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

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.

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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.

Water main break affects hundreds in Lincoln

Roads that were affected by the water line break are shown in red. The dotted red line is the Lincoln/Wayland town line (click image to enlarge).

Residents in dozens of homes in southwest Lincoln woke up to dry taps on Tuesday morning after a water line ruptured.

The Water Department received a call about water running down the side of Lincoln Road at about 5:30 a.m. on October 22, according to Water Department Superintendent Darin LaFalam. The town sent out text messages and calls to all Lincoln residents at about 7:15 a.m., and water service wasn’t restored until shortly before 4 p.m.

The break occurred along Concord Road south of Route 117 where one water main feeds that entire corner of town and affected about 200 water service connections. The water main itself — which is not near the top of the list for replacement in the coming years — was intact; it was a one-inch device connection that failed, LaFalam said.

He advised residents in the affected area whose water is rusty to flush until clear from an exterior faucet. If there is air in the plumbing, flush from only the cold water faucet located at the highest point of the home. 

My Turn: U.S. is falling behind in the renewable energy race

By Emma Loren

By the year 2050, it is estimated that 90% of the world’s energy can and should be supplied by renewables. Countries like Iceland are above this curve, as almost 100% of their energy comes from geothermal energy, a renewable source. With countries like Iceland, China, and Norway in the lead, it’s hard not to notice that the United States continues to lag. While the U.S. has made noticeable strides in renewable energy, it is falling behind in the transition compared to other major global economies.

Currently, the United States gets only 20.3% of its energy from renewable sources, which is behind the global average of 30%, despite having the resources and potential to be a leader. Meanwhile, China firmly establishes itself as a dominant force in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar panel manufacturing. In an impressive show of growth, China increased its renewable energy generation capacity by 301 gigawatts (GW) in 2023, which includes solar, wind, and hydro. This increase followed a addition of approximately 168 GW in 2022, a 79% increase from 2021. Notably, this accounted for about 59% of the total global additions to renewable capacity in 2023. In comparison, the United States added just 33.8 GW of new clean energy projects in 2023, allowing for a 12.5% increase from the previous year.

This map (click to enlarge), created with data from the World Bank, shows how countries around the globe are progressing in renewable energy consumption. As the urgency of climate change intensifies, this map serves as a reminder of where we stand and how far we still have to go.

The United States’ slow transition to clean energy sources can be blamed on policy inconsistencies, infrastructure, and historic dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike countries such as Germany and Denmark that have established long-term energy policies, the U.S. lacks a bipartisan unified approach, resulting in stagnant progress. Political shifts in leadership often lead to changes in energy dynamics, causing uncertainty for renewable energy implementation and gaining the interest of investors.

Infrastructure challenges further hamper progress. The U.S. power grid, much of which was built in the mid-20th century, is not designed to handle the variability of renewable sources like wind and solar. Unlike fossil fuel plants that produce a steady flow of electricity, renewables generate power intermittently; solar panels only work when the sun is shining, and wind turbines need a wind in order to spin. This inconsistency requires a more flexible, modernized grid that balances supply and demand in real time. However, the challenge of modernizing the grid is complex due to America’s historic support for the fossil fuel industry.

The continued support for the fossil fuel industry is one of the main reasons why the U.S. is lagging in the global clean energy transition. Many benefits given to fossil fuel companies were established over a century ago and continue to give them an unfair advantage today. Despite evidence of the urgency to shift to renewables, U.S. policies still lean to favor oil and coal through subsidies and loopholes that ultimately give then an advantage. For example, the Percentage Depletion Allowance lets oil and gas companies reduce their taxes by deducting a set percentage of their income — often more than what they spend. Other industries lost this tax break long ago, but fossil fuel companies continue to see benefits. Additionally, another benefit known as Intangible Drilling Costs, allows these companies to deduct most of their drilling expenses, thus gaining more profits. These oil, gas, and coal companies can even lease federal lands for extraction at bargain rates.

These incentives make it harder for renewables to compete on a level playing field. In 2020 alone, the U.S. provided $649 billion in fossil fuel subsidies, according to the International Monetary Fund. If we want to tackle climate change seriously, we need to stop these subsidies and give renewables a fair chance to grow. The U.S. has made progress in renewables, and wind energy alone has increased, contributing to nearly 10% of the nation’s electricity generation, which is projected to reach 20% by 2030. The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law highlighted some positive progress regarding climate investments. But with a change in administration, these two pieces of legislation can go away. Therefore, to catch up in the global clean energy race, we need lasting investments and a complete redesign of the outdated power grid.

Lincoln resident Emma Loren is earning a master’s degree at Georgetown University studying environment and international affairs, focusing on energy policy and science.

“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.

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Learn about leaving the leaves

Fall measures such as composting, “leaving the leaves,” and sheet mulching nurture inset life and soil while avoiding use of fossil fuels for leaf-blowing. Join Lincoln Common Ground (part of Mothers Out Front Lincoln) and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. for a Zoom discussion on “Leaving the Leaves and More: A Community Q&A about Eco-gardening Practices.” Click here to register for the Zoom link.

L-S Fall Music Concert coming up

The one-hour concert L-S Fall Music Concert on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s Kirshner Auditorium will feature concert choir, chamber singers, string orchestra, concert band and symphonic band. The program includes classic marches, a Nigerian folk song, selections from “The Phantom of the Opera,” and a programmatic piece entitled The Dark Waters which draws from the mythological rivers of the underworld. Concessions will be available and support L-S Friends of Music. The concerts can also be viewed on either the education channel (Comcast 9/Verizon 32) in Sudbury and Lincoln, on the HD channel (Comcast 1074/Verizon 2130) in Sudbury only, or on either of the channels’ livestreams accessible via sudburytv.org.

“Spook-tacular” doo-wop concert

Lincoln’s doo-wop singing group will perform on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Costumes encouraged.

Ted Reinstein

Author/broadcaster Reinstein comes to Lincoln

Broadcast journalist Ted Reinstein, author of Travels through the Heart and Soul of New England, will speak on Friday, Nov. 1 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Reinstein, a full-time correspondent for the city’s celebrated nightly news magazine, “Chronicle,” has covered sports, politics and especially human interest stories all over Boston and across New England. The event is made possible by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Friends of Lincoln Public Library.

“The Nutcracker: A Preview”

Join us for a reading of “The Nutcracker” geared to young children, accompanied by dancers from the Commonwealth Ballet Company acting out some of the parts, on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Children get to meet the dancers after the reading. For all ages; no registration required.

A look at local Indigenous peoples

For over 10,000 years, the Indigenous people knew what is now Concord and Lincoln as Musketaquid (“the land between the grassy rivers.” On Saturday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Codman Community Farms education pavilion, Joe Palumbo of Concord will explore the history of the first people and what happened when cultures collided after European fur traders and then English colonists arrived. All ages welcome; free but registration is appreciated for planning.

Post-Halloween Great Pumpkin Smash

Instead of throwing them in the trash, have fun and help the environment by bringing your jack-o’-lanterns and decorative gourds to the regional Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman Community Farms (CCF) on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. When pumpkins end up in landfills, they break down and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Smashing pumpkins and feed to the Codman Farm pigs while enjoying live music, CCF sandwiches, and ice cream from a local vendor. Get tips on how to get started with composting in your home or with a curbside collection program. Prepare your pumpkins for composting by removing any stickers, candles, and other decorations and please leave painted pumpkins at home. Suggested donation of $1 per pumpkin to benefit the farm. Organized by CCF, the Lincoln and Concord chapters of Mothers Out Front, the Weston Community Children’s Association, and LincFam.

Expert to speak on gardening and clean water

The Lincoln Garden Club welcomes Max Rome, the stormwater program manager for the Charles River Watershed Association, on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall and on Zoom. In his talk, “From Backyard to Watershed: Gardening for Clean Water,” he will point out gardening methods that help preserve and protect the quantity and quality of water in our yards and our watershed. Register here for the Zoom link.

Talk on forests and climate change

State climate legislation assumes that forest carbon sequestration (sometimes called “negative emissions”) can be counted to offset up to 15% of the emissions reduction goal. Is this a good idea? Is it even possible? How can we influence forests’ ability to sequester and store carbon? Join Dr. Jonathan Thompson, a senior ecologist and research director at the Harvard Forest, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. for “Forests for Our Future: The Role of Massachusetts Forests in Combating Climate Change” at the First Parish in Lincoln (4 Bedford Rd.) and on Zoom. Register here. Sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions and CFREE, a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee.

Three Lincoln organizations get grants

Lincoln recipients of the most recent grants from the Sudbury Foundation are the Massachusetts Audubon Society ($20,000 for the Framingham Environmental and Social Literacy Program), The Food Project ($5,000 for ableism awareness training), and the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry ($3,000). In 2023, the foundation distributed $1.7 million in grants and scholarships to students and organizations in and surrounding communities focused on children, youth and families, and to organizations throughout Massachusetts engaged in farm and local food initiatives. See details here and a list of all recent grant reciipients here.

My Turn: FELS seeks donations (and pie purchases) on its 25th anniversary

By Nancy Marshall and Tara Mitchell

It’s a year of numbers for our towns and for FELS.

2024-25 marks a wide array of reasons to celebrate. Lincoln and Sudbury are celebrating 250th anniversaries. Our beloved Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School is in its 70th year, and its 20th in the “new”” building. FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, www.FELSGrant.org, is celebrating 25 years of providing grants to teachers and staff at LSRHS to pursue their individual and professional interests and passions. 

In our 25 years, FELS has given out well over 100 grants, totaling in excess of $150,000. Funding for the grants has been thanks to the support of many people responding to our Annual Appeal and purchasing pies through our annual Thanksgiving pie sale, which kicks off once again on October 15. 

Please, in this special season of celebration, consider a donation to FELS by matching an anniversary number, ($25, $70, or $250), or by buying a pie for your Thanksgiving table or to share with a local food pantry, police and fire department, or a particularly special teacher or staff member at L-S. Your contribution will be impactful. 

Our motto is “Inspired Teachers Inspire Students.” We encourage applicants to dream big and act on that dream by submitting a thoughtful application. Grant recipients speak of the level of refreshment and renewal they find in dreaming big and checking that dream off their bucket list. In returning to their important work with our kids in the classroom, they carry with them satisfaction in their personally fulfilling accomplishment, coupled with the understanding that we, Lincoln and Sudbury, have supported them in achieving that accomplishment.  

FELS was founded by Lincoln L-S parent, Peter von Mertens 25 years ago. Our mission is deeply personal to us as a board, to the grant recipients, to families and, inevitably and intangibly, to our kids in the classroom and well after they leave LSRHS. Thank you for considering a donation to FELS or purchasing a pie. 

Marshall and Mitchell are co-presidents of the Foundation for Educators at LSRHS.

“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.

Sen. Barrett and town Dems urge passage of climate bill

By Barbara Slayter and Joan Kimball

On Saturday, Oct. 5, State Sen. Michael Barrett spoke to an attentive audience at Bemis Hall on “The State of the Environment in Massachusetts.” The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee chaired by Joan Kimball and Travis Roland hosted the event, whose attendees included environmental activists from 350 MASS, Mothers Out Front, Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee, and Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere.

Barrett — who is Assistant Majority Leader, chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change — reflected on the state’s key issues in environmental policy making, the best ways to address them, and what we as Massachusetts citizens can do to move the process along.

The state Senate passed sweeping climate legislation” in June and the House has also passed its own climate change bill. However, the legislative session closed July 31 without a joint bill coming out of the Conference Committee. How might be moved forward?

The context for getting a climate bill passed

According to Sen. Barrett, central to advancing clean energy policies are questions about how to “upsize” electricity and “downsize” gas as Massachusetts strives to implement a clean energy economy as expeditiously as possible. The pace and the cost of this effort affect stakeholders differently.

Stakeholders have strong opinions on energy sources and how it’s provided, how much we focus on EVs, solar canopies, heat pumps or recycling throwaway plastics, carbon pollution and more. Rate payers worry about the cost of energy, especially the construction of the electric grid; businesses focus on investment profitability; and the legislature and administration are concerned about the price tag and about balancing various interests and needs.

Climate legislation

The climate omnibus bill approved last June aims to upgrade the grid and protect rate payers. The bill deals not only with siting and permitting needed to move Massachusetts away from polluting fossil fuels to more reliance on electricity, but also on reduction of plastics and other toxins such as PFAS that are polluting our environment.

Decisions about gas — The bill’s intent is to slow down the momentum for constructing new gas structures. Currently there is a huge economic incentive for the gas companies to replace pipes, as they make much more profit on construction work than on selling gas. At present the DPU is authorized only to “repair” and “replace” pipes. The Senate bill would allow “repair, replace or retire” so that new pipes lasting well beyond 2050 would not be constructed.

Decisions about Massport — An issue of great concern to Lincoln residents is the plan to expand Hanscom Airport to accommodate private jets. In 1956, the legislature passed the Massport charter for the independent authority with the goal of increasing air transportation. The Senate version of the climate bill provides for amending that charter to require that Massport consider Massachusetts mandates for addressing global warming and climate change as part of all its decisions.

Lincoln residents vigorously support the Senate bill’s provision to update the Massport charter. Times have changed since 1956, and Massachusetts is a leader in addressing problems caused by global warming and climate change. Research has shown that this airport expansion would significantly worsen carbon pollution.

How to pass this legislation?

Barrett strongly supports passage of a comprehensive bill by the Senate and House conference committee. He hopes that this can be accomplished in a formal session rather than an informal session this fall when the legislature may be called back into session to complete unfinished work. If discussed in an informal legislative session, any legislator can stop the legislation from proceeding using parliamentary rules in place.

House and Senate negotiators including Barrett and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin are optimistic that they can come to some sort of agreement. Barrett, who had all but given up hope for a larger bill after the governor filed her closeout spending bill, recognizes that not everything is aligned quite yet, but with effort, the committee can emerge with a deal

What can we do?

Barrett urged citizens to pressure the House and the Senate to resolve differences in their two bills. Lincoln’s two representatives, Carmine Gentile and Alice Peisch, have been supportive of this climate legislation, said Barrett, urging attendees to “put the pressure on… It makes a difference when I can go to the Senate and make a strong case that this is what citizens in my community want. The same will be true for your representatives in the Massachusetts House.”

In sum:

  • Write or call your Massachusetts representatives to urge them to move the clean energy agenda forward in a compromise climate bill resulting from the House and Senate negotiations this fall.
  • Respond to the Lincoln Democrats’ call to action — a group letter advocating a compromise climate bill from House and Senate negotiations or contact the LDTC at selenejck@gmail.com.
  • Write or call state senators and representatives asking them to update the Massport charter to reflect current climate concerns and priorities
  • Look for an elaboration of Sen. Barrett’s reflections in his newsletter, The Barrett Report, which explores in detail many of the issues surrounding a clean energy agenda that were presented in his talk.

“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.

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Early voting begins Saturday

Early voting in person will begin this Saturday at Town Hall through October 28:

  • Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Monday to Friday, Oct. 21–25 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. This is also the last day to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. Register at sec.state.ma.us/ovr or come to the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall. 
  • Monday to Friday, Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day. Polling hours are 7 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Reed Gym on Ballfield Rd. Click here for additional information, including sample ballots and an application to vote by mail.

Film: “My Father’s Glory”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “My Father’s Glory” (1990, directed by Yves Robert) on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. A 1900s French boy grows closer to his father while summering with the family in the country. In French with English subtitles.

L-S college planning class, listening session

Lincoln-Sudbury Adult & Community Education hosts a class for parents of freshmen and sophomores who are beginning to think about college on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7–8 p.m. in conference room B at the high school. Instructor Jamie Gossels, independent college consultant will give an overview of the college admissions road map and timeline and answer your questions. Click here to register.

Also that evening, the L-S School Committee will hold an online listening session for students, families, and community members with committee members Maura Carty and Ravi Simon. These sessions are not public meetings with an agenda, but rather a casual opportunity to meet with Committee members. Click here for the Google Meet link.

Police log for September 27 – October 9, 2024

September 27

North Great Road (1:05 p.m.) — Officers responded to Route 2A and Hanscom Drive for a one-vehicle crash. A passenger was transported to the hospital and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

September 28

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:59 a.m.) — An officer assisted a Massachusetts State Police Trooper with a motor vehicle stop after the trooper’s cruiser had been struck. Additional State Police units arrived. The trooper was not injured.

Weston Road (3:26 p.m.) — A caller reported that several vehicles were parked on their lawn. An officer arrived and ticketed the illegally parked vehicles. A short time later, the vehicles were moved.

North Great Road (5:51 p.m.) — A caller reported observing an adult cyclist traveling with a small child who was not wearing a helmet. Lexington Police were notified due to direction of travel and proximity to the town line.

Concord Road (9:26 p.m.) — A resident reported several youths rang the doorbell and then lying on their front lawn. An officer arrived and checked the area but was unable to locate those involved.

September 29

Lincoln Road (1:09 a.m.) — A vehicle was discovered parked in the Public Safety Building lot. The vehicle was out of gas; AAA had been alerted and was on the way.

Trapelo Road (12:14 p.m.) — Police were alerted to several children fishing in the Cambridge Reservoir. An officer encountered the children as they were leaving.

Lincoln Road (3:56 p.m.) — An individual came to the station to report a past hit-and-run that occurred several days prior.

September 30

Mount Misery parking lot (1:50 a.m.) — An officer checked on an unoccupied vehicle.

Donelan’s Supermarket (7:23 p.m.) — An officer responded to the parking lot for a dispute between two motorists.

October 1

Mount Misery parking lot (2:58 a.m.) — An officer checked on an unoccupied vehicle.

Weston Road (8:16 p.m.) — Officers performed a well-being check.

Mayflower Road, Hanscom AFB (11:57 p.m.) — Officers were called to Hanscom Air Force Base for a missing child. The child was found safe a short time later.

October 2

Lincoln Road (9:49 am.) — A caller reported having a dispute with a landscape driver. An officer responded and spoke with all parties involved.

Farrar Road (10:09 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing a deer stuck in the mud at the edge of Farra Pond. The Fire Department responded along with the Environmental Police. The deer was able to free itself a short time later.

Hemlock Circle (11:37 a.m.) — The deer from the previous entry made its way back into the mud. The Fire Department was ultimately able to free the deer — click here for details.

Lincoln mall (5:14 p.m.) — An officer helped an individual with a parking situation at the mall.

Wells Road (5:49 p.m.) — An officer helped a resident locate their vehicle.

October 3

Nothing of note.

October 4

South Great Road (1:07 p.m.) — A motorist reported that a vehicle driving in the opposite direction struck their side-view mirror.

Care Dimensions, Winter Street (5:58 p.m.) — Officers responded to the hospice house at the request of the director for an incident that occurred off-site.

October 5

Minebrook Road (12:43 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing gunshots in the area. Officers checked the area but found nothing out of the ordinary.

Page Road (9:41 a.m.) — A person came to the station to seek assistance for an incident that occurred out of state.

Stonehedge Road (9:49 a.m.) — A person came to the station to speak with the Animal Control Officer about an animal on their property.

Mill Street (10:44 a.m.) — The Fire Department responded for a report of smoke in the area. The smoke was discovered to be the result of a cooking fire behind a residence.

Wells Road (1:09 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a resident regarding an ongoing issue.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (4:37 p.m.) — A security representative had an interaction with a motorist who then left the area. An officer checked the area for the vehicle but was unable to locate the matching vehicle.

Drumlin Farm (5:55 p.m.) — A motorist reported seeing an individual by the side of the road acting suspicious. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the person.

Pierce House (10:39 p.m.) — A caller reported a parked and occupied vehicle in the parking lot after hours. An officer checked on the occupants and then sent them on their way.

MMNP Visitor Center parking lot (11:29 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked and occupied vehicle. The individuals had stopped to see the aurora borealis.

October 6

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (1:12 a.m.) — Officers assisted Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (12:05 p.m.) — Officers assisted a motorist after a canister of bear spray went off in the cab of their vehicle.

October 7

South Great Road (2:31 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle parked on the side of the road. The operator was a food delivery driver.

Donelan’s Supermarket (4:33 p.m.) — A person spoke with an officer after discovering their car had been damaged while it had been parked in the Donelan’s lot.

October 8

Hanscom Drive (4:20 p.m.) — Hanscom Air Force Base Security Forces Police called for assistance with a person with an active arrest warrant. Rafael Mortan, 42, from Manchester, N.H., was taken into custody, booked, and transported to the Billerica House of Correction.

Hanscom Drive (3:56 p.m.) — Hanscom Air Force Base Security Forces Police called for assistance with an individual with an active arrest warrant. Kevin Dorvilus, 28, of Brockton was taken into custody, booked, and transported to the Billerica House of Correction.

South Great Road (5:01 p.m.) — A caller reported a motor vehicle sideswipe where two vehicles struck each other in passing. An officer responded and spoke with both parties.

October 9

South Great Road (3:19 p.m.) — A vehicle struck several wooden pylons and drove off. The operator was later identified and charged with leaving the scene of a property damage crash.

Old Lexington Road (5:57 p.m.) — A caller reported being the victim of an online scam.