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

My Turn: Bodnar is running for Select Board

By Kim Bodnar

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, those roles have included Lincoln School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) chair, board member for the Friends of the Lincoln Library, lead organizer of a community-wide kickball tournament, and contributor to the citizen’s petition that recently renamed the Board of Selectmen as 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.

Also, in the coming weeks (just when it’s getting really cold again!), you will see me at the transfer station and in front of Donelan’s to meet and hear from you. In addition to those two locations, I’ll look for additional opportunities to meet in person and discuss what’s on your mind. More to come…

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 27th.

Sincerely,

Kim Bodnar
11 Fox Run Road

“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: Dwyer won’t seek reelection to Select Board

By Jonathan Dwyer

I write to announce that I will not be seeking reelection to the Select Board before my term expires in March.

After serving on the board for the past six years, twice as chair, I am ready to step back and make space for others to participate in town leadership. The experience was wonderful, and my “J-Board” colleagues James Craig, Jennifer Glass, and Jim Hutchinson were a joy to work with and learn from.

Getting to know staff, the regulatory complexities and services they uphold, and their responsiveness to ever-changing town needs was a privilege. In particular, I enjoyed working on North Lincoln issues such as the Route 2A repaving project that kept me in regular contact with residents, MassDOT, Minute Man National Historical Park, Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, and adjacent towns’ Select Board members through the Hanscom Area Towns Committee.

The Capital Planning Committee, community center committees, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and Roadway and Traffic Committee (RTC) have all provided additional opportunities for me to work with talented staff and volunteers to plan, advise, fund, decide, and implement many town infrastructure projects. The collaboration among BPAC and RTC is exceptional, in my opinion. Whether we were discussing changes to an intersection, edge lanes for pedestrian and cyclist safety, curb materials and reveals, a new roadside path at Codman Farm, or the trail-path network and Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, it would be difficult to tell who was on which committee without roll-call voting.

Moreover, our town’s resident-government partnership, built on trust and common values, is remarkable, and is a key element of Lincoln’s character. Today’s issues are multifaceted and lack easy answers, but the town continues to be in a good state to address them.

I thank all of you for voting me onto this board twice, and thank my wife and daughters for giving me time to serve you. If you haven’t had an opportunity to volunteer on a town board or committee, go for it. It’s important, and a terrific experience.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Dwyer
Beaver Pond Road

“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.

Police log for December 23–31, 2022

December 23

Due to the storm with high winds, utility wires and/or branches reported down on Old Sudbury Road (8:17 a.m.), South Great Road (8:3 a.m. and 10:01 a.m.), Old Concord Road (8:57 a.m.), Trapelo Road (4:33 p.m.), Lexington Road (4:49 p.m.), Lincoln Road (4:49 p.m. and 5:08 p.m.), Lewis Street (5:11 p.m.), Upland Field Road (5:19 p.m.), Weston Road (6:09 p.m. and 6:48 p.m.), Tower Road (7:00 p.m. and 9:46 p.m.), Laurel Drive (7:15 p.m.), Old Bedford Road (7:21 p.m.), Conant Road (8:48 p.m.).

South Great Road (8:42 a.m.) — Caller reported the railroad gates were stuck down. Officers responded and asked Keolis to respond, which they did about 30 minutes later.

Old Sudbury Road (11:54 a.m.) — Caller reported the railroad gates were stuck down. Officer responded and Keolis was on the scene.

North Great Road (5:40 p.m.) — Weston Police Department called asking Lincoln officers to check Route 117 for a missing person from their town with dementia. Weston police later called back and said the party was located in their town.

December 24

South Great Road (3:55 a.m.) — An officer came across a vehicle that had struck the guardrail on Route 117 near the railroad tracks. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Sandy Pond Road (2:27 p.m.) — Caller reported some jewelry missing from their house. They later located the items.

Lincoln Road (9:00 p.m.) — Two-car crash near 100 Lincoln Rd. Police and Fire Department responded. No injuries; vehicles towed from the scene.

December 25

Stratford Way (5:08 a.m.) — Officer responded to a breaking-and-entering in progress at the residence. Officers located signs of the break and requested assistance from officers from Mass. State Police (K9), Waltham, and Concord Police Departments. The area was checked but no suspects were located. An investigation is ongoing.

Sandy Pond Road (10:05 a.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas in the home. The Fire Department responded and found readings from a hot water heater. The gas was shut off and National Grid was contacted.

Stratford Way (1:49 p.m.) — Report of a possible water main break on the property. The Water Department was notified.

Huckleberry Hill (5:38 p.m.) and Stratford Way (9:09 p.m.) — An officer conducted a canvass of the area related to the attempted burglary on Stratford Way.

December 26

Indian Camp Lane (7:46 a.m.) — Caller reported their smoke detector was going off, maybe due to a low battery, but they couldn’t reach it. The Fire Department responded to assist.

Stratford Way (1:52 p.m.) — Caller reported a suspicious person walking in the area. An officer responded but was unable to locate the person.

Wells Road (4:19 p.m.) — Caller reported no heat in the entire building. The Fire Department responded and confirmed that maintenance staff were aware and working on fixing the problem. There was another call at 5:03 p.m. reporting that there was still no heat in the building. Dispatch spoke with maintenance staff who were on the scene fixing the issue. The Fire Department also assisted maintenance staff.

South Great Road (8:59 p.m.) — Report of a vehicle on the railroad tracks. An officer responded but nothing was found.

December 27

South Great Road (3:25 a.m.) — Officer reported the traffic lights at Route 117 and Route 126 were malfunctioning. The DPW was notified.

South Great Road (5:57 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station asked the Water Department to be notified as they need to shut water off to the house due to a leak. The Fire Department assisted the person and notified the Water Department.

December 28

South Great Road (6:27 p.m.) — A resident requested assistance because they could not shut their stove off. The Fire Department responded to assist.

Tower Road (7:25 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing someone on the property via their security cameras. An officer responded; it was an oil company employee who was there to service the furnace.

Lincoln Street, Lexington (10:29 p.m.) — An officer responded to assist Lexington police with searching for a burglary suspect.

December 29

Hartwell Avenue, Lexington (1:40 a.m.) — Lexington police requested a Lincoln officer to shut down Bedford Street t at Hartwell Avenue due to a serious vehicle crash.

Todd Pond Road (8:49 a.m.) — A caller asked an officer to stand by in order to keep the peace while they picked up belongings from a residence.

Location not given (11:55 a.m.) — Caller reported being bitten by two boxers while out for a walk. Animal Control was notified.

Old Concord Road (3:32 p.m.) — Called asked to speak to an officer regarding a court order.

Laurel Drive (4:25 p.m.) — A person turned in a firearm to be destroyed

Concord Road (6:45 p.m.) — Caller reported their horse ran off from their trailer on near Marconi’s Auto. Another resident called to report that the horse was in the yard of 96 Concord Rd. An officer responded and the owner was advised as to the location of the horse.

Old Concord Road (6:20 p.m.) — Caller reported receiving a call from an acquaintance who was making suicidal threats over the phone. The person was tracked to Dedham where Dedham police intervened with a well-being check.

Farrar Road (8:03 p.m.) — Caller reported that their vehicle was clipped by a passing vehicle who left the scene. An officer responded and found some minor debris in the roadway.

December 30

Birchwood Lane (7:24 a.m.) — Fire Department responding to a smoke detector activation found a problem with the detector. Maintenance was notified.

South Great Road (10:58 a.m.) — Caller reported seeing a deer with an injured leg in their driveway. An officer responded and the deer ran off.

Mary’s Way (1:01 p.m.) — Caller requesting a well-being check on a resident. An officer responded and everything was fine.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (1:46 p.m.) — Caller asked an officer to respond regarding a civil matter involving custody of a cat. An officer responded and advised the parties that the matter was civil in nature.

December 31

Wells Road (6:35 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing gunshots in the area. Officers checked but nothing was found.

Old Concord Road (6:50 p.m.) — A person came to the station to report their checkbook was missing.

News acorns

Event looks at insect decline

Professor Dave Goulson will give a talk on “Silent Earth: Saving our Insects” on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2–3:30 p.m., discussing why insects are in decline and what steps we can take to help. Click here to register for the Zoom link. Sponsored by the Mass. Pollinator Network, Lexington Living Landscapes, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and Mass Audubon. Click here to register for the Zoom link.

Talk on wildfires and climate change

Join The Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for “Fire Suppression & Climate Change: A Conversation with George Wuerthner” on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Wuerthner, a professional photographer and the author of more than two dozen books on natural history and other environmental topics, including Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy, He will provide insights and an overview on the major factors driving large wildfires in the West and discuss the ecological impacts of these blazes as well as policies that could help to protect communities from such events in the age of climate change. Click here to learn more and register.

Film: “In the Mood for Love”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “In The Mood For Love (Fa Yeung Nin Wah)” (1962) on Thursday Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. Chow Mo-Wan (Tony Leung) and Su Li-Zhen (Maggie Cheung Man Yuk) move into neighboring apartments on the same day. Their encounters are formal and polite — until a discovery about their spouses creates an intimate bond between them. With its aching soundtrack and exquisitely abstract cinematography by Christopher Doyle and Mark Lee Ping Bing, this film has been a major stylistic influence on the past two decades of cinema and is a milestone in Wong’s redoubtable career. In Hong Kong Cantonese and Shanghainese with English subtitles.

Library-sponsored events on ransomware, British cooking

Pulitzer Prize finalist Renee Dudley and Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Golden will discuss their latest book, The Ransomware Hunting Team — a real-life technological thriller that illuminates a dangerous new era of cybercrime — via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 7–8:30 p.m. Again and again, an unlikely band of misfits, mostly self-taught and often struggling to make ends meet, have outwitted the underworld of hackers who lock computer networks and demand huge payments in return for the keys. Click here to register.

Join British travel/relocation consultant Claire Evans for a delightful culinary tour of the U.K. (via Zoom) inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” TV series on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 2–3 p.m. She’ll talk about how to make a proper cup of tea and regional specialties, as well as translating the trickiest parts of British recipes for Americans so you can try them in your own kitchen. This program is hosted by the Cary Memorial Library in collaboration with several Massachusetts libraries. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library. Click here to register.

News acorns

LincFam New Years’ Dance party

LincFam (the Lincoln Family Association) will host a New Year’s dance party on Friday, Dec. 30 from 4–6 p.m. at the First Parish in Lincoln’s parish house (the stone church) with family-friendly dance music, crafts, and pizza. Free for LincFam members, $10 for others. Click here to RSVP or email info@lincfam.org.

Scholarship program now accepting applications

The Sudbury Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Atkinson Scholarship Program. The Atkinson Scholarship is $5,000 and is renewable for three additional years of support. Students are selected based on a combination of financial need, academic performance, and merit. The program is open to high school seniors graduating in spring 2023 who are planning to attend a four or two-year college, or approved, post-secondary vocational school. Applicants must be:

  • Enrolled at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (L-S), OR
  • A Sudbury resident or the dependent of a Sudbury resident, OR
  • The dependent of a Town of Sudbury or L-S full-time employee. 

The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2023. If you know a high school senior who might be interested, please let them know that they can find information about the scholarship program here, or call 978-443-0849.

Lincoln student at BC High makes honor roll

Patrick Blanc of Lincoln, a senior at Boston College High School, was named to the first-quarter honor roll with High Honors (Class of 2023). The recognition requires a quality grade point average of at least 3.80 and all grades C+ or higher.

Author conversation via Zoom

Join an evening with two of the country’s top young adult authors as Maureen Johnson (Nine Liars) is interviewed by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Final Gambit) in a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 7–8 p.m. Sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library.  Click here to register.

Police log for Dec. 13-22, 2022

December 13

Tower Road (4:15 a.m.) — Caller reported hearing a dog barking in the area. An officer located the log, which was inside a house. The officer contacted the owner and advised them of the complaint.

December 14

South Commons (4:26 p.m.) — Caller reported a car driving around the complex and the operator stopped and said something to kids playing in a common area. Officers checked the area but were unable to located. Officers reviewed video footage in the area and it was apparently a delivery driver.

Mary’s Way (6:01 p.m.) — Resident called the station to speak with an officer regarding a civil matter. An officer provided their legal options.

South Great Road (7:38 p.m.) — Resident called regarding a scam phone call stating they had a warrant for their arrest.

December 15

Virginia Road (9:21 a.m.) — Caller reported protesters blocking traffic and not letting them get to Hanscom Air Force Base. State Police at Hanscom are handling the matter.

Hemlock Circle (10:00 a..) — Report of people skating on Farrar Pond. An officer checked and spoke to the parties and their parents.

Scott Circle (2:09 p.m.) — Caller wanted to file a report of personal items that went missing during a move from Tennessee to Hanscom. An officer took a report.

Donelan’s lot (5:22 p.m.) — Caller reported a minor motor vehicle crash and that one of the parties had left the scene. An officer spoke to the party who left the scene as well as the owner of the other car.

December 16

Sandy Pond Road (3:04 p.m.) — One-car crash; vehicle towed.

Twin Pond Lane (6:47 p.m.) — Resident came to the station to report their home phone was not working and they don’t have a cell phone. Dispatch contacted the phone company, who will respond in the morning to assist the resident

December 17

Meadowbrook Road (10:03 a.m.) — Caller reported someone hit their mailbox and drove off. An officer responded and took a report.

Lincoln Road (2:59 p.m.) — Officer helped get someone into their vehicle.

Tracey’s Gas Station (4:58 p.m.) — Caller reported they’re in the lot of Tracey’s with a flat tire and don’t know the address to provide AAA. Address given and an officer went by to check on the party.

Browning Lane (8:12 p.m.) — Caller reported being harassed by a person while at school in Boston. An officer spoke to the party and gave them their legal options, and advised them to contact the college police department to make they aware.

December 18

Orchard Lane (9:06 a.m.) — Westford police asked that a officer make contact with a Lincoln resident who was involved in a crash in their town. Several attempts were unsuccessful.

Wells Road (2:09 p.m.) — Resident reported someone known to them threw rocks through their car window. An officer when and took a report and will be filing for a court summons for malicious destruction of property.

North Great Road (6:13 p.m.) — Caller reported a cooler in the roadway. An officer responded to remove the item and dispose of it.

South Great Road (7:32 p.m.) — Officer checked on a party pulled to the side of the roadway. They were programming their GPS.

December 19

Old Concord Road (12:00 p.m.) — Caller reported that a package was taken from the bank of mailboxes.

Lincoln Road (2:29 p.m.) — Minor crash in the Donelan’s lot.

Tabor Hill Road (6:47 p.m.) — Officer responded to a burglar alarm and discovered a burglary. Several police agencies helped search the area but were unable to locate any suspects. An investigation is ongoing.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:31 p.m.) — Crash near Bedford Road. State police on the scene requested an ambulance but the patient refused transport to the hospital.

Wells Road (11:47 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone they didn’t know was walking around the property. An officer checked but was unable to locate anyone.

December 20

Deerhaven Road
AID TO PUBLIC Dec 20, 2022 – Tuesday at 08:15 22-12-20-010031- Party came to the station regarding a civil matter. An officer spoke to the party and provided them their legal options.
Location: 53

Russett Court (3:44 p.m.) — Minor two-car crash; no injuries.

Longmeadow Road (9:39 p.m.) — Caller reported that a package was stolen from their doorstep.

Silver Birch Lane (9:43 p.m.) — Caller reported their neighbor’s dog was barking. An officer responded and no barking was heard.

Tower Road (11:43 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer regarding a civil matter. An officer responded and spoke to the resident and advised them that the information would be documented.

December 21

Weston Road (7:52 a.m.) — Caller reported two loose dogs.

Round Hill Road (10:21 a.m.) — Caller reported a suspicious vehicle had been parked on the roadway the previous night. The car was no longer there when an officer checked.

Transfer station (12:41 p.m.) — Fire Department assisted a person who was locked out of their vehicle.

Wells Road (12:54 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak to an officer regarding a neighbor dispute. An officer responded; the matter is civil in nature.

December 22

Paul Revere lot, North Great Road (3:26 a.m.) — Officer checkied on a vehicle parked in the lot. Everything was fine and the parties went on their way.

Wells Road (3:55 p.m.) — A person came to the station saying they were threatened on social media and wanted police to document the incident.

South Great Road (5:12 p.m.) — Two-car crash; no injuries.

It’s not too late – give the gift of a Squirrel!

Here are two great gift ideas for those on your last-minute list (or even yourself!):

  1. “The Lincoln Squirrel: The First Ten Years,” a colorful 14-page PDF with headlines and photos from the first decade of Lincoln’s online newspaper — and each headline and photo is linked to its source on the Squirrel website. If you’re giving this as a gift to a non-subscriber, I can set them up with a one-month free subscription so they can read the stories. Only $20! Click here to see a sample page.
  2. Discounts on a one-year subscription to the Lincoln Squirrel — only $48 vs. the usual $54. You can also get a discounted subscription for yourself if you’re a new subscriber.

If you’d like to give either one as a gift, I’ll send the recipient a digital gift card on Christmas Day or whenever you specify, along with instructions on how to log in. Just call or email me to tell me your name, the recipient’s name and email address, and when you’d like them to receive the gift card. You can pay using PayPal, Venmo or check (see below).

  • Pay by check: Mail a check made out to “Watusi Words” (not Lincoln Squirrel) to 178 Weston Rd., Lincoln MA 01773
  • Pay by PayPal: lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com
  • Pay by Venmo: @Alice-Waugh

Alice Waugh
Editor, The Lincoln Squirrel and The Lincoln Chipmunk
lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com
617-710-5542 (mobile)

Property sales in November 2022

241 Aspen Circle — Maureen Harmonay to Vitaly Huruev for $795,000 (November 30)

68 Winter St. — Mary Lou P. Gauvin Trust to Yi Luo and Qing Gao for $1,220,000 (November 28)

8 Linway Rd. — Christopher Fasciano to Corey and Nicole Ciullo for $1,475,000 (November 18)

319 South Great Rd. — Jeanne Benton to William and Audrey O’Shaughnessy for $1,415,000 (November 8)

 

News acorns

Old Town Hall Exchange open this week

Need extra china place settings or glassware for your holiday meals, or some last-minute gift ideas? Check out the Old Town Hall Exchange, which has an array of gifts as well as affordable antiques. It will be open this week on the following schedule:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 20 — 10.a.m to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 21 — 10.a.m to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 22 — 10.a.m to 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 23 — 10.a.m to 2 p.m.

Tucker Smith recognized for 25 years of helping families

Tucker Smith of Lincoln was profiled by Bay Cove Human Services for her 25 years of work to send holiday presents, grocery gift cards and other items needed to make the holidays bright for early-intervention (EI) families. The effort began in 1998 when Smith and her husband learned that there were unanswered letters to Santa at the postal annex, “so we decided to go get a couple of them and fulfill the requests,” she says in the Bay Cove blog post. “Not long after that, we were attending church at First Parish, and [fellow parishioner] Dan Boynton got up and began speaking about the agency he had founded—Bay Cove Human Services—and its EI program. I couldn’t wait for him to finish, so that I could run up to him and ask him whether we could supply Christmas for the people in the program!”

Bay Cove Human Services is a Boston-based nonprofit that provides services for individuals dealing with the challenges of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorder, and/or homelessness in greater Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.

Shortsleeve named to Mt. Auburn board

Michael Shortsleeve

Lincoln resident Michael Shortsleeve, M.D., is one of four new board members and board chair announced by the Mount Auburn Hospital Board of Trustees. Shortsleeve served as chair of the Department of Radiology for 21 years and program director for the Radiology Residency Program for 18 years. He has served as an officer on the Board of Trustees and chair of the Trustee Philanthropy Committee, and he founded the Physician’s Leadership Circle.