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

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Winter clothing drive

The First Parish in Lincoln is collecting winter clothing through Tuesday, Dec. 7 to benefit Solutions at Work, which serves people facing poverty an homelessness in Cambridge and Dorchester. Items needed include pants, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, sweaters, jackets, parkas, overcoats, underwear, thermal underwear, socks, sneakers, boots, hats, mittens, scarves, etc. — all sizes, infant to adult. Larger adult sizes are especially welcome. Drop off bagged items on the Parish House right portico (stone church). Donations will be delivered to Cambridge on December 8. Questions? Contact Mary at 978-505-7132 or mgaylord@fas.harvard.edu.

Concerts this week and next

The L-S Choral Concert on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. will  feature the high school’s a cappella groups, the L-S Chambers Singers, and Treble and Concert Choirs, as well as a performance by the Ephraim Curtis Middle School Select Chorus. There will be piano, guitar, drums, strings and wind accompaniment and songs in English, Hebrew, Zulu, German, and Italian. This concert is free and open to the public. Masks are required for audience members and performers. Families may also watch the concert at home via the Sudbury Cable TV website or on Comcast Channel 9 or Verizon Channel 32.

The Instrumental Winter Concert will take place on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. with performances by the orchestra, concert and symphonic bands. To learn more about the LSRHS Music Program, visit L-S Friends of Music at www.lsfom.org.

Session on racial justice and municipal governance

On Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 9–11 a.m., the regional group MAGIC the (Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination) will host the second part of a two-part series on racial justice and municipal governance. This event is open to the public. Register in advance for this meeting using this link. The workshop for MAGIC communities with Dr. Raul Fernandez focuses on examining municipal policies related to housing, transportation, governance, and finance through a racial justice lens. Participants will learn how racial justice intersects with these issues and will develop a firm understanding of their responsibility as municipal leaders to center communities of color in their policymaking.

“On Belonging in Outdoor Spaces” session is Dec. 8

“Navigating White Supremacy Culture in the Outdoors and Institutions” will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. via Zoom when Mardi Fuller will take us on a journey through her life of adventures as a Black outdoorswoman who has grown in her liberation-focused identity. She’ll discuss barriers marginalized people face in accessing the outdoors and how exclusion, a form of oppression, is detrimental to all people. Her writing and accomplishments have appeared in Outside magazine, the BBC, Melanin Basecamp, and NRDC.org.

This event is the next in the fall “On Belonging in Outdoor Spaces” speaker series sponsored by the Walden Woods Project, Mass Audubon, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Farrington Nature Linc, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and The Food Project. Learn more and register at www.onbelongingoutdoors.org.

Futsal games organized by Lincoln Youth Soccer

Futsal indoor five-a-side soccer was developed to be played on a basketball-sized court. The special feature of the game is the unique properties of the ball, which has a low rebound. The game develops close individual ball skills as the court is small and players are forced into limited space and option scenarios.

Games for kids in grades K-8 will be held inside the gym and will run for nine weeks. Sessions will consist primarily of games with a brief warm-up and development session at the beginning led by the coaches. Sessions will be mixed boys/girls in four age groups and are open to players of any skill level from beginner up. There is no registration fee for skills, however space is limited and you must register at lincolnsoccer.com. Masks must be worn inside. Sessions take place on nine Sundays from December 12 through March 6, 2022. Grades K-1 and grades 2-3 will play from 4–5 p.m., and grades 4-5 and grades 6-8 will play from 5–6 p.m.

Wreath-making for kids

Come learn how to make a festive holiday wreath using felt and a coat hanger at the Lincoln Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. All materials will be provided, but space is limited so please register by emailing sfeather@minlib.net. Best for ages 10 and up.

“Greening the Holidays”

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the amount of trash produced in the U.S. increases by an estimated 25%, according to the EPA. That’s about one million extra tons of garbage each week. Join MetroWest Climate Solutions on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a Zoom event on “Greening the Holidays.” Lauren Fernandez, Zero Waste Policy Analyst at the Conservation Law Foundation, and Janice Paré, Environmental Analyst at the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, will discuss ways to trim the trimmings while preserving the festive spirit of the holiday season. David O’Leary, Magic 106.7 Morning Magic host and voiceover talent, will serve as emcee. To register, visit tinyurl.com/greeningholidays.

MCS is a local partnership of organizations and congregations including First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston,  the Congregational Church of Weston, Sustainable Weston Action Group (SWAG) and a growing list of communities and individuals.

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Covid-19 vaccination clinic for kids

There are still spots available at the Covid-19 vaccination clinic for kids aged 5-11 on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Reed gym. Click here to register for an appointment  (select “Nov. 20” only). The clinic will be well staffed to ensure the process goes smoothly and our young children feel safe and well cared for from start to finish. Additional clinics are being planned for first and second doses — information coming soon.

Register for adult classes at Minuteman Voc-Tech

Minuteman Technical Institute (MTI), part of Minuteman Regional Vocation Technical High School in Lincoln and Lexington,  is now accepting student applications for adult workforce development programs that begin in January for the programs in Metal Fabrication and Joining, CNC Machine Operation, Carpentry Pre-Apprentice, and Plumbing Code. In addition, MTI will accept applications beginning in January for 10-month programs that start in August 2022 for the 2022-23 school year. MTI will hold 10-month programs in Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, and Electricity. For more information, visit minutemanti.org. Classes are held on weekday evenings.

MTI’s January programs are tuition-free for qualified applicants as part of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Career Technical Initiative. Students who complete the programs will receive industry-recognized credentials and hours toward licensure in their respective fields. The programs are held in collaboration with Commonwealth Corp., MassHire Career Centers, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Prospective students must meet eligibility requirements to access these tuition-free opportunities.

Join the Reading for Racial and Social Justice group

The Lincoln Public Library’s Reading for Racial Justice program is now Reading for Racial and Social Justice. While continuing to read books focused on racism and racial justice, they will also be incorporating fiction and nonfiction titles related to other social justice issues. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. To receive a Zoom invitation or to obtain more information, email rrapoport@minlib.net. Copies of the books in various formats are available. The upcoming schedule:

My Turn: Many thanks to all who helped with costume parade

By the Lincoln Family Association

The Lincoln Family Association organized a Halloween costume parade with Courtney Koumijan, resident coordinator of Lincoln Woods, and Cathiangely Quirindongo, Rey Romero, and their children Vianavi and Reythian Romero of Lincoln Woods with friend Isaac Rosado. This was a bright light for so many in Lincoln during a difficult time to parent children — a chance to celebrate the creativity of kids, the joy of a longstanding trick-or-treat tradition, and a chance to gather safely as a community that has always focused on the growth, happiness, and health of its children.

It is in the heart of this rally around our youth that we see Lincoln shine so bright — every business at the Lincoln Mall simply saying an enthusiastic yes, and how can we help, when LincFam inquired if they would be able to participate. Donelan’s — which in the heart of the pandemic kept their doors open and created special shopping times for residents most at risk for Covid-19 complications — created a beautiful autumnal Halloween table laden with sweet treats and healthy snacks just inside its doors. Something Special — who in this same time offered to personally shop for each resident and bring perfectly wrapped gifts to hands unable to enter their store so no kid missed a birthday present from their grandparents, friends and family — opened its doors to delight children and fete them with delicious treats, smiling at each costume, knowing every superhero and classic character. Twisted Tree — which somehow managed to keep us fed, create an opportunity to not have to cook a meal to keep that semblance of normalcy, and to lessen the burden of the isolation for individuals and families — had frosted bubbles, hay bales and pumpkins lining its windows.

The police and fire crews  — who never stopped showing up for us and keeping us safe — showed up first to shepherd us from a flawless fall fest organized by Lincoln’s incredible Parks and Rec department to Lincoln Woods to safely end the parade for our costumed little ones. They engaged each child who sprinted towards the shiny vehicles and trucks. As if on cue, a commuter train slowly passed, dappled with late fall sunshine and honking for the cheering kids who deserved just a little more magic this year when being a kid is just a little more complicated. Residents of Lincoln Woods handed out countless pieces of candy, sharing the joy and creating the joy of the day. 

We are a community of individuals, organizations, and businesses who say yes. You came, Lincoln, you showed up. Masked and ready to celebrate our youth, you came and costumed yourselves, your kids, your pets. Our youngest participants may not remember a time before masks, but they will never forget the  happiness of that day. Thank you for all your kindness, your joy, and your willingness to always do a little more to make Lincoln such a special place to grow up. The world may make our individual hearts weary, but the community of Lincoln consistently lifts and fills us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

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“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

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Talk on Lincoln’s Black residents in the 1700s

Last spring, the Lincoln Historical Society began to explore Lincoln’s past as a town that included enslaved people with a talk by Elise Lemire (co-sponsored by the Bemis Free Lecture Series) on “Slavery in Lincoln, Massachusetts: Reckoning with Our Past, Planning for a More Honest and Inclusive Future” (click here to watch video). The LHS will dig deeper on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. with a talk on “Entangled Lives, Black and White: Lincoln and Its African American Residents in the 18th Century” by LHS board member Donald Hafner, a retired vice provost and professor of political science at Boston College. Click here for the Zoom link (meeting ID: 936 3276 0035, passcode: 177417).

The event is co-sponsored by the First Parish in Lincoln’s Racial Justice Journey, which began this fall with a focus on national, local, and church history and the ways in which that history has involved us in questions of race. The aim is to offer access to a variety of sources of information and perspectives that will let participants reconsider these questions together, in preparation for the next stages of the journey, focused on issues (winter) and action (spring). Every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. this fall, there will be Zoom meetings with talks, documentaries, book discussions, or movies. Field trips are also offered as part of the program. Everyone is invited. To learn more, contact Mary Helen Lorenz at mhelen808385@gmail.com.

Fall Fest this Saturday

The Parks and Recreation Department will host the first-ever Fall Fest at Pierce Park on Saturday, Oct. 30 from noon–3 p.m. The event will feature the popular Trunk-or-Treat along with activities such as caramel apple decorating, bounce house, hayrides, an apple pie contest, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. This event requires online registration and a $5 per person entry fee ($20 maximum per family).

Learn how to restore apple trees

Want to learn how to restore an apple tree? Or a whole orchard? Join the Lincoln Garden Club on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. for a presentation by Matt Kaminsky, aka “Gnarly Pippins.” Matt is an arborist, author, and expert in the production of cider. Click here to register in advance for this meeting; you will then receive a confirmation email with your Zoom link.

Enter work for the Lincoln Arts Show

Lincoln-affiliated artists and artisans of all ages are invited to submit their work for the Lincoln Arts Show from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 5–7 from noon–5 p.m. at the Pierce House. Show the town your two- and three-dimensional creations for display or sale. Click here to register (entry fees start at $10, though the fee is waived for students). Once you’ve registered, a form for the artist statement and labels will be sent to you. Entry forms, artist statements, and art labels must be received by Monday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Any late entries will be accepted on a space-available basis.

There is no commission; artists are responsible for collecting sales tax. All work must be ready to hang or present. Hanging/displaying times are Thursday, Nov. 4 from 4–6 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon. Take-down time is Sunday, Nov. 7 from 5–6 p.m. Artists or their designees will be responsible for hanging/displaying and removing their own works. Hanging materials and tools are provided. The opening reception is Friday, Nov. 5 from 5–7 p.m. Questions? Contact Sarah Chester at schester636@gmail.com.

Lincoln residents in area performances

John Lynch

Lincoln resident Sammy Andonian will be the featured artist in Massachusetts Peace Action’s Music for Peace series opening concert on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Harvard-Epworth Methodist Church (1555 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge) from 7:30–9 p.m. Limited tickets are available for in-person seating; the event will also be live streamed. Support a worthy cause while enjoying beautiful classical music for solo and accompanied violin.

Lincoln’s John Lynch will be on stage of Lovers and Other Strangers, a comedy of 1970s love lives in five one-act vignettes, on November 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m. and November 7 at 2 pm. at Theater III (250 Central St., West Acton). Vaccination and masks are required. For details, see theatre3.org or email lsminkoff@theatre3.org.

Public form on use of Lincoln ‘s conservation trails

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) and the Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) are hosting a virtual Trail Use Public Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 7–8:30 p.m. LLCT and LCC have begun a comprehensive review of the multiple uses of Lincoln trails and how best to manage them for the protection of open space and overall public benefit. Trail uses have changed over time, and we are seeking a current community understanding of the appropriate way to use and enjoy our open spaces and trails.

The forum will start with a brief slide show reviewing the goals of Lincoln’s 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan and a summary of previous and current trail uses, with the goal of developing a trail use vision that is appropriate for Lincoln today. After the presentation, attendees are encouraged to provide feedback and comments. Click here for the Zoom link (meeting ID 927 0523 1109, passcode: 971375). If you’re unable to attend the public forum, please submit any comments you’d like to share regarding the use of Lincoln’s trails to the Conservation Department (conservation@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2612) by November 30. 

State to conduct triennial special ed/civil rights review of schools

During the week of November 15, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Lincoln Public Schools. The PSM visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights will include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students. 

In addition to the onsite visit, parent/guardian outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from PSM will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, PSM will interview the chair(s) of the district’s Interim Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents/guardians and others may email PSM chair Erin VandeVeer at erin.vandeveer@mass.gov or call 781-338-3735 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chair will provide the district with a report with information about areas in which it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which it requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report here.

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Build Scarecrows at Stonegate to benefit PTO

Show fall spirit for your town and your school by build a scarecrow during the annual Scarecrows at Stonegate fundraiser. Bring a pillowcase for your scarecrow’s head, old clothing (pants with belt loops and long-sleeve shirts – teen to small adult sizes are best), and fun accessories (hats, masks, wigs, etc.) or old Halloween costumes. Stonegate Gardens provides hay, twine, stakes, additional craft supplies, and step-by-step instructions. Choose to display your scarecrow in Lincoln or take it home (display scarecrows will not be returned).Dates are as follows:

  • Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and 13 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 10 from noon–5 p.m.

Scarecrow-building takes place at Stonegate Gardens (33 South Great Rd.), and caretaker supervision is required at all times (no drop-offs). There is a $15 donation fee per scarecrow, which will be donated to the Lincoln School PTO. Social distancing and masks are required. For more information about how Stonegate is modifying this year’s event to prevent COVID spread and to sign up for a slot, please visit this SignUp Genius link.

Film on Mike Wallace at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Mike Wallace is Here” on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. The documentary offers an unflinching look at the legendary reporter, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in over 50 years on air, and his aggressive reporting style and showmanship that redefined what America came to expect from broadcasters. Unearthing decades of never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault, the film explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.

LSB Players start season with “The Addams Family”

The LSB Players at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School have announced their schedule of plays for 2021-2022 and invite residents to subscribe for season tickets. The shows will be:

“The Addams Family”
November 17–20 at 7:30 p.m. (Kirschner Auditorium)
Directed and choreographed by Carly Evans, music directed by Michael Bunting. This hilarious and irreverent musical tells the story of the Addams Family, a loving yet macabre family set in their ghoulish ways, as they face the prospect of their daughter/sister marrying someone far too normal for their taste.

8th Annual Winter One-Acts
February 4 at 7:30 p.m., February 5 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Rogers Theater)
Three L-S seniors will direct “That’s Not How I Remember It,” “As It Was,” and “I, Chorus.”

“Sense and Sensibility”
April 8 at 7:30 p.m., April 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 10 at 2 p.m.
Kate Hamill’s fast-paced adaptation of the Jane Austen novel takes on the gossipy society of late 18th-century England and examines the societal pressures that affect the lives of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

9th- and 10th-grade play (title TBA)
May 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.. (Rogers Black Box Theatre)

COLLAGE XXVI, a collection of scenes, one-acts and original pieces selected and directed by students
June 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. (Rogers Black Box Theatre)

Tickets for all 2021-2022 shows are $8 for students and senior citizens, and $15 for adults (Collage XXVI is free). Benefactors and season ticket holders receive advance notice before tickets are available to the general public so they can reserve for the evening of their choice. Season tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for students and senior citizens, while Benefactors’ tickets are $60. All Season Ticket holders and Benefactors are named in each program of the year. Click here to order.

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Fireside event at Farrington Nature Linc

Enjoy a crisp evening by the fire as Doria Hughes tells stories about the fall, nature and animals on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Farrington Nature Linc. Tickets for Tales & Treats: Slightly Scary Stories and S’mores are $10 each or $30 for a family of four. Feel free to bring blankets and/or chairs to sit around the fire, and wear or bring layers as it gets colder once the sun goes down.

Family fundraiser features cornhole tournament

Form a two-person kid or adult team (age 16+) to play in the cornhole tournament on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 2–6 p.m. at Codman Community Farms. The event is a fundraiser organized by the Doo family, whose daughter Kalea is living with moyamoya disease. The event also features pumpkin decorating courtesy of Stonegate Gardens, live music by Jimmy’s Down Band, a magic show with Ed Popielarczyk at 5 p.m., a bounce house, Hawaiian shaved ice, local beer and hard cider, food trucks and snacks, and a raffle. Click here for more information and to register, donate, or sponsor and keep a custom-made cornhole board. Questions? Email doofam@gmail.com.

Codman Harvest Feast tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Codman Community Farms Harvest Feast on Saturday, Oct. 23  from 5–9 p.m. The feast will take place under a big tent and feature live music by the Splinters as well as CCF’s slow-roasted, Lincoln-pasture-raised pork served with homemade cornbread, roasted potatoes, bean and green salads, and apple desserts. Dinner will be followed by a special raffle and dancing under the stars. Buy tickets online ($40 for CCF member and $50 for nonmembers) and click here to learn about other fall events at CCF including Sugar Shack Storytime, Harvest Wreath Happy Hour, and a three-session course on growing your own mushrooms.

Kids’ activities at the library

The Lincoln Public Library has several special events for children this month:

“Who Gets to Make History? The Story of Statues and Monuments”
Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
What are monuments for? Whose stories do they hold up for celebration? Whose stories do they erase or keep hidden? In this virtual workshop, Wee the People, a Boston-based social justice group, will explore what monuments mean and reimagine how they can celebrate values of community, equity, and justice. Intended for school-aged children. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register and receive a Zoom invite. 

Pumpkin Palooza
Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10:30–12 p.m.
Wear your costume and join us on the library lawn for Halloween fun: pumpkin painting, fortune telling, crafts, and more. Drop in; best for ages 6 and under. Rain date: October 30. 

Special Halloween Storytime and Parade
Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. 
Wear your costume for some Halloween fun, stories, dancing, and a parade on the library lawn. For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Click here to learn about children’s book groups and other events, or call 781-259-8465 x4 with any questions.

Halloween at deCordova

Celebrate Halloween at deCordova Sculpture Park on October 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31. Watch the moon travel across the sky as you and your family complete a series of ghoulish activities, all inspired by mysterious artworks. Explore different disguises, create monstrous shadows, and solve tantalizing mysteries. Click here to purchase tickets.

Two from Lincoln earn National Merit Scholar commendations

Two Lincoln students, Amie Jiang and Casey King, are among Lincoln-Sudbury’s Commended National Merit Scholars this year. The others from L-S are Akim Abramkin, Tarkan Ayata, Matthew Boone, Joshua Cohen, Joshua Geel, Jishnu Ghosh, Lyx Huston, Henry Knapick, Benjamin Krasnow, Max Reinhardt, Benjamin Rippy, Zachary Schwarzwald, Madeleine Swire, Sarah Watson, Robyn Wessman, Richard Yao, and Brian Yin.

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Covid-19 vaccine clinic on Tuesday for those 12 and up

There will be a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Lincoln School for children 12 and up, as well as anyone else eligible for a vaccination, on Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 1–4 p.m. in the Reed gym. Children 12-18 do not need to have a parent/guardian with them, but they will need to bring a Lincoln Schools Vaccination Consent Form that’s been printed, completed and signed by a parent. Children attending Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, private school, or home school are welcome. For those receiving their first dose at this clinic, another clinic for second doses will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 2–5 p.m.

Youth soccer starts Sept. 11

Kids in grades K-2 are invited to learn basic soccer skills, have fun with friends and learn to be part of a team. The Lincoln Youth Soccer fall 2021/spring 2022 season starts on Saturday, Sept. 11 and runs for 10 Saturday, weather permitting. Practice for grades K-1 is on Saturdays at 8 a.m.; for second-graders, it’s at 9 a.m. Click here to register. If you’re a parent who’d like to get involved, please email sallyannecoleman@gmail.com. All abilities are welcome.

Library to take part in 9/11 program

The Lincoln Public Library will participate in “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World,” a downloadable educational exhibition that presents the history of 9/11, its origins, and its ongoing implications through the personal stories of those who witnessed and survived the attacks 20 years ago. Told across 14 posters, the exhibition includes archival photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection. It explores the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and communities at the local, national, and international levels, and encourages critical thinking about the legacies of 9/11. Click here to register and download the presentation.

Donate household items for domestic violence survivors

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable welcomes donations of new household items for its annual Shower for Shelters drive to help families transitioning from a shelter or transitional housing to establish a new home. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. The drive runs from Monday–Thursday, Sept. 20–30.  New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury). Requested items include: department store and supermarket gift cards, diapers, twin-size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, and other household items.

Lincoln girls triumph in regional soccer tournament

By John Greco

The 2021 Lincoln Leopards. Back row, left to right: head coach Ginger Reiner, Bella Bono, Maya Lieblich, Mikayla Doo, Evie Packineau, Lucy Reiner, Anneka Doughty, and assistant coaches John Greco and Bryan Doo. Front row, left to right: Fiona Crosby, Violet Lucchese, Ellery Curtiss, Kate Greco, and Olivia Ancillo (click to see a larger version).

The Lincoln Leopards, Lincoln Youth Soccer’s sixth-grade girls’ team, won the Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) Girls Grade 6 D3 2021 President’s Cup on June 19. They won four games against West Roxbury, Natick, Sudbury, and finally Milford-Hopedale to emerge as champions during the course of the four-week eastern Massachusetts competition.

The Leopards their journey with a first-round 4-0 win over West Roxbury’s Parkway United squad. Olivia Ancillo’s first-half brace gave the Leopards a halftime lead, and Maya Lieblich’s second-half goal iced the game for the Leopards. Kate Greco added the final tally with a chip shot over the Parkway goalie off of a long throw-in by Ellery Curtiss. Defenders Lucy Reiner, Mikayla Doo, and Anneka Doughty limited Parkway United’s chances throughout the match to help the Leopards advance.

The quarterfinal game was decided in a penalty shootout over the Natick Terriers as the Leopards came from behind to tie the game 1-1 in the 50th minute when Violet Lucchese emphatically slammed in a Greco cross. After a scoreless two periods of overtime, Lincoln clinched the game on shootout penalty kicks from Reiner and Ancillo, while keeper Evie Packineau stood tall in goal, stopping all five Natick tries.

The Leopards continued their run with a stirring 1-0 semifinal victory over the Sudbury Gunners as Greco took a pass from Ancillo to touch home a left-footed goal in the 47th minute. Short one player due to injury for much of the second half, the sturdy Leopard back line held on for the win as Curtiss contained the speedy and dangerous Sudbury wings and Doo cleared some challenging bouncing balls. Goalies Packineau and Lucchese combined for the shutout, together conceding only one goal through the entire tournament.

In the final game against Milford-Hopedale, the Leopards finished their championship season, again stunning a larger town with a 4-0 victory. Strong teamwork by the Leopards resulted in a 2-0 halftime lead as nifty passing sprung Ancillo, who opened the scoring 17 minutes into the game with a rocket off the far post. Two minutes later, Lieblich intercepted a Milford-Hopedale pass and sent it to Concord native Bella Bono, who buried the first of her two goals to give Lincoln a 2-0 advantage. Fiona Crosby finished a cross from Doo midway through the second half to stretch the Leopard lead to 3-0, and Bono added her second goal in the 58th minute to complete the scoring and crown the Leopards as Presidents’ Cup Grade Six Champions.

Click to see larger captioned versions of these photos by Leopard siblings Matthew Greco, Russell Reiner, and Kai Doo:

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Lincoln Youth Soccer is open to boys and girls of any experience level in grades K-8 who live or attend school in Lincoln. Fall 2021 registration is open now and requested by July 7 at www.lincolnsoccer.com.

John Greco is the Lincoln Leopards’ assistant coach and the father of player Kate Greco.

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Webinar on the Three-Fifth Clause

“The Terrible Power of the Constitution’s Three-Fifth Clause” is the title of a lecture by historian Richard Bell, Ph.D. on Tuesday, June 22 from 7–9 p.m. via Zoom (click here for the link to register). Far more insidious than is commonly understood, the Three-Fifths Clause wove slaveholder power into the fabric of each of all three branches of government, shaping every aspect of federal policy regarding slavery for decades to come. Watch for free or make a donation to Historic New England. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Anti-Racism and Diversity Task Force, the Lincoln Historical Society, and Robbins House in Concord.

Benefit party at Farrington Nature Linc

Celebrate summer with Junebug at Farrington Nature Linc, its first in-person benefit party since 2019, on Saturday, June 26 from 6:30–9 p.m. Enjoy an adults-only evening with a delicious dinner from Fresh Food Generation and dessert from the Chocolate Therapy Store, drinks, and live music from Orchid Reed. All activities will be held outside. Farrington’s mission is to enhance the well-being of children from low-income communities through a connection with the natural world. For tickets and more information, click here. If you can’t come but want to participate, check out FNL’s auction of outdoor adventures.

Hanscom students take ninth place nationally with documentary

Hanscom Middle School students Morgan Gibson and Sophie Hrad were finalists representing Massachusetts in the Junior Group Documentary category in the National History Day national competition award ceremony. They finished ninth overall in a field of roughly 110 projects. from all over the country. They also earned distinction for Best Junior Project for Massachusetts, the second year in a row and third time overall that Hanscom MS students have earned this distinction. 

In addition to having their documentary, “Ida B. Wells: The Princess of the Press,” selected by the National Museum of African American History and Culture to be part of their week-long showcase, they also have their project currently being shown as part of the Massachusetts Historical Society’s celebratory Juneteenth showcase and it is viewable on this web page. The students were primarily advised by Hanscom Middle School teacher Catherine Martus. See details in this June 17 Lincoln Squirrel story.

Summer reading “drive/walk/bike-by” kickoff event at library

Children and families are invited to walk, drive, or bike to the Lincoln Public Library on Thursday, June 24 any time from 1-6 p.m. to pick up a summer reading packet including information about summer programs and the Summer Reading Challenge. Can’t make it? All of the summer reading materials will be available beginning June 25.  

The Lincoln Public Library will also host the following summer activities for kids on the library lawn:

Summertime Story Times with Sarah and Denise
Tuesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 3, 10, 17 at 10 a.m. (library lawn)

Dancing and Donuts with Sarah
July 17 at 10:30 a.m. (library lawn)

Beach Blanket Bingo 
July 19 at 6 p.m. (library lawn)

No registration necessary. Weather-related cancellations will be posted on the library website and social media an hour prior to the event. Also sponsored by the library at the Pierce House:

Acrobat Li Liu: Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics
Thursday, July 15 at 4 p.m. (Pierce House tent)

Magic Show with Ed Popielarczyk
Thursday, July 29 at 4 p.m. (Pierce House tent)

Brazilian Beats with the Sulinha Boucher Trio
August 3 at 10:30 a.m. (Pierce House tent)

For details, see the library’s kids and parents page. Questions? Email dleopold@minlib.net or call 781-259-8465 x4.

Smithsonian is streaming Hanscom student film on Ida B. Wells

“Ida B. Wells: The Princess of the Press” (click image to play video).

A short film made by two Hanscom Middle School students Sophie Hrad and Morgan Gibson will premiere nationally as part of a National History Day (NHD) online showcase.

“Ida B. Wells: The Princess of the Press” is one of 33 films produced by middle school and high school students that was competing in the 2021 NHD National Contest and selected by National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) staff. The films will be available to stream online via the Smithsonian Learning Lab through Wednesday, June 23.

NHD students whose films were selected for the showcase grappled with topics consistent with the mission of the museum. Their documentaries address topics of African American history, civil and human rights, and the experiences of historically underrepresented, marginalized, or subjugated peoples. These 10-minute films also reflect the 2021 NHD theme, “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.”

The Hanscom students will have a similar honor next week as the Massachusetts Historical Society will include their project as part of its Juneteenth recognition, according to their teacher, Jason Peledge.

Sophie and Morgan’s documentary highlights Ida B. Wells, her dual fight against racism and sexism, and how she never stopped fighting for what she believed in and giving a voice to the voiceless. Through the power of the press, she shed light on the inhumane treatment of Black Americans during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Knowing the power of her communication, Wells advocated for women’s suffrage, racial justice, and much more, which has paved the way for people of color in the field of investigative journalism. Click here to watch their video.

The films would normally be shown in person in the NMAAHC’s Oprah Winfrey Theater but are being screened online due to the pandemic. “Despite the ongoing public health emergency, the virtual nature of this showcase allows us to leverage modern technology to share student work that addresses important movements and advancements in communications history,” said NHD Executive Director Cathy Gorn. “These students have recognized, researched, and refined powerful stories of communication breakthroughs and pioneers of the past. We are so grateful to our partners at the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC and the Smithsonian Learning Lab for making this showcase accessible to millions of people around the world.”

Civic Action Project

Peledge also teaches the seven-week Civic Action Project at Hanscom Middle School, part of the curriculum for all Massachusetts public school eight-graders. Students begin by identifying an issue of importance to them, and in groups based on shared interests, they research the history of the issue and how people have tried to solve it before, as well as identifying the community influencers and decision-makers. They conduct interviews with community experts and create a step-by-step action plans involving the community or legislators to try to resolve their issue.

Peledge’s students chose public awareness campaigns as their action plan. One group created a reusable bag infographic (see below), while another worked on this article about opposition to products are tested on animals.

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