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

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News acorns

“Mrs. Ship” by Catherine McCarthy, one of the works in the Clark Gallery’s “Paperwork” exhibit.

Artists’ reception

The Clark Gallery will host an artists’ reception with 17 artists to mark the opening of its Paperwork exhibit on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 4–6 p.m.

Used book sale

The Friends of the Lincoln Library resume their monthly used book sale on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m.–noon in Bemis Hall. Support the Lincoln Library by picking up gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Leave donated materials in the box in the Bemis Hall foyer.

Quilters exhibit their work

The Lincoln Quilters will display the results of several years of creative shared-quilt construction at the Lincoln Public Library art gallery starting on Friday, Sept. 8 and running through Saturday, Sept. 30. All quilts will be auctioned to benefit the charity of choice of the successful bidder. Bids will be closed out at the closing reception on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 3–5 p.m. at the library. Members of the Lincoln Quilters are Anne Crosby, Nancy Constable, Tricia Deck, Linda MacNeil, Margaret Olson, Lucy Sachs, Kate Sacknoff, Jane Solar, and Dilla Tingley.

Forum on Lincoln as a sanctuary

The Lincoln Sanctuary Town Committee is holding a forum titled “Lincoln Explores Sanctuary” on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 4–6 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The forum will be moderated by Steven Perlmutter and will include panelists Akuot Leek, a former Sudanese refugee and Lincoln resident; Andrea Hewitt and Sharon Carlson of Dignity in Asylum; Vince Amoroso, Boxborough city councilman; and state Senator James Eldridge of the Middlesex and Worcester District.

Sunday School registration, evening meditation at St. Anne’s

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will hold its annual Sunday School open house and registration on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. There will be snacks and activities for kids. At the 10 a.m. service, there will be a special blessing for the new school year—bring your backpack to have it blessed.

St. Anne’s is also hosting an evening mediation series this fall, “Let Go and Know.” The group will meet Mondays from 7–8 p.m. beginning September 18. Cushions and chairs will be available for sitting, or feel free to bring your own favorite. To learn more, contact Nanri Tenney Nanri at nanritenney@gmail.com.

Bemis Lecture clarification

The Bemis Free lecture on “Philanthropy Shaping Lincoln: The Ogden Codman Trust” on September 27 will run from 7–9 p.m., not ending at 8:30 p.m. as previously listed in News Acorns and the calendar.

News acorns

Fill out survey for clean heating and cooling

The Lincoln Green Energy Committee is partnering with Concord and Carlisle to apply for HeatSmart Mass, a program sponsored by the Mass Clean Energy Center that will allow Lincolnites to install qualified clean heating and cooling systems at reduced prices. For Lincoln to qualify for the MassCEC’s application process, the committee needs your help. Whether you’re interested in air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, central biomass heating, or solar hot water, or aren’t sure what these solutions are all about, please fill out this Google survey by Saturday, Aug. 12 to help members design the program to meet Lincoln’s needs. Anyone with questions may contact Belinda Gingrich at belinda.gingrich@gmail.com.

St. Anne’s closed for nine days

Due to parking lot work, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church will be closed after church on Sunday, Aug. 13 and remain closed through Tuesday, Aug. 22. All regularly mid-week meetings will be cancelled, as well as the Sunday morning service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. on August 20. The 9 a.m. service resumes on Sunday, Aug. 27, and the last summer Sunday service will be Labor Day Weekend (Sunday, Sept. 3). On September 10, the church returns to the normal schedule of three Sunday services at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.

Jazz concert on Aug. 13

There will be a free live jazz concert on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 2–5 p.m. in Bemis Hall featuring the Steve Taddeo Quartet and Vocals: Jeff Barnhart, stride piano; Paul Midiri, trombone and vibes; Joe Midiri, soprano sax and reeds; Steve Taddeo, drums; and Caroline Griep, vocals.

Arts and crafts festival at Codman Estate

The 35th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at the Codman Estate will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 (rain or shine) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. There will be live music, over 100 juried artisans, museum tours and food vendors. Admission is $5 (free for Historic New England members and children under 12).

Sam Durant win’s deCordova’s Rappaport Prize

Sam Durant (photo by Sarah Waldorf/J. Paul Getty Museum)

The deCordova Scultpure Park and Museum has announced that Sam Durant is the 18th recipient of the prestigious Rappaport Prize, an annual award of $25,000 given to a contemporary artist with strong connections to New England. Durant works in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, drawing, and installations to address the varying relationships between culture and politics. He draws inspiration from American history and engages subjects as diverse as the civil rights movement, southern rock music, and modernism. His art makes connections between history and present ongoing sociocultural debates, often calling attention to forgotten events from the past.

“It is such a wonderful surprise and tremendous honor to be recognized in my home region with the Rappaport Prize,” Durant said. “I am a New Englander to the core—its remarkable history has profoundly shaped and inspired me. The deCordova Museum was a big part of my formation as an artist, and my teacher George Greenamyer’s work Mass Art Vehicle at deCordova was one of the first public sculptures I loved. My work often puts me in the cross hairs of contentious and difficult debates, as it has recently, so deCordova’s acknowledgement is particularly timely—a cool drink of water for a parched soul.”

The public is invited to attend the Rappaport Prize Lecture with Sam Durant on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum. Admission is free.

News acorns

Join the July 4 parade

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and Lincoln’s parade organizers encourage everyone to think about being a part of the parade. Are you part of a group, committee, or team in town? Join the parade with a your very own float! There’s no theme this year, so you can be as creative as you want. Represent our country’s independence or what makes your organization so great! Click here to download the parade registration form. Anyone with questions may email Abbey Salon at salon.abbey13@gmail.com.

Fireside chat on U.S. Constitution

Do you have a favorite line or amendment from the Constitution? Is there something in it that confuses you or excites you? Join others in a lively but respectful “fireside chat” discussion of the U.S. Constitution facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but to share ideas so as to create dialogue and understanding.

Movie series at the library

The Lincoln Public Library invites everyone to a sing-along-version of the movie musical Grease (1978, rated PG-13) starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Special snacks will be served. Other movies in the summer series (all start at 7 p.m. in the Tarbell Room):

  • July 19  — Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart (1950)
  • August 9  — A Fish Called Wanda starring Kevin Kline and John Cleese (1988, rated R]
  • August 16 — The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn (1951)
  • August 30 — Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicholas Cage (1987, rated PG)

Summer services at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold one service per month in July and August. On Sunday, July 16 at 10 a.m., Mandy Beal, who just completed her ministerial internship with the First Parish, will lead the congregation in worship. Terry Cummings, FPL’s incoming ministerial intern, will lead a service on Sunday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Both services will be held in the Parish House Auditorium, 14 Bedford Road.

News acorns

Affordable housing forum

Come find out more about the town’s new Affordable Accessory Apartments Program in a forum especially for homeowners and tenants. On Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall, members of the Housing Commission will give information and answer questions. What are the benefits for homeowners and tenants? How does the Housing Commission match up tenants with homeowners? What is the lottery? Why do I have to choose a tenant from your list? How long will I wait for an affordable apartment. Come join the Housing Commission and get answers.

Fatherhood Project event reminder

The Fatherhood Project presents “A Celebration of Fatherhood: Strengthening Family Connections” with guest speaker Andre Dubus III, author of Townie, The Garden of Last Days, and House of Sand and Fog on Friday, June 16 from 6:30–9 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Click here for more information.

Multi-town RiverFest this weekend

RiverFest, an annual celebration of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers, takes places on Saturday and Sunday, June 17–18 with more than 40 events for all ages—free walks, talks, hikes, paddles, concerts, and art—in nine communities from Lowell to Framingham.

Among the events close to Lincoln: a guided walk at the Walden Woods conservation area with naturalist Peter Alden as he looks for plants and birds along Fairhaven Bay; in Sudbury where participants can join a Mass Audubon naturalist on a visit with native wildlife, birds and reptiles that live along riverbanks; and the closing solstice event at the Old Manse in Concord. For a full listing of events and maps, visit riverfest.sudbury-assabet-concord.org or call 978-223-5049 with questions.

Library hours for exam week and summer

Lincoln Public Library will be open late for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School students studying for final exams on Thursday, June 15 and Monday, June 19 until 10 p.m. Snacks will be provided and staff will be on hand to monitor students to provide a safe place, though no library services will be provided.

The library will be open on Saturdays this summer from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on July 8, 15, 22 and 29.

St. Anne’s summer schedule

From Sunday, June 18 through early September, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will celebrate a single service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m.

St. Anne’s aims to rebuild historic rectory

St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church hopes to demolish and rebuild its rectory while retaining the historic farmhouse facade.

St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church plans to tear down and rebuild its rectory, but the red farmhouse’s familiar facade that faces the Codman Road intersection will be retained.

The 1844 farmhouse “just had enough deferred maintenance that we felt it was better to rebuild the whole thing,” said Sarah Hubbell, senior warden of St. Anne’s.

The Zoning Board of the Appeals will hold a public hearing on the church’s application for a special permit on Thursday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. A permit is required because a small portion of the plan does not fall within the required setback, Hubbell said.

The Lincoln Historical Commission (LHC) has approved the plan for the front of the farmhouse, which dates from 1844. The LHC is “very pleased that the historic facade of St. Anne’s Rectory is to be preserved. The Rectory Committee of St. Anne’s worked with the commission, and together, a conclusion that satisfies all concerned was arrived at,” said LHC chair Lucretia Giese.

News acorns

No charges filed in 2016 bike accident

No criminal or civil motor vehicle charges will be filed in the wake of an accident in Lincoln on June 16, 2016 that claimed the life of Eugene Thornberg of Wayland. Thornberg, 61, was killed while bicycling on Route 126 just south of Hillside Road. The decision comes after an investigation by Lincoln Police Department, Middlesex District Attorney’s office and Massachusetts State Police. 

A second fatal accident involving a bicyclist last summer is still under investigation, Lincoln Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy reported. Westford resident Mark Himelfarb, 59, was killed in an August 17 accident on Virginia Road about 200 feet north of intersection with Old Bedford Road.

Eric Chivian to speak at LLCT gala

Dr. Eric Chivian with a Colombian tree frog.

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust annual meeting and 60th anniversary celebration takes place on Thursday, May 18 from 6–9 p.m. at the Pierce House. The evening starts with a reception and music by Colonial Jazz with Jim White and hors d’oeuvres by Trail’s End Cafe. Wine and beer will be served.

After a brief business meeting at 7:25, Dr. Eric Chivian, physician and Nobel laureate, will give a talk on “Human Health and the Environment.” Chivian will discuss how medical models can help people understand the implications of our altering of the global environment by translating the abstract, technical science of these changes into the concrete, personal, everyday language of human health.

While a staff psychiatrist in the MIT Medical Department, Chivian co-founded International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 for its efforts to highlight the implications of nuclear conflict for global health. He is on the Harvard Medical School faculty and directs the nonprofit Program for Preserving the Natural World, Inc. Copies of his book Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity will be available for purchase.

Bike to school on May 19

In celebration of National Bike Month, and in collaboration with Lincoln Cycling Safety Advisory Committee, hop on your bicycle for an environmentally friendly, good-for-your-body, fun ride to school on Friday, May 19. Don’t forget your helmet!

Dr. Timothy Johnson at St. Anne’s

Dr. Timothy Johnson

Physician, author, minister and St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church parishioner Timothy Johnson will host a forum on the state of U.S. health care and what’s at stake with the new administration’s proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act at the St. Anne’s on Sunday, May 21 at 9 a.m. That afternoon, Still Your Soul will be a service of Contemplative Holy Eucharist, with time to soothe the soul before the beginning of another busy week.

News acorns

Historical Society hosts talk

The Lincoln Historical Society will host a talk, book-signing and reception, with Donald L. Hafner, captain of the Lincoln Minute Men and author of William Smith, Captain: Life and Death of a Soldier of the American Revolution on Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library.

Holy Week and Easter schedule at St. Anne’s
  • Sunday, April 9 — Palm Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 13 — commemoration of the Last Supper with a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. The service includes foot-washing and Holy Eucharist.
  • Friday, April 14 — two Good Friday services: one at noon with the Passion gospel and venerating the cross, and a family service at 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 15 — celebration of Holy Saturday with the Great Vigil of Easter beginning at 7 p.m. We kindle the new fire and light a new Paschal candle, and then read bible stories by candlelight. The service ends with the first Eucharist of Easter.
  • Sunday, April 16 —Holy Eucharist with special music and flowers at both 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (On April 16, there is not a Still Your Soul service.)

All are welcome at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, located at 147 Concord Road.

Jennifer Glass, candidate for selectman in Monday’s election, braved the cold on Wednesday to meet residents including Rick Mandelkorn at the transfer station (right) and hand out flyers.

News acorns

Woolapalooza at Drumlin Farm

Celebrate the coming of spring at Drumlin Farm’s Woolapalooza annual festival featuring fiber, food, and fun on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights will include:

  • Sheep-shearing demonstrations
  • Live sheep herding with border collies
  • Sheep-to-sweater interpretive trail: Learn how wool becomes yarn, and make a craft to take home.
  • A hearty lunch made from Drumlin Farm’s own meat and potatoes (additional purchase necessary)
  • Local artisans demonstrating and selling handmade products

The event will run rain, shine, or light snow. No advance ticket purchase; walk-ins only. Mass Audubon members: $14. Nonmembers: $16. Children Under age 2: Free. Due to recent snowfall, parking at Drumlin Farm will be limited. We recommend arriving closer to 10 a.m. to secure a spot, but cannot guarantee that parking will be available throughout the day.

Chinese folk art performance

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will host a Chinese Folk Art Workshop performance on Saturday, April 1 at 4 p.m. at the Kirshner Auditorium. The non-profit organization, which aims to promote interaction with and understanding of Chinese culture in the community, performs a variety of traditional Chinese folk arts such as dragon dance, lion dance, Taiwanese drums, Chinese yoyo and folk dance (click here for a video preview of the show). There will also be Chinese and other Asian crafts for kids outside the theater starting at 2 p.m., as well as food and drink available for sale. Tickets are $10. for adults and $8. for students. Questions? Email vivsicle@gmail.com or danielle_weisse@lsrhs.net. Proceeds will benefit the L-S Memorial School in Cambodia.

First Parish hosts open-house service

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold an “open house” worship service on Sunday, April 2 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House Auditorium (14 Bedford Rd.). If you’ve wanted to visit First Parish in Lincoln, this is the perfect day to do it. There will be members at the door to greet visitors and help them find seats. During the service, guests’ children are also invited to join our religious education programs (or the nursery, if toddler or preschool-aged). Following worship, children can plant a bulb out on the playground (or in the small downstairs classroom if it rains).

‘Europa, Europa’ to be screened

The Lincoln Library Film Society will show Europa, Europa on Thursday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. The movie (rated R, in German with English subtitles) directed by Agnieszka Holland is based on the true story of a Jewish teenager who survived World War II by passing as a Nazi Youth member. Movie style refreshments served.

Candidate for Selectman Allen Vander Meulen (second from left) gave out free coffee and talked to commuters at the Lincoln train station on Tuesday morning. See his campaign blog for more information.

News acorns

Lincoln Fire Department receives fire education grants

The Lincoln Fire Department recently received two state grants totaling more than $6,500 for fire education for children and seniors. Lincoln’s was one of 228 Massachusetts fire departments to receive Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program grants to work with classroom teachers to deliver fire and life safety lessons. Of those, 212 departments also received a Senior SAFE program grant to work with older adults on fire and life safety. The town’s grant amounts were $3,951 S.A.F.E. and $2,596, respectively.

The S.A.F.E. Program’s allows trained firefighter-educators to work with teachers to deliver age-appropriate fire and life safety lessons that also meet the requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Health Curriculum Frameworks. In the 21 years of the program’s existence, the average number of children who die in fires each year in Massachusetts has dropped by over 70 percent, according to a release from the office of Gov. Charlies Baker.

Seniors are most at risk of dying in fires in Massachusetts. Using the Senior SAFE program, fire departments partner with local senior service agencies to better educate seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared to survive a fire.

Middle school stages “The Lion King Jr.”

The Lincoln School production of “The Lion King Jr.” takes place in the school auditorium on March 29, 30 and 31. Seventy student actors and 20 crew members have been rehearsing the show’s drum beats and chant-filled choruses since December. Tickets will be sold at the door ($5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults). Show times are 3:30 p.m. on March 29, and 7 p.m. on March 30 and 31.

Panel looks at journalism and democracy

For a lively conversation on the state of journalism from a local, state, national and international perspective, come to the annual FELS Talk on “Breaking News: Journalism and Democracy in the 21st Century” on Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at the LSRHS auditorium. Panelists will be:

  • Deborah Becker, senior correspondent and host, WBUR
  • Isaac Feldberg, journalism major and correspondent for The Boston Globe
  • David Grace, L-S history faculty member
  • Anne Mostue, Bloomberg News radio anchor
  • Charles Sennott, founder and executive director of The GroundTruth Project
  • Alice Waugh, founder and editor of The Lincoln Squirrel, an online newspaper

Julie Dobrow, senior fellow, media and civic engagement at the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, will moderate the evening. Tickets are $10 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury.

Passover seder at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will celebrate Passover with a family seder service and meal on Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). The seder will have the elements of a traditional family haggadah and a meal of hummus and tabbouleh. It will be very participatory and feature activities for everyone in the family.

Passover celebrates the foundational story of Judaism—the release of Jews from captivity in Egypt described in Exodus. The spiritual themes of Passover remain central to the spiritual themes of Christianity and Unitarian Universalism, and are very much a part of the spiritual life of the First Parish in Lincoln. RSVPs are required. Please contact Mandy Beal, ministerial intern, at mandy@firstparishinlincoln.org or 857-208-3482.