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

Police log for Sept. 8–17, 2023

September 8

As a result of the severe thunderstorm with high winds in the area in mid-afternoon on September 8, police received calls about power failures in several locations, as well as branches or trees down on Lincoln Road, Bedford Road, Beaver Pond Road, South Great Road, North Great Road, and Baker Bridge Road.

Hanscom Drive (9:24 a.m.) — A caller reported their dog was missing near Route 2A. A National Park ranger located the dog a short time later.

Baker Bridge Road (3:07 p.m.) — A motorist came to the police station to report a tree limb had fallen on their vehicle.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:39 p.m.) — Multiple callers reported a two-vehicle crash on Route 2. No injuries were reported. Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Bedford Road (7:12 p.m.) — An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Bedford Road and Route 2 because the “Road Closed” sign had fallen. An officer replaced the sign.

September 9

Shawmut Terrace, Framingham (1:11 p.m.) — A Lincoln Fire Department member of the District 14 Dive Team was called to respond to the city of Framingham.

Winter Street (8:01 p.m.) — Officers checked the area for reported fireworks. Nothing was found.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:29 a.m.) — The Lincoln ambulance responded to the town of Concord for a motor vehicle crash.

September 10

Sunnyside Lane (6:51 p.m.) — A resident came to the police station to speak with an officer regarding social media posts.

Huckleberry Hill (9:00 p.m.) — A resident reported two unknown men had approached their home. The men were later identified as employees of a food delivery service.

September 11

Harvest Circle (7:58 a.m.) — A caller reported a missing item that was later discovered and returned to the original owner.

Tower Road (10:48 a.m.) — An officer made contact with a resident on behalf of the Concord Police Department.

Lincoln Road train crossing (3:47 p.m.) — A caller reported malfunctioning railroad crossing gates at the Lincoln Road crossing. Keolis workers were on scene performing maintenance. The MBTA was also notified.

Route 2 Gas, Cambridge Turnpike (10:02 p.m.) — Officers checked on an unoccupied vehicle on the parking lot adjacent to Tracey’s Gas Station.

Concord Road (10:12 p.m.) — A caller reported a person was at Marconi’s Auto after business hours. The party was dropping off their vehicle for repair.

September 12

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:17 p.m.) — A caller reported a two-vehicle crash with no injuries. Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Weston Road (4:05 p.m.) — A cyclist was stopped for a stop sign violation. They were advised and sent on their way.

Beaver Pond Road (4:05 p.m.) — Police received a report of multiple individuals fishing in the area. Police made contact with the individuals and advised them that fishing was not allowed.

Masonic Temple, Lincoln Road (6:38 p.m.) — Police received a report of a tree leaning precariously over power lines. The Department of Public Works was notified.

Aspen Circle (7:13 p.m.) — A well-being check was performed on a resident.

Baker Farm Road (7:50 p.m.) — A fire alarm was activated due to cooking smoke inside the residence.

September 13

Weston Road (11:58 a.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding an unauthorized credit card being opened in their name.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:09 p.m.) — Lincoln police and fire responded along with the Massachusetts State Police to a one-vehicle crash. The operator of the vehicle was transported to Emerson Hospital via the Lincoln ambulance.

September 14

Forester Road (8:16 a.m.) — A person came to the station to speak with an officer regarding a possible fraud incident.

Weston Road (2:15 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded to the Pierce House for a report of an odor of natural gas by the roadside. National Grid was notified.

Trapelo Road (5:59 p.m.) — A young cyclist was advised to safely operate their bike on the right side of the roadway.

September 15

North Great Road (1:45 a.m.) — An officer checked on an unoccupied vehicle parked at the Paul Revere lot.

Tower Road (4:30 a.m.) — A caller reported a possible disturbance in their water pressure. They were advised to follow up with the Water Department during business hours.

Laurel Drive (10:44 a.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding a possible larceny.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (2:00 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a person on their property who abruptly left when confronted. A follow-up was conducted and the individual was identified.

Tower Road (3:00 p.m.) — An officer spoke to residents regarding a possible dispute with a neighbor.

September 16

Tower Road (4:17 p.m.) — A resident had an item returned to them.

Huckleberry Hill (9:02 p.m.) — Officers responded to a Huckleberry Hill residence for a report that someone had knocked on their rear sliding door. The homeowner also saw an individual on their security camera who appeared to be hiding their face with a hooded sweatshirt. When the homeowner came to the slider, no one was there. The region has seen an uptick in home break-ins. Police remind residents to use their security systems and cameras, and please report any suspicious activity immediately. The incident is currently being investigated.

September 17

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (12:51 a.m.) — An officer spoke to occupants of a vehicle and advised them that the lot closes at sundown.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:28 a.m.) — An officer performed a check on a possible disabled motor vehicle. The vehicle was involved in a single-car crash. Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Blackburnian Road (11:47 a.m.) — A resident reported a possible water main rupture. The Water Department was notified.

Trapelo Road (5:53 p.m.) — An individual was advised that fishing was not allowed at the Cambridge Reservoir.

My Turn: Lincoln has a Climate Action Plan – now what?

By Lynne Smith

For the past year, Lincoln staff and residents have worked to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan. A Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant, provided through the state’s Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, funded the project.

Over 100 residents participated in workshops, focus groups, and committee meetings to make sure the plan included input from as many members of the community as possible. At most of these sessions, people were eager to meet the challenge of our changing climate, but many said they are not always sure how to do so. The plan prioritizes goals and strategies that will help the town and individuals take action.

A Climate Action Plan is a big deal. In fact, Lincoln’s plan is about 77 pages filled with informative charts, graphs, goals, and strategies. But the plan is only a first step in the process toward its stated overarching goal of “reducing greenhouse gas emission while also advancing community resilience in equitable and sustainable ways.”

Specifically, the plan organizes strategies into the following six planning areas: energy, mobility, built environment, working lands and natural resources, social resilience and education, and water and solid waste management. For each of these areas, three to four “priority strategies” were identified through an evaluation and prioritization exercise. For each strategy, the plan describes the implementation lead, next steps, how it improves equity, potential co-benefits, implementation partners, funding sources, and measures of success.

Priority strategies are not necessarily ones that will be completed first or are the most important, as this exercise only provided a high-level assessment of how beneficial the strategy could be to the community and environment. Any strategies can be tackled when possible (Lincoln is already making progress toward many of them) and this exercise can be performed periodically to update considerations based on new data, changes in conditions, opportunities, and constraints.

Now that Lincoln has a Climate Action Plan, the town is better prepared to apply for more federal and state funding to implement goals and strategies. To access these funds, professional town staff will need to apply for grants and manage their implementation. With limited staff ability and town funding, many of the strategies laid out in the plan will need the community’s help.

At the State of the Town meeting on September 30, Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Curtin will explain more about the plan and the next steps toward implementation. Residents will be able to provide essential input on how we can move forward to achieve our climate goals. Green Energy Committee members will be on hand to talk with residents about how to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their fossil fuel emissions.

To review the Climate Action Plan before the September 30 State of the Town meeting, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lynne Smith is a member of the Green Energy Committee’s Climate Action Lincoln Subcommittee.

“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.

News acorns

Jazz concert this week

All are invited to a jazz concert with local musicians organized by Nick Ribush of Lincoln’s Traditional Jazz Band on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 1–3 p.m. in Bemis Hall.

Film: “The Day He Arrives”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “The Day He Arrives” on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. Longing and regret, artistic frustration and new hope, self-revelation and self-loathing arise from loopy coincidences, tough reunions, and urban street poetry in this delicate romantic comedy, from 2011, by South Korean director Hong Sang-soo (in Korean with English subtitles).

Join parent and little ones on a walk

LincFam welcomes new and expecting parents to a meetup for families with children under 2 or expecting a child (both parents and children are welcome) on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3:30 p.m. Meet at the commuter parking lot next to Donelan’s to walk the Codman trails. No RSVP required. If you’d like to join the list for information on future events and meetups, click here.

Codman Feast and Fair

Codman Community Farms’ annual Harvest Feast returns with a classic pig roast, bluegrass music from The New Grownups, and fun on the farm on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 5–9 p.m. There will be pulled pork family meals and apple crisp hot out of the Codman kitchen, plates and cutlery, plus a tent over the front pasture, table seating and Solo stoves to keep warm. Bring a picnic blanket, other side dishes your family might like to eat (not potluck), and drinks. Family meals include Codman pasture-raised pork, cornbread and coleslaw, plus apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. Family meals start at $60; click here to order.

Join in the fun with old-fashioned family and children’s games at Codman’s Harvest Fair on Sunday, Oct. 1 from noon–4 p.m. Activities include bingo in the sugar shack, a pie-eating contest, rooster run, lots of games, (mostly) Codman-grown food, music, and more. Children’s admission bracelets are $20, which includes ice cream. Kids under 3 are free. Click here to skip the line and order in advance.

Apply to exhibit art at the library

The Lincoln Public Library is now accepting applications to display work in the art gallery during 2024. Applications are due by Saturday, Sept. 30. To apply, please fill out this online form While online submissions are strongly preferred, you may also download and print a hard copy linked on that web page.

Library offers Brazilian music and haunted history

The Lincoln Public Library presents a music performance for children and families by Sulinha’s Trio on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 10:30–11:15 a.m. in the Tarbell Room. Originally from Brazil, Sulinha Boucher’s trio plays bossa nova, baiao, and other styles on Brazilian instruments like berimbau and bandolin as well as acoustic guitar and percussion. No registration necessary. For all ages.

In 1991, Spooky World opened in Berlin, Mass., as the first Halloween scream park. The attraction became so popular that it expanded well beyond its original haunted hayride and shaped a generation of New England Halloween lovers. Join David Bertolino, the man who started it all, and Jeff DePaoli, host of “That Halloween Podcast,” to hear how an idea became a Halloween institution in Massachusetts on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 1-2 p.m. via Zoom (click here to register).

Brain Games on Oct. 15

The fifth annual Brain Games cornhole tournament and family fun day on Sunday, Oct. 15 from noon–5 p.m. in Pierce Park. Live music, local beer, magician Ed Popielarczyk, raffle prizes, and the Clover food truck! There is no cost to attend the event. Food and beverages are available for purchase — everything else is simply whatever you would like to donate. Please spread the word, and invite your friends and family.

Brain Games is the Doo family’s annual fundraiser benefiting moyamoya research at Boston Children’s Hospital in honor of the care received by their daughter, who was diagnosed with the rare brain disease moyamoya in June 2019 and has had three surgeries since. Their goal this year is to raise $100,000 to continue funding her surgeon’s research, where 100% of the event’s proceeds go.

Correction

In the September 14 article headlined “Architects, CCBC refine options for community center,” Option 3 for the community center was incorrectly described and a quote from CCBC member Tim Christenfeld was presented slightly out of context. The article has been corrected and also updated with a new penultimate paragraph describing the upcoming State of the Town meeting.

Architects, CCBC refine options for community center

(Editor’s note: This article was updated on September 17.)

Architects and the Community Center Building Committee this week continued to refine the community center options that residents will see at the State of the Town meeting on September 30, ending Wednesday with three main options plus alternates to two of them.

On September 13, ICON Architects offered refinements of the three options they presented on August 16 that will meet the cost limits voted by the town (up to 100%, 75% and 50% of the $25 million estimate from 2022, or $25 million/$18.75 million/$12.5 million). These latest options replace earlier ones with the same names and are based on discussion at the September 13 meeting and a public forum on September 12, plus more detailed figures from their cost estimators. Each new total includes both construction and a 20% add-on for “soft costs” (design, owner’s project manager, furniture and equipment, etc.) Costs are in 2025 dollars.

Option 1 ($20.01 million + soft costs = $24.01 million)

  • Demolish all three pods
  • Build a single new building of 19,474 square feet that would include 5,000 square feet exclusively for LEAP, the same as it has now

Option 2 ($15.99 million + soft costs = $19.19 million)

  • Demolish pods A and B
  • Renovate pod C
  • Build either a one-story or two-story community center that’s not attached to pod C. A two-story building would have a more compact footprint and probably some roof overhangs to accommodate enough solar panels. The sizes would be similar (12,672 square feet for two stories or 12,285 for one story) and the price tags would be about the same.

Option 3 ($11.44 million + soft costs = $13.73 million)

  • Demolish pod A
  • Renovate pod B and add 5,485 square feet of new construction to result in a 10,500-square-foot building that’s roughly half new and half renovated
  • Leave pods A and C as they are
    • Alternate #1: Add another 900 square feet to the new building to meet the minimum size recommended by the architects (added cost: $714,000 for a total of $13.2 million).
    • Alternate #2: Include renovation of pod C (added cost: $3.42 million for a total of $15.92 million). If both alternates were accepted, the total cost would be $16.64 million.

In summary, the approximate size of the community center exclusive of LEAP would be:

  • 14,470 square feet for Option 1
  • 12,285 or 12,672 square feet for Option 2
  • 10,500 square feet for Option 3

ICON recommends a community center of at least 13,000 square feet, or 11,400 square feet “at the bare bones end of the spectrum,” said Ned Collier, principal architect. “Just by the numbers, [Option 3] this scheme falls short of our minimal target and does not renovate pod C… and we’ve heard that not renovating LEAP is a show-stopper.”

Renovating all three detached pods without adding more space is also not viable, CCBC member Tim Christenfeld said. “We’ve done really well pushing [the pods] as far as we can for 64 years… The idea that we would bring a proposal to the town for $12 million to move the COA&HS from one suboptimal facility to a different suboptimal facility is just nuts. It’s just pissing the money away if we’re not solving the problems we’re trying to solve.”

There has been some concern in past months about the cost of a much-needed renovation of the LEAP pod and whether it ought to even be considered in the community center construction planning, especially if it’s not physically attached. As one CCBC member said at the September 12 forum, “LEAP is not really our core thing,” but most of those involved assumed that LEAP would be at least renovated regardless of which option is chosen. However, making the LEAP renovation into a separate project would incur additional unnecessary spending for project management, design, and rapidly rising construction costs.

CCBC member Dan Pereira observed that Option 3 plus its alternates “is really another 75% option” in terms of cost. Collier acknowledged that but observed that Option 3 is substantially different from Option 2 in a design sense.

Sara Mattes, a frequent critic of the community center planning process, argued that “the only way it [the measure to design the community center] passed was because it committed to these lower price points. The vote also committed to [the idea that] alternate sites would be fully explored for some activities, and the second piece of the vote has not been fully explored — it’s been summarily dismissed rather than openly discussed.” Studies have shown that Bemis Hall and the Pierce House are not adequate in many ways, and there are ongoing problems with having senior lunches at the First Parish Church. Mattes acknowledged that money would have to be spent to bring Bemis and Pierce up to snuff if a community center isn’t built.

“I feel as if the committee and architects want something more than the 50% option, but I’m worried that the town isn’t going to be very interested in that,” said resident Lynne Smith.

At the State of the Town meeting, each repeating session on the community center will consist of a short presentation, a breakout session, and then a paper survey in which residents can rank their choices (including a “none of the above” option). There will be large drawings of all the options on easels as well as handouts, which will also be available before September 30. 

The Finance Committee will discuss borrowing costs and tax implications as part of its SOTT preparations at its September 18 meeting. “The current estimate is that the median tax bill will increase by approximately $300 per year for every $10 million borrowed,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said on Thursday.

News acorns

Life celebrations for Evelyn Harris, Toby Frost

Evelyn Harris

Toby Frost

Please join Glenn and David Harris as they celebrate the life of their mother Evelyn Harris on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. A reception will follow. If you would like to speak at the service to share a memory of Evelyn, please email glennh.email@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Evelyn’s memory to Mass Audubon (288 South Great Rd., Lincoln MA 01773).

A celebration of the life of October (Toby) Frost will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Pierce House followed by a reception. Those who knew Toby are welcome to join us.

Evening at Gropius

During this evening slide show and house tour on Friday, Sept. 15 from 7-9 p.m. at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.), see how Walter Gropius’s innovative lighting scheme comes to life at night. Gropius, founder of the German design school the Bauhaus, was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. His 1938 home highlights the clean lines of Modernist design. Light refreshments are individual “nibbles” picnic bags. Advance tickets required ($65 for Historic New England members, $75 for nonmembers). Please call 781-259-8098 for more information. Note: the Gropius House is not handicapped-accessible.

“How and Why to Talk to Young Kids About Race”

Join a free public workshop on Monday, Sept. 18 from 7-8:15 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library on “How & Why to Talk to Young Kids About Race” offered by Story Starters. Designed for caregivers and educators, this workshop will explain the research about how racial bias develops in children from a young age, and provide evidence-based strategies adults can use to disrupt that bias and develop children’s antiracist values. Click here to register.

“Leave the Leaves”

This fall, it couldn’t be easier to support pollinators, provide overwinter shelter for amphibians, nurture the soil, improve water retention, and drawdown carbon. Join us on the first day of fall for “Leave the Leaves: A Zoom Introduction & Conversation on Soil & Climate Benefits” by Lincoln soil microbial ecologist Dr. Rachel Neurath to learn about the benefits of leaving the leaves on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. And save the date for the Lincoln Garden Club’s public meeting on November 7. Kathy Connolly will give a presentation entitled “Leave the Leaves, Save the Stems.” Organized by Lincoln Common Ground and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust in collaboration with the Lincoln Garden Club and Codman Community Farms. Click here to register.

Kid/caregiver discussion groups about banned books

Celebrate the freedom to read with a conversation between young people and their caregivers at two discussion groups during Banned Books Week at the Lincoln Public Library. On Monday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., children’s librarian Debbie Leopold will facilitate a talk for kids age 4+ about Answers in the Pages by David Levithan. Email dleopold@minlib.net to register. Lincoln author Ray Shepard (A Long Time Coming) will host a session with middle schoolers and caregivers on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. to talk about Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Email sfeather@minlib.net to register.

Submit work to the Lincoln Arts Show

Calling all artists, photographers, potters, jewelers, wood workers, and crafters of all materials! Join us for the 2023 Lincoln Arts (and Crafts) Show on Friday to Sunday, Nov. 17-19 from noon–5 p.m. and an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5–7 p.m. at the Pierce House. As always, this open show is for all ages, all creative arts, and all abilities — and student entries are free! We’ve seen 350 attendees at the show each of the past couple of years, so this year we’ll be opening up the second floor to additional displays. Click here for details and registration. Questions? Email Sarah Chester at schester636@gmail.com.

Lecture on Avis and Bernard DeVoto

Author Nate Schweber at the DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove in Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest.

Award-winning author Nate Schweber brings to life the story of two remarkable environmental warriors and former Lincoln residents Avis and Bernard DeVoto in the next Bemis Free Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The DeVotos’ decades-long battle to protect public lands and save our National Park system is chronicled in Schweber’s latest book, This America of Ours: Bernard and Avis DeVoto and the Forgotten Fight to Save the Wild. Lecture immediately followed by book sales and signing with the author. Hosted by the Bemis Free Lecture Series with Friends of Minute Man National Park, Lincoln Historical Society, Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and Walden Woods Project.

Limited seating; click here for reservations. The event will also be available via livestream and will remain available on the Bemis Free Lecture Series website.

New rotating-topic format for State of the Town meeting

There are four important topics to be discussed at the State of the Town (SOTT) meeting on September 30, and the Select Board has devised a new way to help residents focus and give feedback on them.

Rater than one continuous meeting, there will be four 45-minute repeating rotating sessions in different locations at the Lincoln School. Attendees can choose any or all of the four topics in whatever order they wish. Each session will include a short presentation, smaller group activities, and feedback tools. Overview information about each topic will be available for pickup.

The topics are:

The schedule:

  • 10–10:45 a.m. — Session 1 
  • 11–11:45 a.m. — Session 2 
  • 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. — Community lunch available for purchase thanks to the Twisted Tree (cash only, please) 
  • 1:15–2 p.m. — Session 3
  • 2:15–3 p.m. — Session 4

There will also be inflatable obstacle courses for kids aged 3–12 to enjoy with parental supervision. The SOTT webpage has maps showing parking, building entrances, and the rooms where the topics will be headquartered.

Police log for August 29–September 7, 2023

August 29

Twin Pond Lane (3:38 p.m.) — A caller reported two unknown individuals arriving at their residence. Police responded to the residence and spoke with them.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:54 p.m.) — A motorist reported seeing two females walking on Route 2 near exit 125. State police and Concord police were notified. Concord police encountered the females on the overpass by the town line. The females were transported from Route 2.

August 30

North Great Road (10:58 p.m.) — A motorist traveling on Route 2A near Hanscom Drive struck a deer, which ran off into the woods. The vehicle sustained minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene.

Wells Road (11:41 a.m.) — Police were called to assist an individual in obtaining their property that had been given to someone else for repair purposes.

South Great Road (12:19 p.m.) — A motorist struck one of the signs on the 117 island by Lincoln Road. The DPW was notified and repaired the sign.

Conant Road (2:24 p.m.) — An individual called to report some possibly missing some items. Police spoke to the individual.

Wells Road (3:28 pm.) — A caller reported that a large vehicle had been parked for some time behind their residence. An officer spoke to the caller.

Old Sudbury Road (4:23 p.m.) — Police responded to the area for a report of an erratic driver. Weston Police and Wayland Police were also notified.

Doherty’s Garage, Lincoln Road (5:45 p.m.) — A resident called the police to report a passive encounter with a coyote. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Winchelsea Lane (7:48 p.m.) — A resident called to report excessive noise coming from National Grid trucks working in the area.

Mary’s Way (7:44 p.m.) — A caller reported a dispute with a contractor. Police responded and spoke with the reporting party.

August 31

Winter Street (7:52 p.m.) — A resident reported that a neighbor’s landscapers were using gas-powered leaf blowers.

South Great Road (8:50 a.m.) — A single-vehicle crash was reported on Route 117 at Sweet Bay Lane. The driver reported that they had briefly dozed off and struck a sign and guardrail. The operator was cited for unsafe operation of a motor vehicle and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Sunnyside Lane (3:07 p.m.) — A motorist reported striking a pothole on Route 2A, resulting in a flat tire. They had AAA coming to assist.

September 1

Bank of America, Lincoln Road 2:12 a.m.) — An officer encountered an individual who reported that they were unhoused and waiting for the next inbound train. When advised that the train would not be arriving for several hours, the individual stated that they would remain where they were until that time. The individual declined all offers for services.

Donelan’s Supermarket, Lincoln Road (2:48 a.m.) — Additional services were offered to the individual from the previous entry. The additional services were declined.

September 2

Codman Road (6:58 a.m.) — An individual was reported to be sleeping in the wooded area adjacent to the police station. Officers offered assistance to the individual, who was seeking transportation to Boston, with supplies and fare for the train.

September 3

Baker Bridge Road (4:11 p.m.) — Several citations were issued to vehicles whose occupants were accessing Walden Pond.

Tower Road (5:21 p.m.) — A resident reported that their Australian terrier was missing. They were provided the contact information for Animal Control.

Minuteman Technical High School (7:02 p.m.) — A caller reported that they were locked in the school’s parking lot. An officer assisted them with exiting the property.

Minuteman Technical High School (7:43 p.m.) — A second individual reported that they were locked in the parking lot the High School. An officer assisted them with exiting the property.

Paul Revere Lot, North Great Road (9:09 p.m.) — An officer checked on a parked, unoccupied vehicle located in the Paul Revere parking lot.

Mill Street (11:02 p.m.) — A suspicious motor vehicle was reported in the area of Mill Street and Lexington Road. The motorist was looking for a place to rest before proceeding to their final destination.

Mary’s Way (11:49 p.m.) — An odor of natural gas was reported in the area. National Grid was notified and was sending a representative to investigate.

September 4

Nothing of note.

September 5

Harvest Circle (2:00 p.m.) — Misplaced items were returned to their owner.

Bedford Road (5:49 p.m.) — A disabled motor vehicle was reported in the intersection of Bedford Road and Route 2A. A tow truck was called to remove it.

Walden Pond boat ramp (6:15 p.m.) —Lincoln firefighters assisted the Concord Fire Department in searching for a reported missing swimmer. The swimmer was located a short time later, safe and sound.

September 6

Lincoln Road (9:57 p.m.) — An individual was observed trespassing on the property of a resident. When confronted by the homeowner, the individual became defensive but left the area. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate them.

September 7

Greenridge Lane (5:16 p.m.) — Police were called to the area for a report of an individual seated behind a tree with a hunting rifle in their lap. Police made contact with the individual, who had a BB gun they were using to hunt squirrels. They were advised to immediately cease and leave the area, which they did.

Farrar Road (6:43 p.m.) — Police responded to a residence for an open front door. The residence was checked; the homeowner confirmed that the door may not have been properly secured and a gust of wind most likely pushed it open.

Upland Field Road (8:12 p.m.) — A motorist inquired where to temporarily park a flatbed trailer. They were told to use the commuter lot with the caveat that the trailer had to be removed prior to 7:00 a.m. the following morning.

News acorns

First Parish kicks off the fall with zoning forum, poetry walk

  • Members of the Housing Choice Act Working Group (HCAWG) will present the three options for zoning bylaw proposals that are under consideration in Lincoln on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the First Parish Church’s Stearns Room (4 Bedford Rd.). In addition, Michelle Barnes, chair of the Trustees of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Rural Land Foundation, will present and explain their separate request to change the current zoning for the Lincoln Station Mall area. The event will also be livestreamed here.Residents are encouraged to bring questions to the discussion in preparation for the State of the Town Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. The Select Board, Planning Board, and the HCAWG will use community feedback to help choose a final option at a multiboard meeting on October 10. The zoning bylaw proposal will be submitted to the state in December and to town residents for a vote at the March 2024 Annual Town Meeting.
  • On Friday, Sept. 22 from 1–3 p.m., meet at the famous “twisted tree” in front of Lincoln Public Library for a special Quiet Walks and Poetry for Seekers collaboration. We’ll walk for a mile or two in the neighborhood, stopping four or five times beneath particular trees. Beneath the shade of each tree, we will hear a poem that in some way honors or features that tree species. In between each poem, we will walk in silence. At the end, we will gather in a circle and reflect on what we saw and heard. If the weather looks questionable, email Rev. Nate Klug (nate@fplincoln.org) for the latest updates.
  • The service at the First Parish in Lincoln on “Rally Sunday” on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. will include a blessing of the backpacks for our children and joyful music from the choir. With a bit of history during the service, and cake afterwards on the lawn, we’ll also be celebrating the 275th anniversary of the church.

Talk on architect Eleanor Raymond

Historic New England presents “Right Space, Right Time: Eleanor Raymond’s Architecture” on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 7-9 p.m. in the Codman Estate carriage barn and via Zoom. The presenter is Justin Kedl, an artist and scholar with an interest in 20th-century modernism — particularly Surrealism, the Bauhaus school, and Abstract Expressionism who works for Lincoln’s Gropius House and a local pottery studio. Advance tickets required; click here for more information. This program is funded in part by the Lincoln Cultural Council a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Codman Community Farms offers array of activities

Here are activities and classes in the coming weeks at Codman Community Farms. Click here for information on all of the farm’s events.

Seed-Saving Workshop
Friday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon
With CCF education, outreach and volunteer coordinator Jess Myles (held at Concord Library Fowler branch, 1322 Main St., Concord). Click here to register.

Farm to Table Brunch Tours
Saturday, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Come to the farm to collect your own eggs and veggies and then cook it in our kitchen. This is a combination walking tour of the farm, vegetable harvest, cooking session, and finally brunch. Cost: $55 for adults, $35 for kids. Click here to register.

Flowers in the Field Happy Hour
Saturday, Sept. 16 from 4–5:30 p.m.
What could be better than watching the sunset from our flower patch, with delicious farm snacks and friends? This is a perfect chance to get outside for a night off and enjoy the beauty of the farm, with your own bouquet to bring home. Cost: $40. Click here to register.

Flower Crowns for Kids
Sunday, Sept. 17 from 2-4 p.m.
This class is all about celebrating fall colors and having fun crafting with natural materials. In this class, each kid will learn how to make a traditional flower crown with a combination of fresh and dried flowers to wear and keep. Cost: $40. Click here to register.

Sugar Shack story time
Wednesdays, Sept. 20 to Oct. 25 from 4:15–5 p.m.
Our own Sarah Bishop will be back with her bag of books! Wonderful, funny, and artful stories for kids ages 3-5. Free, but registration is required to drop off tour child; click here.

Cooking at the Farm: Canning Basics with Historic New England
Saturday, Sept. 23 from 2–4 p.m.
We’ll start with a brief tour of the kitchens and grounds at the Codman Estate (including the old greenhouse!) and learn about Dorothy Codman’s family canning recipes and traditions. Then we’ll head to the newly renovated CCF commercial kitchen for a class on the basics of canning with our own farm-grown vegetables. Class fee: $65. Click here to register.

Annual Harvest Feast and Fair 
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30–Oct. 1
Details TBA; click here for more information.

Medicinal Herb Farm Walk
Thursday, Oct. 5 from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Join us for a guided walk around the farm with Lincoln’s Lucia Longnecker. We’ll learn how to identify common weeds as well as farm-grown herbs and flowers in their different stages of growth, learn ways to preserve their medicinal qualities, and discuss their traditional medicinal uses. Each participant will get to harvest materials to create their own herbal tea blend. Couse fee: $25. Click here to register.

Fermented Vegetables
Saturday, Oct. 14 from 2–4 p.m.
In this hands-on class, we’ll discuss a little about the traditions and nutrition of fermented foods, and then we’ll make our own sauerkraut and taste a variety of other naturally fermented vegetable condiments. Click here for more information.

Online training for hospice volunteers

Care Dimensions will hold online training classes for those interested in becoming volunteers for the nonprofit organization. Volunteers can help patients by engaging in a shared interest or hobby, helping with letter-writing or life review, reading aloud, listening and providing a supportive, comforting presence, and visiting with your approved dog. Volunteers visit patients in their homes, in facilities, and at our hospice houses in Lincoln and Danvers. If patient visits are not the right fit, 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, Oct. 16 to Nov. 8 from 9-11 a.m. (register by October 2). For more information or to register, click here or email volunteerinfo@caredimensions.org.

Swap shed needs volunteer help

The swap shed at the transfer station is seeking volunteers to help continue reducing waste by reusing and recycling. Volunteers are needed to help residents place their items in the appropriate area, make sure items are acceptable, and help keep the swap shed organized and safe for all to enjoy. Shifts are available Wednesdays and Saturdays for two to four hours. You can commit to once a week, twice a week, once a month, or whatever works with your schedule. If you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Susan Donaldson at the DPW (donaldsons@lincolntown.org).

Small fire extinguished at 160 Lincoln Rd.

The charred ceiling and attic insulation at the foot of the attic ladder at 160 Lincoln Rd. (Photos courtesy Lincoln Fire Department)

Tenants and visitors evacuated the commercial building along the railroad tracks on Friday, Sept. 1 after a malfunctioning bathroom ceiling fan started a small fire.

Lincoln firefighters responded to a fire alarm activation at the building at 160 Lincoln Rd. at 2:03 p.m. and found the fire in the ceiling fan of the women’s room on the second floor. Someone in the building had already used a fire extinguisher but the fire was not completely out, so firefighters used another extinguisher. Because a thermal imaging camera detected high temperatures in the ceiling, firefighters brought up a fire hose in case the fire had spread to the attic, but they didn’t need to use it, although the attic insulation had started to ignite.

Damage was limited to the ceiling and the floor littered with fire extinguisher material in the bathroom and hallway, as well as some burned insulation.

“The cause does appear to be electrical, but more importantly, thanks to working smoke detectors and early notification, the best possible outcome was accomplished. We would like to thank those bystanders for reporting and helping as well as all of our mutual aid partners for their assistance,” the Fire Department posted on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Units from Concord, Sudbury and Wayland also responded.