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

Heather Ammen, 1963–2020

Heather Ammen

Heather Ammen, a practitioner of western and Asian medicine as well as a painter, potter, fiber artist and seamstress, died of cancer on June 17 at age 57.

Asked what she wanted in her obituary, she said, “Be authentic in your life, and if you don’t know what that means, check out YouTube. In lieu of flowers, send love to the first person that annoys you. If you feel that went well, do it to the next person too. Goodbye, everybody. Live a full life with as much love as your heart can open to.” Click here for full obituary.

The Lincoln Chipmunk is here!

Dear Lincoln Squirrel readers,

After an lengthy gestation period due to unexpected software complications, I’m happy to announce the birth of the Lincoln Chipmunk — the direct offspring of the Lincoln Review:

chipmunk.lincolnsquirrel.com

Along the top of the screen, you’ll see links to pages that give a bit of history and guidelines on submitting your work. I’m sure there will be questions that aren’t covered on those pages, so please send them along. Suggestions for changes or improvements are also welcome — have a look and let us know what you think. The next issue is tentatively planned for October 1, but we’ll post a notice well in advance for those who want to submit work.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted their creative work — and to the readers who patiently waited for this day. Enjoy!

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

Police log for July 9–15, 2020

July 9

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:37 a.m.) — Caller reported a crash west of Route 128. Area checked; no crash found.

July 10

Hanscom Drive Two-car crash at Old Bedford Road, no injuries 2 car motor vehicle crash, no injuries. One vehicle was towed from the scene.

Sandy Pond Road (6:27 p.m.) — Caller reported a large branch down in the roadway. Officer was able to move it off to the side of the road.

Ridge Road (8:40 p.m.) — Caller reported they believe a neighbor is yelling at a dog. Officers responded and spoke to the party, who recently adopted the dog. The dog continuously barks and owner is in the process of bringing the dog back to a local dog shelter. No sign of abuse.

July 12

Lincoln Road (2:31 a.m.) — Officer stopped to check the well-being of a party walking around the mall area.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (11:38 a.m.) — Two-car crash with no injuries east of Bedford Road. State Police to handle.

Weston Road (3:55 p.m.) — Caller reported they’ve been hearing either gunshots or fireworks at night around 12:30 a.m. She was advised to call when she hears the noise and police will investigate.

North Great Road (5:19 p.m.) — Minute Man National Park ranger found a person with drugs in the Paul Revere lot area. Officer responded to assist. The ranger issued a summons to the party.

North Great Road (8:38 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in locating a party’s car in one of the Minute Man National Park lots. Officer located the vehicle in the Paul Revere lot; Concord police will transport the party to their vehicle.

July 13

Mill Street Extension (9:01 a.m.) — Caller reported a tree was down and they’re concerned they won’t have access to the house. Officer checked and they can gain access to the house. The tree is on private property so the party was advised to contact a tree company.

Walden Pond boat ramp (1:49 p.m.) — Concord Fire Department requested a boat for a search and rescue of a party in the water. Call was cancelled while en route; party was on the shore speaking with Concord firefighters.

Lincoln Public Library (5:04 p.m.) — A delivery driver struck an unoccupied car on Library Lane. Officer took a report and will contact the owner of the unoccupied vehicle.

Cambridge Turnpike (6:01 p.m.) — Caller reported ducks on the side of the roadway in Concord. The information was passed along to Concord police.

Todd Pond Road (7:45 p.m.) — Caller reported a house alarm was going off; unsure which house. Officers responded but the alarm was no longer sounding.

July 14

Harvest Circle (10:19 p.m.) — Alarm company reported that a party called them and seemed confused. Officers spoke with staff and checked on the party; everything was fine.

July 15

Lexington Road (10:18 a.m.) — Caller requested assistance with a civil matter. Officer spoke to the party and provided legal options.

Wells Road (10:42 a.m.) — Medical staff called requested a well-being check on a party who wasn’t answering the phone. Officer made contact with the party, who then spoke with the medical staff.

Wells Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller reported a road rage incident between a juvenile and a motorist who was on Wells Road. Officers spoke to all parties involved.

Old Concord Road (8:23 p.m.) — Caller reported finding an old rifle in the attic and asked that it be destroyed. Officer responded and found it was a BB gun, which was subsequently destroyed.

Ribbon-cutting marks completion of Oriole Landing

Andrew Consigli (in colorful shirt), John Pugh (with scissors) and Taylor Bearden of Civico Development cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Oriole Landing. See more photos below. (Photos by Allen Vander Meulen)

Lincoln leaders, neighbors, and potential tenants of Oriole Landing gathered on July 16 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lincoln’s new mixed-income housing project.

Andrew Consigli, managing partner at Civico Development, thanked the town and Lincoln’s leadership and administrative staff for the support and guidance provided over the course of the two-and-a-half-year project, which won approval at Town Meeting in March 2018.

In 2018, though neighbors spoke out against another big construction project in North Lincoln, town officials urged approval so Lincoln could avoid having to accommodate a much larger 40B affordable housing project. Developers can circumvent town zoning restrictions for a project of that type if less than 10 percent of the town’s housing stock is affordable according to the 2020 census, and Lincoln was projected to be about nine units short at that time. Fifteen of the Oriole Landing’s 60 units are deed-restricted as affordable according to state guidelines.

Eight tenants have already moved in and leases have been signed for 30–40% of the available units, including 13 of the 15 affordable units, Consigli said. Management expects to lease all units within the next three months.

This is the sixth overlay-district development that the town has approved since 1986. The others are Lincoln Woods, Battle Road Farm, Lincoln North, the Minuteman Inn (which was never built), Minuteman Commons, and The Commons in Lincoln.

Click images to see larger versions with captions:

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”151″ gal_title=”Commons-correct”]

Mass Audubon offers virtual summer camps

With many outdoor camp experiences for children shuttered or limited due to the pandemic, Mass Audubon is offering virtual camps for K-2 and 3-5 age groups beginning Monday, July 20 and running through late August.

Campers will get to know one another and make friends through live virtual meetings. The one-week classes will include discussion and instruction from Mass Audubon teacher-naturalists, videos and hands-on activities designed to get children outside and exploring nature in their backyards or neighborhoods, a “Wacky Wednesday” dress-up theme, a Thursday evening all-camp program, and more.

“Nature-based education has been a foundational element of our mission for generations, and we are committed to this important work especially in such challenging times,” Mass Audubon Director of Education Kris Scopinich said. “Studies have shown that spending time outside in nature can bring significant benefits to our health. It can help to relieve stress, help us feel more connected, and build resiliency.”

Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm in Lincoln is now open on weekends by reservation. Restrooms are open but the buildings and shop are closed.

To learn more and register for Virtual Summer Camp, visit massaudubon.org/virtualcamp. 

Police log for July 2–8, 2020

July 2

Reports of wires and/or branches down starting at 8:39 p.m. on Hilliard Road, Bedford Road, Trapelo Road, Winter Street (two), Conant Road, Old County Road (two), and Silver Hill Road. After the storm, the DPW, Eversource, and tree crews responded, and DPW assisted with reopening roads.

Trapelo Road (8:11 a.m.) — Caller reported an orange pickup truck struck a sign on the property. No registration information; unable to locate.

Meadowbrook Road (1:26 a.m.) — Delivered court paperwork to a resident.

Lincoln Road (7:54 p.m.) — Caller reported an odor of gas outside Twisted Tree. Fire Department checked inside and outside but found no gas readings.

Wells Road (8:05 p.m.) — Resident complained that another resident sprayed water on her porch while they were watering plants. Event documented.

Codman Road (9:14 p.m.) — Caller requested assistance with directions after road closures due to storm.

Round Hill Road (9:34 p.m.) — Caller reported what sounded like a gunshot in the area. Officers spoke to people in the area who didn’t hear anything.

July 3

Lincoln MBTA station (12:24 am.) — MBTA reported a party was causing a disturbance on the train at Lincoln Station. Officers found the party who had gotten into an argument on the train outside on the platform. Party was waiting for a ride home

Conant Road (8:54 a.m.) — Caller reported a tree was down and partially blocking the road. Officer on scene requested DPW to assist.

Birchwood Lane (3:13 p.m.) — Caller reported that a neighbor yelled at them about landscapers taking up parking spots. Officer arrived and found no issue; landscapers has left the area.

Police station (4:21 p.m.) — Party asked to be fingerprinted for civilian employment. Jul

Wells Road (6:24 p.m.) — Caller reported fireworks going off. Officers checked and spoke with neighbors, who heard nothing.

July 4

Wells Road (8:41 a.m.) — Caller reported an unwanted party near her residence. Officers located the party, who was brought to the train station.

Weston Road (10:37 a.m.) — Caller reported a tree on wires. Eversource and tree crews were working in the area to handle it.

North Great Road (10:43 a.m.) — Minute Man National Park ranger wanted to speak to an officer in regard to illegal dumping in the parking lot. Officers will keep an eye out if it continues.

Wells Road (4:03 p.m.) — Caller reported damage to a vehicle sometime overnight. Investigation ongoing.

Conant Road (7:20 p.m.) — Caller complained about a neighbor’s bonfire. Fire Department checked and found no problem.

July 5

Lincoln Town Hall (12:50 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. Parties were star gazing.

Page Road (10:18 am.) — Caller reported a tree was down and partially blocking the road. Eversource notified; tree was coned off.

Weston Road (3:16 p.m.) — Bicyclist was given a verbal warning for bike violation.

Wells Road (6:31 p.m.) — Resident reported a party illegally dumping trash. Officer followed up with the violator, who was advised to stop.

Goose Pond Road (6:50 p.m.) — Caller complained about cars parked for Walden Pond.

July 6

Concord Road (2:44 a.m.) — Officer checked on a car parked on the shoulder of the road. Party was sleeping inside; they had pulled over due to being tired. Officer suggested he pull into the Food Project to be safe.

Orchard Lane (11:38 a.m.) — Caller reported a fraudulent unemployment claim was filed in their name.

Hanscom Drive (3:40 p.m.) — Two-car crash with no injuries. Vehicles towed from the scene, report taken.

Winter Street (4:16 p.m.) — Caller reported an ongoing civil dispute with a neighbor. Report taken to document issue.

Tower Road (4:29 p.m.) — Caller reported his email may have been hacked. Information was given to secure account.
Trapelo Road (6:34 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog off leash. Caller was advised of Lincoln leash law.

Lincoln Police Department (7:50 p.m.) — Walk-in looking for information on public records.

Lincoln Police Department (8:35 p.m.) — Caller requested information on a civil matter. He was given his legal options.

Concord Road (8:35 p.m.) — Officer checked on the well-being of a vehicle pulled off to the side of the road. Operator is all set.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (9:36 p.m.) — Concord police called looking for a vehicle after getting report of two people arguing in the breakdown lane. Officers located the vehicle, which was unoccupied. State Police will handle the incident.

July 7

Huckleberry Hill (4:53 p.m.) — Caller reported that a tree fell in the yard of a neighbor who wasn’t home. Police made contact made with the homeowner, who was aware of the tree and is handling it.

Codman House (10:23 p.m.) — Officer checking the property found six unoccupied vehicles. All appears fine

July 8

Wells Road (10:08 p.m.) — Worker reported someone sleeping in a tent behind a dumpster. Officers spoke to the party.

Codman Road (2:01 p.m.) — Deceased deer found near the property. DPW removed the deer.

Laurel Drive (6:25 p.m.) — Caller reported smoke outside. Fire Department checked and found it was coming from a fire pit on Weston Road.

News acorns

L-S Environmental Club offers webinars

The L-S Environmental Club has organized a summer environmental webinar series on Thursdays, July 16 to August 13 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for a bios of speakers (including Lincoln resident Alex Chatfield, the climate justice ministry coordinator at St. Anne’s in the Fields Church) and click here to register for any or all sessions.

Lincoln awarded five-year contract to continue operating Hanscom schools

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded the Lincoln Public Schools a contract to continue operating the schools at Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB) for the next five years — one year with four option years. The contract provides critical financial support for the cost of the district’s central administration and student services shared with the town of Lincoln.

Lincoln Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall and Buckner Creel, administrator for business and finance, led Lincoln’s role in the extensive proposal and award process that required fixed-price budgets for the next five years. The School Committee approved the new Hanscom budget on June 23. The video of the full presentation can be viewed here.

The Lincoln Public Schools have operated the Hanscom schools for more than 50 years.

“Negotiating the Hanscom contract is a complex and arduous process, and the stakes are very high for the school district, the town, and students,” said School Committee member Susan Taylor. “It is never a forgone conclusion that the military will want to continue to contract with local schools, so the five-year commitment is a great honor and affirmation for our district.”

Obituaries

Jane K. Canfield

Jane K. Canfield

Jane K. Canfield died in June at the age of 83 She was a former bursar at Lesley College and a long-time member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Belmont. Click here for full obituary.

Henry Harrison Hadley IV

Henry Harrison Hadley IV

Henry Harrison Hadley IV died on June 24 at age 83. He was on several town committees including the Recreation Committee and its subcommittee that designed and built the Codman Pool. He was also the first president of the Codman Community Farms and was active at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Click here for full obituary.

My Turn: The Food Project needs your help

By Peter von Mertens

The Food Project, which farms 31 acres of Lincoln conservation land, is hard-pressed during this Covid crisis to carry out their mission. Normally teams of volunteers from corporations, law firms, banks, schools, and other nonprofits would be planting and weeding the carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and other crops. During the summer months, teams of high school youth would carry on that work as well as picking, washing, sorting, and helping distribute over 250,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce to inner-city hunger relief organizations and farmers’ markets. 

Not so this year. The 110 youth — some from cities and some from suburbs — cannot come together due to Covid, and the entire farm work has fallen on a core crew of eight farmers and some of the Food Project office staff. 

The Food Project is a powerful anti-racism program as it brings together youth from different racial and ethnic as well as socioeconomic backgrounds, and the youth and staff spend time discussing their biases, experiences and ways to understand and resolve conflicts. Of all the years to miss this kind of learning!

The Food Project has been hard hit financially this year. They were fortunate to have received a Payroll Protection Grant to help them keep key staff employed, but the future is very uncertain. Please consider making a donation at thefoodproject.org. It’s local. It provides high-quality produce to residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, and other areas in greater Boston. And it’s important to keep alive and well through this crisis.

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents to offer their views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

My Turn: School district race, equity, and inclusion work

By Becky McFall

Dear Lincoln community,

Following George Floyd’s murder, you received messages from Lincoln METCO Director Marika Hamilton, me, and recently a statement from the School Committee expressing a commitment to focusing on race, inclusion, equity, and diversity in all aspects of our schools. The School Committee and administration have received messages from many of you expressing your strong commitment to this work as well, and a request for an action plan to move forward together as a district. Planning efforts are underway to ensure that we are prepared to engage in our own learning as well as work with and support students as they return to school in September.

One of our eight working groups to plan for the opening of school is the Race, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group. We also have a Social Emotional Learning Working Group. These two groups are focused on what we need to have in place for the beginning of the school year to support students and faculty. We know how important diversity and inclusion are to student success and we are eager to continue growing in this area together.

Plans are being developed for professional development for all employees for the coming school year. There are several conversations taking place that include faculty members and administrators. As plans solidify, our goal is to communicate with you as soon as possible. Our first priority is to be prepared for the opening of school and our next priority is to develop plans for our areas of focus for the school year that will absolutely focus on race, equity, and inclusion. Please know that it will be a multi-faceted and multi-year endeavor. I look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks.

McFall is Superintendent of Schools in Lincoln.

”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.