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

My Turn: the old shooting range

By Stewart Coffin

One time about 50 years ago, my wife and I were hiking in that large tract of woodland and swamp where the towns of Lincoln, Weston, and Wayland all come together, now called Van Leer Conservation Land, when we came upon a strange excavation that looked to be manmade. We couldn’t figure out what it was, but on the way home, Hans Van Leer happened to be out in his front yard and we stopped to chat.

He said we had probably discovered the old World War II shooting range. It seems that some of the local men too old to serve had formed a sort of local “militia” and practiced shooting with ammunition that was hard to buy at that time but was provided by the government. He also said there was a spring nearby that they used to keep their beer cool.

All of this I am reporting from memory after half a century later, and I hope I have got it right. There were probably more details that I wish I had recorded but have now forgotten. This and more must have been recorded sometime somewhere, if only I could find it. I thought it might be important enough to be noted on the conservation handout and map, but evidently not. Recently I have returned to look for that site and of course it is still there, although much overgrown and harder to find now. I have also brought along a few friends to point out the site.

The site appears to me as being located near where the three towns come together. I am guessing the excavation and grading was done using a tractor. If so, the access might have been via the Schumacher farm land that is now Appletree Lane rather than across the large swamp that now has a long boardwalk.

An important first step would be to verify that we have the site right, which might be done by historical research. Or try to find that cool spring (if it still exists) or look for spent cartridges. My thought is that the site might be worth marking on a map, together with a brief description. I am now 96 and trying to bring to fruition projects like this while still around. Anyone with more information may contact me at stcmsd@aol.com.

“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.

Roof fire starts near solar panels

Solar panels damaged by fire. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Fire Department)

On Saturday, May 16, the Lincoln Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Old Concord Road. The incident was initially reported as smoke coming from solar panels installed on the roof of a residence.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire had extended into the attic space, according to Fire Chief Brian Young. Lincoln firefighters quickly knocked down the attic fire while mutual aid crews searched for any additional fire. Crews from the Wayland Fire Department assisted by applying water to the solar panel array from an aerial ladder truck.

The fire damaged several solar panels and a portion of the roof beneath them. Preliminary investigation found evidence of an animal nest located beneath the solar panels; however, the exact cause remains under investigation.

The fire was first noticed by a delivery driver, who alerted the homeowners after observing smoke coming from the roof.

“The Lincoln Fire Department is grateful for the driver’s quick actions and is thankful the fire was discovered early, preventing more significant damage to the home,” Young said.

Property sales in March 2026

192 Concord Road — Richard K. Lahnstein Trust to Sevgi Umur for $640,000 (March 2)

141 Chestnut Circle — Hopeton K. Kimball Trust to Timothy A. Taylor for $905,000 (March 19)

29D South Commons — Alan Goodrich to Melissa W. Liska for $610,000 (March 20)

45 Winter St. — Joshua Lamstein to Bouwien Smits and Cary Elliott for $2,705,000 (March 24)

News acorns

Outdoor water use restricted even further

The state has declared a Level 3 (Critical) Drought for the Northeast Region, which includes Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk Counties. The designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies. As a result, outdoor watering is now limited to one day a week as indicated on this Lincoln Water Department chart.

May wildlife column

Trees, shrubs, and flowers are in full bloom, birds have migrated into town, and animals with their young are being seen. Learn more and see photos in the May wildlife column by Gwyn Loud on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Rural Land Foundation website.

 Free adaptive rail trail ride

The Sudbury Commission on Disability invites residents of Lincoln and surrounding communities to experience cycling along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at a free adaptive cycling event on Saturday, June 6. Hosted in partnership with the Sudbury Rail Trails Advisory Committee and All Out Adventures, one-hour riding sessions will be offered between 11:00am and 3:00pm at Broadacres Farm at 62 Morse Road in Sudbury. Participants of all ages and abilities can choose from a variety of adaptive cycles, including recumbent trikes, handcycles, and tandem bikes, with trained staff on-site to provide support in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Helmets are provided. Advance registration required. For questions or phone registration, call 413-584-2052.

Artist reception: Tom Doran

The Lincoln Library Art Gallery will host a reception for artist Tom Doran on Saturday, June 6 from 2:00-4:30pm.

Steve Heck at LOMA on June 8

Steve Heck will be the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, June 8 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall (doors open at 6:30pm, featured performers play from 8:30-9:00pm). He’s at home playing a wide variety of piano styles from jazz to pop, Latin to rock, and country to blues and has played on stage and in the studio with the Byrds, the Allman Brothers, Peter Yarrow, and Richie Havens. LOMA is a monthly open mic night event with mics and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Come and perform (email loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Free admission.

Chef at The Commons is recognized

Nina Quirk

Chef Nina Quirk, the campus culinary services director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been named to the Senior Housing News DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2026. Quirk was recognized in the “Elevating the Experience” category for her creative use of local ingredients and delivering excellence in the resident culinary experience. She joined The Commons in Lincoln in 2023.

ZBA to consider Bodhi Healing, vet clinic in June

Proposals for a “healing center” on Route 117 and a veterinary clinic associated with Minuteman High School are expected to come before the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 4 after both matters were continued from the board’s May 7 meeting.

Alison Zook is looking for permission to change the former Stonegate Gardens property from a nursery to Bodhi Healing, “a space for the mind, body and nervous system” without any exterior building modifications. The property is in a residential zone, which normally does not allow any commercial use, but zoning bylaw section 6.1 (page 6 in the bylaw) includes exceptions for commercial greenhouses as well as various other uses such as museums, libraries, and livestock farms excluding pigs. Also acceptable, but only as secondary accessory uses to those allowed in Section 6.1, are things like professional offices, studios, laboratories, and workshops under certain conditions, according to Section 6.1(h).

Under Section 6.2, the ZBA may grant a special permit for certain other uses such as hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, charitable institutions, community clubs or country clubs, raising dogs or pigs, private radio and television towers, and “any occupation which otherwise meets the requirements of Section 6.1(h) but which requires the parking of more than four motor vehicles on a regular basis or with respect to which more than one person other than the residents of the premises is engaged in the conduct of such occupation.”

However, at least some of the members of the ZBA, including chair David Summer, were initially unaware at the May 7 meeting that the Stonegate property is in a residential zone and thus subject to the various limits listed above. “‘I’m frankly shocked this is an R1 zone,” he said. “I don’t think those conditions [for a special permit] can be met.” 

Though ZBA members were generally in favor of the Bodhi Center idea, they postponed a decision until they could consult with town counsel. “We need to do a little bit of research to see if there’s a path for this,” member David Stifter said.

Mill Street veterinary clinic

Ally Specialty Veterinary Center was initially given the OK by Building Inspector M. Jon Metivier to operate in a building on Minuteman High School’s Mill Street property as an educational use allowed under the Dover Amendment. Business owner Michelle Custead has said that, although Ally is a for-profit business, it will also serve as an educational, hands-on clinical training site needed by Minuteman students studying veterinary sciences.

In April, Mill Street residents including Bob Domnitz, a former Planning Board member, appealed Metivier’s decision to the ZBA. In proposed Dover Amendment exceptions like this, the owner must show that the educational goal is “the primary or dominant purpose” of the proposed use, and this is not the case, according to the appeal.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission (109 Trapelo)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to consider this application:

  • S/A Boylston, 109 Trapelo Rd., M/P 150-27-0 for determination of a structure in connection with an application for demolition.

Time: June 2, 2026 7:30 PM

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.

June 1 deadline for submitting creative work to the Lincoln Review

The deadline for submitting stories, poetry, artwork, photos, and other creative work for the next issue of the Lincoln Review is Monday, June 1. Anyone who has a Lincoln connection (current or former residents, extended family, employees, etc.) may submit — for details, click here. Email your stuff to lincolnmareview@gmail.com or lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com to share your work and have it preserved online in the Lincoln Review! Questions? Email or call 617-710-5542.

News acorns

Film: “The Draft”

On Thursday, May 21 at 6:00pm, the Lincoln Film Society presents “The Draft” (2016, unrated, directed by Peter Snoad), a film of an award-winning documentary play that tells the story of the Vietnam War era through the real-life stories of 10 young Americans whose lives were shaped and forever changed by the military draft. 

Webinar on trees

The Lincoln Tree Preservation Study Group and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will host a Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 21 from 7:00–8:15pm on “Trees and People Around the World: A Historic Perspective.” Matt Foti of Foti Tree and Landscape in Lexington will share knowledge gained from years of exploring the relationship between trees and people, including the historic significance of some of our own native trees. He’ll also talk about how people’s lives depend on trees for food, protection, fuel, medicine, religion, shelter, and even transportation. Click here to register for the webinar.

Juneteenth volunteers sought

The METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC) will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 6 from 1:00-4:00pm at Codman Field and are looking for volunteers to help with setup, grilling, activity monitoring, breakdown, and more. Shifts are available throughout the day, including before and after the free, family-friendly community event that will feature live performances, a step team, poetry, dance, a DJ, bouncy houses, and local vendors. Click here to sign up for a time slot. Questions? Contact Jessica Tranchino of the MCC at jwtranchino@gmail.com.

St. Anne’s summer music series

SoHIP (the Society for Historically Informed Performance) will present its Early Music Concert Series at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Tuesdays at 7:30pm in June and July. Click here for details on programs and performers, and to purchase tickets and seasons passes.

  • June 2 — Nova Vetera, “On the Move: Italian Style Beyond Borders”
  • June 9 — The Pandora Consort, “The Fire Within Her: An American Folktale About Women’s Liberation”
  • June 16 — Hesperus, “The Wild Kingdom: A Book of Beasts”
  • June 23 — Silentwoods Collective, “Lessons for a King”
  • June 30 —  Concerto Incognito, “An Outburst of Improvisors: The 17th-century Invention of Modern Music”
  • July 7 — Sempervirens, “Fantasies and Fugues, Modes and Moods”
  • July 14 — Duo Tarasque, “Esperance et Croyance: Hope and Belief in the French Middle Ages “
  • July 21 — The Berry Collective, “May the Fours Be With You”

Lincoln history: “Did you know…”

… that one of the greatest orators in Congress once taught in one of Lincoln’s five schoolhouses in 1776? Read more here on the Lincoln Historical Society’s website.

My Turn: SVdP scholarship program expands to support more Lincoln neighbors

By Pat Burns

Dear Lincoln neighbors,

We’re excited to share some good news: the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston is expanding our scholarship program to help even more neighbors pursue education, training, and new opportunities.

For the past ten years, thanks to the generosity of the Ogden Codman Trust, we’ve provided need-based scholarships of up to $2,500 per term to adults looking to improve their job prospects, train for a new career, or return to the workforce after time away. Scholarships are available to Lincoln residents, non-residents who work at least half-time in Lincoln, and families with children in the Lincoln public schools.

Now, we’re opening the program to younger learners in as well — including:

  • College juniors and seniors whose families can’t afford rising college costs
  • Public high school graduates pursuing vocational or technical training programs that may not be available free through community colleges or other programs

We know many families are navigating financial challenges right now, and we hope this program can make a meaningful difference. Please help us spread the word to anyone who might benefit.

To learn more, visit SVdP Lincoln and Weston Scholarships or reach out through our contact page. You can also leave us a message at 781-899-2611, extension 4. We’d love to hear from you!

— Pat Burns (president, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul 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.

Correction and clarification

  • The May 18 legal notice about a proposed 20-unit housing development at 109 Page Road, 279, 283, and 295 Cambridge Turnpike had an incorrect headline. The Lincoln Squirrel website post’s headline of “Legal notice: Planning Board hearing (Civico)” was correct, but the headline within the body of the notice should have read “TOWN OF LINCOLN PLANNING BOARD — NOTICE FOR DEFINITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND USE PLAN.” The notice has been corrected.
  • The May 18 story headlined “Fate of trees to be announced on June 8” included a final paragraph about an upcoming webinar on trees, but that event is not related to the rest of the story on the removal and/or pruning of roadside trees. It is republished here: 

The Lincoln Tree Preservation Study Group and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will host a Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 21 from 7:00–8:15pm on “Trees and People Around the World: A Historic Perspective.” Matt Foti of Foti Tree and Landscape in Lexington will share knowledge gained from years of exploring the relationship between trees and people, including the historic significance of some of our own native trees. He’ll also talk about how people’s lives depend on trees for food, protection, fuel, medicine, religion, shelter, and even transportation. Click here to register for the webinar.