The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

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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.

Efforts move ahead to highlight importance of Battle Road Byway

A new regional website, www.battleroadbyway.org, highlights the history and activities along the Battle Road — the path that British troops followed during the battles that started the American Revolution on April 19, 1775.

The route runs along 15 miles of roads in Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and the Minuteman National Historical Park, with an additional loop in Lincoln that traverses Bedford Road to Baker Bridge Road and back up Route 126 to Route 2A that highlights Lincoln’s special historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.

The Battle Road Byway website provides an integrated overview of iconic sites and events such as Paul Revere’s ride and his capture by the British in Lincoln, the battles at Lexington Common and the Old North Bridge (“the shot heard ’round the world”), and other skirmishes between British troops and Minute Men along the route, including at Bloody Angle in Lincoln and the Jason Russell House in Arlington, where 12 colonists and two British soldiers died — the bloodiest encounter associated with any house during the Revolutionary War.

The byway’s theme is “Roads to Revolution” because it touches on other revolutionary developments that occurred along the famous route. Accordingly, the site has information on Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walden Pond, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the deCordova Museum, and over 200 other points of interest.

There are pages for each of the four towns as well as on architecture, history, literature, and nature, all of which are cross-linked. Another section highlights opportunities for activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, and nature exploration.

The Battle Road Byway Committee is a joint venture by the four towns and National Park Service that partners with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, MassDOT, and other organizations to provide stewardship to the byway’s resources. Lincoln’s liaison is Paula Vaughn-MacKenzie, assistant director of planning and land use.

Congress is expected to vote this fall on reinstating the Federal Program for Scenic Byways. If passed, the legislation could qualify the four towns for federal money, and the committee would apply to have the route designated as a National Scenic Byway.

Last year, Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney and Town Administrator approached MassDOT with a request for pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Route 2A in Lincoln, which comprises part of the byway. The agency responded by assembling a stakeholder group with representatives from Lincoln, Lexington, Concord, Hanscom Field, Massport, Minute Man National Historical Park, and the Battle Road Byway Committee.

MassDOT and consultant Toole Design are working on concepts ideas based on site visits, discussions, and review all past studies, traffic counts, etc., Burney said. The stakeholder group will reconvene in late summer to discuss concepts ideas and solicit feedback.

The Battle Road Byway Committee will hold a public meeting on October 15 at the Minute Man National Historical Park Visitors Center from 6–8 p.m.to review what it’s done to date and invite comments as well as suggestions for future initiatives.

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

Open house at Codman Community Farms

Codman Community Farms will host an open house on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m.–noon, with tours of the farm, cold drinks in the barn, and a chance for Q&A with CCF staff and board members. It’s a great chance to learn more about the farm and how it produces meat and eggs using sustainable, ethical practices. The farm store will be selling pasture-raised chicken, eggs, beef, pork, raspberries, and vegetables.

Walking tours leave from the main barn next to the farm store starting at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Longer and shorter routes will be available. RSVP on the farm’s Facebook page or by emailing jon@codmanfarm.org.

Council on Aging activities in July

Sip and paint a masterpiece by the numbers
July 3 at 10 a.m.
Come “sip and paint” with some nonalcoholic wine while you “paint by the numbers.” The first of four sessions will be on Wednesday, July 3 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The COA will provide the paint-by-number kits. The class is almost full, but call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up or be put on the waiting list.

[Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in July

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Israeli-Palestinian film series this summer

The GRALTA Foundation offers its third annual Israel/Palestine summer film series on Thursdays evenings and Sunday afternoons starting on Thursday, June 20. All films will be shown in the downstairs screening room in Bemis Hall. There is no charge, and light refreshments will be served. There will be an opportunity for discussion following each film. The first film will be “A Borrowed Identity,” a 2014 film by Jewish-Israeli director Eran Riklis written by Israeli-Palestinian humorist Sayed Kashua that was nominated for four Israeli Oscar awards. This coming-of-age story explores the realities faced by a gifted Palestinian teen who has been given the opportunity to study in a prestigious, almost entirely Jewish boarding school. Screenings are June 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.

Other films in the series:

  • “Wajib” on Thursday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m.
  • “The Settlers” on Sunday, July 7 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m.
  • “Naila and the Uprising” on Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

A “Junebug” evening at Farrington Nature Linc

Farrington Nature Linc invites residents to Junebug, a night of adults-only outdoor festivities in celebration of the solstice and their newly renovated barn (ready to host even more of their youth programs) on Saturday, June 22 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. There will be food, drinks, and activities including flower crowns to a luminaria labyrinth to a photo booth with baby goats and bunnies. Buy tickets online for $75 each (or $50 if purchased before 8 a.m. on Monday, June 17) and $40 for those under age 40.

Farmer’s market opens this weekend

The Lincoln farmer’s market opens on Saturday, June 22 at Codman Community Farm from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues every Saturday until October. The event features food, crafts ad other products sold by registered vendors as well as the farm’s store, as well as music from local musicians. To register for vendor space or as a performing musicians, email Moira of Lindentree Farm at lindentreecsa@gmail.com.

Talk on investing by Lincoln’s Finn

“Smart Women Love Money” with Lincoln author Alice Finn takes place on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library. Finn is a wealth management expert who was named “The Giant” by Barron’s in its inaugural list of the Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors. Her book Smart Women Love Money: 5 Simple Life-Changing Rules of Investing was featured by Oprah.com and included along with the best sellers such as Lean In as #5 of the “23 Incredible Books Every Woman Should Read As an Adult to See The World in a Different Way.” Free and open to all.

Council on Aging activities in June

Free wellness clinics for all ages
June 4 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Road in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, June 4 (note new day this month only) from 10 a.m.–noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, June 18 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.

Noticing walk with John Calabria
June 4 at 1 p.m.
Place: TBA
Come for a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on June 4 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. 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.

Improving communication between you and your parents as they get older
June 5 at 7 p.m.
As your parents age it can be hard to navigate the issues that arise. There can be tension between wanting to respect their autonomy in decision-making but also wanting to voice your concerns for their safety and well-being. Additionally, it can be difficult to know how to raise concerns and discuss sensitive planning issues. If you would like to learn some tips and strategies as well as have a chance to discuss your situation and concerns, come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. when Claire Gerstein, LICSW, will present information and then lead a discussion. Claire has many years of experience helping caregivers and elders work together to create the best experience for each. Caregiving is a journey and good communication can only make it better.

Musical jazz lunch
June 7 at 12:30 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 old friends and make new ones. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert. Friday June 7,  at noon for an hour or until everyone has had enough.

Piano performance with Abla Shocair and her grandchildren
June 7 at 3 p.m.
All ages are invited to a piano concert with Abla Shocair and her grandchildren, Nooreddeen and Zaineddeen Kawaf, at Bemis Hall on Friday, June 7 at 3 p.m. Abla will play works by Beethoven, Bartok, Chopin and the boys will play pieces by Mozart. All ages are welcome. This year’s concert is dedicated to the memory of Abla’s beloved companion and husband, Fawaz Kawaf, who passed away this year and who had attended all her concerts since they met. He was a very bright civil engineer and outstanding project manager with exceptional math skills and was always kind and honest in his relationships with everybody. Abla started her piano lessons at the age of four and is a civil/structural engineer. Born in Amman, she has given many concerts in different venues.

What are your rights as a tenant or landlord?
June 10 at 10 a.m.
Whether you are a tenant in rented housing or a landlord renting housing, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help make sure everything goes well. Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 10 at 10 a.m. when Tim Depin, program manager in the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey, will explain tenancy based on a lease versus tenancy at will, obligations of both landlord and tenant, what information must be in the rental agreement, payments at the start of the tenancy, security deposit laws, the sanitary code, the eviction process, housing discrimination, and what to do if you have a problem. Bring your questions and concerns.

Free elder law clinic
June 10 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, June 10, 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.

“Oklahoma!” trip
June 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Place: bus leaves from Mall parking lot 
On Wednesday, June 12, the COA is going to the North Shore Music Theatre for the matinee performance of Rodgers And Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” The legendary score including, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” “The Surry With the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No!” and the rousing title tune will put a smile on your face. The air-conditioned air-ride bus will be in the Donelan’s parking lot at 10:15 a.m., departure is 10:30 a.m. The trip will return at approximately 6 p.m. Before the show you will have lunch at the Danvers Yacht Club. You’ll have your choice of three entrees, salad and dessert. There are just 27 Inner Circle tickets, so don’t delay as this show will sell out. The final count must be given by May 12. The trip is rated easy for physical ability and entails only a moderate amount of walking. There are no steps. The price is $59 including lunch, and is non-refundable. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Your reservation is complete when your check is received. Questions? Contact Virginia at 781-259-1291 or vobrien39@yahoo.com.

Strawberry & ice cream social
June 13 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social which will be held at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 13 at noon. The Social 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. Tell them when you call if you’ll need a ride.

Public safety cookout
June 14 at 11 a.m.
Place: Pierce House
Join Public Safety on Friday, June 14 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 8 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Fireside chat: what are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the past 5, 10 or 50 years?
June 15 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
The world is much different from the one many of us grew up in, or is it? What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the past decades, whether social, economic, political, cultural, spiritual, or other? Have they made life better or worse? Or are the basics of life – love of family, the need for community, human nature – still much the same? Come from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd., for a friendly discussion facilitated by Sharon Antia. Remember to park in unmarked spaces.

All in the family: communication with your adult children
June 17 at 1 p.m.
Communicating with your adult children in later life brings unique challenges as it may feel at times like they want to take control of decision making and planning. It can be hard to bring up certain issues that are of concern for you, and also to listen to their worries for you. This will be an opportunity to think about the conflicts that may arise in even the most loving and well-intentioned relationships. Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 17 at 1 p.m. when Claire Gerstein, LICSW, gives tips and strategies for keeping the relationship positive and communication open and offers you an opportunity to share stories and ideas.

Taking care of your family treasures
June 19 at 1 p.m.
Join Kathleen Fahey for a presentation on how to care for your family treasures on Wednesday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall. You will learn how to clean, polish, store, and display your treasured heirlooms including books, furniture, ceramics, paintings, silver, and textiles. Bring your questions and any items you want to learn more about (or a photo of larger items). Kathleen is the Executive Director of the Bedford Historical Society and has over 20 years of experience as a curator at local historical sites.

VA health system benefits overview
June 20 at 10:15 a.m.
Join Lincoln’s Veterans Services Officer Peter Harvell on Thursday, June 20 at 10:15 a.m. for an overview of the VA’s Health Benefits system. Get an overview of the system and how it works and what benefits it offers and find out if you or a family member might be eligible. Whether you are interested for yourself or a family member, come on down.

Improve your urinary health for overall wellness
June 20 at 2 p.m.
Problems with your urinary tract, such as a urinary tract infection or incontinence, can create major problems with your overall wellness and quality of life. You can take steps to prevent problems or manage those that you already have. Come find out more when Trish McGean comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 20 at 2 p.m. She will let you know some of the basics of urinary health as well as updates on how you can make sure your urinary tract is as healthy as it can be.

Celebrate LGBT Pride Month
June 21 at 11 a.m.
June is LGBT Pride Month and you are invited to celebrate! Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, June 21 at 11 a.m. for delicious refreshments and great conversation! Come share your thoughts, ideas, life experiences. All are welcome.

Get your MBTA Senior CharlieCard
June 21 at 1 p.m.
If you are 65 or older and need to get a Senior CharlieCard for the first time, come to the COA’s Senior CharlieCard event on June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bemis Hall. You will need to bring your driver’s license or ID or your passport. They will take your photo, have you fill out an application, copy your license, ID, or passport, and you’re done. The MBTA will mail your Senior CharlieCard in 4 to 6 weeks. No need to sign up. If you need to replace your card, call the MBTA at 617-222-3200 as the COA cannot provide this service.

Memory Café
June 27 at 9:30 a.m.
The Commons in Lincoln, Right-at-Home In Home Care and Assistance, and the Lincoln Council on Aging invite those with dementia and their family, friends, and caregivers to the free Lincoln Memory Café on Thursday, June 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main building of The Commons in Lincoln. This month, the Café presents guitarist and singer Rick Maida. Future Cafés will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30–11 a.m. at The Commons. Contact a.m.y Gagne of Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance, 781-275-1400 or amy@rightathomecare.com or the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 for more information.

Save the date:

Save the Isles of Shoals
Come sail away with the COA on July 25 aboard the Victorian style M/V Thomas Laighton to experience the fascinating legends of the legendary New Hampshire & Maine Seacoast. The Isles of Shoals, located 9 miles off of the coast, are an intriguing archipelago of nine islands steeped with history. You’ll stop for lunch at Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery, Maine. The bus will depart Donelan’s parking lot at 9:45 a.m. and return about 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $59 and is non-refundable. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050. To reserve a space please make check payable to FLCOA/Trips and mail to: Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773. Deadline to reserve is July 5.

Tai chi in the park, and sign up for next fall’s tai chi classes

Sign up now for tai chi in the park, which will meet Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. with tai chi form practice at 10:30 a.m. at Pierce Park from July 9 to August 6 at a cost of $5 per day. Bring a water bottle, lawn chair and a hat. In bad weather, we will meet under the tent. We may use the Pierce House restroom. The class is for continuing students only.

 

New students may also sign up for fall beginning classes, to be held for 13 weeks starting September 16:

  • Mondays, 2:15– 3:15 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, 1– 2 p.m.
  • Thursdays, 9:15–10:15

$60 for one class per week, $80 for two classes per week, and $100 for three classes per week. For info, contact Jane Moss at 781-259-9822 or mindbodyjm@comcast.net.

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Film on detention of Palestinians

The GRALTA Foundation presents a screening discussion of “Imprisoning a Generation,” a documentary by Zelda Edmunds that follows four young Palestinians who were detained and imprisoned under the Israeli military and political systems, on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. in the Lincoln Public Library. The discussion will be led by Jerusalem-based Farah Bayadsi and Lincoln native Shaina Low, international advocacy officer for Defense for Children International – Palestine, who will offer details on the Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Military Occupation Act (HR 2407). For more information, contact Steve Low at 781-259-1300 or steve.low@gordianconcepts.com.

Climate Justice Ministry film, summer services at St. Anne’s

On Tuesday, May 28, the Climate Justice Ministry at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church continues its film series with “Redefining Prosperity.” The film examines Nevada City, home to harmful environmental practices until it was discovered by the “back to the land movement,” experiencing a second gold rush but with a different idea of gold based on nature, community, and a sense of place. A light vegetarian supper is served at 6:30 p.m. and the film screening begins at 7 p.m. Discussion follows as time allows. Free and open to the public.

For the months of June, July, and August, the worship schedule at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields changes to one service of Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 9 a.m. The regular worship schedule of two morning services resumes in September. For more information, visit www.stanneslincoln.org.

DeMille at next LOMA

Ted DeMille

Ted DeMille is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) night on Monday, June 10 in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. The event runs from 7–10 p.m., and DeMille will perform a half-hour set starting around 8:30. Ted fronts Old Eleven, which plays many of his original songs at concert venues, and he’s also a member of the singer-songwriter group Magic Eight Ball. Click her to see him perform his original song “Indian Summer.”

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.

Lincolnites get tips on becoming climate change activists

Andrew Gordon speaks to the Bemis Hall audience about climate change action.

By Barbara Slayter and Peter Pease
Co-chairs, Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Dozens of Lincoln residents turned out to learn how to become effective advocates around the issues of environmental justice and climate change at a session led by Andrew Gordon, legislative coordinator from 350 Mass, a grassroots environmental organization.

Gordon, who spoke on April 6 at the invitation of Lincoln’s Democratic Town Committee, began by outlining his organization’s agenda:

  1. Environmental justice — acknowledging that race and class usually correlate closely with pollution, unequal protection, and vulnerability, and that the communities most negatively affected by climate change and fossil fuel pollution must be central to implementing new policies and must not be harmed by them.
  2. Renewable energy — aiming for 100% by 2045 including heating and transportation, with 100% renewable in electricity by 2035
  3. Equitable and green investment in our communities to become net zero in greenhouse gas emissions, directing revenue and resources to disadvantaged communities that are less able to take effective action without help from the Commonwealth.

Gordon also introduced some new names, policies, and concepts, including:

  • Marshall Ganz, a prominent Harvard professor who writes and lecturers on leadership, organizing communities and mobilizing for change.
  • The Transportation and Climate Initiative, whereby 13 states are developing a regional low-carbon transportation policy to set up a carbon pricing mechanism to reduce transport emissions.
  • Carbon pricing — levying an added charge on carbon-emitting fuels, with variations including a revenue-neutral proposal long advocated by Sen. Michael Barrett, or a Massachusetts House version by Rep. Jennifer Benson in which fees charged would be returned to poorer communities for green infrastructure.
  • Mass Power Forward, a coalition of various environmental and other civil society groups working to provide Massachusetts and the broader region with clean, affordable reliable energy and a thriving economy.

Attendees had detailed questions and comments about costs, trade-offs, timelines, and the magnitude of the challenges ahead as Massachusetts and the nation try to address the problems of climate change.   Buzz Constable went to the heart of the issue, asking, “Can we really solve social problems and climate change at the same time?” Is there an inherent conflict between “going slow together to get it right” and the urgent timeframe for diminishing carbon emissions?

Larry Buell asked about approaches for galvanizing disadvantaged communities and ways to provide incentives for poorer communities to participate in climate change policies. Joan Kimball raised a concern about the high levels of compartmentalization of professionals such as those working in the health and environmental fields.

Gordon made a compelling argument for the need to “push and expand the narrative of what is possible” if we wish to transform our economy and address the escalating problems of climate change.  He reminded us of the years required to enact comprehensive, effective policies. The text cannot be filed and then voted into law in the same year. Everyone needs to be able to take ownership and help refine the policies, he said.

Some suggestions for effective advocacy, particularly with regard to the Massachusetts legislature, emerged from event for activists of all stripes:

  • Build coalitions with like-minded groups and organizations.
  • Let your voice be heard and be vigilant in expressing your views.
  • Be inclusive, bring in the stakeholders, and bring key people to the table.
  • Figure out your next “ask,” and then ask it with persistence.
  • Activate your networks outside Lincoln.
  • Make sure your representatives know you want them to direct resources to other, disadvantaged communities.
  • Be proactive in your expenditure of political capital.
  • Build and sustain the connections between electoral activities and issues-oriented organizations in order to change policy outcomes.

Click here to watch a recording of the event, including charts (the sound is missing only for the first minute or so).