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

News acorns

EEE risk in Sudbury rises to moderate

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health DPH) has increased the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) risk level to “moderate” in Sudbury after the virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from the surveillance program in that town, though the risk in Lincoln remains low. No human cases have been reported. On September 5, the DPH also announced two additional human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts, bringing the total number of human cases to six. One is a man in his 50s who was exposed in Suffolk County; the other is a man in his 80s with exposure in southern Middlesex County. The Lincoln and Sudbury Health Department continue to work closely with the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project to conduct mosquito surveillance and (in Sudbury) additional truck-mounted spraying as needed in the targeted areas.

Lincoln Land Conservation Trust news

LLCT and Conservation Dept. work days
Join other volunteers helping to manage invasive plants on conservation land. The next work day is Friday, Sept. 13 from 1-3pm. All tools provided; just bring gloves. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

LLCT and COAHS Noticing Walks
These gently paced walks are all about the journey, not the destination. They take place on first Tuesdays and mid-month Wednesdays from September 18 through December 11. Click here or more details, dates and locations, and registration.

“The Nature and Science of Fall Foliage”
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
LLCT welcomes Tia Pinney, a senior naturalist at Mass Audubon, to speak about the science of fall foliage via Zoom. Click here to register.

Scarecrow Classic 5K
The 12th annual Scarecrow Classic 5K to benefit the LLCT takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants enjoy a course through Lincoln’s roads and trails, with colorful scarecrows along the route and cider donuts at the finish line. Register by Monday, Oct. 7 to guarantee a Scarecrow Classic Tech Shirt on race day. Pre-registration closes the Friday before the race and limited same-day registrations are available. Learn more and register at scarecrowclassic5k.com. The LLCT is also looking for sponsors and volunteers. Email llct@lincolnconservation.org if you can help.

Council on Aging & Human Services activities

The COA&HS’s Lincoln Academy takes place on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. This month:

  • September 13 — “Journey to Victoria Falls and Okurango Delta” with Lincoln resident Ed Tam
  • September 20 — “A History of Fraud through the Ages” where local author Bob Ainsworth shares the story of swindlers from ancient Greece to today.
  • September 27 — “Chomsky and Me: A Memoir.” Author Bev Stohl shares her story of running the MIT office of the renowned linguist and social critic Noam Chomsky for nearly two and a half decades.

Marilyn Buckler, 1933–2024

Longtime Lincoln resident Marilyn Buckler passed away on August 13 at the age of 91. Click here to read her obituary.

Register for L-S adult ed classes

L-S Adult & Community Education Classes has several classes starting this month, including dance, family fishing, boating skills, SAT prep, ChatGPT, real estate investing, and “Preparing for ‘The Talk’ with Your Elder Parents.” Click here for course listings and registration. Questions? Email adult.ed@lsrhs.net or leave a message at 978-443-9961 x3326.

Walden Woods events

Join the Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for “Thoreau, Landscape Scale Wildlands and Natural Democracy” with wilderness activist and author Jamie Sayen will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 7–8 p.m. via Zoom. Thoreau proposed the establishment of reserves decades before the designation of the first national parks. Click here to learn more and register.

“Author Helen Humphreys in Conversation with Jeffrey S. Cramer” happens on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. at Thoreau Farm (341 Virginia Rd., Concord) and online. Inspired by the life, letters, and diaries of Henry David Thoreau, Humphreys’ novel Followed by the Lark shows how strikingly similar the concerns of the early nineteenth century are to our own, and reminds us to listen for news of change. Click here to learn more and register.

Apply to show your work in library art gallery

The Lincoln Public Library Art & Exhibit Committee is now accepting applications to exhibit artwork in the 2025 exhibition year. Selections will be based on artistic quality, diversity, and relevance to Lincoln. For additional information and an application link, check out the Library’s Art Gallery webpage. Questions? Email Ran Cronin at rcronin@minlib.net. Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 30.

Lincoln resident to participate in Jimmy Fund walk

Lincoln resident Ana Goncalves will participate in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, Oct. 6. She and thousands of other walkers will take part in the annual event that raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Make a difference as a hospice volunteer

Care Dimensions volunteer Dave Houle visits patients with his dog Dolce.

Care Dimensions, the region’s largest provider of hospice care, will hold online training classes for those interested in becoming volunteers for the nonprofit organization in patients’ homes, care facilities, or the hospice house on Winter Street. Make a difference in a patient’s life by engaging in a shared interest or hobby, helping with letter-writing or life review, visiting with your approved dog, reading to patients, or just listening and providing a supportive, comforting presence. If patient visits are not the right fit, you can volunteer in other ways, such as providing administrative office support or making check-in phone calls to current patients or bereaved family members.

Training will be held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 7–30, from 9–11 a.m. and (register by September 27). For more information or to register, click here or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.

Police log for Aug. 23 – Sept. 4, 2024

August 23

South Great Road (12:36 a.m.) — A parked and occupied vehicle was discovered. The occupants were advised the lot was closed after dark and sent on their way.

Moccasin Hill (2:37 p.m.) — A caller spoke to an officer regarding an out-of-state scam.

Baker Farm Road (4:32 p.m.) — A caller reported a parked/unoccupied vehicle in their driveway. The vehicle was moved a short time later.

August 24

South Great Road (1:03 a.m.) — An officer checked a section of Route 117 for signs of damage related to an incident that the Maynard police were investigating.

Sandy Pond Road (3:20 a.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle in the parking lot of the DeCordova Museum. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the vehicle.

Lincoln School (3:34 a.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked behind the Reed Gym. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the vehicle.

Wheeler Road (10:21 a.m. and 10:38 a.m.) — A caller reported the odor of natural gas. National Grid was venting gas in the area.

Wells Road (10:56 a.m.) — A caller reported possible vandalism.

August 25

Liberty Lane, Hanscom AFB (7:44 a.m.) — Officers assisted the Hanscom Security Force with a civil matter.

Conant Road (3:40 a.m.) — Officers responded to a residence for the report of a larceny.

August 26

Lincoln Road (1:34 am.) — A caller reported seeing an unknown individual possibly looking into parked vehicles. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anyone.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (10:21 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing a leashed dog walk into the woods on its own. The Animal Control Officer was contacted.

Trapelo Road (11:27 a.m.) — A caller reported a leaf blower bylaw violation. An officer spoke to a landscaper and advised them of the violation.

Lincoln Road (11:26 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing someone near their vehicle. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anyone.

August 27

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (5:00 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle associated with the Algonquin Gas work site.

Lincoln Road (11:45 a.m.) — The Fire Department assisted a resident with a residential lockout.

Harvest Circle (12:06 p.m.) — An officer assisted with a dispute over a rideshare payment.

Morningside Lane (4:04 p.m.) — An officer helped a person with filing court paperwork.

Woodcock Lane (4:39 p.m.) — A caller reported an odor of natural gas in the area. The odor was coming from a greenhouse gas vent.

Hillside Road (5:27 p.m.) — A caller reported possible pesticide spraying near a honey collection area.

August 28

South Great Road (8:13 a.m.) — A driver swerved to avoid striking an animal, lost control of their vehicle, and struck a tree. The vehicle was towed. There were no injuries reported.

Concord Road (7:39 p.m.) — A caller reported coming across a raccoon that had been hit by a car. The animal died a short time later and was removed from the roadway.

August 29

Nothing of note.

August 30

Goose Pond Road (9:32 a.m.) — Officers performed a well-being check on a resident who was not home at the time.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (5:13 p.m.) — An officer came upon a minor two-vehicle crash. The operators exchanged information and then cleared the area.

Ryan Estate (8:56 p.m.) — Officers conducted a well-being check at the request of a relative.

August 31

Kelly Lane, Hanscom AFB (5:46 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person regarding a civil matter.

September 1

Mount Misery parking lot, South Great Road (12:28 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a person regarding a past encounter on a trail.

Old Sudbury Road (3:08 p.m.) — An officer moved a turtle that was thought to be deceased but was very much alive off of the road as it was obstructing a travel lane.

September 2

Hillside Road (10:38 a.m.) — The Fire Department responded for an electrical issue.

September 3

Lincoln Road (1:46 p.m.) — Two parking tickets were issued to illegally parked vehicles.

Wells Road (1:50 p.m.) — The Fire Department helped a resident ventilate their space due to an odor of natural gas.

Wells Road (7:42 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a missing item.

Mill Street (8:12 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person about a past incident involving a vehicle.

Huckleberry Hill (8:32 p.m.) — A caller reported a possible solicitor coming to their door. The area was checked but no one was found.

September 4

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:44 a.m.) — An officer assisted a motorist after they ran out of gas.

Lincoln Road (9:36 a.m.) — An officer helped the Fire Department with traffic control.

South Great Road (12:48 p.m.) — Officers responded to a minor two-vehicle crash. There were no injuries reported.

Something Special, Lincoln Road (1:58 p.m.) — An officer helped a person locate a missing item.

Linway Road (3:43 p.m.) — A caller reported a missing cat. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Ridge Road (3:54 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person who reported a missing item.

Ridge Road (6:14 p.m.) — An officer spoke with a person regarding several missing items.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (8:52 p.m.) — An officer helped a pedestrian with a courtesy transport to Concord.

Wells Road (9:00 p.m.) — An officer spoke with several people regarding harassment.

News acorns

Codman Estate Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday

The Codman Estate Arts and Crafts Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. This annual event features the work of more than 100 local artisans. Work includes painting, woodworking, food products, jewelry, photography, glass, clothing, metalwork, and more. Enjoy live entertainment, a food court, and first-floor tours of the Codman House museum. Admission is $5 (free for kids and members of Historic New England). Click here for details and tickets.

Political organizer Michael Ansara at DTC

Meet Michael Ansara, political organizer, activist, and poet at an election kickoff meeting of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Bemis Hall (coffee at 9:45 a.m., talk at 10 a.m.). Come and be inspired, hear ways to help elect the Dems, and get your questions answered.

Donate items for ski/skate/bike sale

Donate gently used skis, bikes, skates for the upcoming L-S Boosters Ski, Skate &Bike Sale. Items can be dropped off in the LSRHS courtyard on Friday, Sept. 20 (rain or shine) from 4–7 p.m. Only the following will be accepted:

  • Bikes
  • Downhill and cross-country skis, poles and boots
  • Hockey and figure skates
  • Skateboards
  • Golf clubs and bags

For more information, email Jeanine Hodges at jeaninehodges@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed for events subcommittee

The IDEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) is seeking volunteers to serve on the planning committee for a “Welcome to Lincoln” newcomers party on January 26, 2025. The subcommittee will meet twice monthly from September to early February. IDEA is also seeking volunteers to help in other capacities such as tabling at town events. Letters of interest should be sent to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant in the Select Board’s Office, elderp@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-2601.

Coming up at the library

Mindful Mondays Meditation Series
Adults are welcome to find a quiet, comfortable space to relax and join mindfulness teacher Lauren for a calming Monday lunch break meditation on Zoom from 12:30–1 p.m. Click for series flier. Register here for any or all sessions:

    • Nervous System Relaxation — Monday, Sept. 16
    • Nature Visualization — Monday, Sept. 23
    • Movement Meditation — Monday, Sept. 30

Scrabble and Uno and Chess
Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 2–3 p.m.
Get together with friends and families of all ages for a board gaming afternoon at the library on All kinds of games will be provided or bring your own. Ages 6+, no registration necessary.

Sensational Smoothies with Jodi
Thursday, Sept. 19 from 4–5 p.m.
Jodi Gorman, registered dietitian/nutritionist and owner of Happy Jars Lifestyle, will lead a class for children 8+ to create and taste simple, nutritious smoothies. Participants will go home with sensational smoothie recipe ideas. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions when signing up. Register here.

Film: “The Thin Man” (1934)
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
Dashiell Hammett’s jaunty whodunit about a missing inventor made William Powell and Myrna Loy the champagne elite of sleuthing. Sign up for the mailing list.

Author talk on finding and identifying birds
Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Author Heather Wolf, author of Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront, will discuss via Zoom how to find and identify more birds by picking a “patch,” a place close to home where you can watch birds often. Click for event flier or register here.

Looking for more events at the library? Subscribe to the Library Linc weekly e-newsletter to keep up to date on the latest events, services, and news every Friday.

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.