin lecture at deCordova

The Paul J. Cronin Memorial Lecture at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will take place at the museum on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 6:30–8 p.m. The event is a conversation among leading museum figures Candice Hopkins, executive director of the Forge Project; Julie Decker, director/CEO of the Anchorage Museum; and Jane Winchell, director of the Art & Nature Center and leader of the Museum Climate & Environment Initiative at the Peabody Essex Museum. The panel will share ideas with one another about the relationship of art and arts organization to climate change discourse. Panelists will reveal ways in which their organizations are forging connections between cultural, artistic, and natural resources. Moderated by Jessica May, artistic director at the deCordova and managing director of art and  exhibitions for The Trustees. Click here for more information and to register.

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Information for upcoming election

The last day to register to vote in the September 6 primary is Saturday, Aug. 27. You can register in person at Town Hall (which will be open on that day from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) or online at www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr. See this town website to check your voter status and see sample ballots and early voting FAQs. Note that Lincoln is now split into two Mass. House of Representatives districts. Precinct 1 (southwest Lincoln) is in the 13th Middlesex and Precinct 2 (northeast Lincoln) is in the 14th Norfolk.

August 27 is also the first day of early voting in person at Town Hall. Early voting hours for the following week (August 29 – September 2) are 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Town Hall is also open for absentee voting on Friday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the polls on Election Day should contact Town Clerk Valerie Fox at foxv@lincolntown.org.

Bird programs coming up

Backyard Birds of Lincoln with Mass Audubon
Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 7–8 p.m.
You’ll meet a variety of birds, from song birds to raptors while learning about their habitat needs and adaptations. Join us in the Lincoln Library’s Tarbell Room to understand the impacts of climate change on birds, and how you can help the birds in your own backyard.

Beginner Bird Walk at Drumlin Farm
Saturday, Sept. 10 from 7:30–9:30 a.m.
New to birding and unsure where to start? Learn the ins and outs of this exciting hobby from Mass Audubon teacher naturalists on this guided bird walk at Drumlin Farm. Enjoy learning a simple, logical approach to field identification while exploring the beautiful 291-acre wildlife sanctuary. Learn how to navigate your field guide and some popular birding apps. We’ll review observation tips and how to you can confidently land on a positive identification. Meet at the Education Learning Center. Click here to register (required).

Register for in-town youth soccer

The 2022-23 Lincoln Youth Soccer season for grades K-2 kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 10 and runs through October 29. Register at www.lincolnsoccer.com (note that registration covers both fall and spring seasons). Grades K-1 will practice from 8–9 a.m. and grade 2 from 9–10 a.m.

LYS is always looking for parent volunteers for assistant coaching. Click here or contact sallyannecoleman@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to get involved.

Family concert to benefit food pantry

LincFam presents a family concert to benefit the SVdP Lincoln and Weston Food Pantry on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 3:30–5 p.m. on the Pierce House lawn. Bring chairs and blankets to a concert by songwriter and Lincoln parent Kat Chapman and enjoy offerings from Chillwagon Ice Cream. Suggested donation: $20 per car/family, and food items are welcome. All proceeds benefit the food pantry.

Station Park anniversary open house

Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lincoln Garden Club volunteers maintaining Station Park at an open house on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.–noon at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Ridge Road, just across Lincoln Road from the mall at Lincoln Station. Light refreshments will be served, and the farmers’ market will be open across the street with produce, crafts, and music. Information on the park’s history and how to join the Lincoln Garden Club will be also available.

The Commons wins kudos for independent living

The Commons in Lincoln has been named one of the best senior living communities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The Commons was the only community in Massachusetts to be recognized in the magazine’s inaugural edition of Best Senior Living for independent living.

In a survey of more than 3,000 facilities nationwide, residents recognized The Commons independent living community for its responsive management and skilled staff, variety of life enrichment activities, safety, gourmet food and dining options, friendly dining staff, robust variety of meals, excellent local transportation, helpful billing department, and prompt and thorough housekeeping, among other features.

In addition to being a Best Senior Living community, The Commons is a two-time U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Home and has also been named as having some of the best skilled nursing and rehabilitation care in the country.

Notify Conservation Department of downed trees on trails

If you come across any trees blocking Lincoln trails, please email a photo with the location and approximate diameter of the tree to conservation@lincolntown.org. You can help the land management team by removing any small branches you come across along the trail system.

Lincoln’s first Pride Day is a colorful success

Dozens of residents of all ages turned out with lots of smiles and bright colors on a beautiful afternoon in front of the Pierce House for Lincoln’s first LGBTQ+ Pride community celebration on June 8. 

The Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), a 30-member organization with students from grades 5-8 in the Lincoln School and Hanscom Middle School, hosted the event, which featured guest speakers, a performance by the Lincoln School Step Team, games, an ice cream truck, music, a raffle. SAGA helps students build connections with each other, support all identities, hosts events, learn to be allies, increase understanding, and improve visibility.

Click thumbnails below to see larger images and captions (photos by Alice Waugh).

SAGA-trio
SAGA-paula
SAGA-DJ
SAGA-hat
SAGA-coloring
SAGA-foxtree
SAGA-taylor
SAGA-icecream
SAGA-BAGLY

GearTick teams tackle transportation challenges

The high school GearTicks. Back row, left to right: Henry Hussey, Ken Hawkey, and Skylar Bogner. Front row, left to right: Camille Gammack, Amelia Pillar, Audrey Gammack, Erin Crisafi, Prerna Karmacharya, and Andreas Muzila.  (see more photos below).

Lincoln students in this year’s FIRST robotics programs tackled worldwide shipping and transportation problems in two February events.

The 12-member high school GearTicks team participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Freight Frenzy qualifier in Canton, while the FIRST Lego League Explore team (grades 2-4) in Cargo Connect designed models of package sorting centers and forms of transportation including trains and planes.

In their first in-person competition since before the pandemic, the high school GearTicks had to design a robot  that fit within an 18-inch cube to compete on 12-foot playing field. Four teams are partnered randomly to create two alliances that compete for two and a half minutes, fostering both cooperation and competition. The remotely piloted robots had to to pick up “freight” (blocks, Wiffle balls, and rubber ducks) and deliver them into wobbly “shipping hubs.”

The team’s robot performed well, scoring 145 points in their best match. They placed sixth after preliminary matches, earning the team a place as an Alliance Captain in the elimination rounds. They eventually earned the second-place Inspire Award, given to the team that performs well in every aspect of the competition including their robot, community outreach, and team spirit. The GearTicks also received the Connect award, which is given to teams that best impacts their local STEM community. The team earned a spot at the Massachusetts State Championship on March 5 at Natick High School, where they won another Connect Award.

The team has met mostly remotely this year but also held some in-person meetings at Bemis Hall. “After two years away and most of the season online, it was fun to see teams enjoying themselves, and I loved the energy the competition brought,” said team strategic captain Audrey Gammack.

“It was so great to interact with other teams again and see everyone’s robots,” added team technical captain Amelia Pillar. Both she and Gammack are seniors at L-S.

In the fourth annual Lincoln Legopalooza, a virtual expo for FLL Explore teams, players thought about ways to optimize shipping and package delivery. One team explored using drones to deliver packages, and another came up with a plan to get elderly citizens their groceries. The GearTicks FLL Challenge team (grades 4-8) also presented their Lego robot virtually at Legopalooza.

At the end of the day, each team received an award for their achievements ranging from the Budding Builders Award to the Inquiring Minds Award. The high school GearTicks designed custom trophies for the teams, complete with etching and Lego bricks.

Click images below to see larger versions and captions:

GT-1
GT-CAD
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GT-team

Winter Carnival set for Feb. 4–6

Lincoln’s annual winter carnival sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Committee takes place from Friday to Sunday, February 4–6 this year. All events are sponsored by local organizations. Please check individual event descriptions for admission details and fees, registration information, etc.

All weekend 

Take & Make a Craft (Lincoln Public Library) — Come to the Children’s Desk anytime for a free Winter Carnival craft kit. Best for ages 5 and up.

“Art on the Trails”  Scavenger Hunt — Search Lincoln’s trails for nature-themed art installations created by students at Birches School. Take a selfie at each location and submit your photos for a prize. Information & clues will be posted at www.lincolnconservation.org. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Birches School.

Skating — The rink is open for daytime skating from dawn until dusk and under the lights from 5–8 p.m. NOTE: the rink will be closed from noon–1 p.m. on Saturday for maintenance.

Friday, February 4

Winter Carnival Kickoff Night
6–7 p.m., ice rink at the Pierce House
Join the Lincoln PTO to kick off Winter Carnival Weekend! Bring your skates for night skating and enjoy s’mores around the fire. Don’t forget to purchase your PTO scavenger hunt bingo card. The scavenger hunt will be conducted by collecting stamps at each participating Winter Carnival event. Cards are $5 and prizes will be awarded.

Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.

Family Night Hike & Owl Prowl
6:30–8 p.m., Drumlin Farm
Join us for a winter night hike through field and forest. You’ll learn about owl calls, behavior, and habitat as we search and listen for our resident screech, barred and great horned owls. Pre-registration required ($17 for members, $21 for non-members). Click here to register.

Saturday, Feb. 5

Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.

Pierce House/rink activities (1–2:30 p.m.):

  • Touch a Truck — Kids of all ages will enjoy touching, climbing, exploring, and learning about big trucks and emergency vehicles at this free community event.
  • Curling demonstration — Join folks from the Broomstones Curling club at 1 p.m. to learn all about this fun Olympic sport.
  • Skating — Bring your skates and take a spin around the community ice rink.
  • LincFam will offer hot cocoa to help you warm up.
  • Demonstrations:
    • The Green Energy Committee will show you ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
    • The Lincoln Conservation will host an Enviroscape tabletop display.

Snow Bowling
10 a.m.–noon, Town Hall field
Have you ever bowled in the snow and catapulted floppy fish and slid down a snow luge while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies? Join the METCO Coordinating Committee for some winter fun! Appropriate for all ages. Free.

Need for Speed — STEM Ice Challenge
11 a.m. – noon, Town Hall field
Test your knowledge of gravity, friction, and the variables of heat and cold and race different items on a speedy track provided by LincFam. Free.

Valentines for Teachers
(1–2 p.m., Pierce House)
Join the Lincoln School Foundation to create cards to celebrate and thank the teachers and staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Take your card with you to deliver it yourself, or leave it with us and we’ll make sure it gets to the right person. Card-making supplies and coffee for the grown-ups provided. Free.

Snow Soccer/Human Foosball
2:30 p.m., Pierce Park
Grab your friends and come join the fun in Lincoln’s First Snow Soccer Tournament. Teams of 7 will compete together to win the coveted Lincoln Snowball Cup. This event is free and all ages and abilities are welcome. If there isn’t enough snow cover for snow soccer, the format will change to Human Foosball. Please register in advance by contacting Craig Nicholson with Lincoln Youth Soccer at craigmnicholson@gmail.com. Free.

Winter Farm Chores
3:30–5 p.m., Drumlin Farm
There’s so much to do to settle our farm animals in for the cold winter nights. You’ll feed chickens and then bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cows. Lend a hand to the farmers and join the fun! Pre-registration required ($14 for members, $17 for non-members. Click here to register.

Candlemas: An Ancient Christian Celebration
6–6:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church
Join St Joseph’s Church/St. Julia’s Parish, for a 30-minute ceremony including music and an explanation of Candlemas Day/Feast. Candles will also be available to take home. All are welcome. Free.

Sunday, February 6

Take-Home Herb Gardens
10–11:30 a.m., Lincoln Nursery School courtyard
Use your imagination to create a take-home herb garden. Plant an herb and adorn the pot with pinecones, acorns, sticks and yarn. Outdoor event appropriate for all ages. Free.

Family Life in Lincoln at the Time of the Revolution
12–2 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come join the Lincoln Minute Men to talk about life in Lincoln during 1775, and try your own hand at the tasks, the skills, and amusements of 18th-century life. Hands-on activities for the entire family. True Patriots preferred, but Redcoat spies and Loyalists are welcome too! Free.

Magic of Winter Gardens
2–3 p.m. (virtual)
This richly illustrated lecture by Jana Milbocker will provides inspiration and tips on designing your garden for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs, and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes. Free. Click here to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Singing & S’mores
3:30–4:30 p.m., First Parish Church
All are invited to join First Parish in Lincoln for singing and s’mores. Fun, familiar songs and s’mores will be offered. Bring your noisemakers and blankets. Free.

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Barn Buddies on Wednesday for kids age 5-7

There are still a few spots available for Codman Community Farms’ Barn Buddies Holiday Special on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 2:30–4 p.m. in the farm greenhouse. Kids age 5–7 can meet some familiar farm friends, make some festive decorations, and enjoy a seasonal farm snack as they spend an afternoon with our experienced older farm buddies. Participants should wear warm clothes and closed-toe shoes. Click here to sign up.

More Boy Scout Christmas trees available

The Lincoln Boy Scouts Troop 127 were able to obtain an additional shipment of fresh-cut trees. The tree lot at the corner of Lincoln and Codman Roads will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 6:30–8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18-19 from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., or until sold out.

Watch talk by National Book Award winner

The Lincoln Public Library will host a Zoom screening of the talk given at the Concord Museum in June by Harvard Professor Tiya Miles on her book, All She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake, on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Lincoln author Ray Shepard will introduce the talk. All That She Carried is a National Book Award winner for 2021 and has been selected as one of the best books of 2021 by Time, Washington Post and New York Times. The sack — created by an enslaved woman named Rose for her daughter, who at age nine was sold by their owner — was inherited by her great-granddaughter Ruth, who embroidered the story into the sack. Click here to join the Zoom meeting (passcode: 125443).

Holiday drive for SVdP food pantry

The Lincoln Family Association and a Lincoln high school student are collecting donations for the Lincoln food pantry run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lincoln and Weston. Residents can drop off nonperishable food items from this wish list at the following times and locations:

Friday, Dec. 17

    • 9:30–1 a.m. at the Lincoln School blue playground
    • 3–4:30 p.m. behind St. Joseph’s Church (142 Lincoln Rd.)

Saturday, Dec. 18

    • 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln School blue playground

Through Sunday, Dec. 19

    • The bin at Lincoln Middle School (items are being collected at this location for the second year in a row by tenth-grader Devon Das).

The SVdP food pantry has been dealing with sharp increases in need for assistance in recent years, as seen in their 2019-20 fiscal year summary. Total expenses and the amount of emergency assistance funds disbursed all went up by at least 30% over the preceding year, while the number of clients served has more than quadrupled since 2016. Click here if you or someone you know needs food or emergency financial assistance.

L-S teachers, School Committee agree on three-year deal

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee announced that it has reached an agreement in principle on a new three-year contract with the Lincoln-Sudbury Teachers’ Association. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides for annual sequential cost-of-living (COLA) increases of 3%, 2%, and 2%, representing an aggregate COLA increase over three years totaling 7%. This agreement follows a 0% COLA for 2021-22 and agreement to transition to a single healthcare provider, which resulted in significant savings for the school district. There was an aggregate increase of 6.5% over the 2018-2021 period. The MOU will be incorporated into a collective bargaining agreement for the 2022-2025 academic years that is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The terms reflect the aligned objectives of the School Committee and the Teachers’ Association to strengthen the educational and extracurricular program for students, provide opportunities for innovation in teaching, and manage compensation growth in a responsible manner, according to the committee’s statement.

“We are pleased to have achieved the key goals established by the School Committee at the outset of negotiations, and that we reached resolution on terms quickly and collaboratively,” said Cara Endyke-Doran, chair of the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee. “The shared priorities of the School Committee and Teachers’ Association – providing a rigorous and purposeful education to all students – were evident throughout our negotiations.” The School Committee further appreciates and extends its sincerest gratitude for the dedication of the faculty to the best interest of the students of the district, especially during these challenging times caused by the ongoing pandemic’s impact on our community’s collective social and financial well-being.

Once the definitive agreement is finalized, a copy of it may be found on this L-S School Committee web page. For more information, contact committee chair Cara Endyke-Doran at Cara_endykedoran@lsrhs.net.

Thank teachers through HATS program

The Lincoln School Foundation’s Honor A Teacher & Staff (HATS) program gives you an opportunity to recognize specific Lincoln Public Schools teachers and other staff members while supporting the LSF. For a small donation, the LSF will prepare a certificate of appreciation with your personalized message to be delivered to the recipient. In addition to your child’s learning coach/teacher, consider celebrating the hard work of teaching assistants, specialists (art, music, drama, science, wellness), support specialists, office staff, nurses, custodians, METCO staff — anyone who works in Lincoln schools. Visit the HATS web page to participate, and click here to see grants that the LSF has made to teachers using donations.