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

Long-term plan aims to make Lincoln roads safer for walkers and cyclists

After about three years of work, a Lincoln group is putting the finishing touches on a long-term master plan to make Lincoln’s roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

More than half of Lincoln’s residents would like to walk or bike more on town roads but feel they and their children would be unsafe, according to research by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee (BPAC), which summarized its work for the Select Board on April 25. After more public outreach and listening sessions, the group plans to finalize its master plan and submit it to a Town Meeting vote in 2023, though officials are still researching exactly what voter actions are required.

The early draft includes a list of almost 70 potential safety projects sorted by region of town and by category (intersection, crosswalk, road segment, trail, and special cases, which will require approval and/or funding from more than one source, such as the MBTA, MassDOT, easements from property owners, etc.). Ideas will be added, removed or altered as time goes on.

“This is probably a 30- to 40-year plan. Do I think [everything] is going to happen in my lifetime? No… but it’s something that needs to be at the table every year,” said BPAC member Bob Wolf. 

The committee is an outgrowth of the Cycling Safety Advisory Committee, which was formed in 2017 after three bicycle crashes (two of them fatal) in Lincoln involving motor vehicles in the summer of 2016.

The master plan is based on a federal philosophy known as the Safe System, which assumes that people make mistakes and accidents will still happen, but aims to eliminate fatal and serious injuries for all road users by minimizing impact energy. This can be achieved by lower vehicle speeds, safer roads and vehicles, and educated road users.

Lincoln has already introduced a pilot program on Farrar Road with the creation of advisory shoulders, one of the suggested roadway measures intended to physically separate people traveling at different speeds). Other techniques include:

  • Clarifying stop lines and intersection boundaries (something that’s already been done where Tower Road northbound meets Route 117)
  • Tightening the marked turning radius at intersections to slow vehicles
  • Painting “bike boxes” at intersections where bikes can wait in a separate area from vehicles
  • Improving access to existing rail trails in neighboring towns, and/or creating new “rail to trail routes” (pedestrian/bike paths built alongside railways tracks that are still in use).

Better road maintenance is another important way to improve road safety, the BPAC noted. A wide crack along the side of Route 117 recently caused a crash when a cyclist’s tire was caught in the crack and he was thrown from his bike, causing multiple injuries (the crack was patched the day after).

Wolf and fellow BPAC member Ginger Reiner listed some “quick hits” (improvements that could be made quickly and easily) and “high-value opportunities” (those in locations that link a large number of Lincoln households) when they met with the Select Board. Among the former:

  • A crosswalk on Bedford Road just south of Route 2
  • A contraflow bike lane on Winter Street between Old County Road and the Waltham town line
  • Bike boxes, lane markings, and tightened intersection at Routes 126 and 117.

High-value opportunities include further improvements to the Tower Road/Route 117 intersection, upgrading the trail surface for family cycling on Bedford Lane south of Route 2A, and laying the groundwork for a grade-separated crossing of Route 2, as well as applying lessons learned from the Farrar Road advisory shoulder pilot to other minor connecting roads.

Once the various improvement opportunities are further studied and prioritized with resident input, the town will apply for grants and additional state highway maintenance funding to pay for part or all of as many projects as possible. The town also gets help for a nominal fee from a consultant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

“What is most important is a very subjective call,” Wolf said. “Each [project] requires a group to dig in and figure it all out.” 

Police log for April 21–30, 2022

April 21

South Great Road (3:58 p.m.) — Caller reported an empty kayak floating on Farrar Pond. Officer responded and was unable to locate. He followed up with the caller, who believes it floated away from a mooring.

Bedford Road (5:39 p.m.) — Caller reported a young child walking alone along Bedford Road. Officer responded and saw the child walking with an adult and their dog.

April 22

MMNHP Visitor Center (2:57 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. The party was a contractor working in the area taking a nap before work in the morning.

April 23

Codman Community Farms (1:35 p.m.) — Officer attempted to make contact with a party to deliver court paperwork. No contact made.

Lincoln Road (4:43 p.m.) — Officer stopped a bicyclist for ride through the stop sign at the center of town. Warning given to the cyclist.

Trapelo Road (9:17 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on their family member who they couldn’t get in touch with. Officers made contact and everything was fine.

April 24

Nothing of note.

April 25

Codman Community Farms (10:06 a.m.) — Officer attempted to deliver court paperwork to a party. No contact made.

Old Sudbury Road (11:55 a.m.) — Caller reported some wood fell out of a dump truck onto the roadway which was struck by a vehicle, causing damage. The dump truck continued on Old Sudbury Road towards Route 117 eastbound. Weston and Waltham police were notified to keep an eye out for the dump truck. An officer responded to the damaged vehicle, which had a popped tire. AAA responded to change the tire.

South Great Road (2:05 p.m.) — Officers located a confused party walking in the roadway near the town line. Officers were able to contact a family member to come to the station to pick them up.

April 26

Trapelo Road (12:18 p.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle traveling 10-15mph on Trapelo Road causing a traffic backup. Officer checked on the party who is nervous driving. All is fine and they’re on their way.

Old Concord Road (5:40 p.m.) — Officer attempted to deliver court paperwork. No contact made at the residence; the party lives in Pittsfield. Officers contacted Pittsfield police, who delivered the paperwork

Concord Road (5:23 p.m.) — Wayland Police called looking for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run in their town, last seen on Route 126 heading north. Officers checked Route 126 and Route 117 but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Drumlin Farm (7:34 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. Everything was fine and the party went on their way.

April 27

Long Meadow Road (1:29 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party in the area shining a flashlight. The party was a local resident out walking around; everything was fine.

Conant Road (8:10 a.m.) — Resident reported some items were stolen during a move. An officer responded; an investigation is ongoing.

Trapelo Road (11:55 a.m.) — Caller reported an injured animal in the roadway. Officer responded but the animal was no longer in the area.

Hayden Avenue, Lexington (3:42 p.m.) — Lexington Fire Department requested an ambulance for a medical. Lincoln Fire Department transported a party to the Lahey Clinic.

Viles Street, Weston (7:22 p.m.) — Officer assisted Weston police with a person wanted for an assault and battery in their town.

April 28

Lincoln Road (10:36 a.m.) — Caller reported a tree on fire. Fire Department responded; the fire was due to electrical wires. Eversource was contacted and responded to handle.

Boyce Farm Road (12:29 p.m.) — A party called the station to speak with an officer regarding a civil matter. An officer returned the call and provided the party with their legal options.

April 29

Silver Hill Road (9:17 a.m.) — Caller reported a construction vehicle was blocking a lane of travel causing a hazard. An officer responded and advised workers that they needed to move the vehicles or have an officer on detail to direct traffic.

Sudbury Road, Concord (1:46 p.m.) — Concord Fire Department requested an engine to assist with a medical situation.

Sudbury Road, Concord (1:56 p.m.) — Concord police requested an officer’s help to close Sudbury Road at Fairhaven due to a motor vehicle crash.

Winter Street (5:41 p.m.) — A resident came to the station to borrow No Parking signs for a gathering planned for the following day.

April 30

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:03 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle parked in the breakdown lane. The party was fine and went on their way.

Grasshopper Lane (12:11 p.m.) — Caller reported water was leaking from their water meter. Water Department was contacted and will handle.

May 20 service for Wallace Boquist

Wallace P. Boquist, a longtime resident of Lincoln passed away in Lexington on April 8, 2022 after a short illness. He was 89 years old.  

Wallace was born to Irene and Paul Boquist in Minneapolis, where he and his sister Barbara grew up. He attended Washburn High School before driving his jalopy to Cambridge to attend MIT to study what his classmates called “unclear” (nuclear) physics.   

Before settling at Fairhaven Bay, Wallace traveled the world, from Alaska to Argentina and from Samoa to Russia. He served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and was a keen student of World War II and Cold War history. During his professional career, Wallace launched two successful companies supporting field research for the defense of the United States.

Wallace lived a life of contrasts. He worked on atomic tests in the Pacific and was a lover of nature, feeding and creating safe havens for the wildlife on his property. He lived alone but regularly enjoyed impromptu social gatherings at the Colonial Inn and Chang An in Concord. He studied nuclear physics but spent his time tinkering with innumerable carpentry projects around his home while listening to ragtime jazz. For many years, he and his German shorthaired pointer Greta were inseparable. More than a few of the shops in Concord with “no pets allowed” signs secretly kept dog biscuits to give to Greta when the pair made their Saturday morning rounds. 

Wallace is survived by his son, Gregory, his sister Barbara, and niece Kim.  

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Wallace’s life during a memorial visitation on Friday, May 20 from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford St., Concord. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773 or the MSPCA–Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in his online guestbook, please click here. 

News acorns

Volunteers sought for school bike week

Monday through Friday, May 2–6 is Walk, Bike & Roll to School Week at the Lincoln School, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help as crossing guards and to hand out between 7:20 and 8 a.m. on any morning. Click here to volunteer. Students and families are challenged to ditch the car and get to school under their own power. Bus riders can participate by walking or biking to the bus stop or around their neighborhood. Walkers and bikers will collect a different colored bracelet each day. Collect all five colors for a Friday afternoon prize.

Celebrate “No Mow May” in Lincoln

Participate in No Mow May and take an easy first step towards reversing climate change. Commit to letting the flowers bloom in your lawn this month and help redefine what a lawn is supposed to look like.

By mowing less frequently throughout the summer, we can continue to support the pollinators that flourished during No Mow May. Let low-growing flowers such as self-heal, clover, violet, and wild strawberry continue to add color, beauty, and ecological diversity to a lawn. Over time, consider replacing some or all of the lawn with native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Deeply rooted plants, once established, require less ongoing care than a lawn, offer beautiful flowers, and pull carbon deep into the ground. And a garden that blooms throughout the season offers an uninterrupted supply of nectar to pollinators.

If you’re worried what the neighbors will think, start a conversation about No Mow May and invite them to tour your burgeoning meadow. Lincoln Common Ground (part of Lincoln Mothers out Front) is also working on signage that can be displayed on the unmown lawn. To get involved, email Emily Haslett at emhaslett@gmail.com. Click here for pollinator-friendly plant suggestions from the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. to join the LLCT volunteer mailing list, email llct@lincolnconservation.org.

Learn about heat pumps for heating and cooling

Tired of dragging out your window air conditioners every year? Looking for the most comfortable, cost-effective way to cool your home? Join the Green Energy Committee on Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. for a webinar all about air-source and ground-source heat pumps, the most climate-friendly home heating and cooling options available today. We’ll cover the ins and outs of replacing an old, inefficient system or adding a brand-new a supplemental unit or a whole-house system to your home. Dandelion Energy, a ground source heat pump installer, will answer questions, and you can hear from your neighbors about their experiences with heat pumps. Click here to register for this Zoom meeting.

International Honor Society of Nursing to induct Montie

Lincoln’s Helen Montie will be inducted into the International Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau (Delta Mu chapter at Yale Graduate School of Nursing). Upon completion of her MSN in 2023, she will sit for her boards to become a pediatric nurse practitioner/advanced practice nurse. Helen is a proud graduate of Lincoln Nursery School, the Lincoln School, LSRHS and Amherst College. 

Tack Room to offer more outdoor eating, expanded hours

The Tack Room plans to expand its warm-weather footprint into the yellow area shown (click to enlarge).

The Tack Room restaurant in South Lincoln has gotten a temporary OK to expand the outdoor dining area onto the grass and expand its hours of operation.

Under the plan, which was approved by the Select Board on April 25, the restaurant will create a roped-off area on the lawn in front of the building for picnic tables, two- and four-seat hightop tables, a server station, and a spot for lawn games. Canned and bottled wine, beer, and cocktails will be served as well as food.

The expansion would occupy about two-thirds of the green space during warm weather. “Our goal is not to turn this into a massive outdoor space. We would treat this sort of like a beer garden,” co-owner Brandon Bunnewith told the board, which needed to approve the plan because it involves a change to the liquor license.

The outdoor area beyond the patio will initially be open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons from about 4–9:30 p.m. 

The Tack Room also got permission to open an hour earlier (10 a.m. rather than the current 11 a.m.) on Thursday through Sunday for brunch, and close an hour later (midnight rather than 11 p.m.) on the same days. Outdoor seating would close no later than 10 p.m.

“We’ve been having people come in for later dinners and hanging around, asking if we can stay open a bit later,” Bunnewith said. “This gives us a bit of extra buffer time so we don’t have to rush people out.”

The restaurant also hopes to offer live entertainment in the outdoor area, though it will have to apply separately for that. Bunnewith said he has never had a complaint about noise or behavior but that he would work with town officials on mandating limits to noise at night.

“A number of people say they’re in favor of a more vibrant town center, which is in the interest of many of us in town, but we have to be respectful of abutters,” Select Board member Jim Hutchinson said. 

The board approved the expanded service footprint and hours of operation until the end of the calendar year.

Dog training business set to launch in mall

Meghan Lytton and two of her dogs.

Pictures will be replaced by puppies in the former Clark Gallery space at the Lincoln mall as a new dog-centered business opens its doors.

This spring, Lincoln Dog Training will offer private sessions and training consults for clients whose dogs have behavioral issues like barking, lunging, snapping, etc. Starting in the fall, owner Meghan Lytton of Lincoln plans to teach a few basic classes (puppy kindergarten, basic obedience) and will gradually expand classes and hours, adding one or two part-time trainers as demand grows. Eventually she hopes to offer three to four levels of obedience training, classes like Wag-It Games, AKC Canine Good Citizen training, and Tails on the Trail (practicing good trail walking etiquette and recall).

Lytton, who is launching a second career after working in health care consulting for a number of years, went on a sled dog ride in New Hampshire seven years ago “and just sort of fell in love with it,” she said. She interned at Proper Paws Dog Training in Concord in and is now a certified professional dog trainer as well as the owner of three huskies.

“It’s important because the business is very unregulated, but now it’s becoming more and more standardized,” she said. “I’m trying to create evidence-based, science-backed methods of training.

“I’m super excited to be there and look forward to meeting more of the dogs of Lincoln,” Lytton added.

News acorns

Workshops on recycling, native landscaping

MetroWest Climate Solutions is co-sponsoring two upcoming workshops:

“Everything You Wanted to Know about Recycling But Were Afraid to Ask!”
Wednesday, April 27 from 7­–8:30 p.m.
Ever wonder whether and how you personally can make a difference in the quest to reduce waste? Join us for a free Zoom workshop featuring Stephanie Miller, author of Zero Waste Living: The Busy Person’s Guide to a Lighter Footprint. The session will focus on the importance of “recycling right” and help participants identify what’s recyclable and what’s not. We’ll delve into the recycling waste streams by material: metals, glass, paper/cardboard, and plastics. Click here to register.

“Your Landscape Matters: Changing the Conservation Paradigm”
Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
Extinctions of plants and animals and climate change seem like overwhelming problems but each of us can fight these crises right at home, especially by treating our home gardens as habitat to nurture the living things native to our continent. Claudia Thompson, founder of Grow Native Massachusetts, will discuss her home landscape rich with habitat — supporting wildlife, birds, and pollinators. Register here. Ready to add native plants to your yard? Attendees who live within five miles of Wayland will be offered a community service garden visit by Jean Milburn, Wayland’s Native Plant Ambassador from the MCA Native Pollinator Task Force. 

Workshop on elder abuse

About one in 10 older adults experience physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and spiritual abuse. Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, May 10 at 3 p.m. for a workshop highlighting what our communities should know about the important issue of elder abuse, presented by Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse. While the workshop will look broadly at responding to elder abuse at the local level, Safe Havens notes that approximately 86% of older adults are faith-affiliated. Research suggests that, when faced with abuse, older adults often turn first to their faith leaders for help. With that in mind, the speakers will focus in part on the importance of faith in the lives of older adults and the ways in which community members might use these insights to offer effective support to people who might be experiencing abuse now or could be vulnerable to abuse in the future. To receive a Zoom link to this program, please click here to register.

Five teachers wins FELS grants

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, awarded just over $8,000 in grants for 2022, allowing high school staff to embark on adventures to pursue their professional and personal interests and passions, and then return to the classroom positively transformed. The 2022 FELS Grant recipients are:

  • MJ Galano, French faculty for her application to visit the Loire Valley in France
  • David Grace, History, for “Rethinking Assessment: How Can We Build More Equitable Systems?” (Alaska)
  • Humberlys Galindez, Special Education, for “Reconnecting with My Roots through Food and Travel” (Spain)
  • Dan Lewis, English for “The Big Stone (El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California)
  • Nancy Dion, Special Education, for “Backcountry Journeys – Glacier National Park, Montana: ‘The Last Best Place.”

Lincoln’s Melo wins award from BC High

Arcel Melo of Lincoln received the Rev. Edward S. Stanton, SJ, Men for Others Service Award at Boston College High School’s annual senior awards ceremony. The April 14 event celebrated the accomplishments of the members of the class of 2022 and recognized students for their leadership in various co-curricular activities and their academic excellence.

Police log for April 14–20, 2022

April 14

Lincoln Road (9:08 am.) — Caller reported an owl in the middle of the road near Todd Pond Road. An officer checked and the owl was gone on arrival.

Minuteman Technical High School (10:43 a.m.) — Report of assault and battery. Information regarding juvenile(s) withheld.

South Brook Road (2:04 p.m.) — Officer spoke to a resident about their U.S. mail being forwarded. Report taken, investigation ongoing.

Oakdale Lane (5:11 p.m.) — Report of someone filing taxes using caller’s Social Security information. Report taken.

April 15

South Great Road (10:10 a.m.) — Caller reported gates were down and then went back up and down with no train coming through. MBTA was notified and they were (workers on scene were working on the system).

Concord Road (11:43 am.) — One-car crash near Hillside Road. One person injured; vehicle towed.

Deerhaven Road (1:30 p.m.) — Report of a leak from resident’s their tank. Fire Department responded and located and contained a small leak. Oil company was notified.

South Great Road (5:51 p.m.) — Caller reported a male party walking along Route 117 near the Weston town who appeared to be lost or confused. Officers located the party just over the town line in Weston and notified Weston police. The party was reported missing out of Belmont.

Lincoln Station (7:03 p.m.) — MBTA called to reporting there were eight intoxicated parties on the train coming into the station who they asked to be removed from the train. While en route, the MBTA called back to report the people were now cooperative and no longer needed a police response.

Old County Road (9:22 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing odd-looking lights near the reservoir. Officers checked but were unable to locate.

April 16

North Great Road (12:25 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked off the roadway with no one around.

April 17

Windingwood Lane (2:19 p.m.) — Caller reported an unwanted party in their house who was refusing to leave. Officers responded but the party had left prior to the officers arrival.

April 18

Bedford Road (6:15 a.m.) — An officer assisted the Lincoln Minute Men with their walk to Concord.

April 19

South Great Road (11:46 a.m.) — Officer checked on a work crew blocking a lane on Route 117. The crew was checking on a pole and subsequently moved off to the side of the roadway.

Beaver Pond Road (2:16 p.m.) — Caller reported that a van turning around in their driveway was stuck and causing damage to their lawn. An officer responded and requested a tow truck to pull the vehicle off the lawn. Information was exchanged with the owner and driver to pay for any damage to the lawn.

Old Sudbury Road (11:16 p.m.) — Caller reported a loud noise outside their home and asked that an officer check the property. An officer checked and everything appeared to be fine.

April 20

Lexington Road (9:05 a.m.) — Resident emailed a report that someone harassed them by pulling up to the property in a vehicle and yelling at them. The resident provided a license plate number. Officers followed up with the involved party.

Bedford Road (2:32 p.m.) — A person fell off their bicycle while riding on Bedford Road (no vehicle involved). They refused medical treatment.

South Great Road (3:40 p.m.) — Two-car crash near Mt. Misery. One party was transported to Emerson Hospital and vehicle was towed.

My Turn: Outdoor concert to benefit SVdP

Dear Lincoln neighbors,

Happy spring! The ongoing mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Conference of Lincoln and Weston is to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in our communities who live in dire need of food and financial assistance. We provide food to prevent hunger. We aid with financial support and location of resources to prevent homelessness or inability to meet even basic expenses. Our scholarship program makes it possible for people to become qualified to apply for better employment and change their financial instability. You may be surprised that SVdP supports about 250 people with our food pantry. The need is real. The only way SVdP can continue this vital work is by receiving donations.

On Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m., join our community to gather on the grass for music al fresco at Pierce Park. Suggested donation is $50 per person (or more!) You can sign up here or mail a check payable to St. Vincent de Paul to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln, MA 01773. The Ogden Codman Trust is challenging SVdP to raise $15,000, which it will match. Help us reach our goal and support our work. Bring your own chair, beverages, and picnic. We will raffle great prizes. This is an evening to relax and enjoy music by Brian Moll, Mara Bonde, Sandra Piques Eddy, and the Kemp Harris Band.

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston?  For a donation of $1,000 or more, we will display your name or business logo (as your wish) with special thanks as a “Sponsor of SVdP”  at the event, on our website, and on our Facebook page. Email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com for details.

Can’t join us that evening but still would like to support this important fundraising challenge? No problem — donate by clicking here and writing “Spring Concert” in the “additional notes” field upon check out.

Thank you for your generosity!

Peace and blessings,

Karen Salvucci (6 Stratford Way, Lincoln)
President, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or 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.

Arc de triomphe? (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Lincoln Public Library Director Bobbie Myles captured this rainbow over Donelan’s after a brief shower on April 20.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.