What’s something you always wanted to do but weren’t able? Author Emily Falcon was held back by her heart condition until she was 35, but now she can run races. Her memoir, From the Sidelines to the Finish Line: A Chronic Illness Survivor’s Challenges and Everyday Triumphs is a story of survival and how her physical situation shaped and limited her. She intends this story to be a helpful resource to families, caregivers, and physicians who want to gain insight into a patient’s point of view.
Sheryl Faye portrays Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the longest serving First Lady of the U.S. She was the first presidential spouse to hold press conferences, write a syndicated column, and speak at a national convention as well as advocating for women in the workplace, civil rights, Asian Americans, and World World II refugees. Cosponsored by Friends of Lincoln COA & Friends of Lincoln Library.
Join us for a poetry reading with Lincln resident Linda Lamenza, a poet and literacy specialist for Lincoln Public Schools. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and her chapbook, Left-Handed Poetry, was a finalist for Hunger Mountain’s May Day Mountain Chapbook Series. Feast of the Seven Fishes, her first full-length book, is forthcoming.
Don Seckler demonstrates Kyudo (pronounced “cue-do”), an ancient Japanese moving meditation and noncombative martial art. The focus is on “cleaning the mind” rather than marksmanship. The target becomes a mirror reflecting the quality of one’s mind at the moment of the arrow’s release. The presentation demonstrates the form and discusses the practice as it relates to Zen. Sponsored by the Council on Aging & Human Resources.
Join Ministry Associate Sarah Klockowski and the Racial Justice Advocates for a special screening of “The Law and the Prophets” (2023), a compelling and thorough documentary exposing the systems of oppression that Palestinians face in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel. This film features interviews with eight individuals, both Palestinian and Israeli, who explain the laws and policies of the occupation. On her recent solidarity trip to the West Bank, Sarah met four of these modern prophets.
After the screening, we will be joined via Zoom by the filmmaker, Rev. Dr. Joshua Vis, and Rev. Chris DeBlaay. Josh and Chris are peace activists working to educate Americans on the realities of the occupation of Palestine. They lead tours to the region and, along with Sarah, were part of the 23-member delegation that traveled to the West Bank and East Jerusalem in late February. They will present material connected to their recent visit to the West Bank as well as insights from historians, activists, and other thought leaders.
If you will be joining us virtually, please Click here to register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join.
First Parish in Lincoln is hosting international Buddhist teacher Shantum Seth on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. Seth was ordained as a Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher) by the renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) in 2001. He teaches in India and across the world, and leads pilgrimages, called “In the Footsteps of the Buddha” and other multifaith and transformative journeys. He is actively involved in social, environmental and educational programs, including cultivating mindfulness in society with educators, law enforcement, and socially responsible corporations.
Seth will speak about “The Path of the Buddha… Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World.” He will lead a guided meditation in Thay’s tradition, share his experiences walking with Thay in the footsteps of the Buddha, and discuss a new community to realize Thay’s vision in India: Plum Village II.
Author Bev Stohl ran the office of renowned linguist and social critic Noam Chomsky for nearly two and a half decades. Chomsky and Me: A Memoir is her account of those years, working next to a man described by the New York Times as “arguably the most important intellectual alive today.” There will be time for Q&A.
Get your questions answered by local healthcare vendors including Lincoln public health nurse, police and fire personnel, Parks & Rec, Emerson Health, AARP, SMOC, elder law attorneys, Vascular Care Group, St. Vincent de Paul, Minuteman Senior Services, independent and assisted living, and many more. Free door prizes.
Hear author Caitlin Cass discuss her book, Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race and Voting Rights in the U.S. Part graphic novel, part map of the suffrage movement, this book tells the story of the fight for the right to vote by women from the very beginning. Click here to register.
Children are invited to the library for balloon sculpting (balloons for ages 3+), crafts and other fun, ice cream, and a magic show by Ed Popielarczyk at 4 p.m. Learn about the library’s summer reading program and pick up reading challenge forms. The Friends of the Lincoln Library (FOLL) will also be holding a sale of used children’s books for kids ag 5-12 priced from 50 cents to $2.00.
No registration required. The event will move indoors in the event of inclement weather. Funding provided by FOLL.
Wordsmove Theater presents this poignant and hilarious play by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman (details here) that explores matters of the heart and closet. Cast: Carol Becker, Nancy Bush, Mary Crowe, Susan Gates and Sally Kindleberger. Directed by Mary Crowe.
The transformative power of books helps us connect with those around us. Author Lucy Gilmore discusses her book The Library of Borrowed Hearts, the follow-up to The Lonely Hearts Book Club. We’ll be chatting about these heartwarming novels about some of our favorite things: friendship, books, and how important it is to find the family you were always meant to have. Register here.
We invite you to spend a day visiting local libraries to find out what’s special about each and what they have to offer you and your family. This is an event for all ages – all you need is a love of libraries and a way to get from place to place. The challenge is to visit as many libraries as you can and take a picture of yourself with a designated item in each library – it’s a 21st-century scavenger hunt! Post your pics and tag the libraries #mlncrawl2024. Each library will have handouts and giveaways – show your pictures to a librarian (or if you don’t have a camera, just tell a librarian you’re on the crawl — we’re pretty trusting) and receive a prize. Download your “passport” with all the relevant information.
Join mindfulness teacher Lauren for a calming Monday lunch break meditation held via Zoom. Practice clearing your mind, being in the present moment, and reducing stress in these 30-minute classes. Participants will be introduced, and guided through, a different type of meditation each class. Click here to register for one, a few, or all sessions.
In 2023, the world learned the tragic news that actor Bruce Willis was suffering from aphasia, a cognitive disorder, that subsequently worsened to become frontotemporal dementia. Join us as we discuss Bruce’s life, work, and future with Sean O’Connell, author of Bruce Willis: Celebrating the Cinematic Legacy of an Unbreakable Hollywood Icon. We will also be discussing the essential question: is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie or not? Register here.