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

Letter to the editor: Braun refutes Feinberg

letterTo the Editor:

I am writing on behalf of the town of Lincoln and the Lincoln Board of Selectmen with regard to statements made by Neil Feinberg in his article entitled “Incorrect Thoughts,” published in the March 6 edition of the Lincoln Journal. Mr. Feinberg stated the following with respect to the imminent commencement of more active construction of the Crosby Corner flyover bridge: “Route 2 traffic will be (gulp) diverted through town.” He went on to predict massive traffic tie-ups through the town center.

Mr. Feinberg’s statements were truly, and regrettably, “incorrect.”

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Letter to the editor: Cannistraro on Route 2

letterEditor’s note: Vincent Cannistraro, the author of this letter, is running against incumbent Peter Braun for a seat on the Lincoln Board of Selectmen.

To the Editor:

I have respectfully read the recent letters to the editor in support of Peter Braun for selectman. It appears as if several of his supporters have known Peter for years as both a neighbor and a friend, and/or are serving with Peter on various town committees. As admirable as these letters of support are, I am concerned that sometimes politically based relationships, or even the enduring bonds of friendship, can blind us all to the realities of truth:

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Letter to the editor: Glass seeks support

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the editor but is addressed to the Lincoln community.

Dear Lincoln Community,

I write to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Lincoln School Committee, and to respectfully ask for your support at the polls on Monday, March 31.

Creating a successful educational environment requires the ability to balance competing needs, manage constant change, and pay close attention to detail.  It is easy to be overwhelmed by all that must happen on a daily basis.  Yet, whether the task is implementing national Common Core standards, adopting the new Massachusetts educator evaluation system, managing our burgeoning technological needs, or planning for the construction or renovation of three buildings, it is important not to lose sight of why we expend so much of our time, energy and material resources on these tasks:  We want to foster joy and persistence, curiosity and engagement as our students learn skills and master content.

For six years, I have been fortunate to work with dedicated, thoughtful School Committee members and educators who keep the “big picture” of what we want to achieve at the heart decision-making.  Looking ahead, I would focus on three key tasks:

  1. Support our new superintendent and our educators as they focus on the quality of teaching and learning; including thoughtful implementation of new learning standards and the Massachusetts educator evaluation system.
  2. Continue to expand the district’s capacity to differentiate learning and meet student needs.
  3. Determine, with the town, a clear plan for renovating the Lincoln School, and support the Hanscom schools through a multi-year construction process.

When I was elected to the Committee in 2008, I brought to the role my experience as a teacher, my active involvement in my daughters’ schools, and my belief that a child’s education is nurtured by the combined efforts of parents, schools and the community. What I have gained since then is an appreciation for the intricacies of operating a school district and a profound respect for the educators, staff members, parents, and community members who devote themselves to our children.  It is a privilege to serve the town, and I ask for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Glass
11 Stonehedge Rd.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. They may be edited for length, grammar/punctuation, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Cool stuff coming up in Lincoln

Police_CapEvents in the next few days in Lincoln include a trip down memory lane with several former Lincoln police chiefs, a town candidate forum, and Drumlin Farm’s annual Sap-to-Syrup breakfast.

On Friday, March 14, the Lincoln Council on Aging will screen “50 Years of Public Safety” starting at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The 2004 DVD features former Lincoln Police Chiefs Leo Algeo and Allen Bowles—both of whom will be there to participate in a panel after the film, along with another former Lincoln chief, Dominic Arena, and current chief Kevin Mooney. Find out how public safety in Lincoln has changed over the years, reminisce, tell some stories of your own, and ask questions.

On Saturday, March 15, the Republican and Democratic Town Committees are co-sponsoring a nonpartisan candidate forum at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Meet the 20+ candidates who are on the ballot for the March 31 town election, and learn their qualifications and interests, and become informed about important issues that may impact the town for years.

There are a few spots left for the Sap-to-Syrup breakfasts at Drumlin Farm on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets ($15 for adults and $12 for children over age 2) include a half-hour seating for a breakfast of pancakes with real maple syrup, Drumlin Farm roasted potatoes and sausage, plus access to special programming around the farm. See how sap is collected, explore the natural history of trees, learn about Native American sap-to-syrup techniques and purchase maple syrup made at Drumlin Farm to take home with you. Call 781-259-2206 or register online.

Two letters to the editor in support of Braun

To the Editor:

I am pleased to support Peter Braun for reelection as Selectman. I have known Peter for close to 30 years, as parents on various sport sidelines, as co-members of a number of committees including the Community Preservation Committee, and as a good friend.

As a Selectman for the past three years, he has thoughtfully and conscientiously involved himself in a number of major projects, including helping to manage the impacts of the Route 2 project and support and enhance the efforts of the state, our representatives in Washington, and other local officials to preserve the Hanscom Air Force Base. Peter uses his analytical as well as his diplomatic skills to understand issues and work productively with people.

We in Lincoln are fortunate to have a terrific threesome as Selectmen at this time. They well work together to solve problems. They are efficient and effective in accomplishing the complex duties involved in running the town. Peter is a vital member of this team. His willingness to be deeply involved in a number of issues crucial to the town makes him an essential Selectman for the next three years.

Please vote on March 31 (the Monday after Town Meeting) and please vote for Peter Braun.

Peter Von Mertens
16 Tower Road

To the Editor:

Our neighbor and friend Peter Braun is running for reelection as Selectman for the town of Lincoln. We are fortunate as a town to have such a perceptive, intelligent and capable person to represent us on the Board of Selectmen. Peter has expertise in legal and financial matters and he is dedicated, hard-working, and experienced. We hope you will join us in supporting his candidacy for reelection.

Sincerely,

Diana and Colin Smith
8 Trapelo Rd.

Susan Hall Mygatt
37 Old Concord Rd.

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. They may be edited for length, grammar/punctuation, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

News acorns

New “spring greens” CSA offered by The Food Project

To get a jump-start on the growing and distribution season, The Food Project has launched a brand new “Spring Greens” community-supported agriculture (CSA) share. For $200, you get five weeks of cooking and salad greens (4 pounds a week on average) grown in our high tunnel greenhouses in Lincoln. Distributions on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. will start in May at the Lincoln farm on Baker Bridge Road (the exact start date will be determined depending on the weather). Visit The Food Project website to sign up online, or call 781-259-8621 x20. Spaces are limited.

Codman Community Farm and Drumlin Farm are also offering CSA shares—see the Lincoln Squirrel, March 5.

Meals on Wheels needs delivery volunteers

The Lincoln Council on Aging needs people to deliver Meals on Wheels either regularly or as occasional substitutes. Drivers pick up the meals in Concord at about 10:30 a.m. and deliver them to two to three homebound residents in Lincoln. The meals are absolutely essential to those who receive them, and we would be so grateful if you could help! For more information, please talk to Carolyn at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811. Meals on Wheels is administered by Minuteman Senior Services.

folpocketFill out your File of Life

A File of Life is a red plastic envelope that attaches to your refrigerator or a small folder to put in your wallet that holds a piece of paper with essential information that would be needed by emergency medical services should you ever have a medical emergency. Lincoln residents of all ages are welcome to pick up one more free Files of Life at the Council on Aging at Bemis Hall anytime Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You will receive both the envelope or folder and the paper that goes inside with spaces to fill in your information. You may also call the COA at 781-259-8811 and they will mail a File of Life to you.