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

news

Police log for October 15–28, 2020

Police received reports this week of unemployment claims that were fraudulently filed in the name of Lincoln residents on Lewis Street, Brooks Road, Cambridge Turnpike, Stonehedge Road, Hemlock Circle, Linway Road, Weston Road (two), and South Great Road.

October 15

Lewis St. (8:09 a.m.) — Caller reported that a contractor knocked down a power line between the pole and the building. Fire Department contacted the electrical inspector to respond and taped off the area.

Lincoln Road (11:48 a.m.) — Officer came across a very minor crash at Rte. 117 and assisted with paper exchange; no report taken.

Lincoln Road (12:24 p.m.) — A worker from Donelan’s called with concerns about an elderly customer who appeared to be confused and was walking on Lincoln Road. Officer located the party, who lives at the Commons in Lincoln. The officer drove the party back to his residence.

October 16

North Commons (10:54 a.m.) — Resident requested a well-being check on a party who left their residence and was upset. Officer located the party, who was waiting for family; everything was fine.

Baker Farm Road (12:44 p.m.) — Police received a report of a campsite in the woods on conservation land. Officers checked but no one around. Officers later tracked down the owner, who is going to remove the equipment.

Wheeler Road (8:17 p.m.) — Caller reported a party was on his property who suddenly left when confronted in a vehicle. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the person.

Bedford Road (4:57 p.m.) — Power outage reported; Eversource responding.

South Great Road (4:58 a.m.) — Traffic lights out at the intersection of Rte. 117 and Rte. 126. Four-way stop signs were deployed at the intersection.

October 17

Bedford Road, Beaver Pond Road (8:39 and 8:54 a.m.) — Reports of large trees down, taking out the electrical service to the houses. Eversource notified.

Moccasin Hill (4:19 p.m.) — Caller was concerned about a vehicle parked on the roadway on Saturday and Sunday. Officer checked on the vehicle and everything was fine; the owner will park elsewhere.

October 18

Lincoln Road (8 a.m.) — Caller reported a teenager walking who appears to be under the influence. Officer located the party, who didn’t wish to talk to the him but showed no signs of intoxication.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (8:51 p.m.) — Caller reported losing her phone that was on the hood of her car. Officers were unable to locate.

Old Concord Road (10:16 p.m.) — Caller reported having an interaction with a party at about 8:30 p.m. who was driving a scooter and appeared confused, looking for a directions to a residence in Lincoln and Burlington. Caller wanted to make police aware of the interaction.

October 19

Trapelo Road (8:57 a.m.) — Report of a tree down. DPW notified.

Sandy Pond Road (1:05 p.m.) — Report of political signs stolen at the five-way intersection. Additional reports of stolen signs at the same spot on October 20 at 8:15 p.m., October 21 at 4:07 a.m. and 7:37 p.m., October 22 at 5 p.m., October 26 at 9:56 p.m., October 27 at 9:56 p.m., October 28 at 2:26 p.m.

October 20

Todd Pond Road (10:18 a.m.) — Caller reported being a victim of fraud. Investigation ongoing.

Pierce House (1:59 p.m.) — Caller reported an elderly party left the residence who doesn’t have a license. Officer checked the area and was unable to locate the party, but followed up with her at her residence and advised her not to drive.

October 21

Todd Pond Road (7:59 a.m.) — Report of a party throwing debris in the roadway. Officer was unable to locate the involved party.

Ridge Road (4:09 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station wanted to report ongoing suspicious activity around their apartment. Report taken.

South Great Road (7:01 p.m.) — Report of glass breaking, possibly at a neighbor’s house. Officers checked the area and neighbors; everything appears fine.

October 22

Lincoln Road (10:47 a.m.) — Caller reported that railroad gates came down on top of his vehicle. No damage.

Lincoln Road (7:54 p.m.) — Verbal warning given to party riding a bike with no lights.

Lincoln Police Department (9:20 p.m.) — Minor damage to a police cruiser door while deploying a traffic board.

October 23

Page Road (6:20 a.m.) — Caller reported that a lumber truck was looking to make a delivery at a house on the street that he’s unable to locate. Officer responded and assisted the party; there was a mix-up with the paperwork

Huckleberry Hill (4:59 p.m.) — Report of political signs stolen. Second report of stolen signs on October 27 at 6:10 p.m.

October 24

Virginia Road (1:12 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party pulled over at the town line. Everything was fine.

South Great Road (11:52 a.m.) — Weston police reported they had a vehicle stopped in Lincoln that had left a crash in Weston. Officer responded to assist.

Ballfield Road (1:35 p.m.) — Report of political signs stolen.

Tower Road (4:17 p.m.) — Caller complained about a work truck idling in front of their house. The driver was waiting for the homeowner to arrive home for a delivery.

Stratford Way (9:57 p.m.) — Report of kids ringing the door bell and running away. Officer checked the area but was unable to locate them.

Lincoln Cemetery (10:21 p.m.) — Two parties were talking inside a vehicle. Officer checked on them and they left the area.

October 25

Tally Ho Lane, Wayland (2:50 a.m.) — Wayland police requesting assistance with a report of a party with a gun. Officer responded and were cleared by Wayland officers; everything was fine.

Lincoln Road (3:37 an.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled over with hazards on. It was an Uber driver and everything was fine.

Lincoln Road (11:31 a.m.) — Report of political signs stolen.

October 26

Silver Hill Road (10:17 a.m.) — Caller reported a deceased fox on her property. Animal Control will contact the caller.

Old Concord Road (1:14 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing loud banging noises in the area of her residence. Officers checked but were unable to locate anything.

The Food Project, Concord Road (10:31 p.m.) — Officer checked on cars and a RV at the Food Project. Permission had been given to them.

October 27

National Park Visitors’ Center (12:58 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot for a couple of days with no one around it.

Codman Road (10:58 a.m.) — Caller reported a suspicious person who was seen near the alpacas in Codman Field. Report taken.

Wells Road (12:04 p.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to the residence.

October 28

Lincoln Road (12:31 p.m.) — Attempted to deliver court paperwork to the resident; no contact made. Paperwork successfully delivered at 4:03 p.m.

Police dispatcher charged with child pornography resigns

The Lincoln police dispatcher arrested on October 13 for possession of child pornography resigned before a town termination hearing was to be held, Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy announced in a statement on November 3. He had been on administrative leave without pay since his arrest.

“The facts surrounding the alleged crime are extremely concerning and shocked all members of the department,” the statement said. “As a result of the Dispatcher Hughes’ arrest, the Lincoln Police Department conducted its own internal investigation. With the assistance of the Town’s IT Director and an independent computer consultant, a forensic examination was conducted on all of the Dispatch computers as well as on Dispatcher Hughes’ computer profile. The internal investigation revealed no evidence of inappropriate or criminal behavior via the use of the town’s computers.

“While the town was in the process of moving forward with a termination hearing, Dispatcher Hughes resigned his position on October 30, 2020.

“It is important for the Lincoln community to know that prior to hiring Dispatcher Hughes a thorough background investigation was conducted to include the submission of fingerprints into the national database. There were no indications of conduct or behaviors that would have cast any doubt on Dispatcher Hughes’ ability to carry out his duties as a public safety dispatcher.”

Police log for October 9–14, 2020

Police received reports this week of unemployment claims that were fraudulently filed in the name of Lincoln residents on South Great Road and Page Farm Road.

October 9

Conant Road (12:32 p.m.) — Caller reported wires were down on the ground and on fire. Fire Department responded; Eversource notified.

Lincoln Road (5:55 p.m.) — Caller reported smoke in the area of the Ryan Estates. Fire Department responded and found that Codman Farm was burning in their pit.

Indian Camp Lane (6:43 p.m.) — Caller reported someone came to the house saying they needed to inspect it. Upon following up, the officer found that it was a legitimate visit from a social service agency

Todd Pond Road (6:49 p.m.) — Caller reported that solicitors had come to their door two days earlier selling magazines. No permit had been issued.

October 10

Sandy Pond Road (4:48 p.m.) — Four people fishing were sent on their way and advised that they couldn’t fish in the reservoir.

Lexington Road (7:20 p.m.) — Officer conducted a well-being check on a resident, who reported they now have phone service.

North Commons (8:03 p.m.) — Caller reported a neighbor was banging on the walls and stomping around. Officer responded; unable to make contact.

October 11

Virginia Road (1:45 p.m.) — Emerson Hospital requested a well-being check on a party. Officer checked and they were fine.

Sandy Pond Road (9:32 p.m.) — Lawn sign stolen from the five-way traffic island.

October 12

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:30 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle and arrested Amanda Bright, 30, of Marlborough on a warrant for Larceny. She was later bailed.

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (12:30 p.m.) — A party trying to enter Hanscom Air Force Base was found to have an arrest warrant. Daniel Mugavero, 26, of Lawrence was arrested on a warrant for traffic violations.

Sandy Pond Road (2:10 p.m.) — Lawn sign stolen from the five-way traffic island.

Drumlin Farm (4:17 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot with its door open and no one around.

Winter Street (7:46 p.m.) — After receiving multiple calls of an erratic motor vehicle operator, an officer came across the vehicle on Winter Street. After an investigation, Michael Feeney, 27, of Taunton was arrested for OUI–drugs, possession of Class A drug, and possession of a Class E drug. 

October 13

Doherty’s Garage (9:25 a.m.) — Officer took a report of someone possibly entering buses during the night. Doherty’s requested extra checks.

Mary’s Way (4:33 p.m.) — Caller reported being notified that his identity may have been compromised due to a data breach.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:21 p.m.) — State police requested assistance on Rte. 2 eastbound with multiple disabled vehicles due to flooding.

October 14

North Great Road (9:09 a.m.) — Report of an injured hawk in the roadway. An officer responded and located the hawk, which flew away.

Lincoln Road (2:53 p.m.) — Car vs. motorcycle crash at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Codman Road. One party was transported to the Lahey Clinic with minor injuries.

South Great Road (3:34 p.m.) — One-car crash (party struck a traffic sign). No injuries.

Lexington Road (5:18 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Everything was fine.

My Turn: It takes a village

By Sara Mattes

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Lincoln Historical Society was on the move with its “Book Brigade.” Over 60 cartons of books (1,700 lbs. at last calculation) were moved from the basement of Bemis Hall for temporary storage elsewhere while Bemis Hall is being cleaned and made rodent-free.

Young and not-so-young accomplished the move in matter of hours. Critical to the success were the young, strong backs and good spirits of Lukas Lenkutis and Peter Covino.

Sara Mattes
Lincoln Historical Society

”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Left to right: Jim Cunningham, Craig Donaldson, Gus Brown, Don Hafner, Chris Taylor, and Lukas Kenkutis.

Obituary: Patricia Warner, 99

Patricia Warner in her Todd Pond Road home. Behind her is a Boston Herald article about her medal. (Photo by Alice Waugh)

(Editor’s note: This obituary by Brian Marquard was published in the Boston Globe on October 24. It is reprinted here (including links) with permission. The photo was taken by the Lincoln Squirrel’s Alice Waugh in 2019 for this profile of Warner cited by the Globe.)

Patricia Warner of Lincoln was 21 years old when word arrived that her husband had died after a Navy battle in the Pacific during World War II. Though bereft, she decided to turn her grief into action as a way to avenge the death of Robert L. Fowler III.

“My husband was killed in the war, and I wanted to do something useful,” she said last year during a ceremony in which she was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, presented by U.S. Representative Katherine Clark.

Signing up with the fledgling Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA, Mrs. Warner was sent to Madrid, where she worked with the French underground to help downed American pilots escape from areas controlled by Germany. She also made the rounds of social gatherings in Spain to spot Nazi sympathizers.

Though such activities were not without danger, she was modest about her work.

“I like to think of myself in the OSS, skulking around darkened bars draped in mascara and allure, dropping truth serum into Nazi officers’ champagne,” she would later write in a memoir. “But I’m not sure I made any meaningful contribution to the war effort.”

Mrs. Warner, who later founded a pioneering organization in Massachusetts to focus attention on eating disorders, was 99 when she died in her Lincoln home on Sept. 26 of cancer.

Initially, she had tried to join the Navy, according to her son Robert Fowler IV of Los Angeles, whom she started raising as a single mother after his father died in the war. Because she was a mother with an infant, the Navy turned her down, but the OSS welcomed her. Her son lived with his grandparents when she joined the OSS.

“As a widow, nobody seemed to want to take me on in America, so I went over on a troop ship to London,” she told the Lincoln Squirrel in 2019.

The OSS then posted her in Spain, where officially she was a secretary.

“I’d be sent to watch people they thought were very iffy and giving secrets to the Germans,” she told the Lincoln Squirrel news organization. “I found out the flamenco dancers were all involved in German activities, so I signed up for flamenco lessons.”

After two years she returned home, graduated from Barnard College with a bachelor’s degree, and began studies at Columbia University.

Awarded a Fulbright scholarship, she planned to go to France, but stayed in the United States instead. By then she had met Charles Warner, a French history scholar who had been a friend and classmate of her first husband at prep school and Harvard College.

“I didn’t want to uproot my son again and the thought of being alone again made me realize that I wanted Charles more than any academic honor,” she wrote in her memoir.

They married in 1951 and had five children. Mrs. Warner later resumed her studies, receiving an education certificate in learning disabilities from Tufts University and a master’s from Lesley College, where she focused on eating disorders.

That academic pursuit grew out of her experience helping her adolescent daughter Cecily, who in the early 1970s was suffering from anorexia nervosa, which was not then commonly discussed. Mrs. Warner read what little medical literature she could find.

“There were no eating disorder units then, little research, and no one who said, ‘I know how you feel,’ ” she told the Globe in 1984.

To help her daughter and others, Mrs. Warner cofounded and served as president of what became the Anorexia Bulimia Aid Society. She later wrote about her experiences in a 2017 memoir, “Will You Love Me When I’m Fat? — A Mother and Daughter Story.”

She drew the title from a question that Cecily — now recovered and living in Lawrence, Kan. — asked years ago. Mrs. Warner wrote that her memoir was the story of “how I overcame dark patterns and tragedies in my life so I could help my daughter in the fight of her life. How anorexia nervosa almost killed her. But it also ultimately saved me.”

Patricia Rosalind Cutler and her twin, Peter, were born in New York City on May 21, 1921. Their parents were John Wilson Cutler, a banker, and Emily Rosalind Fish.

“I grew up in a game-loving, financially secure family with beautiful, high-spirited parents,” Mrs. Warner later wrote.

From the start she took on responsibilities. “Being the sister of a developmentally challenged brother colored my life,” she wrote. “As long as Peter was alive I was part twin, part guardian.”

The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression brought changes, too, as her family endured financial losses. “She had kind of a difficult life, really,” said her oldest son, Robert.

Though she went to private schools and was photographed by Horst P. Horst for Vogue magazine’s annual debutante feature, her father’s moods darkened as the family’s fortunes dwindled.

“I had learned that smiles make everyone happy,” she wrote in her memoir.

When she graduated from high school, her yearbook noted that she was known for her vivaciousness and that her goal was “to be a spy or the first female director of the FBI.”

Mrs. Warner remained ambitious and ready for adventure throughout her life. “She liked excitement, and she loved a good story,” said her son Chris of Cambridge.

Her husband, Charles, held teaching positions in Vermont, Iowa, and Kansas, before the family settled in Lincoln and he spent much of his career at Brandeis.

In Vermont, the family lived in an old farmhouse in a small town and Chris went to a one-room schoolhouse. “When we first moved to Vermont, she got quickly involved with the town,” Chris said. “She would slip into those situations and you wouldn’t think she was a privileged kid from Manhattan.”

Holiday dinners often meant expanding her already expansive family. Guests might include “somebody she met through church, or somebody from Ghana who was a visiting professor,” Chris said. “For our mother, it was always the more the merrier.”

Such occasions offered her the opportunity of lively conversations.

“Our mother lived a fascinating life, but at the same time was incredibly modest,” said her son Josh of Los Angeles. “She wasn’t into pomp and ceremony. She was interested in interesting people.”

Mrs. Warner’s husband died in 2006 and Nicholas, one of her sons, died in 2009.

In addition to her daughter Cecily and sons Robert, Chris, and Josh, she leaves another daughter, Rosalind Schreiber of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A private burial has been held. A memorial service, which the family hopes to hold in May on her 100th birthday, will be announced.

Mrs. Warner “really was a true matriarch, through and through,” said her granddaughter Addie of New York City.

“She was sx feet tall and extremely beautiful, even into her 90s. She was 95 at my college graduation and she stayed out all night,” Addie recalled. “People just swarmed to her. She had this magnetic effect on people that I haven’t seen in anyone else. We all wanted to be close to her, and she had room for all of us, which was the best part.”

 

Police log for Sept. 25–Oct. 1, 2020

September 25

Red Maple Lane (10:36 a.m.) — Resident reported someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim in their name.

Trapelo Road (12:45 p.m.) — Waltham police requested assistance in locating a suicidal person driving a vehicle in the Trapelo Road area. The vehicle was located at 2 p.m. on Rte. 2 westbound between Lexington Road and Bedford Road in Lincoln. The person was later found dead in the woods near the vehicle. Police said the dead man’s name was Alberto Cosco but did mot immediately provide any further information.

Griffiss St., Hanscom Air Force Base (4:35 p.m.) — A worker at the Hanscom commissary reported that a co-worker poked him during a dispute. Officer took a report; the reporting party was advised of the process if he chose to seek criminal charges.

September 26

South Great Road (8:37 a.m.) — Report of a deceased raccoon on the roadway. DPW notified.

Teddy Bear Club, Concord Road (9:28 a.m.) — Caller reported landscapers using a gas-powered leaf blower. Police advised landscapers of the by-law.

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (1:39 a.m.) — Caller reported landscapers using gas-powered leaf blowers. Officer arrived and the landscapers were using mowers; no signs of leaf blowers being used.

Hanscom Law Enforcement, Robbins Toad, Bedford (4:56 p.m.) — Caller reported a piece of his vehicle blew off on Hartwell Avenue earlier in the day and was no longer there. Caller was advised to contact Lexington police.

North Commons (10:16 p.m.; also September 27 at 4:48 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.) — Caller reported their neighbor was continuously banging on the wall. Caller asked it to be documented and they’ll contact the management company.

September 27

Concord Road (11:26 a.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a party walking on Concord Road. Officer checked on the party, who asked for directions.
Lincoln Road (2:43 p.m.) — Resident called with a complaint regarding the amount of bicyclists not stopping at the stop signs at the five-way intersection. Complaint documented.

Huckleberry Hill (7:16 p.m.) — Unknown caller reported a resident was being scammed. Officer spoke to the resident, who reported that they were not being scammed. Officer also followed up with a family member

Page Road (9:50 p.m.) — Resident called to speak with an officer regarding an ongoing civil matter.

Weston Road (8:19 p.m.) — Officer assisting two people as they looked for a lost phone.

September 28

Beaver Pond Road (1:07 p.m.) — Resident reported that someone called them to purchase artwork and they believe it’s a scam. Party had not given no money or personal information. They were advised to ignore any future calls from the person.

Lincoln Road (3:40 p.m.) — Party called reporting an unleashed dog walking near the public safety building. The caller was advised that there is not a leash law in town.

Lincoln Police Department (4:58 p.m.) — Beverly police called looking for information on a vehicle that was previously involved in an incident in town.

Page Road (4:58 p.m.) — Caller requesting information regarding an ongoing civil matter. An officer spoke to the caller in regard to the matter.

Blueberry Lane (5:32 p.m.) — Caller reported they were walking in the area and came across a dog that was aggressive and wanted the incident documented.

Lincoln Road (6:42 p.m.) — Caller requested information on where they could load a car onto a car carrier.

MBTA station (7:41 p.m.) — Caller complained that their train was late. They were advised to contact the MBTA.

Minute Man National Park, Hartwell lot (7:57 p.m.) — Officer checked on vehicles parked in the lot after dark. The parties were sent on their way.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound) 8:37 p.m.) — Robert Walsh, 29, of Watertown was stopped and later arrested for OUI (second offense), speeding, and drinking from an open container. He was later bailed to appear in Concord District Court.

Huckleberry Hill (9:21 p.m.) — Caller reported their carbon monoxide detectors were going off. Fire Department responded and found zero CO readings

September 29

Linway Road (9:46 a.m.) — Caller report that someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim.

Page Road (11:01 a.m.) — Officer assisting a party with a civil matter.

Lincoln Road (12:34 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the home. The Fire Department responded and found zero readings.

Todd Pond Road (4:11 p.m.) — Caller reported an electrical burning odor in the home. Fire Department responded and found a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.

Sandy Pond Road (4:39 p.m.) — State police at Logan Airport reported that a drone was flying near Flints pond. Officers checked the area but found nothing.

September 30

Reported of trees and branches down starting at 7:33 a.m. on Old County Road (three reports), Conant Road (two reports), Winter Street, Davison Drive, and Old Sudbury Road. Report of wires down on Lincoln Road at 7:48 a.m.

Trapelo Road (8:21 a.m.) — Waltham police reported that Trapelo Road is closed on their side of the town line due to a transformer fire.

Browning Lane (11:15 a.m.) — Police Department investigating a case of identity fraud involving possible harassment.

Lincoln Road (12:21 p.m.) — Eversource asked for an officer to assist with traffic at the five-way intersection due to a power outage from storm-related damage.

The Commons (4:0 p.m.) — Multiple 911 calls from a party in the memory care unit looking for assistance. Officers confirmed that everything was fine.

Stonegate Gardens, South Great Road (6:10 p.m.) — Two vehicles were reportedly broken into while parked in the lot. The case is under investigation.

October 1

South Great Road (10:18 a.m.) — Weston police reported they received a call about a party yelling on the railroad tracks near the town line. Weston police later reported that they located the party.

Stonegate Gardens, South Great Road (11:28 a.m.) — Police received a report that a vehicle that was parked at Stonegate on September 30 was broken into. The case is under investigation.

Lincoln Road (2:41 p.m.) — Caller reported a fraudulent unemployment claim was filed in their name.

Weston Road (3:47 p.m.) — Report of a suspicious person walking on Weston Road. Officer checked the area but was unable to locate the party.

Storm wreaked havoc at Codman Community Farms

The unexpected derecho that swept through the area on October 7 damaged hundreds of trees, closed many roads and caused widespread power outages (about half the town at one point). A similar but stronger event in August destroyed millions of acres of crops and buildings in Iowa and northern Illinois, but the storm here caused damage and even livestock deaths on Lincoln’s own town farm. Below is the account of farmer Pete Lowy of Codman Community Farms. He sent this account to subscribers of the farm’s email newsletter; it’s reprinted here with his permission.

Last Wednesday was yet another memorable night on the farm. The evening starting out pretty much business as usual for a chicken catching night. As we do every chicken catching night we loaded the trailer with empty chicken crates, recruited some volunteers, and planned to gather out in the field to catch and crate birds about one hour before sunset. A bit of rain and thunderstorms did pop up in the forecast which had not been predicted, but it didn’t seem like a big storm.

Of course, the rain itself was due to arrive right around 6 pm, just when we planned to meet up with volunteers at Mt. Misery field, but otherwise, all seemed fine. Jared and I decided to get a jump on the weather as we first had to catch the last 40 turkeys at Van Leer field, then head over to Mt. Misery. We successfully caught all the turkeys as planned and loaded them in the back of the pickup truck. Toby the guardian dog looked on lazily as we caught the birds, no doubt happy to be done working for the season, then Jared loaded Toby in his truck and we both headed back to the farm to hook up the big trailer with the empty crates and to drop off Toby.

I was eager to get going as I’m always a bit excited and hopeful that chicken catching goes well – so I headed over to Mt. Misery first — Jared would soon follow. Just as I arrived in the field where the coops were located, some raindrops started falling. I got out of the truck to open the electric fence gate and as soon as I opened the truck door I felt a strong gust of brisk wind and some big pelting raindrops smack me on my bald pate — never a nice feeling! I jumped back into the truck and pulled into the field about 200 yards from where the coops were located.

Driving slowly towards the coops, the weather closed in, uncertain how much rain would fall, I stopped the truck. The raindrops were unusually large — but the rain was not falling heavily. But then a strange wind quickly descended from the tree line. The tall trees surrounding the field swayed in the strong wind. Before I knew it, the 8’x12′ open-floored, tarp-covered chicken coops, each containing 65 chickens, started lifting off of the ground. One popped off the ground and descended again, like a kite trying to take off, then was suddenly picked up and flung through the air, tumbling and twirling side over side until it lay resting at the tree line about 200 feet from where it started. Then just as quickly another coop — and another — and another lifted off the ground and flipped over.

I honestly could not believe this was happening. We have used these types of coops for over 10 years and never, ever has this happened before. But this storm, later to be officially classified as a derecho (defined on Wikipedia as a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with fast-moving windstorms, potentially rivaling hurricane and tornado force minds), was like nothing I have ever seen. As the coops tossed and turned and danced in the air, I could only imagine how many chickens were being injured.

As quickly as the storm arrived, it departed. I called Jared, who had yet to arrive, and shouted out to him about the disaster I just witnessed — he was on his way. I was afraid to get out of the truck for fear of another wave of wind, but thankfully it never arrived. Once Jared arrived, we cautiously walked out to the coops to survey the damage. The chickens were scattered around, newly exposed to the open sky, and disoriented from the sudden change in their housing situation! Many chickens were walking around aimlessly in circles, wondering where their feeders and waterers went. Some were huddled together in small groups trying to stay warm, and yet other birds took advantage of their newfound freedom and started foraging, searching for tasty bugs and grass bits.

As Jared and I walked in circles surveying the damage, we began developing a plan as to how to unravel this mess. Volunteers starting arriving and we all pitched in to catch and crate the birds that were ready for harvest. We then had to relocate the homeless birds back into shelters for the evening. It was the best we could do as nighttime quickly descended. We would sort it all out in the morning. And just as we were finishing up and moving the last of the homeless birds back into shelters, an opportunistic hawk swept down and grabbed a free chicken dinner! And to our amazement, that was the only chicken that we lost due to the storm.

Unfortunately, the story does not quite end here. While we were dealing with the chickens, our pigs over at Minuteman National Park were also impacted that evening. Minuteman National Park along 2A was devastated by the storm with a tremendous amount of fallen trees. A large branch fell in our pig field, knocking down our pig fencing and injuring some of the more than 60 full-grown pigs who live on the field. Several days after the storm, three pigs died from internal injuries suffered from the fallen branch. They were beautiful full-grown Old Spot pigs that we had been growing since the spring. Tremendously sad accident. So far the rest of the pigs seem strong and healthy and we are keeping a close eye on them. Never a dull moment….

These events that happen all too often are just part of the many physical and economic challenges farms like ours face every day. We feel it’s important to share these stories to provide a deeper understanding of our work and what it take s to run a small diversified farm in today’s world. As always, we appreciate any and all feedback and are grateful for your support! Onward!

Photos of some of the damage caused by the derecho (click to enlarge).

My Turn: Vote “yes” on ballot question for ranked choice voting

By 57 Lincoln residents

As we approach the election of 2020 scheduled for November 3, we find our democratic institutions threatened from many directions. In several recent elections in Massachusetts, we have witnessed candidates who have been voted into office with a small plurality of votes. This election, we have an opportunity to more clearly understand the voice of our electorate, and to strengthen our democracy by voting “yes” on ballot question #2 in support of ranked choice voting. This is a nonpartisan ballot question that gives everyone more choice and more effective participation in our elections.

What is RCV and how does it work?

With ranked choice voting, you can choose one candidate just as you always have, or rank the candidates for office in the order you prefer them — as many or as few as you like. This is known as having one transferable vote. If one person gets 50% of the vote, no further action is necessary, and the winner is chosen the same way they are now. If no candidate gets 50% or more of first-choice votes, then the last-place candidate is eliminated. People who voted for the eliminated candidate have their vote transferred to their second choice. This process continues until one candidate has 50% + 1 vote and is declared the winner.

What are the benefits?

  • It ensures that whoever wins has the support of the majority of voters and not just an electoral plurality
  • It expands voter choice and makes lesser-known candidates more viable
  • It encourages candidates to run for office without fear of vote-splitting
  • It encourages candidates to find common ground with more voters so that they become one of the choices

Where is RCV currently used?

 Ranked choice voting is used in some form in 26 states and across the political spectrum. RCV is also used in parliamentary elections in Australia and Ireland.

To which elections will RCV apply?

Ranked-choice voting would be used in primary and general elections for all Massachusetts statewide offices, state legislative offices, federal Congressional and Senate seats, and certain other offices beginning January 1, 2022. RCV would not be used in elections for president, county commissioner, regional district school committee member, or in city or town elections.

Who endorses RCV?

  • Several Boston Globe editorials and op-ed pieces between August 2018 and September 18, 2020 have supported RCV.
  • Nongovernmental organizations (a broad cross-section of organizations such as Common Cause, the League of Women voters, and Voter Choice Massachusetts)
  • Academics across the state scholars in many of our state’s colleges and universities
  • Elected officials (Attorney General Maura Healey, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Representatives Katherine Clark, Seth Moulton, and Ayanna Pressley all support RCV)
  • The Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship appointed by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in its report released June 2020.

Lincoln residents are proud of their grassroots politics, cherish their Town Meeting, and treasure their civic activism. We believe that our democracy will be strengthened if we make sure everyone’s vote counts and if winning candidates have the support of the majority of voters. We intend to vote “yes” on ballot question #2. We hope you will too.

Tim Barclay
Laura Berland
Penny Billings
Cathie Bitter
Hans Bitter
Pam Boardman
Irene Briedis
Susan Brooks
Gus Browne
Michael Cameron
Lindsay Clemens
Marshall Clemens
Jane Cooper
Gary Davis
Rosamond Delori
Andy Falender
Lorraine Fiore
Jerry Gechter
Andrew Glass
Jennifer Glass
Roy Harvey
Emily Haslett
Tom Haslett
Paula Johnson
Steve Johnson
Joan Kimball
Steve Kropper
Jackie Lenth
Connie Lewis
Gwyn Loud
Sara Mattes
Margaret McLaughlin
Carolyn Montie
Eve Montie
Paul Montie
Brooks Mostue
Patty Mostue
Terry Perlmutter
Camie Petri
Al Rossiter
Selina Rossiter
Jena Salon
Laura Sander
Tom Sander
George Seeley
Susan Seeley
Ellen Shorb
Paul Shorb
Barbara Slayter
Diana Smith
Jay Soucy
Bill Stason
Dilla Tingley
Katy Walker
Tom Walker
Irene Weigel
Jean Welsh
 

”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Lincoln police dispatcher arrested on child pornography charge

Lincoln Police Department Dispatcher Spencer Hughes was arrested on October 13 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations for one count of possession of child pornography in violation of Title 18 USC 2252(a)(4)(B).

Hughes has been placed on administrative leave without pay. The town will conduct its own internal investigation and will take appropriate action, Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said in a statement, adding, “the crime alleged is very concerning and we will continue to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.”

The specific statute in question concerns possession and/or distribution of visual depictions involving the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, or up to 20 years if the visual depiction involves a minor under 12 or if the defendant has a prior conviction for sexual abuse or child pornography.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations has broad legal authority to enforce a diverse array of federal statutes and investigates all types of cross-border criminal activity, including cybercrime and human rights violations.

Kennedy would not comment further on Hughes as it involves an ongoing personnel matter. He referred questions to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston, which did not immediately return a phone call on Wednesday. Further information on Hughes was unavailable, though a Google search revealed that in 2019, he participated in a Cops for Kids with Cancer donation to a Burlington boy suffering from cancer.

Police log for October 2–8, 2020

Police received reports this week of unemployment claims that were fraudulently filed in the name of Lincoln residents on Concord Road, Conant Road, Trapelo Road, Wells Road, Twin Pond Lane, and Huckleberry Hill.

October 2

Silver Hill Road (5:52 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing a child walking barefoot in the roadway.. Area checked but no sign of a child walking in the area.

Brooks Hill Road (6:09 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone called him looking for iCloud account information. No information was given to the apparent scammer.

October 3

Bedford Road (1:54 a.m.) — Caller reported the sound of a female scream in the area of Bemis Hall. Office checked the area but were unable to locate anything amiss.

Bedford Road (3:25 a.m.) — Kelvin Ko, 23, of Ayer was stopped on Bedford Road and later arrested for OUI/liquor and speeding.

Winter Street (6:02 p.m.) — Caller complained about tree work being done at a neighbor’s house. An officer spoke to the resident, who said the work would be done by 7 p.m.

Tower Road (6:42 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a call asking them to purchase American Express gift cards as payment.

Old Concord Road (1:13 a.m.) — Caller requested information regarding a civil matter. Officer spoke to the caller and gave them given all legal options.

October 4

Mt. Misery parking lot, South Great Road (12:08 p.m.) — Caller complained about horses running on the trails and people not wearing masks at an annual event. An officer spoke to the coordinator of the event and advised all riders to wear masks.

North Great Road (12:08 p.m.) — Police received a 911 call about a child found in the National Park. The parents reported the child at the same time to the National Park staff. Officer responded to assist and helped reunite the child with the parents.

Drumlin Farm, South Great Road (3:07 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog being locked in a vehicle. Officer responded; the car’s window was partially open, it wasn’t hot out, and the dog appeared to be fine.

Trapelo Road (3:35 p.m.) — Police stopped a bicyclist for running the stop sign and gave them a verbal warning.

October 5

North Great Road (5:43 p.m.) — A bicyclist riding behind another person walking called out that he was going to pass on the left, at which point the walker took out a box cutter. There were words from the suspect about a friend getting knocked over by a bicycle. The suspect also allegedly made a statement that the bicyclist wasn’t wearing a mask. No arrests were made.

South Great Road (8:21 a.m.) — Caller reported someone was at his house who claimed to be from Dig Safe. Officer responded; the worker was at the wrong house.

North Commons (10:22 a.m.) — Caller reported an injured hawk in the area. The animal control officer was contacted to handle the matter.

Tower Road (3:29 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a call from Publishers Clearinghouse stating they had won some money. No personal information was given over the phone.

October 6

Old County Road (2:05 a.m.) — A stop sign was vandalized with spray paint.

Morningside Lane (9:46 p.m.) — Caller reported a car parked outside their house for a while. Officer checked the area; two neighbors were talking.

October 7

Huckleberry Hill (9:55 a.m.) — Caller reported they couldn’t get in touch with a relative. An officer spoke to the homeowner and advised them to call the reporting party.

Tower Road (10:12 a.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas outside their house. Fire Department responded and shut off the propane tank. Propane company responded. No gas readings inside the house.

Old Concord Road (1:48 p.m.) — Caller wanted to report their vehicle was stolen but was advised that it was a civil matter.

Old Lexington Road (4:05 p.m.) — Caller reported being possibly scammed by someone who claimed to be tech support staff who gained access to their computer.

Police received reports of trees and branches down starting at 5:51 p.m. until 2:41 a.m. on October 8 on Concord Road, Bedford Road, Lincoln Road, Trapelo Road, Weston Road, Sandy Pond Road, Codman Road, South Great Road, Mill Street, Bypass Road, Old Lexington Road, Brooks Road, Blueberry Lane, Tabor Hill Road, Meadow Dam Road, Todd Pond Road, Baker Bridge Road, Page Road, Conant Road, Grasshopper Lane, Granville Road, Meadowbrook Road, North Great Road, and Windingwood Lane.

North Great Road (5:50 p.m.) — A large tree fell on a passing car. No injuries but road was closed temporarily.

Lincoln Road (6:05 p.m.) — A tree fell on a vehicle; no injuries.

Doherty’s Garage, Lincoln Road (7:32 p.m.) — A vehicle drove off with the pump hose still attached. The hose was reattached to the pump.

Oak Knoll Road (7:35 p.m.) — Fire Department assisted a homeowner who was locked out of their house.

Todd Pond Road (9:24 p.m.) — Caller reported suspicious activity and possible scam by door-to-door solicitors.

South Great Road (11:30 p.m.) — Two-car crash, no injuries.

October 8

Todd Pond Road (9:15 a.m.) — Caller reported that a tree fell on their two cars parked in their driveway.

Concord Road (3:02 p.m.) — A car hit a tree. One party was transported to Emerson Hospital.

Hawk Hill Road (4:07 p.m.) — Caller reported being bitten by a dog earlier. Animal control officer will handle.

Sunnyside Lane (7:48 p.m.) — Caller requesting a well-being check on a resident. Resident was fine and will contact the reporting party.

Lexington Road (7:01 p.m.) — The Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. An officer checked and found that resident was fine and has power restored.

Lincoln Road (7:12 p.m.) — A police cruiser stuck a deer but sustained no damage. The deer ran off into the woods.