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

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.)

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(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.

Sept. 17 gathering for Susan Isbell, 1945–2019

Susan Isbell

A memorial gathering will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall for Susan Isbell, a resident of Lincoln and formerly of Bedford, who died on July 31. 

Susan was the daughter of the late Maurice and Barbara (Kingsbury) Isbell. She graduated from Bedford High School and later went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Regis College. For many years, she worked as a social worker at the Arlington Council on Aging and most recently at the Lincoln Council on Aging. She was also actively involved in the Bedford COA. As an avid New England sports fan, Susan loved watching and cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots. 

Susan’s objective in life was to make people happy and to help people in any way that she could. She was passionate about her social work at the Council on Aging and always willing to volunteer and advocate for the needs of others.

Her contributions were innumerable. Before she was even an official volunteer in Bedford, after her career in Arlington, Susan was working tirelessly in behalf of seniors in areas of health, disability, and financial assistance — crusades she continued on the COA staff in Bedford and later when she moved to Lincoln.

In Lincoln, she undertook one of her favorite COA projects, a consumer resource guide that was both brimming with useful information and extremely attractive. In addition, she spearheaded successful COA efforts to make Bemis Hall more accessible. Most important, Susan was hailed by colleagues for her constant positive and inspirational attitude. She will be missed by many and remembered as always having a smile on her face.

Susan is survived by her sister, Judith Johnson, and her husband, Dennis of Woburn; nieces Laura Tarello and her husband Michael of Medford, and Debra Patterson and her husband Michael of Billerica; grandnephews and niece Matthew and Stephen Patterson of Billerica, and Ashley and Ryan Tarello of Medford; and cousins Gail Kelley of Stoneham, Barbara Adzima of California and Donald Berry of Florida

A funeral service was held at the Bedford Funeral Home on August 3 with burial in Shawsheen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

The September 17 memorial will be an informal gathering for all those wishing to share their thoughts, stories, and reflections about Susan, and an occasion to honor her life and the many ways she cared for and helped others. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Drumlin Farms announces Fall Harvest Celebration

Explore the gardens and crop fields with Drumlin Farm staff, meet some of our native wildlife, create fun crafts, and enjoy fresh, delicious produce direct from the farm stand at its annual Fall Harvest Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Drumlin Farm teacher-naturalists will present family-friendly activities throughout the day to share the bounty of the fall harvest and help visitors discover how tasty sustainable agriculture can be. All activities are free with admission ($8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 2-12, free for Mass Audubon members). Drop-in activities will run from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; the wildlife sanctuary will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Schedule of free drop-in activities (weather permitting):

10 a.m.
Make an Herbal Bouquet
Use herbs from our garden to create a beautiful display to take home. 

10:30 a.m.
Farmer’s Foe
Meet a critter that likes to eat the vegetables in our gardens.

10:30 a.m.–noon
Pick Your Own Veggies
Harvest your own vegetables in Boyce Field.

11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Cooking Demonstration
Join our food and farm educator as she uses Drumlin Farm produce to make easy, fun foods. And she might need some helping hands!

12:30 p.m.
Farmer’s Friend
Find some worms that help enrich the soil and learn why they’re important members of our ecosystem.

2 p.m.
Beyond Butter
Help shake cream to turn it into butter, and gather and add herbs to make it extra tasty.

2:30 p.m.
All About Bees
Learn about the science of bees and how pollinators make our crops possible.

3:45 p.m.
Get Crafty
Make a seed necklace.

All day:

  • Kid-friendly crafts
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Farm stand produce available for purchase

Library to offer telescope for loan, astronomy programs

The Orion telescope that will be available for library loan.

The Lincoln Public Library has loaned out items other than books for quite a while — CDs and videos, Kindles, and gadgets from its Library of Things — but now it has a telescope residents can borrow.

Orion Telescopes and Binoculars has partnered with the Cornerstones of Science STAR (Sharing Telescopes and Astronomical Resources) program to provide Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch reflector tabletop telescopes affordably to libraries throughout the United States. Funding was also provided by Mathworks, Inc.

The Aldrich Astronomical Society obtained the instrument and provided instruction on its use to library staff. The group made the telescope easier to use by clearly marking parts of the telescope that can be adjusted are clearly marked and also created step-by-step instructions on how to use it.

The library is hosting a series of astronomy-related programs this fall to complement the new offering. If there’s sufficient interest, the library may expand the astronomy programming and perhaps form a club. Programs are suitable for anyone 10 and up. All programs are on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

An Introduction to the Telescope and Observing the Night Sky
September 18
John Root of the Aldrich Astronomical Society will give a presentation about astronomy and observing the night sky with a telescope, as well as background on his organization. Following his talk, a member of the library staff will explain what you need in order to check out our telescope.

Let’s Tour the Universe with World Wide Telescope
October 30
Library Trustee Dennis Picker will give a presentation covering a free online resource called World Wide Telescope (WWT). Thousands of images of regions of the universe are accessible for viewing via a simple web browser interface. WWT allows you to explore any corner of the universe you want, zooming thousands of light years away from Earth at the speed of a mouse click. You can pilot your own tour or sit back and watch one of the many tours contributed by both professional and amateur astronomers. Once you learn how to use it, you have a planetarium sky show available on your desktop.

Let’s Do Galaxy Zoo
November 21
Galaxy Zoo is an online amateur science project that has been running for over 10 years that aims to help professional astronomers understand how galaxies form and evolve. In this project, amateurs view images from a database containing hundreds of thousands of galaxies and use simple criteria to classify those galaxies in various ways. In addition to contributing to fundamental research and gaining insights into how science is done, you can see a stunning collection of images of exotic galaxies.

To borrow the telescope, residents must be 18 or older and a Lincoln Public Library cardholder in good standing no fines over $10.00. Borrowers must sign a borrowing agreement which sets out the cost of the telescope parts and general borrowing rules. The telescope must be returned in person to the reference desk within two weeks.

Back to school (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Ron Boisseau, beginning his sixth year as the crossing guard near Old Town Hall, greets “AJ” Vander Meulen on the way to his first day of fourth grade at the Lincoln School. (Photo by Allen Vander Meulen)

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.

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Community invited to read and discuss book on climate change

This fall, Mothers Out Front and other Lincoln-based groups are sponsoring a community read of a book that will help us grapple with the question of how to combat climate change. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, compiled and edited by Paul Hawken, outlines in detail the strategies at our disposal to fight climate change, from the individual level to the international.

Event co-sponsors (First Parish Lincoln, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Climate Justice Ministry, and the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee) invite residents to read or peruse the book and then gather in October as a community for an event to be announced. The Lincoln Public Library has copies of the book; click here to see a TED Talk about book and plan.

Codman Estate arts and crafts festival coming up

The 37th annual Codman Estate Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Codman Estate (34 Codman Rd.) At the event, which features the work of more than 100 local artisans, shop for New England-made painting, woodworking, food products, jewelry, photography, glass, clothing, metalwork, and more. There will also be live entertainment, a food court, and first-floor tours of the Codman House Museum. Free to Historic New England members and children under 12, $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 617-994-5914.

“Welcome to Lincoln” event for newcomers

Come to the “Welcome to Lincoln” Fireside Chat on Friday, Sept. 13 from 10–11:30 a.m. in Bemis Hall. Are you a newcomer to Lincoln? Are you curious about Lincoln’s Town Meeting, LincolnTalk, the Lincoln Squirrel, extensive hiking trails, the active volunteer scene and much more? Come join Town Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden, Fireside Chat founder Sharon Antia, and Barbara Slayter, member of the Lincoln Scholarship Committee and others to get acquainted with the opportunities, specialties, and idiosyncrasies of this town you now call home.

Council on Aging activities in September

Noticing walks with John Calabria
September 3 at 1 p.m.
Location TBA
Enjoy a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on September 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. Other walks will be held October 1 and November 5. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Musical jazz lunch
September 6 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Friday, Sept. 6 starting at noon.

Lincoln Academy with Richard Boynton: Global warming and climate change
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. when Richard Boynton discusses “Global Warming and Climate Change.” How can the earth be warming when Boston has had one of the biggest snowfalls in recent history? Besides, who cares if the earth warms by 4 degrees in 100 years. In his lecture, Mr. Boynton, a former rocket scientist, will separate fact from oil company propaganda. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Free wellness clinics for all ages
September 10 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in September

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Saori weaving workshop at deCordova

Join artist Mihoko Wakabayashi to explore the practice of Saori weaving, a freestyle contemporary weaving technique that emphasizes spontaneity and freedom of expression, on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum(half-day and full-day sessions available). Create for a half-day to produce a nature-inspired wall hanging, or both parts of the day to create a larger wall hanging, scarf, or placemat. No experience necessary. Click here to sign up.

Charlie Koch to perform at LOMA

Charlie Koch is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Sept. 9 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Koch will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. He’s received widespread recognition for providing the bass line and vocal harmonies for partner Cosy Sheridan and was part of the trio Muddy Limo, along with Brad Meyer and Chris Boehmer.

Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

Domestic Violence Roundtable hosts “meet and greet”

Join members of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for a special “meet and greet” on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland). This event is specifically designed to welcome new friends to the Roundtable and to provide new and meaningful ways for old friends to deepen their involvement with the group’s. work. Each Roundtable committee will have a brief opportunity to share highlights of their work. These presentations will be followed by an open meet-and-greet time where attendees can learn more about roles that might interest them. For more information, email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Events mark Minute Man National Historical Park’s 60th

Minute Man National Historical Park turns 60 in September, and the park and community partners have planned several public events and programs to commemorate the anniversary.

Friday, September 20

Realizing the Vision
The Depot (31 Depot Square, Lexington), 7 p.m.
Join park staff and program co-sponsors the Friends of Minute Man National Park and Lexington Historical Society. The speaker for the evening is Lou Sideris, former Chief of Interpretation and Park Planner (ret.) at MMNHP, who will reflect the founding and ongoing development of the park. Reception to follow. Admission is free, but space is limited so reservations are required. Please email your name and number of people in your party to mima_info@nps.gov.

Saturday, September 21

Threads of Resistance: Revolutionary Roles of Women
Whittemore House (near MMNHP Visitor Center), 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
In 1769, Colonial women protested British policies by making cloth in the home, reducing reliance on British imports. Experience the process and learn about political impact of home manufacturing. This program is offered as part of Revolution 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 

Historic Trades Day
Hartwell Tavern, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Our 18th-century forebears knew how to get the job done. Learn about various hands-on trades of the period and see skilled artisans at work.

Patriotic Music with the Concord Band
Field overlooking the North Bridge, 4–6 p.m.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy music by the Concord Band (also celebrating its 60th anniversary) in the. The rain location at Walden Performing Arts Center (51 Walden St., Concord) has limited seating; first come, first served.

Sunday, September 22

“Earth Press Project: Witness” — Meet the Artist
MMNHP Visitor Center, 10:30 am–1:30 pm.
Meet artist Nancy Winship Milliken and collaborators, make your own “witness” brick, and engage in conversation around the themes of witness and change and learn more about this publicly generated sculpture.

For general park information, please call 978-396-6993 or visit www.nps.gov/MIMA.