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

Codman Community Farms news

Club Codman is Saturday, May 10

The dance event of the season is also an important fundraiser for Codman Community Farms. Club Codman turns on the disco lights on Saturday, May 10 from 7-10:30 p.m. Groove to the wildest dance tunes from the ’70s, ’80s and beyond, and prepare to be amazed at lip-synch performances and shredding air-guitar solos throughout the evening. Go to this CCF web page to purchase tickets ($30 apiece) and send your song requests through our new online survey.

"Moms Gone Bad" at a previous Club Codman.

“Moms Gone Bad” at a previous Club Codman.

New president, board members elected

The Codman Community Farm board of directors elected new members at its annual meeting in March. Andy Stevenson has stepped up to be the board’s new president. New members on the board are Chandler Fritz, David Alperovitz, Erica Mason, and Drew Shilling. Past president Marshall Clemens will continue on as a board member, but we bid farewell to members finishing their terms: Sarah Killick (past CCF board president), Lindsay Clemens, Jeff Patterson, and Andy Ory.

Membership renewal time is now

All Lincoln residents received an invitation to become members of Codman Community Farms or renew their membership for 2014. Membership dues greatly support the activities of the farm and allow you visit all year. If you live outside Lincoln or simply lost your mailer, you may sign up for membership online.

Experts to speak on tick control, disease prevention

deertickThe Middlesex Tick Task Force will present experts on tick-borne diseases and landscaping ideas to reduce tick exposure at “Let’s Talk About Ticks: One Bite Can Change Your Life” on Wednesday, April 30 from 7-9 p.m. in Brooks auditorium.

Dr. Alfred de Maria, an epidemiologist with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who will answer questions about awareness and prevention of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease as well as babesiosis and anaplasmosis, two other preventable tick-borne illnesses. Kurt Upham, president of ohDeer Inc., which offers safe spraying for deer, tick and mosquito control, will discuss ways to landscape your yard to cut down on tick exposure.

Also at the event, Dr. Stephen Rich of the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology will discuss a new tick-testing program for some Massachusetts residents. Depending on what town you live in, if you’ve been bitten by a tick, you can submit the tick for free or low-cost testing to see if it carries the pathogens that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis or anaplasmosis. For more information, call the health department at 781-259-2614 or Lincoln Public Health Nurse Maureen Richichi at 781-259-9407.

The Middlesex Tick Task Force formed in 2012 with representatives from Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham, Wayland, and Weston. The  group’s goals are to increase awareness of tick-borne diseases in our towns, to educate residents about effective prevention measures, and to promote inter-town collaboration  about these diseases in Middlesex County. The Task Force recognizes that tick-borne  diseases are now endemic in our towns and that residents need information about effective prevention measures they can take to protect themselves, including knowing the signs and  symptoms of disease, the life-cycle of the deer tick, how to do a “tick check” after being  outside and to safely remove an embedded tick, and the importance of self-advocacy and early medical treatment for tick-borne diseases.

Community center committee volunteers sought

communityThe Board of Selectmen is seeking volunteers to serve on a soon-to-be-appointed committee whose charge will be to study options for meeting the facilities needs of the Council on Aging, the Parks & Recreation Department and various community organizations, said options to include the construction of a new community center.

The committee will interview consultants, recommend a preferred firm or individual to the Board of Selectmen, and oversee the work of the consultant. The committee will organize a process for public involvement and will report its final recommendations to the board in time for a presentation to Town Meeting in March 2015.

Those interested in volunteering may do so by sending a letter of interest by email to parkhurstd@lincolntown.org or by mail to the Board of Selectmen, Attn: Administrative Assistant Debra Parkhurst, 16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln MA 01773.

Holy Week and Easter services in Lincoln

One of the earliest known depictions of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (Rabbula Gospel illuminated manuscript, 6th century). Source: Wikimedia Commons

One of the earliest known depictions of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (Rabbula Gospel illuminated manuscript, 6th century). Source: Wikimedia Commons

Here is a list of Holy Week/Easter services at Lincoln’s churches.

St. Julia/St. Joseph
  • Palm Sunday (April 13) – regular Mass schedule
  • Holy Thursday (April 17) – Mass of the Lord’s Supper, St. Julia Church, 7:30 p.m.
  • Good Friday (April 18)
    • Stations of the Cross: St. Julia Church,  2 p.m.; St. Joseph Church, 3 p.m.
    • Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and Death: St. Julia Church, 7:30 p.m.
  • Holy Saturday (April 19) – Easter Vigil Mass, St. Julia Church, 7:30 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday Masses (April 20)
    • St. Julia Church – 9 a.m. (church), 9 a.m. (hall), 11:15 a.m. (church), 11:15 a.m. (hall)
    • St. Joseph Church – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon

There are many opportunities to help with the services of Holy Week and Easter such as foot washing, lighting candles for the procession of the Eucharist to the repository, setup of certain services, etc. If you’re interested in helping, call the parish office or visit www.stjulia.org/lent.

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
  • Palm Sunday (April 13) – dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel at the 10 a.m. service.
  • Maundy Thursday (April 17) – service with foot-washing at 7 p.m.
  • Good Friday (April 18) – service at noon.
  • The Great Vigil of Easter (April 19) – service at 7 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday (April 20) – services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

St. Anne’s welcomes everyone to join one of their two worship services Sunday mornings: Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and Holy Eucharist with choir at 10 a.m. Nursery care is available from 9-11 a.m.

First Parish in Lincoln
  • Good Friday (April 18) – service at 7 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday (April 20)
    • Sunrise Service led by Rebecca Hinds in Flint’s Field at 5:55 a.m.
    • Childcare (nursery) starting at 8:45 a.m.
    • Easter Service led by Rev. Roger Paine at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Lincoln Minute Men events start Saturday

minutemen-smThe Lincoln Minute Men (LMM) will be involved in the following events surrounding Patriots Day.

Saturday, April 12 – Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
Minute Man National Historical Park, 3 p.m.
The LMM march down Battle Road and narrate the story of Revere’s capture at the actual site. Hear Revere, Samuel Prescott, William Dawes, Mary Hartwell, even Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Music, dramatic reading and musket fire in the Park. For all ages.

Saturday, April 19 – 18th-century Life and Battle at Tower Park
Hartwell Tavern in Minute Man National Historic Park, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Tower Park in Lexington, 4 p.m.

The LMM recreate life at Hartwell Tavern on April 19, 1775 and in the afternoon regroup to battle the Regulars at Tower Park, Lexington at 4 p.m. Details at www.battleroad.org.

Sunday, April 20 – Lincoln Salute: Festival of 18th-century Fife and Drum Music
Pierce Park, 2-3:30 p.m.
The LMM host musical groups from near and far, including the stalwart 1st Michigan and the U.S. Army’s Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, making a first appearance. Bring your picnic and lawn chairs for rousing entertainment.

Sunday, April 20 – Alarm and Muster at the White Church
Library Lawn opposite First Parish, 7 p.m.
An ancient Revolutionary War veteran reminisces about those fateful early hours of April 19, 1775. Capt. William Smith rides down the hill to alarm the citizens of Lincoln. Bells ring, drums roll, and the LMM fall in on the steps of the church to receive their marching orders to defend Concord. Then march with the LMM to Pierce House for a firing demonstration.

Monday, April 21 – Dawn Tribute and March to the Concord Parade
Outside Bemis Hall, 6:45 a.m.; Concord parade, 9 a.m.
The LMM salute the patriots buried in the Old Meeting House Cemetery as they emerge from the mists of the burial ground for roll call. Fifers play a lament and the muskets fire a volley. Then join the LMM as they walk Sandy Pond Road to Concord amid colonial music and musket fire. All ages welcome for this three-mile walk.

Tuesday, April 22 – “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World: April 19, 1775”
Bemis Hall, 7:30 p.m.
The LMM invite you to an illustrated lecture by Concord Museum curator David Wood and Skinner specialist Joel Bohy on the museum’s new exhibition: “The Shot Heard Round the World.” They will present an hour-by-hour account of that fateful day and discuss artifacts from their exhibit that shed new light on the day’s events.

Sunday, April 27 – Old Burial Ground Tribute
Pierce House, 2:30 p.m.
March with the LMM and the Regulars to the Old Burial Ground on Lexington Road to honor the patriot dead and five British soldiers killed in Lincoln along the Battle Road. Hear Mary Hartwell tell her story of their burial. Ceremonies include tributes, music and prayers for both sides, with musket salutes by the LMM and the Regulars. A reception follows at Pierce House at 4 p.m., courtesy of the Lincoln Historical Society.

AKA Bistro to reopen by end of April

AKA Bistro co-owner Christian Touche inside the restaurant, which is being renovated after a flood.

AKA Bistro co-owner Christian Touche inside the restaurant, which is being renovated after a flood.

By Alice Waugh

AKA Bistro expects to reopen by the end of this month with an all-new menu and other improvements.

The restaurant has been closed since December, when an overhead water pipe ruptured and caused extensive water damage. Most of the dining room interior as well as much of the kitchen equipment has been torn out and replaced.

It’s been a battle for co-owner Christian Touche, who has had to fight for compensation not just for the renovations but also for business-interruption insurance payments. He said his insurance company was initially reluctant to compensate him for what his staff would have earned in tips as well as their $2.63 hourly salary while the restaurant was closed. Touche decided to pay them out of his own pocket while discussions were going on so he could keep the staff available to return to work when the restaurant reopens.

“We’ve developed a really nice team,” Touche said. “It sounds like a cliché, but we’re really like a family.” AKA Bistro has 25 employees, 12 of whom are wait staff, he added.

When customers return, they’ll notice a few changes, such as a menu that now lists traditional French and Japanese dishes together, rather than on separate pages. There will also be lots of salads and new dishes, Touche said.

Other changes were made for the comfort of diners. The biggest complaint before the closing was the conversation noise level, so workers have installed sound-absorbing foam beneath the new floor, custom-made cloth wall panels, thicker ceiling tiles and even soundproofing behind the pictures on the walls. There will also be better window shades and improved air flow, Touche said.

“We took the time to reinvent ourselves,” he said.

It didn’t make sense to reopen the restaurant in a new location, Touche said. “I feel at home here, and I think people [in Lincoln] deserve a decent restaurant. I hope they’ll give us another shot.”

The reservation line at 781-259-9920 should be back in operation by next week, he said.

Kids’ activities at library during April vacation

The Lincoln Public Library is hosting the following kid-friendly events during April vacation week. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Inc.

Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. — Concert with Alastair Moock
Alastair, a Parents’ Choice Award Winner and one of Boston’s premier folk artists, will perform a concert for all ages, “Shake Your Roots,” with rowdy singin’ and dancin’ and lots of zany humor. Walk-in.

frozenWednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. — Family Movie Night: Disney’s Frozen
A sweet, magical film filled with great music, likable characters, and striking effects. Bring a pillow and sleeping bag if you like. Ages 5 and up. Come early because space is limited!

Thursday, April 24 at 3:30 p.m. — “Movies and Muffins”
Short films based on beloved children’s books Little Quack, Little Red Hen and Rosie’s Walk. For ages 2 and up.

Friday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m.  — Circus Minimus presents: The One-Man Circus in a Suitcase!
From magician Kevin O’Keefe’s suitcase an entire circus emerges: tent, band, lights, and a gallery of wacky circus characters and antics. Fun for the whole family. No sign-up necessary.

Library work underway

Children's librarian xxx in the temporary home of the children's department in the somewhat crowded Farrar Room.

Children’s librarian Jane Flanders in the temporary home of the children’s department in the now somewhat crowded Farrar Room.

By Alice Waugh

Lincoln Public Library patrons are adjusting to some temporary changes resulting from work to install a sprinkler system in the library, which has relocated the children’s area and closed the reference department.

The children’s department has moved into its new “branch” in the Farrar Room on the main floor of the library. There are two computers in that area, but children get preference—if you’re an adult, please ask a children’s librarian if you can use one. There are also two public computers on the library’s lower level; each has a 30-minute time limit for users. For reference help, patrons can ask at the main circulation desk.

Some books have been moved onto temporary carts while others will remain covered in plastic,  library director Barbara Myles said. A container outside the building is holding things from the attic such as holiday decorations and older issues of periodicals so workers can spray insulation in the attic.

The work is scheduled for completion by the end of the summer, Myles said.

Musical news acorns

music-notesClassic Jazz now on Thursday at Bemis

Classic Jazz has changed days and location due to construction at the Lincoln Public Library. The final two regular programs, including tomorrow’s, will now be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall.

On Thursday, April 10, Nick Ribush presents”Australian Jazz: The Melbourne Sound Pt. II.” Vern Welch will present “Jazz Clips—Then and Now” on May 8. The annual live program takes place on May 28 with Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra.

“Live in Lincoln Center” on May 3

The next “Live in Lincoln Center” concert, “Viva Vivaldi,” will feature the First Parish Church choir with guest vocal soloists and instrumentalists from the Handel & Haydn Society on Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Period instruments will be featured for this all-Vivaldi program. First Parish Music Director Ian Watson will conduct from the harpsichord, and returning guest artists include Susanna Ogata, violin, and Guy Fishman, cello. Also on hand will be Handel & Haydn vocal soloists Erika Vogel, soprano, and Emily Marvosh, alto.

Seating is open to all but is limited and is first-come, first-seated. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow the performance. The suggested donation is $20, but any amount is appreciated. Sponsored by First Parish in Lincoln.