The wrong time was given in the August 16 News Acorns item for the 9/11 anniversary ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11. It will be at 1:30 p.m., not 11:30 a.m. The original item has been changed to reflect this correction.
history
News acorns
Events at the library next week
“Music from 5,000 Years of Civilization: A slide Presentation on the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra” will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. Accentuating the beauty of ancient Chinese instruments like the pipa and the erhu amidst the grandeur of a Western symphony, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra draws on cherished ancient melodies and delightful musical styles to create a brand-new yet wonderfully familiar experience. Chinese tea and refreshments will be served.
Lincoln native Shaina Low returns to Lincoln after three months in Bethlehem (her 10th visit to the region since 2008) to share her perspective at the Lincoln Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Low will discuss conditions in the occupied West Bank, the political landscape in Israel and Palestine, and her work at the BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, where she researched and authored chapters in its report to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in The Hague on forcible transfer, a crime against humanity as codified in Article 7 in the ICC statute.
Minute Man hosts National Park Service centennial events
Minute Man National Historical Park will host a series of special events as part of this year’s National Park Service Centennial. During Founders’ Day Weekend from Thursday to Sunday, August 25-28. Lincoln highlights include:
- Battle Road Trail Walks — Saturday, Aug. 27 from 12:30-4 pm. Walks starts at Meriam’s Corner and ends at Minute Man Visitor Center. Meet at Minute Man Visitor Center. Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
- All-day kids’ activities — Junior Ranger Centennial Activity Books, Find Your Park, Selfie Station, What is a National Park? — Aug. 26-28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minute Man Visitor Center (250 North Great Road, Lincoln).
For more information, see this Founders’ Day Weekend web page or the MMNHP calendar.
Codman Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
The 34th annual Codman Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Codman Estate (34 Codman Rd.) This annual event features the work of more than 100 local artisans. Items include wooden furniture and toys, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, knitted sweaters and throws, children’s clothing, metalware and folk carvings. Enjoy live music, a food court and first-floor tours of the Codman House museum. Free to Historic New England members and children under 12, $5 for nonmembers. Click here for more information or call 617-994-5914.
COA activities in August
August 3 at 11 a.m.
Codman Estate tour, garden visits and luncheon
You are invited to spend a delightful summer day at the Codman Estate on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. presented by Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Historic New England. Enjoy a house tour, a visit to the Italian Garden, and a picnic under the arbor in the Italian Garden. After lunch, visit with Jai Kaur Annamaria to view her newly established garden and explore adjacent Lincoln conservation land and visit with the alpacas. $5 per person for lunch (Lincoln residents), $10 per person for lunch and tour (non-Lincoln residents). Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.
August 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Share the joy of jazz with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet
Jazz up your summer at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 12:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will share with you their love of traditional jazz music in a delightfully spontaneous jam! They’ll have you stomping your feet and cheering as they belt out favorites such as Honeysuckle Rose, Sweet Georgia Brown, Sunny Side of the Street and When the Saints Go Marching In. The group are all retirees, amateur musicians who give expression to their love of the jazz of the 1920s–1940s at Bemis Hall once a month and also join the larger group of jammers who meet on the third Saturdays of each month, alternating between the library and Bemis Hall.
August 8 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free legal clinic!
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Aug. 8 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 9781) 259-8811.
August 10 at noon
Savor summer with a special luncheon for veterans and their spouses
Veterans and spouses are invited to a special lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at noon at Bemis Hall featuring Hebrew National all beef hot dogs, 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 all veterans and spouses at the luncheon. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by Aug. 3.
August 17 at 1 p.m.
Nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart
Summer is the perfect time to get to know Lincoln’s highways and byways in all their natural glory. Come on a nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m., starting from Bemis Hall. Tom will lead you on one of Lincoln’s many conservation trails while pointing out some of the native flora and fauna that you might otherwise miss. The walk will be on relatively level ground and no more than one mile. No need to sign up, just be at Bemis Hall a few minutes before 1 p.m.
August 18 at 10 a.m.
We honor veterans: end-of-life and survivor benefits
Veterans and their families have special needs when it comes to end-of-life care, whether related to the unique life and health care experiences of veterans or to the benefits of the Veterans Administration for end-of-life health care, burial benefits, or survivor benefits. We Honor Veterans is an initiative of the Veterans Administration and local hospices and other care providers to make sure that veterans receive sensitive and compassionate care and know about all their benefits. Come find out more when Mary Beth Kawalek of Brookhaven Hospice comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug 18 at 10:00 a.m.
August 22 and 24 at 10 a.m.
Enjoy historic Lincoln cemetery walks
Lincoln’s cemeteries are both historic and beautiful, telling the stories of Minute Men and soldiers from many wars, town luminaries, and ordinary people while also being extraordinary works of art. Gather at Bemis Hall for a walk through the Meeting House Cemetery (1756) with Valerie Fox, Deputy Town Clerk, on Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Then on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 10 a.m. meet at the entrance to the Arborvitae Cemetery (1837) for a walk with Cemetery Commission member Susan Harding. In both walks you’ll hear about the history of the cemeteries, stories of some of the people buried, and about the artistry of the monuments and landscapes. No need to sign up.
August 24 at 1 p.m.
Give calligraphy a try
Calligraphy is a beautiful way to express yourself while making elegant and lovely invitations, notes, cards, certificates, and more. Come give calligraphy a try on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. when Beth Anderson, client liaison with Caring Companion Home Care, comes to Bemis Hall. She’ll demonstrate how to do calligraphy, explain what you’ll need to take it up, and let you try your hand at it. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Whaling museum in September
Save September 21 for a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum! This renowned museum of the history of whaling and its impact on New England, the nation, and the world offers interactive exhibits, including the world’s largest whaling ship model; displays of fine and decorative arts; collections of cultural artifacts, rare antiquities, scrimshaw and logbooks; and five whale skeletons including the rare blue and northern right. For more information, see the COA’s September newsletter!
Improve your life with Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is a new and innovative way of building on strengths to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life, cultivate what is best within ourselves, and enhance love, work, and play. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now for a free eight-session course, beginning Friday, September 16 at 9:30, in which you will hear presentations, view videos and engage in discussions to learn strategies for being happier, realizing dreams, bringing about personal change, using mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and nutrition to enhance quality of life, and improving relationships. The course is taught by Alyson Lee, who is a social worker and life coach and certified to teach Positive Psychology. It is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust.
Music appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics
Develop your musical listening skills and music appreciation with Music Appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics presented at the COA by the Concord Conservatory of Music. This year the course will cover special topics like world music, American music, opera, and symphonies. 12 Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning September 13. $117. Taught by Ela Brandys, DMA. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now!
Take charge with aging mastery
This fall, forge your own path to better physical and emotional health, financial well-being, and life enrichment through actionable goals, small but impactful life changes, and peer support! Lincoln seniors are invited to join others from Weston and Wayland at the Weston COA in this free 10-week program meeting on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. beginning on September 14. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now as space is limited. Supported by the National Council on Aging, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Memoir group
Without any obligation, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we 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. 7 and 21; Oct. 5 and 19; Nov. 2, 16, and 30; and Dec. 14. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.
Beginning and refresher bridge
Depending on interest, the COA may offer a beginning and refresher bridge class in the fall. Look for more details in the September newsletter! If you are interested in bridge lessons, please call Carolyn at the COA at 781-259-8811!
News acorns
Antique auto show on Sunday
Historic New England will host its annual antique auto show at the Codman Estate on Saturday, July 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show draws more than 200 classic and antique autos, trucks and motorcycles from all over New England and includes entertainment by the New Liberty Jazz Band, museum tours, a raffle, and food concessions. Rain or shine. Free for Historic New England members and children under 12, $5 for nonmembers. Registration fee for antique vehicles:$10 (passengers are free). Classic and antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, and fire engines are welcome as long as they are at least 25 years old. Entrants receive show ribbons. Please call 617-994-5900 ext. 5514 for more information. (Click here for a story and photos from the 2012 show.)
Also at the event, a representative of the U.S. Postal Service is unveiling a new postage stamp series with vintage truck images. The brief ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at the Codman Estate.
Hendricks wins deCordova prize
Barkley Hendricks, Photo Bloke, 2016 (click to enlarge).
Barkley Hendricks is the 17th recipient of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s prestigious Rappaport Prize, an annual award of $25,000 given to an established contemporary artist with strong connections to New England. Known primarily as a figurative painter, Hendricks has also worked in photography throughout his nearly five-decade-long career. His work most often includes portraits of ordinary people he has encountered on the street and in his life against backgrounds of flat color.
“We are honored to award the 2016 Rappaport Prize to Barkley Hendricks,” deCordova Executive Director John B. Ravenal said in a statement. “His work is beautiful, thought-provoking and culturally relevant. His strong connection to New England as a longstanding resident of New London started while as a student at Yale and led to a nearly 40-year career as a professor at Connecticut College.”
“A big thank-you to deCordova for this award. I feel honored to be the recipient of the Rappaport Prize. I am proud of my relationship with John Ravenal and [Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator] Jennifer Gross; deCordova is lucky to have two hip people at the lead,” Hendicks said. The public is invited to attend the Rappaport Prize Lecture with Hendricks on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Admission is free.
RESIST class offered
The Lincoln Police in collaboration with Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) is offering a RESIST self-defense class for female-identified high school/college-aged folks on Thursday, August 4 and 11 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The goal of the course is to learn how to escape from an attacker by using instinct-based moves. On Day 1, we will talk about general safety and dating safety before learning and then practicing physical self-defense moves like strikes, blocks and knee strikes. For Day 2, students and instructors will don protective gear, and participants will be “attacked” using learned moves to escape. This part of the course is intense but amazing and empowering.
The class is free, but registration is required and space is limited. If you have any questions or you’d like to sign up, please email jenasalon@gmail.com.
Discussion on little-known phrase of Declaration of Independence
A conversation about the Declaration of Independence with special attention to one problematic phrase will take place on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. in Bemis Hall.
Most Americans are familiar with phrases of the Declaration of Independence such as “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But here is also this phrase: “He [the English king] has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.”
Does this stand in stark contrast to the principle expressed in the line previously mentioned? What was the mindset at the time? How does this differ from present time, when we hear it suggested that others are less than or unwelcome. Attendees at a recent Discovering Diversity meeting in Lincoln began discussing this phrase and asking if this a line we are comfortable reading every year on the 4th of July. Come to a conversation about the Declaration of Independence facilitated by Mandy Beal from the First Parish Church, learn some history about the Declaration and find out what the decision will be. Mel Bernstein, chairman of the American Revolution Round Table of the Minute Man National Historical Park, will add historical background and context. Refreshments provided by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee.
News acorns
Special service to honor Orlando victims on Sunday
On Sunday, June 19 at 10 a.m., come to the First Parish in Lincoln for a special musical “coffee house-style” worship service to honor Orlando through music, reflection and prayer to help attendees tend to their spiritual selves in the midst of the Orlando tragedy. Rev. Manish and ministerial intern Mandy Beal will lead the service alongside special guest musicians from First Parish and beyond. All are welcome.
The First Parish will hold one service per month in July and August. On Sunday, July 24 at 10 a.m., Sandra Summers will lead the congregation in worship. Mandy Beal, FPL’s current ministerial intern, will lead a service on Sunday, August 21 at 10 a.m.
“Telling Our Stories” on two days next week
Share your story and listen to other Lincolnites’ stories at one of two Fireside Chat events: Monday, June 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Library or Wednesday, June 22 from 10-11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. We all have a story to tell. It may be a story we’ve told many times or one we’ve never told anyone. It may be funny or sad, poignant or light. When we tell each other our stories and listen to the stories of other people, we not only learn more about each other but also about ourselves as individuals and as a community. Too often, we are just too busy to truly listen to the stories of our neighbors. Facilitated by Sharon Antia.
Farmer’s market starts June 25
Starting Saturday, June 25 and continuing through the summer, the Rural Land Foundation will host the Farmer’s Market at Lincoln Station every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the front parking area along Lincoln Road. The event is an opportunity to support local farms and businesses and to buy some of the best local produce available. Lincoln farms including Blue Heron Organic Farm, Codman Farm, Lindentree Farm and Matlock Farm will be present to sell a wide variety of their farm fresh produce and wares. In addition, Houtzeel’s Breadoven will be returning with their oven-fresh breads and a variety of other vendors to share their specialties.
Minute Man National Historical Park needs votes for grant
The Friends of Minute Man National Park (FMMNP) have a chance to win $250,000 to preserve the 1775 Parker’s Revenge battle site and to transform the adjacent historic Hargrove Barn for classroom use. Twenty national park units out of more than 400 have been selected to compete for funding in a nationwide online voting campaign. “Partners in Preservation: National Parks” is a partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. The FMMNP is asking supporters to register and vote by going to this National Geographic voting portal and casting their votes every day between now and July 5. Voters will be able to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to Yellowstone National Park courtesy of National Geographic.
Council on Aging activities in June
The many faces of loss: a new group
June 6 at 10 a.m.
As we age we confront loss in many forms. It may be the death of loved ones. It may also be dealing with physical or cognitive changes in loved ones, friends or in ourselves. It may include regrets about lost opportunities and we may also confront the recognition of our own mortality. Claire Gerstein, LICSW, our social worker with many years of experience helping people navigate the losses of later life, will be facilitating a group which will give people the opportunity to talk about these issues in a supportive environment. The six-week group will run on Mondays from 10-11 a.m. beginning on June 6 at Bemis Hall. No need to sign up.
Lincoln Academy with Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler—Keeping the waters of life flowing: water conservation and infrastructure in Lincoln
June 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 6 at 12:30 to hear Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler discuss “Keeping the Waters of Life Flowing: Water Conservation and Infrastructure in Lincoln.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
Being mortal: discuss life and end-of-life planning
June 9 at 10 a.m.
How we die and help family and friends at the end of their lives, how the medical system assists or hinders you in your choices, and the best ways to live more independently are all questions that have no easy answers. Join in a series of free-ranging conversations on these and other related topics, with references to Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal, facilitated by Alyson Lee, life coach, social worker and certified facilitator for Honoring Choices/Massachusetts. This month’s conversation will be on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall.
Lincoln Academy with Mike O’Brien—Making sense of our crazy politics: how psychology can change what we see
June 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 13 at 12:30 to hear Mike O’Brien discuss “Making Sense of Our Crazy Politics: How Psychology Can Change What We See.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free clinic!
June 13 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, June 13 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Celebrate summer at our strawberry ice cream social!
June 16 at noon
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social which will be held at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 16 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! Please RSVP to the COA at 781-259-8811. Tell them when you call if you will need a ride.
Stay up to date and save yourself from becoming the victim of a scam
June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Criminals have scammed Lincoln residents out of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past several years. Becoming the victim of a scam can happen to anyone; criminals are professionals at stealing your money and they count on victims believing that it can’t happen to them. Come find out what the latest scams are in Lincoln and how to protect yourself from them when Lieutenant Sean Kennedy and Detective Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police Department host a seminar at the Public Safety Building on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m. They will serve coffee, muffins, and donuts! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up so they know how many to expect. Come to learn and discuss your questions and concerns.
Sharing memories, sharing lives
June 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Memories are an important facet of our lives as elders. The recollection of past events connects us to our former selves and our feelings, providing a through-line to who we are now and what we believe in, based upon how these values influenced our lives. Memories also connect us to each other as part of a shared experience. On Friday, June 17 from 12:30-2:30, join Leslie Kilgore at Bemis Hall in a workshop entitled Sharing Memories, Sharing Lives as we discuss our memories and bring them to life through role-playing, art, or music. Participants can choose to explore their memories in one or several of the arts and may bring in their own musical instruments if desired. Artistic experience is not required; the emphasis is on self-expression and the process, not the finished product. Please come!
Lincoln Academy with former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club: Growing up on horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s
June 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 20, at 12:30 to hear former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club discuss “Growing Up on Horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s.” Bring a bag lunch. 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.
The butterfly place
June 21
Join the COA for a visit to Westford’s Butterfly Place on Tues., June 21. It’s an indoor garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies! The trip will leave by Doherty’s bus from the Lincoln Mall at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $10. Lunch at Kimball Farm. You will return to Lincoln around 1 p.m. Send a check made out to FLCOA Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln MA 01773. Please enclose your phone number and email address. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.
Fireside chat: telling each other our stories
June 22 at 10 a.m.
We all have a story to tell. It may be a story we have told many times or one we have never told anyone. It may be funny or sad, poignant or light. When we tell each other our stories and listen to the stories of other people, we not only learn more about each other but also about ourselves as individuals and as a community. Too often, we are just too busy to truly listen to the stories of our neighbors. Come to the June Fireside Chat facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall and take some time to learn about your neighbor and share your own life. Be prepared to tell a short story from your life and/or listen to others’ stories.
Summer solstice celebration: walking the labyrinth
June 24 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate summer with Jai Kaur Annamaria in one of Lincoln’s secret wonders—a local labyrinth! You will experience the ancient meditative practice of walking a labyrinth, indulge your senses in flowers, and enjoy summer’s abundant beauty. The event will be on Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. Please call the COA to sign up. The location will be given on registration. A $5 donation is requested. The rain date will be June 25.
Interested in playing bridge or learning duplicate bridge?
June 24 at 12:30 p.m.
A small group currently plays every Friday afternoon at Bemis Hall and will continue during the summer on Mondays. If there is interest, courses may be offered during the Fall for beginners and refreshers for others. Please call Carolyn at 781-259-8811 for more info and/or come to Bemis Hall Friday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss bridge in the fall.
Save the date: An architectural voyage around Boston by boat
Join the COA for a unique voyage on the Charles River and around Boston Harbor on Wednesday, July 13. This 90-minute tour hosted by the Charles Riverboat Company offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin and includes historic landmarks and contemporary designs by today’s top architects. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical difficulty, is $26 (non-refundable). The trip will run rain or shine so come prepared! Space is limited. The trip will stop for lunch on your own at the Summer Shack in Cambridge, then go on to the dock. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 11:45 a.m. Send your check for $26, payable to FLCOA/Trips, to Claire Mount, 123 Tower Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 prior to July 1. Call Claire at 781-259-8695 to reserve your spot.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” performance, book group planned
Richard Clarke pointing at the Bible as he portrays Clarence Darrow.
Lincolnites of all ages are invited to come to Bemis Hall on Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m. for a special performance by acclaimed actor Richard Clark of his one-man show “Atticus,” based on the iconic American character created by Harper Lee in her novels To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman.
Enrich your experience with an intergenerational book group on both books co-sponsored with the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. in the library’s Tarbell Room. Copies of both books in various formats are available at the circulation desk of the library.
In Clark’s performance, Atticus Finch steps from the pages of To Kill a Mockingbird and brings to life the tragedy and triumph of Harper Lee’s classic novel. As a loving father, compassionate friend and uncompromising attorney, Atticus represents the divine spark in the human spirit as he leads a cast of unlikely heroes in this story. The courtroom drama, the poignant interactions between a father and child, and the harsh realities of bigotry and hatred all blend to make this a compelling theatrical event for all ages.
Richard Clark is an actor with over 30 years of experience in New England regional theater, New York theater and television. His “Keeping History Alive” series brings historical figures such as Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, Clarence Darrow, John Barrymore, Ernest Hemingway and William Shakespeare back to life. His shows are based on biographies, autobiographies personal letters, books and the works of various playwrights.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 (Atticus performance) or the library at 781-259-8465 (book group).
News acorns
Tour historic homes for free on June 4
Historic New England is having an open house with hourly guided tours on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gropius House and the Codman Estate in Lincoln as well as the Browne House in Watertown. Most Historic New England properties are open for free on the first Saturday in June, when visitors can learn about the people who lived in stone-enders, urban mansions, rural estates and working farms. All tours are first-come, first-served.
Magic Garden hoedown on June 4
Join the Magic Garden community at its annual hoedown event on Saturday, June 4 from 6-10 p.m. in Codman Barn. Enjoy mechanical bull riding, dancing, barbecue by Firefly’s Restaurant, beer and wine, and a silent auction. All proceeds support educational programming and the Tuition Assistance Program at Magic Garden. Tickets are $50 each, or $40 if you purchase four or more. Please contact the Magic Garden Office at 781-259-8161or office@magic-garden.org to purchase.
Used book sale returns to Bemis
The Friends of the Lincoln Public Library book sale is back! Come to Bemis Hall on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. Browse the large selection of good-quality used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books and support the library and its many programs while finding great reading material. Hardcovers are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents, or fill a grocery bag full of books for only $8. CDs are also available for $1.
DeCordova’s Montross wins award for exhibit publication
Sarah Montross
The Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) has granted deCordova Scultpure Park and Museum Associate Curator Sarah Montross a first-place Award for a catalogue/publication for Past Futures: Science Fiction, Space Travel, and Postwar Art of the Americas. Published by MIT Press, this catalogue supported the eponymous exhibition she curated in 2015 while in her role as Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. Montross has been at deCordova since April 2015 and is co-curator with Chief Curator Jennifer Gross of the 2016 deCordova Biennial that will open on October 7, 2016. “We’re excited to have this caliber of curatorial excellence on deCordova’s team and look forward to sharing Sarah’s work as co-curator of the upcoming Biennial exhibition,” said deCordova Executive Director John Ravenal.
Amy Herrera headlines next open-mike night
Amy Herrera will perform starting around 8:30 p.m. at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open-Mike Acoustic) Night on Monday, June 13. The event takes place in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room from 7-10 p.m. Herrera has played venues including last year’s Providence Folk Festival and has three CDs to her credit, most recently Goodnight, Nobody featuring the song Stumble Into You. Perform (sign up at the event or emailRich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Lincoln’s Page wins Malice Domestic’s Lifetime Achievement Award
A poster showing all of Page’s books (click to enlarge).
Page’s award.
Mystery writer and Lincoln resident Katherine Hall Page received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Malice Domestic mystery writers’ conference. She is one of the only authors to have won an Agatha Award in all three categories: Best Novel, Best Short Story and Best First Novel. Page’s latest book, The Body in the Wardrobe, is the 23rd installment in the series starring part-time sleuth, minister’s wife and caterer Faith Fairchild along with Sophie Maxwell, last seen in The Body in the Birches and now a newlywed living in historic Savannah, Ga., where she crosses paths with murder. Established in 1989, Malice Domestic is an annual convention that celebrates the traditional mystery genre, best typified by the works of Agatha Christie.
Series on Iraq and ISIS continues on Friday
The second in a series of discussions on the origins of ISIS, the U.S. involvement in Iraq and how the psychology of our current political leaders plays into these issues will be led by retired counseling psychologist Michael O’Brien on Friday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall.
The first session on May 20 focused on an article published March 13 in Boston Globe Magazine titled “An Iraq Reckoning” describing how two key decisions by Paul Bremer in Iraq in 2003 shook the Middle East and paved the way for ISIS. At this week’s session, attendees will watch the 2007 documentary No End in Sight that presents a “staggering portrait of arrogance and incompetence in our chain of decisions that led Iraq into a state of chaos and civil war following our occupation.” The third session, “Fiasco in Iraq” on Friday, June 3, will discuss the May 27 film and the book Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq by Thomas Ricks, senior Pentagon correspondent for the Washington Post.
Each of these Friday morning sessions, co-sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library and the Lincoln Council on Aging, will run from 9:30-11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. For more information on the series, call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8211
O’Brien will also speak on Monday, June 13 about “Making Sense of Our Crazy Politics: How Psychology Can Change What We See.” It will consist of a 30-minute talk followed by discussion as part of the Lincoln Academy series regularly held on Mondays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. O’Brien will focus on how psychological research on various developmental needs—as well as narcissistic and socially dominant personalities, submissive-follower types, and even differing views on God and reality—can illuminate what we’re seeing in our current national political contests.
Attendees are urged to read the Boston Globe article before the next two discussions, as well as Ricks’s book prior to the June 13 session. For those unable to attend the May 27 screening, No End in Sight is available on DVD and from some libraries.
O’Brien, a longtime Lincoln resident, has a doctorate in counseling psychology and an master’s degree in theology. Now retired, he has long focused on phenomenological approaches to the study of personality. He worked for many years as a clinical counselor and therapist at counseling and testing centers at both Boston University and Northeastern University. Earlier, after years of theological study, he taught courses on biblical exegesis at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.