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

Legal notice: Conservation Commission (infrastructure)

LEGAL NOTICE — CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Lincoln Conservation Commission will be seeking public comments on January 28, 2026 at 7:05 p.m. regarding two infrastructure projects: (1) replacing the Lincoln Road/Stony Brook culvert to improve roadway safety, restore aquatic connectivity, and increase climate resilience and (2) constructing a boardwalk to improve a section of the Bay Circuit trail between the Lincoln Canoe Landing and main Mt. Misery parking lot along Route 117 (Parcel 159-20-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Planning Board public hearing (wetlands)

LEGAL NOTICE — PLANNING BOARD

In accordance with the provisions of MGL, Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:00pm to review the following proposed changes to the Lincoln Zoning Bylaw:

  • Amend the town’s Zoning Bylaw, Section 12.2, W-Wetland and Watershed Protection District, by deleting the section in its entirety.

The section is proposed to be deleted because it has been superseded by current wetlands permitting and is therefore obsolete.

Details of the proposed changes are also available in the Planning Department, Town Offices, 16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, Massachusetts, between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Copies will be provided upon request.

This meeting of the Planning Board will be held in a hybrid manner pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 which extends through June 30, 2027 the ability of public bodies to meet in a fully remote or hybrid manner. This meeting will be converted to a fully remote meeting if the weather so dictates and appropriate notice will be provided. The agenda with the Zoom information will be posted to the town website at lincolntown.org/calendar two days prior to the hearing date.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

My Turn: Kudos to Lincoln Witness vigil participants

By Kim Jalet

Thank you to the 55-60 people who came out for some or all of Sunday night’s Lincoln Witness vigil. We shined the light of liberty on a cold and snowy evening full of community building and learning.

For those who were unable to attend but who were with us in spirit, you can learn more about actions you can take at our website at lincolnwitness.org, where you’ll find information about the De-ICE Hanscom movement, vigils at the Burlington ICE field office where people have been kept for days in poor conditions, and legislation we support.

Please save the date for the upcoming Benefit Concert for Emergency Immigrant Support featuring music by the Honey Steelers on Sunday, Feb. 8. Lincoln Witness and St. Anne’s in the Field’s Social Justice Commission are co-sponsoring the event, with support from the First Parish Lincoln Racial Justice Committee and other generous contributors. We hope you’ll join us!

A special thank you to the Selects, Tim Higgins, and Rod McDonald at the town offices for making the lobby available in case anyone needed to warm up.

Let’s keep shining our lights, Lincoln!

Warmly,

Kim Jalet
Brooks Road

The January 18 vigil at Town Hall. (Photo by Brian Jalet)

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. 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.

Nicholson won’t run again for Planning Board

Editor’s note: On January 19, a sentence was added to make clear that there are two openings on the Planning Board in the upcoming election. 

Incumbent Craig Nicholson has said he will not run for reelection, so unless another candidate files, Margaret Olson will regain the seat she lost in 2025.

“Between family commitments, work responsibilities, and my desire to focus my attention on ensuring a successful relocation of the Codman Community Farm store, the year ahead is shaping up to be a very full one. Given that, I don’t feel I would be able to dedicate the time and energy that effective service on the Planning Board requires,” said Nicholson, who was elected as a newcomer in 2023.

“That said, I do hope to remain involved in planning-related efforts in Lincoln. I plan to continue my work with the Dark Skies Committee and other planning and policy initiatives in town, and I would not rule out the possibility of serving another term on the Planning Board in the future, should circumstances allow and the town sees fit,” Nicholson added.

As it now stands, the Planning Board candidates for the March 30 town election are incumbent Lynn DeLisi and Olson for the two openings on the ballot, so both will win seats if no one else decides to run. Olson was chair of the board in 2025, having served on the panel since 2013, but lost her bid for reelection last year when newcomers Susan Hall Mygatt and Rob Ahlert won seats in the wake of the Housing Choice Act controversy.

The last day to take out nomination papers is Thursday, Feb. 5, and the deadline to return the papers to the Town Clerk’s office is Monday, Feb. 9. Available seats:

  • Board of Assessors – one seat for three years
  • Board of Health – one seat for three years
  • Cemetery Commission – one seat for three years
  • Commissioners of Trust Funds – one seat for three years
  • Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee – two seats for three years
  • Moderator – one seat for three years
  • Parks and Recreation Committee – one seat for three years
  • Planning Board – two seats for three years
  • K-8 School Committee – two seats for three years
  • K-8 School Committee – one seat for one year
  • Select Board – one seat for three years
  • Trustees of Bemis Fund – one seat for three years
  • Water Commissioner – one seat for three years

To learn more, see the Town Meeting/election schedule or contact Town Clerk Valerie Fox at 781-259-2607 or email foxv@lincolntown.org.

Firefighters get PFAS-free gear

By Brian Young, Lincoln Fire Chief

Lincoln firefighter Kevin Gates models the new PFAS-free turnout gear.

The Lincoln Fire Department is proud to share that we have purchased our first set of PFAS-free turnout gear. This initiative reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to reducing occupational health risks while maintaining the highest standards of fire protection.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were commonly used in firefighting gear for waterproofing and durability. However, recent research has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk and other long-term health concerns, prompting fire departments seek alternatives. The state has passed legislation to allow only PFAS-free gear sold after 2027.  Gear companies have been coming to market with new products in the past year, but want to make sure the gear holds up to the demands of the job.

Firefighter Kevin Gates, a newly hired member of the Lincoln Fire Department, will be the first to wear and evaluate the PFAS-free turnout gear during regular operations. This trial period will allow the department to assess the gear’s performance, durability, and comfort before moving forward with the potential purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear for the entire department.

This proactive approach ensures that Lincoln firefighters are protected not only from the immediate dangers of firefighting, but also from long-term health risks associated with their equipment.

News acorns

A boy checks out the community center construction equipment from his perch in the Magic Garden Children’s Center.

Community Center work progresses

The new Community Center foundation is near completion, and workers are excavating and installing underground utilities across the front sections of the site. Steel installation and framing will start in February. For more information and photos, see the Community Center Building Committee website.

Outdoor winter scavenger hunt

Can you find all four “tree-mendous” deer recently spotted on Lincoln Conservation Land? Each deer has been carefully placed in a scenic spot — use these descriptions and photo clues to guide your search. When you spot one, feel free to snap a photo of you (and/or your family) with the deer and share your discovery with the Lincoln Conservation Department here. It’s the perfect winter adventure for families and a great way to explore our town’s conservation land. Questions? Email conservation@lincolntown.org.

Webinar on estate planning for parents

LincFam is hosting its second collaboration with Parents Estate Planning Law Firm on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 8:00pm via Zoom. Learn how to ensure your kids are cared for by the short- and long-term guardians you trust, how to navigate essential documents, how to avoid probate court, and how to pass on your story, values, guidance, and advice to the people you love the most. Open to all.  Register here.

Jan. 26 deadline for Town Meeting petitions 

The deadline for submitting citizen petitions for the March 28, 2026, Annual Town Meeting is Monday, Jan. 26 at 9:00am. The Select Board  began accepting petitions on Jan. 12 when they voted to open the warrant. Citizens who may be considering sponsoring a Town Meeting petition are strongly urged to contact the Town Clerk’s Office (781-259-2607 or foxv@lincolntown.org) for guidance about the process. They will contact the people identified as lead petitioners to ensure coordination as officials prepare for the discussions and presentations that will be occurring in advance of Town Meeting. The Select Board’s office (781-259-2601 or elderp@lincolntown.org) is also available to assist. 

“Inside the Sensorium”

Neuroscience meets music, plants, and perfume in “Inside the Sensorium: What Science Can Bring to the Senses,” which explores how scientists and artists turn life Into sound and scents on Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 6:00–9:00pm at the deCordova Museum. Hungry Ninja in Newton is providing vegan rice and ramen bowls for dinner, available for pre-order or for purchase at the event (limited supply). Free, but donations and/or dinner purchase are encouraged. Register here. Sponsored by Catalyst Conversations, a Cambridge nonprofit.

Webinar on going green

Learn how to avoid costly last-minute decisions while greening your home in a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7:00pm. Edith Buhs will walk you through the planning process, identifying the most critical items to replace and when to do so, providing guidance on useful planning tools, and identifying resources for unique personal situations. You’ll leave the session with a scratch plan and some action items. Sponsored by the Lincoln Green Energy Committee’s CFREE initiative and Metrowest Climate Solutions. Register here. 

Domestic violence service group offers volunteer training

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is offering a free 40-hour training to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. Advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in 13 communities.

The training will be held at the Lexington Police Department from March 2–20 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00–7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am–3:30pm. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10–12 hours of supervised field training. For more information about the training or to request an application, call 978-318-3421 or e-mail training@dvsn.org. Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Time to send in your creative work for publication

The deadline for submitting stories, poetry, artwork, photos, and other creative work for the next issue of the Lincoln Review is Friday, Feb. 13. Anyone who has a Lincoln connection (current or former residents, extended family, employees, etc.) may submit — for details, click here. Send your stuff to one of the email addresses below to share your work and have it preserved online in the Lincoln Review! Questions? Call 617-710-5542.

Lincoln Squirrel subscribers can see previous issues here. If you’re not yet a subscriber and would like to receive a one-time PDF of the most recent issue, please email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

Barb Rhines, editor (lincolnmareview@gmail.com)
Alice Waugh, publisher (lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com)

Lincoln Winter Carnival kicks off Jan. 29

Here is the schedule for the 2026 Lincoln Winter Carnival organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. All events are free unless otherwise specified.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Film: “Georgia O’Keefe: The Brightness of Light”
5:30–8:00pm, Donaldson Auditorium
A new, comprehensive documentary of modernist Georgia O’Keefe’s art and life, featuring a Q&A with director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Wagner. Discussion and reception to follow. Sponsored by Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/Rural Land Foundation.

Friday, Jan. 30

Lincoln PTO Bingo Night
5:30–7:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
The Lincoln PTO’s annual Bingo Night kicks off Winter Carnival festivities with raffles and prizes for winning bingo boards. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be sold. Please look for pizza pre-order form and bring a reusable water bottle.

Lincoln Summer Camp: Crafts
5:30–6:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
Interested in sending your child to Lincoln Summer Camp this year? Join Parks & Rec to find out all the information you need to know about camp while taking part in some fun winter crafts.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Winter Fun for Kids
9:30–11:30am, Magic Garden Children’s Center
Each classroom will be turned into a fun zone for a specific age group. Ice-skate in your socks, play games, enjoy arts and crafts, and have fun with friends old and new. Perfect for ages 1–5.

Cozy Story Time in the Greenhouse
10:00–11:00am, Codman Community Farms
We’ll read some playful wintry stories featuring some of our favorite barnyard animals. We’ll have warm hot chocolate and marshmallows to enjoy while you listen. Best for ages 9 and younger but all are welcome.

Owls and Cocoa at Drumlin Farm
10:00–2:35pm, Drumlin Farm
Stop by for a special “Meet an Owl” program while you warm up with some hot cocoa. Drop in any time from 10:00–11:30am or 1:00–2:30pm and stay as long as you like. Barns and trails will be open from 9:00am–4:00pm. Please show ID with Lincoln address for free admission.

SVdP Food Pantry Open House
1:00–2:00pm, SVdP food pantry (142 Lincoln Road)
Please stop by our open house at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston food pantry for a sweet treat and tour. Learn about the vital services we provide to our community and see how every donation makes a difference. Talk with volunteers and discover how you can get involved in supporting your neighbors in need. Bring nonperishable food items and help us shelve them as we work to make sure no one goes hungry this winter.

Winter Wildlife Walk
1:00–2:30pm, Mount Misery Main parking lot trailhead
Join a family-friendly guided one-mile walk around the trails of Mt. Misery as we look for tracks and other signs of life to understand how our local wildlife survives New England winters. We will look for the presence of a variety of animals that may include beaver, deer, squirrels, owls, otters and more. Open to all ages. Please leave pets at home as our focus is on wildlife. Sponsored by Lincoln Conservation Dept.

LincFam Energy Blaster
2:00–4:00pm, Reed Gym
Jump in a bounce house, skate in your socks, and toss soft “snowballs” with friends. The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out energy for our youngest community members. A mini bounce house will be available for the littlest bouncers. Enjoy a craft project and some snacks on the sidelines! Free for LincFam members or $10/child (max $30 per family) for non-members. NOTE: This event is for children in grade 2 and younger. Adult supervision expected.

A Light in the Night
5:00–6:00pm, Birches School
Bundle up and join us around a cozy campfire to embellish paper bag luminaries, adding light and hope to the winter darkness. We’re inspired by Birches’ annual school-wide Lantern Festival. Winter Carnival goers are invited to add their luminaries to an installation of student lanterns or take them home. Sip a warm beverage and listen to seasonal story.

Coffee House
7:00–10:00pm, Bemis Hall (SOLD OUT)
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Dept. Parks and Recreation’s annual night to showcase local musicians! We have a diverse roster of performers ready to play for you, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee/tea and desserts included. Beer and wine will be available to purchase (no outside alcohol allowed).

Sunday, Feb. 1

Outdoor Play
10:00–11:30am, deCordova Sculpture Park
Join us for play at Lincoln Nursery School. All ages welcome.

Candle-making for Kids of All Ages
11:30–1:30pm, First Parish in Lincoln (stone church)
Celebrate the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox with the art of candle making. Kids will make and decorate their own candle to take home. Two levels: Simple (candle rolling) for ages 3-7 and advanced (which involves dipping) for ages 8+.

Family Fun in 1776
12:30–4:30pm, Bemis Hall
What was life like for Lincoln families in 1776? Join us for a family-friendly afternoon that will transport us back to the Lincoln of 1776 with books, storytelling, games, crafts, musket demonstrations, music, and treats. This will be followed by period dancing, including demonstrations and instruction, led by the Colonial Dancers of the sponsoring Lincoln Minute Men.

Warm Up with the Friends
1:00–3:00pm, Lincoln Public Library
Enjoy hot drinks and snacks from the Friends of the Lincoln Library before, during, and after the library’s storytime event.

Winter Wonderland Super Storytime
1:30–2:30pm, Lincoln Public Library
Join librarians Denise and Debbie for a super-sized winter wonderland story time! Families with young children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and an activity celebrating the winter season! Best for children five and under, but all welcome.

“Between Two Worlds” Film and Discussion
3:15–4:45 pm, Donaldson Auditorium
“Between Two Worlds” is a 19-minute Molly Bidell film funded by Mass Humanities about second-generation Sudanese youth whose parents came to America as “lost boys” and girls during the South Sudanese civil war and who are still learning what home means. The film will be shown in the same auditorium that hosted the initial gathering of refugees and Lincoln residents in 2000. For adults and children 10+. Sponsored by South Sudanese Enrichment for Families.

Former LEAP staffer dies by suicide amid child porn investigation

Former LEAP staff member John Buffington died by suicide on Thursday, Jan. 8 as he was being served a search warrant for possession of child pornography at his home in Princeton, Mass.

Buffington, 67, was an after-school instructor for the Princeton Parks and Recreation Department, where he taught woodworking, primitive skills, and kite-making, the Massachusetts State Police said in a January 9 press release. Following tips that came in from an electronic service provider to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the state police Cyber Crime Unit and other law enforcement officers secured a search warrant through Worcester District Court to search Buffington’s residence for evidence of child sexual abuse material. As officers announced themselves at the door, he fled into a garage, where he apparently shot himself.

Upon entering Buffington’s home, law enforcement officers found evidence of child sexual abuse material. “Officers additionally located sexually explicit material that involved pictures of at least one child who was known to the suspect,” the state police release said. While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, “there is no apparent evidence that any child he encountered has been harmed.”

In a search of Buffington’s basement, law enforcement found “mannequin-like figures hanging by chains from his basement ceiling… with pictures of children’s faces… over the faces of those figures,” according to WCVB-TV report. Princeton police said Buffington moved to town in 2009, had no criminal record, and did have a license to carry a firearm, WCVB said.

Buffington, known at LEAP as Johnny, worked for LEAP (the Lincoln Extended-day After-school Program) from September 1988 until March 2014, according to a press release from town officials.

County and state authorities are “working diligently to identify any parties affected by Mr. Buffington in his role as a community member of trust so that they are able to receive appropriate support and services,” said the release, which was posted on LincolnTalk. Lincoln police will continue to coordinate with other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies who are investigating the scope of Buffington’s activities and “will offer whatever support the LEAP organization and community requires.”

Questions or concerns should be directed to the Lincoln Police Department at 781-259-8111, and parents with concerns about their children’s interactions with Buffington can also contact the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center at 781-897-8400.

Although it oversees after-school care for some Lincoln School children, LEAP is a private nonprofit organization. It was housed in one of the Hartwell pods until the pods were torn down last summer to make way for the new community center.

The Lincoln press release was signed by Superintendent of Schools Parry Graham, Town Administrator Timothy Higgins, Acting Police Chief Jon Wentworth, and Kathryn Hawkins, who has been LEAP’s director since 2013 or 2014, around the time the program was in danger of being replaced. LEAP made various programmatic improvements in 2014 before its contract with the town was renewed.

Reached by the Lincoln Squirrel on Jan. 12, Hawkins declined comment, saying, “I have been told that the statement that was sent out on Saturday should suffice.”