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

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Ms. G the groundhog at Climate Action Day on Feb. 2

Climate Action Day, featuring “Ms. G,” the Official Groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, returns as a virtual event at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary with a new focus on climate science and weather on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live (@massaudubondrumlinfarm). Climate Action Day 2022 will include a livestream view of Ms. G’s weather “forecast,” along with insights into how New England wildlife survive the winter and information about how the changing climate impacts their habitat. 

This year’s virtual gathering will be co-hosted by Mass Audubon President David O’Neill and Renata Pomponi, Senior Regional Director. “Our warming planet is the most pressing environmental threat of our time,” O’Neill said. “A huge focus of our work, from the programs run at our wildlife sanctuaries, to our land conservation and restoration priorities, and our advocacy on Beacon Hill, is on addressing climate change.

Zoom forum on electric vehicles

The Lincoln Green Energy Committee (GEC) and the Green Energy Consumers Alliance are hosting an electric vehicle Zoom presentation as part of the GEC’s EV 2022 campaign. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the Zoom. This event will be on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at noon. Click here to register and get the Zoom link. Learn more about EVs on this GEC page or this GECA page.

Event features loved ones of domestic violence survivors

“If I Had Known Then What I Know Now” will be presented via Zoom by the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. Loved ones of domestic violence survivors will talk about the signs they missed, the knowledge they lacked, and what they’ve leaned that helps the better recognize signs of abuse in relationships today. Click here to register.

Talk by Trayvon Martin’s mother

Sybrina Fulton

The Friends of the Lincoln Library present “An Evening with Sybrina Fulton, Mother of Trayvon Martin: Cultivating Justice Toward Racial Equality” via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Since the death of her 17-year-old son Trayvon, Fulton has become a role model to many by turning her grief into advocacy.  Her book co-authored with Tracy Martin, Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, shares the intimate story of a tragically foreshortened life and the rise of a movement that awoke a nation’s conscience. Her February 24 topics include “We Are All Trayvon” and “From Pain to Purpose: The Time is Now to Own Democracy.” Click here for more information and registration.

Property sales in December

42 Bypass Rd. — Hanhphuong Vo to Bal Mukund Dhar and Jasmine Dhar for $1,005,000 (December 23)

51 Greenridge Lane — David Cancian to David Cancian for $520,000 (December 9)

104 Lincoln Rd. — Diana Barnes Blood Trust to Juan Pablo Ugarte and Lisette Silva-Sanchez for $1,050,000 (December 6)

31 Conant Rd. — Charles E. Morneau Trust to Vijay Somandepalli and Carly Park for $2,050,000 (December 2)

108 Concord Rd. — Maureen Masterson to Thomas E. and Alison B. Masterson for $930,000 (December 2)

47 Birchwood Lane — Paul A. Mangini to Lawrence I. Ecjler and Carol L. Domblewski for $850,000 (December 1)

6 Reiling Pond Rd. — She Ling Wang to Sajal Swaroop and Arpita Akhouri Swaroop for $1,790,001 (December 1)

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Young graduates from firefighter management program

Sherborn Fire Chief Zachary Ward, Wayland Assistant Fire Chief Richard Ripley, and Lincoln Fire Chief Brian Young on graduation day.

Lincoln Fire Chief Brian Young was one of 34 fire officers to graduate from the state Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program on January 27.

The 13-week program was delivered jointly by the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. The most recent graduates hail from 33 communities. Last week’s graduates were the first to deliver their final research papers virtually,

The program helps high-level fire officers improve their ability to lead and manage their departments. Participants learn about personal leadership styles, municipal finance, planning and budgeting, public information, behavioral health, contemporary legal issues, fire mobilization, executive leadership, intergovernmental relations, ethics and logic, human resources management, public speaking, and executive communications.

Two special events from COA&HS

The Council on Aging & Human Services is hosting two events online:

Martha Lufkin’s Humorous Collections
Friday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.
Hear award-winning humor writer, art law journalist, and lawyer Martha Lufkin of Lincoln read from her latest book of newspaper humor columns tackling everything from the Lincoln dump to the local schools to backtalk from teens, travel mishaps in Paris, and more. Martha will talk about her years writing for the Lincoln Journal, and her mother’s work as editor from 1957-1971 of the Fence Viewer, Lincoln’s former newspaper. All are welcome to join the event via Zoom; email gagnea@lincolntown.org to sign up.

From Abolition to Civil Rights: American Music History
Friday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.
John Clark and his Great American Music experience will begin a travelogue along the road to freedom that begins in the days of the Underground Railroad. After the Civil War, the Fisk Jubilee Singers (1870s) and Bert Williams (early 1900s) represent an affirmation of the proud heritage of African-Americans. In the early 20th century, the first freedom anthems emerged. Email gagnea@lincolntown.org to sign up (Zoom link will be sent out on February 24).

Library hosts “An Evening With Author Margaret Spence”

Author Margaret Spence will speak about her latest novel Joyous Lies via Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Maelle Woolley, a shy botanist, prefers plants to people because they don’t suddenly disappear. Joyous Lies is a tale of family secrets straining the bonds of family love and lost ideals. Spence, a native of Australia, moved to the U.S. and earned a master’s degree in journalism. Her first novel Lipstick on the Strawberry was published in 2017. Click here to join the Zoom event (meeting ID: 870 9303 4809; passcode: 227284).

One-burner induction cooktop available for loan

If you’re thinking about buying an induction stove, you can test-drive the technology beforehand by borrowing a one-burner countertop cooktop from the Lincoln Public Library.

Mothers Out Front and the library collaborated to provide the induction cooktop and offer it for loan from the Library of Things. Induction stoves look like a smooth-top electric stove but have a large coil of wire underneath each burner that creates a magnetic field to heat up the iron in a cast iron or stainless steel pan.

Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee recommends induction stoves because they don’t burn fossil fuels and are more energy efficient because they only heat up the pan and not the air around the pan. Cleanup is easier because spilled food doesn’t get cooked onto the smooth glass surface.

The library will also loan a large stainless steel pasta pot if desired. Some may need this if their cookware is not iron or stainless steel; induction stoves will not work with copper, glass, aluminum, etc.

Borrowers should note that portable induction cooktops draw much less power than a built-in cooktop, which requires a 240V outlet as opposed to a countertop 120V outlet, so a full-size kitchen cooktop will heat pans much faster. Like smartphones, induction stovetops give off electromagnetic signals, so if you have a pacemaker, consult a physician about your options.

Library of Things items are not on the open shelves so borrowers need to ask for the item or call ahead at 259-8465. The loan period is one week and can be two times if nobody is waiting for the item.

For more information, see the GEC’s induction cooktop web page or flyer, or this Consumer Reports article.

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Town offers free Covid-19 rapid tests

For the past three weeks, the town has offered free PCR testing to residents in an effort to manage the spread of Covid-19 during the post-holiday surge. While those will no longer be offered, free iHealth antigen rapid test kits will be available for pickup starting Thursday, Jan. 27 for residents who:

  • have symptoms associated with Covid-19
  • have been identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19
  • may have been exposed to Covid-19
  • have attended large gatherings or have traveled recently

Test kits can be picked up Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the following locations:

  • the dispatch window inside the Public Safety Building
  • the Select Board Office inside Town Hall
  • the Council on Aging and Human Services office inside Bemis Hall

Residents of Lincoln Woods and The Commons may also pick up kits at their respective main offices. Tests may also be picked up on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the dispatch window inside the Public Safety building.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, please do not come pick up a test kit — send someone on your behalf. No pre-registration will be required, but you will be asked to register your name, address and email upon receipt of your test kits. You will be limited to one test kit per person in your household each time you come, but you may come repeatedly as long as your need is valid. 

Pickup basketball for adults

Residents are invited to sign up for Lincoln’s weekly adult pickup basketball game (Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. on the Brooks Gym). Click here to register.

Year-round reading challenges start with Black History Month

Thanks to the Friends of the Lincoln Library, the library is now able to offer reading challenges year-round through Beanstack, a free online service that offers book and activity logging, recommendations, book reviews, and more. Earn virtual badges and enter to win a prize at the end of your challenge. Monthly challenges are open to all readers over 18.

The first challenge will be the Black History Month Challenge, which will run for the entire month of February. Starting on Tuesday, Feb. 1, register on our website or download the mobile app, find your next great read, and get started. Learn more and register here.

Livestream the LSB Players’ Winter One Acts 

The LSB Players’ next performance will be the 8th Annual Winter One Acts with performances available to livestream on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. On tap are plays directed by current L-S students Celeste Caseria ’22 (“That’s Not How I Remembered It” by Don Zolidis), Grace Grandprey ’22 (“As It Was” by Lucy Atkinson), and Gustavo Molina ’22 (“I, Chorus” by Ian McWethy). 

An individual livestream is $15 and a family livestream is $40. Click here for more information and to order an access code. Please note that the Access Code will allow you to view the performance on only one device at a time. Therefore, if you have family or friends who would like to view the performance from a different location, they will need their own access code. Email lsbtickets@gmail.com with any questions.

Care Dimensions gets grant for hospice programs

The Parmenter Foundation, a charitable organization that supports end-of-life care and bereavement services, announced a $19,300 grant for Care Dimensions hospice programs. The grant will fund two programs offered by Care Dimensions Hospice House to families in MetroWest communities:

  • The SmartCare program, brings an elevated level of clinical home care called community paramedicine to their sickest and most frail home hospice patients when symptoms escalate
  • The Bereavement Bag program in which volunteers fill and drop off supportive items to families who have lost a loved on during the pandemic, letting them know they’re not alone even though they may not be able to gather for grief and healing rituals

The grant, delivered as part of $236,000 awarded in Parmenter’s mission-focused areas of children’s grief support, adult bereavement, and hospice care, come as Massachusetts endures the staggering impacts of the Omicron variant and recently passed the grim milestone of 20,000 COVID-related deaths in the Commonwealth. 

Parmenter also recently released a new series of resources on grief associated with pet loss, including a five-part animated video series, “Unconditional Love, Unique Loss,” which explores the grief and guilt associated with the loss of a pet, including perspectives from a local veterinarian, a certified pet chaplain, and a veterinary social worker. 

Donelan’s damage extensive but store hopes to reopen next week

Donelan’s in Lincoln. (Image: Google Maps)

A broken water pipe isn’t such a big deal… or is it?

Customers who tried to shop at Donelan’s Supermarket in Lincoln on Sunday, Jan. 17 were met with closed doors after a water pipe ruptured the night before. The original expectation was that the store would be closed for just a few days, but that turned out to be overly optimistic given the extent of the damage.

The pipe that broke was in the ceiling of the basement, a 600-square-foot concrete room that houses all of the store’s electrical systems and refrigeration units as well as the hot water heater. The main shopping floor was spared, but power was knocked out for the whole store (and water was temporarily shut off for the entire mall until workers could get an initial handle on the situation), and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment had to be replaced.

“I never thought I’d see anything like that,” said store manager Jason Deveau. “It was like a scene out of Titanic.” The stairway to the basement has 14 steps, then a turn and then five more — but when he arrived, only the first four steps were above water, which was nine feet deep. “When I first saw it, I figured we were going to be out for months.”

After ServPro pumped out the water, Deveau and Paul Wheaton from Wheaton Electrical Services stayed on site for 36 hours straight to get power restored (“he’s been unbelievable,” Deveau said.) The phone system was still out of order as of Wednesday night, and national supply chain issues have delayed delivery of parts from other parts of the country.

The $250,000 refrigeration units and hot water tank should be replaced by this weekend. The only thing still missing is a sprinkler system part that’s due to arrive Friday. But the snowstorm expected this weekend and the persistent delivery delays have made Deveau cautious. He estimated that the store would reopen by Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the latest, and hopefully even a day or two before that. It’s a seven-hour job to install the part, and the store must be restocked with perishables.

Employees were offered shifts at other stores while the Lincoln one was closed, though several opted to take vacation time instead, Deveau said.

This was not the first time disaster has struck Donelan’s. The Lincoln store was closed for 15 months when the roof collapsed after a heavy snow storm in February 2011. The chain was sold in June by Joe and Jack Donelan, but the new owners have been “super supportive” during the current crisis, Deveau said.

“We’re in the home stretch,” he said on Wednesday evening. “I just want to get us back to [serving] the community because a lot of people rely on us.”

Winter Carnival set for Feb. 4–6

Lincoln’s annual winter carnival sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Committee takes place from Friday to Sunday, February 4–6 this year. All events are sponsored by local organizations. Please check individual event descriptions for admission details and fees, registration information, etc.

All weekend 

Take & Make a Craft (Lincoln Public Library) — Come to the Children’s Desk anytime for a free Winter Carnival craft kit. Best for ages 5 and up.

“Art on the Trails”  Scavenger Hunt — Search Lincoln’s trails for nature-themed art installations created by students at Birches School. Take a selfie at each location and submit your photos for a prize. Information & clues will be posted at www.lincolnconservation.org. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Birches School.

Skating — The rink is open for daytime skating from dawn until dusk and under the lights from 5–8 p.m. NOTE: the rink will be closed from noon–1 p.m. on Saturday for maintenance.

Friday, February 4

Winter Carnival Kickoff Night
6–7 p.m., ice rink at the Pierce House
Join the Lincoln PTO to kick off Winter Carnival Weekend! Bring your skates for night skating and enjoy s’mores around the fire. Don’t forget to purchase your PTO scavenger hunt bingo card. The scavenger hunt will be conducted by collecting stamps at each participating Winter Carnival event. Cards are $5 and prizes will be awarded.

Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.

Family Night Hike & Owl Prowl
6:30–8 p.m., Drumlin Farm
Join us for a winter night hike through field and forest. You’ll learn about owl calls, behavior, and habitat as we search and listen for our resident screech, barred and great horned owls. Pre-registration required ($17 for members, $21 for non-members). Click here to register.

Saturday, Feb. 5

Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.

Pierce House/rink activities (1–2:30 p.m.):

  • Touch a Truck — Kids of all ages will enjoy touching, climbing, exploring, and learning about big trucks and emergency vehicles at this free community event.
  • Curling demonstration — Join folks from the Broomstones Curling club at 1 p.m. to learn all about this fun Olympic sport.
  • Skating — Bring your skates and take a spin around the community ice rink.
  • LincFam will offer hot cocoa to help you warm up.
  • Demonstrations:
    • The Green Energy Committee will show you ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
    • The Lincoln Conservation will host an Enviroscape tabletop display.

Snow Bowling
10 a.m.–noon, Town Hall field
Have you ever bowled in the snow and catapulted floppy fish and slid down a snow luge while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies? Join the METCO Coordinating Committee for some winter fun! Appropriate for all ages. Free.

Need for Speed — STEM Ice Challenge
11 a.m. – noon, Town Hall field
Test your knowledge of gravity, friction, and the variables of heat and cold and race different items on a speedy track provided by LincFam. Free.

Valentines for Teachers
(1–2 p.m., Pierce House)
Join the Lincoln School Foundation to create cards to celebrate and thank the teachers and staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Take your card with you to deliver it yourself, or leave it with us and we’ll make sure it gets to the right person. Card-making supplies and coffee for the grown-ups provided. Free.

Snow Soccer/Human Foosball
2:30 p.m., Pierce Park
Grab your friends and come join the fun in Lincoln’s First Snow Soccer Tournament. Teams of 7 will compete together to win the coveted Lincoln Snowball Cup. This event is free and all ages and abilities are welcome. If there isn’t enough snow cover for snow soccer, the format will change to Human Foosball. Please register in advance by contacting Craig Nicholson with Lincoln Youth Soccer at craigmnicholson@gmail.com. Free.

Winter Farm Chores
3:30–5 p.m., Drumlin Farm
There’s so much to do to settle our farm animals in for the cold winter nights. You’ll feed chickens and then bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cows. Lend a hand to the farmers and join the fun! Pre-registration required ($14 for members, $17 for non-members. Click here to register.

Candlemas: An Ancient Christian Celebration
6–6:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church
Join St Joseph’s Church/St. Julia’s Parish, for a 30-minute ceremony including music and an explanation of Candlemas Day/Feast. Candles will also be available to take home. All are welcome. Free.

Sunday, February 6

Take-Home Herb Gardens
10–11:30 a.m., Lincoln Nursery School courtyard
Use your imagination to create a take-home herb garden. Plant an herb and adorn the pot with pinecones, acorns, sticks and yarn. Outdoor event appropriate for all ages. Free.

Family Life in Lincoln at the Time of the Revolution
12–2 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come join the Lincoln Minute Men to talk about life in Lincoln during 1775, and try your own hand at the tasks, the skills, and amusements of 18th-century life. Hands-on activities for the entire family. True Patriots preferred, but Redcoat spies and Loyalists are welcome too! Free.

Magic of Winter Gardens
2–3 p.m. (virtual)
This richly illustrated lecture by Jana Milbocker will provides inspiration and tips on designing your garden for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs, and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes. Free. Click here to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Singing & S’mores
3:30–4:30 p.m., First Parish Church
All are invited to join First Parish in Lincoln for singing and s’mores. Fun, familiar songs and s’mores will be offered. Bring your noisemakers and blankets. Free.

Police log for Jan. 17–23, 2022

January 17

Reports of trees or large branches down starting at 6:56 a.m. on South Great Road, Old Sudbury Road, Winter Street, Baker Bridge Road.

Donelan’s Supermarket (2:33 a.m.) — Donelan’s reported that a pipe had burst and the store manager asked police to notify the Water Department that they’re done pumping out the basement. The information was passed along to the Water Department.

Langley Road, Hanscom AFB (4:23 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance at a residence regarding a dispute. An officer responded and assisted.

Short Hill Road (6:30 p.m.) — Caller said they lost their wallet and was looking to see if it was turned in.

January 18

Conant Road (10:20 a.m.) — Caller requested assistance with a civil matter. An officer spoke to the party and provided legal options.

Hanscom AFB (1:48 p.m.) — An officer responded to Hanscom Security Forces regarding firearms that were seized as part of a protection-from-abuse order.

Mary’s Way (3:05 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak to an officer regarding a possible violation of a civil order. An officer spoke to the party; no violation found.

Old Sudbury Road (6:28 p.m.) — Caller reported striking a deer. An officer responded and found no damage to the vehicle. The DPW was contacted to remove the deer from the side of the roadway.

Langley Road, Hanscom AFB (9:47 p.m.) — Caller asked an officer to respond to a residence on base for assistance. An officer responded along with Security Forces.

January 19

Ridge Road (8:43 a.m.) — Caller reported a fire inside a locked oven. Fire Department responded and handled the incident.

Sandy Pond Road (3:22 p.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash. No injuries, one vehicle towed from the scene.

January 20

Concord Road (12:32 p.m.) — Caller reported hitting a deer. No injuries, no damage to the vehicle; the deer ran off.

Weston Road (12:32 p.m.) — Delivery driver reported the homeowner had parked behind the delivery vehicle and was refusing to move. An officer responded and spoke with the homeowner and advised them if they have a complaint to contact the delivery company. The delivery driver left the area.

January 21

Langley Road, Hanscom AFB (11:42 a.m.) — Caller requested assistance regarding an ongoing civil matter. An officer spoke to the party and advised them of their legal options.

Indian Camp Lane (4:23 p.m.) — Caller reported a minor crash involving a company vehicle. An officer responded and assisted parties with exchanging information.

January 22

Twin Pond Lane (10:26 a.m.) — Caller requested assistance from the Fire Department regarding an issue with their smoke detector. Fire Department responded to assist the resident.

January 23

Wells Road (12:39 a.m.) — Caller reported that a neighbor was making loud noises. An officer responded and was unable to hear any noise.

Police station (4:47 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported that someone rang the doorbell between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. the previous evening.

News acorns

Film examines work of Modern teacher/artist

FoMA/Lincoln (Friends of Modern Architecture) will present “Laszlo Moholy-Nagy: The New Bauhaus” on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. This film traces the life of one of the most influential artists and teachers of the Modern movement. With a focus on the New Bauhaus, a school he started in Chicago in 1937, the film captures the infectious enthusiasm he brought to his work and to his students, and his broad impact on the proliferation of Modernist creativity and design sensibility.

Click here to view the film (either ahead of time or on Thursday). Photographer Susan Arthur Whitson share her impressions of M-N’s impact with a focus on his contributions to the world of photography and participate in a Q&A as part of a brief discussion after the film starting at 8:30 pm. on Zoom (click here to participate).

Film on Boston-area redlining

“Undesign the Redline” with Braden Crooks will be presented via Zoom on  Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. “Redlining” is a shorthand reference to maps that create racial boundaries that define neighborhoods and are used in discriminatory ways to determine ownership and access to resources and services. How has redlining shaped residential patterns in greater Boston, and how does Boston’s history of redlining continue to impact our lives? An interactive exhibit, “Undesign the Redline” connects the deliberate and systematic racial housing segregation of the 1930s to political and social issues of today. Hosted by the First Parish in Lincoln and co-sponsored by the  Lincoln Public Library. Click here for Zoom information.

Peskin to discuss nature photography

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is sponsoring “Photographing Moments in Nature” with Barbara Peskin on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 7-8 p.m. via Zoom. Whatever the season, there are many special moments to capture. Composing a photo involves both observation and understanding of the subject’s behavior as well as being prepared for an unexpected opportunity. In this program, Barbara will share what was behind the scenes of some of her favorite images from Lincoln and nearby. She will also demonstrate some of the Photoshop work that goes into editing her images. Attendance is limited; click here to register.

Town offices, library are reopening

Town buildings will reopen to the public on Monday, Jan. 24, and the library reopens on Saturday, Jan. 22 after a two-week pause in service in response to the post-holiday surge in Covid-19 infections. Public health data, as well as the town’s internal testing program, indicate that cases have slowed down sufficiently to resume normal (“COVID-normal”) operations. Those using town facilities must still wear a mask in all indoor spaces. Public programming may also resume, so long as it complies with current public health protocols.