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

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Plans moving ahead for bike and pedestrian-friendly improvements

Plans for safety improvements to Farrar Road and Route 2A are advancing, and a third project to benefit pedestrians in South Lincoln is out to bid.

The Farrar Road project will create “advisory shoulders” on Farrar Road, which involves painting dashed lines to indicate shoulders. Vehicles can cross the lines to avoid traffic coming from the opposite direction but must yield to oncoming traffic if there are “vulnerable users” (bicyclists, pedestrians, or any other non-vehicle) ahead or alongside.

An example of a sign about advisory shoulders.

Farrar Road was chosen as a pilot by the  Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPEC) in service of its broader goal to make Lincoln’s roads safer for all. If the measure turns out to be successful, other “minor connectors” in town might get the same treatment. There are 17 miles of  minor connectors that offer routes to schools and access to conservation trails but are not major roads.

The lines will advise all road users of the legal rights of way and safe passing distance. “It doesn’t change the way folks should use the road — it’s not like a stop sign or speed limit. It just advises about what’s safe,” BPEC member Bob Wolf told the Select Board at its June 21 meeting. The committee has been working with police, the Roadway and Traffic Committee, the DPW, the Planning Board, and representatives of candidate neighborhoods. Wolf and fellow BPEC member Ginger Reiner presented the idea to residents at one of last November’s State of the Town meetings.

The town has submitted an “application to experiment” to the Federal Highway Administration for the advisory shoulders, which are a relatively recent invention in this country. If all goes well, the painting could take place as soon as September, Wolf said.

Route 2A improvements

Another project in the planning stages is repaving and adding safety features to Route 2A. The current plans (which are at the 75% complete stage) call for traffic islands at intersections, and reconfiguring the Route 2A/Lexington Rd, intersection to make it safe for those approaching on Brooks Road.

MassDOT plans to move the Route 2A/Lexington Rad intersection slightly to the west. The green area is the new roadway.

Town officials recently offered feedback on the latest round of plans by MassDOT and expects to hear their response in several weeks. Among their requests:

  • Add pedestrian-activated flashing lights at all intersections
  • Add a crosswalk at Brooks Road
  • Add pedestrian islands at certain intersections
  • Make the road shoulders 4 feet wide where practicable

Select Board member Jonathan Dwyer said the town should hear the next response from MassDOT in four to six weeks. The agency has been “accommodating and respectful” to previous requests, he added.

Path in South Lincoln field

A third pedestrian-friendly project that’s currently out to bid is a pathway alongside Lincoln Road from the railroad tracks to the intersection with Codman Road. The paved path would be on the grass north of the stone wall and row of flowering trees and would skirt the community gardens.

The proposed path alongside Lincoln Road in green. The Doherty’s gas station property is in gray.

The project will be funded by a previously awarded grant from a state program to encourage safe travel and connectivity to mass transit for pedestrians and bicycles. The original deadline for completing the work was June 30, 2021, but the town was unable to award the contract through the initial bidding process, so the new deadline for bids is July 30. MassDOT gave the town an extension until November 30 to complete the work, said Director of Planning and Land Use Paula Vaughn-MacKenzie.

Some residents have expressed concern that the path would cut through the community gardens or is intended to promote access to the Codman Community Farm store. But CCF Board President Nancy Fleming wrote in LincolnTalk in May that the path has nothing to do with the store. She also explained and defended driveway work and other changes at the farm.

“For the first time in decades, we are financially stable, our animals are extremely well cared for, and we are plowing resources back into the aging infrastructure of the farm in ways that were impossible just five years ago,” she wrote.

Police log for June 22–28, 2021

June 22

Donelan’s lot (1:23 a.m.) — Caller reported two vehicles in the parking lot. The vehicles were two ride-share drivers waiting for fares.

Hanscom Drive (8:01 a.m.) — Hanscom Law Enforcement reported an individual with an active arrest warrant. Manuel Madrid, 21, of Lowell was taken into custody, booked, and transported to Concord District Court.

Weston Road (1:48 p.m.) — A vehicle had been parked at the Pierce House for approximately one week. The owner was waiting on a part to fix the vehicle.

Lincoln Road (7:16 p.m.) — A driver reported a past incident of possible road rage.

June 23

Wells Road (8:48 a.m.) — Paperwork was delivered to a resident.

Lexington Road (9:56 a.m.) — Police moved a tree crew that was working in the area.

Lincoln Road (12:20 p.m.) — A deceased wild animal was discovered at the end of a driveway. The DPW was notified and the animal was removed.

Chestnut Circle (1:32 p.m.) — Wayland police requested assistance in the area for a missing party from their town. A short time later, the person was reunited with family.

Drumlin Farm (4:32 p.m.) — Two dogs were seen tied off to a fence with no one in the area. Police arrived and spoke with the owner of the dogs.

Old Concord Road (5:49 p.m.) — A resident reported that a possible fraudulent account was used to make purchases in their name.

Sandy Pond Road (6:19 p.m.) — Police were dispatched to Flint’s Pond for individuals fishing. The parties were located and advised they were fishing in a prohibited area.

Huckleberry Hill (7:20 p.m.) — A homeowner reported an odor of natural gas in their home. The Fire Department arrived and measured the levels which showed no escaping gas.

June 24

Emerson Hospital (1:09 p.m.) — Concord Police requested assistance at the hospital.

Trapelo Road (8:42 p.m.) — Caller reported a possibly injured deer close to the roadway. Upon arrival, the police saw the deer walk into the woods.

June 25

Lincoln Road (10:11 a.m. — Police were requested to the area to assist with parking and vehicle traffic during an estate sale.

Bedford Road (10:51 a.m.) — A resident reported their identification may have been compromised and used for a fraudulent purchase.

Page Road (11:31 a.m.) — Paperwork was delivered to a resident.

June 26

Brooks Hill Road (1:48 a.m.) — A resident heard a suspicious noise coming from the outside their house. Police checked the residence as well as several side streets but nothing was found.

Bedford Road (6:03 a.m.) — A resident reported a male standing near two vehicles in the driveway. Police checked the area and found nothing.

South Great Road (6:16 a.m.) — A resident briefly lost their dog at Mt. Misery but found it a short time later.

South Great Road (10:33 a.m.) — Police assisted a vehicle and trailer that were parked partially on the side of the road.

Trapelo Road, Waltham (10:55 a.m. — Waltham Police requested assistance with a motorcycle rally.

Hanscom Vandenberg gate (12:58 p.m.) — Hanscom Law Enforcement reported an individual with an active arrest warrant. Leland Buskey, 39 years old, of Monponsett, Mass., was taken into custody, booked, and transported to Concord District Court.

Trapelo Road (8:07 p.m.) — Two parties fishing in the Cambridge Reservoir were told to leave.

June 27

Walden Street, Concord (3:03 a.m.) — Lincoln police assisted Concord police with an individual in the area of Walden Pond.

Concord Road (9:22 a.m.) and Baker Bridge Road (2:15 p.m.) — Reports of vehicles parking alongside the road to access Walden Pond. The vehicles were moved from the area.

June 28

Harvest Circle (1:12 p.m.) — A resident reported that several pieces of jewelry were stolen from their residence. The items were ultimately located several days later.

Mill Street (3:42 p.m.) — A resident reported that an item was stolen from the end of their driveway.

Prairie Street, Concord (5:47 p.m.) — Lincoln firefighters along with others from Weston, Sudbury, Bedford, Lexington, Littleton, Boxborough, Acton, and Maynard responded to a three-alarm fire at the Thoreau Elementary School. The Concord Fire Department was alerted by the building’s fire alarm system, which indicated smoke alarm and sprinkler flow switch activations, according to this press release. The fire was in the attic space and was extinguished by about 10:30 p.m. Three alarms were struck to bring in more manpower due to the extremely hot weather and the need for relief crews.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fire officials think a heater installed in the attic for winter use to prevent the sprinklers from freezing may have been involved. Two classrooms sustained fire damage and a total of nine suffered water damage and will not be ready for the start of school in the fall, according to Thoreau School Principal Angel Charles.

News acorns

Free mental health counseling for Lincoln adolescents

The Lincoln Council on Aging and Human Services has been hearing from many people that it’s nearly impossible to find a mental health counselor for children, although the need has been great due to the environment created by COVID. In response, the COA&HS, with help from the Board of Health and the schools, has been able to arrange for Sara Hickey, MSW, LCSW (Eliot Community Human Services) to be on the Hartwell campus during the afternoon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of July and August starting on Tuesday, July 13. This is a totally free service — simply call the COA&HS at 781-259-8811 and ask to speak to either Director Abigail Butt or Assistant Director Amy Gagne, who can field questions, provide more information, and book appointments.

Household hazardous waste collection day on July 17

The next area-wide hazardous waste collection day is Saturday, July 17 at the Minuteman Household Hazardous Product Collection Facility (60 Hartwell Ave., Lexington) from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is open to all residents of Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham, and Watertown. All residents must pre-register online by clicking here. Pick a date, time slot, and estimated amount of waste you plan to bring, and submit. When you go, you’ll need to show your license or a bill as proof of Lincoln residency. The other collection dates in 2021 are August 21, September 19 (a Sunday), October 16 and November 6.

Change in procedure for discarding used mattresses, box springs

Residents may now drop off mattresses and box springs for recycling at the transfer station in the tan container next to the attendant’s shed. Mattresses and box springs should no longer be placed in the large dumpster. Please stack mattresses and box springs on their side inside the container. Mattresses that are excessively torn, punctured, soiled or moldy are not acceptable. Wet, frozen or twisted mattresses and box springs are also not acceptable.  

MassDEP estimates that 200,000 mattresses and box springs are thrown out by Massachusetts residents each year, but more than 75% of mattress components can be recycled. They take up a lot of space in landfills, are hard to compact, and get caught in processing equipment. For more information or questions, please contact the DPW office at 781-259-8999 or email Susan Donaldson at donaldsons@lincolntown.org.

Register for Thoreau Society virtual conference

The Thoreau Society invites you to their live virtual conference, “Thoreau and Diversity: People, Principles, and Politics,” from July 7–11, when the organization livestreams its 80th annual gathering to an international audience. The event is co-sponsored by the Walden Woods Project in Lincoln. The conference will include 35 hours of educational sessions that will be recorded and available to registered attendees through December 2021, so if you’re unable to attend one of two concurrent sessions, you can still watch the one you missed. You can view any session at your leisure through the end of the year. The virtual conference will also offer the opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues through its built-in video-networking feature. Register at www.thoreausociety.org.

Conservation Commission has an opening

Would you like to expand your knowledge of conservation land management and wetland issues?  Are you someone who favors open space and appreciates Lincoln’s natural beauty? Do you like being a part of interesting discussions and decision-making? If you have answered yes to these questions, consider applying for a vacancy on the Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC). The seven-member commission reviews activities/work proposed to take place within 100 feet of wetlands and 200 feet of perennial streams to ensure protection of wetlands in accordance with state and local law. The panel also provides policy direction to staff on the ecological stewardship and management of Lincoln’s 1,500 acres of conservation and agricultural Lands.

Meetings are held in the evening every three weeks. Training classes (mostly virtual) can help you become knowledgeable about wetlands resources and the laws protecting them. To apply, please download and fill out Lincoln’s volunteer sign-up form, and either email it to elderp@lincolntown.org or mail it to the Office of the Select Board (16 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln MA 01773). Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Conservation Department staff at 781-259-2612.

Library board seeks new member

The Board of Trustees of the Lincoln Public Library is still seeking a Lincoln resident willing to serve for six years and who is committed to supporting the library’s work on and dedication to initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The process for applying for the position and a summary of a trustee’s responsibilities are available online on the library trustees web page. Interested candidates interested should apply in writing to Peter Sugar or Jacquelin Apsler, c/o Lincoln Public Library, 3 Bedford Rd., Lincoln MA 01773 by Friday, July 2. For more information, please call Library Director Barbara Myles at 781-259-8465.

Police log for June 12–21, 2021

June 12

Tower Road (11:00 p.m.) — After a noise complaint, a gathering of individuals outside a residence were asked to move inside.

June 13

Old County Road (1:27 a.m.) — Report of a party taking photos of the residence. the individual could not be located.

Old Sudbury Road (3:40 p.m.) — A bicyclist fell off their bicycle and was transported to hospital. No vehicle involved.

June 14

Tracey’s Corner (11:33 a.m.) — A maintenance worker arrived at the residence unannounced.

Wells Road (2:11 p.m.) — Caller reported an incident of harassment.

Cerulean Way (2:21 p.m.) — Minor crash involving a motor vehicle and school bus. No injuries and no damage to the vehicles.

June 15

Wells Road (8:33 p.m.) — Caller reported an incident of harassment.

Wells Road (8:50 p.m.) — Caller reported that the rear window of their vehicle was smashed.

Old Sudbury Road (2:19 p.m.) — A vehicle drove off the road into a ditch. No injuries.

June 16

Old County Road (11:43 a.m.) — Report of a man walking in the roadway talking to himself. He was gone on arrival.

Cochituate Road, Wayland (2:08 p.m.) — Det. Ian Spencer assisted the Wayland Police Department with a forensic sketch.

Harvest Circle (6:06 p.m.) — A victim provided an unknown caller with their bank account information.

Emerson Hospital, Concord (6:59 p.m.) — Police assisted Concord Police with an unruly patient at Emerson Hospital.

Conant Road (7:15 p.m.) — A lost cat was located and the owner was notified

June 17

South Great Road and Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (approx. 6:50 a.m.) — Brief power outages for unknown reasons.

Smith Hill Road (7:32 am.) — Report of a suspicious person resulted in a medical call where the patient was transported to Emerson Hospital.

Concord Road (7:39 p.m.) — An odor of gas was reported in the area. National Grid was notified.

June 18

Sandy Pond Road (9:03 a.m.) — Person was fishing at Flint Pond. After being advised it was not allowed, they cleared the area without incident.

June 19

Transfer station (8:38 a.m.) — A resident lost their car keys while at the transfer station. After a transport back to their home for their spare set, they were on their way.

June 20

Bedford Road (12:41 p.m.) — 911 caller reported that a large truck was occupying a lane on Bedford Road near the Birches School. When an officer arrived on scene, the truck was gone.

South Great Road (12:46 p.m.) — Vehicle struck a utility pole near Concord Road. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and was issued a written warning.

South Great Road (2:20 p.m.) — 911 caller reported a crash involving a car and a motorcycle near Meadowbrook Road. Both operators refused medical treatment.

North Great Road (2:49 p.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash near Bypass Road. Minor injuries reported.

Wheeler Road (10:18 p.m.) — Police checked on a motor vehicle that was pulled to the side of the road. Both vehicle and operator were fine.

June 21

Sandy Pond Road (12:33 a.m.) — Caller reported her friend was two hours past due. Police made contact with the late party and reported back to the caller.

Aspen Circle (12:47 p.m.) — Car crash with minor injuries was reported but the patient refused transport to the hospital. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Wells Road (1:52 p.m.) — Police were requested for assistance that was ultimately not needed.

Wells Road (5:57 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone was fraudulently using their identity in an online chat room.

Police log for May 29–June 11, 2021

May 29

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:25 a.m.) — Caller reported a one-car crash in front of their house on Route 2. Officers responded; no injuries and State Police are handling.

Paul Revere lot, North Great Road (5:54 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party parked in the lot. Party was an Uber driver waiting for another fare.

May 30

Canoe-landing parking lot, South Great Road (12:32 a.m.) — Officer checked on a car parked in the lot. Driver had pulled over and is on his way home.

South Great Road (9:43 pm.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot of Lincoln Gas. Driver is OK and on his way.

May 31

Beaver Pond Road (6:28 a.m.) — Caller reported a low-hanging wire across the roadway. Officer responded and closed part of the roadway. Verizon was called to fix the pole and wire.

North Great Road (2:22 p.m.) — 911 call reported a cow walking on the roadway. National Park Service was contacted for got the cow back in its pen.

Sandy Pond Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller reported people fishing. Officer spoke to two people and sent them on their way.

June 1

Donelan’s Supermarket (1:23 p.m.) — The store manager called to report that a female juvenile was seen on camera stealing alcohol. Juvenile was later identified and is officers have been in contact with her and the family.

Lincoln Road (1:33 p.m.) — One-car crash/rollover. One person transported to a local hospital with minor injuries

Wells Road (6:44 p.m.) — An officer was approached by a resident looking for a mental health referral information to assist a friend.

June 2

Tower Road (6:53 a.m.) — Caller reported hearing gunshots coming from a residence. Officers responded and arrested Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, 45, of Lincoln. He was charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of a firearm without a firearms ID, and possession of ammunition. He was later brought to Concord District Court.

Paul Revere lot, North Great Road — The park rangers’ dispatch center called to report a women crying in the parking lot. Officers located the party, who was upset that her car was dented.

June 3

Weston Road (12:59 p.m.) — Officers accompanied Concord police to a residence to speak with a party regarding an investigation in Concord.

Ent Road, Hanscom Air Force Base (2:01 p.m.) — Caller reported that a firearm was stolen somewhere between Hanscom AFB and Ohio when his belongings were in the moving truck. The firearm was entered into the federal database as being stolen.

Morningside Lane (3:08 p.m.) — A license plate that had previously been reported stolen was recovered. The owner was notified.

Wells Road (6:00 p.m.) — Caller reported a large sum of money was stolen out of their bank account. Report taken, investigation is ongoing.

June 4

Single-car accident; driver swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree. No injuries; vehicle was towed from the scene.

June 5

Anson Road, Concord — Concord Fire Department requested an ambulance for a medical situation.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:41 p.m.) — Caller reported a person slumped over the wheel of their car. Officers and Fire Department responded. The party was fine; state police handled.

Wells Road (5:39 p.m.) — A neighbor was yelling at a person to turn down the music. Officers responded and documented the incident.

Trapelo Road (6:23 p.m.) — Two-car crash at the Waltham town line. No injuries; both vehicles were towed.

June 6

Sandy Pond Road (8:50 a.m.) — Officer stopped a bicyclist who ran the stop sign and gave them a warning.

Boyce Farm Road (12:39 p.m.) — Caller reported that a family member was involved in an incident while at Walden Pond. The person was advised to contact Concord police as that is where the incident occurred.

Old Conant Road (3:02 p.m.) — Caller reported having an issue with the electric stove. Fire Department responded and assisted the homeowner.

June 7

Todd Pond Road (2:03 p.m.) — Caller requested information on a computer program that was downloaded on her computer.

Tower Road (6:37 p.m.) — Caller reported finding ammunition in the residence. Officer responded and took possession of the ammunition.

June 8

Lincoln Road (4:22 p.m.) — Council on Aging & Human Services requested a well-being check on a resident. No one was home at the residence.

Ent Road, Hanscom Air Force Base (6:05 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested information regarding a civil matter.

June 9

Sandy Pond Road (6:37 a.m.) — Caller requested assistance from the FD regarding their smoke detector.

Concord Road (8:54 a.m.) — Caller reported being harassed by a neighbor. Officer spoke to the party. Matter is civil in nature at this time.

Winter Street (9:46 a.m.) — Caller reported a limb on a power line. Eversource notified.

Trapelo Road (1:38 p.m.) — Caller reporting seeing a party on the property via a security camera about 30 minutes previously. Officers checked the area but found no sign of the party

Sandy Pond Road (2:48 p.m.) — Caller requested information regarding a Venmo transaction

Wells Road (5:59 p.m.) — Caller reported that a resident was locked out of their apartment with the stove on. Fire Department assisted the resident.

Sandy Pond Road (9:15 p.m.) — Caller reported smoke outside their residence. Fire Department responded but was unable to find the source.

Codman Road (10:30 p.m.) — Car hit a tree. No injuries; the vehicle was towed.

June 10

Twin Pond Lane (3:08 p.m.) — Person was having difficulty with their home phone. Officer responded to assist the party.

Wells Road (6:18 p.m.) — Caller reported having a dispute with a neighbor. Officers responded to assist the party.

Concord Road (9:40 p.m.) — Caller reported an illegally parked car near their residence. Officers responded and spoke with the caller.

June 11

Deerhaven Road (3:10 a.m.) — Caller reported a family member was overdue but son called back to report the person was home.

Old County Road (6:31 a.m.) — Waltham police reported that a resident walked away from a home over the town line. Officers located the party and brought them back to the residence.

Reiling Pond Road (12:28 p.m.) — Caller reported being scammed out of money.

Commuter rail station (1:29 p.m.) — Party located a wallet at the train station. The owner was contacted and picked up the wallet.

Concord Road (3:10 p.m.) — Caller reported their car was struck on Route 2 in Concord and they followed the involved vehicle onto Concord Road, where it finally stopped. Officers responded and stood by for state police to handle.

News acorns

School Committee to honor retirees

Please join the Lincoln School Committee and administration on Zoom on Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. to honor Lincoln School retirees Buckner Creel, Steven Cullen, Loretta D’Alessandro, Laura English, Judith Kelly, Patrick MacMillan, and Jane Mosier. Watch the live stream at lincolntv.viebit.com. Anyone interested in participating in the public comment portion of this meeting should email taramitchell365@gmail.com before 5 p.m. to receive login instructions. A regular School Committee meeting will follow and include discussion of next year’s instructional models and strategic goals and objectives.

Program on survivors’ artistic expressions of intimate partner violence

Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable to sit witness to survivors’ expressions of intimate partner violence through art, music, poetry and spoken word. “Can You Hear Me Now? Survivors Journey Through the Healing Process Using Expressive Arts” takes place on Tuesday, June 8 from 3:00–4:30 p.m. via Zoom. The expressive arts are a profound, therapeutic outlet for those who are processing their experiences of trauma and abuse.  In addition, they provide a deeper, more powerful experience for all of us who are working to better understand this insidious dynamic. Registration is required; click here or go to www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. The program will not be recorded due to privacy considerations.

Codman dinner and bonfire on June 18

Codman Community Farm is offering a delicious summer dinner featuring Codman-grown proteins and veggies, s’mores, and songs around the bonfire with family and friends on Friday, June 18 from 5:30–7 p.m. Tickets $16 (advance purchase required). Please park at the corner lot or along Codman Road. BYOB. Headlamps and bug repellent recommended; masks optional. Rain date: June 19. This event is being held in lieu of the annual BBQ & campout, which is planned for 2022. Questions? Email lisherbert@gmail.com.

Lincoln to elect delegates to Democratic state convention 

Registered Democrats in Lincoln will hold a virtual caucus on Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2021 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. To participate, register in advance by emailing chair.lincolnmadems@gmail.com and put “Caucus Participation” in the subject line. Lincoln can elect five delegates and four alternates to the state convention, which will be held on September 25 at the Tsongas Center at UMass–Lowell with a virtual option. Youth (age 16 and up), minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org by August 6. Those interested in getting involved with the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee should visit www.lincolnmadems.org  or send an email to the above address.

Homebound vaccine program

Anyone who has trouble getting to a Covid-19 vaccination site is eligible for the homebound program. To register, call 833-983-0485 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Representatives speak English and Spanish, and translation services are available for 100+ languages. 

Lincoln softball season gearing up

Lincoln coed softball is returning  for the 2021 season. The schedule is TBA; click here for information and registration. Anyone with questions may email Richard Card at richard@blazescafe.com.

New sculpture at deCordova

“Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House” by Jeffrey Gibson.

A new sculpture by renowned artist Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Choctaw-Cherokee), “Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House,” is debuting on the deCordova Sculpture Park grounds on Friday, June 4. The title comes from a song Gibson associates with nightclubs that have provided haven and community especially for LGBTQ+ people and BIPOC. The ziggurat form references the earthen architecture of the ancient Mississippian city of Cahokia, which flourished in the seventh through fourteenth centuries, well before European contact. The installation will be adorned with phrases advocating for Indigenous space and culture and wheat-pasted posters co-created by Gibson and other Native American artists.

Used book sales resume in library

The Friends of the Lincoln Library are selling selected books on carts in the library lobby to raise funds for library programs and special equipment. Used books are $1 or $2 each. Please bring small bills; the cash box only takes cash or checks, and the librarians cannot make change.

Lincoln, other towns gain seats on anniversary planning panel

The state Senate has approved an amendment to pending legislation creating a special commission to look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, an occasion expected to draw people from around the U.S. and the world. The amendment authored by Sen. Mike Barrett guarantees spots on the state’s commission on the American Revolution for representatives of Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord (the five communities along the British line of march on April 19, 1775). The Senate budget, which includes Barrett’s amendment, must now be reconciled with the budget passed by the House of Representatives.

“The Battle of Lexington and Concord reverberated through the colonies and around the world,” Barrett said. “In 2025, the six communities that endured that show of force on April 19 can expect a flood of visitors, and coordination will be challenging. The Senate amendment recognizes that each of the six towns needs a voice in the Massachusetts planning process.”

Revolution 250 is the umbrella group of more than 70 statewide organizations that will guide celebrations and events in Massachusetts. “Members of Revolution 250 are already hard at work,” Barrett said. “They need this commission language enacted into law and soon, so they can ramp activity up to the next level.”

Police log for May 23–29, 2021

May 23

Old Sudbury Road (10:53 a.m.) — 911 call about a two-car motor vehicle crash. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. No injuries.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (12:59 p.m.) — Multiple calls of a pedestrian walking eastbound in the westbound lane. Officer located the party and transported him to the train station.

Round Hill Road (4:05 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a suspicious email thought to be a scam. An officer spoke to the party; no personal information was given out.

May 24

South Great Road (6:32 a.m.) — Caller reported a deceased deer on the side of the roadway. DPW notified to handle.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (8:23 a.m.) — Two-car crash on Route 2 west of Bedford Road. No injuries; state police handled the report.

Farrar Road (5:13 p.m.) — Caller reported a loan was taken out in their name. Investigation ongoing

May 25

Lincoln School (1:04 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party found on the school campus; he was taking photos of the stars.

Indian Camp Lane (11:50 a.m.) — Caller reported someone attempted to use her identity by phone.

Mary’s Way (3:16 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a package from Russia and doesn’t know who sent it. She later informed the officer she was able to find out who sent her the package.

Pierce House (4:22 p.m.) — Officer assisted a person.

Trapelo Road (5:09 p.m.) — Several people fishing at the reservoir. They were moved along.

May 26

Route 2A and Lexington Road (8:00 a.m.) — Two-car crash. One person transported to a local hospital; both vehicles towed.

Twisted Tree Café (3:30 p.m.) — A staff member reported that a person was rearranging the furniture outside the restaurant. An officer spoke to the party involved and advised them to stop their behavior.

Round Hill Road (3:46 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a suspicious text on their phone. They deleted the information and did not provide any personal information.

Sandy Pond Road (4:08 p.m.) — Caller report people fishing in Flint’s Pond. Officer checked the area but was unable to locate.

Birchwood Lane (6:06 p.m.) — Fire alarm was sounding at a residence. Fire Department responded and found a problem with a smoke detector. Maintenance was notified.

Harvest Circle (6:07 p.m.) — Caller reported people at The Commons complex were asking residents questions about the census. Officers responded and confirmed that the two workers were in fact working for the Census Bureau.

May 27

Conant Road (7:59 p.m.) — Weston police reported mailboxes being hit by teens in their town on Conant Road, last seen headed towards Lincoln. Officer checked; no sign of damage in Lincoln.

May 28

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (2:18 a.m.) — Report of a car-vs.-deer crash.

Donelan’s Supermarket (9:26 a.m.) — Staff reported a teen stealing alcohol. Report taken, investigation ongoing.

Ent Road, Hanscom AFB (6:05 p.m.) — Officer spoke with a resident regarding a civil matter.

Wells Road (6:27 p.m.) — Court paperwork delivered to a resident.

Lincoln commuter rail station (8:24 p.m.) — Multiple calls about the railroad gates being down. Officers responded to the crossing to await the arrival of Keolis.

May 29

Oak Meadow Road (1:32 a.m.) — Emerson Hospital requested an officer to bring a party back to their residence. The party had no way else of getting home. Officer responded to assist.

Obituaries

Royce Taylor III

Royce (“Roscoe”) Taylor III, 94 (May 26)

There will be visiting hours on Friday, June 4 from 10:30–12 p.m. and a funeral immediately thereafter at the Joyce Funeral Home (245 Main St., Waltham) for Taylor, who was a former senior vice president of contractor sales at Grossman’s Lumber. Click here for full obituary.

Steven Perlmutter

 
Steven Perlmutter, 72
(May 24)

Perlmutter was an attorney specializing in voting rights and member of the School Building Committee. Click here for full obituary.

Property sales in April 2021

195 Lincoln Rd. — Mitchell D. Schultz to Michael Share and Benjamin Mizell for $1,825,000 (April 8)

140 Lincoln Rd. — Colin Nissan to Salvatore S. Privitera Trust and Doris S. Privitera Trust for $432,000 (April 8)

9 Meadowbrook Rd. — Brian Rogers to Jonathan and Victoria Paly for $1,431,000 (April 15)

34 Farrar Rd. — Brenda Lee Molloy Trust to Michael Leip for $705,000 (April 16)

223 Sandy Pond Rd. — Charles Hadlock to Abjijit Sarkar and Debarati Bhattacharya for $1,200,000 (April 12)

19 Wheeler Rd. — John Dickinson to Christopher and Eileen Pattinson for $2,465,000 (April 28)

72 Birchwood Lane — Elinor White to Ann Odessey and Mark Sandman for $615,000 (April 28)

184 Bedford Rd. — Marcella E. Saunders trust to Benjamin Ivanchenko for $650,000 (April 30)

Lincoln fully reopens after more than a year

As of Saturday, May 29, the state and the Town of Lincoln has lifted almost all Covid-19 public health restrictions — so Lincolnites can once again gather mask-free in places many haven’t visited in more than a year.

Massachusetts is on track to meet its goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June, so all state-mandated COVID protocols will be rescinded, including capacity limits, face covering and social distancing requirements at indoor and outdoor gatherings in the workplace and elsewhere, as explained in Gov. Baker’s May 29 statement. Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear a mask or social distance indoors or outdoors. Face coverings will still be mandatory on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares and MBTA and commuter rail trains and stations), as well as in healthcare facilities and congregate care settings.

For Lincoln residents, this means some but not all local public health rules are changing.

  • Town employees will no longer be required to wear masks, socially distance or maintain a daily health log.
  • Visitors to town buildings and offices will not be required to sign in, wear masks or maintain distance. However, non-vaccinated visitors are asked to wear masks and to maintain distance when visiting town buildings, and guests in Bemis Hall will be asked to wear masks in the basement level for the time being.
  • People are on the Lincoln or Hanscom School campus and outdoors do not need to wear a mask, but they should maintain their distance from students and staff. Everyone must continue to wear masks during student drop-off and pickup.
  • Starting June 15, all town boards and committees will return to in-person meetings.
  • As of June 1, visitors to the Lincoln Public Library do not need to make an appointment to visit or wear masks in the building. Patrons who are not vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines.
  • The library will continue with contactless pickup of borrowed materials through June 13. After that, they resume storing reserves in the reference room for patrons to pick up and check out. For patrons who have concerns about entering the building to retrieve their holds (for example, those who are immunocompromised), the library staff is happy to retrieve reserved items, check them out, and bring them to you in the front vestibule. Please call the library at 781-259-8465 ext. 204 for assistance.
  • For those who prefer to check out their own materials, bring your smartphone with your digital card on it to use at the self-checkout station, or you can use the Minuteman Library Network mobile app to check out your own materials while browsing. The staff at the circulation desk is also happy to check out any materials. Click here for more details on library policies.

“We are grateful for the thoughtful and responsible way our residents have responded to the challenges of the past year, and for the concern that has been shown for one another throughout. Let’s commit to keeping this generosity of spirit alive as we move beyond the pandemic, so that we build an even tighter sense of community than existed before,” the Lincoln Public Health Team said in a statement.