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Police log for week of March 16, 2020

March 16

Hanscom Drive (10:15 a.m.) — While trying to enter Hanscom Air Force Base, John Hogan, 49, of 79 Laurel Drive in Bradford was arrested on a warrant from Haverhill District Court for OUI/liquor.

Sunnyside Lane (4:02 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone rang their doorbell and then left the previous evening. No further information.

March 17

Old Concord Road (10:54 a.m.) — Resident called to report being a victim of identity fraud. Investigation is ongoing.

Moccasin Hill (2:58 p.m.) — Caller reported their house was filled with smoke. Fire Department determined that the fireplace flue was closed, causing the smoke.

Offutt Road (3:56 p.m.) — Resident reports being harassed by a family member. Office took a report and explained legal options to the party.

March 18

Lincoln Public Schools (12:59 a.m.) — Officer witnessed a party driving into the school complex. Officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with four juveniles. Officer contacted a parent, who came to pick the juveniles up.

Goose Pond Road (2:48 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer made contact; all is well, and party will contact the COA.

Old Winter St. (3:09 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer went to the residence and found that the party no longer lives in town.

Meadowbrook Road (3:22 p.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to the residence.

South Great Road (5:58 p.m.) — Caller reports a young teen walking along Rte. 117. Officer made contact; juvenile had left their residence in Weston after an argument. Weston police contacted and responded.

Wells Road (9:52 p.m.) — Caller reported an outside fire. Fire Department found a campfire outside and handled.

March 19

No log entries recorded.

March 20

Deerhaven Road, Brooks Hill Road, Deer Run Road — Several callers reported having no water or low water pressure. Officer found what appears to be a water main break on Deerhaven Road at Old Cambridge Turnpike; Water Department notified.

Old County Road (3:01 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer made contact; all is well, and party will contact the COA

Winter Street (4:03 p.m.) — Resident called asking about the leaf blower by-law.

March 21

Wells Road (1:32 a.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in making contact with a Lincoln resident and having them contact Concord. Notification made.

Walden Street, Concord (1:53 a.m.) — Concord police requested assistance with an alarm at Concord-Carlisle High School.

Minebrook Road (2:29 p.m.) — Caller reported a party trespassing on their property near conservation trail. Officer responded and took a report.

Concord Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller complained about a leaf blower in the area. Caller was advised of the by-law.

Lincoln Road (3:30 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in making contact with a Lincoln resident. Officers responded and asked the party to call Concord police.

Virginia Road — Caller complained about flight schools at Hanscom operating and not practicing social distancing. Caller was advised to contact MassPort Operations.

South Great Road (5:58 p.m.) — Concord police reported that they received a call that a Sudbury police officer stopped a car on Rte. 117 near the town line and may need assistance. Officer checked the area and was unable to locate.

Trapelo Road (9:51 p.m.) — Caller reports a power outage in the area. Eversource notified.

March 22

Lexington Road (9:08 a.m.) — Caller reporting an ongoing civil dispute with their neighbor

Millstone Lane (11:55 a.m.) — Caller reports an out-of-control brush burn. Fire Department checked; resident had fire under control.

Cambridge Turnpike Eastbound (3:33 p.m.) — Officer found bicyclist riding on Rte 2 and advised them move off highway onto a side road.

Lincoln Road (4:32 p.m.) — Caller reports a party in a parked car near Donelan’s had an open container of alcohol. Officer made contact. No impairment; the open container was removed and the party was sent on their way.

Conant Road (6:17 p.m.) — Caller complained about leaf blowers. Officers spoke to the work crew and advised them of the by-law.

Beware of scammers taking advantage of Covid-19 emergency

The Lincoln Police Department and the Council on Aging remind residents of all ages to be wary of scams that are already related to the coronavirus public health emergency. These include offers of treatments or vaccines, work-at-home jobs, or in-demand products like medical and cleaning supplies that may come by phone, email, or on the internet. Remember:

  • There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for the coronavirus.
  • Be wary of emails saying they are from the CDC, WHO, or other government agencies with information about the virus, and don’t click on any links or attachments in such emails. Instead, go to the Centers for Disease Control or World Health Organization websites for the most up-to-date information.
  • Don’t make donations, especially over the phone, unless you know the organization and you initiated the call.
  • Never order something on the phone or online from a company or individual you don’t know.
  • Hang up on robocalls. Answering and talking to them or pressing a number will just get you many more robocalls.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Also, with the potential for checks coming from the U.S. government, scammers will be calling and emailing, saying they are from the government and asking for personal information like Social Security numbers or credit card or bank numbers, or claiming they can help you get your payment. The government will never call or email you for these purposes.

If you believe you’ve been the victim or a scam, please call the Lincoln Police Department at 781-259-8113. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov, or call 888-221-6023 and leave a message or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting www.IC3.gov. 

The U.S. Secret Service has also issued a warning to Americans about Covid-related “phishing” scams (the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to entice individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.) Cyber criminals are exploiting the coronavirus emergency with mass emails posing as legitimate medical and or health organizations.

The Food and Drug Administration also warns that products claiming to cure, treat, or prevent serious diseases like Covid-19 may cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm. Fraudulent Covid-19 products may come in many varieties, including dietary supplements and other foods, as well as products purporting to be drugs, medical devices or vaccines.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission jointly issued warning letters to Vital Silver, Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd., Xephyr, LLC doing business as N-Ergetics, GuruNanda, LLC, Vivify Holistic Clinic, Herbal Amy LLC, and The Jim Bakker Show.  The products cited in these warning letters are teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver. The FDA has previously warned that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition.

Checking on claims

An easy way to check the truthfulness of almost anything you hear or read online is through FactCheck.org  or Snopes.com, which has a Covid-19 section. Snopes presents claims about all sorts of things and then labels them “true,” “false,” “mixture,” “scam” or “unproven” with explanations. Here are some of the claims that the site has researched (see below for answers or click on the questions):

  1. Will Sipping Water Every 15 Minutes Prevent a Coronavirus Infection?
  2. Did Corona Beer Sales Drop Sharply Due to Fear About the Coronavirus?
  3. Is Coronavirus Spreading Faster Than SARS, Ebola, and Swine Flu?
  4. Can You Get a Free Coronavirus Test by Donating Blood?
  5. Was COVID-19 Discovered in the U.S. and South Korea on the Same Day?
  6. Can a Homemade Tito’s Vodka Hand Sanitizer Help Stem Coronavirus?

(Answers: 1=false, 2=false, 3=mixed, 4=false, 5=true, 6=false) 

Resident at The Commons found to have Covid-19

Here is the latest Lincoln news pertaining to the Covid-19 epidemic.

The Commons in Lincoln informed families on March 21 that one of their residents has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now receiving treatment. The person has been quarantined and will remain out of community until health authorities give clearance to return, according to the email from Bob Moran, senior vice president of operations for Benchmark Senior Living, which owns The Commons.

Administrators contacted public health authorities and enacted their response plan, which includes evaluating which residents and associates had high exposure to this individual. Residents who had high exposure are being quarantined and associates who had high exposure are being told to stay home. 

As part of these protective measures for residents and associates of The Commons, visitors are restricted to healthcare providers or family members providing direct care or visiting loved ones receiving end-of-life care, and The Commons has suspended all new resident move-ins. The facility is following these guidelines from state and federal health authorities:

  • Staff who are providing resident care to quarantined residents will wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Enhanced cleaning consistent with CDC guidelines
  • Screening all staff for symptoms
  • Taking temperatures daily of all community members

More information can be found on Benchmark Senior Living’s Covid-19 resource page. “As for families and loved ones who are outside our community, we will do all we can to help you remain connected to the resident who is so important to you, as our visitor policies evolve,” Moran said in the email, adding that questions may be directed to healthquestions@benchmarkquality.com.

L-S Mutual Aid Network

Lincoln resident Sydney Kanzer and other Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School graduates have created an L-S Mutual Aid Network to arrange housing, food, transportation, childcare resources for their neighbors during this uncertain time. Learn more on their Facebook page or click here to request help.

Last week, a group of residents including First Parish in Lincoln parishioners issued a similar survey both for those who want to help others and those who need help with food, social services, financial support, elder services, etc. Click here to view the resource list they assembled.

Public invited to another Zoom meeting

Lincoln resident Andy Payne has set up another online meeting for any interested Lincolnites and others to learn more about using the popular free meeting app Zoom and chat about whatever is on their minds on Monday, March 23 at 1 p.m. Just go to  https://zoom.us/j/756351112 to join the meeting and enter meeting code 756 351 112. Anyone needing help in getting Zoom set up before the meeting can email Payne at andy@payne.org.

Once you’ve got the app installed on your phone, tablet, or computer, click on the above link at the scheduled time and it should launch you into the conference. Payne will give some basic lessons and offer a chance for those that aren’t familiar with video conferencing to learn, explore, and fiddle with the settings and features in a low-stakes environment. If you need help getting the app set up, email Payne at andy@payne.org.

Outdoor adventure for kids on Facebook Live

Every Monday at 11 a.m., join Farrington Nature Linc for an outdoor adventure on Facebook Live. On Monday, March 23, our program director Sarah will share Animal Yoga. After the Facebook Live events, they’ll keep the videos on Facebook and will also post them to a new YouTube page (in process) so they’ll be there for you even if you can’t make the live event.

Real restaurant adjusts takeout times

To order from Real’s takeout menu, place your order before 3 p.m. or schedule ahead for later in the week. The menu will update with 1-2 days’ notice. Pickup times are available from 5–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. At your chosen pick-up time, park in the back of the restaurant and call the restaurant at 781-259-9464. Ruth-Anne or Tom will bring your order out to your car.

Verrill Farm offers takeout sandwiches

Verrill Farm (11 Wheeler Rd. in Concord) has adjusted its hours; it’s now open every day from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. The farm store reports that shelves are fully stocked and they’re receiving deliveries to restock with each day, and have not seen any abnormal product shortages. Its offerings include fresh produce and fruit, dairy products, meats, delicious prepared entrees, soups, and baked goods from the farm kitchen. Click here to order sandwiches online. Click here to learn about their safety procedures.

Library increases Hoopla download limit, offers e-cards

The Lincoln Public Library has increased the number of Hoopla downloads you can get from six per month to 10. Hoopla allows immediate access to movies, music e-books, and audio books for adults & children. For information on joining Hoopla, please visit www.lincolnpl.org. All of the library’s electronic services can be found on this page.

If you’re new to the library and have never gotten a permanent library card, you can get a temporary e-card. During the Covid-19 emergency, the Minuteman Library Network has enabled e-card users to access the Lincoln Library’s online services. To apply for an e-card, click here.

The library’s engage service will be offering open access to some of its resources to support online learning for students of all ages (PreK to undergraduate). The library will post links on its home page with directions for logging in. Anyone with questions may email lincoln@minlib.net

Clark Gallery

The Clark Gallery in the Lincoln mall is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and any time by appointment. “To provide a calm oasis for reflection, a call to the gallery would be most appreciated prior to your visit,” they wrote. The phone number is 617-386-6115.

Police log for the week of March 8, 2020

Spring cleanup time is here, and there were several instances this week of people burning brush where the fire got beyond their control. Have a hose nearby (with the outside water turned on!) and remember to get a permit from the Fire Department before you burn anything.

March 8

Tracey’s Corner (12:09 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on the resident who had missed a get-together the previous night. Officer spoke the with party, all is ok and they’ll follow up with the caller.

257 Concord Road (1:51 p.m.) — Multiple 911 calls out an out-of-control brush fire. Lincoln Fire Department responding with Wayland Fire Department assisting. About 1 acre was burned.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:49 p.m.) — Motor vehicle crash. Fire Department transported one party to Newton-Wellesley Hospital with minor injuries; state police also responded.

March 9

Weston Road (1:53 p.m.) — Party came into the station to speak with an officer about a civil matter. Officer took a report to document the matter.

Lexington Road (5:13 p.m.) —  Party reported having a dispute with their neighbor. Officer took a report to document the incident.

Lincoln Road (5:44 p.m.) — Caller complained that the five-way intersection next to the library is generally unsafe. Caller was advised to direct the complaint to the Roadway and Traffic Committee.

Mt. Misery Parking Lot (10:58 p.m.) — Caller reported people in the parking lot being loud and setting off fireworks. Officers moved them along.

March 11

Lincoln Road (1:23 a.m.) — Caller complained about noise from a leaf blower. the owners was advised of the by-law

Conant Road (12:06 p.m.) — Caller requested assistance with shaving her husband. She was advised to contact the Council on Aging for assistance.

Smith Hill Road (2:55 p.m.) — Caller report their two dogs attacked each other. Animal control officer was contacted and advised to handle.

March 12

Virginia Road (1:54 a.m.) — Caller reported a loud noise outside the residence. Officers found it was a septic truck pumping out the septic system after the building had a plumbing issue.

Wells Road (5:42 a.m.) — Confused caller stated there’s someone in her home. Officers checked; all is fine.

Weston Road (2:32 p.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to a party.

March 13

Tower Road (12:11 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of gas at the house. Fire Department checked and found no gas reading on their meter.

Chestnut Circle (10:38 p.m.) — Caller requested assistance with an animal; officer responded and assisted.

March 14

Codman Road 3:11 p.m. —  Caller reported missing items from their house. Possible larceny; investigation is ongoing.

Harvest Circle (8:05 p.m.) — Caller reporting a man with “scruffy” appearance walking on the property. Officers checked the area; unable to locate.

March 15

Trapelo Road (11:58 a.m.) — Small woods/grass fire.

Lincoln Road (3:15 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog sitting on the sidewalk with no leash, not being a bother. Caller was advised that Lincoln does not have a leash law; caller took the dog back to its owner.

North Great Road (5:02 p.m.) — Small woods/grass fire.

Offutt Road (7:23 p.m.) — Caller requested assistance with a family member. Officers spoke to the individual and put family in contact with area social services.

Covid-19 updates in Lincoln

Town health and government

The town has established a Covid-19 updates page here. Public health questions should be addressed to Public Health Nurse Tricia McGean at PublicHealthNurse@lincolntown.org. Questions regarding town services and response planning should be directed to Town Administrator Tim Higgins at higginst@lincolntown.org. Board of Selectmen Chair Jennifer Glass is also available to answer questions at selectmen@lincolntown.org.

Town officials will continue to make use of customary communication channels including the town’s website, LincolnTalk, the Lincoln Squirrel, cable television, periodic mailings, reverse 911 phone calls when appropriate, our public safety message boards, and social media.

A group of residents has assembled this list of resources and contacts for those who want to help as well as those who need help during the Covid-19 crisis. 

Lincoln Public Schools

All school events are cancelled and all meetings including staff meetings, professional development, student conferences, IST meetings, and IEP team meetings are cancelled or postponed. All school buildings are closed and no entry will be allowed, except to carry out essential functions related to Covid-19 cleaning or required building and district operations. Administrators are monitoring who enters the building to carry out essential operations and are using strict cleaning protocols following access. 

The state Commissioner of Education has amended the rules so that schools are not required to make up closed days beyond the 185th day on the school calendar. The last day for students on both campuses will be Friday, June 19 as noted on the 2019-2020 academic calendar.

During the closure, schools will not attempt to run school virtually or conduct a formal online learning program, as students have a range of learning needs, access to technology, and levels of support at home. However, they’re providing families with a collection of home learning resources to use as a menu of activities and learning experiences. They are provided “as-is” and will not be evaluated, assessed, or graded.  Assistant Superintendent Jess Rose will share these resources with parents via email by the end of the day on Monday, March 16.

Faculty and staff are checking their email, though they may not be able to respond immediately because they are home with their families. Teachers have been given recommendations for work they can do from home to ensure that they’re fully prepared for the return to school.

Families are reminded that social distancing means staying approximately 6 feet away from others. You may be able to go for a run, hike in the woods, play in the yard or driveway, or have a Skype visit, but not have a group sleepover or multi-person playdate. School administrators strongly urge parents to supervise their children and ensure they are not participating in group activities.

Drinking water is safe

The Covid-19 virus has not been detected anywhere in drinking water, and the Lincoln Water Department assures customers that the town’s water treatment plant is well equipped to remove and disinfect viruses through the filtration and disinfection process. The department is following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water. Click here for more information.

School Building Committee

The March 18 community forum to present items that were to be voted on at the Special Town Meeting. on March 28 has been canceled. The SBC will hold a virtual community forum on a  date to be announced. The March 18 SBC meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. The meeting is necessary in order to vote approvals for expenditures, but it will probably take place virtually. This is possible because Gov. Baker signed an executive order that relaxed the Open Meeting Law rules for remote participation. The meeting must still be open to the community and there must be a quorum in order to make decisions, but the quorum does not need to be present in the same location. The town is determining the best way to hold virtual meetings so that the format and accessibility is as uniform as possible.

Parks and Rec

The Parks and Recreation Department has canceled all classes and programs through Friday, March 27. The office along with all school campus buildings are closed for cleaning, and staff will be working remotely. Those with questions may contact Park and Rec Director Daniel Pereira at 781-389-0280 or dpereira@lincnet.org.

Magic Garden

Both locations of the Magic Garden Children’s Center are closed through March 27. On March 13, the preschool disinfected the classrooms and office spaces, and all classroom equipment, toys, and materials at both locations. A professional cleaning company will also complete a deep cleaning process on Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17. Although the available information indicates that the Covid-19 virus does not live on soft surfaces, the preschool is also having its classroom rugs and couches disinfected and cleaned.

Magic Garden teachers will be in touch with families on a daily basis to provide them with ideas for things to do with their children at home. They’ve also shared their regular classroom schedules as a guide to support parents. 

Drumlin Farm

Mass Audubon has closed its state headquarters in Lincoln as well as Drumlin Farm and other nature centers, museums, and shops, and all programs are canceled through March 31. For more information about Mass Audubon’s response to Covid-19, visit massaudubon.org/covid19.

Codman Community Farms

Codman Community Farms is open, even as it continues to reassess farm operations each day and makes adjustments as needs dictate. CCF has increased orders with its local vendors and will be receiving deliveries through the upcoming week to keep shelves as full as possible. They’re also reaching out to local farms to see what locally grown produce they can supply, and to help support local growers.

At the farm store, staff are wiping down all surfaces at least twice per day, including all handles and electronic terminals, and they’ve added a second electronic checkout terminal in the barn to speed checkout and reduce congestion. The farm store is open 24/7 so off-hours shopping is encouraged. There is a healthy supply of both pork and beef in farm freezers.

The store is adding new products, with yogurt from Sidehill Farm plus knockwurst and nitrite-free kielbasa hot dogs and locally made pasta (frozen and dried plus sauces) expected this week from Deano’s in Somerville. The hens continue to lay eggs, and a new flock of almost 1,400 hens is due to arrive arrive in less than a month. CCF has increased its grain orders to keep livestock well fed in the coming weeks, and has identified other farms that can fill the gap should inventory run low.

Visitors to the rest of the farm are welcome, but please make sure you’re wearing gloves or wash your hands both before and after leaving the farm, and avoid touching surfaces around the farm if possible. 

Lincoln Public Library

The library is closed until at least March 29. However, its online service Kanopy has assembled a collection of online films that patrons can watch for free for the next 30 days. Kanopy Kids, which offers films and TV series that help children develop empathy, mindfulness, and self-esteem through entertaining and educational videos, is also free online. The library recently added BookFlix, a digital literacy resource for students in grades PreK–3. It pairs classic storybooks with related nonfiction titles and offers many options to read along, listen to stories, and/or watch stories come to life. 

For information on any of of the library’s digital/online services for both adults and kids including audiobooks, movies, magazines and music, visit www.lincolnpl.org. Some services require users to be either a Lincoln residents or Lincoln library card holders.

Stonegate Gardens

Stonegate Gardens is open but is frequently sanitizing shopping carts, work surfaces, countertops, bathrooms, phones (including personal cell phones), and door handles according to CDC standards. They are also having cashiers handle the credit card processor for customers and are discouraging the use of cash. Delivery vehicles (steering wheel, door handles, etc.) are wiped down after every use and drivers are also implementing social distancing.

Covid-19 updates and cancellations

Restricted access to schools

Beginning March 12, access to the Lincoln Public Schools is being limited to students and employees only, with a few exceptions. Events that include invitations to parents, extended family members, and outside guests will be postponed, canceled or rescheduled, Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall said in a March 11 communication.

This means that events like plays and musicals (including the middle school performance of “Frozen Jr.” that was scheduled for the evenings of March 19 and 20) may be performed for a student audience during the school day but will not be open to parents and community members. “We will do our best to take steps to allow parents and family members to view the performances via video or other measures. Performances may also be rescheduled to later in the year,” McFall wrote.

Community events that are scheduled in school gyms and auditoriums or other large spaces will also be cancelled.

Other changes and cancellations
  • The Friends of the Library monthly used book sale (was Saturday, March 14 in Bemis Hall). Organizers hope to proceed with the next scheduled book sale on Saturday, April 11 but will keep LincolnTalk posted about plans. Donations are still welcome in the box at Bemis Hall.
  • “Coping & Understanding Hearing Loss” (was Saturday, March 14 at the library). Organizers hope to reschedule for later in the spring.
  • “Tough Guys and Gentle Men: Healthy Men in the Age of #MeToo” (was Saturday, March 14 at St. Anne’s Church). This was a half-day summit hosted by the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. 
More information:

 

TV station to film Lincoln MBTA activists on Friday

WHDH-TV (Channel 7) is coming to the Lincoln train station on Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m. to shoot video for a piece about the difficulties that physically handicapped riders face when trying to board the commuter rail at the Lincoln stop, which is not ADA-compliant.

The piece will be hosted by Sam Smink for Solve It 7. Carol DiGianni, a Ryan Estate resident, has been working to draw attention to the issue for Lincoln riders, including residents of Ryan Estate and Lincoln Woods and hopes others with mobility issues will come on Friday.

The state legislature passed a bill in 2018 that would allocate $500,000 for designing improvements to Lincoln’s MBTA station and commuter lot, but has yet to release the money despite repeated requests from town officials. Residents and the Board of Selectmen pressed the issue with state legislators again at a December 2019 forum.

Police log for week of Feb. 28, 2020

February 28

Wheeler Road (6:25 a.m.) — Caller reported not having water at her house and wanted to see if there was a water main break in the area. No water main break; the caller had had plumbing work done the previous day.

Old Bedford Rd. (5:48 p.m.) — Report of vehicle pulled off to the side of the road. Officer checked on the person, who had pulled over to get directions.

February 29

Lincoln Road (12:46 p.m.) — Party came to the station to pick up court paperwork.

March 1

Lincoln Road (12:32 a.m.) — Officer checked on a bicyclist on Lincoln Rd. Party is a resident riding home; all is fine.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:38 a.m.) — Vehicle was stopped and Omar Hernandez, 35, 50 Day St. in Fitchburg was arrested for an outstanding traffic warrant out of Malden District Court.

South Great Road (4:07 p.m.) — Officer assisted a party just over the town line in Weston with dogs running in the roadway.

Ballfield Road (3:36 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the school after it turned off its lights on Lincoln Road. Officer issued a summons to Daurey Moreta Garcia of Boston for operating without a license and failure to stop for police. Two other people in the car were identified. Personal checks were later found on school grounds that had been stolen out of a mailbox in Newton. A mailbox “fishing device” was also found in the Lincoln Post Office mailbox. Investigation is ongoing.

Lincoln Road (10:11 p.m.) — Officer checked on a party who was pulled over and was lost. Assistance given and party went on their way.

they’re on their way.

March 3

Lincoln Road (8:27 a.m.) — Road sign knocked over near Rte. 117. Officer retrieved the sign and contacted the DPW.

Lincoln School — Officers assisted with traffic and patrolling school during primary election.

Lincoln Road (3:03 p.m.) — Report of a suspicious white van. Area was checked; nothing found.

South Great Road (6:59 p.m.) — Concord Police Department reports an erratic operator entering Lincoln on Rte. 117. Lincoln officer located party and attempted to stop. Party failed to stop and continued into Weston. Subject was stopped and was transported to Lahey Clinic. Operator to be summonsed to court for operating under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop for police, drinking from an open container, and marked lane violation.

Codman Road (3:46 a.m.) — Officer checked on a package on the side of the road. Appears to be from a bread truck; all is fine.

March 4

Lincoln Road (8:48 a.m.) — Solicitor permit issued to a party to go door to door for Edward Jones Financial Advisors.

March 5

1 Harvest Circle (7:33 a.m.) — Elderly party fell victim to a sweepstakes scam, investigation ongoing.

Lincoln Police Department (1:16 a.m.) — Caller was looking for information regarding a probate order. He was advised to contact his attorney as it’s a civil matter.

Tower Road (7:04 p.m.) — Caller reported that both they and their dog were bitten by a dog while on the trails. Dog officer will follow up with the reporting party.

March 6

Wells Road (12:54 a.m.) — A confused party reported people at the residence. Officers spoke to the party and family and made referrals to Senior Services for assistance.

Wells Road (5:25 a.m.) — Well-being check on resident.

Hanscom Air Force Base Vandenberg Gate (7:05 a.m.) — Arthur Cardoso, 27, of Delmar Ave. in Providence, R.I. was arrested while trying to enter the base as he had an outstanding larceny warrant out of Taunton District Court.

Lincoln Road (10:58 a.m.) — Hit-and-run crash in the Donelan’s parking lot. Officer spoke to parties involved and took a report.

Main Street, Watertown (11:20 a.m.) — Det. Spencer assisted Watertown Police Department with a forensic sketch relating to an investigation in that town.

Tower Road (4:12 p.m.) — Caller reported being bitten by three dogs. Party received medical attention and was transported to a local hospital. The Animal Control Officer notified and is handling the matter, and the dog owners were contacted.

Main Street, Maynard (4:42 p.m.) — Det. Spencer assisted Maynard Police Department with a forensic sketch relating to an investigation in that town.

First Parish offers August summer program for kids

The First Parish in Lincoln is introducing Summer Spirit, a full-day program running from August 10–21 for kids who’ve completed grades K-7, with counselor-in-training opportunities for eighth-graders.

“I’ve heard parents mention the lack of an in-town opportunity for ‘good’ (i.e., fun, interesting, safe, etc.) childcare in between the time Lincoln Summer Day Camp (and others) end, and the start of the school year,” said Margit Griffith, director of religious education at the First Parish in Lincoln. Many families have two working parents, “and they don’t all choose to vacation during the last two weeks of August, and not all have nannies, especially once children begin school. College-age summer caregivers start to head back to their schools. This all leaves a child care dilemma here in town.”

Summer Spirit will be headquartered at the church’s Parish House (the stone church) at 14 Bedford Rd., across from Bemis Hall), “and we’ll make use of the historic building, grounds, and abutting conservation lands,” Griffith said.

Each of the two weeks has a theme: “Spirit of Earth” and “Spirit of Lincoln.” Details on activities as well as the parent handbook, registration form, dates and rates, tuition assistance, and contact information can be found at www.fplincoln.org/summer-spirit.

“The program is quite secular in the sense that activities and themes are distinctly summer-day-camp-ish,” Griffith said. “However, our guiding principles in how we interact with each other and with the children focuses on kindness, caring, community service, and support We will relate everything we do to how we nurture each other, our neighbors, and the earth. We may practice moments of mindfulness, but religious practices and beliefs will not be part of Summer Spirit.

Funding for Summer Spirit operations is fronted from the church’s Religious Exploration budget for children and youth programs, with the hope that the program gets enough participants to cover costs, Griffith said. Tuition assistance is available. Any proceeds after all program operations costs are covered will be used to fund scholarships.

The program will run from from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with optional early drop-off at 8 a.m. or late pickup until 5 p.m. for an additional charge. The cost per child is $290 for one week or $530 for both weeks, with discounts for multiple children.

“We also seek to form community partners through this and all church endeavors. Working together is the best way for local organizations to more fully meet the needs of all residents,” Griffith said. “First Parish in Lincoln has rededicated itself to reaching out to continue old tried-and-true traditions and find new, outside-the-box ways of serving with and for all our neighbors.”