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

GearTicks robotics team recognized for community outreach

The GearTicks team with their robot. Back row, left to right: Oliver Chu, Ethan Chu , Will Mendelson, Henry Hussey, Maeve Hussey, Camille Gammack. Front row, left to right: Miles Wang, Aaron Ortiz, Ela Koro, and Ira McLure (click to enlarge).

The GearTicks, a Lincoln-based student robotics team, competed in March at the Massachusetts FTC Robotics State Championship in Boston and were runners-up for the Motivate Award for their strong outreach efforts, including volunteering at the Perkins School for the Blind and in various community events in Lincoln. 

The GearTicks take part in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition for students in grades 7-12, where teams around the world design, build, and program robots to complete a challenge each year. At competitions, 18-by-18-inch robots are pitted against each other in two-on-two matches, where teams compete to have their robot score points in a variety of ways. The robot must be fully autonomous for the first 30 seconds of the match, while the final two minutes are driver-controlled.

This year’s challenge, “Into the Deep,” features rectangular blocks, or “samples,” which robots are tasked with picking up. These samples can be scored by dropping them into four-foot-high baskets. Alternatively, they can be delivered to the human drive team, who can modify the sample so that it can be hung on a bar. The most exciting part of the game comes in the final seconds, or “Endgame,” when robots can attempt to hoist themselves up a series of two bars and hang at the top, a full three feet off the ground. 

The GearTicks’ robot after a completed “Ascent,” where it climbed up two rungs to hang over three feet off the ground. 

At the state championship, the GearTicks showed off their custom-made robot in signature blue colors. They most notably created an arm that could extend out 48 inches and rotate 100 degrees. Blocks were picked up with a silicone-molded intake and could be dropped off with the same mechanism. An innovative part of the GearTicks’ design was a NeoPixel LED panel that they coded to display custom images to provide information for drivers. In addition, the GearTicks were one of the few teams who were able to find a solution to the difficult task of hanging the robot from the highest bar.

Much of the FTC Robotics competition is centered around judging — teams are evaluated based on their robot, design process, programming, and community outreach — and the GearTicks took second place in the last category.

The event capped off a strong season, where the GearTicks were able to advance to the state level after winning their initial qualifying competition, achieving the Inspire Award (the top award) out of a field of 22 teams. With their season now over, the GearTicks are running outreach events and preparing ahead of next season. 

If you or your child is interested in joining the FTC program as a coach or team member, contact us at hello@gearticks.com. If your child is too young to join FTC, there are also LEGO-based FIRST Robotics programs for elementary- and middle school-aged students, FIRST Lego League/FLL (grades 4-8), or FLL Explore (grades 2-4). To learn more, come visit to the FIRST Robotics Open House at the Lincoln School on May 27.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to consider the application of 59 Conant Rd., M/P 181-5-0 to determine the significance of the building. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place. 

Note that legal notices often must be posted more than once by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Four-unit townhouse proposed for Lincoln Road

Front and rear views of the townhouse proposal.

A proposal for a four-unit multifamily townhouse near condos on Ridge Road will be the subject of a Planning Board public hearing on May 13.

The 2.1-acre parcel was formerly owned by the Teabo family (Prince Teabo died in 2018 and his wife Betty in 2022) that’s accessed by an existing private right of way running from Lincoln Road to Greenridge Lane. The land isn’t part of the recently rezoned Housing Choice Act area; it’s in the R-2 General Residence District, where townhouses are allowed by right with a site plan review by the Planning Board.

Applicant Fabio Andrade hopes to replace the single-family home on the property with a flat-roofed two-story structure covering 2,262 square feet with four two-bedroom units built over above-ground garage parking.

Jean Loud Mallary, 1935–2025

Jeannie Loud Mallary

(Editor’s note: This obituary was updated with corrections on April 25.)

Jeannie Mallary — beloved mother, wife, and friend — passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, overlooking the Connecticut River, as it ran by the property of her late husband’s family farm. She was surrounded by her loving family. Even though her 89- year-old mind was still sharp as a tack and her interest in politics, art, and all manner of intellectual pursuits was as vibrant as ever, she knew her body was failing her rapidly. She courageously chose her own death with dignity, thanks to Act 39 — a bill she and her late husband worked hard to have passed here in Vermont.

Jeannie was the daughter of John and Mary Loud and raised in Lincoln, Mass., in a household filled with music. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, John (Jock) and Rob. Not long after graduating from Radcliffe, she fell in love with and married Jonathan N. Brownell and they moved to Maple Corner in Calais, Vt., where they raised their three children. Jeannie was an active member of each community she lived in: volunteering, hosting, and generally being involved. She was the very first librarian at the brand-new Calais Elementary School, a role that brought her passion for stories and literature to that place, and inspired many young people’s curiosity thereby.

Music filled her life and she passed it on whenever she could. Jeannie most enjoyed directing and singing in numerous local choirs. It was the Old West Church in Calais that was closest to her musical heart. Another lifelong passion was her love of horses and horsemanship. In the second half of her life, Jeannie married her second great love, Richard Mallary, with whom she spent 32 wonderful years before his passing. Her professional life expanded. Among her many endeavors, Jeannie served as director of the Vermont Ethics Network, championing all manner of concerns ethical with a particular emphasis on end-of-life issues.

In her final years, she lived in Hanover, N.H., first among many friends at Willow Springs Circle and then at Kendal at Hanover, where she was warmly welcomed and cared for. She leaves behind her three loving children, eight grandchildren, two (soon four) great-grandchildren, and many, many beloved relatives and friends. We will all miss her very much. Goodbye, Mum. Goodbye, Didi. Goodbye, Jeannie. We love you!

A celebration of life was held on April 18, 2025 in the Gathering Room at Kendal at Hanover. Memorial contributions may be made to the Old West Church in Calais and the Big Life Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Day Funeral Home in Randolph, Vt. To leave a message for the family or to send flowers or plant a tree in remembrance, click here.

Legal notice — Historic District Commission

Legal notice — Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to consider the application of 59 Conant Rd., M/P 181-5-0 to determine the significance of the building. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place. 

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Zoning Board of Appeals hearing

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 7:00pm to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

Linda Emanuel, 18 Old Cambridge Tpke., M/P 112-5-0, for a special permit to enlarge the deck at the back of the residence.

Note that legal notices often must be posted more than once by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Police log for April 5–15, 2025

April 5

Huckleberry Hill (11:13am) — A resident reported that their parked vehicle had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The incident is under investigation.

April 6

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (1:49am) — While on a traffic stop, a marked Lincoln police cruiser was struck by another vehicle. Damage was minimal and there were no injuries.

April 7

Care Dimensions, Winter Street (4:47pm) — An officer provided assistance to a resident of the hospice house.

Winter Street (8:03pm) — Officers checked several locations for the report of a man attempting to flag down passing vehicles. The person was not located.

Silver Hill Road (10:10pm) — A resident drove off a shared driveway and struck a tree. The operator, who was not injured, arranged for a private tow.

April 8

North Great Road (7:54am) — Police were dispatched for a minor motor vehicle crash but both vehicles were gone by the time the officers arrived.

The Commons of Lincoln (11:41pm) — An officer assisted a resident with a residential lockout.

April 9

Codman Community Farms (9:49am) — An officer responded to follow up on a report of a woman in a vehicle in distress. An outside agency made contact with her.

Offutt Road, Hanscom AFB (3:10pm) — A resident requested assistance with a delivered item that was removed from their property.

Bedford Road (4:07pm) — An officer stood by during a disagreement between a resident and contractor.

Mary’s Way (6:17pm) — A person called with a past complaint about drivers in the area. The caller was advised to call 911 if the behavior continues.

Page Farm Road (9:54pm) — An officer assisted a resident.

April 10

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (7:40am) — An officer provided a courtesy transport for a resident.

North Great Road (7:55pm) — Police and fire personnel responded to a minor two-vehicle crash with no injuries.

Wells Road (8:45am) — An officer spoke with two people regarding a dispute that occurred on Ballfield Road.

Hanscom Drive (3:23pm) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with a person in their custody who had an active arrest warrant. A Lincoln officer arrived and took custody of Henilson Andrade, 24, of Taunton. He was booked and transported to the Middlesex County House of Correction.

April 11

Old County Road (8:15am) — The Cambridge Water Department reported the discovery of several items that were illegally dumped on their property.

Wells Road (3:59pm) — An attempt to serve court paperwork was unsuccessful.

Lincoln Road (5:21pm) — A caller inquired about the steps involved in a court-related procedure.

Page Farm Road (7:33pm) — An officer assisted the Fire Department with a residential lockout.

April 12

North Great Road (6:53am) — Two separate motor vehicle crashes in close proximity were reported. There were no injuries and one of the vehicles was towed from the scene.

Kelly Lane, Hanscom AFB (3:00pm) — An officer assisted Hanscom Security Forces with a mutual aid request.

South Great Road (8:53pm) — Officers investigated the report of yelling behind a residence. The sounds were coming from children playing in the area.

Old Sudbury Road (10:26pm) — A caller reported three vehicles parked on the side of the road by Ponyhenge. The vehicles were parked off the road and posed no hazard to traffic.

Old County Road (10:44pm) — A vehicle struck several sections of a guardrail. The operator was not injured and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

April 13

Nothing of note.

April 14

Nothing of note.

April 15

Indian Camp Lane (11:33am) — A delivery driver was mistaken for a disabled motor vehicle.

Old County Road (3:08pm) — Several bags of construction material were discovered.

First Parish members stand out for justice and peace

Dozens of First Parish in Lincoln members stood out on Good Friday afternoon to call for justice and peace. Led by ministers Nate Kluge and Sarah Klockowski, they held signs that reflect the congregation’s commitment to honor each person’s dignity and to cherish the living Earth.

My Turn: Please donate during food pantry annual appeal

By SVdP Lincoln/Weston

Yes, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston operates a food pantry, right here in our beautiful communities, that serves over 100 households facing food insecurity. And yes, we also provide emergency financial aid to those experiencing difficulties, and vocational scholarships for those seeking better job opportunities. We serve our neighbors in need who live, work, or whose children go to school in Lincoln and Weston. Just this past year, we spent:

  • $80,000 on food
  • $90,000 on assistance for rent, utilities, and other basic needs
  • $11,000 on scholarships for education and training

Weston residents Sarah Hasselbeck (left) and Christine Hayward volunteer at the food pantry behind St. Joseph Church in Lincoln.

The need among our most vulnerable neighbors continues to grow, especially during these uncertain times, your support is crucial! Your donation, regardless of the amount, can have a huge impact on someone’s life. Donate now, and the Ogden Codman Trust in Lincoln will match your contribution with a matching gift challenge.

  • Donate online: go to svdplincolnweston.org
  • Mail a check: SVdP of Lincoln and Weston, PO Box 324, Lincoln MA 01773
  • Spread the word: share our mission with friends and family.

Thank you for believing in the power of neighbors helping neighbors. We appreciate your compassion and continued support, especially now, during our annual appeal. With sincere gratitude from all of us at SVdP Lincoln/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.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to consider the application of 59 Conant Rd., M/P 181-5-0 to determine the significance of the building. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place. 

Note that legal notices often must be posted more than once by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.