The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

health and science

Covid-19 cases in Lincoln see rapid increase

Lincoln’s Covid-19 caseload has shot up recently, with 14 new cases in December thus far.

Thirteen of those cases are at The Commons in Lincoln, Public Health Nurse Tricia McGean told the Board of Selectmen on December 14. One resident there died of Covid-19 on December 13 — the pandemic’s first death in Lincoln since late May.

As of last night’s meeting, the town had recorded a total of 82 cases. Seven more cases have occurred at The Commons but were not counted toward Lincoln’s total because they were temporary rehabilitation patients transferred from facilities or homes in other towns, McGean said. The skilled nursing neighborhood has isolated Covid-19-positive residents in seven of the area’s 32 rooms rooms with a staff dedicated solely to their care, and staff in that portion of The Commons are tested every three days.

At the Lincoln School, which has been doing both five-day-a-week in-person and fully remote instruction, there are four classrooms now in quarantine (two in first grade and one each in second and fourth grade). Everyone in those classes must stay home for 14 days.

“It’s a really important time to stay in your bubble and stay in your household,” including avoiding extended family members who don’t live with you, McGean said. “It’s spreading like wildfire, especially through families, where one parent gets it, then the other, and then all the kids.” Fortunately, most of the Lincolnites who have gotten ill have experienced mild to moderate symptoms, especially aches and severe headaches, she added.

Although vaccines are starting to be distributed to health-care workers and other top-priority segments of the population, the general public won’t have access here until April or May, McGean said. The primary means of vaccine distribution will be through primary care providers and pharmacies. Officials are starting to plan how to vaccinate residents who are unable to get to either of those places.

“We’d love to be in a position to tell residents that [the town] can vaccinate 6,000 people but clearly that’s beyond our capacity,” she said.

GearTicks fill a gap for kids with monthly STEMtastic Challenges

By Olivia Crisafi, Prerna Karmacharya, Amelia Pillar, and Victor Han

When the GearTicks, Lincoln’s high school robotics team, realized that the Covid-19 pandemic would make it impossible for First LEGO League (FLL) robotics teams to meet, they brainstormed alternative STEM activities to offer the town’s youth.

For the past 11 years, the GearTicks have mentored FLL robotics teams in Lincoln, Sudbury, and surrounding towns, making FLL and FLL Explore (a program for kids age 6-10) one of the most popular programs run by the town Parks and Recreation Department. Participating in programs such as FLL and FLL Explore provide students with the opportunity to learn about STEM hands-on through building LEGO robots to complete annual challenges.

Recognizing the lack of STEM activities for the town’s youth during the pandemic, the GearTicks brainstormed about how to best address this need. They developed a series of challenges for students that would expose them to STEM concepts with fun, educational activities for families to do together while also teaching them about the engineering design process. The result: teaming up with the Lincoln Public Library to offer STEMtastic Challenges.

Each month the GearTicks will release a new STEMtastic Challenges on their website. For each theme, the Lincoln Public Library will create a resources list, including books and websites that can be used for inspiration, instruction, and enrichment.

Lucy’s winning plan and build-out of Big Ben using marshmallows and toothpicks.

November’s theme was Marshmallow Architecture. Participants drew inspiration from books and their imagination to build marshmallow structures, which included everything from flying airplanes to earthquake-resistant buildings.

The GearTicks were impressed with the ingenuity and hard work of all the participants and are pleased to announce that the winner of November’s challenge is ten-year-old Lucy, who created a marshmallow-and-toothpick Big Ben. The high school students thought Lucy’s detailed drawing was great, and that she might enjoy learning to use some of the CAD tools they use to design robots.

The STEMtastic challenge for the month of December is Marble Runs. It’s a great opportunity for students of all ages to use materials they have around the house — anything from toilet paper rolls to disposable water bottles — and extra time from school breaks to participate in something fun and educational. It’s open to all ages, and participants are welcome to work together with family and friends over the holidays.

Submissions should be sent to stemsubmissions@gearticks.com by December 31. More challenge details can be found on the GearTicks’ December STEMtastic Challenge web page. To access the library’s resources, click here and scroll down to the blue GearTicks logo.

Lincoln Covid-19 cases are creeping up

Lincoln Covid cases week by week (click to enlarge).

After a relatively quiet summer pandemic-wise, cases of Covid-19 in Lincoln have been trending upward in recent weeks.

The five cases last week were the most in one week since April 18, which tied for Lincoln’s pandemic’s weekly high with six cases. There were four cases reported for the week of November 12; three of them were in their 50s and one in his or her 20s, according to Public Health Nurse Tricia McGean. She didn’t have demographic information for the latest batch of residents who tested positive, but said that none were in a school or group living facility such as The Commons.

Cumulative Covid-19 cases in Lincoln

The accompanying graphs were made from the town’s Covid-19 page, which includes some information for surrounding towns and the state. Households rather than external group settings have been by far the most commons means of transmission since mid-October, according to the chart on that page showing active Covid cluster by exposure setting type.

Council on Aging news

Here are some of the December activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of clinics, groups, and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Lincoln Academy talks

To register for either event, call Amy at the COA at 781-259-8811 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org. Please register at least two business days prior to lecture.

Justice Denied: A Personal Perspective
Monday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Margie Yamamoto tells a personal story of a Japanese American family, following them from immigration to imprisonment during World War II and as they rebuilt their lives during the post-War years. Illustrated with family and historic archival photographs.

Overcoming Poverty in Rural Honduras: Stay or Emigrate?
Monday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Learn what life is like in a small Honduras village. This slide presentation by photographer Mark Hopkins, tells how American volunteers have helped in this country. The challenges that lie ahead for these hardworking people will be explained.

Health Webinar: Taming Your Mind with Mindfulness Techniques

Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
When stress levels rise, our minds can become filled with worried, anxious thoughts. Mindful- ness, the practice of focusing on the present moment, can quiet your mind and help you feel calmer. Join Janet to learn breathing exercises and a five minute sitting meditation. Presented by Janet Fontana, RN and sponsored by Blue Cross/BlueShield. Click here to register.

The Connections Program

A new four-week session begins on Sunday, Dec. 13. The Connections Program provides a social connection and benefits the Lincoln-Sudbury student who receives community service. Learn more at www.connections01773.org. Please call the COA 781-259-8811 x102 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org if you’re interested in participating in this intergenerational program. After you sign up, complete this online survey Friday, Dec. 11 to be matched with an eager high school student. The weekly connections can be made by letter, email, phone, Facetime, or Zoom (the senior chooses the communication mode).

Podiatry clinic

The clinic will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Bemis Hall, following Board of Health protocols. All participants must preregister by calling 781-259-8811. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first served basis. Suggested $10 donation. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Pierce House.

Free salt buckets delivered

If you would like a free sand/salt bucket to help with slippery spots on your driveway or walkway, contact the COA by phone at 781-259-8811 to sign up, and the Girl Scouts will arrange to deliver one to you.

New medication drop box

The Lincoln Police Department has a new medication drop box in the public safety building lobby where residents can safely dispose of old medications, vitamins, ointments, and prescriptions for people and pets. Please do not put bags, needles, liquids, or loose pills in the box.

State of the Town updates to span three evenings

Lincoln’s annual State of the Town meeting will be split into three online meetings from 7­–9 p.m. on three consecutive days next week. Topics and dates will be as follows. Click here to register for any or all of the sessions.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Wednesday, Nov. 18

  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism
    • Background and links to the videos and slide decks of the three Board of Selectmen’s roundtables

Thursday, Nov. 19

News acorns

Drive-in choir worship service

All are welcome to St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m., when the church choir will offer a drive-in Evensong service. Evensong is a service primarily led by the choir, with the priest chanting pieces and the congregation singing hymns. Choir members will sing into microphones in their cars, and the congregation, sitting in their own cars, will tune in to an unused FM radio station and hear the singing in real time.

Kathryn and Bryce Denney of Marlborough figured out the equipment and procedures needed for Driveway Choirs, and they took it on the road for the first time at St. Anne’s in August. For more information, contact Music Director Jay (jay@stanneslincoln.org) or Communications Director Kristina DeFrancisco (kristina@stanneslincoln.org).

Free flu shot clinic for Lincolnites

The Town of Lincoln will offer a free drive-through flu shot clinic on Monday, Nov. 9 from noon–4 p.m. at the Lincoln North office park at 55 Old Bedford Rd. for Lincoln residents and school children ages 3 and up (the high-dose vaccine for seniors will not be offered at this clinic.) To participate:

  1. Review the available time slots and sign up (indicating the number of appointments needed for your car) by clicking here. Slots after 2 p.m. for school-age children and their families.
  2. Bring with you a completed Walgreens Patient Consent form and a health insurance card for each person to be vaccinated.
  3. Arrive at Lincoln North five minutes ahead of your appointment. After getting vaccinated, park your car and get a snack or just hang out for 15 minutes in the waiting area. 

Donate Thanksgiving staples to food pantry

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of Lincoln and Weston will be distributing all the trimmings for a turkey dinner, plus a grocery card to buy the turkey this year, to food pantry clients in Lincoln and Weston. Click below for more details and to sign up to participate. Click here to donate nonperishable Thanksgiving food and/or a grocery card.

Council on Aging activities in November

Here are some of the November activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

  • Line dancing with Katrina Rotondi — Wednesdays at 11 a.m. On November 4, the class will be held in person in the Pierce House tent. November 11 and 25 classes will take place via Zoom.
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield webinar — Friday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. for anyone transitioning into Medicare or who is already on Medicare and wants to understand the various types of Medicare plans. Topics include the timeline for enrolling, pros and cons of Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and an explanation of Medicare Part D. To register, call Amy at the COA at 781-259-8811 by Nov. 4.
  • SAIL fitness classes with Derry Tanner, retired nurse and certified personal trainer in SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), on Fridays starting November 6 from 10–10:45 a.m. To register, email Amy Gagne at gagnea@lincolntown.org. 
  • Chair yoga — Mondays starting November 9 from 10–10:45 a.m. To register, email Amy Gagne at gagnea@lincolntown.org. 

Learn media literacy for gender-based violence prevention

Rachel Matos

Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 3-4:30 p.m. for a Zoom program on “Unmasking Media.” The conversation will challenge participants to examine the messages they receive about consent, relationships, power dynamics, and violent behavior from movies, TV shows, music, and more. The workshop aims to identify harmful media while providing the skills to take action in practicing media literacy as a key piece of gender-based violence prevention. Facilitated by Rachel Matos, the outreach and prevention manager at Voices Against Violence. Click here to register in advance (required). For more information, please email infodvrt@gmail.com.

“Aging with Wisdom” retreat

Olivia Hoblitzelle

The First Parish in Lincoln will host “Aging With Wisdom,” a half-day online retreat on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.–noon. led by teacher, therapist and writer Olivia Hoblitzelle. Participants will explore the gifts, challenges, and emotions of aging through teachings, meditation, and small group sharing to discover the opportunities for growth and deepening wisdom in our elder years. Register by Monday, Nov. 9 at by emailing  sarah@fplincoln.org. There is no charge, but donations are welcome to support the costs of this event. Click here for details.

Get a Surprise Bag from the library

For everyone who’s missing out on browsing the shelves, the Lincoln Public Library is now offering “surprise bags.” Discover a new author or genre, or  try a totally different reading/watching experience. Each bag will contain a combination of fiction and nonfiction titles, a DVD, a music CD, and maybe a magazine. Topics include cooking, healthy lifestyles, history, armchair travel, guilty pleasures, and hodgepodge. Call the Reference Desk at 781-259-8465 x3 to a bag for contactless pickup.

Drumlin Farm’s Pomponi promoted

Renata Pomponi

Mass Audubon announced that Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi has been named Director of Mass Audubon Metro West as part of the organization’s pledge to become a more effective, efficient, and responsive organization. In this role, she will continue to oversee the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln as well as Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton, Habitat Education Center in Belmont, and Brewster’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord (not yet open for visitation).

Pomponi, a Sudbury resident, has become a well-known figure in the area since she was elevated to the Drumlin Farm director position in 2015, after having served for eight years in education and visitor-engagement roles at the popular wildlife sanctuary and working farm. Prior to joining Mass Audubon in 2007, she spent 12 years as a management consultant, specializing in strategic planning and business development in Fortune 500 organizations. She holds a PhD in technology management from MIT.

News acorns

Guidelines issued for trick-or-treating

Lincoln will continue the tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween night (Saturday, Oct. 31), but residents are being asked to follow state public health protocols to minimize the spread of Covid-19.

For children and families: 

  • Trick-or-treat in small groups
  • Maintain social distancing as per guidelines and do not crowd doorways
  • Wear masks (costume masks are not a substitute!)

For those passing out candy:

  • Consider “one-way” trick-or-treating — leave treats on trays (not bowls) on porches/front stairs
  • If you greet people at the door, wear a mask and social distance
  • Pre-wrapped treats ONLY – no homemade goodies or items wrapped at home
  • Indoor parties are discouraged and maximum gathering sizes must be maintained

Presentation on saving Lincoln’s twisting catalpa tree

Sean Halloran of Arnold Arboretum with a cutting from Lincoln’s twisted tree.

The Lincoln Garden Club is sponsoring a virtual talk by Sean Halloran, Arnold Arboretum’s plant propagator, on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. Sean has been instrumental in efforts by the Garden Club and the Lincoln Public Library to preserve Lincoln’s iconic twisting catalpa tree. As the tree is well beyond its expected life span, he is also working with a community group trying to produce a twisting clone of the tree for the library. He will be speaking about those efforts as well as the biology of twisting characteristics in trees. He will also discuss the latest research into tree planting. This topic relates to a proposed community effort to raise a twisted tree from the cloned seedlings. Click here to register for the meeting on Zoom; you’ll then receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

Middle-school book group forming

A new book share for children in seventh grade and above will met on the third Wednesday of each month starting on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. We’ll share what we’re reading, what we’re making, and how we’re changing the world. Please email sfeather@minlib.net to register or for more information.

Pandemic increases need for diaper donations

The annual Metro-Boston Diaper Drive has begun, and the need is greater than ever due to families affected by Covid-19. The diaper drive, which runs through October 25, is organized by Lincoln mothers Kerstin Sinkevicius and Kim Jalet. All diapers will be donated to the Somerville WIC office, which serves Lincoln as well as Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown, Belmont, Bedford, and Lexington. Donors can visit the diaper drive’s website at mbdiapers.org for links to Amazon and Target registries to send donations directly to the WIC office. They also have a Facebook page.

“In normal times, we have about 40 collection sites for diapers in the Metro-Boston area, and we are able to take opened packages of diapers,” Jalet said. “However, the drive has to be entirely virtual this year, so we worry that donations may be down even though need is higher than at any time since the drive started nine years ago.” WIC reports that, due to Covid-19, many income earners in families served by WIC have lost jobs but did not qualify for relief benefits, resulting in difficult decisions between food, diapers, and other needs, as diapers are not covered by WIC and SNAP benefits.

Cultural council invites grant applications

The Lincoln Cultural Council (LCC) is accepting grant proposals until November 15. Submit your request via this link. Based on community input, the LCC gives priority to projects that provide work for performing artists severely impacted by the pandemic, show an ability to successfully present a virtual experience or have secured a local venue, serve families and/or the elderly, or focus on local history, environmental issues, and the natural world. Questions? Please contact Meg Ramsey at meg.ramsey@verizon.net.

Three new Covid-19 cases in Lincoln

Town health officials reported three new Covid-19 cases in Lincoln during the week ending September 30. All three are members of the same household and are not at The Commons, which was an early hotspot but has not seen any new cases since May, public health nurse Tricia McGean said.

This is the largest number of cases in a week since August 5. In the seven weeks from then until the most recent count, there were only four new cases in town.

The new Covid-19 cases are separate from those reported more recently in two at Hanscom Middle School  (cases on Hanscom Air Force Base are recorded as being in Bedford, not Lincoln). As a result of the positive tests there, 23 students and six staff members are now working remotely during their period of quarantine, Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall said on Tuesday.

Council on Aging activities in October

Here are some of the October activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Medicare update
Friday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Now is your opportunity to make changes to the various types of Medicare coverage including hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2021. Don Milan, Lincoln counselor from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program, will review Medicare basics, then present the 2021 Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance plans available to supplement basic Medicare coverage as well as discuss changes for 2021. To register for this Zoom event, email gagnea@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-8811 ext. 102. Please note that a Medicare 101 session to go over basic Medicare in great detail will also be held in the near future.

Drive-through flu shot clinic
Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.–noon
Lincoln residents aged 65+ are invited to come to the high-dose flu clinic at the Lincoln North Office Park (55 Old Bedford Rd.). Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up. Forms are available on the COA website or by mail. Bring a photocopy of your insurance card to clinic. Services will be provided free of charge by Emerson Hospital Home Care. This clinic is a joint collaboration between the COA, Fire Department, and the Lincoln public health nurse.

Drive-through shredding event
Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 1–4 p.m.
Bring your items for shredding in your car to the First Parish Church parking lot across from Bemis Hall. We’ll place the items on a cart and Highland Shredding will shred these documents on site free of charge. No need to remove staples. Arrival times are staggered by the first letter of your last name:

  • A–G: arrive between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • H–R: arrive between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • S–Z: arrive between 3 and 4 p.m.

Participants must wear a mask and stay in their car. This event is sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA.

Outdoor podiatry clinic
Tuesday, Oct. 27 and November 24
All participants must preregister by calling 781-259-8811. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Suggested $10 donation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and Pierce House.

Estate planning 101
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
Elder Law Attorney Sasha Golden will share important information and encourage everyone to have important documents up to date. Email gagnea@lincolntown.org to register.

Living well: making every moment count
Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.
Educator Mary Crowe, LICSW, ACHP-SW, C.D.S. from Care Dimensions will share ways to make every moment count. To register, click here. You’ll receive a confirmation email after you register.

Lincoln among towns now at “moderate” risk for West Nile

Lincoln is one of eight towns in Middlesex County that have been elevated to a “moderate” risk level for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) after four new human cases of WNV were confirmed in the county.

Three of the four cases are male (one in his 40s, one in his 60s, and one in his 80s). All were exposed to WNV in Middlesex County.  This brings the total number of Massachusetts WNV cases to seven.

In addition to Lincoln, the Middlesex towns now at moderate risk are Concord, Lexington, Sudbury, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Winchester. The municipalities of Dighton, Fall River, and Swansea in Bristol County were also elevated to moderate risk after WNV was diagnosed in a female under the age of 19 with exposure in that county.

Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown were elevated to high risk for WNV as a result of information obtained during case investigations on where the four Middlesex County individuals were exposed to the virus. Most WNV virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over age 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, but when they occur, symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. Click here for updated case information.

The MDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

  • Apply insect repellent when outdoors — Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8-diol or PMD), or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours — The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitos. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.
  • Dress appropriately — Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin.
  • Drain standing water — Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, so limit the number of places around your home for mosquitos to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
  • Install or repair screens — Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools, especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitos near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos.

Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals, and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, by calling 617-626-1795 and the MDPH by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.