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

Board accepts $1.35 million in donations for community center

At the meeting at which the Select Board accepted to community center donations were (left to right) Town Administrator Tim Higgins, Select Board member Kim Bodnar, Community Center Building Committee co-chair Sarah Chester, Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging chair Rhonda Swain, Patrick Lawler of the FLCOA, Select Board member Jim Hutchinson, Peter von Mertens, donors Faye and Peter Speert of the FLCOA, Select Board member Jennifer Glass, and CCBC co-chair Jonathan Dwyer.

The Select Board on May 11 formally accepted donations totaling $1.345 million in donations to defray the cost of the community center now under construction.

It was the culmination of the previously announced donations of $1 million from the Friends of the Council on Aging and the Odgen Codman Trust ($500,000). The FLCOA donation was jump-started by bequests many years ago from the Pascoe and Hurff families.

The FLCOA also contributed another $345,000 it raised from about 100 private donors, with significant sums from the Desai family and Dilla Tingley and her late husband Fred, as well as the Hammett Ory family and Faye and Peter Speert.

The $1.345 million total was supplemented earlier this month by a donation of $40,000 from Peter von Mertens for a rain garden that had been cut earlier from the project due to cost. 

“This is just the best news I’ve had in a long time, and your generosity is amazing and so welcomed by the town,” Select Board member told the donors at the meeting.

News acorns

Outdoor watering restrictions in effect

The state has upgraded the Drought Status for the Northeast Region, where Lincoln is located, from a Level 1 (mild drought) to a Level 2 (significant drought). This means that outdoor watering is limited to two days a week. Click here for details. Water Department staff will be monitoring all sprinkler use in town and will stop to remind residents of the new restriction policy. A first offense will result in a $100 fine, and subsequent violations
will result in a $200 fine. Questions? Contact Water
Superintendent Richard Nolli at nollir@lincolnma.gov or 781-259-2669.

Appreciation event for Peter Sugar

There will be an appreciation event for Peter Sugar who is stepping down from the library’s board of trustees after more than 20 years of exceptional service to the library, on Friday, May 22 from 11:00am–1:00pm in the Tarbell Room. Sugar chaired the board’s Building and Grounds Subcommittee using his expertise as an architect, historian, and artist to help the board maintain the facility in as pristine a manner as possible. Anyone who knows him and enjoys the historic library in invited to join in saying “thank you” to Peter for his years of service with food, beverages, a few stories, much laughter, and camaraderie.

Soup and video at St. Anne’s

Enjoy a soup dinner and watch a video by Prof. Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park, entitled “What’s the Rush?” on how small changes in our yards can have huge impacts on biodiversity, on Tuesday, May 26 at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. starting at 6:30pm. Sponsored by St. Anne’s Social Justice Commission.

Volunteers needed

  1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee — The Select Board is seeking a volunteer to serve a two-year term as an appointed member on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee beginning immediately. Lincoln residents who have demonstrated interest or engagement in issues concerning bicycle and pedestrian safety, accessibility, active transportation, or related topics are encouraged to apply. BPAC meets once a month, generally on the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm via Zoom. For more information, contact BPAC chair Ginger Reiner at ginger.reiner@gmail.com. Applicants are also encouraged to attend the June 4 BPAC meeting. Letters of interest should be addressed to the Select Board and sent to Peggy Elder, administrative assistant in the Select Board’s Office (elderp@lincolntown.org), along with a completed applicationby June 9.
  1. Lincoln Water Level Monitor — The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is looking for a dedicated volunteer in or near Lincoln to help with their Water Level Monitoring Program. Once a month, volunteers will go out to their assigned stream and take a depth reading and photo. This data is then used to help with the state’s drought management task force’s drought status determinations for Massachusetts, as well as providing CRWA with reliable water levels for tributaries we know are at risk for drying up due to drought. Contact CRWA Volunteer & Outreach Manager Ryan S. at rsmith@crwa.org if interested.

Police log for April 16 – May 5, 2026

April 16

145 Lincoln Road (11:50am) — Three illegally parked vehicles were cited.

Police station (3:44pm) — A person individual asked to speak with an officer regarding speed limit signs on Concord Road.

April 17

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (1:14pm) — An officer stood by for the regular ICE protest on Hanscom Drive.

Mary’s Way (2:39pm) — An officer conducted a well-being check on a person. Contact was successfully made.

Eglin Street (5:10pm) — An officer responded for a report of a past assault.

Lincoln Woods (5:15pm) — A caller reported a concern they had with a potentially unlicensed motorist. An officer was able to confirm that the motorist was licensed.

Offutt Road (6:04pm) — A person spoke with an officer regarding a civil matter.

Minebrook Road (11:36pm) — A caller reported seeing a possible fire in a neighboring driveway. An officer checked the area but discovered no fire.

April 18

Lincoln Road (11:07am) — Officers checked streets near the Wayland town line for vandalism. None was found.

April 19

South Great Road (9:59am) — A crash occurred at the intersection of South Great Road and Concord Road when a vehicle failed to stop for a red light and struck another vehicle that was passing through the intersection. There were no reported injuries. The operator that failed to yield was cited for the same.

April 20

Huckleberry Hill (1:34pm) — A caller reported that a trailer was left on the side of the road. The contractor was contacted and removed the trailer.

Mt. Misery lot Rt. 117 (9:55pm) — A caller reported that their dog was missing. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the animal.

April 21

The Commons of Lincoln (3:35am) — A caller requested assistance for a resident. Assistance was rendered a short time later.

Weston Road (1:52pm) — An officer spoke with a pedestrian after they reported a volatile encounter with a motorist. The area was checked but the motorist was not located.

April 22

Care Dimensions, Winter Street (6:08pm) — A caller reported a tree that appeared to be leaning on some wires. An officer checked the area and asked Eversource to respond. There was no impediment to the roadway.

Bowles Terrace (6:33pm) — A caller reported a large plume of white smoke coming from a chimney. The fire department was able to confirm the smoke was the result of a controlled fire.

South Great Road (7:17pm) — A motorist reported seeing a driver stop in front of several mailboxes and apparently remove items. The area was checked but the vehicle was not located. Area towns were also advised. There were no subsequent reports of missing items from mailboxes.

April 23

Bemis Hall (10:49am) — A tree fell close to Bemis Hall, cutting the building’s power. Eversource responded to the area and restored power several hours later.

Sandy Pond Road (4:54pm) — Several people were observed fishing at Sandy Pond. They were advised fishing was prohibited and moved from the area.

Lincoln Road (7:22pm) — A person spoke to an officer after reportedly being bitten by a dog. They refused medical attention. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

April 24

Old Bedford Road (4:21pm) — An officer instructed a person to move to a safer location while waiting for a ride-share driver.

Offutt Road (6:13pm) — Officers conducted a well-being check after a scheduled meeting did not occur. They were able to make contact with the person a short time later.

Lincoln Town Hall (7:00pm) — An officer helped a turtle crossing the road. The escort was flawlessly executed and traffic resumed its normal operation.

Tower Road (10:16pm) — A caller was walking their dog and detected the odor of smoke. The area was checked but nothing out of the ordinary was found.

April 25

Harvest Circle (9:55am) — An officer collected unused/expired medications and delivered them to the Newton Police Department as part of the National Drug Take-Back Day.

Deerhaven Road (11:10am) — Officers were advised of an increase in activity in the area. The caller was advised to call the police should they notice any suspicious activity or breach of the peace.

April 26

Harvest Circle (10:10am) — An officer spoke to a person regarding a possible fraud incident.

Route 2 Gas (12:50pm) — A motorist struck a support structure at Tracey’s Gas Station. The motorist was not injured and was taken to the police station to make transportation arrangements as the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Conant Road (4:33pm) — A caller reported a loose dog in the area. An officer checked but was unable to locate the dog.

April 27

Wells Road (1:22pm) — An officer responded for a motor vehicle that was struck by a fire engine. There were no injuries reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

Bedford Road (1:37pm) — An officer responded to the stone church parking lot for a minor motor vehicle crash. There were no reported injuries and operators exchanged information on site.

Lincoln Public Library (3:29pm) — An officer responded to a crash that occurred when a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Library Lane struck a parked, unoccupied motor vehicle. There were no reported injuries and the operator was cited for unsafe operation of a motor vehicle.

Indian Camp Lane (10:15pm) — A caller reported hearing a man yelling in close proximity to their residence. Officers checked the area but discovered nothing out of the ordinary.

April 28

South Great Road (9:53am) — An officer helped a person with transport back to their residence.

April 29

Page Road (12:52pm) — Officers responded for a tree obstructing the roadway. Eversource was called to the scene and the tree was removed a short time later.

April 30

Codman Road (6:48pm) — An officer responded to the area for a reported deer strike. A deceased deer was found in the roadway and the DPW was called to collect the carcass.

Chestnut Circle (7:23pm) — An officer spoke with a person regarding an ongoing incident.

May 1

Wells Road (9:14am) — An officer spoke to a person regarding an ongoing incident.

Police station (10:30am) — A person asked for help from an officer with some Registry of Motor Vehicles paperwork.

Lincoln Road (12:14pm) — The police and fire departments responded to the area for an accident when a vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The operator was transported to the hospital and the vehicle was towed.

Sandy Pond Road (6:54pm) — An officer responded to check on two vehicles reportedly parked near the roadway. The vehicles had left the area prior to the officer’s arrival.

May 2

Ripley School, Concord (3:22pm) — An officer responded to the town of Concord to assist with an ongoing incident.

Wells Road (5:11pm) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding an ongoing incident.

Red Rail Farm (7:44pm) — A caller reported seeing someone walking in a field near their residence. The area was checked but nothing was found.

Tack Room (10:50pm) — An officer responded to a shared space for the report of graffiti vandalism. The scene was documented.

May 3

Tabor Hill Road (6:05pm) — An officer responded to a residence to help two individuals with an outdoor structure.

May 4

North Commons (5:58pm) — An officer responded to a residence for an ongoing civil matter.

May 5

Commuter rail parking lot (11:00am) — An illegally parked vehicle was cited.

DeCordova galleries to remain closed for two more years

The deCordova Musuem building (2013 photo).

The galleries inside the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum — closed for extensive HVAC renovations in 2023 and originally slated to reopen after two to three years — will now remain shuttered until 2028 as the organization works through major structural changes.

“We look forward to improving climate control in our gallery spaces, devising new, creative ways of integrating indoor and outdoor locations, and enhancing educational and community spaces,” said the invitation to the deCordova’s annual fundraising gala on May 9 in describing future plans.

“DeCordova and the Trustees have experienced significant change since 2023 that has prepared us for this moment,” D.A. Hayden, vice president for the MetroWest region, said in an email to the Lincoln Squirrel. In June of that year, the organization named Katie Theoharides (who served as the state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs under Gov. Charlie Baker from 2019–22) as its president and CEO.

The Trustees laid off 10% of its staff in February 2024 to address “an ongoing multimillion-dollar structural deficit,” according to several news reports. The organization then “restructured… shifting to a regional model,” Hayden said, which apparently means organizing staff, resources, and stewardship efforts into specific geographic regions across Massachusetts rather than managing each of their  properties in isolation. The Trustees owns and manages about 27,000 acres on 122 reservations in Massachusetts and holds conservation restrictions on another 410 parcels totaling 20,500 acres

At the deCordova, The Trustees promoted Sarah Montross to museum director and chief curator  while also launching a new five-year strategic plan in 2025. Montross has worked at the deCordova since 2015, advancing through a succession of curator roles.

“The launch of the strategic plan gave us an opportunity to step back and look at deCordova in a more holistic manner,” Hayden said. “Rather than focusing simply on HVAC in a building, we looked at how to update our facilities while also focusing on targeted improvement to our campus for visitor experience. Elevating stewardship of our land and buildings is a key pillar of the strategic plan, as is inspiring climate hope and welcoming and connecting people.”

The current plan is to begin inside construction in the winter of 2026-27, with galleries to open to the public in spring 2028. “This work will not expand the existing footprint of the building; rather it will improve how these spaces function for art and people. We look forward to building improvements which share the beauty of the outdoors with the indoor spaces,” Hayden said.

The building is open for visitor programs including the Rappaport Art Prize lecture and Cronin lecture, and it also continues to host private events and operate a retail store and cafe in separate buildings.

Legal notice: Conservation Commission (109 Trapelo)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION — NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:30PM in accordance with the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This is in response to the duly filed Notice of Intent by Steven Veninncasa for demolition of an existing house and construction of a new house and accessory structures within the 100-ft Buffer Zone at 109 Trapelo Road (Parcel 150-27-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. More information can be reviewed here.

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: Planning Board hearing (Civico)

TOWN OF LINCOLN PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SIGN PERMIT

The Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 via hybrid meeting to review an application for a 20-unit housing development at 109 Page Road, 279, 283, and 295 Cambridge Turnpike — parcels, or parts thereof, 132-25-0, 132-26-0, 132-27-0, and 132-28-0 as shown on the submitted plans. The review will be pursuant to the Zoning Bylaw, Section 12.5.8 Special Permit and Site Plan Review and the General Bylaw, Article XXXII Stormwater Management. The application is available for review on the Town of Lincoln website at www.lincolntown.org/252/Planning. The agenda with the Zoom information and meeting location will be posted to the Town website at lincolntown.org/Calendar.aspx at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard may be present at the designated time and place, written comments will also be accepted.

Lynn DeLisi and Gary Taylor, Co-Chairs
Lincoln Planning Board

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: Conservation Commission (Battle Road Farm)

LEGAL NOTICE — CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (LCC) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:05PM in accordance with the MA Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Lincoln Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This is in response to the duly filed Notice of Intent by Debra Daugherty for control of invasive plants within the 100-ft Buffer Zone and wetland resource areas near 29 South Commons at Battle Road Farm (Parcel 103-13-0). Information on how to log onto the virtual public meeting will be included in the LCC Agenda posted on the town’s website at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. More information can be reviewed here.

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.

My Turn: Seeking a certain young puzzle fan

(Editor’s note: see “Putting the pieces together for almost a century” published in the Lincoln Squirrel on 

By Stewart Coffin

This message is my attempt to locate a missing person. But first some background.

For many years I have been engaged in the art of designing geometric shapes that come apart, sometimes called puzzles, and crafting them in fine woods. I was participating in a craft show at Rhinebeck, N.Y., in 1973 when a young girl stopped by my display and proceeded to try assembling my Altekruse burr in a clever new way using fourteen pieces rather than the standard twelve. I was so impressed that I later added it to my catalog as Design #57, Plus 2.

That girl’s name was Marjorie Hoffman, but I don’t recall how I happened to know that. I give her credit for that design in my book Geometric Puzzle Design and also on my website (page 61 in AP-ART: The Art That Comes Apart). My hope was that someday a woman would present herself at one of my craft shows and say, “I’m Marjorie.” But now time is running out, and I guess it will never happen.

“Pin-Hole,” before and after.

And now to the present. On April 4 of this year, I was participating in a craft fair at the Pierce House in Lincoln when a girl, about age 10 I would guess and possibly accompanied by a parent, stopped by my display and proceed to try assembling my Pin-Hole puzzle (page 26 in AP-ART: The Art That Comes Apart) in a clever new way with a completely different shape. Again, I was so struck by the scheme that I added a few refinements of my own and included it in my line. If all goes according to plan, a friend of mine will use it as an exchange gift in the annual meeting of the International Puzzle Party, to be held next year in Toronto.

I would like to give that girl credit for coming up with the clever new shape, but who is she? You can reach me at stewcoffin@gmail.com.

“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.

News acorns

Softball league kicks off season

Come to the Opening Day scrimmage for the Lincoln Co-ed Softball League on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00pm at Codman Field (rain date: May 14). Meet the teams and get a little exercise — all levels of experience welcome. If you can’t commit to playing one game a week, you can join the league’s Substitute Pool and play when you can. Just let us know ahead of time via email or in person before registering. Click here to register.

LLCT plant sale on May 16

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will hold its annual native plant sale on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00am–1:00pm at Lincoln Station (145 Lincoln Road). Click here for a list of native shrubs and perennials that will be available. Cash, check, card, or Venmo payments accepted.

Swap shed volunteers needed

The DPW is looking for friendly volunteers to help keep the transfer station’s Swap Shed running smoothly. This is a great opportunity to support the community, meet new people, and make a positive impact. The Swap Shed depends on volunteers to keep it organized, welcoming, and safe. Volunteer duties include:

  • Organizing and tidying items
  • Helping visitors find and drop off items
  • Ensure items left are clean and appropriate for reuse
  • Keeping the space clean and welcoming

No experience necessary—just a positive attitude and a willingness to help out. For more information or to volunteer, contact DPW Office Manager (donaldsons@lincolnma.gov, 781-259-8999).

Did you know…

…that Lincoln has been known as “Nip Town” and its “birth” came after 20 years of hard labor? What we now know as the town of Lincoln was formed from parts of Concord, Lexington, and Weston, all nipped off to create a new town. Read more here on the Lincoln Historical Society website.

Fundraiser at Farrington Nature Linc

Farrington Nature Linc’s annual June Bug fundraiser is on Saturday, June 6 from 5:00–8:30pm. Come hear about our summer programs, enjoy live music and food, and raise a glass in support. All proceeds support Nature Linc’s mission to connect youth with nature. This event is adults-only, and tickets can be purchased here.

Juneteenth celebration

The METCO Coordinating Committee will bring people together to honor freedom, reflect on history, and celebrate community at the annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 6 from 1:00-4:00pm at Codman Field. The gathering will feature food, music, student performances, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn and connect. If you’d like to request a vendor table, please complete this form by Friday, May 15.

L-S Friends of Music seek members

The L-S Friends of Music are seeking new volunteers and will have an information session at their upcoming annual meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00pm in L-S Conference Room A.

Each year, LSFOM contributes anywhere from $5,000–$20,000 to enrich the Music Department at L-S in the form of subsidized field trips, scholarships for private music instruction, piano tunings, new musical instruments, and more. In 2025 they even helped fund a new lighting system in the L-S auditorium, But continued operation depends on the next generation of music parents (especially those with current eighth-, ninth- and tenth graders) getting more involved. State law requires registered nonprofits to maintain a minimum number of volunteers and board members. To this end, they are recruiting the following:

  • Concessions committee co-chair
  • Fundraising committee co-chair
  • Secretary co-chair
  • Treasurer co-chair
  • Co-President
  • General Board Member

Questions? Email lsfriendsofmusic@gmail.com.

Gropius House bathroom competition announces a winner

The current Gropius House “restroom” next to the visitors’ center (top), and a drawing of “One Bathroom After Another.” (Photos courtesy Historic New England)

“One Bathroom After Another” is the winning entry in the Historic New England design competition to “reimagine the visitor experience of Gropius House” by adding an accessible permanent public restroom close to the visitors’ center.

Since it became open to the public 45 years ago, the only restroom for Gropius House visitors has been a porta-potty. The new structure will address that need and will “also play a critical role in creating a sense of arrival for visitors to the site and framing the viewshed to the main house,” HNE said in a release.

The winning proposal by architectural designer Isabel Strauss was selected from more than 280 submissions received from 40 countries across six continents. Nearly a quarter of entries came from outside Europe and North America. “Strauss’ proposal introduces a twin volume that echoes the form of the existing garage, while differentiating it through material and orientation, to create a clear, yet contextually sensitive, addition to the site,” the release says.

“My design starts with what is already here, rather than imposing a completely new aesthetic, and draws on vernacular materials and reinterprets them through a contemporary lens. This project, in the spirit of the Bauhaus, uses common materials in new ways to create something that feels both of its time and as though it could have always been here,” Strauss said.

Strauss is assistant professor of architecture at Smith College. Previously, she was a curatorial contractor at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where she assisted in collecting and exhibition projects related to architecture and design.

“Isabel Strauss’s proposal stood out as both deeply thoughtful and emotional — a quiet approach grounded in her nuanced reading of the site’s iconography, and one that also proved to be among the most buildable,” said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of Historic New England.

The other shortlisted teams include AUYON BACHAR, based in Los Angeles; Payette (Boston); Tomas Sachanowicz and Monika Puchala (Szczecin, Poland); and Mohsen Laei (Tehran, Iran). AUYON BACHAR reimagined the existing garage as a contemporary welcome center with an integrated restroom addition and distinctive glass block façade, while Payette conceived the restroom as a precise architectural instrument within the landscape, contrasting planar and curved geometries to guide arrival and movement. Sachanowicz and Puchala proposed a restrained intervention that extends the site’s existing stone wall to enclose the restroom. Laei’s proposal offered a compact, efficient design focused on functional performance, with a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus and one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, designed the home in 1938 as his family residence while teaching at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Conceived as both a living space and a teaching tool, Gropius House exemplifies Bauhaus principles of functional design while responding to the surrounding New England landscape. In 1979, Gropius’s wife Ise donated the property — complete with its original furnishings, artwork, and personal belongings — to Historic New England. The house opened to the public in 1984 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000. Today, it is among the most visited sites under Historic New England’s stewardship.

The submissions were reviewed by a jury including Antoine Picon (Harvard Graduate School of Design), Nader Tehrani (NADAAA), Philip Kennicott (the Washington Post), Suzanne Stephens (Architectural Record) and Tanja Hwang (Museum of Modern Art).

“Historic New England is committed to building a permanent public restroom at Gropius House in the coming years, with timing dependent on funding,” the release said. The organization also plans to present the finalists’ designs in a public exhibition. The five finalist proposals will ultimately become part of the organization’s permanent archives, and Historic New England is also exploring opportunities for publication.