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

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.

Police log for April 5–13, 2022

April 5

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

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

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

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

April 6

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

April 7

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

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

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

April 8

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

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

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

April 9

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

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

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

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

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

April 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 12

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

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

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

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

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

April 13

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

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

News acorns

Community Center Building Committee needs volunteers

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

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

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

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

Lincoln’s Feinberg take NCAA epee crown

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

Classes and cleanup at Codman Community Farms

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

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

Lovelane benefit in September features Barenaked Ladies

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

Donate items for domestic violence survivors

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

Train almost hits car crossing the tracks on Route 117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Turn: Greetings from Lincoln’s new postmaster

To the editor:

It is a great honor to serve Lincoln as your new Postmaster. In my years with the United States Postal Service, I have seen first-hand the role the postal service plays connecting neighbors and our community to the nation. Our post offices serve as a lifeline for our small businesses to reach customers no matter where they are.

Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s leadership and “Delivering For America,” the postal service’s 10-year plan, we are maintaining universal six-day mail delivery and expanded seven-day package delivery, stabilizing our workforce, and spurring innovation to meet the needs of our modern customers.

From an incredibly successful 2021 holiday mail and shipping season to our current role delivering Covid-19 test kits, the postal service continues to provide a vital service for our nation and our community in Lincoln.

On behalf of the 650,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service, I thank you for continuing to support the postal service. Providing reliable mail delivery while strengthening the future of this treasured institution is our commitment to you.

Sincerely,

Gerald Dichiara
Lincoln USPS Postmaster

“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.

Property sales in March 2022

144 Lincoln Rd. — Lincoln Rd. Realty LLC to L.A.M.B. Trust for $735,000 (March 1)

82 Virginia Rd. #203 — Rose Ishii to the Herbert Haltiwanger Trust and K. Fischer Trust for $435,000 (March 8)

247 Old Concord Rd. — Wallace Boquist to James and Anne Hutchinson for $1,000,000 (March 14)

41 South Great Rd. — James LaPlante to 41 South Great Road Trust for $2,850,000 (March 17)

22 Silver Hill Rd. — Cothbo Limited Partnership to David Winston for $600,000 (March 24)

140 Lincoln Rd. — Ryan Estate #11 LLC  for Catherine Dyl for $475,000 (March 31)

123 Chestnut Circle #3 — Robten Realty to Pamela Banks for $880,000 (March 31)

Masks now “strongly recommended” in Lincoln

Covid-19 cases recorded by the Lincoln Health Department since early December (click to enlarge).

Due to recent data showing an increase in positive Covid-19 test results, the Board of Health voted on April 13 to “strongly recommend” that people wear masks in public indoor spaces until early May until officials see how the infection rate from the new BA-2 variant evolves over the next few weeks after spring vacation.

Like everywhere else in the country, Lincoln saw a surge in cases from the omicron variant during late December and January — almost 45 cases a week from December 23 to January 27 — but then the numbers quickly dropped again. There were an average of four cases a week in the following six weeks and an average of almost eight per week in the five weeks after that. (March 17 to April 14).

Public health nurse Tricia McGean noted that numbers only reflect PCR tests and not positive results from rapid tests that many people use at home, so the recent figures may be undercounts. “However, the uptick in cases was predicted and expected,” she said.

“There’s no rhyme or reason to the cases as far as age is concerned,” McGean said. “Most have mild to moderate symptoms but I am aware of a couple of brief hospital stays.” However, she added that she only touches base with the cases initially and doesn’t follow them through the infectious period, so some others may end up in the hospital. As has been the case for some time, the biggest means of spread is among household members.

Every household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits for Covid-19 free of charge. Order the kits at www.covidtests.gov or by calling 800-232-0233 (arrival in 1-2 weeks).

News acorns

Climate action “icebreaker” meetings next week

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

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

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

“The Great Create” for kids at the deCordova

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

News acorns

Water Commission seeks new member

Newly elected Water Commission member Jason Lee has resigned, creating a vacancy for an appointment to a one-year term that will expire in March 2023. To continue serving, that person will then need to stand for election. (Lee reportedly moved out of town, though he did not return Lincoln Squirrel emails seeking comment.) The commissioners’ mission is to ensure that town drinking water meets all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards, as well as ensuring that the system revenue covers system operations, debt service, and reserves. Letters of interest should be sent to Peggy Elder, Administrative Assistant in the Select Board’s Office, elderp@lincolntown.org.  To apply, click here or call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601.

Library events during spring vacation week

Matt Heaton Sing-Along
Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Musician Matt Heaton will bring his unique mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots and Irish traditional music to the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. No registration necessary. All welcome but best for ages 6 and under.

Rick Riordan Zoom Trivia Night
Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m.
Are you a fan of Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo? Do you know how old Annabeth was when she first came to Camp Half-Blood? Test your knowledge of Riordan’s books based on Greek characters and earn your spot as a god in Rick Riordan Trivia. Play solo or in teams as you compete for bragging rights as the #1 Rick Riordan fan in Lincoln! For tweens, teens, and families with children. Email dleopold@minlib.net for Zoom invite.

Upcycle For Earth Day! Ball and K-Cup
Thursday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
Make your own ball and cup toy using used (and cleaned) K-Cups and misfit craft supplies. Single-use plastics are some of the worst pollutants, but we can lower their impact by reusing them. This program will give new life to used K-Cups and encourage innovative thinking about commonplace items. Best for ages 10+. All materials will be provided; please register by emailing sfeather@minlib.net.

Service for Carol Caswell on April 30

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Carol “Cici” Caswell on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church in Lincoln. Caswell passed away on December 13, 2021 at the age of 92. Donations can be made in her memory to the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging & Human Services, PO Box 143, Lincoln MA 01773. 

Pollinator plants for sale to benefit LLCT

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is holding a benefit pollinator plant sale. Plants were chosen for their value to at-risk bumblebees and other native pollinators. This year’s perennial kit includes 24 plants that bloom from early to late summer. There are also perennials, trees, and shrubs available a la carte. Order though late April and pick up on June 3. Click here to shop.

“Murder à la Carte” in Bemis Hall 

The Delvena Theatre Company will present a free performance of “Murder à la Carte” at Bemis Hall on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. This live, comedic, interactive murder mystery performance set in Luigi’s Ristorante features Lynne Moulton, Joseph Zamparelli and Fran Baron in multiple roles. Put on your sleuthing hat — token prizes will be awarded. “Murder à la Carte” is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  For more information, call the Council on Aging & Human Services at 781-259-8811.

Lincoln was divided against itself in the mid-1800s

By Donald Hafner

During the early 1800s, Lincoln was pretty much a Whig town. Time after time, it voted overwhelmingly for the Whigs’ presidential candidate, who then lost to the candidate of the Jacksonian Democratic party. But the election of 1848 was different.

The Whig party had been ambivalent about whether slavery should be allowed in the new territories of the southwest acquired during the Mexican-American War. That sparked the rise of a new Free Soil party, adamantly opposed to the extension of slavery. In the 1848 election, Lincoln’s voters split with 52 votes for the Whig Zachary Taylor and 50 votes for Martin Van Buren of the Free Soil Party.

The town’s political division carried over to town meeting in March 1849. It took seven ballots to choose the three selectmen, and then one of those chosen — Abel Wheeler — refused to serve. Two more ballots were needed before Dr. Henry Chapin was elected to fill that spot. Two days later, Dr. Chapin resigned. Six more ballots were needed before William Wheeler was elected and agreed to serve. The polarized politics had delayed the election of other minor town officers, and it was days before a town treasurer was finally selected. 

James L. Chapin, who attended the seemingly endless meetings, lamented the political paralysis: “We are a strange set of people here in Lincoln — always quarreling about something. We have two parties, and if one of them attempts to do anything, the other is sure to oppose them to the last.”

Charles Frances Adams was Vice President on the Free Soil ticket in 1848 with Martin Van Buren. His son was later a resident of Lincoln.

In the next two presidential elections, Lincoln voters would again side overwhelmingly with the (losing) Whig candidate. Finally, in 1860, Lincoln voted in a landslide for a winning presidential candidate — a rough-hewn man from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln.

For more on Lincoln’s politics in the era before the Civil War, see Jack MacLean’s A Rich Harvest, available from the Lincoln Historical Society.

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.