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

My Turn: L-S School Committee leaders introduce themselves

By Ravi Simon and Cathie Bitter

As the recently elected chair and vice chair of the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School Committee, we would like to take a minute to introduce ourselves. We both appreciate the opportunity to serve in these roles and look forward to advocating on behalf of students, family members, and residents to ensure Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School provides an excellent, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for all students. Here’s some background about us:

Committee chair Ravi Simon is in his second year on the committee. Ravi is an LSRHS alumnus (Class of 2015), and a legislative staffer in the Massachusetts State House. He grew up in Sudbury and attended Sudbury’s public schools. He currently works for state Rep. Carmine Gentile, who represents Sudbury, half of Lincoln and Wayland, and parts of Concord and Marlborough. Ravi has a passion for public service and is honored to be working to advocate for and help members of his community every day. He ran for a position on the L-S School Committee in 2023 to bring his perspective as a former student to the committee’s discussions and to ensure that today’s students receive an education as good as the one he received at L-S.

Vice chair Cathie Bitter is just starting her second year on the committee. She is a resident of Lincoln with two children who attended Lincoln Public Schools and who will be attending L-S in the fall. A former high school chemistry teacher, she has worked as an education researcher for more than 20 years, leading research and evaluation projects in the areas of K-12 school improvement, innovative instructional approaches, and postsecondary preparation. Cathie has also been an active volunteer in Lincoln schools, having served on the boards of the Lincoln School Foundation, the Lincoln PTO, and Magic Garden Preschool.

We both look forward to leading the committee through the 2024-25 school year. The committee will meet in an upcoming retreat to brainstorm, discuss, and select goals for the year. Our priorities will be set during the retreat, but we do know that several important items will be on our plate this year, including negotiating a fair contract with the teachers; taking a look at the new advisory program that kicked off last school year; and our annual responsibilities, which include approving a budget and evaluating our superintendent/principal, who was new to L-S last school year.

We are both committed to ensuring the committee is transparent, accessible, and open to good faith feedback. Last year, we worked to ensure that our agendas linked to the documents the committee discussed in meetings, held listening sessions to get input from the community, and posted regular newsletters. We look forward to sharing our work and maintaining opportunities for community input this upcoming school year.

You can sign up for the school committee’s email list and find all of our meeting agendas, minutes, and presentations at our website: www.lsrhs.net/about/school_committee. We are excited for the school year ahead and continued opportunities to collaboratively support L-S’s students, teachers, and community.

“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.

Second hearing Sept. 3 on water rate increases

The Water Department and Water Commissioners will hold the second of two public hearings on proposed water rate increases on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

The department needs to raise rates for two reasons, Water Department Superintendent Darin LaFalam said. The last fiscal year saw greater than average rainfall, resulting in less demand for water (especially water used for irrigation) and therefore revenue that was about $200,000 less than expected.

In addition, the Department of Revenue requires that the town’s real estate tax bills cannot be processed until the Water Department budget is balanced and shows no possibility of a deficit. This directive has been in place for decades, but in prior years, the town was able to submit an analysis comparing several fiscal years showing water consumption and revenue collected to support the fact that varying weather patterns affect water consumption in any given year, and that on average, most fiscal year revenue remains somewhat consistent.

“This year, they are not accepting that analysis. We must prove where the additional revenue will come from, and the only way to do that is through a rate increase,” said Finance Director and Town Accountant Colleen Wilkins. “Since projected revenues for the FY2025 budget are based on prior year amounts, and those revenue amounts came in lower than anticipated, the FY2025 budget is now out of balance.” She added that this issue affects only the FY2025 budget, and that FY2024 results (revenues compared to expenditures) from water operations were positive.

Details of the budget shortfall and proposed rate increases will be revealed at the hearings (the first was on August 27). Click here for the Zoom link for the September 3 hearing.

My Turn: Vote Mara Dolan for Governor’s Council

By Barbara Slayter

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, Lincoln voters choosing the Democratic primary ballot will find only one office for which the incumbent is contested.  This is the office of Governor’s Councillor representing the Governor’s Council District 3 that includes a swath of cities and towns to the west of Boston, among them Lincoln.

I urge all those voting in the Democratic primary to cast their ballot for Mara Dolan. She seeks to replace Marilyn Petitto Devaney, who has served on the Council as representative from district 3 for 25 years. Mara Dolan would bring to the position:

  • Extensive experience as a public defender
  • Professional qualifications for confirming judges, parole board members, and commutations and pardons, all Governor’s Council responsibilities
  • Determination to defend women’s reproductive rights
  • Support for humane, science-based policies for addiction recovery
  • Support for raising the age for Juvenile Court jurisdiction
  • A commitment to transparency in government

Having attended a debate between Devaney and Dolan at the Concord Public Library in June, where, indeed, the sparks did fly, having heard both speak at several local Democratic gatherings, and having perused their websites and records, I have concluded that Mara Dolan is far and away the stronger candidate. The Boston Globe has come to the same conclusion and has endorsed Dolan.  Despite Marilyn Devaney’s long service — and perhaps also because of it — I urge you to cast your vote next Tuesday, Sept. 3 for Mara Dolan for Governor’s Councillor representing District 3.

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

News acorns

Let the classes begin

Keynote speaker Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson, a racial equity strategist and educator, highlighted opening day of the 2024-25 school year on August 26 for all Lincoln and Hanscom teachers and staff in Donaldson Auditorium. Students begin classes on Thursday. Left to right: Assistant Superintendent Torrance Lewis, Superintendent of Schools Parry Graham, Dr. Amante-Jackson, and Lincoln METCO Director Marika Hamilton. 

Lincoln Green Energy Coaches host debut session

Do you have questions about long-distance travel in an EV (electric vehicle)? Are you worried about indoor air quality but unsure about induction stoves? Is your aging hot water tank inefficient? Do you want to learn more about saving energy with a heat pump dryer? Lincoln Green Energy Coaches are here to help you make a plan! The Lincoln Green Energy Coach program will debut with an event on Saturday, Sept. 14 in Bemis Hall from 1–3 p.m. There will a short introduction about the program with some examples of homes that have reduced their carbon footprint in different ways. Coaches will then be available to discuss different topics from heat pumps to solar PV. Click here to register.

The event is being held in conjunction with the Friends of Modern Architecture tour of three energy-efficient modern homes on the following day. Click here for more information and tickets. The Green Energy Coaching program is sponsored by CFREE, a working group of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee and the Lincoln Climate Action Planning committee.

Author/historian to discuss The Walls Have Ears

On Saturday, Sept. 14 from 2–3 p.m. via Zoom, author and historian Helen Fry will discuss The Walls Have Ears, her history of the elaborate and brilliantly sustained World War II intelligence operation by which Hitler’s generals were tricked into giving away vital Nazi secrets. Register here.

Lincoln’s Mark Deck conquers adversity to ride in PMC Unpaved

Mark Deck

Lincoln resident Mark Deck will ride in PMC Unpaved (part of the Pan-Mass Challenge), a gravel bike-a-thon to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber), on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Stockbridge, Mass. PMC Unpaved offers two gravel routes of 30 and 50 miles through the scenic backroads of the Berkshires, allowing riders of varying abilities to participate in the PMC’s mission.

After riding the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) for 11 years and raising nearly $150,000 for Dana-Farber, Mark faced his own battle with pancreatic cancer, undergoing aggressive chemo, radiation, and a Whipple surgery. Unfortunately, following his battle, Mike had an accident in 2021 that caused a spinal cord injury, but he was dedicated to find a way to ride again and continue the fight against cancer. He now rides a recumbent trike, which he will use during his PMC Unpaved ride along with his son. To learn more about Mark and make a donation, click here.

The PMC, which has raised more than $1 billion since 1980, is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, accounting for more than 62% of its Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

Police log for August 15–22, 2024

August 15

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:13 a.m.) — A vehicle was stopped after performing an illegal U-turn and speeding. The operator, Timothy Fuller, 27, of Norfolk, Va., was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor. He was arraigned in Concord District Court the following morning.

Bedford Road (3:15 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing what they thought were gunshots. Lincoln officers were tied up on an arrest; officers from the Concord Police Department investigated and found nothing out of the ordinary.

Lexington Road (11:52 a.m.) — A caller reported their mailbox was damaged at some point during the night. An officer contacted the individual and advised them that it was related to a past motor vehicle crash.

August 16

North Great Road (12:05 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a motorist parked in the Hartwell parking Lot. The motorist cleared the area a short time later.

South Great Road (6:21 a.m.) — The MBTA notified the Lincoln Police that a disabled train was causing the Route 117 and Lincoln Road railroad gates to remain in the down position. The problem was rectified a short time later.

Codman Road (2:40 p.m.) — An officer responded for a report of a sick raccoon but was unable to locate the animal.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (4:31 p.m.) — Massachusetts State Police called regarding individuals camping in the woods near Route 2. The officer was unable to locate anyone.

Lexington Road (5:47 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding ongoing harassment.

Sandy Pond Road (7:39 p.m.) — A caller reported a person fishing at Sandy Pond. The person was gone upon the officer’s arrival.

Hillside Road (8:26 p.m.) — Multiple callers reported hearing fireworks or gunshots. Officers checked the area but heard nothing.

August 17

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:00 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The operator was fine and was sent on their way.

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (1:09 p.m.) — A caller reported that a landscaper was using a gas-powered leaf blower. The landscape crew was gone on arrival.

North Commons (3:05 p.m. and 3:52 p.m.) — Officers responded to an ongoing neighbor dispute/harassment.

Wells Road (3:55 p.m.) — A neighbor called to request a well-being check. The Fire Department was able to confirm that the individual was fine and needed no assistance.

August 18

Hanscom Drive (11:45 a.m.) — A vehicle turning from Hanscom Drive onto Route 2A struck a cyclist turning onto Hanscom Drive. The cyclist suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. The motorist was cited for failing to yield.

Mill Street (12:42 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing two chickens in the woods. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

South Great Road (3:14 p.m.) — A driver was unable to maintain control and drove off the right side of the road near Bowles Terrace, striking five wooden pylons before coming to rest on the sidewalk. The operator was cited for a marked lanes violation and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

South Great Road (10:21 p.m.) — A caller asked to speak with an officer regarding credit card fraud.

August 19

The Commons of Lincoln (12:26 a.m.) — Officers helped a caller get in touch with a relative.

Wells Road (9:25 a.m.) — An officer checked the rear of a residence at the request of the homeowner.

Conant Road (3:25 p.m.) — Officers helped a person check a residence.

Huckleberry Hill (3:37 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a person about a previously reported incident.

Stratford Way (5:13 p.m.) — A caller reported that a landscape company was using gas-powered leaf blowers. An officer responded and advised the workers of the town’s bylaw.

August 20

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (11:36 a.m.) — A road rage incident was reported to the Massachusetts State Police.

Todd Pond Road (12:10 p.m.) — A caller reported a raccoon lying in their yard. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Harvest Circle (8:24 p.m.) — An officer assisted a caller with a medical question.

August 21

Todd Pond Road (8:46 a.m.) — A caller requested a consult with the Animal Control Officer.

Tower Road (11:38 a.m.) — A caller requested a well-being check on a family member who was having issues with their cell phone.

Orchard Lane (7:00 p.m.) — A tow truck was delivering a vehicle when it rolled too far and struck a vehicle and person. The person was driven to a hospital before police arrived at the scene.

August 22

Bedford Road (1:35 a.m.) — A caller asked for assistance in removing a bird from inside their home. Officers responded but were unable to remove the bird. The caller was given information for pest control services.

Weston Road (8:02 a.m.) — An officer found a person behind a residence taking photos. The person was photographing flowers, and they were advised not to photograph on private property without the consent of the homeowner.

Freedom Circle, Hanscom AFB (3:52 p.m.) — An officer performed a well-being check at the request of an outside agency.

Stratford Way (5:18 p.m.) — A caller reported that a landscape company was using gas-powered leaf blowers. An officer arrived but found no one on the property.

Wells Road (6:45 p.m.) — A caller reported an issue with a neighbor. An officer responded and spoke with all parties involved.

Doo-Wop Team hits it out of the park

The Doo-Wop Team from the Lincoln Council on Aging & Human Services sang on the field at Polar Park in Worcester before the WooSox minor-league game on August 16. Group member Peter Stewart plays the organ at Polar Park twice a month and encouraged the group to come and sing. Members also took a moment to sing “Happy Birthday” to member Harold McAleer, who turned 94 the next day. The Doo-Wop team has performed several gigs and donated the proceeds to the Lincoln food pantry over the past year. Left to right: Priscilla Leach, R.L. Smith, McAleer, Mark Faulkner, Stewart, Candace Foster, and Jessica Bethoney. Not visible in photo: Carol DiGianni and Lynne LaSpina.

Recent project partially updates water system, but more to come

A recent money-saving water main project in North Lincoln had its roots in history, but more water-related spending is on the horizon.

Minute Man National Historic Park has been getting some upgrades to prepare for next year’s 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolution. Improvements to Virginia Road are part of that effort, and park officials asked the Lincoln Water Department several months ago whether the area’s water main could withstand the heavy equipment performing the work. Water Department Superintendent Darin LaFalam continued the story in an email to the Lincoln Squirrel:

“That led to discussion of approximately 30 abandoned water service lines under the section of Virginia road from Hartwell Tavern west to the Bloody Angle intersection. These are service lines that went to homes that were removed for the national park. We let [park] employees know we have had to dig to repair a few of these service lines which were leaking over the past couple years. They did not like the idea of more digging into their improved Virginia road to repair future service line leaks.

“To protect their investment in Virginia Road, we agreed to abandon an approximately a quarter-mile long section of water main that only serves Hartwell Tavern and a park comfort station. This main abandonment does not create any dead ends in our distribution system and may improve water quality by reducing water age in that area of town… This will prevent many future shutdowns for the repair of leaking abandoned service lines,” LaFalam wrote.

The job required shutting off water service to some homes at the northern end of Bedford Road and Silver Birch Lane for several hours. Affected residents were notified with flyers in their mailboxes — but the flyers incorrectly said this would take place on August 13, not the 14th (though notices on LincolnTalk and the Lincoln Squirrel had the correct date). When the water shutoff actually happened on the 14th — and when it also affected more people and lasted longer than expected — there were some ruffled feathers.

The work was supposed to be finished by 2 p.m. on August 14, but “occasionally, when working on underground infrastructure, unforeseen circumstances arise. We were forced to close valves further from the job site than expected to isolate the work area, creating an interruption in water service on Mill Street as well. Our crew and contractor worked diligently, but we could not get the water turned on until 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” LaFalam wrote in an apologetic August 15 LincolnTalk post directed to northern Bedford Road and Mill Street customers who unexpectedly lost water service.

Water main replacement plan

The temporary inconvenience will save money for the town in the long run — but more big spending is ahead as several of Lincoln’s other water mains (some more than 100 years old) are slated for replacement. Tighe and Bond, an engineering firm hired by the Water Department, came up with a priority list after doing testing and analysis of the existing water mains (age, materials and condition in recently repaired portions).

Topping the list: a segment that starts under Bedford Road near the top of the hill about a quarter-mile from the five-way intersection and then down Lincoln Road to the Codman Road intersection.

“During a main break on Lincoln Road near Ballfield Road two years ago, we saw the 10-inch cast iron main is tuberculated with mineral deposits down to about a 5-inch inner diameter. This restricts water flow and reduces fire protection flow. Flow testing confirmed this restriction of flow the length of Lincoln Road to Codman Road,” LaFalam said. “We had a main break on Bedford Road near the Library approximately six years ago and saw similar conditions, as well as porous cast iron pipe with greatly reduced integrity. We will be replacing the existing 10-inch cast iron pipe with 12-inch cement lined ductile iron. This will help future proof water flow capacity to the Lincoln Station area for any future housing developments.”

The project is estimated to cost $8.6 million. “Yes, the number is staggering to me as well. With construction costs increasing rapidly, the longer work is put off, the more expensive it becomes,” LaFalam said. The work will be broken into two parts. At the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, residents authorized a bond issue for $2.2 million to pay for Phase 1 from the top of the hill on Bedford Road down to the five-way intersection. The project has not yet been put out to bid so scheduling is unclear, but the hope is to start in spring 2025, he added.

For Phase 2 from the five-way intersection to Codman Road, the Water Department plans to ask for another $6.4 million in bonding at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. If it’s necessary to break that phase into two parts, “the railroad tracks could be a natural stopping point,” LaFalam said.

The town is looking for funding sources other than Lincoln taxpayers. Officials have made requests through the State Revolving Fund financial assistance program for the past two years, “but the project has not made the cut. Most federal and state funding is going towards PFAS treatment projects right now,” he said.

Carolyn Betts Johnston, 1942–2024

Carol Betts Johnson

Carolyn Betts Johnston, age 82, of Kennett Square, Penn., and formerly of Lincoln, passed away on August 3, 2024 after an extended illness. Born 1942 in Morristown, N.J, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Hazel Jacobs Betts.

A graduate of Dickinson College, Carolyn developed a love for nature, animals, and in particular, miniature shelties; her enjoyment of art, bridge-playing, volunteering, and travel rounded out her many special qualities. She and her husband, Dr. David Johnston, lived on Farrar Pond Road from the late 1970s until 2013, when they moved to Pennsylvania (David is buried in Lincoln).

Carolyn developed many lifelong friendships wherever she went, sharing her talents with the canine community with dog-obedience training and care, along with giving of herself with her calligraphy skills. She shared her gifts with her community and with the treasured friendships she formed through the years. As a lifelong diabetic, Carolyn beat the odds and bore this disease with patience, determination, and grace.

A devoted wife, sister, aunt and cherished friend, Carolyn and her presence will be deeply missed. Carolyn is predeceased by her husband, Dr. David Johnston, and her stepson, Skip Johnston. She is also predeceased by her brothers, Roger (and his wife, Joan) and Richard. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Patti Johnston of Massachusetts, and cousins Alan Jacobs of Wales and Gregory Jacobs of Indiana. Two step-grandchildren, Jonathan Johnston of Oklahoma and Megan Johnston of Switzerland, also survive Carolyn. She also leaves nephews and their families: Stephen and Sandra Betts and their daughters Melissa and Nina, all of Clarks Summit, Penn.; David of Edwardsville, Penn., and Gregory of Scranton, Penn.; and her niece Heather of Tunkhannoc, Penn.

At Carolyn’s request, there was no viewing or service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kennel Club.

This obituary was provided by the Longwood Funeral Home in Kennett Square, Penn. To leave a sympathy note, click here.

Police log for August 1–14, 2024

August 1

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:43 a.m.) — National Grid called to notify Public Safety regarding a controlled natural gas venting.

Wells Road (10:27 a.mn.) — An officer assisted an individual with a Freedom of Information Act request.

Wells Road (12:41 p.m.) — A resident reported the theft of a package from their residence. Officers conducted a check of the area.

Todd Pond Road (1:00 p.m.) — An person who was soliciting without a permit was advised to stop and informed about the procedure to get permission.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (3:19 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked in a driveway for an extended period. An officer checked and determined the vehicle belonged to a contractor.

August 2

Ridge Road (9:56 a.m.) — A person spoke to an officer regarding a missing item.

Trapelo Road (11:59 a.m.) — An officer advised several people that fishing in the Cambridge Reservoir is prohibited.

Oak Meadow Road (2:30 p.m.) —Animal Control Officer contact information was given to a person regarding a past incident involving a dog bite.

Lincoln Police Department (3:37 p.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding a vehicle parked in a no parking zone at the public safety building.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (5:09 p.m.) —Massachusetts State Police and Lincoln Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 2 by exit 125.

Doherty’s Garage (5:35 p.m.) — Officers responded to the gas station after a motorist drove off without paying. It appeared as though the incident was an oversight on the part of the motorist.

Donelan’s Supermarket (6:40 p.m.) — A caller reported a dog had been left in a vehicle. An officer checked all vehicles in the lot but there were none with dogs inside.

August 3

North Great Road (1:35 a.m.) — An officer came upon a person walking on Route 2A. The officer provided a courtesy transport to a hotel in Lexington.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:39 a.m.) — An officer helped make contact with a representative from Algonquin Gas regarding an issue with a piece of equipment on site.

Tower Road (1:32 p.m.) — The MBTA called to report the railroad gates at Tower Road are stuck down. An officer checked the area and reported the gates appear to be functioning properly. Maintenance was summoned to the scene.

Concord Road (1:51 p.m.) — A caller reported a heron near the roadside with a possibly injured leg. The Animal Control Officer was notified and said they would monitor should more calls come in.

North Great Road (2:08 p.m.) — A minor two-vehicle crash occurred when one vehicle rear-ended another that was waiting at the Bedford Road stop sign. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

Lincoln Road (2:58 p.m.) — A caller reported the railroad gates were going up and down as they drove through the intersection. An officer responded and observed the gates functioning properly. The MBTA was notified.

Lincoln Police Department (3:40 p.m.) — A wallet was turned in at the Police Department. The owner was notified.

Ridge Road (4:42 p.m.) — An officer spoke with an individual regarding an ongoing incident.

Donelan’s Supermarket (5:10 p.m.) — A caller requested a well-being check on an individual in the Donelan’s parking lot. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the described person.

Russett Court (9:11 p.m.) — An officer checked on a person at the request of another department.

August 4

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (10:03 p.m.) — Lincoln police and fire units responded to a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 2 and Old County Road. Massachusetts State Police handled the crash.

August 5

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (3:51 a.m.) —Concord Police notified the Lincoln Police regarding an incident occurring on Hanscom Air Force Base. No police action was taken.

Lincoln Road commuter lot (4:30 p.m.) — A caller said a truck had been idling for approximately an hour. An officer spoke to the operator, who cleared from the area.

Woods End Road (4:55 p.m.) — An officer served a person with paperwork.

Old County Road (5:38 p.m.) — An officer checked the area for an individual who appeared to be going to the Cambridge Reservoir to fish but was unable to locate the person.

Mayflower Road, Hanscom AFB (6:02 p.m.) — Officers responded to Hanscom Air Force Base for a missing person. The person was located several hours later safe and sound.

August 6

Storey Drive (8:59 a.m.) — Officers responded to a residence for a report of a suspicious person. The individual was a contractor waiting for an additional helper.

Minuteman Technical High School (9:27 p.m.) — Officers located an person behind the high school who was subsequently transported to the hospital.

August 7

Hilliard Road (6:59 a.m.) — An caller reported a deceased fox by their entryway. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Bank of America (2:20 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual who was a possible victim of a bank-related scam.

Bedford Road (4:17 p.m.) — An individual reported being the victim of a fraud.

Minuteman Technical High School (9:47 p.m.) — A person was found on the high school’s property. A relative arrived to retrieve the individual.

August 8

Post office (9:03 a.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle running for an extended period of time. The vehicle was turned off a short time later.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (11:32 a.m.) — A parking complaint was called in by a contractor doing work in the closed Hartwell Tavern lot. The parked vehicles were owned by National Park employees.

Magic Garden, Bedford Road (11:47 a.m.) — A caller reported discovering an injured bird. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Birchwood Lane (12:06 p.m.) — A caller requested the services of the Animal Control Officer for a deceased animal in their yard.

Liberty Lane, Hanscom AFB (3:43 p.m.) — An officer spoke to two people who were attempting to coordinate a time to retrieve an item.

Mattison Drive, Concord (8:48 p.m.) — Officers assisted Concord police in searching an area for a house break suspect.

August 9

Birchwood Lane (5:04 p.m.) — A person was going door-to-door to discuss painting services. They were advised to stop and were given information about obtaining a solicitor’s permit.

Ridge Road (5:10 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding an ongoing incident.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:42 p.m.) — A vehicle was stopped for making an illegal U-turn. The operator, Rachel Paquette, 37, of West Roxbury was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

August 10

Concord Road, Wayland (8:38 a.m.) — An officer assisted Wayland Police with an incident.

Lincoln Police Department (6:22 p.m.) — A lost passport was turned in at the Police Department. The owner was notified.

August 11

Nothing of note.

August 12

Ridge Road (6:17 p.m.) — An officer spoke with an individual regarding an ongoing incident.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (7:57 p.m.) — An officer performed a well-being check on an individual who had not been heard from for several days. The person was fine.

August 13

MMNHP Visitor Center parking lot (1:16 a.m.) — An officer came upon two parked and occupied vehicles and sent the people on their way.

North Great Road (10:35 a.m.) — A two-vehicle crash occurred near Bedford Road. There were no injuries reported. One of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Conant Road (2:15 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a construction supervisor and advised their staff to keep a shared driveway open and passable.

Concord Road (2:38 p.m.) — A two-vehicle crash was reported at the intersection with Farrar Road. There were no injuries reported. One of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Winter Street (4:20 p.m.) — An item was turned in at the Police Department after being found on a conservation trail.

August 14

Mill Street (12:14 p.m.) — A resident called to report their water meter was leaking. The Water Department was notified.

Lexington Road (1:47 p.m.) — An officer helped a person who wanted to make a report.

Lincoln Road (5:22 p.m.) — A person came to the Police Station to report a possible motor vehicle crash at Lincoln Road and South Great Road. Officers checked the area but there was no crash to be found.

Codman Road (5:50 p.m.) — An automatic crash notification was sent from an Apple device. The notification was a result of a phone being dropped from a moving vehicle.

Philip B. Jensen, 1922-2024

Philip B. Jensen

Philip Bailey Jensen, M.D., passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 at the age of 102 in Lincoln. Philip was born on April 10, 1922 to Mabelle (nee Bailey) and Axel Palle Christian Jensen in Kingston, Surrey, England. 

Philip was the devoted husband of Dorothy Patricia Jensen, who passed away in August 2020. The couple emigrated to the U.S. from England in 1954, where they shared almost 65 years of marriage and raised a family. Philip is survived by his loving three children, Frances (Jeffrey), Charles, and Richard (Sabita) Jensen; grandchildren Andrew Murphy (Shannon), William Murphy (Samantha), Philip Jensen, Anja Jensen, Viggo Jensen, and Soren Jensen; and great-granddaughter Kira Murphy. 

After finishing his secondary education at Epsom College, he enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1941 and served through 1946 during World War II. Philip became a lieutenant RNVR and served in the Mediterranean, Africa, and eventually South America. He served on several ships including the HMS Airedale and the HMS Ajax, and among his many roles he was a celestial navigator.

Following the war, Philip studied medicine at Middlesex Hospital Medical School at London University. Upon receiving his medical degree in 1952, he received his residency training in urology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. During his career, Philip had busy practices in Greenwich, Conn., and Westchester County, N.Y. He then moved to Sharon, Conn., in 1976, where he practiced urology until his retirement in 1993. Philip and Patricia spent almost 40 years in their beloved home in Sharon, where he spent his leisure time avidly golfing, traveling and gardening. They moved to Lincoln to reside with their son Richard and his family. 

 Philip will be remembered as a remarkably resilient individual, who always provided optimism and encouragement to his children, grandchildren and others around him. He demonstrated curiosity and adaptability in a changing world, especially keeping up with technology and media to his very last day. He was always understated and soft-spoken yet provided timely support and encouragement to family by invariably pointing out opportunities, even in the face of adversity. He was an incredible backbone of the extended family and will be deeply missed. 

Philip will be laid to rest near his late wife Patricia at St Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Lincoln. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations designated for “Philip Jensen Medical Education Fund at Sharon Hospital” may be sent to Foundations of Nuvance Health, P.O. Box 22539, New York, NY 10087-2539, or online at nuvancehealth.org/giving.

Arrangements are under the care of the Concord Funeral Home, which provided this obituary. To leave a message in the online guestbook, click here.