The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

June activities hosted by the COA&HS

Here are some of the June activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging and Human Services. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For a full list — including clinics, exercise classes, regular meetings of interest groups, and online chats with town officials — see the COAHS’s calendar page or newsletter archive page. Call 781-259-8811 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org for Zoom links and other information.

Health and wellness fair
Friday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Get your questions answered by local healthcare vendors including Lincoln public health nurse, police and fire personnel, Parks & Rec, Emerson Health, AARP, SMOC, elder law attorneys, Vascular Care Group, St. Vincent de Paul, Minuteman Senior Services, independent & assisted living and many more. Free door prizes.

Toni Lynn Washington jazz concert
Thursday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
All ages are invited to a free jazz concert by Boston’s queen of soul and blues. Sponsored by Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother, Ronna Cooper.

“Love, Loss and What I Wore”
Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m., library Tarbell Room
Friday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Wordsmove Theater presents this poignant and hilarious play by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman (details here) that explores matters of the heart and closet. Cast: Carol Becker, Nancy Bush, Mary Crowe, Susan Gates and Sally Kindleberger. Directed by Mary Crowe.

Strawberry & Ice Cream Social
Thursday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Make your own ice cream sundae topped with luscious local strawberries, chocolate, and more, and then share conversation with old friends and new. Please RSVP by June 14 by calling 781-259-8811. Transportation available for those who need a ride. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging.

The Gardner Museum Theft
Friday, June 21 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Bob Ainsworth shares the story of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s life and her creation of the museum. He delves into the heist on March 18, 1990, when 13 priceless objects were stolen. Why was the heist successful? Who are the suspects?

Classical Piano Concert
Friday, June 28 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Join us for a concert with Abla Shocair and her grandchildren, Nooreddeen and Zaineddeen Kawaf. Music includes compositions by Beethoven, Liszt, and Chopin.

Property sales in November and December 2023

341 South Great Road — Donna E. McKnight-Iwany Trust to Bruce MacDowell for $725,000 (December 28)

223 Aspen Circle — Maurice Eldridge to Lisette Silva-Sanchez and Juan Ugarte for $805,000 (December 21)

5 Brooks Hill — Richard Theriault to Mark and Nidha Lurie Mattapally for $1,540,000 (December 15)

9 Smith Hill — Ali Raja to Kristina and Nathaniel Silver for $2,000,000 (December 8)

90 Lexington Rd. — Susan Richards Hallstein Trust to Susan Richards Hallstein Trust for $505,400 (December 7)

14 Baker Bridge Rd. — Myra Ferguson to Michael and Ashish Larivee for $2,260,000 (December 1)

161 Lincoln Rd. — Doherty’s Garage Inc. to 161 Lincoln Road LLC for $1,6,000 (November 29)

104 Lincoln Rd. — Juan Ugarte to Jason and Deborah Hafner for $1,255,000 (November 28)

27 Laurel Drive — Homer Eckhardt to Michael Cattafe and Diana baker for $1,300,000 (November 17)

Police log for May 23–29, 2024

May 23

Nothing of note.

May 24

Tower Road (6:09 a.m.) — A caller reported their tap water was discolored. The Water Department was notified.

Wells Road (6:21 p.m.) — An officer checked on the septic area for Lincoln Woods. All appeared to be in order.

Bypass Road (6:32 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing someone in their yard. The individual in question was a relative looking for a chicken.

The Commons of Lincoln (8:03 p.m.) — An officer assisted a worker with a transport to retrieve an item.

May 25

Lincoln Police Station (10:05 a.m.) — An individual arrived at the Police Station stating they were bitten by a dog. The individual declined medical attention. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Virginia Road (12:10 p.m.) — A caller reported water coming into their residence. The Water Department was notified.

Sandy Pond Road (2:26 p.m.) — An individual asked to speak with an officer regarding identity theft.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (6:13 p.m.) — An officer came upon a vehicle that had pulled over on Route 2 to retrieve a bicycle that had fallen from their vehicle.

Lincoln Road (6:46 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance after being locked out of their residence. The Fire Department responded and assisted the individual.

Canoe landing parking lot, South Great Road (10:13 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked unoccupied vehicle.

Lincoln Public Library (10:20 p.m.) — An officer was involved in a minor motor vehicle crash involving a cruiser in front of the library. There were no injuries and the vehicle was able to be driven from the area.

May 26

Lincoln Road (8:42 a.m.) — An officer moved a deceased raccoon off the road. The Highway Department was notified.

May 27

Trapelo Road (2:12 a.m.) — Officers checked a residential property after the homeowner was alerted to a person possibly observed walking around the perimeter. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the individual.

May 28

Weston Road (7:23 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing a raccoon walking along the roadway. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Old Concord Road (10:37 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing a turtle stuck in a mesh fence. The Fire Department and Animal Control Officer responded and freed the animal.

Lincoln Road (1:45 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing two people who may have been soliciting without a permit. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate them.

Lincoln Road (5:17 p.m.) — Two individuals from the previous call were identified and advised to cease soliciting until they renewed their permits.

Deerhaven Road (7:54 p.m.) — A caller reported several items were taken from a dumpster that was being used as a storage container.

May 29

South Great Road (8:14 a.m.) — A caller asked to speak with an officer regarding a suspicious person who had come to their door the day before.

South Great Road (12:20 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance with a chipmunk that appeared to be in severe distress in their yard. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Trapelo Road (2:31 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing several youths fishing at the Cambridge Reservoir. An officer responded and advised them that they were trespassing, and they left the area.

Wells Road (3:26 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a dog complaint.

Sandy Pond Road (5:57 p.m.) — A caller spoke to an officer about being the victim of banking fraud.

North Commons (7:34b p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an ongoing neighbor dispute.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (8:06 p.m.) — A caller reported striking an animal while driving on Route 2. The Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Addendum

In the May 29 edition of News Acorns, two photos accompanying a piece about FELS grant recipients were missing captions. The original post has been updated.

Art sales pull in funds for Boston Bridges Initiative

The Schrader-Johnson family of Lincoln with their new painting. 

The Schrader-Johnson family of Lincoln are the proud new owners of an original painting titled “Changes” by James Leonard. They purchased the painting at a recent event hosted by Boston Bridges Initiative (BBI), a nonprofit that facilitates cultural exchange and meaningful social interaction between city and suburban families in the greater Boston area.

The art sale was a fundraiser through BBI’s Downsize for Diversity program, which accepts donations of artwork and sells it at greatly reduced prices — and whose earlier iteration resulted in this 2022 book. The sale focused on art donated by the global consulting firm McKinsey & Co.

Framed paintings and photographs from this collection are still available along with hundreds of additional pieces of art at a home gallery in Lincoln. If you’re interested in purchasing art at discount prices for a good cause, contact Joanna Schmergel at owenjoanna@yahoo.com or 617-645-9059.

News acorns

Sessions on climate change and legislative measures

MetroWest Climate Solutions will host two webinars focusing on climate change. To register for either, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

On Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m.,will look at climate-related bills currently under discussion at the State House. Massachusetts has a mandate to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, so the State Legislature must pass legislation on multiple fronts to make this goal a reality. Casey Bowers, Action Fund Executive Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, is responsible for creating and executing the strategy to ensure the policy priorities we need pass the legislature. She will discuss some of the most significant bills before the legislature and their potential impact. The legislative session ends on July 31 so this is the perfect time to reach out to elected representatives to encourage their support for critical climate bills.

New England is currently warming faster than the global average and annual precipitation has increased along with severe rainstorms. Join MWCS for their second program on the effects of climate change on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. when Professor Stephen Young explains the science behind New England’s warming and what impacts this warming is already creating and will create in the future.

Four at L-S receive FELS grants

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, recently awarded four grants at its awards ceremony. LSRHS faculty and staff are all eligible to apply for FELS grants to fund course work or travel during school vacation time and summer recess. The 2024 FELS grant recipients are:

  • Vicky Caburian, Wellness, for “2024 Chronicle Adventures”
  • Kelly Gaudreau, English, for “A Year of Wellness”
  • Tracie Lopez and Kendra Pavlik, Special Education, for “Gaining and Maintaining Equanimity”

Left to right: FELS grant recipients Kelly Gaudreau (English) and Vicky Caburian (Wellness), LSRHS Superintendent/Principal Andrew Stephens, grant recipient Tracie Lopez (Special Education), and FELS President Nancy Marshall. Absent: grant recipient Kendra Pavlik (Special Education).

Left to right: FELS board members Tara Mitchell, Nancy Marshall and Nancy Donaldson, LSRHS Superintendent/Principal Andrew Stephens, board members MaryAnn McCormick, Ginger Reiner and Ruth-Anne Adams. Absent: board members Michelle McMahon-Downer, Thom Kenney, and Desiree Butter.

LOMA features The Secret Sauce

The Secret Sauce is the featured performer at the next Lincoln Open Mic Night on Tuesday, June 11 from 7–10 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. This all-women’s trio of Janet Feld, Esther Friedman, and Jackie Damsky perform tasty originals and choice covers with lots of three-part harmony accompanied by guitar, mando, and violin. LOMA is a monthly open mike night event with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style.

Getting to Zero #9: Embodied Carbon

What do you know about embodied, upfront, or operational carbon? Why is this topic fundamental to the issues of climate change? Find out on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. when CFREE (a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee) will host a Zoom event with Tim Lock, an expert on the issues of emissions and carbon that are fundamental to the discussion of climate change and what we can do to reduce our impact. Tim is the managing partner of OPAL Architects, a Maine firm that focuses on sustainable design and high-performance homes. He has also advised the White House on climate policy and the impacts of carbon on the planet. To receive a link for the Zoom event or recording afterwards, click here.

Summer concerts at deCordova

Spread a blanket on the ground or bring your own chair for Trustees summer concerts at the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. Tickets include admission to the sculpture park grounds and free parking. This concert will take place on the front lawn. In the event of rain, performances will be in the museum. Click on a title for details and ticket purchase link.

Early music concerts at St. Anne’s

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church will host a summer concert series by SoHIP (the Society for Historically Informed Performance). All performances are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $5–$35 (click here to purchase and read more). The lineup:

  • Tuesday, June 11: “So Far From Home” — Music from 16th-century Spain, France, Holland, Italy, England, and Germany on themes of exile, migration, and hope.
  • Tuesday, June 18: “Shir Levi’im: A Song of Levites” — A glimpse into the rich musical life of Portuguese Jews of 17th-century Amsterdam.
  • Tuesday, June 25: “Hildegard Reanimated: Vision in Vision” — This multimedia concert shares the four most famous visions of medieval polymath Hildegard von Bingen as told through music, illuminations, and new animations by visual artist Cate Duckwall.
  • Tuesday, July 9: “Fantasticus!” — 17th-century Italian musicians traversed the Alps to Germany and Austria, bringing with them the stylus fantasticus, an improvisatory style of early Baroque instrumental music.
  • Tuesday, July 16: “The 18th-century Salon: Music by Bach’s Son” — C. P.E. Bach’s distinctive quartets for flute, viola, and fortepiano mark the transition from the late Baroque to early Classical eras.
  • Tuesday, July 23: “Let’s Make Arrangements” — Four recorder players perform 15th-century Franco-Flemish masters, Baroque keyboard works, and more. 
  • Tuesday, July 30: “Cantos y Suspiros” — Songs about the joys and treacheries of love from 17th-century Spain.
  • Tuesday, August 6: “Blistering Passions” — Lute songs of Strozzi, Caccini, Purcell, Lawes and others illustrate stories ranging from pastoral idylls to militaristic conquests. 

Exhibit celebrating the life of Gerald Foster starting June 4

Gerry Foster

An exhibit celebrating the life and work the late Lincoln artist, architect, and author Gerald Lee Foster will be on displayed from June 4 through July 13, 2024 at The Gallery at Villageworks (525 Massachusetts Ave., West Acton).

Foster passed quietly in his sleep on June 25, 2023 in Lincoln at the age of 86. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Burial arrangements were handled by the Dee Funeral Home. See his full obituary and online guestbook. 
 
The exhibit is organized by Foster’s children Mark Foster, Ryan Foster, and Shelby O’Neill. Contact Shelby (shelbymfoster@gmail.com) for further information.
 

Police log for May 16–22, 2024

May 16

Lincoln Police Department (10:16 p.m.) — An officer assisted an individual with contacting family members.

May 17

Todd Pond Road (12:16 p.m.) — An officer assisted an individual regarding a possible internet-related fraud.

Oak Knoll Road (12:56 p.m.) — A maintenance vehicle responsible for the soccer field was parked on Oak Knoll Road. An officer checked on the operator and confirmed.

Todd Pond Road (2:43 p.m.) — An officer assisted an individual regarding a possible internet-related fraud.

Bedford Road (2:53 p.m.) — An officer assisted an individual regarding possible bank-related fraud.

Doherty’s Garage Inc. (4:33 p.m.) — An officer assisted an individual with an inquiry regarding criminal records.

Todd Pond Road (5:07 p.m. and 6:08 p.m.) — Attempts to serve court paperwork were unsuccessful.

Walden Street (6:47 p.m.) — Multiple Lincoln officers assisted the Concord Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police with a sobriety checkpoint.

Todd Pond Road (7:08 p.m.) — An attempt to serve court paperwork was unsuccessful.

Lincoln Police Department (8:10 p.m.) — An individual came to the station to speak with an officer regarding an on-going situation.

North Great Road (9:40 p.m.) — An officer checked on two parked, unoccupied vehicles at the Minuteman National Park lots.

Lincoln Police Department (9:56 p.m.) — An individual reported missing items from a recovered wallet.

Bedford Street, Lexington (11:32 p.m.) — Officers assisted the Lexington Police Department with a large group of people.

May 18

Walden Street, Concord (1:52 a.m.) — While conducting a sobriety checkpoint with the Massachusetts State Police, Eamon Donovan, 22, of Fitchburg was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor. Donovan was released shortly thereafter and ordered to appear at Concords District Court on May 20.

Bedford Road (5:31 p.m.) — A loose dog was located and reunited with its owner.

Todd Pond Road (7:04 p.m.) — An attempt to serve court paperwork was unsuccessful.

May 19

Canoe landing parking lot (1:18 a.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, unoccupied motor vehicle.

Todd Pond Road (1:56 p.m.) — An attempt to serve court paperwork was unsuccessful.

Huckleberry Hill (2:38 .m.) — Officers responded to a civil matter.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (9:02 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, occupied vehicle. The vehicle cleared from the lot a short time later.

Bedford Road (9:44 a.m.) — An officer responded to Bedford Road for the report of a bicyclist who had fallen. The officer responded but the bicyclist was gone on arrival.

Wells Road (11:44 a.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activation. The cause was determined to be from burned food.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (9:02 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, occupied vehicle. The vehicle left a short time later.

May 20

Hartwell lot (2:15 a.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, unoccupied vehicle.

Sandy Pond Road (8:20 a.m.) — A caller reported a black bear sighting. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (10:05 a.m. — Lincoln Police and Fire assisted the Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash on Route 2 East.

Lincoln Road (10:46 a.m.) — An officer responded to the commuter lot for an illegally parked vehicle. The vehicle was gone when the officer arrived.

Lincoln Road (11:43a.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual doing work in town.

Old Town Hall Exchange (12:16 p.m.) — A post office box was damaged. An officer responded and took a report.

Lincoln Public Library (12:32 p.m.) — A rock was thrown through a second-floor window of the library. Both the library incident and the Old Town Hall incident are under investigation.

Lincoln School (12:04 p.m.) — An officer spoke to the principal of the K-4 school.

Sandy Pond Road (8:02 p.m.) — Three juveniles were fishing at Sandy Pond and were moved along.

May 21

Lincoln school (3:08 a.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, unoccupied vehicle at the school.

Hanscom AFB Vandenberg Gate (9:44 a.m.) — An officer responded for a male with an active arrest warrant out of Hillsborough County, N.H. Antonio Castro, 22, of Lowell was taken into custody, charged as a fugitive from justice, and transported to Concord District Court.

Brooks Road (7:04 p.m.) — A caller reported a dove under a structure on the property. The bird appeared in good health but the caller was concerned about it becoming a victim to a predator. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Acorn Lane (7:21 p.m.) — A caller reported an occupied motor vehicle parked on the side of the road. The operator had pulled off the road to sleep before continuing on their way and then left the area.

Todd Pond Road (8:57 p.m.) — Court paperwork was served in hand.

May 22

Wells Road (1:12 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing animal noises coming from the surrounding wooded area. They were given the Animal Control Officer’s number to report the noises.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (11:43 a.m.) — A motorist had pulled over and reported their vehicle was smoking. There was no fire upon arrival.

Lincoln Road (12:53 p.m.) — A vehicle was cited in the commuter lot for failing to pay the parking fee.

Acorn Lane (3:10 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance/guidance after discovering a deceased turkey in their yard. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Merriam Street, Weston (4:46 p.m.) — A lost dog in the area of the Lincoln/Weston line was reported. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Clark Gallery (10:17 p.m.) — An open door was discovered. An employee was on scene.

News acorns

What to do if you find a baby bird

Around this time of year, you may find hatchlings, nestlings, or fledglings away from their nests. Lincoln Conservation Director Michele Grzenda recommends learning more from Mass Audubon about what to do and what not to do if you find a baby bird.

Reduce carbon footprint through food you eat

A significant amount of our carbon footprint is generated by the foods we consume. Join Charles Sizer and Vicky Diadiuk at Town Hall or on Zoom on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. as they provide insight on the carbon footprint of your diet and how you can reduce greenhouse gases while also eating a healthier diet in “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Low-Hanging Fruit and Food Choices.” In-person attendees can take part in a tasting after the lecture that will compare similar foods prepared with different technologies that impact carbon footprint. To register for the Zoom link, click here. This program, part of the “Getting to Zero” series, is hosted by CFREE (Carbon-Free Residential, Everything Electric), a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.

LincFam meetup for new and expecting parents

LincFam welcomes new and expecting parents to a meetup. At the Twisted Tree at deCordova on Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No RSVP required. Both parents and children are welcome. If you’d like to join LincFam’s list for families with children under 2 or you’re expecting a child, please fill out this online form.

Community center group seeks new member

The Community Center Building Committee is about to enter the final stage of our process — schematic design and construction of the new center on Ballfield Road — and is seeking a community member to fill an at-large seat. Since this phase of work will focus on construction design and project management, they are particularly interested in residents with experience completing complex construction, engineering and/or landscaping projects. Applicants who represent minority populations are strongly encouraged to apply. If interested, fill out this volunteer application and send it with a letter of interest to Peggy Elder, Administrative Assistant in the Select Board’s Office, at elderp@lincolntown.org. Questions? Feel free to call Peggy at 781-259-2601. Applications are due by Friday, June 21. Click here to learn about other town volunteer opportunities.

L-S Friends of Music annual meeting

Lincoln-Sudbury Friends of Music (LSFOM) invites all parents of music students and community members to their annual meeting on Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. in L-S Conference Room A. Join them to get information, talk to board members, have your questions answered, meet fellow music program supporters, and learn about opportunities to get involved.

Lincoln Girl Scouts “cross the bridge” in ceremony

Lincoln Girl Scouts at the Bridging Ceremony in Bemis Hall (click  enlarge).

More than 30 Lincoln Girl Scouts stepped up to the next level of the organization at the Girl Scouts’ annual Bridging Ceremony at Bemis Hall on May 16.

Four different troops hit these bridging milestones. The girls from grades 3, 5, 10 and 12 spoke about their year of service, adventure, and camaraderie including helping local food pantries, running donation drives, delivering sand buckets, rock climbing, camping, and coding.

Two Lincoln-Sudbury High School seniors explained what they did to earn their Gold Awards, the organization’s highest honor. Courtney Mitchell created and implemented hands-on curriculum about wetlands to add to the second-grade science program in the Lincoln Public Schools, while Lucy Dwyer created and implemented an age-appropriate awareness and education program surrounding menstruation and de-stigmatization of periods for fourth-grade students in the Lincoln and Hanscom Schools.

Lucy Dwyer and Courtney Mitchell receiving their Gold Awards.

Gold Award projects are individual service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours including research, coordination, and implementation on a topic that will make a positive and lasting impact on the girl scout’s community. Courtney and Lucy were recognized along with other Gold Award Recipients at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts headquarters on May 19. Two months earlier, Lucy also received the GESM’s Leading Women Award at the Boston Copley Marriott on March 20.

Anyone interested in starting a Girl Scout troop should reach out to Laura Taylor at lauranastos@yahoo.com or Diana Jong at diana.jong@gmail.com.