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

News acorns

Firefly sanctuary signs installed

Two new firefly sanctuaries have been established at Smith-Andover Field across from Town Hall and Dakin Field (borner of Sandy Pond and Baker Bridge roads) through a partnership between the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Lincoln Conservation Department.

These areas will be managed with fireflies in mind by reducing mowing, preserving leaf litter and woody debris, encouraging native vegetation, avoiding pesticides, and protecting dark nighttime conditions. Together, these practices provide the moist, sheltered habitat fireflies need during every stage of their life cycle. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the sanctuaries and can help protect them by staying in designated areas, limiting the use of flashlights, and leaving logs and vegetation undisturbed.

Coming up at the library

Sulinha Boucher Trio
Wednesday, July 8 from 11:00am–noon, Tarbell Room
Join Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitar player Sulinha with her trio for music with children and families. Her third children’s album received the Silver award from Parent’s Choice. Australia. No registration required; all ages welcome.

Bad Art Celebration
Wednesday, July 8 from 6:30–7:30pm, Tarbell Room
Join us in celebrating our Bad Art Program participants! Attendees (nonparticipants welcome) can participate in a bad art scavenger hunt with hints to help them find the bad art created by participants, spread throughout the library. The scavenger hunt will be followed up by an announcement of the teen and adult winners of the program. 

Fact and Folklore on America’s 250th
Thursday, July 16 from 6:30–8:00pm, Tarbell Room
Join award-winning author and journalist Ted Reinstein for a look at some of the unique stories he’s done related to the Revolutionary War, including pieces on Paul Revere’s ride, the Battle of Breed’s (not Bunker) Hill, the battle that has never ended between Lexington and Concord, and a musket-riddled gravestone in the North End.

Two honored by professional organization

The Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) recently presented a 2026 Friend of MASBO Award to Buckner “Buck” Creel and a 2026 Rising Star Award to Angela (Tianyi) Wang, Director for Business and Finance in the Lincoln Public Schools.

Buck Creel

Creel served for 15 years as Administrator for Business and Finance for the schools until his retirement in 2021. The award recognizes people who have made a significant contribution to facilitating the work of school business officials in their communities, and/or who have consistently provided significant assistance to MASBO.

In presenting the award, MASBO Executive Director Margaret Driscoll commended Mr. Creel’s “steady presence, practical judgment, and no-nonsense approach to problem-solving… Time and again, others have relied on Buck’s expertise. When a colleague faced an unexpected medical leave, Buck stepped in without hesitation, ensuring district operations remained stable and seamless during a critical time. Whether as a neighboring colleague or through more recent interim service, Buck has been unwavering in his dedication to the profession.”

Creel previously worked for nearly a decade at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. After retirement, he has continued to provide short-term support to school districts, including serving as acting director of finance for the Weston Public Schools last year. 

MASBO established the Rising Star Award to acknowledge the value and contributions of outstanding professionals within the first 10 years of their career as a school business administrator. Superintendent of Schools Parry Graham nominated Wang, citing the positive impact she has made in the district during her two years in the role. He noted that she helped redesign the internal budgeting process, creating more transparency for budget managers and the School Committee. She was also instrumental in securing a new five-year contract with the Department of Defense to operate the Hanscom School on the Hanscom Air Force Base, including improved forecasting and control systems for managing the contract.

“Angela is a key member of our district’s leadership team, helping to inform the strategic direction of the district. She oversees multiple departments, including facilities and food services, and is able to consistently build positive and productive relationships,” Graham said.

Wang previously worked as Payroll Director for Springfield (Mass.) Public Schools, Director for Business and Finance for Vernon (Conn.) Public Schools, and School Business Administrator for South Hadley (Mass.) Public Schools.

My Turn: Committee and recipient say thanks for Lincoln scholarship

By Carolyn Dwyer

The Lincoln Scholarship Committee has the incredible honor of providing financial support to Lincoln-resident high school seniors (and those who are not residents but attended middle and high school here), as they head off to college and pursue their dreams.

While some of the scholarships we administer are supported by donors such as the Codman Trustees and the Todd Family, the remainder are funded by you, the residents of Lincoln, who generously support these students by contributing regularly to our annual Spring fundraising appeal. These students are the recipients of Lincoln Community Scholarships.

These one-year Community Scholarships were originally established by a $1,000 donation to the town by Miss Fanny S. Campbell. Her desire with this initial donation to the Lincoln School Association in 1956 was to create the Lincoln Permanent Scholarship Fund. Since then, the Committee has worked to build upon Miss Campbell’s legacy so that we may support Lincoln graduates in the best way we can. Thus began our annual fundraising appeal. We rely solely on your donations to administer the Lincoln Community Scholarships and we are incredibly grateful for the folks who recognize that there is real need in Lincoln and that investing in our children is our greatest hope for the future we desire.

This year we had a larger than normal pool of applicants, all of whom brought enthusiasm, intelligence, and promise to our table. They also brought significant financial need as well as a number of instances of overcoming personal challenges that make their journeys more challenging. We were able to support these students, though we always wish we could provide more support, especially as college costs continue to escalate.

We have the privilege and joy of interviewing each applicant, and hearing their stories. These are amazingly talented young Lincoln residents who clearly have drive and purpose. We would love to be able to give them even more, but we can’t do that without your continuing support.

These scholarship recipients are likely your neighbors, your babysitters, your lifeguards, or your volunteers at local events. We would like to share below one note of gratitude (with her permission) from a June 2026 recipient of a Community Scholarship. While Kaylynn’s note was handwritten, we have typed it up for easier publication. When you read it you will understand the time it took her to write this gracious and grateful note to you all. When she handed it to me, she said it was for the people of Lincoln. Enjoy and please consider donating to support future scholars from Lincoln. Donations can be sent to Lincoln Scholarship Committee, PO Box 6283, Lincoln, MA 01773 or clicking here.

Thank you, yet again, to all who have already generously supported our children.

Dwyer is chair of the Lincoln Scholarship Committee trustees. 

Dear kind person,

Thank you for your generosity and for investing in students like me. I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Community Scholarship.

Receiving this award means more to me than I can fully express. As someone raised in a single-parent household, I have seen firsthand how sacrifice and hard work can open doors, but I have also learned that determination alone cannot pay a college tuition bill. Every scholarship, regardless of the amount, makes a meaningful difference in my ability to pursue higher education and focus on my future.

Education has always been important to me. I moved from Indiana to Massachusetts in search of greater educational opportunities and a community that would challenge me to grow. I like to think I have an Indiana heart and a Massachusetts open mind. Indiana taught me resilience, gratitude, and the true value of community, while Massachusetts encouraged me to ask questions, advocate for others, and dream bigger than I ever thought was possible.

Throughout high school, I have dedicated myself to academics, advocacy, writing as an aspiring author, theater, and volunteer tutoring while working toward my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This fall, I will be attending Haverford College. As exciting as this opportunity is, it also comes with financial responsibilities that remain even after receiving significant financial aid. Your scholarship helps make that opportunity more accessible and allows me to begin this next chapter of my life with greater confidence and less financial uncertainty.

I hope to pursue a career in law, particularly in advocacy and civil rights. I am passionate about ensuring that people (especially those whose voices are often overlooked) have access to representation, opportunity, and justice. The opportunities I have been given have inspired me to create opportunities for others, and your support brings me one step closer to that goal.

Your generosity is a reminder that there are people willing to invest in the dreams of students. At a time when college can feel financially daunting, your support gives both financial help and encouragement/hope.

One day, I hope to be in a position to give back in the same way. I want to support students with the same big dreams, difficult circumstances, and determination to keep going. Until then, please know that your kindness is making a genuine difference in my life.

Thank you again for your generosity and belief in my future. I am deeply grateful.

With much gratitude,

Kaylynn Ellison

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. 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.

Legal notice: ZBA (July 9, 2026 hearing)

 

LEGAL NOTICE — ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 P.M to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

  • David and Angela Fine, 109 Lexington Rd., M/P 133-46-0 for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Srinivas Anantha, 127 Bedford Rd., M/P 119-47-0 for a special permit to remove existing structure and construct a new residence. 

Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

» Zoom link

Meeting ID: 92780169188       Password: 735886

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Charges against Kennedy dismissed, but final status still in limbo

Police Chief Sean Kennedy in 2024.

The charges against Lincoln Police Chief Sean Kennedy, who was suspended with pay in May 2025 after being arrested on domestic violence charges, have been dropped — but his professional fate is still undetermined, as a state commission has asked for more time to decide whether to fully restore his law enforcement certification.

Kennedy was arrested on May 10, 2025 and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a wall) and assault and battery on a household member after an off-duty incident at his Westwood residence. The town of Lincoln immediately put him on paid administrative leave, and Jon Wentworth has been Acting Police Chief since then. Court records show that he pleaded not guilty and was released on $1,500 cash bail on May 12, 2025.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) suspended Kennedy’s police certification on May 13, 2025 and had him turn in his uniform, badge, firearm and other equipment. The case was set for a bench trial on Aug. 8, 2025, at which point all charges were dismissed.

Kennedy later requested a suspension hearing, which was held on April 16, 2026. That same day, POST issued an order lifting the suspension. However, his status is still listed as “Further Certification Review.”

POST issues certifications for all peace officers in Massachusetts, setting statutory standards regarding age, education, background checks, and fitness for duty.

“Kennedy’s law enforcement certification expires on July 1, 2026, and the Commission received his recertification application earlier this month,” POST Director of Communications and Community Engagement told the Lincoln Squirrel on June 30. “After reviewing the application, the Commission determined that it requires additional time to make a decision. As a result, his status is listed as ‘Further Certification Review. While under this status, his underlying certification status will remain as ‘Certified,’ meaning he can serve as a law enforcement officer.”

Town Administrator Tim Higgins said on June 26 that while POST has not provided a specific timetable for completing its review, “we are hopeful the process will conclude within the next few months. Because POST’s determination is an important factor in the town’s decision-making, no final decision regarding the chief’s employment status or the long-term leadership of the Police Department will be made until that process is complete.

“We recognize that this matter has generated understandable public interest,” Higgins continued. “Once POST issues its final determination and the town has completed its review, the Select Board will publicly announce the outcome and any resulting decisions regarding Police Department leadership, consistent with applicable law governing personnel matters and public meetings.”

Town gets grant for climate-friendly library HVAC system

Lincoln has been awarded a $1 million grant from the state to support the full decarbonization of the Lincoln Public Library.

The town received the award as a result of being a Climate Leader Community (CLC), a designation it achieved in 2025 (there are now 35 CLCs in Massachusetts). Lincoln, Needham, and Wellesley are the second group to apply for and receive Decarbonization Accelerator Grants through the Mass. Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The program encourages municipalities to maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, slash energy costs, and lower municipal emissions.

The Lincoln library’s gas-fired boiler needs to be replaced, and town groups and officials have been researching how to upgrade the building’s HVAC system so in an environmentally sound way. They assembled a project plan and financing package including the expected $1 million grant, but consultants advised last spring that the projected tax incentives were “too optimistic.” A town-wide vote was postponed until a Special Town Meeting on Oct. 24 to allow more time for additional technology details and cost estimates.

In March, two tabled Town Meeting articles would have asked voters to approve a $5.4 million green project or, failing that, $330,000 for a conventional boiler. After the $1 million grant and $1.93 million in expected tax incentives, the cost to the town at that time was pegged at about $2.47 million. This would not have resulted in a tax increase; the amount was to be bonded with the debt paid from future Community Preservation Act funds.

The project includes the installation of ground source heat pumps and advanced heating and ventilation controls, along with building envelope improvements. When completed, the building will be fossil-fuel-free. Its annual energy use will cut by 800 MMBtus (million British thermal units) and 54 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use will be eliminated, according to a DOER press release.

Board mulls social media policy, OK’s bikes on part of new trail

The Select Board last week began reviewing a draft social media policy for town officials, approved an immigration enforcement resolution, and heard updates on a number of other town issues.

In keeping with the state’s Open Meeting Law and Mass. Municipal Association guidelines, the draft social media policy would explicitly prohibit “members of public bodies” from using social media, email chains, or other online communications to deliberate public business outside properly posted public meetings. If a board wishes to post an opinion, it must vote to approve the message and designate a member to speak on behalf of the board, the draft policy says.

Lincoln residents often post comments and questions about town affairs on the LincolnTalk public email listserv, which is not run by the town. The draft policy says that “town departments, boards, committees, commissions, and employees may occasionally use Lincoln Talk or similar forums to share factual information regarding town meetings, public notices, programs, services, projects, community events, and emergency information… [but] residents should not expect town officials or employees to respond to questions, comments, criticisms, suggestions, or requests posted on LincolnTalk.”

Town officials “want to jump in, provide answers, and be transparent,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said at the Select Board’s June 25 meeting, but they often can’t online. The draft emphasizes that lack of online response from a town official may seem like they’re “not paying attention or are unwilling to engage” but are simply limited by law or established town procedures about what they can say online.

The administrators of LincolnTalk plan to meet with him to clarify the listserv’s guidelines around that issue, and other boards as well as the public will also have a chance to comment on the draft social media policy.

ICE prohibition

In January, Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order that bans civil ICE arrests in state facilities and prohibits use of state property as staging locations. However, that order doesn’t apply to municipal facilities, so the new Lincoln resolution closes that loophole.

Town-owned property “shall not be used for staging areas, processing locations, detention, or other operational bases for civil immigration enforcement, unless federal officials present a valid judicial warrant or court order authorizing such use, according to the resolution. It also bars access to nonpublic municipal spaces for civil immigration enforcement, though town employees are not authorized to “interfere with or obstruct any lawful federal enforcement actions conducted in public spaces on town-controlled property.”

The Lincoln Public Schools are crafting a version that’s specific to school property.

Shared building commissioner

Lincoln has signed an agreement with Carlisle to share building commissioner services, with Carlisle paying for some of the available hours of Lincoln Building Commissioner Jon Metivier. The six-month pilot program that begins July 1 calls for an annual fee of $55,000. “We’re optimistic that this is going to be a good partnership with Carlisle and generate some meaningful savings for the town,” Higgins said.

Roadway projects

The Select Board and School Committee are expecting a preliminary design for refurbishing Ballfield Road in the fall that will inform a budget request to the Capital Planning Committee (CPC) for Town Meeting consideration in March 2027. The project will involve eliminating the “slip lane” (the eastern fork of the intersection with Lincoln Road) and other needed repairs that can take place once the community center constitution is complete. 

Citylogix, the consultant hired to assess roadway conditions across the town, has finished collecting data about town road conditions and will develop a database to share with the town in the next 60-90 days. The information will be used to help the DPW and committees develop short- and long-term pavement improvement and maintenance plans and may have a funding request ready for the CPC this fall in time for the next Annual Town Meeting.

Ricci trail

The board approved opening part of the new unpaved trail near the landfill solar installation to bicycles. The Conservation Commission expects to do the same for the piece of the trail that is on conservation land.

Cannabis deliveries

Although home delivery of recreational cannabis is now permitted statewide, cities and towns including Lincoln that didn’t authorize retail storefronts may apply for a temporary waiver to block deliveries. The board submitted a request for a one-year waiver while waiting to hear the preferences of town residents at the State of the Town/Special Town Meeting in October.

Five graduate after 13 years together as Girl Scouts

Left to right: Anna Dutkewych, Brooke Mitchell, Samantha Donaldson, Alexandria Taylor, and Sophie Moynihan. (Photo courtesy Tara Mitchell)

The Lincoln Girl Scouts hosted their annual Bridging Ceremony at St. Anne’s Church on June 10 when Scouts and troop leaders from fifth, seventh, and 12th grades and their families gathered to reflect on the past year and celebrate “bridging” to a new level of Girl Scouts.

Five LSRHS seniors “bridged” to adulthood as they graduated from high school and will be starting college in the fall. All five started Girl Scouts together in kindergarten have all received their Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts — see the June 15 edition of News Acorns for the projects by Samantha Donaldson, Anna Dutkewych, and Alexandria Taylor. The Gold Award is an individual service project that requires over 80 hours of work, identifying a need in the community, developing a sustainable solution, and implementing that solution through leadership and action. In addition to the previous three:

  • Sophie Moynihan created a youth library for a Head Start center in Dorchester. She cleared out a space in the center, ran a book drive, and outfitted the space with books and library resources to help young families.
  • Brooke Mitchell created an accessible Halloween by coordinating neighbors on a small road to host tables by the street to make trick-or-treating easier for children with disabilities, allowing kids to participate in this holiday by shortening the distance to walk without fear of dimly lit areas, scary decorations, or non-allergy-friendly treats.

Brooke was also selected by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM) as one of three Girl Scouts to participate in the GS Leading Women’s Award ceremony honoring girls and women whose leadership, dedication and impact strengthen the community. Brooke was paired with an adult mentor and participated in a “fireside chat” moderated by Sue O’Connell, commentator at NBC10 Boston, to talk about the importance of women developing leadership skills and confidence as they seek to make an impact in the world. 

To learn more about Lincoln Girl Scouts, contact Tara Mitchell (taramitchell365@gmail.com) or Laura Taylor (lauranastos@yahoo.com).

Legal notice: Historical Commission (58 Codman)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The Lincoln Historical Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to consider the following application:

  • The Codman Farm Barn, 58 Codman Rd. M/P 161-23-0 for proposed alterations.

Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place:

Time: July 7, 2026 7:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting   (Meeting ID: 983 9661 4379, Password: 167620)

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: ZBA (July 9, 2026 hearing)

 

LEGAL NOTICE — ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 P.M to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

  • David and Angela Fine, 109 Lexington Rd., M/P 133-46-0 for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.
  • Srinivas Anantha, 127 Bedford Rd., M/P 119-47-0 for a special permit to remove existing structure and construct a new residence. 

Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

» Zoom link

Meeting ID: 92780169188       Password: 735886

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

News acorns

“Stories of Summer: Fireside Open Mic”

Farrington Nature Linc and the Nature Connection will host “Stories of Summer: Fireside Open Mic” at FNL on Friday, June 26 from 6:00pm to sunset. Come share a poem, story, or musical performance around the fire circle as we celebrate the official start of summer from 6:30–7:30pm. Tickets are required and include herbal mocktails and s’mores. They have some seating around the fire circle and also encourage attendees to bring their own camping chairs or blankets and bug spray.

Lincoln Land Conservation Trust news

  • Firefly walk — Avalon Owens returns to Lincoln on Monday, June 29 at 8:00pm starting at Lincoln Town Hall to lead a firefly walk through one of the fields that she has studied extensively. Participants will meet for a brief tutorial on firefly behavior and then head out to a nearby field. Register here.

A female red-bellied woodpecker. (Photo by Chris Damon)

  • Saturday ranger walks — Explore Lincoln’s open space with Conservation Ranger Will Leona, visiting a different trail on select Saturdays of each month from 9:30–11:30am. Register here.
    • Twin Pond/Harrington Woods — July 11
    • Pierce Park and Pierce Hill — August 1
    • Flint’s Pond East and Gasline Trail — September 12
  • Wildlife column — “Eastern Massachusetts is in critical drought; ponds are low and watering restrictions are in place. Even so, the landscape is lush with blossoms and greenery, helped a bit by showers,” Gwyn Loud writes in the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s June wildlife newsletter. Click here to see her column and numerous photos of Lincoln flora and fauna.

Water main project update

During the week of June 22, water main work will focus on continuing temporary bypass installation, testing the bypass system, and pre-digging tap holes. Crews will also be completing final paving of Lincoln Road from the five-way intersection to Ballfield Road on Wednesday, June 24. Next week, crews are expected to connect houses and tap holes to the temporary bypass and begin laying new water main. Drivers should expect alternating one-way traffic on Lincoln Road during active work hours.

SSEF wins $500,000 grant

The Lincoln-based South Sudanese Enrichment for Families will receive $500,000 over ten years as its share of $35 million awarded to 150 local nonprofits through the Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. SSEP was selected from a total of 959 applicants during a competitive review process. For over 20 years, SSEF has assisted South Sudanese immigrants and their children in navigating social systems, accessing resources, building skills, and creating opportunities.

“We are extremely grateful for this transformative investment in our community,” said Panther Alier, SSEF’s executive director. “SSEF’s Educational Empowerment Initiative serves under-resourced children and parents, and connecting the families we serve to existing educational resources and making sure the children of immigrants are receiving quality enrichment is our goal.” With the grant from Cummings, SSEF will increase the scope and efforts of this initiative.

Lincoln history: Did you know…

…That Lincoln is the home of a “Century Farm”? And it’s been around for a lot longer than just a single century. To be honored as a Century Farm, the farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, and a family member must be living on the premises. For the Flint family and their Matlock Farm, these were easy qualifications to meet, though the actual labor of farming and maintaining an historic property has involved generations of hard work. The land was acquired by Thomas Flint in the 1640s and has been farmed by Flint family members continuously since the early 1700s.

Learn more on the Lincoln Historical Society website — and read a reminiscence of Matlock farm by Warren Flint Sr., published in the Lincoln Review in 1978.