By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — It was just about a month ago when Joan Dion, a Town Assessor’s office clerk, received an e-mail from the powers-that-be at WEEI Sports Talk Radio, one she couldn’t ignore.

“I’m an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan — actually, all New England sports — and also a member of the WEEI Fan Club,” she chuckled Friday afternoon. “When I read it, I was thrilled.”
The contents indicated that NorthEast-Eagle Electrical Distributors, in conjunction with the Brighton station, would conduct a “New Friday Night Lights 2008 Sweepstakes,” inviting cities and towns throughout New England to enter. The prize: Installation of a sports lighting system for their youth football team’s gridiron.
The announcement read, in part, “This is an exciting event that gives youth and junior football players, their parents and their community a wonderful gift for many years to come.”
When Dion presented the idea to Personnel Diector Joanne McManus, both jumped at the notion. They submitted an application on behalf of the Town of Lincoln, stating they wanted to win such a system for Ferguson Field, located behind the high school.
“It caught my eye because my son is a member of the Lincoln Youth Football Program,” Dion offered. “We’ve wanted lights up here for years, and I figured it would be a great opportunity to finally get it done.”
In a press release issued by McManus, she stated the gridiron “is utilized not only by the high school football programs, but also by many other youth programs, including … the cheerleading (and track and field) squads. As it is now, football games cannot be played on Friday nights in Lincoln, due to the lighting issue.
“There is overwhelming evidence that Friday night football games are a tremendous asset to any community,” she wrote. “Having a controlled, supervised sporting event draws not only teen-agers, but also adults who support their local teams. It builds a tremendous amount of community spirit. Also, if teen-agers attend a Friday night football game, parents know their in a safe, controlled atmosphere.
“Although the town has made many recent upgrades to the recreational fields, lighting (of Ferguson Field) was not in the budget … In a time where the municipality must hold the line on expenses in their budget -- and not place added tax burdens on its residents – additional expenses like outdoor lighting for ball fields are not considered a priority. This field is in a central location, and is easily accessible.”
Turns out, the lone Rhode Island cities or towns to submit applications were Lincoln and East Greenwich. The other 12 included: (from Massachusetts), Walpole, Franklin, Mendon, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Beverly, Pembroke and Groton; and, from Connecticut, Danbury, Derby and Newington.
There is a caveat, however. Lincolnites (or those who wish to see lights at LHS) have been asked to submit a vote (only one allowed per person, or e-mail address) to http://newfridaylights.com. With the first 100 votes submitted, that nominee will earn one entry into the sweepstakes drawing. Each additional 100-vote compilation yields another entry.
Votes will be accepted through Nov. 16, with the announcement of a victor slated for Dec. 1.
“It’s kind of like a grand-prize raffle,” Dion beamed. “We’re asking everyone to take part, and vote for Ferguson Field. We’re looking for several thousand votes. Hey, it will better our chances. There are no limits on entries, so we’re asking everyone to rally all friends, family members and neighbors.”
Stated McManus: “If we win, it would mean at least $100,000 worth of lighting, and that would be a great jump-start to the plan. I mean, $100,000, that’s a lot of money.”