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

Bond is sold at 3.844%; taxes to rise $459 a year

Items to be paid for with the latest bond issue (click to enlarge).

(Editor’s note: this article was corrected on Dec. 17, 2025.)

Now that the bond has been sold and repayment costs are known, the community center will add about $460 a year to homeowners’ tax bills over the next 30 years.

The $24.07 million bond will help pay other expenses as well: the community center ($15.77 million of the $26.35 million construction cost) as well as design and construction on both phases of the Lincoln Road water main project ($8.47 million) and various other Water Department items totaling $741,234.

The low bid on the $24.07 million bond came in at an interest rate of 3.844%, significantly lower than the 4.25% that the town used in forecasting expenses.

Those on town water will also be paying higher water bills, since the Water Department items will be repaid through water fees rather than property taxes, as with the community center.

Lincoln’s outstanding debt principal (click to enlarge). The bond for the Town Hall renovation was originally issued in 2011 and refinanced in 2021. The original bond amount was $5.8 million at an interest rate of 3.84%. 

While the community center borrowing will add approximately $459 a year to the median property tax bill, “we accounted for a portion of that to pay for the first interest payment in spring 2026, so the net impact for the median tax bill in the fall of 2026 is approximately $289,” said Finance Director Colleen Wilkins.

The town currently has $116 million in outstanding bond debt principal (see table) plus interest. The town pays debt service each year and a portion of that pays down principal. Outstanding debt, including this most recent bond issue, is roughly $104 million, Wilkins said.

Get a colorful printed copy of the 2024-25 Lincoln Review!

Here’s what to get for that hard-to-shop-for Lincolnite. Not sold in stores! 🙂

The four most recent issues (2024-2025, issues #1-4) of the Lincoln Review, our town’s arts e-magazine, are now available in print form as a colorful 48-page booklet bound on high-quality paper. Although the online Lincoln Review is normally accessible only to Lincoln Squirrel subscribers, now you can get your own copy for just $15. These are wonderful keepsakes or gifts and offer a great coffee table read for friends and family. See the sample of issue #1 attached to this email.

To purchase, please send an email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com with your name, mailing address and a note saying how many copies you’d like. Then please send the total due via one of these methods:

  • Venmo: @Watusi-words
  • Zelle: lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com
  • Check made out to “Watusi Words” (not “Lincoln Squirrel”) and mailed to:

Alice Waugh
178 Weston Road
Lincoln MA 01773

Editor Barbara Rhines will be happy to hand-deliver your order to addresses within Lincoln. She’ll be in touch with you to arrange a dropoff time.

Happy holidays!

Barbara Rhines
Editor, Lincoln Review

Alice Waugh
Publisher and Editor, Lincoln Squirrel

Police log for Dec. 3–10, 2025

December 3

Bypass Road (4:24pm) — Police and fire units responded to a crash on Bypass Road near the Concord town line after a vehicle failed to yield and struck another, which resulted in a domino-like collision with another vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The operator who failed to yield was cited and all vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.

December 4

Conant Road (8:11pm) — An officer and a FedEx driver were able to remove a downed tree from the roadway.

Reiling Pond Road (7:48pm) — Officers checked a residence after the report of unusual noises on the property. Nothing out of the ordinary was discovered.

December 5

Tack Room (12:05pm) — A person discovered an item by the back door of the Tack Room. The item was turned in to the police.

South Great Road (4:55pm) — A crash occurred at the Route 126 intersection when a vehicle failed to yield and struck another vehicle that had stopped at a red light. There were no injuries reported. The operator responsible for the crash was cited for failing to yield.

December 6

South Great Road (7:08pm) — A caller reported seeing an unknown person in their garage. The person was an associate of someone who has permission to access the space.

December 7

Bedford Road (7:32pm) — A caller reported that there was a rabid raccoon on their porch. The police arrived and dispatched the animal.

Minuteman Technical High School (5:32pm) — A motorist reported that they were locked into the Minuteman Tech parking lot. Maintenance was notified and requested to respond.

December 8

Page Road (8:12pm) — The fire department responded to a residence for the report of an odor of natural gas. The building was metered and no measurable amount of gas was detected.

December 9

Codman Road (9:19pm) — A crash occurred at the intersection with Concord Road when a vehicle failed to yield while turning and struck another. There were no reported injuries. The operator responsible was cited for failing to yield. One of the vehicles was towed.

December 10

South Great Road (9:54am) — An officer assisted Weston police regarding a person walking near the town line. The person didn’t require any assistance.

Lincoln Public Library (3:26pm) — A person reported possible vandalism to their vehicle. The incident is under investigation.

News acorns

English handbells concert

All are invited to a concert of English handbells at the First Parish Stone Church on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7:00. Children welcome. Free admission. 

School budget hearing coming up

The School Committee will hold a hearing on the FY27 budget on Thursday, Dec. 18 beginning at 6:00pm in the Hartwell Building Multipurpose Room. It will be broadcast on Zoom here. Anyone interested in participating should email mmadrick-schoolcomm@lincnet.org before 3:00pm on the day of the meeting to get login instructions. A copy of the proposed budget is available on the LPS website or at the LPS Business Office (Hartwell building, second floor).

Film: “Model Shop”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Model Shop” (1969, directed by Jacques Demy) on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:00pm.

Lincoln Arts and Farmers holiday pop-up market

Come to the Pierce House on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9:00am–1:00pm to join vendors and residents to catch up on winter happenings around town, buy plants, find unique handmade gifts for friends and family (gift cards, jewelry, crochet gifts, pottery, ornaments), have your family photo taken, or relax with a massage. Live music by Art Grossman. Sponsored by the Lincoln Art and Farmers Market.

“Frozen” matinee

Grab your coziest blanket and pillow to warm up with the Disney classic “Frozen” and some hot chocolate on Monday, Dec. 22 from 4:00–5:45pm in the Tarbell Room. Friends and families of all ages are welcome.

The children’s room at the library will also offer craft activities. Drop in anytime for a simple, fun winter-theme craft activity or use our materials for your own creations! All materials will be provided. All ages.

Service on Dec. 18 for former Police and Fire Chief Allen Bowles

Allen M. Bowles

Allen M. Bowles, age 80 and a longtime resident of Littleton, passed away on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at Life Care Center of Littleton. He was the husband of 47 years to Catherine C. (DeYoung) Corbett Bowles.

Allen was born in Waltham on March 14, 1945, a son of the late Clifford M. and Louise (Hunt) Bowles. Allen graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury High School and later attended and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Stockbridge with an associate’s degree in agriculture and also from Suffolk University with a bachelor’s degree in management.

Al and Cathy married on February 21, 1981 at St. Anne’s Church in Littleton and remained in Littleton.

He worked for many years as a dedicated public servant for the Town of Lincoln and was chief for both the Lincoln Fire Department and Lincoln Police Department. Al was instrumental in working with the Lincoln town government to successfully negotiate the contracts for the fire, police, and dispatch departments union contracts and helped lead the effort to build a new public service building. He was well respected and admired by all who worked with and knew him.

Al and Cathy enjoyed many vacations to Aruba, cruises on the Caribbean, and numerous trips to Florida and their beloved cottage in Nova Scotia.

Along with his wife he is survived by his sons, Michael Corbett and wife Jody and their children Alex and Zachary of Ayer; Donal Corbett and wife Jodi and their children Haley and Jenna of Littleton; and James Corbett and wife Liz and their children, Hannah, Jack, Benjamin, and Philip of Jacksonville, Fla.; and his twin brother Douglas Bowles and his wife Caroline of Marlborough.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Al on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Badger Funeral Home (347 King St., Littleton). His funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 11:00am in the funeral home. Burial with police honors will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Littleton.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Vincent DePaul at Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Anne’s Church (75 King St., Littleton MA 01460) or Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (234 Barnum Road, Devens MA 01434). Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, which provided this obituary. Click here to share a memory or write in his guest book.

Waltham mulling rezoning parcels on Lincoln border

A map of southwest Lincoln showing the Waltham parcels being considered for rezoning in dark gray. The red dotted line indicates the Lincoln/Waltham border. Click image to enlarge.

The City of Waltham is considering rezoning a parcel of land abutting Lincoln to allow residential development in addition to the existing office park buildings.

The proposal, which was heard by the Waltham City Council on December 8, is for a “Mixed Innovation and Residential Redevelopment Overlay District” (MIRROD) on nine parcels on Winter Street and Old County Road. An abutter’s list shows about a dozen abutting Lincoln parcels on those roads as well as Forester Road and Old Conant Road.

It’s one of three proposals being considered in the city to overlay land currently zoned for commercial or industrial use with mixed innovation and residential redevelopment districts, according to the Waltham Times on Dec. 7.

“These zoning districts will allow the developers to renovate current office spaces to fulfill purposes like multifamily housing, restaurants and commercial recreation facilities, research laboratories, and medical facilities after obtaining a special permit from the City Council. They would also allow municipal buildings in the new mixed-use districts by right, the Waltham Times reported.

The move is in response to Waltham’s rapidly growing property values along with a slowdown in commercial growth and reduced demand for lab space. A Nov. 25 Waltham Times article reported that Board of Assessors Chair Frank Craig “encouraged the city to find a use for unused commercial lots instead of letting them sit vacant and voiced support for mixed-use zoning overlay districts to attract occupancy.”

The document associated with the proposal can be viewed here. The City Council’s Ordinances and Rules Committee and the city Planning Board will meet on Dec. 15 and 17, respectively, to consider the proposal before making recommendations to the full council, which must render a decision by March 8, 2026.

Vigil on Wednesday focuses on immigrant issues

First Parish in Lincoln Rev. Nate Klug, Burt Barachowitz, FPL member Jona Donaldson, and artist Jonathan Barachowitz with the “On the Way” installation.

An installation titled “On the Way” at the First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) will be the focus of a vigil on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 4:30pm.

The temporary art installation was commissioned by four area churches, each of which will host it for a week (it will be in Lincoln until Dec. 15).

According to the FPL, the piece “uses the motif of road signs to draw attention to the issue of immigrant justice. Like so many families living in fear in our country today, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were immigrants who sought refuge in a foreign land (Matthew 2).”

Another Nativity installation along similar lines at a Catholic church in Dedham has stirred controversy. That piece shows the Bethlehem manger with its three human occupants replaced by a sign saying “ICE was here.”

My Turn: Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden won’t run again

By Sarah Cannon Holden

Dear Fellow Lincolnites,

It is time to hand over the gavel. In the past 15 years as your Town Moderator, I have learned a lot and weathered storms. Most important to me is the number of people I have met in this time. I have learned from you, from our extraordinary town staff, and from other town and school employees. I am enriched when I hear various perspectives on our town, and I am regularly reminded of the importance of community in our daily lives. I will not seek re-election in March 2026. This has not been an easy decision as I greatly enjoy the position even with the complexities.

Over the past 18 months I have served on the Town Meeting Study Committee (TMSC) where nine of us have explored the practices, challenges and time commitment of Town Meeting. We conducted a survey with the intent of hearing comments from the town on the process of Town Meeting. We have added clickers for most voting.  We have added a visible countdown clock for public comment. We are discussing a procedure for hearing from groups with alternative views from those presented by the town boards. We are urging increased use of the consent calendar in an effort to move consideration of motions along more efficiently. We have shared our diverse opinions and will submit our report to the Select Board in January.

Town Meeting is where we exercise our right to participate in the final stages of the legislative process of the town, but before that, participation in the early stages of town board and committee deliberations helps us understand the issues and also helps expedite Town Meeting. I will step down after our Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2026. It has been my great privilege and honor to have served the Lincoln community. I would be happy to try to answer questions from anyone who is thinking about running — or who just has some questions for me.

Lincoln’s Town Moderator is elected for a three year term and appoints members to the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee, and the Personnel Board.

May there be peace during this holiday season and into the next year.

Sarah Cannon Holden
Weston Road

“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.

Police log for Nov. 15–Dec. 3, 2025

November 15

Davison Drive (1:15pm) — A caller reported a suspicious person on their property. The individual was on site performing scheduled landscaping work.

Concord Road (7:19pm) — A caller reported an outdoor fire caused by an overheated battery. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire.

November 16

Wells Road (12:29pm) — A caller reported the odor of gas in a residence. The fire department metered the area but were unable to detect any measurable amounts of natural gas.

Tower Road (2:12pm) — A person spoke with an officer about an ongoing matter.

November 17

Lexington Road (2:29pm) — A construction company struck an underground natural gas tank. The fire department responded and waited until the tank company arrived to stop the venting gas.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:32pm) — A caller reported an overdue family member. Officers checked the area, and the family member returned home a short time later.

South Great Road (4:54pm) — A two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Route 126. There were no reported injuries. One of the drivers was cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic and both vehicles were towed.

November 18

Round Hill Road (2:42pm) — The fire and police departments responded to a residence for a fully involved vehicle fire. The vehicle was a total loss and there was some damage to a garage. Click here for more information.

November 19

Harvest Circle (3:24pm) — An officer spoke to a person about an interaction with another person.

North Great Road (4:17pm) — A two-vehicle crash occurred at the Hanscom Drive intersection. One operator was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and one of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Canaan Drive (5:04pm) — An officer spoke with a person at the request of an outside agency.

Sunnyside Lane (5:04pm) — An officer spoke with a person about a possible scam.

Bemis Hall (6:41pm) — An officer spoke with staff at the Council on Aging & Human Services about a past incident.

Stratford Way (11:04pm) — A caller reported a vehicle had used their driveway to rapidly reverse directions. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

November 20

Stratford Way (6:27pm) — An officer conducted a follow-up related to a past incident.

November 21

Mary’s Way (8:39am) — A person spoke to an officer about an issue with a neighbor’s dog.

Old Concord Road (12:36pm) — A caller reported their carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. The residence was ventilated by the fire department until their measuring devices registered undetectable levels of carbon monoxide.

North Commons (9:33pm) — A caller reported seeing a vehicle traveling slowly and lingering in the area. An officer spoke to the operator and provided directions to the delivery driver.

Novemer 22

Wells Road (12:05am) — Lincoln police helped Cambridge police locate a possible stolen vehicle outside Lincoln.

Tower Road (12:51pm) — A caller reported a downed utility wire in the roadway. The fire department was able to move it.

Page Road (10:39pm) — An officer responded to the area for vehicles parked in the roadway. The officer directed several drivers to move to a better location.

Huntley Lane (3:48pm) — The fire department responded to a residence for an issue with an oil burner. The residence was vented and an electrician and oil burner service technician were called in.

Old County Road (9:39pm) — Officers responded after a vehicle lost control and struck several objects before coming to rest in the roadway. The operator was cited for a marked lanes violation and the vehicle was towed.

Old Sudbury Road (5:03pm) — Officers helped a resident search the area for a lost dog. The dog was discovered resting in a vehicle a short time later.

Lincoln Road ((3:00pm) — An officer helped a motorist who had run out of gas.

November 23

Horseshoe Lane (11:42am) — A caller asked to speak with the Animal Control Officer about a coyote seen in the area.

Codman Road (12:48pm) — An officer moved a deer carcass off to the side of the road. The DPW was notified.

Canaan Drive (1:07pm) — A caller reported a raccoon in their yard that appeared to be acting strange during the daylight hours. The caller was advised to monitor the situation.

Deer Run Road (6:15pm) — A caller spoke to an officer about a possible stolen phone.

Concord Road (6:27pm) — A caller reported the odor of natural gas outside their residence. The fire department metered the area but were unable to detect any gas.

November 24

Lincoln Road (7:13am) — An officer spoke to a caller about possible illegal dumping.

Bedford Road (2:23pm) — A motorist reported the traffic lights at Route 2 and Bedford Road were malfunctioning. An officer checked the area and observed the lights to be functioning properly without issue.

Page Road (6:10pm) — An officer spoke to a caller about an out-of-state issue.

Millstone Lane (10:34pm) — A caller reported receiving a suspicious item with no identifying information. An officer responded and determined there was nothing suspicious about the item.

November 25

Donelan’s Supermarket (5:26pm) — Officers responded to the mall entrance for a two-vehicle crash. There were no injuries. One of the operators was cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic and one of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Twin Pond Lane (2:43pm) — A caller reported a suspicious person on their property. An officer arrived but was unable to locate anyone in the area.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:36pm) — Massachusetts State Police were notified of a dead deer in a travel lane.

November 26

Hilliard Road (12:06am) — A caller reported a strong odor of natural gas inside their residence. The fire department metered the area but were unable to detect any measurable amounts of gas.

Sandy Pond Road (8:38pm) — An officer moved a small branch from the roadway.

Old Sudbury Road (2:49pm) — An officer spoke to a person about a possible fraud.

November 27

South Great Road (8:12pm) — Officers responded to crash at the Route 126 in after a vehicle struck a utility pole. The operator was not injured but was cited for speed and a marked lanes violation.

November 28

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:25pm) — Massachusetts State Police were notified of a possible two-vehicle crash that occurred earlier on or near Route 2 by the Lincoln/Concord town line.

Old Concord Road (11:25pm) — Officers spoke to a resident and asked they turn their music down, which they did.

November 29

North Great Road (7:25pm) — A motorist reported striking a deer. There was no damage to the vehicle. An officer located the deer and asked the DPW to remove the deceased animal.

South Great Road (7:53pm) — A caller reported a dead deer on Route 117. An officer located the deer, moved it off the roadway, and notified the DPW.

November 30

Nothing of note.

December 1

Old Concord Road (4:15pm) — The fire department helped a person who had locked their keys in their vehicle.

December 2

Oak Knoll Road (6:18pm) — The fire department and wiring inspector responded to a residence after a tree damaged some electrical lines.

Conant Road (5:56pm) — An officer moved a small tree from the roadway.

Fenway Lane, Hanscom AFB (6:23pm) — An officer helped a person concerning a past incident.

December 3

Bypass Road (4:34pm) — Officers responded for a three-vehicle crash. There were no injuries reported and all vehicles were able to be driven form the scene. One of the drivers was cited for failing to yield.