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

October doings from the Council on Aging

bemisHere are the October activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging.

Hot jazz for a cool fall afternoon
October 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Whether you like your jazz hot or cool, you’ll love the Trad Jazz Sextet free concert on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This roving band of jazz-lovin’ retirees will have you on your feet dancing one minute, then reminiscing to favorites that will bring back sweet memories the next. Nothing is better for lifting your mood than music, so treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and uplifting old-timey tunes.

Wellness clinics for all ages
October 2 at 10 a.m.
All Lincoln residents are invited to meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods’ Community Building at 50 Wells Rd. on Friday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. [Read more…] about October doings from the Council on Aging

Lincoln Democrats attend state convention

democrat_donkey_logoBy Gary Davis

Delegates from the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDTC) attended the September 19 Massachusetts Democratic “Action Agenda” Convention in Springfield, which focused on key progressive issues such as income inequality and opportunity, voting rights, women’s rights, the contribution of unions, the Massachusetts progressive legacy, organizing for the grassroots success, and the 2016 presidential campaign.

The LDTC delegation was energized by the range of progressive issues highlighted during the convention and studied more in depth at the break-out sessions for subjects including voting rights, income inequality, and grassroots organizing strategies. The convention delegation elected by the LDTC consisted of Sharon Antia, Graham Atkin, Peter Georgiou, Mari Haass, Peter Pease, John Santa, Brigid Sheehan, Barbara Slayter and Gary Davis.

The enthusiastic convention crowd was treated to stirring speeches by U.S. Sens. Markey and Warren and new Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. Each of them addressed the convention theme that, given the growth of the economy over the past several years, working-class income has remained stagnant. Sen. Markey reminded delegates of our legacy as national leaders and challenged delegates that we have more work to do. Sen. Warren enthusiastically spoke of core values, encouraged delegates to fight for those values, and chided Republican candidates for their recent threats to shut down the government as had been so disastrous in 2013.

The 2016 Democratic presidential candidates were represented by some well-known surrogates since the candidates were busy campaigning in New Hampshire. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean’s inspirational comments described Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate with the most thorough grasp of both domestic and foreign policy. National Nurses United Co-president Karen Higgins referred to the growing national support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ populist message. Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley spoke of the accomplishments of another candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (apparently no relation). Each speaker was reinforced by their candidate’s enthusiastic supporters.

The convention approved several resolutions including support for a fair carbon pricing legislative bill—“An Act Combating Climate Change” developed by Lincoln’s state Sen. Michael Barrett. Another resolution supported the “We The People Act” to overturn the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision as endorsed last spring by Lincoln residents at Town Meeting.

The convention also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act while denouncing trends in conservative states aimed at suppressing voting, particularly for minorities and students.

Topics covered in the convention will be presented by the delegates at an LDTC meeting open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Bemis Hall.

Gary Davis is the chair of the Democratic Town Committee.

New exhibits, kids’ activities at the deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will debut two fall exhibitions on October 3 and is offering several new children’s activities next month.

Fall exhibitions

Drawing Redefined presents the distinctive work of Roni Horn, Esther Kläs, Joëlle Tuerlinckx, Richard Tuttle, and Jorinde Voigt, artists who have maintained a discipline of drawing as a constituent element of their artistic practice. For these artists, drawing is a forum for experimentation, a study, and an expansion of the vocabulary of images that recur in their art. In these artists’ hands and through their bodies, the traditional practice of drawing is transformed into an exploration of time and space manifest in forms beyond conventional linear representation in photographic, painterly, and sculptural work. See the Drawing Redefined web page for more information on the accompanying catalog.

The Sculptor’s Eye: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs from the Collection—drawn from deCordova’s permanent collection, this exhibition features works on paper and photographs by more than 30 artists who are primarily considered sculptors. Their work reveals the multitude of connections between two- and three-dimensional art-making processes and the means by which artists nurture and expand their creative vision. On view are photographs of sculptural forms that explore shared issues of space and volume. Pencil and charcoal drawings display the inventive ways in which artists experiment with spatial illusion on flat surfaces with graphic gestures, contours, and colors. Plans for large-scale art installations exemplify the tradition of artists considering architectural and environmental spaces. Altogether, these works emphasize the interplay of materiality, line, and form across artistic media. For details on the artists int he exhibition, see the Sculptor’s Eye web page.

Drawing Redefined and The Sculptor’s Eye will run through March 20.

“Enveloped by Drawing”

In conjunction with October’s worldwide drawing festival, The Big Draw, families are invited to participate in creating a temporary large-scale drawn sculpture in the galleries with artist Julia Von Eichel. “Enveloped by Drawing” takes place at the deCordova on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m. For families with children of all ages. Free with admission or membership.

A glimpse of "What does the imagination look like?"

A glimpse of “What does the imagination look like?”

Lincoln Nursery School collaboration

Also on view through November 11 is What Does the Imagination Look Like?—an educational exhibit presented in partnership with Lincoln Nursery School (LNS). The interactive exhibit delves into the process of imagination, drawing directly from young students’ conversations and explorations.

During the past academic year, LNS faculty and deCordova’s Learning and Engagement staff explored the process of imagination through children’s inquiries, negotiations, and transformation of materials. This exhibit showcases their research and makes visible the importance of imagination in students’ learning. Visitors to the exhibit can read LNS students’ conversations, view images drawn by the students, build a collaborative city, or create their own unusual sound score.

In conjunction with the exhibit, noted author and educator John Nimmo and LNS faculty will hold a dialogue on the topic of “The Story Behind the Story: Teachers as Collaborators in Supporting Children’s Inquiry” on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 7-9 p.m. The program will include discussion about the role of the teacher in making curriculum decision and explore the challenges of collaboration, the potential of learning through conflict, and the importance of seeing teaching as a process of inquiry. Registration and $10 fee required.

Support for deCordova’s Family Learning and Engagement Programs has been provided in part by a grant from the Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation.

Ongoing kids’ programs

Throughout the year, the deCordova offers two recurring monthly programs for children. The next ARTfull play for ages 2-5 will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and the next ARTfull Explorations for ages 2-12 will be on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1-3 p.m.

News acorns

firstparish-smSing in the First Parish Church choir

Experience the exhilaration and transformative effects of music by singing in the First Parish Church choir. Researchers have recently discovered that singing in a choir confers all sorts of positive physical and psychological effects, as well as being part of a community of soon-to-be friends. The choir is led by music director and organist Ian Watson, who is also the resident conductor, harpsichordist and organist with the Handel and Haydn Society. Ian also has created a successful concert series, Live in Lincoln Center, that often features First Parish choir members and is held at the First Parish several times a year.

The choir is open to all (you don’t need to become a member of First Parish) and is seeking all parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. No audition is required—you just need to have a love of music, be able to carry a tune, want to join a great group of people. Practices are on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. and Sundays from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call the church at 781-259-8118.

Lincoln Cultural Council grant deadline coming up

The postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply forLincoln Cultural Council (LCC) grants that support community-oriented arts, humanities and science projects is October 15. This year the LCC intends to award about $4,400 in grants to multiple recipients. Additional information is included in this press release.

The LCC is a part of, and funded by, the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Forms, local policy guidelines, application procedures, tips for applicants, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found at the Lincoln Cultural Council page on the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s official website. If you have questions, please send an email to the LCC. Completed grant applications and a signed copy of the local policy guidelines should be mailed to:

Lincoln Cultural Council
c/o Lincoln Town Offices
16 Lincoln Road
Lincoln, MA 01773

Get ready for Scarecrow Classic 5K road race

The third annual Lincoln Scarecrow Classic 5K road race will be on Sunday, Oct. 18. The race will start and finish at the Mall at Lincoln Station (145 Lincoln Road). Race day registration and packet pickup will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9:30. Proceeds from the event will support the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT), which helps manage over 2,000 acres of land and nearly 80 miles of public trails in town as a regional recreational resource for the greater Boston area.

The first 350 entrants will receive a free long-sleeve tech shirt, and there are prizes for the first three winners in each of seven age groups ranging from age 10 to 70+ (see race results from the past two years). There’s also a post-race celebration including plenty of food from local vendors. Register online for the Scarecrow 5K for $30 in advance or on the morning of the event for $35. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact race director Geoff McGean at 781-259-9250 or McGean.RLF@lincolnconservation.org.

Also available: raffle tickets to benefit the LLCT with prizes donated by local businesses. To buy raffle tickets, ask an LLCT trustee or visit the LLCT offices at 145 Lincoln Rd., Suite 102A (above the Post Office at Lincoln Station). Call 781-259-9251 or email llct@lincolnconservation.org with questions.

News acorns

farringtonFarrington Nature Linc offers family events
  • Farrington Nature Linc will host a Fall Family Hike on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. The hike will feature family games in the woods and a chance to test out your stick-building skills.
  • At Fall Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1-4 p.m., visitors can paint their own pumpkins, make and taste test fresh apple sauce, and hike amid the fall colors. The first 10 registered families get a free pumpkin (more pumpkins will be available for sale).
  • Start your Thanksgiving celebrations with activities to improve your night vision and a moonlit night hike on Farrington NatureLinc’s Full Moon Night Hike on Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The suggested donation for all of these events is$5 per person. Click here for directions to Farrington Nature Linc.

Hydrant flushing next week

As part of its water quality and distribution maintenance program, the Lincoln Water Department will start its Annual Flushing Program on Monday, Sept. 28. Water mains will be flushed between 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and will continue for three to four weeks. Residents may experience discoloration of the water as the system is flushed and should avoid using washing machines and dishwashers during daytime hours. If the water in your home becomes discolored, please run an outside tap to remove any accumulated sediment from the service. For more information on the flushing program, please call the Water Department at 781-259-8997 or 781-259-1329 (open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). As in the past, the Water Department appreciates the cooperation and patience of Lincoln residents.

Lincolnites in the news
  • Lincoln resident and composer Patrick Greene was featured in a September 21 New York Times review of a performance in a Brooklyn church of his 2013 composition for organ, Steel Symphony. Each movement is based on a sculpture at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, including the mound of steel cylinders titled Lincoln.
  • The Old Sudbury Road horsies were featured for the second time in the Boston Globe on September 21. The equine herd expanded by about a dozen members after the first article appeared on the front page of the Globe (complete with a video and photo gallery) on September 4.
Build your own scarecrow

Welcome autumn and have fun making your own unique scarecrow on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 1-4 p.m.  and Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stonegate Gardens (339 South Great Road, Lincoln). For $15, Stonegate provides hay, twine, markers, stakes, and instructions. You provide a pillowcase for the head, old clothing, and accessories. Lincoln School students can display their scarecrows on campus until November 1 or take them home.

St. Anne’s Church news notes

New Sunday evening service—St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church (147 Concord Road, Lincoln) will begin a new Sunday evening service at 5 p.m. on September 27. Everyone is invited to join this weekly worship service for a time of contemplation and communion before beginning the new week. Services will vary, with some featuring music and others grounded in silence and guided meditation. Others may have healing prayer, Holy Eucharist, or traditional Evensong with the parish choir or guest leaders from outside the parish.

animals

The Blessing of the Animals service at St. Anne’s.

Blessing of the animals—All creatures have a place at St. Anne’s on Sunday, Oct. 4 when humans and animals come together to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, patron saint of all creatures. The church will celebrate Blessing of the Animals at both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. Live animals are welcome on leashes or in carriers; stuffed animals and photos are welcome, too.

Climate Justice Ministry book signing—St. Anne’s invites the public to the church’s Flint Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. when St. Anne’s and the Thoreau Society will be co-hosting a book signing and celebration for Wen Stephenson’s soon-to-be-published book, What We are Fighting for Now is Each Other: Dispatches from the Font Lines of Climate Justice.

All are welcome at St. Anne’s. For more information of any of these events, visit www.stanneslincoln.org or call 781-259-8834.

Letter to the editor: muzzle unleashed dogs

letter

To the editor:

On a recent stroll around Flint’s Pond, I met a woman taking two young dogs for a walk. They were about knee-high with short brown hair, long-legged and skinny—perhaps whippets, although I am not sure of the breed. The dogs, which were not on a leash, charged toward me, ignoring the owner’s futile efforts to assert control.

One dog ran past me, and while I watched to see what the second would do, the first turned around, leaped up and sank its teeth into my upper arm—hard enough to break the skin in five places through my shirt and create severe bruising that will take weeks to heal.

“Ow! That damn dog bit me,” I yelled.

The dogs were both in front of me now but I kept them at bay by threatening to kick them. I never took my eyes off them while I told the owner to “get those f***ing dogs out of here.”

I didn’t stop to talk to the owner. Perhaps she would have apologized, but why give the dogs another chance to attack? Last time an owner tried to “introduce me” to her dog, the animal seized the opportunity to bite me.

I have had too many encounters with aggressive dogs on my frequent walks around town not to be wary of any animal not on a leash. In the 10 years I have lived here, dogs have bitten me on several occasions so I have developed both vocal and physical defenses to minimize the risk of attack. Today, those tactics were of no avail.

I understand that dog owners want to let their animals wander freely in the woods without a leash. Most owners keep their dogs under proper control, too. But some do not, and those animals pose a threat to anyone who happens to use the trails at the same time.

The solution is simple: Lincoln should adopt a muzzle law. Any dog not on the owner’s land must be either on a leash or muzzled. The dogs would still have their freedom, and the rest of us would be safe from attack.

Suppose the dog that bit me had sunk its teeth into something less forgiving than my upper arm flesh. Its jaws reached almost four feet off the ground; had they connected with the face of a pre-teen child, the youngster would have been disfigured for life.

Let’s muzzle those mutts before a rogue animal causes permanent injury.

Sincerely,

Neil O’Hara
4 Hawk Hill 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.

Letter to the editor: volunteers sought for selection committee

letter

Editor’s note: This letter refers to the space currently leased by the Magic Garden Children’s Center in the Hartwell building on the school campus. By law, the town must periodically seek proposals from any parties who might be interested in leasing the space for educational purposes.

To the editor:

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, the Lincoln School Committee has released a Request for Proposals soliciting interest in the lease of four classrooms in the Hartwell Building for programs with an educational purpose. The School Committee seeks two town members to serve on the five-person Selection Committee, which will evaluate the proposals and select the most advantageous for School Committee approval.

Proposals for lease of the space will be received on November 10, and the work of the Selection Committee is expected to occur immediately thereafter. The Selection Committee members must be over the age of 21 and a resident of Lincoln. They must have no connection to any proposer, and will be expected to sign an affidavit to that effect.

If you’d like to be part of the Selection Committee, please send me a brief expression of interest by email to bcreel@lincnet.org or by letter to Business Office, 6 Ballfield Road, Lincoln MA 01773. If you have any questions, please call me at 781-259-2623.

Sincerely,

Buck Creel
Administrator for Business and Finance for the School 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.

DeCordova hires two in development

decordovaThe deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has hired Bruce Smith as its Deputy Director for External Affairs and Sharon Glennon as deCordova’s Director of Corporate Relations and Art Loan Program.

“The position of Deputy Director for External Affairs is essential to realizing our mission and strategic plan. Bruce stood out among the candidates for his deep and broad experience in fundraising, his ability to connect with people, and his positive, generous spirit,” said deCordova Executive Director John Ravenal.

Smith previously served for five years as Chief Development Officer at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, where he oversaw a 100% increase in fundraising totals and the launch of the quiet phase of a capital campaign. Prior to Walnut Hill, Smith was Vice President for Institutional Advancement at General Theological Seminary in New York City. During his tenure, the seminary completed the largest capital campaign in its history and opened the Desmond Tutu Center on its historic landmark campus.

Smith holds an MFA in theater from the University of California at San Diego and spent many years in New York acting, writing, and directing before beginning his career in fundraising. He received his BA in English and history from University College Cork, Ireland. He is married to Rev. Kate Malin, rector of St. Anne’s Church in Lincoln.

Glennon’s  priorities will include expanding the pools of corporate members and lending artists, and cultivation corporate partners for deeper support of deCordova’s projects, Ravenal said. Glennon, who has more than 25 years of experience in arts administration and donor and client relationships. previously served as the Executive Director of the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, where she increased revenue by $500,000 and doubled arts and education programming.

Before that, she held several leadership positions at Berklee College of Music, where she was involved in music creation and production; educational and fundraising events across the world; and the management of international partnerships, study abroad programs, and the Office of International Programs. Glennon graduated from SUNY Brockport and also attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She has exhibited her work throughout New England and in New York.

News acorns

First Parish seeks teachers

The Youth Programs Committee at the First Parish Church in Lincoln is looking to hire two teachers, one for the nursery class and one for the K/1 program. The commitment is four hours per Sunday on 15 Sundays per year from September 27 until the end of May 2016.

The ideal candidates are those who enjoy and relate well with young children, have the ability to motivate and lead, and a willingness to work closely with parents. Preference will be given to those with previous experience working with children in a classroom or volunteer setting. To learn more, please contact Kathy Kronin, Acting Director of Religious Eduction, at kathycronin@firstparishinlincoln.org.

Yoga class starts this week

“Gentle Kundalini Yoga” will be presented at Bemis Hall for a 10-week session class from Wednesday, Sept. 23 through November 25 from 9:30–10:45 a.m. The class is subsidized for seniors by the Council on Aging, but all ages are welcome and encouraged. If you are 60 or over, the cost is $100 for the series; for those under 60, the cost is $150. If you’d like to try it out, you may attend two classes at $10 per class to see whether it’s a good fit for you. All yoga supplies are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own mat, pillow, blanket, or anything else for your comfort. Please bring water to class. For more information or to sign up, please contact Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio at asanajai@verizon.net or 781-738-1920.

The Flint homestead.

The Flint homestead.

Horse show on Saturday

On Saturday, Sept. 26 starting at 8 a.m. at the Browning Field (Weston Road just north of Conant Road), share in Lincoln’s horsey history at the Lincoln Horse Show. Versions of this show, now primarily a low-key schooling event, have been taking place in Lincoln since the mid-1950s. The Old North Bridge Pony Club sponsors the most recent iteration and all money raised through entry fees goes to the maintenance of the town-owned ring.

This is a free, family-friendly, informal event that is perfect opportunity to enjoy a part of Lincoln’s unique history and perhaps introduce yourself and/or your child to the world of horses.

Tour the Flint homestead

The free tour on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 1-4 p.m. is a unique opportunity to view the interior of  this historic Lincoln house dating  back to the early 1700s. It has been in the Flint family for 11 generations and is filled with mementos of the town and the Flints. The homestead is on the National Register and is protected by a preservation restriction easement, the first agreement of its kind in Lincoln. The house is located on Lexington Road adjacent to Flints’ Field, across the road from the large white barn commonly referred to as Flint’s barn. There will be a special activity for kids as well. The tour is sponsored by the Lincoln Historical Society and the Lincoln Historical Commission.

Library news notes
  • Sunday hours to resume—Starting on October 18, the library will be open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
  • Delivery for home-bound residents—Books and other library materials can be delivered to Lincoln residents with temporary or chronic physical limitations. This is a service of the Friends of Lincoln Library (FOLL). For details, call the library at 781-259-8465, or Belinda Gingrich of FOLL at 781-577-7004.
  • “A Slice of Life with Ron Boisseau”—Join Lincoln resident Ron Boisseau on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 2-4 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room as he shares with you inspirational short pieces exploring love, politics, nature and more, including slices of his own life and those he has witnessed. Ron will entertain and inspire people of all ages as he brings his unique and insightful perspective to experiences we’ve all shared as well as those that are more unusual. Co-sponsored with the Lincoln Council on Aging.