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Residents start to narrow down school options

December 8, 2014

schoolBy Alice Waugh

In a follow-up to the State of the Town meeting where attendees expressed preferences for school and community center ideas with sticky dots, those dots were out in force again last Wednesday as residents focused on which direction to go for a school building project.

The December 2 meeting was the third in a series of open forums hosted by the School Building Advisory Committee to update residents on renovation/construction options and cost estimates for meeting the school building’s basic facilities needs as well as educational upgrades.

At the State of the Town meeting on November 15 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Nov. 17, 2014), architects from Dore and Whittier presented project possibilities are grouped into three broad categories (all estimates include construction costs, professional fees, phasing and escalation due to the passage of time):

  • Option 1: facilities work only ($12.2 million to $29 million)
  • Option 2: facilities plus some “a la carte” educational enhancements ($29.5 million to $47.6 million)
  • Option 3: a comprehensive package of facilities and educational upgrades ($54.7 million to $58.8 million)

Architect Jason Boone of Dore and Whittier reported last week that 76 percent of residents expressed a preference for Option 3, while 20 percent preferred Option 2 and just 4 percent preferred Option 1. In comment sticky notes at State of the Town, residents said they wanted the school project to be tied as closely as possible to a community center project, asked that the new school spaces be energy-efficient, and supported the educational vision outlined by Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall.

Key variables that residents will have to weigh when deciding which route to pursue are cost, which educational enhancements to choose, the importance of energy efficiency in light of the the town bylaw seeking to eliminate fossil fuel consumption in town buildings by 2030, the extent to which people want to preserve the existing school, project timing, and the level of joint school/community use for space in a renovated school.

The cost of a school project will depend on whether the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is willing to pay for some of it. Boone noted that in the previous go-round, the MSBA would have paid about 40 percent of the $49 million cost for a new school if residents had approved the project by a two-thirds margin at Town Meeting.

If the town decides to seek MSBA funding again, the project must address all of the school’s facilities and educational needs to be eligible, meaning “you would have to do a high Option 2 or one of the Option 3s,” Boone said.

There are some conditions that would come with seeking MSBA funding. The town would have to resubmit a statement of interest and do another feasibility study; there would be a delay of at least 18 months in starting construction (vs. doing a project with town money only); and the timing and amount of funding is uncertain.

Using Option 3A as an example, a 40 percent grant from the MSBA would mean the town would get about $24.3 million, though that would be partially offset by an extra $3.3 million cost caused by the time delay while going through the MSBA process, Boone said. If all went well, the renovated building under Option 3A would be ready for occupancy in April 2019 without MSBA funding and June 2020 with the funding, he said.

Involving the MSBA would also mean less opportunity for overlap between new school space and a community center. “They do have restrictions and requirements, and the relationship of a community center to a school project would be problematic. Trying to combine projects could be a potential red flag to the MSBA,” Boone said.

Residents discussed various community center sites at the State of the Town and indicated that having it located on the site of the Hartwell pods was the best option. “We have not explored any options that embed any community center programming in any of our options,” but none of the Dore and Whittier proposal would prevent such a facility from going on the Hartwell site, Boone said.

Educational enhancement options

When it comes down to choosing among the educational enhancements under discussion, “we acknowledge that we will likely have to make some very difficult decisions,” McFall said as she discussed a sheet listing the educational value (high, moderate or modest) added by various upgrades, “but anything we do to the building will be an educational improvement—anything,” she said.

A cafeteria/commons space for teaching larger groups appeared as a high improvement in three of McFall’s lists of upgrade goals: flexible multi-use spaces, security (since it would involve building a link between the Brooks school and the Reed gym), and community use. “Adding that space really meets a lot of different needs,” she said. A package including a Brooks cafeteria would cost at least $36.6 million by Dore and Whittier’s estimates.

As for the energy efficiency of the various options, Boone said Dore and Whittier hasn’t come up with estimates for work that would meet the 2030 bylaw standards, but any building that did so would need advanced heating/ventilation/air conditioning technology incorporating alternative energy such as geothermal, wind and/or solar.

“It’s important to note that there would be a measurable and significant cost premium to truly achieve that goal,” he said. That priority is also affected by the preservation variable. The more of the existing building you try to save, the harder it becomes to achieve the 2030 goals,” Boone said. “We need to hear from you as to prioritization.”

Those at the meeting were then asked to indicate with one sticky dot which of the specific options they would support with MSBA funding and the another dot what they could support without money from the MSBA. The result: Option 3C got the most stickers overall and a clear majority of the “with MSBA funding” stickers, while several options—2D/E, 2F, 3B and 3C—garnered a good number of  “without MSBA funding” stickers. All of Dore and Whittier’s options are illustrated here.

Options 3B and 3C offer the same features and differ only on the proportion of renovation to new construction. Option 3B is essentially the idea proposed by the “Fireside Seven,” a group of Lincoln architects and designers including Douglas Adams and Ken Bassett that formed after the defeat of a new $49 million school at Town Meeting in November 2012 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, April 2, 2013). It would cost $55.8 million and calls for about two-third renovation and one-third new construction. Option 3C would cost $58.5 million and include 52 percent renovation vs. 48 percent new construction. The drawing for that option shows a new two-story segment connecting the Smith building and the 1994 link, although Boone said two floors weren’t a given and that residents should focus only on the percentage of renovation to new construction.

Category: government, school project*, schools Leave a Comment

News acorns – 12/4/14

December 4, 2014

acornL-S concerts include choral groups tonight

The L-S Winter Choral Concert will be performed on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in Kirschner Auditorium at the high school, while the L-S Instrumental Concert will be a week later on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. in the same location.. Both concerts are open to the public and free of charge.

Tonight’s choral concert will feature the L-S Concert Choir & Chamber Singers, the Lincoln School Chorus and the Curtis Select Chorus. The L-S choirs are singing music of America, Ireland, England, France, Macedonia and South Africa, and selections from Carmina Burana. The L-S student-led vocal groups Acafellas, Accent, Achoired Taste, Coro de Chicas & Musigals will perform a variety of popular music to start the concert.Recording of the concert will be available for pre-order. Concessions will be available.

The Instrumental Winter Concert on December 11 will include large ensembles including the Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and smaller groups including the Flute Choir and Violin Ensemble. Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride will provide the grand finale with 130 instrumental students performing together on stage. Highlights from the program  will include:

  • Orchestra—Marche Slav by Tchaikovsky; Jupiter from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst; selections from Bizet’s Carmen; and the Allegro movement from Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor (used for the theme song of the movie Amadeus).
  • Symphonic Band—Cinicinnatus March by H.A. Vandercook; Blue Ridge Saga by Jim Swearingen; and An American Fanfare by Rick Kirby.
  • Concert Band—Avenger March by Karl A. King; Albanian Folk Dance by Shelley Hansen; and Chorale and Shaker Dance by John Zdechlik (including the familiar Shaker hymn ‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple)
Dog walkers on the school campus: please scoop!

The Lincoln School has noticed a recent increase in dog walkers failing to clean up after their pets when traversing the campus play areas. Principal Steve McKenna notes that this is not pleasant for the child who steps or rolls in just the wrong place while at recess.

Kids invited to participate in First Parish Christmas Pageant

Rehearsals for the December 14 children’s Christmas Pageant at the First Parish Church will be December 7 and 14 during church services. There’s a part for every child who wants one. Children will gather in the sanctuary (the white church) at 10 a.m., then proceed with the pageant leaders up to the Stone Church for rehearsals and performance at 11 a.m. Invite the grandparents and bring a camera, and be prepared to sing along! The First Parish also invites families to attend the Solstice Service and/or one of two Christmas Eve services. Please see the First Parish calendar for more information.

Old Town Hall Exchange hosts “Gift Local” event

The Old Town Hall Exchange will host the 4th annual Gift Local Artisan and Craft Show on December 13 and 14. This event will host a variety of talented local artists, featuring jewelers, woodworkers, and more. Stop by and get some of your holiday shopping our of the way while supporting some terrific local businesses. The event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1-6 p.m.

Talk on bicycling history on Dec. 17

The Lincoln Public Library presents “Boston’s Cycling Craze, 1880-1900: A Story of Race, Sport and Society” with author Lorenz J. Finison on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. Explore the rise of Boston’s cycling through the lives of several participants. Finison details the life of Kittie Knox, a biracial 20 year old Bostonian. Books will be available for purchase.

Category: arts, history, news, schools Leave a Comment

Wreathed in smiles (Lincoln through the lens, 12/3/14)

December 3, 2014

wreaths

Nancy Fleming (left) and Karin Levy unload wreaths from Wilson Farm at the First Parish Stone church in preparation for the Touch of Christmas Fair. All next week, volunteers will drop in each day from 9 a.m. to noon to help decorate the wreaths, which will be sold at the fair on Saturday, Dec. 13. Diana Smith is the head of the wreath-making activities and invites anyone to come help decorate the wreaths—no experience needed. They also welcome donations of red berries and greens such as yew, boxwood, arborvitae, etc. Click here to sign up or call Smith at 781-259-9759.

Category: arts, Lincoln through the lens, seniors Leave a Comment

Library film series showcases Hitchcock silents

December 3, 2014

movie reelIn December, the Lincoln Library Film Society will present silent films by master director Alfred Hitchcock. Long before films like Psycho, Rear Window and Vertigo hit the screen, he directed several silent films from 1925-29. Hitchcock’s silents are wrongly thought by a few to be the work of a talented amateur struggling to develop his craft with creaky equipment and poor film techniques. Who says? To see these films today is to appreciate the burgeoning signs of Hitchcock’s genius: unique camera angles and movement, multiple points of view, the audience as voyeur, with special effects of dissolves, blurriness and violent cuts. Already the familiar Hitchcock fingerprints are here: one wrongly accused, ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances, man on the run, sexual feelings strongly associated with violent behavior, all delivered with assured manipulation of emotion, management of suspense, and a macabre wit.
[Read more…] about Library film series showcases Hitchcock silents

Category: arts Leave a Comment

School Committee to review budget cuts on Thursday

December 2, 2014

schoolBy Alice Waugh

The School Committee on Thursday will continue to discuss a list of possible cuts to the 2015-16 Lincoln School preliminary budget that aim to bring next year’s budget into line with the Finance Committee’s 2.5 percent guideline for this year’s increase.

[Read more…] about School Committee to review budget cuts on Thursday

Category: government, news, schools Leave a Comment

Council on Aging activities in December

November 29, 2014

bemisLincoln Academy with Jim Cunningham and Rick Detwiller: A Historical Architecture Journey and the Barrett Farm Restoration Project
December 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 1 at 12:30 to hear Jim Cunningham and Rick Detwiller discuss “A Historical Architecture Journey and the Barrett Farm Restoration Project.” 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. 

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
December 3 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. to meet with Natalie Kaufman, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. She will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You are also welcome to discuss other matters with her that she may be able to help with. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in December

Category: arts, food, government, health and science, history, seniors Leave a Comment

Holiday happenings in Lincoln

November 28, 2014

christmastreeBoy Scouts selling Christmas trees and wreaths

Lincoln Boy Scout Troop 127 will once again be selling Christmas trees, wreaths (decorated and plain) and balsam garlands at the corner of Lincoln and Codman Roads on November 29–December 23 from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Trees from 3 to 10 feet high will be available. Proceeds support Scout activities and a portion is donated to support local and regional charities.

L-S and Lincoln School choral groups perform on Dec. 4

[Read more…] about Holiday happenings in Lincoln

Category: arts, food, seniors Leave a Comment

When the cows come home (Lincoln through the lens, 11/25/14)

November 25, 2014

xxx

Jim, an English Lineback ox, takes a snack break during his recent walk from Minute Man National Historical Park, where he and some other bovins graze on open space, back to their home with the Travis family on Oxbow Road. Jim and another calf were a birthday surprise for George Travis 13 years ago; he now weighs about 3,400 pounds (Jim, not George). The Travises own several other English Linebacks along with some Highlands and Irish Dexters and periodically move them back and forth to the Minute Man land.  — Photo by Harold McAleer

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to news@lincolnsquirrrel.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.

Category: agriculture and flora, Lincoln through the lens Leave a Comment

News acorns – 11/24/14

November 24, 2014

acornLatest issue of Lincoln Review now on the stands

The November-December issue of the Lincoln Review is out. In it, you’ll read the latest on Route 2 by Dan Boynton, a beautiful and moving memorial of Father Drennan by Sylvia Pelosi Kennedy, and an  interview with exhibit designer Marjorie Hilton, who created the fascinating displays at the Town Offices that put a face on Lincoln’s veterans from the Revolutionary War forward to Vietnam, plus a trip down the Elbe River, an article on the flu season, and more. The Lincoln Review is available now on newsstands in Lincoln (look for Harold Smith’s pumpkin photo on the cover).

Film on architect Oscar Niemeyer on Dec. 4

The Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln present an encore showing of “Oscar Niemeyer—Life is a Breath of Air,” a film about the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Oscar Niemeyer, on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 7-9 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library Tarbell Room. The documentary, made on the occasion of Niemeyer’s 100th birthday, reflects on his long career and prolific output, with a focus on his buildings in Brazil’s capital city, Brasilia. The film includes many images of signature structure—designs that infuse his favored material, reinforced concrete, with exuberant liquidity. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Please stay after the film for light refreshments and informal discussion. For more information, contact Virginia Rundell at vq@verizon.net or 781-259-0201.

A capella night expands to include four groups next Friday

The a capella benefit evening on Friday, Dec. 5 to benefit LEAP (the Lincoln Extended-day Activities Program) will now feature two groups each from Harvard University and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School: Harvard VoiceLab and the Harvard Callbacks, and Accent and the Acafellaz from L-S. At the event from 7-10 p.m. in Bemis Hall, there will be a cash bar, food provided by Aka Bistro, and a silent auction. Tickets ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) are available at LEAP and the Whistlestop Cafe. Babysitting is available at LEAP during the event. For more information, call LEAP at 781-259-0615.

LOMA acoustic music on Dec. 8

The next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mic Acoustic) evening on Monday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell room will feature Glenn Pettit, who will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30 p.m. Pettit’s genres include Piedmont blues, folk, jazz and Far Eastern in a style sometimes reminiscent of Tom Waits and James McMurtry. Along the way, Glenn has composed music for off-Broadway theatrical productions and movie soundtracks. His dynamic finger-style playing and song delivery is in full force on his live YouTube cover of Reverend Gary Davis’s Candy Man.

LOMA is a monthly event. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mike day for a slot. Names of those who are signed up by 7:15 will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Future performers will include:

  •   January 12—Outrageous Fortune
  •   February 9—Peter Fischman and Deb O’Hanlon
  •   March 9—Fishken & Groves (SAMW appreciation night)
  •   April 13—Amy Herrera
  •   May 11—Lisa Martin
  •   June 8—Sam Bayer
Forum on preventing domestic violence on Dec. 9

Please join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Tuesday, Dec. 9 for a discussion on “What an Ideal Violence Prevention Program Should Look Like” in our communities. The forum will take place at 3 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Road, Wayland).

Since the murder of Wayland teen Lauren Astley in 2011 at the hands of her former boyfriend, 33 other women and girls in Massachusetts have lost their lives in a similar manner, and many more have dealt with nonlethal but traumatic abuse. In Sudbury, Wayland and Lincoln alone, there are a total of 91 restraining orders currently in effect. The December 9 forum will discuss questions such as what new information, skills, communication channels and services we need to provide, and how we can protect women and girls and teach our men and boys about safe and healthy relationships.

Category: arts Leave a Comment

State of the Town clarifications and additions

November 18, 2014

stateofthetown-croppedA November 17 article in the Lincoln Squirrel about the State of the Town meeting originally gave the wrong first name for Dore and Whittier architect Jason Boone and misstated the purpose of a December 2 public forum, at which residents will help the SBAC and Dore and Whittier narrow down the school project options in preparation for a final report in January.

Since the article was published, the Squirrel acquired some of the documents handed out at the meeting:

  • The recent history of the school building project and definitions of terms
  • The packet of school building options and cost estimates presented by Dore and Whittier
  • The “sticky dot”/Post-It Note feedback activity directions and a compilation of that feedback

The original article has been updated to reflect these clarifications and additions.

Category: government, news, schools Leave a Comment

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