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

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Water main update: Town Hall closed on Friday

On Thursday, Nov. 6, Town Hall and Old Town Hall Exchange will be open, but only accessible from the five-way intersection. Tell roadway staff if you are headed to either location and they will let you through. On Friday, Nov. 7, Town Hall will be closed while water lines are disconnected and reconnected. Offices are working remotely, so residents may contact staff via email or conduct online transactions at www.lincolntown.org. Work will begin each day at 8:15am and finish between 4:30pm and 5:30pm as subsurface conditions permit.

Lincoln food pantry gets $5,000 grant

In response to the SNAP funding cut brought on by the federal government shutdown, the Sudbury Foundation announced an emergency funding initiative of $155,000 to support 17 hunger relief organizations across its catchment area. The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry serving Lincoln and Weston received $5,000. The largest grants went to A Place to Turn in Natick and Open Table in Maynard ($15,000 apiece), according to a press release from the foundation.

Session on wolf restoration

The Walden Woods Project and Restore: The North Woods will co-host “Potential for Wolf Restoration in New England” with George Wuerthner on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7:00–9:00pm on Zoom. Wuerthner will provide background on the Endangered Species Act as it relates to wolf restoration, how wolf restoration in Oregon and California has progressed, and its potential for New England. Register here.

Book discussion with Don Hafner

Join the Lincoln Minute Men for a discussion with Lincoln resident Donald Hafner, author of Entangled Lives, Black and White: The Black Community, Enslaved and Free, in Eighteenth-century Lincoln, Massachusetts, on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 2:30–4:00pm in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Copies of the book are available on reserve at the library or for purchase from the Lincoln Historical Society or Amazon.com.

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McElligott wins Emerging Leader Award

Robin McElligott with her 2025 Emerging Leader Award.

Robin McElligott, recently promoted to plant operations director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been recognized by LeadingAge Massachusetts with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. The award is given annually by the trade association to an individual who demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and commitment to mission.

“Robin has grown tremendously, from starting at The Commons ten years ago as our concierge to now leading our 28-unit expansion project as plant operations director. She has a gift for combining exceptional communication skills, operational excellence, and a resident-first mindset that sets a new standard for customer service across our community,” said Reynaldo LeBlanc, executive director of The Commons. According to LeadingAge, “McElligott’s collaborative and empathetic leadership has strengthened The Commons in Lincoln’s culture, improved communication and engagement, and fostered an environment of trust and respect among residents and staff.”

“The Art of War: Trench Art from the Civil War to Desert Storm”

Trench art comprises decorative items created by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians using materials found around war zones. Lincoln Veterans Services Officer Peter Harvell shares and describes trench art forged during wartime on Friday, Nov. 7 at 12:30pm at Bemis Hall. Free evaluation of wartime memorabilia offered by Joe Martinelli. Leave all firearms at home, regardless of their age. Sponsored by the Council on Aging & Human Services.

Mattress sale fundraiser to benefit L-S music

The L-S Music Department is holding a mattress sale fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the LSRHS cafeteria. Mattresses come direct from the manufacturers in a variety of sizes and styles at 30-50% off retail prices. Delivery and 0% financing available, as well as sheets, pillows, bean bags, and more. Text LSMUSIC25 to 617-553-7722 for discount coupons or click on the Facebook event for more information.

Arts and crafts show next weekend

The annual Lincoln Arts (and Crafts) Show will take place on Friday to Sunday, Nov. 14-16 from noon–5:00pm at the Pierce House. It kicks off with an artists’ reception on Friday, Nov. 14 from 5:00–7:00pm. The open show is for all ages, all creative arts, and all abilities, and student entries are free. Details and registration (deadline to submit work: November 7).

Wreath-making workshop

Bring your family for a fun afternoon making some festive decorations on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1:00–3:00pm at the LLCT office at Lincoln Station. Please bring some foliage cuttings from your own yard to help fill out your wreath. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. RSVP here.

Celtic music concert

Come hear Hanneke Cassel with Jenna Moynihan and Keith Murphy, three of the top Celtic musicians in the U.S., at the Live in Lincoln Center series on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4:00pm at First Parish Church in the Parish Hall at 14 Bedford Road. Click here to learn more and buy tickets ($14–$28).

Learn about offshore wind energy

Zach Fuerst, commercial director at Vineyard Offshore, will discuss the challenges facing the industry today and opportunities for the future in “Offshore Wind Energy: Overcoming Federal Headwinds” on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7:00pm via Zoom. For more information and registration, click here. Sponsored by Green Newton and CFREE, part of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.

“Beaverland” author talk

On Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:00pm at the Concord Public Library and on Zoom, Leila Philip, author of Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America, will speak about beavers, which play an outsized role in American history and its future. Sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Concord Land Conservation Trust, the Walden Woods Project, OARS, and the River Stewardship Council. Register to attend in person or on Zoom.

My Turn: Lincoln in the ICE age

By Kathy Madison

Lincoln has long felt like a kind of refuge — blessed by acres of conserved land, home to miles of wild trails and ponds. Our backyards visited by wildlife from opossums and wild turkeys to coyotes and bears. Homes nestled along quiet roads, with gardens and working farms… a quiet, friendly place where one can feel safe.

But we are not safe.

For me, it began last March. A Maryland father, Kilmer Abrego Garcia, was arrested and deported without trial to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The judge’s orders to return him, along with others, were ignored by this administration. Then in April, a Tufts student was grabbed suddenly by masked men on a Somerville street and flown to Louisiana. In May, ICE agents shattered car windows in Acton and Waltham to grab residents, and one morning in Lincoln, a woman didn’t show up for work. Weeks later we learned that ICE had taken her, her family desperate to find her.    

In May, I cofounded Lincoln Witness with Kim Jalet. We formed in response to a clearly out-of-control immigration enforcement machine. Twenty Lincolnites showed up for our first meeting; today there are forty of us. You may have seen us at the July Fourth parade with our Lady Liberties costumes, or at the Farmer’s Market, handing out Know Your Rights cards and raising emergency funds for immigrant families. Our goal is to serve as witnesses to injustice, to prepare ourselves and others in these dark days, to share information, resources and reach out to our neighboring communities.   

In early September, we asked the Town of Lincoln to spread the word, to offer guidance to residents regarding town-wide policies, to inform and educate, because in this town some people still say, “I have nothing to worry about from ICE since I’m not illegal.” The fact is that since January, more than 170 U.S. citizens have been detained, abused and held for days because ICE considers due process optional.

Recently, an American citizen and veteran experienced the fury of ICE and, when contradicted by his captors, refused to keep silent. He wrote about it here.

Remember when we were told that only the “worst of the worst” would be targeted for deportation? In fact, today there are more than 62,000 people in immigration custody – more than half of whom have no criminal record. The crackdown accelerates. During September more than 1,400 Massachusetts residents have been detained by ICE. Families are ripped apart. Law-abiding, tax-paying workers, children, those suffering serious medical conditions — all have been grabbed by an enforcement agency acting with impunity, with faces masked, with no oversight, and permitted now by the Supreme Court to conduct racial profiling.

Nearly one hundred years ago, another regime in another country first mercilessly stigmatized Jews and then rounded up them up. I’ve often wondered how many of their former neighbors missed them as they disappeared, first slowly, then all at once. Did anyone stay up nights wondering where they’d gone? If they were OK?

Today, in 2025, undocumented immigrants are called “illegals,” a pejorative that strips their humanity, practically equates them with the “worst of the worst,” and decrees that they be detained and deported — even to countries foreign to their original homelands. No consideration is given to those immigrants and refugees who are simply showing up for a regular, scheduled visit to an immigration office on their path to citizenship. For ICE, there’s a quota to fill. And their budget is monstrously huge, bumped up by $75 billion in July.

Here’s the thing. Immigrants are the first targets. But increasingly, any individual or organization that dares to criticize the administration has become a potential enemy. I think about what that fact means for me and countless others who are showing up to confront injustice. Increasingly, we must assess what level of risk we are willing to assume. What words we are willing to publish. What we can say in public. 

It may come down to a simple equation: “the land of the free” = “the home of the brave.”

Editor’s note: Madison, who lives on Concord Road, invites readers to join a vigil, march, and rally starting at Waltham District Court (38 Linden St.) on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11:00am. Click here to see related events in the area.

“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.

Correction

In the November 3, 2025 “News Acorns,” the date for the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mic Acoustic) was listed incorrectly. It will be on Monday, Nov. 10. The post has been updated.

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Water main project update

Crews aim to complete most of the water main work using one-lane road closures in coming weeks to avoid the need for extensive detours. To complete the project a few days earlier, there will be at least one additional full road closure between the five-way intersection and Upland Field Road for two days, though not this week. 

Lower electricity rates for heat pump users 

Eversource now has a lower delivery rate for those who heat their homes with heat pumps to encourage homeowners to move away from fossil fuels. If you received a Mass Save rebate via your Eversource electric account for a heat pump installed after Jan. 1, 2019, you will be automatically enrolled with this rate beginning Nov. 1, 2025. If you didn’t receive a rebate from Mass Save or if you installed your heat pump prior to Jan. 1, 2019, learn more and apply for the reduced rate here.  

Learn about life after 22 for the disabled

All are invited to “An Evening of Heart & Vision: Turning 22…What’s Next?” co-hosted by Lincoln’s Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program and High Spirit Advisory on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 6:30-8:30pm in Lincoln (location details provided with free registration) in support of High Spirit East Community. This is an event for High Spirit to honor donors and share its mission to provide a new reality for young adults with disabilities after they turn 22. The documentary “Raising Bar” about the state’s first and only integrated work-life community will be screened.

BobKat at next LOMA

Kathleen Parks and Bob Davoli

BobKat (Bob Davoli and Kathleen Parks) will be the headliners at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, Nov. 10 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Davoli, who has released seven albums since 2021 and garnered nationwide recognition with his song “Even Though Autumn’s in Your Eyes,” is complemented by virtuoso violin and vocals from Parks. LOMA is a monthly open mike night event with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Come and perform (email loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word.

“On Becoming an Osprey”

The Walden Woods project will host “On Becoming an Osprey” with David Gessner on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 7:00–8:00pm on Zoom (registration required). Gessner is the author of 13 books that blend a love of nature, humor, memoir, and environmentalism, including All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West and Return of the Osprey.

Legal notice: ZBA – Nov. 6, 2025

PUBLIC HEARING — ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

Kevin Guarnotta, 33 Page Rd., M/P 145-34-0 for a special permit to add a 14 x 12 deck.

Robert Neidlinger/Emily Barry, 161 Tower Rd., M/P 179-50-0 for a special permit to install a 10 x 20 shed.

Andrew Wang, 11 Silver Birch Lane, M/P 119-32-0 for a special permit to construct a 14 x 30 shed.

Lexington Properties LLC, 138 Lexington Rd., M/P 129-2-0 for a special permit to reconstruct an existing house.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Lincoln residents argue against Carroll School plan

The Carroll School’s existing Wayland campus (top) and proposed expansion. Click image to enlarge.

At the October 20 Select Board meeting, Carroll School officials presented plans and heard concerns about traffic relating to a proposal to expand their Wayland campus close to the Lincoln town line on Old Sudbury Road.

The Wayland campus of the Carroll School, a private school for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, serves about 50 students in grades 8–9, though grade 8 is split with Baker Bridge Road campus, which is also home to grades 6–7. Grades 1–5 are on Trapelo Road in Waltham just over the Cambridge Reservoir causeway from Lincoln. If the expansion is approved by Wayland, that campus will add more students gradually, with the goal of serving 250 students after three to four years.

School officials told the Selects that the new traffic pattern would be modeled on that of the Lincoln campus, which does not cause backups on Baker Bridge Road. They also said they would maintain the existing setback as well as trees and shrubs that provide screening.

A traffic study that the school submitted along with other documents to the Wayland Planning Board says the number of car trips would eventually increase by more than 900 (about 450 each way) on school days. The expansion will not result in added congestion at the intersection of Old Sudbury Road and Route 117, Ken Cram of traffic consultant Fuss & O’Neill told the board.

But in an October 6 letter to the Select Board, residents of 18 homes on Longmeadow, Old Sudbury, and Linway Roads expressed fears about neighborhood traffic and said the town should enter into an intermunicipal agreement with Wayland on a binding traffic management plan. They also asked for:

  • A prohibition on using Longmeadow Road for pass-through access to Waltham Road, which they said now occurs. 
  • Construction of a sidewalk along Waltham Road at the school’s expense.
  • Incremental annual step-ups in faculty and students using the Wayland campus over a period of seven years, with annual increases subject to traffic review by both Wayland and Lincoln.

“It is not reasonable to place the burdens of fundamental changes to the neighborhood’s character, aesthetics and safety on the broader community,” they wrote. “The Carroll School’s praiseworthy mission does not provide entitlement to have such a disproportionate and negative impact on the community.”

When the Wayland campus was first proposed in 2016, “it was described as being for 40 students. We never really envisioned something  like this,” Longmeadow Road resident Colin Sullivan said at the Select Board meeting.”There is a feeling of breach of trust.”

“We’re not going to feel safe with the little children on our streets,” said Gina Arons, also of Longmeadow Road. “We don’t want to be [back] here after somebody gets hurt.”

Police log for October 13–21, 2025

October 13

Virginia Road (3:15am) — A caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked outside their residence. The operator and passengers were changing a flat tire.

Sandy Pond Road (5:45am) — Officers responded for a tree that had fallen into the roadway.

October 14

South Great Road (6:22am) — A motorist reported that a portion of the roadway appeared to be washed away. An officer checked the area and discovered some debris but the roadway was intact.

Robbins Road, Bedford (11:42am) — Lincoln police assisted Hanscom Air Force Base Security with a person with an out-of-state warrant.

Weston Road (5:17pm) — An officer responded for a report of a branch leaning on wires. Eversource was notified.

October 15

Page Farm Road (5:12am) — An officer checked on possible illegal parking. A motorist had pulled over to get some rest.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:39pm) — An officer spoke with the operator of a vehicle parked on Route 2. They were hunting and were advised to move their vehicle.

North Commons (6:53pm) — A resident spoke to an officer in an effort to avoid a possible noise complaint. The officer passed on the information to a nearby neighbor.

Weston Road (3:53pm) — A caller spoke with an officer regarding speeding vehicles on Weston Road.

Donelan’s Supermarket parking lot (6:06pm) — A caller reported seeing a young person possibly putting an object on the railroad tracks. An officer spoke to several parties waiting for the train and checked the area but there was nothing on the railroad tracks.

October 16

North Commons (3:55am) — An officer responded to a residence for a noise complaint. There was no noise upon arrival and the officer was unable to speak with anyone on scene.

Lincoln Road (8:38am) — A motorist reported a deer strike.

Old County Road (1:46pm) — An officer responded to the intersection of Trapelo Road and Old County Road for the report of a minor two-vehicle crash. The officer helped the operators exchange information.

Moccasin Hill (5:45pm) — An officer spoke to a person regarding a civil matter.

October 17

Harvest Circle (8:32am) — An officer assisted a person with a courtesy transport.

South Great Road (2:26pm) — Officers responded to the intersection of Route 126 and Route 117 for a two-vehicle crash. There were no injuries reported. One of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Tower Road (6:38pm) — An officer assisted a resident with a package that was delivered to the wrong address.

October 18

Baker Farm Road (3:16pm) — An officer spoke with a person regarding a drone in the area.

October 19

Lexington Road (10:08am) — The Lincoln and Lexington Fire Departments responded to a residential area for the report of a small brush fire. The fire was extinguished shortly thereafter.

October 20

Red Maple Lane (2:58pm) — A person had a question regarding possible fraud.

South Great Road (4:40pm) — A motorist reported a large pothole in the area of the construction on Route 117 by the railroad tracks. The contractor was notified and repaired the pothole.

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (6:37pm) — A person spoke with an officer regarding a past hit-and-run crash.

October 21

South Great Road (3:01am) — A caller reported a vehicle speeding in the area. An officer encountered the vehicle and cited the operator for speed.

North Commons (12:56pm) — An officer served court paperwork.

Donelan’s Supermarket parking lot (4:04pm) — An officer assisted two motorists with exchanging information after a minor motor vehicle crash.

Laurel Drive (6:43pm) — A caller reported a strong smell of fuel coming from outside their residence. The fire department checked the area but found nothing out of the ordinary.

Lincoln Road (6:54pm) — A resident reported that they were having difficulties with their water. The Water Department was notified.

Mill Street (10:12pm) — A person called to report an overdue motorist. Officers conducted an extensive search for the individual, who was located a short time later in a neighboring town.

News acorns

“Tales from the Graves”

Hear the haunting stories of Lincoln lives lost and forever changed by the American Revolution on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 5:00pm. Venture into Bemis Hall and then the graveyard by lantern light for an unforgettable evening of haunting but true stories of Lincoln men, women, and children. After the tales, gather inside for more stories, fellowship, pizza, and treats. Please register to ensure you will be well fed — visit LincolnHistoricalSociety.org.

Dog Halloween contest at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a Dog Halloween Costume Contest on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11:00–11:30am. Judges will award special prizes for Best Human and Dog Duo Costume and Most Creative Dog Costume. Extra points will be given if your costumes are art- or artist-themed! Whether your pup is a ghost, a taco, or tiny Van Gogh, bring their best look and compete for fun prizes, doggy treats, and ultimate bragging rights. Please bring your dog on leash and only bring dogs who can get along with other dogs. Water will be available for them. Pre-registration is required ($5–$10). Tickets include admission to deCordova’s campus.

Restoration work on three roads

As part of infrastructure upgrades performed by National Grid on Old Farm Road, Grasshopper Lane, and Blueberry Lane, restoration work will be performed from Monday through Friday, Oct. 27–31. Locations to be restored will be marked out, sidewalks and roadways will be excavated, and disturbed areas will be temporarily or permanently restored in accordance with town ordinance. Questions? Call the contractor, Riley Brothers, at 781-956-1225.