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

A look at town election candidates who are running uncontested

Following are responses from some of the Lincolnites who are running uncontested as first-time or incumbent candidates on the March 27 town election. The Lincoln Squirrel previously published articles looking at the contested races for Planning Board and School Committee. 

Kim Bodnar

Running for: Select Board (first-time candidate)

Kim Bodnar

1. What made you decide to run for this board or committee?

From my family’s earliest days in Lincoln, I have valued my time first as a school volunteer and then as a town volunteer. As a member of the School Building Committee (SBC), I enjoyed my time collaborating with other boards, committees and town staff and have learned so much by listening to and engaging with other residents. Although challenging, I also appreciate the moments in the committee where we had to debate, question, and make hard decisions to come to a consensus and move the project forward. As it winds down, I realized that it is these connections and moments that I would miss most, and this is what brings me to my next chapter as a volunteer. I appreciate and value the input from residents and, as a Select Board member, look forward to expanding my scope of work and problem solving for the betterment of Lincoln.

2. What would you bring to the table for this position in terms of specific professional and/or personal experience?

I believe my professional experience in project management and communication will serve me well on the Select Board. Being able to juggle multiple projects, understand the details of an issue, ask probing questions, and listen to feedback from different stakeholders while working towards positive outcomes are skills that I’ve developed in my professional background and while volunteering in Lincoln. I also value a collaborative, thoughtful approach that focuses on building consensus.

3. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the board or committee you’re running for, and, if elected, how do you plan to address it?

As a Select Board member, I will work to ensure that residents have relevant information in a timely manner to make important town decisions. To support that goal, often times the Select Board will bring together representatives from other town boards and committees to flesh out a topic, seek the necessary information, ask the pertinent questions, gather residents to hear feedback, and respond with an inclusive and thoughtful multi-board strategy. One of the challenges facing Lincoln today is housing, especially in the middle market. I support and greatly appreciate the efforts of our Housing Choice Act Working Group that was formed by the Select Board in 2022 as a response to the state’s Housing Choice Initiative, which was created to encourage towns and cities to approve zoning bylaws that help the state meet the high demand for housing. This is one of the state’s effort to tackle our housing crisis. As a community whose polling suggests we value more diversified housing, we must be open to creative and thoughtful problem solving that best serves the needs of our community. I look forward to collaborating with the talented volunteers on the Housing Commission, Planning Board, our town’s professional staff, the Housing Choice Act Working Group, and the many others involved to learn more about these challenges and how we might affect responsible change.

Manley Boyce

Running for: Cemetery Commission (incumbent)

I am Manley Boyce and I have been on the Cemetery Commission for some time now. I am retired but had been the director of transportation for the Concord-Carlisle High School and the Concord Schools after changing careers from working with Mobil Oil Company.

Our biggest challenge is addressing the needs of the Lincoln community regarding cemetery space. We are actively looking into finding more space in the future. We also need to focus on keeping our cemeteries in pristine condition. This includes reminding visitors who bring their leashed dogs to the cemetery that they need to respect our grounds by diligently removing any debris.

Neil Feinberg

Running for: Housing Commission (first-time candidate)

Neil Feinberg

1. What made you decide to run for this board or committee?

I decided to run for the Lincoln Housing Commission because of its pivotal role in managing Lincoln’s existing affordable housing stock and in creating additional affordable housing. I’m particularly interested in creating more affordable housing for seniors on fixed incomes, town employees, and children of present and past residents, as stated in the commission’s charter.

2. What would you bring to the table for this position in terms of specific professional and/or personal experience?

I have been a corporate recruiter most of my adult life. This has given me the opportunity to evaluate a person’s impact on organizations. Locally, I served as a Bemis Trustee, as a member and chairman of the Lincoln Celebrations Committee for over a decade, and as town treasurer and collector of taxes (don’t hold that last part against me). Also, for 20 years I wrote a highly influential (not really) weekly column about politics and life in Lincoln that appeared in the Lincoln Journal.

3. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the board or committee you’re running for, and, if elected, how do you plan to address it?

Without a doubt, Lincoln’s ability to comply with the state-mandated MBTA communities zoning law represents the Commission’s most significant challenge in the coming years. That law requires communities with MBTA service to allow multifamily housing within a half-mile of transit stations. Lincoln is required to submit zoning changes to allow such development in 2024. This is problematic for Lincoln, given the dearth of available land for development. Any solution will require great creativity. I look forward to playing a role in that process and in the town’s relationship with the Commonwealth.

Paul Fitzgerald

Running for: Commissioner of Trust Funds (incumbent)

I have been on the Commissions of Trust board for six years. This will be my second re-election. I am a general practice CPA with the Boston-based CPA firm R.A. Hall & Co., LLC.

One of the interesting conversations the board had was considering how to approach the petition in the town to divest from fossil fuels. Ultimately the board decided that it would not have any direct investment in fossil fuel stocks but would continue to use mutual funds which might or might not include some energy components.

The board also had to consider what the impact of this kind of decision could have on the town’s portfolio, as the same criteria could be applied to any number of socially contentious issues. At what point would restricted investment mean the town not giving student scholarships or shutting down other programs? While the town is not in that position now, the eventual impact of restrictions could lead to that situation.

The challenge for the board going forward is to see that the town’s portfolio performs reasonably and safely so that resources can be available to the town for the various programs to which people have contributed funds over its history can be maintained. I expect there will be various turbulence in the markets over the coming years. Our job is to screen out the noise and make sure that the town portfolio stays on a reasoned and secure footing.

Fred Mansfield

Running for: Board of Health (incumbent)

I have served on the Board of Health since 1996 and am an orthopedic spine surgeon (recently retired). Routine issues for the board include septic system inspection, permitting, and variances; inspection and permitting of food establishments — Donelan’s, Twisted Tree, Tack room, coffee shop at DeCordova, church kitchens, etc.; vaccination clinics; discussion of Covid prevention measures for schools, churches, Pierce House events, Bemis Hall, summer camps, and trails; and radon testing.

Our biggest challenge in the next three years (as always in the past) is to deal with each issue before us on the basis of scientific evidence (FDA, CDC, medical professional societies, public health societies), and then to convince Lincoln’s citizens of the reasonableness of our suggestions, since we have very limited enforcement power.

Lucy Maulsby

Running for: Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee (first-time candidate)

Lucy Maulsby

1. What made you decide to run for this board or committee?

With my eldest child joining LSRHS as a ninth-grader next year and another headed there in a few short years, I am especially looking forward to helping shape the future of L-S as the school transitions to new leadership at a critical time in the institution’s history.

2. What would you bring to the table for this position in terms of specific professional and/or personal experiences?

I am an Associate Professor at Northeastern University where, in addition to teaching courses in architectural history, I manage undergraduate programs and have served as chair of the School of Architecture. In these roles I am engaged in curriculum and program development, faculty assessment, budget preparation, staff reviews, hiring of faculty and staff, and student engagement and support.

I have also supported the Lincoln Public Schools as the School Committee appointee to the Library Board of Trustees (2019–present) and as a member at large and grant chair for the Lincoln School Foundation (2014–18). This work has instilled in me a deep appreciation for student-centered learning and the transformative potential of education.

Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and perspectives. As a Lincoln resident, I am excited to forge meaningful links between L-S and Lincoln, especially the Lincoln schools. As a parent, I look forward to supporting the continued growth of L-S as a vital and dynamic institution. As an educator, I am deeply committed to the transformative power of education and alert to the critical role high school plays in preparing students for the future.

3. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the board or committee you’re running for, and, if elected, how do you plan to address it?

I look forward to supporting the school during the transition to new leadership as the school welcomes a new principal/superintendent and several key administrators in the coming year. To facilitate this process, I will aim to forge connections between leadership within L-S and the communities of which the school is a part; and foster an environment of thoughtful, respectful, and transparent participation and debate within the School Committee.

Ravi Simon

Running for: Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee (first-time candidate)

Ravi Simon

1. What made you decide to run for this board or committee?

My experience in the public schools, especially Lincoln-Sudbury, profoundly shaped the person I have become, including my career in public service. I am excited to be running for School Committee because, as a member of the Class of 2015, I still see myself in the student body and I feel a strong sense of responsibility for our high school. First as a student, then as a legislative staffer, I have seen firsthand the kind of impact that policy and budgetary decisions can have on L-S. I am seeking this seat to help the next generation of students unlock their passions.

2. What would you bring to the table for this position in terms of specific professional and/or personal experiences?

Currently, I work as the sole staffer for State Representative Carmine Gentile, who represents Sudbury and Precinct 1 in Lincoln. In my position, I have gained valuable experience learning about education funding, advocating for policies that benefit our students, and working to secure money for our communities. My experience on the state level would be an asset for the committee.

If elected, I will bring a fresh, first-hand perspective to the table as a former student. I would be the only member of the L-S school committee to have recently graduated high school, a valuable perspective on topics such as student mental health.

3. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the board or committee you’re running for, and if elected, how do you plan to address it?

In the near term, the greatest issue for the School Committee is managing a major transition to a new superintendent/principal. Not only is Bella Wong leaving, but several top positions in the L-S administration are turning over to new folks. We need to make sure that the L-S School Committee works collaboratively with the new superintendent and administration to support their work and limit disruption to teachers and students. I also have a full platform you can read at ravisimon.com.

Rob Stringer

Running for: Parks and Recreation Committee (incumbent)

Rob Stringer (for other examples of his art, click here.)

I am Rob Stringer (he/him pronouns) and I am running for re-election to the Parks and Recreation Committee. This will be my second term on the committee, and I look forward to another three years of helping to build community in Lincoln through the programs and events run by the wonderful staff at the Parks and Recreation Department and community volunteers.

The past three years were quite challenging for the department. There was Covid that halted most of our regularly scheduled programs. Then we had to adapt to the new social distancing restrictions to get the pool open, have camp-like activities running, and bringing back other much-loved programs to keep Lincolnites and our other members engaged and active while safe. The great news is that more school-aged residents seem to be taking advantage of what the department is offering than before Covid. However, one of the major challenges we’ll have in the next three years is to re-engage our adult population, whose numbers have not rebounded in the way we’d like.

One of the pieces of feedback we’ve heard as to why adults are not coming back is they don’t feel comfortable going to in-person events in our current available space. I hope that a new/renovated building can provide spaces for re-engagement of our adult community in a way our current infrastructure cannot. Prior to any construction, we’ll be focused on continuing to provide the best in-person and hybrid programming while building on the success of our new annual events like Fall Fest and the Candy Cane hunt.

Additionally, once the central field at Ballfield Road is back and available (for parking), we can start planning for our annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, most likely for summer of 2024. Finally, maintaining our current facilities will continue to be a challenge and investment. The clay tennis courts have reached a level of maturity that will involve the town having to do some major work on the irrigation system to keep them up and running; the slide at the pool will hopefully soon be replaced; the fields around the renovated Lincoln School have to be fixed and then established before they can be open for use for T-ball, baseball, and soccer; other fields in town have drainage issues that are in the process of being addressed; and the mowing and maintenance contracts for all town-owned fields and parks have to continually be managed. I look forward to continuing to work with Jessica, David, and Laurie as well as the rest of the committee to continue to put in the work to provide spaces and programs that build community here in Lincoln.

My Turn: Vote Madnick for School Committee

We avidly support Matina Madrick for one of the two open seats on the Lincoln School Committee in the March 27 election. We believe that Matina will be an outstanding member of the School Committee for the following reasons. She brings:

  • Passion for understanding education policy and financial data as it relates to educational needs and resources
  • Professional experience analyzing the New York City education budget as well as testing and class size data
  • Consulting experience in a variety of districts and schools throughout the country
  • Understanding of data in the context of the community, the schools and the students
  • A vested interest in the schools as a parent of three children in the Lincoln and Lincoln-Sudbury Schools
  • Context from having her children in different school systems previously and serving as a volunteer in those systems
  • Ability to work collaboratively for change when needed
  • Ability to use her interpersonal skills in working with the school committee, administration and Lincoln parents

We are convinced that Matina Madrick would be an excellent addition to the Lincoln School Committee, given her professional and volunteer experiences as well as her passion and enthusiasm for education policy. Please join us and vote for Matina Madrick on March 27 or via mail-in ballot.

Abigail Adams
Geoff Allison
Lesley Allison
Dea Angiollo
Michelle Barnes
Alex Benik
Merrill Berkery
Laura Berland
Becky Bermont
Matthew Bio
Sarah Bishop
Paul Blanchfield
Rebecca Blanchfield
Pam Boardman
Jessica Callow
Dane Callow
Thomas Casey
Ted Chan
Rebecca Curtin
Elizabeth Curtis-Bey
Moha Desai
Hilary Dionne
Jona Donaldson
Bryan Doo
Brianna Doo
Michelle Doyle
Joe Doyle
Liz Butler Everitt
Kristen Ferris
Jon Ferris
Randall Fincke
Mike Fiore
Caroline Fiore
Eri Flint
Tom Flint
Jerry Gechter
Philana Gnatowski
Rob Graves
Ruth Ann Hendrickson
Lis Herbert
Zach Herbert
Kim Jalet
Brian Jalet
Diana Jong
Joan Kimball
John Kimball
Heather E. Korostoff-Murray
Tao Kostman
Julie Krutiak
Lauren Lane
Spencer Lane
Jesse Lefkowitz
Jackie Lenth
Elizabeth Lieblich
Gwyn Loud
Tomasina Lucchese
Jim Lucchese
Rachel Mason
Sara Mattes
Lucy Maulsby
Marion Meenan
John Mendelson
Trish Miller
Buffer Morgan
Terri Morgan
Melissa Moses
Rachel Neurath
John Nolan
Jane O’Rourke
David Onigman
Jason Paige
Lisa Parker
Susanna Paterson
Katy Perkins
Tia Picco
Christine Pillar
Ginger Reiner
Ann Risso
Travis Roland
Brad Rosen
Aldis Russell
Lucy Sachs
Joanna Schmergel
Greg Schmergel
Tony Sednick
Barbara Slayter
Vickie Slingerland
Tucker Smith
Erica Steckler
Hannah Stevenson
Andy Stevenson
Renee Sudnick
Christopher Taylor
Laura Taylor
Ross Tucker
Christina Van Vleck
Peter Von Mertens
Andy Wang
Anne Wang
Krystal Wood
Tanya Zipes
 

“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.

My Turn: Former Planning Board member supports Nicholson

By Ken Hurd

I write in support of Craig Nicholson who, in my opinion, is the most qualified candidate for the Lincoln Planning Board. I met and have known Craig since 2014 when he was serving on the School Building Committee, and since then, he has served as an alternate member of the Planning Board, ready to step in when any elected member was unable to attend or participate in a hearing.  

Like with many committees and boards, joining them generally requires some time to learn the rules of its jurisdiction and one’s responsibility in serving all residents of the town. In Craig’s case, he can hit the ground running with virtually no learning curve.

From my own ten-year tenure on the Planning Board, which culminated in the adoption of Lincoln’s Comprehensive Long-Range Plan in 2010, I found that having a person with the right skills in the right seat was a key to success in addressing challenging issues facing the town. Given Craig’s skills as a project manager by virtue of his career, he has extensive experience finding common ground and creative solutions among parties with competing interests.  

I know that some are concerned about the unknown effects that the Housing Choice Act poses. However, Lincoln has a legacy of getting out in front of such challenges, as demonstrated in its leadership in land preservation and by having provided affordable housing that exceeded state requirements for the last 50 years.  

Because Lincoln is not an island and has a moral responsibility to do its part in helping to solve the region’s housing crisis, it is my belief that with proper leadership we can do so consistent with the town’s values and in a manner that benefits both the metropolitan Boston area as well as our own interests. And for this we will need strong and competent leaders on our Planning Board, people who have the vision and commitment to work with all parties to achieve what’s best for the greater good, otherwise known as the Commonwealth.

I hope all those who have not yet voted will join me in electing Craig Nicholson to the Planning Board. And given the three-way race, I also ask you to vote only and solely for Craig.

“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.

Hanscom Field group meets Tuesday

The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission will discuss the latest developments on the proposed Hanscom Field expansion at its meeting on Tuesday, March 21 from 7–8 p.m. via Zoom (link here; passcode: 194503).

The HFAC is a monthly forum in which Massport reports on the past month’s activities to Hanscom-area towns and residents can direct questions and comments to Massport. Officials and residents from those four towns have protested a proposal to add about 408,000 square feet of new hangar space and reconfigure a taxiway to accommodate larger aircraft at Hanscom Field.

The public comment period on the initial notification process closed on February 14 and the developers must now prepare a draft Environmental Impact Report, which will be also be open to public comment before a decision on the plan is made.

Another potential wrinkle: the recent bank collapse of SVB. The head of the SVB Securities division is Jeffrey Leerink, who is also a principal of Runway Realty Ventures LLC, the owner of the Navy hangar private property that represents nearly half of the North Airfield development site, according to reporting by the Bedford Citizen.

“At this point, I don’t know if there will be any impact on the Hanscom project, but the connection raises unanswered questions,” HFAC member Christopher Eliot of Lincoln told the Citizen.

My Turn: Dozens support Lehrhoff for School Committee

(Editor’s note: Lehrhoff is vying with Peter Buchthal, incumbent Adam Hogue, and Matina Madrick for two openings on the School Committee. A Q&A with those candidates appeared in the Squirrel on March 14.)

We enthusiastically support the candidacy of Jake Lehrhoff for one of the two Lincoln School Committee seats up for election on March 27. We believe he will be an outstanding member of the School Committee. He will bring to the work of the Committee:

  • Professional experience as an educator in middle school English/language arts
  • Skills in both leadership and collaboration honed as chair of the English Department at the Gifford School
  • Expertise in leading a data science and research organization at Spotify sharpening the strategic analysis required for data-driven decision-making
  • Empathy and a recognition that honest communication unlocks collaboration, and that collaboration is a key to progress
  • Determination to improve the educational experience of every student the Lincoln School serves
  • Capacity and intent to create space for the voices and needs that are not in the room as well as those that are
  • Commitment to effective and collaborative leadership by the School Committee as it guides and continues to strengthen Lincoln’s excellent school system
  • Vested interest in the schools with two children that will attend the LPS system
  • Dedication to Lincoln and a love for its strong community and conservation land

We are confident that he will do a superb job on the School Committee and we hope that you will join us in voting for Jake Lehrhoff on March 27 or by mail-in ballot.

Abigail Adams
Dea Angiollo
Michelle Barnes
Alex Benik
Merrill Berkery
Laura Berland
Becky Bermont
Courtney Bernasconi Kass
Matthew Bio
Sarah Bishop
Paul Blanchfield
Rebecca Blanchfield
Pam Boardman
Liz Butler Butler Everitt
Jessica Callow
Dane Callow
Thomas Casey
Ted Chan
Corey Ciullo
Nicole Ciullo
Andy Coleman
Rebecca Curtin
Elizabeth Curtis-Bey
Moha Desai
Hilary Dionne
Jona Donaldson
Bryan Doo
Brianna Doo
Michelle Doyle
Joe Doyle
Kristen Ferris
Jon Ferris
Randall Fincke
Mike Fiore
Caroline Fiore
Eri Flint
Tom Flint
Jerry Gechter
Carole Gnatowski
Philip Gnatowski
Philana Gnatowski
Trintje Gnazzo
Ruth Ann Hendrickson
Lis Herbert
Zach Herbert
Kim Jalet
Brian Jalet
Diana Jong
Joan Kimball
John Kimball
Tao Kostman
Spencer Lane
Lauren Lane
Jesse Lefkowitz
Jackie Lenth
Elizabeth Lieblich
Rachel Mason
Sara Mattes
Lucy Maulsby
Marion Meenan
John Mendelson
Trish Miller
Buffer Morgan
Terri Morgan
Melissa Moses
Rachel Neurath
John Nolan
Jane O’Rourke
David Onigman
Jason Paige
Lisa Parker
Susanna Paterson
Christine Pillar
Ginger Reiner
Ann Risso
Travis Roland
Brad Rosen
Aldis Russell
Lucy Sachs
Joanna Schmergel
Greg Schmergel
Renee Sednick
Tony Sednick
Barbara Slayter
Vickie Slingerland
Tucker Smith
Erica Steckler
Hannah Stevenson
Andy Stevenson
Christopher Taylor
Laura Taylor
Ross Tucker
Peter Von Mertens
Andy Wang
Anne Wang
Krystal Wood
 

“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.

My Turn: Bodnar outlines qualifications for Select Board

By Kim Bodnar

(Editor’s note: Bodnar, a Fox Run Road resident, is running uncontested for the open seat on the Select Board. The Squirrel will publish mini-profiles of the uncontested candidates in the upcoming town election early this week.)

It is with much enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for the Select Board for a three-year term beginning in March.

Reflecting on the past five and a half years as vice chair of the School Building Committee (SBC), I cherish the time I’ve spent building relationships with my fellow committee members and residents in our community. The many conversations I’ve had in our community spaces or just walking the trails together have shaped my understanding of Lincoln’s history and culture, as well as concerns for its future and the challenges ahead. This process has made me a better listener, collaborator, and communicator. And it’s the same dedication and commitment to inclusiveness, transparency and thoughtful leadership that have characterized my work on the SBC that I hope to bring to every aspect of my role on the Select Board.

My family moved to Lincoln over a decade ago. It’s when my daughters were enrolled at preschool at Lincoln Nursery School and kindergarten at the Lincoln School that we first walked the trails behind the deCordova and fell in love with Lincoln’s natural beauty. It’s also when I began to appreciate the town’s commitment to its long-held traditions and core values, and I recognized the need to contribute to that history of stewardship. I chose volunteer opportunities that blended my skills of thoughtful questioning, data analysis and unwavering effort with a strong sense of teamwork. Over the years, that has included Lincoln School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Chair, a board member for the Friends of the Lincoln Library, lead organizer of a community-wide kickball tournament, and as a contributor of the Citizen’s Petition that recently renamed the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board. 

As vice chair of the SBC, I have spent a great deal of time in front of our town’s many boards and committees. These meetings have given me a tremendous respect for the exceptional level of volunteerism as well as a first-hand view into how our town is run and managed by our talented town staff. And as an SBC Outreach subcommittee member, I did everything I could to ensure that residents felt engaged with the decision-making process and informed of progress every step of the way. Our 200+ blog and LincolnTalk posts, videos, the SBC website, multiple mailings, and handouts are a testament to the level of transparency we tried to achieve. The skills and expertise gained through a business career in supply chain management, process engineering, and market development have, without a doubt, been an asset throughout my many volunteer roles.

Looking ahead, I am eager to share my experiences and knowledge as a crucial phase of the community center building project begins. It is a humbling process that requires tireless effort but also a tremendous opportunity to listen and learn from a great cross section of our residents. The town of Lincoln is also at an interesting crossroads with respect to the recent housing choice legislation for MBTA communities and the need for expanded housing options. It is a conversation that requires full community engagement as we reflect on what we value and decide on what zoning changes we will support. We are also at an inflection point when discussing next steps for the revitalization of Lincoln Station, transportation policy, and the work of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Climate Action Plan, and diversity and equity initiatives, to name a few.

Because these initiatives touch every part of our lives, they require broad based discussions from residents including those who serve on our many town boards and committees. I look forward to contributing to these efforts and building consensus for the long term benefit of Lincoln.

Finally, as I announce my candidacy, I would like to express my thanks to Jonathan Dwyer for his many years of service to the community, including his six years on the Select Board, and I respectfully ask for your support at the town election on Monday, March 27.

“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.

My Turn: Maulsby seeks votes for L-S School Committee

By Lucy Maulsby

(Editor’s note: Maulsby, a Tower Road resident, is running uncontested for one of two open seats on the L-S School Committee along with Sudbury resident Ravi Simon. The Squirrel will publish mini-profiles of the uncontested candidates in the upcoming town election early this week.)

I am writing to ask for your vote for the Lincoln-Sudbury District School Committee in the March 27 town election.

I have lived in Lincoln since the spring of 2012 and currently have two children at the Lincoln School, with my eldest headed to LSRHS next fall. Both of my children have benefited enormously from their time at the Lincoln School — they have been inspired by excellent teachers, developed strong friendships, participated in musical performances, and joined sports teams. Their experiences have made me alert to the many ways in which we as a community support and nurture our children as they grow, the critical role that public education can play in that process, and the responsibility that we have as members of the community to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, rigorous, and innovative school system.    

To that end, I have supported the Lincoln School in several volunteer positions. I am currently the School Committee appointee to the Library Board of Trustees (2019–present). In that role, I support the operations of the library and serve as a liaison between the School Committee and the library. I also served as a member at large and grant chair for the Lincoln School Foundation from 2014–18. In that role, I had the opportunity to work closely with the faculty and administration on the launch of a variety of programs and projects in support of deeper learning.  

Education is also central to my professional life. I am an associate professor of architectural history at Northeastern University where, in addition to teaching, I manage undergraduate programs and have served as chair of the School of Architecture. In these roles, I am engaged in curriculum and program development, faculty assessment, budget preparation, staff reviews, hiring of faculty and staff, and student engagement and support. These experiences have taught me how to effectively navigate complex bureaucracies, to balance conflicting priorities, and to work collaboratively. 

As a member of the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee, I look forward to helping shape the future of -LS as the school transitions to new leadership at a critical time in the institution’s history. I will also aim to foster an environment of thoughtful, respectful, transparent, and collegial participation and debate within the School Committee. More broadly, I will advocate for the various stakeholders — especially students, but also parents, faculty, and staff — each of which are critical to the success of L-S; work to maintain the excellence of the many programs that L-S supports; and facilitate communication and engagement among Lincoln, Sudbury, and Boston to collaboratively impact the broad L-S community.

It has been a great pleasure to volunteer in Lincoln and I would like to continue that work as a member of the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas and concerns, and I hope that you will consider voting for me on March 27.

“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.

Community center group outlines schedule for this spring

Residents will have several opportunities in the coming months to offer input on discussions about the design and cost of a potential community center starting in April, when they will be asked to prioritize programs in the building and distinguish “essential” from “desired.”

The Community Center Building Committee has created a new website, lincolncommunitycenter.com, with progress reports, FAQs on the site’s Outreach page, and a document on lessons learned from other communities pertaining to the design of a community center in the post-Covid era.

Earlier this month, the CCBC and Select Board chose ICON Architecture to develop conceptual designs and cost estimates with options not to exceed 75% and 50% of the $25 million estimate floated in November 2022. Their work will begin by studying the cost implications of site work and programming options. They will share initial thoughts about building siting and conceptual design choices in May, when the CCBC and the community will consider how best to align to the budget targets, according to the CCBS schedule posted on March 17. Residents will vote on a preferred option and budget at a Special Town Meeting in November.

My Turn: Craig Nicholson for Planning Board

(Editor’s note: Nicholson is vying with incumbent Lynn DeLisi and Mark Levinson for two openings on the Planning Board. A Q&A with those candidates appeared in the Squirrel on March 13.)

We the undersigned are enthusiastically supporting Craig Nicholson for one of the two open seats on the Lincoln Planning Board in the election on March 27.

Craig lives in Lincoln with his wife and three daughters. When he’s not coaching town soccer or running on the Lincoln trails, he’s quite busy both professionally and as a very active member of our community. He has experience in planning and working with communities that makes him a valuable addition to the board. He is currently the director of operations for a real estate consultancy (AjaxCS.com), where he spearheads sustainability initiatives and works closely with a variety of stakeholders.

As a volunteer in Lincoln, he currently serves as an associate member of the Lincoln Planning Board, to which he was appointed by the Planning Board and Select Board in 2018. He is a member of the Lincoln School Building Committee and was on the South Lincoln Planning Implementation Committee. In Boston, he was the lead of an organization that worked closely with residents, landowners, developers, and businesses in Boston’s South End neighborhood. His master’s degree from Tufts combines traditional planning with a focus on social justice and sustainability. We believe that all of his experiences will help the Planning Board in critically evaluating proposals that come before the board.

We cannot imagine anyone more qualified — through his professional expertise, his overall engagement in our community, and the time he has put in as an alternate member of the Planning Board — to represent the many and diverse voices of our town on the important planning issues we face over the next several years. Please join us and vote for Craig Nicholson on March 27 or by mail-in ballot.

Sincerely,

Abigail Adams
Dea Angiolillo
Ken Bassett
Alex Benik
Laura Berland
Becky Bermont
Matthew Bio
Sarah Bishop
Paul Blanchfield
Rebecca Blanchfield
Pam Boardman
Kim Buell
Larry Buell
Justin Byrd
Dane Callow
Jess Callow
Karen Carlson
Ted Chan
Lindsay Clemens
Buzz Constable
Elizabeth Curtis-Bey
Alice DeNormandie
Hilary Dionne
Jona Donaldson
Brianna Doo
Bryan Doo
Andy Falender
Mike Fiore
Caroline Fiore
Eri Flint
Tom Flint
Philana Gnatowski
Jeff Hacker
Gina Halstead
Anna Hardman
Ruth Ann Hendrickson
Lis Herbert
Zach Herbert
Jack Holbrook
Ken Hurd
Mike Killick
Joan Kimball
John Kimball
Sue Klem
Chris Klem
Tao Kostman
Lauren Lane
Spencer Lane
Barbara Leggat
Jackie Lenth
Mary Helen Lorenz
Rachel Mason
Lucy Maulsby
Marian Meenan
John Mendelson
Terri Morgan
Buffer Morgan
Ellen Morgan
Melissa Moses
John Nolan
Trish O’Hagan
Lisa Parker
Karen Prince
Kim Rajdev
Neal Rajdev
Ginger Reiner
Kurt Reiner
Dana Robbat
Joe Robbat
Travis Roland
Aldis Russell
Joanna Schmergel
Greg Schmergel
Barbara Slayter
Vickie Slingerland
Hannah Stevenson
Christopher Taylor
Laura Taylor
Ross Tucker
Mary Jo Veling
Peter Von Mertens
Andy Wang
Anne Wang
Irene Weigel
Ben Wells
Ginny Wells
Jeani Welsh
Bryce Wolf
 

“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

Lincoln Climate Action Plan discussion for kids and parents

Are you a kid — or do you know a kid — who is learning about climate change? The Town of Lincoln is gathering input for a Climate Action Plan that will guide efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase our community’s resilience to climate change impacts. We want to hear from you! Please join us for a Climate Action Plan discussion at the Lincoln Public Library on Wednesday, March 22 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Questions or comments? Email Jennifer Curtin at curtinj@lincolntown.org.

“Big Night” is coming

“Big Night” is often used to describe the annual ritual of certain frogs and salamanders when they migrate from their upland overwintering habitat towards their spring breeding ground. During Big Night, you have a chance of seeing spotted salamanders, wood frogs, spring peepers, and other amphibians heading towards a vernal pool (generally a small pond or wetland which dries up in the summer months and does not support fish populations). Big Night is hard to predict but it generally happens on the first few rainy nights in March when the night temperature is above 40 degrees. Most years, Lincoln does not have one “Big Night” but rather lots of smaller movements.

However, there are risks, especially to the amphibians crossing roads in the dark of night. The Conservation Department advises drivers to stay off the roads on rainy nights if at all possible, or at least avoid the three major salamander crossings on Conant Road, Lexington Road, and Silver Hill Road. If you see one, moisten your hands in a puddle and movie it off the road in the direction it’s heading. For more information, see Safety Tips for Big Night. If you’re interested in receiving emails from the Conservation Department about when Big Night(s) may be happening and/or if you’d like to help amphibians cross a Lincoln Road this year, watch this training video and fill out this online form.

Rep. Peisch to visit Lincoln

Rep. Alice Peisch

All Lincoln residents regardless of political affiliation are invited to a conversation with State Rep. Alice Peisch (D–14th Norfolk) on Monday, April 3 from 6:45–8 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Peisch represents Precinct 2 in Lincoln as well as Weston and Wellesley. Peisch was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and is currently the House Assistant Majority Leader. She served as House chair of the Joint Committee on Education from 2011-2023. This meeting offers an excellent opportunity not only to meet our new rep, but also to ask questions on matters of concern to Lincoln residents and hear her views on significant issues such as changes at Hanscom or the Housing Choice Act. Hosted by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee.

Shuman Yuan

Eighth-grader chosen for music festival

Lincoln School eighth-grader Shuman Yuan was selected through an audition process to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Eastern District Junior Festival that was held at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School on March 10 and 11. Shuman studies with Susan Gottschalk, violin teacher and Lincoln Middle School orchestra director. Over 900 outstanding music students in grades 7–9 from 30 school districts auditioned on January 28 and less than half were accepted.

Leadership change in Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDTC) welcomes Travis Roland as new co-chair, succeeding Barbara Slayter, who stepped down on March 1. Roland is a U.S. Navy veteran and has served as a docent at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. He has two children in the Lincoln School. Kimball, a Lincoln resident since 1974, was president of the Lincoln League of Women Voters in the 1970s, served as chair of the 1977 Lincoln Land Use Conference, and was on the Conservation Commission in the early 1990s. Slayter, formerly a professor at Clark University, will continue as a member of the LDTC and its Executive Committee.

SVdP Society offers scholarships to adults

Supported by a generous grant from the Codman Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lincoln and Weston’s scholarship program has given dozens of Lincoln adults better employment prospects in a range of areas from accounting and technology to nutrition and cosmetology. Students who live or work in Lincoln or Weston or whose children attend the public schools in either town are eligible. Scholarships range from $100 to $2,000. For more information and to apply, click here.

Enroll next year’s kindergarteners

If you or someone you know has a kindergarten-eligible student (5 years of age before October 1, 2023), let them know that they should register their child for enrollment in Lincoln Public Schools in 2023-24. See the Kindergarten Enrollment & Registration web page for details. Children of Lincoln residents, Boston residents through the METCO program, and children of Lincoln employees are eligible.