The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

My Turn

My Turn: A thank-you to Lincoln Cultural Council

By Robin Stuart

This is a letter to express appreciation to the Lincoln Cultural Council (LCC) for funding two Mass Audubon programs at the Lincoln Public Library this past fall. The LCC’s strong support of community events, as well as individual artists’ endeavors, helps build a stronger and more welcoming Lincoln.

Both library events focused on native birds, with one being specifically for families and the other intended for adults. We’re pleased to share that each event was followed by a bird walk in nature. Participants were able to test their observation skills with live birds, study bird adaptations, and discuss why birds look and act the way they do.

Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm is proud to be part of Lincoln and the wider community. We welcome residents to visit our farm, walk our fields and trails, see how a sustainable farm operates, and visit with our many animals. Our commitment to environmental and nature-based education would not be possible without the support of local foundations and organizations, and we are proud to consider the LCC both a partner and collaborator.

With great appreciation,

Robin Stuart
Senior Regional Education Manager, Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

My Turn: New group focuses on soil as part of climate emergency response

By Robin Breen Dobrusin

I’m happy to introduce Lincoln Common Ground, a subgroup of Mothers Out Front Lincoln. We seek to educate, connect, promote and advocate for realistic solutions to create a livable future for people. We focus on returning the excess carbon above our heads to its original home in the ground beneath our feet through natural processes as a tool to mitigate the worst effects of global heating, also known as climate change. Visit lincolncommonground.com to learn more.

Like many of us, the looming climate disaster is on my mind, and I think about the world we and our future generations will experience. I admit I have spent too much of my time doom scrolling through the onslaught of information about the dangers we are currently facing, and the expanded ones we will face. Doom-scrolling is not productive for the cause or my mental health, and that’s why I am happy to say I’m inspired by the ambitious work Lincoln Common Ground is doing to build an inclusive, intersectional platform to invite us all to make positive change

Why soil?

Why does Lincoln Common Ground focus on soil as a solution to the climate emergency? The emissions humans create through burning fossil fuels and other processes generally take carbon from where it previously was safely locked in the ground and pumps it into the atmosphere. The additional carbon in the atmosphere traps heat from the sun and contributes to the greenhouse effect that heats the Earth’s surface. This effect is further exacerbated by deforestation and the general move to replace the native plants and trees in many areas with invasive plants or no plants at all.

We must stop emitting carbon, and we must deal with the legacy load of excess carbon in our atmosphere that is contributing to the greenhouse effect we are all experiencing. Lush native forests and meadows can help to draw down the carbon in our atmosphere and return it to the ground we stand on. 

Personally, I’ve drawn great inspiration to “kill” my traditional lawn that requires so much water and maintenance and turn it into a beautiful and edible landscape for both me and the creatures we depend on. The native plants I am using to replace my imported grass will help to sequester carbon in their vast root systems in the soil. I’m proud to focus my attention and energy with this fabulous group of scientists, farmers, gardeners, and parents on real and accessible solutions for all to take part in to create a more livable future.

Join us

We are proud to have over 20 members so far! If you are curious about topics like composting, drought resistant yards, eco gardening, supporting pollinators, and learning actions you can take toward keeping Earth habitable, then we invite you to review and subscribe to the free resources on our website and join us in our mission. Email Emily Haslett at emhaslett@gmail.com or visit lincolncommonground.com/contact for more information.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Lehrhoff throws hat in ring for LPS School Committee

By Jake Lehrhoff

Dear Lincoln neighbors,

I am writing to announce my candidacy for one of the two positions on the Lincoln School Committee for K-8, and ask for your support.

My family moved to Lincoln in 2020, but the move was a return for my wife, Philana, who grew up in town. We were drawn back to Lincoln for its wonderful schools, its strong community, and its wooded tranquility. Our five-year-old son is excited to go to the “big kids school” in the fall, though our six-month-old has a ways to go before he can enjoy Lincoln’s excellent new school facilities.

My passion for schools stems from my experience as an educator. I spent six years as the middle school English/language arts teacher at the Gifford School in Weston, including three years as the English department chair. In my role, I observed first-hand the transformative effect a school can have on a child. While my career has taken me in new directions, I hold onto the learnings from this phase: that empathy and honest communication unlocks collaboration, that collaboration is the key to real progress, and in all things, be curious.

Those learnings still serve me in my current role leading the data science and research organization that develops personalized listening experiences at Spotify. Every day, I work to drive decision-making by gathering data and generating insights, understanding the motivations of the company’s leaders and my peers, and influencing through clear communication to create a better product for listeners.

If elected, I will use these same skills to impartially represent the needs and interests of the students, staff, and town when making decisions. In making those decisions, I will create space for the voices and needs of those not in the room, ensuring our schools are not just inclusive and equitable, but a place where everyone belongs. I believe it is by listening and through empathy that we can make decisions that will benefit every child our schools serve.

Thank you for giving me the space to introduce myself. I look forward to meeting you and learning what is important to you about our schools, and I hope I can earn your support in the town election on March 27th, 2023.

Sincerely,

Jake Lehrhoff
11 Linway Road

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Matina Madrick running for School Committee

By Matina Madrick

My name is Matina Madrick and I am excited to announce my candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Lincoln School Committee (K-8).

My family and I moved to Lincoln in 2020 with our three children. At the height of the pandemic, in the fall of 2020, our daughter entered L-S and our two sons entered the Lincoln School – one in middle school and the younger in elementary. We felt incredibly lucky to be in a community where our elementary and middle school children were able to attend school every day during the 2020-21 school year.

We were attracted to Lincoln because of its beauty and small-town feel while still being so close to my husband’s job and all that Boston has to offer. Now that we have settled in Lincoln, we feel fortunate to be in a community that places such a high value on public education.

In each school that our children have attended, I have sought ways to be involved. I have served as a room parent and a classroom assistant, and I have volunteered for special events. Here in Lincoln, I am currently serving as the PTO Enrichment Rep for the third grade. Last school year, I also had the opportunity to volunteer on the eighth-grade graduation committee, which was a lot of fun.

The education of our children is one of our highest priorities as parents, but I also have a deep interest and love for education policy that began before starting a family. I hold a master’s degree in public policy and economics, and following completion of my degree, I became the sole education analyst in the Independent Budget Office of New York City. In this role, I was exposed to all levels of school finance issues as well as other policy issues such as class size. While raising my family, I have worked part-time for several education consulting firms working with schools and districts across the country.

I would love the opportunity to serve the Lincoln community by becoming a School Committee member. The work of the School Committee is both fascinating and important and I can think of no better way for me to contribute to the local community. I welcome any opportunity to connect with Lincolnites before the election and I hope you will consider voting for me on March 27.

Matina Madrick
67 Conant Rd.
mmadrick@gmail.com

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Domnitz also running for re-election to Planning Board

By Robert Domnitz

This is an exciting time to be on the Planning Board. After years of study and debate — and seismic shifts in our economic and cultural landscape — the board and other major town boards and committees have made progress towards a common vision for the village center area in South Lincoln. The vision is reinforced by the results of a town-wide survey in 2021 in which 800 respondents expressed a strong preference for enhancing the commercial viability of the area while also preserving the rural character that makes Lincoln so unique.

Ideas on the table include: modest development of multifamily housing in the mall area, rezoning for mixed commercial/residential development on Lewis Street, and increasing opportunities for accessory apartments in existing homes. In response to strong neighborhood input, the Ridge Road area is slated to remain residential with no change to its zoning. 

Lincoln has done an admirable job balancing and preserving its unique rural character with a modestly expanding population. Most residents would be surprised to learn that 30% of Lincoln’s housing stock is multifamily. That’s good planning! 

I treasure the beauty of Lincoln’s lands and our progressive culture, and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Planning Board as our community evolves. There will be much more to discuss as we get closer to the election at the end of March.

Bob Domnitz
Mill Street, Lincoln

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: DeLisi announces reelection bid

By Lynn DeLisi

I am announcing my bid for re-election to the Planning Board for the Town of Lincoln because we are facing important key issues that require a commitment to collaborative, responsible, and sensible planning. These issues could have an effect on Lincoln for many years to come.

During my years serving on the Planning Board I have learned a tremendous amount about how towns function and plan for the future. There have been several controversial issues that have come before our board, from renovations of an historic church, to new schools, a mental health residential facility, a new rental development, and the exclusion of marijuana establishments from our town. In each case I have listened carefully to abutters and people most affected and heard the views on all sides, researching the issues and possibilities, and most of all, voting responsibly to preserve the bylaw of our town and its unique environment. If re-elected, I will continue to dedicate the next three years to serve you in this way.

I would very much like to hear your views about current topics now being discussed, such as: how or if we can comply with the Housing Choice Act without losing the desirable rural character of Lincoln, and how we can come up with a sensible community center plan that serves our residents well without raising taxes, or any other I have not mentioned.

I can best be reached by personal email (delisi76@aol.com0 and I look forward to hearing from you.

Lynn DeLisi
South Great Road

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Sarah Cannon Holden runs for another term

By Sarah Cannon Holden

I wish to announce my bid for re-election as Lincoln’s Town Moderator. I have served in this role since 2010 and look forward to a fifth three-year term.

In my role, I have presided over Town Meetings covering a variety of issues with the goal of encouraging and managing an open and respectful debate among the town’s voters. I know that this goal remains steadfast in my mind even if we may veer off course now and then. I enjoy the challenges that pop up quite unexpectedly and which require on-the-spot rulings. I welcome moments of candor and humor as well as the caring and serious deliberations between town boards and voters. It is my responsibility to appoint members to the Finance and Capital Planning Committees, the Personnel Board, and the Scholarship Fund Committee.

My professional training as a mediator/arbitrator often comes in handy, and over the years I have learned many of the finer details of the legislative process. Our democratic process is a brilliant idea which requires a level of trust, respect, and participation to be effective. In Lincoln I have witnessed the finest expression of democracy among our citizens. It has been my privilege and fortuitous opportunity to serve as Lincoln’s Town Moderator for 12 years. Last fall I was elected to serve a three-year term on the governing board of the Massachusetts Moderators Association.

I always welcome newcomers to town and to Town Meeting. They can bring new suggestions and perspectives — and I am ever hopeful that they will step forth to serve on a board or committee. I look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting on Saturday, March 25 and I ask for your vote on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Sarah Cannon Holden
Weston Road

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: School Committee member Adam Hogue seeks reelection

By Adam Hogue

I write to you today to announce that I am seeking re-election for another term on the Lincoln School Committee. It has been a pleasure to serve this great town for the last five years in this capacity and I hope to continue my work on the School Committee for another term.

The last few years have been challenging for our kids and for our town; however, the School Committee has navigated these challenges with a focus on what is best for our kids. I am proud to say that I fought to keep our schools open for full in-person learning when almost every neighboring district shifted to hybrid or remote learning only. I have been, and continue to be, an advocate for a data-focused approach to our academic standards to ensure that our children have the skills and knowledge for tomorrow. I have focused on budgets that reflect our values while also being prudent with our tax dollars.

Over the last few years, I have had conversations with many of you in town about our schools and I continue to be open, transparent, and accessible. I respectfully ask for your support and vote on March 27th.

Adam M. Hogue
978-828-6184

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Tara Mitchell stepping down from School Committee

By Tara Mitchell

After serving on the LPS School Committee for the past six years, I have made the decision not seek a third term. It has been an honor to serve and I am grateful for all I have learned about public school administration and the needs of students and teachers, and I continue to be impressed with the dedication of the school’s faculty, staff, and administration. During my tenure on the School Committee, we have set aspirational strategic goals, funded professional development to work towards more collaborative teaching practices, deeper learning, and AIDE [access, inclusion, diversity, and equity], constructed new learning spaces at Hanscom and Lincoln, updated policies, and navigated a global pandemic.

I believe the district has laid a strong foundation for future success and it is ready to start the next chapter. Newly elected committee members will have the opportunity to welcome a new superintendent, determine the next steps in becoming an antiracist district, and work to ensure the vision for our state-of-the-art schools comes to fruition as faculty strive to provide engaging learning experiences for all.

As with all town boards, each person contributes so much of themselves and their expertise and it is the variety of perspectives that brings a balance to the committee and fosters healthy growth and decision making. I encourage those interested in the future of our schools to get involved in some way. We have an amazing town and a strong school system, and it is up to us to keep it thriving. While it can be a lot of work, you will learn so much about our schools, grow relationships with dedicated people, and have an opportunity to shape the future of education in our town. I am proud of the work that has been done and am excited for what is to come.

Tara Mitchell
67 Sandy Pond Rd.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.

My Turn: Praise for “quality of civic life”

By Steve Kropper

I’ve lived in Lincoln for three years, and after “recovering” from ten years as committee chair, member and elected Town Meeting member in Lexington, I was ready to tackle the exigencies of public service in
Lincoln. After 30 years as a proprietor at Cambridge’s Mt. Auburn Cemetery, serving on Lincoln’s Cemetery Commission seemed like a good entry position for me. Of course the power, visibility, and fat pension were the real draw to that position 🙂 I called incumbent Cemetery Commissioner Manley Boyce to ask about his plans. He described his desire to be reelected and to lay groundwork for cemetery expansion.  Seeing this competent incumbent intended to continue serving, I decided not to run.

I report this only because I see and respect the quality of civic life in Lincoln, and in observing discourse in the town, I got a sense of how well we behave with each other.

Steve Kropper
60 Weston Rd.
kropper@skunkworksfund.com

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. 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.