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

My Turn: Updates on the town’s two solar energy projects

By Jim Hutchinson, Select Board

A number of folks have expressed interest in the status of the solar projects in progress at the transfer station and Lincoln School, so I thought I’d post an update. I am the Select overseeing the transfer station project and I was also a member of the PPA [power purchase agreement] subcommittee that advised the School Committee on the Lincoln School solar project. For this update I also got input from Buck Creel, the Lincoln School staff member overseeing the Lincoln School solar project.

What solar project is Lincoln doing at the transfer station?

After years of effort, careful negotiations with the National Park Service, discussions with neighbors on Mill Street, and a successful competitive bidding process, Lincoln is now finalizing final details of a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) with the New Jersey-based firm HESP to construct and operate a 1.4MW solar PV system for our benefit on top of the capped landfill next to the transfer station, which we expect to generate enough green electricity to cover the amount of municipal electricity that has historically been used by the town net of the Lincoln School. As an added benefit to the town, while we are doing this construction work, with the input of the Conservation Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, we will also construct a bikeable and walkable path connecting Mill Street to the transfer station access road.

What is the expected schedule for the transfer station solar project?

We are currently working our way through the local, state, and utility permitting processes. We received Conservation Commission approval for the project in November 2023 and hope to get Planning Board approval this March. We hope to get approval from the MassDEP by June, and from Eversource by the end of the summer. HESP will then order the equipment and begin installation, hopefully in the Fall of 2024, or Spring of 2025 at the latest. Construction is expected to take four months, and equipment startup one additional month. We hope to be generating electricity by the Fall of 2025.

What is the solar project at Lincoln School?

The School Committee signed a PPA Agreement with TotalEnergies (previously SunPower) back in 2022 to install 1.2MW of rooftop and parking lot canopy solar PV as well as 562KW of battery storage. We expect this system to generate enough electricity to cover the expected usage at Lincoln School and thereby make the school “net zero” overall. In addition, the battery system should help us minimize the dreaded “demand charges” from Eversource that occur if our generation plus battery supply doesn’t meet our spot demand and we have to draw power from the grid at peak times. The technical approach taken in this project was somewhat novel for municipal projects in that it is “behind the meter,” meaning that a good chunk of the solar power generated by the panels is used directly by the School and is not shipped out to Eversource, and thus we do not have to pay distribution charges on that amount.

I see the solar panels have been installed at Lincoln School rooftops and carport canopies. Are they live?

No. TotalEnergies has encountered a number of setbacks that have delayed the completion of this project, including supply chain issues, issues with Eversource needing to adopt new policies and procedures for our novel “behind the meter” situation, and most recently, an equipment compatibility issue between the inverters and rapid shutdown safety devices used on the project, which is the current holdup on energizing the system. None of these delays have been the fault of the Town of Lincoln, although we have done what we can to help resolve the issues quickly while protecting Lincoln’s interests.

When do we currently expect Lincoln School solar to be live?

We are working with TotalEnergies now to finalize the plan for them to replace the incompatible equipment, which will be done solely at their expense. They need snow and ice-free conditions to do this work, so the schedule is weather dependent, but we currently expect the work to be completed and the system to go live in May, and possibly sooner. TotalEnergies does not collect any revenue from Lincoln for this project until they go live, so they are just as eager as we are to do so.

Aren’t we paying more for electricity from Eversource while we wait for the Lincoln School solar PV system to go live?

Yes, although note that the cost to Lincoln for delays is not the full ~$500,000 per year we spend on electricity when sourcing solely from Eversource; it is the roughly $60,000–$100,000 per year we hope to save when we replace much of the Eversource usage with PPA usage. The exact savings we might have enjoyed are not possible to calculate since we do not know exactly how much power the panels would have produced over the period.

Can we recover that extra cost due to delays from TotalEnergies?

Possibly, for some amount related to the guaranteed production of the system, since we don’t have any actual production. We did negotiate for and got language in the PPA agreement that addresses costs associated with some delays in getting the system live. With town counsel’s help, we are reviewing the town’s rights, the expected dollar amount that might be recoverable, the likelihood such events will be judged to be force majeure and thus not be eligible for recovery, and the impact pursuing a recovery could have on what is the beginning of a 25-year relationship with this developer. Subsequently we will advise the School Committee, who will make the ultimate determination on whether the town pursues a recovery.

Once these two solar projects are live, will Lincoln be “net zero” regarding municipal electricity use?

Yes, these projects are expected to generate enough green electricity to cover our municipal electricity usage, although note that in the case of Lincoln School the sizing was done based on expected usage, and in the non-school case we are sizing while considering historical usage. Periodic reassessment of our “green coverage” will be needed. Also, new uses to the town, such as a possible community center or increased adoption of electric vehicles by the town, may require additional solar power in the future to keep the town “net zero.”

“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.

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Opening reception for library exhibit

“Radha-Krishna” by Prajakta Badri.

There will be an opening reception with Lincoln resident Prajakta Badri for the “Madhubani Art: A Glimpse Into an Indian Folk Art Form” exhibit at the Lincoln Public Library on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2–4 p.m. Madhubani painting is a traditional art form that originated almost 2,500 years ago in the Mithila region of Bihar, India that typically tells stories with colorful images. The pieces by Badri (a clinical pharmacologist who works in drug development) depict traditional Indian mythological stories, Boston landmarks, and even Native American dance.

The exhibit will be up until February 24. Click here for information on exhibits.

Poll workers needed for Super Tuesday

The Town Clerk’s office is seeking volunteer poll workers for the presidential primary on Tuesday, March 5 (Super Tuesday). There will be poll worker training on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall. Please email foxv@lincolntown.org or call 781-259-2607 if you’re interested and can attend the training, which is useful for both new and experienced poll workers. Even if you can’t volunteer for Super Tuesday, please consider attending the training so you will be prepared to volunteer at a future date.

“A Few of our Favorite Things” concert

Diane Katzenberg Braun

Music Street, a group will give its 10th anniversary concert on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. From Gershwin, Schubert and Chopin, to a string duo by Mexican composer José Elizondo, cowboy songs by American Libby Larsen and more, “A Few of our Favorite Things” will perform works from their past decade of performances. The ensembles features Lincoln resident Diane Katzenberg Braun (founder and artistic director of Music Street) plus violin, cello, clarinet, and soprano. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library and supported by the Lincoln Cultural Council.

Sign up to volunteer with hospice patients

Care Dimensions, the region’s largest provider of hospice care, will hold online training classes for those interested in becoming volunteers for the nonprofit organization. You can make a difference in a patient’s life by:

  • Engaging in a shared interest or hobby
  • Helping with letter-writing or life review
  • Visiting with your approved dog
  • Reading to the patient
  • Listening and by providing a supportive, comforting presence

Volunteers visit patients in their homes, in facilities, and at the hospice houses in Lincoln and Danvers. If patient visits aren’t the right fit for you, you can volunteer in other ways such as providing administrative office support or making check-in phone calls to current patients or bereaved family members.

Training will be held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 4–27 from 9–11 a.m. (register by February 24). For more information or to register, please go to www.CareDimensions.org/Volunteers or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.

Concert by Melissa Ferrick at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host folk rock artist Melissa Ferrick on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Ferrick is a Professor of the Practice at Northeastern University’s College of Arts Media and Design. They teach courses on songwriting creative entrepreneurship, demo recording and production, live performance, the intersection of psychopathology and creativity, nonprofit arts management. Ferrick performs throughout North America, sharing the stage with Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Ani DiFranco, k.d. lang, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and more. Click here for tickets ($28 for Trustees members, $35 for nonmembers). Ticketholders will be able to place pre-orders from Twisted Tree Café at deCordova.

Ogden Codman Trust pledges $500K for community center

The Ogden Codman Trust has pledged $500,000 to help defray the cost of the community center, which is estimated at $24 million.

The trust, which began making grants for Lincoln facilities and projects in 1972, helped pay for the town pool years ago. It has distributed an average of about $200,000 in grants and loans annually in recent years. The largest single grant in the past three years was $95,000 to historic New England for repairs at the Codman Estate in 2021, and most grants are in the range of $10,000 to $25,000, so this is by far the largest grant that the trust has made in some time.

“We are deeply appreciative of your generosity, and the timing of your gift couldn’t be better,” said Community Center Building Committee Chair Sarah Chester said at the February 5 Select Board meeting when the gift was announced.

The grant will be paid in five installments starting with $350,000 in the first year and the subsequent installments over the following three-year period, Town Administrator Tim Higgins said. “Hopefully this will help power the fundraising effort that’s going on and leverage some additional generosity,” he said.

“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this really exciting project,” Ogden Codman trustee Susan Monahan said. She praised “the work that’s gone into documenting and making the [planning] accessible and transparent… we wish you the best in pulling in some additional funds in support of that.”

A group of residents has launched a fundraising effort targeting individuals, corporations and other organizations. Together with funds from the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging (FLCOA), which has promised to match every donation dollar for dollar up to $1 million, the group hopes to raise several million dollars. 

Most of the project will be paid for through bonding, but the segment of the building for LEAP (a private entity) can’t be paid for through tax-advantaged municipal bonds, so other sources of funding will be needed. Residents will vote on a bonding amount at Town Meeting next month.

“We hope the March votes goes the right way, though you’ve given us every reason to be optimistic,” Monahan said.

Correction

The February 5, 2024 article headlined “Town election challengers on ballot for Select Board, Planning Board” incorrectly stated that Jennifer Glass was appointed to fill Selectman Renel Fredriksen’s unexpired term. In fact, she was defeated Allen Vander Meulen for that post in 2017 and was reelected to full terms in 2018 and 2021. The article (which has now been updated) also failed to include a link to her “My Turn” piece announcing her candidacy.

Alan Dobrow passes away at age 94

Dr. Alan Dobrow

Dr. Alan Dobrow passed away at age 94 on January 30, 2024. Alan and his wife, Vicki, moved to Lincoln in 2001 after they’d both retired (Alan from his psychiatry practice, and Vicki from teaching in the Great Neck, N.Y. public schools). Their move enabled them to live near their daughter, Julie Dobrow, her husband, Larry Vale, and their four children — Mira, Aaron, Jeremy, and Jonathan — as well closer to their son, Marty, his wife, Missy-Marie Montgomery, and their children — Sarah Dobrow, Joshua Dobrow, and Jeremiah Montgomery-Thompson. Alan and Vicki’s third child, Joe Dobrow, lives with his partner, Julie Zagars, in Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Alan and Vicki first lived at Farrar Pond Village, and then at The Commons. Both were active in reading groups at the Lincoln library. Vicki volunteered in the Lincoln School until her health declined, and Alan was a long-time member of the Boston Authors Club. Vicki died in 2021, but Alan continued to be a vibrant participant in the lives of his children and grandchildren until his last days.

Those who knew Alan will forever remember his scholarly and somewhat reticent demeanor that belied his keen wit and deeply sentimental and loving soul. Alan’s reverence for books, history, the American West, and photography, and his propensity for rooting for underdog sports franchises, were all gifts passed along to his children and grandchildren. The deep investment he and Vicki made in their family will continue to pay many dividends going forward.

(Obituary submitted by Alan’s daughter, Julie Dobrow.)

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Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is Wednesday

Wednesday, Feb. 7 is the second Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day of the school year. For children who take the bus to school, each bus will circle the regular drop-off loop and then stop at the end of Ballfield Road so students can walk the last quarter-mile, supported by volunteers and staff. For those who normally are driven to school, consider leaving the car at home and walking or biking to school. The event is sponsored by the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee in partnership with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.

Pop-up Arts and Farmers Market

There will be a Lincoln Arts and Farmers Market Valentine’s Day pop-up market on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Pierce House. Join the community of vendors and patrons to catch up on the winter happenings around town, buy flowers, find unique handmade gifts and cars for friends and family. Vendors will be:

  • Spencer Borden, wooden bowls
  • Liz Brown — elixirs, tonics and teas
  • Phoebe Clarkson — origami earrings
  • Mary Drouin — crochet gifts
  • Jocelyn Finlay — photography (Finlay is taking pre-orders for high school senior portraits, corporate headshots, passport photos, fand family photos at the event. Click here to pre-book a 30-minute photo session time).
  • Annie Gauger — hats
  • Hazen Hill Flowers — tulips, winter flowers, and vases
  • Lisa Himelman — jewelry
  • Bill Huss — alpaca yarn
  • Charlotte Kirsch — gift cards
  • John Rizzo — fine art photo prints and cards
  • Carolyn Ryan — printed textiles
  • William Stason — pottery
  • Tracey Terrell — hand-crafted jewelry

Chat with L-S superintendent/principal

The LSPO invited the L-S high school community to a “coffee chat” with Superintendent/Principal Andrew Stephens on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 a.m. in Conference Room A. If you would like to submit questions for the superintendent before the meeting or if you aren’t sure you can attend the chat, please use this form and submit as many questions as you’d like.

Seniors invited to apply for scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for the Lincoln Scholarship for high school seniors. Both merit-based and need-based scholarships and awards are available. For descriptions of the scholarships and awards offered and applications, see the Lincoln Scholarship Committee website. The application and instructions can be found at this link on the left hand side of the webpage or at the bottom of the page on a mobile device. The application deadline is March 31, 2024. 

Coming up at the Lincoln Public Library

Robothink! Stem Robotics Workshop: Two Wheel Race Car
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 4-5:30 p.m., Tarbell Room
Students will get an opportunity to see what the world of STEM and robotics is all about as they build their own simple machines, then use gears, motors, axles, and batteries to bring their creations to life! No experience necessary, just prepare for some real fun! Registration required! Intended for ages 7+. Registration required; click here.

Yo-Yos, Music & Dance Show
Thursday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–noon, Tarbell Room
This high-energy show is a family experience full of laughter, music and yo-yos! Join Ooch as he shares his favorite yo-yo tricks and dance moves in a fun and energetic presentation that all ages will enjoy. No registration necessary.

Town election challengers on ballot for Select Board, Planning Board

Two long-time town officials who are running for reelection on March 25 will face challengers.

Jennifer Glass is seeking a third full term on the Select Board. She defeated Allen Vander Meulen in 2017 to fill the unexpired term of Renel Fredriksen and was reelected unopposed in 2018 and 2021, but this year she is facing two opponents: Frank Clark and Aidan Rogers. On the Planning Board slate, Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives member Sarah Postlethwait is running against Gary Taylor, who is seeking a fourth term. Meanwhile, newcomer Yonca Heyse is running uncontested for the School Committee seat of  retiring member John MacLachlan.

Candidate “My Turn” pieces in the Lincoln Squirrel thus far:

Board/Committee# of seats Candidates
Board of Assessors1Edward Morgan*
Board of Health1Patricia Miller*
Cemetery Commission1Douglas Harding*
Housing Commission1Terry S. Perlmutter
LSRHS School Committee2Cathie Bitter*
Maura Carty*
Parks and Recreation Committee1Brianna Doo*
Planning Board1Gerald Taylor*
Sarah Postlethwait
School Committee2Susan H. Taylor*
Yonca Heyse
Select Board1Jennifer Glass*
Frank Clark
Aidan Rogers
Trustees of Bemis Fund1Miriam Borden*
Water Commission1Patrick J. Lawler*

Ralph Damico Jr., 1943–2024

Ralph Damico

Ralph P. Damico Jr., 80, a lifelong Lincoln resident, died peacefully at his Lincoln home on January 20, 2024. Born in Cambridge on October 24, 1943, he was the beloved son of Ralph P. Damico Sr. and Elvira (Perry) Damico, both late of Lincoln.

A graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Ralph went into business with his father in excavation and construction. He met his wife Edwina at a party in Boston through a mutual friend, and they were married in 1970. In recent years, Ralph enjoyed watching the Patriots, movies, and keeping up with the news. He spent his younger years working outdoors, and loved being outside and running heavy machinery. His family will always remember him driving his beloved green 1956 Mack dump truck to and from excavation jobs in Lincoln and beyond, and in the winter, plowing snow and cutting and splitting huge mountains of firewood.

Ralph’s favorite place to be was home with his loved ones, although he took a few epic trips in his life: he took several trips to Florida, and trips out West with his wife to see their daughter by way of Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon. He was a fan of 1950s–1970s rock and roll music and classic cars from the same era. He had a big heart for animals; he had many loyal dogs throughout his life. Above all other things, Ralph loved his family, and was a dearly beloved husband, father and grandfather in return.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Edwina, of Lincoln, his daughter Christine and son-in-law Jim of Kirkland, Wash., his son Mark of Lincoln, and four loving grandchildren, Abigail, Jessica, Zack and Zoe. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Buddy Dog Humane Society, P.O. Box 296, Sudbury, MA 01776 (www.buddydoghs.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. For Ralph’s online guestbook, please click here.

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Films on the Holy Land

This month, the GRALTA Foundation continues its Holy Land film series with two more documentary films.

“The Settlers”
February 7 at 7:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
February 11 at 2 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
This film by Jewish-Israeli director Shimon Dotan traces the history of Israeli settlements in the West Bank (a clear violation of international law by an occupying power) that began in 1967 and continues to this day at an accelerating pace. The settlement population now tops 850,000 (including East Jerusalem) and has mythologized the touted “two-state solution.” Watch the trailer.

“Boycott”
February 21 at 7:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
February 25 at 2 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
In 2005, 170 Palestinian civil society organizations called for a non-violent boycott, divestment, and sanction (BDS) campaign to pressure Israel to comply with international law. Although the campaign has gained little traction with the American public, the pro-Israel lobby has aggressively pursued—and in 36 states, succeeded in—enacting legislation that penalizes the free-speech “right to boycott.” The film follows three cases: a newspaper publisher in Arkansas, an attorney in Arizona, and a speech therapist in Texas who were forced to choose between their jobs and their political beliefs. Watch the trailer.

Following each screening, there will be time for discussion and questions.

Council on Aging events

The following all take place in Bemis Hall.

Codman House History
Friday, Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m.
As we celebrate Black History month, it is important to consider the ways in which enslavement existed in Lincoln, the lives of the enslaved of the Codman Estate, and how to honor their legacy today. The story of those individuals and members of the Codman family is deeply woven into the history of the town of Lincoln. Presented by Jen Turner. Co-sponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA & Friends of Lincoln Library.

Valentine’s Day Speed Dating
Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Speed dating is the fun and efficient way to meet new people. Bedford, Concord, Carlisle, Lincoln, and Sudbury are teaming up for this event. You’ll meet up to 12 local single seniors (aged 65+) through a series of six minute “pre-dates.” We facilitate the whole thing so there’s no awkwardness, no pressure, no embarrassment… just great fun! After the event, we’ll contact you to let you know if you’ve made a match (more than two-thirds of speed daters match at least one person). Space is limited; sign up by calling 781-259-8811.                 

Lunar New Year
Friday, Feb. 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln resident Edwin Tam shares about Lunar New Year, which is one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asia. The new year is celebrated with family reunions, food, and gifts. What are the lucky foods eaten this time of year? Have you heard it’s the year of the dragon? What does that symbolize?

The Reality of Being a Movie Extra
Friday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln resident and member of the Screen Actors Guild Sally Kindleberger explains what it’s like to be a movie extra on set. Afterwards, watch “The Holdovers” (2023), in which Sally was an extra. It’s a comedy/drama starring Paul Giamatti, DaVine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa, directed by Alexander Payne.

Ms. G predicts an early spring on Groundhog Day

Ms. G gathers data for her long-range weather forecast on Groundhog Day at Drumlin Farm.

(Editor’s note: this is press release from Mass Audubon in Lincoln.)

Ms. G did not see her shadow on an overcast Groundhog Day morning (February 2) at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, which means everyone can look forward to an early spring. If the Official Groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had seen her shadow, we’d all be facing six more weeks of winter.

This is the fifth straight year that Ms. G did not see her shadow. Over the 16 years she has been making her prognostications, she is now even with eight predictions apiece of early springs and six more weeks of winter. Unlike in the past, this year she agreed with her Pennsylvania peer, Punxsutawney Phil.

The always anticipated seasonal gathering at Drumlin Farm again attracted an enthusiastic mix of attendees, from Ms. G fans including lots of families with kids to nature lovers and weather followers, the latter happy to consider woodchuck folklore as meteorologically valid for a day.

Mass Audubon Metro West Regional Director Scott McCue welcomed those participants and others to the Groundhog Day celebration, which also featured family-friendly groundhog crafts, opportunities to observe other resident wildlife, and exploring the 291-acre sanctuary’s trail network. McCue and Senior Teacher Naturalist Tia Pinney discussed how New England wildlife survives the winter and how the changing climate is impacting their habitats.

This year’s format was a bit different, with Ms. G’s meet-and-greet and prognostication taking place in the sanctuary’s Farm Life Center rather than outside. Ms. G is in the midst of hormone-related hair loss that is common among juvenile females, despite being completely healthy. Due to that hair loss, our Wildlife Care experts decided, out of an abundance of caution, to keep her indoors safe from the chilly winter weather.

Although Ms. G couldn’t go outside, she enlisted the help of approximately 30 kids in attendance who went out to look for their shadows but did not see any. They reported their findings to Ms. G, who then made a prediction of early spring. Ms. G is grateful for her helpers this year and is already looking forward to being back outside next Groundhog Day.