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

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Police log for April 5–13, 2022

April 5

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (8:03 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported that Jesse Yuknis, 46, of Woburn was at Gate 1 attempting to get on the base and had an arrest warrant for traffic offenses. An officer responded and took him into custody. He was booked and later brought to Concord District Court.

Todd Pond Road (5:35 p.m.) — A party came to the station and reported that someone called and attempted to defraud them. The reporting party did not send them any money.

Lincoln Woods Road (5:38 p.m.) — Party called reporting their dog was missing. Information was recorded in case the dog is seen.

Weston Road (9:51 p.m.) — Caller reported a large vehicle was parked on the roadway between the Pierce House and Silver Hill Road. An officer checked and the parties were on their way.

April 6

Wells Road (4:47 p.m.) — A party who was waiting to be picked up in West Concord couldn’t get in touch with their ride. An officer delivered the message to the resident.

April 7

Old Concord Road (10:59 a.m.) — A party called to report multiple construction vehicles parked on the roadway. Officer checked and found no hazard.

Lincoln Road (5:20 p.m.) — Officer tried to contact a resident regarding court paperwork. The party no longer lives in town.

Old Concord Road (8:12 p.m.) — Party reporting wires arcing outside their house. The Fire Department responded and Eversource was notified.

April 8

T&F Auto, Concord Road (1:34 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle in the lot with their lights on. It appeared to be neglect; no one was around the vehicle.

Minebrook Road (1:28 p.m.) — Caller reported an odd smell inside the home. Fire Department responded and found that a cleaning solution caused the odor.

Cherry Brook Road, Weston (7:37 p.m.) — Officers assisted Weston police with a large gathering at a residence.

April 9

Transfer station (10:27 a.m.) — Caller reported they locked their vehicle at the transfer station with a child inside. An officer and the Fire Department responded to assist.

Boyce Farm Road (12:25 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence to assist with a civil matter. They spoke to both involved parties and informed them of their legal rights.

Police station (5:12 p.m.) — Resident called to report they twisted their knee getting off the train that day. No medical attention needed; just wanted it documented.

Visitor Center, North Great Road (9:23 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the parking lot. They were sent on their way.

Sandy Pond Road (9:54 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled to the side of the roadway. The party was lost and the officer assisted them.

April 10

Old Sudbury Road (12:44 a.m.) — Party reported hitting a small animal. Officer responded and moved the animal to the side of the roadway. DPW notified.

Hartwell Lot, North Great Road (1:07 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party in the parking lot. The driver had pulled over to rest.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:36 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle and after an investigation, Jacob Kline, 23, of Acton was arrested for OUI–liquor, marked lane violation, and speeding. He was later bailed to appear in Concord District Court.

Cherry Brook Road, Weston (10:45 a.m.) — Weston Fire Department requested an ambulance for a medical emergency. Lincoln Fire Department transported the party to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Wells Road (4:24 p.m.) — Resident reported that they believed someone may have taken their property. An officer responded and took a report.

Bedford Road (4:34 p.m.) — Officers and Fire Department responded to a car-vs.-bicycle crash at the intersection with Route 2A. One party was transported to Lahey Clinic.

Sandy Pond Road (9:24 p.m.) — A resident called regarding a civil matter involving a landscaper. An officer responded and assisted the resident.

April 11

Old County Road (7:38 a.m.) — A party called reporting they had struck the guardrail after avoiding hitting an animal. No injuries; vehicle was towed from the scene.

Conant Road (9:17 a.m.) — Party called reporting fraudulent activity on their credit card. Officer took a report; investigation ongoing.

Old Sudbury Road (3:25 p.m.) — Near-miss of car by train at railroad crossing (click here for details).

Old County Road (5:40 p.m.) — One-vehicle crash into a telephone pole. Officers responded and notified Verizon to repair the pole. No injuries; vehicle was towed from the scene.

South Great Road (6:51 p.m.) — Caller reported the railroad gates were stuck down. MBTA notified; an officer responded and found MBTA personnel already on scene.

Emerson Hospital, Concord (8:11 p.m.) — Concord police requested an officer to assist with a disturbance at the hospital. The officer was cancelled while en route.

Concord Greene, Concord (10:02 p.m.) — Concord police requested an officer to assist with a disturbance. The officer was cancelled while en route.

April 12

Hanscom Drive (2:36 a.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported they stopped a vehicle outside the gate and the party was uncooperative. An officer responded and state police were already on scene.

South Great Road (8:26 a.m.) — Caller reported their vehicle was struck while they were pulling out of the driveway and the vehicle continued on Route 117. Minor damage. An officer took a report; the other vehicle was not located.

Lincoln Road (8:48 a.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported that there was a problem with the railroad gates at Route 117 the day before. Party was advised that the MBTA is aware, and they too can contact the MBTA if they like.

1200 Lowell Road, Concord (10:46 a.m.) — Concord police requested an engine for a reported chimney fire. Fire Department was cancelled while en route.

Bank of America, Lincoln Road (9:17 p.m.) — Party reported having a problem with the ATM. They were advised to contact the bank.

April 13

Tower Road (12:37 p.m.) — A party came to the station reporting that someone known to them came into their house and hit them. Report taken; investigation ongoing.

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (4:55 p.m.) — Hanscom Tower reported plane with a problem was preparing to land. The Fire Department was cancelled before leaving the station.

News acorns

Community Center Building Committee needs volunteers

The Select Board is seeking four community members to serve on the soon-to-be-appointed Community Center Building Committee (CCBC).  Building on the work of previous community center planning committees, the CCBC will oversee the remaining planning phases, organize and facilitate ongoing community engagement, develop and present funding recommendations to Town Meeting, and assuming that funding is approved, oversee final design and construction. Initially, the committee will be asked to acquaint itself with previous studies and outline a process leading to a fall Special Town Meeting request for funds to hire an owner’s project manager and architect to develop the schematic designs to the extent required to ensure reliable cost estimating.  

Experience in a field that’s relevant to the committee’s work, such as architecture, planning, design, project management, or community engagement, is preferred but not required. Those interested in being considered should complete this volunteer application form and submit the form to the board, c/o Peggy Elder, at elderp@lincolntown.org. The deadline for submission is Friday, May 6.

The board will interview candidates virtually during its May 23 meeting and confirm its appointments that same night.  The CCBC will hold its introductory meeting (virtual) on June 1 and determine its future meeting schedule as the process evolves, though a bi-weekly meeting schedule is typical for this type of group.

Membership on the CCBC will entail many hours, hard work, and complicated conversations. It also offers a unique and exciting opportunity to participate in the creation of a central piece of the community and the future of the town. The board encourages interested community members to contact the board before the submission deadline at elderp@lincolntown.org. Additional information about the project is available on the Community Center Planning and Preliminary Design Committee website.

Lincoln’s Feinberg take NCAA epee crown

Lincoln resident Gabriel Feinberg (left in left-hand photo below, and right photo), a freshman at Ohio State University, claimed the NCAA men’s epee championship on March 27 to lead the school’s fencing program at the 2022 NCAA Championships in South Bend, Ind. The Buckeyes placed fifth as a team, with Feinberg and Bence Bende leading the way for the men with top 10 finishes on the final day. Feinberg’s championship is the fifth men’s epee NCAA crown in program history and the third straight when Ohio State has competed at the national site. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Classes and cleanup at Codman Community Farms

“Living Soil: A Closer Look at Fungi, Bacteria, and Fauna in Soil,” the fourth class in the Healthy Soils series, will take place on Saturday, April 23 from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Participants will learn about examining the vibrant ecosystem that soil supports. The fifth and last in the series, “Carbon Cycling and Storage Potential in Soils,” takes place on Saturday, May 14 from 10:30 a.m.–noon. and will look at the garden as a model for carbon storage as we learn about deeply rooted perennial shrubs, conservation tillage, and composting. Click here for more information and registration links. All participants must also complete this waiver form in advance. Healthy Soils is a collaboration among the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, Codman Community Farms, and Mothers Out Front.

Farm Cleanup Day at Codman Community Farms is  Sunday, April 24 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. No need to sign up — just drop in. Hands are needed for raking, cleaning out junk, picking up litter, and perhaps some painting jobs. Bring your own work gloves. Families welcome.

Lovelane benefit in September features Barenaked Ladies

Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding in Lincoln is hosting its biennial Loveland Hoedown fundraiser at the Duck Puddle Farm (48 Lincoln Rd., Wayland) featuring the Barenaked Ladies live in concert on September 24 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $425 per person, or $350 per person for groups of six or more, and ticket sales end on Friday, April 22 at midnight. Click here for more information and click here to buy tickets.

Donate items for domestic violence survivors

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites you to participate in its annual Shower for Shelters. Help families transitioning from a shelter or transitional housing to establish a new home by donating new household items or gift cards between April 29 and May 13. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard (4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard) or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury). All items will be donated to clients of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. Requested items include diapers, twin-size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, and other household items. Gift cards ($20-$50). for Target, Walmart, CVS, Market Basket, Hannafords, and Stop & Shop are also welcome.

Train almost hits car crossing the tracks on Route 117

Lincoln officials are looking for answers from Keolis after a car that was driving through the railroad crossing on Route 117 was almost hit by a train — just three months after a similar incident left a Wilmington woman dead.

A shaken Lincoln resident called 911 on the afternoon of April 11 after an oncoming commuter train narrowly missed her car as it crossed the tracks. There was no warning of an approaching train because the safety gates were not lowered, but “thankfully, the vehicle just made it through the crossing as the train arrived, narrowly avoiding a tragedy,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins wrote in am April 14 letter of complaint to Kellie Andrews, Vice President for Safety at Keolis, which managed the MBTA’s commuter rail service. Other vehicles in the area managed to stop in time.

Lincoln police immediately contacted the MBTA, which had already been notified of the incident by the train driver, Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said. He would not supply any further information about the Lincoln resident who made the 911 call.

Witnesses reported what appeared to be a train maintenance crew was working in the area at the time, and one said that one of the workers “was acting in a ‘panicking manner with hands on his head’ as the incident was unfolding,” Higgins wrote.

Until Keolis checked to make sure that all crossing gates were operating safely, train crews  in the area stopped at each crossing (even if the gates were properly lowered), got off the train, checked for oncoming traffic, and “walked the train across… just crawling across the track,” Kennedy said.

“As part of the town’s due diligence, it is essential that we have a full understanding of the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, its cause, and an opportunity for a  post-incident meeting and briefing t ensure that current conditions are safe, and that procedures are appropriately adjusted to minimize the chances of a recurrence at any of our four railroad crossings, or elsewhere,” Higgins wrote. He said on Tuesday that he expected to speak with Keolis and the MBTA that afternoon to schedule the meeting with him and Kennedy.

Higgins also asked to review data on gate failures (failing to activate and/or becoming stuck in the horizontal position) at all four track crossings in Lincoln. The most recent report of gates being stuck in the “down” position came on March 28, according to the Lincoln police log.

On January 21, a woman driving across railroad tracks in Wilmington was struck and killed by a commuter train. MBTA officials said human error — failure to return the crossing safety system to normal operations after testing — likely prevented the crossing gates from coming down in a timely manner as the train approached.

According to a report by WBUR, the MBTA and Keolis said they had retrained staff responsible for testing railroad crossing protection systems and instituted several other new safety practices. The new policies required additional communication, observation, and signage at roadway crossings to ensure crossing gates don’t fail to activate after testing and maintenance work.

News acorns

Climate action “icebreaker” meetings next week

Climate Action Lincoln, a subcommittee of the Green Energy Committee, is starting a community conversation about what it means to plan for climate change. There will be three “icebreaker” sessions next week:

  • Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom — click here to register and get the link
  • Friday, April 22 from 1–2 p.m. in person at Lincoln Station
  • Saturday, April 23 from noon–3 p.m. in person at the transfer station

Members are Sue Klem (chair), Roy Harvey, Emily Haslett, Staci Montori and Lynne Smith. Questions? Email ClimateAction@lincolntown.org.

“The Great Create” for kids at the deCordova

Lincoln School Foundation invites K-5 students in Lincoln Public Schools to complete creative challenges in The Great Create! at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Sunday, May 15 from 2–4 p.m. Students from the Lincoln and Hanscom campuses will work collaboratively to create sculptures using unexpected art making materials. Join in a fun afternoon of coming together and making new friends, all while supporting the LSF in its mission to inspire and fund innovative teaching and authentic learning experiences in the schools. Registration closes May 4. Visit lincolnschoolfoundation.org for more information and to register.

GearTick teams tackle transportation challenges

The high school GearTicks. Back row, left to right: Henry Hussey, Ken Hawkey, and Skylar Bogner. Front row, left to right: Camille Gammack, Amelia Pillar, Audrey Gammack, Erin Crisafi, Prerna Karmacharya, and Andreas Muzila.  (see more photos below).

Lincoln students in this year’s FIRST robotics programs tackled worldwide shipping and transportation problems in two February events.

The 12-member high school GearTicks team participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Freight Frenzy qualifier in Canton, while the FIRST Lego League Explore team (grades 2-4) in Cargo Connect designed models of package sorting centers and forms of transportation including trains and planes.

In their first in-person competition since before the pandemic, the high school GearTicks had to design a robot  that fit within an 18-inch cube to compete on 12-foot playing field. Four teams are partnered randomly to create two alliances that compete for two and a half minutes, fostering both cooperation and competition. The remotely piloted robots had to to pick up “freight” (blocks, Wiffle balls, and rubber ducks) and deliver them into wobbly “shipping hubs.”

The team’s robot performed well, scoring 145 points in their best match. They placed sixth after preliminary matches, earning the team a place as an Alliance Captain in the elimination rounds. They eventually earned the second-place Inspire Award, given to the team that performs well in every aspect of the competition including their robot, community outreach, and team spirit. The GearTicks also received the Connect award, which is given to teams that best impacts their local STEM community. The team earned a spot at the Massachusetts State Championship on March 5 at Natick High School, where they won another Connect Award.

The team has met mostly remotely this year but also held some in-person meetings at Bemis Hall. “After two years away and most of the season online, it was fun to see teams enjoying themselves, and I loved the energy the competition brought,” said team strategic captain Audrey Gammack.

“It was so great to interact with other teams again and see everyone’s robots,” added team technical captain Amelia Pillar. Both she and Gammack are seniors at L-S.

In the fourth annual Lincoln Legopalooza, a virtual expo for FLL Explore teams, players thought about ways to optimize shipping and package delivery. One team explored using drones to deliver packages, and another came up with a plan to get elderly citizens their groceries. The GearTicks FLL Challenge team (grades 4-8) also presented their Lego robot virtually at Legopalooza.

At the end of the day, each team received an award for their achievements ranging from the Budding Builders Award to the Inquiring Minds Award. The high school GearTicks designed custom trophies for the teams, complete with etching and Lego bricks.

Click images below to see larger versions and captions:

GT-1
GT-CAD
GT-robot
GT-trophies
GT-team

Police log for March 27–April 4, 2022

March 27

South Great Road (8:24 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported a vehicle operating erratically on Route117 near the railroad tracks. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

March 28

Lincoln Police Department (4:07 p.m.) — Bus driver complained about the railroad gates going down when a train is not crossing. MBTA is aware of the matter.

Lincoln Road (9:15 p.m.) — Caller reported a burnt odor coming from their dryer. Fire Department responded and found that it was caused by the motor.

March 29

South Great Road (11:28 a.m.) — Caller reported their vehicle’s window was smashed and car was broken into while parked in the Mt. Misery Parking Lot. The victim’s purse was stolen. Report taken; investigation is ongoing.

Bedford Road (1:31 p.m.) — Officer responded for a report of a minor crash near Bedford Road and assisted the parties with exchanging paperwork.

Meadowbrook Road (6:55 p.m.) — Caller reported that a construction trailer was empty and parked on the side of the road. An officer responded and spoke with the owner of the company, who was going to do work at a neighbors’ home.

March 30

South Great Road (8:37 a.m.) — Caller reported passing by a minor two-car motor vehicle crash near Tower Road and said the two drivers appeared to be arguing. Officers responded but both parties were gone on arrival.

March 31

Mary’s Way (12:35 a.m.) — An officer assisted Concord Police with a stop on the Route 2 off-ramp in Concord. Concord police were arresting a driver for operating under the influence.

Wells Road (7:46 a.m.) — Caller reported a raccoon was in their neighbors’ doorway and wouldn’t move. Officer responded and contacted Animal Control, who reported that the raccoon had left the area.

Mill Street (9:59 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Party was picking up fireplace logs and was sent on their way.

Weston Road (4:47 p.m.) — Caller reported that a construction company parked on their property and did some damage. An officer called the owner of the company, who will handle the matter with the homeowner. The caller was updated.

April 1

Lincoln School (8:32 a.m.) — School staff reported graffiti in a school bathroom. An officer responded and took a report.

Concord Road (3:29 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled to the side of the roadway. The party reported that their vehicle was struck and the driver left the area heading north on Route 126. Concord police were notified but the vehicle was not located.

Page Farm Road (9:54 p.m.) — Caller reported they had a bat in their home. A pest control officer was contacted and the resident was given their number to follow up.

April 2

Mill Street (1:12 p.m.) — Officer on patrol found household items on the side of the roadway. DPW was notified to pick up.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:08 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled over into the breakdown lane. The party pulled over to sleep. Officer sent them on their way and suggested they pull over to a safer location.

Bedford Road (8:05 a.m.) — Party reported someone hacked into their bank account and transferred money out of the account. Report taken; investigation ongoing.

Short Hill Road (6:47 p.m.) — Caller reported a brush fire at the end of the roadway along the railroad tracks. Fire Department extinguished the brush file that was approximately 100 x 25 feet. MBTA notified.

April 3

Lexington Road (2:00 a.m.) — Lexington police requested a check of the Lexington Road/Mill Street area for a party that was involved in a domestic disturbance in their town. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

Concord Road (1:50 p.m.) — Caller reported smoke in the woods. Fire Department responded and found a neighbor was burning. The Fire Department extinguished the fire.

Old County Road (5:10 p.m.) — Waltham police located what appeared to be a deceased small dog on Old County Road. Lincoln officers located the animal, who appeared to have been there a while. Animal Control was contacted.

April 4

Donelan’s Supermarket (9:40 p.m.) — Caller reported a light flashing at supermarket loading dock. An officer checked and it appeared to be a faulty light.

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (8:03 a.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces called about a party trying to get on base who had an active traffic warrant out of the Lowell District Court. Jesse Yuknis, 46, of Woburn was arrested, booked, and later transported to the Concord District Court.

News from the pews: April 6, 2022

First Parish in Lincoln (UU/UCC)

4 and 14 Bedford Road, Lincoln

Worship
  • Sunday, April 10 at 10 a.m. — student minister Sarah Klockowski will lead Palm Sunday worship and officiate communion. Links for registering to join worship in person in the sanctuary or via Zoom can be found on the church website.
Religious Exploration
  • Children will gather at 9:30 a.m. on Palm Sunday outside the sanctuary (4 Bedford Road) to help hand palms to member and guests. Our Sunday School of Magic and Mystery will consider how Jesus was hosanna’ed into Jerusalem and Harry was, at first, a celebrity at Hogwarts. People’s feelings changed when Jesus and Harry started pointing out some uncomfortable truths. Hmmmm…  If the weather is fine, we’ll meet on the playground.
Beyond Sunday
  • Coffee with the Minister — Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. Bring your coffee! Jenny would love a chance to see you on Zoom.
  • Sacred Texts: From Jesus to Christ — Thursday, April 7 at noon. Join us for a Lenten sacred texts series exploring the different ways Jesus was viewed in the early church. We will trace the origins of the “doctrine of Christ” and think about the different ways we are encountering the divine in our own lives this Lent.
  • Quiet Walks — Friday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m. Weekly contemplative walks in and around Lincoln.
  • Weekly Meditation — Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m. Contact Joan Kimball at selenejck@gmail.com to receive the weekly meditation emails. Buddhist chanting begins at 3:45 p.m.; join via Zoom, call in, or if you simply want to join us in spirit, you can sit independently at the same time, meditating for 20 minutes, then reading the selection and reflecting upon it.

St. Julia Parish (Catholic)

St. Julia Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston
St. Joseph Church, 142 Lincoln Road, Lincoln

Worship
  • Weekend Masses — Saturday at 4 p.m. at St. Julia; Sunday at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at St. Joseph; 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at St. Julia. Mass is now live streamed. We will continue to post Masses on Facebook and the church website.
  • Weekday Mass — Monday through Thursday at 8 a.m. at St. Julia.
  • Lenten Confession & Mass —Wednesday evening, April 6 is the final Lenten confession at 5 p.m. followed by Mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph.
  • Eucharist Adoration — Fridays, noon–1 p.m. in St. Julia.
Holy Week schedule
  • Holy Thursday Mass (Thursday, April 14) – 7:30 p.m. at St. Julia
  • Good Friday (April 15) — Stations of the Cross, 12 p.m. at St. Julia and 3 p.m. at St. Joseph. Liturgy, 7:30 p.m. at St. Julia.
  • Easter Vigil (April 16) — 7:30 p.m. at St. Julia (no 4 p.m. Mass)
  • Easter Sunday (April 17) — 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at St. Joseph (no 5 p.m. Mass); 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at St. Julia.
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
  • Sunday, April 10 — Last class for grades 1-8 and high school
  • Monday, April 11 — Last class for grades 1-5 
Stations of the Cross
  • Friday, April 8, 7 p.m. — Stations of the Cross led by Deacon Rafe, St. Julia.
  • Booklets for a self-guided Stations of the Cross are available in the back of St. Julia. The church is open for Stations weekdays 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

St. Anne’s in the Fields (Episcopal)

147 Concord Road, Lincoln

Worship for Holy Week
  • Sunday, April 10 — Palm Sunday: Spoken Holy Eucharist in the sanctuary at 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist with choir at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary and live-streamed.
  • Thursday, April 14 — Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.
  • Friday, April 15 — Good Friday service: The Three Hours at noon in the sanctuary.
  • Saturday, April 16 — Holy Saturday at 7 p.m.: The Great Vigil of Easter with baptism.
  • Sunday, April 17 — Easter Sunday at Holy Eucharist with choir in the sanctuary at 9 a.m. and at 11 a.m. (11 a.m. will also be live-streamed). Links and details on the church website. 

News acorns

Film: “The Power to Heal”

The First Parish Church’s racial justice journey continues on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom with a screening of the award-winning PBS documentary “The Power to Heal.” Central to the struggle to secure equal and adequate access to healthcare for all Americans is how a new national program, Medicare, was used to mount a dramatic, coordinated effort that desegregated thousands of hospitals across the country in a matter of months. Before that less than half of U.S. hospitals served black and white patients equally, and in the South. It raises questions that resonate today: Is healthcare a human right? Must the federal government intervene to ensure equality? Click here for the Zoom link (passcode: 981552).

Herbs and owls at Farrington Nature Linc

“Herbal Garden Planning” — Are you longing for an herb garden filled with beautiful and aromatic plants well-suited to both your teapot and the wildlife in your neighborhood? Join Jenny Hauf, owner of Muddy River Herbals, for “Herbal Garden Planning” at Farrington Nature Linc on Sunday, April 10 from 1–3 p.m. No matter what space you have, whether it’s a backyard, windowsill, or fire escape, this class will give you the tools you need to have an herb garden gorgeously suited to your space. RSVP to Zach@NatureLinc.org.

“Eyes on Owls” — Join naturalist Marcia Wilson at Farrington Nature Linc on Monday, April 18 at 4:30 p.m. for “Eyes on Owls,” a live owl program featuring six owls. Wilson will introduce attendees to owls found in New England and other parts of the world (paying special attention to the more common owls in our area) and imitate the owls’ calls. After a hooting lesson and much audience anticipation, Marcia will bring out the live owls one at a time. RSVP to Zach@NatureLinc.org.

Corrections

The March 29 story headlined “Town Meeting 2022 roundup” has been updated to correct errors in the section about Water Department appropriations. This includes correcting the figure for an asset management plan appropriation for the Water Department ($22,500, not $2,200), and a corrected explanation of how federal ARPA money rather than town funds will be used to pay for some items.

News acorns

Session on no-till gardening

The Lincoln Agricultural Commission and the Lincoln Garden Club will host a Zoom presentation on “No-Till Gardening and Cover Crops” on Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Register here or on the Garden Club website. Using no-till and cover-crop methods ;on our farms and in our gardens not only helps sequester carbon but leads to healthier soils and more abundant crops and flowers. Douglas Wolcik and Kayleigh Boyle (formerly of Gaining Ground Farm in Concord) will discuss how to incorporate no-till. Learn how to set up permanent beds using only hand tools, take and interpret soil tests, amend soils for optimum soil health, manage pests and disease with best practices, and how to cover-crop in a no-till system.

Events at the Council on Aging & Human Services

Here are some upcoming activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging and Human Services. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For a full list — including clinics, exercise classes, regular meetings of interest groups, and online chats with town officials — see the COAHS’s calendar page. Call 781-259-8811 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org for Zoom links and other information.

Senior Salon Day
Tuesdays starting April 5
The COA&HS is now offering a monthly half-price Senior Salon Day in collaboration with the salon at Minuteman Tech. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and noon; call 781-259-8811 to book. Click here for a full list of salon services. The Salon is located at 758 Marrett Rd. in Lexington. Call Carlee at 781-259-8811 if you need transportation. You can also eat lunch or get takeout at the school’s Café after your appointment.

Life Safety: Information to Help Us Stay Safer in Our Homes
Friday, April 8 at 1 p.m.
Lt. Ben Juhola of the Lincoln Fire Department will discuss life safety information to help people stay safer in our homes. Learn how to  minimize risk and increase awareness surrounding fall prevention, emergency Knox boxes, home safety evaluations and more.

Current Law Enforcement Events: National and Local
Friday, April 15 at 1 p.m.
Police Chief Kevin Kennedy will offer updates on all the current news pertaining law enforcement, both in Lincoln and beyond. Bring your questions about Lincoln policing and senior-related topics.

Film: “The Lives of Others”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will host an in-person screening of “The Lives of Others” on Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Click here for a synopsis. Rated R. Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Film in 2007. 

Wanted: Outdoor volunteers

The Conservation Department and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust are looking for volunteers, with opportunities that vary by type and time commitment level.

Fieldwork Fridays & Stewardship Saturdays — Join staff to help maintain trails and open space. Build bridges, learn invasive species management, and enjoy the great outdoors. Initial dates re below; more will be announced later in the season. Those interested in volunteering should contact the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org or fill out and submit this volunteer application form.

    • Saturday, May 7 (10 a.m.–noon) — Wheeler Farm garlic mustard pull and invasives clearing
    • Friday, June 3 (10 a.m.–noon) — Beaver Pond invasives pulling 

Adopt-a-Trail Program — For volunteers who already enjoy walking on the trails regularly. Volunteers may choose one or two conservation areas to “adopt.” Responsibilities include keeping trails clear of twigs and branches, picking up trash, light vegetation management, and reporting on downed trees, erosion, missing signage, and other trail issues. Ideally, Adopt-a-Trail volunteers will check and report on their chosen trail systems at least monthly.

Volunteer Rangers — Volunteer rangers walk the trails and provide friendly education to trail users about overall trail rules. This position requires being outgoing and willing to engage with trail users. It’s meant to provide a welcoming presence on the trails, so we’re looking for rangers who act as friendly ambassadors to the Lincoln trail system. We are currently prioritizing rangers at Mt. Misery and Flint’s Pond. Ideally, volunteer rangers will be out on the trails once a week but we can accommodate some schedule flexibility.

Lincoln Green-Up Day — a town-wide event.

    • Week of April 18–22 — Individuals and groups are encouraged to self-organize cleanups. Trash bags will be available for pickup in advance, as well as drop-off locations.
    • Friday, April 22 — Conservation staff will lead two group cleanups from 10 a.m.–noon. At 1 p.m., we’ll gather at Lincoln Station for a celebration with local groups, including Farrington Nature Linc. Enjoy family-friendly activities, treats, information about Earth Day, climate change, and more. Each participating group/household will receive a free Earth Day Serviceberry Seedling at the celebration while supplies last. Our hope is to have community members sharing their cleanup efforts and Earth Day messages on the OuterSpatial app. Please complete this form if you’d like to participate so we can provide support, supplies, and more details as the event approaches.