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Domestic Violence Services Network hours
January 4 at 10 a.m.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse by a family member, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, or you are concerned about someone who is, come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 4 between 10 a.m. and noon to have a confidential discussion with an advocate from Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. Come find out more about domestic violence, and how to cope with it, as well as learn about available resources in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. All conversations are completely confidential.

Memoir group welcomes new members
January 4 and 18 at 10 a.m.
The Memoir Group welcomes new members in September and January if there is room in the group. If you are interested in joining us for the January term or want information about the group, please email the facilitator, Connie Lewis (conlewis1000@gmail.com). Memoirs meets on January 4 and 18 at 10 a.m.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
January 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, Jan. 4 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Free wellness clinic for all ages!
January 5 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Thursday, Jan. 5 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.

Get yourself to declutter
January 6 at 10 a.m.
You know you need to declutter, but sometimes you just can’t. You may be overwhelmed with feelings of loss, sadness or anxiety at the thought of letting something go. People accumulate too many material objects for many reasons, and sometimes it has to do with old memories, good and bad, rather than the value of the object itself. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. when Pam Mizrahi, the COA’s co-assistant director and a social worker, explores some of the reasons why it can be so hard to let go of objects and how we can be more comfortable doing it. Bring your experiences, questions, and concerns.

Ring in the new year with the oldies 
January 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Sing in the New Year with good ol’ oldies of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s on Friday, Jan. 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band. Enjoy remembrances of Bing Crosby, Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, Louis and Ella, and maybe a hint of Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson—lyrics provided to songs like Pennies From Heaven, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.

Pastels with Juliet
Express your most vibrant self with the brilliant colors of pastels in a class with Juliet Rago. She will begin with a short introduction to drawing for those who feel they need it. The class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on January 9, 13, 20, 23, 27 and 30. No experience is necessary. All materials will be furnished. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Limit of six people. The fee is $40.

Lincoln Academy with Don Southall: up close and personal with lions, leopards, birds and more in South Africa’s Kruger Park
January 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 9 at 12:30 to hear Don Southall discuss “Up Close and Personal with Lions, Leopards, Birds and More in South Africa’s Kruger Park.” Don Southall has spent 250 nights on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (the size of Connecticut) taking amazing photos and studying animal behavior up close and personal. He shares stories of his many encounters with predators and prey, winged beauties, and beasts of all kinds and the best of his immense collection of photos. 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.

Free legal clinic
January 9 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The COA is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Jan. 9 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.

Get help with iPhones and iPads
January 12 at 9:30 a.m.
The COA’s programs on iPhones and iPads given by Andy Payne have been so popular that they have asked him to come back yet again! Andy will be at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m. to give you more information on the operation and features of iphones and iPads and answer your questions. You are welcome to attend whether you came to the other sessions or not. If you have tips for using your iPhone or iPad, bring those, too!

Internet and social media: it’s easier than you think!
January 12 at 11a.m.
These days, if you are going to get the word out about events or other things, you need to know how to use the Internet’s social media like Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. A growing number of people, especially those who are younger, get all their information online. If you are in charge of publicizing events for an organization or yourself, or you want other people to know about something you are offering or selling, come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 11a.m. when Andy Payne will give an introduction to what social media is and how to use it. It’s easier than you think!

Learn about plans for the Wang property
January 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Join representatives from Parks & Recreation, the Rural Land Foundation and the Birches School on Friday, Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall to discuss their private-public partnership focused on the former Wang property, located at 100 Bedford Road in Lincoln. The current plan, if approved at the March 2017 Town Meeting, is to develop the 16-acre property as the home of Birches School, to set aside nine acres for conservation and three acres to install an athletic field. The effort, which will be discussed at Town Meeting, is a once-in-a-generation effort to create the first new athletic field in Lincoln in nearly 50 years.

Senior dining
January 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, Jan. 17 at St. Anne’s church. 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 the COA know if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s and the Lincoln Garden Club. A special dessert will be provided by the staff and children of the Magic Garden Children’s Center.

Coffee with artist Dilla Gooch Tingley
January 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Join artist Dilla Gooch Tingley at “Coffee with the Artist” at Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. to see her fabric wall hangings inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and The Group of Seven. The Group of Seven are Canadian landscape painters including Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, Frankin Carmichael, F.H. Varley and Frank Johnson who produced exciting paintings of the spectacular Canadian wilderness and who believed that art should permeate all our lives.

The COA science group: the evolution of science
January 19 at 10 a.m.
The evolution of science presents a number of fundamental questions. Join John Getsinger, an attorney who has studied mathematics, medicine, and science, as he explores three questions he finds particularly interesting on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. (1) Foundations: How is science even possible? (the physics of thought); (2) Dynamics: What makes the evolution of science possible? (things change vs. ideas change); (3) Open problems: does science have to evolve in order to explain NASA’s em-drive experiment? (or, “wait, what happened to the action-reaction law?”) If you have any thoughts on these questions you would be willing to share with John in advance, email him at jrgetsin@gmail.com.

Coffee with a cop
January 19 at 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to meet privately with a Lincoln police officer. Do you have a security concern regarding yourself, a family member or neighbor? An idea for the Police should try? Would you like guidance about a situation? Come on down! No need to make an appointment. An officer will be at Bemis each third Thursday of the month.

Better relationships for a better life
January 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Having close friends and family can reduce stress and depression and even help you live longer. But our later years may bring challenges to our relationships when we move, after we retire, when friends and family become ill or pass away, or when we have trouble getting out to be with others. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Jan. 20 at 9:30 when social worker Claire Gerstein discusses the importance of healthy relationships, how we can improve the relationships we have, and find people with whom to form new ones. Whether you are feeling more isolated than you would like, or just want to learn more about the interconnection between health and relationships, come hear what Claire has to say, and give your own thoughts and ideas.

A traveler’s-eye view of Japan
January 20 at 12:30 p.m.
“Japan: Where Tradition Meets the Future” is more than just the national tourism board slogan. Temples, shrines, and imperial history mixed with bullet trains, harajuku girls and anime to create a fascinating and unique place that should be on every traveler’s radar. Come to Bemis Hall on January 20 at 12:30 when Peggy Dawson will share ideas and tips from her recent trip.

2017 Top of the Town winter gala
January 21 at 5 p.m.
Are you planning to go to the Top of the Town Winter Gala on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the deCordova Museum? If so, please send in the reservation form on the invitation mailed to you in December. The form must reach the FLCOA at PO Box 143, Lincoln, MA 01773 or Bemis Hall by January 12 to confirm your attendance. This is a catered party, and an accurate head count is important! Because there is a space limit of 200 persons, the FLCOA will start a wait list if replies reach that number. They request that you let them know promptly if you must cancel so they can notify the next person on the list. While the Friends of the Lincoln COA are pleased to host this event with free admission for Lincoln residents, they greatly appreciate your donations to show your support for this event.

Lincoln Academy with Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger: Icelandic adventures on horseback
January 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 23 at 12:30 to hear Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger discuss “Icelandic Adventure on Horseback.” Nancy Bergen and Sally Kindleberger share their adventures in Iceland last summer. Riding Icelandic horses through breathtaking forests and along a beautiful beach, taking a monumental hike, swimming in a “hot river” and seeing beautiful scenery including geysers and the largest falls in Europe are just some their experiences. 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.

World hand drumming for fun and well-being
January 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to express yourself and enhance well-being that’s sweeping the country. It’s a great way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve overall musical skills, and de-stress, relax and feel more positive. Come try hand drumming in a special one-time, free demonstration workshop with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 9:30 a.m. No need to bring a drum. If there is interest, the COA will offer a spring class.

Fireside chat: saving Planet Earth
January 25 at 10 a.m.
How helpful are limiting family size or veganism in our efforts to save the planet? Come join others in a lively but respectful discussion of this topic using questions and answers on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The Fireside Chats happen once each month, on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m., and are facilitated by Sharon Antia. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but rather to share information and ideas so as to create dialogue and greater understanding.

January 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Have a tax prep question?
If you have a simple question about your taxes or preparation of your returns, come to Bemis Hall on January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. when Packy Lawler will hold “office hours.” Packy is one of Lincoln’s highly trained AARP/IRS TaxAide counselors who provides free preparation of federal and state tax returns each year. Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up for an appointment.

Multigenerational sing-along
January 27 at 3:30 p.m.
The LEAP after-school program, the Lincoln Council on Aging and the Magic Garden Children’s Center invite Lincoln residents of all ages to enjoy a free Multigenerational Concert and Sing-Along as part of the Winter Carnival on Friday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The program will include singing groups from each of the three organizations and then a sing-along including all groups and the audience at the end. Members of the audience will enjoy favorite folk songs, children songs, and more. Then, audience members will join seniors and kids in a short sing-along of some songs that are beloved from childhood and others that are new and delightful.

Lincoln Academy with Donald L. Hafner (Captain, Lincoln Minute Men): Mary Flint Hartwell and the Alarm on April 19, 1775
January 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 30 at 12:30 to hear Donald L. Hafner, Captain of the Lincoln Minute Men, discuss “Mary Flint Hartwell and the Alarm on April 19, 1775.” Mary Flint Hartwell has a prominent role in local lore about the events of April 19, 1775. The most vivid version has Mary Hartwell carrying the alarm to her neighbor, Captain William Smith. This engaging version, however, is contradicted by older evidence. Still, she may be entitled to more, rather than less, credit in spreading the alert. Inaccuracies in the modern version therefore risk doing disservice to her role and courage on April 19th. 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.