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

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.)

News acorns

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.

News acorns

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.

News acorns

Used cookbooks on sale

The Friends of the Lincoln Library are sponsoring a sale of gently used cookbooks on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1–3 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Over 300 cookbooks in excellent condition will be on sale for $1 to $5. Cash, checks, and Venmo accepted. Enjoy free hot cider and cookies as you browse. All book sale proceeds will go to fund programs, lectures, special equipment, museum passes and other library services. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.

Session on teen dating violence and relationships

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Please join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. where teen panelists will highlight what is important to them and what they want adults and peers to know about relationships, media consumption, trust, and boundaries. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to show your support for teen dating violence awareness. For more information, email infodvrt@gmail.com.

“Conservation 101”

Join Lincoln Conservation Director Michele Grzenda for a Zoom presentation on the Conservation Commission’s six-part mission on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 7–8 p.m. This talk will focus on how ConCom, along with Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, protects land, manages open space, and educates residents. Michele will share some tips on how residents can help protect the open spaces and wildlife habitat in their backyard. RSVP here. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library.

Apply for grants from the Lincoln Garden Club

Community members and groups are welcome to apply for a general grant from the Lincoln Garden Club for projects that are in keeping with its mission of community service to the town through beautification, horticulture, conservation, and landscape design. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the club has set aside up to $4,500 to fund grant proposals. In addition, the club will award the Annual Gabrielle Brenninkmeyer Award ($500). Applicants for general grants must partner with a Garden Club member, though this is not necessary to apply for the Gabrielle Brenninkmeyer Award.

Since 2005, the Lincoln Garden Club has awarded almost $50,000 in grants to support community projects including the native plant bed and hydration station in Station Park; funds to plant the next generation of trees along Baker Bridge Road, near the Pierce House and on the Lincoln School campus; working with the Lincoln Public Library board to care for and propagate the iconic Catalpa (“twisted tree”) growing in front of the library; supporting pollinator gardens along the Magnolia Path; and a Lincoln Boy Scout project to build raised beds at Codman Community Farms.

My Turn: Why I’m voting “no” twice on March 23

(Editor’s note: Lang is a member of the Green Energy Committee but is speaking in his capacity as a private citizen.)

By Ed Lang

I am distressed when I think of how a “yes” vote for a community center and a “yes” for HCA rezoning of the mall will:

  • Add hundreds of tons of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, even though the new buildings would be net zero
  • Add at least $21,640 in property tax for median Lincoln homeowners over the next 30 years
  • Lose the chance for seniors to revitalize the existing mall with COA spaces for senior activities and private appointments within walking distance of grocery store, sandwich shop, walking trails and modest multifamily housing

Lincoln has done so much right over the years. I am encouraged that Lincoln has a long history of care for the environment, preserving the rural feel of the town with farming and undeveloped open space. Thanks to the 1955 establishment of the Rural Land Foundation (RLF), 40% of Lincoln is protected by conservation restrictions. Lincoln has also balanced conservation, open space and rural feeling with commitment to diversity and inclusion, adding 800 multi-family homes to the 1,200 single-family homes with mostly two-acre lots.

In the 21st century, Lincoln has shown a commitment to sustainability. We became a Massachusetts Green Community and committed to an Energy Stretch Code with 20% municipal energy reduction in 2008. In 2013, the town offices were renovated and designed for a 55% reduction in energy use. In 2019, the school renovation design specified reduced energy use to EUI23, net zero and zero carbon. In 2022, Lincoln specified no new gas hookups and encouraged increased adoption of green electricity through community choice. In 2023, Lincoln’s Climate Action Plan recognized the importance of reducing emissions in municipal buildings, homes and cars.

Now I want to avoid adding the emissions that come along with new buildings. As a member of the Green Energy Committee for over a decade, I have helped the town focus on reducing energy use and emissions in town buildings. But emissions generated by the construction of new buildings — manufacturing, processing, transportation, and use of materials — dwarf operating emissions. These emissions are called embodied carbon, and they are vast and measurable.

Lincoln has an abundance of municipal and residential building stock. I suggest we renovate as many existing buildings as we can for the community center and apply HCA rezoning in a way that avoids demolition and rebuilding. As a town, we could use the same common sense we apply to our personal decisions.

  • Repair and maintain buildings.
  • Renovate, recycle, and consider adaptive reuse of buildings as we did with town offices.
  • If a new building must be built, ensure that products with certified low (or negative!) embodied carbon are used in construction.
  • Add high-density zoning where no existing multifamily units or key town locations could be targeted for by-right demolition.

We don’t need to build new at the school campus and the mall. The town can rent available spaces or contract for the use of venues, supporting town institutions.

I prefer taking time this year to carefully rethink our choices. That’s why I’m voting “no” twice on March 23.

“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.