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

George Hatsopoulos, 1927-2018

George Hatsopoulos

Lincoln resident George Hatsopoulos, founder of Thermo Electron and a life member emeritus of the MIT Corporation (its board of trustees), died on September 20 at the age of 91. By the time he retired in 1999, Thermo Electron (now Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.) had over 24,000 employees in 23 countries and worked in industries ranging from medical devices and environmental systems to bomb detectors and biomass electric generation. Click here for the full obituary on the MIT website. Click here for a video interview with Hatsopoulos for MIT’s Infinite History project.

LSB Players announce 2018-19 season

The LSB Players at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will stage several plays this year and invite area residents to subscribe.

  • The season begins with the energetic, family-friendly musical Once Upon A Mattress, a goofy take on the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Performances are November 14–17 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The second main-stage offering, the annual theater-for-young audiences production, is Lion and Mouse Stories. This production will employ audience participation, lobby activities for young children, and a sensory-friendly performance at the Saturday matinee. Shows are January 18–20, with early evening shows at 6 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Two L-S seniors will direct winter one-acts: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fifth Period and The Insanity of Mary Girard. They will be performed ion February 1 at 7:30 p.m., and on February 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • The LSB Players will explore a sobering moment in U.S. history with Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory. This historical drama is a compelling examination of the American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science. Radium Girls will be performed on April 5–6 at 7:30 p.m., and April 6–7 at 2 p.m
  • The year will end with COLLAGE XXV, a collection of scenes, one-acts and original pieces selected and directed by students on June 7–8 at 7:30 p.m. (free admission for all).

Tickets for all shows are $8 for students and senior citizens, $15 for adults. Benefactors and season ticket holders receive advance notice and reservation opportunities before tickets are available to the general public. Season tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students and senior citizens. Benefactor tickets are $60. All season ticket holders and benefactors are named in each program of the year. (For the 2018-2019 season, they may use their tickets for only one of the two winter shows.) To​ ​become​ ​a​ ​subscriber,​ please fill out this form and send in payment.

Volunteers are instrumental in keeping the LSB Players vibrant and thriving. The group welcomes help with sets, lights, costumes, makeup, tickets, publicity and more. If interested, please email Carly Evans at carly_evans@lsrhs.net.

News acorns

Talk on Lincoln and the Revolutionary War

“April 19, 1775: The Battle of… Lincoln?” is the subject of a talk by author/historians Rick Wiggin of Lincoln and Don Hafner on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Minute Man National Park Visitor Center in Lincoln. How did the people of this small farming community respond to the April 19 alarm? What effect did a prolonged war have on them? Wiggin and Hafner will discuss the distinctive features of the town of Lincoln, its leadership, and the historical quirks that placed it at the center of American history. Free and open to the public.

Kids invited to apply for philanthropy program

The Foundation for MetroWest is currently accepting applications for its Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program for seventh- and eighth-graders interested in learning about philanthropic outreach in their community and becoming civic leaders. Students from any town in the area are eligible to participate in the program, which meets at the Lexington Community Center on Wednesday nights beginning November 28. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 5 and are available online at www.yipmetrowest.org.

Twenty students will work together to evaluate grant applications and distribute funds to nonprofits as they learn about understanding budgets, public speaking, reaching consensus, and case-making. Lincoln School students in the program selected Save a Dog and Lucy’s Love Bus to receive grants in 2017. Since 1997, YIP has educated over 1,250 students who have granted over $1.1 million to over 200 MetroWest youth development organizations.

Join others in biking to school

The Cycling Safety Advisory Committee is organizing Bike/Walk to School days each Friday this fall. Organizers hope Lincoln kids will join their friends to get to school under their own power in order to get some exercise, help the environment, and have fun. Anyone interested in being reminded of Bike to School days, finding out who in your neighborhood bikes to school, or contacting other family biking enthusiasts in Lincoln to discuss routes, gear, etc., may join an email list by clicking here.

Monthly book sale benefits library

Support the Lincoln Public Library by shopping at the Friends of the Lincoln Library (FOLL) book sale on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.–noon in the basement of Bemis Hall. New books are added each week from the donation box in the bemis Hall entryway. Hardcovers are $2 and paperbacks are $1. The FOLL has also added a book sale cart in the first-floor hallway at the library. Bemis Hall book sales take place on the second Saturday of each month except August.

Workshops on special ed at the high school

SEPAC (the Special Education Parent Advisory Council at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School) is hosting four workshops this fall. Each begins at 7 p.m. and offers a chance to ask questions about the special education process and services, transitioning into or out of high school and chat with like-minded parents. For more information, email lssepac.chair@gmail.com.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 2 (L-S conference room B) — An overview from the Federation for Children with Special Needs of the transition planning process for families of students with disabilities ages 14-22 who are on IEPs.
  • Monday, Oct. 15 (Goodnow Library, Sudbury) — “Strategies for Reducing Academic Stress and Creating Successful Students.” Learn how to help your child get “unstuck” when he/she has trouble initiating tasks, help your child keep track of his/her belongings and schoolwork, enhance working memory and sustain attention.
  • Thursday, Nov. 1 (L-S conference room B) — Victor Hernandez, deputy assistant commissioner at the Department of Developmental Services, will review resources available to families of students with special needs, regardless of income.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 29 (Goodnow Library, Sudbury) — “The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Learning.” Diagnoses including depression and anxiety can significantly alter cognitive functioning, particularly memory retention and the absorption of knowledge. 

Churches host environment-related events

Two churches in Lincoln are sponsoring events focusing on environmental and sustainability issues.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m., the climate justice film series at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church continues with the documentary film Eating Animals. Based on the bestselling book by Jonathan Safran Foer, narrated by co-producer Natalie Portman, and directed by Christopher Quinn (God Grew Tired of Us), Eating Animals looks at the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming and spotlights farmers who have pushed backed against industrial agriculture with more humane practices. There will be a light vegetarian supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m. and discussion to follow as time allows. Free and open to the public; donations accepted to defray the cost of screening rights.

The First Parish of Lincoln’s Green Committee (FPL Green), in partnership with the Green Energy Consumers Alliance (formerly Mass Energy), will host the FPL Green Fall Rollout and Green Energy Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary building (4 Bedford Rd.). This event launches the partners’ Renewable Wind program. Under the initiative, current customers of Eversource will be able to reduce their carbon footprints by switching from fossil fuels to wind for the electricity used in their homes. On hand to describe the program and answer questions will be Erin Taylor from Green Energy Consumers Alliance.

Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, a minister and climate change activist, will lead worship at First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. and will speak on “Rising Up with a Faith: A Christian Response to Climate Change.” Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ. Her latest book, Joy of Heaven, To Earth Come Down, is a collection of daily Advent-Christmas meditations on the sacredness of the natural world.

Obituaries

John Hammond

John Hammond, 81 (September 16) — Harvard business professor and management consultant who championed environmental causes. A celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Pierce House. Feel free to come in your gardening clothes to enjoy ice cream and hear a few John stories.. Click here for full obituary.

Julianne Etcheverry

Julianne Etcheverry, 57 (August 19) — goldsmith and jewelry designer. Click here for full obituary.

South Lincoln “welcome center” under construction

Work has begun on a visitor-friendly “pocket park” at the entrance to the residents’ commuter lot.

Construction has begun on a small outdoor welcome center in South Lincoln next to the entrance to the resident commuter rail lot, and officials are seeking more input on the area through an online survey.

The “pocket park” is one of the projects suggested by the South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee (SLPIC) to revitalize the area near the train station/mall and make it more welcoming to visitors and pedestrians. When complete, the park will have a welcome kiosk with maps, a bike repair system, bike racks and a granite bench donated by the DPW.

After the pocket park/welcome center is completed, a wayfinding system will be installed that will lead pedestrians and cyclists from there to Drumlin Farm, with stops along the way at Codman Farm and Codman Estates. Future funding will allow the town to expand this system and complete Phase II of the pocket park/welcome center, which will include pavers to replace stone dust as well as a a trail connection to Codman Farm.

An image of the signs that will be installed in South Lincoln.

As it thinks about ways to encourage a vibrant, mixed use, pedestrian-oriented village center in South Lincoln, SLPIC is asking residents to offer their opinions about various design options. This survey includes summaries and questions on a series of images of things like business frontage, housing and business architecture, bike and pedestrian routes, signage, and more. The deadline for participating in the survey is Sunday, Sept. 30.

Part of SLPIC’s work includes developing a proposed zoning bylaw amendment to encourage mixed-use, transit-oriented development that can accommodate a variety of housing choices. The group is also conducting a feasibility study of the town-owed Department of Public Works site on Lewis Street for look at opportunities to consolidate public works functions that could free up some or all of the four-acre site for a potential housing development.

With the help of state grants, the town has already completed improvements to some sidewalks and roadside paths and installed a new pedestrian island on Route 126 at Lincoln Road. The town is hoping for more funding to make several improvements to the train stops on either side of Lincoln Road.

Public hearings coming up

Planning Board

There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. on two proposed changes to the zoning bylaws relating to marijuana businesses in Lincoln. Residents will be asked to vote on the measures at a Special Town Meeting on October 20.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of the Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. to hear and to act on the following petitions:

  • Myra Ferguson, 14 Baker Bridge Rd., for transfer of a special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Richard Hermann, 25 Bypass Rd., for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Alex MacLean, 23 Conant Rd., for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.

Obituaries

Ruth Sartori

Ruth Sartori, 86 (September 17) — longtime teacher aide in Lincoln schools. Visiting hours on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 4–8 p.m. in the Dee Funeral Home (27 Bedford St., Concord); funeral Mass on Friday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church in Lincoln. Click here for full obituary.

Peter Rubel

Peter Rubel, 87 (August 17) — Held patents for metallurgy and plastics production processes. Click here for full obituary.

Lincoln Dems hear about tactics for upcoming election

Quentin Palfrey, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, addresses the rally at Bemis Hall.

By Barbara Slayter

Nine leaders from five organizations spoke to an audience of several dozen residents at a Lincoln Democratic Committee rally on September 19. The event aimed to build grassroots enthusiasm for efforts to get out the vote for Democratic candidates in the November 6 midterm election.

Quentin Palfrey, a candidate for lieutenant governor and former Obama administration staffer, made the case for supporting the Democratic candidates at the top of the Massachusetts ticket based on issues included environment, health care, education, jobs for the middle class, the economy, and the justice system.

Democratic Coordinated Campaign members Diana Goswami, Maureen Kelledy, Jess Lieberman, and Kelsey Perkins talked about field management jurisdictions, volunteer options, and various new technology “assists” including VoteBuilder and Minivan.

Sarah Higginbotham, Election Team organizer for Minuteman Indivisible (MI), part of a network intended to promote a vigorous democratic process, told the audience about the Minuteman Muster, an MI newsletter that offers information about various progressive political events in the Metro West area. She identified the five out-of-state Congressional candidates that MI is supporting and invited those present to join in various aspects of the campaign including fundraising, phone banking, and writing postcards in support of their candidacies.

Susan Labandibar, regional coordinator for Swing Left, and Tom Hallock, co-chair of Force Multiplier, identified “flippable” Congressional seats—those seen as toss-ups between Republican and Democratic candidates and where efforts to reach local voters could make a significant difference.

Michelle Olson, Co-founder and CEO of Elect435, noted that her organization offers a single source for identifying, researching, and supporting candidates for Congressional candidates who reflect progressive values and priorities.

From the floor, Joan Kimball, Lincoln coordinator for Grandmothers for a Brighter Future, provided information about how to get involved with postcard writing by Lincoln women (and a few men) in support of three Senatorial candidates—Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Grandmothers for a Brighter Future, cofounded by Margot Lindsay, a former Lincoln resident, is a national organization with members in 46 states and the district of Columbia. 

Lincoln resident Mike O’Brien offered suggestions and avenues for encouraging Lincoln’s progressive writers, and Gabriella Muscolo identified her work with registering new citizens through the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Other Lincolnites raised important questions on the utility of phone banks, ways to strengthen voter turnout, and out-of-state candidates deserving the support of Lincoln residents.

For additional information, contact Gary Davis at garyddavis04@gmail.com or Barbara Slayter at bslayter@comcast.net. 

News acorns

Free tours of Gropius House, Codman Estate

Smithsonian Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket, which provides free admission for two people on Saturday, Sept. 22. Guided tours of Lincoln’s Gropius House from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and the Codman Estate from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Go to this Smithsonian magazine website for tickets. 

Garden Club to hold open house for new members

All Lincoln residents are cordially invited to the Lincoln Garden Club’s wine and cheese evening for new and prospective members on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. Come hear about the club’s many horticultural events, meet some members and receive information about joining. For location, please RSVP to Ann Parke at annparke@verizon.net or Lucy Sprayregen at lucypage@aol.com.

Korean film on tap

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Rated R, in Korean with English subtitles, written and directed by Ki-duk Kim. A boy is raised by a Buddhist monk on an isolated floating temple where the years pass like the seasons.

Pumpkin events at Matlock Farm

Matlock Farm on Lexington Road Lincoln, continually run by the Flint Family since the 17th century, will be hosting its first-ever pumpkin picking event on each Saturday and Sunday in October from 1–5 p.m., weather permitting. There will be hay rides, farm-themed photo ops, crafts for sale and more for those who swing by the farm for some fall family fun. Pumpkins are priced depending on size. Hayrides are $5 per person (family discounts available) and family photos are $25 per family. Payments by cash or check only.

Town raises over $40,000 for Puerto Rican library

The Friends of the Lincoln Library (FOLL) raised over $40,000 for the Library in Loiza, Puerto Rico by raffling two pair of Hamilton tickets from the Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Family. The lucky winners were Katherine McCarroll of New Mexico and Linda Mae Breen of Hull, Mass.

“I am astounded by the generosity of the Lincoln residents and the raffle purchasers, most of whom were from Greater Boston,”said event chair Julie Brogan. “I got emails from people thanking the Friends of the Lincoln Library for doing this. So many people love libraries and want to help Puerto Rico.” The Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS Fund for Puerto Rico will match $20,000 of what FOLL raised. The Miranda family created the UNIDOS fund after the Hurricane Maria and has distributed over $60 million in aid to the Island. 

Piano concert of experimental music

Lincoln musician Trevor Berens presents “Sonorous Vessel,” a program of new and experimental piano music on Bemis Hall’s beautiful restored Steinway grand on Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. There will be works by Lincoln residents Richard Cornell and Trevor Berens, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Luther Adams, New Englanders Alvin Lucier and Peter Garland, and new music luminaries Helmut Lachenmann and James Tenney complete the program. Berens’ programming has been referred to by a recent audience member as “yoga for the ears” and his music has been described as “transportive.” Free and open to the public.