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

My Turn: Learn about hospice and palliative care

By Dr. Stephanie Patel

November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the specialized care that hospice and palliative care provide to patients and their families. Both focus on the patient’s needs, expert care, comfort, and quality of life.

Did you know that hospice isn’t just for the final days of life? As former President Jimmy Carter has shown us, hospice can provide many months of comfort and support, helping patients and families navigate the end stages of illness with dignity and care.

Hospice also supports families and caregivers, providing counseling, respite care, and resources to help them during this challenging time when a cure may no longer be possible. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress of serious illness, can be provided at any age and any stage of the illness, and is available while receiving curative treatment.

Since 1978, Care Dimensions has been a driving force in expanding access to serious illness care through hospice and palliative care. As the largest hospice in Massachusetts, Care Dimensions provides care for patients wherever they call “home”—private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and our hospice houses in Danvers and Lincoln.

If you or your loved one is facing a serious illness, do not hesitate to find out how hospice or palliative care can help. The sooner you get the care you need, the sooner you can benefit from an improved quality of life.

Patel is president and CEO of Care Dimensions.

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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

News acorns

Sonic Liberation Players concert on Saturday

Sonic Liberation Players, a contemporary chamber ensemble, opens their seventh season with “Audience Participation” on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. No experience necessary, and no one will be singled out, so you can participate within your comfort zone. The program includes two new pieces by ensemble members in addition to Oliveros, Cardew, and more. Suggested donation: $15–25 (cash or check made out to Sonic Liberation Players).

Thanksgiving donations for food pantry recipients invited

Lincoln’s SVdP food pantry will be giving each of its client families a $35 Donelan’s gift card before Thanksgiving. Donations to support this effort are welcome; click here to learn how to contribute via check or credit card, or a buy a $35 gift card at Donelan’s and leave it at the customer service desk.

L-S Adult Ed classes starting in November

There are a number of November classes taught by Lincoln-Sudbury Adult & Community Education, including Pitfalls of Publishing, French Macaron Basics, Cold-Process Soap, Long-term Care & Asset Protection, Thanksgiving Fresh Flowers in a Pumpkin, and The Art of Being a Person: Words from Emerson, Shakespeare and Other Thoughtful Writers. Click here for more information and online registration. Questions? Email at adult.ed@lsrhs.net or leave a message 978-443-9961 x3326.

“Deep Inside the Blues,” and recital/lecture

The Council on Aging & Human Services will sponsor events on two Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Author Margo Cooper shares her experience photographing and interviewing blues artists on November 15. On November 22, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra will perform music by J.S. Bach, Franz Schubert, Franz Joseph Haydn, Frederick Hofmeister, and Spiros Exaras.

Police log for October 18–25, 2024

October 18

Birches School (8:33 a.m.) — A person spoke to an officer about two people who appeared to be acting suspiciously.

Beaver Pond Road (1:05 p.m.) — A caller reported a suspicious motorist taking photos. Officer responded to the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Minuteman Technical High School, Lexington (7:43 p.m.) — Lincoln and Lexington police were called to the football field for a fight. The fight was broken up prior to arrival by Minuteman staff.

October 19

Minuteman Technical High School, Lexington (1:36 p.m.) — Officers were called to the school for a missing juvenile. The child was ultimately located and was safe in another jurisdiction.

Wells Road (3:57 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing someone clearing some brush behind their residence. Police spoke with the person, who was making a small path.

Bedford Road (10:25 p.m.) — A vehicle was cited for parking on the sidewalk.

October 20

Mary’s Way (1:57 p.m.) — An officer attempted to contact a person at the request of an outside jurisdiction but was unable to do so.

Winter Street (5:16 p.m.) — An officer responded to the area for a report of an erratic driver and spoke to all parties involved.

Oriole Landing (9:42 p.m.) — A caller reported a suspicious-looking person claiming to be a delivery driver. An officer spoke to the individual who was, in fact, a delivery driver.

October 21

Overflow parking lot, South Great Road (11:46 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked occupied vehicle. The operator was advised that the lot was closed and sent on their way.

October 22

Concord Road (5:23 a.m.) — Officers responded to the area for a water main break. Click here for more information.

Tower Road (9:46 a.m.) — The Fire Department assisted a motorist who had been locked out of their vehicle.

Concord Road (10:41 a.m.) — A caller reported that their political signs were stolen from their yard. An officer spoke to the homeowner.

Minuteman Technical High School (1:09 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a person who was the victim of an apparent fraud.

Stonehedge Road (5:07 p.m.) — A caller reported a large pile of sand had been deposited on their property. An officer spoke to all parties involved.

October 23

Old Concord Road (11:43 a.m.) — A person reported being the victim of a possible fraud related to their bank account.

Lewis Street (1:43 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked on the sidewalk. An officer spoke with the operator, who then moved the vehicle.

Lincoln Road (4:30 p.m.) — A person located a dog walking in traffic. The dog’s owner was contacted and a short time later, the dog was back at home.

Post Office (5:29 p.m.) — An individual spoke with an officer regarding a possible check fraud incident.

Sandy Pond Road (6:32 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing an occupied vehicle by a trail head for several hours. Officers checked the area and found that the reported vehicle was unoccupied. Approximately 30 minutes later, the vehicle was gone.

Lincoln Gas and Auto (11:45 p.m.) — A vehicle was parked with its lights on. The vehicle appeared to have been dropped off for repair.

October 24

Page Road (1:28 p.m.) — A person reported a past dog bite. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

South Great Road (12:59 p.m.) — A motorist reported that their windshield was damaged when the railroad crossing gate activated. There were no apparent injuries. Keolis, the MBTA, and Transit Police were notified.

Russett Court (6:21 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded to a residence for the odor of natural gas. The residence was metered and no measurable amount of gas was recorded.

Codman Community Farms (7:05 p.m.) — A lost wallet was turned in at the police station and eventually reunited with its owner.

North Commons (11:18 p.m. and October 25 at 2:38 a.m.) — An officer was called to a residence on two separate occasions for a noise complaint.

October 25

Twin Pond Lane (9:07 p.m.) — A caller asked to speak with an officer about suspicious phone calls.

Autumn Lane (3:26 p.m.) — Paperwork from Concord District Court was served in hand.

Blueberry Lane (4:50 p.m. and 9:44 p.m.) — An officer tried twice to make contact with an individual at the request of Concord police but was unsuccessful.

North Commons (5:58 p.m.) — Officers responded to the area for an ongoing disturbance.

Trapelo Road (7:18 p.m.) — Officers responded to a residence after an occupant reported a disturbance but there was no disturbance when they arrived.

News acorns

Candlelight vigil for domestic violence victims

The Domestic Violence Services Network is sponsoring a “Light in the Darkness” candlelight vigil with guest speaker Kishana Smith-Ose, executive director of the Massachusetts Women of Color Network, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The event will honor all Massachusetts residents whose lives were lost to domestic violence. Click here for more information.

Staged readings of humorous short plays

WordsMove Theater presents several performances of “Surprising Encounters between Strangers, Friends and Lovers,” a staged reading of short humorous plays directed by Mary Crowe:

  • Friday, Nov. 8 at 12:30 p.m. — Bemis Hall
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m. — Lincoln Public Library
  • Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. — Chelmsford Center for the Arts (1A North Rd, Chelmsford)
  • Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. — Congregation Beth El (105 Hudson Rd., Sudbury)

Crowe and several cast members (Corey Becker, Ben Dubrovsky, Sally Kindleberger, and Alice Waugh) are Lincoln residents.

Choral drama: “The Cask of Amontillado”

“The Cask of Amontillado,” a choral drama, will be performed as part of the First Parish in Lincoln’s “Live in Lincoln Center” series on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8–9:30 p.m. in the church parish house (doors open at 7:30). The chilling retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s classic story narrated by Lincoln resident David Elliott is intertwined with the haunting music of Carlo Gesualdo and singing by the Boston-based Nightingale Vocal Ensemble.

Codman chickens get their 15 minutes of fame

Jason Mikell, a meteorologist from WBZ CBS Boston, recently visited Codman Community Farms to record a “Do Your Job” segment on what involved in caring for the farm’s pastured chickens. Watch the full video here.

Crowes Pasture coming to LOMA

Crowes Pasture will be the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Night on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall. LOMA is a monthly open mike night event with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Performers should email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day or (space permitting) sign up at the event.

My Turn: Community center and related projects are progressing

(Editor’s note: a more detailed floor plan image was added on October 29.)

By Alison Taunton-Rigby

The Community Center Building Committee (CCBC) has been very active in recent months with design development for the community center to meet the budget approved by voters at the March 2024 Town Meeting. We are excited with the progress and the improvements that have been incorporated into the design plans. The CCBC will provide a full update at the State of the Town meeting in December.

The community center design has evolved, based on decisions to improve the original concept design and still meet the $24.02 million budget approved at the March 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The current design is based on changes our architect, ICON Architecture, has proposed and is shown below. The building location has been moved slightly north to reduce the site work required and preserve the green open space. In addition, the southern end of the building, which houses the LEAP afterschool program, has been redesigned to reduce site work needed without losing any programming space.

The latest aerial renderings of the community center. See a slide show of interior images here.

The outdoor green space used by LEAP and Magic Garden has been improved with the location of play areas and a basketball court. Concurrently, the town administration is working to remove dead trees, assess the soil, and repair the fence in Strat’s Place in order to reopen this area for public use ASAP (costs were included in the CCBC budget). This will ensure campus stakeholders have ample play space during and after building construction. The parking areas have also been improved.

The CCBC is also preparing for the new school maintenance shop to be built in the Hartwell administration building (also included in the CCBC budget). Its current location is B Pod. The maintenance shop and the Strat’s project are both expected to be completed before other construction is started.

ICON is continuing to identify structural and cosmetic design changes that improve construction efficiency, reduce the amount of canopy space adjacent to the building, convert materials to cost-effective finishes, and develop a landscaping master plan that could be implemented in stages. None of the structural or cosmetic changes will impact the programs of the Council on Aging & Human Services, the Parks & Recreation Department or LEAP. The revisions include the following:

A detailed floor pan of the community center (click to enlarge).

  • Reducing the overall height of the building by 24 inches, which reduces construction cost, as well as heating and air-conditioning operating expenses. This development will ensure that the interior will be energy-efficient and feel more intimate.
  • Revising some of the exterior and interior finishes, including changing the metal roof to asphalt shingle, changing exterior slate cladding to terracotta tile, and changing porcelain tile flooring to linoleum.
  • Redesigning the movable partitions within the program space.

Overall, the design progress is close to completion, with significant improvements. The design meets the budget approved by voters and the planned construction timeline.

The next CCBC meetings are tentatively scheduled for November 13 and December 11 in hybrid format. We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please see the CCBC website for full information.

Taunton-Rigby is a member of the Community Center Building Committee.

“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.

My Turn: Joining The Atlantic in endorsing Harris

By Barbara Slayter

In less than two weeks, Lincoln voters will be selecting a candidate who will become President of the United States for the next four years. Although there are six pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates, most voters will choose between Harris and Trump. It is a momentous decision, and we would be wise to learn as much as we can about the candidates and to seek the wisdom of respected sources. That brings me to The Atlantic magazine to which my family has subscribed for much of my adult life.

The Atlantic, a widely read and respected American journal, was founded in 1857. It is a literary and cultural commentary magazine with a national reputation. The journal has published leading writers’ commentaries on abolition, education, and other major issues in contemporary political affairs, and it has won more National Magazine Awards than any other monthly magazine. 

Only four times in the course of its existence has it endorsed a candidate for president. The first time was in 1860 when it endorsed Abraham Lincoln. The second time was 100 years later when it endorsed Lyndon B. Johnson; the third and fourth times involve support for Hilary Clinton and Joe Biden in the face of an unstable and incompetent candidate.

Now in 2024 with its fifth endorsement of a presidential candidate, The Atlantic concludes that Trump’s “insults, cruelties, abuse of power, corrupt dealings, and crimes, most particularly, his efforts on January 6 to overturn the election and prevent the peaceful transfer of power, have rendered him ineligible for the highest office in the land… Trump has made clear that he would use a second term to consolidate unprecedented power in his own hands, punishing adversaries and pushing a far-right agenda that most Americans don’t want….

“About the candidate we are endorsing,” the editors write, “we know a few things for sure: Having devoted her life to public service, Harris respects the law and the Constitution. She believes in the freedom, equality, and dignity of all Americans. She’s untainted by corruption, let alone a felony record or a history of sexual assault. She doesn’t embarrass her compatriots with language and behavior to pit them against one another. She doesn’t curry favor with dictators. She won’t abuse the power of the highest office in order to keep it. She believes in democracy. These, and not any specific policy positions, are the reason The Atlantic is endorsing her.”

Acknowledging the extraordinary character and values differences between these two Presidential candidates is not intended to suggest that I am not concerned about Trump’s policy positions. His policies arising from his isolationism, dismissal of climate change, misogyny, hostility to reproductive rights, embrace of tariffs, intimidation of those who speak against him, and his verbal assault on the military, among other things, could transform our country in profound ways.

Let’s do everything we can in the days remaining before the election to ensure that this transformation does not happen.

“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.

Town Meeting Study Committee members named

Seven Lincoln residents were appointed this week as at-large members of the new Town Meeting Study Committee from a field of 18 initial applicants.

The Select Board interviewed candidates at its October 21 meeting and made their selections on October 22. Committee members are Jennifer Gundy, Ariane Liazos, Kenny Mitchell, Taylor Ortiz, Andrew Pang, Ben Shiller, and Andy Wang. Others who applied were Robert Ahlert, Chris Burns, David Cuetos, Jude Frodyma, Kevin Guarnotta, John Greco, Sara Mattes, Barbara Peskin, Collette Sizer, Ned Young, and Michael Killick (though Burns and Sizer later withdrew their candidacies). Also on the committee are Twn Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden and a Select Board member.

The move stems from the March 2024 Town Meeting, where an unexpected amendment to the proposed Housing Choice Act was made on the floor. Controversy swirled that day and well afterwards about who was allowed to speak, when, and from where. Residents offered initial feedback and ideas at a kickoff session in September.

In the preceding months, Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives (now called Lincoln HCA Info) had formed to oppose the town’s rezoning proposal under the HCA. Only one of the newly named committee members (Ben Shiller) is listed as an Lincoln HCA Info supporter on the group’s website. Ahlert, Cuetos, and Peskin were also active in the group last spring but were not chosen for the TMSC.

The TMSC will be introduced at the State of the Town meeting on December 7, which will be “an opportunity to engage residents on one or two questions that would benefit from early feedback,” according to the committee’s charge. The TMSC will present its preliminary report at Annual Town Meeting on March 29, 2025. The final report and recommendations are due in October 2025 to the Select Board and Town Moderator, who will present it to residents at the 2025 State of the Town meting later that fall.

News acorns

Hartwell Tavern Halloween

On Saturday, Oct. 26 from 5:30–9 p.m., Minute Man National Historical Park invites all who dare to visit a candlelit Hartwell Tavern (112 North Great Rd., Lincoln), share ghostly folklore with park staff and volunteers and learn how the people of colonial New England protected themselves from evil spirits and witches. There will be spine-tingling stories and live music from as well as individually wrapped candy from the Friends of Minute Man, so don your costumes and enjoy some treats!

Click here for a detailed schedule. This program will be both outdoors and indoors. All visitors should bring a flashlight and use caution on dark paths. If you would like to contribute a decorative jack-o-lantern, you can drop it off at the Minute Man Visitor Center on Friday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Accessible Halloween gathering

If your child would benefit from an accessible Halloween experience, come to Linway Road in Lincoln on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4:30–6 p.m. In partnership with Lincoln Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC), Brooke Mitchell, a junior at Lincoln-Sudbury High School, has organized an inclusive Halloween environment for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Taking into consideration lighting, decorations, and other accessibility needs, the event will be set up with tables at the bottom of driveways, making it easy for kids to trick or treat. You do not need to RSVP, but if you would like to let volunteers know you’re attending and/or share information about your child, please complete this form. Parking is available at the Carroll School.

Buy decorative linens and benefit SSEF

The South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) will hold an open house on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 4–7 p.m. at 10 Meadowdam Rd. where colorful napkins and pillow covers sewn with vibrant African fabric will be on sale. Threads, SSEF’s napkin project, was started to allow women who work outside the home full time, to supplement their income by sewing napkins at home while caring for their children. SSEF works with South Sudanese who live in Massachusetts by helping with tuition assistance for preschool, summer camp, and continuing education.

Doo-wop concert

Come to a vocal and piano concert featuring the LCOA&HS Doo Wop Team with Peter Stewart and friends on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 3–4:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Free entry, but donation welcome — all proceeds will go to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Lincoln. Free root beer floats.

Police log for October 11–17, 2024

October 11

Wells Road (12:11 p.m.) — A maintenance company asked an officer stand by while a representative performed routine maintenance.

Goose Pond Road (1:44 p.m.) — A person reported being the victim of a fraud.

Lincoln Road (2:25 p.m.) — A caller reported a possible road rage incident with another motorist earlier during the morning rush.

Lincoln Road (2:05 p.m.) — An individual dropped off a wallet they found.

Wells Road (4:31 p.m.) — An officer spoke with an individual regarding an ongoing matter.

Concord Road at Baker Bridge Road (5:09 p.m.) — A caller reported a recumbent cyclist who appeared to be in distress. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the cyclist.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (5:41 p.m.) —Lincoln Police assisted Concord Police and State Police with a motor vehicle crash.

North Great Road at Bedford Road (9:24 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a cyclist lying next to their bicycle on the side of the road. The caller was unsure if the person was in distress or resting. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the cyclist.

Concord Road (11:08 p.m.) — Officers responded to a single-vehicle crash. The driver, Jose Silva Carneiro, 37, of Hudson was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. He was transported to the hospital but released a short time later. He was bailed and ordered to appear at Concord District Court.

October 12

South Great Road (6:39 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing gunshots in the area. An officer responded but heard nothing.

Bank of America (12:57 p.m.) — Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash. One of the drivers, Glenn Mason, 56, of Acton was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and possession of an open container of alcohol. All parties refused medical attention at the scene.

MBTA station (3:17 p.m.) — An officer helped a commuter looking for wheelchair access to the commuter rail.

October 13

Wells Road (9:53 a.m.) — A vehicle was repossessed.

South Great Road (3:30 p.m.) — A caller reported hearing gunshots in the area. An officer responded but found nothing.

Doherty’s Garage (5:54 p.m.) — A caller reported that they had a flat tire and were without a spare. They were given the on-call tow company’s phone number.

Weston Road (9:57 p.m.) — Officer responded to a residence for a large group of people causing a disturbance.

October 14

Lincoln Road (12:21 p.m.) — An officer discovered an unoccupied vehicle. The driver was close by in search for gas.

October 15

Hanscom Drive (5:29 a.m.) — A two-vehicle crash occurred as the cars were merging onto Hanscom Drive. There were no injuries reported and the damage was minimal.

Concord Road (6:15 a.m.) — The traffic lights at South Great Road and Concord Road were malfunctioning. A technician was dispatched to the intersection.

October 16

Lincoln Road (1:52 p.m.) — A caller reported the odor of natural gas. The Fire Department checked the area but detected no hazards.

Lincoln Road (3:56 p.m.) — A crash occurred at the intersection with Codman when a vehicle failed to stop at the Codman Road stop sign and struck a vehicle traveling on Lincoln Road. The operator of the vehicle that failed to stop was cited for the same. Both operators were transported to the hospital.

Baker Bridge Road (6:19 p.m.) — A vehicle drove off the shoulder and struck a fence. The occupants were taken to the police station to make transportation arrangements.

October 17

Minute Man NHP Visitor Center parking lot (12:52 a.m.) — A caller reported striking a deer, causing minor damage to the vehicle, which was able to be driven from the scene, and the deer made its way back into the woods.

Mount Misery parking lot (2:55 a.m.) — An officer came upon a parked vehicle. The two occupants were identified and cleared from the area.