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

News acorns

“Embrace Change” sessions at library cancelled

All evening sessions of the “Embrace Change” series at the Lincoln Library have been cancelled. Daytime programs will be held at Pierce House as scheduled (see updated News Acorns, Sept. 4, 2019). For more information, see FullyEmbraceChange.com.

Garden Club event for prospective members

All Lincoln residents with an interest in gardening and the natural environment that surrounds us are welcome to the Lincoln Garden Club’s fall wine and cheese party for new and prospective members. Come learn about their activities on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. RSVP to Annparke@verizon.net, Lucypage@aol.com or Membership@lincolngradenclub.org to receive the event location.

Codman Community Farms Harvest Feast rescheduled

Due to concerns about Eastern equine encephalitis and the potential risks of holding evening events before the first hard frost, Codman Community Farms has decided to move its annual Harvest Feast from October 5 to Saturday, Nov. 2. The annual CCF Harvest Fair will be held as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Fall events at Farrington Nature Linc

The following children’s events will take place at Farrington Nature Linc (295 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln):

Goat Yoga with Chip in Farm and Julie Aronis of Little Elephant Yoga
Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10–11 a.m.
Join us for an outdoor yoga class featuring a herd of friendly baby goats from Chip-In Farm. Goat kids are naturally curious and playful and our little goats love to cuddle. While this may not be the most meditative and relaxing yoga class you’ve ever been to, it will surely be the most memorable. Learn more on leader Julie Aronis’s Facebook page. Bring your own mat, blanket, or towel but be prepared for the goats to potentially taste test everything. We recommend towels for easy cleaning. In case of rain, the class will be inside the barn. $25 class fee includes 50 minutes of yoga instruction with 10 minutes of goat cuddling and photos.

Tales and Treats Family Storytelling with Doria Hughes
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us for a crisp evening by the fire as Doria Hughes tells us stories about the fall, nature, and animals and everyone makes s’mores.

Wild Edibles with Stephen DeFlorio
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.–noon
Led by Naturalist Stephen DeFlorio, a 30-year veteran of outdoor education. Explore the world of ethnobotany. The class will focus on edibles in the woods but also cover medicinals such as lip balms, salves, tinctures, poultices, etc. Geared for adults, but children welcome. Limited to 25 attendees.

Slightly Spooky, Mostly Kooky Fall Fun Fest
Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4–9 p.m.
Come as a family wearing your favorite Halloween costumes to enjoy fall crafts, outdoor games, a hike and some Halloween treats.

Mah Jongg Mondays set to begin

Have you always wanted to learn mah jongg? Are you a new or former player looking to improve your skills? Are you an experienced player looking for a friendly game? Every Monday from 1–4 p.m. beginning on September 30, the Lincoln Council on Aging in Bemis Hall will host Mah Jongg lessons as well as a drop-in game for those who know how to play. It is a four-player tile game of strategy, luck and skill that offers many of the same cognitive benefits as chess and bridge. Bring your 2019 Mah Jongg card or we will provide one for $9. For more information and to register for lessons or a game, contact Joan Ingersoll at ingersollj@lincolntown.org or 781-259-8811.

“Hikes Through History” presentation at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents “Hikes Through History” with Alison O’Leary on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. A hike is more than a stroll through the woods when you know how the land was used in the past. O’Leary is coauthor of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Boston. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Tour historic houses and neighborhood

On Sunday, Oct. 6, Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and Historic New England are offering a rare opportunity to compare the interior and exterior of Gropius House and the 1939 home of Walter Gropius’s esteemed Harvard colleague, Walter Bogner. This special, ninety-minute tour begins at Gropius House and continues with a short walk through the adjacent Woods End Road neighborhood. Woods End Road features an exceptional cluster of Modern houses, including a home designed by celebrated Modern architect and designer Marcel Breuer, and the home of Harvard ethicist and housing specialist James Ford and writer Elizabeth Morrow Ford, designed by Gropius and Breuer. Tours start at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.) every half-hour from 1:30–4 p.m. Tickets are $65. Click here to register and select a time.

Kids to learn first-hand about recycling

Lincoln children are invited to bring discarded plastics they’ve collected from their homes the previous week to an educational recycling event at the transfer station on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 2–3:30 p.m. The event is being organized by Kim Jalet, chair of community service events for the Lincoln Family Association, along with Laura Berland and Susan Donaldson.

There will be a short presentation about trash and recycling in Lincoln, and the kids will determine which plastic items will go into the trash and which plastic items can be recycled. Jalet will then help them make reusable bags out of old pillow cases and read stories about being good stewards of the environment while Berland facilitates a discussion about ways to reduce plastic waste. The event is open to anyone with kids in Lincoln, but advance signup is required; click here to register.

Donations of old pillowcases are needed (they can’t have any holes, but can otherwise be well worn). Jalet can pick them up; email her at jaletkl@gmail.com.

Town to offer composting service at transfer station

Lincoln residents will soon be able to bring their food waste and other compostable items to the transfer station under a new service provided by the Department of Public Works.

The DPW and Mothers Out Front – Lincoln, which has been working with town officials to get the composting program underway, are also asking residents to answer an anonymous online survey about their current recycling and composting habits. Organizers are trying to learn about effective ways to reduce the amount of waste sent to the incinerator and move the town toward “zero waste.” Click here to take the survey.

Once the program starts, residents can collect their compostable materials in biodegradable compost bags or paper bags and drop them in one of three 64-gallon closed and lined compost barrels at the transfer station (loose items will not be accepted). The DPW will offer buckets and compost bags to residents for a modest fee. There will be education tables at Donelan’s and the transfer station in coming weeks with more information.

The compost material will be picked up each week by Black Earth Compost at a cost of about $2,000 per year — but diverting compostable materials from the trash will actually save the town about $15,000 to $20,000 annually. The general industry standard is that compostable material (primarily food waste) accounts for 25% of the waste stream, according to DPW Superintendent Chris Bibbo. Lincoln currently pays $69.54 per ton to have trash hauled from the transfer station to the Wheelabrator trash-to-energy incinerator in North Andover.

Residents also have the option to sign up for curbside compost pick up with Black Earth Compost for $3.80 a week (plus purchase of an animal-proof 13-gallon bin for $24). The service will run in Lincoln if at least 30 households sign up, and customers get compost delivered to them several months later. Click here for details and to preregister.

For those with outdoor space, the DPW sells home composting bins at its Lewis Street headquarters for $60 apiece.

Lincoln joins other cities and town in Massachusetts (including the city of Boston) that are starting or expanding their composting programs to reduce their municipal waste and carbon footprint.

News acorns

Piano concert by Wanda Paik

Lincoln resident Wanda Paik will give a free piano concert on Friday, Sept. 26 at noon in Bemis Hall featuring works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, with refreshments to follow. Handicap accessible; all are welcome.

American Girl dolls sought for social entrepreneurship program

Lincoln’s METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC) is seeking donations of American Girl dolls for use in a new social entrepreneurship program for both Boston and Lincoln students led by Lincoln METCO Director Marika Hamilton this year. She will be teaching the students finance, accounting, marketing, home economics, and social responsiveness. Students will create attire for American Girl dolls that will become part of American Girl baskets that will be sold at the huge MCC estate sale on November 15-16 here in Lincoln.

Please place your gently loved American Girl dolls in a bag and drop them in one of the labeled donation bins in the Smith and Brooks School main lobby. Please contact Marika if you would like a 501(c)3 receipt for your American Girl Doll donation at mhamilton@lincnet.org.

Drug disposal kits available at Bemis

Expired or unneeded drugs in your medicine cabinet can be deadly temptations to family members or others. You may drop off unused drugs at the Public Safety Building, but you can also pick up one or more Safe Disposal Drug Kits at Bemis Hall. Empty medications into the pouch, fill halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds, then seal, shake, and throw it out with the regular trash. See Carolyn Bottum or Joan Ingersoll at the Council on Aging at Bemis Hall to get kits.

Volunteers sought at Old Town Hall Exchange

The Old Town Hall Exchange (the nonprofit that maintains the 1848 Greek Revival building across from the town offices) is looking for volunteers. The Exchange sells consigned antiques, artisanal crafts, baby gifts, books, penny candy, etc., and crafters and consignors retain 70% of retail prices. Profits raised contribute to the operations and maintenance of the Old Town Hall. This is an all-volunteer organization working to maintain a part of Lincoln’s history, going strong since 1962. Volunteer commitment is 2.5 hours per week; no special skills needed. For details, email Stacy Osur at stacyosur@gmail.com.

Town seeks bids for road work this fall

Town officials hope to resurface or repair several roads in town this fall and have asked for bids to be submitted by September 30. If all goes well, contractors will be hired and the work completed by the end of October, though DPW Superintendent noted that paving contractors are very busy and the timetable will depend on their availability.

The areas targeted for work are:

  • Bedford Road (segment at the Five Corners intersection)
  • Bedford Lane (segment)
  • Sunnyside Lane (segment)
  • Route 117 (South Great Road) from railroad tracks east to #327, plus Tower Road apron
  • Lincoln Road northbound from Codman Road to first driveway (patch repair only)

“It’s a clean machine…” (Lincoln Through the Lens)

The Lincoln Fire Department’s ladder truck got a good scrubbing from toddlers and preschoolers at the annual Wash a Police Car and Fire Truck event at the Magic Garden Children’s Center last month. Firefighters parked the engine on the walkway to the Hartwell building than on the paved “dot” on the field below (owing to concerns that the septic tank underneath would buckle under the vehicle’s weight) and the children happily watched the suds wash down into the parking lot.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Obituaries

Charles Oakley III

Charles Oakley III

A service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 for Charles Oakley III of Lincoln, formerly of Burlington, Conn., who died peacefully at The Commons in Lincoln on August 2 at the age of 92.

Born in New Haven, Conn., on January 12, 1927, Charlie was the son of the late Charles Oakley Jr. and Eva May (Nesbit) Oakley. Upon graduating from Plainville High School in 1944, he promptly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a submariner and radioman aboard the USS Sea Owl, receiving the World War II Victory, American Theater, and Good Conduct medals upon his discharge in 1949.

A project engineer for Colt Firearms and later Stanley Tools, Charlie’s work took him from the drafting table to the Pentagon and to countries throughout Asia and other parts of the world. In his leisure time, Charlie was a devoted fan of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team. He loved to spend time on the golf course and treasured those he played with, many of whom have remained lifelong friends.

Charlie leaves behind six children: Larry D. Oakley and wife Lorraine Hawley of Newington, Conn.; Patricia Oakley Karpicz and husband Paul Karpicz of South Dartmouth, Mass.; Robert Oakley of Dover, N.H.; Mark Oakley and wife Laurie Parkhill Oakley of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Tristram Oakley and husband Robert Stringer III of Lincoln; and Charles Oakley IV of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by grandchildren David Oakley; Steven, Tobey, and Leah Karpicz; Shanon Schinkel and Stephanie Oakley; Spencer, Richard, and Meredith Oakley; and Oakley and Lockyer Stringer, as well as a niece, three nephews and several great-grandchildren. Charlie was predeceased by siblings George Oakley, Edna Gaccetta, and Doris Williams. 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for his graveside service with U.S. Navy military honors on September 14 at noon in Lincoln Cemetery. A reception will follow nearby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles Oakley III to Community Servings or the Plainville Community Food Pantry. 

(Obituary courtesy of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.)

Audrey Levington

Audrey Levington

Audrey Ruth Levington, a resident of The Commons at Lincoln and formerly of Sudbury, formerly of Sudbury, died on August 21. For 69 years she was the devoted wife of David Lawrence Levington. Beloved mother of Jilla-Levington-Roth, Wendy Levington McLaughlin and her husband Barry, Marcy Levington, Ilma Paixao, and Rebecca MacNeice. Loving grandmother of Matthew and Sarah McLaughlin. Dear sister of the late Stanley Sherman.

Services were held at Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley on August 23 with interment at the Sudbury Town Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances, if desired, may be made to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front St., Norfolk, Va. 23510 or the Democratic presidential candidate of your choice.

(Obituary courtesy of Levine Chapels.)

News acorns

(Editor’s note: the “Embrace Change series scheduled” segment was modified on Sept. 11, 2019 to remove the cancelled evening sessions at the Lincoln Public Library.)

First Parish offers “Blessing of the Backpacks” and children’s programs

The First Parish in Lincoln invites families to send children off for a successful school year in spirit at the ”Blessing of the Backpacks” on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the annual Ingathering Service at 10 a.m. There will be a reception after the service and a gift for each student. You do not need to be a member of First Parish to attend any of its services or events. Ages 0–4 are cared for in the church’s professionally staffed nursery that opens at 9:45 a.m. for drop-off prior to each week’s Sunday service and continues through the after-service coffee and fellowship time.

Registration for 2019-2020 Religious Exploration programs for students in pre-K through grade 7 and the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program for eighth-graders is now open. Click here for more information and online registration. This year, there are only 18 seats available in OWL. Free for members of FPL, $15 for nonmembers. Mandatory parent orientation on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 7–9 p.m.  Please contact Margit Griffith at margit@fplincoln.org with questions.

Display your art at the library

The application for displaying art in 2020 in the Lincoln Public Library’s main gallery is now available. For exhibitor policies, agreement and an application, see the library’s Art Gallery and Display Spaces page. The “Stay Put” downstairs gallery requires no application and has openings through the rest of 2019.

Photography scavenger hunt

Come to the People for Pollinators meadow on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1–2 p.m. and join in a photography scavenger hunt for all ages and abilities sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. What better way to explore this special pollinator habitat than to take a closer look through a different lens? Participants will receive a list of “treasures” to find and capture in a photo. Let your creativity take center stage, as many “treasures” are in the eye of the beholder. Participants under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own camera (phone cameras are great). Free; drop in. Park at the Lincoln School’s Smith School lot by the playground and take the trail by the PFP Meadow sign through the field to the meadow.

After you’ve completed the hunt, send us your photos! Please use JPEG file format. LLCT will create a photo collage display for public viewing at Lincoln Station. The display will be up through October in the windows in the breezeway across from Donelan’s. To participate, email your photos to llct@lincolnconservation.org after the hunt. Include your name if you’d like to be credited in the display.

Mosaic workshop at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents a mosaic workshop with Leslie Doherty on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. During this hands-on introduction to the art of mosaic tiling, create your own piece and choose a small planter or tile to take home. No experience necessary; free and open to patrons 16 and older, but space is limited to 20 people. Registration is required and will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Sponsored by The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Embrace Change series scheduled

The Embrace Change fall program series was created to help ease the transition that parents experience in first year when there are no longer children in the home. We provide opportunities for parents to connect, design and redefine this new state of life. Space is limited; register in advance at FullyEmbraceChange.com. Materials fee of $40 can be waived at time of registration; all sessions are free.

  • “Promoting Productive Communication with Adult Children” with Theresa Simonelli, PsyaD. September 18: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “What’s Next? Finding Purpose” with Heather Zacker, MS, certified personal and professional coach. September 25: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “Navigating Transitions with Self-Care” with Charlotte Sahyoun, yoga therapeutics specialist. October 2: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “Designing Your Journey: Charting Your Own Path” with the Embrace Change team. October 16: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m.
  •  “Expanding Your Horizons: Delving into New Activities and Careers” with the Embrace Change team. October 23: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m. 
  • “It’s All About Relationships” with the Embrace Change team and a special guest. October 30: Pierce House, 1:15–3 p.m.

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Moon Over Drumlin benefit at Drumlin Farm

Support Drumlin Farm’s leadership in nature-based education and programming for children and adults of all ages and abilities at the annual Moon Over Drumlin farm-to-table gala on Saturday, Sept. 28. The evening kicks off with a casual cocktail hour in the Drumlin Farm wildlife sanctuary courtyard, followed by partner chefs serving up delicious tastings using the farm’s freshest seasonal ingredients. Then meet some of the 2019 Youth Leaders in Climate Justice and get up-close with a few of our wildlife ambassadors and try your luck in the live auction and raffle. The evening concludes with a dessert reception from 9–9:30 p.m.

The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. before the Moon Over Drumlin tent and chef stations open at 6:30 p.m. Partner chefs committed to supporting sustainable agriculture and local sourcing include Real in Lincoln; 80 Thoreau and Saltbox Kitchen Brewery in Concord; Artistry on the Green at the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Cambridge Brewing Companyand EVOO in Cambridge; and Field & Vine in Somerville. Tickets start at $100; click here for event details and purchase.

Tour dives into Codman Estate portraits

Take a fresh, focused look at the Codman Estate’s portrait collection, including rarely seen works of art, on the “Portraits and Personalities: Codman Portrait Collection” specialty tour on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10–11 a.m. From high-end works by John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart, to others by once-famous artists to humble family snapshots, the Codman portrait collection extends over 200 years of changing styles. Hear the real stories of the people behind these pictures, both the subjects and the artists. Free for Lincoln residents, $15 for Historic New England members, $20 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Please call 617-994-6690 or click here to register online.

Public hearings coming up

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of the Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. to hear and to act on the following petitions:

  • Johan Pontin, 19 Bedford Rd., for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Adam Sodowick and Isabelle Lousada, 233 Old Concord Rd., for a special permit to renovate entryway, add a new screened porch and deck, and install kitchen addition to the existing structure.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to review an application for a sign permit. The applicant, Quinn Chan, proposes to add a sign for his business at 152 Lincoln Rd.