The June 26 story headlined “Debate over opening more trails to bikes continues” incorrectly stated that the trail segments shown in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s June 22 presentation to the Conservation Commission were new additions to the draft master plan the group unveiled to the Select Board in April. The segments actually were contained in that earlier plan but were coded with the same colors as roadway and roadside path opportunities.
Police log for June 13–21, 2022
June 13
Lincoln Station (1:35 am.) — An officer checked on an occupied vehicle parked at the mall. The occupant was an employee of a nearby business and left shortly thereafter.
South Great Road (9:52 a.m.) — A resident reported his canoe was missing from his yard.
Baker Bridge Road (11:01 a.m.) — An officer was called to assist and answer some questions.
Trapelo Road (4:12 p.m.) — Officers responded to Trapelo Road for a report of a confused motorist. Officers assisted and were able to have family retrieve the motorist and vehicle.
Trapelo Road (5:12 p.m.) — A report of people fishing on Trapelo Road by the causeway. The individuals were advised they were trespassing and cleared from the area.
June 14
Cambridge Turnpike westbound (9:47 a.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash.
Lexington Road (1 p.m.) — An individual requested to speak to an officer regarding some missing items.
Trapelo Road (1:20 p.m.) — A resident reported a possible credit card scam.
June 15
Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:07 p.m.) — Motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer.
Baker Bridge Road (11:30 a.m.) — A resident wanted to speak to an officer regarding a previous incident.
Oak Meadow Road (4:58 p.m.) — A resident asked to speak to an officer regarding a possible scam.
Old Winter Street (8:02 p.m.) — An officer was called to the area to assist with a dispute between a resident and a motorist. The officer spoke to both parties.
June 16
Lincoln School (8:21 a.m.) — A report of an unattended child in a motor vehicle was called in. Moments later, the call was cancelled as an adult had returned and left the area.
Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:10 p.m.) — Police assisted a motorist at Tracey’s Gas Station.
Lincoln Road (4:34 p.m.) — A resident reported some suspicious activity on her property the previous evening.
Robbins Road (5:11 p.m.) — Timothy Obin of Providence, R.I., was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was transported to Concord District Court.
June 17
Ballfield Road (10:08 a.m.) — A spent bullet casing was found on a service road behind the Brooks School. Officers responded and searched the area. It was determined that the casing was weathered and appeared to have been outside for a considerable amount of time. Lincoln police personnel coordinated with Lincoln Public Schools administration.
Wells Road (10:31 p.m.) — An officer responded to the area for a noise complaint but found no loud noise.
Cambridge Turnpike westbound (11:06 p.m.) — A motorist struck a deer in Lexington on Route 2. Massachusetts State Police handled.
June 18
North Great Road (12:05 a.m.) — A motorist parked in the Paul Revere lot was advised to move to the Route 128 rest area.
Old Concord Road (8:32 p.m.) — A resident reported seeing a vehicle drive in and out of their driveway multiple times. Police checked the area but could not locate the vehicle.
June 19
Lincoln Police Department (7:30 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a citizen regarding a situation involving another department.
June 20
Windingwood Lane (10:01 a.m.) — One-car crash; no injuries.
Conant Road (10:39 a.m.) — A resident called reporting a suspicious vehicle in the driveway. The vehicle was a contractor.
Lexington Road (9:39 p.m.) — A resident reported an audible alarm in the area. Officers checked the area and could not hear the alarm.
Indian Camp Lane (11:05 p.m.) — A caller reported their vehicle appeared to be missing. A check of the area showed the vehicle was parked in a different location.
June 21
Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:19 a.m.) — Two-car crash. One operator was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Old Sudbury Road (10:45 a.m.) — Officers responded to the railroad crossing for reports of vehicles crossing the tracks when the gates are down. An officer observed the area but did not observe anyone cross when the gates were down. Incident is ongoing and the area will be monitored.
South Great Road (9:06 p.m.) — A motorist reported striking a deer. There was no damage to the vehicle and the deer ran into the woods.
Lincoln Public Schools (9:26 p.m.) — An officer discovered multiple individuals at the school after hours. The individuals were with the construction company.
Debate over opening more trails to bikes continues
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee last week highlighted some areas where town conservation trails could be upgraded to allow use by bicycles. Three of the spots suggested by the BPAC are within areas that the ConCom is also considering opening to bikes as part of its set of proposed amendments to the town’s trail use regulations.
The trail segments shown in the BPAC’s June 22 presentation to the Conservation Commission were part of the draft master plan the group unveiled to the Select Board in April. That plan outlined several types and examples of infrastructure improvements they recommended making over a period of decades to increase roadway and path safety for all users (cars, bikes, and pedestrians) and improve connectivity within the town.
Some of the suggested spots (shown with fuchsia arrows in the images below) already have walking trails but are not currently usable by bikes because of flooding or other reasons; in other locations, the BPAC suggested creating new trails, as indicated by asterisks.
Complicating the issue is the fact that the trails have different owners. Some of the land is owned by the town, some by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, and some by private property owners who have granted easements. “We understand there are a lot of land ownership issues, but these are the connections we’ve identified where trails might be the best option,” said BPAC Co-chair Ginger Reiner.
North Lincoln
- Bypass Road to Brooks Road*
- Brooks Road to Sunnyside Lane
- Minute Man National Historic Park to the corner of Old Bedford and Virginia Roads
- Mill Street to Bedford Road*
East Lincoln
- Weston Road to Tower Road
- Tower Road to Todd Pond Road*
- A trail connection to a future underpass or overpass near Page Road if MassDOT ever builds one*
South Lincoln
- Mt. Misery to the canoe landing parking lot alongside Route 117
- The canoe lot to Birchwood Lane (now open to walkers but closed to bikers via terms of an easement over private property)
- The link from Old Sudbury Road to the Weston trail system
West Lincoln
- Baker Bridge Road near Woods End Road to the rear commuter lot in South Lincoln*
- The link to the Concord trail system in Adams Woods just northeast of Fairhaven Bay
- Concord Road to Goose Pond Road, very close to the easter edge of Walden Pond*
In a few areas prone to flooding, the work might have to include a boardwalk that bikers would be required to walk their bikes over. Most or all of the initial work could be funded by grants, BPAC Co-chair Bob Wolf said.
The improvements will require multiple neighborhood discussions as well as plan modifications and compromises over time as circumstances change, said Wolf, noting that it took the Netherlands at least 25 years to make its targeted roadways equally safe for bikers, walkers and cars.
If we can’t get a full loaf, we’re happy to get half a loaf,” he said. “We’re not advocating for a wholesale opening of trails… [the recommendations] are highly selective and in places we could not get a roadside path option to work well.”
The BPAC will continue to meet with town boards and committees over the summer, followed by regional public forums in the fall and a State of the Town presentation in November and a possible measure to be voted on at Town Meeting in March 2023.
Bikes on trails
Later in the Zoom meeting attended by more than 50 residents, the ConCom continued its discussion of the four areas of proposed trail improvements from its last meeting on June 1. Most of the comments focused on the bikes-on-trails issue, with some residents advocating for more equity in how some trails can be used and others worrying that more biking will damage trails and detract from the enjoyment of walkers. There was debate over what neighboring towns allow on their trails, how new rules would be posted and enforced, and why certain trail segments were targeted for opening.
Given the strong and numerous opinions, “This might be a wise place to pause… this is a very hot issue and I think it needs a lot more consideration,” Diana Beaudoin said. Sara Mattes agreed, saying the town should “step back a minute and look more holistically” at the issue of safe roadway and trail use.
“Our goal is to reach consensus… but we know we won’t keep all of the people happy all of the time. It’s a dance,” ConCom Chair Susan Hall Mygatt said.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is scheduled to discuss the issue early next month, and the ConCom will resume its discussion on July 13 at 8 p.m.
My Turn: Protect yourselves during mosquito season
Dear Lincoln neighbor,
Mosquito season is upon us! Below you’ll find some great tips for deterring mosquitoes and their bites while still enjoying the outdoors. These preferred prevention measures do not include the spraying of chemicals designed to kill mosquitoes or their larvae. Instead, the emphasis is on preventing bites through personal protection and repelling the mosquitoes. This approach has the additional benefit of preventing unintended harmful consequences of chemical spraying to humans, pets, livestock, crops, insects, birds, and the entire food chain.
There are many companies who sell mosquito and tick prevention services to residents, most of which include chemical management techniques. These companies often imply that the insecticides they spray on yards are safe for everything except mosquitoes and/or ticks. However, some of these companies are also very reluctant to reveal what chemicals they use.
Instead of hiring a company to spray chemicals on and around your yard, we hope you will focus on the prevention measures outlined in the enclosed brochure. Furthermore, no spraying may be performed within 100 feet of a wetland or 200 feet of a year-round flowing stream without it first being reviewed and approved by the Conservation Commission.
Mosquito monitoring
Lincoln is part of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control District (EMMCD) and the town pays for annual mosquito surveys and surveillance. This involves select trapping and testing of mosquitoes in Lincoln. The results of the testing are shared with the Lincoln Board of Health and if infected mosquitoes are discovered in Lincoln, residents will be notified. Please note that the town does not fund annual spraying of mosquito larvae or adults and therefore, EMMCD does not conduct any chemical management in Lincoln.
Mosquitoes are a deterrable pest. It’s important we all do our part to prevent mosquito bites because a very small number of mosquitoes may be infected with diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Fortunately, the risk of such diseases is extremely low in Lincoln. Historical surveillance data available at the Department of Public Health revealed that there have been zero instances of mosquitoes with EEE detected in Lincoln in over 60 years.
How to prevent mosquito bites
- Personal protection is key! Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when weather permits.
- Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Take extra precautions during these times.
- Apply an EPA-approved personal repellent. Follow directions on the repellent label.
- Use mosquito netting where appropriate (for example over baby carriages or hats).
- Ensure screens are repaired and tightly attached to doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Use a fan when sitting outside. Even a light breeze will deter a mosquito’s ability to zero in on an individual.
How to protect your animals
Mosquitoes can infect horses and other animals. West Nile virus and EEE do not spread from horses to humans in any way. Vaccines for horses are considered highly protective.
Reduce animal exposure to mosquitoes by changing water buckets at least twice weekly, installing screens, keeping animals indoors during peak mosquito activity hours, turning off lights at night (mosquitoes are attracted to light), and applying approved repellents to animals.
Reduce mosquito habitat in your yard
Remember: mosquitoes only need standing water for four days to successfully breed, so don’t let water collect. Standing water only the size of a bottle cap can still support some species of mosquitos.
- Remove standing water from places like gutters and wheelbarrows.
- Replace water frequently in bird baths and wading pools.
- Ensure rain barrels are covered with a screen.
Wildlife to the rescue
Support conservation land and plant gardens that attract natural mosquito predators. Dragonflies, damselflies, turtles, frogs, bats, and many species of birds such as hummingbirds and wrens are voracious mosquito eaters. Although wildlife won’t eat every single mosquito, healthy ecosystems will help maintain a balance between predator and prey, keeping mosquito populations in check.
We hope you find the information referenced in this article helpful and that it provides you with the tools you need to confidently enjoy the outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and their bites. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to seeing you on Lincoln’s trails!
Sincerely,
The Lincoln Conservation Commission
The Lincoln Board of Health
The Lincoln Agricultural Commission
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
“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.
A touch of gray (Lincoln through the Lens)
Summer is here and everything is green — or almost everything. Several recent examples of gray Lincoln wildlife display excellent camouflage abilities:
A chameleon-like gray tree frog. (Photo by Rosamond DeLori)
A barred owl who is apparently puzzled by his more colorfully conspicuous fellow birds. (Photo by Alex Benik)
A gray cow seen recently in the field alongside Route 117 near the railroad tracks. OK, it isn’t camouflaged, but it’s still outstanding in its field. (Photo by Alice Waugh)
News acorns
Planning Dept. seeks summer worker
The Lincoln Planning Department is seeking a recent high school graduate or college student for an administrative assistant summer internship. You will work directly under the Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use on office and tourism projects. We are looking for a motivated and creative thinker. Graphic design skills are a plus but not required. Pay is $20/hour for 16 hours per week. Expected schedule is Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. but we can be flexible for the right candidate. The anticipated start date for this position is July 5 with an end date of August 25. The deadline to apply is Thursday, June 30. Please email curtinj@lincolntown.org with your resume/background and a brief statement of why you’re interested in the position
Town offices closed on Fridays for the summer
From July 5 through September 2, town departments located in Town Hall will not be open for business on Fridays. All offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Departments that are subject to this change in hours of operation include: Select Board’s Office, Tax Collection, Town Clerk, Cemeteries, Finance & Accounting, Conservation, Building, Planning, Zoning, and Assessors. In the event of an emergency requiring the immediate attention of one of the above offices, please notify the Lincoln Police Department at 781 259-8113.
DeCordova welcomes volunteers
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is seeking volunteer park ambassadors to help support the myriad offerings hosted by deCordova including snowshoe tours, nature tours, curator and artist conversations, special talks, screenings, and other events. Volunteers will collaborate with staff to provide our visitors a fun and educational experience. Volunteers must be at least 18, and a background check may be required. Click here to learn more and sign up for one day or as many as you like. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
- Welcoming visitors, checking in guests, and helping answer questions about the park and museum
- Gathering information from visitors for mailing lists and promotional outreach
- Promoting the Trustees of Reservations’ mission and provide membership information
- Assist with light property cleanup, if needed
- Assist with administrative projects such as updating bulletin boards and restocking pamphlets and flyers
- Assist event with setup and cleanup, including lifting tables and chairs
- Communicate effectively with staff and other volunteers
Grants available for Lincoln growers to supply the SVdP food pantry
The Agricultural Commission is offering funding to Lincoln growers who can supply fresh produce for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston (SVdP) food pantry.
The commission is offering a limited number of grants ranging from several hundred dollars to over $1,000 to qualified Lincoln growers. Grant recipients in the Farm to Food Pantry Program must deliver (or have their products ready for pickup) to the Lincoln food pantry early on at least one day on Wednesday morning, or the Tuesday preceding for nonperishable items.
Applications are due by Monday, June 27. If you would like to participate, contact Ari Kurtz at arikurtz60@gmail.com. Specify the type of crops you wish to grow, quantities, and expected delivery dates.
The food pantry also recently received $3,000 as part of the Sudbury Foundation’s 2022 round of grants to 31 area nonprofits totaling $374,595. Another grant recipient: the Lincoln-based Food Project, which received $15,000 to redesign its website.
Summer is particularly challenging for food-insecure families with children at home. The food pantry especially welcome donations of Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios (which are versatile since they’re gluten-free) and salad dressings of all kinds, including oil and vinegar, since they can source the necessary produce. Other items that are always in demand: canned solid white tuna in water, Chocolate Ensure, and pasta sauce.
The food pantry serves neighbors who live, work, or attend school in Lincoln or Weston and are in need of food or emergency assistance, regardless of their religious affiliation or background. It’s located behind St. Joseph Church at 142 Lincoln Rd. in Lincoln.
Lincoln Post Office struggles with not enough staff
The Lincoln Post Office has had to close for periods of time during the day due to lack of staff, and it’s unclear when the problem will be resolved.
“We’re just so short-staffed,” said Lincoln Postmaster Gerald Dichiara, who started his position in Lincoln about two months ago. The South Lincoln location is supposed to have two full-time clerks, a part-time clerk, five mail carriers, and three assistants to cover absences. Right now, however, there’s only full-time clerk Liz Kenney and one assistant, and one of the mail carriers is retiring soon, he said. Sometimes he works the window himself, but when he can’t, he has to post a hand-written notice on the post office doors informing customers that the office is temporarily closed.
Dichiara works with post offices in Concord and Acton to move staff around as needed, juggling days off and lunch breaks. Complicating the matter is that the post office must remain open for passport appointments. There are usually about half a dozen total on weekdays, but on Saturday mornings, “we’re swamped with them,” he said.
Changing the post office’s official operating hours (for example, by closing for lunch every day) is apparently not possible either. “There’s nothing I can do about changing the hours on the window. You have to go through a chain of command to have that done,” Dichiara said.
Lincoln is not alone; many post offices all over the country are short-handed due to Covid-19, staff turnover and other issues. Dichiara said that Lincoln just went through two rounds of advertising positions internally and had no applicants. Three other external candidates were offered jobs, but two never showed up for orientation and one didn’t pass a background check.
Lincolnite sees her refurbished car go to a young war veteran
>(Editor’s note: This account was posted on the LincolnTalk listserv on June 15 and is reprinted with permission, though she asked that we not use her name.)
The Lincoln resident (right) who donated her car to Second Chance Cars with Marine veteran John Thomas, who was the recipient after voc-tech students fixed up the vehicle.
“In January I donated my 2006 Subaru Forester to Second Chance Cars, a Concord nonprofit organization that matches car donations with in-need recipients who are looking for cars to be able to get to work.
“After my donated car was checked out by a second chance mechanic, it traveled to Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School in Wakefield, where the mechanics class instructor and students thoroughly went over the car, looking for anything to fix or adjust. Then it went to the body shop students who spent months learning how to fix and paint the many dents I had put on it over the 15 years I owned it.
“I’m happy to report that last Friday I attended the car award ceremony for my vehicle and got to meet the person who received my car — a young Marine veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who was spending a grueling four hours a day using public transportation to get to and from his job on a fishing boat in Gloucester. Now he will be able to get there on his own in just over an hour.”
Second Chance Cars made a short video introducing the teachers and students who worked on the car, as well as a visibly moved John Thomas (the ex-marine) and the car donor, who revealed that she came from a long line of Detroit auto workers. She added that she’s a big fan of vocational schools (“I would have loved to have done this!”) and was happy her car could go to a “real person” who needed it. “I like to recycle and I think there’s no reason you should sell a car for parts,” she said.
Students then pulled the cover off the car to reveal a like-new vehicle with all the dents removed. “I want it back!” the donor joked.
Police log for June 6–12, 2022
June 6
Bedford Road (8:23 am.) — A caller asked officers check a sign that was posted at the five-way intersection in Lincoln Center. Officers checked the area and discovered no issues with the posted signs.
Goose Pond Road (2:25 p.m.) — An attempt was made to serve court paperwork.
Laurel Drive (4:24 p.m.) — A resident wanted to speak to an officer regarding a possible scam.
Goose Pond Road (5:27 p.m.) — Service of court paperwork was made.
Care Dimensions Hospice House (10:25 p.m.) — Caller reported loud noises, believed to be gunshots. It was later confirmed to be fireworks set off in the Winter Street area.
June 7
Lexington Road (10:25 a.m.) — Officers assisted with a civil matter.
Bedford Road (4:33 p.m.) — Minor motor vehicle crash (no injuries).
Wells Road (8:09 p.m.) — Officers were called to Wells Road to assist two residents.
June 8
Autumn Lane (11:20 a.m.) — A caller reported two unknown vehicles on Autumn Lane. The vehicles were gone when officers arrived.
Weston Road (4:11 p.m.) — A caller registered a complaint about vehicles parking on both sides of Weston Road in the area of the Pierce House.
Minuteman NHP Visitor Center (6:30 p.m.) — A caller wanted to speak to an officer regarding a past incident.
June 9
Wells Road (9:15 p.m.) — A well-being check was requested. Lincoln police officers were responding to a separate incident so Concord police handled. Everyone was fine.
June 10
Long Meadow Road (10:39 a.m.) — An officer was asked to perform a motor vehicle VIN verification.
Wells Road (1:37 p.m.) — Officers responded at the request of Concord District Court.
Weston Road (8:50 a.m.) — A caller reported excessive noise coming from the Pierce House. An officer responded and found the noise levels were suitable at that time.
Silver Hill Road (9:58 p.m.) — A caller reported that a family member was overdue. Officers were able to make contact with the family member and confirmed that they were OK.
June 11
Route 2 Gas (2:31 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle that was parked at Tracey’s gas station. The motorist continued on their way a short time later.
Sandy Pond Road (2:08 p.m.) — A caller reported several people fishing at Flint’s Pond. Officers responded but were unable to locate anyone fishing.
Weston Road (5:38 p.m.) — A resident reported a possible scam.
South Great Road (8:29 p.m.) — Police and fire personnel handled a one-vehicle rollover crash was reported. The road was closed for approximately tow hours until the vehicle could be removed. Click here for details.
June 12
Concord Road (9:55 p.m.) — Items were discarded on the side of the road. The DPW was contacted to remove them.
Treble Cove Road, Billerica (11:12 a.m.) — A prisoner was transported from the Lincoln Police Department to the Middlesex House of Correction.
Trapelo Road (4:44 p.m.) — Police received a report of several people fishing in the Cambridge Reservoir. Police made contact with the individuals and advised them it was not allowed.