The story headlined “My Turn: On this WWII anniversary, remember Lincolnites who served” was mistakenly published on September 1 rather than September 2, the 75th anniversary of the signing of the surrender documents by Japan that ended World War II.
The September 1 story headlined “Chamber orchestra offers “Music-Grams” gave the wrong date for the Lyrica Boston concert at Farrar Pond. It is on October 18, not October 28. The story and calendar listing have been corrected.
Did you know that today is the 75th anniversary of the formal end of World War II?
And did you know that 227 Lincolnites, 217 men and 10 women, served in WW II and that five of these men lost their lives in the war: Leland M. Burr Jr., John M. Fradd, Whiton Jackson, Donald L. MacLea, and Domenic Panetta? Their names can be found in the War Memorial Book, located on the second floor of the Lincoln Public Library on the display table in the periodical/reading room, just outside the Tarbell Room.
The War Memorial Book of the Town of Lincoln was given to the town in 1960 by the Veterans Memorial Committee, which consisted of Leo J. Algeo, Clifford W. Bradley, Edward J. Chisholm, Andrew J. Dougherty, Harriet Rogers, William Whalen, and E. Donlan Rooney, chairman. The calligraphy was done by Al Sturgis. The book has been recently edited and updated by Agnes and Rick Wiggin.
The current display cabinet for the book was provided by the Lincoln Historical Society and the Friends of the Lincoln Library. Learn more about the book and its history, and see the names of those who served in World War II on pages 72-104. As you scroll through the names, many will be familiar. Most are now gone.
On this day, Sept. 2, 2020, the 75th anniversary of the signing of the surrender documents by Japan, ending World War II, we honor them and thank them for their service.
Hafner and Wiggin are members of the Lincoln Historical Society.
”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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.
Brian Young at the virtual Board of Selectmen meeting where he was named fire chief for the town.
Deputy Fire Chief Brian Young has been promoted to Lincoln Fire Chief, succeeding former fire chief Steve Carter, who resigned for health reasons last year. Young previously served as acting chief and interim deputy chief. In recent months, he has been a key part of the town’s public health team that was created due to the pandemic and successfully navigated budget and staffing issues as well as “quickly winning the admiration and support of his colleagues in surrounding towns,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said at the August 24 Board of Selectmen meeting where Young was appointed to his new role.
Lincoln resident and certified hatha yoga instructor Melinda Bruno-Smith is leading free hatha yoga sessions in Pierce Park on the next four Thursdays (September 3, 10, 17, and 24) from 4–5 p.m. Please bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket to practice on and wear loose-fitting clothing. The session will be cancelled in case of rain. All levels welcome.
Farrington Nature Linc will host James Edward Mills for a special presentation on “Over the Adventure Gap: the Path of Progress Toward Lasting Social Change” as part of their end-of-summer celebration on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. The event will also include a celebration of their staff and students and an online auction to support their work.
Mills is a freelance journalist who specializes in telling stories about outdoor recreation and environmental conservation. He is the author of The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors and the co-writer/co-producer of the documentary film “An American Ascent.” Tickets are free with suggested donation. A limited number of signed copies of “The Adventure Gap” are available. Click here for tickets.
Now that the library is reopening on a reduced scale, the Friends of the Lincoln Library remind patrons that the used book carts in the building are open and ready for buyers. All books on the cart are $2, and a cash box is attached to the cart. Since the staff cannot make change, please either bring small bills or coins, or plan to purchase several books. Income from the cart sales helps to fund many library programs, equipment purchases, and museum passes. For information on the reopening and how to set up an appointment, click here.
Lyrica Boston, a chamber orchestra with several Lincoln residents, is offering “Music-Grams” of 30–60 minutes to bring live music to the doorsteps of Boston-area residents and organizations while still keeping everyone safe.
“It’s really for people that could use a pick-me-up,” said violin/viola player Laura Bossert of Lincoln, noting that the group has performed on the lawn of a woman who had recently had surgery, as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “People are going through such a hard time, and we just wanted to offer some positive to send out.”
The series is also committed to bringing music to culturally underserved youth, the elderly, and those with special needs. Other Lincolnites in the group are Laura’s mother Muriel (piano), Tyler James (cello), and Jeffrey Cua (violin/viola).
Music-Grams feature solo musicians, duos, trios, or quartets. There is no charge but donations are appreciated. Click here to order. For those who are interested but aren’t in the area or don’t have a socially distanced outdoor space, the group will send a performance via YouTube. They’re also planning a concert on Farrar Pond on October 18 where attendees can listen on land or aboard their boat; click here for more information.
Robert Cunningham
After a long and great life of 95 years, Robbie passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2020 with his son Jonathan at his side.
Born and raised in Newton, Robbie attended Newton South High School and graduated from Harvard University in 1946. He loved his time at Harvard and met his wife, Margaret Garfield Cunningham, at a gathering after a Crimson football win.
World War II delayed graduation from Harvard. Robbie was stationed in Hawaii and then the Quadulan, part of the Marshall Islands. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
After graduation from Harvard, Robbie joined his father in the family wholesale hardware business, C.A. Cunningham Co. First as a road salesman calling on lumberyards and then as the company president, he helped develop the company into one of New England’s prominent specialty distributors.
Robbie and Margaret made their home in Lincoln and loved the rural town and all its conservation land. The area was great for their dogs and cats, and Robbie loved to walk the Prestons’ woods trails with the dogs.
Robbie joined the Lincoln Minute Men and was sure to attend all their events. The annual highlight was the march from Lincoln to Concord for the April 19th celebration, and parade commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord.
In 1990, Robbie and Margaret welcomed Kathryn Dempsey Cunningham into the family when she married their only son Jonathan. Robbie loved her like she was his own daughter and was so happy when they had three children (Susan, Michelle and Amy). After Margaret died in 2002, his later years were spent attending various plays and sporting events of his grandchildren.
One of Robbie’s favorite ways of investing was finding and buying real estate in locations before they were prominently developed. He and Margaret particularly enjoyed Phippsburg, Maine and Naples, Fla. They loved hosting family and friends and taking them to the Naples beach and pier. Jon, Kathy and their kids took many great trips to Naples.
Robbie loved history and one of his favorite passions was the Arnold Expedition Historical Society, a group formed to preserve and protect the land that Benedict Arnold marched on from Maine to Quebec. In 1975, to celebrate the 200-year anniversary, he led 600 people on a reenactment of the march. It was quite an event and long remembered by many.
He also enjoyed being charitable and donated to many charities helping the disadvantaged. Robbie believed in giving back and paying forward. He felt that the world was becoming faster, but that did not necessarily make it better. Robbie was a great communicator and while recognizing the importance of technology, he wished people would converse more and come together instead of being buried in technology.
He leaves his son Jonathan and wife Kathryn of Lincoln; grandchildren Susan, Michelle and Amy; brother Tony Cunningham and his wife Aurora; and their children Lydia and Charlie.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a wake and church service with reception will not be held. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a public graveside service on Friday Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Cemetery. Officers of the United States Army will present military honors. All attendees are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Please omit flowers and gifts. In lieu of, please consider donating to the Pine Street Inn for homeless men and women, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Robbie’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
During the election campaign of 2013, a question was raised about whether town standards were too restrictive regarding political signs during election campaigns compared to other types of signs displayed at other times throughout the year.
The topic of political signs and issues current at that time (particularly regarding freedom of speech) focused on how, when and where citizens had the right to display them were discussed that year with the town administrator, other town staff, and with guidance from town counsel. At that time, town counsel provided recommendations that were consistent with state law governing regulations for political signs and consistent with Lincoln character.
Those town counsel recommendations were adopted at that time by the town in the form of a citizen agreement rather than a bylaw as follows:
Unfortunately, a number of practice habits have evolved that disrespect the original agreement terms. Some citizens or non-citizen advocates have refused to accept rules for signs located on the approved town-owned lands, use of signs over the size limit, and vandalism and theft of compliant signs on both private or town-owned land. It should be noted that the majority of such signs have been purchased by town citizens, so loss or vandalism is no light matter.
Given the increasingly negative political atmosphere in the last few years, it is conceivable there will be even more violations. Signs have already been stolen this year. Let’s do our best to comply with the letter and spirit of these recommendations both as measures of Lincoln environmental and character and abiding mutual respect.
Gary Davis is a member and former chair of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee.
”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.
Transfer station ends Monday hoursAt the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DPW temporarily added Monday service hours to the transfer station schedule in an effort to reduce crowding. This expanded service will end Monday, Aug. 31. On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the transfer station will return to its normal operating schedule of Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Library now open by appointment
The Lincoln Public Library is reopening by appointment with separate times for high-risk patrons. The library is limiting capacity to five adult library users and five children’s services users at any time. Contactless pickup of reserved materials is still available as well. Click here for information on hours and making an appointment.
Help with job searches
Looking for advice on finding a job and getting hired? The library is offering a weekly Q&A session with Patty Levy, founder of Hired Insider, each Monday from 12–12:30 p.m. via Zoom. The sessions are open to anyone who is currently searching for employment and needs advice on search strategies, interviewing, networking, communicating value, creating a standout resume, and LinkedIn branding tips. To receive a zoom invitation, email lrothenberg@minlib.net.
Reading for racial justice
The library is hosting a book group exploring racism and racial justice, reading both fiction and nonfiction. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. To receive an invite to Zoom or to obtain more information, please email rrapoport@minlib.net.
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo — Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Oluo explores the complex reality of today’s racial landscape, from white privilege and police brutality to systemic discrimination and the Black Lives Matter movement, offering straightforward clarity that readers need to contribute to the dismantling of the racial divide Copies are available in book format, Overdrive E book, Overdrive Digital Audio book and Hoopla audio book.
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi — Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. He is the author of five books including Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction. Available as an Overdrive E-book and Digital Audio book
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones — Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American dream and the New South, but their lives are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. This love story is a deeply insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Available in hardcover, Overdrive e-book & digital audio book.
Lincolnites Jane O’Rourke and Peter von Mertens will choose their own route on October 4 for the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Participants are encouraged to walk wherever they choose: around their neighborhood, a local hiking trail, a treadmill, or anywhere else they’re comfortable. While the event will not physically bring walkers together along the Boston Marathon course, it will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $145 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 30+ year history. Click on either person’s name to donate.
(Editor’s note: This is a follow-up to an August 24 article headlined “Fix for town water problem expected by next summer” in which Water Commission member Ruth Ann Hendrickson speculated about the course of the increase in TTHM contaminants in Flint’s Pond, the source of drinking water for many Lincoln residents.)
I want to clarify the situation with the TTHMs in the Lincoln drinking water. I have speculated in the past about what might have caused the increase in organics in the water, but I have never actually taken the time to look at the data. Today I gathered the data from the required annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), which are available on the Water Department website.
| Year | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTHMs (ppb) | 36.8 | 54.2 | 29.3 | 56.1 | 69.2 | 74.7 | 73.7 | 73.7 | 83 | 79 | 83 |
The data shows a gradually increasing level of TTHMs over the last decade. The jump to 83.0 ppb actually occurred before the level of the dam was temporarily raised in 2018. It was my error to speculate without checking the data first. We don’t really know the cause, so any guesses on my part were ill-considered. It’s clear from the data that the increase of organics in the water has been a long term trend.
”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.
Elizabeth Kimnach
Elizabeth (Ogilvie) Kimnach, 81, of Lincoln and formerly of Concord, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2020.
Elizabeth was the younger daughter of the late Gordon H. Ogilvie and Florence (Brier) Ogilvie of Concord and Wellesley. A dedicated mother and grandmother, she is survived by her loving family members: sister Marjorie Anne Ogilvie, daughter Deborah Speer Watson, son Robert Ogilvie Speer and his wife Nora, and grandchildren Emily Louise Watson, Jack Morgan Speer, Kendra Rose Watson, Cole Michael Speer and her first husband, Richard L. Speer.
Betty graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in 1957 and married Richard “Dick” Speer after meeting him at the University of Vermont. A versatile athlete and often a team captain, she was a member of the Concord Country Club and The Country Club of Brookline. Summers before college, she was a lifeguard at Walden Pond. She played team tennis for 35 years and skied all over the United States and Europe.
As a member of the Concord Recreation Department, she created the Concord Figure Skating Program that continues today. Elizabeth was often a champion tournament duplicate bridge player, the penultimate entertainer, and a fabulous cook. She also had a prosperous career as a regional real estate agent.
Elizabeth explored five continents starting in Europe with her first husband while stationed in Germany in the early 1960s. She and her late second husband, Robert B. “Bob” Kimnach, traveled to Africa, Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand playing tennis with the State Department-sponsored People-to-People Organization. She loved sailing the Caribbean, East, and West coasts with friends and family.
Elizabeth will be privately laid to rest with her parents at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the HD Live Series at the Metropolitan Opera, c/o Development Office, 30 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 or Emerson Hospital, 133 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in her online guestbook, visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
For our children, teachers, and community, please take the pledge to prevent Covid-19.
We all are eager for a safe and healthy 2020-2021 school year. To make this happen, we must work together and be vigilant, every day, to ensure there is minimal community spread of Covid-19. For our schools to open and remain open, it is critical that we prioritize the health and safety of our teachers, students, administrators, and families. The best way to educate our children, support families, and reopen our economy is for each one of us to pledge to take all necessary steps to prevent Covid-19 exposure and spread so that we eradicate this dangerous virus.
We ask all residents, local businesses, and visitors to prioritize safe school reopenings and the health and wellbeing of your neighbors in all your decisions. Throughout August, please continue to stop the spread by practicing healthy hygiene and social distancing, avoiding travel to hotspots, wearing face coverings, limiting the size of groups and large group activities, and getting tested if you suspect exposure. Please make sure your family members, your employees, and you know how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and that you follow Centers for Disease Control and Mass. Department of Health guidelines.
We are all painfully aware that new Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are increasing across the U.S., and many school districts are moving to fully remote learning because of high community transmission. While Massachusetts has made great strides and Lincoln and Sudbury have kept case numbers low, our progress is fragile, and we remain at risk.
Our collective decisions in August and throughout the school year will determine whether Covid-19 spreads throughout our communities and whether our schools can stay open. Our combined future is in our collective hands. The health and safety of our teachers and administrators, our town employees, our children, our families, and our patrons and visitors depend on all of us. Thank you for consistently doing your part.
* This statement is by the Lincoln, Lincoln-Sudbury, and Sudbury School Committees and Superintendents, Select Boards, the Lincoln Town Administrator and Sudbury Town Manager, the Lincoln Public Health Nurse, and the Sudbury Board of Health. The original signed document can be seen here.
”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.
