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

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Session on electrifying the home

Zoom in with CFREE on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. to hear building engineer Ross Trethewey for “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House” talk about “Electrifying the Home: Where and When It Makes Sense to Do So.” Click here to register for the Zoom session or go to www.lincolngreenenergy.org.

There are 300 solar installations on homes and businesses in Lincoln? If you have questions about installing solar on your home, we would be happy to share our expertise — email Lincolngreencoach@gmail.org. CFREE (Carbon Free Residential – Everything Electric) is a 13-person subcommittee of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee. Email cfreeworking@gmail.com with questions or suggestions, or if you’d like to join us in our work.

Author discusses Cold War in a Hot Kitchen

Author Margaret Ann Spence will discuss her newest book, Cold War in a Hot Kitchen: A Memoir of Mid-Century Melbourne on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 7–8 p.m. on Zoom. Register here. Presented by the Lincoln Public Library.

Fortune’s Favor at next LOMA

Fortune’s Favor will be the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Night on Monday, Dec. 9 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Fortune’s Favor is known for the holiday classic “I Do All My Christmas Shopping at the Dump,” the title cut of their 2017 CD. LOMA is a monthly open mike night event with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Performers should email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day or (space permitting) sign up at the event.

Coming up at the COA&HS

Here are some of the December 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 newsletter archive page. Call 781-259-8811 or email gagnea@lincolntown.org for Zoom links and other information.

Concord Traveling Players holiday variety show
Friday, Dec. 6 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Local actors and musicians showcase their talents with humorous short holiday skits and songs, including a comical version of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.”

Holiday song doo-wop singalong
Friday, Dec. 13 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Immediately following the annual COA&HS Holiday Open House, Peter Stewart and Lincoln’s Doo-Wop Team will lead the singing of traditional holiday classics.

Holiday floral arrangement presentation and workshop
Friday, Dec. 20 at 12:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Nancy Henderson will guide participants in creating a free holiday arrangement for your table. Bring scissors or clippers; plant materials and container will be provided. Registration required; call 781-259-8811.

Agriculture Commission newsletters look at large and small animals

Goats, bees, chickens and even farm dogs are spotlighted in the Agriculture Commission‘s most recent newsletter. Last spring, bigger farm residents including horses, cows, sheep, and alpacas got the same treatment in words and pictures. As part of the group’s mission to preserve and promote agriculture in Lincoln, it also coordinates donations of produce and eggs to the Lincoln food pantry from several farms: Codman Community Farms, Drumlin Farm, Hannan Healthy Foods, Kanner Family Orchard, Matlock Farm, and Waltzing Matilda’s Farm — the subject of its fall 2023 newsletter.

Celebrate the winter solstice

Celebrate in the Codman Community Farms sugar shack with stories, hot chocolate, cookies and a beautiful luminary walk with Sarah Bishop and Craig Nicholson on Friday, Dec. 20 from 4:30–6 p.m. Click here to sign up.

Police log for November 6–19, 2024

November 6

South Great Road (7:58 a.m.) — A vehicle on Lincoln Road failed to yield to traffic on South Great Road and was subsequently struck as it entered the intersection. The driver of one of the vehicles was transported to the hospital. One of the vehicles was towed form the scene.

South Great Road (10:50 a.m.) — Officers responded to a report of malfunctioning railroad gates. An officer monitored the gates as the MBTA was notified and asked to respond.

Lincoln Road (11:00 a.m.) — Multiple calls were received for malfunctioning railroad gates at the Lincoln Road crossing. Officers responded and alerted the MBTA.

Beaver Pond Road (12:59 p.m.) — An officer assisted an outside agency with an ongoing issue.

November 7

Beaver Pond Road (2:03 p.m. and 8:11 p.m.) — A person asked to speak with an officer about a barking dog. That evening, officers responded for another barking dog complaint. The officers were able to locate the residence in question and spoke to the homeowners.

November 8

Lincoln Road (5:58 p.m.) — A caller reported striking a utility pole on Route 117 and requested assistance. An officer responded to the scene and helped them get to their residence.

Wells Road (6:35 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a civil matter.

Wells Road (7:16 p.m.) — An officer checked the parking lot for an individual standing by the rear of the caller’s vehicle. The area was checked but the individual was not located.

November 9

Autumn Lane (3:15 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a civil matter.

Tower Road (7:21 p.m.) — Police and firefighters responded for a brush fire at the rear of a residence. The fire was knocked down shortly after arrival. Mutual aid companies from surrounding towns responded to assist with overhaul.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (11:28 p.m.) — An officer was involved in a minor motor vehicle crash while responding to a mutual aid response/motor vehicle crash on Route 2 in Lexington.

November 10

North Commons (12:37 a.m.) — Officers responded to a residence for an ongoing issue.

November 11

Route 2 Gas (4:25 a.m.) — A motorist reported striking a deer. The deer ran off into the woods and the vehicle was able to drive away from the scene.

Conant Road (5:13 a.m.) — An officer located several items that appeared to have been discarded. The items were subsequently returned to their owners.

Lincoln Road (9:30 a.m.) — The MBTA was notified about a malfunctioning audible alert coming from the railroad crossing gates.

Bedford Lane (10:10 a.m.) — An individual asked to speak with an officer regarding personal protective equipment.

Tower Road (3:41 p.m.) — A caller reported that a child was missing. Police and fire units arrived on scene and were quickly able to locate the child, who had walked to another residence.

Tower Road (4:08 p.m.) — A person turned in several items marked for destruction.

November 12

Cerulean Way (7:42 a.m.) — A vehicle’s automated crash response system was accidentally activated. An officer spoke with the operator.

Old Winter Street (11:32 a.m.) — An individual reported a possible larceny. Investigation ongoing.

South Great Road (12:58 p.m.) — An officer served paperwork to an individual.

November 13

Old Conant Road, Waltham (9:46 a.m.) — Several calls were received for multiple pigs roaming the streets. Waltham Police had received calls as well. The owner was notified and the pigs were returned to their home.

Silver Birch Lane (5:15 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence for a barking dog complaint.

November 14

Nothing of note.

November 15

Donelan’s Supermarket (12:04 p.m.) — An officer assisted management with a trespass incident.

Lexington Road (10:18 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence to perform a well-being check on several individuals.

November 16

Robbins Road (11:21 a.m.) — An officer responded to Hanscom Air Force Base for a person with an active New Hampshire arrest warrant attempting to access the base. David Letellier, 39, of Newton was arrested and booked as a fugitive from justice. He was later transported to the Billerica House of Correction.

Old Sudbury Road (12:57 p.m.) — An individual turned in several items marked for destruction.

November 17

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (12:35 a.m.) — The Mass. Highway Department removed a deceased deer from the roadway.

Rockwood Lane (11:52 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a person regarding loss of property.

Harvest Circle (12:10 p.m.) — An officer responded to assist with a civil matter.

Bedford Road (12:25 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle had parked in their driveway, left the car, and appeared to access the adjacent trails. An officer attempted to contact the owner.

Mount Misery parking lot (1:55 p.m.) — An officer responded to help reunite a wandering dog with its owner.

Silver Hill Road (2:31 p.m.) — Police and fire units responded to a lawnmower fire. The fire was knocked down shortly after the Fire Department’s arrival.

Winter Street (4:23 p.m.) — A caller reported that a vehicle had been parked on the street for an extended period of time. An officer checked the area but the vehicle was gone on arrival.

Concord Road (8:29 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked outside of residence playing loud music. An officer checked the area but the vehicle was gone on arrival.

November 18

Mount Misery parking lot (6:06 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked/unoccupied vehicle.

Wells Road (7:16 p.m.) — An officer performed a well-being check on an individual.

November 19

Warbler Springs Road (9:06 a.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle in front of their residence those driver appeared to be taking photographs. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the vehicle.

South Great Road and also Old Sudbury Road (2:00 p.m.) — An officer responded to the railroad crossing for a report of malfunctioning crossing gates. An officer responded and a short time later, Keolis arrived on scene.

Bedford Road (4:40 p.m.) — An officer responded to a parking complaint.

South Great Road (5:40 p.m.) — An officer assisted with a civil matter.

My Turn: Climate bill gives hope to opponents of Hanscom expansion

By Alex Chatfield, Trish O’Hagan, Lara Sullivan, and Kati Winchell

The climate bill just signed by Gov. Healey contains a provision that was not noted in the official summary but is profoundly important — an update to the Massport charter. From now on, Massport will be required to promote “environmental protection and resilience, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental justice principles” in its decisions regarding its responsibilities and the entities with which it does business. Massport’s responsibilities, currently limited to the narrow roles of promoting commerce and economic growth, will therefore expand to include climate priorities. 

This update is encouraging to advocates across Massachusetts who oppose the proposed expansion of private jet infrastructure at Massport-owned Hanscom Field (separate from Hanscom Air Force Base). Massport is currently working with private developers to build a 522,380-square-foot expansion in hangar space for private jets — the largest such expansion in Hanscom’s history. An October 2023 study documented that at least half the private jet flights out of Hanscom go to vacation destinations like Martha’s Vineyard or the Super Bowl. They are airborne yachts for the ultra-wealthy.

Massport’s and Runway Realty Venture Inc.’s proposal for expansion has generated a storm of controversy. Opposition has been led by Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere (SPJE). SPJE observes, based on an April independent analysis, that the proposed private jet hangar development at Hanscom alone could result in as many as 6,000 additional private jet flights annually, producing about 150,000 tons of carbon equivalent emissions every single year. If the expansion goes forward, private jet emissions from Hanscom alone could cancel nearly 70% of the environmental benefits of all the solar PV ever installed in Massachusetts and would offset the investment and hard work of many towns and cities to help the state meet the goals of its ambitious climate plans.

The legislation updating Massport’s charter follows EEA Secretary Tepper’s rejection of the developers’ draft environmental impact report (DEIR) in June. More than 1,500 public comments and over 13,500 petition signatures critical of the developers’ plans were submitted to MEPA (Mass. Office of Environmental Policy Act). Based in part on the volume of public response, as well as on independent analyses that were submitted, Tepper criticized the developers’ argument that the massive hangar expansion would decrease operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, calling it unsupported. She found that the report did not meet the requirements of Massachusetts law and directed the developers to produce a Supplemental DEIR that would address the many questions that the initial draft failed to consider adequately.

This was the context in which state Sen. Mike Barrett and Reps. Simon Cataldo, Michelle Ciccolo, Carmine Gentile, Ken Gordon, and Alice Peisch introduced language into the Mass. Climate Bill that would update Massport’s charter to prioritize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Senate passed the bill on October 24 with a vote of 38-2, followed by a House vote of 128-17 on November 14. And on November 20, Gov. Healey signed it.

Sen. Barrett left no doubt that he expected the new language to prompt Massport to reconsider the project. “We live in an age where rampant economic growth is no longer sufficient as a raison d’etre for public agencies,” he said. “The governor has said that an all-government approach to climate change is needed, so now we ask of every single organization — Massport included — ‘What’s your role in fighting the existential crisis of our time?’” 

This is a pivotal moment. The legislature’s overwhelming support for a change in Massport’s charter sends a powerful message that the agency needs to align its own approach to climate change with the approach taken by the rest of the state. Massport’s first chance to show that it understands this new environment will be its stance toward the proposed Hanscom expansion. It’s already clear that that expansion is completely inconsistent with state climate change policy. It’s time for Massport to just say no.

“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.

Town to relax some rules for accessory apartments

The state recently relaxed some of its rules on building accessory dwelling units (ADUs, or accessory apartments), and Lincoln residents will be asked at Town Meeting in March to amend the town’s zoning bylaw to match.

The state law, which was enacted in August and goes into effect on Feb. 2, 2025, allows ADUs smaller than 900 square feet to be built as of right in single family residential districts. Updating Lincoln’s rules “is technically not necessary as state law trumps our bylaw, but it removes potential confusion,” Planning Board Chair Margaret Olson said.

Lincoln allows ADUs of up to 1,200 square feet. For ADUs to which the new state law doesn’t apply (those measuring 900–1,200 square feet), the town will still require owner occupancy and also a special permit if the unit is in a separate building.

Previous changes to the town’s ADU rules in town were made in 2023, when ADUs were permitted in a home’s main dwelling by right (as long as applicants followed the rest of the bylaw’s rules), and in 2021, when Town Meeting approved language on ADU leases and the total number of ADUs allowed.

Olson didn’t immediately know how many ADUs currently exist in town but said most of them are family-related — usually occupied by older residents whose adult children move into the main house.

My Turn: Interim School Committee member sought

By Susan Taylor

The School Committee would like to thank Yonca Heyse for serving on the Lincoln School Committee since her election in March 2024. During that time, she helped participate in our district’s long-term strategic planning, the creation of a School Committee Finance Subcommittee, and establishing our School Committee goals for the 2024-2025 school year. The committee appreciates the contributions that Ms. Heyse made as part of the School Committee for the past seven months and understands her decision to step down at this time. As such, there is an opening on the School Committee.

The Lincoln School Committee invites residents interested in supporting the strategic priorities of Lincoln Public Schools to fill a vacancy on the committee. Any registered Lincoln voter is encouraged to apply by submitting a statement of interest. This statement should express their commitment to the School Committee’s goal and their interest in contributing to the success of the schools. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 27, 2024 via email to schoolcomm@lincnet.org. This appointment will last until the next Town Election in March 2025.

All interested candidates will be interviewed in an open meeting of the School Committee and Select Board. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The members will vote at that meeting to select one of the candidates to serve on the School Committee as an interim member. The person so selected will fill the seat on the School Committee until the next annual town election, at which time the interim member can choose to run for re-election.

Matina Madrick, the chair of the School Committee, would be happy to answer any questions. She can be reached at mmadrick-schoolcomm@lincnet.org.

Susan Taylor is a member of the Lincoln School Committee.

“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.

News acorns

L-S music fundraiser at Wayside Pizza

Wayside Pizza (730 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) will donate a portion of its sales on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to the L-S Music Program Spring NYC Tour fundraiser. Mention L-S MUSIC when you order or in the comments section of your on-line order at checkout.

Giving Thanks story time

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Codman Community Farms, Lincoln Public Librarian Debbie will share some of her favorite books and songs that celebrate the fall season, friendship, and being thankful. Best for ages 5 and under but all are welcome. Click here to sign up.

“Mamma Mia!” to be performed at L-S

Tickets are now on sale for the LSB Players’ production of “Mamma Mia!” with performances on Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 20–23 at 7:30 p.m. This exuberant musical, told through the pop hits of ABBA, takes place on the fictional island of Kalokairi in Greece with a brideto-be, her mother, and three men who may or may not be her father. Click here to purchase tickets

Film: “Waking the Dead”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “Waking the Dead” (2000, rated R) on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. When one man’s ‘70s idealism confronts his ‘80s aspirations, he begins an emotional rollercoaster that brings ghosts back to life and the ultimate question: does love conquer all, even death?

“Community Gathering: Making Sense of the Moment”

“Community Gathering: Making Sense of the Moment” with Mothers Out Front is an opportunity for everyone to come together on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 3–4 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library Tarbell Room as we make sense of the moment after the presidential election. We will talk about what we collectively see as important priorities for our democratic nation. We will consider how we can get involved in upholding democratic values that support all peoples. We may not have all the answers, but we will come with curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect as we learn from one another.

Town hopes to become a Climate Leader Community

Now that Lincoln has approved a Climate Action Plan, the next step seen by the Green Energy Committee is for the town to become a state-certified Climate Leader Community (CLC), 

The Select Board decided earlier this month to formally apply for technical assistance from the Mass. Department of Energy Resources by November 29 to help prepare an application for the CLC designation that’s due by next summer.

If Lincoln becomes a CLC, it will be eligible for grants to help implement its Climate Action Plan that the town approved in 2023. The CLC program expands on the Green Communities program (of which Lincoln is already a part) by encouraging movement not only towards energy efficiency, but also greenhouse gas reduction.

There are six eligibility requirements for CLCs, three of which Lincoln has already met: having a Green Energy Committee, being already designated as a Green Community, and adopting an opt-in specialized energy code. Before next summer, the town must also:

  • Commit to ending onsite use of fossil fuels by 2050
  • Adopt a Zero Emissions First policy
  • Create a Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap

The consultant will help town officials and the Green Energy Committee (GEC) to draft the Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap, which identifies specific “green” projects in town that would be eligible for future grant applications. A Zero Emissions First policy affects procurement future decisions when purchasing town vehicles for first responders and the DPW. 

This last requirement might be the toughest for Lincoln. “We’re getting pushback from departments on eclectic vehicles,” such as issues with back-ordered police cars and concerns about whether EVs would have enough power for things like snow plowing, Town Administrator Tim Higgins said at the board’s November 4 meeting. 

This will make us take a hard look at all that stuff,” Select Board member Jim Hutchinson said. “It’s really a question of how hard we can push.”

The GEC is also hoping the town will hire a professional climate coordinator or sustainability manager to oversee and coordinate Lincoln’s various sustainability efforts. However, several other departments are also seeking additional staff.

“I think we would be hard-pressed to make room for this position in the fiscal year 2026 budget, but I could see prioritizing it in the coming years,” Higgins said.

Property sales in September 2024

3A South Commons — Brian Hurley to Roberto Mercado Jr. and Kalsey Mercado for $590,000 (September 30)

133 Bedford Rd. — Dorothy Taylor Trust to Kelsey Flynn and Justin Saglio for $1,130,000 (September 30)

41 Todd Pond Rd. — Susan Peacock to Greg Salomon for $604,500 (September 26)

16A North Commons — Marissa Lisec to Rezarta Memelli for $270,000 (September 24)

36 Old Sudbury Rd. — Karl Zuelke to Karl L. Zuelke Trust and Marichu Zuekle Trust for $600,000 (September 20)

41 Stony Brook Rd. — Lochiel Crafter to Rastislav Vazny for $3,750,000 (September 10)

24 Sandy Pond Rd. — Douglas A. Melton Trust to Timothy P. von Hermann Trust and Susan M. von Hermann Trust for $2,050,000 (September 4)

News acorns

Kids’ movie night on Wednesday

The First Parish in Lincoln is hosting a movie night with pizza and popcorn on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Stone Church. Pizza starts at 5:30 p.m. and the movie “Madagascar” at 6 p.m. This is not a drop-off event but there will be refreshments and cheese board for adults, including gluten-free options. Donations of diapers for the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive will also be collected — any clean, unused diapers, either loose or in packages, are welcome. Please RSVP here to ensure accurate food amounts. If you would like to make a suggested donation of $10 per family to help cover food costs, click here, select Youth Programs Donations, and when you get to the payment screen, please enter “FCC Movie Night 11/13” in the notes box.

Rhapsody Group piano concert

The Rhapsody Group of amateur pianists will offer their 13th annual piano performance on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Both classical and contemporary compositions by Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin, Knoerr, Scriabin, and Schubert will be featured. The group of a dozen people from the Boston metropolitan area have met nearly every month for 21 years to grow musically and share their musical journey with others.

Community singalong at First Parish

First Parish in Lincoln Music Director Miranda Loud will lead a Community Singalong for Hope and Solidarity on Monday, Nov. 18 from 6–7 p.m. with songs everyone knows (“If I had a Hammer,” “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” “We Shall Overcome,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Imagine,” etc.). The event will be in the Stearns Room if it’s too cold outside by the rainbow chairs. People are welcome to bring guitars or hand drums.

Talk on creating new national parks

Join the Walden Woods Project for a virtual presentation on “Each Town Should Have a Park: 100 New National Parks for America” with Michael Kellett on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 7–8 p.m. The New National Parks campaign has proposed 100 new national parks to help relieve pressure on existing parks, help fight climate change, and avoid biodiversity loss. Kellett is executive director of RESTORE: The North Woods and has 40 years of experience in the land conservation movement, including developing the proposal for a 3.2 million-acre Maine Woods National Park, which led to President Obama’s 2016 designation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Click here to register for the Zoom event.

Positions open at middle school

The Lincoln School is looking for middle-school staff including a part-time special education teacher, a piano accompanist, building-based substitutes, bus monitors, a cello instructor, and additional day-to-day substitutes. Click here for more information and to apply.

Chess for kids

Children age five and up are welcome to join the L-S High School Chess Club to learn and play chess at the Lincoln Public Library (second floor) from 3–4 p.m. on five Saturday mornings: December 7, February 8, March 1, April 12 and May 3. Bring your own board or play with one of the library’s. Registration required; email dleopold@minlib.net.

 

 

Read the latest issue of the Lincoln Review

(Editor’s note: ads are sometimes mysteriously appearing in the middle of this post. If you have this problem, just scroll down to see the rest of the page.)

Issue #2 of the Lincoln Review, Lincoln’s arts e-zine (online magazine) is ready for your enjoyment. Just go to:

lincolnsquirrel.com/the-lincoln-review

The page will be available to all until Friday, November 15. After that, only Lincoln Squirrel subscribers will have access. Subscribers may also request a free PDF version by emailing lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. 

If you’d like a printed copy of this issue of the Lincoln Review, please email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. We will order copies if there is enough demand (10 minimum) and they will be $10.00 each.