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Disgruntled commuter rail riders—including many from Lincoln—scored a reprieve when the MBTA announced it would not eliminate Lincoln stops beginning December 14 as previously announced.

Five state senators and six state representatives from communities affected by the schedules gave MBTA and state officials a stack of complaints from constituents about planned changes on four commuter rail lines, the Boston Globe reported last week. One of the changes was eliminating the 5:30 p.m. train from North Station that stops in Lincoln, as well as the 7:50 a.m. inbound stop.

Among the complaints were letters from Lincoln residents and a petition circulated by Lincolnite Ruth Rothstein that garnered more than 200 signatures.

In the meetings with state officials, “I explained that these schedule changes will create tremendous hardship for my constituents,” state Sen. Michael Barrett said in a statement last week. “I’m pleased to report that we’ve scored a victory, if not forever, then for now. The T will delay cuts in train stops in Concord and Lincoln until May of 2016. It has committed to reconsidering its prior schedule changes and will be entertaining ‘robust public engagement’ before making any new scheduling decisions.

“A new proposed schedule is expected next month, following which there will be the kind of opportunity to comment that was lacking this time around. As their revised plan moves forward, I’ll be sure to let you know of new developments. Let’s keep pushing on this,” Barrett added.

 

The Lincoln Squirrel proudly announces some new features:

1. You can now easily email Squirrel stories to a friend or family members. Just click on the link that says “Forward this story to a friend” that now appears at the bottom left of every post. No more cutting and pasting URLs into emails!
2. We  now have an automated Facebook and Twitter feed, so each new Lincoln Squirrel post will show up right away on your Facebook (www.facebook.com/LincolnSquirrel/) and Twitter (twitter.com/Squirrel01773) timelines.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we’re in full-on holiday season and its attendant angst about what to get for your loved ones. Do some online shopping at the Lincoln Squirrel store! Perhaps a thermos or mouse pad with the Squirrel logo—or better yet, a flask to help you get through those long Town Meetings? The selection also includes water bottles, tote bags, T-shirts, hoodies, onesies for the littlest Squirrel fans, and evening apparel such as pajamas, boxer shorts and even thongs. It’s a gift they’ll never forget!

It’s also that time of year for squirrels to store up acorns for the winter (and “winter” can also be taken to mean “college for young squirrels”) 🙂 So if you think the Squirrel provides a valuable service, please make a donation via check, credit card or PayPal account.

Happy holidays!

Lincoln residents who are unhappy with the planned elimination of rush-hour train stops in Lincoln are circulating an online petition to try to avert the schedule change.

[Read more…] about Petition aims to sway MBTA over commuter rail schedule

By Alice Waugh

A number of Lincoln residents have lodged complaints about MBTA’s plan to about eliminate rush-hour express commuter rail stops in Lincoln starting next month, but MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo says the new schedule will go into effect as planned.

[Read more…] about Residents unhappy with new commuter rail schedule

 

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Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

In the November 11, 2015 Lincoln Squirrel story about the possibility of putting a solar array at the landfill, Green Energy Technology Committee members John Snell and Paul O’Neil were not properly identified The story has been corrected to include their full names.

Lincoln Cultural Council wants your input

The Lincoln Cultural Council is hoping to get your feedback. Please click on this link to take a short survey that will give us valuable information about our programming and what you’d like to see us support.

One-time produce pickup offered at Lindentree Farm

Lindentree Farm CSA (one of the Lincoln farmers’ market vegetable producers) invites residents to a one-time pickup on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 12:30-6 p.m. Each share priced at $55 to $60 will include squashes, onions, carrots, garlic, purple-top turnips or celeriac, kohlrabi or fennel, radish or radicchio, kale, a choice of greens choice, spinach and cilantro. Everything is certified organic and biologically supported. For more information and registration, email lindentreecsa@gmail.com or call 781-259-1259.

Night hike at Farrington on Nov. 25

Come on a Full Moon Night Hike at Farrington Nature Linc on Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Start your Thanksgiving celebrations with activities to improve your night vision and a moon-lit night hike. Start your Thanksgiving celebrations with activities to improve your night vision and a moonlit night hike. Bring a flashlight, or borrow one of theirs. Suggested donation of $5 per person. Registration is required; call or email Farrington Program Director Brianne at Brianne@NatureLinc.org or 978-764-9186.

Voter registration deadline

Wednesday, Nov. 4 is the deadline for new voters to register if they wish to participate in the November 14 Special Town Meeting. The Town Clerk’s office will be open until 8 p.m. on Nov. 4 to accommodate registrants.

PTO hosts talk on executive function

Sarah Ward of Cognitive Connections in Concord will give a presentation on executive function skills and strategies on Monday, Nov. 2 from 7-9 p.m. in the Brooks auditorium. Come learn how to help your child create a homework space, organize personal and school materials, record assignments, manage time and tasks, and complete long-term projects. Ward will offer ready-to-use strategies to help children develop independent executive function skills to use at home and in the classroom setting. The event is sponsored by the Lincoln PTO.

DeCordova offers workshops and cocktail party

Develop a partnership between drawing and intuition during this series of experimental workshops that foster creativity and community through mark-making and human connections in a monthly workshop led by Providence artist Julia Gualtieri. The first session is on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6:30-9 p.m. Each session’s topic will encourage participants to openly explore a variety of conventional, unconventional, natural, and found materials. This program is presented in connection with the Drawing Redefined exhibition. Registration required for one or all five sessions, which feature new topics, methods, and materials each month. No drawing experience necessary. For ages 18 and older. For members, the cost is $40 per session ($175 for series); for non-members, $50 per session ($200 for series).

On Thursday, Nov. 5, enjoy lively conversation with friends over a selection of artfully prepared cocktails by Café ArtScience bar director Todd Maul, each inspired by work on view in Drawing Redefined. Must be 21 or older. Online registration required ($20 for members, $30 for non-members).

Deputy town clerk awarded CMC designation

Deputy Town Clerk Valerie Fox has been awarded the distinguished Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The IIMC, founded in 1947, has 10,300 members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries. Fox achieved this distinction after completing three successive annual training programs sponsored by the New England Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy (NEMCIA) at Plymouth State University. The NEMCIA program includes a rigorous educational component, a professional and social contribution component, and a commitment to lifelong learning.