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

News acorns

Home energy workshop next week

energy-challenge

Jennifer Haugh, Sue Klem and Lynne Smith will be among those who will answer questions at the Residential Energy Workshop.

Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee will sponsor a Residential Energy Workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Pierce House. Experts will answer questions on a broad range of home energy topics, including energy efficiency, solar, and buying electricity using renewable energy. Anyone with questions may contact Sue Klem at Susan.M.Klem@gmail.com.

Newcomers’ event on Nov. 6

People who have moved into Lincoln within the past two years are invited to a Welcome Newcomers event on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 3-5 p.m. at Pierce House. This informal event is a great way for new residents to meet neighbors, new and old, and to learn more about what is fondly referred to as “the Lincoln way.” Representatives from the town’s elected and volunteer boards, committees and membership organizations will be on hand to meet newcomers and answer any questions about getting involved in the life of Lincoln. Light refreshments will be served. Advance registration is requested; please email Virginia Rundell at vq@verizon.net.

Paws for the Holidays Festival

Paws for the Holidays Festival is anew holiday tradition hosted by Phinney’s Friends on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pierce House. There will be caroling, Santa pictures for the family, live music, a caricaturist, baked goods, and a silent auction as well as items for sale such as dog costumes, toys, pet treats and cupcakes. Admission is free; kids and leashed dogs are welcome. Phinney’s Friends is a Lincoln nonprofit that works to help pet owners care for their animals in the event of illness or disability.

Letter to the editor: Rep. Stanley asks for voter support

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To the editor:

Serving as your state representative on Beacon Hill is an incredible honor and privilege. Working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community, seeing the results of this effort and the positive impact this work has had on so many people is amazing. But our work is not done. I have more to contribute to make Lincoln and Waltham even better.

Throughout my tenure in the legislature, I have prioritized supporting programs and policies that improve our lives and strengthen our community. As a member of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, I have helped deliver millions of dollars of local aid, road repair and public education funding. Also through the state budget process, I have directed thousands—and in some cases, millions—of dollars in funding through amendments supporting such programs as Fragile Beginnings for premature babies, domestic violence and shelter support services, and the education of the children of retired military at Hanscom Field among others.

Over my years of service, I have been proud to work with our state delegation and local officials for the district’s best interest. Together, we have:

  • Earmarked $2 million for a new visitor center at Walden Pond in the Environmental Bond Bill (2014)
  • Fought with federal, state and local officials in the BRACC [Base Realignment and Closure Commission] process to keep Hanscom open
  • Fought the expansion of commercial aviation at Hanscom Field
  • Created a new budget line item to fund municipal school transportation for homeless children
  • Passed legislation to protect open space in the western Greenway
  • Transferred control of the Fernald property to Waltham preventing its overdevelopment
  • Earmarked millions in a bond bill for the proposed UMass Urban Center for Sustainability
  • Advocated and arranged meetings for public school building funding assistance for Lincoln
  • Helped secure $350,000 for invasive aquatic species removal in the Charles River and other watersheds with an amendment to the fiscal year 2017 budget
  • Increased funding for Council on Aging servicing our seniors

The most rewarding part of the job is assisting the hundreds of people who have contacted me through the years with their personal or family struggles. And most recently, it has been an honor to work with you all as we struggle to tangle our state’s fight against addiction and the stigma that comes with it.

Lincoln and Waltham need an experienced and effective state representative that has demonstrated leadership and accomplishment at the state and local level. In this year’s election, I ask for your support and vote so that we can continue to move forward and build stronger and safer communities for everyone.  Please visit my website at www.tomstanley.org to learn more about me and read an important letter from the Lincoln Board of Selectmen and School Committee.

Sincerely,

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th District–Middlesex

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.

Council on Aging activities in November

bemisCoffee with artist Stephanie Rolfe
November 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Join artist Stephanie Rolfe at “Coffee with the Artist” on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall to celebrate her exhibit of watercolors showing in the Bemis Gallery. Rolfe didn’t begin painting till age 65, but it then became “a vigorous, enjoyable adventure,” she says. “I have no grandiose ambitions regarding my work. My pictures are straightforward, uncomplicated, and bring to mind many happy hours spent with what I love best—people and the outdoors.” Rolfe’s work may be viewed through November.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
November 2 at 1 p.m.
Wade Blackman, District Counsel for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold office hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 1-2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. You must call him at 617-354-0292 to make an appointment before coming.

Medicare 101: What to know, how to choose
November 2 at 7 p.m.
Come find out the basics of Medicare on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. This introduction to Medicare is especially for those who will be signing up soon, but is also for those who just wish to learn more and understand their benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, medigap plans, Advantage plans, and medication drug coverage (Medicare, Parts A, B, C and D), how to go about choosing the plan or plans that are best for you, avoiding penalties when you sign up late, and more.

Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady stanton and women’s suffrage: film and discussion
November 3 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate the right to vote for the candidate of your choice this election season by watching Ken Burns’ documentary Not for Ourselves Alone about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the fight for women’s suffrage on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carol DiGianni will present the four-hour long documentary and lead a discussion. Bring your lunch! It is a riveting portrayal of the 72-year fight for the right to vote.

Let’s talk about affordable housing
November 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Please join the Housing Coalition for tea and cookies at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 2:30 p.m. to talk about affordable housing. What exactly is affordable housing? How does it differ from moderate income and subsidized housing? How much do we have in Lincoln and why does it matter? Who is eligible for it and how do you apply? Do we need more? What are some innovative ideas for adding more affordable housing? Come find out what the Housing Coalition is up to and give your thoughts and ideas!

Positive psychology for a meaningful life
November 4 and 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Come to Bemis Hall Fridays Nov. 4 and 18 at 9:30 to learn to be happier, realize dreams, bring about personal change, use mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and nutrition to enhance quality of life, and improve relationships. The course is taught by Alyson Lee, who is a social worker and life coach and certified to teach Positive Psychology. It is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust. You do not need to have come to previous sessions to attend.

Veterans Day Italian luncheon for veterans and spouses
November 4 at 11:30 a.m.
All veterans and their spouses and the spouses of deceased veterans are invited to a special Veterans Day Italian Lunch on Friday, Nov. 4 at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy lasagna, spaghetti with sauce and meatballs on the side, Fettucini Alfredo, salad, bread, and dessert. This will be a special time to celebrate Veterans Day and all that our veterans and their families have sacrificed and achieved and to get to know other veterans better! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Give thanks for the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band
November 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday and jazz is America’s most traditional music, so celebrate November with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band! Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 4 at 12:30 to hear them play, tap your toes and enjoy, or get up and dance if you can’t sit still. Cheek to Cheek, Ain’t Misbehavin’, When You’re Smilin’ — you name it, they play it!

Make sure your legal plans are in place to assist your grandchildren
November 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Every grandparent wants to help their grandchildren, but you can make sure that what you do is as beneficial as possible by knowing about the legal and tax ramifications. Learn what expenses, like education, you can pay for without triggering taxes as well as little-known options like special-needs trusts when Lincoln resident and elder law attorney Sasha Golden comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

How to decide what to do with retirement’s freedom
November 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10 a.m.
Join Lincolnite Jean Risley in a free course of practical strategies to uncover your own values, plan retirement’s stages, identify goals, create helpful habits, balance your days and weeks, celebrate accomplishments, and build in flexibility. Classes began in October and will continue each Monday at 10 at Bemis Hall. You don’t need to have come to previous sessions to attend.

Lincoln Academy with Tom Gumbart—On safari in Tanzania
November 7 at 12:30 p.m.
In the fall of 2015 Tom Gumbart, Lincoln’s Conservation Director, went on a trip of a lifetime to Tanzania. It was the classic northern safari circuit and included visits to Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park. Tom will share his photos of the spectacular wildlife and scenery found in this area of Africa. Bring a bag lunch. 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. 

Preparing for knee and hip replacement
November 10 at 10 a.m.
Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgeries for older adults. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare beforehand can help ensure an easier and faster recovery. Come find out what you need to know before a joint replacement when Pete Frye, Emerson Hospital’s Rehab Director, comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. He will discuss total knee and hip replacement procedures, what to do prior to surgery, what to expect during your stay in the hospital, and what to expect when you return home. Bring your questions and concerns. All ages welcome!

Lincoln Academy with Miranda Loud—The new approach to caring about the environment: maybe anthropomorphism is good for us?
November 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 14, at 12:30 to hear Miranda Loud discuss “The New Approach to Caring About the Environment: Maybe Anthropomorphism is Good For Us?” 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
November 14 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Nov. 14 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.

Senior dining at Newbury Court
November 15 at 11:30 a.m.
PLACE: Newbury Court, Concord
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Newbury Court, 100 Newbury Court in Concord. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF PLACE FOR THIS MONTH. 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. Newbury Court will be providing a van leaving St. Anne’s parking lot at 11 a.m. and returning about 1:15 p.m. Please let the COA know when you sign up if you will ride the van as seats are limited. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s Church, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

Eat well, be well: sharing good nutrition for the holidays
November 15 at 1 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall to meet with others to share knowledge, tips, and recipes for eating healthfully, mindfully, and enjoyably for the holidays in our Eat Well, Be Well group! The group will meet for four Tuesdays at 1 p.m. beginning Nov. 15 at Bemis Hall and be facilitated by Tracey Cornogg. You don’t need to have any special expertise in nutrition or cooking, just a desire to share the joys of healthy eating with others.

Take time for tea on Tuesdays
November 15 at 2:15 p.m.
When was the last time you spent a relaxing hour or so over a cup of tea with friends? You are cordially invited to “Take Time for Tea on Tuesday” when you may enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) and snacks in an elegant atmosphere with friends, old and new on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 2:15 to 4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Just come as you are, have a seat at a table, get yourself some tea and cookies and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors. All are welcome. No need to sign up.

Concert with Birches School chorus
November 16 at 11:20
A free concert performed by the Sapling Singers, who are in grades 2-6 at the Birches School. The children will perform from 11:20-11:40 on November 16 in Bemis Hall.

Securing communications between websites and browsers
November 17 at 10 a.m.
The Lincoln COA Science and Technology Club invites everyone to learn more about internet security when Stephen T. Kent, Chief Scientist Emeritus of Raytheon BBN Technologies, speaks at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. He will explore the technology underlying web communications, the sorts of attacks they may sustain, typical methods for achieving security and how they may still leave communications vulnerable, and new and emerging Internet standards that may address these. Dr. Kent has acted as system architect in the design and development of network security systems, and served as principal investigator on network security R&D projects for over 35 years and has lectured on network security for government agencies, universities, and private companies throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Far East.

Coffee with a cop: share concerns and ideas with the Lincoln Police
November 17 at 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. to meet privately with a 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.

Be safer driving in winter: a seminar with Police Chief Kevin Kennedy
November 17 at 2:30 p.m.
No matter how long you’ve been driving, everyone can become a safer driver in snow, ice, and winter storms. Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 when Police Chief Kevin Kennedy will talk about basic tips to remember to avoid losing control of your car, and what to do if you do lose control, as well as some of the latest safety features of cars and how to use them. When the snow starts falling, you’ll be glad you did!

Gourmet luncheon: CCRCs, assisted living, rehab— what services they offer and what they cost
November 18 at noon
CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), Assisted Living, and Rehabilitation Facilities offer options for those who need housing and services on a short or long term basis. But, exactly what services does each offer? How do you pay and what do they cost? Are there lower cost options? Do you need a physician referral and how do you choose where and when to go? Find out the answers to these and other questions when Mike Myers and Lauren Griffiths from The Commons in Lincoln come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 18 at Noon. The Commons will provide lunch, including shrimp cocktail with kiwi-lemon cocktail sauce, filet mignon topped with lobster mousse with potato pancakes and grilled asparagus and salmon Marcella with Turkish rice and sweet roasted carrots. Please sign up in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Football 101
November 20 at 2 p.m.
Place: Library
When you’re at a Super Bowl party or a grandchild’s football game, do you wonder what’s being touched down when there’s a touchdown? And how does that crazy point system work? What does a quarterback actually do to earn all that money? Come to “Football 101” with Stacey Mulroy from the Parks and Recreation Department on November 20 at 2 p.m. in the Tarbell Room at the Library to find out. Stacey will explain the basics of football, answer your questions and get you off the bench and into the game. All ages welcome.! Co-sponsored by the Library, Parks and Rec, and COA.

Lincoln Academy with Maria Madison: The Robbins House and the heroes and heroines of our region’s little-known African-American history
November 21 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 21 at 12:30 to hear Maria Madison discuss “The Robbins House and the Heroes and Heroines of Our Region’s Little Known African American History.” The Lincoln/Concord area’s past is filled with extraordinary though little-known African-American people like Ellen Garrison, who took a stand against segregation a century before Rosa Parks, and Caesar Robbins, a previously enslaved Revolutionary War Veteran whose house embodies much about the African-American community of the 18th and 19th centuries. Be inspired by their stories and our community’s rich African-American history. 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.

Fireside chat: ageism and the trials of aging
November 23 at 10 a.m.
60 is the new 50, or is it 40? Statistics tells us we are living longer and healthier lives. On the other hand, Chat facilitator Sharon Antia recently encountered a 94-year-old woman who was irate because she felt she was not believed because of her age. How do we manage the complexities of an aging society and how do we help ourselves and our communities rise to the occasion? Come bring your experiences and ideas to discuss this topic at the Fireside Chat on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. in Bemis Hall.

News acorns

Complete Streets survey input sought

Residents are invited to participate in a survey about the upcoming Complete Streets study to look at existing conditions of roadways and roadside and come up with an improvement plan. Click here for more information or see the Lincoln Squirrel (September 14, 2016). The topic will also be discussed at the State of the Town on Saturday, Nov. 12. Click here to take the survey.

Early voting now going on

Early voting, introduced in Massachusetts with this election, will be available in the Town Clerk’s Office (16 Lincoln Rd.) through Friday, Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Hours for voting are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Forum on agriculture and conservation projects

“New Projects: The Lincoln Way” on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall will feature presentations by Pete Lowy of Codman Community Farm; J. Harrison of The Food Project; and Jane Gruba-Chevalier, Robin Wilkerson and Anna Wilkins of People for Pollinators. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Garden Club and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT).

Job fair for Hanscom civilian positions

Come learn about opportunities to work as a civilian for Hanscom Air Force Base at a combination information session and job fair on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 3-7 p.m. at Minuteman High School (758 Marrett Rd., Lexington). Meet Hanscom’s top management to discuss their  opportunities relative to your skills and experience. There will be Information sessions at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the event hosted by the state Department of Career Services and Employment and Training Resources in partnership with Minuteman High School. Military personnel will also be available to discuss opportunities including Officer Candidate School, the National Guard and enlisted service. Preregistration required; call 508-478-4300 ext. 113 or or  508-766-5720.

‘The Sweet Hereafter’ to be shown

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen The Sweet Hereafter (1997, 112 minutes, rated R) on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The movie tells the story of a small community torn apart by a tragic accident which kills most of the town’s children. A lawyer visits the victims’ parents in order to profit from the tragedy by stirring up the their anger and launching a class-action suit against anyone they can blame. One young girl, left in a wheelchair after the accident, who finds the courage to lead the way toward healing.

Rutter’s ‘Requiem,’ prayer vigil at St. Anne’s

stanneschoir_requiem

Members of St. Anne’s Choir sing a requiem to honor those who have passed away.

St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Church will celebrate All Saints’ Day on Sunday, Nov. 6 with John Rutter’s ethereal and moving Requiem, accompanied by harp, flute, oboe, percussion and organ, together with special anthems for the day by Bullock, Harris and Lassus. This service of remembrance will be led by guest preacher Brother Nicolas Bartoli, SSJE, a member of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal monastic community in Cambridge. All are welcome.

Starting immediately after that service, St. Anne’s will host a 48-hour prayer vigil leading up to the presidential election on November 8 in conjunction with other Episcopal services throughout the state. Click here for the schedule from November 6-8.

Groups proposed for economic development, south Lincoln

shopTwo new committees to promote business development in Lincoln are being proposed.

At a Board of Selectmen meeting earlier this month, Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney offered a proposal for an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and a South Lincoln Implementation Planning Committee (SLPIC) to the Board of Selectmen earlier this month. Creating groups to focus on economic development and south Lincoln were among the recommendations of the 2009 Comprehensive Long Range Plan.

The EDAC would be similar to an Economic Development Commission or a Chamber of Commerce found in many towns, but it would expand its membership to include nonprofit Lincoln-based organizations. The group’s goal would be “to help attract, retain and grow businesses (for profit and non-profits) and jobs in Lincoln that respects Lincoln’s character and adds to the quality of local residential life by providing goods, services and amenities desired by residents, jobs and livelihoods for Lincoln residents, and tax revenue that support the town services that are important to Lincoln residents.”

If approved, selectmen would appoint nine members to the EDAC, and the Planning Board would appoint seven members to the SLPIC. Each group would include members from the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board, the Rural Land Foundation, business owners, and an at-large member with experience in retail estate or business development. The EDAC would also include a member from a nonprofit such as a farm or cultural/historical organization.

Aside from its focus on South Lincoln, the SLPIC would be more project-oriented than the EDAC. It could create working groups for specific projects drawing on other one-time members, such as a people from the Department of Public Works and the bicycling community for a signage project, or a marketing consultant to work with business owners on marketing and displays, Burney explained.

“It’s a way to find out who’s out there and what they’re struggling with. Do you have a vacancy rate? How can we help you fill your vacancy rate? Are you planning to expand, and If so, how can we keep you in Lincoln?” she said.

Burney’s proposal also included economic data, some of which was also presented in the 2014 Lincoln Station Planning Study.

  • In 2015, there were 190 establishments in Lincoln that provided 2,034 jobs with a total of $143 million in wages.
  • The North Lincoln office development near Hanscom Field has a vacancy rate of 30-40 percent.
  • The Mall at Lincoln Station earns only $7.7 million per year in sales and “leaks” as much as 80 percent of total consumer spending in adjacent towns.
  • Lincoln has a median household income of $150,000, with over 40 percent earning a combined income of $200,000 or more.

Planning Board member Gary Taylor noted that South Lincoln is at a transition point with two new restaurants opening, even as commercial space across the street remains vacant.

“I really think we have an opportunity here to chart a new path with respect to economic development and particularly South Lincoln,” he said. “We’ve never really [said to businesses] that we really want to get behind you and we want to listen to you.”

“As a Planning Board member, I feel revisiting South Lincoln is a really important mission and something that excites me,” board member Lynn DeLisi said. “We spend a lot of time deciding whether people should have spruce trees or Eastern cedars or whatever, but really the heart of the matter is revitalizing the town.”

Selectman were cautious, saying they had questions about the missions and membership criteria of the two groups. They wondered if the business community would include those with home offices in town, or those who are Lincoln residents but run successful businesses elsewhere.

The two proposed groups seem to have a lot of overlap, said Selectman James Craig, the liaison to the Planning Board, adding that he wanted to “talk more and see why this can’t be under one umbrella.” However, Town Administrator Tim Higgins, who worked with Burney on the proposal, said he saw the value in having two separate groups and recommended that approach to her.

The EDAC was a particularly valuable asset in Ayer, where he was previously town administrator, he said. “I certainly didn’t realize just the power of networking” for the business community, Higgins said. “It’s a nice way of businesses getting to know one another and understand one another, regardless of any specific action items that might come.”

“I’d like to go a little slower and take it under advisement,” Selectman Peter Braun said.

Burney will meet with Higgins and Craig to discuss the EDAC further, and Craig will report back to the other selectmen. The Planning Board will reach out to other boards and committees to explain the SLPIC and its charge to see if there is interest in serving on the group or a subcommittee.

Letter to the editor: Tully seeks votes in 9th District

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Editor’s note: Tully is running an an independent against incumbent Rep Thomas Stanley (D).

To the editor:

My name is Stacey Gallagher Tully, candidate for state representative in the 9th Middlesex District, and I humbly ask for your vote on November 8th. I am running on a platform of ideas that will bring fresh thinking, positive energy and proven leadership to Beacon Hill on behalf of all constituents in Lincoln and Waltham.

My leadership style has always been and will continue to be one of collaboration. I want to be a strong advocate for you, the people of the 9th District, and I would be honored to earn your vote so that I can work together with you to help make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

I have a proven track record of being a strong voice and advocate for the people of Lincoln and Waltham. As a teacher, I am involved with instructing people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. My philosophy as a teacher is to listen to the students so that my classroom experience brings out the best in them. As your state representative, I will listen to you, the constituents of the 9th District, in the same manner to ensure your voice is heard in the process. We will work collaboratively to come up with innovative public policies that will make our community stronger and more vibrant for all residents.

Over the past few months, I have had the honor of campaigning for your vote. As I have discussed with many of you in your homes and around the community, I am running on a platform that will support our public education system; improve our crumbling infrastructure; protect our veterans and active-duty personnel; support our seniors; and work in a bipartisan fashion to support our community’s fight against addiction. With your vote, we can work together to solve these important issues.

On a personal note, I am a strong family woman, wife and mother, and a firm believer in being a leader and promoter of good will. I have been and will always be accessible, approachable and visible in the community. As your state representative, I will bring these qualities and more to ensure that I am accessible to you at all times.

Your vote is a valuable tool in our American democracy and something I will honor each day as your representative. Please vote Stacey Gallagher Tully for State Representative on November 8th.

Sincerely,

Stacey Gallagher Tully
85 Lincoln St., Waltham

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.

Letters to the editor on both sides of charter school question

letter

Vote “yes” on Question 2

To the editor:

As an educator, parent and student, I do not approve of decisions regarding education that are based entirely on (at times erroneously understood) monetary reasons. I would ask that citizens not blindly follow the “no” vote recommended by school committee.

For those educators whose mission in life is that there be a place for every child to learn and succeed, we have seen charter schools save the intellectual and emotional lives of many learners, as well as raise the standard of education in existing public schools.

It has been my experience as a parent and teacher in three states that charter schools can vastly increase chances of a superior education for all kinds of learners. The only detriment to the existing public school that I have seen over the course of 23 years is, at times, that the best and the brightest students often leave their existing public school for what can often be a more diverse and rigorous academic life in a charter, once parents realize the astonishing breadth, depth, and range of knowledge to which a charter school is committing its students.

Charter schools are different from each other and not easy to compare, just as a current public school in an affluent community is quite different from an urban school in a financially poor area. For this reason, rather than make generalizations about all schools, I would urge voters to educate themselves thoroughly on this issue as Ted Charrette has suggested. Please take the time to fully understand why an award winning teacher like Ted is bringing this to your attention.

I cannot say I have ever won an award for teaching, but the well-being and integrity of our American school system and the future of your children is a subject about which I am passionate. Vote “yes” to ensure we put the academic and personal growth of every student in Massachusetts ahead of any other concern. And because it is time to begin making decisions from a place of courage rather than fear.

Sincerely,

Isabella Nebel
1 Millstone Lane

Vote “no” on Question 2

To the editor:

I am no fan of the “Common Core” curriculum, and feel that we have yet to develop adequate reforms to ensure our schools remain competitive and beneficial, especially for students who are less privileged (by virtue of economics, race, native language, etc).

That being said, I agree with the School Committee’s letter to the editor in the Lincoln Squirrel: Question #2, if passed, would pull money away from our public schools and there would be a worrisome lack of accountability for the use of that money. This is deeply concerning.

As I see it, Question #2, even though well-intended, is not a recipe for reform but an abandonment of our responsibility to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity for a good education—so I will be voting “no” on Question #2.

Sincerely,

Allen Vander Meulen III
30 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.

Falling bodies (of water) – Lincoln Through the Lens

reservoir-2013

Two photos of the Cambridge Reservoir, taken from the same spot exactly three years apart (2013 and 2016, before last weekend’s rain) on Old County Road by Craig Nicholson.

reservoir-2016
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.

Letter to the editor: School Committee urges ‘no’ vote on Question 2

letter

Dear Lincoln residents,

At our October 6th meeting, the Lincoln School Committee voted unanimously to recommend a “no” vote on Ballot Question 2 (you can read our resolution here). Ballot Question 2 would lift the current charter school cap and allow up to twelve new publicly-funded charter schools each year. Also, each year it would allow charter school enrollment to expand by 1% of total statewide public school enrollment. We believe that there are two main reasons for rejecting this proposal and keeping the current limits:

  • Additional loss of town/city revenue—“Chapter 70” is the Commonwealth’s law that governs state funding for public education, and it provides a significant portion of the local aid package that cities and towns receive from the Commonwealth to support schools and other municipal services. When a child is enrolled in a charter school, the municipality in which the child lives is charged a per-pupil cost that is determined through a three-part formula. The resulting amount is then paid to the charter school, and is subtracted from a city’s or town’s local aid. Currently there is no impact on the town of Lincoln’s local aid, but many cities and towns, including our neighbors Bedford, Concord, Sudbury and Waltham are already experiencing a loss in local aid due to charter school tuition.
  • Lack of local accountability—Although cities and towns pay for each student that attends a charter school, there is no local oversight. Despite receiving public funds, charter schools have no accountability to locally elected officials such as school committees or selectmen. In town such as ours, where we govern through Town Meeting, the charter school accountability and funding structures represent a distinct departure from the direct oversight we, as Lincoln voters, currently have over public education and municipal finance.

For these reasons, we, the members of the Lincoln School Committee, voted to join the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and over 180 school districts in urging a “no” vote on Ballot Question 2.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Glass, Chair
Tim Christenfeld, Vice-Chair
Peter Borden
Jena Salon
Al Schmertzler

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.

Students apply engineering skills to solving school problems

Lincoln School students in grades 5-8 spent two full days planning and building prototypes in a hands-on engineering effort to solve specific problems at the school they’d previously identified.

STEM Day (science, technology, engineering and math) on October 13-14 involved involved 270 students as well as dozens of faculty and parent volunteers. During the month of September, students brainstormed about problems in the school that could be solved using the engineering design process. A group narrowed the list to the following four:

  1. How do we cover the walkway between the school and the gym so we can get to class without getting wet? Similarly, how do we create portable shade for lunchtime?
  2. How do we keep the soccer ball from going into the street when it is kicked toward the net close to the road?
  3. How do we find places in the building and ways to store things that are too big to fit into lockers?
  4. How do we create portable seating so more kids can eat lunch outside and have a place to sit?

Students consulted with Lincoln Building Inspector Dan Walsh and Parks and Recreations Director Dan Pereira to learn about building codes and how the field in front of the school is used by multiple town groups. They then brainstormed, measured, drew, evaluated, got feedback and built.

Smaller groups of students created prototypes in the classrooms. They then presented them to their peers for feedback and revised their original designs. Toward the end of the day, all four grades gathered in the auditorium, and one project from each problem was presented to the school.

Because the students had chosen their problems, they were excited and engaged from the outset. Along with basic engineering, they had to consider things like budgeting, aesthetics (for example, specifying a stained-glass type of plexiglass roof for the gym walkway so colors could shine through) and sustainability, such as incorporating solar panels as a way to get extra benefits from a project. At the very end of the day, Principal Sharon Hobbs invited students who really loved their designs to come see her to talk about how some of their work might come to fruition.

The prototypes are temporarily on display in the school library so the students can benefit from seeing other people’s thinking.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”45″ gal_title=”STEM Day 2016″]