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

News acorns

soccerIn-town soccer starts Saturday

The Lincoln In-Town Soccer program will start Saturday, Sept. 10 at Smith Field. Pre-K and kindergartners will begin at 8 a.m., and grades 1-2 at 9 a.m. There will be two instructors from the Revolution Academy soccer program present to assist us in implementing practice plans and for coaching guidance; parent volunteers are responsible for coaching the teams with instructors’ help. Please register your child before the first practice if possible at www.lincolnsoccer.com. If you’ve already registered, please double-check the website to confirm, as players must be registered in order to play. Parents, even those without soccer experience, who are interested in volunteering should contact Deepak Dibya at 515-203-5986 or dibyadeepak@gmail.com.

Lecture on Gropius-Breuer partnership

Gropius+Abele entries_B+WA talk titled “When Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery: Tracing Forms and Legacy in the Gropius-Breuer Partnership” will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 7-9 p.m. at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Road). Join architectural historian Amy Finstein for an evening exploring the literal and figurative inspiration that Lincoln’s Gropius House provided for other architectural patrons and designers in the late 1930s and early 1940s. We’ll use one particular commission to explore how Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer used their own homes as models for subsequent architectural commissions, and how the literal imitation of certain elements may have impacted public reception of finished designs.

Tickets are $5 for Historic New England members or $10 for nonmembers. For details, click here, call 781-259-8098 or buy tickets online.

9/11 commemoration details

The Veterans of Lincoln, Mass. (VOLMA), with the support of the Department of Recreation, are sponsoring a flag display and brief memorial ceremony on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. A flag to represent each person killed in the attacks in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Penn. (almost 3,000 in total) will be stationed on the lawn around the library on the corner of Trapelo and Bedford Roads before the anniversary and until a week later, when they will be returned to the town.

The event will include an official U.S. Army Color Guard, the singing of the national anthem, a rifle salute, bugle taps, and a group singing of Irving Berlin’s classic “God Bless America.” The veterans hope many Lincoln residents and other local citizens will be able to attend this solemn and dignified event. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside Bemis Hall.

Talks on Lincoln photographer, investing and retirement

The Lincoln Public Library will host the following guest speakers in September:

Passive Investing with Jerome Moisand

Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of Boglehead investing, which follows the principles of Vanguard founder John Bogle.

‘Juxtapositions’ with Judy Polumbaum

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. As a photojournalist, the late Ted Polumbaum of Lincoln documented some of the most important news events and social movements of the second half of the 20th century, from Muhammad Ali to Ted Kennedy to the volunteers of Freedom Summer. Revisit his photographic works as his daughter Judy Polumbaum, Professor Emeritus at University of Iowa School of Journalism & Mass Communications, speaks about her new book Juxtapositions: Images from the Newsmuseum Photo Collection of Ted Polumbaum. All of Polumbaum’s 200,000 images are archived at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.; more information about the collection is available here.

Retirement Planning with Ahmet Atamar

Thursday, Sept. 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. With over 30 years of experience in investing, Ahmet Atamar of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will lead a seminar in retirement planning and  answer questions.

Letter to the editor: open debates to all

letter

To the editor:

The presidential debates are the most important events in our election process, and voters need to hear from all four candidates who will be on the ballot across the country in November. The right to vote means little unless we have the right to know who we can vote for and what they stand for.

It is public knowledge that the debates are now controlled by a corporation actually controlled by the Republican and Democratic parties. This corporation has not served the U.S. voting public well, and a majority of U.S. voters today no longer identify with either of the two major parties. This is what the League of Women Voters said in 1988: “The League of Women Voters is withdrawing its sponsorship of the presidential debate scheduled for mid-October because the demands of the two campaign organizations would perpetrate a fraud on the American voter.”

The presidential debates should provide voters with multiple opportunities to see all the candidates representing the diversity of American political thought discussing important issues in an unscripted manner so that the people can make informed decisions about the direction of our country. Instead, the debates have become an unfairly and tightly controlled charade. There is no significant participation by the public, moderators are chosen by the candidates, and questions are carefully vetted. And any unscripted back-and-forth between candidates is minimal. This “fraud” deprives voters of the honest and open discussion they need and deserve.

Open debates will strengthen our nation, no matter who is the next president. Please stand with the majority of Americans who want open debates and demand all four candidates be in the debates.

Sincerely,

Jean Palmer
Tower 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.

Council on Aging activities in September

bemis“Staying in touch” group
September 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Take time to get in touch and stay in touch with ourselves and others. All are invited to a discussion group to be held each Tuesday from 2:30-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall beginning September 6. This is an opportunity to chat with others on an array of topics of the group’s choosing and get to know your neighbors.

Memoir group 
September 7 at 10 a.m.
Without any obligation, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are September 7 and 21; October 5 and 19; November 2, 16, and 30; and December 14. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Lincoln Trad Jazz Sextet
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
The beginning of September can be a hectic time as life gets started up again. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m., sit back while the Lincoln Trad Jazz Sextet stirs up memories and sets your toes a-tappin’ as their music fills the hall with old favorites from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. All the musicians are highly talented retired amateurs who bring you their love of this uniquely American music for your enjoyment!

Free legal clinic
September 12 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, Sept. 12 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the thirty-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.

Unwrapping the music: special topics
September 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Develop your musical listening skills and music appreciation with Music Appreciation: Unwrapping the Music: Special Topics presented at the COA by the Concord Conservatory of Music. This year the class will cover topics like world music, American music, opera, and symphonies. 12 Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning Sept. 13. $117. Taught by Ela Brandys, DMA. Sign up now!

September 14 at 10 a.m.
Coffee with the new planning director
Jennifer Burney, Lincoln’s new Director of Planning and Land Use, is already off and running on a number of important projects and initiatives that will shape Lincoln for decades to come, including South Lincoln, the commuter rail, open space, housing, and more. Come meet Jennifer, find out more about what is going on in the town and her goals and priorities, ask her questions, and give her ideas on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

Aging mastery program in Weston
September 14 at 1:30 p.m.
PLACE: Weston COA
This fall, forge your path to better physical and emotional health, financial well-being, and life enrichment through actionable goals, small but impactful life changes, and peer support! Lincoln seniors are invited to join others from Weston and Wayland at the Weston COA in this free 10-week program meeting on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3 p.m. beginning September 14. Please sign up now; space is limited. Supported by the National Council on Aging, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and the Mass/ Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

New Science and technology group
September 15 at 10 a.m.
Would you be interested in attending a monthly discussion group to talk about various discoveries, issues, or aspects of science, engineering, and technology? The group could either be free-flowing or have a formal speaker to introduce a topic each month. If you are interested, please come to a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall to discuss what the group might be like and when it might meet.

“Coffee with a Cop”
September 15 at 1 to 3 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 1-3 p.m. to meet privately with Police Chief Kennedy. 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 from 1 to 3.

Positive psychology class
September 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Positive Psychology is an innovative way to build on strengths to lead a meaningful life, cultivate what is best within ourselves, and enhance love, work and play. The Ogden Codman Trust is generously supporting a free, eight-session course in Positive Psychology beginning Friday, Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 to hear presentations and engage in discussions to learn strategies for being happier, realizing dreams, bringing about personal change, using mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and nutrition to enhance quality of life, and improving relationships. Taught by Alyson Lee, a social worker and life coach.

Go to sleep easier and stay asleep longer
September 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Many people of all ages have problems sleeping, whether it is getting to sleep or staying asleep. Improving your sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and cope with life’s challenges. Come find out more about why you may be having trouble sleeping, common sleep disorders, and how you can sleep better when Neil M. Kruszkowski, RRT/CPFT, a registered respiratory therapist and Director of the Cardiopulmonary/Neurology/Sleep Disorders Program at Emerson Hospital comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 16 at 12:30 p.m. Bring your questions and concerns.

Lincoln Academy with Noah Eckhouse: Winning the 1992 America’s Cup
September 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 to hear Noah Eckhouse discuss “Winning the 1992 America’s Cup: Technology Triumphs over Pedigree.” According to Noah, “From 1990 to 1992, I had the honor of being a member of the design team for America Cubed, the winner of the 1992 America’s Cup sailboat race. Backed by the vision (and financing) of Bill Koch – an MIT alumnus – we took a technologically-heavy approach to winning the most esteemed yacht race in the world. Over the course of 18 months we developed technologies and capabilities that took the sailing world by storm – and a few hoaxes along the way just to keep the other syndicates honest!” 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.

Luncheon with friends
September 20 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, Sept. 20 at St. Anne’s Church. The COA welcomes new diners often—give them a try! Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let 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. And the volunteer serving staff consists of friends and neighbors.

Coffee with Lincoln artist Sheila Beenhouwer
September 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall during the month of September to view an exhibit of Sheila Beenhouwer’s work painted after photographing the vibrant colors of the entrancing city lights and sunset. She attended the Arts Students League of New York and graduating from William Paterson University to become an art teacher for grades 7-9 while continuing her studies in painting, silver jewelry-work and welding. Meet her at her Artist’s Coffee on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 2:30!

Whales and tales at the new Bedford Whaling Museum
September 21
Come with the COA to the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 21. This world- renowned museum brings to life the rich history of the whaling industry and New Bedford’s role as its premier port. After viewing a brief film under the guidance of the museum’s docents you will see the world’s largest whaling ship model, five rare and huge whale skeletons, and a notable collection of scrimshaw, artifacts and logbooks. On your way to lunch, on your own, at a very charming, near-by restaurant, you will stop in at the Seamen’s Bethel, still today serving the seafaring community. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical activity, is $16, non-refundable and space is limited. This trip is subsidized by the Hurff Fund and is for Lincoln residents only. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 9 am. To reserve your spot, you must send your check payable to FLCOA/Trips to Sally Kindleberger, 14A North Commons, Lincoln, MA. 01773 prior to September 7. Without your check, the COA cannot reserve your spot. For more information, call Sally at 781-259-1169.

Techno teach-in with LEAP students
September 21 at 2 p.m.
Middle school students from the LEAP after-school program invite you to join them at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. to get help with a variety of devices, such as computers, cell phones, iPads and tablets, and more! Whether you want some tips on texting to keep up with grandchildren, or need help learning to store and play your favorite music and films on your computer, or anything else tech-related, call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up today!

iPhones and iPads
September 22 at 10 a.m. and 11 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, Sept. 22 at 10 am to teach a class for beginners and then teach a class at 11 a.m. for those who have attended previous sessions and are fairly comfortable with their devices. He will give more information on the operation and features of iPhones and iPads and answer 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!

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan: an update on elder safety initiatives and more
September 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy on Friday, Sept. 23 at 12:30 at Bemis Hall for an update on the latest crimes and threats to safety for older adults, including SCAMS, computer security, and fake charities. She will also discuss prevention initiatives on topics in the news such as the opioid crisis and preventing and prosecuting violent crime. A special focus will be on identifying potential SCAMS through “red flags” by way of calls, emails, and solicitations and the best way to respond. Prior to being named District Attorney, Marian Ryan served as the Chief of the office’s Elder and Disabled Unit for 18 years. Through her experience she has worked to promote best practices and protocols in investigating and prosecuting abuse cases. Bring questions! Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Lincoln Academy with Lew Lloyd: Off-Broadway theater
September 26 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 26 at 12:30 to hear Lew Lloyd discuss “The Story of A Young Man and His Off-Broadway Theatre in the 60s, and How I Met Merce and John and Bob and Learned to Love the Avant Garde.” 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.

Tea on Tuesdays
September 27 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, Sept. 27 from 2:15-4 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.

Fireside chat: anti-Semitism and Israel
September 28 at 10 a.m.
The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. so that residents may get together for a respectful discussion of important current topics. The group uses questions and answers to gain a greater understanding of issues as well as why residents think and believe as they do. On September 28, Rabbi David Finkelstein will join the group in a discussion about anti-Semitism and negative beliefs and attitudes about Israel. The discussion is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Maximizing long-distance caregiving
September 28 at 7 p.m.
Do you find it challenging to help a loved one from a distance? How can you ensure your aging relative is getting the attention they need to avoid crises? Are you familiar with the Lincoln area resources? Come learn tips from Linda Smith, RN, a certified Aging Life Care Manager, a registered nurse of 30 years and principal of Metrowest Eldercare Management. Smith will discuss how to make long distance caregiving a positive experience, how to avoid crises and how to enhance your loved one’s well-being. She will discuss warning signs depicting when immediate help may be needed, how to start difficult conversations, and how to lessen the long distance caregiver’s worry. Come to Bemis Hall, on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. to hear how you can be a more effective and confident long distance caregiver.

Navigating the legal aspects of incapacity and disability for elders and families
September 30 at 12:30 p.m.
If you or a loved one has a disability or is incapacitated in some way, making sure that you or they are both taken care of and protected should the unexpected happen is essential. Come find out about guardianships—what they can do and when they are and are not appropriate, special needs trusts, requirements of the HIPAA legislation, and more when attorney Renee Lazar comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 30 at 12:30. She’ll explain what you need to be concerned about and how to make the best use of the legal tools available, and then answer questions.

News acorns

nurseWellness clinic for all ages this fall

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 Fridays: September 2, October 7 and November 4. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust. Additional clinics will be held at Bemis Hall from 9–11 a.m. on Tuesdays: September 20, October 18 and November 15. These are supported by the Pierce House. Services for all clinics are provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Book sale on tap; Saturday hours resume at library

The Friends of the Lincoln Library will hold their monthly used book sale in the newly renovated basement of Bemis Hall on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale takes place on the second Saturday of every month except August. Support the library and its many programs while finding great reading material. Hardcovers and CDs are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, or fill a grocery bag with books for just $8.

Starting on September 3, the Lincoln Public Library will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it will be closed on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5). Click here for hours and services.

Memorial for bicyclist killed in Lincoln

There will be a memorial event for Eugene Thornberg on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at the corner of Routes 117 and 126, where he died in a bicycling accident in June. Lincoln police have worked with his family on a plan to divert traffic and ensure the safety of cars and pedestrians. A “ghost bike” will be temporarily installed at the site as well. For more information, see the Lincoln Squirrel, Aug. 23, 2016.

Agricultural Day on Sept. 10

here's the captionCelebrate Lincoln’s agricultural heritage and local farming activities at the town’s third annual Agriculture Day on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Lincoln Mall from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Rural Land Foundation and is sponsored by the Lincoln Agricultural Commission. Farmers, artists, therapeutic animals and agricultural educators will be on hand, accompanied by music and ice cream. This year there will be contests for best honey and best maple syrup from our backyards and local producers. There will also be a display of farming equipment. If you’d like to participate in the event as a farmer, artist or contestant, or if you have a truck or tractor to enter in the farming equipment show, please email agcom@lincolntown.org.

Church to hold Water Communion Sunday

The First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) will begin its church year with services on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Road) with its Water Communion Sunday service. On Water Communion Sunday, parishioners bring small amounts of water from a summer trip or favorite place, combining their water with that from other parishioners in a reverse communion. Water from FPL will be available for those who are unable to bring water with them. Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti will lead the worship service. All are welcome to attend.

The First Parish in Lincoln is also currently accepting religious education registrations for 2016-17. Religious education is available most Sundays starting September 18 for children in grades K-8. To register, please visit the FPL website or click here.

Trail’s End to open cafe, restaurant in two Lincoln Station locations

xxx and Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore sign leases for two restaurant properties in the Lincoln Station complex on Wednesday.

Geoff McGean of the Rural Land Foundation and Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore of Trail’s End sign leases for two restaurant properties in the Lincoln Station complex on Wednesday.

The suspense is over for the Lincoln Station restaurant situation. The owner’s of the Trail’s End Cafe in Concord will open new locations in not one but both Lincoln restaurant locations vacated by the closures of Aka Bistro and the Whistle Stop cafe.

The Rural Land Foundation (RLF), which owns Lincoln Station, announced in a press release Wednesday night that Jim and Carol White of Lincoln and their daughter Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore, who together own Trail’s End, had signed two separate leases. After renovating the Aka Bistro space, they plan to open Lincoln Kitchen, which will serve “high-end comfort food” for lunch and dinner along with cocktails, wine, and craft beer on tap and in bottles. Trail’s End Café, Lincoln will open in the Whistle Stop space as a “casual breakfast and lunch venue” that will offer homemade baked goods, sandwiches, salads, coffee and espresso drinks similar to what’s served at the Concord location, the release said.

The cafe is expected to open by the end of September and the restaurant by later in the fall.

“I am very excited to open two restaurants in my hometown,” Akehurst-Moore, a Concord attorney who has been operating Trail’s End since 2011, said in the release. “Both restaurants will maintain our commitment to serving delicious food, homemade from thoughtfully sourced ingredients, using local products when possible.”

Akehurst-Moore could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. Jim Moore deferred comment until Wednesday.

Lincoln resident Richard Card had hoped to lease the Aka Bistro space for Blazes, a combination bookstore, coffee shop/restaurant and cocktail bar. He made an offer but as of late July, he had started looking at other locations as he had not heard back from the RLF. Card could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

“We had several really qualified candidates approach us about leasing both spaces, but in the end we think Lincoln Kitchen and Trail’s End Café will provide a great community experience with top-quality local food,” RLF Executive Director Geoff McGean said in the release. “Elizabeth grew up in Lincoln and her parents, Jim and Carol White, still live here, so they understand Lincoln and recognize the desire for a community-based restaurant that will appeal to all Lincolnites. We are so fortunate to have them share their Concord restaurant expertise and great food with Lincoln.”

 

Letter to the editor: vote Georgiou for Governor’s Council

letter

To the editor:

Lincoln attorney and Lincoln Housing Commission member Peter Georgiou is a candidate for election to the Governor’s Council (3rd District) in the primary election on Thursday, September 8. As currently charged, the governor must seek the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council with respect primarily to nominations of judges.

Georgiou’s successful 26-year legal practice specializes in protection of workers’ rights requiring frequent appearances before judges in court. He has also provided pro bono services for workers and for women in Probate Court. At this time in his career, he wants to give back to the people of the Commonwealth in an area he knows so well.

Peter seeks to replace the incumbent of 17 years, which is a long time for any elective office holder. Through his lengthy experience with judges and the court system, he wants to apply his professional knowledge to improve what has occasionally been a controversial process over the past years.

Since 2001, Peter has had the experience of evaluating the performance of sitting judges at the request of the Supreme Judicial Court. Therefore, in review of candidates for judicial appointments, he understands the experience, discipline and demeanor required of sitting judges.

The incumbent has stated that consideration of personal values is beyond the scope of the Governor’s Council in review of appointees. By contrast, Peter believes the council must consider appointees’ stated philosophy on values and related law in areas such as criminal justice and sentencing reform, treatment of drug offenses primarily as a health care issue rather than a criminal issue, protection of LGBT rights, strict enforcement of the new Massachusetts gun safety laws and prevention of the epidemic of gun violence, belief in the proven science and growing field of climate change law, and protection of a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices and health care decisions.

Join me in voting for Peter Georgiou, the most professional and qualified candidate for Governor’s Council, at the primary election on Thursday, September 8.

Sincerely,

Gary Davis
Indian Camp Lane

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.

42 watering warnings since sprinkler ban

watering-banSince Lincoln’s outdoor watering ban went into effect last week, the town’s Water Department has issued 42 warnings to residents for violating the ban—about 30 percent more than the usual total for an entire summer.

The sharp increase is a result of the complete ban on sprinklers and automatic watering systems necessitated by the severe drought. Normally, residents are allowed to water lawns two days a week during certain times of day during the summer, but this is the first time there’s been a total prohibition. Town officials informed residents about the ban with a reverse 911 call to all households as well as the town website, social media and news outlets.

Lincoln is not alone—many Massachusetts towns have instituted voluntary or mandatory watering bans as the dry conditions have only worsened as the summer has gone on. However, not everyone in the area has complied, some even going so far as to post bogus “Well Water” signs on their lush green lawns, according to an August 25 Boston Globe article.

Water Department Superintendent Greg Woods patrols the town several times a week looking for watering violators, knocking on doors and leaving notices on doorknobs for violations he can see from the road. The department also gets occasional phone calls from civic-minded residents who take to heart the dictum “see something, say something” when it comes to water conservation.

This summer has seen an uptick on the number of calls from “people reporting that their neighbors have unusually green yards and they suspect excessive watering is going on,” said Woods, whose department issues 20 to 30 warnings in a normal year for watering violations. “Irrigator violators” are slapped with a $50 fine for a second offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. Two or three residents a year incur fines for a second offense, “but we’ve never gone to a third notice,” he said.

Despite the public outreach (which will be augmented with sandwich boards this week), “there are still people that don’t know,” Woods said. One resident who was out of town and has an automated watering system called the Water Department to apologize. “We were about two hours away from mailing that warning to them,” he said with a smile.

Although the increased demand on the town water supply due to outdoor watering will drop off once the fall weather arrives, there’s no telling how long the drought will last. “The hope is that we have a wet fall, winter and spring,” Woods said. “I’ll be doing the rain dance a lot.”

Causes of bicycle fatalities still under investigation

bikeThe causes of the two fatal bike accidents this summer in Lincoln have not yet been officially determined, according to Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy, who urged both bicyclists and motorists to know the rules of the road to prevent further accidents.

Eugene Thornberg of Wayland died on June 16 and Westford resident Mark Himelfarb died on August 17 when they were hit by cars while bicycling in Lincoln. Police recently removed a “ghost bike” that was installed at the site of the Himelfarb accident, stirring questions among residents. Among those questions: who was at fault in each accident, and how often such accidents occur in Lincoln.

Both accidents are still under investigation and the cause or fault (if any) has not been officially determined, Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy said Wednesday. Accidents involving fatalities must be investigated by local police as well as the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and state police, which includes an accident reconstruction team.

“I can appreciate everyone wanting to know results of investigations in a timely manner, but we owe it to the victims and their families to take the appropriate time to thoroughly examine all the facts and provide a complete and accurate account of what happened,” Kennedy said. “I urge people to withhold judgment on either the cyclists or the motorists until the investigation is complete.”

According to Massachusetts Department of Transportation accident reports gathered by Lincoln resident Joanna Schmergel, there have been 20 reported accidents involving cars and bicycles in Lincoln since 2005 (though probably have been more than were not reported to police, Kennedy noted). Six of them resulted injuries and two (both this summer) led to a fatality. Last week, another bicyclist was injured in an accident with a car on Route 117 near Mt. Misery, Kennedy said.

“A lot of times, motorists and bicyclists are not as educated as they should be about the rules of the road,” said Kennedy. He recommended that everyone review state law on bicycle operation as well as the right of way and the driver’s obligation to yield in certain circumstances, as outlined in the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles’ “Rules of the Road” starting page 95. Common sense on the part of both bicyclists and drivers is also important in situations such as deciding when it’s safe to pass a bike, or for cyclists to ride two abreast (which is legal, though they are always required to “facilitate overtaking” by cars).

‘Ghost bike’ removal stirs debate

A "ghost bike" in England. (click image to enlarge). Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

A “ghost bike” in England (click image to enlarge). Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

The swift removal of a “ghost bike” in memory of a bicyclist killed in an accident on Virginia Road came as a surprise to some residents as well as the man who put it there. For public safety reasons, Lincoln police removed the ghost bike that had been attached to a stop sign near the spot where Westford bicyclist Mark Himelfarb died on August 17—though they will briefly permit another ghost bike at a different location in September.

“Ghost bikes” are old bicycles that are stripped down, spray-painted white, and locked to a sign or parking meter close to the site of a fatal bike accident. The bikes are usually installed anonymously by a fellow cyclist, though members of the bicycling community sometimes hold ceremonies at ghost bike sites to commemorate the dead cyclist, as described in the Boston Globe on June 30. The first ghost bike appeared in St. Louis in 2003 and the movement has spread internationally as a way to raise awareness about bicycle safety and sharing the road.

The Virginia Road ghost bike was installed by Concord resident Erik Limpaecher, according to an August 23 Globe article. The bike was attached to the stop sign along with a placard reading “M. Himelfarb, father of 2, 8-17-2016, Come to Full Stop.”

“I didn’t expect it to be taken down within hours,” Limpaecher told the Globe. “It was really disappointing… I assume they [took it down] because of some interpretation of the town’s laws. But I would hope that they would have empathy for the family of the cyclist, and for the cycling community.”

The ghost bike was removed mainly because of its location, where it was a distraction to drivers and ironically might pose a safety hazard, according to Town Administrator Tim Higgins. When police remove the bike, they didn’t know who had put it there, but Limpaecher, who did not request guidance or permission from the town about his idea, subsequently came forward and requested return of the bike, Higgins said.

“We understand that well-intentioned people may want to pay tribute to the deceased and may want to call attention to the tragedy in the hope of raising awareness and urging greater caution,” Higgins said. In a case like this, “we work closely with the family and attempt to be as accommodating as possible while being mindful of the need not to permit roadside memorials that may distract drivers and cyclists, or obstruct sight distances in a manner that may inadvertently make conditions less safe. The stop sign chosen as the location for the ‘ghost bike’ is at the corner of a heavily traveled intersection where the roadways meet at a sharp angle; a more inappropriate location could not have been chosen.”

While there is no specific town regulation governing this sort of situation, “it’s a public right of way and it’s the town’s responsibility to maintain it clear of obstructions,” Higgins added. “Things are not as simple as they may first appear, and town officials are generally thoughtful in trying to balance the interests of all of the parties out of respect for the people involved, but this well-intentioned person preempted that.”

Ghost bike for earlier victim

Himelfarb, 59, was the second person to die while bicycling in Lincoln this summer. Wayland resident Eugene Thornberg, 61, was fatally struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Routes 117 and 126 on June 16. According to a news item posted by the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), a bicyclist advocacy group, a ghost bike memorial service hosted by Thornberg’s family is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at the accident site. Lincoln police will close the roads in the immediate area for the service and allow the ghost bike to remain on site for the rest of that weekend, according to a web post by Richard Fries, executive director of MassBike.

Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Ghost bikes are often removed after a period of time, including one in memory of 18-year-old cyclist Fritz Philogene, who was killed in Dorchester last year. “Rumor was that his family, who lives nearby, had it removed because it’s a harsh reminder for the family when they pass the intersection,” said Peter Cheung, a member of a group that helps others make ghost bikes and plan memorial events. Cheung, who also leads the monthly Boston Bike Party ride, said his group was not involved in either Lincoln ghost bike installation.

“I have an emotional reaction to [ghost bikes] as a cyclist and find them a very poignant memorial and an effective reminder to drive consciously. There is much misconception about the rights of cyclists on public roadways,” said Lincoln resident John Mendelson, a cyclist who posted the August 23 Globe article on the LincolnTalk email list, sparking a range of reactions from residents.

Now that Lincoln officials know Limpaecher’s identity, “we will attempt to come up with an approach [for a memorial] that respects the interests of all parties, including those of the family of the deceased and those of the traveling public,” Higgins said.

Outdoor water ban now in effect as drought drags on

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The north shore of Flint’s Pond on August 19. (Photo courtesy Greg Woods)

The Lincoln Water Department has instituted a mandatory outdoor water ban that prohibits all lawn watering by means of automatic irrigation systems or manual sprinklers due to the worsening drought, which Monday morning’s storm did little to help.

The storm, which brought an EF-1 tornado to parts of Concord, dropped 0.55 inches of rain on Lincoln, according to Water Department Superintendent Greg Woods. Flint’s Pond, Lincoln’s primary public water source, is 55 inches below full capacity, “so even a full year’s worth of precipitation (typically 48 inches in Massachusetts) won’t bring us back to normal levels, even assuming we don’t withdraw any water as it’s filling,” he said.

The Water Department’s precipitation records show that the town is almost 7 inches below its median precipitation level for the last 40 years. Ground water levels have decreased 1.8 feet since May. As a result of the scarce rainfall, there’s been more demand for water for lawns and gardens; water use for June and July was 20 percent above 2015 and 30 percent above the five-year average, and current withdrawal rates are causing the pond level to drop one foot per month, Woods said.

On August 18, the U.S. Drought Monitor upgraded its drought assessment for most of Middlesex (including Lincoln) and Essex Counties to “extreme drought.” Several other area towns including Concord, Acton, Wayland and Sudbury have instituted watering bans similar to Lincoln’s, and 53 Massachusetts communities have restricted outdoor watering to one day a week or less.

Water levels in Flint's Pond (formerly called Sandy Pond) since 2010.

Water levels in Flint’s Pond (formerly called Sandy Pond) since 2010.

Until the drought is over, Lincoln resident may not use underground or above-ground sprinklers or soaker hoses. They also may not fill or top swimming pools by more than two inches, or use games or toys such as water slides and sprinklers that use a continuous stream. Car washing is also prohibited.

Watering vegetable or flower gardens by means of a handheld hose is allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. only. Drip irrigation systems are also permitted for two days a week as determined by a resident’s street address (even-numbered houses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while off-numbered houses may do so on Wednesdays and Fridays). Violators will receive a written warning for a first offense, a $50 fine for a second offense and a $100 fine for a third offense.

Although the ban covers only outdoor water use, the Water Department encourages everyone to conserve water inside their homes as well. Conservation measures include reducing shower frequency and duration, showering instead of taking baths, reducing toilet flushing, avoiding continuous running of faucets, and using the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.

Woods said he didn’t think a complete outdoor water ban had ever been imposed in Lincoln. The water level in Flint’s Pond was lower during the 1964-1966 drought and residents were asked to conserve water voluntarily, but lawn irrigation systems were not as prevalent as they are today, he noted.

There’s no immediate danger that Flint’s Pond will run dry. The pond is still at slightly more than 50% capacity and the Water Department has increased its use of its Tower Road well to help reduce the demand on the pond. However water levels in the well have dropped 1.8 feet since May, “so we need to watch that level as well so the well pump isn’t damaged,” Woods said.

The microfiltration plant on Sandy Pond Road that treats the water from Flint’s Pond can cope with the increased concentration of organic matter in the water, Woods said. The plant treats anywhere from 450,000 to 900,000 gallons a day before sending it to a 1.2-million-gallon holding tank at the top of the hill on Bedford Road. From there, the treated and filtered water flows through Lincoln’s 57 miles of water mains to residents’ faucets (see the Lincoln Squirrel, September 28, 2014).

The bigger concern is the uncertainty in the long-range forecast and whether this will be a multiyear drought. “We started this year  about 20 inches below full capacity because 2015 was dry. If the pond level doesn’t recover this winter and spring, we could be in the same [watering ban] situation next year, but potentially earlier in the season than August,” Woods said.