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

News acorns

Get your new transfer station sticker

Residents who wish to obtain a new Transfer Station/Commuter Lot sticker have until Thursday, Sept. 1 to do so. The new yellow sticker affixed to the windshield will be required to gain entry to the transfer station as of that day. See the DPW’s transfer station web page for more information and to request a free sticker online, visit the DPW office on Lewis Street, or call 781-259-8999.

Film: “Le Cercle Rouge”

The Lincoln Library Film Society will screen “Le Cercle Rouge” (“The Red Circle,” 1970) in the Tarbell Room on Thursday, Sept. 15 21 at 6 p.m. After leaving prison, master thief Corey crosses paths with a notorious escapee and an alcoholic former policeman. The trio proceeds to plot an elaborate heist. Starring Alain Delon and Yves Montand; in French with subtitles.

Show your artwork in the library

Applications for exhibits in the Lincoln Public Library’s main art gallery will be available starting Thursday, Sept. 1. The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 30. More information can be found on the library’s Art Gallery & Display Spaces web page, and applications are available at the Reference Desk.

Property sales in June 2022

75 Todd Pond Rd. — Samuel Newell to Yuval Kohavi and Elise Goldman for $2,518,000 (June 1)

247 Lincoln Rd. — Bruce MacNeil to Sean Armstrong and Leslie Hill for $1,496,000 (June 1)

16 Minebrook Rd. — Sungik  Paik to Filip Zembowicz and Helen Havlak for $1,836,000 (June 3)

39 Weston Rd. — Maxwell Semler to Gail O’Keefe and Samuel Melton for $1,800,000 (June 7)

91 Tower Rd. — John V. Kania Trust to Shergul Arshad and Sophie Dixon for $1,516,900 (June 13)

0 Tower Rd. — John V. Kania to Shergul Arshad and Sophie Dixon for $95,000 (June 13)

23 Sandy Pond Rd. — Thomas G. Murdough III to Sycamore Rows LLC for $2,000,000 (June 15)

191 Concord Rd. — Douglas Stinson to Jason and Tessa McLure for $1,437,000 (June 15)

58 Trapelo Rd. — Diamond Capital Inc. to Reese and Reagan Mozer for $2,300,000 (June 21)

33 Page Rd. — Ronald Marcks to Kevin Guarnotta and Laura Cuozzo-Guarnotta for $1,850,000 (June 22)

1 Forester Rd. — Christopher Mano to Lawrence and Amanda Leef for $1,810,000 (June 22)

21 Oak Meadow Rd. — Mark Hochman to Matthew and Asli Grace for $1,075,000 (June 28)

241 Aspen Circle — Robert A. Lemire Trust for Maureen Harmonay for $750,000 (June 30)

245 Lincoln Rd. — Kennie Huber to John and Victoria Cooper for $1,000,000 (June 30)

22 Warbler Springs Rd. — Mahmood Ghaffari to Eight Lakes LLC for $3,150,000 (June 30)

Police log for August 8–20, 2022

August 8

Concord Road (9:09 a.m.) — Caller reported that landscaping trucks along the side of the road were causing an issue. An officer responded and reported the vehicles were off the roadway near Farrar Road and were not a hazard.

Wells Road (11:18 a.m.) — A resident came into the station requesting to speak to an officer regarding a civil matter.

August 9

Lincoln School (5:15 a.m. and 11:41 a.m.) — Officers assisted with the transport of several school modular buildings from the school complex to Route 2.

South Great Road (10:16 a.m.) — Caller reported three vehicles in the field by the railroad tracks. An officer responded but they were gone on arrival.

August 10

Bedford Road (1:36 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer regarding a contractor working at the residence who paid for material with a check with insufficient funds. An officer spoke to the caller and later the contractor, who advised that they’ll contact the caller regarding payment.

August 11

Lincoln School (4:52 a.m.) — Officers assisted with the transport of several school modular buildings from the school complex to Route 2.

Lincoln Road (9:02 a.m.) — Resident spoke to an officer regarding a package that was delivered.

Lincoln Road (4:33 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported that someone rear-ended them on Route 117 near Lincoln Road. The vehicle left and continued west on Route 117. Concord and Sudbury police were notified.

Bedford Road (6:24 p.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to a resident.

August 12

Lincoln Road (8:50 a.m.) — Caller reported a young child wandering around the mall/post office area. An officer responded and located the child. The officer returned the child to their residence and followed up with the parent.

Wells Road (3:25 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported that they were almost struck by a bicyclist in the Wells Road area and wanted the incident documented.

Silver Birch Lane (9:14 p.m.) — Caller report their neighbor’s dog was barking. An officer responded but all was quiet.

Baker Bridge Road (10:12 p.m.) — Caller reported that a vehicle pulled into the driveway and turned around and left. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the vehicle.

August 13

Lincoln Gas And Auto (3:16 a.m.) — Officer found an open garage door and checked the building. An employee was inside working.

Silver Birch Lane (6:50 a.m.) — Caller reported their neighbor’s dog was barking. An officer responded and spoke to the owner of the dog.

Ballfield Road (9:40 a.m.) — Caller reported having a verbal altercation with a dog walker. An officer spoke to the involved party and took a report.

August 14

Lincoln North office building (12:13 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. No one was around; it was possibly a tenant of the building.

Lincoln Gas And Auto (4:40 a.m.) — Caller reported hearing yelling coming from the area of the gas station. Officers responded to the area. While en route, caller reported seeing two vehicles leaving. Officers checked the area but found nothing.

Concord Road (12:01 p.m.) — Caller reported a small brush fire near the railroad tracks and the footbridge. Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (12:49 p.m.) — Caller reported a verbal argument between two parties. Officers responded; one party was leaving.

Sandy Pond Road (3:30 p.m.) — Conservation ranger reported a party swimming in the reservoir. Police officer responded and removed the party and advised them not to return.

South Great Road (5:24 p.m.) — Caller reported that a party who appeared to be confused was walking on Route 117 near Mt. Misery. Officer located the party and brought them home.

Weston Road (6:07 p.m.) — A detail officer at the Pierce House asked for an officer to help a person who appeared to have memory issues. While en route, the officer was cancelled. The party was reunited with a family member.

Weston Road (6:28 p.m.) — Caller reported loud music coming from the Pierce House. An officer responded; the music was not excessively loud.

August 15

Mount Misery lot, South Great Road (12:26 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle in the lot. The party had pulled over and was watching a movie; they went on their way.

T&F Auto, Concord Road (12:37 p.m.) — Officer checked on the building because there were lights on inside. Building was secure.

Codman Road (4:25 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a resident. An officer checked but no one was home.

Kettle Hole Drive (11:41 p.m.) — One-car motor vehicle crash, no injuries. Vehicle was towed from the scene.

August 16

Codman Community Farm (11:32 p.m.) — Farmer called to report someone stole $33 worth of merchandise. An officer responded and was able to identify the involved party by their vehicle. An officer followed up with the suspect and advised them to contact the farmer and make arrangements to pay for the items or criminal charges could be filed.

Scott Circle, Hanscom AFB (4:59 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces called reporting that someone reported a concern about the well-being of several individuals at a residence. An officer responded and spoke to the involved parties and took a report.

Lexington Road (5:43 p.m.) — Caller reported their water meter is leaking. Officer notified the Water Department.

Chestnut Circle (10:17 p.m.) — Caller asked police to contact a resident regarding a family member being involved in a crash in Concord. A message was left with the resident.

August 17

Bedford Road (5:09 p.m.) — Paperwork from the Registry of Motor Vehicles was delivered to a resident.

August 18

Minute Man NHP Visitor Center (1:06 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle in the lot and moved the party moved along because the lot was closed.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (12:08 p.m.) — Caller reported suspicious activity around their property. An officer responded and spoke to the resident and took a report.

Meadowdam Road (1:01 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported that their neighbor’s landscaper was using a leaf blower and they had had a verbal altercation. An officer responded and spoke to the landscaper and advised them of the town bylaw.

Aspen Circle (1:41 p.m.) — Caller reported their bicycle was stolen out of their garage. An officer tried to make contact but the reporting party was not home. The officer will follow up and take a report.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:48 p.m.) — Concord police reported multiple 911 hang-up calls of someone traveling on Route 2 possibly involved in a domestic disturbance. Police could not make contact.

Ryan Estate (9:49 p.m.) — Caller reported their fire alarm was going off. The Fire Department responded and found a faulty detector.

August 19

Old Cambridge Turnpike (8:52 a.m.) — Caller report their tires were slashed. An officer responded and took a report.

Lincoln Road (10:45 a.m.) — Caller reported their cat was missing. Animal Control Officer notified.

Mosher Lane, Marlborough (4:44 p.m.) — Fire Department responded for a large brush fire.

Hanscom Field (6:06 p.m.) — Massport called about a plane coming in with mechanical problem but the call was canceled while en route.

South Great Road (8:59 p.m.) — Concord police reported receiving a call about an overly cautious operator driving very slowly and pulling over as cars approached. An officer responded to the area but was unable to locate the vehicle.

Wheeler Road (9:00 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the middle of the roadway. The operator was using their GPS.

August 20

Brooks Hill Road (1:23 a.m.) — Caller reported an odor of smoke in the area. The Fire Department responded; it was apparently due to the fire in Marlborough.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (1:24 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle in the breakdown lane. The vehicle was unoccupied; State Police were notified.

August 20

Bypass Road (2:14 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled off the road. Driver was tired and was resting.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (3:38 a.m.) — An officer stopped a motor vehicle and after an investigation arrested Calvin Kamara, 27, of Waltham and charged him with OUI–liquor, negligent operation of a vehicle, speeding, and a marked lane violation. He was later released to appear in Concord District Court on August 22.

Lincoln Road (8:35 a.m.) — Multiple calls about a smoke haze in the area. Fire Department responded to the north section of town. The haze was from the fire in Marlborough.

Ent Road, Hanscom AFB (11:45 a.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces called requesting assistance with a civil matter on base. An officer responded and spoke to the involved parties and advised them of their legal options.

Hanscom Drive (1:14 a.m.) — Massport reported a plane with a problem with their navigation coming in. The Fire Department responded but was cancelled while en route.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (8:50 p.m.) — Caller reported they ran out of gas on Route 2. State Police were notified and assisted the party.

News acorns

Information for upcoming election

The last day to register to vote in the September 6 primary is Saturday, Aug. 27. You can register in person at Town Hall (which will be open on that day from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) or online at www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr. See this town website to check your voter status and see sample ballots and early voting FAQs. Note that Lincoln is now split into two Mass. House of Representatives districts. Precinct 1 (southwest Lincoln) is in the 13th Middlesex and Precinct 2 (northeast Lincoln) is in the 14th Norfolk.

August 27 is also the first day of early voting in person at Town Hall. Early voting hours for the following week (August 29 – September 2) are 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Town Hall is also open for absentee voting on Friday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the polls on Election Day should contact Town Clerk Valerie Fox at foxv@lincolntown.org.

Bird programs coming up

Backyard Birds of Lincoln with Mass Audubon
Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 7–8 p.m.
You’ll meet a variety of birds, from song birds to raptors while learning about their habitat needs and adaptations. Join us in the Lincoln Library’s Tarbell Room to understand the impacts of climate change on birds, and how you can help the birds in your own backyard.

Beginner Bird Walk at Drumlin Farm
Saturday, Sept. 10 from 7:30–9:30 a.m.
New to birding and unsure where to start? Learn the ins and outs of this exciting hobby from Mass Audubon teacher naturalists on this guided bird walk at Drumlin Farm. Enjoy learning a simple, logical approach to field identification while exploring the beautiful 291-acre wildlife sanctuary. Learn how to navigate your field guide and some popular birding apps. We’ll review observation tips and how to you can confidently land on a positive identification. Meet at the Education Learning Center. Click here to register (required).

Register for in-town youth soccer

The 2022-23 Lincoln Youth Soccer season for grades K-2 kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 10 and runs through October 29. Register at www.lincolnsoccer.com (note that registration covers both fall and spring seasons). Grades K-1 will practice from 8–9 a.m. and grade 2 from 9–10 a.m.

LYS is always looking for parent volunteers for assistant coaching. Click here or contact sallyannecoleman@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to get involved.

Family concert to benefit food pantry

LincFam presents a family concert to benefit the SVdP Lincoln and Weston Food Pantry on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 3:30–5 p.m. on the Pierce House lawn. Bring chairs and blankets to a concert by songwriter and Lincoln parent Kat Chapman and enjoy offerings from Chillwagon Ice Cream. Suggested donation: $20 per car/family, and food items are welcome. All proceeds benefit the food pantry.

Station Park anniversary open house

Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lincoln Garden Club volunteers maintaining Station Park at an open house on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.–noon at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Ridge Road, just across Lincoln Road from the mall at Lincoln Station. Light refreshments will be served, and the farmers’ market will be open across the street with produce, crafts, and music. Information on the park’s history and how to join the Lincoln Garden Club will be also available.

The Commons wins kudos for independent living

The Commons in Lincoln has been named one of the best senior living communities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The Commons was the only community in Massachusetts to be recognized in the magazine’s inaugural edition of Best Senior Living for independent living.

In a survey of more than 3,000 facilities nationwide, residents recognized The Commons independent living community for its responsive management and skilled staff, variety of life enrichment activities, safety, gourmet food and dining options, friendly dining staff, robust variety of meals, excellent local transportation, helpful billing department, and prompt and thorough housekeeping, among other features.

In addition to being a Best Senior Living community, The Commons is a two-time U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Home and has also been named as having some of the best skilled nursing and rehabilitation care in the country.

Notify Conservation Department of downed trees on trails

If you come across any trees blocking Lincoln trails, please email a photo with the location and approximate diameter of the tree to conservation@lincolntown.org. You can help the land management team by removing any small branches you come across along the trail system.

Service on August 28 for John Cowles

John Cowles

John Olmsted Cowles of Lincoln passed away in his sleep at age 88 on July 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife Diana and his sister Andra Raitch of Indialantic, Fla. He is also survived by his son Stephen of Durham, N.C.; son Christopher and his wife Lisa of Roswell, Ga.; and daughter Kristen and her husband Kenneth Kuhl of Montclair, N.J. The grandchildren are Katherine, Rebecca and Jonathan Cowles and Alexandra and Annika Kuhl. 

John, the son of Addison and Alexandra Cowles, grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Weston High School. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering from MIT, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi academic fraternity before earning a doctorate from the University of Michigan. 

After finishing his studies, John worked for ten years in chemical and nuclear engineering research at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Ca. As gas lines became longer in 1972, John was asked to go to Washington, D.C., to be part of a White House Presidential Committee made up of one representative from each of the national laboratories. The committee was charged with finding alternative energy technologies. In the years that followed, as the Atomic Energy Commission evolved into the Department of Energy, John worked for several private companies that were consultants to the Department of Energy. His final position was serving as the chief engineer for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. 

Upon retirement in 1999, John and Diana returned to John’s family home in Lincoln where he became a volunteer for the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Lincoln Historical Society. John also was active with the MIT alumni community, first serving as reunion chair for the MIT Class of 1956’s 60th reunion and then as class president for the following five years. His service to others and quick sense of humor endeared him to all those around him. 

Family together with friends will gather to remember John on Sunday, August 28 at 1 p.m. in Flint Hall at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Lincoln. Burial will be private for family members at Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging or the Lincoln Historical Society. 

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.  To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in his online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com. 

“Where does it all go?” Part 5: The 5 R’s, and some numbers

By Alice Waugh

Editor’s note: A huge thank-you to Susan Donaldson, DPW office manager, for her prompt and helpful answers and explanations as the Lincoln Squirrel was researching and writing these articles.

Also in this series:

Lincoln’s recycling rate (the proportion of recyclables diverted from the trash) since 2012 has averaged about 40%, which is slightly better than the statewide average of 33% but well below the national leaders, San Francisco and Los Angeles, which divert about 80 percent of their waste from landfills. So there’s definitely room for improvement in both how much Lincolnites recycle, and how correctly they recycle by putting items in the correct bin at the transfer station. 

One method that some towns are using to encourage more recycling is “pay as you throw” (PAYT), where residents pay for trash disposal per unit of waste discarded rather than solely through a fixed townwide fee or tax. “It’s equivalent to putting a price tag on each container of trash that’s placed at the curb or taken to the landfill or transfer station for disposal,” notes a DEP implementation guide for starting PAYT programs. As of 2021, more than 150 cities and towns in Massachusetts had some type of PAYT program in place.

The Holy Grail of recycling and trash management is “zero waste,” where almost nothing goes in the trash and everything we use is subject to the five R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. “Refuse” at the top of the pyramid means the first step is to say no to disposable single-use plastic, coffee cups, utensils, straws, shopping bags, food packaging, and anything else you could replace with a reusable or compostable option.

Meanwhile, at the transfer station, it’s often hard to know whether something is recyclable or not, so the DPW encourages residents to ask a staff member where things should go rather than just guess or “wishcycle.” “It makes you have to think,” noted Susan Donaldson, DPW office manager. 

The department will hold education days at the transfer station starting in September, and a short version of the new rules is being included with new transfer station stickers that residents get in the mail (they’re required as of September 1).

“We want to encourage people to read the rules and regulations because that tells you everything,” Donaldson said.

Resources

Lincoln’s costs to haul and process materials (January – June 2022)

MaterialCost
Trash$48,918
Single-stream recyclables$6,102
Glass$5,301
Metal$1,588
TVs$880
Black Earth Compost$4,524
Recycling rebate+$4,725
Textiles rebate+$1,321
Total costs (Jan-Jun)$61,267

Costs are fee per ton, less the value of materials.

Tons of material hauled in Lincoln (2012 – June 2022)

(Source for table and chart: Susan Donaldson, Lincoln DPW, and 2019 DPW presentation)

Notes:

  • Starting in July 2016, paper and cardboard were included in single-stream recycling.
  • In 2021, there were also 8 tons of mattresses recycled.

Police log for July 29–August 7, 2022

July 29

Concord Avenue, Belmont (12:17 p.m.) — Detective Ian Spencer assisted Belmont Police Department with a forensic sketch regarding an investigation in that town.

Silver Birch Lane (7:31 p.m.) — Caller reported that a neighbor’s dog was barking and causing a disturbance. An officer responded and spoke to the neighbor.

July 30

Partridge Lane (11:42 a.m.) — An officer stood by while a party retrieved items from a residence.

Baker Bridge Road (2:39 p.m.) — Caller reported someone using a leaf blower in the area. An officer responded and everything was quiet.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (4:06 p.m.) — A resident came into the station asking to speak to an officer regarding a civil matter. An officer spoke to the party and gave them their legal options.

Baker Bridge Road (6:18 p.m.) — Two vehicles parked illegally were ticketed.

Tower Road (8:24 p.m.) — Caller reported four goats on their property. Animal Control was notified to handle.

Wheeler Road (11:47 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked on the side of the road. The party was OK and on their way.

July 31

Orchard Lane (12:29 a.m.) — Caller reported someone was setting off fireworks on Route 2. Officers checked the area but found nothing.

Canoe landing parking lot (12:41 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. Vehicle was unoccupied.

Trapelo Road (7:00 a.m.) — Caller reported hearing a loud bang but did not lose their power. Officer checked the area; nothing found.

Farrar Road (12:36 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a resident. An officer checked and everything was fine. The reporting party arrived on scene.

Lincoln Police Department (3:05 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported receiving a bill from an unknown company. An officer spoke to the party in an effort to assist them.

Baker Bridge Road (3:58 p.m.) — Six vehicles parked in the No Parking zone were ticketed.

August 1

Hanscom Drive (10:15 a.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported that a party at their gate appeared confused. Officers responded and identified the party, who was reunited with their family.

Ballfield Road (2:36 p.m.) — Caller reported having a confrontation with a dog walker. Animal Control officer notified to handle.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:58 p.m.) — Caller reported returning from vacation and finding a package on their property that was suspicious. An officer responded and documented the incident.

Wells Road (4:12 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station asked to speak to an officer about an issue with a neighbor. The party spoke to an officer, who documented the incident.

August 2

Lincoln Road (7:41 a.m.) — Multiple callers reported that the railroad gates were stuck down. The MBTA was contacted; officers responded and report the gates are back up.

South Great Road (8:15 a.m.) — Multiple callers reported that the railroad gates were stuck down. Officer responded and found that the gates at Route 117, Old Sudbury Road, and Tower Road were down as well. The MBTA was contacted. Gates were back up at 9:21 a.m.

Lincoln Public Library (8:21 a.m.) — An employee reported locking themselves out of the library. The Fire Department responded and assisted the party.

South Great Road (2:40 p.m.) — A caller reported that the railroad gates were stuck down. The MBTA was contacted and reported than an issue with the track is causing the gates to get stuck in the down position. MBTA will be on scene fixing the issue.

Lincoln Road (4:49 p.m.) — Caller reported a golf cart riding on the sidewalk on Lincoln Road. Officers checked the area but found nothing.

August 3

Lincoln Road (4:56 a.m.) — Officers assisting with the moving of the modular school trailers.

Lewis Street (4:59 a.m.) — Caller reported a vehicle parked with its doors open in the middle of Lewis Street. Officers made contact with the owner and everything was fine.

Trapelo Road (8:37 a.m.) — Waltham Fire Department report a brush fire on Trapelo Road at the town line. Lincoln Fire Department responded. While enroute, Waltham Fire Department reported the fire was in Waltham and they will handle.

Ent Road, Hanscom AFB (9:22 a.m.) — Hanscom school principal reported vandalism at the school. An officer responded and took a report.

Lincoln Road and South Great Road (11:55 a.m.) — Railroad gates were stuck down. MBTA was notified and arrived on scene.

Lincoln Road (4:12 p.m.) — Two-car crash at Route 117 intersection; no injuries.

Lincoln Road (10:12 p.m.) — Caller reported they were lost and seemed upset. An officer located the party, who was brought to Emerson Hospital.

August 4

Gerard’s Farm Stand (7:34 a.m.) — Caller reported someone stole two chairs worth over $2,000. An officer responded and took a report; investigation ongoing.

Marconi’s Auto (8:18 a.m.) — Caller reported that a truck struck the side of the building and left the scene. An officer responded. The truck returned to the scene and the building inspector was notified.

Baker Bridge Road (4:49 p.m.) — Caller reported over a dozen cars parked on Baker Bridge Road. An officer responded and moved the vehicles along.

August 5

Tower Road (9:55 a.m.) — Caller reported they were concerned about a neighbor’s fencing being down and worried their goats will leave the pen. Animal Control spoke to the homeowner; the goats were in the barn.

Tower Road (12:44 p.m.) — An officer delivered court paperwork to the resident.

Lincoln Public Library (1:29 p.m.) — Caller asked the Fire Department to check on a party at the library who may have been in need of assistance. Fire Department and officers responded; the party was fine.

South Great Road (2:31 p.m.) — Caller reported that the railroad gates were stuck down. Officers responded and found the gates were up on arrival.

Sunnyside Lane (7:14 p.m.) — Resident requested a generator due to a power outage. The Fire Department responded and assisted the resident.

Mary’s Way (9:55 p.m.) — Caller was concerned that the resident hadn’t returned home from work. The party was later located and everything was fine.

Old Concord Road (10:20 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing what sounded like gunshots. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the source.

August 6

Minute Man NHP Visitor Center (12:50 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot.

Tower Road (12:58 p.m.) — Caller reported that their neighbor’s goats were out. An officer responded and was able to get them into the barn.

Trapelo Road (3:54 p.m.) — One-car crash at Winter Street. No injuries; vehicle was towed.

North Great Road (4:56 p.m.) — One-car crash with tree near Mill Street. Fire Department transported one person to the hospital; vehicle was towed.

Wells Road (8:15 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer responded and spoke to the resident. Everything was fine; they were having phone issues.

Ridge Road (8:54 p.m.) — Caller reported someone setting off fireworks. Officer responded and spoke to the party responsible and advised them to stop.

Lincoln Road (9:25 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing people talking outside their home. Officers responded and checked the area; everything was fine.

August 7

South Great Road (2:29 a.m.) — Motor vehicle crash near Stonegate Gardens. Officer responded and located the party in Weston. The operator was brought to a local hospital and summonsed to court for OUI–liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Conant Road (7:21 p.m.) — Report of smoke in the residence. Fire Department responded and found that it was steam from a broken pipe.

Old Concord Road (11:42 p.m.) — Dig Safe called asked the Water Department respond to mark an area where Verizon needs to replace a telephone pole.

Laurel Drive, Old Concord Road, Huntley Lane, Warbler Springs Road, Farrar Road, Conant Road (evening) — Trees and wires down due to a thunderstorm. Eversource was responding to handle.

“Where does it all go?” Part 4: Beyond the transfer station

By Alice Waugh

Not everything you’re done using can be recycled, of course, but here are some destinations for recycling or repurposing items that the Lincoln transfer station doesn’t handle, as well as additional places for things it does accept. The DPW’s transfer station website also has links on the left-hand side of the page with more information about where things can be recycled inside and outside the transfer station.

Also in this series:

Plastic bags and wraps

These should never be put in the single-stream recycling bin because they are not recyclable with other plastics and they get tangled up in the sorting machinery, but you can recycle them in the large white cylindrical bins at most grocery stores or simply throw them in the trash.

Recycled plastic bags and wraps (soft and flexible that you can stretch) are sold to companies that make composite “lumber” for decks, benches, playground sets, etc. The bags can also be reprocessed into small pellets, which can be made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipe. Items in this category that are recyclable include:

  • Single-use grocery bags
  • Product wrap around cases of water/soda bottles as well as single-use towels, napkins, plates, toilet paper, diapers, etc.
  • Food bags from bread, potatoes, produce, etc. (must be clean and dry)
  • Plastic box liners (but not if they tear like paper)
  • Dry-cleaning and newspaper bags
  • Plastic mailing envelopes (must have paper labels removed)
  • Zip-top food storage bags
  • Air pillows that protect items in mailed cardboard boxes
  • Plastic that’s wrapped around new electronics and other consumer items
  • Bubble wrap
  • Any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label

Plastic bags that are not recyclable include (ironically enough) compostable bags and those containing pre-washed salad mix, frozen food, and candy bars/chips/snacks. Learn more about what happens to plastic bags, where you can recycle them, and what’s recyclable in that category. 

Construction debris and building materials

Click here for a short list of companies that will take construction debris as well as appliances and household trash. C. Carney Environmental in Raynham also accepts some types of demolition debris for recycling.

Several charities and nonprofit organizations accept donations of old cabinets, counters, doors, windows, and other discarded building materials that can still be used.

Hazardous waste

Latex paint cans, button batteries, and alkaline batteries can be tossed in the regular trash. Oil-based paints, solvents, chemicals, medical waste, pesticides, and explosives are some of the items that can be brought to the Minuteman Hazardous Products Facility at 60 Hartwell Ave. in Lexington, which holds collection days for several area towns several times a year. The next collection days will be September 18, October 15, and November 5. Residents must preregister to be able to drop off items on those days. Click here for more information or call the Board of Health at 781-259-2613.

Books and media

The transfer station has a mini-swap shed for books and other media as well as a bin where residents can drop books off for resale to benefit the Friends of the Lincoln Library (see “Where does it all go?” Part 3: Recycling beyond single-stream”). Another local beneficiary of donated books is More Than Words, a Waltham program that trains and employs at-risk youth in its $4 million book-selling business. They accept donations of books, DVDs, video games and gently used clothing at their headquarters at 56 Felton St. in Waltham or one of their donation bins in the greater Boston area. Not accepted: textbooks over 10 years old, encyclopedias, VHS tapes, audio cassettes, or magazines. They will also do pickup for donors with eight or more boxes of books and/or clothing.

Bookscouter.com has suggestions for where to resell or donate used textbooks.

Housewares and furniture

Household Goods in Acton accepts items to furnish homes for those who are recently homeless, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, low income, immigrants, victims of disaster, or are coping with illness or disability. They accept items in good condition including:

  • Dressers, tables, chairs, and other furniture
  • Mattresses and bed frames
  • Dishes, flatware, and kitchen items
  • Sheets, towels, and other bed linens

Among the items they don’t accept: toys, sports equipment, office furniture, etc. Click here for a detailed list of what you can and can’t donate. Donations can be dropped off at their headquarters at 530 Main St. in Acton (978-635-1710) on Tuesdays, Thursdays  and Saturdays from 9 a.m.–noon without an appointment. 

ReStore (part of Habitat for Humanity) in West Roxbury and Ashland also accepts donations of home and office furniture, appliances, building materials, exercise equipment, and more.

Clothing

In addition to the Red Cross and Bay State Textiles bins at the transfer station (see “Where does it all go?” Part 3: Recycling beyond single-stream”), residents can drop off donated clothing and shoes in the nonprofit Planet Aid bin at Tracey’s Service Station on Bedford Road and Route 2. Other options:

Used stuffed animals and toys

Many organizations only accept new stuffed animals , but Stuffed Animals for Emergencies, Donation Town, Ronald McDonald House, homeless shelters, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and some hospitals will accept used items that adhere to cleanliness guidelines that vary from you to group. For more information, click here or here. 

Yard waste

Brush, leaves, grass clippings, Christmas trees, etc., can be brought to the DPW yard at 30 Lewis St. during normal business hours and on the first Saturday of each month between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Brush and yard waste is limited to material generated by normal residential activity; waste from larger-scale land clearing, etc., is not accepted. Use of the DPW yard is limited to residents with a transfer station sticker. Due to space limitations, residents are limited to three trips per month. Click here for more information.

The DPW yard also offers some materials back to the community for free, including compost, wood chips, and firewood at the DPW (call 781-259-8999 to check on availability). The department also has a small sand shed where residents can shovel a sand/salt mixture into buckets to take home to spread on outdoor walks and steps.

Tires

Tires are not accepted as either trash or recycling and should not appear at the transfer station at all. Old tires are usually replaced at a commercial garage or repair shop, which charges the customer a small fee to dispose of them. If you have tires at home that you need to get rid of, call Doherty’s or another service station.

Corrections

There are several corrections and additions to the “Where does it all go?” series, and the articles have now been updated.

“Part 2: Trash”

  • The new trash compactor on order is not replacing the so-called commercial hopper, which will remain in operation for bulky items that are appropriate for the regular trash (though residents will have to ask a DPW attendant to unlock the container gate). A third trash compactor will be installed in a new location.

“Part 3: Recycling beyond single-stream”

  • Soiled regular pizza boxes are not accepted in the compost, though compostable pizza boxes are.
  • The cost to buy a home composting bin from the DPW is $25, not $60.
  • Bay State textiles has one bin at the transfer station, not two.
  • A section on batteries, deposit bottles, and lightbulbs has been added.

Coming soon: “Part 4: Beyond the transfer station.”