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

News acorns

Video and discussion on Mexican border issues

Parishioners from First Parish in Lincoln who traveled to the Arizona-Mexico border in November will present a 20-minute video about their experiences on Sunday, March 5 at noon at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. The video includes photographs from the trip and interviews with six participants sharing what they learned about the complex issues of migration and border security. Following the film, there will be time for questions and discussion as well as a potluck lunch.

Play-reading group invites new members

A play-reading group led by Sally Kindleberger will read the comic play God of Carnage (winner of the 2009 Tony Award for best play) at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. in Bemis Hall New participants of all ages are invited. No experience necessary; scripts are provided. The group meets on the first two Tuesdays of each month. For more information, call Kindleberger at 781-259-1169.

Lincoln photographer in Griffin Museum show

“Red Ladder” by Mark Levinson.

Lincoln photographer Mark Levinson will be exhibiting in “Photography Atelier 25” as part of a group show of student artwork at the Griffin Museum of Photography from March 9-31. The public is invited to attend the opening reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the Griffin Museum (67 Shore Road, Winchester, Mass., 01890). The Atelier is a course for intermediate and advanced photographers offered by the museum.

Alzheimer’s Association sponsors deCordova tour

Research has clearly shown that staying active is the most powerful way to manage Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To provide those living with mild Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorder with opportunities for social engagement, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter will host a guided tour of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Friday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. The tour is free, but reservations are required; call 800-272-3900.

The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alz Meet Up program. “We are excited to start offering engaging activities year round through this program,” said Melody Bushmich, manager of early stage engagement programs at the Alzheimer’s Association. “We want to create a stigma-free environment for diagnosed individuals and their care partners that will also present an opportunity to form much-needed bonds.” Alz Meet Ups are a part of the Alzheimer’s Association Power+Purpose campaign, which aims to offer those Alzheimer’s the resources to continue living their lives as close to normal for as long as possible.

Resident offers workshop on end-of-life conversations with dementia patients

Rosemary Lloyd

Lincoln resident Rosemary Lloyd, a minister and former nurse, will lead a small group workshop introduction on Monday, Feb. 27 for families of dementia patients who may need help starting conversations about the patient’s wishes for care through the end of life.

Lloyd is advisor to faith communities for The Conversation Project, which is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. The organization recently published a free Conversation Starter Kit to support families and loved ones of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and Lloyd hopes to learn whether using it in small group settings would be helpful for family members and caregivers.

After briefly sharing their stories, participants in the 90-minute workshop in Lloyd’s home will use quiet reflection, brief writing exercises, and small and large group sharing to gain a framework and process for exploring what matters most to them and to their loved one. The session is not an informational meeting or support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers or patients; “it’s a chance for people to get some tools on how to manage having the conversation with their loved one and other family members and how to express [the patient’s] wishes for care,” Lloyd said.

It’s often hard to know when to have an end-of-life conversation with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and sometimes when family members are ready, the patient is no longer able to express his or her wishes, Lloyd noted. In that case, “we try to imagine what they would say even if they can’t speak any more… we pull it back to the person” and away as much as possible from the sometimes complicated feelings and wishes of family members, she said.

There are four slots left for the eight-person workshop on February 27. Anyone interested should contact Lloyd at 617-359-3372 or rsmlloyd@gmail.com to learn the time and address of the meeting.

Lloyd worked as a registered nurse and hospice volunteer before attending Harvard Divinity School in her 40s (she did some of her ministerial training at the First Parish of Lincoln). She is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and a graduate of the Metta Institute.

News acorns

Con Com seeks member

The Conservation Commission is looking for a new commissioner to complete the term of a member who has moved out of town. The group, which meets every third week on Wednesdays from 7-10:30 p.m., approves or denies permits under the guidelines of the state wetlands law and town bylaw. The Con Com also maintains 80 miles of trails in town and stewards 200 acres of agricultural land. Commissioners are expected to participate on related town boards or committees as representatives from Con Com.

Anyone interested in this or other town volunteer opportunities should visit this Volunteer web page, download the application and send it to Peggy Elder in the Board of Selectman’s office. Appointments are made by the board. For more information, please contact Tom Gumbart in the Conservation Department office (781-259-2612) or any commissioner.

Library activities for kids this week

  • Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. — Luna Goes to Mars! is a play about 11-year-old Luna who is determined to build a rocket to go to Mars, with a little help from her pet hedgehog, Astro. A production of ArtsReach, from UNH. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Drop in.
  • Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4- 5 p.m. — Brixology! Kids will learn about different types of engineering and then team up to construct an engineering-themed project using LEGO bricks. Ages 6 and up. To register, call the library at 781-259-8465 ext. 4
  • Friday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. — Movies and Muffins. Gentle science-themed films based on beloved children’s books. Ages 2 and up. Drop in.
  • Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. — Meet author Joshua Funk, who will read from his picture book about the funniest food fight ever: Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. Recommended for all ages. No registration necessary. Join us after the story time for mini pancakes and waffles.

Library to screen “Seven Beauties”

The Lincoln Public Library Film Society presents Seven Beauties directed by Lina Wertmuller (rated R. approx. 121 minutes, in Italian with English subtitles) on Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. This 1976 film stars Giancarlo Giannini as a petty crook with seven unattractive sisters to support, and it features a picaresque, World War II-era journey through a prison asylum, army service and a Nazi concentration camp. Giannini became a 1970s international icon partially on the basis of this work.

Tour the new Hanscom Middle School

Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Becky McFall and Principal Erich Ledebuhr will lead tours of the new Hanscom Middle School school on Wednesday, March 8 and Monday, March 13, both from 9-11 a.m. The 85,000-square-foot building serves 300 students in grades 4-8 and cost $34 million, funded entirely by the Department of Defense. The school’s design is based on grade-level “neighborhoods” where individual classrooms are clustered around common areas and small break-out spaces. This creates a flexible environment that fosters collaboration, accommodates project work, and provides opportunities for small, class-sized or grade-level groups. The music room, art room, library, full kitchen and gymnasium all have direct access to a central commons that features a stage and serves multiple functions: cafeteria space during lunch, performance center for music and drama, and a place to practice presentation skills for individuals and groups of students.

Tour participants must sign up in advance in order to be granted access to Hanscom Air Force Base. Please contact Mary Gately at gatelym@lincnet.org or at 781-274-7720. The signup deadlines are Marchy 3 for the March 8 tours, and March 8 for the March 13 tour.

Spelling bee registration coming up

Registration for the Lincoln School Foundation’s 10th Annual Spelling Bee will begin on February 27 and run through March 10. The bee will take place on Sunday, April 2 in the Brooks Auditorium from 1-6:30 p.m. This fun, multi-community event is open to all students in grades 3-6 from Smith, Brooks, the Hansom Schools, and Lincoln residents who attend private school or are home-schooled. Children within the same grade will register as a two- or three-person team and compete against other grade-level teams. For more information, see the LSF website or email Gabby Berberian at bee@lincolnschoolfoundation.org.

Fireside Chats on civic engagement, American opportunity

Sharon Antia will lead two Fireside Chats in Bemis Hall on “What Does Civic Engagement Mean to You?” on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 11:30 a.m., and “Is America Still a Land of Opportunity?” on Wednesday, March 22. Both events run from 10-11:30 a.m.

America prides itself on being a place where anyone can succeed, but is this still true? Do some people grow up receiving a better education which leads to better jobs, health and other benefits? How much of an advantage does coming from a wealthier family convey? What do the answers to these questions mean for our society? Come join others in a lively but respectful discussion of this topic facilitated by Sharon Antia using questions and answers on March 22. The purpose of the Fireside Chats is not to convince others of your opinion, but rather to share information and ideas so as to create dialogue and greater understanding.

Author talk on fly-fishing and friendship

The Lincoln Public Library presents a book talk and signing on The Confluence: Fly-fishing & Friendship in the Dartmouth College Grant with former Lincoln resident Phil Odence on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. In a collection of intertwined essays, seven authors who head north each June to a remote cabin reveal how their friendships have grown deeper as their lives flow into middle age, with laughs, tears and insight into the intersection between humanity and the natural world. The reader comes along to experience New England wilderness wonders, stinky outhouses, original watercolors, floods, a wine tasting, a dramatic search and rescue… and fly-fishing for native brook trout. Odence and his family, who are now Waltham residents, lived in Lincoln for more than a decade. He was a long time coach and president of Lincoln Youth Soccer. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

 

Public hearings coming up

The Lincoln Planning Board will hold public hearings on Tuesday, Feb. 28 to review applications for Site Plan Review at the following times:

  • 7 p.m. — Emanuel Lewin, 105 Tower Road, proposes to construct a new home at 35 Huckleberry Hill.
  • 7:15 p.m. — Elizabeth and Robert Orgel, 237 Old Concord Road, propose to construct a new home.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Minuteman Vocational Technical School proposes to construct a new school.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. to hear and to act on the following petitions:

  • Brian Cummings, 188 Concord Road, for renewal of an accessory apartment special permit.
  • Daniel England, 22 Weston Rd., for renewal of an accessory apartment special permit.

Letter to the editor: Sander is running for Board of Assessors

letter

(Editor’s note: Sander is concluding her term on the Finance Committee in March 2017.)

To the editor:

I am announcing my candidacy for the open seat on the Board of Assessors, which values real and personal property for taxation purposes. The seat I seek is being vacated by John Robinson and carries a remaining two-year term.

Under the guidance of the current board with the assistance of contractors at the Regional Resource Group and the administrative assessor, Lincoln’s tax rolls and tax rates have been fairly and equitably managed in accordance with state law. I aim to continue that same high level of service in carrying out these responsibilities for the benefit of Lincoln residents.

For the past nine years, I have served on the town’s Finance Committee, including two years as chair. I am also a member of the town’s Affordable Housing Trust. This experience affords me a good understanding of the board’s role.

My professional experience also serves as qualification for the assessor position. I recently assumed the position of senior vice president for finance and administration/treasurer at Suffolk University after serving as chief financial officer and treasurer at the Whitehead Institute. My previous positions include assistant treasurer at Harvard University. In addition, I worked with higher education and not-for-profit institutions at JP Morgan and Moody’s Investors Service. I have professional public sector exposure as well, having served as a Moody’s rating analyst for local governments and an analyst with the Congressional Budget Office. I hold a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a BA from Grinnell College. I am a certified treasury professional and belong to the Treasurer’s Club of Boston.

Most importantly, I enjoy volunteering on behalf of our town. I would be gratified to have your support and the opportunity to join the Board of Assessors. Please vote for me on March 27.

Sincerely,

Laura Sander
100 Lincoln Road

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Letter to the editor: Holden runs again for Town Moderator

letter

To the editor:

This is to let you know that I have submitted my nomination papers to run for another term as Town Moderator. More than ever, I value our good fortune to be able to participate in direct democracy. We should never take it for granted. I have greatly enjoyed serving as moderator over the past six years. There have been some contentious meetings, but I do believe that overall we all do a pretty good job of listening, speaking and showing proper respect for each other.

I have done what I can to keep us on track so that the meetings run as smoothly as possible. Several of you have made suggestions for me to consider as I try to run the meeting as openly and efficiently as possible. I appreciate the feedback that you have given.

A group of people is working now to come up with suggestions for some changes to the Town Meeting structure and voting. As with any other suggestions over the years, I will consider the group’s recommendations when they come.

I look forward to serving for another three years and ask for your vote on Monday, March 27. I also look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting on Saturday, March 25.

Sincerely,

Sarah Cannon Holden
Weston Rd.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Obituaries

Barbara Brannen

Barbara S. Brannen

Barbara S. Brannen, a resident of Lincoln for over 50 years, died of cancer February 16 at the age of 83.

Brannen grew up in Olympia, Wash., and attended the University of Washington. After moving to Massachusetts with her husband Buz in 1957, she taught home economics in Newton and at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in the 1960s and 70s. Later, she was an award-winning weaver of rugs; she also ran the Grain Exchange Gallery in Boston.

In Lincoln, Brannen served on the Lincoln Cultural Council and as the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Brannen was a great lover of art and music, particularly Italian art and opera. She was a devoted gardener, creating lush vegetable gardens and elegant flower gardens wherever she lived. She and Buz, who celebrated their 60th anniversary last Thanksgiving, traveled extensively, taking countless trips to Italy. Most of all, she enjoyed the beauty of nature and wilderness. She had a special fondness for the coast of Maine, where she and her family sailed and boated for decades.

As well as her husband, Brannen leaves two daughters, Sarah and Jennie; two granddaughters, Katherine and Lizzie; and four sisters. As per her wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations in her memory may be made to Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627.

Marilyn Kasputys

Marilyn Kasputys

Marilyn Kasputuys, 80, an accomplished ice dancer, passed away during the Super Bowl on February 5. When the Patriots came from behind in overtime to win, her children attributed it to their mother’s influence from beyond, as described in this Boston Globe article.

Correction

In a February 13 article headlined “Police chiefs recall tales from ‘CSI Lincoln’,” the site of an accident involving a trailer at a railroad crossing was mistakenly given as “Town Road.” It should have read “Tower Road.” The article has been updated to reflect this correction.

Members sought for new economic development group

The Board of Selectmen is soliciting members for the formation of an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). This is one of two new groups proposed for the purpose of economic development in Lincoln; the other is the South Lincoln Implementation Planning Committee.

Based on the feedback received during and in follow-up to a December 16 breakfast meeting, there appears to be substantial interest within the business community for the creation of an organization as contemplated by the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. Approximately 30 people representing a broad spectrum of for-profit and not-for-profit businesses attended the breakfast.

Officials also issued an online survey with 14 people responding. The key takeaways from the survey are:

  • The majority of respondents described their interest level in the EDAC concept as either moderate or high.
  • The key roles that respondents would like the EDAC to play are:
    • Opportunity for networking
    • Outreach and identification of economic opportunities
    • Highlighting businesses to bring awareness
    • Advising boards and committees on policies and sharing of resources
  • 70% indicated a willingness to help lead the organization.
  • 85% indicated that they would be willing to make a modest financial contribution to fund expenses.

The charge for the group can be found here. Anyone interested in serving as a member should email Jennifer Burney, Director of Planning and Land Use, at burneyj@lincolntown.org by Tuesday, Feb. 28. Please include a summary of your background.

Letter to the editor: work together to decrease power outages

letter

To the editor:

Many in Lincoln were without power during the latest snow storm. Some on Beaver Pond Road had two interruptions on Monday, Feb. 13, one in the morning and the other at night. Some were without power for 17 hours. The vast majority of outages are caused by downed branches from pines and fallen dead trees; limbs from a single stand of white pines were responsible for the most recent outage and another last December.

What can we do to decrease the frequency of outages? The town proactively pruned the right of way along the road last summer, but damage often comes from trees on private land. Eversource trims and removes trees that have the potential to fall and cause a power outage. About half of our neighborhood met last weekend, with many interested in working together to identify potential hazards and request trimming online. If we can do it, you can, too. We encourage all to pitch in to improve the reliability of our electrical service.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Dwyer
14 Beaver Pond Rd.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.