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

Sandwich boards go solar in GearTicks project

The Lincoln GearTicks with the solar sandwich board and coaches Jim Hutchinson, Belinda Gingrich and Jennifer Haugh (kneeling).

Lincoln loves sandwich boards. In a small town with a handful of visible outdoor junctions, the signs are a means of sharing what’s going on in an old-fashioned, low-tech way—until now.

The Lincoln GearTicks robotics team, in a project to help the 2017 Solarize Mass effort in Lincoln, Wayland, and Sudbury, has designed and constructed a high-tech sign that absorbs and measures energy from the sun and flashes a message indicating whether that spot is suitable for solar.

The GearTicks crafted an A-frame sign that sports small solar panels and uses an Arduino processor and other circuitry. The setup measures sunlight in a location for 24 hours to determine how much solar energy could be absorbed at a site. After 24 hours, the sign uses LED displays to light up either a green check mark (yea) or a red X (nay), depending on how many kWh hours could be generated that day per watt of solar panel installed there.

“Is This a Good Site for Solar?” is a traveling exhibit that will appear in various locations around Lincoln for a few weeks before it makes its way to Wayland and Sudbury for more measurements.

The towns of Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Massachusetts Department of Energy, are running a Solarize Mass program called Solarize LSW to help local residents learn about solar energy (photovoltaics for electricity and solar thermal for hot water) and to set them up with a carefully vetted installer who can help them evaluate and potentially install one or both of those systems at their home or business.

Info session on October 5

Residents can learn more in person at a “Get Solarized” event on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 7–9 p.m. at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. The sessions includes a quick presentation on the program from Solarize LSW and an opportunity for comments and questions about solar photovoltaics, solar hot water, the Solarize Mass discounts, and the incentives that typically result in paybacks in five to six years.

Prices for such systems have dropped significantly in recent years. For solar PV in particular, the 2012 Solarize LSW installation price was $3.75 per watt; this year, that price is down to $2.91 per watt. What this means is that consumers no longer need a “perfect site” for such a system to be a good deal financially. In other words, sites with only east- or west-facing roofs or partial shading can may now be good candidates for solar.

After figuring in applicable tax credits and likely solar renewable energy credit income, over the lifetime of the system, it is often possible to for consumers to generate electricity for themselves at a net cost of $0.05–$0.10 per kWh, compared to current Eversource rates of $0.19 per kWh.

deCordova debuts three new exhibitions

Paul D’Amato, “Girl in Rain – Chicago, 1991,” C-print, 14.5 x 18 inches (click to enlarge).

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for three exhibitions opening on October 6: Screens: Virtual Material; Cool Medium: Art, Television & Psychedelia, 1960-1980; and Bodies in Water. Please RSVP to  rsvp@decordova.org.

Screens: Virtual Material

Screens focuses on the increased presence of screens, both digital and tactile, within contemporary art. The exhibition features large-scale works by six leading contemporary artists: Brian Bress, Marta Chilindron, Liza Lou, Matt Saunders, Josh Tonsfeldt, and Penelope Umbrico. From metal fences and folding architecture to television monitors and video projections, screens are the primary artistic medium and conceptual focus in these immersive sculpture, installations, and multimedia artworks.

Cool Medium: Art, Television & Psychedelia, 1960–1980

Cool Medium explores how the emergence of color television and psychedelic culture—and the hypnotic properties of both—intersected with visual art. Drawn primarily from deCordova’s permanent collection, Cool Medium includes painting, photographs, and prints that relate to the visual language of the television screen and conditions of mass media culture. The works in the exhibition mirror the saturated colors and patterns shown on television in the 1960s and 1970s, and also address cultural issues of drug use, paranoia, space exploration, and media saturation.

Bodies in Water 

Bodies in Water shows the many creative ways photographers have been inspired by water. The works in the exhibition, showcasing deCordova’s deep holdings of photography, feature human bodies immersed in, emerging from, and interacting with water in visually bold and thought-provoking ways. While some artists address water as a form of recreation or relaxation, others focus on its scarcity or potentially dangerous nature.

Town gets $400K for roadway improvements

Lincoln has received $400,000 in state funding for 10 projects that are part of a larger effort to improve street safety and accessibility for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Under the Complete Streets program, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) makes available up to $400,000 annually per town for eligible infrastructure projects. To qualify for funding, a municipality must develop a Complete Streets policy and a prioritization plan of desired improvements. Lincoln’s policy, which was approved in January 2017, received a score of 93 out of 100. Only 22 of 48 Massachusetts communities that applied this year received funding.

The grant does not cover design or studies. The town already received a $50,000 grant for technical help in creating its application and Complete Streets policy, and any project design costs will come from Chapter 90 state funding, said Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney, who was a key force in securing the grant.

Under terms of the grant, the newly funded projects must be completed by September 30, 2018. They are:

  1. A new Lincoln Road sidewalk in South Lincoln near the Ryan Estates that was never completed after road reconstruction in 2010.
  2. Informational kiosks at Lincoln Station, the commuter lot, and trailhead that will provide information on local events and the locations of amenities such as rest rooms, parking, food, water and the trail network, as well as nearby attractions including Drumlin Farm, the Gropius House, the Codman Estate, and Codman Community Farms. Bike racks at Lincoln Station, the commuter lot, and trailhead.
  3. Bike racks at Lincoln Station, the commuter lot, and the trailhead.
  4. A bike pump and repair system at Lincoln Station.
  5. Repairs to existing roadside paths and/or sidewalks due to tree root damage, etc., in sections of Routes 117 and 126, Trapelo Road, Lincoln Road, and Blackburnian Road.
  6. Wayfinding signs along Weston, Concord, South Great, Lincoln, Sandy Pond, Baker, Trapelo, and Bedford Roads to link Lincoln Station to other areas of interest for transit users, bicyclists, and walkers. Town officials have worked closely with Minute Man National Historical Park, the Lincoln Conservation Commission, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and other stakeholders in developing a wayfinding system. The kiosks and signs are part of the town’s revitalization goals in trying to “make Lincoln Station/South Lincoln a vibrant town center and hub of the community, connecting to other local amenities in town and the MetroWest region,” according to the approved project application.
  7. Signs, roadway markings, crosswalks and gateway treatments to improve pedestrian, transit and bicycle access and safety in and around Lincoln Station.
  8. Improvements to the intersection of Route 117 and Lincoln Road including crosswalks, a pedestrian “refuge island” similar to those at the Route 117 railroad crossing, traffic calming measures, pavement markings, and signage. “While a project to address overall intersection layout and geometrics would be a major undertaking and require a significant planning and engineering effort, the town proposes to focus on steps that will improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as perform a traffic calming function,” the application noted.
  9. A new off-road path from Baker Bridge Road to Baker Farm Road to connect to the existing trail network.
  10. The first phase of construction of a new path from Lee’s Bridge to the canoe landing parking lot on Route 117.

Estimated costs for individual projects range from $1,600 for the bike racks to $115,000 for the paved roadside repairs (project #5).

The 10 projects are part of a wish list totaling 28 projects that the town hopes to get funded over a five-year period. The town will apply for another $400,000 in funding in May 2018. Possible future projects include:

  • Installation of shelters on both sides of the MBTA tracks at Lincoln Station.
  • New paths, improve existing paths and upgrade roadway shoulders to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on Concord, South Great, Lincoln, Bedford, Old Bedford and Old County Roads.
  • Intersection improvements, crosswalks, pavement markings and signage at three intersections: Tower Road/Route 117, Five Corners, and Routes 117 and 126.
  • “Park and ride” lot improvements, pay kiosk and lighting, and bicycle parking fixtures at Lincoln Station..
  • Improvements for those turning left from Bedford Road onot Route 2A (either marking the road or widening it).
  • A new paved roadside path along 117 to fill a missing link from Tower Road to the Weston town line.
  • Upgraded roadway shoulders, pavement markings and signage along heavily traveled roadways including Lincoln, Bedford, South Great, Concord, Trapelo, Baker Bridge, Sandy Pond, and Weston Roads.
  • Path improvements from Lincoln Station to the Lincoln School.

More information is available on the town’s Complete Streets web page.

News acorns

New kids’ singing groups at church

The First Parish in Lincoln is sponsoring two children’s singing ensembles open to all children in Lincoln and surrounding towns in grades K–5. There is no cost. The ensembles will begin rehearsals on Sunday, Oct. 1 at the First Parish in Lincoln. The two groups are:

  • Kid Sing (5–5:30 p.m.) — grades K–2 will focus on singing, movement, and musicianship.
  • Youth Choir (5:30–6:15 p.m.) — grades 3–5 will learn basic singing and choral skills, including singing in two-part harmony.

Rehearsals will take place roughly every other Sunday until June 2018. There is no cost to participate in either ensemble. For more information, contact Blake Siskavich at bsiskavich21@gmail.com or Sarah Bishop at srblincoln@hotmail.com.

Jazz band on Sunday

Classic Jazz at Lincoln Public Library presents Dave Whitney and His Big Band on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 2–5 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Free and open to all. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Learn about net zero buildings

“Net Zero Buildings in Lincoln: A Presentation and Conversation with Bill Maclay” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 7–9 p.m. in the Tarbell Room at the Lincoln Public Library. Before plans for the Lincoln School are finalized, come learn about how buildings in Lincoln can achieve net zero energy use to save energy and money, reduce environmental impacts, increase resilience, and improve the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants. Bill Maclay, founding principal of Maclay Architects of Waitsfield, VT, has been recognized as a leader in innovative, ecological planning and architectural design since 1971. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Green Energy Committee and Mothers Out Front. Anyone with questions may call Sheila Dennis at 413-834-2239.

Group to screen “The Gatekeepers”

The GRALTA Foundation will show the next film in its series, a 2013 Israeli documentary called The Gatekeepers, on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Nominated for an Academy Award (2013), The Gatekeepers tells the story of the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet, and offers insight into Israel’s management and control of the occupied Palestinian territories. No charge; light refreshments will be provided. Click here to watch the trailer.

Tour the new Hanscom Middle School

The School Building Committee (SBC) is scheduling a tour of the recently completed Hanscom Middle School on Friday, Oct. 13 from 12:30–2:30 p.m. The building was designed by the firm of EwingCole, part of a two-firm partnership hired to design a Lincoln School project. Anyone interested must provide his or her name (exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or ID) and birth date to Janice Gross (jgross@lincnet.org) by noon on Friday, Oct. 6 (attendees’ names must be on the approved list to pass through the Hanscom security gate.)

October movies at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen the following films in October:

  • October 2 — House of Games directed by David Mamet, starring Lindsey Crouse and Joe Mantegna (1 hr 42 min., rated R). A psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.
  • October 16—Nine Queens directed by Fabien Bielinsky, starring Ricardo Darin, Gaston Pauls (1 hr 54 min., rated R). Two con artists try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the “nine queens”).
  • October 23—Read My Lips directed by Jacques Audiard, starring Vincent Cassel, Emmanuelle Devos (1 hr 55 min., rated R). She is almost deaf and she lip-reads; he is an ex-convict. She wants to help him, but he thinks no one can help except himself.
  • October 30—The Spanish Prisoner directed by David Mamet, starring Steve Martin, Ben Gazzara (1 hr 50 min., rated R). An employee of a corporation with a lucrative secret process is tempted to betray it. But there’s more to it than that.

All screenings begin at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Eleanor Buckland at next LOMA

Eleanor Buckland

Eleanor Buckland will be the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Oct. 16 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Buckland will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Buckland’s band Lula Wiles, which has played at venues such as the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, the Green River Music Festival and Club Passim, released a self-titled CD in 2016.

LOMA is a monthly event. 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.

Council on Aging activities in October

Lincoln Academy with Meghan Lytton—Stories, facts and photos from the Iditarod Trail
October 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 2 at 12:30 to hear Meghan Lytton discuss “Stories, Facts and Photos from the Iditarod Trail.” Save yourself the long trip to Nome, Alaska to learn about the Iditarod Trail Race, where dogs pull a sled and their musher 1,000 miles over some of the toughest terrain. Meghan will be sharing her adventure to Alaska in 2016 to see what some have called the toughest race on earth. If you would like, you can meet a real sled dog. The Council on Aging 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.

You’ve been selected…
October 4 from 2–3 p.m.
…to drop by and visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen. Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or stay for the hour, we hope to see you.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
October 4 at 1 p.m.
Jimmy Santos, constituent services and military liaison for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Get to know Abby Butt, our new COA assistant director
October 5 at 10:30 a.m.
Come meet and greet the COA’s new Assistant Director, Abby Butt, on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Abby provides assistance in evaluating in-home needs and finding services, as well as crisis intervention, and general support to Lincoln seniors, families, and caregivers, individually or in groups. She brings many years of experience working in other COAs as well as conducting community needs assessments, program and policy development, and more. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas.

Aging in nature: key to our well being (panel and walks)
October 6 at 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust invites you to (1) a special panel on how and why access to nature is a key ingredient to our well-being as we age and (2) nature walks. Older adults who have the opportunity to spend time in nature have improved physical and mental health, as well as cognitive functioning, and are more likely to have social connections around them and in the community. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 6 at 12:30 to hear John Calabria, yoga teacher and expert in mindfulness and nature, who will share his outings with an elder friend who cares for 60 bluebird nest boxes; Ellie Horwitz, certified wildlife biologist and tai chi instructor; and Sophie Wadsworth, executive director of the Nature Connection. They will discuss how contact with nature benefits them and those they work with. A question and answer period will follow and all are invited to share their own experiences with keeping in contact with nature. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Then join naturalist John Calabria for a series of walks in some of Lincoln’s most beautiful places on Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17, and 24 at 1 p.m. Unplug, disconnect from the world for a while and let our senses come alive in nature. These programs are co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Deaconess Abundant Life Services and Newbury Court. For more information, go to lincolnconservation.org.

Free wellness clinic for all ages                                     
October 10 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Tour of the State House and lunch
October 11 at 9:15 a.m.
These historic and truly beautiful buildings house the story of Massachusetts. John Adams’s passion for justice, community and learning are evident in the stunning 19th-century courthouse where the Supreme Judicial Court or Appeals Court meets right across the street from the Massachusetts State House where the docent led tours begin. The bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. sharp and plans to be back in Lincoln by 4 p.m. Lunch will be on your own at The Union Oyster House. The cost of the trip is $15 and is supported by the Hurff Fund so the trip is limited to Lincoln seniors. Both buildings have elevators but expect to be standing on both tours. Send your check payable to FLCOA, along with your phone # and email, to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or call 781-257-5050 or email donna@ecacbed.com.

Celebrate fall’s cool days with the Trad Jazz Band
October 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Join the Trad Jazz Band regulars, including a busload who come from the Commons each month, in the COA’s series of lunchtime old time jazz concerts at Bemis. Come find out what brings them in. The band plays your favorites that bring back memories and get you up on your feet dancing and clapping. This month’s concert is on Friday, Oct. 13 from 12:30 to 1:30.

Play to your strengths: A new course with Alyson Lee
October 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Learn to identify your unique strengths and then, in a playful, upbeat environment, discover how to live life by leading with those strengths in a new free course given by Alyson Lee on Mondays Oct. 16, 23, and 30 and Nov. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Ms. Lee will use presentation of information, discussion of meaningful experiences, and strength-based games to help you improve your overall well being and relationships. Lee is a co-active life coach, social worker and certified positive psychology instructor who taught the wildly popular Positive Psychology course and the new monthly Positive Psychology Practice group. This course is supported by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. All are welcome to any session.

Lincoln Academy with Antje Duvekot—Two words for travel 
October 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 16 at 12:30 to hear Antje Duvekot discuss “Two Words for Travel.” Lincoln resident and nationally touring singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot believes there should be two distinct words for travel, one when traveling for business and another when traveling for adventure or learning. The 40 year old artist has done both. After more than a decade building a grass roots music career on the road brought her loneliness and burnout she began traveling to places like Guatemala, Uganda and the West Bank for humanitarian purposes. This is about those divergent experiences. The Council on Aging 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 elder law clinic
October 16 at 3 p.m.
Got a question about issues such as estate planning, MassHealth, protecting assets for a loved one with a serious disability, guardianship, conservatorship, or probate? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Oct. 16 from 3-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the thirty-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781- 259-8811.

Gourmet luncheon
October 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at St. Anne’s Church. They welcome new diners often — give them a try. Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know if you need transportation or a seating partner when you sign up. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

The COA Science Group: 4,000 feet of climate change
October 19 at 10:15 a.m.
Join physicist Stanley Solomon on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 10:15 a.m. in Bemis Hall for the first in a three-part series exploring the physicists’ view of climate change using articles from three issues of Physics Today, a professional journal published by the a.m.erican Physics Society and read by physicists worldwide. In the first session, Stan will provide brief comments about the sun and about geologic records. He plans to distribute copies of the articles before the sessions, so if you would like copies, please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to leave your name and address.

A discussion of Lincoln values and the school project
October 20 at 12:30 p.m.
You are invited to join a discussion of the Lincoln School Project with members of the School Building Committee (SBC) and their design team, and with members of the Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee (PPDC), on Friday, Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The two committees are working collaboratively to develop plans for the Ballfield Road campus, and will take this opportunity to update members of the COA on the work so far, and to engage in a discussion of the town’s values and priorities. The SBC will be working with its project manager, Daedalus Projects, Inc., and its design team from SMMA, and with the PPDC, to design a school and a campus that reflect those values and priorities–come and make your voice heard.

Property tax assessment and ways to pay less
October 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Join Ellen Meadors from Lincoln’s Board of Assessors on Friday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall to learn how your property is assessed and what to do if you think your property should be valued differently. Also, come find out whether you might be eligible for one or more opportunities for abatements, exemptions, and deferrals to lower your bill including those for veterans, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

Lincoln Academy with Ray Anthony Shepard—The Emancipation Sword: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment
October 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 23 at 12:30 to hear Ray Anthony Shepard discuss “The Emancipation Sword: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment.” He will speak about his just published biography Now or Never!: Massachusetts 54th Infantry’s Fight to End Slavery. The author shared a working draft at the Lincoln Academy in the spring of 2015 and returns to share how and why he wanted to tell the story of the “glory” regiment for a new audience. The Council on Aging 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.

Fireside chat: the key to staying health and happy
October 25 at 10 a.m.
What is the key to staying happy and healthy? Genes, luck and finances have a role, but what have you found keeps you going? Some people seem to stay young and active longer than others. Some people with all sorts of ailments or disadvantages still seem to be living a good life. What is the key? Discuss your thoughts and ideas with a group on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Fireside Chat’s new location in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Medicare open enrollment insurance update 
October 27 at 10 a.m.
Find out what changes could affect your Medicare coverage and how much you will pay in 2018 when Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s counselors from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program-health benefits counseling for Medicare enrollees, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. This is an important time to understand the changes for 2018 and to be sure you are satisfied with your current health insurance benefits. Medicare open enrollment period—October 15 to December 7, 2017—is your opportunity to make any changes to your Medicare coverage, effective Jan. 1st. Representatives from most major supplemental health insurance plans (Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Fallon, and AARP/United Health Care) will have 2018 information for Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. Also present will be Priscilla Leach, Veterans Service Officer. Note: This program is designed to go over 2018 changes in basic Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans.

On Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., SHINE will present an in-depth “Medicare 101” to go over the basics of Medicare and the different types of insurance plans—see below.

Minuteman Senior Services provides a variety of services that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the setting of their choice. For more information, call toll-free 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.

African story time: Uganda in the spotlight
October 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m. to expand on your knowledge about Uganda, a country located in the eastern part of the African continent. Please join Gaspar Kalemera for some ice cream and a wonderful time while he tells you interesting things about this country that was once known because of its dictator President Idi Amin during the 1970s. Come socialize and learn.

Lincoln Academy with Gordon Woodington—Japan: Impressions and Highlights
October 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 30 at 12:30 to hear Gordon Woodington discuss “Japan: Impressions and Highlights.” Gordon invites you to enjoy the highlights of his many trips to Japan, including a number of cities, his impressions of the people and culture, what turned him into a Japanese “foodie,” and interesting aspects of everyday communication. The Council on Aging 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.

Medicare 101: What to know, how to choose
November 1 at 7 p.m.
Come find out the basics of Medicare on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. This introduction to Medicare is especially for those who will be signing up in the next year, but is also for those who just wish to learn more and understand their benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and medication drug coverage (Medicare, Parts A, B, C, and D), how to go about choosing the plan or plans that are best for you, avoiding penalties when you sign up late, and more. Bring your questions and concerns. Minuteman Senior Services provides a variety of services that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the setting of their choice. For more information, call toll-free 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.

Save the date:

Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle sing and play the blues

All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the First Annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. It is a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life. Ms. Washington has delighted and awed audiences in Boston and around the country and the globe for decades as both a singer and songwriter. She has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Sax Gordon, known for his “hard-blowing, exciting, gutsy” signature style, has performed around the world, won numerous awards, and recorded six CDs. The Duke Robillard rhythm section: Bruce Bears on keyboard; Jesse Williams on bass; and Mark Teixeira on drums, will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon for this fabulous afternoon of music.

Go bowling November 9
Let’s go Bowling at the Acton Bowladrome Thursday, Nov. 9. Most of us haven’t bowled in years, but don’t worry—bowlers will be using small balls (candlepin bowling). The group will have four bowlers to a lane and maybe get a little competition going. Afterwards, they will head for an early dinner to Not Your Average Joe’s to discuss their bowling skills or lack thereof. They will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 2 p.m. and plan to be back in Lincoln by 6:15 p.m. Traveling in a Doherty’s School Bus, the cost of the trip is $15 which includes lane and shoe rental and dinner will be on your own. To make your reservation, send your check to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA, 781-257-5050.

December 8 at the Boston Pops
Join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on Friday, Dec. 8 in a performance filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus himself. You will be attending the 4 p.m. matinee performance. The seats are excellent, floor table seats, front orchestra, side section. They have just 30 seats, so don’t delay in signing up. The air-conditioned air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 2:15 p.m., returning at approximately 7:30 p.m. This trip is rated easy for physical ability, and entails only a moderate a.m.ount of walking. The price for the trip is $67 per person. The cost is non-refundable and does not include the price of snacks and drinks served at the concert. Funded by the Hurff Fund, this trip is open to Lincoln seniors only. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Your reservation is complete when your check is received. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.

 

Letter to the editor: CCPPDC offers updates

letter

To the editor:

“Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee”—with a name like that, we can’t help but succeed in our mission to bring a preliminary design to the town for consideration when discussing the current state of and future goals for the Ballfield Road campus. The townfolk spoke and the town representatives heard you: there should be collaboration between any and all committees striving to improve the nature and service of the Ballfield Road buildings.

But let’s start with introductions. Your CCPPDC members are Owen Beenhouwer, Sarah Chester, Doug Crosby, Jonathan Dwyer (for the Board of Selectmen), Steve Gladstone, Margit Griffith (vice chair, Parks and Recreation Commission), Eric Harris, Ellen Meyer Shorb (chair), Dilla Tingley, Town Administrator Tim Higgins, Director of Council on Aging Carolyn Bottum, and Director of Parks and Recreation Dan Pereira.

We have been tasked with providing the town with a community center design on the Ballfield Road campus in answer to the Lincoln community’s desire for a cohesive, cost-effective and community-spirited plan for Lincoln. We hope to provide enough information to help answer questions such as:

  • What is the realistic cost of a serviceable community center?
  • What does a community center do differently from other town spaces, and why is this important? (Much of this already addressed by prior studies, and we’re happy to review.)
  • Is it feasible and fiscally responsible to build the school and community center simultaneously or sequentially?
  • Can/should the same architect and/or construction company build both?
  • May the school and community center be built at the same time, or does the school need to keep current Hartwell buildings intact for alternate classrooms during the school build? Or are there other factors?

…and we hope to answer the questions you and we don’t know about yet!

The CCPPDC met a few times over the summer and has opened the request for quotes from architectural firms to work with us, reviewed their quotes, and is scheduling interviews. Our next step will be to choose a firm with which to work and to introduce them to you, the School Building Committee (SBC) and the architect they have chosen (if different)… which leads to a first response to the question “can we use the same architect?”

Well, yes and no. School buildings are very specialized structures and the architectural firms who design them tend to be quite focused on just that type of building. An architectural firm that promises they can do anything from a storage shed to a 20-story building probably isn’t the firm we’re hoping will design our next school building. Similarly, community centers tend to be a bit of a different creature and some firms make these designs their specialty. The SBC and CCPPDC have made it very clear to all parties that this is a collaborative effort by our two groups and we are requiring similar collaboration if the selected firms are different.

You will be hearing from the CCPPDC as we progress. You are always welcome to attend our open meetings and we hope to have a few community feedback events as plans develop. We will be at the SBC visioning meetings on October 3 and 17—will you? Once a month, a joint update will be provided by the SBC and CCPPDC, and you will likely see brief updates about one committee in the updates from the other. We’re also working on a CCPPDC page on the town website and hope to make more informative very soon.

Sincerely,

Margit Griffith on behalf of the CCPPD

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.

News acorns

Get school project news via email and enter to win

Subscribe to the Lincoln School Project website any time before Friday, Sept. 29 at noon and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Donelan’s or a Lincoln Parks and Recreation program (whichever one you choose). Those who’ve already subscribed are also entered to win. There are multiple ways to subscribe. See below for details:

  1. Go to lincolnsbc.org and type your email in the box “subscribe to SBC updates.” You’ll then receive an email from the SBC that you will have to confirm.
  2. Email SBC@lincnet.org and type “subscribe me” in the subject line. The SBC Outreach team will enter your email into the website. Once you receive your follow-up email from the SBC, please click on “confirm” to be included in the drawing.

Once you subscribe, you’ll receive Lincoln School Project updates direct to your inbox. You don’t have to search for the latest news on the SBC, school or town websites, or ask your friends; the updates will be sent to you automatically. Note that subscribing does not commit you to anything. It just keeps you informed on the latest school project news in a timely manner.

Fall wellness clinics for all ages

Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse through a free town service. Come to get your blood pressure checked, ask questions, or learn about wellness resources. Clinics will be held at the Community Building at Lincoln Woods from 10 a.m.–noon on Tuesdays, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust. Additional clinics will be held at Bemis Hall on Tuesdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec.19 from 9–11 a.m. These are supported by the Pierce House. Services for all clinics are provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Domestic violence survivor shares her story

A domestic violence survivor will share her powerful story of surviving and moving beyond domestic violence at a meeting of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland). The program is free and open to the public. The speaker is a member of the Survivor Speaker’s Bureau of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, an area domestic violence agency that provides a variety of services to individuals and families dealing with the issue of abuse.

Concerts, book talk coming up

Christopher Poulit

  • There will be a free live jazz concert with Sarah Spencer and Her Transatlantic All-stars on Wedneday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Presented by Classic Jazz at the Lincoln Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library. The group playing music of the 1930s and ’40s features Herb Gardner on piano, Justin Meyer on bass, Jimmy Mazzy on banjo, Bill Doyle on guitar, Jeff Hughes on cornet, John Clark on reeds, Gerry Gagnon on trombone, Steve Taddeo on drums and Sarah Spencer on sax
  • Come to a short reading, book talk and signing with author Erica Ferenick on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Ferenick is the author of the thriller novel The River at Night, voted a #1 pick by Oprah.com, and an Entertainment Weekly “Must Read.” Copies will be available for purchase and signing.
  • Christopher Poulit will give a piano concert on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall featuring music by Mozart, Beethoven, Poulenc, Schubert and Cage. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

All three events are sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library. For more information, call the library at 781-259-8465.

Letter to the editor: protest military budget vote

letter

To the editor:

Eight U.S. Senators voted against the massive $700 billion bloated military budget that even exceeded what President Trump actually asked for by some $40 billion (which is enough to fund free college education for everyone who wants it in this country for the next ten years).

Our Senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, were not among the eight who voted against this unaudited, excessive military budget that exceeds the combined military budgets of most of the civilized world.

I called Markey’s and Warren’s offices to share my outrage at their vote. The youngsters who answer the phones do not know why the senators vote as they do. I await their comments on why they voted for it.

We are now facing a possible nuclear war as well as lethal global climate change, all of which is being almost completely ignored by people in DC. We need our “leaders” to show some courage and take a stand against this excess.

If you are as outraged as I am at their vote, please call and tell them. The youngsters who answered the phone did mention that the offices were receiving many calls about the vote. Go to Senator Warren’s and Senator Markey’s  websites and click on “contact” for their telephone numbers.

Sincerely,

Jean Palmer
247 Tower 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.

Rhonda Htoo, 60

Rhonda Htoo

Rhonda J. Htoo of Lincoln died on August 31 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital with her husband by her side. She succumbed to the cancers with which she had lived her entire adulthood. She is survived by her husband, John OConnell; her parents, Dr. Maung Shwe Htoo and (Loretta) Anne (Shraybman) Htoo; her sisters Susan Htoo, Nancy Rathbun and Naomi Htoo-Mosher; her nephews, Matthew Mosher and Dan Htoo-Levine; her niece, Mya Mosher; her dear friends Connie Breese, Ava Stone, Betty Lou Edwards, and Annette Trivette; and, finally, her dog, Ella Htoo.

Rhonda was born August 7, 1957 and grew up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. She was awarded a B.A. magna cum laude from Colby College and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She later went on to graduate from the Radcliffe Publishing Program and received her M.B.A. in high technology from Northeastern University.

Rhonda’s career in information technology included roles as Director of Information Systems at Inc. Magazine and Inc. Business Resources for the Goldhirsh Group; Director, Consulting at CGI; Systems Project Manager at Northeastern University; and Senior Project Manager, Information Technology at Harvard Business School. She was a certified project manager and member of PMI (Project Management Institute) and SIM (Society of Information Management).

Rhonda was active in support of the Jimmy Fund Walk, raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Thoracic Center (see Arlington grad Rhonda Htoo finds hope in Jimmy Fund Walk, Poughkeepsie Journal, 11/16/2016).

She was a gifted artist who excelled at painting, watercolors, drawing, photography, weaving, fiber arts, clothing design and fabrication, and jewelry making. She embraced music from all over the world. She relaxed by performing African drumming. She loved to read, especially literature, Nordic noir mysteries, hard-bitten detective stories, and cookbooks. She traveled the world and made friends everywhere. She enjoyed dancing, biking, skiing, hiking, rollerblading, walking, waterskiing, and snorkeling. She was an excellent, inventive, and adventurous cook. She had a gift for entertaining, and was a creative hostess. Rhonda was exceptionally beautiful, smart, mischievous, vivacious, inquisitive, lively, and funny.

Rhonda loved her home in Lincoln, where she enjoyed entertaining friends and gardening, watching the birds that flocked to her yard, and nature walks with her husband John and Boston terrier Ella.

Rhonda was a fundamentally joyful person, filled with positivity and kindness. She was caring, considerate, passionate and straight talking. She was a gregarious introvert. She was fiercely energetic and animated in discussions. She was extremely industrious and gave her all in everything she did. She never let her diseases turn her head, slow her down, or turn her around. She was cheerful and confident. She cherished her family and friends, for whom she was always present to provide love and advice. She was dependable in a crisis and was always prepared. Rhonda was spirited and courageous.

Rhonda was the best that a human can be. She is deeply missed by all who knew her. She is a bright star in the constellation Leo.

Donations in Rhonda’s name should be made to the Jimmy Fund Walk: https://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2017/rhtoo.

(courtesy of Legacy.com)

Construction begins on new learning center at Drumlin Farm

An architect’s rendering of the planned Environmental Learning Center at Drumlin Farm.

Construction on Drumlin Farm’s new Environmental Learning Center has begun. Replacing the 50-year-old Education Building, the ELC and the accompanying outdoor educational pavilion will serve as the hub for environmental education programming, including Drumlin’s summer camp. At 3,700 square feet, the project (funded as part of Drumlin’s capital campaign) will be almost three times the size of the existing structure.

Work is underway to establish the perimeter fence and do initial tree clearing. The trees and plants being removed along Route 117 are mostly non-native, invasive species that were either dead or dying, and Drumlin Farm is ensuring that large, healthy, native trees are preserved where possible. Site work on the new parking lot and foundation will then take place, followed by construction of the building itself. An extensive replanting plan in place with native trees and shrubs for the final landscaping phase of the project next spring.

The installation of a major rooftop solar array to fully power the building will make the ELC a net-zero energy use facility and also offset power consumption of other Drumlin Farm buildings. Completion of the building is expected by June 2018.