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

Property sales in September

3A South Commons — Rajesh K. Dasari to Brain Hurley for $479,000 (September 17)

22 Juniper Ridge Rd. — Walter Scott to Jinquan Liu for $50,000 (September 3)

30 Windingwood Lane — Leonard Notkin to Kavita S. Reddy for $574,000 (September 24)

4 Farrar Rd. — Jean-Pierre Carney to Igor and Robin Dobrusin for $1,375,000 (September 10)

352 Hemlock Circle — Christine Wanke to Helena Lau and Chris Chen for $513,500 (September 18)

19 Twin Pond Lane — Velma Frank to Gregory and Kate Geusic for $1,745,000 (September 28)

 

Fierce blast of wind leaves many Lincolnites without power

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that the storm was in fact a derecho.

Half of Lincoln was without power Wednesday evening after an unexpected derecho blew through the area with high winds and rain. The widespread outages forced the postponement of the Board of Selectmen’s Diversity and Inclusion roundtable on Zoom that was planned for that night.

As of Thursday morning, 11 roads in town were closed because of trees and branches blocking the roadway or leaning on wires overhead. By 11 p.m., 352 of Lincoln customers (13%) were still without power.

Click on photos below for larger versions and captions:

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Masked man seen again in Lincoln

The masked man seen by a doorbell camera at a house on South Great Road last month.

A South Great Road resident called police on the afternoon of September 26 to report that the same masked man who was seen on camera at the house on September 5 was back at the residence looking to sell magazines. The man was asked to leave the residence, police said.

After being spotted in both Lincoln and Sudbury in recent weeks, the man was identified afterwards by a Lincoln police officer who saw him driving his scooter on Rte. 117, although “he wasn’t too talkative with us when the officer stopped him,” Lt. Sean Kennedy said on October 6. “We later had reports that he was soliciting door to door for magazine sales at another house on Rte. 117. He went back to the original house and was looking to sell magazines. He is not wanted by us for any crime.”

Three new Covid-19 cases in Lincoln

Town health officials reported three new Covid-19 cases in Lincoln during the week ending September 30. All three are members of the same household and are not at The Commons, which was an early hotspot but has not seen any new cases since May, public health nurse Tricia McGean said.

This is the largest number of cases in a week since August 5. In the seven weeks from then until the most recent count, there were only four new cases in town.

The new Covid-19 cases are separate from those reported more recently in two at Hanscom Middle School  (cases on Hanscom Air Force Base are recorded as being in Bedford, not Lincoln). As a result of the positive tests there, 23 students and six staff members are now working remotely during their period of quarantine, Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall said on Tuesday.

News acorns

Tour de Codman bike event on Sunday

The inaugural Tour de Codman on Sunday, Oct. 11 will start at Codman Farm and will take bike riders on a nearly 12-mile loop through Lincoln along roads and paths, featuring stops at three remote pastures where farm staff and volunteers will give a short talk on the farm’s sustainable, pasture-based agriculture before returning to the farm for coffee, cider, and donuts. All ages welcome, but riders must be comfortable maintaining a 10-12 mph pace along Lincoln’s roads.

The route will spend as much time as possible on bike paths and quiet roads. Any bike in good working order should suffice. Please plan to bring your own water and snacks for the route. The ride leader will have basic tools but riders should plan to be self-sufficient. The total time for the ride, with stops, should be under two hours. Masks required. Staggered start times beginning at 9:30 a.m., in groups of eight participants maximum. Click here to sign up ($15 per person).

Brain research fundraiser features trivia, DIY cornhole

The Doo family of Lincoln is hosting the second annual Brain Games Fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 18 to benefit Moyamoya Research at Boston Children’s Hospital. Because of Covid-19, this year’s event will consist of virtual Challenge Trivia with the Trivia Brothers (who were featured at the Lincoln Public Library’s summer reading celebration) and “DIY cornhole.” There will be a family friendly version at 2:30 p.m. and an adult trivia competition at 4 p.m. Tickets are $50 per team (up to six players per team).

DIY Cornhole competitors are asked to post a photo or video on social media while playing (tag @wickedcornhole on Instagram or facebook); organizers will pick one creative post as the winner. There’s no charge to play, post, or be entered to win a prize. Post anytime between now and October 18. Additionally, everyone who donates to the Boston Children’s Hospital giving site will be entered into a raffle. Click here for details and registration.

Last year’s inaugural event at Codman Community Farms raised over $12,000 for research into moyamoya disease, a rare brain disorder that affects the Doos’ five-year-old daughter. The progressive disease required surgery for her last year and more is likely.

Register for Halloween Trunk or Treat

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual annual Trunk or Treat event in a drive-through edition on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3–5 p.m, at St. Anne’s Church. Click here to register trunks, or go to lincolnrec.com and register under Fall 2020 >> Special Events.  Registration is open until Friday, Oct. 23.

Two cases of Covid-19 at Hanscom Middle School

Two students from the same household who attend Hanscom Middle School have tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall informed Lincoln Public Schools parents on Monday.

The recipients of McFall’s email were parents whose children have not had close contact with the affected students. Parents of children who were in close contact were notified separately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result. The school was also disinfected with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that tested positive, McFall wrote.

Students in quarantine have access to their classwork via their remote learning platform (either SeeSaw or Google Classroom). “In addition, we have support at each level for students during quarantine including their Learning Coaches, classroom assistants, tutors, and our counseling services,” McFall wrote.

Council on Aging activities in October

Here are some of the October activities hosted by the Lincoln Council on Aging. Most events are open to Lincoln residents of all ages. For more information and a full list, including regular meetings of groups and online chats with town officials, see the COA’s calendar page or newsletter.

Medicare update
Friday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Now is your opportunity to make changes to the various types of Medicare coverage including hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2021. Don Milan, Lincoln counselor from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program, will review Medicare basics, then present the 2021 Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance plans available to supplement basic Medicare coverage as well as discuss changes for 2021. To register for this Zoom event, email gagnea@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-8811 ext. 102. Please note that a Medicare 101 session to go over basic Medicare in great detail will also be held in the near future.

Drive-through flu shot clinic
Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.–noon
Lincoln residents aged 65+ are invited to come to the high-dose flu clinic at the Lincoln North Office Park (55 Old Bedford Rd.). Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up. Forms are available on the COA website or by mail. Bring a photocopy of your insurance card to clinic. Services will be provided free of charge by Emerson Hospital Home Care. This clinic is a joint collaboration between the COA, Fire Department, and the Lincoln public health nurse.

Drive-through shredding event
Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 1–4 p.m.
Bring your items for shredding in your car to the First Parish Church parking lot across from Bemis Hall. We’ll place the items on a cart and Highland Shredding will shred these documents on site free of charge. No need to remove staples. Arrival times are staggered by the first letter of your last name:

  • A–G: arrive between 1 and 2 p.m.
  • H–R: arrive between 2 and 3 p.m.
  • S–Z: arrive between 3 and 4 p.m.

Participants must wear a mask and stay in their car. This event is sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA.

Outdoor podiatry clinic
Tuesday, Oct. 27 and November 24
All participants must preregister by calling 781-259-8811. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Suggested $10 donation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging and Pierce House.

Estate planning 101
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
Elder Law Attorney Sasha Golden will share important information and encourage everyone to have important documents up to date. Email gagnea@lincolntown.org to register.

Living well: making every moment count
Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.
Educator Mary Crowe, LICSW, ACHP-SW, C.D.S. from Care Dimensions will share ways to make every moment count. To register, click here. You’ll receive a confirmation email after you register.

Issue #2 of the Chipmunk is here!

Hot off the (digital) presses is the newest issue of the Lincoln Chipmunk. Have a look at writing and artwork by your fellow Lincolnites:

chipmunk.lincolnsquirrel.com

We’re shooting for an every-other-month schedule, so the deadline for the next issue in the first week of December will be Monday, November 22. If you live, work, or go to school in Lincoln — or even if you grew up here — send in your creative work. Click here for details.

News acorns

Fall farm fun for church group

First Parish in Lincoln church members and friends enjoyed socially distanced picnicking, pumpkin-picking, hay ride, and ice cream truck hired by the church at Matlock Farm on September 27. FPL member families, whose children have missed seeing each other on Sunday mornings, were happy to be together again on a beautiful fall day. Several parents commented that without the Flints’ pumpkin patch, they wouldn’t have felt comfortable engaging in the fall tradition of going into a field to get a pumpkin, as the larger farms are often crowded. The farm will be open for family fun every weekend this month (see the Lincoln Squirrel News Acorns on September 21 for details).

Confronting the climate change crisis

“24 Hours of Reality” with former Lincoln residents Ariel Hoover & Bob Moore, an international event organized by the Climate Reality Project, takes place via Zoom on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. For 24 straight hours, activists from around the world will lead digital presentations and discussions highlighting what people can do to confront these challenges. To receive the Zoom link, RSVP to climatereality.leecountychapter@gmail.com and indicate you’re from the Lincoln Public Library. Participation is free and open to all.

Scarecrow Classic 5K on Oct. 18

On Sunday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m.–noon, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is holding the eighth Annual Scarecrow Classic 5K as a limited in-person race. There will be many physical distancing protocols in place, and runners will sign up for a start time, with each time capped at 10 participants. There also won’t be a gathering before or after.

To offer maximum flexibility, the Scarecrow Classic 5K will also include a virtual race option. Participants who sign up will receive their race shirt in the mail and can choose to run anytime, anywhere from October 11–18. They’re are encouraged to share pictures and experiences on social media.

Register by Wednesday, Oct. 7 to get your shirt on race day. There will be no day-of registrations and space is limited, so sign up today. The race directly supports LLCT and helps fund conservation acquisition projects, land stewardship goals, and educational programming. For registration and more details about safety protocols, visit www.scarecrowclassic5k.com.

Domestic Violence Roundtable hosts “What to Do, What to Say”

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites area residents to its meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m., where staff from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence leading a discussion entitled “What to Do, What to Say.” This hourlong workshop will review warning signs and patterns of abusive relationships, identify available resources, and develop the skills of friends, family, and neighbors to support loved ones in their lives. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the organization’s website.

Please note that the meeting will be recorded. Those who wish to not be viewed in the recording are encouraged to turn off their video. We will hide those with videos turned off from the recording. Folks are also welcome to change their name for the meeting. We will review how to hide video and change one’s name at the start of the meeting. Anyone with questions may email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Fill out online survey for Connections

Connections, a program to connect high school students and seniors, kicks off during the week of October 17, and the program has launch a website (www.connections01773.org) where all participants can fill out a brief survey about their interests, schedule, and preferred method of communication (phone, Zoom, or paper letter). Click here to go to directly to the survey page. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 16.

Library event celebrates voting rights anniversary

Sheryl Faye as Susan B. Anthony

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote and learn all about Susan B. Anthony’s life in an immersive multimedia show where Sheryl Faye will portray Anthony followed by a Q&A session on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all ages. For a Zoom invitation, email lrothenberg@minlib.net. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Library.

LLCT hosts author Richard Primack

Richard Primack

Join the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust for a talk by Richard Primack, author of Walden Warming: Climate Change Comes to Thoreau’s Woods on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a brief business meeting to elect/re-elect trustees.

Primack is a professor of biology at Boston University with a specialization in plant ecology, conservation biology, and climate change biology. He and his team have been using Thoreau’s records from the 1850s to document changing flowering and leafing out times of plants, earlier flight times of butterflies, and changes to migratory bird patterns. As his work gains momentum, he is extending his research to look at changes to the autumn season as well.

All are welcome to this free program; click here to register. If you would like to attend but need help registering, email llct@lincolnconservation.org. 

Lincoln’s Emanuel wins award from WGBH

Gabrielle Emanuel

WBGH reporter and Lincoln resident Gabrielle Emanuel has been named a 2021 Margret and Hans Rey/Curious George Fellowship awardee by WGBH. She’s among a group of five WGBH content creators who were recognized for their outstanding work with the Boston public media producer. The award noted that Emanuel has produced “thoughtful and in-depth journalism, unveiling nuanced stories on subjects such as the opioid trials in federal court and the untold history of the Reverse Freedom Riders.” Made possible through a bequest from author Margret Rey through the Curious George Foundation, this fellowship recognizes GBH creators who work in areas reflecting Rey’s broad interests, including science, public affairs, arts, health and children’s programming. Emanuel has received numerous other awards for her reporting, including national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Sigma Delta Chi Award, and a Clarion Award. 

Buy used books at the library

The Lincoln Public Library is now open by appointment, and visitors are welcome to browse carts of used books for sale in the connector lobby. Books are $2 each; please bring dollar bills as staff will no be able to make change. All revenue from book sales supports programs and special equipment at the library.

Face masks required for everyone on school campus

Face masks are now required by everyone on school property (students, staff, parents, visitors, and construction workers) at the Lincoln School and on school vehicles. Masks must be worn securely over nose and mouth at all times indoors, and outdoors any time you’re within six feet of another person. The policy follows recommendations by the CDC, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind will not be considered appropriate. Masks must have at least two layers of breathable material and must be worn by all individuals in school buildings, on school grounds, and on school transportation.

Masks may be removed during “mask breaks” and while eating and drinking. Appropriate accommodations will be made for those who are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other identified health or safety concerns. If students are in violation of this policy, the building principal will consult with the parent/guardians to determine whether an exception is appropriate, or the student may be removed from the school building and transferred to remote learning until such time as they can comply with the requirement or the requirement is lifted. This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.

Update

The September 30 article headlined “Leaked harassment allegations against Higgins result in uproar” originally stated that the complaint by Jennifer Burney was sent to only two of the three Selectmen. However, the Lincoln Squirrel has learned that Selectman Jonathan Dwyer also received it, albeit in a separate email. The article has been updated to reflect this information. The story has also been edited to remove some details to protect the privacy of a minor.