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Art on the water (Lincoln Through the Lens)

November 29, 2017

Harold McAleer’s photo of swans on the Sudbury River got a painterly treatment from Photoshop.

Category: Lincoln through the lens, nature

News acorns

November 28, 2017

Movies for many tastes and ages

(Fair use source via Wikipedia)

In anticipation of the new Star Wars movie The Last Jedi that opens in theaters on December 15, the Lincoln Public Library will be showing the movie that directly precedes it chronologically, The Force Awakens (PG-13), on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Popcorn will be served.

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents a December homage to French actress Anne Wiazemsky (1947-2017) with three movies, all on Mondays starting at 3 p.m.:

  • December 4 — Teorema
  • December 11 — Au Hasard Balthazar
  • December 18 — La Chinoise 

Magic Garden open house

Magic Garden Children’s Center will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.—noon in advance of open enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. While the event is geared towards answering parents’ questions, children are welcome to attend and play in our classrooms. Children’s activities and a snack will be provided. Please RSVP to 781-259-8161 (walk-ins also welcome).

Magic Garden’s year-round program offers care and education to children ages 15 months to 5 years. Our core program hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–3 p.m., two to five days a week, with earlier arrival and later pickup also available.

Organizations welcome holiday donations

Toys for Tots

The Lincoln Police Department has set up Toys for Tots collection boxes at the Lincoln Public Library and the Barrett Sotheby’s office in South Lincoln. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys during regular hours through Wednesday, Dec. 13. if you have any questions please call the Police Department at 781-259-8113

Toiletries and other basics for seniors

During the holidays, Lincoln Council on Aging staff visit homebound, frail, and needy seniors to deliver baskets full of basic necessities. They are collecting new, unopened, unscented, full-sized items to fill the baskets: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, lip balm, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, kitchen sponges, trash bags, laundry soap, men’s and women’s socks, coffee and tea, postage stamps, pharmacy gift cards. Please place items in the marked box in the lobby of Bemis Hall.

Donate or purchase items to benefit domestic violence roundtable

On Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon–4 p.m., Mango Tree Artisans (410 Boston Post Rd. in Sudbury) will host a special shopping event to benefit the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. The store sells handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, baskets, clothing, instruments, and other items from around the world that are ethically sourced and sustainably created. Enjoy light refreshments while you shop. The Roundtable receives a percentage of all sale proceeds from this event.

Each year, the Roundtable sponsors a family from a local domestic violence agency for the holidays. These agencies need help to provide happy holidays for families in shelter and to meet the ongoing needs of additional families who have been victims of domestic violence. Sponsored families are anonymous, though the agency will share the number of family members and their ages. Match yourself with a smaller family to sponsor, or invite relatives, friends, and colleagues to join you in sponsoring a larger family.

For those who can’t sponsor a family, gift cards for food, clothing and other necessities to stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, CVS, Target, and Stop & Shop are welcome. Wrapping paper, ribbon and tape are also needed. To learn more about how you can help, contact:

  • REACH Beyond Domestic Violence (Waltham) — Deborah Heimel, 781-891-0724 ext. 108, deb@reachma.org
  • The Second Step (Newtonville) — Cindy Laughrea, 617-467-5334, holidaygiftdrive@thesecondstep.org
  • Voices Against Violence (Framingham) — Simone Williams, 508-820-0834 ext. 2114, swilliams@smoc.org

Category: arts, charity/volunteer, kids, seniors

News acorns

November 27, 2017

Lincoln Cultural Council looking for new members

Do you love the arts, the environment, or local history? Do you want to see more innovative performances, events, and happenings right here in our community? The Lincoln Cultural Council is looking for new members! Be part of our small but vibrant team that allocates funding for local cultural initiatives provided by Lincoln’s portion of the Massachusetts Cultural Council grant program. The time commitment is minimal and limited to 2–3 evening meetings per year. Email lincolnculturalcouncil@gmail.com for more information.

Gift Local artisan and craft show

Lincioln’s annual Gift Local artisan and craft show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 from noon–4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. On hand will be a variety of talented vendors this year, ranging from jewelry makers, knitters, photographers, painters, soap makers, and more. Dolls will also be sold to benefit the Lincoln METCO Coordinating Committee. Anyone with a vintage doll or doll accessories to donate may call Joanne Schmergel at 617-645-9059.

Touch of Christmas fair

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold its annual Touch of Christmas fair on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m–1 p.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Rd.). There will be hands-on activities for children including Christmas cookie decorating, a fishing tree, ornament decorating, and a special children’s shopping room complete with holiday wrapping help. Santa will arrival at 11 a.m., and children can have photos taken on Santa’s lap. There will also be a baked-goods table overflowing with homemade treats for the holidays, a handmade craft table, second-hand antiques, housewares, jewelry, homemade holiday wreaths and centerpieces, and more. Admission is free.

Klyma performs at next LOMA

Greg Klyma is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Dec. 11 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7-10 p.m., and Klyma will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Despite his GenX provenance, Greg is an old-school troubadour in the mold of Woody and Ramblin’ Jack. His latest album is Never Knew Caroline. Click here to see him performing Livin’ the Life off a previous CD.

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.

A capella night hosted by LEAP

LEAP (the Lincoln Extended-day Activities Program) is hosting its fourth annual A Capella Night, a fundraising event that supports tuition assistance and enrichment programs, on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 7–9 p.m. On hand again will be VoiceLab and for the first time, Fermata Town, a semiprofessional Boston-based a capella group. There will also be hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a cash bar, raffle items, and a silent auction. Email leap0165@gmail.com for more information.

Category: arts, charity/volunteer, religious

Council on Aging activities in December

November 26, 2017

Jazz oldies concert at Bemis
December 1 at 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will present a concert of beloved songs from the early days of jazz at Bemis Hall at 12:30 on Friday Dec. 1. Channel your inner Al Jolson, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, or Fats Waller by singing along with the band. Or, if you prefer to get up and move around to the music, feel free to do your best Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Everyone welcome!

Lincoln Academy with Kathy Mierzwa: What’s so cool about Iceland?
December 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 4 at 12:30 to hear Kathy Mierzwa discuss “What’s so Cool about Iceland?” Why is Iceland such a popular travel destination these days? Do tourists go for the ice, the geothermal pools, the volcanoes or the Northern Lights? Come see some stunning photos from Katherine Mierzwa’s recent trip to Southern Iceland. 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!

Demystifying probate when executor of an estate
December 5 at 2:15 p.m.
Does the word “probate” make you nervous? Has a loved one recently died and left you to manage his affairs? Are you unsure whether and when you might need to file Probate Court paperwork and tax returns after someone’s death? Please join Lincoln resident and estate planning attorney Sasha Golden on Dec. 5 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall to demystify probate and talk about what you need to do if you are appointed as the executor of an estate.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
December 6 at 1 p.m.
A Constituent Services representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen
December 6 at 2 p.m.
Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or stay for the hour, they hope to see you from 2–3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Bemis Hall.

Coffee and conversation with Abby
December 7 at 10 a.m.
Come share coffee and conversation with the COA’s new assistant director, Abby Butt, on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Abby provides assistance in evaluating in-home needs and finding services, as well as crisis intervention, and general support to Lincoln seniors, families, and caregivers, individually or in groups. She brings many years of experience working in other COAs as well as conducting community needs assessments, program and policy development, and more. Come and ask her a question about what the COA can offer, concerns you might have or ideas you would like to share.

Have coffee with the library’s photo share
December 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Come join the members of the group “Photoshare at the Lincoln Library” on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2:15 at Bemis Hall to celebrate their exhibit in the Bemis Gallery in December. In the decade-plus that the club has been around, it’s been a haven for people to come together to share and grow their photography. They accept all, both in terms of experience and in subject matter — portraiture, nature, wildlife, travel. Come on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Tarbell Room of the Lincoln Library.

The Birches musical: “The Ocean Show”
December 8 at 8:15 a.m.
The Birches School grades K-3 invite you to their fall musical, The Ocean Show, on Friday, Dec. 8 at 8:15 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Follow the journey of Ashley and Maya, two businesswomen bent on destroying tidal pools to build luxury apartments, as they visit the wonders of the ocean and encounter fish and plankton, sea mammals and bioluminescent creatures. This fun and educational journey shows that oceans are a series of interconnected systems, and destroying any one part will have unintended consequences elsewhere.

Lunch and tips for eating through the holidays
December 8 at 11:30 a.m.
You may be tempted to overeat or eat foods you shouldn’t at the holidays, but you can eat healthfully and have a delicious holiday season, too! Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. to have a yummy lunch prepared by the chef from the Commons and hear some tips for eating well through the holidays without feeling deprived from Sadie Daniels, RD, dietician at the Commons. You’ll feel better, look better, and enjoy the holidays knowing you are being good to yourself! On the menu will be a formal gourmet luncheon! Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by December 4 as space is limited. The Commons in Lincoln recently earned a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for overall quality and staffing in its skilled nursing center.

Lincoln Academy with Mark Hopkins: Making a difference in rural Honduras
December 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 11 at 12:30 to hear Mark Hopkins discuss “Making a Difference in Rural Honduras.” In this presentation, Mark Hopkins documents how a small, volunteer-run NGO (non-government organization) has spent the last 25 years helping the residents of a remote mountain village raise themselves out of poverty. His talk describes the many challenges involved — lack of education, poor health, polluted water sources, and an uncaring government — and follows the organization’s progress as it brings in teams of doctors, teachers, and engineers who volunteer their time to solve those problems. 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 elder law clinic
December 11 at 3 p.m.
Got a question about issues such as estate planning, MassHealth, protecting assets for a loved one with a serious disability, guardianship, conservatorship or probate? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Dec. 11 from 3-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
December 12 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.–noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Celebrate the holidays in a new way
December 13 and 27 at 2 p.m.
Most of us are used to celebrating the holidays through certain activities and traditions we have done for decades. But often there comes a time in our lives when those ways no longer serve us. Come join Pam Mizrahi on Wednesdays, Dec. 13 and 27 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall for a comfortable and informal yet upbeat discussion about how we can rethink and reinvent our holiday traditions to fit who we are and our lives now. We will then spend low-key yet festive time with others in the group. No need to sign up.

Breathe, relax, and de-stress for the holidays
December 14 at 10 a.m.
Whether you perceive the holidays to be stressful or not, this is a perfect time to give yourself the gift of a little relaxation. Ahhhhh! Learn some practical, easy-to-remember techniques and strategies for reducing your stress, relaxing your body and mind, and enhancing your well being when Catherine Collins comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. She’ll show you a variety of ways to both begin a relaxation practice that you can do every day as well as calm yourself down when you find yourself getting overly upset. Catherine Collins, RN, MS is a registered nurse and a master’s level nurse practitioner with 30 years experience in health care.

Prevent falls and trips to the E.R. with the Fire Dept.
December 15 at 11 a.m.
Falls are the #1 reason why people end up in the Emergency Room, yet they are almost entirely preventable. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Friday, Dec. 15 at 11 here at Bemis Hall to learn how you can make your home safer with easy-to-take actions, staying on your feet in winter weather, using assistive devices, health conditions that may contribute to falls, and more. The Fire Department will be serving a sandwich lunch, so please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Gourmet luncheon with friends old and new
December 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at St. Anne’s Church. They welcome new diners often — give them a try! Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know if you need transportation or a seating partner when you sign up. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

The COA Science Group: 4,000 feet of climate change, Part III
December 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Join physicist Stanley Solomon on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m. in Bemis Hall for the third in a three-part series exploring the physicists’ view of climate change using articles from three issues of Physics Today, a professional journal published by the American Physics Society and read by physicists worldwide. In this session, Stan’s presentation will examine how the collected data leads to an inescapable conclusion. He plans to distribute copies of the articles before the sessions, so if you would like copies, please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to leave your name and email address.

The fireside chat: the First Amendment
December 27 at  10 a.m.
Many of us take the First Amendment for granted and proudly stand up for it, at least our own interpretation. What do “freedom of speech,” “free exercise of religion” et al really mean? Come join the discussion as the Fireside Chat group wrestles with this important topic on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. at their new location in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is facilitated by Sharon Antia.


Save the date:

Revel at the Top of the Town winter gala
The Friends of the Lincoln COA (FLCOA) are pleased to announce that the annual Top of the Town Winter Gala will again be held at the deCordova Museum! The date is set for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5–8 p.m. Mark your calendars and look for your invitation in the mail in late December. Be sure to return your reservation form promptly — space is limited to 200 people. Don’t procrastinate! The event is free but the FLCOA, as always, is extremely grateful for any donations to support this event and all its activities.

Tell your story with the memoir group
In the spring, there will room in the memoir group for a couple of new (or returning) members. If you are interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the group at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, January 10 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what the group does. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Jan. 10 and 24; Feb. 7 and 21; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18; and May 2 and 16. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Color your life with pastels with Juliet
Express your most vibrant self with the brilliant colors of pastels in a class with Juliet Rago. She will begin with a short introduction to drawing for those who feel they need it. The class will meet from 10 a.m.–noon on January 8, 12, 19, 22, and 26. No experience is necessary. All materials will be furnished. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Limit of six people. The fee is $40.

World hand drumming for fun and well being
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to express yourself and enhance well being that’s sweeping the country. It’s a great way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve overall musical skills, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Come learn the joy of drumming with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning January 16 at a cost of $78. Please sign up as space is limited. No need to bring a drum.

Category: arts, educational, government, health and science, seniors

Goose eggs? (Lincoln Through the Lens)

November 23, 2017

These Canada geese seem decapitated by the chill on Farrar Pond. (Photo by Harold McAleer)


Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Category: Lincoln through the lens, nature

News acorns

November 21, 2017

Screening of climate change film “Freightened”

The film Freightened will have a free showing on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church as part of the church’s ongoing Climate Justice Film Series. The shipping industry has become one of the planet’s most dangerous pollution sources contributing to climate change. It is calculated that the 20 largest vessels pump more sulphur into the atmosphere than all the billions cars on the planet. Every day, 5,000 tons of toxic waste are dumped into the sea.

A light vegetarian supper will be served at 6:30, followed by the film at 7:00. All are welcome. Donations will be accepted to defray the costs of public screening rights which are paid for all our films.

Marijuana committee seeks members

The Board of Selectmen is still seeking volunteers for a committee to make recommendations on regulations, policies and bylaws for recreational marijuana businesses that might be interested in operating in Lincoln. The state’s Cannabis Control Commission expects to establish license regulations by March 2018, though Lincoln has approved a moratorium until November 2018. The issue first came up for discussion at the 2015 State of the Town meeting. To learn more about the work of this Committee, please contact the Town Administrator, Timothy S. Higgins (781-259-2604 or higginst@lincolntown.org). To apply, please submit a letter of interest to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant (elderp@lincolntown.org). Applications will be accepted until  Thursday, Nov. 30.

More home energy assessments could result in grant for town

The town of Lincoln has achieved important milestones toward a grant from National Grid designed to motivate residents to take easy and inexpensive steps in 2017 to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. If 60 more residents sign up for no-cost home energy assessments by the end of December, Lincoln will receive almost $8,000 for energy saving programs. Lincoln has already reached 200 percent of the goal for new heating and cooling systems. We are at about 70 percent of our air sealing and insulation goals.

The energy assessments are performed by a trained technician who recommends improvements to insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling systems. They also include a safety check on furnaces and gas water heaters and an inspection for asbestos, mold and mildew. Significant discounts and rebates are provided to the homeowner for insulation and HVAC systems. No-cost LED light bulbs, smart power strips, smart thermostats, and air sealing are provided by the program. For more information, see the Lincoln Energy Challenge website, or contact Sue Klem of Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee at Susan.M.Klem@gmail.com or 781-305-3319.

Category: arts, conservation, educational, government

Group looking at renovation options for Lincoln School

November 21, 2017

The School Building Committee is working on a “baseline renovation project” estimate and what such a project would need to include.

A recurring theme in public feedback from the State of the Town meeting earlier this month were questions about renovation options for the Lincoln School. The meeting was a ”big picture” look at possible configurations for the segments of the school and deliberately presented concepts for an all-new school only. In coming weeks, the SBC will examine ideas that combine different ratios of renovation and new construction.

The school needs significant renovations, but the amount of work required will automatically trigger requirements for the entire building to be brought up to current building and handicapped codes. A 2014 report by Dore & Whittier looked at various combinations of renovation and new construction and concluded that a project with required upgrades and “a la carte” educational enhancements would cost $29–$47 million, while a comprehensive project would cost $54–$66 million. However, construction costs have risen markedly since the report was issued.

“Given the various ages and conditions of different sections of the Lincoln School, renovation may be a good value in some areas and not in others,” the SBC noted it ins most recent blog post, which also has links to compilations of residents’ comments from the State of the Town.

The SBC’s next community workshop will be on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. A wide range of concepts including cost estimates will be presented in detail.

Category: school project*, schools

Old Winter Street closed to afternoon rush-hour traffic

November 20, 2017

The new sign at the souther intersection of Winter Street and Old Winter Street.

Old Winter Street northbound is now closed to traffic on weekdays from 4–7 p.m. after the Board of Selectmen acceded to requests from residents concerned about backed-up rush hour traffic.

Several homeowners on the road appeared at the September 25 selectmen’s meeting to support the recommendation of the Roadway and Traffic Committee to put the restriction in place on a six-month trial basis. But board members were reluctant to overturn the decision of their predecessors, who voted in 2015 not to restrict access to the road.

“If nothing has changed and we’re getting the same request again, it’s almost akin to judge-shopping or forum-shopping,” Selectman James Craig said when the board first heard the renewed request in June.

Nonetheless, the board agreed in September to a one-month delay on a decision on the new request while the town gathered new data on late-afternoon traffic volume on Old Winter Street, which commuters coming from Waltham sometimes use to “jump the queue” of cars stopped on Winter Street as it approaches Trapelo Road.

Traffic engineer John Vancor monitored traffic at the intersection and reported queues of anywhere from four to 35 cars backed up on Old Winter Street. Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy said the heaviest traffic on Old Winter Street northbound occurred on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with a high of 174 cars from 5–6 p.m. on October 3 (the same afternoon as the 35-car queue was seen).

“When you have that significant a backup with the landscape of the road, it’s going to make it difficult for emergency vehicles to go down the road,” Kennedy said.

There are “significant impediments” to widening Old Winter Street, said Chris Bibbo, superintendent of the Department of Public Works. “As a whole, it would be very difficult.”

“Widening it would really change the character of that road for the sake of commuter traffic,” observed Town Administrator Tim Higgins.

Vancor was also asked to look at similar situations in town, such as the workaround from Peirce Hill Road to Towne Road to Lincoln Road, or westbound traffic heading up Trapelo Road toward the library using Old Lexington Road a sa shortcut to Bedford Road. As to the first example, “we didn’t consider it to be analogous,” Vancor said. The Old Lexington Road maneuver “is actually providing a traffic efficiency overall, or a transportation link,” since more than half the cars turn right onto Bedford Road northbound rather than turning left to Five Corners as a way of cutting the line on Trapeolo Road, he added.

But former Selectmen Peter Braun objected to the idea of restricting access even on a trial basis, noting that when he was on the board, “the town agreed in a general sense that we shouldn’t be doing this except under extraordinary circumstances… this is a public road, and I just find it really difficult to say we’re going to shut it off for some people.”

Commuter traffic has increased noticeably all over town in the past few years, Braun noted. “If you squeeze the balloon one place, you end up with a problem someplace else,” such as Winter Street itself, he added.

Braun also expressed concern about drawing more attention from Waltham and state officials to traffic bottlenecks near the Lincoln/Waltham line. Waltham has sought to have Lincoln put a police officer or traffic light at the intersection of Old County and Trapelo Roads, thus far without success, he said. Also, Old County Road (formerly a Middlesex County road) is classified as a state road running from Route 2 south across Trapelo Road and Winter Street, with the state retaining a right of way on the footpath portion to what is now Old Conant Road all the way to Conant Road. The state could theoretically take another look at the status of that road, or the one-way portion of Winter Street.

“I’m really concerned about the optics of this. Old County Road to me is a third rail,” Braun said.

“Inconvenience is not the main reason to do this — there’s a lot of traffic everywhere,” Selectman James Craig said. “But when it crosses the line from inconvenience to a legitimate matter of public safety, we’re obligated to examine this… I would be in favor of the six-month trial with the understanding that this is not the end of the discussion, but merely another step in the process and evaluating the impact this has on Winter Street and other neighborhoods.”

Between now and April, Vancor and Lincoln police will monitor traffic in Winter Street/Old Winter Street area and report their findings at a public hearing.

Category: news, police

Property sales in October

November 19, 2017

1 Hawk Hill Rd. — Pamela Clapp to Steve J. and Haley A. Laken for $1,750,000 (October 31)

79 Autumn Lane — Robert L. Muzzi to Eri Anne-Marie Buitrago and Carlos Rafael Buitrago for $705,000 (October 31)

140 Lincoln Rd. — Yvonne Fenijn to Ryan Estate #11 LLC for $407,500 (October 27)

0 Silver Hill Rd. — Irene Plattner Cannon Trust to David E. Winston for $550,000 (October 23)

66 Beaver Pond Rd. — Thomas Michel Trust to Harold Wilion and Elizabeth Johnson for $1,075,000 (October 20)

5 Hawk Hill Rd. — Turid Horgen to Deutsche Bank National Trust for $700,000 (October 19)

48 Windingwood Lane — Richard P. Winchell Trust to John Ottenberg for $590,000 (October 13)

142 Chestnut Circle — Alvin Schmertzler to Mary K. Calitri for $570,000 (October 5)

Category: land use, news

Rollin’ on the river (Lincoln Through the Lens)

November 16, 2017

Kayakers are framed by the Sudbury River and fall foliage. (Photo by Harold McAleer)


Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Category: Lincoln through the lens, nature

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