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News acorns – 9/18/14

acornOpen house features Lincoln Minute Men, refurbished historic home

At an open house on Saturday, Sept. 20, the Lincoln Minute Men will do musket-firing demonstrations at 10 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., as well as drills for children, fife and drum music, and demonstrations of sewing, spinning and colonial clothing throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Captain William Smith House in the Minute Man National Historical Park on Route 2A near Bedford Road (park in the Hartwell Tavern lot).

Lincoln Minute Men (soldiers, musicians and townspeople) will greet the public in colonial attire and welcome them into the Smith House, which has been refurbished thanks to the concerted effort of the Lincoln Minute Men and the support of friends through donations. The Minute Men worked with the National Park to locate and donate items similar to those that might have been found on that day in the three ground floor rooms of a New England house: the formal parlor, the keeping room and the kitchen. Come and see the walking wheel for spinning wool, the infant’s cradle with reproduction tick and blanket, the kitchen cupboard stocked with redware and pewter, items for cooking on the hearth, a tilt-top table set for tea, a gate-leg table set for Catharine and William’s dinner, a desk where the Smiths could pay bills and write correspondence, and much more.

Also open to the public on September 20 are two other “witness houses” to the events of April 19, 1775: the Hartwell Tavern, where there will be demonstrations of historic crafts and trades, and the Col. James Barrett House in Concord, where His Majesty’s 63rd Regiment of Foot will be displaying British uniforms of the period.

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acornSelf-defense class for teenage girls

A free self-defense class for teenage girls will be offered by the Lincoln Police Department on August 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This class is especially geared to high school seniors and college students. On the first day, participants will go over basic safety and then learn both verbal and physical basic self-defense tactics and moves such as strikes, punches, and kicks. On the second day, an officer in full pads simulates attacks, and participants “fight” with the ultimate goal of escaping. The class is modeled on a successful class for adults (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Jan. 13, 2014). For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jena Salon at  jenasalon@gmail.com or 215-514-5963.

Library children’s room reopens; programs this week

The Children’s Room of the Lincoln Public Library is open again after four months in a temporary space across the hall. The move was necessitated by a fire sprinkler installation project. The Children’s Room is all spruced up and we even have some new toys, courtesy of the Friends of the Lincoln Library.

On Tuesday, July 29, children ages 3-5 are invited to a Stories and Crafts workshop at 11 a.m. Michael LaFosse will lead an origami workshop on Wednesday, July 30 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for grades K-2 and 4:30-5:30 p.m. for grade 3 and up. Sign up in advance for any of these events by calling 781-259-8465. Programs sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Inc.

deCordova offers Poetic Ceramics workshop

Munch on snacks and sip wine together at this workshop on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. as you create your own clay garden sculpture.With exhibiting artist Bruce Barry as your guide and deCordova’s current exhibitions as your inspiration, do some creative writing, put that writing in clay, and add your ceramic tablet to a communal poetry garden of stepping stones in the Sculpture Park. No ceramic experience is necessary. Snacks and drinks provided. Cost is $40, or $30 for members. Click here to register.

Kids’ events at library next week

squashNight Owls Storytime — Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m.
Bring your favorite cuddly friend and your favorite adult—wear your PJs! Geared towards children ages 2-5 but the whole family is welcome. Drop-in.

Stories and Crafts — Tuesday, July 8 at 11 a.m.
For ages 3-5. Advance signup required; call 781-259-8465.

Puppet-making Workshop — Wednesday, July 9 at 11 a.m.
This workshop includes reading the story Don’t Squish the Sasquatch, singing songs, and learning how to build and perform your very own puppet. Recommended for ages 3-8. Advance signup required; call 781-259-8465.

Summer Lego Club — Wednesday, July 9 at 4 p.m.
We provide the Legos, you provide the creativity! Age 4  and up. Drop in.

Programs sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Inc.

News acorns

acornDrive-in movie on Wednesday

The Lincoln School eighth-grade parents and students invite Lincoln families to celebrate the end of the school year with a drive in screening of “The Little Rascals” on Wednesday, June 25 at the Codman Pool parking lot. The movie will be projected on the wall of the Brooks Gym.  The screening will start at 8:30 p.m.; space is limited, so come early to secure a spot (and get some popcorn). Suggested donation: $10 per car. All proceeds to support the Legacy Fund of the Lincoln Schools.

Kids’ summer kick-off party at library
Children of all ages are invited to the Lincoln Public Library on Thursday, June 26 from 3:30-5 p.m. for face painting, crafts, a raffle, make-your-own sundaes and a magic show with Ed Popielarczyk at 4 p.m. Kids cal also pick up their summer reading challenge forms. In the event of rain, this event will be held at Bemis Hall. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library. Click here to see other summer programs for kids at the library.

Community Center exploration moves forward

communitySix residents and three town officials have been named to the new Community Center Study Committee, and the town is advertising for a consultant to look at various options for a facility to house groups including the Council on Aging and the Parks and Recreation Department.

The request for proposals from consultants is the next step in a process that began with a study and report by the Community Center Feasibility Study Committee in 2012 and a discussion at the State of the Town meeting in fall 2013 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, November 3, 2012).

While Park and Rec is satisfied with its current location in the pods, the buildings are getting old and will need repairs soon. The Council on Aging has outgrown its Bemis Hall headquarters, which also lack private consultation areas. There are also parking and safety issues, since visitors who park across the street in the church lot must cross Bedford Road to enter Bemis

The committee’s report looked at several possible sites for a community center, though it did not evaluate them in detail. Those sites are the administration building and pods in the Hartwell side of the school campus, the Smith school building, the Pierce House, The Groves (now The Commons), Farrington Memorial, the First Parish Church, Lincoln Woods on Wells Road, the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, and Lewis Street.

For a base price of $55,000, the town is looking for a consultant to do a “detailed evaluation of the benefits, challenges, and costs of the options” as well as any other options they might identify, according to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) published by the Board of Selectmen on June 11. Firms have until June 30 to submit proposals.

Town officials hope to have “concept-level plans/options” to present to the community at the State of the Town Meeting in the fall. The consultant will develop schematic design and cost estimates for “the option(s) deemed by the Selectmen based on feedback from the community, to be the most viable and attractive options” to be presented for discussion at the Annual Town Meeting in March 2015. The consultant is also responsible for helping the new committee hold public workshops and hearings as necessary.

Intergenerational crafts workshops in July

palette-smThe Old Town Hall Exchange is offering four intergenerational crafts workshops at Bemis Hall featuring artists associated with the Exchange. The workshops are for middle or high school students and adults. Each workshop costs $15 per person. Please sign up by calling the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry — Join Hilary Taylor of Merlin’s Silver Star Studio on Wednesday, July 2 from 1- 2:30 p.m. to make a pendant or pair of earrings using clay embedded with fine silver. After firing, the clay burns off, leaving the piece in silver. Bring items with texture (bits of nature, lace fabric, a piece of metal with a texture) to use in your piece. No experience is needed and we are sure you will enjoy your finished piece! You’ll receive your piece 10 days later.

Mixed Media Collage — Learn to make a mixed media collage with artist Laurie Bogdan on Wednesday, July 9 from 1-2:30 p.m. Laurie will show you how to take everyday objects—game set pieces, magazine and catalog pictures, fabric, photos, and more—and combine them into a beautiful, sometimes whimsical collage using glue, paint, markers, and anything else you can imagine.

Chain Maille Jewelry — On Wednesday, July 16 at 1 p.m., Shing Hsieh will show you how to create chain maille jewelry by weaving together metal jump rings in a 2-1/2 hour workshop. She will demonstrate two different techniques: the byzantine and mobius weaves. Participants will leave class with a pair of earrings and, time permitting, the option to start a bracelet. Participants should bring two pairs of flat nose or needle nose pliers, preferably without teeth, but bring what you have and we can modify at workshop.

Instant Books — Learn how to make a book out of one piece of paper in a matter of minutes with Suzette Durso on Wednesday, July 23 from 1-2:30 p.m. Each page of this book will have a pocket where small photographs or business cards can be stored. This book is small enough to fit in a pocketbook or a back pocket. Books can be decorated with flowers and ribbon.

These workshops are supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

News acorns

acornOutdoor water use restrictions in effect

Under the annual mandatory restriction on outdoor water public water use, which runs from May 1 through September 30, outdoor water use is allowed only twice a week depending on your house number. Even-numbered houses may use outdoor water on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, while odd-numbered houses may do so on Wednesdays and/or Fridays. All water use must take place between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Drip irrigation is allowed only on the specified days but may be done at any hour of the day. Restricted activities included:

  • Irrigating of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
  • Washing vehicles except in a commercial car wash or for operator safety;
  • Washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, stain, or stucco.

Exceptions include irrigation to establish a new lawn and plantings during the months of May and September and watering lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose. For complete details, see this Lincoln Water Department web page.

Last LOMA open mike night of the year is June 9

The Creek River String Band (CRSB) will perform at LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) on Monday, June 9 from 7-10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. CRSB has been making waves in the New England music scene with a mix of bluegrass,Tex-Mex, folk, pop and blues tunes! Band members are Stroker Rogovin (accordion, vocals), Jeremy Majewski (banjo), Doug Turnbull (mando, guitar, vocals), Fred Kosak (guitar, mando, vocals), Kim Patch (fiddle) and Eric Smalley (Bass). CRSB performs regularly at local venues, such as Sally O’Briens and Precinct. They recently released their first EP, Creek River String Band.

LOMA is a monthly event. Perform or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day for a slot. Names of those who are signed up by 7:15 will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Brad Meyer and Brent Clark ably handle the sound. We expect everyone will have a chance to perform, but in case of overflow, the first 20 performers to sign up will be given priority.

The fall lineup for LOMA will include Julie Dougherty on September 8, the Wednesdays on October 20, the Rafters on November 10, and Glenn Pettit on December 8.

Codman barbecue and campout coming up

Join other Codman Community Farms members for a fun family overnight to support the farm. Pitch your tent at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Dinner catered by Blue Ribbon Barbecue, plus s’mores, games and an old-fashioned singalong around the campfire. There will be breakfast on Sunday with coffee, orange juice and bagels. A tent site is $30 and includes breakfast for all campers in the tent. Tickets ($25 for adults, $15 for children under 12) need to be purchased by all campers and are also available to those just wishing to come for the evening. Reserve online at www.codmanfarm.org, call 781-259-0456 or email info@codmanfarm.org.

Summer wellness clinics

Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse through a free town service. Come to get your blood pressure and/or body mass index checked, ask questions, or learn about wellness resources. Clinics will be held at the Community Building at Lincoln Woods (50 Wells Rd.) from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 13 and Friday, July 11. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at (781-259-8811.

See “Snakes of New England” up close and personal

Rick Roth, snake expert and director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will talk about the lives and habits of his favorite snakes from New England and around the world on Saturday, June 14 from 3-4 p.m. in Hartwell Pod B. This show-and-tell will allow the audience to see these creatures up close… or at a safe distance. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Parks and Recreation Department. Suggested donation of $5, or $15 for a family of three or more.

Donate bicycles to Bikes Not Bombs

The Lincoln Recycling Committee is holding its third annual bike drive for Bikes Not Bombs on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hartwell parking lot. All types of bikes, adult or children’s, in any condition, parts, and/or condition are appreciated. The committee will partner with Bikes Not Bombs, which ships about 5,000 donated bikes to economic development projects in Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala and Nevis Island each year. The remaining collected bikes are used in the organization’s Jamaica Plain location for the youth Earn-a-Bike programs, and others are repaired by teenage mechanics as part of their vocational training programs. Bikes Not Bombs requests a $10 per bike donation to defray storage, processing and shipping costs. The organization can provide a signed, dated receipt for the cash donation and the value of each donated bicycle. To learn more, contact Laura Berland at 781-259-8149 or lauraberland@comcast.net, or Bernadette Quirk at 781-259-3186 or quirkx4@msn.com.

Crafts workshops for kids and parents

The Old Town Hall Exchange is offering four intergenerational crafts workshops at Bemis Hall featuring artists associated with the Exchange. The workshops are for middle or high school students and adults. Each workshop costs $15 per person. Please sign up by calling the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

  • Precious Metal Clay Jewelry—Join Hilary Taylor of Merlin’s Silver Star Studio on Wednesday, July 2 from 1- 2:30 p.m. to make a pendant or pair of earrings using clay embedded with fine silver. After firing, the clay burns off, leaving the piece in silver. Bring items with texture (bits of nature, lace fabric, a piece of metal with a texture) to use in your piece. No experience is needed and we are sure you will enjoy your finished piece! You’ll receive your piece 10 days later.
  • Mixed media collage—Learn to make a mixed media collage with artist Laurie Bogdan on Wednesday, July 9 from 1-2:30 p.m. Laurie will show you how to take everyday objects—game set pieces, magazine and catalog pictures, fabric, photos, and more — and combine them into a beautiful, sometimes whimsical collage using glue, paint, markers, and anything else you can imagine.
  • Chain Maille Jewelry—On Wednesday, July 16 at 1 p.m., Shing Hsieh will show you how to create chain maille jewelry by weaving together metal jump rings in a 2.5-hour workshop. She will demonstrate two different techniques: the byzantine and mobius weaves. Participants will leave class with a pair of earrings and, time permitting, the option to start a bracelet.  Participants should bring two pairs of flat nose or needle nose pliers, preferably without teeth, but bring what you have and we can modify at workshop.
  • Instant Books—Learn how to make a book out of one piece of paper in a matter of minutes with Suzette Durso on Wednesday, July 23 from 1-2:30 p.m. Each page of this book will have a pocket where small photographs or business cards can be stored. This book is small enough to fit in a pocketbook or a back pocket. Books can be decorated with flowers and ribbon.

These workshops are supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Drumlin Farm presents “Wild About Wildlife” day

owl-smGet an up-close look into the life of New England’s native wild animals at the Wild About Wildlife festival on Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.

Look a raptor in the eye, learn how we enrich the lives of our captive animal ambassadors, and go on a hunt for animals tracks of all kinds. Kids and parents of all ages will enjoy an up-close look at some of our favorite native New England animals, along with family-friendly stories and crafts. For this festival day only, we will also be offering special behind-the-scenes tours of our wildlife care facility normally closed to the public.

All activities are free with paid admission. Admission is free for Mass Audubon members and Lincoln residents. Event takes place rain or shine. Most programs last 45 minutes. For more information, visit this Drumlin Farm web page.

Spotting Spot – 10 a.m.
Take a peek through our high-powered spotting scope at what’s flying by.

Wildlife Care Tours – 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, or 2:30 pm (additional $5 fee applies)
Join our staff for a special behind-the-scenes tour of our wildlife care facility, usually closed to visitors, and see the animals we use for educational programs (potentially including snakes, turtles, owls, hawks, opossum, rabbits, skunk, and woodchucks)

Animals and Their Keepers: Deer – 11 a.m.
Get an up-close look at the care and feeding of our white-tailed deer from our wildlife care staff.

Big Birds – 11:30 a.m.
Meet the top of the food chain with some of New England’s largest owls and hawks.

Wetland Wildlife – noon
Learn about the unique habitat of our vernal pool and see which critters make it their home.

Crafts and Story Corner – 1-4 p.m.
Need a quieter spot for a quick break? Drop by for a story or two and make a small animal friend to take home with you.

Animals and Their Keepers: Fox – 2 p.m.
Get an up-close look at the care and feeding of our fox from our wildlife care staff.

Making Tracks – 2:30 p.m.
Interpret the prints and signs animals leave behind and make a few of your own.

Meet the Moms – 3 p.m.
Meet some of our favorite mammal moms and learn how they care for their babies.

Animals and Their Keepers: Fisher – 3:30 p.m.
Get an up close look at our fisher and experiment with making an enrichment item for her to explore.

Click here for more information on Drumlin Farm programs.

Yet more things to learn and do in Lincoln

Attorney general candidate forum

Meet Attorney General candidates Maura Healey and Warren Tolman will appear at a forum on Saturday, May 10 in Bemis Hall sponsored by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee and the 3rd Middlesex Area Democrats. Note: The portion of the original forum featuring candidates for state treasurer has been rescheduled for June 7). More info…

flowersPlant sale and free gardening workshops

The Food Project hosts its second annual plant sale and free gardening workshops on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Lincoln farm at the intersection of Concord Road and Baker Bridge Road. In addition to selling dozens of varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers grown using high-quality organic potting soil at the plant sale, assistant grower Allison Houghton will teach free 30-minute workshops twice each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on “Five Tips for Home Gardening Success.” Topics will include maximizing your yield in a small space, pruning tomatoes, growing herbs and other useful tips to make your garden a success. More info…

In conjunction with the plant sale, the Lincoln Garden Club will also host its biennial Perennial Plant Sale on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Codman barn. There will be a children’s project just in time for Mother’s Day, container gardens and a wide assortment of perennials from club members’ gardens.

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