By Erin Crisafi

The Green GearTicks hold an outdoor meeting.

This year, Lincoln’s FIRST Lego League teams continued under the mentorship of the GearTicks, Lincoln’s FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Robotics Team, with a few adaptations. Because of the ongoing pandemic, there were no organized programs through the Parks and Recreation Department. Instead, teams took the initiative to form their groups and met in new and creative ways. Meetings took place in garages, living rooms, and over Zoom. 

FIRST Lego League (FLL) is a Lego robotics competition for students in grades 4–8 that exposes them to engineering and programming with mentorship from kids in FTC, the next level, where students in grades 7–12 compete with robots using real-world engineering materials and techniques including 3D printing, custom laser-cut pieces, and more. In a normal year, the teams are named after their GearTicks mentors and differentiated by a color. This year they’re green, blue, orange, and a team that elected to choose a new name, Hephaestus.

The FLL theme this year was centered around shipping and transportation. The various challenges were related to all things cargo — students had to use their robot to push trucks, lift packages, and build bridges. As part of the project portion of the competition, teams looked to their own community for a shipping-related problem they could solve. The Green GearTicks addressed the problem of inefficient shipping times by creating a solution where packages from online orders are shipped to schools and then be put into lockers for students to bring home at the end of the school day. They shared this solution with their school principal and local mail workers, who gave them personal insight and feedback on their idea. 

Although being a mostly first-year team, the Green GearTicks managed to pull off a very successful season. The team held two meetings a week outside or even in an open garage with heaters in the winter months. “When I mentored their team, I noticed that even though most of the team members had never been exposed to FLL before, all had the FIRST mindsets of gracious professionalism and cooperation,” said Henry Hussey, a high school Green GearTicks mentor.

Despite the obstacles presented by Covid-19, the Lincoln teams had a very successful season. “It was great to be able to mentor the teams in person this year and see the products of their hard work,” high school GearTick mentor Amelia Pillar said.

“Every member of the team was so active and passionate about robotics, and I couldn’t stop myself from becoming just as excited for the competitions as they were,” Andreas Muzila said.

Out of the five teams, two progressed onto the Massachusetts State Championship. These two teams were comprised of fifth-grade girls who exhibited commendable perseverance. At their qualification tournaments, teams received awards including the Qualifiers Champions Award (highest award) and First Place Robot Game for the Green GearTicks and the Research Project Award for the Aqua GearTicks.

Bibek Karmacharya and Mark Darie of the FLL team Orange GearTicks) are mentored by high school Prerna Karmacharya (right).

The high school GearTicks love mentoring FLL teams and were glad to be able to continue. It was a wonderful opportunity to make lasting memories as well. Describing his favorite moment of the season, Muzila said, “One of the team members was excitedly showing off a new concept for a design they came up with. The passion and excitement in their voice as they explained the idea to me will always stick with me.”

Robyn Dunbar, the coach of sixth-grade team Orange GearTicks, added, “Watching our FLL team work together to solve the problem, both on the robot missions as well as in the research project, is always amazing. The process engages everyone, fostering collaboration and building individual confidence.”

Both high school and middle school GearTicks teams are excited for what next year will bring. If you or your child is interested in joining the FLL program as a coach or team member, email hello@gearticks.com and be on the lookout for our open house at the end of May. 

The FLL Explore robotics program designed for students aged 6-10 is also something we can help you get started with. Similar to FLL, it is a Lego-based program where students solve problems and the program can be run from home like this past FLL season. The team encourage potential coaches to start teams with our help, either virtually or in person when possible.

“Kiss the Ground” film and speaker panel

Registration is now open for a screening of “Kiss the Ground” followed by a speaker panel on Tuesday, Feb. 15 (film starting at 6 p.m., speakers at 7 p.m.). The 2020 documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson looks at a “new, old approach” to farming called regenerative agriculture. The speakers will be:

• Ryland Englehart, co-founder of Kiss the Ground
• Mohammad Hannan, owner of Hanna Agro Farms in Lincoln
• Rachel Neurath, soil microbial ecologist
• Pete Lowy, manager of Codman Community farms

The film is sponsored by the new Healthy Soils/Livable Future working group that includes members of Codman Community Farms, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and Mothers Out Front. Healthy Soils Series workshops will be combination in-person (at Codman Farm) and online in March, April, and May (details TBA). Click here to register for the February 15 event (“Kiss the Ground” can be viewed for free any time from February 12–15). Click here for other Codman Community Farms events.

Senior lunches are back

Dine-in or carry-out lunches for residents age 60+ are back. The first will be on Friday, Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Call the Council on Aging & Human Services at 781-259-8811 to sign up (space is limited).

Lincolnite John Lynch in “Puffs”

John Lynch

Lincoln resident John Lynch is in the cast of “Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (One-Act for Young Wizards)” presented by Theater III in Acton. “Puffs” is written by Matt Cox, directed by Alison Walters-Short, and produced by Linda Minkoff. Performances are February 11, 12, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. and February 13 at 2 p.m. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Masks and proof of vaccination are required for all audience members. All cast and crew members will be tested for Covid-19 prior to each performance (actors will perform unmasked).

Adult ed classes at the high school

Register for a spring class through Lincoln-Sudbury Adult & Community Education. Explore a new hobby, enrich your personal or professional skills, or learn about something new. Go to LSRHS.net/community/Adult_Ed to enroll. Classes are held on various dates but the earliest one begins on March 2.

February vacation activities for kids

The Lincoln Public Library and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum are offering programs for kids during the upcoming February break.

At the library:

Virtual Family Bingo
Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
The whole family can play at home as bingo caller extraordinaire Sally Kindleberger reads off the numbers. Registrants will receive printable bingo cards (also available at the library). Limited to 20 families. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register and receive the Zoom invite.

Murder Mystery Party
Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
The mysterious Mrs. Crimson has committed a thievery spree that affects multiple local characters. Come to the library’s Crimson Hall to figure out her schemes and return her to justice! Sign up to be a character and come prepared to work together to solve the mystery. Designed for children aged 12+. Space is limited; email SFeather@minlib.net to sign up (there will be a second session if demand warrants).

Make the Night Sparkle
Thursday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m.
Light up the winter night by decorating a lantern, listening to a cozy story, and taking part in a twinkling light parade around the library. For children of all ages. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register.

Vacation Week Boredom Buster Bags
Beginning on February 14, families can fill out a quick form to receive a bag full of librarian-picked books. Your bag will include a variety of books (craft, cooking, game/activity, science experiments, etc.), plus a family movie and read-aloud book. Pickup will be at the library during vacation week. 

Click here to see all children’s activities at the library.

At the deCordova (click on an activity title):

ARTfull February Vacation
February 23-25 from 1–2 p.m.
For children ages 5-12. Aspiring artists will create collages inspired by Jeffrey Gibson’s newest installation featuring giant fringe cubes. $18 non-member adults, free for members and non-member children.

About February Break: ARTfull Vacation Class
February 22-25 from 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Children in grades K-2 can imagine, build, sculpt, and illustrate with tactile art-making materials ranging from fiber to art foam. $128 for members, $160 for non-members.

Clay on the Wheel for Teens
February 23-25 from 1–3 p.m.
Teens in grades 7-12 of any skill level will learn the art of creating with clay on the pottery wheel, from the basics and the purely functional to sculptural throwing exercises. $180 for members, $225 for nonmembers.

Click here to see activities for all ages at the deCordova.

To the editor:

I am happy to announce that I am running for a second term on the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee. If re-elected, I will continue to serve our school with the energy and enthusiasm needed to ensure Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School remains a place of optimal learning, growth, and development.

My experiences over the past three years have given me valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of the governing body and how best to support our school. For example, in my first year as a committee member, I chaired the L-S Covid-19 testing subcommittee. Through our hard work and advocacy, L-S was one of the first schools in Massachusetts to offer Covid-19 testing to all its students and staff. As the current L-S School Committee chair, I have led the committee to develop clear goals to ensure our actions align with LS’s values, principles, and purpose.

During this past year, the L-S School Committee has met several core duties of the governing body, such as renewing teacher contracts and updating governing policies. We have also supported in-person learning during the evolving Covid-19 pandemic with actions such as adding the Covid-19 vaccine as a requirement of employment at L-S. We have made progress toward achieving our goals, but there is more work to do.

If re-elected, I have three priorities that I believe are essential for the L-S School Committee to work on:

• Enhance Student Services. The utmost priority of the L-S School Committee is to ensure L-S meets the academic and social-emotional needs of our students, particularly during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. This entails continuous monitoring and supporting flexible and responsive programming to serve our students, particularly social-emotional services.
• Improve our data-driven program monitoring, budgeting, and allocating of resources. Over the next three years, I would like to work with the L-S School Committee and our administration to improve data monitoring at our school. The L-S School Committee needs clear metrics to ensure our programs are responding to the needs of our diverse student body. These metrics will help us determine where we are doing well and where we should be allocating resources.
• Maintain openness and flexibility. The past two years have taught us to expect the unexpected. Our faculty, staff, and students have shown a tremendous amount of resilience. I will support the L-S School Committee to ensure we are continuously monitoring and updating our policies and protocols to the evolving needs of our students.

If re-elected, I will build on my experience and bring commitment and positive energy to the L-S School Committee. I will strive to ensure we provide access to an environment where our children and students learn and grow. Check out my Facebook page (facebook.com/caraforLSSC) or contact me via email at caraforLSSC@gmail.com for more information about my campaign.

Please vote for Cara Endyke Doran for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee on March 28, 2022. Thank you.

Cara Endyke Doran
28 Beechwood Ave.
Sudbury, MA 01776

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or 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.