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

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.

 

Town mulling options for Complete Streets funding

New street markings and signs, safety improvements for bicyclists and even underground pedestrian tunnels were some of the ideas discussed at a public forum earlier this month.

The forum summarized  input from an earlier forum in October, an online survey, and comments about roadways and traffic at the State of the Town meeting last month. Town officials are gathering this information in preparation for applying for a grant of up to $400,000 under the state’s Complete Streets program, which targets local improvements to benefit drivers, bicyclists, public transit users and and pedestrians. These grants can help fund eligible projects after a municipality has developed a Complete Streets policy and a prioritization plan of desired improvements. Lincoln already received an initial $50,000 grant earlier this year to pay for the consulting work presented on December 7.

The town could apply for specific project funding after the new year, but the deadline for actually completing any 2017 projects is the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2017. Thus, any initial projects must already be “shovel-ready” and must not require any town funding above the $400,000 maximum grant, because the capital planning process is too far along. However, in future years, the town may seek grants for projects that would require funds (including design work) in excess of $400,000, with the balance paid by the town.

“In that first round, we’re not going to get to the issues that people are frankly excited about,” said Town Administrator Tim Higgins.

“Low-hanging fruit” that might be targeted for early 2017 includes roadside path improvements and links, signs, street markings and resurfacing, and crosswalks, said Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney.

The town could supplement future grants with capital planning or Community Preservation Act funds, other state funding programs or bonding. However, Higgins tempered expectations by noting that “historically, roadways and path improvements have not been high on the community’s priority list for funding” and that the town is already facing major expenditures for a school project and possible a community center.

Specific suggestions

Based on public input thus far, residents want to see improvements at various problematic intersections:

  • Lincoln Road and Codman Road
  • Route 2 and Bedford Road
  • Old Winter and Winter Streets
  • Lincoln Road and Route 117
  • Routes 126 and 117
  • Five Corners

Possible safety measures include better signal timing/phasing, flashing lights, stop signs, enhanced pavement markings, new guardrails, improved sight lines, relocated utility poles and/or speed humps.

Crosswalks were also suggested for Lexington and Trapelo Roads, Page and Trapelo Roads, Baker Bridge and Concord Roads, and Codman and Lincoln Roads. Other ideas that surfaced included a safer Bedford Road crossing at Route 2 involving a bridge or tunnel, and seeing if the public could use an existing tunnel under Route 117 owned by Mass Audubon.

Other types of projects suggested for Lincoln that are eligible for Complete Streets grants include:

  • Lincoln Station improvements such as signage, seating and/or a shelter for the commuter train stop, and paving the residents’ commuter parking lot.
  • Connecting some conservation trails, improving signage and allowing more types of usage
  • Improvements for bicyclists such as bike lanes and shared-use paths, shoulder maintenance (fixing debris and cracks), widening shoulders to a consistent 18 inches, and widening roads back to the original pavement where dirt and weeds have crept in

Burney and other officials will present a list of recommended projects and a draft Complete Streets policy to the Board of Selectmen in January.

More information:

 

News acorns

Christmas services

First Parish in Lincoln — The First Parish in Lincoln will hold Christmas Eve services on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the Parish House auditorium (14 Bedford Road). The service at 5 p.m. will be an Intergenerational Family Service led by Mandy Beal, and the services at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. will be led by Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti. All services will celebrate Christmas with story, reflection and caroling. All are welcome; come celebrate with your Lincoln neighbors. Out-of-town family members, guests and visitors are cordially invited to attend.

St. Anne’s — On Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church will offer three worship services: Family Holy Eucharist with Pageant at 3 p.m., and Holy Eucharist with Choir at 5:30 and 10 p.m. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, St. Anne’s will celebrate a service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m.

Lisa Bastoni at next open mike event

Lisa Bastoni

The next open mike night at the Lincoln Public Library on Monday, Jan. 9 will feature Lisa Bastoni, a singer/songwriter with three CDs under her belt, including her latest, The Wishing Hour. Follow her on Twitter: @lisabastoni. Lincoln Open Mike Night (LOMA) runs from 7-10 p.m. and Bastoni will performa  half-hour set starting around 8:30. LOMA is a monthly event. 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.

 

Fredriksen and husband moving to Cambridge

As Renel Fredriksen contemplates her impending departure from both the Board of Selectmen and the town of Lincoln, she is hopeful that the school project she once opposed will go forward, along with a community center.

Fredriksen, 68, is leaving the board in March after completing two years of her second three-year term as she and her husband (retired software engineer John Robinson, who is resigning from his post on the Board of Assessors) prepare to move to a condo they own in near Harvard Square in Cambridge. She retired from her job as controller of CarGurus in October.

“We decided the time has come; we decided we want to retire and not need to drive whenever we want to go anywhere,” she said, adding that they had been thinking about the idea of moving for “at least 10 years.” They have lived in Lincoln since 1986.

Fredriksen’s early departure coincides with the end of Selectman Peter Braun’s tenure on the board, leaving Selectman James Craig—who was elected in March 2016—as the board’s senior member. Meanwhile, Parks and Recreation chair Jonathan Dwyer has declared his candidacy for Braun’s seat, and Allen Vander Meulen and Jennifer Glass (chair of the School Committee chair) have announced their candidacy to fill the last year of Fredriksen’s term.

Asked if her early departure would pose difficulties for the town, she said, “No, I don’t think so. [Town Administrator] Tim Higgins runs everything on a daily basis.” While she acknowledged there is a “ramp-up period” for new selectmen, she expressed confidence on Dwyer. “He knows the ropes… I think we’re going to be fine. Jim [Craig] came with a strong background also; it certainly didn’t take him long to get up to speed.”

“The school project is definitely going to be the big thing town is dealing with for the new few years,” Fredriksen observed. When the Board of Selectmen voted in 2012 on whether to recommend approval of a school project, she cast the only “no” vote based on what she saw as insufficient information given out about the project.

“At the time, I think by not reaching out to the town as much as they could have, the town in general was not prepared for how much it would cost,” she said. Since then, however, “the School Committee and the various building committees have done a terrific job of reaching out to the town and getting information out and seeking information from townspeople.”

The other problem with the project was the partial elimination of the center ballfield. “This was not my reason, but if they had gone ahead with that, there would have been a lot of unhappiness. That ended up being a very big deal for a lot of people, and it would have been a sore spot for many years,” Fredriksen said.

The proposed community center is also “near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I hope they can work some out so the school gets that they need and the community gets what it needs.”

During an interview on December 15 when she announced her departure, Fredriksen said she planned to reach out to possible candidates to replace her. Just three days later, however, Glass and Vander Meulen announced they were running for her seat.

Fredriksen said she “absolutely” would not endorse any of the three candidates. “There may be more people who throw their hats into the ring,” she said. “If I were to [endorse], I would wait until the deadline had passed” for candidates to file paperwork with the town. Asked if any of the candidates were among those she had encouraged to run, she said, “No comment.”

News acorns

Lincoln shares in $50,000 grant

Lincoln and 11 other area towns have been awarded a $50,000 state grant to help devise a regional approach to complying with stormwater drainage rules. The funding is part of $1 million in Community Compact grants recently announced for efficiency and regionalization efforts in 72 municipalities and 10 school districts. Earlier this month, Lincoln formally joined the Community Compact program, which offers technical and grant assistance for water resource management, housing and economic development, and business continuity projects.

First Day at Pierce House on Jan. 1

Lats year’s First Day gathering at the Pierce House. Photo by Harold McAleer.

Come to the historic Pierce House (17 Weston Rd.) to celebrate the new year together at the town’s 18th annual First Day gathering on Sunday, Jan. 1 from 1-5 p.m. Complimentary admission for Lincoln residents, but donations are gratefully accepted for the upkeep of this town resource. Soup-serving volunteers are also needed for one-hour shifts; please contact Richard Silver with your preferred time slot at richard@piercehouse.com or 781-259-9757.

ConsComm approves ‘land swap’ for solar installation

In this map, the blue outline represents the former Wang land proposed for conservation, the green outline would be for a new town athletic field, and the yellow outline is where the Birches School hopes to relocate. Click to enlarge.

A solar power installation atop the former town landfill moved one step closer to reality when the Conservation Commission voted last week to remove seven acres from conservation status and replace it with some of the purchased Wang property, contingent on voter approval.

After examining 25 possible sites in town, a consulting firm hired by Lincoln’s Solar PV Working Group concluded earlier this year that the best spot for a municipal solar array is the old landfill. However, there was a hitch. After it was capped years ago, the landfill site was designated as conservation land; by state law, it can’t be used for any other purpose unless the town substitutes another parcel equal in size and quality as part of its conservation inventory. Officials had hoped that part of the Hargreaves-Heald property purchased by the town earlier this year could be used for this purpose, but the state said this was not acceptable.

However, an alternative presented itself when the Rural Land Foundation and the Birches School purchased 16 acres of land off Bedford Road belonging to the late An and Lorraine Wang in November. If all goes as planned, residents will approve spending $850,000 to purchase 12 of those acres—roughly five acres for a future athletic field and seven acres to be set aside for conservation in place of the landfill piece. Those seven acres comprise three lots owned by the Wangs—one on the east side of Bedford Road abutting Route 2 to the north, and two on the west side of Oak Knoll Road.

The Conservation Commission noted that the Wang land meets the state’s conservation-substitution criteria because it offers “a significantly greater resource value” than the landfill acreage owing to its habitat, trail connections and vegetated buffer. In its unanimous vote, the commission also stipulated that it will review the solar-array construction documents prior to installation to ensure the continued protection of the landfill parcel’s resources, and that the land may be used only for a solar installation.

In a 2015 report, BlueWave Capital said a solar installation on the landfill site could produce more than 50 percent of Lincoln’s municipal electricity.

Letter to the editor: Mitchell running for School Committee

letter

To the editor:

I am writing to announce my candidacy for the open position on the Lincoln School Committee and ask for your support. My family has lived in Lincoln since 2004 and our two children are being nurtured and developed in the Lincoln schools. As they have moved through various schooling stages, my knowledge and interest in the education process has increased. I am excited to take my interests and abilities one step further as a member of the School Committee.

My years volunteering for the Lincoln School Foundation (LSF) have most directly led to my interest in running for School Committee. LSF is a nonprofit organization that promotes innovation in education by awarding grants to Lincoln Public Schools teachers that foster critical thinking, collaboration and authentic learning experiences for students. For the past three years, I have been the LSF co-chair and have had the pleasure of working with Superintendent Becky McFall and other LPS educators. I have been excited about the innovative practices that teachers have been implementing and look forward to providing the support needed to continue this progression.

While my children are currently in third and fifth grades, I have always taken an active role in their education. Starting at Lincoln Nursery School, I enjoyed parent helping in the studios. As a co-operative nursery school, I served on the Steering Committee as VP of operations for three years, during which time I helped implement new teacher and parent feedback and school evaluation processes. When they entered the Lincoln Public Schools, I served on the PTO. I have been a room parent each year for both children and have served on the Welcoming Committee. With my professional background in business consulting specializing in change management, management development, and training, I now use my organizational and facilitation skills as a Girl Scout troop leader and third-grade soccer coach.

Our children are growing up in a different world than the one we grew up in. The accessibility of technology and the overwhelming amount of information that’s readily available means that our children need a different set of skills to succeed in the future. They need to be able to synthesize information, collaborate with others, and know that their actions and decisions make an impact on the broader world. If elected, I would look forward to helping carry forward the strategic priorities of the schools and ensure that the policies, procedures and budget are in alignment to support this direction.

Lastly, I would like to thank Jennifer Glass for her dedication to the School Committee over the past nine years. She has put in countless hours of time and effort. Her knowledge of the school system and her desire for making improvements necessary to achieve the best learning environment possible are to be commended.

Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself, and I hope that you will support me in the town election in March.

Sincerely,

Tara Mitchell
67 Sandy 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.

News acorns

Standing Rock event Monday night

The movement at Standing Rock is still in need of critical support Lincoln residents Jessica and Jason Packineau, who recently returned from trips to North Dakota, will give a presentation and fundraiser for Standing Rock on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Stone Church (14 Bedford Rd.) Come to hear their stories from the front line and learn why the current situation at Standing Rock deserves as much attention as ever.

Gift cards for Codman Community Farms store

Codman Community Farms is offering prepaid gift cards starting at $25. Recipients can use the cards at the Codman store’s iPad self-checkout terminal to buy eggs, meat and other items. The balances on the cards, which do not expire, can be monitored, and they can be reloaded with more funds as desired. Click here to order a card (mailed to purchaser within 24 hours).

Library events during the holidays

Decorate gingerbread people and hear stories on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. For ages 3 and up; sign up by calling 781-259-8465

  • Winter movies and muffins on Friday, Dec. 23 from 10:30–11 a.m. Winter-themed short films based on beloved children’s books. Recommended for ages 2 and up; drop in.
  • Winter crafts on Tuesday, Dec. 27 all day ( 9 a.m. to 6 p.m). Winter crafts for children of all ages.
  • Make the night sparkle—celebrate the New Year by hearing stories, decorating a paper lantern and taking part in a twinkling light parade around the library on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 4-5:30 p.m. Advance signup required; call 781-259-8465 ext. 4 or email jflanders@minlib.net.

The library will be closed from Saturday to Monday, Dec. 24-26, reopening at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27. It will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 31 and reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017.

Winter wellness clinics starting Jan. 5

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 from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Feb. 14. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust. Additional clinics will be held at Bemis Hall on Tuesday Jan. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 9-11 a.m. These are supported by the Pierce House. Services for all clinics are provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, please call the COA at 781-259-8811.