The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

nature

COA activities in August

bemisAugust 3 at 11 a.m.
Codman Estate tour, garden visits and luncheon
You are invited to spend a delightful summer day at the Codman Estate on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. presented by Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Historic New England. Enjoy a house tour, a visit to the Italian Garden, and a picnic under the arbor in the Italian Garden. After lunch, visit with Jai Kaur Annamaria to view her newly established garden and explore adjacent Lincoln conservation land and visit with the alpacas. $5 per person for lunch (Lincoln residents), $10 per person for lunch and tour (non-Lincoln residents). Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

August 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Share the joy of jazz with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet
Jazz up your summer at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 12:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will share with you their love of traditional jazz music in a delightfully spontaneous jam! They’ll have you stomping your feet and cheering as they belt out favorites such as Honeysuckle Rose, Sweet Georgia Brown, Sunny Side of the Street and When the Saints Go Marching In. The group are all retirees, amateur musicians who give expression to their love of the jazz of the 1920s–1940s at Bemis Hall once a month and also join the larger group of jammers who meet on the third Saturdays of each month, alternating between the library and Bemis Hall.

August 8 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free legal clinic!
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Aug. 8 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 9781) 259-8811.

August 10 at noon
Savor summer with a special luncheon for veterans and their spouses
Veterans and spouses are invited to a special lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at noon at Bemis Hall featuring Hebrew National all beef hot dogs, coleslaw, and vegetarian beans. Widows and widowers of veterans are most welcome to join us. The COA is hoping to create a dynamic veterans community here in Lincoln and would love to see all veterans and spouses at the luncheon. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by Aug. 3.

August 17 at 1 p.m.
Nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart
Summer is the perfect time to get to know Lincoln’s highways and byways in all their natural glory. Come on a nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m., starting from Bemis Hall. Tom will lead you on one of Lincoln’s many conservation trails while pointing out some of the native flora and fauna that you might otherwise miss. The walk will be on relatively level ground and no more than one mile. No need to sign up, just be at Bemis Hall a few minutes before 1 p.m.

August 18 at 10 a.m.
We honor veterans: end-of-life and survivor benefits
Veterans and their families have special needs when it comes to end-of-life care, whether related to the unique life and health care experiences of veterans or to the benefits of the Veterans Administration for end-of-life health care, burial benefits, or survivor benefits. We Honor Veterans is an initiative of the Veterans Administration and local hospices and other care providers to make sure that veterans receive sensitive and compassionate care and know about all their benefits. Come find out more when Mary Beth Kawalek of Brookhaven Hospice comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug 18 at 10:00 a.m.

August 22 and 24 at 10 a.m.
Enjoy historic Lincoln cemetery walks
Lincoln’s cemeteries are both historic and beautiful, telling the stories of Minute Men and soldiers from many wars, town luminaries, and ordinary people while also being extraordinary works of art. Gather at Bemis Hall for a walk through the Meeting House Cemetery (1756) with Valerie Fox, Deputy Town Clerk, on Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Then on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 10 a.m. meet at the entrance to the Arborvitae Cemetery (1837) for a walk with Cemetery Commission member Susan Harding. In both walks you’ll hear about the history of the cemeteries, stories of some of the people buried, and about the artistry of the monuments and landscapes. No need to sign up.

August 24 at 1 p.m.
Give calligraphy a try
Calligraphy is a beautiful way to express yourself while making elegant and lovely invitations, notes, cards, certificates, and more. Come give calligraphy a try on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. when Beth Anderson, client liaison with Caring Companion Home Care, comes to Bemis Hall. She’ll demonstrate how to do calligraphy, explain what you’ll need to take it up, and let you try your hand at it. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. 

 
Whaling museum in September
Save September 21 for a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum! This renowned museum of the history of whaling and its impact on New England, the nation, and the world offers interactive exhibits, including the world’s largest whaling ship model; displays of fine and decorative arts; collections of cultural artifacts, rare antiquities, scrimshaw and logbooks; and five whale skeletons including the rare blue and northern right. For more information, see the COA’s September newsletter!

Improve your life with Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is a new and innovative way of building on strengths to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life, cultivate what is best within ourselves, and enhance love, work, and play. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now for a free eight-session course, beginning Friday, September 16 at 9:30, in which you will hear presentations, view videos and engage in discussions to learn strategies for being happier, realizing dreams, bringing about personal change, using mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and nutrition to enhance quality of life, and improving relationships. The course is taught by Alyson Lee, who is a social worker and life coach and certified to teach Positive Psychology. It is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust.

Music appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics
Develop your musical listening skills and music appreciation with Music Appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics presented at the COA by the Concord Conservatory of Music. This year the course will cover special topics like world music, American music, opera, and symphonies. 12 Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning September 13. $117. Taught by Ela Brandys, DMA. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now!

 
Take charge with aging mastery
This fall, forge your own path to better physical and emotional health, financial well-being, and life enrichment through actionable goals, small but impactful life changes, and peer support! Lincoln seniors are invited to join others from Weston and Wayland at the Weston COA in this free 10-week program meeting on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. beginning on September 14. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now as space is limited. Supported by the National Council on Aging, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

Memoir group
Without any obligation, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Sept. 7 and 21; Oct. 5 and 19; Nov. 2, 16, and 30; and Dec. 14. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Beginning and refresher bridge
Depending on interest, the COA may offer a beginning and refresher bridge class in the fall. Look for more details in the September newsletter! If you are interested in bridge lessons, please call Carolyn at the COA at 781-259-8811!

Summer sky (Lincoln Through the Lens)

A summer sunset sky photographed by Harold McAleer.

A summer sunset sky photographed 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.

A grosbeak peek (Lincoln Through the Lens)

This grosbeak recently visited Harold McAleer's feeder.

This grosbeak recently visited Harold McAleer’s feeder.

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.

News acorns

Clark Gallery showcases Pochesci works, prison photos

"The Blue Chest" (2014) by Linda Pochesci.

“The Blue Chest” (2014) by Linda Pochesci.

During the month of June, see paintings at the Clark Gallery by Linda Pochesci showing interior images of her Truro, Mass., studio and living quarters that open onto dunes that are fabricated from the artist’s imagination, as are the studio interiors containing mirrors reflecting spaces outside the visible space. Until Friday, June 18, the Clark Galley is also exhibiting “Danny Lyon: Conversations with the Dead” and “Richard Ross: Juvenile in Justice,” which were reviewed by the Boston Globe in May. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.n, and by appointment.

Lincoln kids’ triathlon is June 18

Kick off the summer at the Lincoln Kids Triathlon (also known as Splash, Mash and Dash) on Saturday, June 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the Codman Pool in Lincoln.  The event is open to all kids ages 5-14. Register before race day and save $10. Event information, including race distances and an online registration link, can be found at www.kidstri.net. To volunteer, email Ginger Reiner at ginger.reiner@gmail.com. There are T-shirts, goody bags, and medals for every participant plus great awards and raffle prizes.

Kids’ summer kickoff at library

Come to a summer kickoff party at the Lincoln Public Library on Wednesday, June 22 from 3:30-5 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to the library for balloon sculpting, crafts, a raffle, make-your-own sundaes and a magic show by Ed Popielarczyk at 4 p.m. Kids can pick up their summer reading challenge forms. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Event looks at Gropius jewelry

Discover the jewelry collection and stylistic trendsetting of Mrs. Ise Gropius during this special evening talk and tour, “Small but Perfect Things: The Style and Jewelry Collection of Ise Gropius,” on Thursday, June 23 from 7-9 p.m. at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.). Historic New England Associate Curator Laura Johnson shows you Mrs. Gropius’s collection of unique designs using intriguing modern materials, with original examples of jewelry on view. $10 for Historic New England members, $15 for nonmembers. Space is limited and registration required; call 781-259-8098 or buy online.

Mass Audubon invites photo contest submissions

“Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest,” the annual competition sponsored by Mass Audubon in Lincoln, is now underway, with hundreds of participants expected to submit images of the Bay State’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity before the competition ends on September 30. Photographers of all abilities, ages and backgrounds are encouraged to fan out across the state to take their best shots of birds and other animals, friends and family members enjoying the outdoors, and more. For the 2016 contest, photographers will be able to submit up to 10 entries—double the number allowed previously. Categories include People in Nature, Birds, Mammals, and Other Animals, as well as a single category for Landscapes, Plants, and Fungi. For complete contest rules and submission guidelines as well as a gallery of the winning photos from 2015, visit the “Picture This” website.

Crossing the finch line (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Harold McAleer photographed this yellow finch at his bird feeder.

Harold McAleer photographed this yellow finch at his bird feeder.

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.

Where are the other 11? (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Harold McAleer created this photo collage of an apostle flower, which blooms and dies in a single day.

Harold McAleer created this photo collage of an apostle plant flower, which blooms and dies in a single day.

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.

Kids and Flints raise $1,400 for charity with maple syrup

Jack Doyle, Mira David and Audie Wells sell maple syrup at Town Meeting.

Jack Doyle, Mira David and Audie Wells sell maple syrup at Town Meeting.

Lincoln School third-graders, with the help of Flint Farm’s Nancy Bergen and Ephraim Flint, successfully raised $1,400 for charity as part of a maple syrup science project.

The children collected and measured sap from maple trees and then correlated daily sap production with temperature, finding that sap flows more quickly on warm days. To collect the sap, they tapped three trees on the school campus, and Flint Farm tapped another 40 trees around town, such as along those Baker Bridge Road.

The Flints donated their time and equipment to boil the sap into delicious maple syrup. Third-graders Mira David, Jack Doyle, Law deNormandie and Audie Wells sold the maple syrup at the recent Annual Town Meeting. They sold a total of 22 quarts and 11 pints, and Flint Farm decided to give half of the proceeds ($700) to Codman Farm to support all of the great work they do in town.

The entire third grade also discussed a number of worthwhile charities to which the rest of proceeds could be donated, and decided that this year they will support Save the Children.

—Submitted by Michelle Doyle

Nature events include vernal pool and bird encounters

natureThe Lincoln Land Conservation Trust announces several events this spring offer educational encounters with local animals and plants.

Peer into a Pool: Vernal Pool Exploration with Matt Burne
Sunday, April 3 at 1 p.m. — meet and park at the far end of the parking lot beyond Donelan’s.

Matt Burne, a herpetologist and conservation director for the Walden Woods Project, will lead a walk to explore vernal pools in Lincoln. Participants will visit some local wetlands for signs of spotted salamanders, wood frogs and fairy shrimp. Learn about the importance of vernal pools and how to protect them. Listen for the wood frogs’ duck-like calls and the high-pitched chorus of tiny spring peepers, a species of tree frog. Please wear footwear for a one- to two-mile walk. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Walden Woods Project and the Lincoln Conservation Commission. Free and open to all.

A Storm of Angels: Creating Habitat for Migratory Songbirds
Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. — Bemis Hall

Join us for a visually stunning and engaging evening with fine art photographer and ecologist Brooks Mathewson. Due to loss of natural habitat, backyards have become a last refuge for many migratory songbirds. In this talk, Brooks will share his photography of migratory songbirds that visit our backyards and will discuss ways we can provide better habitat for these critical members of our ecosystem. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Garden Club and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Free and open to all.

Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World
Sunday, April 10 from 4-5:30 p.m. — Bemis Hall

Perhaps you’ve glimpsed the shadowy form of a great horned owl in the headlights as you’ve traveled a back road at night. Ever scanned a frozen salt marsh or farmer’s meadow in winter, hoping to find that Arctic hunter, the Snowy Owl? How about a mob of noisy crows circling a white pine tree—have they found an owl? Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson in sharing their passion for owls. They will introduce you to the owls of New England and beyond. Each owl presented has a permanent disability which prevents them from surviving on their own in the wild. These non-releasable owls are captivating ambassadors from the world of wildlife. Mark and Marcia will share the field marks, signs, and naturalist’s skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close.  Everyone is treated to a hooting lesson, as well as tips on how to attract and protect owls near you. All who attend are in for some fun with close-up views of these secretive birds of prey. Suggested donation: $5.

Spring Birding in Lincoln: A Spring Walk Series

Spring mornings are glorious! Find out why birders love early mornings in spring as you learn to identify birds by sight and song, and explore some birding “hot spots” in Lincoln. Dress for the weather (e.g., wet grass and cool early morning temperatures) and please bring binoculars. At least two of the following local birding experts will lead each walk: Vinny Durso, Nancy Hammond, Norman Levey, Gwyn Loud and Nancy Soulette. The walks will not take place if it is raining. All walks take place from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Free; all are welcome.

  • Sunday, April 24 — Lindentree Farm and fields behind St. Anne’s Church. Park on Old Concord Road.
  • Sunday, May 1 — Baker Bridge Fields. Park at the Food Project on Rte. 126.
  • Sunday, May 8 — Harrington and Twin Pond trails. Park in the turnout on Rte. 117 on the Weston town line.
  • Sunday, May 15 — Browning Fields and Pigeon Hill. Park by the riding ring in Browning Field on Weston Rd.

Annual Meeting of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
Thursday, May 12 from 7-9 p.m. — Walden Woods Project (44 Baker Farm Road, Lincoln)

We invite you to join members and friends of the Land Trust at its annual meeting at the handsome estate of the Walden Woods Project. Guest speaker Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and longtime Lincoln resident, will discuss her fascinating new book, Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies. For centuries, the ethereal beauty of fireflies as evoked wonder and delight, yet for most of us, these insects remain shrouded in mystery: How do these creatures make light? What are they saying with all their flashing? Are fireflies disappearing? In this talk, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the mysterious world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these charismatic insects. Copies of Lewis’s book will be available for sale and signing. Refreshments served beginning at 7 p.m.; meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome, though only members may vote.

Invasive Plant Species Walk
Sunday, June 12 at 1 p.m. — deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Join Anna Wilkins, stewardship coordinator of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, on a walk on deCordova grounds. We will explore the common misconceptions and long-term impacts of invasive control, as well as how we negotiate the aesthetic beauty invasive plants lend our landscape in relation to the damage that they pose to our local ecosystem. Sturdy shoes recommended.

News acorns

musicmanMiddle schoolers perform “Music Man Jr.”

Come see “Music Man Jr.,” based on  the classic Broadway show and 1962 movie, in the Donaldson auditorium on Wednesday, March 16 at 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, March 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. The story follows the escapades of of a fast-talking salesman who masquerades as a traveling band leader and his plans to swindle the naive parents of a small Iowa town. Instead, he falls for the town’s librarian and risks everything to be with her. This production features a cast and crew of close to 70 students and has been supported by dozens of parent volunteers. Drama teacher Kristen Hall is the show’s director and producer. Musical direction is by music teacher Blake Siskavich and choreography by fifth-grade teacher Maurisa Davis. Tickets will be sold at the door: adults $10, students and seniors $5. Suitable for all ages.

Library/Aka Bistro discount

The Lincoln Public Library and AKA Bistro are offering a 10 percent food discount (drinks not included) for Lincoln residents with Lincoln Public Library cards. For more information, see the AKA Bistro website.

Environmental film festival from river group

OARS (a nonprofit group that works to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and recreational features of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers and their watersheds) is hosting an evening of films from the largest environmental film festival in the nation on Wednesday, March 30 from 7-10 p.m. at Maynard’s Fine Arts Theatre Place (19 Summer St.) With the theme “A Change of Course,” these engaging films bring theater-goers close to magnificent wilderness, as well as to the people who work to protect their communities’ environment. Sixteen films ranging from 2 to 18 minutes will be shown. including “Denali,” “The Fable of the Wolf” and “The Accidental Environmentalist.” Tickets are $13 and may be purchased online, or contact OARS at 978-369-3956 or office@oars3rivers.org.

Seeing eye to eye (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Harold McAleer encountered this tufted titmouse giving him the eye.

Harold McAleer encountered this tufted titmouse giving him the eye (though despite his shape, this is not an Angry Bird).

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.