Re: [LincolnTalk] Coincidence or Conspiracy?

[Jennifer Saffran]

My family in New Mexico had to get lockable mailboxes for single family 
dwellings because of stolen checks. That was well over a decade ago.

At least with online banking you have proof that a check was issues and sent.

> On Jun 10, 2024, at 12:21 PM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> Online banking has made it easy to track payments/checks.
> Out fox the foxes!
> 
>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 11:16 AM, RAandBOB  wrote:
>> 
>> Recently, we sent money and a birthday card to our grandson in Alabama. The 
>> card arrived with no money inside. Upon careful examination, we noticed at 
>> the bottom of the envelope had been carefully cut open, and then resealed 
>> with invisible tape. We always mail cards with money into the slot inside 
>> the post office, so we think this was probably an inside job somewhere along 
>> the route. 
>> 
>> Ruth Ann
>> (She, her, hers)
>> 
>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:29 AM, DJCP  wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I had that happen a few years ago and then read in the squirrel that 
>>> someone was stealing mail from the post office drop box behind the 
>>> building. I did have someone try and cash a fraudulent check before the 
>>> scheme was discovered. The post office has since removed that drop box and 
>>> changed the one in front to one that's presumably harder to tamper with. 
>>> But maybe there's a new scheme? 
>>> 
>>> On Mon, Jun 10, 2024, 10:21 AM RAandBOB >> > wrote:
 Yes, many times. One time it was the property tax payment. I wound up 
 having to pay $120 penalty for a late payment.
 
 Ruth Ann
 (She, her, hers)
 
 > On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:18 AM, Peter von Mertens 
 > mailto:petervonmert...@gmail.com>> wrote:
 > 
 > 
 > Yesterday I received notice from a tradesman that I had not paid them.  
 > But when I looked at my records I noticed I had sent them a check in 
 > early May.  This is the second time this spring that a check that I 
 > think I mailed has gone missing.   And after watching "Mr Bates vs the 
 > Post Office" on PBS ( a true story about how a computer system in Great 
 > Britain robs hundreds of local post masters of their wealth and lives )  
 > I wonder if others have experienced that same problem, i.e. a check 
 > getting lost in the mail?
 > 
 > Peace Peter
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Bear? Two bluebird houses broken and smashed.

[Jennifer Saffran]

Yes, bears. They are incredibly strong and persistent when hungry. I have seen 
them shred a wood shed to get to soiled restaurant kitchen linens. They can 
open heavy metal commercial dumpster doors while looking for leftovers. In one 
famous story that circulates in NH, they can even climb in an open window with 
a screen to get to a beef stew in a slow cooker. I have yet to hear, however, 
that they go after people. 

> On May 14, 2024, at 7:37 AM, Caroline Hayes  wrote:
> 
> This morning we woke up to find both of our bluebird houses on the ground, 
> wood broken open with force, one with metal pole bent (and broken!) down to 
> the ground.
> 
> One had another species’ eggs in it, smashed, and luckily the other had 4 
> live baby bluebirds. We were able to repair their house a bit and parents are 
> nearby. 
> 
> Just a warning that I can’t imagine any other creature but the bear could do 
> this and bend the metal like that?  Anyone else have this issue? Or another 
> hypothesis?
> 
> I can see how they look like bird feeders since they are on poles and about 
> the same height. 
> 
> Just a warning to all with bluebird houses - I hope this doesn’t happen to 
> any others around town.  Especially since this is when all the babies have 
> hatched. 
> 
> We will put a camera up tonight and see if we see anything. 
> 
> Caroline Papas
> South Great Rd
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Bat houses in Lincoln

[Jennifer Saffran]

We put them up in Quebec, and the ones facing north, as is advised, became 
homes for bats. The ones facing south never were used because they got too hot 
in the sun, or so I am told.

> On May 13, 2024, at 5:20 PM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> I put houses up in the mountains in CO, but no takers.
> They preferred my attic and garage !
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 13, 2024, at 5:14 PM, John F. Carr  wrote:
>> 
>> Has anybody on the list installed a bat house?  Did you get bats?  What 
>> species?
>> 
>> John Carr
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Bear sighting just now at Fox Run Road

[Jennifer Saffran]

I’ve seen bear tags before, but “Dodger” appears to have both ears tagged. 
What’s up with that?

> On May 12, 2024, at 9:20 PM, Joanna Owen Schmergel via Lincoln 
>  wrote:
> 
> It’s Dodger! 
> 
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 
> 
> 
> On Sunday, May 12, 2024, 9:16 PM, Lynne Smith  wrote:
> 
> Looks like he has opposing thumbs ! And he clearly knows where to find seeds.
> 
> 
> Lynne Smith
> 5 Tabor Hill Road
> Lincoln, MA 01773
> 781-258-1175
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> > On 12 May 2024, at 6:14 PM, pspe...@gmail.com  
> > wrote:
> >
> > 
> >
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Sent from my iPhone--
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Jets

[Jennifer Saffran]

IDK exactly why, but all airports will change the “pattern”, meaning which 
runways are used for take offs and landings, from time to time. This can be due 
to winds, although yesterday was quite still, or, as I have been told, Hanscom 
rotates their landing patterns so as to “share the pain” among the surrounding 
towns. 

Like you, I noted that some days, one could be swimming in the middle of Walden 
Pond and see and hear a parade of aircraft flying overhead. Most days, they are 
not there. It’s disconcerting.

> On May 5, 2024, at 8:57 PM, Edica Lin  wrote:
> 
> Does anyone know why there are so many jets flying over Lincoln recently, 
> especially today, Sunday when we all want some quiet and peace?  I feel like 
> living in an Airfield…..
> 
> 
> 
> Edica 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Follow up: Parent Dissatisfaction Survey

[Jennifer Saffran]

For context, the Mass. Education Reform Act passed in 1993. This legislation 
eventually made Mass. schools competitive with other states with excellent to 
good public schools, such as NY. I am assuming that the survey results attached 
do not reflect that reform.

Since then, state curriculum guidelines and special education law has changed 
many times. While special education may seem irrelevant, on average, in MA, 17% 
of students get some level of individualized instruction.

> On Feb 7, 2023, at 11:33 AM, Stephen R. Low  
> wrote:
> 
> Last week, I posted a message to LincolnTalk that discussed the notorious 
> (well, it was “notorious back then, and I have the press clippings to prove 
> it!) 1994 survey of Brooks School parents of that year’s eighth grade 
> graduates. Last week’s message contained several attachments, two of which 
> were summaries of the Report’s findings.
>  
> The complete 53-page Survey Report was still in the Lincoln Public Library, 
> and yesterday I learned that it was scanned and posted on their website: 
> https://www.lincolnpl.org/images/pdf/Report_on_a_Survey_of_Parent_Satisfaction_with_the_Brooks_School_by_Stephen_R_Low_1994.pdf
>  
> 
>  
> This morning, I spotted two documents on my hard drive that relate to our 
> efforts in 1994, and they are attached:
>  
> An op ed regarding math education published in the Lincoln Journal (December 
> 15, 1994) 
> An article promoting the importance and value of parent surveys in the 
> March/April, 1995 edition of the Lincoln Review (the predecessor to the  
> Lincoln Chipmunk).
>  
> And, when I opened a box full of press clippings and material from that 
> campaign, I spotted a poignant post card received from a then (and still) 
> prominent Lincoln resident related to algebra, which I’ve scanned and pasted 
> below the Lincoln Journal op ed. So sad.
>  
> I had earlier written that school improvement is no longer my issue, but if 
> anyone wishes to contact me privately, feel free to do so.
>  
> Regards,
> Steve Low
>  
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Piano movers

[Jennifer Saffran]

When we lived in the South End of Boston in the 1980s, before it became too chi 
chi for most people, including musicians, we saw many a baby grand swinging in 
the streets as Death Wish deftly put it through a window and into someone’s 
apartment. A lot of people who were affiliated with the BSO and the music 
schools lived in that neighborhood. Deathwish also has the coolest vans and 
uniforms. They looked like a cross between the IRA and a goth punk band. We’ve 
used them several times.

> On Feb 5, 2023, at 8:03 PM, Sofia Kampoures  wrote:
> 
> Thank you to everyone for the piano mover recommendations! 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Feb 2, 2023, at 12:17 PM, Sofia Kampoures  wrote:
>> 
>> Hello
>> I’m looking for a piano mover – any references?
>> Thanks! 
>> Sofia 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln School Projected Class Size

[Jennifer Saffran]

I would like to remind people that, yes, Lincoln is, on average, a privileged 
town, but that doesn’t mean everyone in it is “privileged”. (By privileged, I 
assume that means a high per household income.) It is easy to see the 
incredible beauty and assets of Lincoln and its residents as somehow set apart, 
to be, as it were, even a bit self-congratulatory. Along with an awareness of 
“privilege”, another “Yankee cultural value” is also thrift. My point is that 
referencing to well-worn ideas of identity is not really a way to make school 
funding and planning decisions. Lincoln is one of MANY districts in the 
Commonwealth of Mass. that are excellent. Not all are on the Route 2 corridor, 
either. Luckily, in MA, we have many excellent school districts to use as 
models of success.

For example, in one of the many emails, Southboro was listed as the top 
performing school at the elementary level. My children were educated in that 
district. Class sizes were capped at 22 per licensed teacher, and 24 at the 
regional high school (ARHS—Algonquin). The year my son graduated, they sent 5 
students to Harvard. Additionally, ARHS has received the Special Olympics 
International’s designation as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School 
TWICE. There are only 160 of these schools in the nation. 

My point is that it is possible to be excellent in many ways, meeting the needs 
of all students, without disregarding what is considered “best practices” in 
other school districts who have documented successes. I would invite us all to 
look outward as well as inward when making plans for the upcoming years.


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Re: [LincolnTalk] Piano movers

[Jennifer Saffran]

Deathwish piano movers. Used by professional musicians 

> On Feb 2, 2023, at 12:17 PM, Sofia Kampoures  wrote:
> 
> Hello
> I’m looking for a piano mover – any references?
> Thanks! 
> Sofia 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln School Projected Class Size

[Jennifer Saffran]

You mentioned decreasing “special” services. If you mean special education, 
understand that there are complex state and federal laws and regulations that 
govern these.

The good news is that the additional staff that is demanded, particularly 
in-classroom aides and paraprofessionals lower the student to staff ratios. 
Also, funding for special education is a combination of local, state, and 
federal dollars. The LEA (local school district) is not responsible for paying 
for all of it.



> On Jan 31, 2023, at 9:18 PM, Andy Wang  wrote:
> 
> Peter,
> 
> I was just keying off of something you said "The recently approved FY24 
> Budget contradicts the chart as it funds 4 classroom teachers per each 6, 7 
> and 8 grade. "  What are you keying off of in the budget?  How are you 
> counting teachers where there are ones that teach sections across grades and 
> specialists?  I was just pointing out that while there were 4 homeroom 
> teachers in 6th, but there are only 3 sections for the kids.  Those teachers 
> don't 'just have homeroom duties', like my kid's homeroom teacher is also his 
> ELA teacher. 
> 
> Parents can certainly voice concerns.  Gifted children want extra attention, 
> and parents of gifted kids advocate for that.  Struggling students want extra 
> attention, and those parents advocate for them.  It IS complicated in the 
> sense that you need to optimize across a wide range of students and 
> abilities, and philosophical stance on what it means to be a student at 
> Lincoln Public Schools and there are trades that need to be made.  I mean, do 
> you KNOW that the administration hasn't looked at ways of optimizing things?
> 
> When it comes down to it, I'm happy to wax philosophical on Lincoln Talk all 
> day long (clearly), but my parting point was just that the school committee 
> is elected and folks should be electing people who they think represent their 
> views.  There are many ways to focus the school.  We could teach more to the 
> MCAS and increase that ranking, we could make larger classes, remove special 
> programs, decrease special services, increase gifted programs, decrease 
> spending.  All of those things come with trade-offs and those decisions are 
> not going to be made here.  And only foot stomping this stronger now cause 
> deadline to pull papers is tomorrow.
> 
> - Andy
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Jan 31, 2023 at 8:53 PM Peter Buchthal  > wrote:
> Andy,
> 
> I don't see your distinction between listed teachers who have classrooms for 
> core subjects and other teachers who apparently just host homeroom students 
> and have other classroom duties.  Our  school population has decreased by 20 
> % in the last 10 years and apparently the administration and school committee 
> can't even consider optimizing the staff to offer additional academic 
> services the students and parents want while lowering the ongoing costs of 
> running the school.  Every year, without much debate, the School Committee 
> asks and gets the maximum 2.5% raise over the previous year and that is 
> considered success even though our school population keeps going down.Our 
> student teacher ratio is significantly lower than almost everyone (37% more 
> teachers than the state average),  Our MCAS scores are middle of the pack, 
> our cost per student is 6K higher than almost every other school except for 
> Weston and the School says basically, "we can't cut a thing, you don't 
> understand, it's complicated."
> 
> 
> 
>   
> Reply
> Forward
> 
> 
> On Tue, Jan 31, 2023 at 6:14 PM Andy Wang  > wrote:
> Peter,
> 
> Not to jump in on a conversation between you and John, but since you posted 
> publicly, I figure it would be okay.
> 
> I wanted to point out, that in the middle school, there is a distinction 
> between the listed teachers (from the enrollment report) and sections that 
> are on John's chart. I have a son who is in 6th grade  (60 in his class).  In 
> the enrollment report you linked to (the 2022 Enrollment Report), it 
> indicates that there are 4 groups, what I'll call 'homerooms' each led by a 
> teacher (4 listed there).  But when they go to class, he says they only have 
> 3 sections, of about 20 in each section.  This seems to match the chart that 
> John included in his email, which specifies sections.  I think in the middle 
> school, the teacher ratio gets a little more confusing since some subject 
> teachers teach one grade, some multiple, and also specialists (who could 
> teach multiple grades) as opposed to in the elementary school where the 
> 'homeroom' teachers, for the most part, teach all subjects to their class 
> (but also some specials here too).  While I understand your argument, I don't 
> think it's quite as simple as just cutting a section.
> 
> As a staffing side note, the town probably also doesn't want to get into a 
> situation where, say you decide to cut a section of a grade and then have a 
> 

Re: [LincolnTalk] Indoor Air Quality and Gas Stoves

[Jennifer Saffran]

This does not answer your question directly, but we recently renovated and put 
in an (electric) induction stove. It has the quick responsiveness of a gas 
stove and it is much easier to clean because of it’s glass-like top. Yes, we 
had to buy a few new pots because it won’t work with aluminum. Highly recommend.

> On Jan 31, 2023, at 2:59 PM, Forest Brown  wrote:
> 
> Hi LT!
> 
> There has been a lot of talk lately about the dangers of gas stoves in 
> regards the air quality in the home (and of course the health of our planet). 
> I have always preferred a gas stove and am wondering if switching to electric 
> is of dire importance for my health, or not. I use the hood above the stove 
> when cooking and have an air purifier but do not always have it on. Does 
> anyone have a recommendation for an air quality test /company or have a home 
> detection device that I could borrow?
> 
> Thank you!
> Becca
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Seamstress

[Jennifer Saffran]

https://anns-tailor-shop.business.site/?utm_source=gmb_medium=referral

She’s in Marlboro, off of Route 20. Ann. She’s remade ball gowns for me, 
tailored baggy blazers with linings so that they looked brand new, remade pants 
for me so that they actually fit, etc. She’s amazing.

It’s worth the drive.

She’s a fascinating person, hiked all the 4,000 footers, a scientist from China.

> On Jan 29, 2023, at 2:50 PM, DEBORAH MANEGOLD  wrote:
> 
> 
> Have an old silk quilt needs significant repair.   Any recommendations 
> appreciated   Thanks. Deb manegold 
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Water?

[Jennifer Saffran]

To answer your original question, we are not experiencing such amber water in 
Farrar Pond Village. Our water, however, almost always smells and tastes like 
peat moss, to some degree.

> On Jan 16, 2023, at 9:19 PM, Sonja Johansson  wrote:
> 
> That is terrible! I would call the non-emergency police line at 781 259 8113
> or email :
> Ruth Ann Hendrickson raand...@earthlink.net 
> Or water dept that is probably closed:781 259 8997
> Sonja
> 
> On Mon, Jan 16, 2023 at 9:09 PM David G  > wrote:
> Wow that water looks terrible 
> Have you talked to the water dept?
> 
> A whole house water filter may be worth it 
> 
> Davjd
> 
> On Mon, Jan 16, 2023 at 8:51 PM Kate Bruenner  > wrote:
> Hi All,
> Is anyone else experiencing this? It's a little concerning to think we are 
> drinking this water?! Seems more discolored than passed years... even our 
> young children didn't want to get in ;)
> 
> 
> Thanks
> Kate (Tower rd)
> 
> 
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[LincolnTalk] Deer sightings

[Jennifer Saffran]

Recently, we have been seeing a small herd of deer frequently crossing 126 in 
the area between the Wayland town line/Oxbow Road and Codman Road. Please take 
extra caution at night. While deer are not uncommon, this appears to be more 
activity than usual.
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Re: [LincolnTalk] transfer station

[Jennifer Saffran]

yes. it was just posted somewhere. on the 31st, too

> On Dec 22, 2022, at 11:26 AM, Colleen Katsuki  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Does anybody know if the transfer station will be open this Saturday or not?
> 
> 
> 
> Colleen Katsuki
> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] more on the epidemic of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities

[Jennifer Saffran]

Madison, WI. 



> On Dec 6, 2022, at 6:17 PM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> It would be helpful to have some examples from countries that had more 
> opens-paces and rural settings…some  place that looks more like us.
> I saw amazing infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians in Florence, but I 
> would not thing to try and translate those initiative to Lincoln…maybe some  
> more of the most densely developed urban areas of the US, but most of the US 
> could not implement these techniques.
> 
> Where are there some applicable examples?
> 
> Sara
> 
> --
> Sara Mattes
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Dec 6, 2022, at 5:29 PM, Rich Rosenbaum  wrote:
>> 
>> From a recent Economist:
>> 
>> ..consider the Dutch approach to bicycles. Dollops of funding on 
>> bike-friendly infrastructure makes pedalling safer in the Netherlands. So 
>> does an inventive rule, codified in 1994: in a collision between a car and a 
>> cyclist, motorists are assumed to be at fault unless they can prove 
>> otherwise. Only truly reckless cyclists are made to share the blame. Dutch 
>> drivers thus treat bike-riders as if they were carrying an infectious 
>> disease, giving them the required wide berth. Better yet, whereas motorists 
>> in other countries furiously object to new cycle lanes, Dutch ones welcome 
>> them, since segregating two-wheelers reduces the chance of a costly 
>> accident. Rates of cycling in the Netherlands have increased sharply—and 
>> deaths-per-mile-pedalled have plummeted.
>> 
>> On Tue, Dec 6, 2022 at 5:06 PM John Mendelson > > wrote:
>> So while road design definitely plays a part in this 10+ year terrible 
>> trend, speed and vehicle design are also to blame.  Two mainstream media 
>> outlets weigh in:
>> 
>> Fast Company:  Should We Ban SUVs? 
>>  
>> 
>> Vox: A Driver Killed Her Daughter.  She Won't Let the World Forget  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> John
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Re: [LincolnTalk] more on the epidemic of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities

[Jennifer Saffran]

This is interesting. My stepfather was Dutch. We didn’t get to go as frequently 
as we liked, but we spent quite a bit of time there in the 1970s, with another 
short trip in the late 80s. From the. 70s trip, I remember everyone was cycling 
everywhere to do all their daily commutes and errands. My cousin even took her 
toddler to the pediatrician in his bike seat. She was wearing a modest skirt 
and short heels. And this was normal. No lycra anywhere. The bike parking at 
the downtown shopping areas, or where train stations were a sea of nearly 
identical black bikes, different only with baskets or other carriers, or a 
ribbon here or there to differentiate. What I remember is that using the car 
seemed to be the exception, not the rule in day-to-day living. Of course, 
houses are close together, distances short, and it’s flat. And rain? They 
didn’t stop for rain. It was clear that bike culture proceeded the norm of 
every middle class family owning a car. No way teens and young adults owned 
cars. 

My point is that the acceptance of bikes went on for decades before so much 
construction needed to happen.




> On Dec 6, 2022, at 5:29 PM, Rich Rosenbaum  wrote:
> 
> From a recent Economist:
> 
> ..consider the Dutch approach to bicycles. Dollops of funding on 
> bike-friendly infrastructure makes pedalling safer in the Netherlands. So 
> does an inventive rule, codified in 1994: in a collision between a car and a 
> cyclist, motorists are assumed to be at fault unless they can prove 
> otherwise. Only truly reckless cyclists are made to share the blame. Dutch 
> drivers thus treat bike-riders as if they were carrying an infectious 
> disease, giving them the required wide berth. Better yet, whereas motorists 
> in other countries furiously object to new cycle lanes, Dutch ones welcome 
> them, since segregating two-wheelers reduces the chance of a costly accident. 
> Rates of cycling in the Netherlands have increased sharply—and 
> deaths-per-mile-pedalled have plummeted.
> 
> On Tue, Dec 6, 2022 at 5:06 PM John Mendelson  > wrote:
> So while road design definitely plays a part in this 10+ year terrible trend, 
> speed and vehicle design are also to blame.  Two mainstream media outlets 
> weigh in:
> 
> Fast Company:  Should We Ban SUVs? 
>  
> 
> Vox: A Driver Killed Her Daughter.  She Won't Let the World Forget  
> 
>  
> 
> John
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Re: [LincolnTalk] on property taxes

[Jennifer Saffran]

I have not heard of alternative funding, but what you are describing is a 
lament that I’ve heard in Cambridge and certainly in Chestnut Hill when we 
moved to Brookline in the early 90s. Those huge Georgian houses on small lots 
were built in the 1920s, so by the time the 90s rolled around, most were in 
rough shape. The elderly children of the original owners could not afford the 
upkeep. One would see arbor vitaes obscuring second floor windows and wood 
gutters with Greek dental molding falling off the slate and copper roofs. There 
was much discussion about the ever rising taxes forcing people out of their 
family homes. 

On the other hand, the windfall from the eventual sales netted the heirs a big 
check. Or the owners if the decided that a 6,000K sf house with carriage house 
and (small) grounds really was unmanageable. 

Point is, it’s more about the lifecycle of buildings than unique to Lincoln.



> On Dec 5, 2022, at 8:06 PM, Jane Appell  wrote:
> 
> One of the problems that I have been thinking about is the way in which 
> increases in property taxes to fund projects such as a community center may 
> be unfair and may well  have an adverse effect on those you are trying most 
> to service. It is simply not a correct assumption to assume that income or 
> ability to pay is correlated with the assessed value of a house, or that all 
> projects need to be funded by increasing the property tax rate.  
> 
> Since a third of the population is over 60, it stands to reason that many of 
> the older population have been in their homes a long time. I include myself 
> in this. I know I am not alone in my income going down and my finding it 
> harder and harder to support my home as well as paying  ever increasing 
> taxes.  For some of us, the taxes are verging on making staying here 
> unsustainable. 
> 
> Someone in a small house or an apartment in town will have the same ability 
> to use a community center and its services as an older person in an expensive 
> house.  The latter person will pay many times more for the project than the 
> person in the lower price home if the tax rate increases to fund the project. 
> 
> Are there other models to consider for funding projects besides increasing 
> property taxes on a percentage basis?
> 
> Jane
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 28, 2022, at 1:04 PM, Rich Rosenbaum > > wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> There has been a bit of discussion regarding LIncoln's property taxes 
>> compared to other towns. One reason taxes may be higher than similar towns 
>> is our low housing density.
>> 
>> Lincoln has consciously and deliberately limited density with land 
>> acquisition, zoning regulations, agricultural easements and more. 
>> 
>> The result is that there are fewer houses to distribute fixed costs. If you 
>> have two similar towns with the same number of miles of road, the less 
>> housing-dense town will pay more per family to maintain those roads. The 
>> same goes for many other services provided by the town.
>> 
>> All of this wonderful open space that we all enjoy is not free.
>> 
>> Here are some statistics from this site 
>>  (not sure 
>> of the date but I assume it does not change quickly):
>> 
>> TownPopulation / sq. mile
>> Bedford 926.37
>> Wayland 819.52
>> Sudbury 683.63
>> Weston  664.03
>> Concord 656.11
>> Lincoln 359.11
>> 
>> Our limited commercial base is also a factor.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] new look at community

[Jennifer Saffran]

Intergenerational community is “engineered” in places like the Netherlands when 
they build programs and facilities. It’s socially and democratically useful for 
everyone.

> On Dec 2, 2022, at 8:23 AM, John Kimball  wrote:
> 
> I have a hope that the so-called community building committee, perhaps 
> supplemented by some open-minded initials, will have a fresh look at the 
> whole issue. I think that joining the kiddoes with the seniors doesn't make 
> sense just because they both have a need, and the pod location doesn't 
> necessarily make any sense for the seniors, who would be better off at a 
> creatively expanded Bemis or the mall area. In any event the 
> door/bathroom/privacy/parking problems at Bemis could be taken care of 
> without a new building. I have been to Bemis quite a lot and not noticed much 
> overcrowding, and the kiddoes should not be placed near the good 
> cookies/pastery there. 
> It was good to be back at the auditorium with the mostly gray haired town 
> meeting crowd, who aren't afraid of a storm; one good thing the school 
> project accomplished was to remove those swing arm rests on the seats. John 
> Kimball.
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Community Center

[Jennifer Saffran]

No. This kind of study, where options are explored, is how building projects 
work. Anywhere.

To be clear, the vote is on the study. Period. 

Now, obviously, if a voter feels that such a center should not be built, then 
vote no. If a voter wants more information of what can be bought for how many 
dollars, siting concerns, etc., then vote for the study.

Exploring private philanthropy is premature.

> On Nov 29, 2022, at 12:09 PM, Elizabeth Goldsmith  
> wrote:
> 
> I, too, am concerned that commitments for private funding are not further 
> along. I would feel a lot better about the financial aspect of the proposal 
> if we understood if (and how much) would be supported either by private 
> individuals or foundations. After so many year of discussion, I would have 
> thought the funding for the project would be part of the proposal.
> -Original Message-
> From: Laura Crosby 
> Sent: Nov 29, 2022 12:06 PM
> To: Sara Mattes 
> Cc: Lincoln Talk 
> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Community Center
> 
>  
> It is in early process behind the scenes. They have consulted with 
> development  pros. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Nov 29, 2022, at 10:28 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> Waiting is not necessary.
> It is not uncommon for a plan to be in place, with someone designated to lead 
> and a target amount to be raised, initial donors identified and worked with.
> When such fundraising is announced, a substantial sum is already “in the 
> bank."
>  
> There are several accomplished fundraisers in town, and several other 
> individuals who raise large sums on a regular basis from Lincoln residents 
> for local organizations.
> Before the promise of private fundraising is offered to those about to vote, 
> a foundation for the appeal needs to be in place.
>  
> To date, we are told, no such groundwork has been done.
> --
> Sara Mattes
>  
>  
> 
> On Nov 29, 2022, at 8:58 AM, Laura Crosby  wrote:
> 
> Private fundraising has not begun yet. They are waiting for next step of 
> project to advance so they will better know what the final project will be. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Nov 29, 2022, at 8:24 AM, Carol Ryan  wrote:
> 
> Is it possible to share the amount that has thus far been promised from 
> private funding?
>  
> Thank you, Carol R
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Nov 28, 2022, at 11:14 PM, Barbara Low  wrote:
> 
> Well said!
>  
> Barbara Low
> From: Lincoln  on behalf of Laura Crosby 
> 
> Sent: Monday, November 28, 2022 9:30 PM
> To: Lincoln Talks 
> Subject: [LincolnTalk] Community Center
>  
> Whatever we do, wherever we build it and whatever it costs let us not lose 
> this opportunity to build a much needed Community Center ( or Village Hall as 
> some Europeans call it ). There has been a tremendous amount of thought, 
> time, resources and consensus through multiple committees over ten years to 
> develop a plan at Hartwell.  If we vote no on allocating money for 
> architecture and engineering relook/ revamp of existing plans we will have to 
> eventually duplicate dollars for services we have already purchased. 
> My hope is that we can relook at the work that has been done and find a way 
> to reduce costs to a palatable level. Then let’s see what the private 
> fundraising group can do to help reduce taxes further on the project. 
> History shows that a community center can unite a community, offer 
> educational opportunities, provide much needed facilities, promote health and 
> well-being,
> encourage creativity and culture, enhance the ability to share valuable 
> information,
> support a wide variety of community projects, combat loneliness, positively 
> affect lives of younger people, provide volunteer activities.
>  Now more than ever we live in challenging times that require us to pull 
> together to bring as much community support as possible to all of our Lincoln 
> residents. 
> I hope you will consider voting
> YES on Wednesday evening. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Anonymous Mailing

[Jennifer Saffran]

It says it’s a normal town like anywhere else. Stuff like this happens in any 
town when there is a suggestion to spend money on large projects. 

> On Nov 29, 2022, at 12:03 PM, Richard Panetta  
> wrote:
> 
> I haven’t seen this mailing so I can speak to it but if it had decent points 
> on why we shouldn’t vote for it what does that say about the town that people 
> were “afraid” to publicly put their name on something that goes against the 
> norm?  
> 
> On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 11:54 AM Barbara Low  > wrote:
> I just looked through my email today and found a town-wide mailing against 
> the Community Center proposal.
> 
> Not a single name appears on this mailing piece. It is hard to take seriously 
> those who are either too embarrassed or afraid to identify themselves. Who 
> paid for this mailing? Are these Lincoln residents?
> 
> Will someone take "credit" now?
> 
> Barbara Low
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Re: [LincolnTalk] on property taxes

[Jennifer Saffran]

Regarding “open space”, I am more familiar with one of these towns—Bolton. 
Bolton has a number of commercial farms and orchards. So, while it appears that 
there is open space, it’s taxable land. I do not know what the tax rate for 
working farms are.  A quick search shows there are at least 20 working farms in 
Bolton. Likewise, Harvard has 19. Therefore, the numbers may not be so 
comparable.

> On Nov 28, 2022, at 2:20 PM, Adam M Hogue  wrote:
> 
> Agreed, this chart shows it the best.  Towns with our population generally do 
> not have a large community center because they do not have the tax base or 
> population to support it.  
> 
> Adam M Hogue
> Cell:  <>(978) 828-6184 
> 
>> On Nov 28, 2022, at 2:12 PM, Karla Gravis  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hi Rich,
>> 
>> While the hypothesis you presented seems reasonable, the facts show 
>> otherwise. If you look at the site you just linked, there are many Greater 
>> Boston Area towns in that list with lower population density than Lincoln, 
>> lots of open space, very little commercial base AND much lower property 
>> taxes. None of the towns in the table below are contemplating a $25M 
>> Community Center. 
>> 
>> Note: I have taken the population and density data from the site you linked 
>> and the average property tax rate is from the Department of Revenue 
>> https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=AverageSingleTaxBill.SingleFamTaxBill_wRange
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 1:04 PM Rich Rosenbaum > > wrote:
>> 
>> There has been a bit of discussion regarding LIncoln's property taxes 
>> compared to other towns. One reason taxes may be higher than similar towns 
>> is our low housing density.
>> 
>> Lincoln has consciously and deliberately limited density with land 
>> acquisition, zoning regulations, agricultural easements and more. 
>> 
>> The result is that there are fewer houses to distribute fixed costs. If you 
>> have two similar towns with the same number of miles of road, the less 
>> housing-dense town will pay more per family to maintain those roads. The 
>> same goes for many other services provided by the town.
>> 
>> All of this wonderful open space that we all enjoy is not free.
>> 
>> Here are some statistics from this site 
>>  (not sure 
>> of the date but I assume it does not change quickly):
>> 
>> TownPopulation / sq. mile
>> Bedford 926.37
>> Wayland 819.52
>> Sudbury 683.63
>> Weston  664.03
>> Concord 656.11
>> Lincoln 359.11
>> 
>> Our limited commercial base is also a factor.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] The Exceptionally American Problem of Rising Roadway Deaths

[Jennifer Saffran]

Like Woodward Avenue, Detroit. The first road made of concrete in the US. It’s 
about 4 lanes wide in both directions, separated by an island. The idea was to 
build the kind of roads that were grand avenues in 20th century cities. You see 
that even in NYC as you go north.

> On Nov 27, 2022, at 4:39 PM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> "U.S. had built: wide roads, even in city centers, that seemed to invite 
> speeding."
>  Not true in Lincoln. 
> Neither straight nor wide.
> 
> 
> "What the U.S. can do to change this is obvious, advocates say: like 
> outfitting trucks with side underride guards to prevent people from being 
> pulled underneath, or narrowing the roads that cars share with bikes so that 
> drivers intuit they should drive slower."
> Lincoln roads are narrow and winding as they follow the design of our 
> earliest “roads”-cart paths.
> Those paths were designed to avoid arable land and wetlands and be as narrow 
> as possible. 
> 
> If, indeed, narrow roads reduce speeds, perhaps we should consider leaving 
> the roadside uncut and create an even greater perception of a narrow road.
> 
> Sara
> --
> Sara Mattes
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 27, 2022, at 1:36 PM, John Mendelson  wrote:
>> 
>> The Exceptionally American Problem of Rising Roadway Deaths 
>> 
>> https://nyti.ms/3i6DS8Q 
>> 
>> 
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> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Your recommendations for kitchen design

[Jennifer Saffran]

We did our entire kitchen in IKEA, but that was mid-2020 before supply chain 
issues got very bad. I have no idea if they have recovered. We are still very 
pleased with these cabinets. IMO, very good if you are looking for a 
contemporary/Modernist look. The top cabinets are deeper than most American 
cabinets. Also, IKEA has a lot of accessories that coordinate with the drawers 
and cabinets to maximize storage. We also did their under-counter and 
in-cabinet lighting.

You can meet up at the Stoughton store with a kitchen planner. It’s necessary 
to do this as they have access to inventory that you would not get through the 
regular store website. FYI: they have two types of product—one for inexpensive 
apartment-type installations, and then longer term residential lines. We put 
all of the cabinets together ourselves. Get a power screwdriver...

As for flooring, I highly recommend Flooring America on Rte. 9 in Natick, 
westbound side. We used pre-finished oak flooring from Canada, and laminated 
cork for other areas. We did use Lumber Liquidators for basement flooring 
(click vinyl laminated planking).

We, too, had a pipe burst. Unbelievably destructive.

Yes, very good idea to carefully look at sink and bathroom pipes, replacing 
them, even if you think they are still good enough. A friend of mine had what 
she realized too late was a slow tiny leak for years. Her meticulously 
maintained bath fixtures were 50 years old. Now, 5 months later, her work is 
done. From the upstairs bath, through the LR, all the way to the basement, she 
had to replace walls, flooring, ceilings, insulation, etc., through the three 
floors. It would have been cheaper to just replace the still functioning vanity 
and faucet. Stuff corrodes and then it leaks…..

> On Nov 27, 2022, at 12:56 PM, Sara Levine  wrote:
> 
> Hi neighbors, 
> 
> In the aftermath of an unfortunate leak, we are looking  for recommendations 
> for someone to help with kitchen redesign and/ or your positive experiences 
> with local cabinet & flooring stores?  
> 
> Also, public service announcement… peek under your kitchen sink more often 
> than you do!:) 
> 
> Be well all.
> 
> Thanks, 
> Sara 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Community Center space utilization and cost as input vs output

[Jennifer Saffran]

FYI: The Town of Lincoln no longer owns the DeCordova. The Trustees of the 
Reservation are the owners now.

> On Nov 16, 2022, at 5:57 PM, ROY HARVEY  wrote:
> 
> Appendix D (Program Schedule Matrix) and Appendix O (A day in the life of the 
> Lincoln CC, excerpted below) of the 2018 report by the architects show the 
> many anticipated uses of the CC spaces throughout the day.  Utilization of 
> these spaces reaches high levels. 
> 
> Many activities would greatly benefit from new, purpose-built spaces.  
> However, some of the activities appear to be doable in existing buildings 
> (especially if they don't need COAHS/PRD staff to lead or supervise). These 
> include foreign language conversation, chess club, bridge, and others.  (I 
> have not attended any of these so am not aware of particular needs.)
> 
> Sorry if this has already been asked or answered, but can some of the program 
> activities use other, existing spaces, e.g., the school, Hartwell main 
> building and pods, Bemis, Pierce House, Library, DeCordova, etc, and reduce 
> the square footage needed in the CC? 
> 
> Also, was cost an input to (that is, a constraint on) the architect's 
> process, or are estimated costs outputs of the process?
> 
> Best regards,
> Roy Harvey
> 
> 
>> On 11/16/2022 4:50 PM Allen Vander Meulen > > wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> I have no doubt the CCBC and Selectboard are well aware there is 
>> considerable concern over the costs of the Community Center project - more 
>> than enough to kill the project if costs are too high. And I know they do 
>> not want to waste time designing a facility that will never be built. I 
>> think we can and should trust them to be good stewards of the town’s 
>> available funds.
>> 
>> Also, given that this is the early stages of the project, it is far better - 
>> from a project management point of view - to not overly-constrain the 
>> process. We need to see what the costs of building the Community Center we 
>> want / need really are, and how various options will affect that cost. A 
>> similar approach was done for the school project, resulting in three options 
>> (at various price points) being presented to the town for a vote.
>> 
>> I am certain the CCBC will pursue a similar strategy. So there is no need to 
>> set a “cap” at this time; and in my opinion doing so will compromise the end 
>> result in ways that no one will be happy with.
>> 
>> - Allen Vander Meulen
>> 
>>> On Nov 16, 2022, at 16:11, Sara Mattes >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> Rob, et al.
>>> We could vote for the money, with a caveat-that the next step include a cap 
>>> on total costs.
>>> Bob Mason has suggested a $15 million cap as that was the top end of the 
>>> projected costs when we last visited numbers, and was a number that many, 
>>> at the time were comfortable with.
>>> 
>>> Without such caveat, there is no guarantee that the design iterations will 
>>> come anywhere close to that figure.
>>> 
>>> I suspect, like most, am bound by a budget/limit on what I can expend on 
>>> construction, remodeling and/or renovations in my own home.
>>> Perhaps we can do that, as a town too.
>>> 
>>> Your offer to lead fundraising is laudable, but we would need to raise $10 
>>> million in order to bring the price tag back to what had been seen has the 
>>> upper limit.
>>> Would we old off voting on a bond until that goal was reached.
>>> I am not sure how this could work.
>>> 
>>> If we do not, we continue to challenge the budgets of many and create a 
>>> climate that limits opportunities for economic diversity in our community.
>>> If we are committed to diversity, as we espouse to be, we must walk our 
>>> talk, have our actions match our words, and budget accordingly.
>>> 
>>> I look forward to hearing more from others tonight.
>>> 
>>> Regards,
>>> Sara
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Sara Mattes
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
 On Nov 16, 2022, at 3:50 PM, Rob >>> > wrote:
 
 From what I heard Jonathan Dwyer say last night, at this point there are 
 NO budgets, and there are no final plans for the Community Center. The 
 $325K is intended to hire an outside architect to work with the CCBC to 
 review the options that were worked out from 2018, and to ALSO 
 add/subtract features and consider learnings we’ve had over the last 3 
 years, and to consider new information (cost, etc…) to come up with a plan 
 to present to the town again at the next town meeting. Ideally it would be 
 something we could vote on to continue the process.
 
 A “no” vote for this money prevents Lincoln from having the benefit of an 
 (outside) expert to come up with a new plan that fits with post-COVID 
 learnings and today’s financial reality and stops the process in its 
 tracks.
 
 I for one will vote to support the town’s request to spend this money on 
 assessing the 2018 plans to see if they are