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

nature

LLCT hosts events tied to pollinator corridor action plan

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is creating a corridor of biodiversity and climate resilience throughout the town of Lincoln by rebuilding functionally diverse native ecosystems through pollinator habitat installations based on scientific study. The following events are free and open to all. For more information, visit lincolnconservation.org.

Threatened Ecosystems: The People-Plant-Pollinator Solution
Sunday, Jan. 26 from 1–2:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Robert Gegear, professor of biology at UMass-Dartmouth and director of the Beecology Project, will give a foundational talk discussing the critical need to protect and restore native pollinator systems — native pollinators and native plants — for biodiversity and climate change resiliency. Dr. Gegear will discuss his plans for three years of scientific study of pollinator populations in Lincoln.

“Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home” (film)
Thursday, Feb. 13 from 7:30–9 p.m., LLCT office (145 Lincoln Rd., Suite 102A)
This Valentine’s Day, send flowers to the ones you love, pollinators included This film highlights Hometown Habitat heroes who are reversing detrimental impacts on the land, one garden at a time. The stories illustrate the benefits of native plants and conservation landscaping. Narrated by renowned entomologist and author Douglas Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants).

“Designing Biodiversity: Toolkits to Create Pollinator Habitat and Connectivity”
Sunday, March 1 from 1–2:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Evan Abramson, principal at LandscapeInteractions and architect of Lincoln’s pollinator corridor action plan, will discuss how to create and maintain functionally diverse native pollinator habitat, increase biodiversity, and improve the resiliency of landscapes. There will be plenty of time for questions.

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Join the Christmas Bird Count

The annual Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide event sponsored by National Audubon, will take place in Lincoln on Sunday, Dec. 29 when participants record the visitors to their bird feeders. If you have established feeders (meaning they are already up and being used), can watch them for at least an hour, and are confident in identifying the species of birds you see, email Gwyn Loud at gwynloud555@gmail.com and she will send you a checklist and other information.

Library offering automatic renewals

Automatic renewals are coming to the Lincoln Public Library and the Minuteman Library Network. Eligible library materials (books, DVDs, CDs) will be automatically renewed two days prior to their due dates. Items that are automatically renewed must meet the following criteria:

  • There are no holds on that title
  • Your library allows this type of item to renew
  • The item has not reached its maximum allowed renewals
  • Your library card is not blocked or expired

Patrons will receive a courtesy reminder two days before due date if an item cannot be renewed. If you do not have an email address associated with your library account, items will still be automatically renewed. You can check due dates by logging into My Account at the MLN website at www.minlib.net or by calling the circulation desk at 781-259-8465.

Film: “Ayiti Mon Amour”

The Lincoln Film Society will show “Ayiti Mon Amour (Haiti My Love)” on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. In the film (in French with English subtitles), a magical fable weaves together the lives of three different people in Haiti five years after the devastating earthquake.

Lincoln-Sudbury recognized for German program

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School has been chosen as one of the few recipients of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) School of Distinction school plaque award, in recognition of its exceptional partnership in fostering long-term youth exchange between the U.S. and Germany.  

Since 2003, the high school’s GAPP coordinator, Joan Campbell, has been organizing exchanges with the Gymnasium Vilshofen in Vilshofen, Germany, bringing students together with host families in their respective countries and building lasting relationships between teachers, administrators, schools and participating communities. GAPP program is supported by the German government, the U.S. Department of State, and the Goethe-Institut.

“With this recognition, we highlight and celebrate the school’s dedication to student growth and inclusion of global perspectives, and we celebrate the work of everyone involved in the GAPP exchange,” said GAPP Executive Director Molly Rowland.

Winter wonderland (Lincoln Through the Lens)

An early winter snowfall blankets trees in Minute Man National Historic Park. (Photo by Ron Boisseau)

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.

Monopod waterfowl (Lincoln Through the Lens)

A group of Canada geese huddle from the cold — but one leg stays exposed. (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.

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Email Linda at LHamme@aol.com if this cuddly creature is yours.

Did you lose this toy?

A soft and cuddly toy was found along the edge of Pierce Pond. To reunite your baby with this one, please email Linda at LHamme@aol.com.

DeCordova artists’ market now open

The 26th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market in the deCordova Store featuring regional and national artists is now going on. Browse winter accessories, ceramics, glass, metal work, paper sculpture, home décor, housewares, and more to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Open daily from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (see extended holiday hours here) through December 30.

Talk on art and the environment

A talk titled “Art and the Environment: A Local History” on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6:30–8 p.m. by Associate Professor of Art History Kirsten Swenson will situate the exhibition “Peter Hutchinson: Landscapes of My Life” and the commission “Andy Goldsworthy: Watershed” within the history of land and environmental art, with particular focus on the significance of these artist’s practices within the New England landscape. Free admission; registration requested.

Enjoy art and nature on Black Friday

Instead of shopping, join Massachusetts artists at Drumlin Farm for the annual “Giving Thanks for Nature and Our Senses,” a family art experience on Friday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Engage your senses on a nature walk outdoors and help create a natural animal sculpture, enjoy an indoor art gallery, and make your own nature-inspired crafts to take home. Other highlights include music with the Grey Whisker Pickers; wildlife sketching; installations and gallery artwork by local sculptors, painters, and photographers; and storytelling with Ron McAdow. Local produce will also be on sale. Cohosted by Mass Audubon and the Umbrella’s Arts and Environment program, Musketaquid, and made possible through a generous grant by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Free for Mass Audubon members and Lincoln residents; event takes place ran or shine.

Shop and help a good cause

Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable (DVR) for a holiday “sip and shop” hosted by Selections Boutique (435 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury Crossing Shopping Center) on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy wine and refreshments while you shop. Even if you can’t come, Selections owner Cathy Regensburger, has graciously agreed to donate a percentage of the proceeds from all sales on December 5 to the Roundtable.

The DVR is also collecting gift cards for families served by REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. Gift cards to Stop & Shop, Market Basket, Target, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Amazon, and Walgreens as well as Visa gift cards would be greatly appreciated.

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Writing class, free-range parenting discussion at First Parish

A spirited presentation and dinner discussion with Dr. Andy Clark on the Free Range Child movement will take place at the First Parish in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.) There are many parenting books on the grit, resiliency, and self-direction that children need in order to thrive. Come see how these tie in with the “free range” lifestyle. We will discuss strategies that parents, grandparents, educators, and community members can employ in supporting each other and ultimately, our children. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for children $25 maximum per family). Child care will be provided from 6–7:30 p.m. Open to the public.

A two-session course on “The Writing Life” will be offered on Tuesdays, Nov. 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. in the Garrison Room (14 Bedford Rd.). Teacher Barbara O’Neil will offer participants a chance to write in the company of others, inspired by prompts to spur the imagination. This is not a critique group, but a place to build “writing muscle.”

Lecture on Arnold Arboretum

The Lincoln Garden Club is sponsoring a lecture by Andrew Gapinski, head of horticulture at the Arnold Arboretum, on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall. His topic “The Who, What, Where, When and Why of the Arnold Arboretum.” 

FoMA honors three for Lincoln work

The Friends of Modern Architecture will premiere a short film and give its FoMA Annual Award to three recipients at its annual member appreciation evening on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the de Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum. The film is “Three Modern Houses” by master architect Walter Bogner, and its award-winning film maker Molly Bedell, internationally known architectural photographer Rick Mandelkorn, and Lincoln town historian Jack Maclean will be honored for their work documenting Lincoln’s important Modern legacy. 

L-S Friends of Music meet

Lincoln-Sudbury Friends of Music (LSFOM) welcomes All Parents of the L-S music program to a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A at the high school. Meet with the choral and instrumental directors, and learn more about upcoming concerts and events. Ideas, energy and enthusiasm are encouraged at any level.

Film: “La Strada”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “La Strada” on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room Directed by Federico Fellini and starring Anthony Quinn and Richard Basehart. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1956. A care-free girl is sold to a traveling entertainer, consequently enduring physical and emotional pain along the way.

Paws for the Holidays on Nov. 10

The fourth annual Paws for the Holidays festival to benefit Phinney’s Friends (a Lincoln nonprofit that helps low-income people and their pets stay together) will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Pierce House. Live music, food, a silent auction, baked goods, photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, pet photo contest, and gifts for animals and people.

Mass Audubon offers free admission to vets

Military veterans and their families get free admission to any of Mass Audubon’s 60 wildlife sanctuaries on Veterans Day (Monday, Nov. 11) to thank the men and women who have served their country in the military. To learn more and to confirm that a specific wildlife sanctuary will be open, please visit www.massaudubon.org.

Lecture on fly fishing

“Storied Waters: 35 Fabled Fly-Fishing Destinations and the Writers & Artists Who Made Them Famous” takes place at the Walden Woods Project (44 Baker Farm Rd., Lincoln) on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 7:30–9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. for wine and cheese reception sponsored by The Cheese Shop of Concord. Free admission; open to the public. 

Estate sale to benefit MCC

The METCO Coordinating Committee will hold an estate sale on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 18 Cerulean Way in Lincoln. MCC member Joanna Schmergel has been collecting donations of antiques, art, china, silver, and collectibles from supporters all over the MetroWest area, and her basement and attic are stuffed with treasures. Also for sale will be American Girl Doll baskets and fleece hats made by Boston and Lincoln resident students in a social entrepreneurship program. Marika Hamilton, Lincoln METCO director, has been teaching students finance, accounting, marketing, home economics and social responsiveness through this program. All proceeds go toward summer camp scholarships, late buses, field trips, and enrichment programs for Boston-based METCO enrolled children attending the Lincoln School. 

Session on soul injury

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:30–8 p.m., Care Dimensions will present “Restoring Inner Peace, Sense of Self After Soul Injury” at Bemis Hall in Lincoln. This is for anyone who has experienced loss, heartache, or trauma, or has been a victim of combat, crime, abuse, neglect or other unattended emotional injuries, including but not limited to military veterans and their families. Soul injury presents as a sense of emptiness and a loss of meaning, or the feeling that a part of the self is missing. People who have experienced loss such as bereavement, divorce, or betrayal by a significant other may also suffer from soul injury, as can personal and professional caregivers. Open to the public; please RSVP by Nov. 18 to 781-373-6574 or jcorrigan@caredimensions.org.

Learn about how to combat climate change

What are the impacts of climate change, and what can we do about it? Come Bob Moore of Climate Reality discuss the causes of climate change and its impacts on our economy, national defense, food and water supply, as well as the surge in infectious diseases, on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Each of us has a role to play to ensure that our country’s future is healthy and sustainable; see the tools we already have to change our trajectory. Discussion will follow the presentation.

Council on Aging activities in November

Musical jazz lunch
November 1 at noon
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.

Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle sing and play the blues
November 3 at 2 p.m.
All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the third annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. It is a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life. Washington has delighted and awed audiences in Boston and around the country and the globe for decades as both a singer and songwriter. She has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Sax Gordon, known for his “hard-blowing, exciting, gutsy” signature style, has performed around the world, won numerous awards, and recorded six CDs. Marty Ballou on bass, Bryan Claunch on keyboard, Tom Avery on drums, and Cheryl Arena on vocals and harmonica will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon for this fabulous afternoon of music. For more information about the concert, call Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

New group focusing on family issues
November 4 at 10 a.m.
For many people, relationships with family members are central. They may be a source of great support, satisfaction, and pleasure, but they also may be a source of conflict, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. All are invited to join a new group that will meet for five Mondays starting on Nov. 4th from 10–11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. This group will be an opportunity to share those feelings and to get ideas for ways of trying to improve relationships and to examine expectations and communications which may lead to greater satisfaction. For many the holiday season can bring these feelings into sharper focus and groups can offer support. The group will be led by Claire Gerstein, a social worker with many years of experience assisting people with family challenges. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in November

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Join Sept. 20 climate strike via 9:09 Lincoln train

On Friday, Sept. 20, many members of the Lincoln community plan to attend the Boston Youth Climate Strike at Boston City Hall and will board the 9:09 am train at Lincoln Station (see this letter to the editor). Around the country and around the globe, young people and their adult allies will be leaving school and work to raise their voices to protect the Earth’s climate from further damage by fossil fuel emissions. St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church invites anyone who is planning to take the 9:09 train to join us for a brief Liturgy for the Climate at Lincoln Station beginning at 8:45 a.m. as clergy and congregants offer prayers of blessing for the Earth and acknowledge the climate emergency threatening the future of humanity. See Massachusetts Mothers Out Front for more information on the Boston Youth Climate Strike.

Water Commission seeks new member

The Water Commission is seeking interested volunteers. The commission ensures that the town’s drinking water meets all applicable federal, state and local laws and standards, as well as ensuring that the system revenue covers system operations, debt service, and reserves. The deadline for submittals is Friday, Oct. 4. Send letters of interest to Peggy Elder, Administrative Assistant in the Selectmen’s Office, elderp@lincolntown.org. For information or an application, call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601.

Drumlin Farm gets $20,000 grant from foundation

Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary has receive a $20,000 grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation to support its full suite of Leaders in Environmental Access for All (LEAF) programs for children up to age 18. Programs include specialized field trips and guided programs, vocational internships, staff training, and adaptive curriculum and equipment for special-needs students participating in Drumlin Farm programs.

“Funding will allow us to continue our robust vocational internships opportunities, grow our adapted curriculum based environmental education programing, and implement a variety of staff trainings on disability and inclusivity,” said Drumlin Farm Education Manager Jennifer Feller.

Talk on women’s suffrage in Mass.

The Lincoln Historical Society  presents Barbara Berenson, author of Massachusetts in the Woman Suffrage Movement: Revolutionary Reformers, on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Massachusetts was at the center of the national struggle for women’s suffrage; in a 1915 referendum, the men of Massachusetts voted two-to-one against woman suffrage. Nonetheless, in a remarkable reversal, Massachusetts ratified the 19th Amendment within three weeks after it was approved by Congress. Berenson is also author of Boston in the Civil War and is senior attorney at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Walk to benefit SVdP and Lincoln food pantry

Come on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10–11 a.m. to St. Julia Church (374 Boston Post Rd, Weston) for a walk to raise awareness for people in need in Lincoln and Weston, and to benefit the work of our local Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) conference and the food pantry. Suggested donation $10 per person or $25 per family. This will be an easy walk along the new rail trail with an ice cream social at 11a.m. at St. Julia Church. SVdP provides emergency financial help to residents of Lincoln and Weston and operates a food pantry at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln that serves clients from both towns. 

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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.