The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

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News acorns

Climate Justice Film Series continues

The Exxon Valdez leaking oil.

The St. Anne’s Episcopal Church’s Climate Justice Film Series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 24 with a free screening of the new film, “A Concerned Citizen: Civics in Action.” the film documents the work of Dr. Riki Ott, a whistleblower who predicted the Exxon Valdez oil spill hours before it happened and came to the aid of her Alaskan community in their battle for fair compensation for their loss of health and income. There will be a light vegetarian supper at 6:30 p.m.; the film starts at 7 p.m.

The film series, now in its fifth season, has become a space for community-building among local climate and environmental justice activists. Since this movie is short (41 minutes) there will be a time for announcements and updates on what’s happening related to climate and environmental work in the region afterwards. For more information, contact Alex Chatfield, adchat@aol.com, 781-697-0140.

Art show issues call for artists

Lincoln-affiliated artists and artisans of all ages are invited to show their two- and three-dimensional creations for sale or display at the fourth annual Lincoln Arts Show from Friday–Sunday, Oct. 25–27 in Hartwell Pod B. Sign up by Monday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., at the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department or online here. Any late entries will be accepted on a space-available basis. Registrants will be sent an artist statement and labels to complete and email back by Monday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Entry fees (waived for students):

  • 2-D works (paintings, photos, etc.): $10 per work; maximum four works per artist. 
  • 3-D works (pottery, hand crafts, etc.) on a 3’ x 8’ table, $25 for half-table; $50 for whole table.

There is no commission; artists are responsible for sales taxes. All work must be ready to hang or present. Artists or their designees will be responsible for hanging/displaying and removing their own works. Hanging materials and tools are provided. 

The schedule is as follows:

  • Hanging/displaying: Thursday, Oct. 24 from 4–6 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 25 from 9–11:30 a.m. 
  • Opening reception: Friday, Oct. 25 from 5–7 p.m.
  • Exhibit times: Friday, Oct. 25 from 3–5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26 from 12–5 p.m.;  Sunday, Oct. 27 from 12–3 p.m.
  • Takedown: Sunday, October 22, 3–4:30 pm.

Questions? Contact Sarah Chester at schester636@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department and the Lincoln Council on Aging.

Latest wildlife observations posted

As fall approaches, bids and butterflies are on the move, and acorns and deer are abundant in the area according to observations made and gathered by Gwyn Loud in her latest monthly wildlife column on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s website. See the site’s blog archives for previous columns as well as other news items, photos, and videos.

Appealing bark (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Morning sun backlights a Japanese paper bark maple on Beaver Pond Road. (Photo by Allen Vander Meulen)

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

“Embrace Change” sessions at library cancelled

All evening sessions of the “Embrace Change” series at the Lincoln Library have been cancelled. Daytime programs will be held at Pierce House as scheduled (see updated News Acorns, Sept. 4, 2019). For more information, see FullyEmbraceChange.com.

Garden Club event for prospective members

All Lincoln residents with an interest in gardening and the natural environment that surrounds us are welcome to the Lincoln Garden Club’s fall wine and cheese party for new and prospective members. Come learn about their activities on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. RSVP to Annparke@verizon.net, Lucypage@aol.com or Membership@lincolngradenclub.org to receive the event location.

Codman Community Farms Harvest Feast rescheduled

Due to concerns about Eastern equine encephalitis and the potential risks of holding evening events before the first hard frost, Codman Community Farms has decided to move its annual Harvest Feast from October 5 to Saturday, Nov. 2. The annual CCF Harvest Fair will be held as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Fall events at Farrington Nature Linc

The following children’s events will take place at Farrington Nature Linc (295 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln):

Goat Yoga with Chip in Farm and Julie Aronis of Little Elephant Yoga
Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10–11 a.m.
Join us for an outdoor yoga class featuring a herd of friendly baby goats from Chip-In Farm. Goat kids are naturally curious and playful and our little goats love to cuddle. While this may not be the most meditative and relaxing yoga class you’ve ever been to, it will surely be the most memorable. Learn more on leader Julie Aronis’s Facebook page. Bring your own mat, blanket, or towel but be prepared for the goats to potentially taste test everything. We recommend towels for easy cleaning. In case of rain, the class will be inside the barn. $25 class fee includes 50 minutes of yoga instruction with 10 minutes of goat cuddling and photos.

Tales and Treats Family Storytelling with Doria Hughes
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us for a crisp evening by the fire as Doria Hughes tells us stories about the fall, nature, and animals and everyone makes s’mores.

Wild Edibles with Stephen DeFlorio
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon
Led by Naturalist Stephen DeFlorio, a 30-year veteran of outdoor education. Explore the world of ethnobotany. The class will focus on edibles in the woods but also cover medicinals such as lip balms, salves, tinctures, poultices, etc. Geared for adults, but children welcome. Limited to 25 attendees.

Slightly Spooky, Mostly Kooky Fall Fun Fest
Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4–9 p.m.
Come as a family wearing your favorite Halloween costumes to enjoy fall crafts, outdoor games, a hike and some Halloween treats.

Mah Jongg Mondays set to begin

Have you always wanted to learn mah jongg? Are you a new or former player looking to improve your skills? Are you an experienced player looking for a friendly game? Every Monday from 1–4 p.m. beginning on September 30, the Lincoln Council on Aging in Bemis Hall will host Mah Jongg lessons as well as a drop-in game for those who know how to play. It is a four-player tile game of strategy, luck and skill that offers many of the same cognitive benefits as chess and bridge. Bring your 2019 Mah Jongg card or we will provide one for $9. For more information and to register for lessons or a game, contact Joan Ingersoll at ingersollj@lincolntown.org or 781-259-8811.

“Hikes Through History” presentation at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents “Hikes Through History” with Alison O’Leary on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. A hike is more than a stroll through the woods when you know how the land was used in the past. O’Leary is coauthor of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Boston. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Tour historic houses and neighborhood

On Sunday, Oct. 6, Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and Historic New England are offering a rare opportunity to compare the interior and exterior of Gropius House and the 1939 home of Walter Gropius’s esteemed Harvard colleague, Walter Bogner. This special, ninety-minute tour begins at Gropius House and continues with a short walk through the adjacent Woods End Road neighborhood. Woods End Road features an exceptional cluster of Modern houses, including a home designed by celebrated Modern architect and designer Marcel Breuer, and the home of Harvard ethicist and housing specialist James Ford and writer Elizabeth Morrow Ford, designed by Gropius and Breuer. Tours start at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.) every half-hour from 1:30–4 p.m. Tickets are $65. Click here to register and select a time.

Council on Aging activities in September

Noticing walks with John Calabria
September 3 at 1 p.m.
Location TBA
Enjoy a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on September 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. Other walks will be held October 1 and November 5. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Musical jazz lunch
September 6 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Friday, Sept. 6 starting at noon.

Lincoln Academy with Richard Boynton: Global warming and climate change
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. when Richard Boynton discusses “Global Warming and Climate Change.” How can the earth be warming when Boston has had one of the biggest snowfalls in recent history? Besides, who cares if the earth warms by 4 degrees in 100 years. In his lecture, Mr. Boynton, a former rocket scientist, will separate fact from oil company propaganda. 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.

Free wellness clinics for all ages
September 10 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in September

Hawk-cidental tourist? (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Harold McAleer captured this Cooper’s hawk (also known as a chicken hawk, though unlikely to be mistaken for Foghorn Leghorn’s nemesis).

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

Fall Ball benefits South Sudanese programs

A Fall Ball to raise funds for South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Bemis Hall. The event includes a potluck dinner of American and Sudanese food and dancing. At the First Parish Church, kids can make art and bird houses, watch movies, and visit wildlife stations presented by Drumlin Farm.

The event will benefit the SSEF’s preschool and and Saturday Bridges programs, as well as scholarships for summer camp. This year, SSEF granted $25,000 in preschool scholarships and almost $14,000 in camp scholarships, enabling 30 kids to go to Camp Calumet and Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire. The Saturday Bridges program at the Hartwell pods offers care for infants and preschoolers, trips to Drumlin Farm for school-age kids, and classes for parents on parenting skills, understanding the school system, financial literacy and job-hunting.

The Fall Ball starts at 6:30 p.m. but most Sudanese will not arrive until 8 p.m. No admission fee, but there will South Sudanese-style fundraising where people will be asked to put money into a hat while the group dances (most families will contribute between $50 and $200). Questions? Call Susan Winship 781-424-8774 or Laper Kom at 978-332-6881.

“Executive Transitions” with Tom Casey

Companies of all sizes will have to address the implications of aging baby boomers retiring from the work force. Hear Lincoln resident Tom Casey on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library speak on his recently published book Executive Transitions 2: Leveraging Experience for Future Success! Casey, the author of seven books, is the founder and managing principal of Discussion Partner Collaborative, a global executive advisory film. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Management Executive Management Program as well as a licensed clinical social worker. Free and open to all.

“Tom of Finland” screening at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “Tom of Finland” (2017, Finnish with English subtitles) on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski shows the life and work of artist Touko Valio Laaksonen (a.k.a. Tom of Finland), one of the most influential and celebrated figures of 20th-century gay culture.

Beer, music, and art at the deCordova

Enjoy “Art and Ales” at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5–8 p.m. Seasonal craft beers from Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing Co. will be accompanied by live music by the Ways and Means Committee, tasty treats for purchase from Compliments Food Truck, and a view of the sunset from the Sculpture Terrace. Tickets including two full-size beers or four tastings, and access to art on view are $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers (free for kids 17 and under). Additional beer will be available for purchase. Click here for tickets.

Become a volunteer at Lincoln’s hospice house

Are you able to visit with patients, listen to their concerns, and provide a supportive, comforting presence? Can you hold a hand or engage in a shared interest or hobby? Care Dimensions will offer a four-week training program beginning in mid-September. Choose from two schedules: Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1–3:30 p.m. from September 18 to October 11, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6–8:30 p.m. from September 17 to October 10. All sessions are at the Care Dimensions Hospice House at 125 Winter St. in Lincoln. For more information, contact Abigail Langmead at 781-373-6583 or ALangmead@CareDimensions.org.

LLCT presents walks, talk on bird feeding

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s “Noticing Walks” with John Calabria return on Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. Meet at the Lincoln Station parking lot to walk to Farm Meadow and into Bergen-Culver conservation land. Subsequent walks will be on October 1 and November 5 (locations TBA; visit www.lincolnconservation.org). These gently paced walks are a great way to slow down, unplug, and enjoy nature. Walks are co-sponsored with the Lincoln Council on Aging and geared towards 55+ but all are welcome. In case of inclement weather, call the LLCT at 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. on the morning of the walk for information.

Join the LLCT and Tia Pinney for “Bird Feeding 101: Feeding and Caring for Birds in an Era of Climate Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Pinney will cover everything from types of feeder, seeds for different birds, when to feed, and more, as well as the benefits of creating diverse habitats in the yard that enhance local ecosystems, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and attract birds for us to enjoy. Pinney is the senior naturalist and ecological management and adult program coordinators at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.

Yarn corridor invites walkers to explore Lincoln pathway

Lincoln Planning Department senior volunteer Gary Davis and summer intern Emily Glass walk along the yarn corridor.  

The new Lincoln Yarn Corridor installed by Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary aims to offer an unexpected place for contemplation or nature play on the walk from Lincoln Station to the farm.

Designed in support of the town’s effort to highlight the destinations that are accessible on foot from Lincoln Station, the colorful installation ties together the themes of the nature of the surrounding area with the sheep and wool of Drumlin Farm and serves as a point of interest on the walk from Lincoln Station to the farm.

The hand-woven yarn corridor winds among and within trees along the south sidewalk of Lincoln Road across from the Police and Fire Department. Starting from the trailhead at the new kiosk next to the commuter parking lot, walkers can follow the new wayfinding signs all the way to Drumlin Farm, with stops along the way at Codman Farm, Codman House and the new art installation. 

As the materials in the exhibit age, volunteers will work with the farm (following its philosophy of “sustainable interpretation”) to refresh the corridor, eventually letting the exhibit degrade naturally until it’s time to replace it with another installation around a different nature/art theme.

Eyes in the sky (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Some interesting “ocular” cloud formations in the sky over Lincoln’s Muster Field off Sandy Pond Road looking toward the Lincoln School in the early evening of July 2. (Photo by Chris Thompson)

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.

Council on Aging activities in July

Sip and paint a masterpiece by the numbers
July 3 at 10 a.m.
Come “sip and paint” with some nonalcoholic wine while you “paint by the numbers.” The first of four sessions will be on Wednesday, July 3 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The COA will provide the paint-by-number kits. The class is almost full, but call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up or be put on the waiting list.

[Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in July