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

Police log for August 21–28

August 21

Cambridge Turnpike (9:36 a.m.) — A resident called to report a suspicious item had been left in his driveway. Police are investigating.

Baker Bridge Road (4:12 p.m.) — A complaint was called in for vehicles parking on the side of Baker Bridge Road. Police responded to the area.

August 22

Ballfield Road (2:57 p.m.) — An officer observed an occupied vehicle on the school campus. A check of the vehicle showed it to be a Lincoln resident.

Ballfield Road (8:41 a.m.) — An officer assisted with traffic while the temporary modular classrooms were being moved off campus.

South Great Road (1:05 p.m.) — Railroad gates were stuck in the down position. An officer arrived to assist with traffic. A short time later, a Keolis representative arrived and resolved the issue.

Hanscom AFB Vandenberg Gate (5:11 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with a motorist.

August 23

Hartwell Lot, North Great Road (2:32 a.m.) — An officer checked on an occupied vehicle at the Hartwell Tavern lot. Both parties were identified and sent on their way.

Todd Pond Road (4:00 pm., 6:10 p.m., 9:47 p.m.) — Attempts were made to serve court paperwork. The attempts were unsuccessful.

Hanscom AFB Vandenberg Gate (4:43 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with a civil matter.

August 24

Barksdale Street, Hanscom AFB (1:00 p.m.) — An attempt to serve court paperwork was made. The paperwork had already been served by Bedford police.

South Great Road (3:26 p.m.) — A request was made for a well-being check of a resident. The resident was fine.

Food Project Field (8:16 p.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle parked in the lot. The vehicle was locked and unoccupied.

August 25

Brooks Road (9:16 a.m.) — Police and fire units responded to the area for the report of an odor of outside smoke. The area was checked but no fire was found.

Hanscom Field (9:55 a.m.) — Massport called for fire assistance but canceled the call shortly thereafter.

Conant Road (1:19 p.m.) — An officer observed a dumpster situated in the travel lane of Conant Road. The dumpster company was contacted.

South Great Road (2:20 p.m.) — Weston police called to request assistance with an individual. An officer responded to the area.

Stonegate Gardens (2:33 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department was called to assist with a transport.

South Brook Road (3:28 p.m.) — A resident wanted to speak to an officer regarding a scam.

Goose Pond Road (7:59 p.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle pulled to the side of the road. The motorist was lost.

August 26

Todd Pond Road (1:54 p.m.) — Court paperwork was served.

North Great Road (8:10 p.m.) — A caller reported hearing what they believed to be gunshots in the area. An officer responded and confirmed that the noise was coming from a professional display in the town of Bedford.

Sunnyside Lane (11:56 p.m.) — An officer was requested for a potential parking problem. Upon arrival, there was no parking issue.

August 27

Bedford Road (9:59 a.m.) — A caller reported an injured raccoon on the roadway. An officer checked the area and was unable to locate the raccoon.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (5:44 p.m.) — Report of a motor vehicle crash in the area of Route 2 and Bedford Road. Lincoln fire and Massachusetts State Police were notified.

August 28

Baker Bridge Road (1:04 p.m.) — A report of vehicles parking on Baker Bridge Road accessing Walden Pond. An officer responded and issued a parking violation.

Virginia Road (1:26 p.m.) — An officer was called to a dispute between a motorist and two bicyclists. The officer spoke to all parties. A report was issued.

Bypass Road (2:20 p.m.) — A resident called to report a possible break-in. An officer responded and determined that the damage appeared to come from an animal.

Ent Road, Hanscom AFB (3:14 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with locating an individual on base. Officers responded to assist.

Ridge Road (9:22 p.m.) — Officers assisted a resident with a well-being check.

Town gets grant to create Climate Action Plan

Lincoln will have its own Climate Action Plan next year, thanks to a recent $100,000 grant from the Baker-Polito administration that will fund a consultant to create the plan.

The municipal climate resilience grants administrated by the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program support cities and towns in identifying climate hazards, developing strategies to improve resilience, and implementing priority actions to adapt to climate change impacts including sea level rise, inland flooding, storms, and extreme temperatures.

Lincoln is one of 73 projects to have received action grant funding in the latest round of applications. With this year’s awards, 97% of Massachusetts cities and towns, or 341 municipalities, are enrolled.

“This grant application was a monumental group effort, thanks in large part to the 27 letters of support we received from citizen groups, individual residents, and town officials and departments,” the Planning Department said in a statement.

Climate Action Lincoln, a subcommittee of the town’s Green Energy Committee, has been advocating for the development of a Climate Action Plan for several years. In 2021, Climate Action Lincoln conducted extensive outreach to 12 town boards and committees and presented at the State of the Town Meeting in November 2021 and at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting on the urgency to plan and prepare for climate impacts and mitigate carbon emissions. Lincoln residents responded by unanimously voting to embark on a process to develop a Climate Action Plan for the town.

The plan will build on the town’s 2019 MVP Community Resilience Building Workshop, which identified seniors, low-income residents, and people living alone as more susceptible to extreme heat and other climate risks. The workshop and corresponding data analysis also identified flooding, severe storms, and droughts as top hazards. The planning process will center on inclusive and equitable community engagement to identify priorities, goals, and strategies for the town to rapidly build community resilience, adapt to these climate impacts, and develop actionable strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Anyone who has questions or would like to be included in the project’s mailing list may email ClimateAction@lincolntown.org.

“Did You Know …” About the battle over hymn singing in Lincoln’s first church?

By Donald Hafner

When Lincoln formed its first church in 1746, the hymn singing at Sunday services must have been dreadful.

One of the deacons would stand before the congregation and read a line or two of the psalm that had been selected for the day. The parishioners would sing the one or two lines and then stop. The deacon would read the next lines, and the congregation would again sing those and stop. There were only a few hymn melodies used at the time, and they were not attached to specific psalms. The deacon might propose his favorite melody, but since few parishioners did any singing at all, except at church, we can imagine the “tune” sung by many of them was an off-key warble or a droning monotone.

In May 1770, some parishioners had a better idea. They proposed that rows of seats to the front of the church be reserved for “those persons who have taken pains to acquire some good degree of understanding of the rules of singing.” This was a radical proposal, because seating at the front of the church had always been assigned according to the wealth of the family, not their singing ability. Nonetheless, the proposal was adopted. The following March, town meeting approved a list of 25 men and 15 women who had proved their skill in “the rules of singing” and were granted this privileged seating. Many were from the town’s prominent families, but a few were from the poorest.

This change did not sit well with some parishioners. In town meeting on May 17, 1771, a few disgruntled sorts proposed that the singers should be ousted from their seats at the front, and if they wanted to sit together, they should be sent to the back corners of the building.

The battle was joined, and there followed a rare event in Lincoln’s history. Up to this point, town meeting records were terse and bland. The town clerk wrote down each proposed warrant and whether the vote was “in the affirmative” or the negative. No record at all of the points of debate or the tally of votes, yea and nay. But not this time.

In clear handwriting, the clerk recorded: “Voted on the fourth article that it be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.” Take that, you disgruntled sorts!

For a more complete history of hymn singing in Lincoln, the Reverend Charles M. Styron’s The First Parish in Lincoln: History of the Church 1747-1942 is available in the Library.

“Lincoln’s History” is an occasional column by members of the Lincoln Historical Society.

News from the Conservation Dept. and the LLCT

Learn about protecting Lincoln’s water supply

The next Virtual Lincoln Conservation Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 8–9 a.m. will look at “The Ins and Outs of Lincoln’s Water Supply Protection.” Darin LaFalam, Lincoln’s Water Superintendent, will talk about Lincoln’s drinking water infrastructure, challenges surrounding water quality and distribution, and what emerging contaminants Lincoln is looking out for.  He’ll also discuss some regulatory issues such as DEP’s water withdrawal permit and unaccounted water loss. Finally, he’ll offer some tips and tricks for how you can help conserve water. After the presentation you’ll hear updates from our Conservation Department and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT). Click here for the Zoom link.

Survey on trail use and new rules

In July 2022, the Lincoln Conservation Commission and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust jointly approved an updated set of Conservation Land & Trail Use Regulations (click here for a summary). Feedback on trails and their use is welcome — please take two minutes to share your comments here. A link to this survey is also posted at trailheads throughout Lincoln, and we encourage you to fill out this survey after your next visit to one of Lincoln’s trails.

Fall “noticing” walks

These free walks are for people of all ages who want to enjoy a gently paced, observation focused exploration of nature on Tuesdays from 1–2:30 p.m. on September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6. Locations posted online at www.lincolnconservation.org. 

LLCT annual meeting on Sept. 20

All are welcome to celebrate another year of conservation with LLCT on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The business meeting will start online at 7 p.m., and LLCT members in attendance will be invited to vote in the new slate of trustees. Immediately following the short business meeting, Avalon Owens will give a keynote address. Owens, a local firefly researcher who is studying why fireflies flash, will also share her recent research into the impacts of light pollution in firefly communication (some of her data was even collected in Lincoln). Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Visit www.lincolnconservation.org to learn more. 

10th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5K

Registration is now open for the 10th annual Scarecrow Classic 5K, a road and trail race through Lincoln’s beautiful conservation land that raises funds for the LLCT, on Sunday, Oct. 16 starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register by October 3 to guarantee their Scarecrow Classic tech shirt and (new this year) a Scarecrow Classic mesh running cap. A virtual participation option is also available through the registration form. Visit scarecrowclassic5k.com to learn more and register. 

New trail blazes being installed

Have you noticed the new yellow blazes on Lincoln’s Trails? The LLCT and the Conservation Department is now converting trail blazes (red and yellow circles on trees) to yellow diamond blazes on all trails. This change is being implemented to provide better wayfinding assistance to those with color vision deficiency. If you’re on a trail that still has red blazes, there’s no need to alert the Conservation Department. They’re systematically replacing all the blazes and it’ll take a while to do all 80 miles of trails in Lincoln.

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.