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

Letter to the editor: Hospice application to ZBA

February 17, 2014

(Editor’s note: this letter concerns a proposal for a hospice on Winter Street—see the Lincoln Squirrel, Sept. 11, 2013).

To the Editor:

As you may be aware, in the summer of 2013 the Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston (now called Care Dimensions) purchased the property at 121-129 Winter St. This is the undeveloped property on the left as you first come into Lincoln on the one way road. They purchased about 11 acres in Lincoln and about four acres in Waltham, right below Bay Colony office park.

Letter to the editor: Housing Commissioner sought for 3-year term

February 12, 2014

The Lincoln Housing Commission is at an important crossroad, and we are looking for someone to join our team and make a significant contribution to the future of affordable housing in Lincoln. Lincoln’s Affordable Housing Program is more that 40 years old, and we are now working on a housing plan for the next five years and beyond. Please call me at 781-259-0393 to learn more.

Sincerely,

Pam Gallup, Co-chairman
Lincoln Housing Commission

Letters to the editor must be signed 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.

Letters to the editor: Hanscom jet plans

February 12, 2014

Following are two letters to the editor from Lincoln residents Kati Winchell and Jim Hutchinson concerning a Conservation Commission hearing on a Hanscom Civil Airport application. Letters to the editor must be signed and 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. Send letters via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

To the Editor:

A private luxury jet facility at Hanscom Civil Airport has filed plans with Lincoln Conservation Commission to expand into Lincoln wetlands buffer zones–and in the process expand the airport’s footprint. Lincoln residents should take heed of this latest move by Massport to grow Hanscom Airport.

Jet Aviation’s plans include a new hangar (40,000 square feet, twice the size of the one being replaced), new ramp space (2.1 acres), and a new landside access road. All these features would run within or through Lincoln wetland buffer zones. Jet Aviation maintains that this wetlands area is of “low quality” and can therefore be developed. The fundamental question is: Why should Lincoln set aside its wetlands protection standards to support a development that’s designed to attract and grow one of the single most destructive environmental polluters—private luxury jets?

The facility’s proposed changes are intended to attract and accommodate Gulfstream 650s, the largest private jets made for international travel. Gulfstream 650s are touted as being more fuel-efficient than their smaller cousins. The fact is, however, that a single round trip to China from Hanscom would consume enough fuel to power a Toyota Prius for approximately one million miles. It would generate approximately 400 tons of CO2 equivalent—which is equal to more emissions than a typical family in India generates in an entire lifetime. And that single round trip would carry a maximum of eight passengers.

On Wednesday, February 19 at 8:15 p.m. a public hearing on Jet Aviation’s proposal is being held by the Lincoln Conservation Commission at the Town Offices, Donaldson Room. Lincoln residents will be able to comment on whether the Con Com should approve or deny Jet Aviation’s plans to develop in Lincoln’s wetlands buffer zones. Please come and let your voices be heard.

Sincerely,

Kati Winchell
227 Concord Road

To the Editor:

Lincoln residents should be deeply disturbed by Massport’s latest plan to grow Hanscom Civil Airport, particularly as it comes on the heels of yet another development. Last year, the historic Hangar 24 was demolished and is currently being replaced by a huge 90,000 sq ft private luxury jet facility. This year, Jet Aviation (an existing private jet facility) has plans to grow that would involve incursions into Lincoln wetlands buffer zones.

Though the plans involve Lincoln wetlands, they have potential far-reaching impacts for all four Hanscom-area towns (Bedford, Concord, and Lexington, and Lincoln) because the Jet Aviation proposal would expand the Airport footprint – just as the Hangar 24 development has in Concord. As the Airport footprint expands, so do operation levels, and with them noise and air pollution. This incremental expansion of the Airport doesn’t end here; there are more plans in the wings.

Hanscom Civil Airport is located in the heart of one of America’s highest concentrations of historic and natural resources. It is the only airport in the nation that abuts both a national park (Minute Man Park) and a national wildlife refuge (Great Meadows). Growing the Airport in these unique and sensitive surroundings is inappropriate. Growing it into a Town’s wetlands buffer zone should be out of the question. It would be the height of irony were Lincoln’s wetlands protection standards set aside to facilitate the growth of private luxury jet use, one of the least environmentally-friendly activities In existence.

Next Wednesday, Feb. 19, there will be a hearing on Jet Aviation’s expansion plans at the Lincoln Town Offices at 8:15pm. All Lincoln and Hanscom-area residents are encouraged to attend and voice your concerns about trading protected wetlands buffer zones for private luxury jet use.

Sincerely,

Jim Hutchinson
Stonehedge Road

Summit meeting tomorrow on school

February 11, 2014

Members of the School Committee, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Capital Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 12 to discuss a timeline for planning a renovation project for the Lincoln School. The meeting will begin at 7:3o p.m. in the Smith gym. See the Lincoln Squirrel (Jan. 29, 2014) for details on discussion topics. The community is encouraged to attend.

In other school news, officials announced that a $31.6 million contract has been awarded for construction of a new middle school at Hanscom Air Force Base. The two-story, 81,000-square-foot building will replace a one-story building that dates from the 1950s.

Letter to the editor: Flint responds to First Parish letter

February 10, 2014

To the Editor:

In the spirit of friendly debate, I would like to respond to the letter to the editor from the First Parish Committee. There are some aspects of the new Stearns Room/Office design that are commendable, most notably its improved accessibility. Also, the cramped spaces so troublesome in the existing building have been eliminated. However, the Planning Board decision to grant a waiver from the by-law must be based on need, and I question the need for the office space shown on the latest plan.

Financial help with winter fuel, other emergencies available

February 7, 2014

If you need help paying your winter fuel bill, the Commonwealth’s Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help. The program provides a cash benefit (payable to an authorized fuel provider) for both home owners and renters whose incomes are eligible. How much you receive depends on your household income, how many people you have in your household, and your heating costs. Recipients may also be eligible for other benefits, such as weatherization services, heating system repairs, discount utility rates, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs.

To apply for fuel assistance, residents of all ages should call Pam Alberts of the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 to set up an appointment. The Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will review the application to determine whether you are eligible or not.

For Lincoln residents who have an unforeseen and extreme financial emergency that threatens their wellbeing, the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) and the Small Necessities Project may be able to help. LEAF provides assistance of up to $700 per year or $1,000 per lifetime in those situations where that amount will allow someone to stay in our community. LEAF is supported entirely by the Ogden Codman Trust, the First Parish Church, and donations.

The Small Necessities Project can provide immediate help if a resident has no food in the house, needs emergency medication, needs a night or two of lodging due to a fire or flood, or has a similar need. This project is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and donations.

For more information or to ask for assistance, call Pam Alberts at the COA at 781-259-8811.

You can now advertise in the Lincoln Squirrel!

February 7, 2014

Dear readers,

After many weeks of discussion and behind-the-scenes work by ace web developer Amy Helfman (who also recently updated some of the design elements of the website), the Lincoln Squirrel is pleased to be able to accept display ads. Your ad can be either at the top of the page (a banner ad) or in the right-hand column. For details on pricing and how you can submit an ad, see our Advertising page. If there’s enough interest, we might offer a classified ad section with inexpensive text-only ads on a separate page of the website.

This is new territory for the Squirrel, and we’d love to hear what you think or how we can make this feature better—just email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmal.com. Thanks!

— The Lincoln Squirrel

Vacation-week activities for kids at library

February 7, 2014

The theme of the Lincoln Public Library’s February vacation programs for kids is DIY (do it yourself).

Kids Cartoon Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Kids ages 8-12 can learn to create their own characters during this hands-on workshop with comic artists Andy and Veronica Fish of the the Undercover Fish Group. Sign-up required; call 781-259-8465

Yo-yo Show and Workshop
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.
Yo-yos attached to bouncy balls and multiple yo-yos looping while hula hooping are just some of the highly skilled feats the Yo-Yo People perform. The show for all ages is at 4 p.m. The workshop for kids ages 5 and up (yo-yos provided) is at 5 p.m. Signup required for workshop only; call 781-259-8465.

Lincoln Library’s First Ever Do-it-yourself Craft and Invention Fair
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.
This is your chance to shine! Display your handmade craft or invention! Show off your talent and see what other kids have created. Each child will get their own display area. For kids 5 and up. Sign up in advance by picking up an entry form at the library children’s desk.

The library runs many other programs on a regular basis for children, including Lapsit Stories, Terrific Twos, Preschool Stories, Super Saturday Stories, Together Time Tales, Books and Bites, Lego Club, Do-it-yourself Library Skills Workshop for kids and families, reading to therapy dogs Phoebe and Lexie, and Singalong with Ed Morgan. See the Children’s Programs web page for more information.

Letter to the editor: First Parish expansion

February 6, 2014

To the Editor:

Following another round of meetings with neighbors, and nearly 12 years after the Flint family generously gave land to the church to expand the Stearns room, the First Parish has completed a revised and final plan. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns of neighbors, church members, and state and local authorities. The building design has undergone numerous thoughtful refinements; it will be attractive, meet the church’s needs, and be 535 sq. ft. smaller than the original sketch made in 2002. It merits Planning Board approval.

Drumlin Farm family programs

February 5, 2014

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary has plenty of programs to keep you busy through this cold winter season. Check out this sampling of upcoming programs! For more information about our programs or to register, call 781-259-2200 or visit www.massaudubon.org.drumlinfarm.

Winter Wool Craft Series: Knitting II – Building Skills
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to noon
What can you make from wool? Join other teens 13-17 interested in creating amazing projects and developing craft skills. Visit with the sheep and build on your basic knitting skills. $20 for members, $24 for nonmembers.

Chickadee Birders: Eagles and Owls
Sunday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The North Shore is a perfect place to go in search of all our favorite wintering birds, such as ducks, eagles, and owls. We will introduce elementary age children (ages 7-11 or grades 2-5) to the basics of birding, bird life, and seasonal migration. Birding is a lifelong skill that can lead to a greater interest in the outdoors and the environment as a whole. $30 for members, $36 for nonmembers.

Kinglet Birders: Owl Prowl
Sunday, Feb. 9, 1:30-3 p.m.
Share the exciting and fascinating world of birds with your 4-6 year-old child as we search for owls and meet some of Drumlin Farm’s owl residents. Meet some of Drumlin Farm’s birds up close and explore field, forest and wetland looking for the birds that make these habitats their home. Learn activities that you can take home to expand your experience, wherever you live. $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers.

Wondrous Wool
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
Visit the soft and fluffy sheep all snug in their barn. After our visit share sheepish stories and make a woolly toy to take home. A great family program! $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers.

Owl Always Love Ewe
Friday, Feb. 14, 3:30-5 p.m.
It’s Valentine’s Day—what would Ewe want? Owl might have a different idea; mice are so very nice. Let’s visit with the sheep and make some wooly valentines. Perhaps Owl could teach us a Love Song to woo someone special. Whoo, whoo, who loves Ewe? A great family program! $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers.

Teen Birders: Eagles and Owls
Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birders aged 12-17 can travel with us to Newburyport and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a full day of searching for eagles, hawks, owls and more! $35 for members, $42 for nonmembers.

Naturalist Walk
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m.
Are you interested in the natural world around you? Join us on these Saturday afternoon excursions that will focus on observing, exploring and appreciating the world around us. We’ll cover wetlands to uplands, exploring all the habitats of the sanctuary, as we look for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, flowering plants, trees, shrubs, lichens, fungi, insects, and birds. We’ll follow the seasonal changes that occur on the sanctuary as the year progresses. Each walk will focus on a particular area or habitat as we build our understanding of ecological communities and our mutual interdependence. This program is open to adults or teens 16-17 accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is not required. $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers.