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

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Public hearings coming up

The Board of Water Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Offices on its plan to institute first rate hike since 2015 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Jan. 6, 2019).

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 to consider the approval of a report recommending (1) the addition, at the request of the property owners below, of the following properties to the Brown’s Wood Historic District, and (2) the preparation of a warrant article to approve the same for vote at Town Meeting on March 23, 2019.

  • 8 Moccasin Hill Road (owned by Lewis and Rosemary Lloyd)
  • 18 Moccasin Hill Road (owned by Neal and Kimberly Rajdev)

The Lincoln School Committee will hold a formal budget hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 and is scheduled to vote on the FY20 budget on Thursday, Jan. 24. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. the Multipurpose Room, Hartwell building. Copies of the proposed budget are available for review in the Lincoln Public Schools Business Office, 2nd floor, Hartwell building.

Cabaret concert at L-S

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Music Department presents its annual Cabaret Concert on Friday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the L-S cafeteria. The evening will feature contemporary, pop, Broadway, and jazz music performed by instrumental jazz ensembles and combos, and student vocal and a capella groups, including duets and soloists. Tickets are $5, with a $20 cap for families. Snacks and beverages will be sold by the L-S Friends of Music.

Find out about ranked-choice voting

Learn how ranked-choice voting could improve the fairness and effectiveness of elections when Jim Henderson, a board member of Voter Choice Massachusetts, leads a session on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. in Bemis Hall (coffee and tea will be served starting at 2:45). (Coffee/tea at 2:45.)  Henderson will present the case for ranked choice voting and lead the audience in a voting exercise to find out how the process works.

Next up for play-reading group: “The Curious Savage”

The play-reading group at the Lincoln Public Library will read “The Curious Savage,” a 1950 comedy set in the living room of a sanatorium, on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and 15 at 11 a.m. All are invited to join the play-reading or just listen — no experience necessary. The group meets on every second and third Tuesday of each month at 11 am. For more information, call Sally Kindleberger at 781-799-4892.

Jazz night at deCordova

One of the photos by Larry Fink in the deCordova exhibition, Primal Empathy.

On Friday, Feb. 1 from 6–8:30 p.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host a Jazz Night, featuring a live performance by the Patrick McGee Quintet in the Larry Fink: Primal Empathy photography exhibition gallery. As a special treat, exhibiting artist Larry Fink will play harmonica with the band. The event also features cocktails (one per ticket with more for purchase, art-making activities for all ages, and access to all exhibitions on view. Click here to buy tickets ($25 for nonmembers, $20 for members, $10 for college students with ID, $5 for kids 17 and under).

Water Department proposes rate hike

The Water Department will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Offices on its plan to institute first rate hike since 2015.

Residents are charged quarterly for town water in a three-tiered system based on their level of usage (0–20,000 gallons, 20,001–40,000 gallons, and 40,001 gallons or more). The Water Department plans to raise the charges by 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while the base change for all users will go up by $5 per quarter, said Water Commission member Ruth Ann Hendrickson.

“We’re really focused on minimizing the impact on lower-level water users who are conservation mindful,” she said.

Part of the increased revenue will be used to pay off an anticipated bond of about $1 million. Investments are needed because the Water Department is now subject to Occupational Health and Safety Administration rules, and because of recent annual inspection of procedures and methods “with a new inspector who had a big long list of things we have to do differently,” Hendrickson said.

“Just to make a perfect storm, we had some big failures this [past] year,” she added. Those included a water main break outside the library, an acid sink, and a 3,000-gallon water heater used to clean the treatment plan filters.

The three-tiered pricing structure and quarterly billing were introduced in 2015 to encourage conservation with the goal of meeting water usage limits required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Although its budget and revenue structure must be approved by the town, it is funded entirely by user fees, and its revenues are expected to meet or exceed expenditures on a year-to-year basis, with the difference held in reserve to fund emergency repairs and system improvements.

The department plans to apply for a state program that offers zero-percent interest on bonds, though it’s unknown whether it will be accepted, Hendrickson said. As part of the process for qualifying for bonding, the Water Commission has developed a long-term financial and capital improvement program.

If approved, the increased rates will become effective on all rates and charges on any bill for usage after January 1, 2019.

Strike up the band (Lincoln Through the Lens)

Lincoln School musicians directed by music teacher Karen Sheppard were one of seven schools, colleges, and local musicians who gave holiday performances at the Watertown Mall shortly before Christmas. Other schools were Boston University Academy, Perkins School for the Blind, St. Jude’s School, Belmont Hill School, and Watertown middle and high schools. It was the first year that the Lincoln School performed.

Above (front row, left to right): Simon Karty, Kalash Manandhar, Elizabeth Cooke, Sebastiano D’Ambrosio, Sage Gorman, and Hunjun Lee. bStanding in back: Georgia Buendia and Alexandar Balogh.

Standing in back (left to right): percussionists Nicholas Volpone, Georgia Buendia, Aubie Wells, and Alexander Balogh. Front row: Karen Sheppard (conductor), Sebastiano D’Ambrosio, Hunjun Lee, Nina Gill, and Olivia Wilkinson.

DeCordova offers hands-on art sessions

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is offering two sets of hands-on art sessions this winter: “Conversation and Crafts” and studio workshops.

In “Conversation and Crafts,” participants can bring their own craft projects or contribute to one of ours while hearing an artist speak about their community work. Sessions are free for deCordova members and $10 for nonmembers. Click on a title for more information and to register.

Conversation and Crafts with Virginia Johnson
Thursday, Jan. 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Virginia Johnson, owner of Cambridge-based stitch lounge gather here, in a craft making event and conversation about building communities for and through craft.

Conversation and Crafts with Matting Change
Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Audrey Lin, creator of Matting Change, to transform plastic grocery bags into crocheted sleeping mats for young adults experiencing homelessness. 

Conversation and Crafts with Adrienne Sloane
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
From Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities onward, knitters have been incorporating the political into their stitches. Come hear how knitting is being used by contemporary artists to address issues such as war, climate change, and species preservation. 

Conversation and Crafts with Cat Mazza
Thursday, March 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join exhibiting artist and craftivist Cat Mazza for a talk about the deep roots of craft in New England labor history to its continuing role in contemporary activist causes.

Winter studio workshops

Interactions of Space: Sculpture Workshop with Michelle Lougee
Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Working with artist Michelle Lougee, make a freestanding or hanging sculpture that focuses on the interaction of spaces.

Weaving Memory Workshop with Jodi Colella
Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Work with artist Jodi Colella to create personal, abstract tapestries on looms that we will construct together in class.

Fiber Workshop with Woomin Kim
Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 6:30–9 p.m.
Learn how to process various fibers and fabrics to create string, and then incorporate personal or found objects to make art objects from everyday materials. 

Date Night with Clay
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 5–7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 10 from 4–6 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6–8 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 6–8 p.m.
Work as a team on the wheel, decorating clay “hearts” or building your own signature romantic sculpture.

Corrections

The original stories and listings have been updated online to reflect these corrections.

 

News acorns

“Wings of Desire” screening

The Lincoln Film Society presents Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire (1987) on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. An angel tires of overseeing human activity and wishes to become human when he falls in love with a mortal. In German, English, and French with English subtitles.

Peter D’Elia in concert

Peter D’Elia

The Lincoln Public Library presents Lincoln native Peter D’Elia in concert on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. He plays guitar and banjo and sings original folk/country/bluegrass songs about being a musician, being a dog, being bald, being single and being in love. He now lives in Berlin and has been touring with The Beez in Germany and Australia since 2005.

Eric Kilburn at next LOMA

Eric Kilburn

Eric Kilburn, owner of Wellspring Studios in Acton, is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Jan. 14 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Kilburn will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. He has appeared alone and with his band, The Swing Café, and his songs have been covered by musicians including Arlo Guthrie, Sally Rogers, and Lucie Blue Tremblay.

LOMA is a monthly event. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

Obituaries

Jane Langton

Jane Langton

Jane Langton, 95, a prolific mystery writer and illustrator, died in hospice care near her home in Lincoln on December 29. She received the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award in 2017 for her career, which include numerous books set in New England and specifically the Concord area. Click here for full obituary (New York Times).

Carol Seeckts

Carol “Lee” Seeckts

There will be visiting hours on Friday, Jan. 4 from 4–7 p.m. in the Dee Funeral Home (27 Bedford St., Concord) for Carol “Lee” Seeckts, a certified nursing assistant and mother of four who died of cancer on December 25. She graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1962 and lived most recently in Acton. A funeral service will take place at the Dee Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. followed immediately by an end-of-life celebration at the Pierce House in Lincoln. Click here for full obituary. 

John Ritsher

John Ritsher

Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at First Parish Church, 24 River St., Norwell for John Ritsher, a Norwell resident and former Lincoln Board of Selectman member who died on December 10 at age 88. A former senior partner at Ropes & Gray, he and his family lived in a Lincoln home he designed with famed architect Henry Hoover. Click here for full obituary. 

 

Council on Aging activities in January

Tap your toes to trad jazz tunes
January 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join your fellow COA neighbors to tap your toes and bob your heads and sing to those tunes of yesteryear that we all know and love. Yes, the grandchildren can shake their heads and think we’re nuts, but we know where it’s at. Led by the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band, we’re gonna have a good time — you might even say a ball — around the old Steinway upstairs at Bemis Hall on January 4.

Lincoln Academy with MaryBeth Wise: From source to tap — Lincoln’s water system
January 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 when MaryBeth Wiser, Lincoln’s Superintendent of the Water discusses “From Source to Tap: Lincoln’s Water System.” How does water get from its source in nature to your tap and what happens to it in between? Find out where Lincoln gets its water, how it is treated, how it is tested, what it is tested for, how you know if there is ever a problem with your water, and how the Water Department makes sure that water will be available when you turn on the tap. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome

Free wellness clinics for all ages
January 8 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.–noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House.

Would you like to share writing memoirs with others?
January 9 at 10 a.m.
If you are interested in writing a memoir or just curious about what goes on in the memoir group, please come to the first winter meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m.–noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the ten-week term is $75. The dates for the term are January 9 and 23; February 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; April 3 and 17; and May 1 and 15. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in January

South Lincoln efforts continue with workshop for businesses

As part of a larger effort to revitalize the Lincoln Station area, the town is sponsoring a free workshop for Lincoln’s storefront business owners titled “Retail Best Practices: The Power of Presentation” on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 8–9:30 a.m. at the Rural Land Foundation office at Lincoln Station (145 Lincoln Rd., second floor).

The session led by Christine Moynihan of Retail Visioning. Her program aims to help business owners improve the look and feel of their establishments as well as the customer experience and business planning and marketing in print and online. Attendees are also invited to participate in a private one-on-one free consultation with Moynihan in January or early February and could be eligible to receive a small grant to help implement recommendations made by the consultant.

For more information about the program or to register, contact Jennifer Burney, Director Planning and Land Use, at burneyj@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2684. Registration is not required but seating may be limited.

Funding for the workshop comes from a grant awarded to the South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee, which is steering several simultaneous projects aimed at revitalizing the area around Lincoln Station.

Other SLPIC projects

The MBTA subcommittee has recommended a list of improvements to the train station and commuter parking lots and expects to receive $500,000 from the state to pay for a study to design those improvements. The group is soliciting opinions as to whether the inbound and outbound train stops should be on the same side of the tracks, and whether non-Lincoln residents, or whether out-of-town commuters would be willing to pay for parking using a smartphone app. People can respond on the South Lincoln Revitalization Project website or by texting 781-702-3466.

Another SLPIC subcommittee is looking at zoning changes in South Lincoln that would encourage residential or mixed-use development in the area. The town hired Weston & Sampson more than a year ago to look at options for relocating and/or consolidating DPW operations on Lewis Street. Among the possibilities: moving the entire DPW to the transfer station, or co-locating some DPW functions on other land near Hanscom Field.

The study was expected to take only three months but is still not finished; the firm is expected to provide an update to SLPIC in January. “The work has taken longer due to the amount of parcels they had to review and apply the analysis to,” Burney said. “Unfortunately, projects often take longer than expected.”

Much of the study has consisted at examining and rating other possible DPW sites in town, as well as costs associated with any relocation. However, some North Lincoln residents have already voiced concerns about the idea of moving some or all of the DPW’s functions to the transfer station site.

With the help of grants, SLPIC’s Wayfinding Team has already installed wayfinding signs and a “pocket park” with a kiosk and bike repair station next to the railroad tracks. Among the items on the group’s to-do list for 2019: conducting a parking and sewer feasibility study, and seeking funds to spruce up the park-like area between Donelan’s and Lincoln Woods. A June 2017 report presented design ideas along with a cost estimate of $100,000.

New Minuteman High School on track for fall 2019 opening

Architect’s rendering of the new Minuteman High School (click to enlarge).

Construction on Minuteman High School in Lincoln is progressing smoothly and the new building will open its doors to students in September 2019.

The new building broke ground in June 2017 after years of effort, as Minuteman had to secure Town Meeting approvals from every town in the Minuteman school district before the project could be bonded. Faced with having to assume a portion of the school construction debt, seven of the 16 towns including Lincoln that sent very few students to Minuteman withdrew from the district. The other towns that withdrew are Belmont, Boxborough, Carlisle, Sudbury, Wayland, and Weston. The project cleared its last hurdle in September 2016 with a district-wide vote.

Before the withdrawal vote, a Lincoln working group determined that it would be cheaper to send Lincoln students to Minuteman or another vocational school as out-of-district students — even with an added capital fee and out-of-district tuition — than to remain in the district and pay a share of the debt. However, Lincoln has benefited from building permit fees of approximately $1 million from Minuteman — money that is being applied as the “free cash” portion of the budget for the Lincoln School project.

Students from Lincoln and other non-member towns are still eligible to enroll at Minuteman or other vocational school, but only if there are spaces available.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority is funding $44 million of the $145 million cost for the school, which is designed for 628 students. A repair-only option would have cost $105 million.

Before work began, Minuteman hired an archeological firm to check for any historical artifacts but didn’t find any. However, excavation uncovered a large rock that probably marked the site of gatherings for several Native American tribes including the Abenaki. Workers planned to remove it with explosives, but officials decided to move it aside temporarily and then install it in a place of honor once work is complete.

“It’s a significant piece of history we wanted to honor and maintain that [shows what] this land and this ground is about,” Director/Superintendent Edward Bouquillon said in this video about the rock. This page on the Minuteman project website has links to more videos, including a 3D virtual tour of the completed building as well as construction updates shot with drones (the most recent one was filmed on November 30).

The current high school building just over the town line in Lexington will be torn down and replaced with athletic fields and parking, which were formerly on the Lincoln portion of the property. The district plans to explore public/private partnerships to develop an athletic complex and other facilities for use by its students and the Minuteman School District members. Lexington has promised funding for synthetic turf so organizations from that town will have somewhat greater access, Bouquillon said.