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

Lincoln women rally on one-year anniversary of 2017 event

(Editor’s note: Click here to see Lincoln Squirrel coverage of the 2017 women’s marches in Boston and Washington, D.C.)

To the editor:

Last Saturday, four women from Lincoln—Lucretia Giese, Julie Hibben, Suzy Karl and I—joined the throngs of marchers on the Cambridge Common to commemorate and advance the goals of the first anniversary of the extraordinary Women’s March of January 21, 2017.

It was an unexpectedly mild January afternoon, and the crowd was a cheerful and lively mix of families, students, women and men, young and old (though predominately young), and even pets. There was not an actual march. Rather, one might call it a rally or gathering featuring several speakers from diverse backgrounds, including Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, and Cambridge Mayor Mark McGovern.

Two of the signs seen on Cambridge Common. (Photos courtesy Barbara Slayter)

We four Lincolnites largely milled around the Common with others trying to inch ever closer to the platform so we could hear the speeches and see Healey’s “The Future is Female” T-shirt. While we heard only parts of her speech praising activists for standing up for immigrants, safe communities, health care and civil rights, we had ample opportunity to marvel at the clever signs and posters and enjoy the presence of children clad in pink jackets, hats or mittens, and the many dogs with pink (even pink plaid) woolen coats. I had dusted off my pink “pussy hat” from last year’s march and joined the ranks of pink-hat-clad women!

Organizations touting their advocacy roles ranged from Jamaica Plain’s Grandmothers for a Brighter Future (of which there is an active contingent in Lincoln) to the Boston Mayday Coalition, which focuses on protecting undocumented immigrant workers from the threat of deportation. Issues were also well represented on numerous signs: “I March for 100% Renewable Energy,” “Save DACA Now,” “Resist Deportation,” and “Black Lives Matter.”

Left to right: Suzy Karl, Lucretia Giese, Julie Hibben, and Barbara Slayter.

The expansion of the continuing Women’s March agenda was reflected in the sign saying “We rise by lifting others, all genders, all abilities, all races, all religions.” Noteworthy was an emphasis on respect, dignity, and full equality for all people, which was reflected in speakers who represented not only women from minority groups but also those concerned about prison reform and violence.

Is last year’s Women’s March morphing into a movement? Is women’s activism, whether on specific issues or in seeking office, emerging into a significant political phenomenon? This remains to be seen, but the continuing energy exhibited by women activists is heartening. Posters such as “Grab ‘Em by the Polls,” “First We Marched, Now We Run,” and “See You at the Polls” suggest that we’ll be hearing more from the marchers of 2018.

Sincerely

Barbara Slayter
7 Trapelo Rd.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Public hearings coming up

The Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. to review an application for Site Plan Review under Section 17 of the Zoning Bylaw. The applicant, Patricia M. O’Hagan Nominee Trust, 270 Concord Rd., proposes to add a ground-mounted solar array.

The Lincoln Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in response to the duly filed Notice of Intent by Steve Nohrden for an addition to the existing garage, and replacement of existing septic leaching field within the 100-foot buffer zone at 14 Old Cambridge Turnpike in Lincoln.

The Zoning Board of the Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. to hear and to act on the following petitions:

  • Food Project, 10 Lewis St., for new tenant and renew a special permit.
  • Stephen Nohrden, 14 Old Cambridge Turnpike, for a special permit to demolish and reconstruct a new larger garage with office and bathroom on a nonconforming lot.
  • Neil Aronson, Trustee of the 9 Strafford Way Nominee Trust, 76 Trapelo Rd., to transfer name and renew special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Care Dimensions, 121-129 Winter St., to extend and amend the original special permit granted February 5, 2015.

The Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee will hold public hearings on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room B at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, regarding the FY19 school budget. and school choice.Copies of the FY19 Budget will be available in the Superintendent’s Office at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School from Jan. 26, 2018 and may be inspected during regular office hours.

Considering and comparing school options on Tuesday

An important milestone in planning for the Lincoln School project arrives on Tuesday, when residents will have a chance to voice opinions and ask questions about a range of renovation and construction concepts.

In November and December, architects presented options for a mostly new school (the “B” options) or renovating and adding to the existing building (the “A” options). On January 10, the School Building Committee saw a subset of those concepts: option A1, four variations on option A3, and the least expensive “B” concept. Estimates for those six options start at $73 million, whereas a repair-only project would cost about $48 million. However, cost estimates and building design sketches are very approximate at this stage, the SBC noted.

The identical workshops will be on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 8–10 a.m. and 7–9 p.m. in the Reed Gym.

At both sessions, the Finance Committee will also provide a high-level overview of updated financial parameters. Preliminary finance numbers were discussed at the multiboard meeting earlier this month. The workshops will serve as an opportunity to make comparisons in advance of a special Town Meeting on June 9, when they will a vote on a preliminary design.

The framework for evaluating choices includes these guiding principles:

Educational program:

  • Create engaging and inspiring learning spaces
  • Foster 21st-century learning skills
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration
  • Optimize connection to the natural environment
  • Integrate pre-K into the Lincoln School

Community:

  • Campus feel — maintain or enhance the connection with the outdoors and other parts of campus
  • C0mmunity spaces — enhance and/or add spaces shared with the community such as the auditorium. a dining commons, and gymnasiums.
  • Sustainability — provide a sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy building
  • Financial responsibility — provide a long-term, financially responsible solution.

SBC consultants are further refining the baseline repair concept to get a firmer understanding of the minimum cost, and they are also working with sustainability expert Bill Maclay to analyze the energy and lifetime sustainability impacts of each concept.

News acorns

LLCT screens “Earthflight”

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust presents “Earthflight” followed by a talk by retired marine biologist and veterinarian Vincent Durso on Monday, Jan. 22 from 7:30–9 p.m. in the LLCT office in Lincoln Station above the post office. Using trained HD camera-carrying birds, drones, paragliders, and remote-control microflight planes, see amazing viewpoints that have never been seen before  In episode one of a six-part series, fly across North America with migrating snow geese, pelicans, and bald eagles over the Great Plains, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge as they encounter bears, dolphins, bison, and spawning fish. Following the film, Dr. Durso will discuss specific migrating bird habitats in Lincoln, including water, field and forest, and how the migrant species differ in these varied locations.

“Question box” service at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) will host a “question box” service on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. in the church at 4 Bedford Rd. In this service, the parishioners submit anonymous, spiritually themed questions for Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti, FPL’s senior minister, to answer. Refreshments and hospitality will follow the service.

“Psychedelic Cinema” at deCordova

On Friday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum presents “Psychedelic Cinema,” a groovy night of film, music, and art making where attendees can sip on cocktails and dance to retro hits from a live DJ while they watch vibrant images from Psychedelic Cinema float across the screen. Take a break to see mesmerizing art on view in the current exhibitions or make some of their own. Psychedelic Cinema is a collection of vibrant, hallucinatory films from the late 1960s created by experimental filmmaker Ken Brown. Originally projected behind performers like Jimi Hendrix and the Velvet Underground, it offers a visual tapestry of multi-layered imagery to enhance the auditory experience. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $5 for children 12 and under. Each ticket includes film, music, art-making activities, exhibitions, one complimentary drink, and snacks. Additional cocktails will be available for purchase.

Residents invited to run for local office

Are you looking for a rewarding if occasionally vexing way to feel more connected? Willing to undertake new challenges?  Unafraid to speak up? Then run for local office! Nomination papers, which are available at the Town Clerk’s Office now, must be returned by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The annual Town Election will take place on Monday, March 26.

The following offices will appear on the March ballot:

  • Board of Selectmen (one seat for three years)
  • Board of Assessors (one seat for three years)
  • K-8 School Committee (two seats, both for three years)
  • Water Commissioner (one seat for three years)
  • Board of Health (one seat for three years)
  • Cemetery Commission (one seat for three years)
  • Planning Board (one seat for three years)
  • Commissioner of Trust Funds (one seat for three years)
  • DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum trustee (one seat for four years)
  • Housing Commission (three seats: one for year, one for two years, and one for three years)
  • Parks and Recreation Committee (one seat for three years)
  • Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee (two seats, both for three years)
  • Bemis Trustee (one seat for three years)

To learn more, click here visit this link  or contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-259-2607 or brookss@lincolntown.org.

Letter to the editor: support hurricane victims at student-run blood drive

To the editor:

Did you know that January is National Blood Donors Month? On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Lincoln School Student Council will be hosting their first-ever blood drive in Lincoln in the Reed Field House (Brooks gym).

Soon after hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico, the Student Council decided they wanted to do something to help all the people whose lives were affected by that tragic event. One student came up with the idea of hosting a blood drive. The other students liked the idea and contacted the Red Cross for more information. Sadly, it turned out that they could not actually send donated blood to Irma victims themselves, as blood had already been sent there immediately after the disaster.

However, the Student Council still liked the idea of hosting a blood drive. They learned that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood, and donors are always essential to restock the supply. They also learned that each blood donation can help three at least people in need. Currently, the blood supply is running low, due to many blood drives being canceled due to weather and donors are even more needed.

On the day of the blood drive, students will also be hosting a used book sale and bake sale. They still liked their idea of helping Puerto Rico in its recovery efforts, so all proceeds from the two sales will aid victims of the Puerto Rico hurricane. If you have any gently used books you don’t need any more, you can drop them off at the Lincoln School office anytime before the blood drive, or you can bring them in during the event.

To donate blood, we encourage you to sign up for a time slot, but walk-ins are also welcome. All donors will be rewarded with a $5 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card. To register online, go to www.redcrossblood.org and go to the “Find a blood drive” box. Type in “01773”, then select the “By distance” tab and click on “Brooks Middle School.”

The blood drive is a student-initiated and student-run activity. The whole Student Council is very passionate about this and are hoping for this to be a success. Please spread the word to all your family and friends—we would like to see as many people as possible at the blood drive. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Prerna Karmacharya and Quinn Harnden (Lincoln School eighth-graders)

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Clark rallies the Democratic troops at Lincoln event

Rep. Katherine Clark addresses the crowd of close to 100 in Bemis Hall on January 14.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass. 5th) advocated for national Democratic candidates running for Congress  at a “Campaign 2018 Red to Blue Kickoff Rally” sponsored by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee in Bemis Hall last Sunday,

Clark is now vice chair in charge of recruiting for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), whose goal is to identify, train and encourage Democratic candidates in targeted congressional races across the nation. She described 18 new candidates that the DCCC has endorsed in 16 states from Arizona to New York, with more expected in upcoming primary elections.

These young candidates make up a group referred to as the Blue Wave that Democrats hope will retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November elections. Twenty-four seats must “flip” from Republican to Democrat for Democrats to regain the majority.

So far, over 400 Democratic candidates have registered with the Federal Election Commission for Congressional races—almost seven times the previous high number in 2007. Democrats are encouraged by recent election results in Virginia, New Jersey, Alabama, Florida and Wisconsin, where this week a first-time Democratic candidate won a state senate seat that had been held by the opposition for over 17 years.

Clark also asked the audience to volunteer and support candidates running to replace retiring Congresswomen Niki Tsongas (D-Mass. 3rd) and Carol Shea Porter (D-N.H. 1st). Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass. 6th) has endorsed several candidates with military experience for a variety of offices including Congress on his ServeAmerica PAC. Emily’s List is likewise endorsing women for seats in state and local elections as well as for Congress and the Senate.

—Submitted by Gary Davis and Barbara Slayter, co-chairs of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Clarification and correction

The January 15 article headlined “Developer seeks 60 units of mixed-income housing” was unclear as to the financial qualifications for affordable units in the proposed Oriole Landing development. It should have said that for prospective tenants to qualify, their household income may be no more than 80 percent of area median income adjusted for family size. The original article has been updated.

Correction

Dates for two events were listed incorrectly in the January 16 story headlined “Five days of events coming up for Lincoln Winter Carnival.” The Adult Cooking Class and LPTO Family Bingo Night are on Friday, Jan. 26. The calendar and original article have been corrected.

News acorns

Library open late for studying

The Lincoln Public Library will be open until 10 p.m. on January 17, 18 and 22 for high school students studying for exams. Snacks and building monitors will be provided but no reference or circulation services.

Ms. G ushers in Groundhog Day activities at Drumlin

Ms. G

The Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is set to host its annual Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2. Watch Ms. G, the official state groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as she wakes from hibernation. If she sees her shadow, plan for six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early this year.

The live groundhog forecast starts at 10 a.m., followed by special winter activities. Hot cocoa will be provided. Drumlin Farm will be open on February 2 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This special event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and is free with paid admission ($9 for adults and teens, $6 for children 2–12 and seniors) and free for Mass Audubon members.

  • Learn the forecast for spring’s arrival from Drumlin Farm’s woodchuck weather expert
  • Visit with more resident wildlife and farm animals, learn about winter tracking, and explore the wildlife sanctuary’s trails
  • Make winter crafts to take home
  • Investigate our local climate with Don McCasland of Blue Hill Observatory Science Center
  • Purchase produce grown at Drumlin Farm
  • Learn about how climate change impacts hibernating species in New England

Special guests will include former WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels and the Wellesley students who joined Mass Audubon in submitting the bill to the Massachusetts legislature to declare Ms. G the official state groundhog. The bill was enacted into law and signed by then-Governor Deval Patrick on July 31, 2014.

Hendrickson works exhibited in Acton

A show at the Acton Memorial Library (486 Main St., Acton) will feature “Paintings of Color and Light” by Lincoln resident Ruth Ann Hendrickson Art Show through February 26. There will be an artist’s reception on Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 5–7:30 p.m.

LSB Players present “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

LSB Players, the theater production company of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, presents The Emperor’s New Clothes by Greg Atkins and directed by Carly Evans on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Kirshner Auditorium. The LSB Players are excited to offer TYA (theatre for young audiences) but audiences of all ages will enjoy the hilarious adaptation of this classic tale. There will be lobby activities for young children. The Saturday matinee will be a special sensory-friendly performance. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, and $5 for children age 5 and under and may be reserved by emailing lsbtickets@gmail.com. Please include your name, date and time of the show(s) you would like to attend, and number of adult, student/senior and child tickets you would like to order. You will receive a separate email confirmation once your order has been filled, and tickets will be held at the Will Call table.