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

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Climate Justice Film Series continues

The Exxon Valdez leaking oil.

The St. Anne’s Episcopal Church’s Climate Justice Film Series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 24 with a free screening of the new film, “A Concerned Citizen: Civics in Action.” the film documents the work of Dr. Riki Ott, a whistleblower who predicted the Exxon Valdez oil spill hours before it happened and came to the aid of her Alaskan community in their battle for fair compensation for their loss of health and income. There will be a light vegetarian supper at 6:30 p.m.; the film starts at 7 p.m.

The film series, now in its fifth season, has become a space for community-building among local climate and environmental justice activists. Since this movie is short (41 minutes) there will be a time for announcements and updates on what’s happening related to climate and environmental work in the region afterwards. For more information, contact Alex Chatfield, adchat@aol.com, 781-697-0140.

Art show issues call for artists

Lincoln-affiliated artists and artisans of all ages are invited to show their two- and three-dimensional creations for sale or display at the fourth annual Lincoln Arts Show from Friday–Sunday, Oct. 25–27 in Hartwell Pod B. Sign up by Monday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., at the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department or online here. Any late entries will be accepted on a space-available basis. Registrants will be sent an artist statement and labels to complete and email back by Monday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Entry fees (waived for students):

  • 2-D works (paintings, photos, etc.): $10 per work; maximum four works per artist. 
  • 3-D works (pottery, hand crafts, etc.) on a 3’ x 8’ table, $25 for half-table; $50 for whole table.

There is no commission; artists are responsible for sales taxes. All work must be ready to hang or present. Artists or their designees will be responsible for hanging/displaying and removing their own works. Hanging materials and tools are provided. 

The schedule is as follows:

  • Hanging/displaying: Thursday, Oct. 24 from 4–6 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 25 from 9–11:30 a.m. 
  • Opening reception: Friday, Oct. 25 from 5–7 p.m.
  • Exhibit times: Friday, Oct. 25 from 3–5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26 from 12–5 p.m.;  Sunday, Oct. 27 from 12–3 p.m.
  • Takedown: Sunday, October 22, 3–4:30 pm.

Questions? Contact Sarah Chester at schester636@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department and the Lincoln Council on Aging.

Latest wildlife observations posted

As fall approaches, bids and butterflies are on the move, and acorns and deer are abundant in the area according to observations made and gathered by Gwyn Loud in her latest monthly wildlife column on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s website. See the site’s blog archives for previous columns as well as other news items, photos, and videos.

deCordova readies museum-wide photography exhibition

Karl Blossfeldt, Urformen der Kunst (page 41), 1928/1929, photogravure. Gift of Arlette and Gus Kayafas in honor of Jennifer Gross. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.

The Trustees and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announce the fall opening of Photosynthesis, a museum-wide celebration and examination of photography spanning a range of topics and artists. Opening October 12 and on view through March 29, 2020, Photosynthesis comprises three separate shows featuring works drawn from deCordova’s permanent collection along with loans from artists and private collectors. All of deCordova’s galleries will be devoted to photography during this period.

All the Marvelous Surfaces: Photography Since Karl Blossfeldt explores the impact of Blossfeldt’s acclaimed 1920s series “Art Forms in Nature” on present-day approaches to ornamentation, scale, and abstraction. Peter Hutchinson: Landscapes of My Life offers visitors a rare opportunity to view photographs and photo collages by an underrecognized pioneer of Land Art. Truthiness and the News examines the evidentiary role of photography from the first half of the 20th century to the current age of post-truth politics.

Charles “Teenie” Harris, Girl reading on stacks of Pittsburgh Courier newspapers, c. 1940, printed 2001, silver gelatin print. Gift of Gus and Arlette Kayafas. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.

“We are excited to present three timely exhibitions that unite photography’s expansive capacity for artistic expression and engagement with urgent contemporary issues,” said Sarah Montross, senior curator. “Photography is often considered the most democratic artistic medium — a form of imagery that we all use and absorb daily but may not have time to question and appreciate. These shows blur the lines between nature and art, fact and fiction, and reveal photography’s potency in shaping perception of the world around us.”

Other events related to Photosynthesis:

Art and Journalism in the Era of Post-Truth Politics
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1–4:30 p.m.
In conjunction with Truthiness and the News, this symposium brings together journalists, historians, and artists to reflect on how we look at images and read the news critically in an age in which the concept of truth seems to hold ever less weight. Free with admission or membership

Gallery Talk with Artist Lucy Kim
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join artist Lucy Kim and curator Sarah Montross for an in-gallery conversation about Kim’s work in relation to photographs in All the Marvelous Surfaces. Free; registration requested.

Peter Hutchinson, Conflicting Seasons: Alliterative Landscape Series, 2002, photo and ink on board. Collection of the artist. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.

What’s Your Truth? Art-Making Workshop with Emily Bhargava
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 am–12:30 pm
Using newspapers, magazines, and advertisements as source materials, put your truth on display with a glass and collage project inspired by the Truthiness exhibition. Tickets required ($40 for members, $45 for nonmembers).

Art and the Environment: A Local History
Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:30–8 p.m.
How have artists responded to New England’s diverse coastal and river ecosystems, as well as the region’s layered indigenous, colonial, and industrial histories? Art historian Kirsten Swenson connects past and present environmental art and landscape design, from Frederick Law Olmsted to Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Mags Harries, and Lajos Héder. Free; registration requested.

Art Nouveau Mosaic Workshop
Wednesdays, December 4 and 11, 6:30–9 p.m.
Inspired by exhibition artworks and Karl Blossfeldt’s art nouveau influences, create a nature-inspired mosaic in this two-session workshop with artist Emily Bhargava. Tickets are $75 for members, $90 for nonmembers; click here to purchase.

Curator-led tour of Truthiness and the News
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6–7 p.m.
Join Koch Curatorial Fellow Sam Adams for an in-depth walkthrough of exhibition Truthiness and the News. Free; registration requested.

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Piano concert by Wanda Paik

Lincoln resident Wanda Paik will give a free piano concert on Friday, Sept. 26 at noon in Bemis Hall featuring works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, with refreshments to follow. Handicap accessible; all are welcome.

American Girl dolls sought for social entrepreneurship program

Lincoln’s METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC) is seeking donations of American Girl dolls for use in a new social entrepreneurship program for both Boston and Lincoln students led by Lincoln METCO Director Marika Hamilton this year. She will be teaching the students finance, accounting, marketing, home economics, and social responsiveness. Students will create attire for American Girl dolls that will become part of American Girl baskets that will be sold at the huge MCC estate sale on November 15-16 here in Lincoln.

Please place your gently loved American Girl dolls in a bag and drop them in one of the labeled donation bins in the Smith and Brooks School main lobby. Please contact Marika if you would like a 501(c)3 receipt for your American Girl Doll donation at mhamilton@lincnet.org.

Drug disposal kits available at Bemis

Expired or unneeded drugs in your medicine cabinet can be deadly temptations to family members or others. You may drop off unused drugs at the Public Safety Building, but you can also pick up one or more Safe Disposal Drug Kits at Bemis Hall. Empty medications into the pouch, fill halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds, then seal, shake, and throw it out with the regular trash. See Carolyn Bottum or Joan Ingersoll at the Council on Aging at Bemis Hall to get kits.

Volunteers sought at Old Town Hall Exchange

The Old Town Hall Exchange (the nonprofit that maintains the 1848 Greek Revival building across from the town offices) is looking for volunteers. The Exchange sells consigned antiques, artisanal crafts, baby gifts, books, penny candy, etc., and crafters and consignors retain 70% of retail prices. Profits raised contribute to the operations and maintenance of the Old Town Hall. This is an all-volunteer organization working to maintain a part of Lincoln’s history, going strong since 1962. Volunteer commitment is 2.5 hours per week; no special skills needed. For details, email Stacy Osur at stacyosur@gmail.com.

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Community invited to read and discuss book on climate change

This fall, Mothers Out Front and other Lincoln-based groups are sponsoring a community read of a book that will help us grapple with the question of how to combat climate change. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, compiled and edited by Paul Hawken, outlines in detail the strategies at our disposal to fight climate change, from the individual level to the international.

Event co-sponsors (First Parish Lincoln, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Climate Justice Ministry, and the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee) invite residents to read or peruse the book and then gather in October as a community for an event to be announced. The Lincoln Public Library has copies of the book; click here to see a TED Talk about book and plan.

Codman Estate arts and crafts festival coming up

The 37th annual Codman Estate Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Codman Estate (34 Codman Rd.) At the event, which features the work of more than 100 local artisans, shop for New England-made painting, woodworking, food products, jewelry, photography, glass, clothing, metalwork, and more. There will also be live entertainment, a food court, and first-floor tours of the Codman House Museum. Free to Historic New England members and children under 12, $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 617-994-5914.

“Welcome to Lincoln” event for newcomers

Come to the “Welcome to Lincoln” Fireside Chat on Friday, Sept. 13 from 10–11:30 a.m. in Bemis Hall. Are you a newcomer to Lincoln? Are you curious about Lincoln’s Town Meeting, LincolnTalk, the Lincoln Squirrel, extensive hiking trails, the active volunteer scene and much more? Come join Town Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden, Fireside Chat founder Sharon Antia, and Barbara Slayter, member of the Lincoln Scholarship Committee and others to get acquainted with the opportunities, specialties, and idiosyncrasies of this town you now call home.

Council on Aging activities in September

Noticing walks with John Calabria
September 3 at 1 p.m.
Location TBA
Enjoy a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on September 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. Other walks will be held October 1 and November 5. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Musical jazz lunch
September 6 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Friday, Sept. 6 starting at noon.

Lincoln Academy with Richard Boynton: Global warming and climate change
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. when Richard Boynton discusses “Global Warming and Climate Change.” How can the earth be warming when Boston has had one of the biggest snowfalls in recent history? Besides, who cares if the earth warms by 4 degrees in 100 years. In his lecture, Mr. Boynton, a former rocket scientist, will separate fact from oil company propaganda. The COA provides 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. All ages welcome.

Free wellness clinics for all ages
September 10 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in September

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Saori weaving workshop at deCordova

Join artist Mihoko Wakabayashi to explore the practice of Saori weaving, a freestyle contemporary weaving technique that emphasizes spontaneity and freedom of expression, on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum(half-day and full-day sessions available). Create for a half-day to produce a nature-inspired wall hanging, or both parts of the day to create a larger wall hanging, scarf, or placemat. No experience necessary. Click here to sign up.

Charlie Koch to perform at LOMA

Charlie Koch is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, Sept. 9 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and Koch will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. He’s received widespread recognition for providing the bass line and vocal harmonies for partner Cosy Sheridan and was part of the trio Muddy Limo, along with Brad Meyer and Chris Boehmer.

Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Performers can sign up at the event or email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com for a slot. There is a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups.

Domestic Violence Roundtable hosts “meet and greet”

Join members of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for a special “meet and greet” on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Wayland Public Safety Building (38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland). This event is specifically designed to welcome new friends to the Roundtable and to provide new and meaningful ways for old friends to deepen their involvement with the group’s. work. Each Roundtable committee will have a brief opportunity to share highlights of their work. These presentations will be followed by an open meet-and-greet time where attendees can learn more about roles that might interest them. For more information, email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Events mark Minute Man National Historical Park’s 60th

Minute Man National Historical Park turns 60 in September, and the park and community partners have planned several public events and programs to commemorate the anniversary.

Friday, September 20

Realizing the Vision
The Depot (31 Depot Square, Lexington), 7 p.m.
Join park staff and program co-sponsors the Friends of Minute Man National Park and Lexington Historical Society. The speaker for the evening is Lou Sideris, former Chief of Interpretation and Park Planner (ret.) at MMNHP, who will reflect the founding and ongoing development of the park. Reception to follow. Admission is free, but space is limited so reservations are required. Please email your name and number of people in your party to mima_info@nps.gov.

Saturday, September 21

Threads of Resistance: Revolutionary Roles of Women
Whittemore House (near MMNHP Visitor Center), 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
In 1769, Colonial women protested British policies by making cloth in the home, reducing reliance on British imports. Experience the process and learn about political impact of home manufacturing. This program is offered as part of Revolution 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 

Historic Trades Day
Hartwell Tavern, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Our 18th-century forebears knew how to get the job done. Learn about various hands-on trades of the period and see skilled artisans at work.

Patriotic Music with the Concord Band
Field overlooking the North Bridge, 4–6 p.m.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy music by the Concord Band (also celebrating its 60th anniversary) in the. The rain location at Walden Performing Arts Center (51 Walden St., Concord) has limited seating; first come, first served.

Sunday, September 22

“Earth Press Project: Witness” — Meet the Artist
MMNHP Visitor Center, 10:30 am–1:30 pm.
Meet artist Nancy Winship Milliken and collaborators, make your own “witness” brick, and engage in conversation around the themes of witness and change and learn more about this publicly generated sculpture.

For general park information, please call 978-396-6993 or visit www.nps.gov/MIMA.

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Fall Ball benefits South Sudanese programs

A Fall Ball to raise funds for South Sudanese Enrichment for Families (SSEF) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Bemis Hall. The event includes a potluck dinner of American and Sudanese food and dancing. At the First Parish Church, kids can make art and bird houses, watch movies, and visit wildlife stations presented by Drumlin Farm.

The event will benefit the SSEF’s preschool and and Saturday Bridges programs, as well as scholarships for summer camp. This year, SSEF granted $25,000 in preschool scholarships and almost $14,000 in camp scholarships, enabling 30 kids to go to Camp Calumet and Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire. The Saturday Bridges program at the Hartwell pods offers care for infants and preschoolers, trips to Drumlin Farm for school-age kids, and classes for parents on parenting skills, understanding the school system, financial literacy and job-hunting.

The Fall Ball starts at 6:30 p.m. but most Sudanese will not arrive until 8 p.m. No admission fee, but there will South Sudanese-style fundraising where people will be asked to put money into a hat while the group dances (most families will contribute between $50 and $200). Questions? Call Susan Winship 781-424-8774 or Laper Kom at 978-332-6881.

“Executive Transitions” with Tom Casey

Companies of all sizes will have to address the implications of aging baby boomers retiring from the work force. Hear Lincoln resident Tom Casey on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library speak on his recently published book Executive Transitions 2: Leveraging Experience for Future Success! Casey, the author of seven books, is the founder and managing principal of Discussion Partner Collaborative, a global executive advisory film. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Management Executive Management Program as well as a licensed clinical social worker. Free and open to all.

“Tom of Finland” screening at library

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents “Tom of Finland” (2017, Finnish with English subtitles) on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski shows the life and work of artist Touko Valio Laaksonen (a.k.a. Tom of Finland), one of the most influential and celebrated figures of 20th-century gay culture.

Beer, music, and art at the deCordova

Enjoy “Art and Ales” at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5–8 p.m. Seasonal craft beers from Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing Co. will be accompanied by live music by the Ways and Means Committee, tasty treats for purchase from Compliments Food Truck, and a view of the sunset from the Sculpture Terrace. Tickets including two full-size beers or four tastings, and access to art on view are $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers (free for kids 17 and under). Additional beer will be available for purchase. Click here for tickets.

Become a volunteer at Lincoln’s hospice house

Are you able to visit with patients, listen to their concerns, and provide a supportive, comforting presence? Can you hold a hand or engage in a shared interest or hobby? Care Dimensions will offer a four-week training program beginning in mid-September. Choose from two schedules: Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1–3:30 p.m. from September 18 to October 11, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6–8:30 p.m. from September 17 to October 10. All sessions are at the Care Dimensions Hospice House at 125 Winter St. in Lincoln. For more information, contact Abigail Langmead at 781-373-6583 or ALangmead@CareDimensions.org.

LLCT presents walks, talk on bird feeding

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s “Noticing Walks” with John Calabria return on Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. Meet at the Lincoln Station parking lot to walk to Farm Meadow and into Bergen-Culver conservation land. Subsequent walks will be on October 1 and November 5 (locations TBA; visit www.lincolnconservation.org). These gently paced walks are a great way to slow down, unplug, and enjoy nature. Walks are co-sponsored with the Lincoln Council on Aging and geared towards 55+ but all are welcome. In case of inclement weather, call the LLCT at 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. on the morning of the walk for information.

Join the LLCT and Tia Pinney for “Bird Feeding 101: Feeding and Caring for Birds in an Era of Climate Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Pinney will cover everything from types of feeder, seeds for different birds, when to feed, and more, as well as the benefits of creating diverse habitats in the yard that enhance local ecosystems, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and attract birds for us to enjoy. Pinney is the senior naturalist and ecological management and adult program coordinators at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Sally Ride performance at library on Wednesday

Actress Cheryl Faye portrays astronaut Sally Ride.

Sally Ride is glued to the classroom television as astronaut John Glenn blasts off into space. “I want to do that,” she quietly says to herself, only to be reminded that girls can’t be astronauts. Her insatiable curiosity leads to a passion for science, and she eventually becomes America’s first woman astronaut and a passionate advocate for STEM. Actress Sheryl Faye brings Ride to life in a one-woman performance on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 4–5 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. No registration required.

August 12 legal clinic canceled

The legal clinic for elders that was scheduled for August 12 has been canceled.

Events at deCordova

Play in the Park
Wednesdays, Aug. 7 and 21 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (drop-in, rain or shine)
Play, experiment, and engineer together in the 30-acre Sculpture Park. Collaborate to construct large-scale temporary structures in response to deCordova’s art and landscape. (If it’s raining, we’ll move inside the museum.) For families with children of all ages. FREE with admission or membership. Learn more.

MAKEmobile
Sundays, Aug. 11 and 25 from 1–3 p.m. (drop-in, rain or shine)
Take your imagination for a spin with activities that explore artistic and material processes through amusing prompts and challenges. The MAKEmobile is fueled with surprising supplies and exciting ideas each time it cruises into the park. Learn more.

Sculpture Park tour: the domestic and the natural
Thursday, Aug. 15 from 12–1 p.m.
Join curatorial assistant Elizabeth Upenieks on an outdoor tour focused on how contemporary artists use everyday materials found inside and outside the home as inspiration for their sculptural forms. This tour focuses on sculptures added to the park this summer, giving a firsthand look at some of the newest pieces on view. Free with admission or membership; click to sign up.

Neoprene workshop with artist Leeza Meksin
Saturday, Aug. 24 from 2–5 p.m. (drop-in)
Join PLATFORM artist Leeza Meksin for an all-ages outdoor workshop exploring neoprene, the popular fabric used for scuba gear, shapewear, mouse pads, and more. Practice new ways of testing your creativity with different fabrics and learn more about Meksin’s new “Turret Tops” installation. Free with admission or membership; click to sign up.

Council on Aging activities in August

End your week with friends at a musical jazz lunch
August 1 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the week by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with familiar good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The band will play on Thursday, Aug. 1 starting at noon.

You’ve been selected…
August 5 at 1 p.m.
To drop by and visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen. Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or an hour, the Selectmen hope to see you from 1–2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5.

Free beginning meditation
August 7 at 10 a.m.
Come to free beginners’ meditation sessions to be held August 7, 14, and 21 at 10 a.m. for a half-hour at Bemis Hall. Please join us if you’re wondering what others find in meditating. Meditation opens the channels of our natural states of peace, joy, health, and aids in decreasing the negative effects of aging. Experienced meditation teacher Lynne LaSpina will begin each session with a few minutes of stretching muscles to relax, and breathing exercise to help focus before meditating for about 10 minutes. Lynne will offer walking meditation for those who find it difficult to sit quietly for 10 minutes. For more information, call Lynne at 908-892-2408 or llas902551@aol.com.

Summer salad lunch and nutrition tips from The Commons
August 7 at 12 p.m.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the bounty and nutrition of nature. Come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at noon for a delicious lunch of summer salads specially prepared by the chef at The Commons in Lincoln. Taste familiar salads made in innovative ways as well as new salads to try for the first time! Sadie Daniels, a Registered Dietician at the Commons in Lincoln, will discuss summer produce and how to make salads as healthy as possible, as well as answer your general nutrition questions. Please sign up by Wednesday, July 31 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in August

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Minuteman Library Crawl on Aug. 1

Visit multiple libraries in the area on the 2019 Minuteman Library Crawl on Thursday, August 1 from 1–5 p.m. It’s a 21st-century scavenger hunt; the challenge is to visit as many as you can and take a picture of yourself with a designated item in each library. At the Lincoln Public Library, it’s the Lincoln Library quilt and/or the “Let the Rumpus Begin” bench. If you go to at least five libraries, you’ll get a prize (one per group). Each library will have handouts and giveaways as well as refreshments. All ages are welcome to participate in this self-guided tour that starts and ends wherever you like. Click here for your “passport” detailing the items to photograph n each library along with their addresses.

“Black Robe” screening at library

The next film to be shown by the Lincoln Library Film Society will be Black Robe (1991, rated R) on Thursday, August 1 at 6 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. A young Jesuit priest seeks to convert the Indian tribes in Canada while also trying to survive the harsh winter. Directed by Robert Beresford, starring Lothaire Bluteau, Aden Young, and Sandrine Holt. 

Look for disability letters from the VA

By now, all veterans collecting disability compensation from the Veterans Administration (VA) should have received their “money letters.” This letter, which states the percentage of compensation and the dollar amount of money the VA will pay this year, is the basis for obtaining the Veterans Property Tax Abatement for Lincoln taxes. Exemptions run from $800 to $2,000, with most veterans receiving exemptions falling into the $800 range. Some dependents whose spouses died as a result of injuries or disease contracted in a war zone will receive total property tax exemption. If you have any questions,  please call Carolyn Bottum from the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811. She will take your contact information and have Lincoln’s Veterans Services Officer be in touch with you.