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

My Turn: Thanks to Town Clerk Valerie Fox

By Joan Kimball, Barbara Slayter, and Stephen Binder

We of the Lincoln Democratic and Republican Town Committees want to thank Town Clerk Valerie Fox for all her work to make the elections run smoothly this year. These two fall elections were particularly challenging with Covid-19.

Valerie and her staff put a great deal of thought into planning for voting by mail, the positioning of the drop box, and enabling us to vote safely, whether it be early, or by mail, or on the election days. We appreciate her notifications to all of us voters about timing and alternative ways to vote.

Kimball and Slayter are co-chairs of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee, Binder is writing on behalf of the Lincoln Republican Town Committee.

”My Turn” is a forum for readers 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 Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Submit your stuff for the next Lincoln Chipmunk

The deadline for submitting poetry, fiction, first-person writing, photos, artwork, etc. to the Lincoln Chipmunk is Wednesday, Nov. 24. Share your creativity with your fellow Lincolnites and beyond.

chipmunk.lincolnsquirrel.com

The Lincoln Chipmunk, successor to the Lincoln Review, is part of the Lincoln Squirrel, our town’s #1 news source. Subscriptions to both are just $4.50 a month or $54.00 a year, but everyone can read three articles per month for free. Please get in touch with me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing your work!

Alice Waugh
Editor, The Lincoln Squirrel and The Lincoln Chipmunk
lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com

617-710-5542 (mobile)

Police log for Oct. 30–November 4, 2020

Downed trees, branches, and/or wires were reported on Lincoln Road, South Great Road, Tower Field Lane, and Tower Road on October 20, on Lincoln Road on October 31, and on Tabor Hill Road, Lexington Road, and Lincoln Road on November 2.

Callers reported that fraudulent claims of unemployment were filed in their names on Short Hill Road (November 2), Bedford Road (November 3), and Tower Road (November 4),

October 30

Ballfield Road (8:40 a.m.) — Caller reported seeing someone stealing a political sign at the intersection of Ballfield Road and Lincoln Road. Police reported that at 11:07 a.m., they were able to identify the person responsible for stealing political signs. Officers spoke to the individual and later followed up with the owner of the signs.

October 31

Ballfield Road (2:29 p.m.) — Caller reported political signs were stolen from Lincoln Rd at Ballfield Road and Lincoln Road and Rte. 117.

Old Concord Road (4:21 p.m.) — Caller reported what looks like a water leak at a neighbor’s house who isn’t home. Officer responded and dispatch attempted to make contact with the owner.

Todd Pond Road (8:34 p.m.) — Caller reported the sound of a loud music. Officers responded and spoke to the homeowner, asking them to bring their kids inside.

Sandy Pond Road (10:22 p.m.) — Report of political signs knocked over.

November 1

Old Sudbury Road (9:40 a.m.) — Caller reported finding political signs on their property. Unknown who placed them there. Officer responded and retrieved the signs and returned them to the owner.

Old Concord Road (9:15 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone knocked on their door asking if someone dropped food off at their house.

November 2

Wells Road (1:03 a.m.) — Caller reported their child (age 12+) was missing. After an investigation, the juvenile was located and returned home.

Grasshopper Lane (7:27 a.m.) — Caller reported a telephone wire was hanging low and was concerned that a truck could hit it. Verizon notified.

Wells Road (11:45 a.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported finding a pink hat while walking on Wells Road.

Bedford Road (2:55 p.m.) — Caller requested an officer to come to the residence as he picks up some items.

Huckleberry Hill Road (4:36 p.m.) — Report of several political signs stolen.

Wells Road (5:47 p.m.) — Officer assisted a party back to their residence.

November 3

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (9:53 a.m.) – Caller reported dog running on Rte. 2. Dog located on Reiling Pond Road. Owner later called reported their dog missing. Animal control notified and handled.

November 4

Baker Bridge Road (8:56 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled off to the side of the road. Driver is OK; was using phone.November 5

Trapelo Road (2:32 p.m.) — Caller reported being scammed over the internet by sending gift cards to an unknown person.

Lincoln Police Department (3:30 pm.) — A walk-in to the station reported losing a key to his car. The key hadn’t been turned into the station.

Town moves to highest level of water restrictions

Summertime limits on outdoor watering usually end on September 30, but due to the ongoing severe drought, the Water Commission instead tightened restrictions to Stage 4, its highest level.

The new restrictions took place on November 3. About a month earlier on October 9, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a “critical drought” situation in the Charles River watershed, which includes Lincoln.

Use of above-ground and in-ground sprinklers and soaker hoses is now prohibited, though handheld watering is permitted from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Swimming pools and hot tubs may also not be topped off until further notice. Agricultural uses of water are exempted from the restrictions.

The rules apply to users of town water, though  owners of private wells are also urged to follow the same restrictions. Residents are also reminded of the heightened danger for fires.

Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
Hand-held wateringAllowed 6pm–9amAllowed 6pm–9amAllowed 6pm–9amAllowed 6pm–9am
Above-ground/
in-ground sprinklers		Allowed 7pm–7amAllowed 2 days a week, 6pm–9am by street address:

• Even house #s:
Tues & Sat

• Odd house #s
Wed & Sun		Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am by street address:

• Even house #s:
Sat only

• Odd house #s:
Sun only		Not allowed
Soaker hosesAllowed any timeAllowed twice a week, 6pm–9am on specified days (see row #2)Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2)Not allowed
Drip irrigationAllowed any timeAllowed twice a week, 6pm–9am on specified days (see row #2)Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2)Allowed once a week, 6pm–9am on specified day (see row #2)
New lawnsAllowed any timeJune & Sept. only: 20 days of daily watering, then 2 days a week, 7pm–7am on specified daysJune & Sept. only: once a week, 7pm–7am on specified dayNot allowed
Washing vehiclesAllowed any timeCommercial services onlyCommercial services onlyCommercial services only
Washing buildings, pavementAllowed any timeNot allowedNot allowedNot allowed
Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, JacuzzisAllowed any timeOne fill per season for new or repaired equipmentTopping off only (3" per month)Topping off or refill not allowed
Car wash fundraisersAllowed any timeAllowed any timeNot allowedNot allowed
Games or toys with continuous waterAllowed any timeAllowed 30 mins/day twice a week on specified days (see row #12)Allowed 30 mins/day once a week on specified day (see row #12)Not allowed

State of the Town updates to span three evenings

Lincoln’s annual State of the Town meeting will be split into three online meetings from 7­–9 p.m. on three consecutive days next week. Topics and dates will be as follows. Click here to register for any or all of the sessions.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Wednesday, Nov. 18

  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism
    • Background and links to the videos and slide decks of the three Board of Selectmen’s roundtables

Thursday, Nov. 19

My Turn: Passing the torch at the Conservation Department

By Susan Hall Mygatt

After 21 years as the director of the Lincoln Conservation Department, Tom Gumbart will be leaving his position this December. Tom has guided the Lincoln Conservation Commission’s work to protect Lincoln’s wetlands and manage our conservation trails, forests, and farmland, with the important help of his land stewardship crew. Tom’s understanding and knowledge of the natural world and his hands on and technical skills combined to make him an invaluable resource to all Lincoln’s citizens. Tom has been an important leader in the conservation community, and his informed leadership has helped make our town’s land stewardship a model for other communities nationwide. He will be greatly missed.

The town is accepting applications for a new Conservation Department Director until Friday, Nov. 13. The job description is posted on the town website at www.lincolntown.org/jobs.

”My Turn” is a forum for readers 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.

Managers of Real restaurant depart; eatery’s future uncertain

Two of the three owner/managers of Lincoln’s Real restaurant have left the business, which has suspended service for the time being, although “there is no intention to close Real,” according to remaining manager Lindsay Parker.

When Real opened in South Lincoln in 2019, Tom Fosnot was the primary chef and Ruth-Anne Adams was in charge of the front-of-house staff and general operations while Parker handled the business side. Geoff McGean, executive director of the Rural Land Foundation, which owns the building, said this week that Parker “has not indicated  to us what the future of the restaurant might be.”

“I am going to spend some time to regroup and consider the right next chapter for the restaurant, especially in light of existing challenges presented by COVID,” Parker said in an email. “That being said, there is no intention to close Real. I have been deeply gratified by the support Real has received from the Lincoln community since we opened in March 2019, and especially since the world changed so dramatically earlier this year. I look forward to the prospect of returning that favor by having Real continue as an inviting gathering spot and community asset for years to come.”

“We truly loved being in Lincoln and the Rural Land Foundation has been an amazing source of support for Tom and I,” Adams said in an email. “In addition, we have tremendous gratitude toward the community that was brought together through the building of Real. We would like, however, to speak with our attorney before commenting further.”

Real is the latest of several restaurants that have come and gone at Lincoln Station. Lincoln Kitchen closed after just 15 months of operation. It was preceded by AKA Bistro, which operated for several years but was ultimately doomed by a pair of unfortunate events: the lengthy closure of nearby Donelan’s after its roof collapsed in a snowstorm in February 2011, significantly reducing business traffic for the entire mall, and the closure of AKA itself for several months starting in December 2013 after a burst ceiling pipe caused extensive interior water damage. 

News acorns

Two virtual events from the Walden Woods Project

The Walden Woods Project is sponsoring two upcoming events. “A Virtual Lyceum: Writing Toward Resilience” on Friday, Nov. 6 from 7–8:15 p.m. will bring writers, scholars, and teachers together to examine the way society and individuals like Henry David Thoreau and Toni Morrison have protested and resisted injustices through their writing. The panelists will also discuss ways in which we, as individuals and as a society, can remain progressive and resilient to current obstacles and social injustices through writing, nature, and art. Suggested readings include Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” and Morrison’s “No Place for Self-Pity, No Room for Fear.” Click here for more information and registration.

On Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 7–8:15 p.m., Nathaniel Popkin and Gail Straub will discuss Popkin’s newest book, To Reach The Spring: From Complicity to Consciousness in the Age of Eco-Crisis. In the shadow of an escalating eco-crisis — a looming catastrophe that will dwarf the fallout from COVID-19 — how can we explain our society’s failure to act? Popkin explores the moral, social, and psychological dimensions of the crisis, outlining a path to a future spring. Click here for more information and registration.

Help clean up Minute Man NHP

Minute Man National Historical Park invites everyone to Park Day 2020 on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust and Friends of Minute Man National Park, this annual event gives participants the opportunity to help preserve one of our nation’s most iconic and historic battlefields. Volunteers can sign up to provide assistance in leaf raking, invasive plant removal, and trail maintenance, while learning more about its history and ecology from park natural and cultural resource team leaders.

To ensure the safety of all volunteers, organizers will be limiting participation, requiring masks be worn at all times, and staggering work periods into morning and afternoon shifts. Volunteers can register to work individually or as a group (bubble) of five or less in different parts of the park where social distancing is feasible. Register by November 6 and receive a free Park Day 2020 T-shirt. Click here to register.

MBTA seeks feedback on service changes

The MBTA is seeking feedback on service changes that will be necessary in the face of drastically reduced ridership due to Covid-19 (for example, commuter rail is at roughly 12% of normal ridership). The T wants to hear from transit customers about the service people are using now, how often, and what their transit priorities are as part of Forging Ahead, the T’s plan to preserve transit access to shape the T’s upcoming decision about which transit-critical services to prioritize and protect, and which may need to be cut back until ridership and revenues return. 

On Monday, Nov. 9, the MBTA will announce its proposed service changes, after which public meetings and a public hearing will take place. These changes will generally not take effect until spring or summer of 2021. Customers are encouraged to provide online feedback here, and/or participate in a virtual public meeting, including an official public hearing. Click here to register for the meeting dedicated to the MetroWest region that includes Lincoln on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6–8 p.m. Details are available at mbta.com/ForgingAhead. 

Library, GearTicks offer STEMtastic Challenges

The Lincoln Public Library Children’s Room is teaming up with the Lincoln GearTicks to promote their new monthly STEMtastic Challenges designed to encourage learning about a variety of engineering and science subjects. Each challenge will have a central STEM theme and is open to anyone. November’s challenge is “Marshmallow Architecture.” Click here for more information on the challenge and see a suggested list of books and websites to get you started. Books on the lists below (and more) are available to place on hold, or you can make an appointment to come in to the library to check them out. Call 781-259-8465 ext. 4 or email dleopold@minlib.net with any questions.

Volunteers needed for three town groups

The Select Board seeks candidates for appointment to the town’s Housing Commission, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), and the Pierce Property Committee.

The Housing Commission’s role is to develop and advocate for policies and programs that promote housing diversity in Lincoln. The group’s duties include policy formulation and advocacy, regulatory compliance, and management of town-owned housing units. Members work in close partnership with two other town housing organizations (i.e., the Affordable Housing Trust and the Lincoln Foundation) to ensure that the town remains in compliance with various state and federal housing regulations, while also developing strategies to help the town achieve its evolving housing needs.

Serving on the CPC affords an opportunity to learn about Lincoln’s historic preservation, affordable housing, open space preservation and recreational programs and initiatives, and to help determine how to most wisely invest limited Community Preservation Act funds. The Pierce Committee advises the Select Board on the use and maintenance of the Pierce House and Pierce Park and recommends annual budgets.

Letters of interest should be addressed to Select Board Chair James Craig and sent to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant in the Selectmen’s Office, at elderp@lincolntown.org. Click here for an application or call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601 for more information.

Volunteers helped count thousands of election ballots cast early

(Editor’s note: This story was written and intended to be posted on Sunday, Nov. 1, but a technical error prevented its timely publication.)

November 1, 2020 — Millions of ballots nationwide are already being tallied in advance of Election Day on Tuesday, and Lincoln is no different. On Sunday, Nov. 1, the Town Clerk staff and volunteers spent hours opening and recording votes submitted via absentee ballot and early in-person voting.

A total of 3,467 votes have been cast (2,111 in precinct 1 and 1,356 in precinct 2). With 5,015 registered voters among Lincoln’s 7,050 residents, that translates to a voter turnout of 69% even before the polls open on Tuesday. Nonetheless, the polls will undoubtedly be busy on Tuesday; voter turnout in the last presidential election in 2016 was almost 86%, according to Town Clerk Valerie Fox.

Sunday’s process involved two sets of volunteers in Town Hall opening ballots, checking them against lists of registered voters, and feeding them into a voting machine that will tabulate the votes but will not display results until the polls have closed at 8 p.m. on November 3.

The pandemic and the passions surrounding this year’s election have galvanized Lincoln voters who are generally quite enthusiastic and involved even in normal years. On the first day of early voting on October 17, “there was a constant line,” Fox said. 

In recent months, there was concern in many towns that there would not be enough help on and before Election Day, since polling volunteers tend to skew older and many senior citizens are wary of Covid-19. But this hasn’t been a problem, as younger residents have filled the gap, including college students who did not go back to campus in September because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

“One of the great things that’s come out of this election is the number of people who have volunteered,” Fox said. “Many seniors are not comfortable [working] on Election Day, but younger people have volunteered, and it’s their time to step in,” Fox said. 

The reliability of the U.S Postal Service amid reports of delivery slowdowns that could have depressed turnout has also been a concern nationwide, “but the Lincoln postal services have been beyond what I could have hoped for — they have been absolutely outstanding,” Fox said. As an example, town postal workers received 2,000 blank ballots on October 7 for distribution residents who requested them — and they were all delivered on the same day. Postal workers are also prioritizing ballots that are postmarked on or before November 3 that don’t arrive that day. If the Town Clerk’s office gets them by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, they’ll still count.

Click the photos below for larger versions and captions:

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