Swans seen in bottoms-up and liftoff mode. (Photos 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.
Charles Fadel
“Educating Our Children in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” will be the subject of a talk on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the First Parish Church in Lincoln. The guest speaker is futurist, education expert, author and inventor Charles Fadel, who is convinced that “AI and biotech are about to redefine what it means to be human, and that the overarching goals of a modern education should be to nurture wise, versatile ‘Renaissance’ humans who have learned how to learn.” The Adult Education Committee at the First Parish is hosting this program, which is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure seating. For more information, contact Mary Helen Lorenz at mhelen@rcn.com.
Movie night at the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will feature “Wild Amazon” on Monday, Feb. 11 and “Skyhunter: World of the Dragonfly” on Thursday, March 14 at 7:30. Both movies start at 7:30 p.m. in the LLCT office at the Lincoln mall and are free.
“Wild Amazon” (45 minutes) filmed by Nat Geo Wild reveals dense forest concealing a hidden world of unusual wildlife and extraordinary stories of adaptation and survival—but human impact on this natural world has already dramatically altered it. Dragonflies existed 90 million years before the first dinosaurs hatched and are still found all over the world. “Skyhunter” (50 minutes) follows these predatory monster-larvae as they hover over ponds and pools. Their dazzling metallic colors and unique ways of flying are captured in slow-motion photography, and their journey in time is documented using remarkably realistic CGI animation.
The deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park offers “Art for February Vacation” on Wednesday–Friday, Feb. 20–22 from 1–3 p.m. (drop-in). Stack, balance, knot, knit, and string sculptures together, inspired by the range of work included in “Sheila Pepe: Hot Mess Formalism.” Designed for families with children ages 5–12, but all are welcome. Free with admission or membership.
Exhibiting artist Sheila Pepe will give an artist’s talk on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. From ancient Rome to feminism to her personal biography, Pepe weaves together many far reaching subjects through her expansive fiber art installations and multimedia works. Free admission; registration requested.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites area residents to comment on alternatives for renovation of the Walden Pond State Reservation bathhouse and universally accessible connections between the Route 126 crosswalk, the bathhouse, and main beach. Click here to view a January 30 presentation. Comments may be submitted online through Friday, Feb. 15 or in writing to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Office of Public Outreach, 251 Causeway St., 6th floor, Boston, MA 02114.
The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is holding its next Volunteer Advocate Training program at the Concord Police Department from March 12–30. This 40-hour training session is provided at no cost to attendees and is being held on evenings and Saturdays. Classes will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30–9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m–3 p.m. on March 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, and 30.
Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. The training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Those interested should call 978-318-3421 or e-mail to dvvap@concordma.gov. Applications are due by March 4.
Farrington Nature Linc (295 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln) is hosting the following family-friendly events:
Owl Prowl
Saturday, Feb. 9 — 4–6 p.m.
Have you ever seen or heard an owl in the woods? Join Farrington Nature Linc and Eyes on Owls for a live owl program in conjunction with an outdoor Owl Prowl.
Naturalist Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls will introduce the audience to owls found in New England and as well other parts of the world. Then we will head outside for a guided walk around Farrington’s property where will we do some “owling” (learning about owl calls and keeping our eyes out for owls). $10 per person, $20 for a family of four — click here for tickets.
Galileo Star Party
Saturday, April 13 — 7–9:30 p.m.
Do you want to learn more about the stars? Have you ever used a telescope to stargaze? Ever wanted to know more about the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei? See an evening performance by talented and professional actor Mike Francis as Galileo — perfect for all ages to learn about astronomy. Afterward, outside to our fire circle, we’ll have s’mores, and we’ll also set up and use telescopes, courtesy of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, to stargaze. Free; click here to register.
Fairy Festival
Saturday, May 4 — 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Calling all fairies, elves, gnomes, and other magical creatures! Farrington is hosting its annual Fairy Festival on May 4. We will feature our Fairy Post Office where you can write to the fairies and they will write back. Join one of our guided hikes through our enchanted woods to meet the Fairy Queen, make a fairy house in our pine forest, and create and take home three small fairy crafts. $20 for each adult/child pair — click here for tickets.
Ms. G of Drumlin Farm. (Photo by Eric Roth)
Drumlin Farm is set to host its annual Groundhog Day event on Saturday, Feb. 2, with a new focus on climate science and weather. “Climate Action Day” will feature activities centered on what children and adults can do to learn about and respond to the effects of climate change.
The event will again feature Ms. G, the official state groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as she emerges from her winter hibernation and determines whether or not spring will come early this year.
“The impact of climate change on people and wildlife in New England is already evident, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing that we can do about it,” said Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi. “Climate Action Day is intended to be a way for families to engage with a serious issue in a positive way, focusing on the small but meaningful actions that they can take in their own lives to help meet this challenge. As the Commonwealth’s most prominent wildlife ambassador, Ms. G serves as a symbol of the animals and their habitat that we all can help to protect by working together in our communities.”
The traditional Groundhog Day ceremony and forecast start at 10 a.m. (encore at 11:15 a.m.), followed by winter activities such as meeting resident wildlife, exploring wilderness trails, and learning how to identify animal tracks in the snow. A live music performance will take place at noon, and hot cocoa will be provided throughout the day.
Drumlin Farm will be open on February 2 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This special event takes place from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and is free with paid admission ($9 for adults and teens, $6 for children 2–12 and seniors, and free for Mass Audubon members).
Ms. G was declared the Official State Groundhog by then-Governor Deval Patrick on July 31, 2014, when he signed the proposed bill submitted by Wellesley’s Hunnewell Elementary School students, enacting it into law.
“Snowman Mailbox” built by Team Webber (11 Minebrook Rd.) for the 2015 Winter Carnival.
All weekend: Online snow sculpture contest
Build your snow sculpture, then snap a photo with you in it and send it to dsequeira@lincnet.org. Submit as many sculptures as you like! We will accept submissions until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 and then post them online for voting. Winners will be chosen on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century
7–9 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus, FoMA and Historic New England offer this 50-minute film looking at the development of the Bauhaus, its work, its key figures, and footage of its founder and Lincoln resident Walter Gropius. The film examines the political unrest and economic chaos of the Weimar Republic in Germany and offers rare footage of the Bauhaus at Dessau. Enjoy refreshments and conversation after the film.
Evening at Gropius
5–7 p.m., Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.)
During this evening house tour, see how Walter Gropius’s innovative lighting scheme comes to life at night. Gropius, founder of the German design school the Bauhaus, was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. His 1938 home show cases the clean lines of Modernist design. Light refreshments provided. Call 781-259- 8098 for more info. Free to residents.
LPTO family bingo night
5:30–7:30 p.m., Brooks gym
Come celebrate Family Bingo Night with even more chances to win. Prizes awarded for each winning board. Awesome raffle prizes up for grabs. Pizza dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with snacks and drinks available for purchase all night. Free entry. Bingo cards are $5 (15-game multi-pack); raffle tickets are $1 each, or six for $5 and 15 for $10 (suggested donation).
Community pancake breakfast
8–11 a.m., First Parish Church parish house
Start Off Winter Carnival Saturday with delicious pancakes with real maple syrup, courtesy of the Lincoln Girl Scouts. Plain, blueberry, choc chip, and gluten-free pancakes with pure maple syrup along with coffee, tea, orange juice, and fruit. Meet friends, catch up with neighbors, enjoy crafts and of course, Girl Scout cookies will be on sale. $5 for those under 12, $10 for everyone else ($30 family maximum).
Snowshoe tours
10:30 a.m.–noon and 1–2:30 p.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Enjoy nature and art in winter. Discover a fun and active way to explore the Sculpture Park. Tours are led by a museum guide and an EMS instructor. Visit decordova.org/calendar to purchase tickets. Rent snowshoes or bring your own.
Fun and games at Magic Garden
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Magic Garden Preschool
Enjoy carnival games, arts and crafts activities and indoor “ice skating” in your socks. Magic Garden is located in the Hartwell building on the Lincoln School campus. Follow the walkway up the hill, past the toddler playground to our front door. We look forward to seeing you there. This event is best suited for children ages 2 to 5 years.
Lincoln holistic wellness fair
Noon–3 p.m., Bemis Hall
Wellness practitioners will provide a drop-in “clinic” to help address what ails you while providing information about alternative/complementary medicine. Receive care from practitioners of acupuncture, therapeutic massage, reflexology, holistic nutrition, yoga, ayurveda, integrative imagery, therapeutic touch, dowsing and more. Healthy teas and treats will be available. Contact Jai Kaur Annamaria at asanajai@verizon.net with questions.
Community skating and bonfire
1–3 p.m., Cemetery Pond, Lexington Road
Enjoy skating, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire. Bring your own skates. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will be hosting a Capture the Flag event instead, so stay tuned to www.LincolnRec.com for updates.
LFA Energy Blaster
3:15–5:15 p.m., Brooks gym
Jump in a bounce house, run through an obstacle course, climb, and slide. The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out some energy. Free for 2019 LFA members ($10 per child for non-members). A new 2019 LFA membership or renewal on the spot ($50/year) gives you admission, or renew online at www.lincfam.org.
Owl prowl at Farrington
4:30–6 p.m., Farrington Nature Linc (291 Cambridge Turnpike)
Join us for a free guided “owl prowl” for the whole family with ornithologist Clay Graham on Farrington’s unique 75-acre property. We’ll make an owl-themed craft, learn about types of owls local to our region and their calls, and take a short early-evening hike to look and listen for owls, followed by a story and hot chocolate by our wood stove. All ages welcome, but geared toward families with children ages 4+. Registration is limited to 30 people—click here to register online.
Lincoln acoustic coffeehouse
7–10 p.m., Bemis Hall
Our annual night to showcase local musicians and performers. We have over 14 acts—some returning, some new—ready to play for you, and there’s a good chance you know some of them. Coffee and desserts will be served. Tickets are available online at www.LincolnRec.com. General admission is $10 and a table for eight is $160.
Discover Drumlin in winter
Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Rd.
Visit our animals in their winter homes, look for wildlife tracks or other signs of animals in the snow, or check out our feeders at our wildlife blind. Drop-in programs take place at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free for Lincoln residents.
Make your own pinecone owl
10:30–noon, deCordova carriage house
Join Lincoln Nursery School in partnership with deCordova to craft your own pinecone owl. Bring your own pinecone or use one of ours. Appropriate for all ages.
Let the games begin
12:30–2 p.m., First Parish in Lincoln parish house
Join us after lunch for some old-fashioned unplugged, battery-free fun: Boggle, Jenga, marbles, Scrabble and, and cocoa and community. Prizes for all ages. Visit fplincoln.org for more info.
Hiking, wine tasting, and board games
1–3:30 p.m., Pierce House/Turtle Creek Winery
3:30–5:30 p.m., Pierce House
Gather at the Pierce House for a short hike through the woods to Turtle Creek Winery to partake in a wine tasting before returning to the Pierce House for hot cider, snacks, and board games (bring your favorite if you like). Come for one or both events. Wine tasting is limited to 15 persons, age 21+. $15 per person. Registration required at www.LincolnRec.com. Questions? Contact Nancy at nancy@piercehouse.com.
Hula La!
2–3 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Chase away those winter blues at our tropical island dance party. In their fun, interactive musical show, the band Hula La will entertain the whole family with a blend of Hawaiian, calypso and reggae music that will take you to the islands.
Click here for a calendar of all events offered by various clubs and book groups for adults and children.
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, associate minister for ecological justice at Bethel AME Church in Boston, will give a guest sermon at the First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. White-Hammond is an advocate for ecological and social justice, youth engagement, and spirit-filled organizing.
The Lincoln Memory Café will debut on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 9:30–11 a.m. at The Commons in Lincoln with an open house for family, friends, and caregivers of those with dementia from Lincoln and area towns. Beth Soltzberg, director of the Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, will talk about memory cafes and their benefits to families experiencing dementia.
Ongoing sessions of the free Lincoln Memory Café, which will feature refreshments, entertainment and activities, will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30–11 a.m. at the Commons beginning in February. The café is a joint effort of The Commons in Lincoln, Right at Home in-home care and assistance, and the Lincoln Council on Aging. The goal is to offer an opportunity for elders and their care partners to spend relaxed, fun, social time together and with others who share their same experience. For information, contact Amy Gagne of Right at Home at 781-275-1400 or amy@rightathomecare.com.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will host a movie night this week and a lecture on water supply protection later this month.
“Bearwalker of the Northwoods” will be screened on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the LLCT offices at Lincoln Station. In the forests of northern Minnesota, biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers follows the fortunes of black bear June and her three cubs over a year. (Note: the film shows the passing of a cub to disease and the opening of hunting season, which might be difficult to watch for some viewers.)
David Kaplan
David Kaplan, watershed manager for the Cambridge Water Department, will speak on “Cambridge Watershed: Water Supply Protection in a Developed Environment” on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 2–3 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Come learn about this fascinating body of water, its history, and how it’s maintained.
Sessions on topics including anxiety, ADHD and making friends will be hosted by the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) starting on January 29. All events are free and open to the public. Check the SEPAC calendar for details.
The Lincoln Public Library loans more than books and music. Borrow a digital converter to preserve VHS home movies, a portable WiFi hotspot for an upcoming trip, a Kill A Watt meter to measure energy use at home to see where you can save, or a USB floppy drive to read old floppy disks. For a complete list of items, click here.
The COA and Public Safety Department offer well-being telephone calls during storms and other emergencies. The COA will call you when storms cause extensive power outages, during extended spells of extreme cold, and other similar situations. If they can’t reach you by phone, Public Safety will do a well-being check at your home. To sign up for this service, call the COA at 781-259-8811 and give your name, address, and any phone numbers you would like us to call (a cell phone or family member, for example), as well as any other pertinent information you would like to share, such as special medical needs. You may ask to be taken off the list at any time.
Noticing walk with John Calabria
December 4 at 1 p.m.
Come for a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on December 4 from 1–2:30 at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. on the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.
Coffee with artist Ellen Milan
December 4 at 2:15 p.m.
Join Ellen Milan for “coffee with the artist” on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall to celebrate her exhibit in the Bemis Gallery through December. Ellen Milan is a Lincoln artist whose exploration in multiple media reflects her experience exhibiting and teaching internationally. Ellen has taught in Wisconsin, Israel, and in the Boston area. During a 10-year stay in Israel, she established regional art programs and a group studio/gallery in the Old City of Jerusalem. Her work has appeared in juried competitions through the United States, Europe and Israel. This show at Bemis Hall includes pastels, paintings on silk, and watercolors. Many of the pieces were inspired by the gardens and landscape in Lincoln at Farrar Pond Village.
Stay safer from scams and ID theft
December 7 at 10 a.m.
The only way to protect yourself against becoming the victim of scams and ID theft is to find out what scammers are up to and how you can outsmart them. All are welcome to join Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and Bongani Jeranyama, Program Manager in the Community Engagement Division of the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey, on Friday, Dec. 7 at 10a.m. at Bemis Hall to learn about some of the everyday scams you may run into. You will get an outline of and tips regarding rights when shopping and valuable information on how to avoid various mail, phone, and online scams. You will also get resources to take home.
Tap your toes to trad jazz tunes
December 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join your fellow COA neighbors to tap your toes and bob your heads and sing to those tunes of yesteryear which we all know and love. Yes, the grandchildren can shake their heads and think we’re nuts, but we know where it’s at. Led by the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band we’re gonna have a good time—you might even say a ball—around the old Steinway upstairs at Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 7 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in December
Hummingbirds enjoy Harold McAleer’s feeder (or they did, when it was a bit warmer).
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.
Coffee with photographer Barbara Peskin
November 1 at 2:45 p.m.
Join artist Barbara Peskin on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 2:45 p.m. to celebrate her exhibit “Moments in Nature,” shown in the Bemis Hall gallery through mid-November. Barbara enjoys sharing photos that play on the patience to let nature unfold as you observe, listen and watch and may come unexpectedly in quiet moments. Her photos come from places like Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, along with photos of mergansers and puffins from Maine, and more from Lincoln and local areas.
Lunchtime jazz
November 2 at 12:30 p.m.
At lunchtime on Friday, Nov. 2, the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will be upstairs at Bemis with a menu of delicious oldies but goodies for your enjoyment. Give yourself a break, join your fellow seniors. Relax, take the weight off, sit back and enjoy the music. Trombone, cornet, clarinet, piano, and drums will be in the house from 12:30–1:30.
Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle play the blues
November 4 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. 4 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the Second 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. Marty Ballou on bass, Bryan Claunch on keyboard and Tom Avery on drums will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in November
20th anniversary event for Domestic Violence RoundtableThe Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will host a dinner and documentary play to mark its 20th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 18 starting at 6 p.m. at t the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 53 Cochituate Rd., Wayland The play, No More Secrets: Survivor Voices from The Second Step, will feature professional actors as well as actors from our local communities. Among the cast are Joyce Kulhawik, Aruna Pundit, Gail-Ann Simon, and Lynnet Sloa. Tickets for the evening are $25 and may be purchased online at the Roundtable website or by sending a check to Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, P.O. Box 543, Sudbury, MA 01776.
The last two hazardous waste collection days in the area will take place on two Saturdays, October 13 and November 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hazardous waste collection facility at 60 Hartwell Ave. in Lexington. All residents must preregister with the Lincoln Board of Health by calling 781-259-2614. The next scheduled collection event will be in April 2019. No latex paint will be accepted.
Effective Monday, Oct. 22, new commuter rail schedules will go into effect. On the Fitchburg line that passes through Lincoln, there are four peak-time trains whose stops are changing by more than five minutes:
The MBTA adjusts commuter rail schedules twice a year to meet changing passenger needs and reflect system upgrades. Schedules are posted at www.mbta.com.
Farrington Nature Linc in Lincoln is hosting a series of outdoor workshops in October and November. They will take place rain or shine. Minimum age is 6. Tickets are $30 for an adult-child pair, and $10 for an extra person of any age. Click here to buy tickets.
Primitive fire-making
Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.–noon
Starting with a lighter, you will learn the mechanics of modern fire making tools, and we will move back in time and learn about the bow brill, hand drill, and strap drill friction fire making methods. We will then explore hands-on cordage making (rope from plant fibers) learning the history, how to harvest and prepare fibers, and of course make your own. Perhaps the most important ancient skill.
From tree to table
Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m.–noon
What is there to eat in the woods? Every season and landscape offers unique and nutritious plants to eat and use as medicine. Go on a walk and learn about the most local, organic, and free plants in our area.
Shelter building
Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.–noon
It can get cold out there. Do you have the knowledge to keep yourself warm by using only materials found on the forest floor? We’ll learn about clothing selection, things to pack in your survival kit, and how to construct a debris shelter using no tools.
Intro to animal tracking and bird signs
Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1–4 p.m.
Go into the woods with Bob Metcalfe of New England Discovery to look for evidence of the animals around us. Tracking can be a very powerful way to learn about nature while seeing first-hand some of the many connections between animals and their environment.