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

My Turn: The importance of counting the votes

By David Onigman

I have lived in Lincoln most of my life. I grew up here, my mother and her four brothers lived here. I worked for various town departments through a Massport internship growing up in town, working for the Select Board, the Finance Department, and others. I attended Town Meetings growing up, running around microphones during public comment and running the soundboard. I sit on the Parks and Recreation Committee as well as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. I coach basketball in our Tri-Town league and I regularly perform music for my fellow residents at the Tack Room and Twisted Tree.

But none of that makes my vote any more or less important than every other voter in Lincoln. Whether you are a patriarch of the town, moved here in the 1900s, or moved here last year… whether you live in a large house on Blackburnian Lane, or live in multifamily housing on Wells Road, your vote counts once.

I have grown extremely weary of the slow drumbeat from the group of residents that opposes Article 3 at our upcoming Town Meeting that implies the will of the town is best measured by any means other than a Town Meeting vote.

Public comment at open meetings, the frequency of those comments, the passion behind those comments, LincolnTalk posts, emails to town officials, or other informal ways of gauging public opinion are no replacement for a democratic process where all votes are counted. In fact, any initiative to not have our votes be counted at the upcoming Town Meeting is a dangerous threat to our democratic process.

I applaud the members of the Planning Board that voted to move forward with the proposed bylaws so that we could indeed, as a town, all voters, vote “Yes” or “No” on the proposed zoning.

I support the proposed zoning. I believe the Housing Choice Act mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is long overdue. I believe one of the many contributing factors to the housing crisis that Massachusetts and the county finds itself in is due to the exclusionary zoning bylaws towns like Lincoln adopted in the mid-1900s.

It is 2024 and our commercial center of town, which is also conveniently located near the commuter rail, does not have the appropriate zoning to allow for multifamily housing development. Left to our own devices, we have not done enough. The HCA is forcing our hand, and it is long overdue.

The commercial center of our town is where this zoning makes the most sense. “Spreading this zoning around town” is not smart municipal planning, in fact it contributes to suburban sprawl, and increases — not decreases — traffic. I also believe the Rural Land Foundation have been great stewards of the town, and the frequent questioning of their motives and lack of trust in the organization has been most disappointing.

But most disheartening has been the recurring talking point that residents like myself, who both support this zoning and also live in the proposed subdistrict, are motivated by our own financial interests and not our true beliefs as housing advocates. There is no way for me to convince someone otherwise if they just continue to say it over and over again, I suppose, but I wish more of my fellow residents who oppose Article 3 would trust me at my word that:

  • Yes, I support this zoning.
  • No, I do not have any plans to sell my property; it is my family’s original home and I love it.
  • Yes, I would be welcoming if my neighbors on either side chose to further develop their property.

In closing, I would like to extend my thanks to all of the hours invested in this process to date, by everyone involved, whether we agree on the topic or not. I look forward to the upcoming Town Meeting vote to truly see what the majority of voters in our town support.

It is my hope that the “Yesses” will have it when we vote on Article 3. But if we don’t, you have my word that I will not decry the process. I will be disappointed in the outcome, but I’ll shake it off, and see how I can best advocate for my position moving forward.

Onigman is a Codman Road resident.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Police log for February 23 – March 3, 2024

February 23

Nothing of note.

February 24

Route 2 westbound (2:28 a.m.) — An officer stopped a vehicle for excessive speed. The operator, Jared Gove, 35, from Ashby was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor (second offense) and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He was subsequently bailed and ordered to appear at Concord District Court on February 26.

February 25

Mary’s Way (11:46 a.m.) — An individual came to the station to speak with an officer regarding an ongoing matter.

Old Winter Street (4:02 p.m.) — A caller who reported discovering an item turned it over to public safety for destruction.

The Commons in Lincoln (7:00 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding the use of a motor vehicle.

North Great Road (8:40 p.m.) — A motorist reported seeing a vehicle travelling the wrong way on Route 2 westbound. Concord Police and Massachusetts State Police were notified. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Mary’s Way (8:50 p.m.) — An officer responded to a residence regarding an ongoing matter.

February 26

Hiddenwood Path (9:09 a.m.) — Weston Police transferred a 911 call from Sirius XM related to a stolen motor vehicle. The area was checked but no vehicle was located.

Old County Road (9:30 a.m.) — A motor vehicle crash was reported on Old County Road that turned out to be in the town of Lexington. State Police and the Lexington Fire Department responded.

The Commons in Lincoln (9:56 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a past incident.

Canoe landing overflow parking lot, South Great Road  (10:19 a.m.) — The DPW was notified of items dumped at the overflow lot.

Hillside Road (1:09 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a caller regarding a possible scam.

Twin Pond Lane (2:03 p.m.) — Officers received notification from Sirius XM of a possible stolen motor vehicle in the area. The area was checked but no vehicle was located.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (3:30 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an occupancy issue.

Round Hill Road (3:37 p.m.) — An officer checked the area for a report of a vehicle that was parked, occupied, and running. When the officer arrived, the vehicle had left the area.

Tower Road (4:16 p.m.) — An additional call was received from Sirius XM regarding a stolen motor vehicle in the area. The area was checked but the vehicle was not located.

Stonehedge Road (4:36 p.m.) — Sirius XM called to report the possible location of a stolen motor vehicle. The area was checked but the vehicle was not located.

February 27

Hartwell lot, North Great Road )1:29 a.m.) — An officer came upon a parked, occupied motor vehicle. The occupant was sleeping for a brief period before continuing on with their trip.

Aspen Circle (10:01 a.m.) — The Post Office personnel reported damage to a mailbox.

Lincoln Road (8:32 a.m.) — A motorist reported a private tow company was removing a vehicle from their property at their request.

Wells Road (10:54 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an ongoing matter.

Mary’s Way (6:57 p.m.) — An officer spoke to resident regarding a possible dispute.

Donelan’s Supermarket (8:46 p.m.) — A caller reported hearing a loud banging noise coming from behind the supermarket. An officer checked the area but found nothing out of ordinary.

Lexington Road (11:41 p.m.) — An officer performed a check on a residential property.

February 28

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (12:31 a.m.) — Police units from Lincoln, Concord, and the Massachusetts State Police located a pedestrian on Route 2 westbound.

Old Sudbury Road (7:39 a.m.) — A caller reported the railroad gates at Old Sudbury Road were stuck down. An officer responded and monitored until Keolis arrived on scene. After a brief period of time, the gates appeared to be functioning normally.

Lincoln Road (1:18 p.m.) — An officer responded to the commuter lot and ticketed multiple vehicles for being illegally parked.

North Great Road (3:19 p.m.) — A motorist spoke to an officer regarding a past motor vehicle crash.

Offut Road, Hanscom AFB (5:17 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an ongoing situation.

Codman Community Farms (5:25 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding an encounter at Codman Farm.

February 29

Due to high winds during the night and early morning on February 28-29, police received reports of trees, branches and/or wires down on North Great Road, Lincoln Road (several calls), Lexington Road, Old Winter Street, Trapelo Road, Lexington Road, Concord Road, Mackintosh Lane, Hilliard Road, and South Great Road.

Old Concord Road (1:30 a.m.) — Police and fire units responded to a working fire at an out building. Additional towns were called to assist. The fire was extinguished a short time later. For details, see “Fire heavily damages Old Concord Road home.”

Wells Road (10:08 p.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding an ongoing incident.

Virginia Road (11:51 a.m.) — A caller requested assistance with contacting a relative. Contact was made a short time later.

South Great Road (3:10 p.m.) — The railroad gates were reportedly stuck in the down position. An officer responded and monitored. Keolis was notified and, upon arrival, restored normal operation.

Bowles Terrace (6:49 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle had stopped in their driveway and appeared to have photographed the residence. Officers checked the area but the vehicle was gone on arrival.

Wells Road (11:56 p.m.) — An officer responded to stand by at a residence at the request of a tenant.

March 1

South Great Road (12:51 p.m.) — An employee from Mass Audubon reported locating a suspicious item.

Concord Road (1:29 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing an individual parked outside of their residence. The individual was a representative from Eversource investigating a power outage.

Lincoln Road (3:30 p.m.) — A motorist reported a hit-and-run crash on Lincoln Road. Officers were able to locate the operator of the vehicle that fled the scene.

Codman Road (9:07 p.m.) – A lost motorist was given directions.

March 2

Windingwood Lane (2:40 p.m.) — Several people in a canoe were attempting a water rescue of a dog. The rescue was successful.

Lincoln North office building (1:18 a.m.) — An officer provided a courtesy transport for two residents of Hanscom Air Force Base.

March 3

Harvest Circle (2:53 p.m.0) — A caller requested assistance with a motor vehicle lockout. The Fire Department was unable to respond.

Lincoln Road (4:07 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a sick or injured raccoon in their yard. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Aspen Circle (3:54 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded to a residence for a fire alarm activation. The cause was determined to be burned food.

Peter Conrad, 1945–2024

Peter Conrad

Peter Conrad, a pioneering medical sociologist who brought attention to the increasing medicalization of society, died in his home in Lincoln on March 3, 2024. He was 78 years old. He died at home, surrounded by loved ones, listening to Joan Baez. His cause of death was pneumonia after a long experience of Parkinson’s.

Peter Conrad, the author of 16 books or monographs and more than 100 articles and chapters, was a dedicated academic at Brandeis University for more than 30 years, where he chaired both the Sociology Department and the Health, Science, Society, and Policy program.

Peter Franklin Conrad was born on April 12, 1945, in New York City to George Conrad and Gertrude (Rosenthal) Conrad. They were recent Jewish emigres from Germany and Austria, respectively. Conrad always proclaimed that he was a disobedient, distracted student during middle and high school school — one of the sources of his later interest in ADHD — and that he only came alive academically after taking sociology courses at SUNY Buffalo, now the University of Buffalo.

He went on to earn a master’s degree from Northeastern University, in part to get a draft deferment from the Vietnam War. As a conscientious objector, he was assigned to do alternative service as an occupational therapy assistant at Boston State Hospital, a historic mental health institution. Witnessing interactions between patients, clinicians, and the institution provided him with initial insights that would later lead him to apply sociological tools in examining the medical system’s roles in society.

Combining this perspective with sociology’s mid-century preoccupation with “devianc,e” he wrote his PhD dissertation at Boston University, which became his first book, Identifying Hyperactive Children: the Medicalization of Deviant Behavior. Peter began to understand that the diagnosis of hyperkinesis — later called hyperactivity, then ADD, and now called ADHD — “medicalized deviance.” It transitioned a perceived “moral failing” into a medical diagnosis. This became a major theme in his research. As the subtitle of one of his most cited books puts it, medicalization transforms from “badness to sickness.”

Over his career, he looked at how cultural and social factors in medicalization shape the definitions, perceptions, and experiences of alcoholism, depression, homosexuality, baldness, short boys, and tall girls, among other conditions in addition to ADHD.

While many tried moralizing medicalization, Peter resisted that impulse. “I’m not trying to say it’s good or bad,” he’d often say. “I’m saying it’s happening and we should understand it.” Though his work was deeply analytical and theoretical, he always rejected the title of “theorist,” but prided himself on “conceptualization.”

Beyond medicalization, Peter studied the experience of epilepsy, worksite wellness programs, medical education, the social meanings of the new genetics, and illness on the internet. Graham Scambler, emeritus professor at University College London, once wrote that, when it comes to medical sociology, “people and things tend to revolve around Peter.”

Peter was elected chair of the Medical Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association in 1987 and elected president of the Society for the Study of Social Problems in 1995. He was a dedicated teacher, mentor, and collaborator, and had tremendous pride in the accomplishments of his graduate and undergraduate students, even long after they became his colleagues.

Beyond sociology, Peter had an enduring interest in green spaces and rural heritage in Massachusetts. He served on the Lincoln Conservation Commission, the board of Codman Community Farms, and the community board of Drumlin Farm, a site of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He also nurtured this interest in his annual vegetable garden, cultivating multiple potato varieties and giving many opportunities for his younger family members to squash potato bugs.

Peter was an avid traveler taking many journeys with his beloved wife and family. These included two sabbatical years abroad: one in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and the other in London. He was also a Distinguished Fulbright Scholar at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and maintained close professional relationships with colleagues there through a 20-year visiting faculty appointment.

One of the great joys of his later years was reuniting with a lost branch of his maternal lineage through family research that brought multiple branches of that family together in Munich and later in Washington, D.C. Peter spoke what he called “kitchen German” from his emigre parents and engaging more deeply with his family history was deeply meaningful.

Though born in New York, Peter was a devoted Boston sports fan, particularly of his beloved Celtics, who were a constant comfort in his last years and a joy he shared with many family members and friends. After his diagnosis with Parkinson’s in 2014, he also became deeply involved with Rock Steady Boxing at SLS in Lowell to maintain strength, mobility, and community. He was supported during this time by loving caregivers, most notably Annette and Moses Mugwanya, who were with him during the last four years.

He is survived by his wife, Libby Bradshaw of Lincoln, a physician and assistant professor at Tufts Medical School; his daughter Rya Conrad-Bradshaw, an executive in EdTech in Concord; a son, Jared Conrad-Bradshaw, an educational consultant in Istanbul, Turkey; three grandchildren, Rafi, Sela, and Avi; son-in-law Drew Magliozzi, and daughter-in-law Rita Ender, both of whom he adored. He is also survived by close-in-heart family members across the world, students from multiple generations, dear friends of more than 50 years (including multiple housemates), and a dog he tolerated. He is predeceased by his sister Nina (Conrad) Furgiuele.

Peter was buried on March 5  the Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at their home from 4–7 pm on Tuesday, March 12; Thursday, March 14; and Friday, March 15.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. Click here to share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Peter’s online guestbook.

FinCom hosts budget Q&A on March 18

The Lincoln Finance Committee is hosting a Virtual Budget Q&A session on Zoom on Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. (meeting ID: 849 2072 7318l; password: fincom). To keep Town Meeting as short and focused as possible, the panel hopes to address comments and questions in this virtual Q&A session as much as possible.

This is not a budget presentation; see the video link below. The Q&A session will be recorded and posted. Complete Town Meeting materials are available here.

Background materials:

  • Video budget presentation — a recording of the FinCom’s February budget hearing.  It’s posted here (and The budget presentation starts around 14:50 and includes an option for accelerated playback for those who want to review material quickly. 
  • Financial report and warrant — Table 1 on page 54 lists the budget amounts proposed for each town department.
  • Budget summary table — see below (click to enlarge).

My Turn: Neighbors helping neighbors via the SVdP food pantry in Lincoln

By Ursula Nowak

A friend and I used the break in the rain a couple of days ago and headed out into the wonderfully wet woods. As we were walking, we brainstormed about questions people might have about the work of St. Vincent de Paul and the food pantry. Here are some we came up with:

Is there need in a town like Lincoln?

Yes, there is — it’s just more hidden than in other towns. The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that 580 food-insecure individuals live in our town. 

Who comes to you for help? 

People whose income is not enough to cover their basic needs, and individuals or families facing sudden hardship, like job loss, illness, or unexpected large expenses like car repairs.

How do you help?

SVdP offers three programs to our neighbors in need:

  • Food Pantry: We offer shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen items, bread, vegetables, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
  • Financial Emergency Assistance: We have made payments for rents, utility bills, car repairs, medical bills, and other necessary expenses.
  • Scholarship Program: The services mentioned above help clients stabilize their situation. Our scholarship program for adults for career advancement empowers our neighbors to build a better life.
How much has the need increased in recent years?
  • The need in our community continues to increase year over year. From 2019–2023, the number of food pantry clients more than doubled. In 2023 we served 417 neighbors. Our clients include people who live, work, or go to school in Lincoln and Weston, with 65% of households in Lincoln.
  • Our yearly cost for food have risen fivefold from $18,000 in 2020 to $90,000 in 2023.
  • Our expenses for financial emergency assistance have nearly doubled within the last two years. In 2023, $111,000 was granted to our neighbors in need.
Do you have paid staff?

No — SVdP is an all-volunteer organization with 18 board members and approximately 50 volunteers. Because we don’t have to pay salaries, donations can directly benefit our neighbors. The varied life experiences and professional backgrounds of our members and volunteers help us stay a dynamic organization. Volunteers provide most of the services we need. Chris Knollmeyer here in Lincoln oversaw the construction of our pantry in 2018, and a professor and student at Framingham State University created our website. Instead of a paid food pantry manager, two amazing women lead the operation and split responsibilities up among many volunteers.

Do you have any success stories?

Yes! Here are a couple:

  • A restaurant worker broke her ankle and had no access to sick pay. Our rent payments helped her through this difficult time, and she is now self-sufficient again.
  • A single mother took a two-year medical technician course, graduated with straight As and does not need our support anymore. 
  • A senior got help with a rent payment. She is a regular pantry client and can make ends meet now.
How can I help?
  • We are always in need of food donations. They can be dropped off at the back porch of 142 Lincoln Rd. behind St. Joseph Church.
  • We’re also looking for people to organize neighborhood food dives (see “News Acorns,” March 4, 2024).
  • You probably received a recent letter about Spring Fundraiser. The Codman Trust has generously offered a matching grant for up to $20,000 for all donations we receive till the end of March. Please help us reach this goal; respond to the letter or donate here. We are grateful for the amazing support the Lincoln community has given us!

Nowak is president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

News acorns

Food pantry needs help with neighborhood food drives

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) food pantry is looking for volunteers to organize a neighborhood food drive. This is a great project for a young person to shine, or for anyone to step up and know they are doing something meaningful. Staff will help and can also sign for student volunteer hours.

Food drives are integral to the food pantry’s operations. With the increase in the number of clients (152 clients in January 2020 to 336 clients served in December 2023 — see SVdP’s annual report), the increase in food prices, and the decrease of food available free or at a lower cost at the Greater Boston Food Bank, our expenses have exploded. We heavily rely on donations and food drives. 

If you can’t organize a drive but still want to help, food can be dropped off any time on the back porch of the white house behind St. Joseph Church (142 Lincoln Rd.). The most needed items at the moment are cereal, pasta sauce, gluten-free items, and condiments.

For more information on the food pantry’s needs, see “My Turn: Neighbors helping neighbors via the SVdP food pantry in Lincoln” (Lincoln Squirrel, March 4, 2024) and the SVdP website.

Farrington Nature Linc events

Learn how to salsa dance
Thursday, March 7 at 8:30 p.m. — Havana Club (288 Green St., Cambridge)
Come learn how to salsa dance, or try out new moves, at Havana Club in Cambridge. Ticket sales benefit Farrington Nature Linc and include entry and an instructor-led lesson before everyone is free to dance the night away. Click here to purchase.

Natural Dye Workshop
Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m.— Farrington Nature Linc (291 Cambridge Turnpike, Lincoln)
Explore the world of natural color with an introduction to dyeing fabric with plants. You’ll create your own set of four dyed cotton napkins using plants, including some foraged at Nature Linc over the summer. Different surface techniques will be explored, including creating resists on fabric with natural materials. Adults only. Pre-registration required.

Gentile seeks summer intern

State Rep. Carmine Gentile’s office is looking for a summer intern. He encourages candidates from towns represented within the district, which includes Sudbury, Lincoln, Concord, Wayland, and Marlborough. If you or someone you know is an interested student, please click here for details and email Gentile’s legislative aide Ravi Simon at ravi.simon@mahouse.gov.

Lyceum on the pursuit of beauty

The Walden Woods Project will present “A Virtual Lyceum: The Pursuit of Beauty” on Wednesday, March 20 from 7–8:30 p.m. via Zoom. During Henry David Thoreau’s era of increasing industrialization and mercantilism, poets and artists were accused of idling away in unproductivity. Likewise, in today’s seminar rooms and art galleries, to focus on the beauty of a novel or painting is often seen as detracting from art’s political and ethical potential. How can we negotiate between these tensions, especially during this era of increasing political and environmental catastrophe? When is the pursuit of beauty crucial to moral engagement, as Thoreau argues, and when is it a distraction from it? This lyceum event brings together an interdisciplinary group of artists, scientists, and scholars to ask where they stand on the purpose and pursuit of beauty in the 21st century. Click here to learn more and register.

According to NASA, turf grass lawn covers more of the U.S. than any other irrigated crop. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in New England. Learn why you should “kill your lawn” and how to replace it with beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens. Transitioning your yard to incorporate native plants in the lawn or gardens helps to mitigate floods, heat waves, sea level rise, and the mass extinction of species.

This free session will be presented by Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. and is sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions (a growing partnership between First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Lincoln, the Congregational Church in Weston, Energize Wayland, Sustainable Weston Action Group, and other communities and individuals). To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Talk on “killing your lawn” to save ecosystem

According to NASA, turf grass lawn covers more of the U.S. than any other irrigated crop. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in New England. Learn why you should “kill your lawn” and how to replace it with beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens. Transitioning your yard to incorporate native plants in the lawn or gardens helps to mitigate floods, heat waves, sea level rise, and the mass extinction of species.

This free session will be presented by Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. and is sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions (a growing partnership between First Parish in Wayland, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Lincoln, the Congregational Church in Weston, Energize Wayland, Sustainable Weston Action Group, and other communities and individuals). To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Comments invited on planned work at Minuteman NHP

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to permanently remove the boardwalk, overlook structure, and close the trail accessing the vernal pool in Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln. The NPS is proposing a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for this proposed action and is providing a 30-day public comment period that will be open until Wednesday, March 21. Comments on the proposed action must be submitted online through this NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment web page or via U.S. mail to Minute Man National Historical Park, ATTN: Vernal Pool Trail Public Comment, 174 Liberty St., Concord, MA 01742.

News acorns

“Talking with Your Kids About Current Events”

The First Parish in Lincoln continues its “Conversations on Tap” series at the Tack Room with Rev. Nate Klug in “Talking with Your Kids About Current Events” on Monday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. Open to all spiritual backgrounds and towns. This year especially, with war in Ukraine and the Middle East and a national election upcoming, we may feel overwhelmed in thinking about how to approach current events with our children.

Lincoln and Sudbury school concerts this week

The All Towns Concerts with students from the Lincoln School, Curtis Middle School, and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School takes place on Monday through Wednesday, March 4–6 at 7 p.m. in the Kirschner Auditorium at L-S. Admission is free.

  • Monday, March 4 — Band concert. Each school will perform individually and then combine together for Armory, a composition by Randall Standridge. 
  • Tuesday, March 5 — Orchestra concert with Lincoln and Sudbury middle school students. The L-S Orchestra will perform “Waltz No. 2” by Shostakovich and a movement of “Symphony No. 8 by Dvorak,” and the L-S Select Orchestra will perform “Romanian Folk Dances” by Bela Bartok.
  • Wednesday, March 6 — Choir concert. Each Middle School will perform two pieces. The program includes l-S chamber singers performing a French madrigal and a jazz vocal arrangement of “Georgia on my Mind,” concert choir with sopranos and altos on a Taylor Swift medley, and tenors and basses on “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie, as well as performances by the Musigals, Coro de Chicas and Singing Valentines quartets.

The concerts will be broadcast on Comcast channels 9 and 1074, and Verizon channels 32 and 2130 and will be available as on video on demand a few days after the concert. For more information about supporting L-S music, visit www.lsfom.org.

LOMA features Rob Siegel

Rob Siegel

Folk singer/guitarist Rob Siegel is the featured performer at the next Lincoln Open Mic Night on Tuesday, March 12 from 7–10 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Come listen or sign up for a slot to play yourself by emailing Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com or signing up at the event. Names of those who are signed up by 7 p.m. will be drawn at random.

Prepare for the coming eclipse

Prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse with Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky & Telescope, at a session on Saturday, March 16 from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. After the presentation, weather permitting, we’ll go outside to learn how to safely view the eclipse. Bring your own telescope, binoculars, or handheld solar viewer for a quick check as to function and suitability.

Council on Aging & Human Services activities

All events take place in Bemis Hall on Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

March 8 — Suicide and Aging: Fact or Fiction?
Samaritans will provide information on suicide risk factors, warning signs, and questions to ask someone who may be at risk. This two-hour suicide prevention training focuses on older adults, but the information is relevant for all ages. Space is limited. Call 781-259-811 to sign up.

March 15 — Irish Music in America
John Clark’s multimedia presentation features a treasure trove of music including “Danny Boy” and “Tura Lura Lura” that came with the influx of Irish immigrants. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Lincoln Council on Aging & Friends of Lincoln Library.

March 22 — “King Lear”
Join us for a free live theater show where actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby portray a haunting, darkly funny adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless story of love, ambition, and mortality. This one-hour show draws directly from Shakespeare’s text while adding modern twists. Co-sponsored by Friends of Lincoln Council on Aging and Friends of Lincoln Library.

Film: “A Coffee in Berlin”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “A Coffee in Berlin” (2012, unrated) on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. The film portrays a day in the life of Niko, a twenty-something college dropout going nowhere fast. Niko lives for the moment as he drifts through the streets of Berlin, curiously observing everyone around him and oblivious to his growing status as an outsider.

My Turn: Taking issue with Planning Board dissenters

By Trisha O’Hagan

Editor’s note: O’Hagan has said that her quote by her in the February 27 Lincoln Squirrel story headlined “Planning Board splits 3-2 on endorsing zoning amendments” was inaccurate, so it has been removed.

I attended the February 26 Planning Board meeting and felt I needed to respond when a community member emphatically told the planning board that they shouldn’t “sell” the zoning changes at the March 2024 town meeting.

Our Planning Board and Housing Choice Act Working Group have worked diligently to develop sensible zoning changes in line with the Housing Choice Act. They listened to all community members feed back and incorporated many of the residents’ suggestions into the zoning guidelines. And we should all be delighted that the planning board made some very last-minute changes (after checking with the state and our town lawyer) that may allow for including 15% affordable housing.

And lest we forget, they were working from the results of the 2023 December Special Town Meeting in which Option C received the most votes. This is how our town democracy works — we listen, we learn, we vote, and we respect the results of the election.

So it is deeply troubling to me that two members of the Planning Board “do not believe that the vote at the December Special Town Meeting should be taken as a legal act.” Since when does Lincoln have a Town Meeting and vote and then elected town officials decide that it is “not the right time” and advocate to negate people’s vote?

We will all have a chance to vote again soon at the March 23 Town Meeting. My hope is that Option C passes. I believe that Lincoln is a wonderful, welcoming and generous town and that we will embrace the opportunity to be a part of the solution to Massachusetts’ housing crisis. I hope we can build inviting, all-electric, multifamily housing close to our train and town center where people can walk and bike to our schools and shops and churches as well as Codman and Drumlin Farms and our multitude of trails. And I will always respect the results of the election, even if my choice does not prevail.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

New RLF proposal shows larger and fewer housing units

The latest iteration of early plans for developing the mall now includes fewer but larger apartments after residents said at a forum in January that the units ranging from 600 to 800 square feet were too small.

At a February 29 public forum, the Rural Land Foundation, which owns the mall, proposed 40 housing units (down from the previous 47), with one- and two-bedroom units of 708 to 1,261 square feet as well as two studios at 513 and 536 square feet as sketched out by Union Architects (see below). Ten percent of the rental units would be designated as affordable. The bank building and the Something Special building would be demolished and rebuilt while the Donelan’s and the post office/restaurant building remain untouched in this phase.

To accommodate Donelan’s, the main parking lot won’t be disrupted during construction. Twisted Tree could operate out of a food truck and other tenants might be able to use temporary trailers or take advantage of phased construction, said RLF Executive Director Geoff McGean.

As in the past, residents at the meeting worried about the town losing control of what gets built on the property if it’s eventually sold to a developer. Current plans call for the RLF to offer a ground lease. “I think we would have a lot of say [in lease terms controlling what can be built] and I don’t say that lightly — that would be critical,” McGean said. Also critical: passage of the HCA rezoning measure at Town Meeting so the RLF can start working with designers, lenders, town officials and others.

“From our perspective, we’ve got a really long process ahead of us and we need to get going,” McGean said. “There isn’t a crisis today, but we feel there will be.”

The presentation also included a history of the mall and sketches of parking and traffic circulation, as well as the two design concepts (traditional and modern) for the buildings that were shown in January. There are no plans for an underground or above-ground parking structure, McGean said. There also won’t be a traffic study until we have “much more of a definitive plan,” he added.

Click images below for larger versions with captions.

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Fire heavily damages Old Concord Road home

The damaged house at 14 Old Concord Road looking east toward the Lindentree Farm barn (left).

A fire cause by high winds heavily damaged a home on Old Concord Road in the early-morning hours of February 29.

Neighbors saw fire shooting through the roof of 14 Old Concord Road and called the Fire Department, which responded with Engine 2 and Ladder 1 and was assisted by firefighters from Concord, Wayland, Weston, and Hanscom Air Force Base. No injuries were reported. No one was in the house, which has been unoccupied for some time.

The fire started when a large tree came down over power lines due to high wins and causing a power surge to the house, Fire Chief Brian Young said. The fire was also found to have a “significant head start” due to a lack of working smoke detectors within the home, he added.

The house, which is located behind the Lindentree Farm barn on a separate parcel, is owned by Heather McCune, according to town land records. The one-story flat-roof cinderblock home was built around 1950 and is assessed at just $103,000, though the 2.9-acre parcel is assessed for $943,900.