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

arts

News acorns

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.

News acorns

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.

 

News acorns

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.

News acorns

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.

Drumlin Farm debuts summer music series starting June 23

Katrin Roush

The Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary will host an outdoor summer music series starting with Katrin Roush on Friday, June 23. All three concerts run from 5:30–8 p.m.

This community event, co-presented by climate action group Mothers Out Front, invites people from across the state to celebrate local music, local food, and local action in an effort to provide a hopeful future for the planet.

“We’re excited to bring music to Drumlin Farm as a way to celebrate nature and the arts in an outdoor setting,” said Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi. “Partnering with Mothers Out Front to incorporate a hopeful message of how our community can work together to fight climate change adds a great dimension to this concert series, turning it from a scary topic to one that can bring us together in new and positive ways.”

In addition to having live music and farm-fresh food, the concert series will feature climate-related activities for kids and adults to make pledges and learn how they can make a difference in their own communities.

“Together, we can mobilize to create a livable climate for our children and for generations to come,” said Emily Haslett, Mothers Out Front–Lincoln. “We invite families to join our grassroots movement of mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who are working for the swift and just transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.”

All ages are welcome and concert-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. Farm-fresh snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale. Please note: no alcohol allowed on the property. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ and children ages 5–12, and free for children under 2. Purchase tickets online here. Other concerts in the series:

News acorns

School Building Committee workshop

The School Building Committee invites residents to a kickoff workshop on Wednesday, June 14 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Brooks gym. Attendees will have the chance to met SBC members, learn about the next steps and the draft timeline, and help develop the town’s decision criteria for a school project.

Summer kick-off party for kids at library

Children of all ages are invited to the library on Thursday, June 15 from 3:30–5 p.m. for balloon sculpting, crafts, a raffle, make-your-own sundaes, and a magic show by Ed Popielarczyk at 4 p.m. Kids can pick up their reading Challenge forms. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.

Talk on identifying birds

Lincoln resident Gwyn Loud will give an informal talk on the basics of identifying birds and bird calls on Tuesday, June 20 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Public Library in the terrace off the first-floor link (rain date: Wednesday, June 21).

Summer Fest at deCordova

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will stage Park Fest on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as a 5K trail run starting at 9:30 a.m. (click here to register). Signature collaborative activities from deCordova’s Learning & Engagement Team will include:

  • A large-scale Play in the Park
  • Roaming performances by larger-than-life puppets Big Nazo
  • Guided tours of the spectacular 30-acre sculpture park in full bloom
  • Art sale with more than 30 local artists and artisans
  • Live music throughout the day including local alternative folk duo The Farewells and singer Jenny Riddle.
  • Curator-led spotlight art talks in the galleries
  • Ceramic Sculpture Studio demonstrations by resident artist Bruce Barry
  • Photo ops near Jim Dine’s Two Big Black Hearts sculpture
  • Food and ice cream trucks
Free for members; click here for tickets for nonmembers ($20 for adults 18-60, $15 for seniors, $10 for children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under).

News acorns

Waxwings win tree photo contest

“Waxwings on Cedar Tree” by Barbara Peskin (click to enlarge).

Lincoln resident Barbara Peskin’s photo titled Waxwings on Cedar Tree won the Lincoln Garden Club’s recent Tree Photo Contest. She received a certificate, ribbon an $50 gift card from Stonegate Gardens during the Tree Tour Photo Exhibit at Pierce House on June 4. Her entry was chosen by the people who attended the Tree Tour in a display in the Pierce House of 72 photos taken by 23 contestants. Tree tour participants were guided by the Garden Club’s new 40-page color booklet to 16 trees of interest in Pierce Park, and at the Lincoln Public Library, Old Town Hall, Station Park and Lindentree Farm. Copies of the booklet will soon be available at the library.

Bike group surveys residents on safer biking to school

The Cycling Safety Advisory Committee invites residents to complete this online survey as it collects feedback on ways to make biking to school easier for families. On Friday, June 9, Lincoln students are invited to bike to school—grab your helmet and bike and wave to the adults helping out at a few intersections in town.

Lincoln Literary Society to meet

The Lincoln Literary Society will meet on Friday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. in the Lincoln Public Library’s couch area outside the Tarbell Room. Organizer Daniela Caride will provide tea and cookies as well as free books from the Swap House. The group meets on the second Friday or every month to talk about books they’ve read (recently or not), recite poems, read a passage, or anything that can start a conversation. The structure is very informal and there are no assigned books.

Farmer’s Market opens in new location

Opening Day for the Lincoln Farmers Market is Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is now located at Codman Farm where it first began, and it will take place every Saturday at the same time until October.

Council on Aging activities in June

Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band
June 2 at 12:30 p.m.
On Friday, June 2, the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will be in the house once again from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Once again they will lift your spirits with upbeat favorite tunes for you to tap your toes to or sing along with. What? You’ve never been to even one of the past 38 concerts? Come find out what the regulars are enjoying while you’ve been sitting at home.

Lincoln Academy with Ben Horne—”The Essence of Bhutan”
June 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Ben will discuss, with pictures, a trip he and Jean took last October to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, known for its peace, happiness, and dramatic beauty. While many trips to the Himalayas can be classified as “treks”, this trip was more a brief immersion in the kingdom’s magical, mystical culture and history. The Council on Aging 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.

Tour the New Hanscom Middle School
June 8 at 10 a.m.
The Lincoln Public Schools and the Council on Aging invite you to tour the new Hanscom Middle School. A bus will leave the Donelan’s parking lot at 10 a.m. on June 8 and return about 1 p.m. You must call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up by noon on June 2, giving your full legal name and date of birth in order to be granted access to Hanscom Air Force Base. The new Hanscom Middle School is an 85,000-square-foot serving 300 students in grades 4-8. The $34 million construction cost was funded entirely by the Department of Defense Education ActivityThe firm of Ewing Cole designed the school building to support 21st-century education with grade-level “neighborhoods” where individual classrooms are clustered around common areas and small break-out spaces. This creates a flexible environment that fosters collaboration, accommodates project work, and provides opportunities for small, class-sized, or grade-level groups. The music room, art room, library, full kitchen, and gymnasium all have direct access to a central commons that features a stage and serves multiple functions: cafeteria space during lunch, performance center for music and drama, and a place to practice presentation skills for individuals and groups of students.  The building includes many energy-efficient features. The tour will be led by Superintendent Becky McFall.

Public Safety cookout
June 9 at 11 a.m.
Join Public Safety on Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. for a cookout at the Pierce House. You’ll start off by finding out more about current trends in frauds and scams and how to avoid being a victim; home safety from both police and fire perspectives; and services offered by Public Safety. At noon, Public Safety will be cooking up hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers with all the fixin’s. Because the event will be under the tent, the cookout will go on rain or shine. Please sign up by June 2 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Lincoln Academy with James Harrison—”The Food Project and food justice in Massachusetts”
June 12 at 12:30 p.m.
James Harrison, executive director of The Food Project, will provide an update on the organization as well as the current state of food justice in Massachusetts and the role of The Food Project in creating multi-generational communities that work together to build sustainable and equitable food systems. The Council on Aging 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 clinic for all ages
June 13 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, June 13 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.

Medicare 101: What to know, how to choose
June 13 at 7 p.m.
Come find out the basics of Medicare on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. This introduction to Medicare is especially for those who will be signing up soon, but is also for those who just wish to learn more and understand their benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, Medigap plans, Advantage plans, and medication drug coverage (Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D), how to go about choosing the plan or plans that are best for you, avoiding penalties when you sign up late, and more. Bring your questions and concerns.

Gloucester and the Cape Ann Museum
June 14 at 9:30 a.m.
On Wednesday, June 14, the COA will head to the Cape Ann Art Museum in downtown Gloucester. There the group will have a docent-led tour of the collection of Fitz Henry Lane paintings, the luminist, marine painter (1804-1865) of this historic seaport, the museum’s collection of 18th-century portraits and contemporary art, and the fisheries, maritime and granite galleries. Lunch will be together at your own cost at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is good you will have time to wander Main Street filled with galleries, a wonderful artists’ cooperative, restaurants and shops. The bus will leave the Lincoln Mall at 9:30 a.m. sharp, returning to Lincoln around 4 p.m. The non-refundable cost of the trip is $22. This trip, supported by the Hurff Fund, is open to Lincoln residents 60+. Reservations must be made by June 8. Send checks payable to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Please include your phone number and email address. Please call Donna at 781-257-5050 with questions.

Next steps for affordable accessory apartments
June 14 at 10 a.m.
Come find out more about the Town’s new Affordable Accessory Apartments Program in a forum especially for homeowners and tenants. On Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall, members of the Housing Commission will be here to give information and answer questions. What are the benefits for homeowners and tenants? How does the Housing Commission match up tenants with homeowners? What is the lottery? Why do I have to choose a tenant from your list? How long will I wait for an affordable apartment. Come join the Housing Commission and get answers.

Strawberry ice cream social
June 15 at noon
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 15 at noon. The event is sponsored by the COA and the Friends of the COA. Bring a bag lunch at noon or just come for dessert. Make your own ice cream sundae with luscious ice cream topped with strawberries, chocolate, and more, then share conversation with friends old and new. Please RSVP to the COA by calling 781-259-8811 and tell them if you will need a ride.

Ethics and climate change
June 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Climate change has not only a scientific component, but an ethical one as well that relates to political, economic, and other actions on local, national, and international levels. Come hear a presentation and discussion led by John Terrell, Ph.D., on Friday, June 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall on the many facets of ethics and climate change. Terrell will highlight the most recent successful Annual Town Meeting warrant article and a critique of the Paris Agreement including the possibilities of various alternate energy options and the economic and political necessities to effectively combat climate change. Come with your questions, concerns, and ideas.

Facing our futures with hope and love
June 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Rev. Lilian Warner, spiritual director/chaplain of Newbury Court, on Friday, June 16 at 12:30 for informal coffee, pastries, and conversation while she shows a video and shares her thoughts on how we can be molded and mended into new beings—different from who we were and still valuable—and create a better future for ourselves and others with the “Triple L, Double C of Living,” or how we must “Listen, Learn, Love, Care and Connect.” Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Lincoln Academy with Tom Gumbart—backyard butterflies, dragonflies and more
June 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 19 at 12:30 to hear Tom Gumbart, Lincoln’s conservation director, discuss “Backyard Butterflies, Dragonflies, and More.” Tom will give a photo show and talk on insects and other small critters found locally. Featured photos will be close-up images, especially of pollinator species on flowers. The Council on Aging 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.

Coffee with Lincoln artist Loretta Arthur
June 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Join Loretta Arthur for a reception celebrating her art exhibit that will be in the Bemis Artists Gallery through June on Tuesday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m. A Lincoln resident since 1994, Loretta has recently begun painting again after a 25-year hiatus while she raised three children and practiced with her husband in the firm D.W. Arthur Associates Architecture. She was a studio art major at Brandeis with a concentration in sculpture, and received a master’s in architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design. The paintings for this exhibit include still life and landscapes.

The COA Science and Technology Club—technical challenges of making measurements on human beings
June 22 at 10 a.m.
Both human beings and instrumentation can often be very fragile, especially in medical, transport, and hospital environments. Paul Svetz will lead a discussion on Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall on some of the interesting and unusual technical challenges of designing and building devices for making measurements of physiological functions. Everyday contact with physical, electrical, and chemical items that offer little risk in daily life can be quite hazardous in the medical area.

Managing arthritis with exercise
June 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Please join Ryan Stoddard, orthopedic clinical specialist of Emerson Hospital’s Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies, on Friday, June 23 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The notion of living a long healthy life appeals to all of us. The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Therapies advocates for a life to be active and engaging. Exercise and activity promote a healthy life. Active longevity is about staying active and engaged as long as possible and improving your quality of life. You will learn some tips on how to manage osteoarthritis as well as some safe exercises to promote joint health and keep you staying active longer.

Fireside chat: the U.S. Constitution
June 28 at 10 a.m.
Do you have a favorite line from the Constitution? A favorite amendment? Something that confuses you or excites you? Have you ever read it? Come to Bemis Hall for a discussion of the U.S. Constitution. Join others in a lively but respectful discussion facilitated by Sharon Antia using questions and answers 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.

Save the date:

Canal & Mill Tour – Lowell National Historic Park

Save 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, the group will hop a trolley to the Swamp Locks. There you will 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 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 FLOCA/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.

En plein air drawing with Bernadette Quirk at Lincoln Tree Tour sites

Enjoy the outdoors while learning to draw nature’s glory outside with the Council on Aging’s new class, En Plein Air Drawing with Bermadette 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 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.