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

News acorns

Help clear invasives behind future community center

As part of the project to improve the space around the upcoming community center, residents are invited to help clear invasive plants behind the LEAP pod from 9:00am–noon on Saturday, April 19 and Monday, April 21, with a third session on Tuesday, April 22 if needed. Bring loppers, clippers, gloves and eye protection. Electric chain saws and clippers are also helpful. Fo more information, call Peter von Mertens at 781-259-8942.

Photo exhibition features Lincoln residents

“Morning Wetlands in Lincoln II” by Linda Hammett Ory (click to enlarge)

Lincoln resident Linda Hammett Ory is exhibiting two of her photos at Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts sixth annual juried members’ exhibition from April 17 through May 9. The exhibition of work by 36 photographers is curated by Lincoln resident Emily Belz, is a RISD-trained photographer, curator, and educator. Linda’s love of nature is her strongest photographic inspiration, and many of her images are taken while exploring the landscape of Lincoln and Concord.

Garden Club plant sale in May

The Lincoln Garden Club will host their biennial plant sale on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00am–2:00pm at Station Park (corner of Lincoln Road and Ridge Road). The plants come from our members’ gardens, the parks we maintain, and from generous donors around town. If you have plants to donate, dropoff is from 8:00–10:00am. There will also be garden paraphernalia for sale such as hand-made garden cloches and bluebird nesting boxes as well as native plugs ordered from North Creek Nurseries (blue mist, Appalachian mountain mint, and barren strawberry). Many garden club members have seen jumping worm activity on their property. If you haven’t, please don’t purchase plants from the sale to avoid spread. 

Period house restorer to speak

Massachusetts-based author and preservationist Lee McColgan, author of A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial, will speak on Thursday, May 15 from 6:30–7:30pm in the Lincoln School’s Learning Commons. Please RSVP here so organizers can plan refreshments. In his book, McColgan tells of restoring his 1704 colonial home in Pembroke using period techniques and tools after learning from plasterers, carpenters, and other tradespeople. 

Video on school project available

Lincoln School project architects SMMA/EwingCole created this eight-minute video about the school project featuring images and clips with architects and school officials talking about the building, its Modernist roots, and how its design was driven by (and has affected) how learning takes place.

Six volunteers from Lincoln recognized

As part of National Volunteer Week, Lincolnites Vicky Diadiuk, Bryn Gingrich, Deborah Grace, Judith Kittredge, and Martin Pierce have been recognized for their work with English at Large, a nonprofit organization that helps adult immigrants gain greater understanding of the English language and U.S. culture through personalized instructional programs.

 

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

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.

News acorns

First Parish to stage standout for justice

Join First Parish in Lincoln on Friday, April 18 from 11:00am–2:00pm for an act of public witness in solidarity with those being targeted by the current administration’s actions. Gather at 11:00am in the Stearns Room (4 Bedford Rd.) for sign-making, organizing, and community grounding. Then from 12:00–2:00pm, we will stand out on our church lawn (and possibly across the street in front of the twisted tree depending on numbers). Come for part of the event or stay the full time. If you’d like to help with providing materials and snacks or drinks, contact Sarah Klockowski at sarah@fplincoln.org. Special activities and sign-making station for kids.

Eyes on Owls at Farrington Nature Linc

Farrington Nature Linc and LLCT are hosting Eyes on Owls on Monday, April 21 from 1:00–2:00pm at Nature Linc’s campus (295 Cambridge Turnpike). Learn how to hoot like an owl before meeting six ambassador animals in a live demonstration. This is a ticketed event ($12 or $35 for a family pack); click here to purchase.

Wine/beer tasting benefits domestic violence group

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Shelters at Spirits Liquor Store (4 Digital Way, suite 3, Maynard) on Friday, April 25 from 6:30–8:30pm. There will also be a brief presentation by a survivor. Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift for clients of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, and Voices Against Violence. Requested items include linens (twin sheets and pillowcases, blankets, comforters, pillows), towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances. Gift cards for supermarkets, Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreen’s are also welcome. To make a cash donation, please visit the Roundtable website and note that the donation is for Shower for Shelters.

Library stages Lincoln Comic-Con

The first annual Lincoln Library Comic-Con, a day of nerdy adventure and fun, takes place on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00am–4:00pm. Learn to wield a lightsaber in a Padawan training taught by Jedi, discover “Magic: The Gathering,” make your own zine with author/illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul, find out about how to make your own cosplays with a local expert — plus scavenger hunts, Mario Kart, mini painting and more. Bring lunch for a picnic n the awn and make a day of it. Advance registration to get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of activities is encouraged but not required. Click here for the full schedule.

Lincoln Dems to caucus for state convention

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDC) will elect delegates on Saturday, May 10 at Bemis Hall for the state convention (doors open at 9:30am and close at 10:15am). Six delegates and four alternates will represent Lincoln in Springfield on September 13. All are welcome, but only registered Democrats may vote. Youth age 16 and up, people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who aren’t elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply at the caucus or online to be add-on delegates. Those interested in getting involved with the LDC may contact Travis Roland at travis89roland@gmail.com.

Lincoln250 essay contest for L-S students

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Lincoln250 and Sudbury250 committees invite Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School students to enter an essay contest to reflect on the historical significance of this milestone and explore how the history of our local communities has shaped our understanding of American history and the foundational ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. Three students will be awarded a prize of $200 each, along with recognition at a special award ceremony. Submission deadline is Friday, May 2. Click here for details.

Lincoln Middle School students recognized in history competition

At the Mass. History Day state competition regional competition on April 12, Miles Wang received a special prize from the Mass. Council for the Social Studies for outstanding use of multiple perspectives for his exhibit titled “Shhh — You Have the Right to Remain Silent: The Story of the Miranda Rights.” Maya Iluri received honorable mention for her paper, “The French Protectorate Over Cambodia: A Tale of Wrongs, Rights, and Responsibilities” (one spot away from qualifying for the national competition). And fifth-graders Graham Onigman, Josh Murphy, Samir Stauffer, and Jaida Fishbone were one of the few groups who had their documentary (“Climbing Toward Equality: The Fight for Disability Rights”) shown on the auditorium screen prior to the start of the awards ceremony. 

Police log for March 26–April 4, 2025

March 26

I-95 North rest stop, Lexington (9:49pm) — An officer assisted an outside agency with a well-being check.

March 27

Bemis Hall (2:13pm) — Officers helped a person at Bemis Hall.

March 28

Codman Community Farms (7:57pm) — An officer located several head of cattle roaming free on Codman Road. With the assistance of Codman Farm employees, the bovines were returned to the safety of the farm.

Trapelo Road (8:26am) — An officer assisted in reuniting a dog with its owner.

Robbins Road, Hanscom AFB (3:14pm) — An officer responded for an individual with an active arrest warrant. Timothy Edwards, 54, of Randolph was taken into custody. He was subsequently bailed and order to appear at Boston Municipal Court.

Tower Road (6:18pm) — An officer performed a well-being check.

March 29

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (11:28am) — A motorist reported seeing smoke in the area. The Fire Department checked and confirmed that a person had been burning without a permit. They were able to obtain a permit and continue burning.

DeCordova Museum (12:09pm) — A caller reported an odor of gas in the area. National Grid was notified.

Trapelo Road (2:00pm) — Several youths were advised that fishing was prohibited at the Cambridge Reservoir.

St. Joseph Church (4:48pm) — An officer spoke with someone who appeared to be camping on private property.

March 30

Lincoln Library (4L20pm) — Officers checked the area after a report of a golden retriever walking in the roadway unattended. The officers were unable to locate the dog.

March 31

Old County Road (7:57pm) — A caller reported a dead fox in their driveway. Animal Control was notified.

North Great Road (12:05pm) — A motorist reported a strong odor of gas in the area. An officer checked but was unable to detect any odor. Out of an abundance of caution, National Grid was notified.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (4:11pm) — An officer assisted Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash.

Bedford Road (4:43pm) — An officer checked on a motorist pulled to the side of the road. The operator had stopped to enter GPS coordinates.

Silver Hill Road (5:29pm) — An officer checked on a motorist pulled to the side of the road. The driver had pulled over to briefly rest.

April 1

Lincoln School (6:02pm) — Officers responded to the school complex for the report of a possible rabid raccoon. The area was checked but the raccoon was nowhere to be found.

April 2

Wells Road (10P:25am) — An officer spoke with a person regarding an ongoing matter.

Woods End Road (2:22pm) — An officer spoke to a motorist about a driving complaint.

Ridge Road (2:34pm) — An officer performed a well-being check on an individual. Contact was made and the person was fine.

April 3

Bedford Road (12:10pm) — A person spoke with an officer regarding suspicious activity.

Old Bedford Road (5:35pm) — An officer assisted a resident with an issue regarding their neighbor.

Wells Road (5:42pm) — An officer assisted a person with an ongoing incident.

April 4

Lincoln Road (12:40pm) — A motorist reported striking a duck. The DPW was notified.

North Great Road (1:34pm) — An officer checked on a parked/unoccupied vehicle.

Greenridge Lane (3:54pm) — A caller asked to speak with an officer regarding an ongoing incident.

My Turn: Dozens of Lincolnites join “Hands Off!” protest in Boston

By Barbara Slayter

Among the thousands of demonstrators across the country for the “Hands-Off Protest” Saturday, April 5 were 50 Lincolnites who joined the rally at the Boston Common opposing the current administration’s abrupt and widespread dismantling of programs, services, and institutions that have long been part of Americans’ lives.  

Specifically, what were participants protesting? Numerous conversations and posters irevealed widespread alarm over attacks on Social Security and Medicaid; mass firings of federal workers, immigration raids, the chainsaw tactics of Elon Musk and DOGE, cuts in scientific research, dismantling of educational programs, national park services, and veterans’ benefits, and the arrest of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University graduate student.

The Lincoln contingent gets ready to board the bus to join the protest in Boston (click to enlarge).

Despite the raw, cold, and rainy weather, the mood both at the rally and on the Doherty’s bus (arranged by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee) was buoyant, determined, and hopeful. Participants appreciated the fervor and commitment of the speakers from a variety of Massachusetts organizations and networks, and especially from Sen. Ed Markey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Rep. Ayanna Presley. Also welcome were the ease of the waiting, warm bus and the skillful driver who deposited us mere steps from the Boston Common and then safely back at Ballfield Road at the end of the rally.

“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.

Parks & Rec eyeing future pickleball court

The tennis courts that may some day accommodate pickleball as well.

The Parks and Recreation Department is considering converting two of the town tennis courts so they can be used for pickleball as well as tennis, but it won’t happen for at least three years.

At the Parks and Recreation Committee’s March 24 meeting, resident Candace Pearson presented a petition with 60 signatures asking for the conversion of the courts nestled within the split in Ballfield Road. Pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and while Parks & Rec offer indoor classes, there is no outdoor space in town suitable for the sport, so Lincolnites have to travel to a neighboring town to play outdoors in warm weather.

“There aren’t many sports where you can show up to open play in any city, in any state, and immediately feel welcome. There also aren’t many sports that allow for such a wide range of ages and skill levels while still making for fun, competitive games,” said resident Christine Campo, who co-organized the petition.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations about it. I think people on the committee are very open to it,” said PRD Director Jessica Downing. However, this is just one expense among many that the committee is planning for. Its five-year capital plan currently calls for work on those courts in fiscal 2029 after the community center is finished. Theres also the issue of getting approval for work so close to the nearby stream, she added. A A feasibility study would be a first step in the process.

Voters at Town Meeting last month approved $102,700 for rebuilding the other town tennis courts behind the Smith parking lot in fiscal 2026.

Legal notice: Conservation Commission

Notice of Public Hearing

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:05pm in accordance with the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This is in response to the duly filed Request for Determination of Applicability by Julia Gombos for placement of propane tanks within the 100-ft Buffer Zone and wetland resource areas at 17 Stonehedge (186-30-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. More information can be reviewed here.

Lincoln Conservation Commission

Service on May 10 for David Stroh, 1940–2025

David Stroh

David once wrote, “My career has had a consistent inner theme and purpose — a calling, perhaps — that has been with me while being a university chaplain, an urban planner, and a county attorney Fairfax, Va.”

After his theological degrees at Yale Divinity School, where he was heavily involved in urban poverty issues in neighborhoods, and after becoming ordained in the UCC, he became a university chaplain at Drew and Vanderbilt universities. While fighting the racial divides in our country by organizing students and participating himself with them in marches in Selma and Montgomery, including “Bloody Sunday” in 1965, he heard Dr. King calling all Americans to look beyond the moment and solve the structural problems which perpetuate poverty and racism through urban zoning, housing, and development. He then left university chaplaincy to acquire the additional skills he needed with a master of city planning degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

In the next decade he worked as an urban planner, primarily in obtaining financing for affordable housing with national law firms in Washington, D.C. In 1973 he began working for the long-range Comprehensive Planning Department of Fairfax County, and later for the Environment and Policy Division of that office.

In 1982 he acquired a J.D. degree from. Georgetown University Law School to manage the legal cases surrounding affordable housing and land use and was a county attorney for the Redevelopment and Housing Authority of Fairfax County.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter Stroh and Betty Sampson Stroh, but his parting is deeply mourned by a large family: his brother Stephen F. Stroh and Susan Hoffman Stroh, and his sister Deborah Stroh Tezich and Greg Tezich and their families. He was married to Carol Vines Moss and they had two daughters, Sarah Stroh Jeppesen and Christine Stroh Reddy. His grandchildren are Dylan and Asa Franchak, and Alexandra, Ravi and Vikram Reddy.

After divorce he was married to Susan Mockenhaupt, who died in 2009. He was married again in 2013 to Jane Chowning von Maltzahn. His stepchildren through her are Philip von Maltzahn and Stephanie Slates, Geoffrey von Maltzahn and Maxine Sharkey Giammo, and Julia von Maltzahn. His step-grandchildren are Felix and Norris von Maltzahn; Eva Orion, Leo, Wolf and Zelda von Maltzahn; and Valentina and Carlos Rangel.

David was born in Boulder, Colo., spent most of his career in Fairfax County, Va., and lived in Lincoln the last year of his life, dying in hospice in Wayland. He spent a year at Exeter University in England and enjoyed a lifetime of holidays in Devon.

The family give thanks to the communities of St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Lincoln and Christ Church Episcopal in Andover where he was treasurer, and to our neighbors and friends in Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Special thanks to our priest the Rev. Garrett Yates and Dr. Philip Saylor and his cancer team at Mass. General Brigham in Boston for their expert care for ten years during his bout with cancer. David volunteered for a year of experimental treatment to benefit others.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember David for his memorial service on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Lincoln.

Keep us all, O Lord, so awake in our calling,
So deep in service to you in the world,
So aware of our neighbors’ sufferings
That at the last day we may sleep in thy peace
and wake into thy glory, majesty and love,
Where time has vanished,
and joy shall shine in the dawn of your new day. Amen.

Donations in his name may be made to: St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Rd., P.O. Box 6, Lincoln, MA 01773; Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; or ACLU, 125 Broad St., 18th floor, New York, NY 10004; or to a civil rights or environmental cause of your choosing. Arrangements are under the care of Concord Funeral Home, which provided this obituary. Click here to write in his online guest book.

Stephen Breyer to appear at Walden Woods Project

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

The public is invited to attend a special event with the honorable Stephen Breyer, a retired associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in a conversation moderated by historian Douglas Brinkley, at the Walden Woods Project in Lincoln on Friday, May 30.

The outdoor event will be held rain or shine in an enclosed tent. We ask guests to arrive promptly between 5:15 and 5:30pm for the introduction at 5:40pm. Advance registration is required for admission. Click here to:

Preceding the conversational program will be the first public showing of a nine-minute introduction to the feature documentary, “Henry David Thoreau.” The film, by Ewers Brothers Productions and Executive Producers Ken Burns and Don Henley, is scheduled to air on PBS in 2026.

Breyer served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1994 to 2022. His other books include Active Liberty (2005), Making Our Democracy Work: A Judge’s View (2010), The Court and the World (2015), and The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics (2021). Brinkley is the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University and a CNN Presidential Historian. Six of his books were named New York Times “Notable Books of the Year” and seven became New York Times bestsellers.

The event is co-sponsored by Lincoln250, Concord250, the Bemis Free Lecture Series, and the Lincoln Historical Society.