Click here for a collection of previous stories and updates on the effects in Lincoln of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Social services in Lincoln
Bemis Hall is closed, but Lincoln’s social services staff are available by phone or email to help residents of all ages with:
- Having food and medication delivered
- Getting emergency financial assistance with rent or utilities
- Other urgent resource or social service needs
Council on Aging Director Carolyn Bottum is at her desk manning the phone while other social services staff are working remotely. Call 781-259-8811 during regular COA hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or email bottumc@lincolntown.org
If you would like to donate funds to help residents who may experience difficulties due to the inability to work or other circumstances during this crisis, please send a check to the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund, COA, Town of Lincoln, 16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.
As a reminder, all nonessential Council on Aging activities (classes, tax preparation, transportation, and senior dining) are canceled until further notice.
Town government
In response to the evolving public health emergency, town offices will be closed to the public except by appointment, effective Tuesday, March 17. However, the town’s essential services (public health, public safety, water department, public works, cemetery, inspectional services and Town Administrator Tim Higgins’s office) continue to be staffed and remain fully functional. Contact Higgins at 781-259-2604 or higginst@lincolntown.org, or Assistant Town Administrator Mary Day at 781-259-2603 or daym@lincolntown.org.
Some business transactions (property and excise bill payment, building permits, dog licenses and vital records) have been automated and are accessible through the town’s website at www.lincolntown.org. Anyone having difficulty navigating these services may contact Patrice Brennan brennanp@lincolntown.org.
The town’s key leadership boards, including the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health, School Committee, and Finance Committee, will continue to function and coordinate. For the most current public health emergency response information visit: lincolnpublichealthnews.com.
Food pantry
The Lincoln Food Pantry, operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) at St. Joseph Church, expects that the need for food and financial support will greatly increase over the coming weeks. SVdP serves 200 clients who live, work or go to school in Lincoln or Weston and also offers emergency financial assistance with rent, utilities, car repairs, medications, etc.
Residents can help by donating nonperishable food. Suggestions of items to add to your shopping list (please make sure the food is within the sell-by date):
- Progresso soup
- pasta sauce
- cereals
- peanut butter and jelly
- canned tuna
- mayonnaise
- shelf-stable Parmesan cheese
- crackers
- cookies
- gluten-free items
- paper towels and toilet paper
Food donations may be left at:
- St. Joseph’s Church, in the vestibule at the side entrance where the ramp is.
- St. Julia’s Church in Weston, at the back of the church
- Donelan’s (buy and drop in the collection bin behind the registers)
Deliveries of online orders (without a signature required) from places like Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Walmart, etc., can be sent to Chris Connell, 142, Lincoln Rd., Lincoln MA 01773
To donate funds, please send checks to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln MA 01773, made payable to SVdP. For more information, please contact Ursula Nowak at unowak33@gmail.com or 781 259 4297.
Anyone in need of food may contact Karen Boyce at karenboyce620@gmail.com or 781-259-9303. For emergency financial assistance, contact Tomasina Lucchese at tomasinal@mac.com or 617-680-4159.
Commuter rail schedule reduced
Starting Tuesday, March 17, the MBTA commuter rail is reducing service. There will be seven trains each way stopping in Lincoln per day, vs. the usual 17. Click here for the train schedule. Subway and bus lines are on a Saturday schedule.
Transfer station
The swap table area at the transfer station will be closed until April 1. Trash and recycling drop-off will continue normally. The Department of Public Works office will also be closed and no new transfer station stickers will be issued until April 1. Questions? Call the DPW at 781-259-8999.
Restaurants
All Massachusetts restaurants have been ordered to stop dine-in service. However, Lincoln’s eateries are adapting. Real is now offering a small selection of family-friendly takeout dinners delivered to your car. Go to www.keepitreallincoln.com/real-takeout/ and place your order by 5 p.m. You can also order from their regular menu by calling 781-259-9464 or ordering from www.keepitreallincoln.com/menu-dinner. Gift cards are also available.
Beginning March 16, the Twisted Tree will start offering delivery to the local community, and will continue to have pick up options available as well. Visit thetwistedtreecafe.com to place your order.
Police Department
The Lincoln Police Department is fully operational but is taking antiviral precautions. “Officers are using lots of Clorox wipes in the cruisers and workstations along with hand sanitizer, and more importantly, washing their hands with soap and water,” Lt. Sean Kennedy said on Monday. “During traffic stops or motor vehicle crashes, officers have been told to verbally obtain the individual’s information vs. handling their paperwork. It’s easy enough for them to check the driver’s information on the computer. Traffic is way down, and our incidents are way down as well. People seem to be hunkering down, which is good.”
School closings extended
Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered all public schools in Massachusetts to stay closed until at least April 6.
Emerson Hospital appeal
Emerson Hospital employees are in desperate need of childcare. If you or someone you know can provide babysitting in their homes, please contact Emerson HR Manager Diana Marzoratti at DMarzoratti@emersonhosp.org.
In addition, Donelan’s has enacted strict protocols for sanitizing within the store, there is no crowding or lines, AND online services (including delivery) will resume AFTER Sunday, March 22. THE online service may have delays and some products will be limited as serving the in-store customer is a priority. Let’s keep it local!
Thank you to the Squirrel for providing this valuable, important information. So glad to see how I can get a take-out meal from either of our two cherished local restaurants.