The interior of the soon-to-open Tack Room at Lincoln Station.

The restaurant is coming, the restaurant is coming!

The Tack Room will open for business at Lincoln Station on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. and will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m.) and will operate on a call-ahead/first-come first-served basis (no reservations).

The head chef is Jonathan Schick, who’s opened other restaurants in greater Boston including the Rail Stop in Allston, Saloon in Davis Square in Somerville, and the Somerset Club in Back Bay. Menu offerings include burgers and seafood as well as vegetarian options such as stuffed squash and wild mushroom risotto, as well as craft beers on tap, a “creative cocktail program” with drinks such as the Mare of Lincoln, Wobbly Barn, and the Triple Crown, as well as a “reasonably priced” wine menu, co-owner Michael Culpo said.

The online menu doesn’t include prices yet because of supply chain issues that’s causing costs for certain items to rise. However, Culpo said appetizers will range from – apps between $10–$14, sandwiches around $14–$16, and entrees from about $18–$24 There will be a small children’s menu as well. 

“With an eclectic, ever-changing comfort food menu and a craft draft beer list that changes monthly, the Tack Room strives to be a neighborhood institution,” says the restaurants’ mission statement. “We want to be the restaurant that allows our customers to escape from their busy life and to be spoiled by our ‘family’ of team members.” 

The interior has walls with soft tones, rustic light fixtures, and some tack room items such as a saddle, a wagon wheel, and Americana paintings and pictures. The owners have also added two hightops to the bar area and a second TV to offer a bar-like feel separate from the dining room, Culpo said.

“We wanted to create a place that’s welcoming to everyone in Lincoln, from the person coming off the commuter rail looking for a quick bite to families and couples and everyone else in between,” he said.

Top photo: Barbara G. Davis and Select Board member Jennifer Glass.. Bottom photo: Jane L. Bartter (right) with daughter Pam Bartter.

Jane L. Bartter and Barbara G. Davis — a combined 199 years old — were recently honored as the oldest living Lincoln residents.

The women were each presented in their homes with a replica of the Boston Post Cane and a certificate by Select Board Member Jennifer Glass and Council on Aging & Human Services Director Abigail Butt. They were also formally recognized at the January 31 Select Board meeting. 

The Boston Post Cane tradition began in 1909 when Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post, gave gold-headed ebony canes to 700 New England towns with the intent that they be distributed to the “oldest male citizen” in each community. In 1930, after much contentious debate, New England women earned the right to receive the cane. Today, over 500 canes are known to be in circulation, with over 150 in Massachusetts. Lincoln’s original cane is displayed in Bemis Hall along with a plaque listing Lincoln’s known recipients. 

Jane Lillard Bartter, age 100, was born on July 10, 1921, in Marion, Mass. Because her father was headmaster of Tabor Academy, Jane was one of only four girls to attend the all-boy’s school at the time, graduating in 1937. After graduating from Smith College, she was recruited to help the war effort as a code breaker in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband, Fred. They were married in 1946 and their lives together were characterized by a commitment and service to whichever community they lived.

Bartter continues to live independently and her daughter, four grandchildren, and five great-grandsons who visit frequently. She has been a volunteer and advocate for children’s literacy, effecting political change, feeding the hungry, and acts of service.

Barbara Greene Davis, just shy of 100, was born on February 24, 1922. After her mother’s death in 1930, she and her brother went to live with her aunt, who was fortunate to have a good job during the Great Depression. In 1943 Barbara, like most of her female classmates, signed up to serve in World War II. She was an Army nurse for two years and was stationed in France and then Nuremburg, Germany.

In 1954 Barbara and her husband Ron moved to Lincoln where they raised their five children and eventually owned and operated the “Thoreau’s Walden” bed and breakfast. She has dedicating years of service to the St. Anne’s Service League and the Council on Aging and Human Services.

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.