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

Letter to the editor: Political signs being stolen

letter

To the editor:

Political candidate lawn signs that comply with town policy are being stolen.

Judging by experiences in this and the past few elections, and in spite of frequent publication in local media, there seems to be a lack of understanding or appreciation regarding political signs. A policy was issued by the town of Lincoln in August 2012. In the words of the town officials, this policy was developed to recognize the historical practice of town residents in the apparent interest of restraint, fair play and courtesy, and to be consistent with statewide legal precedent protecting free speech. Following are the key points.

One political sign may be placed by right on private land, not to exceed 8 square feet and for no more than 180 days prior to the election. Political signs can be held by right (without a permit) on town-owned land as long as they don’t impact safety or constitute a hazard for either motorists or pedestrians. Unattended political signs can be placed by right on town-owned land at the designated intersections in Section 16.2 (d) of the Zoning Bylaw. These five locations are at the intersections of:

  • Sandy Pond Road and Lincoln Road
  • Ballfield Road and Lincoln Road
  • Lincoln Road and South Great Road
  • Bedford Road and Morningside Lane
  • Codman Road and Concord Road

It was noted at the time that the historical practice or habit of town residents has been to limit the display of these political signs to one week before election, a practice that political campaigns and candidate supporters are expected to respect. It should also be noted that such political signs are the private property of the relevant candidate’s campaign and the resident on whose property the sign has been placed. As such, vandalism and/or unauthorized removal is illegal.

I hope this will clarify misunderstandings and become fully appreciated by town residents and campaign supporters alike.

Sincerely,

Gary Davis
Indian Camp Lane
Chair, Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, 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.

Coming up in the arts in Lincoln

William Lamson, Untitled, 2014

William Lamson, Untitled, 2014 (click to enlarge)

deCordova winter exhibits opening

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s first winter exhibit this year, PLATFORM 15: Oscar Tuazon, Partners, opened on October 8 and will be up until Sept. 1, 2015. Two more winter exhibits, Walden, revisited (featuring works by contemporary artists inspired by Walden Pond and Henry David Thoreau) and The Social Medium (largely inspired by a recent gift of one of Andy Warhol’s Little Red Books) open on October 31 and run through April.

 

Organ concert “Live in Lincoln Center” on Oct. 19

The First Parish Church will host a concert celebrating the renovation and expansion of its 1970 Noack 2-manual, 19-stop tracker organ on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. Ian Watson, organ virtuoso and resident conductor of the Handel & Haydn Society as well as director of music at First Parish, will display the organ’s euphonious capabilities as he plays works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Viernes. Accompanying the organ will be Amy Watson, violin, and Guy Fishman, cello.

Seating is limited and is first-come, first seated; doors will open at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the performance. Suggested donation is $20 per person. but any amount is appreciated. At this event, the church will also offer a CD of the May 2014″Via Vivaldi” concert as a thank-you gift (while they last) to our most generous donors—those who contribute double the suggested donation.

Please mark your calendar for our winter concert, when Arcadia Players perform The Messiah at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

The Wednesdays come to Lincoln on Monday

The Wednesdays will play a half-hour set at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20 at the Lincoln Public Library as part of the LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mic Acoustic) series, which takes place once a month starting at 7:30 p.m.

In two short years, The Wednesdays (Meg Smallidge and Jeff Harris) have made a strong impression in the Boston-area folk/Americana scene with sold-out appearances at clubs such as Passim, Lizard Lounge and Sally O’Brien’s.  Their heartfelt, catchy tunes are supported by close harmonies and well-choreographed guitar and piano work from Meg and Jeff.  Their first CD, Red Letter Day, was issued last year. You can hear some of their songs on their Soundcloud page.

LOMA is a monthly event of acoustic music and spoken word. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day for a slot. Names of those who are signed up by 7:15 p.m. will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Local high school and college-age residents are encouraged to perform and/or listen to their friends play acoustically. We expect everyone will have a chance to perform one or two pieces. Refreshments will be served.

Learn how art and landscape intersect

Sue Klem, local author and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust trustee, will lead a tour through the deCordova Sculpture Park on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. The tour will focus on the art and how geologic history formed the landscape on which it’s placed. Admission is free for Lincoln residents.

Peter Sugar

Peter Sugar signs copies of his new book

Longtime Lincoln resident and architect Peter Sugar will sign copies of his new book of pen-and-ink drawings, Impressions of Italy, on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Copies of the book, as well as his earlier Impressions of Lincoln, can be purchased from Sugar’s website.

 

silkroad

Sandeep Das and Mike Block of the Silk Road Ensemble (click to enlarge).

Silk Road Ensemble concert on Nov. 16

The Birches School presents a Silk Road family concert with musicians from Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Sandeep Das (Indian tabla drums) and Mike Block (cello) will also explain their instruments and the musical traditions of the Silk Road as those traditions are interpreted and transformed by the Silk Road Ensemble. Admission is free. Supported by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council.

 

 

Lincoln through the lens – 10/9/14

A tree in its autumn finery across from the Lincoln Town Office Building. —Photo by Harold McAleer

A tree in its autumn finery across from the Lincoln Town Office Building. —Photo by Harold McAleer

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing it to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit. 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.

Follow-up: contact for Tom Stanley

ballotA reader of the letter to the editor by independent State Representative candidate and Lincoln resident Sharon Antia has asked the Lincoln Squirrel to post Rep. Tom Stanley’s contact information, which is as follows:

There’s more information on about Stanley on his Massachusetts legislature profile page. Information about Antia can be found on her Democracy.com web page.

Letter to the editor: Antia challenges Stanley to debate

Editor’s note: See a profile of Antia in the Lincoln Squirrel, June 10, 2014.

letter

To the editor:

My name is Sharon Antia, and I am the independent candidate for State Representative in the Ninth Middlesex District in Massachusetts. This district includes Lincoln as well as Waltham wards and precincts 1, 2, 3, 4.1, 5.2, 6.1 and 7.1.

I am writing to let everyone know that my opponent, Tom Stanley, will not participate in a candidate forum. Forums provide voters the opportunity to hear and candidates the opportunity to express, their views. By refusing to engage, he is depriving citizens the chance to observe, compare and contrast their options for representation in Boston.

I urge you to contact Mr. Stanley and ask him to engage in a candidate forum. November 4th is drawing close, and I would very much like the opportunity to come before you and have our voices heard.

Sincerely,

Sharon Antia
165 South Great 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 must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, 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.

Drumlin Farm hosts behind-the scenes wildlife tours

barn

Lincoln residents are invited to learn more about Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary‘s planned New England Wildlife Explorations (NEWE) exhibit at one of two behind-the-scenes tours (adults only, please) of Drumlin’s wildlife exhibits and wildlife care facility on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.

[Read more…] about Drumlin Farm hosts behind-the scenes wildlife tours

News acorns

acornDrumlin Farm offers winter CSA program

Registration for the winter Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Drumlin Farm is now open. Winter CSA shareholders will receive eight distributions from early November through mid-February of vegetables from the Drumlin Farm root cellar, including garlic, onions, brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, radishes, beets, winter squash and more. Drumlin Farm offers full share, half-share and work share options, with greens share (fresh lettuce, arugula, and Asian greens from the greenhouse), egg share, and other add-on opportunities. Those with work shares, which are available for both the full and half-share options, commit to work with us for eight hours during October and early November for a $50 discount on the regular winter share.

Share pickups are Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m. The winter CSA at Drumlin Farm always sells out, so register early. Register online or download a registration form and mail with payment to CSA Coordinator, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln MA, 01773. To register for a work share, please contact our CSA Coordinator at dfgrower@massaudubon.org.

Buy used books at monthly sale

The next Friends of the Lincoln Public Library (FOLL) book sale is on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon in Bemis Hall. Check out the selection of good-quality scary fiction, non-fiction and children’s books and support the library. Hardbacks are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, and a grocery bag full of books is only $10 Gift-quality books are individually priced. Book sales occur on the second Saturday of each month except August. Donate used books in good condition in collection bin in the vestibule at Bemis Hall. If you have valuable antique or collectable books you’d like to donate, please email FOLL@lincolntown.org. The FOLL cannot accept donations of magazines, textbooks, or materials with mold or writing in them.

Spaces available in self-defense classes for women

There are still spaces available in the two free self-defense sessions for women run by the Lincoln Police Department in October and November. Each session will be two nights for three hours each night. On the first night, participants will talk about general safety and then begin practicing physical self-defense moves like strikes, blocks, kicks, and knee strikes. On the second night, an officer suit up in a padded suit will “attack” participants, who will use moves to escape. This part of the course is intense but empowering.

  • Session A: October 28 and 30 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Session B: November 17 and 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or want to sign up, please email Jena Salon at jenasalon@gmail.com

Join St. Anne’s for Taizé prayer and supper

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields welcomes everyone for Taizé Evening Prayer with Communion on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. We’ll gather for meditative song, scripture contemplation and periods of silence in the manner of the Taizé monastic community in Taizé, France. Designed by our teen pilgrims Anna Hubbell, Nina Haines and Caleb Smith, who traveled to Taizé last February and supported by a quartet of professional singers, this candlelit service is sure to be a gift of stillness and beauty. Offered monthly, this late-afternoon series is open to all who wish to gather in meditation and prayer, regardless of faith background. Each month we explore innovative ways of worshiping together characterized by a range of prayer practices and a variety of musical expression. Worship will be followed by a simple supper served Taizé style. Young and old alike are welcome. All are welcome to St. Anne’s for the service and afterwards for food and conversation

Improv classes for kids at library

The Lincoln Public Library is offering “Jump Into Improv!” for kids in grades 4-7 on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on October 21 through December 9. During improv exercises, participants create characters and stories and act them out. Learn acting games and skills. No previous experience needed, and no lines or staging to learn—just lots of fun, laughter and creativity. The class will be taught by actor/teacher Sally Kindleberger. To register, visit or call the library at 781-259-8465.

Medicare information session on Oct. 24

Anyone on Medicare as well as their family members and other caregivers should plan to attend the sessions on “Medicare 2015 Updates” and “What You Need to Know to Change Plans” on Friday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. in Bemis Hall. The event offers an opportunity to find out changes in Medicare’s benefits and costs, as well as get information directly from supplemental insurance companies, the state’s Prescription Advantage program, and the town’s Veterans Services Officer. The program will be presented by Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s SHINE counselors, along with staff from Minuteman SHINE, the health benefits counseling program. It is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Council on Aging and Minuteman SHINE. It is especially important to learn up-to-date Medicare information now, because this year’s open enrollment period (the primary opportunity to change plans) is October 15 to December 7. After that time, people with Medicare Advantage plans (HMO and PPO), and people with Part D prescription coverage may only change plans under special circumstances such moving, losing your employer’s coverage, etc.

Resident documents wildlife with stunning videos

link to bird video

A still from Levey’s latest video, “Lincoln Wildlife: The Month in Review.” See more of his videos on his website, The Natural World.

By Alice Waugh

In a town already well known for its love of nature and wildlife, Lincoln resident Norman Levey offers a breathtaking new view of the natural world with the videos on his blog, The Natural World, including his latest effort—an immersion in the sights and sounds of summer called “Lincoln Wildlife: The Month in Review.”

[Read more…] about Resident documents wildlife with stunning videos

Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Question 2

letter

To the editor:

It’s time to stop litter and clean up Massachusetts!

A “yes” vote on Question 2 will update the successful 30-year-old beverage container deposit law, also known as the Bottle Bill, to require bottles of water, iced tea and sports drink to have the same 5-cent deposit currently on soda and beer bottles. These newer bottles litter our ballfields, our beaches and parks, and our city streets.

There is widespread support for updating the bottle bill from the public, including organizations such as Sierra Club and Mass Audubon, and over 200 city and towns that passed resolutions to update the bottle bill and 400 businesses that endorsed the updated bottle bill.

Currently, 80 percent of containers with a deposit are recycled, while only 23 percent of containers without a deposit, such as water and sports drinks bottles, are recycled. The remaining 77 percent become litter or end up in landfills.

When we began returning bottles and cans for a deposit over 30 years ago, soda and beer bottles were all that we had to worry about. It’s time to update the bill so beverages which have come on the market more recently, like water bottles and sports drinks, will also be recycled. Updating the Bottle Bill will save our cities and towns about $6.7 million a year—or an average of $1 per person in our state—in litter pickup and trash disposal costs. It will also mean less waste going to landfills and incinerators. Saving money for our communities is a common-sense action that helps everyone. And any unclaimed deposits will go to a state fund earmarked for recycling and environmental purposes.

I strongly urge Lincoln residents to join in me voting yes on Question 2!

Christy Foote-Smith
Director, Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, 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.