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

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News acorns

Actress to portray Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams, wife of a president, mother of a president, and sister of the captain of Lincoln Minutemen, will be portrayed by Sheryl Faye in a one-hour show on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The show is sponsored by Friends of the Council on Aging and the Lincoln Historical Society as a tribute to Harriet Todd. (Note: the “Ford Flappers, and Fitzgeralds” session scheduled for the same day has been postponed until Thursday, March 7 in Bemis Hall.)

Evensong, Climate Justice Ministry film at St. Anne’s

The St. Anne’s choir.

On Sunday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m., St. Anne’s will present a service of choral evensong, a beautiful Anglican liturgy in which the word of God is illuminated by music. The choir will chant the psalm and prayers, and offer the mystical “Collegium Regale” settings of the “Magnificat” and “Nunc Dimittis” by Herbert Howells.

There will be a showing of the film “The Devil We Know” at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, Feb. 26 as part of the church’s ongoing series of films on climate justice. “The Devil We Know” is the story of how a synthetic chemical used to make Teflon products contaminated a West Virginia community. But new research hints at a much broader problem: nearly all Americans are affected by exposure to non-stick chemicals in food, drinking water, and consumer products. A representative of the Toxics Action Center will discuss the organization’s work. A simple vegetarian soup supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the film will begin at 7 p.m. Donations will be accepted to help with the cost of screening rights.

South Sudanese program seeks volunteers

The South Sudanese Enrichment for Families program is looking for volunteers for its Saturday Bridges program, which brings together Sudanese children, parents, local students, volunteers, and professionals for enrichment programming during the academic year. Offerings include:

  • Preschool with pre-literacy and early literacy support for 3-4 year olds
  • Outdoor experiential education at Drumlin Farm for elementary and middle school students
  • Infant care
  • Adult workshops covering topics including parent-teacher conferences, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), how to find resources in the community to support families, and how to look for signs and symptoms of trauma.
  • Personalized tutoring for adults

The program runs on Saturdays from 1:30–5:30 p.m. on March 16, April 6, April 27, and May 11 in the Hartwell pods. Orientation training for all volunteers will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at 10 Meadowdam Rd. in Lincoln. For more information, see www.SSEFBoston.org and email Keith Johnson at kjohnson@lincnet.org.

Cross-cultural film workshop for kids

A free cross-cultural filmmaking workshop for students aged 12–14 interested in collaborative movie-making with a twist will take place on Saturday, March 16 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. at the Flint Farmstead at 39 Lexington Rd. in Lincoln. Facilitated by Tom Flint and Japan’s only youth filmmaking organization, Children Meet Cinema, students team up for a filmmaking experience that allows them to explore the magic of cinema and create their own version of a famous film. The experience will consist of collaborative discussions, shooting, editing, screenings, and more. Space is limited to eight participants. For questions or registration, contact Flint at tflint@alumni.risd.edu or 617-930-1560.

Film: “Anton Chekhov’s The Duel”

The Lincoln Film Society presents “Anton Chekhov’s The Duel” (2010, in English) on Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m. Escalating animosity between two men with opposing philosophies of life is played out against the backdrop of a decaying seaside resort along the Black Sea coast, leading to a duel as comically inadvertent as it is inevitable. Directed by Dover Kosashvili.

Events for parents of 8th-graders

“Life at L-S,” a parent-to-parent conversation about the 8th-to-9th-grade transition with Lincoln School Principal Sharon Hobbs and L-S veteran parents and administrators, will take place on Monday, March 4 (rescheduled from February due to snow) from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room. The program will focus on extracurricular elements of a busy high-schooler’s life so families have contextual knowledge prior to the L-S course selection process in March. There will also be an information session and building tour for middle-school parents on Thursday, March 7 from 7:30–8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Carole Kasper at carolemkasper@gmail.com or Hobbs at SHobbs@lincnet.org.

Discussion on Modernism in Lincoln

Please join us on Sunday, March 24 from 4–6 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library to listen to a recent interview with Doug Adams about his relationship with Walter Gropius — part of an ongoing effort to record oral histories of Lincoln residents with interesting connections to modernism. Adams will be on hand for informal discussion afterwards.

News acorns

Upcoming events at the library

  • Open house for Barbara Peskin’s “Moments in Nature” photography exhibit at the library — Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Lincoln Library Film Society screening of “The Heart is  a Lonely Hunter” starring Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke — Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. (note new starting time from now on). Based on the novel by Carson McCullers. 
  • Harp recital with Tess Maxwell — Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1–3 p.m.
  • “The Roaring 20s” with Dr. Gary Hylander (part 2 of 6) — Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
  • “Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century” — Thursday, Jan. 31 from 7–9 p.m.

Click here for a calendar of all events offered by various clubs and book groups  for adults and children.

Guest minister at First Parish

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.

Monthly Memory Café kicks off Jan. 24

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.

LLCT film and lecture

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.

Events look at special ed issues and teens

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 Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Learning” with Dr. Erica Kalkut, Child & Family Psychological Services — January 29 at 7 p.m., Goodnow Library (21 Concord Rd., Sudbury).
  • “Tips for Managing ADHD at Home and at School” with Brendan Mahan of ADHD Essentials — February 12 at 7 p.m., LSRHS conference room B.
  • “Helping Kids Make and Keep Friends” with Donna Shea, founder of the Peter Pan Center — February 28 at 7 p.m., Curtis Middle School (Pratt’s Mill Road), Sudbury.
  • “Executive Function Workshop for Parents and their Teens” with the executive function coaching team of Engaging Minds — March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Goodnow Library (21 Concord Rd., Sudbury).
  • “Guardianship and Special Needs Financial Planning” with attorney Meredith Greene of Fletcher Tilton — March 27 at 7 p.m., LSRHS conference room B.
  • “Special Education Mediation” with Leslie Bock, mediator with the Mass. Bureau of Special Education Appeals — April 2 at 6:30 p.m., LSRHS library classroom.

Borrow gadgets from the library

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.

Residents can sign up for “well being” calls

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.

Church holiday events scheduled

St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields

The church’s annual Christmas Lessons and Carols service is Sunday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. This annual service features stories read by clergy and parishioners, anthems sung by the choir, and hymns sung by everyone. Bring a treat to share afterwards at the festive reception. Christmas Eve services on Monday, Dec. 24 will be at 3 p.m. (family service), 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m.

First Parish in Lincoln

Karin Levy and Nancy Fleming, co-chairs of the First Parish in Lincoln’s Touch of Christmas Fair that takes place on December 8 from 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. in the parish house.

Touch of Christmas Fair (Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Shop local for antiques, tableware, costume jewelry, crafts and baked goods. There will be many hands-on activities for children including Christmas cookie decorating, a fishing tree, a decorate-your-own-ornament activity, and a special children’s shopping room complete with holiday wrapping help. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m., and children can have photos taken on Santa’s lap. The fair will feature homemade holiday wreathes and centerpieces for sale made by dozens of volunteers the week of the fair. A lunch featuring Psalm soup, salad, and pita bread will be available for purchase at noon. Admission is free. 

Hand bell choir concert (Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.)
The First Parish hand bell choir presents its holiday concert in the Parish House auditorium. 

Handel’s “Messiah” (Saturday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.)
“Live in Lincoln Center” presents Handel’s Ian Watson and select members of the Handel and Haydn Society orchestra and chorus will perform this iconic and moving piece. Suggested donation: $30 per person.

Nativity pageant (Sunday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.)
A traditional nativity pageant, in a rendition that aspires to Cecil B. DeMille and hits a bit closer to Charlie Brown. There are parts for any child who wants one, even if you show up only on December 23.

News acorns

Election Day prayer services at St. Anne’s

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church is holding two simple prayer services on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 6) at 8 a.m. and noon. The services will include prayers for our nation, and all are welcome. 

First Parish news: Monday meditation, choir, Advent workshop, book group

  • There will be an evening meditation session in the First Parish of Lincoln’s Stearns Room on the first Monday of each month starting Monday, Nov. 5 from 7–8:30 p.m. The evening includes two 15-minute sittings with a walking meditation in between. Following the sittings, we will introduce ourselves and read together a passage from a book by Thich Nhat Hanh and share our impressions. We usually have a metta practice, sending our prayers to those we are concerned about, and end with a silent minute of meditation. Everyone from Lincoln and neighboring towns is welcome. For more information, email Joan Kimball at selenejck@gmail.com. 
  • The church choir will soon begin rehearsing for its Christmas Eve services, to be held Monday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and is seeking choir members. Anyone from Lincoln and surrounding communities is welcome to join the choir. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings in the sanctuary (4 Bedford Rd.) from 7–8:30 p.m.
  • The First Parish’s annual Advent workshop is on on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). All children are welcome to join in creating holiday treasures. Crafts will include decorative centerpieces, ornaments, cards, cookies, Swedish hearts and more. For more information, contact Margit Griffith, director of religious education, at 781-259-8118.
  • The First Parish book group will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Stearns Room (4 Bedford Rd.) All are welcome to attend. The book to be discussed is The Overstory: A Novel by Richard Powers and a New York Times Bestseller of 2018. The group will discuss the book in sections in two subsequent meetings.

Jazz concert on Nov. 14

Jimmy Mazzy and the Last Minute Men will present a Vern Welch tribute concert in memory of Welch’s contributions to the local jazz scene on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall.

Holiday artists’ market at deCordova

On Friday, Nov. 16, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum opens its 25th annual Holiday Artists’ Market with a variety of gift options, including handmade ceramics, creative home goods, jewelry and accessories, holiday ornaments, winter fashion, and more. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 6–9 p.m. More than 25 local and international artists and artisans will participate n the artists’s market, which will be open daily through December 31, with extended shopping hours December 17–23.

Additionally, the deCordova store will participate with 700 other museum stores world-wide in celebration of Museum Store Sunday on November 25, when it will offer special one-day-only discounts and giveaways, and a raffle for a $100 store gift certificate. Hours: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

News acorns

L-S officials to hold coffee, listening sessions

The Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee will be hosting three office hours/listening sessions this week, including one in Lincoln:

  • Thursday, Oct. 25 from 7–8 p.m. — Goodnow Library (second-floor conference room), Sudbury
  • Friday, Oct. 26 from 9–10 a.m. — deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum Cafe, Lincoln
  • Friday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.–noon — Karma Coffee, Sudbury

Click here for the full 2018-19 list of dates and times for listening sessions.

L-S Superintendent/Principal Bella Wong will also host a Parent Coffee for parents of current L-S students on Monday, Oct. 29 from 8–9 a.m. in Conference Room A (sign in and get directions at the main office).

St. Anne’s to hold service of remembrance

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will mark All Saints Sunday on November 4, remembering those who have died with a special service of remembrance at 5 p.m. The choir will sing Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, accompanied by guest organist David Carrier.  All are welcome.

L-S students commended for PSAT scores

Lincoln residents Irene Terpstra and Colton Volpe are among the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School commended students recognized for their exceptional academic promise by the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Nationwide, commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).  

Donate used Lincoln Youth Soccer gear

The First Parish in Lincoln’s Youth Group is collecting used Lincoln Youth Soccer uniforms and gear to send to Ethiopia with Jen Gill and Sylvia Perry when they go to serve as part of a medical team. Collection bins are located on the steps of the Parish House at 14 Bedford Rd. and at the Parks and Recreation office in Hartwell pod A on Ballfield Road. Any used LYS uniforms and gear collected after Sylvia and Jen’s November travel will be sent to an equally deserving soccer program.

 

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Public notices

  • The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. to consider the application by Lincoln Station LLC, 145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA for the transfer of an on-premises all alcoholic beverages restaurant license.
  • There will be a bank auction of the property at 129 Concord Rd. formerly owned by Richard D. Salwitz and Susan Fulmer Salwitz on Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Open house at Masonic Lodge

Members of Joseph Warren-Soley Masonic Lodge of Lincoln invite the public to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Residents can learn about Freemasonry, the numerous local charities they support, educational and leadership skills they impart, and the ability for qualified men to seek the best version of themselves. The lodge is in the old South School at 181 Lincoln Rd. On a recent Charity Night, the Lincoln group donated more than $17,000 to regional charities.

Train schedule change will happen Oct. 29

The adjustments to the commuter rail schedule  affecting Lincoln will take effect on October 29, not October 22 as originally announced. Click here for the October 1 News Acorn.

Parent-child ceramics at deCordova

Parents and children age 6-9 can create unique ceramic sculpture together in deCordova’s professional clay studio during “Family Clay Saturdays: Parent-Child Ceramic Series” on Saturdays, October 13 to November 3 from 10 a.m.–noon. Learn basic hand-building and glazing techniques as you work side by side to create a hanging mobile and a seasonal spirit house. Click here for more information and registration. Questions? Contact Julie Bernson at jbernson@decordova.org or 781-259-3649.

Concert, open house at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will present a “Live in Lincoln Center” concert on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.) with works by Corelli, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and de Boismortier performed by musicians from the Handel & Haydn Society. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $30.

The following day (Sunday, Oct. 21), the church will hold an open house coffee at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary’s Stearns Room (4 Bedford Rd.). following the 10 a.m. worship service. Everyone interested in learning more about First Parish in Lincoln is welcome to attend.

Author talk by Cai Emmons

The Lincoln Public Library will host a talk by Lincoln native Cai Emmons, author of the recently published novel Weather Woman, on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Tarbell Room. Emmons, who grew up in Lincoln, teaches in the University of Oregon’s Creative Writing Program and is the author of two earlier novels, His Mother’s Son and The Stylist. Copies of Weather Woman will be available for purchase and signing.

Talk on Codman Estate portraits

From high-end works by John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart to others by once-famous artists to humble family snapshots, the Codman Estate’s portrait collection extends over 200 years of changing styles. “Portraits and Personalities” on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. takes a fresh look at this collection, including rarely seen works of art. Hear the real stories of the people behind these pictures, both the subjects and the artists. $15 for Historic New England members, $20 for nonmembers. Registration required; call 617-994-6690 or click here.

Two new classes at L-S Adult Ed

Lincoln-Sudbury Adult Education has added two classes to its fall/winter offerings. Lisa Cukier, a partner with Burns and Levinson will host sessions on estate planning and probate administration in Massachusetts on two Wednesdays, Nov. 7 and 14, from 7–8:30 p.m. in Room B330. She will also discuss estate litigation, family disputes, and financial exploitation by caregivers relating to the assets of individuals with diminished mental capacity. “Les Petits Chefs” is a hands-on cooking class for seventh- and eighth-graders 0ffered by L-S faculty members Dot Samsi and M.J. Galano (the ability to speak French is not required). A mini-lesson on French culture will accompany each session. The class will he held on three Thursdays (Nov. 29, Dec. 13, and Jan. 24) in Room C124. Click here for more information and to register for classes.

Changes at First Parish, School Committee

The School Committee is seeking an interim member to fill an unexpired term, while the First Parish in Lincoln has announced an interim minister for the next two years.

The School Committee invites residents who are interested in serving as an interim member (replacing Jena Salon, who resigned as of August 31) to submit a statement of interest detailing their qualifications and experience. Statements should be emailed to schoolcomm@lincnet.org by Thursday, Sept. 20. 

There will be interviews of all candidates in a joint open meeting of the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Hartwell Multipurpose Room. Each candidate will be asked to make a brief opening statement, respond to a set of questions from the committee and board members, and have an opportunity to ask questions of the members. The members will vote at that meeting to select one of the candidates to serve as an interim member of the School Committee.

The interim member will serve until the next annual election this spring, at which time there will be an election for a one-year term on the School Committee (filling out Salon’s term) as well with an election for a three-year term.

Transition at First Parish

Rev. Jenny Rankin

Rev. Jenny Rankin has been named interim minister at the First Parish in Lincoln effective August 15. She succeeds Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti, who left after two and a half years in Lincoln to become senior minister at the First Parish in Ann Arbor, Mich., one of the anchor churches of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Ordained in 1988, Rankin began her career as acting university chaplain at Tufts University before serving congregations in Hopedale, Hingham and Cohasset as an interim minister. Called to First Parish in Concord in 1997, Jenny served as minister there for 15 years, followed by interim ministries  in Gloucester, Lexington, and Franklin. She has taught and lectured on Transcendentalism, Emerson, and Margaret Fuller as well as Celtic spirituality, spiritual autobiography, the contemplative tradition, and creativity as a spiritual practice.

Both religious organizations to which the First Parish belongs (the UUA and the United Church of Christ) require a two-year term for an interim ministers. “The time between settled ministers is a great opportunity for the congregation to take a fresh look at itself, see what areas might need attention, and grow clearer about who they are and how they’re called to serve the world,” Rankin said. A permanent minister is expected to start in August 2020.

Registration is now open for religious education classes at the First Parish for children in grades K-7. 7 as well as the OWL (Our Whole Lives) classes. OWL is a human anatomy and sexuality course that’s open to all eighth-graders, including those whose families do not attend First Parish in Lincoln. Required parent orientation night is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 from 7–9 p.m. OWL will meet approximately twice each month on Sundays from 7–8:30 p.m. beginning October 14.

For more information about First Parish religious education programs, click here or contact Education Director Margit at 781-259-8118 x112 or Margit@FPLincoln.org.

News acorns

Palestinian storyteller at library

Fidaa Ataya

Fidaa Ataya, a traditional Palestinian storyteller, puppeteer, drama-in-education specialist and actress, will tell stories for children age 3-9 at the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. Drop in. Sponsored by GRALTA.

Springsteen ticket auction to benefit Codman Farm

Codman Community Farms is holding a benefit silent auction for a pair of tickets in the first 10 rows of the center orchestra section at a “Bruce Springsteen on Broadway” concert in New York this fall. The winner can choose the date of the show they would like to attend between September 26 and December 14. The auction ends on Saturday, Sept. 22 at noon, and the winner will be announced at the Harvest Feast that night. Click here to enter a bid.

Plans underway for First Day 2019

Plans for the Lincoln New Year’s Day open house (known as First Day 2019) at the Pierce House are underway, and organizers are looking for help. AVolunteer Planning Committee is forming to help with:

  • Ideas for improving the event
  • Soliciting monetary support from other associations, private individuals
  • Planning food and beverages to be served
  • Organize volunteer staffing for day of event (setup/food prep/clean up)

If you would like to join the committee, contact Nancy Beach at nancy@piercehouse.com or call 781-259-9757.

Open house on new adult programs at Minuteman

Minuteman Technical Institute (MTI), a branch of the Minuteman School District, is hosting an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 6–8 p.m. to share information on five new evening training programs for adults beginning October 1. Click here to register for the open house.

New MTI offerings include culinary arts, electricity, metal fabrication and joining, and advanced manufacturing. Students must have a high school diploma or GED. Discounted rates are available to in-district residents. You may also call 781-861-7151 or e-mail MTI@minuteman.org. Click here for details including start dates, hours, costs, and how to apply. Minuteman Technical Institution and Minuteman Community Education also offer additional day, afternoon, and evening programs for adults and school-age students.

Jewelry workshops at deCordova

Design and create unique jewelry made of glass, stone, and found objects as glass artist Emily Bhargava offers three mosaic jewelry workshops at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum:

Each session is $40 for deCordova members or $45 for nonmembers. Sign up for one workshop or all three by clicking on a title above. No mosaic experience necessary; all materials will be provided.

“Rally Sunday” at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold “Rally Sunday” on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). With the service marking the official start of the church year, new visitors are encouraged and welcome to attend. Interim Senior Minister Jenny Rankin will lead worship. There will be an opportunity to learn about First Parish and register for its religious K-8 education program, which also starts September 16 (and there will be bagels and muffins for kids as well).

Founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives to speak

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., co-founder and president of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, will introduce the FDFI’s “One Million Abolitionists” project and speak to the issue of abolition from the days of Thoreau and Douglass to the present on Monday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Walden Woods Project (44 Baker Farm Rd., Lincoln). Morris is the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington.

Attendees are asked to donate at least $4 to cover the cost of a special bicentennial edition of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave for a school with limited financial resources. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception. Seating is free but limited; click here to RSVP online or register by phone at 781-259-4707. Co-sponsored by The Robbins House; reception supported by the Cheese Shop in Concord.

Adult education classes at L-S

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Adult Education is offering new enrichment classes this fall including classes on foreign languages, WordPress, creative arts, cooking, fitness, finance, and college planning. Visit the LSAD website for more information, schedules and registration.

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Yayoi Kusama, “Where the Lights in My Heart Go,” 2016. Collection of Lauren and Derek Goodman, courtesy Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai and Victoria Miro, London/Venice, © Yayoi Kusama.

New sculpture, artists talk at deCordova

On Wednesday, July 5, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum opens “Where the Lights in My Heart Go” by acclaimed contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. The sculpture (the first Infinity Mirror Room to be shown in the Boston area) will be installed outdoors on the Pollack Family Terrace and viewable through October 28. 

The sculpture is a 10-by-10-foot polished stainless steel chamber with a mirrored interior. Small holes in the walls and ceiling allow natural light to penetrate the darkened room. Multiplied by the reflective surfaces, these pinpricks of light create a magical, celestial experience when visitors step inside. Kusama refers to the work as a “subtle planetarium,” an intimate and enclosed space that also gives the illusion of a continuously expanding universe. Support for this special presentation is generously provided by Lauren and Derek Goodman, James and Sabra Alden, Nina and David Fialkow, Kumi and Bill Martin, Andrei Soran, and Marc and Charlotte Zawel.

On Wednesday, July 18 from noon–1 p.m., the deCordova will host an outdoor conversation about Nari Ward’s G.O.A.T. sculptures with Ruth Erickson, Mannion Family Curator at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art Erickson coordinated the ICA’s celebrated “Nari Ward: Sun Splashed,” the largest survey of the artist’s work to date.

Library hosts the Great Lincoln Read

If you’ve been watching the PBS series “The Great American Read” and America’s 100 most-loved novels, then you’ll know what inspired the Lincoln Library to come up with the Great Lincoln Read List. Vote on your three top favorite titles of all time at the ballot box in the library lobby. There are also books from the Great American Read on display. Vote by Friday, July 13. The library will tally the results and let everyone know what Lincoln’s best-loved books are.

Antique and classic car show at Codman Estate

See more than 200 classic and antique autos, trucks, and motorcycles from all over New England on the picturesque grounds of the Codman Estate at Historic New England’s Antique and Classic Car Show on Sunday, July 15 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. This annual festival includes entertainment, food, and tours of the Codman House Museum. Rain or shine. Admission is $5 (free for HNE members).

Summer services at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold summer services on two Sundays, July 22 and August 12 at 10 a.m. Rev. Rosemary Lloyd will preach at the July 22 service and Rev. John Nichols will lead the August 12 service.

News acorns

Hearing on tree removal

There will be a public hearing on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln DPW Office, 30 Lewis St., held by the tree warden, deputy tree warden and/or their designees to consider the removal of the below trees in the public right-of-way. This meeting is consistent with the requirements of the Shade Tree Act (MGL,c.87) and the Scenic Road Act. The trees have been marked with hearing notices and are being considered for removal because they are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a safety or operational hazard. The trees are marked as to size and type along the following roads:

  • 81 Weston Rd., south side of road, 32″ ash
  • 81 Weston Rd., north side of road, 36″ ash
  • Sandy Pond Rd. at Lincoln Road intersection island, 14″ tree
  • 56 Sandy Pond Rd., 16″ tree
  • 196 Sandy Pond Rd., 18″ and 20″ oaks

Anyone with questions may call the Department of Public Works at 781-259-8999.

Codman Community Farms cleanup kicks off season

Some of the volunteers who helped out at a past Codman Community Farms spring cleanup.

Codman Community Farms (CCF) is getting ready for the spring and summer activities starting with spring cleanup on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Grab your gloves and lend a hand for an hour or an afternoon, learn more about 2018 farm plans and upcoming events, and bring a picnic or enjoy our potluck of snacks. Click here to sign up. If you’re interested in other volunteer opportunities such as building projects, egg collecting, egg washing, events and educational programs, general farm chores, the PYO flower garden, haying, mowing, etc., click here and CCF will contact you as the tasks unfold.

CCF also has a new CSA card to help support sustainable food production. Those who purchase a card for a lump sum payment get free money added to their card based on the purchase level. The card can be used anytime in the CCF Farm Store and the card never expires.  All products in the store can be purchased with the card on our self-checkout iPad terminal. Offer ends on May 31.

Also on the event horizon: Club Codman on May 19 at 8:30 p.m. and the Codman BBQ and campout on June 9-10.

Film on Israel/Palestinian media coverage

The GRALTA Foundation will host a screening of “The Occupation of the American Mind,” a 2016 documentary narrated by Pink Floyd founder and human rights activist Roger Waters, on Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library and Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The film focuses how Israel-Palestine media coverage has both restricted and distorted our knowledge of the region. The film is especially timely in light of recent deaths in the Gaza Strip including that of 30-year-old photojournalist Yasser Murtaja, which was the subject of this New York Times editorial.

St. Anne’s screens “What Lies Upstream”

On Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m., the Climate Justice Film Series at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church continues with the documentary film “What Lies Upstream.” Investigative filmmaker Cullen Hoback travels to West Virginia to uncover the truth behind a massive chemical spill that left 300,000 people without drinking water for months. But when Hoback discovers a collusion between chemical corporations and the highest levels of government, the investigation spirals in a terrifying direction, and we learn the truth about what lies upstream of us all.

Newcomers’ dinner at First Parish

Whether you’re new to the First Parish in Lincoln community or have been coming for years, come to a festive, informal and informative Newcomers Dinner on Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Donaldson Room of the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). Please RSVP to Joan Kimball at selenejck@gmail.com.