The Old Sudbury Road horses captured at sunset by Sandy Storer.
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.
Ten-week-old granddaughter Bridget Darby is delighted with her Lincoln Squirrel shirt, a gift from her grandfather, Lincoln Squirrel reader Herman Karl. Bridget lives with Karl’s daughter and son-in-law, Chantelle and Brendan, in San Francisco. You can find all sorts of gifts with the famous Lincoln Squirrel in the Squirrel store—just go to the top of the page and click on “Support Us” and then “Merchandise.”
The burned area after the fire (above) and the deer exclosures set up to study how deer affect forest vegetation regeneration (click either image to enlarge).
One year ago, a brush fire swept through the northeast side of the Flint’s Pond conservation area (see the Lincoln Squirrel, June 7, 2015), leaving a large area with a clear understory and burned canopy trees—and also a unique habitat and opportunity to study forest regeneration.
After the fire, Lincoln’s Conservation Department was approached with a proposal for a research collaboration involving Wildands and Woodlands (an effort overseen by the nonprofit conservation organization Highstead in partnership with the Harvard Forest, Harvard University, and regional conservation and academic leaders).
As a result, walkers in the area today will see several fenced areas inside and outside the cleared area. These are ‟deer exclosures”— three boxed areas of high, welded-wire fence installed in the burn area and three outside the burn area. Six corresponding unfenced control plots were also established to yield comparative data over a five-year research period to assess the effects of deer grazing on forest vegetation regeneration.
“We’re excited about the prospect of observing these exclosures and of learning in a very tangible way about the effects of deer on our woods,” said Angela Kearney, Lincoln conservation planner.
Town Clerk’s Office looking for part-time helpIf you’re interested in what and who makes local government tick, if you’re a “people person” with a good sense of humor, if you have a reverence for history and would like to play a role in preserving and creating it, if you’re a “systems thinker” with computer skills you’d like to employ and enhance, if you have a penchant for order and a high tolerance for disorder… consider a part-time, long-term position with the Town Clerk’s Office. The position is available immediately, with schedule negotiable. Resumes should be submitted no later than Monday, June 20 to brookss@lincolntown.org, or call 781-259-2607 for further details.
Celebrate the bounty of spring with “Farm-to-Table Cooking: Spring Harvest” at Drumlin Farm on Friday, June 10 from 6-9 p.m. as we visit the fields to harvest tender greens, juicy strawberries, nutty pea shoots, baby turnips, spicy radishes, sweet spring carrots, and more. Return to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, where we will craft these ingredients into an array of dishes to enjoy together. Open to adults and anyone age 12 or older with an adult; fees apply to all participants. Tickets are $55 for Mass Audubon members and $66 for nonmembers. Registration is required; register online or call 781-259-2200 to register by phone.
Drumlin Farm will also host Dairy Day on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy exclusive milking access to Drumlin Farm’s dairy cows (while milk supply and cow’s patience last!) as well as crafts and games for kids in our Get Moovin’ zone; cheese-, butter-, and ice cream-making demonstrations; up-close viewing of our heritage breed cattle; and free hayrides to celebrate the crowning of the Drumlin Farm Dairy Princess. The schedule of activities:
Purchase tickets online: $8 for Mass Audubon members and $10 for nonmembers (children under age 2 free). Dairy Day will take place rain or shine.
Award-winning storyteller Tony Toledo will present his original story, “Listening to the Rolling Rivers—Three Rivers, One Story,” which introduces children and their families to the wonders of our local rivers, in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room on Saturday, June 11 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This free performance is suitable for ages 6 and older, and will be ASL interpreted. In this specially commissioned story, Tony Toledo will weave a tale about the old turtle who has seen many wonderful things while paddling along the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers. Come hear this fascinating story of special places and times past.
This performance is sponsored by the Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council (WSRSC) with funding from the National Park Service in celebration of the Park Service’s 100th anniversary and by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
The WSRSC also hosts Riverfest Also on June 18 and 19, a weekend full of free paddles, hikes, and family-friendly activities offered on and along the Concord, Sudbury and Assabet Rivers, with events from Lowell to Framingham. Highlights include the annual bike for the rivers, free pontoon boat rides and canoe rentals, animal guests for kids at USFWS Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and the ever-popular closing solstice event on June 19 with music and bonfire in Concord. For a full listing of events (all free), please visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org.
Chris Loschen (click to enlarge)
Susan Ketteringham (click to enlarge)
Lincoln residents and longtime Opera51 company members Chris Loschen and Susan Ketteringham will take the stage in Gounod’s 1867 opera Romeo and Juliet in performances on Thursday to Saturday, June 10-12 at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord.
Loschen plays the role of the Duke and Ketteringham is in the Montague chorus in this benefit production that supports operation of the 51 Walden facility, home to the Concord Players, the Concord Orchestra, and the Concord Band.
This is the 10th annual operatic fundraiser for 51 Walden, following recent well-received productions of La Bohème, The Merry Widow, La Traviata, and L’Elisir d’Amore. It is presented in a fully costumed and staged performance with full orchestra, sung in French with English surtitles. The lush, elaborate costumes set in Renaissance times have been painstakingly custom-made for this production. Some performers engage in sword and dagger play on stage (requiring much rehearsal time!) while others have learned Renaissance dance and gestures. Robin Farnsley is artistic director and sings the role of Juliet, and Alan Yost, who has led all productions since the series began in 2007, conducts.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 ($25 for students and seniors) and can be purchased online at www.opera51.org or www.51walden.org, or by calling 978-369-7911.
The many faces of loss: a new group
June 6 at 10 a.m.
As we age we confront loss in many forms. It may be the death of loved ones. It may also be dealing with physical or cognitive changes in loved ones, friends or in ourselves. It may include regrets about lost opportunities and we may also confront the recognition of our own mortality. Claire Gerstein, LICSW, our social worker with many years of experience helping people navigate the losses of later life, will be facilitating a group which will give people the opportunity to talk about these issues in a supportive environment. The six-week group will run on Mondays from 10-11 a.m. beginning on June 6 at Bemis Hall. No need to sign up.
Lincoln Academy with Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler—Keeping the waters of life flowing: water conservation and infrastructure in Lincoln
June 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 6 at 12:30 to hear Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler discuss “Keeping the Waters of Life Flowing: Water Conservation and Infrastructure in Lincoln.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
Being mortal: discuss life and end-of-life planning
June 9 at 10 a.m.
How we die and help family and friends at the end of their lives, how the medical system assists or hinders you in your choices, and the best ways to live more independently are all questions that have no easy answers. Join in a series of free-ranging conversations on these and other related topics, with references to Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal, facilitated by Alyson Lee, life coach, social worker and certified facilitator for Honoring Choices/Massachusetts. This month’s conversation will be on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall.
Lincoln Academy with Mike O’Brien—Making sense of our crazy politics: how psychology can change what we see
June 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 13 at 12:30 to hear Mike O’Brien discuss “Making Sense of Our Crazy Politics: How Psychology Can Change What We See.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free clinic!
June 13 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, June 13 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Celebrate summer at our strawberry ice cream social!
June 16 at noon
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social which will be held at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 16 at noon. The Social is sponsored by the COA and the Friends of the COA. Bring a bag lunch at noon or just come for dessert. Make your own ice cream sundae with luscious ice cream topped with strawberries, chocolate and more! Please RSVP to the COA at 781-259-8811. Tell them when you call if you will need a ride.
Stay up to date and save yourself from becoming the victim of a scam
June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Criminals have scammed Lincoln residents out of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past several years. Becoming the victim of a scam can happen to anyone; criminals are professionals at stealing your money and they count on victims believing that it can’t happen to them. Come find out what the latest scams are in Lincoln and how to protect yourself from them when Lieutenant Sean Kennedy and Detective Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police Department host a seminar at the Public Safety Building on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m. They will serve coffee, muffins, and donuts! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up so they know how many to expect. Come to learn and discuss your questions and concerns.
Sharing memories, sharing lives
June 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Memories are an important facet of our lives as elders. The recollection of past events connects us to our former selves and our feelings, providing a through-line to who we are now and what we believe in, based upon how these values influenced our lives. Memories also connect us to each other as part of a shared experience. On Friday, June 17 from 12:30-2:30, join Leslie Kilgore at Bemis Hall in a workshop entitled Sharing Memories, Sharing Lives as we discuss our memories and bring them to life through role-playing, art, or music. Participants can choose to explore their memories in one or several of the arts and may bring in their own musical instruments if desired. Artistic experience is not required; the emphasis is on self-expression and the process, not the finished product. Please come!
Lincoln Academy with former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club: Growing up on horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s
June 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 20, at 12:30 to hear former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club discuss “Growing Up on Horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
The butterfly place
June 21
Join the COA for a visit to Westford’s Butterfly Place on Tues., June 21. It’s an indoor garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies! The trip will leave by Doherty’s bus from the Lincoln Mall at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $10. Lunch at Kimball Farm. You will return to Lincoln around 1 p.m. Send a check made out to FLCOA Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln MA 01773. Please enclose your phone number and email address. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.
Fireside chat: telling each other our stories
June 22 at 10 a.m.
We all have a story to tell. It may be a story we have told many times or one we have never told anyone. It may be funny or sad, poignant or light. When we tell each other our stories and listen to the stories of other people, we not only learn more about each other but also about ourselves as individuals and as a community. Too often, we are just too busy to truly listen to the stories of our neighbors. Come to the June Fireside Chat facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall and take some time to learn about your neighbor and share your own life. Be prepared to tell a short story from your life and/or listen to others’ stories.
Summer solstice celebration: walking the labyrinth
June 24 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate summer with Jai Kaur Annamaria in one of Lincoln’s secret wonders—a local labyrinth! You will experience the ancient meditative practice of walking a labyrinth, indulge your senses in flowers, and enjoy summer’s abundant beauty. The event will be on Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. Please call the COA to sign up. The location will be given on registration. A $5 donation is requested. The rain date will be June 25.
Interested in playing bridge or learning duplicate bridge?
June 24 at 12:30 p.m.
A small group currently plays every Friday afternoon at Bemis Hall and will continue during the summer on Mondays. If there is interest, courses may be offered during the Fall for beginners and refreshers for others. Please call Carolyn at 781-259-8811 for more info and/or come to Bemis Hall Friday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss bridge in the fall.
Save the date: An architectural voyage around Boston by boat
Join the COA for a unique voyage on the Charles River and around Boston Harbor on Wednesday, July 13. This 90-minute tour hosted by the Charles Riverboat Company offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin and includes historic landmarks and contemporary designs by today’s top architects. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical difficulty, is $26 (non-refundable). The trip will run rain or shine so come prepared! Space is limited. The trip will stop for lunch on your own at the Summer Shack in Cambridge, then go on to the dock. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 11:45 a.m. Send your check for $26, payable to FLCOA/Trips, to Claire Mount, 123 Tower Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 prior to July 1. Call Claire at 781-259-8695 to reserve your spot.
Left to right: Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal; Col. David Dunklee, installation commander; Lt. Col. Daniel Herlihy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District deputy commander; Jonathan Braley, J&J Contractors president; Jennifer Glass, Lincoln School Committee chair; and Becky McFall, superintendent of schools, prepare to cut a ribbon to mark the completion of the new Hanscom Middle School on June 2.(U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)
Local and state representatives attended an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a new $34 million Hanscom Middle School (HMS) on Thursday.
The school replaces a 1950s-era school building and accommodates more than 300 students in grades 4-8.
“The design of the school is visionary and contains many flexible learning spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, the use of technology and the ability to personalize or differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students,” said Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal. “The building design increases learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, art, engineering and math.”
The new 85,000-square-foot school is operated by the Lincoln School Department under contract to the Department of Defense Education Activity, or DODEA.
The ceremony included remarks from U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, who represents Lincoln and other nearby towns.
“As we sit here on Hanscom Air Force Base, which is committed to our national security, the best way we ensure our security as a country, and a peaceful future, is through educating our children,” she said. “So we are really bringing together today all those themes and all those hopes for our future that are embodied in this gorgeous facility.”
“The building is environmentally friendly, featuring integrated systems like photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, solar hot water, high-performance HVAC and lighting systems,” Ledebuhr said. “In addition to being energy efficient, these features can be used as learning tools.”
The Lincoln School District superintendent spoke about the planning involved in the project.
“Many thanks to the faculty, staff and students who have done so much to make this move not only a smooth transition, but a launch into a future of innovation, engagement and authentic learning,” said Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall.
Since breaking ground on the middle school project in June 2014, students have been educated in nearby temporary facilities. Now the primary school will into the temporary facility over the summer so work can begin on a new building for the lower grades, which is slated to open in September 2018. Once they’re both complete, the schools be connected and will share a cafeteria and kitchen.
Harold McAleer photographed this yellow finch at his bird feeder.
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.
Walter Murray
William Read
William Read, 77 (May 7) — electrical engineer with Raytheon Missiles Systems Division
Walter Murray, 84 (May 1) — executive with Sears, Roebuck and Co.
The state has given Minuteman High School until November 30 to win approval from Belmont for a new school project after that town voted down a bond authorization earlier this month.
The Minuteman School Committee voted to bond for the project on March 15 and gave member towns 60 days in which to disapprove. Nine of the 10 towns in the Minuteman school district voted at Town Meetings this spring to approve spending a total of $149 million on a new school in Lincoln, with the Massachusetts School Building Committee (MSBA) paying $44 million of that cost if member town’s approvals were achieved in time.
The Belmont Town Meeting voted no on May 4, citing concerns about the school’s size and cost as well as enrollment projection. Minuteman Superintendent-Director Edward Bouquillon attributed the rejection to “a lack of understanding and a lack of information” due in part to Belmont’s political process.
In February, Lincoln decided to withdraw from the Minuteman district to avoid having to help pay for the new school as a member town. Non-member towns can still send students to Minuteman but will pay through a new out-of-district capital fee in addition to the annual tuition fee (both set by the state).
The time extension granted by the MSBA will “allow the district and other key stakeholders an opportunity to further engage Belmont officials in a substantive discussion about the benefits of moving forward with the project,” Bouquillon said in a May 27 statement, adding that he “remains hopeful.”
Ironically, Belmont officials played an instrumental role in getting the project to the point where approval is now within reach. The town pushed hard to get out-of-district communities to pay a share of capital costs and also pushed for changes in the regional agreement that were approved late last year by all 16 district communities. Those changes reconfigured the makeup of the district, led to weighted voting on the Minuteman School Committee, and revised how long-term debt is allocated.
No decision has been made by the Minuteman School Committee on how to proceed next. Members have at least two options: voting again to bond for the project and giving the member communities another 60 days in which to object, or calling a one-day district-wide referendum where the project is decided by the combined vote in favor versus the combined vote in opposition.