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

Letter to the editor: Robinson resigning from Board of Assessors

letter

(Editor’s note: Robinson is married to Renel Fredriksen, who announce her resignation from the Board of Selectmen in December.)

To the editor:

I write to announce my resignation from the Lincoln Board of Assessors, effective as of the upcoming election on March 27.

I have been gratified that Lincolnites have seen fit to entrust me with this responsibility over the past 10+ years. We have built an effective and responsive Assessor’s Office, and I know I leave it in the capable hands of our contractors Regional Resource Group, our administrative assessor Dorothy Blakeley, and the other two board members, Ellen Meadors and Buffer Morgan.

I encourage all citizens of Lincoln to consider stepping up to fill this role, or any other volunteer position in Lincoln town offices. Answering the call to serve the town is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity.

Sincerely,

John Robinson
76 Trapelo 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 Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Correction

In the January 4 article listing upcoming public hearings, the item about a January 10 Planning Board hearing about amending bylaws for solar installations was mistakenly followed by a link to an earlier Lincoln Squirrel story about a possible solar installation at the town landfill that was not related to this hearing. The link has been removed in the original article.

 

Service for Michael Lytton on Jan. 15

Michael Lytton

There will be a service on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. the First Parish in Lincoln for Michael Lytton, who died suddenly of an aortic dissection on December 5 at the age of 59. You can read his obituary here. There will be a short reception after the service at Bemis Hall.

 

 

 

Public hearings coming up

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of the Appeals  will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Office Building to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

  • Seppo Rinne, 93 Tower Rd., for transfer and renewal of an accessory apartment special permit.
  • Randal Briggs, 31 Morningside Lane, for changes to the original approved special permit for renovations to the existing home.

Historical Commission

The Lincoln Historical Commission will hold public hearings at the following times on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in the Town Office Building to consider the following applications:

  • 7:30 p.m. — Joseph and Dana Robbat, to demolish more than 25 percent of the roof of an accessory structure at 151 Old Concord Road.
  • 7:45 p.m. — St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church, to demolish the dwelling at 149 Concord Road.
  • 8 p.m. — Ventianni, LLC, to demolish the dwelling at 144 Sandy Pond Road.
  • 8:30 p.m. — Birches School, to demolish a garage at 100 Bedford Road.

Planning Board

There will be public hearings at the following times on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in the Town Office Building to review the following proposed changes to the Lincoln Zoning Bylaw:

  • 7:40 p.m. — to amend Section 13.6 to revise the requirements for solar energy installations.
  • 8 p.m. — to amend Sections 6.1, 6.2, and 23 to allow certain commercial agricultural activities by right and commercial agricultural activities that generate annual sales greater than $5,000 per acre or more by special permit on parcels of 80,000 square feet or more. See “Small-scale agriculture expansion discussed at SOTT.”
  • 8:20 p.m.— to amend Section 14.3 to clarify the process and procedure regarding accessory apartments and to add a process and procedure for an accessory apartment that is affordable to low and moderate income households, as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”), and that meets DHCD requirements for inclusion in the town’s subsidized housing inventory. See “Residents hear about affordable accessory apartment proposal.”
  • 8:40 p.m. — to adopt an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw that would establish a temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures for recreational marijuana establishments through June 30, 2018 to allow time to study the issue and develop appropriate bylaws and ordinances.

Tree Warden

On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln DPW Office, 30 Lewis St., a public hearing will be held by the tree warden, deputy tree warden and/or their designees to consider the removal of the below trees in the public right-of-way. This meeting is consistent with the requirements of the Shade Tree Act (MGL,c.87) and Scenic Road Act. The trees have been marked with a hearing notice and are being considered for removal because they are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a safety or operational hazard. Anyone with questions may contact the Department of Public Works Department at 781-259-8999.

 

The year in review (part 2)

Site of the former Aka Bistro, soon to be Lincoln Kitchen.

December

November

October

September

August

July

2016: the year in review (part 1)

Kids enjoyed ice cream and other diversions at Lincoln’s “40 Years of Community” fair in April 2016.

June

May

April

March

February

January

Council on Aging activities in January

Domestic Violence Services Network hours
January 4 at 10 a.m.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse by a family member, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, or you are concerned about someone who is, come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 4 between 10 a.m. and noon to have a confidential discussion with an advocate from Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. Come find out more about domestic violence, and how to cope with it, as well as learn about available resources in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. All conversations are completely confidential.

Memoir group welcomes new members
January 4 and 18 at 10 a.m.
The Memoir Group welcomes new members in September and January if there is room in the group. If you are interested in joining us for the January term or want information about the group, please email the facilitator, Connie Lewis (conlewis1000@gmail.com). Memoirs meets on January 4 and 18 at 10 a.m.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
January 4 at 1 p.m.
Jimmy Santos, constituent services and military liaison for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Free wellness clinic for all ages!
January 5 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 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.

Get yourself to declutter
January 6 at 10 a.m.
You know you need to declutter, but sometimes you just can’t. You may be overwhelmed with feelings of loss, sadness or anxiety at the thought of letting something go. People accumulate too many material objects for many reasons, and sometimes it has to do with old memories, good and bad, rather than the value of the object itself. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. when Pam Mizrahi, the COA’s co-assistant director and a social worker, explores some of the reasons why it can be so hard to let go of objects and how we can be more comfortable doing it. Bring your experiences, questions, and concerns.

Ring in the new year with the oldies 
January 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Sing in the New Year with good ol’ oldies of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s on Friday, Jan. 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band. Enjoy remembrances of Bing Crosby, Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, Louis and Ella, and maybe a hint of Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson—lyrics provided to songs like Pennies From Heaven, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.

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. to noon on January 9, 13, 20, 23, 27 and 30. 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.

Lincoln Academy with Don Southall: up close and personal with lions, leopards, birds and more in South Africa’s Kruger Park
January 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 9 at 12:30 to hear Don Southall discuss “Up Close and Personal with Lions, Leopards, Birds and More in South Africa’s Kruger Park.” Don Southall has spent 250 nights on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (the size of Connecticut) taking amazing photos and studying animal behavior up close and personal. He shares stories of his many encounters with predators and prey, winged beauties, and beasts of all kinds and the best of his immense collection of photos. Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging 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.

Free legal clinic
January 9 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Jan. 9 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Get help with iPhones and iPads
January 12 at 9:30 a.m.
The COA’s programs on iPhones and iPads given by Andy Payne have been so popular that they have asked him to come back yet again! Andy will be at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m. to give you more information on the operation and features of iphones and iPads and answer your questions. You are welcome to attend whether you came to the other sessions or not. If you have tips for using your iPhone or iPad, bring those, too!

Internet and social media: it’s easier than you think!
January 12 at 11a.m.
These days, if you are going to get the word out about events or other things, you need to know how to use the Internet’s social media like Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. A growing number of people, especially those who are younger, get all their information online. If you are in charge of publicizing events for an organization or yourself, or you want other people to know about something you are offering or selling, come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 11a.m. when Andy Payne will give an introduction to what social media is and how to use it. It’s easier than you think!

Learn about plans for the Wang property
January 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Join representatives from Parks & Recreation, the Rural Land Foundation and the Birches School on Friday, Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall to discuss their private-public partnership focused on the former Wang property, located at 100 Bedford Road in Lincoln. The current plan, if approved at the March 2017 Town Meeting, is to develop the 16-acre property as the home of Birches School, to set aside nine acres for conservation and three acres to install an athletic field. The effort, which will be discussed at Town Meeting, is a once-in-a-generation effort to create the first new athletic field in Lincoln in nearly 50 years.

Senior dining
January 17 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, Jan. 17 at St. Anne’s church. 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 the COA know if you need transportation or a seating partner. 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. A special dessert will be provided by the staff and children of the Magic Garden Children’s Center.

Coffee with artist Dilla Gooch Tingley
January 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Join artist Dilla Gooch Tingley at “Coffee with the Artist” at Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. to see her fabric wall hangings inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and The Group of Seven. The Group of Seven are Canadian landscape painters including Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, Frankin Carmichael, F.H. Varley and Frank Johnson who produced exciting paintings of the spectacular Canadian wilderness and who believed that art should permeate all our lives.

The COA science group: the evolution of science
January 19 at 10 a.m.
The evolution of science presents a number of fundamental questions. Join John Getsinger, an attorney who has studied mathematics, medicine, and science, as he explores three questions he finds particularly interesting on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. (1) Foundations: How is science even possible? (the physics of thought); (2) Dynamics: What makes the evolution of science possible? (things change vs. ideas change); (3) Open problems: does science have to evolve in order to explain NASA’s em-drive experiment? (or, “wait, what happened to the action-reaction law?”) If you have any thoughts on these questions you would be willing to share with John in advance, email him at jrgetsin@gmail.com.

Coffee with a cop
January 19 at 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to meet privately with a Lincoln police officer. Do you have a security concern regarding yourself, a family member or neighbor? An idea for the Police should try? Would you like guidance about a situation? Come on down! No need to make an appointment. An officer will be at Bemis each third Thursday of the month.

Better relationships for a better life
January 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Having close friends and family can reduce stress and depression and even help you live longer. But our later years may bring challenges to our relationships when we move, after we retire, when friends and family become ill or pass away, or when we have trouble getting out to be with others. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Jan. 20 at 9:30 when social worker Claire Gerstein discusses the importance of healthy relationships, how we can improve the relationships we have, and find people with whom to form new ones. Whether you are feeling more isolated than you would like, or just want to learn more about the interconnection between health and relationships, come hear what Claire has to say, and give your own thoughts and ideas.

A traveler’s-eye view of Japan
January 20 at 12:30 p.m.
“Japan: Where Tradition Meets the Future” is more than just the national tourism board slogan. Temples, shrines, and imperial history mixed with bullet trains, harajuku girls and anime to create a fascinating and unique place that should be on every traveler’s radar. Come to Bemis Hall on January 20 at 12:30 when Peggy Dawson will share ideas and tips from her recent trip.

2017 Top of the Town winter gala
January 21 at 5 p.m.
Are you planning to go to the Top of the Town Winter Gala on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the deCordova Museum? If so, please send in the reservation form on the invitation mailed to you in December. The form must reach the FLCOA at PO Box 143, Lincoln, MA 01773 or Bemis Hall by January 12 to confirm your attendance. This is a catered party, and an accurate head count is important! Because there is a space limit of 200 persons, the FLCOA will start a wait list if replies reach that number. They request that you let them know promptly if you must cancel so they can notify the next person on the list. While the Friends of the Lincoln COA are pleased to host this event with free admission for Lincoln residents, they greatly appreciate your donations to show your support for this event.

Lincoln Academy with Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger: Icelandic adventures on horseback
January 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 23 at 12:30 to hear Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger discuss “Icelandic Adventure on Horseback.” Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger share their adventures in Iceland last summer. Riding Icelandic horses through breathtaking forests and along a beautiful beach, taking a monumental hike, swimming in a “hot river” and seeing beautiful scenery including geysers and the largest falls in Europe are just some their experiences. Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging 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.

World hand drumming for fun and well-being
January 24 at 9:30 a.m.
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 try hand drumming in a special one-time, free demonstration workshop with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 9:30 a.m. No need to bring a drum. If there is interest, the COA will offer a spring class.

Fireside chat: saving Planet Earth
January 25 at 10 a.m.
How helpful are limiting family size or veganism in our efforts to save the planet? Come join others in a lively but respectful discussion of this topic using questions and answers on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The Fireside Chats happen once each month, on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m., and are facilitated by Sharon Antia. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but rather to share information and ideas so as to create dialogue and greater understanding.

January 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Have a tax prep question?
If you have a simple question about your taxes or preparation of your returns, come to Bemis Hall on January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. when Packy Lawler will hold “office hours.” Packy is one of Lincoln’s highly trained AARP/IRS TaxAide counselors who provides free preparation of federal and state tax returns each year. Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up for an appointment.

Multigenerational sing-along
January 27 at 3:30 p.m.
The LEAP after-school program, the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Magic Garden Children’s Center invite Lincoln residents of all ages to enjoy a free Multigenerational Concert and Sing-Along as part of the Winter Carnival on Friday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The program will include singing groups from each of the three organizations and then a sing-along including all groups and the audience at the end. Members of the audience will enjoy favorite folk songs, children songs, and more. Then, audience members will join seniors and kids in a short sing-along of some songs that are beloved from childhood and others that are new and delightful.

Lincoln Academy with Donald L. Hafner (Captain, Lincoln Minute Men): Mary Flint Hartwell and the Alarm on April 19, 1775
January 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 30 at 12:30 to hear Donald L. Hafner, Captain of the Lincoln Minute Men, discuss “Mary Flint Hartwell and the Alarm on April 19, 1775.” Mary Flint Hartwell has a prominent role in local lore about the events of April 19, 1775. The most vivid version has Mary Hartwell carrying the alarm to her neighbor, Captain William Smith. This engaging version, however, is contradicted by older evidence. Still, she may be entitled to more, rather than less, credit in spreading the alert. Inaccuracies in the modern version therefore risk doing disservice to her role and courage on April 19th. Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging 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.

News acorns

Seeking wellness practitioners for Winter Carnival

A winter wellness fair is in the works as part of Lincoln’s Winter Carnival at the end of January. Any practitioner in town whose practice can be categorized as holistic, wellness, complementary, integrative, or alternative is welcome to be present to showcase their practices and share wisdom. The proposed time slot is Sunday, Jan. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This would be for promotional purposes only and to offer wellness to the community. If you are a wellness practitioner, or know someone who is and would be interested in participating, please contact Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio at asanajai@verizon.net or 781-738-1920.

Spring wellness clinics for all ages

Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse through a free Town service. Come to get your blood pressure checked, ask questions, or learn about wellness resources. Clinics will be held at the Community Building at Lincoln Woods at 50 Wells Road from 10 am to noon on Fridays January 8, February 5, and March 4. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For info, please call the COA at (781) 259-8811.

Domestic Violence Services Network to hold Lincoln office hours; seeks toiletries

If you are experiencing violence or abuse by a family member, whether physical, emotional or sexual, or you’re concerned about someone who is, come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 4 between 10 a.m. and noon to have a confidential discussion with an advocate from the Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN). Come find out more about domestic violence and how to cope with it, as well as learn about available resources in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. All conversations are completely confidential.

Women and children who are in shelters remaking their lives after experiencing domestic violence need toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, hand and body lotions, and more. If you have unopened toiletries from hotels or stores that you can’t use, please bring them to Bemis Hall by Friday, Feb. 6. A volunteer will take them to local domestic violence organizations for Valentine’s Day distribution.

 

Christmas tree removal offered

Tired of dragging your Christmas tree to the transfer station? As a benefit for the Class of 2020 and the girls’ basketball team, The students of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School will come to your home, pick up your Christmas tree and dispose of it.  (This is for residents of Sudbury and Lincoln only.). Pickup will be on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20, or $10 for senior citizens. To sign up, please email LSxmastreepickup@gmail.com by Wednesday, Jan. 4.  Please include your name, address and phone number in your email. Once we receive your request, we will send you a confirmation within 48 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation, please call Kathleen Thompson (Class of 2020 Advisor and basketball coach) at 978-443-9961 x ext. 3410.

Free income tax help

Volunteers certified under the AARP TaxAide program will prepare your federal and Massachusetts personal income tax returns or answer your tax questions. This free service can answer most of the tax issues faced by low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those over age 60. Appointments begin in February. Call the COA office at 781-259-8811 to schedule a confidential appointment and get a list of documents to bring.

State says no to Lincoln school funding for the third time

The state agency overseeing school project funding informed Lincoln today that the town would not be invited into the funding pipeline for a school project in 2017. This third rejection means residents must once again decide whether to wait and reapply next year, or proceed with an entirely town-funded school project.

Lincoln submitted was among the 89 school districts that submitted statements of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) this year, according to a letter from School Committee chair Jennifer Glass and Selectman Peter Braun. It was unclear how many of those proposals made the first cut. In 2015, there were 97 applications to the MSBA’s core program (the segment dealing with substantial renovation or reconstruction of schools); 26 were chosen for further consideration and eight were invited into the funding pipeline.

“From previous conversations with the MSBA, we know that there is a very high bar in evaluating applications, and that structural deficiencies, overcrowding and threatened loss of accreditation hold significant weight in the process. Lincoln does not qualify based on the second and third criteria, and interpreted literally, the structure of the building is not in danger of failure,” Glass and Braun said. “However, in the next couple of weeks, we will be in communication with the MSBA to try to learn whether the Lincoln School’s significant infrastructure and systems deficiencies might qualify us for invitation by the MSBA in the near future.”

Four years earlier, the MSBA offered to pay $21 million toward a new school costing $49 million if residents agreed by a two-thirds majority to fund their share. But the margin at a Special Town Meeting in November 2012 was 370-321 votes (54 percent to 45 percent), so the funding offer was withdrawn and the town had to begin the process all over again. The MSBA also declined to offer funding in 2013 and 2015. At Town Meeting in March 2016, residents overwhelmingly approved the latest application to the MSBA.

In 2014, consultants Dore and Whittier determined that the school needed immediate work costing $8.4 million including a new roof for the entire building, a new exterior wall for the Reed Gym, and a new boiler room and pumping equipment for the Smith building. However, even if residents approved funding for that work, the town would have to spend several million dollars more, because by state law, when school renovation costs exceed a certain percentage of the building’s assessed value, the building must also be brought up to current code for handicapped accessibility. For the Lincoln School, the trigger point in 2014 was about $6.5 million.

Meeting only the immediate and near-term facilities needs of the school with no educational improvements or cafeteria would cost more than $27 million, the consultants said, while a comprehensive project meeting all facilities and educational needs would cost almost $60 million.

The School Committee, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Capital Planning Committee will hold a multi-board meeting on January 30 at 7 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room to discuss any additional information received from the MSBA and to chart a path forward. “This will be the first of several public outreach sessions before any potential school building-related warrants are voted on at Town Meeting, and we hope that all members of the community will lend their voices to the process,” Glass and Braun said.