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

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COA activities in September

New fitness classes for all levels
September 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Looking for an opportunity to get fit and toned, limber up, and enhance your physical and mental well-being? Try one of the Council on Aging’s new fitness classes at Bemis Hall. At 11:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Stretch and Flex for all fitness levels. You’ll start with a gentle warmup, then progress to resistance training with bands or weights. At 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Active Aging that begins with a stretch followed by muscle toning and strengthening with weights, aerobic dance, and cooldown. Both classes are $3 a session with no signup needed and begin September 5. Attend when you like. The certified instructor, Terri Zaborowski, teaches these two classes in other COAs where they are so popular they have wait lists. For more information, call the COA at 781-259-8811.

Think you might want to join the memoir group?
September 6 at 10 a.m.
If you’re interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bemis Hall and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are September 6 and 20; October 4 and 18; November 1, 15, and 29; and December 13. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Line dancing
September 6 at 11 a.m.
Enjoy the fun and fitness of line dancing Wednesdays at 11 a.m. beginning September 6 at Bemis Hall with Katrina Rotondi. Those who come to the line dancing class love it. $3 payable the day of the class. No signup needed. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 for more information.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
September 6 at 1 p.m.
Jimmy Santos, constituent services and military liaison for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold office hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Join a new group to declutter and get organized
September 6 and 20 at 2 p.m.
Decluttering and getting organized can seem overwhelming, but you can do it with some help, and you will enjoy your living space more and feel better about yourself and your life. Come to a new decluttering group facilitated by Pam Mizrahi at Bemis Hall on September 6 and 20 at 2 p.m. and every other week thereafter to talk about why we clutter and learn strategies.

Coffee with artist Susan Wu
September 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Come join Lincoln artist Susan Wu for Coffee with the Artist on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Wu will be showing her Chinese brush paintings at Bemis Hall in September and October. Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Wu has studied Chinese brush painting at the deCordova Museum and with Qinxiong Ma. She is a member of the Chinese Painting Guild of Boston and is a featured artist on their website, chinesepaintingguild.org, and is also a member of the Sumi-e Society of America (Sarasota, Fla., chapter). She has shown her work in the annual Art in the Park exhibits at University Park in Sarasota since 2001 and has won many awards. Wu has also exhibited her work at the deCordova Museum and the Lincoln Library, among other places.

Lincoln Academy with Donald L. Hafner, Captain, Lincoln Minute Men—The “Inexplicable” Captain: William Smith and Lincoln’s Minute Men of 1775
September 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 11 at 12:30 to hear Donald L. Hafner, Captain of the Lincoln Minute Men, discuss “The “Inexplicable” Captain: William Smith and Lincoln’s Minute Men of 1775.” What explains the election of William Smith as Captain of Lincoln’s Minute Men in 1775? A report in 2007 for Minute Man National Historical Park asserted that Smith’s election was “inexplicable,” and it does seem puzzling. Among the Minute Men were long-time Lincoln residents, military veterans, and men older than William Smith. Yet to command them in battle, they elected Smith, who had moved to Lincoln barely a year earlier, was only 28 years old, and had no military experience. Various explanations have been offered for William’s election, but are they persuasive? Come join the conversation, review the evidence, and judge for yourself whether William Smith was the “inexplicable” captain. Donald L. Hafner is a retired professor of political science and a long-time member of the Lincoln Minute Men. His most recent book, published by the Lincoln Historical Society, is William Smith, Captain: Life and Death of a Soldier of the American Revolution. 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.

Tai chi for health, rehabilitation, and wellness
September 11 at 1 p.m.
Tai chi has been shown to develop a better sense of overall well being, reduce stress, help with posture and balance, increase strength and flexibility, and more. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to increase wellness in general or who is recovering from an illness and wants a gentle movement routine. The COA’s fall tai chi classes begin September 11 and continue until the week of December 11 at Bemis Hall. Level I (Beginners) is taught on Mondays from 2:15– 3:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 1–2 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:15–10:15 a.m. Level 2 is taught Mondays from 3:15-4:15 and Thursdays from 10:15–11:15. Level 3 is taught on Wednesdays from 2:15–3:15. The cost is $60 for 1 hour a week, $80 for 2 hours a week, and $100 for 4 hours a week. Instructors are Jane Moss, Ellie Horwitz, and Cynthia Rosenberger. For information, contact Jane Moss, at 781-259-9822 or mindbodyjm@comcast.net. Beginners may sign up now by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Continuing students do not need to sign up.

Free elder law clinic
September 11 at 3 p.m.
Got a question about issues such as estate planning, MassHealth, protecting assets for a loved one with a serious disability, guardianship, conservatorship or probate? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Sept. 11 from 3–4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the thirty-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Free wellness clinic for all ages                                     
September 12 at 10 a.m.
PLACE: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Monthly positive psychology group
September 13 at 9:30 a.m.
All are welcome to come to a new group to support each other in Positive Psychology practices like gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, coping, and more. The group will focus on incorporating Positive Psychology into our daily lives through community-building, support, shared practices, facilitated discussions, and social media like Facebook. You don’t need to have attended previous Positive Psychology groups. The group will be facilitated by Alyson Lee, who is certified to teach Positive Psychology. The group will meet at 9:30 on Wednesdays, Sept. 13 and 27, and then monthly every second Wednesday. Funded by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 for more information.

Getting the most out of your iPhone and iPad
September 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Our programs on iPhones and iPads given by Andy Payne have been so popular that the COA has asked him to come back yet again. Andy will be at Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m. to give you more information on the operation and features of iphones and ipads and answer your questions. You are welcome to attend whether you came to the other sessions or not. If you have tips for using your iPhone or iPad, bring those, too.

Using social media like Facebook and Twitter: it’s easier than you think
September 15 at 11 a.m.
These days, if you’re going to get the latest information about events and other things, you need to know how to use the Internet’s social media like Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. If you’d like to know which site has what kind of information, how to sign up, how to keep your private information private online, and more, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m., when Andy Payne will give an introduction to what social media is and how to use it.

Lincoln Academy with Heather Korostoff Murray—African-American improvisational quilts
September 18 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 18 at 12:30 to hear Heather Korostoff Murray discuss African-American improvisational quilts. She will introduce you to African-American improvisational quilts: the unique qualities of these extraordinary textiles, their possible African connections, and the stories behind their creators, including their inspirations and astonishing talents. Heather’s talk will focus on the lives and work of eight significant African-American improvisational quilt makers, with slides from the extensive quilt collection and research of her mentor, quilt scholar and curator Eli Leon. On exhibit will be several antique and vintage quilts from her collection, illustrating the key characteristics of the genre. 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.

Hand drumming for fun and wellness
September 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve musical skills for playing any instrument, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Learn this special art with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesday mornings at 9:30 beginning September 19 at a cost of $78. Sign up now.

Gourmet luncheon with friends old and new
September 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at St. Anne’s Church. They welcome new diners often—give them a try. Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead 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 us 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, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

Techno teach-in with LEAP students
September 20 at 2:30
Middle school students from the LEAP afterschool program invite you to join them at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. to get help with a variety of devices, such as computers, cell phones, ipads and tablets, and more. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up today.

Science and technology club: the science and economics of developing new drugs
September 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Every new medication undergoes years of development and testing between the initial spark of scientific innovation and the time patients’ lives are saved or improved. What is the scientific process of bringing a drug from idea to market, and what are the costs involved that can raise the price of a medication to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars a dose? Find out when Mary Elisabeth Field comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 10:15 a.m. Field, a Lincoln resident, has provided quality assurance and compliance services to Genzyme and other pharmaceutical corporations as they develop new medications for over 30 years.

Coffee with a cop—share concerns and ideas with the Lincoln Police
September 21 at 1 to 3 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 1–3 p.m. to meet privately with an officer from the Lincoln Police Department. Do you have a security concern regarding yourself, a family member, or neighbor? An idea the police should try? Would you like guidance about a situation? Come on down—no need to make an appointment. An officer will be at Bemis on the third Thursday of every other month from 1–3 p.m.

Fall and winter safety with the Fire Department
September 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Place: Public Safety Building
Fall and winter will soon be here, so brush up on how you can prevent a fire, accident, or related tragedy. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Friday, Sept. 22 at 11:30 at the Public Safety Building to learn about such topics as burning leaves, using space heaters safely, shoveling snow the right way, and more. The Fire Department will be serving a sandwich lunch, so please sign up.

Piano recital of music by Schumann, Gershwin, and Liszt by Abla Shocair
September 22 at 2:15 p.m.
You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of piano music with Abla Shocair on Friday, Sept. 22 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall. She will play Schumann’s Carnaval, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C# minor. Abla, originally from Jordan, started playing piano at age 4. She is a civil engineer and has given many piano concerts in a variety of venues.

Greatest artworks of the 20th century
September 23 at 3 p.m.
Place: Library
Adults of all ages are invited to take a five-week free course that will reveal the genius behind various 20th century artworks and artists from Picasso to Pollock and beyond and discuss their own thoughts and reactions to each piece. The course will be from 3–4:30 p.m. at the Library on Saturdays Sept. 23, October 7, 21, and 28, and November 4. The course is taught by Steven Kendall, tour leader and teacher. The course is co-sponsored by the Library and COA and made possible by the Friends of the Lincoln Library and the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging. Please sign up by calling the library at 781-259-8465.

Lincoln Academy with Susan MacMillan Kains (Siusaidh Nic a’Mhaoilean Cahans)—Gaelic woman on a braided path
September 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 25, at 12:30 to hear Susan MacMillan Kains discuss “Gaelic Woman on a Braided Path.” This presentation will trace the interweaving of Susan’s life as a Scots-Gael, moving among and living with her Gaelic-speaking relatives of Canada and the North American Indian tribes, especially the Oglala Lakota Sioux of western South Dakota, with whom she has been an adopted family member for 35 years. 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.

Fireside chat: what’s on your bucket list?
September 27 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
What’s on your bucket list? What should/could be in it but isn’t? What is your favorite list item, either something you’ve done or have yet to do? Get together with others and have some fun talking about things you want to do or have done and things that make us happy on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the new location in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Get what you need from your financial advisor
September 29 at 10 a.m.
Financial advisors vary significantly in not only their expertise, but also in how dedicated they are to meeting your needs instead of theirs. To make sure that you are getting the right advice from the right advisor, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. when attorney Christine R. Fitzgerald will talk about the suitability of investments, questions to ask when offered a financial product, and what to look for in financial advisors. Fitzgerald, a founder of the Belcher Fitzgerald law firm, has extensive experience with legal issues related to the financial services industry. Bring your questions and concerns.

Good habits to reduce inflammation for health
September 29 at 1 p.m.
Chronic inflammation is associated with major diseases like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and depression. You can help reduce chronic inflammation through eating the right foods, exercising, reducing stress, sleeping better and more. Find out about what foods to eat and avoid, how to exercise, and more when Jane Polley, MS, RD, LDN, and Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM, come to Bemis Hall Friday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m..

Save the date:

Tour of the State House and lunch
Come to the Massachusetts State House and the John Adams Courthouse on Wednesday, October 11. These historic and beautiful buildings house the story of Massachusetts. Think you know our history? John Adams’s passion for justice, community and learning are evident in the stunning 19th-century courthouse where the Supreme Judicial Court or Appeals Court meets right across the street from the Massachusetts State House, where the group will begin a docent-led tour. Do you know our state motto? Why do we have a state insect? Who owned this land? Who designed this beautiful building? Why is our Constitution so important? There’s a lot to learn. The bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. sharp and plan to be back in Lincoln by 4 p.m. Lunch will be on your own at the Union Oyster House, the oldest continually operating restaurant in the country. The cost of the trip is $15 and is supported by the Hurff Fund so the trip is limited to Lincoln seniors. Both buildings have elevators but expect to be standing on both tours. Send your check payable to FLCOA, along with your phone numer and email, to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or call 781-257-5050 or email donna@ecacbed.com.

Let’s bowl!
Let’s go bowling on Thursday, Nov. 9. Most of us haven’t bowled in years and certainly not with large balls. Don’t worry, the group will be using small balls (candlepin bowling). They will have four bowlers to a lane and maybe get a little competition going. Afterwards they’ll head for an early dinner at a nearby restaurant to discuss their bowling skills or lack thereof.

Express your love of nature with watercolors with Jane Cooper
Rediscover the joyful soul within you through art and nature in Jane Cooper’s watercolor class. Jane will offer fun dabbling in watercolor painting of scenes of nature, landscapes or some favorite sky. Four classes will be offered on October 13, 16, 20, and 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $30, all materials included. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up now.

Medicare 101
Are you turning 65 in the next year? Save November 1 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall for a program about what Medicare offers, how to choose a plan, when to sign up, and more, provided by the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE program. The federally funded SHINE program only has funding through March 2018 due to federal budget cuts, so this may be your last opportunity to attend a program about Medicare benefits.

News acorns

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Warren to hold town hall in Concord

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren will be hosting a town hall in Concord on Friday, Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and all are invited. She will be making remarks and answering questions about what’s happening in the Senate and how she’s fighting for Massachusetts families. This is also a chance to talk with her staff about any questions or concerns you might have, or assistance you may need. Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m.

West Bank/Gaza movie rescheduled for Aug. 27

The date for a second screening of The Law in These Parts sponsored by the GRALTA Foundation has been changed from August 20 to Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Click here for details.

Solar home tour reminder

Four homes in Lincoln will offer tours and Q&As about their solar installations on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 13 p.m. Additional details about the homes can be found here. Lincoln residents are also welcome to tour similar homes in Wayland on Saturday, Sept. 23 as part of the three-town Solarize Massachusetts PLUS program.

Art and Ales at the deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host Art and Ales with Aeronaut Brewing Company on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5–8 p.m. The event features beer tastings matched with sculptures in the park, plus live music and a food truck. Tickets (buy online here or in person on the day of the event) are $20 for deCordova members and $30 for nonmembers, and free for children 12 and under.

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Film on West Bank/Gaza occupation

The GRALTA Foundation presents two screenings of Ra’anan Alexandrowicz’s documentary The Law in These Parts (Israel, 2014, 90 minutes) on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall (basement screening room). Free; light refreshments will be served.

After conquering the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967, the Israeli army imposed thousands of orders, laws, and sentences while moving over 500,000 Jewish settlers into the territories in violation of international law. With archival footage and first-ever interviews with the prosecutors, legal advisors, and the judges who created the framework, The Law in These Parts unravels the intricate system of control that accompanies one of the most enduring and damaging conflicts of our time and sustains it. Can a nation that occupies another people act with principles that adhere to the rule of law? Winner: Best Documentary, Jerusalem Film Festival, 2011 and World Cinema Grand Jury Prize in Documentary, Sundance, 2012. Click here to watch the trailer. For more information, contact Steve Low at 781-259-1300 or steve.low@gordianconcepts.com.

Volunteers needed to serve at Senior Dining

Senior Dining is the Council on Aging’s very popular program that provides an elegant meal once a month at St. Anne’s Church. In order for the program to continue, the COA needs volunteers who can help set tables, serve the meals, and clean up a few times a year on the third Tuesday of each month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Kim Buell at kim_buell@hotmail.com or 781-259-1278.

Mass Audubon photo contest seeks entries

Picture This: Your Great Outdoors, Mass Audubon’s annual statewide photo contest now underway and running through September 30. The contest attracts hundreds of photographers representing all abilities, ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to record the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Bay State. There are two entrant age categories: 18 and older, and under 18. Subject areas include: People in Nature, Birds, Mammals, Other Animals, Landscapes, and Plants and Fungi. Each entrant may submit up to 10 photographs, which must be taken in Massachusetts or at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp in Rindge, N.H. Images may have been taken at any time prior to or during the contest.

One grand prize winner will be awarded a $250 gift card (to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary), in addition to being featured in Explore, Mass Audubon’s member newsletter. Eleven winners will win $100 gift cards and at least six honorable mentions will win $50 gift cards. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges. All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online. Please visit massaudubon.org/picturethis for complete contest rules, submitting images online, and other details.

Lincoln Literary Society meets

The Lincoln Literary Society will meet on Friday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the home of founder Daniela Caride. People may arrive or leave any time during the four-hour window to enjoy wine, food, and lots of books from the transfer station swap table as well as poems, stories and articles. It’s not a regular book club with required readings or deadlines—members talk about books they’ve read (recently or not), recite poems, read a passage or whatever inspires them to start a conversation. Explore www.LiteraryLincoln.org for the latest book recommendations, poems and upcoming events, and send submissions to Caride for publication on the site. For more information, email her at danielacaride@gmail.com. The group meets on the second Friday of each month.

Council on Aging activities in August

Lincoln Trad Jazz Band
August 3 at 12:30 p.m.
August 31 at 12:30 p.m. (both at Bemis Hall)

Regular exercise for wellness and independence
August 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Our bodies are meant to move. As we age our bodies lose muscle mass and bone density, a condition known as sarcopenia, which the National Institutes of Health has called “one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence in older adults.” Regular exercise can slow and reverse this process leading to greater wellness that can help you stay independent and help to prevent diseases and fall risk and even brighten your mood and mental sharpness! Learn more about sarcopenia and the benefits of exercise as we get older and try a few of the exercises for yourself when Terri Zaborowski, the COA’s aerobic and strength training instructor who teaches classes for every fitness level, comes to Bemis Hall Thursday, Aug. 10 at 11:30 a.m.. Terri is an AFAA-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and AAAI/ISMA older adult trainer with over 16 years experience in senior fitness. Come in comfortable clothing.

Adapt your home for disabilities
August 14 at 10 a.m.
The Home Modification Loan Program, administered in Lincoln by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), provides loans of up to $30,000 to elders and adults with disabilities and families with children with disabilities to make disability-related modifications to their homes. In many cases, the loan only needs to be repaid when the property is sold or transferred. You can have an income of up to $144,800 for a one-person household with higher maximums for larger households and still qualify. Landlords may get loans to modify units for renters with disabilities. Find out more about this program when Susan DiClemente Aaron of SMOC comes to Bemis Hall on Monday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. Pam Gallup of the Lincoln Housing Commission will also be on hand to discuss the town’s new Affordable Accessory Apartment program.

Free elder law clinic
August 14 at 3 p.m.
Got a question about issues such as estate planning, MassHealth, protecting assets for a loved one with a serious disability, guardianship, conservatorship, or probate? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Aug. 14 from 3–4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Luncheon for veterans and spouses
August 16 at noon
Veterans, spouses, and partners are invited to a special lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at noon at Bemis Hall featuring Hebrew National all beef hot dogs and turkey dogs (all available with classic condiments and toppings), coleslaw, and vegetarian beans. Widows and widowers of veterans are most welcome to join us. The COA is hoping to create a dynamic veterans community here in Lincoln and would love to see everyone at the luncheon. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by August 9.

Bees, butterflies and flowers with Tom Gumbart
August 16 at 2 p.m.
Join Lincoln Conservation Director Tom Gumbart on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. for a short walk at the Muster Field conservation land. This will be to view summer wildflowers and the abundance of pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, that use these flowers. You will also visit the new boardwalk that is located nearby at the Lincoln School. Park and meet in the field at the intersection of Sandy Pond Road and Baker Bridge Road. The field is on the south side of the road and there will be signs for where to enter the field. This will be in the full sun so please bring hats, water, and sunscreen.

Brush up on CPR and auto defibrillators to save family and friends
August 23 at 10 a.m.
Knowing CPR and how to use an automatic defibrillator (AED) can help you save a life. Come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. for a brush-up or an introduction to CPR and use of a defibrillator given by the Fire Department. This free workshop will not lead to certification, but it will give you the basics of what to do if you are with someone who has a medical crisis for which CPR or a defibrillator are appropriate. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up. All ages are welcome (maximum of 20).

Charles Reid, painter: a film and discussion with Jane Cooper
August 28 at 10 a.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. to see a film by acclaimed watercolorist and teacher Charles Reid, The Figure in Watercolor. The film shows you step by step how to use watercolors to depict the human figure in a way that is expressive of what you are trying to convey. Lincoln COA’s watercolor instructor Jane Cooper will then lead a discussion and give her own insights into the art of watercolor painting. This program will be of interest whether you are an accomplished painter, a beginner, or just thinking of getting started!

Save the date:

Greatest artworks of the 20th century
In this five-week free course co-sponsored by the Lincoln Library and the COA, the genius behind various 20th-century artworks and artists from Picasso to Pollack and beyond will be revealed and the group will discuss their own thoughts and reactions to each piece. The course will be from 3–4:30 p.m. at the library on Saturdays, Sept. 23 and 30, and October 7, 21, and 28. It is open to all adults. Please sign up by calling the library at 781-259-8465.

World hand drumming for fun and well being
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve musical skills for playing any instrument, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Learn this special art with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesday mornings at 9:30 beginning September 19 at a cost of $78. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Memoir group
If you are interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Sept. 6 and 20; Oct. 4 and 18; Nov. 1, 15, and 29; and Dec. 13. If you want more information, contact Connie Lewis at 781-259-9415 or conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Fall tai chi classes
The COA’s fall tai chi session will begin September 11 and finish the week of December 11. Beginners may sign up now for Mondays from 2:15–3:15, Wednesdays from 1–2 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:15­–10:15 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. The cost is $60 for one hour a week, $80 for two hours a week, and $100 for four hours a week. Continuing students do not need to sign up. For info, contact Jane Moss at 781-259-9822 or mindbodyjm@comcast.net.

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Fill out survey for clean heating and cooling

The Lincoln Green Energy Committee is partnering with Concord and Carlisle to apply for HeatSmart Mass, a program sponsored by the Mass Clean Energy Center that will allow Lincolnites to install qualified clean heating and cooling systems at reduced prices. For Lincoln to qualify for the MassCEC’s application process, the committee needs your help. Whether you’re interested in air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, central biomass heating, or solar hot water, or aren’t sure what these solutions are all about, please fill out this Google survey by Saturday, Aug. 12 to help members design the program to meet Lincoln’s needs. Anyone with questions may contact Belinda Gingrich at belinda.gingrich@gmail.com.

St. Anne’s closed for nine days

Due to parking lot work, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church will be closed after church on Sunday, Aug. 13 and remain closed through Tuesday, Aug. 22. All regularly mid-week meetings will be cancelled, as well as the Sunday morning service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. on August 20. The 9 a.m. service resumes on Sunday, Aug. 27, and the last summer Sunday service will be Labor Day Weekend (Sunday, Sept. 3). On September 10, the church returns to the normal schedule of three Sunday services at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.

Jazz concert on Aug. 13

There will be a free live jazz concert on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 2–5 p.m. in Bemis Hall featuring the Steve Taddeo Quartet and Vocals: Jeff Barnhart, stride piano; Paul Midiri, trombone and vibes; Joe Midiri, soprano sax and reeds; Steve Taddeo, drums; and Caroline Griep, vocals.

Arts and crafts festival at Codman Estate

The 35th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at the Codman Estate will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 (rain or shine) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. There will be live music, over 100 juried artisans, museum tours and food vendors. Admission is $5 (free for Historic New England members and children under 12).

Sam Durant win’s deCordova’s Rappaport Prize

Sam Durant (photo by Sarah Waldorf/J. Paul Getty Museum)

The deCordova Scultpure Park and Museum has announced that Sam Durant is the 18th recipient of the prestigious Rappaport Prize, an annual award of $25,000 given to a contemporary artist with strong connections to New England. Durant works in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, drawing, and installations to address the varying relationships between culture and politics. He draws inspiration from American history and engages subjects as diverse as the civil rights movement, southern rock music, and modernism. His art makes connections between history and present ongoing sociocultural debates, often calling attention to forgotten events from the past.

“It is such a wonderful surprise and tremendous honor to be recognized in my home region with the Rappaport Prize,” Durant said. “I am a New Englander to the core—its remarkable history has profoundly shaped and inspired me. The deCordova Museum was a big part of my formation as an artist, and my teacher George Greenamyer’s work Mass Art Vehicle at deCordova was one of the first public sculptures I loved. My work often puts me in the cross hairs of contentious and difficult debates, as it has recently, so deCordova’s acknowledgement is particularly timely—a cool drink of water for a parched soul.”

The public is invited to attend the Rappaport Prize Lecture with Sam Durant on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum. Admission is free.

New outdoor sculptures coming to deCordova

Aaron Curry, “Homewrecker” (part of “Grove”), 2013, painted aluminum, 11 x 10 x 5 feet, courtesy Michael Werner Gallery, New York and London.

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is adding several large-scale works to its 30-acre park this summer.

Aaron Curry: Grove—three colorful painted aluminum sculptures ranging from 10 feet to 18 feet tall—is being installed near the front entrance in late July. JaeHyo Lee’s 0121-1110=113035 (Lotus)—an 18-foot-tall cone-shaped sculpture made from discarded pieces of wood—will be installed on deCordova’s main lawn across from the traditional 19th-century Carriage House in late July. Both installations will be on view for two years.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to display these monumental works of art in deCordova’s Sculpture Park, as each introduces a very different element to our campus,” said Sarah Montross, associate curator at deCordova. “Aaron Curry’s trio of vibrant sculptures will add an otherworldly presence to our entrance lawn, welcoming visitors with a bold splash of color and cartoon-like appearance. JaeHyo Lee’s wooden Lotus sculpture will bring a calming, organic quality to the main lawn and create a natural conversation with the surrounding trees and landscape.”

Also this summer, Torso—a granite sculpture by Reno Pisano shown in the museum’s first sculpture exhibition in 1950—returns to deCordova’s campus.

In early September, deCordova will continue its PLATFORM series with the outdoor installation of a large-scale photograph by French artist Noémie Goudal. Earlier in May, deCordova installed Hawaii California Steel (Figure Ground), a site-specific work by Brooklyn-based artist Letha Wilson, as part of the series.

JaeHyo Lee, “0121-1110=113035 (Lotus),” 2013, chestnut, 18 x 4 x 4 feet, installation view in Union Square Park, New York, 2013, courtesy of CYNTHIA-REEVES Gallery and Union Square Partnership.

Wilson will give a studio workshop at deCordova on Thursday, July 27 from 6–9 p.m., where participants can explore the representation of place through photography, painting, and sculpture while making their own work (registration required). She will also give an artist’s talk on Friday, July 28 at noon to discuss concepts and process behind the creation of her sculpture, including innovative methods for printing photographs onto steel. Free with admission or deCordova membership.

PLATFORM is a series of one-person commissioned projects by early- and mid-career artists from New England and the world that engage with deCordova’s unique landscape. The PLATFORM series lets artists expand their practice and visitors experience new approaches to contemporary sculpture. PLATFORM 19 was generously funded in part by the Robert Lehman Foundation.

Letha Wilson, “Hawaii California Steel (Figure Ground),” 2017, UV prints on Cor-Ten steel, 110 x 76 inches, courtesy of the artist, photography by Anchor Imagery.

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Community Cops ‘n Cones

Residents of all ages are invited to meet Lincoln’s police officers and enjoy free ice cream and games at Community Cops ‘n Cones on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Donelan’s and Premier Dry Cleaner. Sponsored by the Lincoln Police, Donelan’s, Lincoln Woods, and the Rural Land Foundation.

Summer music on tap

The Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring three more summer concerts, each beginning at 6 p.m. at the Codman Pool. For the first time, all four bands (including the Nays, who played on June 28) have direct ties to Lincoln. Admission is free. Pool use for non-members during the show is $5/person. Concerts may be rescheduled due to rain; check www.LincolnRec.com for the latest updates.

Wednesday, July 12 — Alter Ego
Talented, entertaining, and versatile, Alter Ego has been performing in the Boston metro area since 2005. They play a variety of music ranging from rock to country, including some originals, that appeal to all ages. They feature excellent vocals (six of seven band members sing) and strong musicianship.

Monday, July 17 — Parkville Zoo
Parkville Zoo plays original music that’s edgy, happy, philosophical, satirical and hopeful. Rich, three-part harmonies jump and swing from a structure of rhythmic wood and steel.

Wednesday, July 19 — Dadda
Not a Norwegian nanny or a German polka band, but four of Lincoln’s funkiest local boys playing the heck out of an eclectic mix of new and old rock classics.

Lincoln July 4 events on video

If you missed Lincoln’s parade or fireworks show on July 4, click here to see a video of the parade by Hal McAleer and click here to see the fireworks finale.

Library offers adult reading challenge, other activities

For grown-ups who don’t want to kids to have all the fun, the Lincoln Public Library has created its second annual summer reading challenge just for adults. Small prizes will be awarded, along with an invitation to a wine and cheese party on a September date to be announced. Participants have to read books in several categories including Pulitzer Prize winners, biographies of people you’ve never heard of, and books that take place in another country. Stop by the library to pick up your reading challenge form or click here to download the reading lists for children and adults.

Other selected events at the library this month (click here for more information in children’s programs or click here for featured adult events:

  • The Hampstead Players perform Beauty & the Beast for ages 4+ on Tuesday, July 11 from 4–5 p.m.
  • Flip Flop Hip Hop Dance Party for ages 6 and under on Wednesday, July 12 from 11–11:45 a.m.
  • Sing-along showing of the movie Grease for all ages on Wednesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 p.m.
  • “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” party for ages 8+ on Thursday, July 13 from 4–5:30 p.m.  (advance signup required; call 781-259-8465).
  • Nappy’s Puppets singalong for all ages on Thursday, July 20 from 11 a.m.–noon.
  • Caribbean concert by the Pan Loco Steel Band on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. on the front lawn (Tarbell Room in case of rain).
  • Zoo New England for all ages on Tuesday, July 25 from 11 a.m.–noon.
  • Family Bingo Night on Wednesday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
  • Beatles Hour with Berklee College of Music Professor Lauren Passerelli on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m.

 

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Fourth of July schedule set

Lincoln’s Fourth of July festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Firecracker Run (registration is from 7:45–8:15 a.m.) and continue with the children’s bike parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the main parade, the Boy Scout cookout, and town-wide swim at the Codman Pool. The evening concert, barbecue and fireworks start at 7 p.m. Click here for a detailed schedule.

12 Lincolnites to ride in PMC

On August 5 and 6, a dozen riders from Lincoln will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of raising $48 million for critical research and cancer care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event draws more than 6,200 cyclists from more than 40 states and eight countries who can choose from 12 routes of varying mileage that run through 46 towns. To learn more about riders’ teams and to donate, type the rider’s name into the “PMC Search” box on the PMC website. Lincoln’s participants are Don Alden, James Alden, Mark Deck, Jack Fultz, Keith Gilbert, Richard Glanz, Weston Howland, Carol Lu, Ed Morata, Julia Parrillo, Dan Pereira, and Tom Wilmot.

Connors receives lifetime achievement award from charity

Agnes Connors of Lincoln recently received the 2016 Top Individual Fundraising award and the Light the Night Walk Lifetime Achievement award from the Massachusetts chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LSS). For the past several years, she has been the top individual fundraiser for LSS’s Boston Light the Night Walk, and this year she raised $20,559.

Connors first became involved with LLS after being diagnosed with diffuse B cell lymphoma in 2003. After successfully being treated with chemotherapy, she began helping LLS by volunteering in its peer support program for patients and participating in the walk. Since then, she’s raised a total of $136,431 for Light the Night.

Lincoln group helps fund Hanscom field trips

Hanscom Middle School students break for a photo op in the MFA’s Egypt exhibit.

The Hanscom Middle School seventh-graders were able to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts this year, thanks to support from the Bedford and Lincoln Cultural Councils. During the June 9 trip to the MFA, students were able to view first hand many of the artifacts they studied in their Ancient Civilization class as museum docents offered an overview of the Art of the Ancient World collection, including works from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Most of them had not been to the MFA before and were pleased to learn that their military discount is valid every day, so many will return this summer with their families.

 

 

Council on Aging activities in July

Coping with change: a new group
July 6 at 1 p.m.
As we age, we confront change in many forms. It may be dealing with physical or cognitive changes in loved ones, friends or in ourselves. It may be moving to a different living situation or a joyful reveling in the freedom and time to pursue new skills and interests. Claire Gerstein, LICSW, a social worker with many years of experience helping people navigate the changes of later life, will be facilitating a group which will give people the opportunity to talk about these issues in a supportive environment. The three-week group will run on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. on July 6, 13, and 20 at Bemis Hall. If there is interest the COA will schedule three additional sessions in August. No need to sign up.

Tai chi in the park
July 11 at 9:30 a.m.
You may sign up now for tai chi in the park, which will begin on July 11 and continue each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. (Tai Chi I) and 10:30 a.m. (Tai Chi II) until August 8 at a cost of $5 per day. The class will meet at Pierce Park. Bring a water bottle, lawn chair and a hat! In inclement weather, the class will meet under the tent. Participants may use the Pierce House restroom. The class is for continuing students only. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Outdoor drawing with Bernadette Quirk at Lincoln Tree Tour sites
July 12 at 9 a.m.
Enjoy the outdoors while learning to draw nature’s glory outside with the COA’s new class, “En Plein Air Drawing” with Bernadette Quirk. The class will take place on six Wednesdays at 9 a.m. beginning on July 12. Meet at Bemis Hall the first week. Then each class will take place at each of the five Garden Club Lincoln Tree Tour locations. Bernadette will e-mail you the list of materials needed for this class. No previous experience necessary, beginners encouraged! The cost is $20 per session. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 and leaving your contact information.

Paint a colorful flower pot to take home
July 12 at 10 a.m.
A painted flower pot is a colorful, cheerful way to express your love of both art and nature. All are invited to join Karen Halloran, Community Liaison of CareOne at Concord, in a fun, free workshop to paint a lovely flower pot for you to take home on Wednesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. No painting experience necessary and all materials are provided. All you need to bring is yourself and your imagination! Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Sizzle your summer style with an accessory swap
July 19 at 10 a.m.
Go through your accessories—clean out any jewelry, handbags, hats, scarves, etc that you just don’t use anymore. Then come on down to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. for an accessory swap! Bring one or more pieces (not more than five)—scarves, jewelry, etc.—put them on a table, and then pick out some to take home! It’s fun and it’s a great way to swap out what’s OLD to you and breathe some new life, color and style into your wardrobe!

Canal and mill tour: Lowell National Historic Park
July 25
Join the COA on Tuesday, July 25 for a fascinating day at the Lowell National Historic Park. Find out about the famous Mill Girls, the technology that powered the mills, and how immigrants have contributed to the industrial city. First, you’ll hop a trolley to the Swamp Locks. There you’ll board a canal boat and cruise the Pawtucket Canal, maybe even all the way to the Pawtucket Falls. Then, you’ll have lunch at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the area. Finally, you’ll visit the Boott Cotton Mill Museum and Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit. The air-conditioned air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m., returning at approximately 4 p.m. This trip is rated moderate for physical ability, as there will be some walking and entering/exiting the canal boat entails steep steps. Non-refundable cost, including lunch is $32, and drinks are on your own. This trip is funded by the Hurff Fund, and is therefore open to Lincoln seniors only. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Your reservation is complete when your check is received. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.

Savor summer and be healthier with delicious, nutritious summer salads
July 26 at 10 a.m.
Salads can be exciting and scrumptious while giving your body the nutrients you need. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy crisp, tasty ingredients from your own garden or a local market. Get a fresh take on salads and how to make them when Jamie Parsons, the chef at Lincoln Kitchen/Trail’s End Cafe, comes to Bemis Hall on July 26 at 10 a.m. Chef Parsons will tell you how to get the best vegetables and fruits from local farms and then walk you through creating the most delicious salad you’ve ever made! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up as space is limited to 15.

What programs would you like the COA to offer?
July 27 at 10 a.m.
The COA would like to know what you would like them to offer as new programs and services or what you would like more of that they already provide. They would love suggestions for one-time presentations, ongoing classes and workshops, one-to-one services, and more. Come have coffee with COA Director Carolyn Bottum at Bemis Hall on Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m., call her at 781- 259-8811 or email her at bottumc@lincolntown.org.

Coffee with Lincoln’s town administrator
July 31 at 1 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, July 31 at 1 p.m. for Coffee with Town Administrator Tim Higgins. Tim will update you on some of the projects going on around town and news—including the results of Town Meeting, the state of town finances, the Wang property, the Community Center Planning and Preliminary Design Committee, and more, and answer your questions. He would also like to know your ideas and suggestions. Get to know Tim in an informal setting and chat about those aspects of the town that are most important to you.

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Join the July 4 parade

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and Lincoln’s parade organizers encourage everyone to think about being a part of the parade. Are you part of a group, committee, or team in town? Join the parade with a your very own float! There’s no theme this year, so you can be as creative as you want. Represent our country’s independence or what makes your organization so great! Click here to download the parade registration form. Anyone with questions may email Abbey Salon at salon.abbey13@gmail.com.

Fireside chat on U.S. Constitution

Do you have a favorite line or amendment from the Constitution? Is there something in it that confuses you or excites you? Join others in a lively but respectful “fireside chat” discussion of the U.S. Constitution facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but to share ideas so as to create dialogue and understanding.

Movie series at the library

The Lincoln Public Library invites everyone to a sing-along-version of the movie musical Grease (1978, rated PG-13) starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Special snacks will be served. Other movies in the summer series (all start at 7 p.m. in the Tarbell Room):

  • July 19  — Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart (1950)
  • August 9  — A Fish Called Wanda starring Kevin Kline and John Cleese (1988, rated R]
  • August 16 — The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn (1951)
  • August 30 — Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicholas Cage (1987, rated PG)

Summer services at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold one service per month in July and August. On Sunday, July 16 at 10 a.m., Mandy Beal, who just completed her ministerial internship with the First Parish, will lead the congregation in worship. Terry Cummings, FPL’s incoming ministerial intern, will lead a service on Sunday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Both services will be held in the Parish House Auditorium, 14 Bedford Road.