nature

Lincoln Academy with Meghan Lytton—Stories, facts and photos from the Iditarod Trail
October 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 2 at 12:30 to hear Meghan Lytton discuss “Stories, Facts and Photos from the Iditarod Trail.” Save yourself the long trip to Nome, Alaska to learn about the Iditarod Trail Race, where dogs pull a sled and their musher 1,000 miles over some of the toughest terrain. Meghan will be sharing her adventure to Alaska in 2016 to see what some have called the toughest race on earth. If you would like, you can meet a real sled dog. 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.

You’ve been selected…
October 4 from 2–3 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 stay for the hour, we hope to see you.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
October 4 at 1 p.m.
Jimmy Santos, constituent services and military liaison for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Get to know Abby Butt, our new COA assistant director
October 5 at 10:30 a.m.
Come meet and greet the COA’s new Assistant Director, Abby Butt, on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Abby provides assistance in evaluating in-home needs and finding services, as well as crisis intervention, and general support to Lincoln seniors, families, and caregivers, individually or in groups. She brings many years of experience working in other COAs as well as conducting community needs assessments, program and policy development, and more. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas.

Aging in nature: key to our well being (panel and walks)
October 6 at 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust invites you to (1) a special panel on how and why access to nature is a key ingredient to our well-being as we age and (2) nature walks. Older adults who have the opportunity to spend time in nature have improved physical and mental health, as well as cognitive functioning, and are more likely to have social connections around them and in the community. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 6 at 12:30 to hear John Calabria, yoga teacher and expert in mindfulness and nature, who will share his outings with an elder friend who cares for 60 bluebird nest boxes; Ellie Horwitz, certified wildlife biologist and tai chi instructor; and Sophie Wadsworth, executive director of the Nature Connection. They will discuss how contact with nature benefits them and those they work with. A question and answer period will follow and all are invited to share their own experiences with keeping in contact with nature. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Then join naturalist John Calabria for a series of walks in some of Lincoln’s most beautiful places on Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17, and 24 at 1 p.m. Unplug, disconnect from the world for a while and let our senses come alive in nature. These programs are co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Deaconess Abundant Life Services and Newbury Court. For more information, go to lincolnconservation.org.

Free wellness clinic for all ages                                     
October 10 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Oct. 10 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.

Tour of the State House and lunch
October 11 at 9:15 a.m.
These historic and truly beautiful buildings house the story of Massachusetts. John Adams’s passion for justice, community and learning are evident in the stunning 19th-century courthouse where the Supreme Judicial Court or Appeals Court meets right across the street from the Massachusetts State House where the docent led tours begin. The bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. sharp and plans to be back in Lincoln by 4 p.m. Lunch will be on your own at The Union Oyster House. The cost of the trip is $15 and is supported by the Hurff Fund so the trip is limited to Lincoln seniors. Both buildings have elevators but expect to be standing on both tours. Send your check payable to FLCOA, along with your phone # and email, to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or call 781-257-5050 or email donna@ecacbed.com.

Celebrate fall’s cool days with the Trad Jazz Band
October 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Join the Trad Jazz Band regulars, including a busload who come from the Commons each month, in the COA’s series of lunchtime old time jazz concerts at Bemis. Come find out what brings them in. The band plays your favorites that bring back memories and get you up on your feet dancing and clapping. This month’s concert is on Friday, Oct. 13 from 12:30 to 1:30.

Play to your strengths: A new course with Alyson Lee
October 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Learn to identify your unique strengths and then, in a playful, upbeat environment, discover how to live life by leading with those strengths in a new free course given by Alyson Lee on Mondays Oct. 16, 23, and 30 and Nov. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Ms. Lee will use presentation of information, discussion of meaningful experiences, and strength-based games to help you improve your overall well being and relationships. Lee is a co-active life coach, social worker and certified positive psychology instructor who taught the wildly popular Positive Psychology course and the new monthly Positive Psychology Practice group. This course is supported by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. All are welcome to any session.

Lincoln Academy with Antje Duvekot—Two words for travel 
October 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 16 at 12:30 to hear Antje Duvekot discuss “Two Words for Travel.” Lincoln resident and nationally touring singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot believes there should be two distinct words for travel, one when traveling for business and another when traveling for adventure or learning. The 40 year old artist has done both. After more than a decade building a grass roots music career on the road brought her loneliness and burnout she began traveling to places like Guatemala, Uganda and the West Bank for humanitarian purposes. This is about those divergent experiences. 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 elder law clinic
October 16 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, Oct. 16 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.

Gourmet luncheon
October 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at St. Anne’s Church. They welcome new diners often — give them a try. Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know if you need transportation or a seating partner when you sign up. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club.

The COA Science Group: 4,000 feet of climate change
October 19 at 10:15 a.m.
Join physicist Stanley Solomon on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 10:15 a.m. in Bemis Hall for the first in a three-part series exploring the physicists’ view of climate change using articles from three issues of Physics Today, a professional journal published by the a.m.erican Physics Society and read by physicists worldwide. In the first session, Stan will provide brief comments about the sun and about geologic records. He plans to distribute copies of the articles before the sessions, so if you would like copies, please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to leave your name and address.

A discussion of Lincoln values and the school project
October 20 at 12:30 p.m.
You are invited to join a discussion of the Lincoln School Project with members of the School Building Committee (SBC) and their design team, and with members of the Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee (PPDC), on Friday, Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The two committees are working collaboratively to develop plans for the Ballfield Road campus, and will take this opportunity to update members of the COA on the work so far, and to engage in a discussion of the town’s values and priorities. The SBC will be working with its project manager, Daedalus Projects, Inc., and its design team from SMMA, and with the PPDC, to design a school and a campus that reflect those values and priorities–come and make your voice heard.

Property tax assessment and ways to pay less
October 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Join Ellen Meadors from Lincoln’s Board of Assessors on Friday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall to learn how your property is assessed and what to do if you think your property should be valued differently. Also, come find out whether you might be eligible for one or more opportunities for abatements, exemptions, and deferrals to lower your bill including those for veterans, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

Lincoln Academy with Ray Anthony Shepard—The Emancipation Sword: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment
October 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 23 at 12:30 to hear Ray Anthony Shepard discuss “The Emancipation Sword: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment.” He will speak about his just published biography Now or Never!: Massachusetts 54th Infantry’s Fight to End Slavery. The author shared a working draft at the Lincoln Academy in the spring of 2015 and returns to share how and why he wanted to tell the story of the “glory” regiment for a new audience. 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.

Fireside chat: the key to staying health and happy
October 25 at 10 a.m.
What is the key to staying happy and healthy? Genes, luck and finances have a role, but what have you found keeps you going? Some people seem to stay young and active longer than others. Some people with all sorts of ailments or disadvantages still seem to be living a good life. What is the key? Discuss your thoughts and ideas with a group on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Fireside Chat’s new location in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Medicare open enrollment insurance update 
October 27 at 10 a.m.
Find out what changes could affect your Medicare coverage and how much you will pay in 2018 when Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s counselors from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program-health benefits counseling for Medicare enrollees, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. This is an important time to understand the changes for 2018 and to be sure you are satisfied with your current health insurance benefits. Medicare open enrollment period—October 15 to December 7, 2017—is your opportunity to make any changes to your Medicare coverage, effective Jan. 1st. Representatives from most major supplemental health insurance plans (Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Fallon, and AARP/United Health Care) will have 2018 information for Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. Also present will be Priscilla Leach, Veterans Service Officer. Note: This program is designed to go over 2018 changes in basic Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans.

On Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., SHINE will present an in-depth “Medicare 101” to go over the basics of Medicare and the different types of insurance plans—see below.

Minuteman Senior Services provides a variety of services that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the setting of their choice. For more information, call toll-free 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.

African story time: Uganda in the spotlight
October 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m. to expand on your knowledge about Uganda, a country located in the eastern part of the African continent. Please join Gaspar Kalemera for some ice cream and a wonderful time while he tells you interesting things about this country that was once known because of its dictator President Idi Amin during the 1970s. Come socialize and learn.

Lincoln Academy with Gordon Woodington—Japan: Impressions and Highlights
October 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Oct. 30 at 12:30 to hear Gordon Woodington discuss “Japan: Impressions and Highlights.” Gordon invites you to enjoy the highlights of his many trips to Japan, including a number of cities, his impressions of the people and culture, what turned him into a Japanese “foodie,” and interesting aspects of everyday communication. 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.

Medicare 101: What to know, how to choose
November 1 at 7 p.m.
Come find out the basics of Medicare on Wednesday, Nov. 1 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 in the next year, but is also for those who just wish to learn more and understand their benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare 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. Minuteman Senior Services provides a variety of services that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the setting of their choice. For more information, call toll-free 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.

Save the date:

Toni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon Beadle sing and play the blues

All ages are invited to a free concert by renowned Boston-area blues vocalist Toni Lynn Washington and acclaimed saxophonist Sax Gordon Beadle on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The performance is the First Annual Ronna Cooper Memorial Concert and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. It is a gift from Margo Cooper in celebration of her mother’s life. Ms. Washington has delighted and awed audiences in Boston and around the country and the globe for decades as both a singer and songwriter. She has received the Boston Blues Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, had seven Blues Music Award nominations, and released five CDs. Sax Gordon, known for his “hard-blowing, exciting, gutsy” signature style, has performed around the world, won numerous awards, and recorded six CDs. The Duke Robillard rhythm section: Bruce Bears on keyboard; Jesse Williams on bass; and Mark Teixeira on drums, will back up Toni Lynn and Sax Gordon for this fabulous afternoon of music.

Go bowling November 9
Let’s go Bowling at the Acton Bowladrome Thursday, Nov. 9. Most of us haven’t bowled in years, but don’t worry—bowlers will be using small balls (candlepin bowling). The group will have four bowlers to a lane and maybe get a little competition going. Afterwards, they will head for an early dinner to Not Your Average Joe’s to discuss their bowling skills or lack thereof. They will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 2 p.m. and plan to be back in Lincoln by 6:15 p.m. Traveling in a Doherty’s School Bus, the cost of the trip is $15 which includes lane and shoe rental and dinner will be on your own. To make your reservation, send your check to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA, 781-257-5050.

December 8 at the Boston Pops
Join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on Friday, Dec. 8 in a performance filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus himself. You will be attending the 4 p.m. matinee performance. The seats are excellent, floor table seats, front orchestra, side section. They have just 30 seats, so don’t delay in signing up. The air-conditioned air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 2:15 p.m., returning at approximately 7:30 p.m. This trip is rated easy for physical ability, and entails only a moderate a.m.ount of walking. The price for the trip is $67 per person. The cost is non-refundable and does not include the price of snacks and drinks served at the concert. Funded by the Hurff Fund, this trip is 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.