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

Fire damages Lincoln Road home

The back deck of 227 Lincoln Road after the fire. (Photos courtesy Erica Gonella)

A fire that started atop a Lincoln Road home’s hot tub on June 26 burned the deck and the side of the adjoining house before firefighters extinguished it.

Thirteen-year-old Keira Aslam was home alone at 227 Lincoln Road she saw flames and smoke and called 911 just before 2 p.m. on an afternoon where the temperature was about 90 degrees. Lincoln firefighters and two trucks arrived minutes later, followed shortly by backup fire trucks from Concord, Wayland and Sudbury.

When firefighters got there, they found the back deck fully involved with flames rolling up the side of the house, along with fire under the deck and kitchen windows breaking from the heat. They extinguished the fire and opened the roof and soffits to check for any spread.

The fire started when a mop with flammable deck-refinishing oil was drying on the hot tub cover. “With the extreme heat on Sunday afternoon and the sun beating down, it spontaneously combusted and immediately burned the hot tub and surrounding deck and exterior walls,” said Keira’s mother, Erica Gonella. “It’s very fortunate she was there and they were speedy. It could have brought the whole house down.”

The Lincoln Fire Department’s report estimated there was more than $840,000 in damage to the house, which had an assessed value of $1.4 million (not including land).

Words of advice from Gonella (delivered via email with a smile emoji): “Make sure you properly store and clean flammable materials and don’t let your husbands do home projects :-)”

News acorns

Retirement party for library’s Rothenberg

Lisa Rothenberg

Residents are invited to a retirement party for Lincoln Public Library Assistant Director Lisa Rothenberg on Thursday, June 30 from 2–4 p.m. (the library will close at 5 p.m. that day). Rothenberg began working at the library in September 1988 when the new library addition was under construction as Head of Technical Services and ran the back office operations for purchasing, cataloging, and processing books and other materials. For the past eight years, Lisa she served as Assistant Director and oversees adult services departments (reference and circulation) as well as selecting materials to purchase for adults.

Over the span of her career, Lisa also worked on special projects. For example, Lisa worked with consultants and staff to build and redesign the library’s website. She’s always interested in what’s new, like electronic materials (books, movies, and music), and making them available to our patrons. Many residents know Lisa from her book groups and her work at public service desks.

Kids’ triathlon is this Saturday

Lincoln’s 18th annual Splash, Mash & Dash Kids’ Triathlon takes place at Codman Pool on Saturday, July 2 starting at 8:30 a.m. Race distances are as follows:

  • Ages 5-6: 25m swim (1 length), ¼ mile run (no bike) 
  • Ages 7-8: 25m swim (1 length), 1 mile bike, ½ mile run
  • Ages 9-10: 50m swim (2 lengths), 2 mile bike, ½ mile run
  • Ages 11-12: 75m swim (3 lengths), 2 mile bike, ¾ mile run
  • Ages 13-14: 150m swim (6 lengths), 4 mile bike, 1 mile run

Racers 8 and under are accompanied by a guard in the water. Click here to register $30 per person). Everyone gets a T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and lots of memories. Pick up packets on Friday, July 1 from 12:30–7 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department in Hartwell Pod A. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help out during the race — email ginger.reiner@gmail.com. 

See electric vehicles at Pierce House

The Lincoln Green Energy Committee will celebrate Energy Independence Day on Monday, July 4 with electric vehicles on display at the Pierce House after the parade. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about EVs, come see a Tesla, Bolt, and Leaf. EVs from other manufacturers are also welcome — email Belinda Gingrich at belinda.gingrich@gmail.com.

Annual water quality report available

Every year, the Water Department is required to publish an official Consumer Quality Report (CCR) explaining what is added to town water and the results of all the tests performed during the year. The data collected during 2021 is now available to the public. Print versions of the report are available in the lower lobby of Town Hall and at the library, or read online by clicking here.

Residents with private wells should also test their water every year or two. The Water Department website lists several local laboratories, and the MassDEP has a searchable database of laboratories you can use to find a laboratory on your own. Please read the MassDEP’s guidance document on things to consider when choosing a laboratory.

Leak shuts off water service on much of Lincoln Road

Workers dig down to fix the leaking water pipe on Lincoln Road. (Photo by Alice Waugh)

A leak in a water pipe under Lincoln Road on Tuesday afternoon meant no water service for a wide swath of Lincoln homes and businesses between Codman Road and Weston Road including some side roads, with service not expected to be restored until late last night.

A contractor’s crew was digging a deep hole Tuesday afternoon as police directed traffic around the soggy street near the intersection with Todd Pond Road after Water Department workers shut off water on either side of the leak. Water Commission Chair Ruth Ann Hendrickson said the long stretch of Lincoln Road affected may have been because of balky shutoff valves near the site of the leak.

“You go to the gate valve on either side [of the leak] to close it, but then if that one isn’t working, you go to the next and then the next” until you find one in working order that can be shut. Valves sometimes corrode and the problem isn’t discovered until the infrequent occasion when workers try to close them.

“It’s well known in the industry” that many gate valves are stuck open, Hendrickson said. The Water Department has a program in place to test all the gate valves in town and “they’ve fixed quite a few already,” but many more still need to be looked at, she added.

It was still unclear Tuesday evening how the leak was discovered or if it was due to a break in the water main itself or a joint between two lengths of pipe. Most leaks occur at joints that fail, she said.

The Water Department learns about a new leak every couple of months. Sometimes they’re discovered only when water collects on the ground above a leak, or — as has happened recently — when a resident reports hearing water rushing into a storm drain underground when the weather is dry, Hendrickson said. The department checks for leaks once a year using listening devices to pick up the sound of running water late at night when most residents are asleep and not using water, she added.

Correction

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*

Toward a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Lincoln (ConsComm 06-22-22)
Toward a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Lincoln (ConsComm 06-22-22)
Toward a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Lincoln (ConsComm 06-22-22)
Toward a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Lincoln (ConsComm 06-22-22)

Three of the suggested areas for opening trails to bikes totaling 1.2 miles are part of the ConCom proposals to open more trails to bikes: Adams Woods (West Lincoln), Brooks Road to Sunnyside Lane (North Lincoln), and the Weston trail connection in South Lincoln.

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
  1. Personal protection is key! Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when weather permits.
  2. Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Take extra precautions during these times.
  3. Apply an EPA-approved personal repellent. Follow directions on the repellent label.
  4. Use mosquito netting where appropriate (for example over baby carriages or hats).
  5. Ensure screens are repaired and tightly attached to doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
  6. 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.