September 11Marconi Auto, Concord Rd. (4:00 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party sitting in a vehicle; all was well.
Page Road (12:45 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak with an officer regarding a possible violation of a civil order. Officer spoke to the party and determined there was no violation.
Old Sudbury Road (3:02 p.m.) — Caller reported a low-hanging branch partially in the roadway. An officer coned off the roadway and contacted the DPW to respond.
Matlock Farm of Lincoln, continually run by the Flint Family since the 17th century, will host fall weekend events with pumpkin-picking and other family-friendly activities starting on Saturday, Sept. 26 from noon–4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy socially distanced hay rides, farm-themed photo ops, crafts for sale, and more in the farm’s field on Lexington Road. Events will take place on September 26 and 27 as well as October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25, weather permitting. For more information call 781-259-8402.
On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., the Walden Woods Project will participate in the TEDx Countdown, a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action. The goal is to build a better future by cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the race to a zero-carbon world.
TEDxTheWaldenWoodsProject starts with a live virtual session via Zoom with author and journalist Bill McKibben, co-founder of the climate campaign group 350.org, on “Using One Crisis to Solve the Next: What Does Covid Teach Us About How to Think in Emergencies, And How Might It Set Us Up to Address the Overarching Climate Predicament?” After that, there will be streamed global presentations from several other leading climate activists and experts, including former Vice President Al Gore and HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. Registering for the program gives access to all sessions, which run until 3:45 p.m. Click here for details about the speakers and schedule, and a link to register.
Join physicist and businessman David Green on a Zoom webinar on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. as he discusses the financial benefits he experienced as he brought his home carbon footprint to zero. He’ll walk us through his analysis of the incentives and carbon reduction of different home systems from heating to windows. Geared to Lincoln residents and open to all. Free, but registration is required. Each attendee will receive an e-book copy of his book, Zero Carbon Home.
Caleb Yee
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School has five semifinalists including Caleb W. Yee of Lincoln in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition. The students will continue in competition for approximately 7,500 scholarships that will be offered in the spring of 2021. The others from L-S are Achla H. Gandhi, Josephine A. Halporn, Alexander W. Kornblum, and Riya Misra of Sudbury.
Mass Audubon is expanding to year-round an offer of free admission to its wildlife sanctuaries including Drumlin Farm for active-duty members of the military and their families. Since 2014, Mass Audubon has been a participant in the Blue Star Museums program, which offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer. The program typically begins in mid-May and runs through Labor Day in early September. Although it was officially suspended for 2020 because of the pandemic, Mass Audubon maintained the program, and will now honor it 12 months a year. Service members and/or families may simply present a valid military ID card to sanctuary staff. The offer applies to a maximum of five people per ID card.
Lincolnites formed a circle of light at the vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg (click to enlarge). Photo by Allen Vander Meulen.
A candlelight vigil for the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg drew about 100 people to Pierce Park on Sunday evening.
The event was organized by Joan Kimball, Barbara Slayter, and Mary Helen Lorenz. The bell at the nearby First Parish Church tolled solemnly at the start of the silent vigil. The silence was broken with the El Malei Rachamim prayer for the deceased, first in English and then sung and read in Hebrew by Andy Ory. FPL director of religious education Margit Griffith gave a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to close the event.
The Jewish tradition views anyone who dies at the start of the Jewish new year (Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on Friday) as a tzadik, or righteous person, especially when the death occurs on the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night).
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Lincoln and Weston would like to thank Katrin Roush and daughter Kyla Chapman for their very successful “flower project”! This mother-and-daughter duo sold flowers, tomatoes, and herbs from their own garden to benefit SVdP. Katrin explained that she wanted to support Kyla’s need to feel helpful and connected to others. They often buy food for the food pantry and the sales idea was “a combination of wanting her to see how she could help out other families, and to have gratitude” (see the Lincoln Squirrel, August 13, 2020).
Kyla Chapman with the produce she sold to benefit the Lincoln/Weston food pantry.
But it’s the SVdP Food Pantry that’s feeling most grateful. It’s because of generous and thoughtful families like Katrin and Kyla that SVdP is able to do this very important work. Thank you for your support and dedication.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Julia Parish works with people in need who live, work, or go to school in Lincoln or Weston. We serve more than 260 people from both towns twice a month at the food pantry located behind St. Joseph’s Church in Lincoln. SVdP also offers emergency financial assistance to help with bills, rent, etc.
If you or somebody you know is in need of food or emergency financial help, please call 781-899-2611 x4 or email svdplincolnweston@gmail.com. This is a challenging time for many, and although it can be difficult to ask for help, we are here to support. Everything is kept completely confidential.
Lucchese is Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston.
”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their 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.
Lincoln is one of eight towns in Middlesex County that have been elevated to a “moderate” risk level for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) after four new human cases of WNV were confirmed in the county.
Three of the four cases are male (one in his 40s, one in his 60s, and one in his 80s). All were exposed to WNV in Middlesex County. This brings the total number of Massachusetts WNV cases to seven.
In addition to Lincoln, the Middlesex towns now at moderate risk are Concord, Lexington, Sudbury, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Winchester. The municipalities of Dighton, Fall River, and Swansea in Bristol County were also elevated to moderate risk after WNV was diagnosed in a female under the age of 19 with exposure in that county.
Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown were elevated to high risk for WNV as a result of information obtained during case investigations on where the four Middlesex County individuals were exposed to the virus. Most WNV virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.
While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over age 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, but when they occur, symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. Click here for updated case information.
The MDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools, especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitos near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos.
Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals, and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, by calling 617-626-1795 and the MDPH by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
Sudbury police are now also looking for information on this masked man who was caught on camera in Lincoln last week.
A masked man caught on a home surveillance camera in Lincoln last week has appeared in Sudbury, and police in both towns are asking anyone with information to contact them.
The Sudbury Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred on September 15 at approximately 3:15 p.m. when a man on a black scooter and wearing a similar outfit as the person in the Lincoln photo approached a residence on Rte. 117 in Sudbury (the same road on which the Lincoln home is located).
The man entered the garage of the residence and, when confronted by the homeowner, said he was selling magazines. “We believe this to be a ruse but, if it is true, it is also a violation of the solicitor bylaws,” Sudbury police said on their Facebook page.
The encounter occurred 10 days after the Lincoln incident, which Lincoln police reported on their Facebook page on September 8.
Sudbury police asked anyone who has video of North Road between Longfellow Road and Mossman Road or anyone who remembers seeing a male on a smaller black scooter at the given time to call a detective at the Sudbury Police Department 978-443-1042. “We also welcome the pictured person to contact us, so we can sort out this matter,” police added.
Calling all creative writers and artists! The deadline for submitting materials for the next issue of the Lincoln Chipmunk (now part of the Lincoln Squirrel) is Monday, September 21. Click here for details on how to submit, and call editor Alice Waugh if you have any questions. We look forward to helping you share your creative work.
September 4Old Concord Road (12:39 a.m.) — Berkshire Sheriff’s Department requested a well-being check, as a Lincoln resident’s car was found parked out in Lee. Officers checked; house is under construction and no one was home. Sheriff’s Department notified.
Aspen Circle (9:30 a.m.) — Caller wanted to speak with the dog officer regarding a dog that charged her. Dog officer was asked to call the reporting party. The person called again at 3:59 p.m. The dog officer had tried to call earlier but no one answered; she’ll call them back.
Old Concord Road (3:19 p.m.) — Caller complained about cars parked on Old Concord Road. Officers found that road was passable.
Hemlock Circle (4:1 p.m.) — Caller reported an aggressive dog she encountered. Animal Control is already speaking with the owner regarding the other complaint.
Bypass Road (2:01 a.m.) — Jason Gillis, 32, of16 Phillip Rd. in Burlington was arrested for OUI–second offense and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:43 p.m.) — 911 call about a two-car crash on Rte. 2 at Bedford Road. No injuries; state police are handling the crash report with Lincoln officers assisting.
Weston Road (3:26 p.m.) — Resident reported a brush fire hat they can’t control. Fire Department responded; Weston Fire Department also requested to assist.
South Great Road (4:32 p.m.) — Caller reported that earlier in the day, they witnessed a male party come up to their door of their residence on their surveillance camera. The party had a mask covering their face and was possibly driving a motorcycle. Click here for details.
Old Concord Road (5:42 a.m.) — Caller reports an odor of smoke in the area. Smoke was coming from a cooking fire.
Lincoln School (4:36 p.m.) — Caller reported a party walking at the school who appeared to be intoxicated, throwing rocks and mumbling. Police were unable to locate the party at the school but an officer then located a person on Weston Road who fit the description. The officer spoke to the person who was coming from the school and all appears to be fine.
Standish Circle, Wellesley — A Fire Department member responded to Wellesley for a dive team activation for a water incident.
Virginia Road (10:25 a.m.) — Caller reported an issue with his smoke detector. Fire Department responded and found the detector’s batteries were low.
Trapelo Road (2:41 p.m.) — Party came to the station reporting that her Black Lives Matter sign is missing from her front lawn. Officer took a report.
North Great Road (6:00 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing two bicyclists down on the side of the road near the National Park. Officer spoke to the parties who were waiting for a ride; they declined any medical attention.
Old Cambridge Turnpike (8:06 p.m.) — Caller reported that her dog ran off into the woods and her husband went to find it and hadn’t come back either. An officer responded and located the husband on the roadway. The dog soon returned to the house.
Lexington Road (11:19 a.m.) — Caller reported that a dog just ran out onto Rte. 2 but subsequently reported that the owner located the dog and is bringing it home.
Page Road (1:25 p.m.) — Court paperwork was delivered to a resident.
Greenridge Lane (1:26 p.m.) — Party reported that someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim in their name.
Farrar Road (4:41 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the area. Fire Department responding and reported that a gas company crew was working just over the town line in Wayland.
South Great Road (5:49 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the area. Tennessee Gas is working in the area and said the odor should dissipate soon.
National Park, Hartwell lot 2:04 a.m.) — A group was parked in the parking lot. The parties were spoken to and sent on their way.
Concord Road (8:19 a.m.) — Caller reported a deceased animal on the side of the roadway. DPW notified to handle.
Boston Post Road, Weston (10:16 a.m.) — Motorcycle officer assisted Weston police at the funeral of a Weston Fire Department member.
Concord Road (8:19 p.m.) — 911 calls reported two parties yelling at each another on the side of the road in a dispute between the driver and a passenger in a vehicle. Parties were separated and passenger agreed to take an Uber home.
Edna Hankey
Dorothy Jensen
Dorothy Marion (Johansen) Marchant, 92, formerly of Waltham and Lincoln, died on August 29. Click here for full obituary.
Dorothy Patricia Jensen died peacefully in her home in Lincoln on August 6 at the age of 99. Click here for full obituary.
Edna J. (Barry) Hankey, 94, of Boca Raton, Fla. and formerly on Lincoln, passed away peacefully on July 25. Click here for full obituary.
Town officials have decided that it won’t be possible to hold a Special Town Meeting this fall to take up matters that were postponed from the stripped-down meeting in June. Instead, there will be three State of the Town meetings (SOTTs) held on consecutive nights in November via Zoom.
Given the ongoing pandemic and need for social distancing, “there’s nothing pressing enough to bring people together in person,” Selectman Jennifer Glass said. Chilly fall weather will prelude another outdoor gathering such as the June 13 town meeting that was held under a tent on the Hartwell school parking lot.
The State of the Town meetings with their agendas are listed below.
Regarding diversity and inclusion, “we appreciate that not all community members experience life in Lincoln in the same way. We need to listen carefully to those who have been alienated in some manner and be willing to be truly reflective about changes that may be required to make all residents feel welcome and valued,” the Board of Selectmen wrote in a newsletter soon to be mailed to Lincoln residents.
The three roundtables will feature panelists who will guide discussion by participating Lincolnites. Click here for details and registration links (registration closes 48 hours before each event). To submit questions in advance, email selectmen@lincolntown.org before the deadlines listed.
September 22: “Policing in Lincoln and the State”
The discussion will seek to understand local and state policing policies and training, understand how the town budget supports public safety and other social services, and discuss status of current legislation. Panelists will be Kevin Kennedy, Lincoln Chief of Police; Marian Ryan, Middlesex District Attorney; and Tim Higgins, Town Administrator. Advance question deadline: September 15.
October 7: “What is the Role of Town Government?”
Members of town boards, committees and departments will lead a discussion of the jurisdictions and roles of town government officials and Town Meeting who could authorize funding or other significant actions. Advance question deadline: September 30.
October 21: “What is the Role of Community Groups?
Panelists will include members of community organizations, cultural institutions and nonprofits to help everyone learn how town organizations are addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Advance question deadline: October 14.
Warrant articles that were postponed from the 2020 Annual Town Meeting may resurface at the ATM in March 2021. They included citizens’ petitions to ask voters if they would: