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

Facebook photo of unidentified man sparks alarm

A photo of the unidentified man captured by a resident’s doorbell camera.

A photo of an unidentified man ringing the doorbell of a house has caused apprehension as well as warnings not to jump to conclusions after the photo was posted to Facebook by the Lincoln Police Department.

The image was captured by the doorbell camera of a South Great Road resident who wasn’t home at the time — Saturday, Sept. 5 at about 12:30 p.m., according to police. The man was wearing a hoodie, heavy gloves, and a military-style mask that obscured most of his face.

In a discussion of the photo on LincolnTalk, some wondered why someone would be dressed on a hot summer day in what one resident characterized as “deliberately scary, identity-obfuscating gear” while other noted that face masks are common in this Covid-19 era. Another resident reluctantly raised the possibility that the man was Black while also adding, “Are we in a situation where we have assumed something because the color of someone’s skin by definition made him ‘other’ and ‘suspicious’?”

Police noted in their Facebook post that the man was operating a small motorcycle or scooter. In the photo he was holding what could be a helmet with his left arm. 

“Someone could say that [clothing] is consistent” with motorcycle-riding attire, but “other people could say he’s overly dressed based on the weather,” Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said in an interview Thursday afternoon. 

The sister of the resident whose house was involved wrote that the home is on a busy road but well off the street. When the homeowner reported the incident to police, the officer mentioned that there had been a few break-ins in Concord and Weston, the homeowner’s sister added.

Potential burglars sometimes ring a doorbell first to see if anyone is home; if someone answers the door, they can then make an excuse such as having gotten lost or being there to perform repairs at the home, Kennedy noted. There were no signs of a break-in, though “there could be other things going on” that might have forestalled an attempt, he added.

“You have to go into this with an open mind, and it doesn’t appear at this point that a crime was committed,” Kennedy said. “I don’t want anyone to think that this person is associated with any crime at this point.

“This is not a case of someone innocently driving through town and being unfairly profiled” by Lincoln police, a resident wrote on LincolnTalk.

“There are plenty of red flags here that don’t involve [skin] color,” another resident wrote. “They put the picture out to see if others saw this person and witnessed any suspicious behavior. Just diligent police work.”

“It’s not for us to judge. At the same time, [it’s] not wrong to ask respectful questions in these weird times,” another resident wrote.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the photo is urged to call Detective Ian Spencer at 781-259-8113.

My Turn: More kudos for Mostue

(Editor’s note: see also this appreciation of Mostue by Lincoln’s Nancy Marshall.)

By Radha Raman Gargeya

You all know Patty Mostue. Around here, service in cause of public education has another name: it is Patty Mostue. She was a Lincoln Public Schools School Committee member for six years. Now, she is completing 15 years as a Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee member. As a former L-S School Committee member, this is what I know of Patty.

At School Committee meetings, her comments and questions are incisive, offer information, and are effortlessly yet precisely crafted. Everyone leaves the discussion well-informed and full of thought. She has a deft sense of humor. When I grow up, I want to be Patty Mostue.

Patty led the committee at L-S as chair and vice chair over many years. She led us and taught us by the power of example. Most of the time, she let her work speak. She prepared the most thorough L-S performance report. It is unrivaled and still the only one of its kind at L-S. She studied, with the help of various administrators, the incoming students from Sudbury and Lincoln, how they performed at L-S, and how they were placed upon high school graduation.

She was on the Negotiations Subcommittee several times. She gathered the contracts of comparable school districts, researched them, analyzed them, and presented her findings to the rest of the subcommittee. Her work was invaluable. She served on the Policy Subcommittee, Evaluation Subcommittee, and Safety Review Subcommittee amongst many others.

No document ever written by any one for the school escaped Patty’s insistence on clarity of thought, expression, and, of course, grammar. Some of us have the scars to show. It made us better the next time we wrote or spoke.

Patty is a strong supporter of the METCO educational program for students from Boston. She is a great champion of students with special needs. She is respected in Sudbury, Boston, and of course, in Lincoln and at Lincoln-Sudbury High School.

These are but a few examples of many such efforts by Patty — the hallmarks being hard work, thorough preparation, and excellent presentation. Through her example, she trained many other School Committee members — not in a formal way, but by kindling the desire to be better at what one does.

So, the question to ask is why? Why does Patty work so hard and so effectively? The answer is simple: her love and care that our children learn at great public schools that are a bit better tomorrow than they are today.

For her gift of love for education, I am very thankful. I trust the communities of Boston, Sudbury, and Lincoln are grateful. Patty would say that the students need not thank her — just be good students, good people, and good citizens.

Radha Raman Gargeya of Sudbury was a member of the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee from 2007–2019.

”My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their views on any subject of interest to 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 Aug. 27–Sept. 3, 2020

August 27

3 Robbins Road, Bedford (1:45 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces called requesting assistance with a 5-year-old child missing from their residence. Within a couple of minutes, Security Forces called back to cancel as the child was located.

South Great Road (2:25 p.m.) — Single-car crash on Rte. 117 at Mt. Misery (car vs. telephone pole). No injuries; vehicle was towed from the scene.

August 28

Trapelo Road (10:41 a.m.) — Caller reported cows in the roadway on Trapelo Road. Officer checked; Codman Community Farms staff have the cows and they’re returning them to their pen.

Wells Road (4:09 p.m.) — Caller reported that a man was looking inside an apartment and then lying down on the ground outside. The man then suddenly left in a white van. Officers spoke to the involved party, who was looking at the apartment as he’s going to be moving into the unit.

Birchwood Lane (6:41 p.m.) — Caller reported that their propane tank was on fire in the rear of the house. Officers arrive on scene and extinguished the fire. Fire Department reported that the propane tank is still leaking gas and remained on scene to handle.

August 29

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (11:02 a.m.) — Caller reported landscapers were using leaf blowers at the Carroll School. Officer arrived and advised them of the bylaw.

Sandy Pond Road (6:24 p.m.) — Two parties were parked along Sandy Pond Road. Officer advised them to move along.

August 30

Mayflower Road (3:02 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported a missing juvenile on base. Officer responded, found the boy, and brought him back to his residence.

Page Road (4:38 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing gunshots in the area of Fridolin Hill Road. Gunshots were coming from a Page Road residence where the family was target shooting; they have proper backstop and proper space.

August 31

Page Road (10:53 a.m.) — Officer assisted two parties with a civil matter.

Laurel Street, Concord (9:45 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance for a reported burglary in progress. Lincoln officers assisted and later cleared; investigation ongoing by Concord police.

September 1

Concord Road (11:21 a.m.) — Caller reported that a beaver was struck across from Old Concord Road. Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife contacted.

South Great Road (4:00 p.m.) — Caller reported that his employer said he filed an unemployment claim, which he did not.

September 2

Brooks Road (1:31 p.m.) — Caller reported a stove fire. Fire Department responded and reported that the fire is out upon their arrival. They remained on scene to get smoke out of the house.

Scott Circle (3:50 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported being a victim of identity fraud dating back to 2016. Report taken and is being investigated.

September 3

Juniper Ridge Road (12:08 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone filed an unemployment claim in his name. Report taken.

Concord Road (2:33 p.m.) — Caller reported having a package stolen. Officers responded to take a report.

Donelan’s, Lincoln mall (4:19 p.m.) — Caller reported two juveniles causing problems in front of the store. Officer responded and spoke to the parties involved as well as the parents on scene.

Route 2/I-95 ramp (4:51 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog on the highway ramp. State Police in Concord and Lexington notified.

Oak Meadow Road (5:49 p.m.) — Fraudulent unemployment claim filed in caller’s name.

Virginia Road, Concord (7:19 p.m.) — Concord police reported three cars parked in the roadway on Virginia Road but later called back to report they’re doing a photo shoot.

My Turn: Praise for Mostue’s years of school committee work

By Nancy Marshall

It is with joy mixed with a little sadness that I write to honor the accomplishments of one Patricia M. Mostue, PhD, on the conclusion of a long and worthy tenure as a member of both the Lincoln School Committee and, for the last 15 years, the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee. Her extended final term on the LSSC will conclude at the end of the Sudbury Annual Town Meeting, which begins on September 12.

Patty brought a significant combination of talents to her service. Her doctorate in math and statistics was a complement to the diverse array of talents on each school committee. Her willingness to dig deeply into the details, whether procedural, analytical, mathematical, or grammatical, was of great benefit to all of us. Her compassion for and commitment to children was always obvious and deep.

In her various tenures, she has demonstrated an unwavering investment in excellent teaching, public education and in our children. Through her work in the Worcester Public Schools administration and her kind persistence and encouragement in tutoring and college counseling many local teens over the years, she put her talents to work and guided her students to successful outcomes.  

Patty was firm in her convictions. She was calm and direct as chair in both great and painful times for L-S. Her deft leadership on the two school committees, her many tireless hours (sometimes deep in data analysis to simply and compellingly reassure parents that their children could find success with an L-S education), her genuine smile and quick wit — these are but a few of many reasons to be grateful.

Patty honored good educators. She supported and ably defended the hard work of the administration and staff at L-S. Patty was also a great colleague. She shared a ride with my predecessor Eric Harris and then with me to my nine years of meetings at LSRHS, crossing Sherman’s Bridge in beautiful sunsets, snow, rain and almost always home in the dark. I learned so much and am grateful for her mentoring as I onboarded the LSSC for her support, companionship, frank opinions, and willingness to listen.

Patty and her husband Brooks can now map their plans and opportunities for easier mornings and uninterrupted weeknights, of time with their growing family, opera, meals, travel, and spontaneity. Thank you, Patty, for your time, your endurance, and personally, for your continued friendship. Our towns and schools are all the better because of you. And happy birthday!

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

My Turn: Lincoln Historical Society reaches out

By the Lincoln Historical Society

Hello Lincoln!

The Lincoln Historical Society, like everyone else, has been figuring out this new world of Covid-19. We are regrouping and seeing this as an opportunity to find new ways to reach out to you and bring you things of historical interest both from our beginnings, but also more recent developments in our town.

In order to do this, we will be making more use of web and social media platforms. That will include regular pieces in LincolnTalk, The Lincoln Squirrel, The Lincoln Chipmunk, and The Lincoln/Concord Journal.

Many pieces will concern national events and Lincoln’s role and/or response. Recent articles were published about the ratification of the 19th Amendment and Lincoln’s response to suffrage, as seen at the voting booth, and the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

A new regular entry is called “Did you know…” It will offer tidbits and snippets of Lincoln lore and legend… and, of course, facts. If there’s anything you have wondered about, let us know. And if you have anything to add to our “to do” list, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you and we hope you look forward to hearing from us! 

Members of the Lincoln Historical Society are Gus Brown, Jim Cunningham, Craig Donaldson, Palmer Faran, Andrew Glass, Don Hafner, Sara Mattes (chair), Harold McAleer, BJ Scheff, Chris Taylor, and Rick Wiggin.

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

Submit your creative work for Chipmunk #2

The Lincoln Chipmunk, Lincoln’s online art/literary/history journal and the successor to the Lincoln Review, is accepting submissions for the next issue. The deadline is Monday, September 21 at 5 p.m. with publication tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2020.

The Chipmunk accepts original work (stories, poems, essays, photos, artwork, etc.) by Lincoln residents and their immediate family members, town employees, or others with a direct connection to the town. It’s free for Lincoln Squirrel subscribers, but like the Squirrel, it allows nonsubscribers to access three articles per month for free. Have a look at the last issue and get more information here:

 
You can address questions and send your submissions via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com or call editor Alice Waugh at 617-710-5542. I look forward to sharing your work!

Alice Waugh
Editor, The Lincoln Squirrel and The Lincoln Chipmunk
lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com
617-710-5542 (mobile)

Council on Aging activities in September

Here are some of the September activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups for memoir writing, foreign language conversation, etc., see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Special COA Zoom meetings
  • September 11 at 10 am — Mindfulness 101 with Catherine Collins
  • September 11 at  1 p.m. — Meditation with Lynne La Spina (30 minutes)
  • September 16 at 10 a.m. — Chat with Town Nurse Tricia McGean
  • September 18 at  2 p.m. — Chat with Selectman Jennifer Glass
  • September 25 at 10 a.m. — Artist showcase: Watercolors by Jack Foley
  • September 29 at  2 p.m. — Presentation to help our neighbors/Domestic Violence Services Network with J. Apsler

Please register for Zoom activities via email to GagneA@Lincolntown.org or call 781-275-8811 x102.

New COA in-person exercise classes

These classes will be held this month under the tent in front of the Pierce House.

  • Stretch and Flex — Tuesdays/Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
  • Active Aging — Tuesdays/Thursdays, 1–1:45 p.m.
  • Line Dancing — Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
  • Meditation — Wednesday, 10 a.m.
  • Meditation — Wednesdays, 3 p.m. (location: Lincoln Woods patio)

To participate, register by calling 781-259-8811 x102.

Outdoor podiatry clinic

Dr. Glenn Ruhl will hold a podiatry clinic outside Bemis Hall on September 22 (rain date: September 29). Call 781-259-8811 for details.

My Turn: An appreciation of Carolyn Bottum

By Susan Brooks

To Carolyn Bottum, recently retired director of the Lincoln Council on Aging:

I wish I’d had the opportunity to say goodbye to you in public. Because you were a bulwark to Lincoln citizens, Carolyn, an exemplar of the kind of quiet, behind-the-scenes caring that knits a community together. The most obvious of your contributions to civic life was the expanded array of senior services and activities you made available through the COA, the empowerment of its advisory council, and the creation and cultivation of a professional-caliber and regular online presence for the organization. 

But the magic for me was when fellow public servants lost touch with a senior citizen, we learned to share that information with you, knowing it would be held in utmost confidence, and might add a nuance, perhaps, to your understanding and approach. Thank you for always being there, Carolyn — a level-headed, discreet, and compassionate shepherd for Lincoln seniors (and juniors, too, for that matter). Thank you for your service. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with you.

Sincerely yours,

Susan Brooks (retired Lincoln town clerk)

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

Markey defeats Kennedy handily in Lincoln primary

Lincolnites overwhelmingly voted for incumbent U.S. Senator Edward M. Markey over U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III in the September 1 Democratic primary by a margin of 76%–24%. The margin far exceeded Markey’s statewide result, where he won 55% to 45%.

Interestingly, several other Democratic incumbents (U.S. Rep. Katharine Clark, State Sen. Michael Barrett, and State Rep. Thomas Stanley) each got more votes than Markey, even though all three were running unopposed.

Largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost three-quarters of Lincolnites voted in some nontraditional way (mail-in, absentee ballot, or early voting in person). Of the 2,378 ballots cast, only 630 (24%) were voted on Election Day in the Smith gym.

In the Republican primary, 178 votes were cast. Kevin J. O’Connor edged out Shiva Ayyadurai, 93–82 (52%–46%, not including one write-in and two blank ballots). Though still in the minority, a much larger percentage of Lincoln Republicans (45%) cast their ballots on Election Day compared to the Democrats.

Democratic primary in Lincoln

Precinct 1Precinct 2CTF for
Precinct 1*		CTF for
Precinct 2*		Total
U.S. Senator
Edward J. Markey3141618814451,801
Joseph P. Kennedy III9657253166572
Write-in01102
Blank10023
U.S. Representative
Katherine M. Clark3511789885272,044
Write-in116513
Blank594014181321
Register of Probate
Marilyn M. P. Devaney3151628174431,737
Write-in216514
Blank9456312165627
State Senator
Michael J. Barrett3371719344971,939
Write-in116412
Blank7347195112427
State Representative
Thomas M. Stanley3311658944891,879
Write-in21137
Blank7853240121492
Councillor
Tara E. DeCristoforo3171608404581,775
Write-in115310
Blank9358290152593

*CTF stands for Central Tabulating Facility, which totals all the votes cast by mail, absentee ballot, and early in-person voting.

 

Republican primary in Lincoln

Precinct 1Precinct 1CTF for
Precinct 1*		CTF for
Precinct 2*		Total
U.S. Senator
Shiva Ayyadurai3013201982
Kevin J. O'Connor2115381993
Write-in00011
Blank01102
U.S. Representative
Caroline Colarusso39265130146
Write-in10012
Blank1138830
Councillor
Write-in629522
Blank45275034156
State Senator
Write-in8111424
Blank43284835154
State Representative
Write-in6111422
Blank45284835156
Register of Probate
Write-in5110420
Blank46284935158

*CTF stands for Central Tabulating Facility, which totals all the votes cast by mail, absentee ballot, and early in-person voting.

Police log for August 19-26, 2020

August 19

Lincoln Police Department (12:28 a.m.) — Caller requested information and advice regarding an online bitcoin transaction with an unknown party. They said it appears that they’re potentially being victimized by a scam but did not wish to file a report at this time.

Bedford Street, Concord (1:45 a.m.) — Lincoln police assisted with a funeral escort from the funeral home to the Lincoln Cemetery.

Aspen Circle (12:42 p.m.) — Court paperwork was served to a resident.

Todd Pond Road (4:24 p.m.) — A resident reported being bitten by a dog, sustaining a minor injury. Dog Officer will handle.

August 20

Doherty’s Garage (1:21 p.m.) — Officer assisted a party with a civil matter.

Sandy Pond Road (10:49 p.m.) — Caller reported his child possibly saw someone in the woods with a flashlight. Caller doesn’t see anything and isn’t requesting the police respond. He’ll call back if he sees anything.

Mill Street (11:47 p.m.) — Caller reported kids were skateboarding and causing a disturbance. Officers located the parties, who were headed back to Lexington. They were talking while skateboarding.

August 21

Water treatment plant, Sandy Pond Road (12:16 p.m.) — Office encountered vehicle parked at the pump station. Party was moved along.

August 22

Trapelo Road (2:33 a.m.) — Officers encountered two juveniles walking on Trapelo Road who left their houses without permission. Both juveniles were brought home and officers spoke to a parent.

Concord Road (4:23 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled to the side of the road. Operator was OK (using their cell phone).

Page Road (9:25 a.m.) — Party reporting a possible contractor fraud. Case is a civil matter; officer assisting the party with resolving the issue.

Blackburnian Road (9:49 a.m.) — Caller asked to speak to the Animal Control Officer about an aggressive dog who approached him while walking. Dog officer is reaching out the caller to assist.

Tabor Hill Road (10:58 a.m.) — Caller reported a case of credit card fraud. Investigation is ongoing.

DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum (2:20 p.m.) — Caller on 911 reported being lost on a trail. Dispatcher was able to direct them using 911 mapping. Party was assisted back to their parked car.

August 23

South Great Road (8:48 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle on Rte. 117 and, after an investigation, arrested Timothy Dioron, 29, of Waltham and Michael Parker, 37, of Clinton for possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug. Both men were later bailed to appear in Concord District Court

National Park Hartwell lot, North Great Road (9:54 p.m.) — Officer checked on two parties parked in the lot. They’re both fine and will be leaving soon.

August 24

Old County Road (1:20 a.m.) — Street sign on Old County at Trapelo Road is damaged. DPW notified.

DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum (3:47 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. Owner is an employee.

Lexington Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller reported a verbal argument involving an Amazon driver and a USPS driver. Amazon driver was blocking the mailbox of the residence. Officer spoke with the USPS driver and everything is fine (Amazon driver was no longer on scene).

August 25

Silver Hill Road (6:25 p.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash, no injuries. Officer took a report.

Page Road (7:23 p.m.) — Court paperwork delivered to a resident.

Care Dimension Hospice House, Winter Street (11:16 p.m.) — Party called 911 to report he was locked out of his vehicle. Police assisted him in contacting a tow service.

August 26

Hanscom Drive (7:44 a.m.) — A party was attempting to get onto the base when Hanscom Security Forces found that Gerardo Sanchez-Vasquez, 54, of Lowell had a warrant for burglary and was arrested by Lincoln police.