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

Legal notice: Conservation Commission public hearing (33 Winter)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING — CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:05PM in accordance with the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This is in response to the duly filed Request for Determination of Applicability by Laura Taylor for removal of dying trees within the 100-ft Buffer Zone at 33 Winter Street (Parcel 150-38-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. More information can be reviewed here.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Conservation Commission – MBTA (Nov. 18 hearing)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING — CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:20PM in accordance with the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This is in response to the duly filed Notice of Intent by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for accessibility improvements to the Lincoln commuter rail station within the 100-ft Buffer Zone at 145 Lincoln Road and 0 Lincoln Road (Parcels 161-27-0, 161-28-0, 161-29-0, 161-30-0, and 162-39-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. More information can be reviewed here.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

My Turn: Objections to how library HVAC choice was presented

By Peter Sugar

I was frustrated by the manner in which the SoTT [State of the Town and Special Town Meeting on Oct. 24, 2026] addressed the subject of selecting the best approach to the Lincoln library boiler replacement. I subsequently sent this memo to the Select Board where I tried to cover the issues as much as possible. I am appending the memo so others can comment and persuade the Selects to bring this matter up for reconsideration.

MEMORANDUM — Library HV Article 1 (Oct. 28, 2026)

I am motivated to write this memo as a follow-up to our 2026 State of the Town meeting. Having attended the meeting, I am appalled by the manner in which this Article was presented. What to me is a concern is that there was no actual presentation of the subject at hand, neither for or against — something we have normally been used to as a matter of accepted practice.

Leadership: In my opinion, supported by many of my colleagues, we had always adopted the attitude of what is best for our town in the long term and thus advocating for a solution which was in alignment with the energy consciousness of our town’s philosophy. Leadership was lacking.

Presentation: Why was no one asked to make such a presentation, neither the library, or the
Select Board, or the Finance Committee? The board went through the enumeration of the issues involved, but with no expression of their opinion. I am told that they did not have a unanimous opinion. Since when has it been a rule that such unanimity is a requirement? There have been many examples in the past when a majority view was aired for public discussion.

Financial background: The FinCom made a presentation of (in their words) the facts. A total misnomer: facts from a financial perspective need to look at the complete picture: not its ostensible and immediate costs, but the eventual long-term implication — what one might call the net present value. Costs related to the immediate and long-term implications are very much part of the picture. The immediate cost of $300,000 fails to draw the comparison to the long-term expenditures. The list of potential upcoming [town-wide capital] project costs ($45 million) is irrelevant when one looks at the so-called costs estimated for the various projects (no believable backup presented).

As a side comment, based on my discussions with a member of the Lexington FinCom, they went with a ground source heat pump solution for their new high school, realizing that in the long term that solution would be the less expensive.

Additional financial commentary: Article 1 incorporated the replacement of two smaller heat pumps. These have been on the library’s horizon for many years due to their being well beyond their intended life. Any possible failure of them at this time would immediately create an emergency situation. The library had included them as part of an earlier construction contract, but they were shelved at the time due to the cost. This cost appears nowhere in the FinCom’s current list. Why not? Quite likely because it would contradict their assertion of “facts, nothing but facts!”

Timing: For some, and perhaps all of the above, I believe that the vote at the SoTT’s was a failure of paying attention to all the parameters for the vote. We surely do not wish to be locked into a wrong solution when the latest technical developments should point us in a different direction. Many years ago, when town meetings tended to last more than a day, there was a warrant article which failed on the first day, The article was reconsidered and we again voted on the follow-up day, and it passed!

As an ex-member of the library’s Board of Trustees and chair of the Building Committee, I urge the Selects to give this matter the due and detailed attention it deserves and reverse the vote, which does not represent current thinking and the positive vote for Article 1, though not two-thirds of the attendees is surely pointing towards.

Respectfully,

Peter C. Sugar
133 Chestnut Circle

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Police log for Oct. 29–Nov. 5, 2026

October 29

Old Sudbury Road (9:52 a.m.) — A person asked to speak with an officer about a possible issue on their road.

Codman Community Farms (9:59 a.m.) — A person spoke to an officer about possible vandalism to their garden plot.

Old Sudbury Road (10:20 a.m.) — A caller reported an encounter with a possibly injured dog. An officer arrived a short time later and, upon a brief visual inspection, determined that the dog was fine.

South Great Road (12:40 p.m.) — A caller reported that a large truck had severed the electrical service to a residence. Eversource was notified and removed the wire from the roadway.

North Commons (12:46 p.m.) — An officer served court paperwork.

Old Sudbury Road (1:27 p.m.) — A motorist reported a loose dog running in the roadway. An officer made contact with the owner, who was able to retrieve the animal.

South Great Road (6:08 p.m.) — An officer assisted Eversource with the installation of an electrical line.

October 30

Lincoln Road (7:35 a.m.) — A motorist reported their vehicle was struck by a deer. The motorist was not injured and the vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The DPW was notified to remove the carcass.

Lexington Road (8:21 a.m.) — A caller reported a possible deer strike on Lexington Road. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the animal.

Twin Pond Lane (12:11 p.m.) — A person turned in an item that was then marked for destruction.

October 31

Sandy Pond Road (12:15 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked near a trail head with the door open. The owner of the vehicle was notified.

Tower Road (1:15 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person about an encounter with another.

Long Meadow Road (6:57 p.m.) — A caller reported having difficulty making their way down a roadway due to the volume of trick-or-treaters. An officer checked the area. The volume had apparently subsided for the time being.

November 1

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:50 a.m.) — A caller reported a deceased deer on the side of the road. Mass Highway was notified.

Old County Road (9:59 a.m.) — A caller spoke with an officer about a past motor vehicle crash.

Pierce House / 17 Weston Road (2:20 p.m.) — A police cruiser was involved in a minor motor vehicle crash. There were no injuries.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (4:11 p.m.) — A caller reported smoke in the area. The fire department traced it to a fire pit behind Gerard’s Farm Stand.

November 2

Wells Road (2:33 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing a dog barking for a period of time. An officer checked the area but could not pinpoint the origin. The dog may be associated with Codman Farm.

Trapelo Road (3:06 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a vehicle parked on the side of the roadway with the doors open. An officer checked the area and confirmed the vehicle was associated with construction in the area.

South Great Road (4:01 p.m.) — A person reported seeing a car seat along a conservation trail. An officer retrieved the item.

Bedford Road (5:49 p.m.) — Officers checked a property after a caller reported hearing a suspicious sound. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

North Commons (10:29 p.m.) — An officer returned several items to a person’s residence.

November 3

Lincoln Public Schools (3:11 p.m.) — A person spoke with an officer for advice related to a personal incident.

November 4

Lincoln Library / 3 Bedford Road (4:55 p.m.) — Library staff spoke with an officer about a patron.

November 5

Minuteman Technical High School (12:15 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a person about an incident that had occurred on the athletic field.

Concord Road (3:35 p.m.) — Officers took possession of several items that were then marked for destruction.

Griffiss Street, Hanscom AFB commissary (9:26 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person about an ongoing matter.

South Great Road (11:33 p.m.) — Officers checked on several reports of the railroad gates malfunctioning on South Great Road and Tower Road. The gates appeared to be working without issue.

My Turn: Help neighbors at Thanksgiving through food pantry

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, give thanks, and share our blessings with others. But for some of our neighbors, putting a holiday meal on the table can be a challenge.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Lincoln and Weston works year-round to support local neighbors facing hardship. Through its volunteer-run Food Pantry, emergency financial assistance, and educational scholarships, SVdP helps individuals and families navigate difficult times with respect and compassion. We serve people who live, work, or have children attending public school in Lincoln or Weston, regardless of religious affiliation.

This Thanksgiving, you can help make the holiday special for a local family by donating a $40 Donelan’s gift card to SVdP’s Food Pantry. Gift cards give families the flexibility to choose the items they need to make their own Thanksgiving celebration complete.

Please donate by November 20. There are three easy ways to help:

  • Purchase a gift card: Buy a $40 Donelan’s gift card directly at Donelan’s and leave it at the customer service desk.
  • Donate online: Donate here.
  • Mail a check: Make your check payable to St. Vincent de Paul (not St. Julia Parish) and mail it to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln, MA 01773. Please write “Thanksgiving” in the memo line.

Every gift helps SVdP share the bounty of the season and bring a little extra joy to a neighbor’s holiday table.

Thank you for your generosity and for sending the message that all have a place at the table. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

To learn more about SVdP of Lincoln and Weston and its programs, visit svdplincolnweston.org.

With gratitude,

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of Lincoln and Weston

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

My Turn: Peisch thanks Lincoln for helping reelect her

To the editor,

Through the Lincoln Squirrel, I would like to thank the voters of Precinct 2 in Lincoln for reelecting me to serve as your State Representative. I appreciate the confidence the voters have shown in me by giving me the opportunity to continue serving in this role. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I will continue to see that your voice is heard at the State House, and I encourage any constituents with questions or concerns about state government to contact my office directly at Alice.Peisch@mahouse.gov.

Alice Hanlon Peisch
Assistant Majority Leader, 14th Norfolk District

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Temporary nighttime video art installation proposed for library

The Lincoln Public Library is proposing to take its art gallery outside for a month with a temporary video installation — but it needs approval from the Historic District Commission first.

The HDC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30pm to discus the proposal to show nighttime video projections on the exterior of the library near the old entrance on Bedford and Trapelo roads.

The temporary installation, “Lincoln Florilegium” by Lincoln resident Matthew Belge, would have two projectors: one display portraits of Lincoln residents and images of flowers, and the second displaying accompanying quotations. The projection will consist of a slowly changing sequence of images and quotations rather than a traditional narrative video. Portraits, flowers, and text will transition gradually, creating a contemplative visual experience for passersby, according to library director Melissa Roderick. The projections would begin shortly after sunset and run for approximately two hours per evening, four nights per week, throughout the month-long gallery exhibit, which is tentatively scheduled for February.

A library committee chooses from applications for the rotating exhibits the inside gallery. Belge has had his work shown there before, as well as at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Ars Electronica in Austria, and First Night Boston (see previous light installations here).

“The committee was particularly excited about this proposal because it takes the ideas and events that happen inside the library every day and brings them out into the community in a visible way,” Roderick said. “We think of the library as more than a place to borrow books. It’s a place where people come together to learn, share knowledge, discover new perspectives, and express their creativity. This project reflects that spirit by highlighting the stories and reflections of Lincoln residents and inviting people to encounter them in a new setting.”

“Lincoln Florilegium” draws inspiration from the medieval tradition of the florilegium, a collection of quotations and ideas (the Latin word “florilegium” means “gathering of flowers,” with flowers serving as a metaphor for ideas worth collecting and sharing), according to Roderick. “In his artist statement, Matthew writes that “Lincoln Florilegium” is an opportunity to bring together his love for the town of Lincoln with his appreciation for the library as one of the community’s core offerings,” she added.

The HDC hearing will be accessible via this Zoom link. The agenda that night also includes a preliminary review of a proposal to renovate the building and grounds of the Parish House/Stone Church.

Lincoln election results: Nov. 3, 2026

Lincoln voters made a clean sweep for Democrats on the Nov. 3 ballot. On the ballot questions, a majority said yes to:

  • Expanding public records (Question 1)
  • Collective bargaining for CPCS employees (Question 2)
  • Same-day voter registration (Question 4)
  • Creating a Natural Resource Conservation Fund (Question 6)
  • Reducing control over state legislators’ stipends (Question 10 — 13th Middlesex, nonbinding)

They said no to:

  • Open primaries (Question 3)
  • State revenue limit and rebate (Question 5)
  • Reduce minimum lot sizes for single-family homes (Question 7)
  • Repealing recreational marijuana (Question 8)
  • Repealing gun law (Question 9)  

Lincoln’s results matched those of voters statewide except (maybe) for Question 7. Lincolnites voted not to reduce minimum lot sizes for single-family homes by a tally of 2,056 to 1,248 (62% to 38%). But as of early Wednesday morning, a slim majority of Massachusetts residents approved the measure by a margin of 51% to 49% with about half the ballots counted, according to CBS News.

Full results

(Note: totals are greater than the sum of the listed votes due to write-in and blank ballots.)

Precinct 1Precinct 2Total
SENATOR IN CONGRESS
Edward J. Markey (D)1,6649522,616
John Deaton (R)274218492
Shiva Ayyadurai (I)482876
Joe Tache (Socialism and Liberation)302050
Total2,0561,2483,304
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
Katherine Clark (D)1,7359812,716
Total2,0561,2483,304
GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Healey and Driscoll (D)1,6789552,633
Minogue and Oliver (R)290236526
James and Kittredge513687
Total2,0561,2483,304
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Andrea Joy Campbell (D)1,6799672,646
Michael C. Walsh (R)299236535
Total2,0561,2483,304
SECRETARY OF STATE
William Francis Galvin (D)1,7241,0002,724
Anne R. Brensley (R)260194454
Total2,0561,2483,304
TREASURER
Deborah B. Goldberg (D)1,5899042,493
Elizabeth Dionne (R)349277626
Total2,0561,2483,304
AUDITOR
Diana DiZoglio (D)1,6931,0002,693
Al Ozonoff (Libertarian)175148323
Total2,0561,2483,304
COUNCILLOR
Mara Dolan (D)1,6449562,600
Total2,0561,2483,304
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT
Michael J. Barrett (D)1,6799842,663
Total2,0561,2483,304
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT (13th Middlesex)
Ravi Simon (D)1,658N/A1,658
Total2,056N/A2,056
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT (14th Norfolk)
Alice Hanlon Peisch (D)N/A945945
TotalN/A1,2481,248
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Marian T. Ryan (D)1,6339552,588
Total2,0561,2483,304
REGISTRAR OF PROBATE
Tara E. DeCristofaro (D)1,5529122,464
Tara Martorella (R)13592227
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 1 — Expand public records
Yes1,7671,0262,793
No227176403
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 2 — Collective bargaining for CPCS employees
Yes1,4158062,221
No540374914
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 3 — Open primaries
Yes7945161,310
No1,1896901,879
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 4 — Same-day voter registration
Yes1,4348532,287
No561354915
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 5 — State revenue limit & rebate
Yes6474501,097
No1,2927232,015
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 6 — Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Yes1,4337952,228
No546405951
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 7 — Single-family homes
Yes8925741,466
No1,0676121,679
Total2,0561,2483,304
QUESTION 8 — Repeal marijuana law
Yes502337839
No1,5018922,393
Total2,0691,2603,329
QUESTION 9 — Repeal gun restrictions
Yes1,7661,0302,796
No257199456
Total2,0691,2603,329
QUESTION 10 — Reduce control over state legislators’ stipends (13th Middlesex, nonbinding)
Yes1,388N/A1,388
No234N/A234
Total2,069N/A2,069

Stew’s Views: Life with Whitey and Sweet Lips

By Stewart Coffin

When we moved to Old Sudbury Road in 1964, our plan from the start was to abandon the nursery business and concentrate on farming and gardening. Jane grew up on a poultry farm in New Hampshire, so poultry was her specialty. Not long after we moved in, a man came into our yard with seven Toulouse geese in his truck he wanted to get rid of. He had first gone to Drumlin Farm, but as usual, they did not want them and redirected him to us.

Incidentally, that man lived in Waltham. That might seem like an unlikely place to raise geese, but his home was on a secluded peninsula on the Charles River where you might think you were way out in the country and is probably all changed now. His reason for getting rid of the geese was that they did not get along with his dog. He also raised Muscovy ducks, and later he gave those to us, too.

There was one gander, Whitey, who was clearly the leader; one younger gander; and five females. We let them roam freely. They did such a good job on our lawn that we rarely had to mow it. You just had to wipe your shoes or feet before coming into the house. They had nesting boxes scattered about and raised many young. We also had a commercial-sized incubator given to us by the Woodmans down the road that produced even more. Some we ate, and some we sold or gave away.

Our children had a pet Collie dog, Dusty, a replacement for Rusty, who was hit by a car. In case you were wondering about “sweet lips” in the title of this piece, Dusty was not only friendly but too much so. When I might be lying on my back, perhaps working on the car, I could not stop him from lapping my face — hence my nickname for him from the lyrics of the Jim Reeves song, “He’ll Have to Go.”

Whitey the duck snacking on birthday cake.

Dusty came to us as a puppy, and perhaps as a result, he was always intimidated by the geese. Folks who came to visit were sometimes afraid to get out of their car, especially because of Whitey’s aggression during nesting season. I used to play with him at those times. I would get on my hands and knees, stick my face right into his and ask, “Whitey, are you really serious about this?” and he would back off.

One night Whitey was badly injured, probably by a coyote or stray dog. The young gander, who may have been Whitey’s son, then seized the opportunity to take over being leader of the flock. Poor Whitey, humiliated, abandoned the others and roamed about on his own. But then the strangest thing happened. He became attached to Jane, following her about and even waiting outside when she went in. Yes, I know, hard to believe, but note the photo. When Jane baked a birthday cake for herself, we set it on the driveway momentarily while I went in to get my camera, and look what happened.

Stew’s Views is an occasional column by longtime Lincoln resident Stewart Coffin, who writes about science, nature, economics, history, music, poetry, humor — and puzzles. See previous entries here.