Events in the next few days in Lincoln include a trip down memory lane with several former Lincoln police chiefs, a town candidate forum, and Drumlin Farm’s annual Sap-to-Syrup breakfast.
On Friday, March 14, the Lincoln Council on Aging will screen “50 Years of Public Safety” starting at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The 2004 DVD features former Lincoln Police Chiefs Leo Algeo and Allen Bowles—both of whom will be there to participate in a panel after the film, along with another former Lincoln chief, Dominic Arena, and current chief Kevin Mooney. Find out how public safety in Lincoln has changed over the years, reminisce, tell some stories of your own, and ask questions.
On Saturday, March 15, the Republican and Democratic Town Committees are co-sponsoring a nonpartisan candidate forum at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Meet the 20+ candidates who are on the ballot for the March 31 town election, and learn their qualifications and interests, and become informed about important issues that may impact the town for years.
There are a few spots left for the Sap-to-Syrup breakfasts at Drumlin Farm on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets ($15 for adults and $12 for children over age 2) include a half-hour seating for a breakfast of pancakes with real maple syrup, Drumlin Farm roasted potatoes and sausage, plus access to special programming around the farm. See how sap is collected, explore the natural history of trees, learn about Native American sap-to-syrup techniques and purchase maple syrup made at Drumlin Farm to take home with you. Call 781-259-2206 or register online.
As a resident, I have great respect for the time and effort that any volunteer gives. Truly, there is no such thing as a bad volunteer. However, I am concerned that sometimes the bonds of friendship can blind us all to the realities of truth. To me, the extent of tree removal associated with the Route 2 Project constitutes the single biggest Conservation Tragedy that Lincoln has seen in over 50 years. Those trees meant as much to that neighborhood as Flint’s Fields and Wheeler Farm mean to so many of us in Town.
What’s more heart wrenching is that it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Many concerned and thoughtful people worked tirelessly in the preceding decades of the Route 2 Project to establish guidelines for selective removal of mature trees within the construction zone. Sadly, this procedure was not followed, and town oversight was sorely lacking when it was needed most.
As I’ve said, I have great respect for all volunteers. But, regrettably, there are times when even the best of friends don’t make the best Selectmen.