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

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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.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.

Corrections

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.

My Turn: On this WWII anniversary, remember Lincolnites who served

By Donald Hafner and Rick Wiggin

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.

News acorns

Young promoted to fire chief

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.

Hatha yoga in Pierce Park

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. 

Author presentation, auction at Farrington Nature Linc

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.

Used books on sale in library

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.

Chamber orchestra offers “Music-Grams”

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.

Graveside service on Sept. 4 for Robert Cunningham

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.

My Turn: Stop removing or damaging political signs

By Gary Davis

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:

  • Political signs can be held by right without a permit on town-owned land as long as they don’t impact safety or constitute a hazard either to motorists or pedestrians.
  • Unatttended political signs can be placed by right on town-owned land at the intersections defined in section 16.2(d) of the zoning bylaw as follows:
    • Sandy Pond Road and Lincoln Road
    • Ballfield Road and Lincoln Road
    • Lincoln Road and South Great Road
    • Bedford Road and Morningside Lane
    • Codman Road and Concord Road
  • One political sign can be placed by right on private land.
  • Political signs shall not exceed 8 square feet and are limited to display no more than 180 days prior to the related election.

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.

News acorns

Transfer station ends Monday hours

At 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 news

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.

Lincoln residents raise funds to fight cancer

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.