Here are the Lincoln Council on Aging events scheduled for September. Most events are open to all Lincoln residents. For more information, call the COA at 781-259-8811.
September 6 at 10 a.m.
GET TO KNOW THE COUNCIL ON AGING (COA)!
Come get to know the Council on Aging! If you would like to meet Dot Taylor, Chair of the COA board, Beth Ries, President of the Friends of the COA, and Carolyn Bottum, COA Director, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, September 6 at 10 am. They will explain what the COA and the Friends are, what they offer you, and how you can get involved. They will answer questions then give you a tour of Bemis Hall!
September 6 at 1 p.m.
LOTSA HELPING HANDS: FOR CAREGIVERS AND MORE!
Come find out about Lotsa Helping Hands (www.lotsahelpinghands.com), the free website for caregivers and community organizers to let people know what help you need, schedule volunteers, keep family and friends informed and share photos, make essential medical and other information readily available, and more. Find out how it works when Ruth Rothstein provides a demonstration at Bemis Hall on Friday, September 6 at 1 pm! If you’ve used the site, come and share your tips!
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
THE LINCOLN ACADEMY: Janet Boynton: Interviews with 17 Townies, A Documentary
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, September 9 at 12:30 to hear Janet Boynton present Interviews with 17 Townies, A Documentary. Bring a bag lunch. The COA will provide beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
September 11 at 8:45 a.m.
CELEBRATE SUMMER’S END WITH A CAPE ANN CRUISE!
Extra spaces are still available for the rain-or-shine Essex River Boat Cruise through scenic Cape Ann on Wednesday, September 11. Depart Lincoln Mall at 8:45 am, ride in a luxury Coach Bus (partially funded by the Hurff Fund), and enjoy a 1-1/2 hour narrated cruise through a tidal estuary, the pristine waters of the Essex River and a great salt marsh while you observe rare birds, wildlife and stunning scenery. Following lunch on your own—bring a picnic or eat at Woodman’s Restaurant—the Coach returns you to the Lincoln Mall at 3 pm. $32 is payable in full by check to FLCOA and due by September 3. Please mail your check to Peggy Schmertzler, 142 Chestnut Circle, Lincoln, MA 01773. For questions, email Peggy at alpegs@verizon.net or call her at (781) 259-0465.
September 11 at 10 a.m.
DISCUSS HOT TOPICS AT OUR “FIRESIDE CHATS”
If you enjoy a lively, but respectful discussion of topics in the news, come to the COA’s new “Fireside Chats” with Lincoln resident Sharon Antia. The first Chat will be on Wednesday, September 11, at 10 am and will continue each second Wednesday at 10 am. The ground rules are simple: No one is right and no one is wrong. Attendees will not agree on various points so let’s just accept our differences. Listen and learn. Ask questions to understand and spend little to no time arguing your point or trying to flip anyone over to ‘your’ side. The topic of the first chat will be firearms/gun control. Questioning and answering, it’s a great way to explore issues, don’t you think?
September 12 at 2:15 p.m.
PLAY PIANO DUETS WITH EVELYN HARRIS
Evelyn Harris, for many years a piano teacher and performer in Lincoln, invites you to share the keyboard with her for an hour of music-making in Bemis Hall on Thursday, September 12, at 2:15 pm. You can choose from many duet books representing many different levels of ability. Come to participate or just to listen. Evelyn looks forward to meeting old friends, and becoming acquainted with new friends.
September 13 at 10 a.m.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO WALK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS?
Walking benefits both your body and your mind and is a great way to de-stress and be healthier. Walking is more fun when you walk in a group. If you would like to walk regularly with others, come on down to Bemis Hall on Friday, September 13 at 10 am and the COA will organize those who come into “Walking Clubs” based on where and how long you would like to walk. Come on down and get into a healthy walking routine!
September 13 at 1 p.m.
LINCOLN ACADEMY AT THE MOVIES: Rediscovering Dave Brubeck
This PBS documentary offers a warm retrospective of Dave’s groundbreaking career as one of jazz music’s most popular pianists and composers. A series of thoughtful interviews in his eighties and archival footage of his playing reveal his many facets. “Take 5” and come enjoy this film on Friday, September 13 at 1 pm at Bemis Hall. Harold McAleer will lead a discussion afterwards.
September 16 at 12:30 p.m.
THE LINCOLN ACADEMY: Wendy Hubbard: Codman Estate—Colonial Farm to
Rural Elegance
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, September 16 at 12:30 to hear Wendy Hubbard discuss Codman Estate—Colonial Farm to Rural Elegance. Bring a bag lunch. The COA will provide beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
September 17 and following at 10 a.m.
APPRECIATE MUSIC WITH EAR TRAINING
Join the Concord Conservatory of Music and the Council on Aging in a ten-week course to develop your musical listening abilities and music appreciation on Tuesdays beginning September 17 at 10 am at Bemis Hall. The cost for the series will be $75. First you will learn to hear musical structures on the piano. Then, you will listen to different music to learn about music history, forms, and how to understand better what we hear. Soon you will recognize musical elements, identify style, time, and even the artists. This course benefits all music lovers, both non-musicians and musicians. Whether you are into J.S Bach, Bella Bartok, Louis Armstrong or Charlie Parker, this series is for you. The course will be taught by the Conservatory’s Ehud Ettun (M.M. New England Conservatory, B.M Jerusalem Music Academy), a bassist and composer who has performed in many different countries. You must sign up by calling the COA at (781) 259-8811 by September 6.
September 17 at 11:30 a.m.
ENJOY SENIOR DINING
Lincoln seniors are invited to a gourmet meal in an elegant setting at 11:30 on Tuesday, September 17 at St. Anne’s Church. You must reserve by calling the COA at least a week ahead at (781) 259-8811 even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let the COA know if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, and St. Anne’s.
September 18 at 10 a.m.
THE ART OF COLONIAL COOKING
Our colonial ancestors made delicious recipes using ingredients available to them, such as molasses, berries and corn meal. Learn some secrets of colonial cooking, get a taste of 18th century life, and even take home recipes when Lincoln resident Martha Lufkin comes to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, September 18 at 10 am. She’ll make some authentic Colonial dishes, give fascinating information about culinary life in the 18th century, and answer your questions! Limited to 10: please sign up in advance by calling the COA at (781) 259-8811.
September 20 at 10 a.m.
BALANCING LIFE CYCLE LOSS WITH LIVING
Our experiences constantly change us across the life cycle. Come hear Elizabeth Tanner, RN, BSN, and Niki Pugach, MSW, of Parmenter VNA and Hospice, speak on balancing life cycle loss with living at Bemis Hall on Friday, September 20 at 10 am with a follow-up forum on October 18. This program will review those life cycle changes and help to identify what we can do to adapt, yet still honor the losses experienced throughout life. Through recognition of our experiences, we can walk the road to a fulfilled life.
September 20 at 1 p.m.
LIVE MORE WITH HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can make life difficult, but there are ways to get more out of life with new treatments and strategies. Find out the latest information about the causes, testing and treatment of hearing loss, and new assistive technology to help you hear and communicate better when Ellen O’Neil, Sc. D., of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, September 20, at 1 pm. Whether you have hearing loss yourself or a loved one does, you will learn something helpful. Bring your questions!
September 23 at 12:30 p.m.
THE LINCOLN ACADEMY: Paul Knutrud: Computer Power—Smart Phone vs. Saturn V Rocket
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, September 23 at 12:30 to hear Paul Knutrud discuss Computer Power—Smart Phone vs. Saturn V Rocket. Bring a bag lunch. The COA will provide beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
September 24 at 2:15 p.m.
COFFEE WITH THE BEMIS GALLERY ARTISTS
Four local photographers will be featured at the Bemis Gallery in September and October. Council on Aging volunteer Harold McAleer (nature) will be joined by John Snelling of Farrar Road (wildlife), Harold Smith of Farrar Pond Village (buildings) and Mark Hopkins of Cedar Road (eclectic) in a display of their work. Don’t miss it – or the Artists Reception and Coffee on Tuesday, September 24 at 2:15 pm at Bemis Hall.
September 25 at 10 a.m.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER DIES
Taking care of the legal details when a family member dies can seem daunting. Lincoln attorney Martha Lufkin makes the process easier by discussing what you’ll have to do and when. She’ll also explain how to avoid probate. Come hear what you need to know—and bring your questions—when Martha comes to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, September 25 at 10 am. Martha will describe the documents you’ll need to have handy, what tasks will arise, and how recent changes in the probate law are supposed to simplify post-death legalities in Massachusetts. Don’t be shy—bring your concerns!
September 27 at 1:00 p.m.
ELDER SERVICES BASICS: WHAT YOU NEED AND HOW TO FIND IT
If you would like to know what is available to help you or a loved one stay safely and independently at home, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, September 27, at 1:00 pm when Carolyn from the COA will go over what programs and services are available, the process of evaluating needs, choosing service providers, and what is available for caregivers. She will discuss not only what resources exist, but how to think about them in order to put together a service plan that meets your individual needs and wishes. Family and friends welcome!
September 30 at 12:30 p.m.
THE LINCOLN ACADEMY: Shaun Cutts: How To Improve Your Physician’s Skills
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, September 30 at 12:30 to hear Shaun Cutts discuss How To Improve Your Physician’s Skills. Bring a bag lunch. The COA will provide beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
Coming up later this fall:
HISTORIC SAUGUS IRON WORKS
Travel to the banks of the Saugus River on Thursday, October 10 to explore the birthplace of the American iron and steel industry. Discover where European iron makers brought their skills in the 17th century to a young Massachusetts colony at the site of the archaeological excavations done by Lincoln native Roland W. Robbins. Enjoy morning options of a guided tour, orientation film, museum visit and nature trails at this nine acre National Park. The trip will depart from the Lincoln Mall at 9 am by Doherty school bus. After a morning at the site you will travel to Marblehead for lunch at a seafood restaurant at your own expense with the group. The trip will depart Marblehead by 2 pm, arriving back at the Lincoln Mall by 3 pm. The non-refundable cost of the trip is $8.00 made payable by check to FLCOA Trips and mailed with your email or phone number to Rob Todd, 126 Old Concord Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773. Payment must be made by Saturday, October 5. Questions? Email Rob at hmbt@comcast.net or call (781) 259-8820.
MARK TWAIN & HARRIET BEECHER STOWE HOMES
Come visit the fascinating homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe on Saturday, November 16. These two famous authors, who shared many interests, lived but a few yards apart in a section of Hartford known as Nook Farm. Twain wrote his most famous books while living in his ostentatious 19-room mansion. Stowe, the women who wrote the book that started the Great War, lived by contrast in a modest Victorian next door. You will travel by comfortable coach for this full day excursion, with a delicious box lunch included. You will also have time to visit the small museums and view the short documentary films at each site. Watch the October COA newsletter for further details. If you have questions please contact Virginia O’Brien at (781) 259-1291.
MEMOIRS GROUP
There is room in the group for several new members who would like to share their life experiences with a receptive audience. The group will meet from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays, Sept. 4 and 18, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 6 and 20, and Dec. 4. If you are interested in learning more, call or email Connie Lewis (781) 259-9415 or con.lewis@comcast.net. $50 for the fall session.