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

nature

Nature-themed events at Farrington Nature Linc

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

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

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

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

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

COA activities in February

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

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

[Read more…] about COA activities in February

News acorns

LLCT screens “Earthflight”

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust presents “Earthflight” followed by a talk by retired marine biologist and veterinarian Vincent Durso on Monday, Jan. 22 from 7:30–9 p.m. in the LLCT office in Lincoln Station above the post office. Using trained HD camera-carrying birds, drones, paragliders, and remote-control microflight planes, see amazing viewpoints that have never been seen before  In episode one of a six-part series, fly across North America with migrating snow geese, pelicans, and bald eagles over the Great Plains, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge as they encounter bears, dolphins, bison, and spawning fish. Following the film, Dr. Durso will discuss specific migrating bird habitats in Lincoln, including water, field and forest, and how the migrant species differ in these varied locations.

“Question box” service at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) will host a “question box” service on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. in the church at 4 Bedford Rd. In this service, the parishioners submit anonymous, spiritually themed questions for Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti, FPL’s senior minister, to answer. Refreshments and hospitality will follow the service.

“Psychedelic Cinema” at deCordova

On Friday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum presents “Psychedelic Cinema,” a groovy night of film, music, and art making where attendees can sip on cocktails and dance to retro hits from a live DJ while they watch vibrant images from Psychedelic Cinema float across the screen. Take a break to see mesmerizing art on view in the current exhibitions or make some of their own. Psychedelic Cinema is a collection of vibrant, hallucinatory films from the late 1960s created by experimental filmmaker Ken Brown. Originally projected behind performers like Jimi Hendrix and the Velvet Underground, it offers a visual tapestry of multi-layered imagery to enhance the auditory experience. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $5 for children 12 and under. Each ticket includes film, music, art-making activities, exhibitions, one complimentary drink, and snacks. Additional cocktails will be available for purchase.

News acorns

Library open late for studying

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

Ms. G ushers in Groundhog Day activities at Drumlin

Ms. G

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

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

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

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

Hendrickson works exhibited in Acton

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

LSB Players present “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

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

Goose eggs? (Lincoln Through the Lens)

These Canada geese seem decapitated by the chill on Farrar Pond. (Photo by Harold McAleer)

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Rollin’ on the river (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Kayakers are framed by the Sudbury River and fall foliage. (Photo by Harold McAleer)

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

New kids’ gallery at deCordova explores art, science, and nature

Children investigate Flint’s Pond at the deCordova.

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announces The Lab, a new interactive gallery on the museum’s fourth floor designed to explore the relationship between art, science, and nature. Changing several times each year in conjunction with new exhibitions, visitors will experience immersive installations, creative building activities, nature investigations, and a topical reading area.

The Lab’s first theme is Pond, inspired by deCordova’s current exhibition Bodies in Water and the neighboring Flint’s Pond. “We’re excited to introduce our newest interactive and interdisciplinary gallery where children and their families can experiment, play, and take ideas home with them,” said Emily Silet, head of educational exhibitions. “We hope our young visitors return again and again to The Lab this fall and winter to meet new friends and observe the dramatic seasonal changes at Flint’s Pond.”
The Lab: Pond, which takes a close look at pond ecosystems, features a variety of activities and experiences:
  • Walk-in camera obscura: To experience this naturally occurring phenomenon, visitors enter a darkened room where a simple hole in the window covering allows the view of the park and pond from outside to project into The Lab purely through the magic of optics (see image here).
  • Building table: Children can build “ice” sculptures using Lego bricks, wooden blocks, and Magna-Tiles ICE.
  • Drawing station: Visitors are asked to consider the pond life that exists both over and under the water in Flint’s Pond throughout the year through drawing or writing.
  • Reading lab: Carefully selected story and scientific books about Henry David Thoreau and pond life are available in a cozy reading nook overlooking Flint’s Pond through floor-to-ceiling windows equipped with binoculars.
  • Pond water display: Brilliant images of microscopic pond water samples allow visitors to see what can be found in water when it’s magnified.
  • Historical panel: An illustrated sign describes both Henry David Thoreau’s and Julian deCordova’s relationship to Flint’s Pond.
In the spring The Lab will begin a new theme, Air, in conjunction with deCordova’s exhibition Sculpting with Air: Ian McMahon and Jong Oh, opening April 20, 2018.

News acorns

First Parish unveils renovations at open house

Curious about what’s been happening with the church restoration in Lincoln Center? The First Parish in Lincoln welcomes the entire community on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. to visit the restored sanctuary and renovated Stearns Room at 4 Bedford Road. Drop in for refreshments, conversation and information. Construction began in September 2016 after much debate.

Art opening and gallery walk at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will host an art opening and gallery walk on Monday, Nov. 20 from 6–7 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. The gallery walk will include a guided tour of the many pieces hanging throughout the school building, including an introduction of Dana Chandler’s collage art and Hakim Raquib’s digital photo collage. The Math Mobile will be hanging in the Math Department light well, and the Community Mural was supported by artist Alex Cook, whose “You Are Loved” project strives to bring messages of affirmation and support to school buildings and other public spaces throughout the country.

Music will be provided by L-S students. The event is made possible by the Ogden Trust, SERF, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Lincoln Cultural Council, the Sudbury Cultural Council, and the L-S Parents Organization.

Contra dance on Thanksgiving night

Dance off some of that turkey and stuffing at Lincoln’s annual Thanksgiving Night Contra Dance on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 7–10 p.m. in the Smith gym featuring caller Chris Ricciotti, and musicians Amy and Jonathan Larkin (former Lincoln residents, returning for a comeback performance this year). Tickets are $6 for adults and students, $4 for children 10 years and under All ages and abilities are welcome.

Drumlin Farm hosts art and nature event

On the day after Thanksgiving, join Massachusetts artists at the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary for the annual “Giving Thanks for Nature and Our Senses,” a family outdoor art experience on Friday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Engage your senses on a nature walk with interactive artist demonstrations, enjoy art installations throughout the farmyard, and make your own nature-inspired crafts. Highlights include:

  • Music with the Grey Whisker Pickers
  • Wildlife sketching
  • Natural sculpture by William Turville
  • Nature crafts workshop with Musketaquid artists
  • Installations and gallery artwork by local sculptors, painters, and photographers
  • Storytelling with Ron McAdow

Cohosted by Mass Audubon and Musketaquid Arts & Environment. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and children age 2–13, and free for Mass Audubon members and Lincoln residents.

Now there’s coloring for adults, too

The Lincoln Public Library is starting a coloring club for adults starting on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m.–noon in the Tarbell Room. Come spend some peaceful time coloring your concerns away. No experience required; all materials will be provided by the library. For ages 16 and up. For more information, please contact Robin Rapoport at rrapoport@minlib.net.