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Letter to the editor on Minuteman revised agreement

letter

To the editor:

Minuteman High School, which provides career and technical education to Lincoln students, has proposed a revised regional agreement as a warrant article for the March 29 town meeting at the Brooks Auditorium. For this new regional agreement to come into effect, it must be approved by a majority at the town meetings of every member town. It is important that stakeholders such as yourselves be aware and informed about the new Agreement so that you and your community can make informed decisions about it. To that end, informational material about the new agreement can be found here along with a seven-minute video explaining the agreement.

Minuteman is a vital resource to the community. Providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum that prepares students for both college and careers is only the first part of our role in Lincoln. We provide education for post-graduate students who seek additional training in order to achieve career readiness. We offer community education programs that enrich the lives of the young and old with new learning opportunities. Our students are involved in community projects across our district. Our restaurant and other service-oriented shops welcome visitors for excellent and affordable service.

In order to continue offering this excellent education and these other services, Minuteman must adapt. One way that we are attempting to achieve this change is by amending the current regional agreement, which will allow the district to move on from a regional agreement that no longer serves the best interests of our students. In brief, the revised agreement makes the following changes:

  • Annual assessments based on a four-year rolling average.
  • Capital cost allocation formula incorporates ability to pay along with a four-year rolling average of enrollment.
  • Minuteman School Committee voting will be weighted, with 50 percent of a member’s vote based on a four-year rolling average.
  • Minuteman School Committee can negotiate a transition period with potential new member communities.
  • Members may withdraw unless disapproved by a majority of remaining member town meetings.
  • Contributions to capital costs by non-members are applied to reduce capital assessments to members.
  • Authorization for new debt must first be pursued through the unanimous approval of member town meetings before proceeding to a district-wide election.
  • Amendments to the regional agreement may be initiated by a 3/4 vote of the School Committee.

These changes are the result of years of work by the administration of Minuteman High School, the Minuteman School Committee, subcommittees and task forces made up of local stakeholders, and local government representatives. The revised agreement reflects the input of every member community and represents a hard-earned compromise between these communities.

The article will be heard at Lincoln Town Meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 29 at the Brooks Auditorium. Please take some time to review the linked materials or watch the video and express your opinion at town meeting this Saturday.

Sincerely,

Edward Bouquillon, Minuteman High School Superintendent-Director
10 Mill St., Lincoln

Brendan Dutch, Minuteman High School Communications Coordinator
Plymouth, Mass.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published. Letters may be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Correction

correction-smThe headline for a letter to the editor from Gary Davis misidentified the author of the letter. The original post has been corrected.

News acorns (and a correction)

lightbulbGet a free home energy audit and benefit L-S

Schedule a free home energy audit to benefit Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and the environment and potentially save thousands in home energy costs. This is free for homeowners or renters (in fact, there are free energy saving gifts worth $30-$80!). Sign up by March 31 and L-S will get $10-$50 per audit toward environmentally friendly water bottle refilling stations. Higher amounts are available for school for solar and cooling audits. For more more information or to schedule an audit anytime through June, visit the Next Step Living website. If you have questions, call Eleanor Burke, housemaster and Environmental Club advisor, at 978-443-9961 x2453.

Games Days at the library

The Lincoln Public Library will host two Games Days next month. On Sunday, April 6 from 3-5 p.m., visitors can play Mystery at Hogwarts and Saboteur. Hogwarts melded with the game of Clue yields Mystery at Hogwarts. In Saboteur, you can be a Gringots goblin excavating for treasure. Game Day on Sunday, April 27 from 3-5 p.m. will feature Dragon’s Gold and Fist of Dragon Stones. Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne will also be available to play on both days.

Benefit auction for Magic Garden on April 11

The Magic Garden Children’s Center will offer mailboxes hand-painted by each preschool class at its annual benefit auction on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Along with the unique child-crafted items, the live and silent auctions will include items for all tastes and budgets: vacation stays, sports tickets, birthday parties, antique furniture and a behind-the-scenes tour with the Lincoln Police. While the auction is open to all and generates significant support for Magic Garden, the evening itself is a festive and fun gathering for the community, including the hundreds of families whose children attended Magic Garden over the past 31 years. Tickets are $60 in advance (purchased by March 28) or $75 at the door. Guests can register online for “A Magical Evening for Magic Garden” or send a check to Magic Garden, P.O. Box 34, Lincoln, MA 01773.

Open mike night on April 14

Heather Pierson will be the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, April 14 from 7-10 p.m. in Bemis Hall (temporarily relocated from the Lincoln Public Library).

Pierson is a pianist, multi-genre singer/songwriter and performer and winner of the 2012 New England Songwriting Contest. From poignant folk narratives to New Orleans jazz to Delta-style blues to soul-stirring instrumentals, Heather’s memorable, intimate live performances move seamlessly between styles. Her catalog of seven CDs reflects singular creativity. Her latest CD, The Hard Work of Living, delves into the Americana/folk genre.

The modern folk duo Friction Farm consisting of Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay will also perform a mini-set. On tour from North Carolina, the duo’s moving songs and rich harmonies make a lasting impression. They were named as Kerrville New Folk Finalists and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists in 2011. Friction Farm has released four CDs, the latest being I Read Your Book.

Rounding out the 2013-13 LOMA season will be Tom Hanlon and Leslie Bryant on May 12 and the Creek River String Band on June 9.

LOMA is a monthly event. Perform or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day for a slot. Names of those who are signed up by 7:15 will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Brad Meyer and Brent Clark ably handle the sound. We expect everyone will have a chance to perform, but in case of overflow, the first 20 performers to sign up will be given priority.

Correction

In a letter to the editor published on March 23, the street address of Margaret Olson was listed incorrectly. It should have said 17 Boyce Farm Road.

Letter to the editor: Gary Davis supports Braun

letterEditor’s note: The headline on this letter was corrected on March 25.

To the editor:

I have attended the forums, spoken with the candidates and other voters, and facilitated a policy discussion between Selectman candidates about Hanscom AFB and Hanscom Civil Airfield with some of us who are Hanscom abutters. Based on those conversations, I was able to come to a conclusion about my personal choice in the race for Board of Selectmen.

While I admire Mr. Cannistraro’s general observations that focus on citizen empathy and strategic planning, Mr. Braun illustrated a depth of knowledge, understanding and experience that he brings to both aspects of Hanscom issues. I now find that I agree with those who have previously submitted letters in support of Peter Braun for reelection to the Board of Selectmen.

Particularly, as an abutter of Hanscom Civil Airfield and Hanscom AFB, it is important to me that our town leadership completely understand the history of positions and policies taken over time by the wide range of public and private entities who play roles in this continuing drama. They must be able to provide enlightened continuity.

Mr. Braun also understands that building relationships and working together with neighboring HATS [Hanscom Area Town Selectmen] communities is our best means of achieving our mutual goals. In this, he has participated regularly in Hanscom related committees and boards almost always out of the spotlight.

Community support is one of the primary criteria used by the Air Force to make decisions relative to base evaluation. HATS, through Mr. Braun, provided that support in his participation with the Hanscom tour and mission briefing with General Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff last November and more recently with new Congresswoman Katherine Clark.

The Lincoln Conservation Commission is currently reviewing a proposed expansion of facilities at Hanscom Civil Airfield which is operated by Massport. Mr. Braun understands that the town has a limited responsibility in this particular review to conservation issues. However, he clearly understands the debate that has been raging for several years over long-term protection of surrounding historic and environmental assets, air and noise pollution, and the incremental growth this current expansion represents.

Based on his valuable knowledge, experience and understanding of town and Hanscom issues, I encourage Lincoln citizens to vote for Peter Braun on March 31.

Sincerely,

Gary Davis
20R Indian Camp Lane, Battle Road Farm

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published. Letters may be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Deadline for Town Meeting/election letters to the editor

letterThe deadline for submitting letters to the editor that discuss warrant articles for the March 29 Town Meeting or candidates running in the town election on March 31 is Wednesday, March 26 at 8 p.m. No letters on these topics will be published after Thursday, March 27. Letters to the editor on other topics may still be submitted whenever you like and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Lincoln Gearticks earn top award at state competition

The Lincoln Gearticks earned the top award at the state championship at Bridgewater State University on March 8. Front row, left to right: Evan Glenn, Caleb Sander, Irene Terpstra, Calvin Terpstra, Dante Muzila, Claire Telfer and Catherine Appleby. Back row, left to right: Thom Quirk, Andrew Lee, Amelia Brown, Jack Hutchinson, Austin Brown, Logan Engstrom Abby Payne. Photo by Victor Terpstra

The Lincoln Gearticks earned the top award at the state championship at Bridgewater State University on March 8. Front row, left to right: Evan Glenn, Caleb Sander, Irene Terpstra, Calvin Terpstra, Dante Muzila, Claire Telfer and Catherine Appleby. Back row, left to right: Thom Quirk, Andrew Lee, Amelia Brown, Jack Hutchinson, Austin Brown, Logan Engstrom Abby Payne. Photo by Victor Terpstra

By Caleb Sander, Claire Telfer, Abby Payne and Irene Terpstra
Lincoln Gearticks team members

The Lincoln Gearticks robotics team of 14 middle and high school students from Lincoln and Westwood took the top award at the Massachusetts FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Championships on March 8 and will be heading to the Eastern Super-Regional in Pennsylvania next month along with five other teams from Massachusetts.

[Read more…] about Lincoln Gearticks earn top award at state competition

News acorns

Henry David Thoreau (WIkimedia Commons photo)

Henry David Thoreau (Wikimedia Commons photo)

Hear Thoreau’s perspective on self and community

The Lincoln Public Library and Healthy Communities invite you to “Thoreau’s Perspective” on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Jeff Cramer, curator of the Thoreau Institute, will offer Henry David Thoreau’s perspectives about self and community reliance and how they improve self and community resilience. He’ll also tell us what he thinks Thoreau would say today about improving our responses to human and natural disasters.

Badminton class has openings

The evening badminton class at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School still has space available for adults of all ages and skill levels. Come find out why badminton is the most popular racquet sport in the world.  The class meets Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. in L-S Gym 1. Bring your racket; birdies are provided. The class started on March 5 and runs for 10 weeks. The full fee was $120 but will be prorated for those who join now.

Town meeting notice

The Town of Lincoln Annual Town Meeting will take place Saturday, March 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Brooks School auditorium on Ballfield Road in Lincoln, Mass. As an open town meeting, all Lincoln citizens are encouraged to attend and participate. Lincoln residents should receive their Town Meeting packets, including the Town Report and the Financial Section and Warrant, on or about March 19. Lunch will be available for $10. For more information, visit the Town Meeting website.

Scholarships available for Lincoln high school seniors

The Lincoln Scholarship Committee is accepting applications for the Sumner Smith Community Service Award, Fannie Campbell Academic Award, need-based scholarships, the Ogden Codman Scholarship (four years) and the Codman Opportunity Scholarship (four years). The Committee is also accepting nominations for the Rosemary Fichera Kennedy Nadolski Award. High school seniors who are Lincoln residents are eligible to apply or to be nominated. Peers, teachers, neighbors and employers are all welcome to nominate students for the Nadolski Award. The Scholarship Committee is able to fund these awards thanks to the generosity of the residents of Lincoln and the Ogden Codman Trust.

Application information and instructions can be found on this page of the Town of Lincoln website. The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 17 at 3 p.m., either by mail to the address listed on the application forms or hand-delivered to the office of the Superintendent Principal at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. For more information, please contact Nancy Marshall at 781-259-9471 or nfmarshall23@gmail.com.

Spring wellness clinics for all ages

Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse through a free town service. Come to get your blood pressure and/or Body Mass Index checked, ask questions, or learn about wellness resources. Clinics will be held at the Community Building at Lincoln Woods at 50 Wells Road from 10 a.m. to noon on three Fridays: April 11, May 2, and June 13. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Letter to the editor: Henry Francis on “irresponsible” Jet Aviation plan

letterTo the editor:

I attended the February 19 and March 12 public hearings on Jet Aviation’s proposal to expand its Hanscom hanger facilities, which were sponsored by the Lincoln Conservation Commission. These were working business meetings of the commission to which the public were invited.

The commission is concerned with the issue of proposed Jet Aviation construction encroaching on a few acres of Lincoln wetlands. It appears that Jet Aviation will successfully conform to the commission’s requirements, and will therefore be permitted to proceed with their project. However, this is not the issue of importance to most citizens. We the people feel strongly that increasing Hanscom’s total hangar area, in order to house and service more of the dirtiest type of aircraft (as measured by amount of fuel burned and carbon emitted per passenger-mile), is totally irresponsible by any conceivable standard.

There is a striking dichotomy here between the will of the people and the presumed approval of this project, and I am deeply disappointed that the commission  members all were excessively deferential and accommodating to the Jet Aviation representatives and their proposal, in spite of the totally obvious fact that the many citizens in attendance unanimously and angrily oppose the project—there was not one comment from the invited public in support of Jet Aviation.

At what level of environmental pollution (both chemical and acoustic) do we draw the line? The line should be drawn right now—Jet Aviation should not be permitted to expand their Hanscom facilities to accommodate more jets, and we, the people, expect the (our?) Lincoln Conservation Commission to recognize and support this position. This project, and indeed the entire Hanscom expansion juggernaut, should be axed as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Henry Francis
Sunnyside Lane

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published. Letters may be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.