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

Specialty vet clinic coming to Mill Street

Minuteman High School veterinary students will be able to do their clinical education hours on campus once a new clinic, Ally Veterinary Specialty Center, opens on Mill Street.

The Planning Board will decide on Tuesday, April 14 on an application for a sign on the side of the building. Michelle Custead, owner of the business and a veterinary oncologist, first appeared on March 24 before board members, some of whom were initially surprised at the idea of having a for-profit clinic being sited on land owned by Minuteman, which is allowed to operate in a residential zone due to the Dover Amendment.

The clinic will operate in one of three houses at 10, 16 and 20 Mill St. on land owned by Minuteman that students at the school built as part of their education in building trades some years ago. One of the other two houses serves as the classroom teaching area for veterinary science students. The Ally clinic will become the place where they do their clinical hours as part of their education, Minuteman Superintendent Heather Driscoll (who was not at the March 24 meeting) told the Lincoln Squirrel. 

Ally’s website says that it’s a “boutique veterinary specialty [that offers] a range of services including oncology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and palliation.” Students will learn veterinary assistant skills such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, etc., and will also learn about anatomy using live animals, Driscoll said.

The veterinary science program was launched in 2021, two years after the new building was completed. In the lead-up to funding the construction, seven of the 16 towns who were originally part of the regional district dropped out, so the building was smaller than initially hoped, and there was no room for the program at the time. However, since there was job market demand for veterinary assistants, the school moved ahead, first locating the classroom portion in the main building and later in one of the houses.

“Right now we have to transport kids all over the place to a variety of [veterinary] hospitals and clinics, which is not the best scenario for educating these kids” in terms of getting their clinic experience, Driscoll said.

Although the topic of the hearing that began on March 24 was about the sign, the board started by asking questions about the use of the property, which had been approved by the building inspector.

“It’s a slippery slope, though I think you’re on the OK side of the slope,” board member Susan Hall Mygatt said.

“I think the legality of this use is certainly in the gray area,” said former Planning Board member Bob Domnitz, who lives at 21 Mill St. “I’m just surprised that you put that much effort into [renovating the building interior] with the final determination [of use] coming only a few days ago.”

“I guess this is naivete,” said Custead, adding that she had been working with officials at Minuteman and had a “team of lawyers” sign off on her plans.

Driscoll noted that Minuteman has operated for-profit businesses as on-campus training sites for its students in the past, including a day care center. The school’s agreement with another veterinary business “didn’t work out, and we’re always looking for business partners” where students can get practical experience or required clinical hours. Meanwhile, Custead was looking to relocate her clinic from Waltham and reached out to Minuteman to ask if they were still in need of a clinical partner, Driscoll said.

“It’s as if an angel fell from the sky,” she said. “We are very, very grateful.”

There’s enough parking space for employees during the day (Ally does not board animals overnight) as well as clients, Custead said. But Domnitz suggested that she file a site plan to assure the town that there won’t be overflow parking on the street. 

When discussion finally turned to the sign, Custead explained that the unilluminated sign on the building will “give people confidence they’ve come to the right place” but that advertising per se was not the point, since clients will come to Ally almost exclusively through referrals from their regular veterinarian. 

Custead told the board she would design the sign with whatever specifications they wanted. “We want to be a good neighbor,” she said.

Clarification

The April 9 article headlined “Public hearing for tree cutting and removal scheduled” included descriptions of the three tree hazard levels that the Lincoln Squirrel gleaned from a non-Eversource web page. On April 10, we received descriptions directly from Eversource via DPW Superintendent Steve Olson. Those descriptions have been substituted for the original text in the story.

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Maple syrup sales to benefit children’s charities

Matlock Farm is selling maple syrup as a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Hospital (chosen by the Lincoln School fifth grade) and Save the Children. All proceeds go to these charities. Price is $30 a quart or $15 a pint by cash or check made out to Nancy Bergen — self-service at the farm (27 Lexington Road).

Spring Birth Story Circle

All are warmly invited to join local doula Jacqueline Laferriere, CFSD, CBS, of Falling Water Doula Services for an evening of sharing and listening to birth stories on Sunday, April 12 at 7:30pm in the First Parish Church’s Stearns Room across from the library. Sharing these stories with a supportive group can be cathartic, healing, validating, and empowering. Open to all women and birthing people. Babies in arms are welcome, but please leave older babies and children at home. Register here.

Live in Lincoln Center: pianist John Kramer

The First Parish in Lincoln will host a “Live in Lincoln Center” concert by John Kramer performing “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” variations by Frederic Rzewski on Saturday, April 18 at 4:00pm in the parish house across from Bemis Hall. The 36 variations on the Chilean song “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” by Sergio Ortega and Quilapayún follows the 36 bars of the tune in six groups of six. The pianist, in addition to needing a virtuoso technique, is required to whistle, slam the piano lid, and catch the after-vibrations of a loud attack as harmonics: all of these are “extended” techniques in 20th-century piano writing.

This will be a “pay what you will” concert with all the proceeds supporting the Unaccompanied Children’s Program of the Immigration Institute of New England. Kramer is music director at the Winchester Unitarian Society and is on the faculty at Berklee College of Music in the Harmony Department.

Donate to the Live in Lincoln Center Concert Fund here (scroll down the drop-down menu to select “Give to Live in Lincoln Center Concerts”).

“How Trees Help Fight Climate Change”

Trees are one of the simplest and most powerful climate solutions in our communities.
Yet in Boston and many surrounding suburbs, tree canopy is unevenly distributed. Join us for a free webinar on Wednesday, April 22 from 7–8:30pm co-sponsored by MetroWest Climate Solutions and CFREE Lincoln to learn how growing our urban forest can help address climate change and strengthen communities across Boston and its suburbs. The speaker is David Meshoulam, executive director and co-founder of Speak for the Trees, which works with Boston community members to plant, preserve, care, and advocate for trees and to expand the tree canopy to rebuild resilient neighborhoods. Register here.

Public hearing for tree cutting and removal scheduled

(Editor’s note: This article was updated with more relevant tree hazard descriptions from Eversource on April 10.)

On Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall, a public hearing will be held to consider the removal of three sets of trees in the public right of way. 

Eversource Energy wants to cut and/or remove the trees listed here that are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a hazard to the safe and reliable operation of the electrical system and the roadway. Eversource focuses on pruning within specific clearances (8–10 feet to the side, 10 feet below, and 15 feet above lines), but they will remove entire trees that are deemed to be severe hazards. They are listed on that page by size category (DBH, or diameter at breast height) and hazard rating. Those ratings are based on a detailed inspection International Society of Arboriculture tree risk assessment form used by Eversource arborists, with 1–3 ratings corresponding to low, medium and high risk.

As described by Eversource arborist Matthew Miller, “generally the 1’s are smaller diameter ‘wrong tree, wrong place’ situations where they are growing over the wires with proximity and a lean but don’t necessarily have defects. While I gave these trees the ‘low’ risk rating, that is with respect to risk within the tree list. If a tree in my opinion posed no risk to the wires or roadway they wouldn’t be included in the list. 2’s generally have more obvious potential health issues. They may not die in the immediate future but they could start dropping limbs or be stressed enough for a windstorm to get them. 3’s have the largest rot cavities, are dead outright or are infected ash, or they are touching the primary wires.”

Miller also offered a comprehensive explanation of the company’s tree removal practices as of 2024 in this Lincoln Squirrel article.

A second set of trees listed here is being considered for removal by the Town of Lincoln (at Eversource’s expense) because they are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a hazard to the safe and reliable operation of the roadway.

Eversource also wants to cut and remove undergrowth trees on Lexington Road, Trapelo Road, South Great Road, and Tower Road. With abutter approval, all trees 10” or less in diameter under the wires that are growing up into the wires will be cut to the stump.

For ore information, contact the Lincoln DPW, see this Eversource Tree-Trimming FAQs page, or call 800-592-2000.

My Turn: McMackin highlights species interconnectedness in gardening talk

By Robin Wilkerson and Steve Atlas

Rebecca McMackin, a rising star in the world of ecological horticulture, made the case for a different approach to gardening to a rapt crowd of Lincolnites at the Donaldson Auditorium on April 7.

McMackin, whose TED Talk has generated 1.3 million plays, was for 10 years the head horticulturist at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York. The park was built on four abandoned piers in the Hudson River and is now a resplendent garden of native plants that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds as well as millions of human visitors. McMackin’s presentation repeatedly emphasized the interconnectedness of all species, including people.

She shared many of the lessons learned in Brooklyn that can easily be applied to our own gardens in order to achieve biologically diverse habitats that are also beautiful. Practices like leaving the leaves contributes enormously to the health of our gardens. Leaves feed the soil the way nature intended. They also provide a habitat for a rich array of insects, amphibians, and birds. 

A skirt of leaves around the base of a tree provides soft landings for hatched caterpillars to complete their life cycles and turn into butterflies, moths, and fireflies. Leaves are nature’s own fertilizer and soil conditioner.

McMackin also spoke about alternative ways to “clean up” our gardens in the spring that protect and nurture insect life — a crucial and undervalued component of the natural world. Cutting dead stalks of perennials to a foot provides habitat for insects and can also provide structure to support new growth. 

For those fortunate enough to be in attendance, the evening was eye-opening — an opportunity to see how the myriad living elements of the natural world need each other if all are to thrive. Rather than admonishing gardeners, McMackin sees storytelling as a way to educate (and in this case, also entertain) an audience.

The talk was presented by the Lincoln Garden Club. The co-sponsors were the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Bemis Free Lecture series, the Walden Woods Project, Monarch Meadows and EcoGardens, and Anne Sobol.

“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.

My Turn: “Many Hands – One Family” SVdP fundraiser

This year, our SVdP of Lincoln and Weston annual appeal, “Many Hands — One Family — One Mission of Love,” reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: when one neighbor struggles, it touches us all, and when a community comes together in love and service, extraordinary things happen.

Your support makes this possible. Because of you, we are able to serve our neighbors with compassion and respect in several meaningful ways. Through our food pantry, we provide consistent, reliable access to nutritious food. Our financial assistance helps households facing temporary crisis — whether it’s help with rent, utilities, or other essential expenses — so that a difficult moment does not become a lasting hardship. Through educational scholarships, we support adult students as they pursue education and new opportunities for their future.

If you have already donated to our 2026 annual appeal, thank you. Your generosity is already making a difference. If you haven’t yet had the chance, we would deeply appreciate your support once again.

Please donate online here or mail a check to SVdP, PO Box 324, Lincoln, MA 01773. It is truly many hands that make this mission of love possible.

With sincere gratitude,

Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston

“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.

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Town Meeting survey

Officials are gathering resident feedback tin a brief survey o help improve future Town Meeting processes. Click here to participate.

Help the conservation crew outdoors

Join the Lincoln conservation crew and help steward the trails and conservation areas of Lincoln. Work days focus on a range of tasks such as invasive plant management, data collection, native plant restoration, and trail maintenance. On Friday, April 10, volunteers will assist in invasive plant management and trail maintenance; event information will be emailed to participants five days in advance. To sign up, click here or email the Lincoln Conservation Department at conservation@lincolnma.gov.

Small ensemble concert

In association with Lincoln-Sudbury Adult & Community Education, the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Small Ensemble presents a short concert featuring three of our small ensembles — the brass/percussion ensemble, the woodwind choir, and the swing band — on Saturday, April 11 at 3:00pm in the L-S cafeteria. Selections will include “Of Bells and Brass” by Ken Friedrich, “The Sword Dance” by Peter Warlock, and “Dreamsville” by Henry Mancini. Free, but tax-deductible donations go towards new music and defraying concert costs

Performance by speed painter benefits LEAP

LEAP (the Lincoln After-school Activities Program) invites you to a high-energy, family-friendly event with renowned speed painter Rob Surette on Wednesday, April 29 at 2:45pm in the Lincoln School’s Donaldson Auditorium. Rob will paint iconic figures while sharing messages about creativity, perseverance, and finding your passion. Proceeds will help LEAP furnish and enhance its new space in the new community center. Click here to register.

Film: “The Beasts”

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “The Beasts” (2022) on Thursday, April 16 from 6:00–8:00pm in the library’s Tarbell Room. In French, Galician and Spanish, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. Click here for more information.

Offer input on regional public health system

The Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative, a seven-town consortium that includes Lincoln, will hold Zoom meetings on  April 13, 24, and 28 at 6:30pm to hear your concerns, experiences, and ideas on how our public health systems can better serve you and the rest of our community. This will be a space for honest conversation and input will guide future decisions. Click here for the Zoom link or fill out this questionnaire. Questions? Email Kim Garcia (kgarcia@wayland.ma.us) or Katie Rines (krines@wayland.ma.us).

Legal notice: Tree removal hearing

TREE REMOVAL PUBLIC HEARING

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, 16 Lincoln Rd., a Public Hearing will be held by the Tree Warden, Deputy Tree Warden, and/or their designees to consider the removal of the below trees in the Public Right-of-Way. This meeting is consistent with the requirements of the Shade Tree Act (MGL,c.87) and Scenic Road Act.

The cutting and removal of the following trees has been made at the request of Eversource Energy. The trees have been marked with a hearing notice and are being considered for removal because they are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a hazard to the safe and reliable operation of the Eversource Energy electrical system and the roadway. The tree is marked as to size category and type, and the complete list may be found here.

The cutting and removal of the following trees has been made at the request of the Town of Lincoln. The trees have been marked with a hearing notice and are being considered for removal because they are dead, in decline, or otherwise posing a hazard to the safe and reliable operation of the roadway. The tree is marked as to size category and type, and the complete list may be found here.

The cutting and removal of undergrowth trees has been made at the request of Eversource Energy. With abutter approval, all trees 10” or less in diameter under the wires that are growing up into the wires will be cut to the stump.

Roads involved are the following:

  • Lexington Road
  • Trapelo Road
  • South Great Road (Route 117)
  • Tower Road

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.

Mary Ann Hammett, 1934–2026

Mary Ann Hammett

Mary Ann (Wilkinson) Hammett, age 91, passed away on March 23, 2026, after a long, full life.

Mary Ann was born December 13, 1934, on a farm in Evans County, Ga., to William Rufus Wilkinson and Annie Mae (Bowen) Wilkinson. She grew up alongside three brothers — “BJ” Benjamin Jackson, Paul, and Joe. At the age of 12, her family moved to Claxton, Ga., where she later graduated from Claxton High School. She went on to attend Georgia Teachers College, now known as Georgia Southern University.

As a young woman, Mary Ann discovered a passion for ballroom dancing. She became an instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Savannah, and in 1956, she achieved top honors as the overall winner of the Southeastern United States All-American Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance Instructors’ Competition. While teaching, she met her future husband, Wilford “Willie” Hammett, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, also a Georgia native. They married in Savannah in 1957.

Mary Ann and Willie’s early married life took them to Japan, where they welcomed their children, Gregory and Linda. Their youngest child, Janice, was born in Virginia, where Mary Ann lived with her three young children while her husband served in the Vietnam War. For two decades, the Air Force led their family across the country, including assignments in Minnesota, Virginia, Idaho, Ohio, and Florida. Throughout these years, Mary Ann taught ballroom dance to fellow Air Force couples, and she dedicated 20 years as an American Red Cross swim instructor.

After Willie’s retirement from the Air Force, the family settled in Milledgeville, Ga., where they owned and operated the Hammett Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. Mary Ann remained active in her community, teaching ballroom dance to adults and teens. After 20 years in Milledgeville, Mary Ann and Willie retired to Savannah, returning to the city where their love story began. Willie passed away in 2000.

In 2005, Mary Ann married Clifford Herbert “Herb” Diercks, a retired Air Force test pilot who grew up in Iowa. They shared many joyful years together until his passing in December 2016.

Mary Ann was a woman of many talents and interests. In addition to ballroom dance, she especially enjoyed classical architecture, gardening, interior design, keeping informed about current events, and studying the Bible. Above all, she took great pride in raising her three children and ensuring they received excellent educations.

In 2019, Mary Ann moved to Newbury Court in Concord, Mass., where she lived independently until recently, enjoying her later years living close to her children and grandchildren.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her elegance, devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilford “Willie” Hammett, and her second husband, Clifford Herbert “Herb” Diercks. She is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Gregory Wayne Hammett and Kate (Irwin) Hammett; Linda G. Hammett Ory and Andrew Ory of Lincoln; and Janice Hammett Dreier and Alexander Dreier. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Abigail Ory, Audrey Ory, Tyler Ory, Benjamin Dreier, Olivia Dreier, and Lucy Dreier.

Mary Ann’s funeral will take place at 10:30am on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah, Ga. Visitation will begin at 9:45am before the service. The burial at Greenwich Cemetery will take place immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in Mary Ann’s honor to the Historic Savannah Foundation, the American Heart Association, or the American Lung Association. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary.  For Mary Ann’s online tribute page, click here.

Police log for March 18 – April 2, 2026

March 18

Lincoln Road (7:41am) — Several callers reported the railroad gates were malfunctioning. An officer responded and Keolis was notified. A short time later, the gates resumed normal operations.

Lincoln Road (3:59pm) — An officer conducted a follow-up investigation to a past incident.

Concord Road (12:43pm) — An officer performed a well-being check on a person at the request of an outside agency. The party was contacted and everything was OK.

Bemis Hall (6:54pm) — An officer encountered a person who had found a small dog. The Animal Control Officer was notified and a short time later, the dog and owner were reunited.

March 19

Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB (11:45am) — A person spoke to an officer regarding an incident occurring on Hanscom Air Force Base.

North Commons (5:50pm and 8:42pm) — Officers responded to a residence for an ongoing dispute between neighbors.

March 20

Indian Camp Lane (2:35pm) — An officer was summoned to Hanscom Drive for a noise complaint related to a planned protest. Upon arrival, the officer observed nothing out of the ordinary.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (3:42pm) — An officer assisted a person with transport after they became lost on the Minuteman NHP trail.

March 21

Tower Road (8:37pm) — Officers checked the area for the report of several successive loud noises, possibly gunshots, heard in the area. Upon arrival and a search of the immediate area, nothing out of the ordinary was observed.

March 22

North Commons (11:15am) — Officers responded to a residence for an ongoing dispute between neighbors.

deCordova Museum (4:28pm) — An officer checked the area for a parked, occupied vehicle. A search of the property was conducted but nothing was found.

March 23

North Great Road (9:46am) — A caller reported a low-hanging wire in the area not obstructing traffic. Eversource was notified.

Round Hill Road (12:33pm) — A caller reported a large dog loose in the area. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

South Great Road (8:29pm) — The fire department responded for the odor of smoke inside a residence.

March 24

Paul Revere lot, North Great Road (1:19am) — An officer encountered a person at the parking lot. The person was out for a walk.

Langley Road, Hanscom AFB (1:42am) — Officers responded to Hanscom Air Force Base for the report of an assault that had taken place. Matthew Primavera, 42, of Hanscom Air Force Base, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a public employee. He was booked and ultimately transported to Concord District Court.

Lincoln Road (10:46am) — Officers assisted a person in the lobby of the police station.

Hanscom AFB Vandenberg Gate (11:16am) — An officer assisted Hanscom Security Forces with some items seized at the entry gate.

Trapelo Road (4:39pm) — An officer assisted a motorist with a Registry of Motor Vehicle request.

Battle Road Farm (7:36pm) — Officers responded to a residence for an ongoing dispute between neighbors.

March 25

Bedford Lane (1:55pm) — An officer spoke to a person who was burning without a permit. The parties were advised.

Old Concord Road (2:47pm) — The Fire Department assisted a person with an electrical issue.

Wells Road (7:50pm) — An officer spoke with a resident regarding a noise complaint.

March 26

Lexington Road (9:38am) — Police and fire units responded to the intersection of Lexington Road and Route 2 east for a two-vehicle crash. There were no reported injuries. One of the vehicles was towed from the scene and one of the operators was cited for failing to yield.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:49am) — The Lincoln Police and Fire Departments assisted the Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash.

Mayflower Road (8:15pm) — An officer served court paperwork to a person.

March 27

Hanscom Drive (8:54am) — Officers helped Hanscom Security Forces collect several seized items.

Baker Bridge Road (3:22pm) — The DPW was notified of a deceased raccoon at the intersection with Sandy Pond Road.

Wells Road (6:12pm) — Officers responded to the area for the report of a fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers determined that a verbal argument had occurred. Officers remained on scene to deescalate the situation.

March 28

Wells Road (5:57pm) — The Fire Department responded for an odor of natural gas. The residence was ventilated and no measurable readings were detected.

March 29

Page Road (11:53am) — Police and fire units from Lincoln and Weston responded for an out-of-control brush fire. The fire was quickly contained and brief overhaul operations were conducted.

The Commons of Lincoln (6:44am) — Officers assisted a person at The Commons.

March 30

Lincoln Road (10:30am) and South Great Road (11:12am) — Several unlocked vehicles were entered during the overnight hours. The investigation is ongoing.

Lexington Road (11:48am) — Several empty discarded Amazon boxes were discovered on the side of the road.

Lincoln School (2:57pm) — An officer assisted with the transport of ballots from the Town Hall to the voting location.

South Great Road (6:45pm) — A caller reported a possible deceased coyote on their neighbor’s property. The caller was advised to contact Animal Control.

South Commons (9:15pm) — A caller reported hearing a loud noise similar to gunshots or fireworks in the area of Minuteman Park. An officer confirmed with Security Forces at Hanscom Air Force Base that the noise was most likely fireworks.

March 31

Mary’s Way (2:21pm) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an ongoing issue.

April 1

South Great Road (2:20am) — Police and fire units responded to the area for the report of a single-vehicle crash. Rotchild Francois, 32, of Braintree was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol. He was booked and then later bailed with orders to appear at Concord District Court.

Mount Misery parking lot (9:29pm) — An officer performed a check on two parked, occupied vehicles. Both parties were advised to clear from the area.

Canoe overflow parking lot, South Great Road (9:09pm) — An officer checked on a parked, occupied vehicle. The occupants were advised to clear from the area.

April 2

Old Concord Road (7:27pm) — A caller reported that their horse had escaped an enclosure. The horse was discovered a short time later not far from a hole in the fence.