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

Change in leadership, new lifelong learning program at The Commons

Reynaldo LeBlanc

Reynaldo LeBlanc, executive director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been named as the first president and CEO of the nonprofit JustLiving Communities (JLC), formerly New England Life Plan Communities. JLC owns The Commons, which is operated by Benchmark Senior Living.

LeBlanc joined Benchmark Senior Living in 2013 as move-in coordinator at The Groves in Lincoln (since renamed The Commons in Lincoln) when it was acquired by Benchmark. He was later promoted to director of customer experience and associate campus executive director.

As executive director, a role he assumed in 2018, he guided the community through the Covid-19 pandemic, led its transition to nonprofit ownership under JLC, and oversaw a 28-unit independent living expansion beginning in 2023. The Commons won approval in November 2024 to build 28 new independent living units (14 two-bedroom units in the Flint building, six one-bedroom units in the Russell building, and eight new cottages).

The new executive director will be Debra Foster, who was previously the executive director for The Falls at Cordingly Dam, another Benchmark facility. She starts at The Commons on August 3.

Partnership with OLLI

The Commons in Lincoln has launched a new partnership with Tufts University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) that will give complementary memberships to its residents to access non-credit courses, lectures, interest groups, and special events on campus and remotely. The complimentary membership is worth $75, but program members are responsible for course fees.

All Tufts OLLI courses are taught by vetted OLLI members, Tufts graduate students, Tufts faculty, and subject matter experts. The courses consist of lectures and discussion with no homework. OLLI has 120 locations affiliated with U.S colleges and universities.

In addition to the catalog of remote courses, several classes will be offered to OLLI members on-site at The Commons. This fall, the courses will include “Four Famous Poets: W.B. Yeats, Robert Frost, T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden,” taught by Tufts OLLI member Ed Dyke; “James A. Michener’s ‘Tales of the South Pacific’.” taught by Tufts OLLI member Ronald Bernard; and “Mind of a Killer,” taught by outside instructor John Olszewski.

“A love of learning is woven into the fabric of our community,” said Elyse Golibroda, Independent Living Programming Director. “This partnership with Tufts University is a natural extension of that spirit, offering access to high-quality educational opportunities and enriching experiences.”

Asked if residents themselves might teach OLLI classes in the future, Golibroda said, “Our residents have impressive professional backgrounds and have much knowledge to offer. They will always have the opportunity to teach a class with OLLI.”

My Turn: Clarify who’s responsible for damage from falling tree limbs

I am writing to support the Eversource tree management initiative. The work is necessary, and we pay for it in our bills. I hope that the town takes steps to consider a plan for management of trees on roadsides not strung with utility lines, and on the many miles of town roads not subject to the current Eversource program.

Several years ago I was staying at a vacation cottage when, a few hundred feet away, two campers were crushed in their tent by a falling tree limb. Last year a roadside “weed tree” snapped off and fell across one of our cars, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Shortly thereafter, a similar sized tree snapped off in our yard, causing some damage to backyard equipment, falling in a space where people often gather. Last week another such tree snapped off and fell onto our property — this time causing no damage. All three trees, young oaks, had cores completely compromised by rot.

Stop anywhere in Lincoln and look up. Chances are, you’ll see dead or half-dead trees and, perhaps, huge dead limbs stretching over roads and pathways. These trees are not part of some green savings bank account which will grow and provide us joy if left undisturbed. They are living things, like us, subject to the laws of gravity. They will come down, and when they do,  threaten life and property.

In addition to my personal experience, I have close second-hand knowledge of four people killed by falling trees or branches. When, in the winter, I hear the sharp crack of something breaking in the forest, or feel the thump of something heavy hitting the forest floor, I do not think this is happening in someone else’s life. I take notice.

We have excellent police and fire departments. There is no call for cutting out these services because “a little crime is to be expected” or “a fire now and then probably won’t harm us much,” but a town official recently wrote that “scattered power outages” are not a major concern. I do not want the town to clear-cut all roadside trees. I’d rather see thickets of trees than miles of fences. I love our landscape and support the natural screening trees provide, but there must be some conscious, planful attention given to our dead and dying tree cover.

If there is something really wrong going on with our trees, let’s have a forum on causes and conditions so that’d we can plan and act consciously. Leaving it to several hundred property owners to figure out one home at a time with local landscapers is not a program. Management of this risk is a public health issue, just like clean water, vaccinations, and road maintenance. If the town is liable or we as citizens have liability, let’s have the town convene a forum to let us know who owes what to whom.

Clearly, all trees do not come down at three in the morning, or fall harmlessly back into the forest. When or if people are killed or property damaged, will we or the town be liable for negligence?  Where do we stand with insurance companies which, in time of growing fire risk, may be rating our properties as vulnerable, or uninsurable? Again, we all face these questions, and the town has, or can act, or at least begin a process to keep us informed. Denial does not repel the law of gravity.

Donald Seckler
91 Lexington Road

“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.

Legal notice: ZBA (Aug. 6, 2026 hearing)

 

LEGAL NOTICE — ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

  • Claudio Sousa, 148 South Great Road, M/P 160-48-0 for a special permit to remove an existing deck and construct an enclosed addition of the same size.
  • Brian Morgan, 59 Conant Road, M/P 151-5-0 for a special permit to allow an accessory apartment in a detached structure.

Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

» Zoom link

Meeting ID: 92780169188       Password: 735886

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.

Options clarified on library HVAC system

Residents will vote at a Special Town Meeting on October 24 on two multimillion-dollar options for replacing the HVAC system at the Lincoln Public Library.

Officials from several boards met on July 13 and determined that either a ground-source heat pump system or a conventional HVAC system would cost $2.8 million to $3.1 million if green energy grants and tax incentives are included. 

The town originally planned to have a vote at Annual Town Meeting in March 2026 on two options, a $5.4 million green option (net cost: about $2.47 million) or $330,000 for a conventional boiler to replace the library’s aging gas-fired boiler. However, the motions were tabled after officials found that the expected tax incentive estimates were “too optimistic.”

Since then, officials got updated cost and tax incentive estimates from consultants. But they also realized that just replacing the boiler won’t be enough, because other work will be needed to match the upgrades and benefits included in the geothermal option (for example, the air conditioning system is just as old as the boiler). Once the upgrades to various other elements of the HVAC system and building envelope are included, the price tags for the two approaches are very similar. 

If the town were to opt for a conventional in-kind HVAC replacement option, the estimate from consultant ESG is approximately $2.85 million vs. Northeast Engineering’s estimate of approximately $2.66 million, both a bit lower than the March net cost estimate for geothermal. However, the net cost of a conventional system would rise to the level of the geothermal option because it would not qualify for a $1 million grant and green energy tax incentives.

“This option has a lower upfront cost than the ground source heat pump option, but it does not provide the same incentive opportunity, energy reduction, or decarbonization benefit,” Assistant Town Administrator Dan Pereira said in a July 9 memo to the Select Board, the library trustees, and the Green Energy, Finance, Capital Planning, and Community Preservation committees. 

Despite the apparent similarity in conventional vs. geothermal net cost estimates, FinCom Chair Paul Blanchfield urged his fellow officials to offer both options to voters rather than a yes-or-no vote on geothermal. He noted that the $130,000 difference between the two (assuming all green energy incentives are realized) rises to $1.5 million without incentives, which would translate to $67 vs. $770 in terms of the one-time impact on the median tax bill. However,  if the ground-source heat pump option is approved, it won’t result in an immediate tax increase because it will be paid from future Community Preservation Act funds.

While emphasizing that the FinCom has “has not necessarily deliberated or aligned on a position,” FinCom Chair Paul Blanchfield noted that Lincoln now has the third-highest median tax rate in Massachusetts after the school and community center projects. And while the town is adhering to its value of being environmentally conscious, “I would also note that no one has referenced the mission statement value of economic diversity,” he said. “The sentiment of the town is increasingly clear that they would prefer multiple options to consider.”

The fossil-fuel-free geothermal option will also require more electricity than a conventional system, which may not be entirely met by the solar array that will soon go online at the old landfill, though the Green Energy Committee may propose additional solar arrays on town land in the coming years.

Officials will be reviewing the updated operating cost analysis in the coming weeks. There will be several opportunities to learn more and ask questions before October 24, when the town will also host the State of the Town meeting. 

Police log for July 8–19, 2026

July 8

South Great Road (8:57am) — A caller reported utility wires had fallen across their driveway. Eversource was notified and responded to the scene.

Cerulean Way (9:34am) — An officer spoke to a person about a civil matter.

Trapelo Road (10:15am) — An officer assisted with traffic while the DPW tended to a disabled vehicle.

July 9

Lincoln Highway Department (12:12am) — A caller reported an odor of smoke in the area. An officer checked the reported area but found no smoke or odor.

South Great Road (4:54pm) — Officers checked the area near the railroad gates for the report of a male who was nude from the waist down but were unable to locate anyone matching the provided description.

Weston Road (4:29pm) — The Fire Department responded to the area of the Pierce House for a smoldering wire. Eversource was notified.

July 10

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (8:03am) — A caller reported a pedestrian walking in the breakdown lane. Officers responded to the area along with state police.

Old Winter Street (10:12am) — A large truck took down wires and a utility pole in the area. The road was closed for a period of time while Eversource made the repairs.

Weston Road (11:12am) — An officer checked on several Eversource vehicles spread across the roadway.

Minuteman Technical High School (12:05pm) — An officer assisted a motorist after they hit a parked vehicle. The officer was able to identify the owner of the struck vehicle and assisted both parties with exchanging information.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (12:25pm) — A caller spoke with an officer about a possible scam.

Weston Road (12:54pm) — The fire department responded to the area for a tree branch smoldering on power lines.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (14:54pm) — An officer spoke with a person about a harassment complaint.

Battle Road Farm (5:08pm) — An officer spoke to a person about an ongoing incident.

Trapelo Road (8:01pm) — An officer spoke to a person about the illegal use of fireworks.

Lincoln Road (8:05pm) — A caller reported that they had no residential water service. The Water Department was notified.

Trapelo Road (8:20pm) — An officer located an unattended dog walking in the middle of the roadway. The dog ran off when approached.

Ent Road (9:11pm) — Hanscom Air Force Base Security Forces was contacted to assist a civilian with a well-being check.

Weston Road (11:21pm) — A caller reported seeing a dog running toward Route 2. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the loose canine.

July 11

Bedford Road (11:36am) — A caller requested a well-being check on a family member. The request was cancelled shortly after once successful contact was made.

Donelan’s Supermarket (6:30pm) — A manager from Donelan’s called to speak with an officer about an encounter with a customer.

Wells Road (7:54pm) — A caller reported receiving a repeated spam call.

Silver Birch Lane (10:51pm) — A caller reported a noise complaint related to a neighbor’s dog barking. The owner of the dog was contacted and the dog was brought inside.

July 12

Nothing of note.

July 13

Ent Road, Hanscom AFB (1:21pm) — Lincoln police assisted Hanscom Air Force Base Security Forces with a verbal argument.

Upland Field Road (2:36pm) — An unauthorized solicitor was identified and advised of the existing bylaw requiring registering before going door-to-door.

Winter Street (2:45pm) — The Fire Department responded to the City of Waltham for mutual aid.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (4:55pm) — A caller reported seeing smoke and flames from an electrical wire. Both the Lincoln police and state police checked the area but were unable to locate anything out of the ordinary.

Ballfield Road (6:01pm) — A person reported a dirt bike parked in the area of the tennis courts. An officer spoke with the operator shortly thereafter.

Greenridge Lane (7:00pm) — A caller reported an issue with the water service for the building. The Water Department was notified.

Aspen Circle (8:54pm) — A caller spoke with an officer about an internet scam.

July 14

Wells Road (10:46am) — A caller reported seeing a person possibly in need of assistance making their way toward the railroad tracks. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anyone matching the provided description.

Lexington Road (3:10pm) — Eversource was notified about a tree hanging on wires. An officer remained on scene until the utility crew arrived.

Lincoln Road (5:49pm) — A caller reported seeing what appeared to be an unaccompanied child walking in the area of Lincoln Road. The child was walking in front of their parent who was in close proximity.

Old County Road (6:16pm) — A caller spoke with an officer about a possible fraud incident.

July 15

Bedford Road (4:15am) — A caller reported hearing unusual noises coming from their first floor. Officers checked the residence and exterior and discovered nothing out of the ordinary.

Todd Pond Road (8:47am) — Verizon was notified about a tree limb that was resting on utility wires.

Wells Road (8:54am) — An officer helped a person with a follow-up to a previous incident.

Sandy Pond Road (9:38am) — An officer helped a person contact an outside agency on their behalf.

Minuteman Visitor Center parking lot (2:52pm) — A child was briefly separated from their caregivers. All parties were reunited a short time after police arrived on scene.

Lincoln Police Department (7:43pm) — An officer spoke with a person looking to file a report but the person left before doing so.

North Commons (8:27pm) — An officer spoke to a person about an ongoing incident.

July 16

Old Cambridge Turnpike (10:28am) — Court paperwork was served in hand to a person.

Stonehedge Road (12:11pm) — Several calls were received for a tree down blocking the roadway. The DPW was notified and ultimately removed the roadway encumbrance.

Hillside Road (8:27pm) — An officer responded to a residence for the report of damage done to a motor vehicle.

July 17

Wells Road (12:15am) — An officer spoke to a person about a residential disturbance.

Russett Court (2:14pm) — The Fire Department responded for a malfunctioning fire alarm. The malfunction was the result of dust build up. Maintenance was notified.

Todd Pond Road (2:20pm) — A caller reported the use of a gas-powered leaf blower in the area. An officer checked the residence but the landscape crew had left for the day.

Lincoln Road (6:49pm) — An officer spoke to a person about a civil matter.

South Great Road (9:13pm) — A caller reported a large unidentified object in the roadway. Officers checked the area but did not locate any obstructions.

July 18

Pierce Hill Road (9:26am) — A caller reported a damaged water meter. The Water Department was notified.

Baker Bridge Road (1:49pm) — A large branch was reported to be blocking one lane of the roadway. The area was marked off pending the arrival of the DPW.

Mill Street Extension (5:55pm) — A caller reported a tree smoldering on live electrical wires. Eversource arrived on scene a short time later and rectified the issue.

Huckleberry Hill (6:10pm) — An officer responded after a complaint about solicitors repeatedly visiting the same area. Officers checked but were unable to locate them.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (7:31pm) — A caller reported electrical wires smoking along Route 2. Both state police and Lincoln police were unable to locate the reported incident.

July 19

Winter Street (7:15am) — A caller reported a large tree was blocking the roadway. An officer was able to move the limbs to the side of the road. The DPW was notified to collect the branches.

Wells Road (9:53pm) — An officer spoke with a person about the well-being of a family member.

Legal notice: Historical Commission – Aug. 4 hearing (5 Hawk Hill)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The Historical Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to consider the application of David Knoerr, 5 Hawk Hill Rd., M/P 182-19-0 for approval of an updated design to remove remaining sections of foundation walls. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

Join Zoom meeting

Meeting ID: 983 9661 4379       Password: 167620

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 – July 29 hearing (219 Concord)

PUBLIC HEARING — CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 29, 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 Notice of Intent by Michael Sheahan for replacement of a septic system within the 100-ft Buffer Zone and Riverfront Area at 219 Concord Road (Parcel 173-57-0). 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.

News acorns

Tours of Lincoln farms

The Agricultural Commission is offering tours of local farms this summer, beginning with Kanner Family Orchards on Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 pm or Sunday, July 26 at 10:00am (duration: 30-60 minutes). All ages are welcome, children must be supervised attentively by their accompanying adults. Space is limited; you must sign up and be confirmed as registered to attend. Questions? Email Kathleen Lomatoski, AgCom co-chair, at klomatoski@gmail.com. There will be more tours of local farms in August and beyond.

Coming up at Codman Community Farms

Summer cookout
Thursday, July 23 from 4:30–6:30pm
Come to the Codman Community Farms pavilion on for a summer cookout featuring Codman’s own chicken wings served with homemade buttermilk ranch, pork and beef hot dogs, smoked maple bierwurst, deviled egg potato salad, green salad and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. All items are available for pre-order here. Select your time slot when purchasing hot items and we’ll prepare them fresh as you arrive. 

Shibori and indigo dyeing workshop
Wednesday, July 29 from 5:30–7:30pm
Explore Japanese shibori and indigo dyeing techniques with Kim Poler from Beehive Art in Lincoln. Bring a few white items from home to dye (a pair of cotton towels are also provided to every registrant to dye). Class takes place in the Codman gardens; a charcuterie board will be provided. Register here. Questions? Email tana@codmanfarm.org.

Fife and drum corps seeks members

Kids age 8–18 are invited to join the Middlesex Countyy 4-H Fife and Drum Corps. No prior experience; free instruction and Revolutionary War uniforms. Rehearsals are Sunday in Lincoln from 2:30–4:30pm. For more information, email mc4hfd@gmail.com.

Lincoln history: “Did you know…”

…that Lincoln’s “brand new” 1874 water works was nearly abandoned only six years after it began? Read more here and browse other “Did You Know” items on the Lincoln Historical Society website.

Events at deCordova Sculpture Park

“Arias Aloft: Chromatic”
Sunday, Aug. 9 from 6:00–7:30pm
An evening of opera, musical theater, cabaret, and circus in the deCordova Sculpture Park. Register here.

Indigo shibori dye workshop
Sunday, Aug. 16 from noon–4:00pm
Learn traditional Japanese dying techniques and create your own set of dyed textiles. Register here.

“Chromatic Portals” tour
Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11:00am–noon
Artist Silvia López Chavez gives a guided tour celebrating her newest installations, including Chromatic Portals, an outdoor commission that transforms the South Lawn into a luminous landscape before stepping inside to experience “Touching the Portal,” her immersive mural filled with colorful patterns and imagery drawn from the natural world. Register here.

Wind chimes workshop
Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1:00–3:00pm
Sip some tea and create your own hanging wind chime inspired by pieces like Paul Matisse’s “The Musical Fence” at the “Sip and String: Whimsical Wind Chimes” workshop. All materials provided. Register here.

Overnight campout for Perseid meteor shower

Come to Farrington Nature Linc on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6:15pm to Sunday, Aug. 16 at 10:00am for a night hike, campfire and s’mores, stargazing outside of city lights, staying overnight in a tent, and a light breakfast. Guests can register to stay for part or all of the event and are welcome to bring their dinner to eat on site. A limited number of tents are available to rent for $5 and must be reserved with your ticket purchase. Guests who purchase an “evening only” ticket ($20 for adults, $10 for children age 4–12) will be asked to leave at 11:00pm (note that peak stargazing is after midnight). Overnight including breakfast is $40 for adults, $20 for children aged 4-12 (must be accompanied by an adult). Register here.

Film and guided nature meditation

The Walden Woods Project hosts “North is a Circle,” a film and guided nature meditation with artist Faith Johnson, on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30–8:00pm. Filmed primarily within the Arctic Circle, this poetic and meditative journey explores the complexities of ancestry in relation to Earth-based belonging, interspecies spiritual connection, and healing through subtle actions, original symbols, and metaphors. The event will start with a guided meditation followed by the film and a wine and cheese reception. Free.

Revised version of the Lincoln Review

The new issue of the Lincoln Review announced yesterday — showcasing painting, photography, poetry, and other creative work of your fellow Lincolnites — had a couple of errors. Click here to enjoy the revised version as an on-screen flipbook or PDF.

» See previous issues

» Submit your work for the next issue
   (deadline: Sept. 15, 2026)

Questions? Email Lincoln Review editor Barbara Rhines at lincolnmareview@gmail.com or Lincoln Squirrel editor Alice Waugh at lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

Lincoln resident to walk the Cape for immigrant justice

Connor May (front, carrying cross) and Chris Tansey (rear, with sign on his back) with cross) on their 2019 walk

Lincoln resident Connor May is hitting the road for the second time on Sunday to raise money and awareness surrounding immigrants who are detained at the Plymouth Correctional Facility (PCF).

May and his friend Chris Tansey of Harwich will start the five-day, 76-mile walk at 8:00am on July 19 at the Pilgrim’s First Landing Park in Provincetown and finish at the Old Colony YMCA in  Plymouth on Friday, July 24. The pair chose this year’s end point because PCF has a history of mistreating detainees and is the only detention facility on the state that contracts with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), May said.

A 2024 report by the Boston University School of Law’s Immigrants’ Rights and Human Trafficking Program and the Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts documented years of mistreatment of inmates at PCF, and detained immigrants are now mixed in with the criminal population even though the vast majority have not been charged with a crime.

In 2019, the two men did something similar, walking from Boston to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge to draw attention to the plight of immigrant families being separated at the border with Mexico.

“We were a lot less organized then. We just said ‘OK, let’s put a sign on our back and start walking’,” said May, who carried a cross over his shoulder during the walk that people signed with their personal prayers. “We met a lot of amazing people who just wanted to show support and gratitude for what we were doing. We didn’t know what to expect, but it was profound at times.” The men were sleeping by the side of a road in a tent, but people they encountered offered them water, food, and even overnight shelter. 

This time around, May and Tansey have accommodations lined up, and they’ve created a GoFundMe page to accept donations that will go directly to the Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) and its Beyond Bond and Legal Defense Fund to provide legal resources to the immigrants detained at PCF. They welcome others to join them on the walk (donors can message them via a link on the GoFundMe page).

May, 33, grew up on the North Shore and has lived in Lincoln with his wife (and soon-to-be-born child) since 2023. He went to college at Holy Cross and has a master’s degree in theology studies from Boston College. He and Tansey met through a Jesuit Volunteer Core program and bonded over their shared interest in studying theology at B.C.

Although raised Catholic, May identifies as simply Christian because “there are certain teachings in the church I just don’t align with” regarding sexuality and abortion. He now teaches classes in ethics and social justice at Boston College High School in Dorchester and attends a Unitarian Universalist church in Boston.

The walk creates an example for his students, teaching them that “it’s not all theory — there are real-world consequences that require real-world action,” May said. “This is a tangible way to  put my beliefs into practice.”