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

seniors

Second Covid-9 vaccine clinic March 4 for those on waiting list


(Editor’s note: This article was updated on February 25 to reflect corrected figures for the number of doses to be given at the March 4 clinic and the dose threshold required by the state for local clinics.)

The town will hold another Covid-19 vaccination clinic on March 4, but only for those on a waiting list — and this will almost certainly be the last clinic the town will offer.

Lincoln will receive a second allotment of 100 doses of vaccine for the clinic on Thursday, March 4 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lincoln North office building. Participation will be limited to residents 75 and older who were placed on the waiting list after the first town clinic on February 11. Any additional slots will be made available to those identified as being at high-risk, consistent with the Commonwealth’s criteria, said Town Administrator Tim Higgins, one of the members of Lincoln’s public health team.

Residents who received their first dose of vaccine at the February 11 clinic will get their second booster shot on March 11, and those who are inoculated on March 4 will get their second dose on April 1. “Going forward, unless the state alters its distribution strategy, we do not anticipate being able to provide any additional first-dose local clinics,” he said.

The team is talking to other area towns to see if regional clinic could be organized under the new state capacity criteria (giving at least 750 doses a day, five days a week). “We appear to have several willing partners… but it’s very much a work in progress” and will obviously require state approval, Higgins said.

Failing that, Lincoln hopes to find ways to help residents get the vaccinations at one of the mega-sites at Fenway Park or Gillette Stadium, by offering rides and/or helping people navigate the state’s online booking system.

“Our public health team and those in other towns are really frustrated at a policy level at the state’s decision to ignore the capacity we created locally to efficiently administer the vaccine,” he said.

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Library offers Boredom Buster Book Bundles, bingo, upcycling

Are you looking to keep your kids entertained this vacation week? We’ve got you covered! Fill out this quick form and you’ll get a bag of librarian-picked books. Your bag will include a variety of books: craft, cooking, game/activity, science experiment, plus a family movie and a read-aloud book. To help the library accommodate as many families as possible, we’ve packed these bags to have something for all ages. Pickup will be at the library starting Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

On Monday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m., join in an evening of bingo for children of all ages with everybody’s favorite bingo caller, Sally K. The whole family can play at home over Zoom. Registrants will receive a printable bingo card, and there will be prizes awarded. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register and receive the Zoom link.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., librarian Sarah will host a virtual combination craft/upcycling program, using old CD cases to make cool CD case gardens. Bryn Gingrich from the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will discuss recycling in Lincoln, and share other upcycling ideas. Intended for ages 5+ — please email sfeather@minlib.net to register. and get the Zoom link. Craft supplies will be available in the library vestibule.

Drive-through ice cream sundaes for seniors and grandkids

The Council on Aging invites seniors, grandparents and grandchildren to an intergenerational drive-up ice cream sundae cup event on Tuesday, Feb. 16 in the parking lot of the First Parish Church. Please help stagger arrivals by coming at the time that corresponds to your last name (A–G, arrive from 12-12:45 p.m.; H–R, arrive from 12:45-1:30 p.m.; S–Z, arrive from 1:30-2 p.m.).

Lincoln author event on Feb. 22

Join award-winning producer, film composer, and author Ruth Mendelson of Lincoln to discuss her new book, “The Water Tree Way,” on Monday, Feb. 22 at noon. The main character Jai (pronounced “Jay”), filled with spunk, stealth and blazing courage, leaves everything she’s known to embark on a journey that would be hair-raising for anyone. A 240-page children’s book intended for readers of all ages, the story exalts the triumph of the human spirit as experienced by a girl who can be none other than her unabashed self. To learn more and read reviews, including Jane Goodall’s video endorsement, visit www.TheWaterTreeWay.com. Please call the COA 781-259-8811, if you would like to pick up an author’s copy of the book (there are a limited number of copies). Click here for the Zoom link.

Event explores healthy masculinity

Rickie Houston

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable is presenting “A Call to Families: Discussing Healthy Masculinity with Young People” on Tuesday, March 9 from 7–8:30 p.m. The keynote speaker is Rickie Houston, director of training for A Call to Men, an organization that works to transform society by promoting healthy, respectful manhood. Houston, a U.S. Army veteran, is pastor of a church in North Carolina, has worked to end violence against women in West Africa and has also worked with professional athletes. He’ll speak about the importance of boys being able to show their emotions and the significance of teaching them about healthy masculinity at an early age. Breakout sessions will run after his talk.

To register for the event, click here. For more information, call Sue Rushfirth at 978-443-0782, email infodvrt@gmail.com, or visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.

Lincoln’s first Covid-19 vaccination clinic goes swimmingly

By Maureen Belt

A premiere office suite in North Lincoln, empty for months because of Covid-19, was transformed last week into a clinic that distributed not only the Moderna vaccine, but doses of hope and freedom to dozens of Lincoln seniors — many of whom have had their social and personal lives halted because of the virus. 

Nearly 100 senior citizens, the oldest aged 98, and other high-risk residents were injected with the first round of the two-dose vaccine on February 11 at the Lincoln North office building at 55 Old Bedford Rd. Their follow-up shots are scheduled for March 11.

Rob Todd, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, was the first Lincolnite to be vaccinated at the town clinic, which Council on Aging Director Abby Butt (right) and teammates helped organize.

The clinic, which ran with the precision of a Swiss watch, was the result of strategic planning by Lincoln’s public health team: Board of Health member Trish Miller, Public Health Nurse Tricia McGean, Council on Aging Director Abigail Butt, Assistant Town Administrator Dan Pereira, Town Administrator Tim Higgins, Fire Chief Brian Young, and Lt. Sean Kennedy and Det. Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police Department.

The team handled all logistics — communicating with the DPH, finding a space for the clinic, organizing volunteers, and ensuring all recipients were safely transported from their homes to the clinic. Lincoln resident Larry Smith of Cranberry Hill Associates, Inc., which manages Lincoln North, donated use of the space.

Initially, said Young, Lincoln expected to receive 2,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine from the state Department of Public Health (DPH), so a weeklong clinic from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. was planned with the hopes of inoculating the same number of residents. Nearly 100 volunteers were on board, clinicians were hired, and several hundred empty square feet of office space with ample parking were secured. 

Then, just after 5 p.m. on February 5, Young learned that the DPH was reducing Lincoln’s number of shots to 100. “They switched courses,” he said. “That’s fine. We said we’ll take what we can get and we will start with the most at-risk residents.”

Miller said Lincoln was fortunate to receive even a reduced number, as many surrounding communities did not get any. The goal, she said, “was to get as many shots into as many arms as we could.”

Mission accomplished.

Longtime COA volunteer Harold McAleer gets his Covid-19 shot.

The atmosphere was convivial — more like a neighborhood block party than a medical clinic —with residents cheerfully greeting their masked, socially distanced friends and commenting on how nice it was to see each other after nearly a year of not being out and about.

“It’s been a terrific team effort, and it’s had its challenges with the laws and the regulations changing,” said Mr. Higgins. “I’m thrilled that the team was able to put the clinic on for the town.”

Having a local clinic, Mr. Higgins said, is especially crucial to Lincoln’s vulnerable residents who would have a hard time getting to and from clinics in “mega-sites” such as Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park — not just once, but twice. 

“Here, they’re familiar with the people in the clinic,” he said. “They have good relationships. It has a nice, small-town feel to it.”

The group unanimously decided residents 85 years old and over would get first dibs. A call center was organized so residents could book appointments without needing to use a computer.

“Abby was very helpful. She has great relationships with the older folks,” Miller said, adding Butt also identified the seniors who needed to be inoculated in their homes and rounded up volunteers to transport seniors to and from the clinic.

Holding clinics routinely is the goal, but this will depend on the weekly supply of vaccine from the state. A clinic was temporarily planned for Thursday, Feb. 18 for residents 75 and older, but Pereira said on February 13 that the town would not be getting its expected 100 doses for that clinic. The team will keep the town informed about future clinics and volunteer opportunities as well as any other changes.

News acorns

(This post was edited on January 13 to include a link to a movie of the winning marble run.)

Library pickup hours reduced

Due to staffing issues, the Lincoln Public Library, which is now closed to the public, is reducing its contactless pickup hours as of Wednesday, Jan. 13. The new hours are:

  • Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 1–6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 1–5 p.m.

Visit the library’s FAQ page for the latest information on changes to services and contactless pickup times. If you have any questions regarding your pickup, the best way to reach the library is via email to lincoln@minlib.net.

Please pick your materials up on the requested day. There is not sufficient staffing at library to handle leftover bags. Also, the library’s elevator is out of service, which is also resulting in a delay processing requests, but it should be fixed by the end of the week.

GearTicks name winner of December STEMtastic Challenge

Devon’s marble run starts at top left, runs down through a hose along the backs of two chairs, then around a cardboard track to another hose, where it emerges to glide over the top of a guitar and down a final pipe before hitting a bell suspended on a string and then a foam backstop. Click image to see a short video of the marble run in action.

Congratulations to 14-year-old Devon, the December winner of the GearTicks STEMtastic Challenges. Devon’s marble run featured unique household objects, and his ingenious use of a guitar in his marble run especially impressed the GearTicks. Click here to see a short video of the marble run in action.

January’s STEMtastic Challenge theme is vehicles. More challenge details can be found here. To access the Lincoln Public Library’s STEMtastic resources, click here
and scroll down. If you have any suggestions for future challenge topics or ways to improve the challenge, please use this Google form. For more information about the GearTicks team, visit www.gearticks.com or email hello@gearticks.com.

Second youth talent show to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital

Plans are in place for a youth talent show on Zoom on Friday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. This is the second such event organized by L-S seniors Achla Gandhi and Dasha Trosteanetchi as kids4humanity.org. The first show on December 23 raised more than $2,500 for Save the Children.

St. Jude’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children’s catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital costs about $2.8 million a day to run, but patients are not charged for their care.

“Right now we’re trying to get as many kids involved as possible. We aren’t looking for perfection or child prodigies — just children willing to step up to make our world a little brighter,” Gandhi said. Any kind of talent is welcome as well as any age children (the last show featured performers from 1 to 19). Performances will be pre-recorded and sent to organizers ahead of time to make the process easier for parents with younger children.

To register to perform, email kids4covid.19@gmail.com with names, ages, and talents by Friday, Jan. 29. Donations are always encouraged but none are required to perform or to attend the show — click here to donate. Videos are due by February 5. If you have any questions or would like to see past performances to get a sense of the format — or if your company has a matching program and you’re interested in getting involved — send an email to the same address.

Virtual award presentation for three Lincoln houses

Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln (FoMA) invites everyone to its annual awards ceremony with a presentation on “Updating an Original: Three 20th Century Houses in the 21st Century” on Sunday, Jan. 24 from 4–6 p.m. (click here to watch on Zoom). Meet the award-winning owners and their architects/designers for outstanding renovations that were sensitive to the original house, while maintaining the “character of place” established in their respective neighborhoods. The houses are:

  • 1956 Swanson House, Laurel Drive, original design by Dan Compton and Walter Pierce
  • 1959 Wales House, Moccasin Hill Road, original design by Henry B. Hoover and Walter Hill
  • 1967 Kuhn House, Tower Road, original design by Constantin Pertzoff

For more information, see the FoMA website or email fomalincoln@gmail.com.

There’s still time to apply for energy/fuel assistance

If you spend more than 30% of your income on housing costs (rent, condo fee, mortgage, electricity, heating, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, etc.) and have not yet applied for Lincoln’s Fuel Assistance program, there’s still time. Fuel Assistance is a federally funded program that helps eligible households with energy and/or heating costs during the winter months. Depending on your household income, you may qualify if you own or rent your home, even if heat is included in your rent. The program covers oil, gas, electric, propane, kerosene, and wood. Those approved for Fuel Assistance are also eligible for a discount on utility bills, weatherization for your home, and a program to repair or replace your primary heating system.

To apply for Fuel Assistance, residents of all ages can contact the Council on Aging at 781-259-811 to set up an appointment. They will let you know what documents you’ll need.

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Town-wide scavenger hunt runs through Jan. 3

Join the Lincoln trails scavenger hunt now until January 3. Go to the six locations in town, find a hidden QR code, and scan it — you’ll be taken to a Padlet page for that location, where you can post a selfie to prove you were there. Visit all six spots and claim a $10 gift certificate to the Twisted Tree Café or Something Special (one certificate er household while supplies last). Open to all who live, work, or go to school in Lincoln. Click here for more information.

If you’ve posted your photos from all six locations, send an email to selectmen@lincolntown.org with your name and address, and indicate which gift certificate you’d like (as of December 28, three groups had already finished the hunt and written in to claim their gift certificates. If you’re having trouble with the technology, take a selfie at each location and send them to the same email address.

Second youth talent show in the works

The Lincoln youth talent show hosted via Zoom on December 23 was a resounding success, and the organizers are planning to make it a recurring event, with the next show on February 12.

L-S seniors Achla Gandhi and Dasha Trosteanetchi dreamed up the event to boost community spirit during the holidays and raise money for Save the Children, a nonprofit currently focused on helping kids who have been impacted by the pandemic. Twenty-two groups performed and almost 50 families attended online. The original fundraising goal was $1,000 but as of December 28, the event was just $30 short of its new $2,250 target. Here are links to videos of the talent show: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

For the February 15 show, Gandhi and Trosteanetchi are letting Lincoln residents decide which charity or cause that donations should benefit. To send suggestions or to register to perform, email kids4covid.19@gmail.com (please include your name, age and talent if you’re an aspiring performer).

You can give Fire Dept. access to your home in emergencies

The Lincoln Fire Department participates in the Knox Box program, whereby residents may purchase a lockbox with a key to their home. The lockbox that mounts on the outside of your home can be unlocked only by the Fire Department with a master key. Click here to purchase a box. If you need one only for a short time, contact Ben Juhola at the Fire Department (781-259-8113) about renting one.

Also, if anyone in your household is on oxygen or other any other medical machine that would create a risk during a power outage, you may let the Fire and Police Departments know by calling 781-259-8113. They can then check on you when the power goes out or let you know of a scheduled outage.

Honor a teacher and staff this holiday season

The Lincoln Public Schools are one of the few districts in the state that has remained open for full-time in-person learning, and this has only been possible because of the efforts of LPS administrators, teachers, and staff. For a special way to thank a teacher, administrator, teaching team, or other staff member, consider giving an Honor a Teacher or Staff (HATS) certificate. The Lincoln School Foundation’s HATS program lets you recognize specific Lincoln educators while supporting the LSF. For a small donation, the LSF will prepare a certificate of appreciation with your personalized message, to be delivered by email. Click here for details. Donations support LSF’s grants to teachers and innovation in the classroom, which have been all the more important this year.

Council on Aging news

Here are some of the December activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of clinics, groups, and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Lincoln Academy talks

To register for either event, call Amy at the COA at 781-259-8811 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org. Please register at least two business days prior to lecture.

Justice Denied: A Personal Perspective
Monday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Margie Yamamoto tells a personal story of a Japanese American family, following them from immigration to imprisonment during World War II and as they rebuilt their lives during the post-War years. Illustrated with family and historic archival photographs.

Overcoming Poverty in Rural Honduras: Stay or Emigrate?
Monday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Learn what life is like in a small Honduras village. This slide presentation by photographer Mark Hopkins, tells how American volunteers have helped in this country. The challenges that lie ahead for these hardworking people will be explained.

Health Webinar: Taming Your Mind with Mindfulness Techniques

Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
When stress levels rise, our minds can become filled with worried, anxious thoughts. Mindful- ness, the practice of focusing on the present moment, can quiet your mind and help you feel calmer. Join Janet to learn breathing exercises and a five minute sitting meditation. Presented by Janet Fontana, RN and sponsored by Blue Cross/BlueShield. Click here to register.

The Connections Program

A new four-week session begins on Sunday, Dec. 13. The Connections Program provides a social connection and benefits the Lincoln-Sudbury student who receives community service. Learn more at www.connections01773.org. Please call the COA 781-259-8811 x102 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org if you’re interested in participating in this intergenerational program. After you sign up, complete this online survey Friday, Dec. 11 to be matched with an eager high school student. The weekly connections can be made by letter, email, phone, Facetime, or Zoom (the senior chooses the communication mode).

Podiatry clinic

The clinic will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Bemis Hall, following Board of Health protocols. All participants must preregister by calling 781-259-8811. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first served basis. Suggested $10 donation. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Pierce House.

Free salt buckets delivered

If you would like a free sand/salt bucket to help with slippery spots on your driveway or walkway, contact the COA by phone at 781-259-8811 to sign up, and the Girl Scouts will arrange to deliver one to you.

New medication drop box

The Lincoln Police Department has a new medication drop box in the public safety building lobby where residents can safely dispose of old medications, vitamins, ointments, and prescriptions for people and pets. Please do not put bags, needles, liquids, or loose pills in the box.

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Drive-in choir worship service

All are welcome to St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m., when the church choir will offer a drive-in Evensong service. Evensong is a service primarily led by the choir, with the priest chanting pieces and the congregation singing hymns. Choir members will sing into microphones in their cars, and the congregation, sitting in their own cars, will tune in to an unused FM radio station and hear the singing in real time.

Kathryn and Bryce Denney of Marlborough figured out the equipment and procedures needed for Driveway Choirs, and they took it on the road for the first time at St. Anne’s in August. For more information, contact Music Director Jay (jay@stanneslincoln.org) or Communications Director Kristina DeFrancisco (kristina@stanneslincoln.org).

Free flu shot clinic for Lincolnites

The Town of Lincoln will offer a free drive-through flu shot clinic on Monday, Nov. 9 from noon–4 p.m. at the Lincoln North office park at 55 Old Bedford Rd. for Lincoln residents and school children ages 3 and up (the high-dose vaccine for seniors will not be offered at this clinic.) To participate:

  1. Review the available time slots and sign up (indicating the number of appointments needed for your car) by clicking here. Slots after 2 p.m. for school-age children and their families.
  2. Bring with you a completed Walgreens Patient Consent form and a health insurance card for each person to be vaccinated.
  3. Arrive at Lincoln North five minutes ahead of your appointment. After getting vaccinated, park your car and get a snack or just hang out for 15 minutes in the waiting area. 

Donate Thanksgiving staples to food pantry

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of Lincoln and Weston will be distributing all the trimmings for a turkey dinner, plus a grocery card to buy the turkey this year, to food pantry clients in Lincoln and Weston. Click below for more details and to sign up to participate. Click here to donate nonperishable Thanksgiving food and/or a grocery card.

Council on Aging activities in November

Here are some of the November activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

  • Line dancing with Katrina Rotondi — Wednesdays at 11 a.m. On November 4, the class will be held in person in the Pierce House tent. November 11 and 25 classes will take place via Zoom.
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield webinar — Friday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. for anyone transitioning into Medicare or who is already on Medicare and wants to understand the various types of Medicare plans. Topics include the timeline for enrolling, pros and cons of Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and an explanation of Medicare Part D. To register, call Amy at the COA at 781-259-8811 by Nov. 4.
  • SAIL fitness classes with Derry Tanner, retired nurse and certified personal trainer in SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), on Fridays starting November 6 from 10–10:45 a.m. To register, email Amy Gagne at gagnea@lincolntown.org. 
  • Chair yoga — Mondays starting November 9 from 10–10:45 a.m. To register, email Amy Gagne at gagnea@lincolntown.org. 

Learn media literacy for gender-based violence prevention

Rachel Matos

Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 3-4:30 p.m. for a Zoom program on “Unmasking Media.” The conversation will challenge participants to examine the messages they receive about consent, relationships, power dynamics, and violent behavior from movies, TV shows, music, and more. The workshop aims to identify harmful media while providing the skills to take action in practicing media literacy as a key piece of gender-based violence prevention. Facilitated by Rachel Matos, the outreach and prevention manager at Voices Against Violence. Click here to register in advance (required). For more information, please email infodvrt@gmail.com.

“Aging with Wisdom” retreat

Olivia Hoblitzelle

The First Parish in Lincoln will host “Aging With Wisdom,” a half-day online retreat on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.–noon. led by teacher, therapist and writer Olivia Hoblitzelle. Participants will explore the gifts, challenges, and emotions of aging through teachings, meditation, and small group sharing to discover the opportunities for growth and deepening wisdom in our elder years. Register by Monday, Nov. 9 at by emailing  sarah@fplincoln.org. There is no charge, but donations are welcome to support the costs of this event. Click here for details.

Get a Surprise Bag from the library

For everyone who’s missing out on browsing the shelves, the Lincoln Public Library is now offering “surprise bags.” Discover a new author or genre, or  try a totally different reading/watching experience. Each bag will contain a combination of fiction and nonfiction titles, a DVD, a music CD, and maybe a magazine. Topics include cooking, healthy lifestyles, history, armchair travel, guilty pleasures, and hodgepodge. Call the Reference Desk at 781-259-8465 x3 to a bag for contactless pickup.

Drumlin Farm’s Pomponi promoted

Renata Pomponi

Mass Audubon announced that Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi has been named Director of Mass Audubon Metro West as part of the organization’s pledge to become a more effective, efficient, and responsive organization. In this role, she will continue to oversee the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln as well as Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton, Habitat Education Center in Belmont, and Brewster’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord (not yet open for visitation).

Pomponi, a Sudbury resident, has become a well-known figure in the area since she was elevated to the Drumlin Farm director position in 2015, after having served for eight years in education and visitor-engagement roles at the popular wildlife sanctuary and working farm. Prior to joining Mass Audubon in 2007, she spent 12 years as a management consultant, specializing in strategic planning and business development in Fortune 500 organizations. She holds a PhD in technology management from MIT.

My Turn: Maintain the diversity that’s already here

By Dilla Tingley

We had an interesting discussion at the Antiracism/Diversity Roundtable on October 15, but I would like to emphasize something I do not think got sufficient attention. Before we spend so much energy on considering new housing options to promote diversity, let’s work to maintain the diversity we already have.

There is a diverse population of residents already in Lincoln who are struggling to be able to afford to stay. The Council on Aging recently initiated the Rental Assistance Program. after applying for and receiving $30,000 from CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds. We are now assisting eight families and have 12 on a three-year waiting list. This program is not limited to seniors.

These families that qualify will only pay 30% of their income, however small, on rent. This is real affordability. As we learned, the affordable units at Oriole Landing. because of a narrow range of income limits based on the “area median income” (which is high) go to individuals who are quite well-to-do. Only 11 of the 15 “affordable” units are spoken for. What does this tell us? This type of housing is not meeting our needs.

Let us add funds to our Rental Assistance Program so that the 12 families on the wait list will be able to stay. Funds should continue to be added as more needy families are identified. They represent a diversity that is already here. The Housing Trust has funds that might appropriately be used for this purpose.

Dilla Tingley is chair of the Lincoln Council on Aging.

”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Council on Aging activities in October

Here are some of the October activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Medicare update
Friday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Now is your opportunity to make changes to the various types of Medicare coverage including hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2021. Don Milan, Lincoln counselor from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program, will review Medicare basics, then present the 2021 Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance plans available to supplement basic Medicare coverage as well as discuss changes for 2021. To register for this Zoom event, email gagnea@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-8811 ext. 102. Please note that a Medicare 101 session to go over basic Medicare in great detail will also be held in the near future.

Drive-through flu shot clinic
Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.–noon
Lincoln residents aged 65+ are invited to come to the high-dose flu clinic at the Lincoln North Office Park (55 Old Bedford Rd.). Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up. Forms are available on the COA website or by mail. Bring a photocopy of your insurance card to clinic. Services will be provided free of charge by Emerson Hospital Home Care. This clinic is a joint collaboration between the COA, Fire Department, and the Lincoln public health nurse.

Drive-through shredding event
Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 1–4 p.m.
Bring your items for shredding in your car to the First Parish Church parking lot across from Bemis Hall. We’ll place the items on a cart and Highland Shredding will shred these documents on site free of charge. No need to remove staples. Arrival times are staggered by the first letter of your last name:

  • A–G: arrive between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • H–R: arrive between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • S–Z: arrive between 3 and 4 p.m.

Participants must wear a mask and stay in their car. This event is sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA.

Outdoor podiatry clinic
Tuesday, Oct. 27 and November 24
All participants must preregister by calling 781-259-8811. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Suggested $10 donation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and Pierce House.

Estate planning 101
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
Elder Law Attorney Sasha Golden will share important information and encourage everyone to have important documents up to date. Email gagnea@lincolntown.org to register.

Living well: making every moment count
Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.
Educator Mary Crowe, LICSW, ACHP-SW, C.D.S. from Care Dimensions will share ways to make every moment count. To register, click here. You’ll receive a confirmation email after you register.

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Fall farm fun for church group

First Parish in Lincoln church members and friends enjoyed socially distanced picnicking, pumpkin-picking, hay ride, and ice cream truck hired by the church at Matlock Farm on September 27. FPL member families, whose children have missed seeing each other on Sunday mornings, were happy to be together again on a beautiful fall day. Several parents commented that without the Flints’ pumpkin patch, they wouldn’t have felt comfortable engaging in the fall tradition of going into a field to get a pumpkin, as the larger farms are often crowded. The farm will be open for family fun every weekend this month (see the Lincoln Squirrel News Acorns on September 21 for details).

Confronting the climate change crisis

“24 Hours of Reality” with former Lincoln residents Ariel Hoover & Bob Moore, an international event organized by the Climate Reality Project, takes place via Zoom on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. For 24 straight hours, activists from around the world will lead digital presentations and discussions highlighting what people can do to confront these challenges. To receive the Zoom link, RSVP to climatereality.leecountychapter@gmail.com and indicate you’re from the Lincoln Public Library. Participation is free and open to all.

Scarecrow Classic 5K on Oct. 18

On Sunday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m.–noon, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is holding the eighth Annual Scarecrow Classic 5K as a limited in-person race. There will be many physical distancing protocols in place, and runners will sign up for a start time, with each time capped at 10 participants. There also won’t be a gathering before or after.

To offer maximum flexibility, the Scarecrow Classic 5K will also include a virtual race option. Participants who sign up will receive their race shirt in the mail and can choose to run anytime, anywhere from October 11–18. They’re are encouraged to share pictures and experiences on social media.

Register by Wednesday, Oct. 7 to get your shirt on race day. There will be no day-of registrations and space is limited, so sign up today. The race directly supports LLCT and helps fund conservation acquisition projects, land stewardship goals, and educational programming. For registration and more details about safety protocols, visit www.scarecrowclassic5k.com.

Domestic Violence Roundtable hosts “What to Do, What to Say”

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites area residents to its meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m., where staff from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence leading a discussion entitled “What to Do, What to Say.” This hourlong workshop will review warning signs and patterns of abusive relationships, identify available resources, and develop the skills of friends, family, and neighbors to support loved ones in their lives. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the organization’s website.

Please note that the meeting will be recorded. Those who wish to not be viewed in the recording are encouraged to turn off their video. We will hide those with videos turned off from the recording. Folks are also welcome to change their name for the meeting. We will review how to hide video and change one’s name at the start of the meeting. Anyone with questions may email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Fill out online survey for Connections

Connections, a program to connect high school students and seniors, kicks off during the week of October 17, and the program has launch a website (www.connections01773.org) where all participants can fill out a brief survey about their interests, schedule, and preferred method of communication (phone, Zoom, or paper letter). Click here to go to directly to the survey page. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 16.

Library event celebrates voting rights anniversary

Sheryl Faye as Susan B. Anthony

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote and learn all about Susan B. Anthony’s life in an immersive multimedia show where Sheryl Faye will portray Anthony followed by a Q&A session on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all ages. For a Zoom invitation, email lrothenberg@minlib.net. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Library.

LLCT hosts author Richard Primack

Richard Primack

Join the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust for a talk by Richard Primack, author of Walden Warming: Climate Change Comes to Thoreau’s Woods on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a brief business meeting to elect/re-elect trustees.

Primack is a professor of biology at Boston University with a specialization in plant ecology, conservation biology, and climate change biology. He and his team have been using Thoreau’s records from the 1850s to document changing flowering and leafing out times of plants, earlier flight times of butterflies, and changes to migratory bird patterns. As his work gains momentum, he is extending his research to look at changes to the autumn season as well.

All are welcome to this free program; click here to register. If you would like to attend but need help registering, email llct@lincolnconservation.org. 

Lincoln’s Emanuel wins award from WGBH

Gabrielle Emanuel

WBGH reporter and Lincoln resident Gabrielle Emanuel has been named a 2021 Margret and Hans Rey/Curious George Fellowship awardee by WGBH. She’s among a group of five WGBH content creators who were recognized for their outstanding work with the Boston public media producer. The award noted that Emanuel has produced “thoughtful and in-depth journalism, unveiling nuanced stories on subjects such as the opioid trials in federal court and the untold history of the Reverse Freedom Riders.” Made possible through a bequest from author Margret Rey through the Curious George Foundation, this fellowship recognizes GBH creators who work in areas reflecting Rey’s broad interests, including science, public affairs, arts, health and children’s programming. Emanuel has received numerous other awards for her reporting, including national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Sigma Delta Chi Award, and a Clarion Award. 

Buy used books at the library

The Lincoln Public Library is now open by appointment, and visitors are welcome to browse carts of used books for sale in the connector lobby. Books are $2 each; please bring dollar bills as staff will no be able to make change. All revenue from book sales supports programs and special equipment at the library.

Face masks required for everyone on school campus

Face masks are now required by everyone on school property (students, staff, parents, visitors, and construction workers) at the Lincoln School and on school vehicles. Masks must be worn securely over nose and mouth at all times indoors, and outdoors any time you’re within six feet of another person. The policy follows recommendations by the CDC, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind will not be considered appropriate. Masks must have at least two layers of breathable material and must be worn by all individuals in school buildings, on school grounds, and on school transportation.

Masks may be removed during “mask breaks” and while eating and drinking. Appropriate accommodations will be made for those who are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other identified health or safety concerns. If students are in violation of this policy, the building principal will consult with the parent/guardians to determine whether an exception is appropriate, or the student may be removed from the school building and transferred to remote learning until such time as they can comply with the requirement or the requirement is lifted. This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.