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

My Turn: Schools drive CCBC discussion at July 26 meeting

Editor’s note: this article was updated on July 31 at the author’s request to correct a link at the end of the paragraph starting with “A low-cost option…” and make a late-breaking correction to the bulleted list of cost options. Alison Taunton-Rigby’s quote (“All three programs…”) was also moved from what the editor believes is the logical spot in the piece to the addendum at the end.

By Lynne Smith

At the July 26 CCBC meeting, Susan Taylor, the School Committee’s liaison to the Community Center Building Committee, raised concerns about trading off the needs of existing programs on the Hartwell campus to accommodate the latest community center options. The issue of access to and renovation of the LEAP building (Pod C), the maintenance workshop, and the area behind Magic Garden (the former “Strat’s Place” playground) fueled a discussion that could complicate plans for the community center.

The community center was proposed to provide better facilities for the Council on Aging and Human Services and the Parks and Recreation Department. The decision to locate the project on the Hartwell campus, of necessity, incorporated the existing school stakeholders. Adding school needs will escalate the cost significantly. At the meeting, it seemed we were discussing a continuation of the school project, not the community center. Much time and energy were expended in debating how the plan could accommodate all needs. Taylor noted that school parent voters were likely to be a significant voting bloc.

After much back-and-forth discussion regarding the school needs and how they might be met, CCBC member Alison Taunton-Rigby suggested that the committee should consider thinking about three projects: one is the community center housing COA/HS and PRD, one is LEAP and its needs, and one is the school’s maintenance workshop. 

In my opinion, this idea has real merit. It might mean allocating funds differently — deferring the renovation of LEAP, the maintenance workshop, and Strat’s Place to future capital budgets.

ICON did not give cost estimates but presented site plans for three levels:

  • three options for up to 100% of the most recent $30 million cost estimate
  • four options for up to 75%
  • one option for up to 50%

A low-cost option is the one that I think will pass a town vote, but it needs more work. I was disappointed that the 50% option shown at the prior meeting on June 28, which included new construction on the site of Pod A and renovation of Pod B, was not developed for this session.  The site plans from both the June 28 and July 26 meetings are available here. 

After the site plan discussions, Taunton-Rigby showed a benchmark analysis of community centers in neighboring towns. She also requested a “working group” meeting to go over in detail the programmatic spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is the key to the architect’s understanding of the building needs, but it has not received a full review by the committee. The committee plans to schedule one or more working groups to hash out the program space requirements. (For more detail on program requirements, see my July 3 Lincoln Squirrel piece.)

ICON is doing a good job at trying to manage a project whose needs keep changing. The CCBC is doing a good job airing all concerns. At some point, though, some tough calls will need to be made to arrive at designs that will pass a town vote.

I urge all residents to continue to follow developments on the lincolncommunitycenter.com website. There will be one more public meeting with ICON on August 16. That will give more direction for the presentation at the State of the Town meeting on September 30 where cost estimates will be presented.

Editor’s note: Susan Taylor and Alison Taunton-Rigby asked to include the following at the end of Smith’s piece:

“The decision to design this project for the Ballfield Road campus impacts our schools in many ways — most important is the safety of our children and also support of the essential education programs and services that already operate in the design space. There will be tradeoffs as we consider design options at different price points. I want to be sure the needs of [the Lincoln Public Schools], LEAP, and Magic Garden are key in our decision-making at each cost level,” Taylor said.

“All three programs — the community center, LEAP, and the maintenance workshop — have different needs and solutions but are part of the overall project,” Taunton-Rigby said.

“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.

Gerald Lee Foster, 1936–2023

Gerry Foster

Gerald Lee Foster, Lincoln architect, artist and author, died, on June 25 in Lincoln. He was 86. An artist from the start, Gerry’s skill carried him through a rich life, often by unexpected turns. He was at one time a student of the Boston painter R.H. Ives Gammell and later a vice president of The Architects Collaborative, the famous firm founded by Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius.

Born on July 13, 1936, in Marshall, Mo., Gerry arrived in the midst of both the Great Depression and a legendary heat wave so ferocious that insects disappeared, weary sleepers dragged mattresses outdoors, and Gerry’s blistered head was covered with wet cloth for fear the heat would kill him. His parents, Albert B. Foster and Esther Mason, resided in Keytesville, where Albert was the high school “ag” teacher, near the Mason farm. Forever beloved by Gerry, “the farm” became a frequent vacation spot for the family, with its cow, chickens, hogs, mules (Tom and Jerry), and a fine pair of doting grandparents.

Albert soon took a job with Roosevelt’s expanded Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the family began a dizzying series of moves, finally coming to rest outside Milwaukee at Whitefish Bay in 1947. By that time, Gerry had been joined by younger siblings Ken, Dave, and Martha. Early on, Gerry showed a natural ability in art and was encouraged by family friend Felix Summers, an SCS illustrator. At school he was a good athlete and bright pupil, but often a poor student: he preferred to draw during class.

Graduating from high school in 1954, Gerry loved drawing and cars but lacked direction, so he joined the Air Force. He served as crew chief for a B-47 bomber at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and in a tactical missile squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. His art followed him: he painted teeth on his aircraft, which were removed by orders, and added murals to one of his bases, for which he was commended. According to Gerry, the Air Force straightened him out, while road trips to Europe’s museums showed him there was more to art than car illustration.

Discharged in 1958, Gerry married Patricia Patrick of Orlando, worked in an aircraft factory, and painted hotel murals for architect Harry Merritt, Jr. Moving to Milwaukee in 1959, Gerry was a semi-Beat, enjoying Kerouac, jazz, car races, road trips, and boisterous parties, one of which got the couple kicked out of an apartment. He tried a semester at the University of Wisconsin, and failed everything but his art classes — because they were the only classes he went to. Instead, he got a job selling sports cars for race car driver and brewery heir Augie Pabst, work at which he excelled, and occasionally served on Augie’s pit crew. A son, Mark, was born in 1961.

The first of two pivotal moments in Gerry’s early life came in 1962, after the family moved to New London, Conn. While selling Mercedes for T.N.M. Lathrop, Gerry happened to enter an art contest, which he won, and which led to an interview with the Boston painter R.H. Ives Gammell. Gammell accepted Gerry as a student and Gerry spent a year of intensive study with the painter at Boston’s Fenway Studios, an experience that had a significant impact on Gerry’s art. Gammell would be a lifelong influence, yet Gerry grew increasingly interested in modern architecture and was desperately short of money — which brought a second turning point.

By chance, one of Gerry’s landlords was designer and feminist Fran Hoskens, who had hired Gerry to do several drawings. She connected Gerry to Louis MacMillan, a principal at The Architects Collaborative (TAC), the famous Cambridge firm established by Walter Gropius and his students. Louis asked Gerry if he could draw buildings, whereupon Gerry went home, drew, and returned, only to be asked again if he could draw buildings. The process repeated until one meeting when sketches of highway construction equipment happened to fall from Gerry’s portfolio. Louis asked to see them. “If you can do that,” said Louis, “you can draw buildings.” In 1963, Gerry was hired as an “office boy” in TAC office services, but was soon asked to sit down and draft. He never got up.

Gerry spent two decades at TAC. He mastered the design of medical and research facilities, becoming a team leader, an associate (1976), and finally a vice president (1980). He studied for a year at the Boston Architectural Center, won the Outstanding Student Award, and quit — he said he was learning more at work. He briefly worked for Ben Thompson, but it was principal Roland Kluver that became his friend and mentor. Gerry, as Roland noted, had a rare combination of conceptual design skill and practical knowledge of construction, as well as a natural ability as a team leader, which brought the respect of his team. A skilled artist, Gerry occasionally provided renderings for his own projects which reflected the modernism he admired, and took pride in those projects consistently producing earnings for the firm. He designed buildings in the U.S. and overseas, a small sampling of which includes the Seeley G. Mudd Building at Harvard Medical School, the Nursing and Allied Sciences Building at the University of Vermont, and Deaconess Hospital’s William A. Meissner Building (since removed), which was his favorite.

TAC also provided a community of dear friends, for whom Gerry often created cartoons marking birthdays and other events that affectionately poked fun at the recipient. As Gerry was fond of recounting, he himself received unique recognition: noting his singular rise from office boy to associate, the staff in TAC office services, generally aspiring architects, created a small “Gerry Foster Shrine” at which to worship. Looking back at the humble start that led to his 20-year career at TAC, Gerry said simply, “It came to me naturally.”

In 1968, Gerry married Diana Wallace of Cambridge and in 1972 rented a dilapidated house deep in the woods in Lincoln. In 1975, Gerry married Candace Frankman, a former TAC employee, originally of Hopkins, Minn. They bought the dilapidated house, significantly improved it, built a second house on the Cape, and added two children, Ryan and Shelby, to the family. In 1982, Gerry established his own small firm, Gerald Foster, Inc., where he continued with institutional work and the occasional residence. In 1989, he merged with Linea 5, Inc., which now specializes in the work he introduced them to.

In the 1990s, as the constraints of his profession loosened, other interests cultivated throughout Gerry’s life emerged. They were indulged in a studio above the garage, crowded with books, art materials, and a menagerie of objects. He attended UMass-Amherst’s University Without Walls program to study art and received his bachelor’s degree in 1993. He returned to painting, often portraying the broad farmland of central Missouri, and exhibited at the Concord Art Association and elsewhere. He took classes in painting at deCordova Museum with Kathleen (Dudty) Fletcher, who became a dear friend. He studied sailboat design and model trains and did illustration, including work for Historic New England, the National Park Service, Nantucket Historical Association and, on one occasion, the New York Times Magazine. He produced A Field Guide to Airplanes (1984; 2006) with friend and Boston Globe columnist M.R. Montgomery; wrote and illustrated guides to trains (1996) and houses (2004); and illustrated the children’s book, Whale Port (2007), which won a Massachusetts Book Award. Though supposedly retired, in later years he took great pleasure in working part-time for Designer Cabinetry in Newton designing high-end kitchens.

Gerry balanced all this with care for his younger children. His services were extensive and varied. He was a regular partner for evening basketball and catch until it grew too dark to see, in addition to coaching baseball and soccer. He provided design consultation and construction services for dollhouses. He produced Chinese food twice a week, in a cooking process that included dancing and sound effects. He lightened the day with humorous reports on the activities of pets during school hours. He was a reliable and knowledgeable companion for long walks to the bus stop and for watching baseball games and Formula 1 races. He facilitated trips to Fenway Park, baseball camp, and racing school. He provided town-wide taxi service and unlimited (and patient) homework assistance. And he entertained everyone at Christmas by dancing to Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Run, Run, Rudolph” (he was a big Springsteen fan).

Gerry was never without a pen. He processed his life through drawing and he could draw anything. A designer, he evaluated all — as when, while arranging his father’s cremation, he paused to critique the funeral home’s interior finishes. He loved nature — binoculars and field guides were always near — and gardening. He was a gentle man, with a sense of humor, often at his own expense. He could be silly, as when he stood at the dishwasher and tossed dishes across the room to one of his children, who, laughing, would put them away. He was a pleasure to talk with, as he knew at least something about most things, though especially art and architecture, and yet never imposed. He was an unquenchable reader (fiction and nonfiction), always with a stack of books next to the bed and a pile of finished crosswords on it. He read the Boston Globe, the New York Times and the New Yorker until his last day. Having seen more than his share of hard times, Gerry was kind. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed any time he spent with his own children, who worried about him constantly and loved him dearly. He often said, “It’s my children that keep me going.”

Gerry passed quietly in his sleep, at home, as he had hoped. The day that followed turned into the first real day of summer, with a hot sun beating down and tall thunderstorms rolling through in the afternoon. It was the kind of weather he had always loved because it reminded him of Missouri.

Gerry is survived by his son Mark Foster and his wife Erin Wells of Arlington, son Ryan Foster and his wife Alyssa of Newton, and daughter Shelby O’Neill and her husband William of Harvard. He was proud “Grandad” to Coraline, Chase, Levi, and Finn. He is also survived by his partner, Candace Foster of Lincoln, and his sister, Martha Lurz of Annapolis, Md.

At his request, a celebration of his life will be held one year from now. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 (www.massaudubon.org).

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. For Gerry’s online guestbook, please click here.

News acorns

Athena Montori (right)performs with Circus Smirkus.

Lincoln’s Montori returns with Circus Smirkus

Lincoln’s acrobatic teenager Athena Montori (the subject of a Lincoln Squirrel feature article in 2022) will be performing with Circus Smirkus on July 28-31 at Gore Place in Waltham. Click here for details.

Library features photos by Steven Edson

The Lincoln Public Library will display fine art photographs by Steven Edson in its main gallery starting on July 28. He attempts to describe moments in transition while observing the complexity and vastness of people, land, and objects within constantly changing conditions. For these brief moments, time stands still for eternity.

Natalie McCarthy in Thailand with an elephant friend.

McCarthy does pre-veterinarian work in Thailand

Natalie McCarthy of Lincoln, a 2022 alumna at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, recently spent three months in Thailand helping animals and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Traveling on the Thailand Veterinary Semester Abroad hosted by study-abroad organization Loop Abroad, Natalie was part of a small team that learned alongside veterinarians from around the globe while volunteering with elephants, sea turtles and other marine life, zoo animals, and shelter dogs. Some of her most interesting projects were volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and helping provide medical care for elephants, creating enrichment projects for zoo animals, and living on the island of Koh Tao for three weeks studying marine biology and helping to restore coral reefs and protect sea turtles. Natalie and her team also helped at a spay and neuter clinic for dogs in the rural mountain villages of northern Thailand.

Lincoln resident honored by Rep. Peisch for volunteer service

On behalf of Rep. Alice Peisch, Minuteman Senior Services Ombudsman Program Director Krystyn Milone (second from left) presents Janna Hadley (third from left) with her award. With them are Volunteer Coordinator Yuen Li (far left) and Director of Community Programs Hilary Viola.

For 24 years, Lincoln resident Janna Hadley has volunteered with Minuteman Senior Services to support her older neighbors, and State Rep. Alice Peisch (D–14th Norfolk) recently awarded her a citation to honor her service. While nearly 90% of older adults want to remain in their homes as they age, the nation-wide home care workforce shortage makes meeting this wish a challenge, and Hadley is a longtime volunteer with the organization’s Ombudsman program.

Police log for July 14–24, 2023

July 14

Windingwood Lane (11:24 a.m.) — An officer responded to a residence to speak with an individual reporting identity fraud.

Aspen Circle (12:14 p.m.) — A resident observed a dog off leash near their property. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:44 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded for a two-car crash. Massachusetts State Police handled the matter.

Old Concord Road (4:35 p.m.) — An individual came to the station and spoke with an officer regarding possible fraud.

July 15

Lincoln Road (1:44 a.m.) — An officer observed a vehicle that was parked with its lights on, apparently by accident. A message was left for the homeowner.

Baker Bridge Road (4:28 p.m.) — An officer conducted parking enforcement on Baker Bridge Road.

Trapelo Road (7:16 p.m.) — A motorist reported striking a goose. Upon the officer’s arrival, the goose had made its way to the Cambridge Reservoir.

Wells Road (8:15 pm.) — The Fire Department responded for the odor of natural gas. Upon arrival, they discovered that an unlit cooking element had been venting a small amount of gas. The residence was vented as a precaution.

July 16

Trapelo Road (2:33 a.m.) — An officer observed two garage doors that had been left open. Attempts to contact the homeowner were not successful.

July 17

River Street, Waltham (12:36 a.m.) — An officer assisted a resident in getting to Waltham.

Wells Road (11:50 a.m.) — An officer stood by while an individual collected some items from a residence.

Oriole Landing (3:08 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding possible check fraud.

North Great Road (3:35 p.m.) — Officers responded for a two-vehicle crash. The operators of a car and truck reported side-swiping each other when the truck entered the car’s travel lane. There was minimal damage to each vehicle. Officers assisted the operators with exchanging pertinent paperwork.

Wells Road (4:21 p.m.) — An officer spoke to two parties regarding a court order.

Conant Road (8:14 p.m.) — An officer served court paperwork.

July 18

Wells Road (12:29 a.m.) — An officer spoke with a resident regarding an issue with a neighbor.

Aspen Circle (12:09 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a scam.

Walden Pond boat ramp, Concord Road — 1:59 p.m. — The Concord Fire Department requested the Lincoln fire boat for a water rescue at Walden Pond. The individual was removed from the water prior to the boat arriving on scene.

Kelly Lane, Hanscom AFB (4:16 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual reporting unemployment fraud.

Wells Road (7:34 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding the interpretation of some court documents.

July 19

Page Road (3:16 p.m.) — The Fire Department checked a residence for an odor of natural gas. They metered the area and had zero readings.

July 20

Trapelo Road (7:43 am.) — An unleashed dog was located on Trapelo Road. The Animal Control Officer was contacted.

Ridge Road (12:11 p.m.) — An individual reported observing a landscape company operating a gas-powered leaf blower. The company was notified of the ordinance.

July 21

Lincoln Road (8:27 a.m.) — A resident reported larceny of checks from a mailbox.

Brooks Hill Road (1:19 p.m.) — A resident called to report a missing cat. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Concord Turnpike westbound — A caller reported a two-vehicle crash on Route 2. The Massachusetts State Police were notified.

Reiling Pond Road (8:15 p.m.) — A resident required assistance gaining entry into their home.

July 22

Hillside Road (9:52 a.m.) — A resident called to request a check on an apparently faulty fire/CO2 detector. The Fire Department responded.

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (10:40 a.m.) — A caller reported that landscapers at the Carroll School were using gas-powered leaf blowers. An officer arrived and spoke to the landscape company.

Bayberry Road, Weston (2:29 p.m.) — A caller reported their dog had been missing for approximately 45 minutes. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Todd Pond Road (3:04 p.m.) — A resident reported vandalism to a structure on their property.

Millstone Lane (3:52 p.m.) — A dog was located by the side of the road. The Animal Control Officer was located.

Millstone Lane (4:32 p.m.) — The dog was reunited with its owner but they were having difficulty corralling the dog. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Harvest Circle (8:41 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded for the odor of natural gas. The structures were checked but zero readings were registered.

Lewis Street (9:19 p.m.) — A caller reported the sound of fireworks in the area of Lewis Street. An officer checked the area and was unable to locate evidence of fireworks.

July 23

Baker Bridge Road (4:08 p.m.) — Officers performed parking enforcement on Baker Bridge Road.

July 24

Twin Pond Lane (2:16 a.m.) — A resident reported receiving harassing phone calls.

Bedford Lane (11:34 a.m.) — A caller reported an encounter with an individual asking about homes in the area. Police conducted a check but were unable to locate the individual.

Mary’s Way (1:13 p.m.) — Officers conducted a well-being check of a resident.

South Great Road (5:46 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a vehicle traveling on Route 117 with a door open. The vehicle was stopped and the operator was advised.

Greystone Lane, Sudbury (6:34 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded for a mutual-aid fire.

Page Road (8:38 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a lynx in their yard.

Property sales in May 2023

8C North Commons — Shanshan Yue to Aditi Agashe and Radhakrishnan Srinivasan for $445,000 (May 30)

82 Virginia Rd. #A102 — Anne Coyle to Harold Posgate for $216,706 (May 31)

47 Deerhaven Rd. — Thomas Griggs Jr. to Clary Realty Trust for $1,100,000 (May 1)

24 Sandy Pond Rd. — Geoffrey Hargreaves Heald to Douglas A. Melton Trust and Gail A. O’Keefe Trust for $1,950,000 (May 31)

58 Weston Rd. — Joachim Fruebis Trust to Vincent Roche 2004 Trust for $3,250,000 (May 1)

139 South Great Rd. — Lawrence B. Cohen Trust to Ethan Litman and Cara Sunberg for $1,007,000 (May 8)

140 Lincoln Rd. #115 — Mary S. Cancian Trust to Kathleen Stewart for $418,000 (May 8)

136 Weston Rd. — Jude McColgan to 126 Weston Rd. Nominee Trust for $2,480,000 (May 31)

194 Lincoln Rd. — Umar Ashad to Benjamin Shiller and Laurie Gray for $1,920,000 (May 16)

300 South Great Rd. — Daniel A. Nelson to Robert Haslinger and Rheinila Fernandes for $1,764,750 (May 11)

Daniel C. Boynton, 1934–2023

Dan Boynton

Daniel Chase Boynton, 89, a visionary leader, compassionate advocate, and founder of Bay Cove Human Services, passed away on July 17 due to complications from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit, impact on the community, and pioneering work in the field of mental health services for underserved populations will long be remembered.

Born on July 2, 1934 in Providence, R.I., Dan’s path was not predetermined; rather, it found him along the way. While his passion for audio technology led him to establish Audio Lab and become a pioneer in the home stereo business, it was his empathy, compassion, and deep-rooted belief that “there are no throwaway people” that ultimately guided him toward a greater purpose.

After selling Audio Lab in 1973, Dan spent two years as owner and publisher of the Provincetown Advocate, where he transformed the newspaper’s mission by giving voice to the LGBTQ community and the emerging feminist movement. He recognized Provincetown as a haven for the LGBTQ community during a crucial time when gay rights uprisings were sweeping across the nation.

In 1975, Dan’s life took a defining turn. Having survived his own childhood trauma and recognizing the unmet needs of individuals facing post-traumatic, mental health and substance abuse, Dan founded Bay Cove Human Services, a nonprofit organization committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to those most in need. Dan’s tireless efforts to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity propelled the organization from a single program in Dorchester to dozens of programs serving thousands across the greater Boston area.

Dan and his wife Janet have been members of the Lincoln community since 1976. He was an active and committed member of the First Parish in Lincoln, where he served as chair of the Parish Committee and co-chair of the Social Concerns Committee. He was also a founding member of FPL’s community garden, providing fresh produce for local food programs.

Dan’s work at Bay Cove inspired Tucker Smith, a fellow parishioner at FPL, to establish “Fifty Families,” a heartwarming initiative that gathers hundreds of Christmas gifts each year for underserved children in Bay Cove’s Early Intervention program.

Dan is survived by his loving wife Janet and their children Carol, Wendy, Peter, and David; his twin brother Dick, and older brother Hal. He was also the proud grandfather of Rowan, Greg, Will, John, Lindsey, and Sage. His family was a constant source of love and support throughout his life and shares his passion for making a positive impact on the world.

A memorial service to honor Dan Boynton’s life and achievements will be held at First Parish in September. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CurePSP (psp.org) or Bay Cove Human Services (www.baycovehumanservices.org). Dan donated his brain tissue to Mayo Clinic’s CurePSP research, ensuring that his legacy of helping others would extend beyond his lifetime.

John A. Pike passes away at age 92

John A. Pike

John A. Pike of Lincoln passed away on July 19, 2023 at the age of 92. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease.

A graduate of Williams College and Harvard Law School, John chose to devote many years of service to Belmont Hill School, which held a special place in his heart from the days when he attended with Dixon, his younger brother, great friend, and hockey teammate.

Following his retirement from Ropes & Gray after 36 years as a corporate and real estate lawyer, he worked with the Conservation Law Foundation on issues of the environment and public interest until his health prevented him from continuing with his work.

An avid hockey fan, particularly of the Boston Bruins, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, he exemplified dignity, integrity, and fortitude, and, while gracious and respectful, he was a man who did not shrink from whatever responsibilities and challenges life presented. John was comfortable in the corporate world but happiest when he was splitting wood and driving his tractor on some project around his family property in Randolph, Vt., or enjoying fun and games with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

He reluctantly leaves behind his beloved wife and constant companion of 65 years, Polly, his five children, his 10 grandchildren, and many friends and admirers, all of whom will cherish memories of his calm demeanor, sage advice, dry sense of humor, possibly his mischievous side, and definitely his hands, which were warm and strong to the end.

A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in John’s online guestbook, please click here.

House and car break-ins seen in Lincoln and other towns

A July 9 house break-in and burglary on Davison Drive appears to be part of a regional pattern, according to Lincoln police, who also noted an uptick of car break-ins and thefts.

“The region has seen a significant number of house breaks where the victims are of an Indian or Asian descent. This trend is not just being seen in Massachusetts, but all over the country,” Lincoln police said in a statement. “The burglars are focusing on jewelry and cash inside the home. These groups appear to be very well organized. This is Lincoln’s first of this nature, however several area towns have experienced them in Weston, Wellesley, Natick, Easton, North Attleboro, and Hopkinton. The losses in these house breaks have been significant. We urge residents to use their burglar alarms and video surveillance systems, let their neighbors know that they’re going to be away, and report any suspicious activity. We continue to be in contact with local, state, and federal partners regarding the investigation.”

Police also received reports on the morning of July 13 that the cars of residents on Concord Road and Bedford Road had been broken into and gone through. The cars were all unlocked, though nothing was stolen from them.

“The area has seen an uptick in cars getting broken into which are unlocked. If the keys are found to be inside, the thieves are stealing the cars,” Lincoln police said. “Concord had two cars stolen the same night of our car breaks, and we had a car stolen a couple weeks ago [on Trapelo Road on the night of June 23]. We remind residents to lock their cars and report any suspicious activity.”

Police log for July 5–13, 2023

July 5

Huckleberry Hill (9:43 a.m.) — A home health care agency called seeking a well-being check on a resident who wasn’t answering the door. They called back to cancel as they made contact with the resident.

Bypass Road (3:01 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance with an owl in their yard. Resident was referred to Drumlin Farm.

July 6

Lincoln Road (2:30 p.m.) — A caller reported three dogs inside a vehicle and was concerned. An officer responded and spoke to the owner. The dogs were fine.

Baker Bridge Road (8:18 p.m.) — A caller reported a party waving a stick at cars on Baker Bridge Road near Sandy Pond Rd. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anyone.

July 7

Ridge Road (9:12 a.m.) — A caller requested a well-being check on a resident who they couldn’t get in touch with. An officer responded everything was fine.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (10:03 a.m.) — A caller requested an officer to assist with a civil matter. An officer responded and assisted the residents.

Old Concord Road (11:14 a.m.) — A resident called reported a vehicle parked blocking a fire hydrant. An officer responded and the vehicle was towed.

Wells Road (12:50 p.m.) — Officers responded to a well-being check on a resident. Everything was fine.

Harvest Circle (1:04 p.m.) — Staff members called reported a missing person. Officers investigated and located the resident, who was in the hospital.

Trapelo Road (1:18 p.m.) — An officer located people fishing in the reservoir. They were moved along.

South Commons (3:35 p.m.) — A person came to the station to report that over the past two years, their cars have been scratched and damaged while in the lot. An officer documented the incident.

Hanscom Air Force Base (5:30 p.m.) — A resident turned in ammunition to be destroyed.

July 8

Stratford Way (7:26 a.m.) — A resident called requested a site check of their home. An officer checked the residence and everything was fine.

Wells Road (6:50 p.m.) — A resident called to report someone had sprayed soda on their car time overnight. An officer responded and documented the incident.

July 9

Codman Community Farms (7:18 a.m.) — Police received a report that a sheep was in walking in the roadway. The farmer was contacted and handled the matter.

Ridge Road (10:21 a.m.) — A person came to the station to see if anyone had been complaining about their dog barking at the complex.

Conant Road (11:59 a.m.) — A resident reported that their dog had been bitten by a coyote in their yard. Animal Control was contacted.

South Great Road (1:25 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing a coyote near the Weston town line. Animal Control was contacted.

Davison Drive (1:41 p.m.) — A resident reported that their residence was burglarized while they were away. Officers responded and an investigation is ongoing.

Lexington Road, Concord (1:49 p.m.) — Lincoln firefighters assisted the Concord Fire Department at a shed fire in their town.

Baker Bridge Road (3:37 p.m.) — An officer addressed cars parked in the No Parking zone.

Concord Road (4:36 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in locating a person involved with several fires in their town. Lincoln officer checked the area but were unable to locate them. The person was later located out of town.

Lexington Road (7:52 p.m.) — A resident reported that individuals knocked on her door and then ran from the area. The juveniles were later identified and their parents were spoken to about the behavior.

July 10

Codman Road (4:33 p.m.) — A caller said they thought they were being followed by a car carrier. While on the phone, the caller reported the vehicle turned off onto a side road and everything was fine.

July 11

Oak Meadow Road (3:07 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in locating a person who may have been involved in a minor crash in their town. An officer responded and the person was not at the Lincoln residence.

Sandy Pond Road (6:51 p.m.) — An officer checked on someone fishing at the pump house. The person was advised not to fish and sent on their way.

July 12

Lexington Road (11:55 a.m.) — A caller reported discarded Amazon boxes along the side of the roadway. An officer located the boxes, which had been there for a significant amount of time.

Indian Camp Lane (12:30 p.m.) — Police and fire personnel responded for a well-being check. Officers made contact with the party and everything was fine.

Lincoln Road (1:06 p.m.) — The Fire Department assisted a resident with a house lockout.

Colonial Place, Hanscom AFB (2:10 p.m.) — An officer took a fraud report. It was later determined to have happened out of state.

Wells Road (5:05 p.m.) — A person asked an officer to stand by while retrieving items from a residence.

Weston Road (5:51 p.m.) — A caller reported that a vehicle struck a deer along Weston Road. Officers checked the area but the car and deer were gone on arrival.

July 13

Concord Road (8:49 a.m.) — A resident report that their unlocked car was broken into overnight and gone through. No items were stolen.

Bedford Road (9:35 a.m.) — A resident reported that three of their cars were broken into overnight. Nothing was stolen from the cars; all were unlocked.

Old Concord Road (9:32 a.m.) — A resident reported that someone damaged their generator. The damage was found during a service call. An officer responded and took a report.

Ryan Estate (10:08 a.m.) — A resident called to report that someone backed into a lamp post on the property and then left. An officer responded and was able to make contact with the driver, who will handle the matter with the property owner.

Tower Road (12:32 p.m.) — A resident called to complain that a landscaper was parked at their property and refused to leave. An officer responded and spoke to the landscaper, who agreed to move the vehicle.

Old Sudbury Road (3:11 p.m.) — A resident dropped off some ammunition at the station to be destroyed.

News acorns

Summer concerts at Codman Pool

The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring summer concerts at the Codman Pool on five Wednesday evenings:

Film screening: “Cold War”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Cold War” (2018) on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. Set against the background of the Cold War in the 1950s in Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, the film directed by Pawel Pawlikowski (88 minutes in Polish with English subtitles) depicts an impossible love story in impossible times.

Food pantry, Lovelane awarded grants

Two Lincoln organizations have received grants from the Sudbury Foundation in its second round of granting for 2023. The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry received $3,000 while the Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program was awarded $10,640 for a pilot program with the Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital. The foundation awarded a total of $887,829 to 42 organizations in this round. In 2022 it distributed $1.78 million in grants and scholarships to students and organizations in Sudbury, organizations in communities surrounding Sudbury focused on children, youth and families, and Massachusetts organizations engaged in farm and local food initiatives. 

The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee and the Select Boards of Lincoln and Sudbury announce a vacancy for the position of School Committee member. Anyone interested in applying should complete submit the attached LSSC application to Donna Cakert, District Clerk at donna_cakert@lsrhs.net or schoolcom@lsrhs.net. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.

Obituaries

Evelyn Harris

Evelyn Harris

Evelyn B. Harris of Old Sudbury Road passed away on July 10, 2023 at the age of 94. Evelyn had resided in Lincoln since 1963 and was known to many Lincoln residents as a pianist, piano teacher, bee-keeper, and nature lover. Interment will be private, with a memorial celebration to be announced later this year. Evelyn is survived by her son David Harris and his wife Amy, both Lincoln residents; her son Glenn Harris and his wife Vicky of Vienna, Va.; and four grandchildren.

Milton Davis

There will be a celebration of the life of Milton Davis, who died on June 11, 2023 at age 86, on Sunday, July 16 from 3–5 p.m. at The Commons in Lincoln. Click here to read his obituary on legacy.com.

E. Laurie Tolman

Dr. E. Laurie Tolman passed away on June 24 at the age of 88. Click here to read his obituary on legacy.com.

The Lincoln Squirrel publishes complete obituaries and photos that are provided by funeral homes for a fee. Others are located on legacy.com or provided directly by families.