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

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Play at L-S for children

LSB Players presents “The Ants and the Grasshoppers” on Saturday, March 28 in the Kirshner Auditorium of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School at 11:00am and 3:00pm. There will be a special sensory-friendly performance at the 11:00am time. It’s the classic tale of the grasshoppers who played and sang all summer, while the industrious ants work hard — but what will happen when winter arrives? There will be lobby activities for young children before the show and during intermission. Concessions will also be sold at intermission (cash only). Tickets (buy online or at the door) are $10, or $5 for ages 5 and under.

Artists reception: Friends of Modern Architecture & CFREE

There will be an artists reception at the Lincoln Public Library art galley on Monday, March 30 from 5:30–8:00pm for the Friends of Modern Architecture and CFREE exhibit opening that day. “Mid-Century to Next Century: Modern Houses and Sustainable Futures” explores Lincoln’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lincoln’s rich collection of Modern houses. Featuring large-format photographs by local photographers, smaller-scale photographs of homeowners’ choices to make their houses more sustainable, and narrative panels documenting the architectural history of the houses and the homeowners’ decision-making about how to make their houses more energy efficient, the exhibit highlights how five of Lincoln’s Modern houses — pioneering in their time — are meeting the present-day challenges of climate change. As part of the renovations, homeowners, architects, and builders worked closely together to ensure that the original signature features of the Modern houses were maintained through the process. The exhibit is a joint initiative of the Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln (FoMA) and CFREE (Carbon Free Residential, Everything Electric). The exhibit runs through April 30 during library hours.

Silent auction, car wash for 8th-graders

Fundraising for the eighth-grade Washington trip continues with the silent auction that’s open until Sunday, March 29 at 9:00pm and annual eighth-grade car wash at Town Hall on Saturday, May 16 (rain date: Sunday, May 17). Questions? Email Lila Kanner at lilakanner@gmail.com. 

Codman Community Farms volunteer day

Join other volunteers on Sunday, April 12 from 2:30–4:30pm to spruce up the farm. There are tasks for all ages: raking, mulching, weeding, organizing, and special box decorating for our littlest of volunteers. Please bring your own work gloves, water bottle and weather-appropriate clothes. Come for the full 2 hours or join us for part of the time. Questions? Email tana@codmanfarm.org. Sign up here. A Sunday Supper from 4:30-6:30 will follow along with live music — dinner sign-ups coming soon.

Former Lincolnite David Ogden, 1924–2026

David Ogden

David Ogden, a Boston investment counselor who served in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division during World War II and later helped guide several educational and cultural organizations, died peacefully at home on March 11, surrounded by family. He was 101.

Ogden was born in 1924 in Torquay, England, though his family at the time was living in the south of France in a villa known as Villa Cortland. His mother traveled to England shortly before his birth so that he would be born there rather than in France, thereby avoiding the mandatory military service then required of boys born in that country. Shortly after his birth, the family returned to the south of France.

His father came from an American family with substantial real estate holdings in New York State, and much of Mr. Ogden’s early childhood was spent in Europe, where the family lived and traveled extensively. As tensions mounted in Europe before the outbreak of World War II, he left England with his father in 1939 aboard the S.S. President Roosevelt, bound for New York. The ship was crowded with Britons and refugees from across Europe fleeing the gathering conflict, and while his father shared the berth with a stranger desperate to escape the war, young David ended up sleeping, as family members later recalled, “under the sink.”

The precaution surrounding his birthplace carried a certain irony: two decades later, Ogden would serve in the United States Army during World War II.

Friends and family knew him for an unusual calmness and a reflective cast of mind. He possessed a deep curiosity about science and the natural world and was widely regarded within his family as a source of steady wisdom and perspective. Though he spent more than 60 years in the United States, he retained a faint but unmistakable British accent and mannerisms from his early upbringing, something friends often found quietly distinctive.

Mr. Ogden was educated at Sunningdale School and Charterhouse School in England before leaving the country in 1939 as war gathered in Europe. He continued his schooling in the United States at St. Paul’s School. He entered Harvard University in 1942 but left to serve in the U.S. Army, joining the 10th Mountain Division, the specialized alpine training force created to prepare soldiers for mountain warfare. Stationed in the Colorado Rockies, he helped train troops in mountain combat and winter operations, rising from private to second lieutenant before completing his service in 1946. He returned to Harvard after the war and graduated in 1949. That same year he married Joan Anable, who died in 1968.

Ogden began his career in finance at Kidder, Peabody & Co. and later worked at the University of Rochester. He subsequently joined Massachusetts Financial Services, one of the country’s earliest mutual fund companies. In the late 1960s he joined the Boston investment counseling firm Thorndike, Doran, Paine & Lewis, which later became part of Wellington Management Company. He eventually served as president of the firm. After leaving the firm in 1984 he worked independently as an investment counselor and trustee, advising families and institutions for many years.

Beyond his professional work, Ogden was active in several educational and cultural organizations. He served as a trustee of the deCordova Museum, the Children’s Museum of Boston, and the Bert L. and N. Kuggie Vallee Foundation, which promotes international collaboration among biomedical scientists. He was also chairman of the board of trustees of the Cambridge School of Weston.

Fishing was one of his enduring pleasures. Whenever he could, Ogden cast a line along the coasts of Massachusetts and on Martha’s Vineyard, returning home with the day’s catch and often improvising a meal cooked simply and, family members liked to say, frequently finished with a generous helping of mayonnaise.

Ogden spent nearly three decades living in Lincoln, where he took part in productions with the local theater group, the Lincoln Players. Castmates often gave him roles that suited him perfectly: the slightly eccentric, upper-crust Englishman, pipe in hand and delivering his lines with the unmistakable accent that never quite left him.

In November 1978 he married the educator Judith Ellison Grosvenor, a union that became the central partnership of his life. Their marriage, which lasted 47 years until his death, was marked by deep affection and by the devoted care she gave him in the many years they shared together. Friends and family widely regarded his marriage to Judy as the great love of his life.

In his later years, Ogden donated to the Morgan Library & Museum an original illuminated family copy of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“The Night Before Christmas”), written by his great-great-grandfather Clement C. Moore.

Ogden was a member of the Harvard Club and the Concord Country Club. His interests also included stamp collecting, golf and tennis in his younger years, and collecting antiques and art.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Ogden; his children, Ann Helpern and her husband, David Helpern, Linda Squibb and her husband, Ed, Sam Ogden, and David Grosvenor; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren, as well as a half-brother, Clement M. Ogden of Pasadena, Calif.; a niece, Sarah Garbett of Somerset, England; and a cousin, John Garbett of London.

To his family, he remained above all a steady presence — calm, thoughtful and quietly wise.

My Turn: Dionne seeks support for Parks & Rec seat

By Hilary Dionne

I’m running for the open seat on the Parks & Recreation Committee and wanted to introduce myself. Please note that there is both an elected and an appointed position opening this year.

My family moved to Lincoln in 2021, and since then the Parks & Recreation programs and facilities — especially the July 4th road race and parade, Codman Pool, and Fall Fest — have quickly become some of our favorite town traditions. I’m interested in getting involved to help preserve what already makes these programs so strong, while also supporting new offerings that will be possible with the community center.

Professionally, I’m SVP of marketing and operations at a local tech company where I lead cross-functional teams and oversee large marketing budgets to attract and retain millions of job-seekers. I’d bring that same data-driven, community-focused approach to strengthening Lincoln’s Parks & Recreation programs. I’ve also volunteered as a strategic advisor to the Title IX Girls Running Club, helping expand access to athletics and build confidence for young girls.

A few areas I’m especially excited to focus on:

  • Exploring ways to support a longer season at Codman Pool.
  • Using both qualitative and quantitative feedback to evaluate programs and help maximize participation and enjoyment.
  • Expanding weekend programming for preschool-age children.
  • Supporting safer bicycle and pedestrian access around town. As an avid distance runner, it’s something I care deeply about and would love to work on in partnership with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Thank you for your consideration, 

Hilary Dionne
105 Trapelo Road

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. 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 March 6–17, 2026

March 6

South Great Road (8:12am) — An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle. The vehicle was moved off the roadway to a nearby parking lot where the operator waited for a tow.

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (1:43pm) — An officer remained in the area for a scheduled civil protest.

March 7

Old County Road (10:15am) — An officer checked the area for a report of a vehicle parked on the side of the road. The area was checked but the vehicle was gone on arrival.

March 8

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:09pm) — Officers assisted the Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash on Route 2 east.

Mary’s Way (3:43pm) — An officer spoke with an individual who reported a possible online fraud/scam.

Care Dimensions (11:15pm) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding a possible follow-up investigation.

March 9

Juniper Ridge Road (4:00pm) — An officer assisted two drivers with a minor motor vehicle crash after a vehicle failed to yield and struck another. There were no reported injuries. Both vehicles were driven from the scene.

Stonehedge Road (9:33am) — Firefighters responded for a simultaneous report of smoke coming from a home and a possible furnace blowback. It was confirmed to be a blowback; however, Fire Department gas meters found the home charged with carbon monoxide and unfortunately, no CO detectors were present. All residents were safe and firefighters mechanically ejected the CO from the home.

March 10

Concord Road (2:04pm) — Officers were called to a sick raccoon by Marconi’s Auto. The animal was put down.

North Commons (3:47pm and 8:30pm) — Officers responded to the area for an ongoing situation.

Sandy Pond Road (1:15pm) — Police and fire units responded to the area for a one-car crash into a utility pole. The vehicle was towed from the scene and there were no reported injuries.

March 11

Wells Road (12:30am) — An officer spoke with a caller regarding reported suspicious circumstances.

South Great Road (9:57pm) — Several callers reported hearing gunshots in the area. An officer confirmed that the noise (not gunshots) was coming from a construction company doing work on South Great Road.

March 12

Lincoln Road (8:16am) — Several callers reported a two-vehicle crash on Lincoln Road at Pierce Hill. One of the drivers was cited for failing to yield. There were no reported injuries and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

North Great Road (3:12pm) — Police and fire units responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of North Great Road and Bedford Road when a vehicle failed to yield and struck another. There were no reported injuries and both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.

Concord Road (9:16pm) — Several calls were received for a deceased animal in the roadway. The DPW was notified.

March 13

Bedford Lane (10:28am) — An officer checked the area for a reported suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was gone on arrival.

March 14

Heritage Road, Hanscom AFB (9:07am) — Officers assisted the Hanscom Air Force Security Forces and Massachusetts State Police with a missing person. The missing person was located safe several hours later.

March 15

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (12:13pm) — The fire department responded to a report of smoke in the area. The smoke was discovered to be coming from a nearby controlled and permitted burn.

March 16

Lincoln Road (5:53am) — Several motorists report the railroad gates were malfunctioning. An officer responded and monitored several cycles. Keolis was notified.

Sunnyside Lane (4:19pm) — An officer spoke with a person regarding an incident occurring in another jurisdiction.

Silver Hill (3:48am) — Due to the weather, several downed trees were blocking the roadway. The DPW was notified to remove them.

Twin Pond Lane (10:02am) — A caller reported an issue with the locking mechanism on their door. The caller was advised to contact a locksmith.

The Commons of Lincoln (3:49pm) — A caller reported a past civil issue and requested the police not become involved.

Smith Hill Road (11:02pm) — The fire department responded to a residence for the report of an issue with a buried electrical line. The residential power was shut off and an electrician was caller to the scene.

March 17

South Great Road (1:29pm) — A caller reported a low-hanging wire near the roadway. The wire was not interfering with vehicular or pedestrian traffic but Eversource was notified.

Wells Road (11:45am) — A caller spoke with an officer regarding suspicious activity.

Goose Pond Road (8:52pm) — A caller spoke with an officer regarding unwanted emails.

Legal notice: ZBA (three properties)

LEGAL NOTICE — ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:00 P.M to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

  • Nora Iluri, 7 Todd Pond Rd., M/P 162-20-0, for a variance to build a carport over existing paved spot.
  • Gabriel Almodovar and Stela Striligas, 25 Bypass Rd., M/P 110-8-0, for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment. 
  • Jane O’Rourke, 29 Lincoln Rd., M/P 143-4-0, for a special permit to construct a shed. 

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.

News acorns

Holy Week at St. Anne’s

All are welcome to services at St.-Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church during Holy Week:

Palm Sunday, March 29

  • 8:00 am — Spoken Holy Eucharist
  • 10:00 am — Palm procession & Holy Eucharist 

Maundy Thursday, April 2

  • 7:00 pm — Foot washing & Maundy Thursday service

Good Friday, April 3

  • 12:00–1:00pm — Good Friday Service 

Holy Saturday, April 4

  • 7:00pm — The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Sunday, April 5

  • 9:00am — Holy Eucharist
  • Easter egg hunt
  • 11:00am — Holy Eucharist with choir

Town election early voting

Early voting in person for the annual town election on Monday, March 30 is now available at Town Hall and will continue Monday through Thursday from 10:00am–3:00pm each weekday. The last day to apply for a vote by mail ballot is Monday, March 23. Click here for a sample ballot.

Two sessions on domestic violence

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable (DVR) will host “Speaking Out for Good,” an interactive community education event to engage in dialogue around our part in reducing domestic violence and how it impacts everyone. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00pm in the Goodnow Library (21 Concord Road, Sudbury). 

On Wednesday, April 15 from 7–8:15pm, the DVR’s White Ribbon Group (part of a national movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promoting gender equity and healthy relationships) will host “Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence.” on Zoom. Designed for parents/guardians and people in youth-facing roles, this workshop will focus on identifying signs of abuse, and building skills on supporting teens who are experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships. Registration required. For more information, visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Meeting on immigration policy

The Lincoln Town Democratic Committee will host a town hall-style meeting called “Immigration Policy and Our Community” on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30am. The meeting will focus on immigrant rights and local ICE activity and will discuss responses (both existing and needed) to current federal immigration policies. Organizers hope to build a constituency for immigrant justice, awaken consciousness about Hanscom flights deporting immigrants, and demonstrate the seriousness with which the co-sponsors are addressing ICE, the policies governing it, and its activities.

Lincoln Public Library Comic-Con

A library Comic-Con with events for all ages will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 11am–4pm featuring Star Wars characters in full outfits, zine making with a published author, and an interactive improv Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Learn all about costuming with an expert in a Cosplay 101 chat, paint your own mini, learn to play Magic: The Gathering or D&D in short drop-in sessions and more. Feel free to bring a lunch for a picnic on the lawn or indoors if weather ins bad.

Correction

Several town and school officials commented on the March 16 Lincoln Squirrel article headlined “Residents demand more oversight of Hanscom funding,” specifically:

  • Questioning the use of “judgmental” words such as “error” and “mistakenly” to describe the allocation process involved, rather than using more neutral language.
  • Noting that the Collins Center report was a comprehensive review of the Hanscom contract, not an audit.
  • Noting that the School Committee has no power to spend money from the town’s general fund, only from the Hanscom fund.

The article has been updated to reflect these changes. A more detailed response from one or more of those officials will be published as a “My Turn” piece in a day or two.

Legal notice: Planning Board (16 Mill St.)

TOWN OF LINCOLN PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SIGN PERMIT

The Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 7:01 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 via hybrid meeting to review an application for a Sign Permit pursuant to Section 16.5 of the Zoning Bylaw. The applicant, Michelle Custead, proposes adding one building-mounted sign and one ground-mounted sign for Ally Specialty Veterinary Center at 16 Mill Street, Parcel 115-17-0. The application is available for review by e-mailing Jennifer Parker at parkerj@lincolnma.gov. The agenda with the Zoom information and meeting location will be posted to the town website at lincolntown.org/Calendar.aspx at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. This meeting will be converted to a fully remote meeting if the weather so dictates and appropriate notice will be provided. Anyone wishing to be heard may be present at the designated time and place, written comments will also be accepted.

Lynn DeLisi and Gary Taylor, Co-Chairs
Lincoln Planning Board

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: Order of Notice (BSL/BN Commons Licensee Inc.)

Editor’s note: BSL/BN is the prior holder of the on-premises liquor license at The Commons in Lincoln. The dissolution will have no impact on the current liquor license holder at The Commons, nor any impact on The Commons.

ORDER OF NOTICE

WHEREAS a civil action has been commenced by BSL/BN Commons Licensee Inc. (“BSL/BN”), seeking a petition for dissolution, pursuant to G.L. c. 180, §11. Any person who has a claim against BSL/BN may present themselves to the Middlesex Superior Court, 200 Tradecenter Dr. Woburn, MA on April 21, 2026 in Courtroom 720 at 2:00 p.m. and address the Court.

We COMMAND YOU if you intend to make any defense, that on April 21or within such further time as the law allows you, to cause your written pleading to be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court named above, in said Commonwealth, and further that you defend against said action according to law if you intend any defense, and that you do and receive what the Court shall order and adjudge herein. If you do not, said action may be adjudged and orders entered in your absence.

It is ORDERED that notice of this action be given by publishing, once a week for three successive weeks, the last publication to be at least 20 days before said return date, in the Lincoln Squirrel.

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.

Residents demand more oversight of Hanscom funding

(Editor’s note: This article has been updated after conversations with several town and school officials on March 17. Changes are indicated with strikethrough and red text. A more detailed response in the form of a “My Turn” piece from one or more of those officials will be forthcoming in a day or two.)

Dozens of residents speaking by Zoom at the March 11 Finance Committee meeting demanded greater oversight of education spending after about $2 million was mistakenly allocated from Lincoln town funds for Hanscom School benefits and pensions from FY2021–2025.

The error inaccurate allocation was first brought to light in 2022 by resident David Cuetos. The School Committee performed an audit in 2024; also that year, a working group including Cuetos was formed. aided by a consultant. Since then, a revised allocation approach was adopted and about $560,000 has been returned, but he and others have been trying to get the town to recover the other $1.5 million.

Cuetos published his detailed report on the matter in a March 3 “My Turn” piece in the Lincoln Squirrel. FinCom chair Paul Blanchfield posted his own piece on the issue on March 9.

“Can you explain why it was OK for residents to lose control of that money? We didn’t get to vote on it or a say about what it goes towards,” Sarah Postlethwait said. “Hanscom needs to reduce their costs so they can save up for these [unfunded] liabilities. Why is this considered acceptable?”

Blanchfield said that the School Committee and not the FinCom has sole responsibility about how education funding in Lincoln is spent or saved. “In the vast majority of cases in town, I would say we have a direct democracy, but this is a little more representative. We elect School Committee members every year,” he said.

“We didn’t vote on their having the $2 million in their pocket,” Postlethwait said. 

“I’m not going to disagree with the sentiment of what you’re saying,” Blanchfield replied.

“It’s a gray area,” said FinCom member Greg Haines. “Technically [the School Committee’s]  prerogative, but the Finance Committee could make a recommendation.” 

“It’s a mistake to transfer money from the general fund to pay for Hanscom expenses,” said resident Sarah Liepert. “They should return it to where it’s supposed to be. I can’t understand any other answer than that.”

However, Committee Chair Matina Madrick later made it clear in a conversation with the Lincoln Squirrel that the School Committee does not have any authority to spend from the town’s general fund and never has (only from the Lincoln and Hanscom school funds), so it’s solely a question of what allocation of costs should be made to the Hanscom contract.

The FinCom said they would recommend that the School Committee institute a formal reserve policy. The Hanscom issue will be discussed at the latter committee’s March 19 meeting.

“I actually think the School Committee does not have the prerogative to use that money,” Cuetos said, adding that he would consult town counsel about the question. He suggested that there should be a vote on the issue at Town Meeting rather than the School Committee.

“We need as a town to reevaluate how Hanscom funds are handled,” said resident Karla Gravis, suggesting a multi-board approach rather than the School Committee having sole oversight.

“This is really complicated,” Blanchfield said, adding that Lincoln is one of only three school districts in the country that contracts with the Department of Defense to educate children of active service members living in town.