news

News acorns

June 14, 2016

Codman BBQ and campout coming up

Codman Community Farm’s annual BBQ and Campout is Saturday to Sunday, June 18-19. Residents are invited to pitch their tents starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, followed by dinner catered by Blue Ribbon Barbecue and a campfire with singalong and s’mores. For those who stay the night, there will be breakfast on Sunday with coffee, orange juice and bagels. Tickets for dinner only are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Tent sites for overnight campers (who must also join Codman Community Farm if they aren’t already members) are $35. Click here for details and online reservations.

Volunteers needed for July 4th festivities

The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help make the Fourth of July festivities a success. Jobs throughout the day include general setup and cleanup for the events. The majority of help is needed for the fireworks in the afternoon and evening. Volunteers for the fireworks will be provided with a BBQ dinner. Students can also earn community service hours. Please email salon.abbey@gmail.com for more information if you are interested.

Sign up for a home energy assessment

Homeowners can sign up for a free home energy assessment at LincolnEnergyChallenge.org. The assessment includes recommendations that can save money on home energy costs, an evaluation of your house for rooftop solar panels, and a safety inspection of your heating system. Lincoln’s Green Energy Committee and Co-op Power will also answer your question in person at the following times and locations:

Wednesday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — transfer station
Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — in front of Donelan’s
Wednesday, June 22 from 3-6 p.m. — in front of Donelan’s
Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — transfer station

Anyone with questions may contact Sue Klem at Susan.M.Klem@gmail.com or call Co-op Power at 617-752- 1259.

Letter to the editor: Join the July 4 parade!

June 9, 2016

Dear Lincoln community,

We are writing to invite you to join the town of Lincoln’s annual Fourth of July Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Keeping Lincoln Great!” With a feisty Presidential election on the horizon, we thought this was a perfect time to remind residents that Lincoln has always been great… and July 4th is the chance to show it!

With greatness in mind, our parade marshall is outgoing Selectman (and former Parks and Recreation Commission Chair) Noah Eckhouse. Noah has guided the town for the past six years with wisdom, vision and creativity, and this is our chance to honor his service.

We invite you to join us, rain or shine, with your best float yet. The stakes are high again this year as the first-place winner will have their team picture displayed in Town Hall. Also, floats can win special trophies. Take your float to the next level this year and show everyone what it means to Keep Lincoln Great!

You can download a parade application online and email it to eventssubcommittee@gmail.com, or by mail to the Parks and Recreation Department at 16 Lincoln Road. On the morning of July 4, please meet on Ballfield Road before 9:45 a.m. We’ll be expecting you!

Sincerely,

The 2016 Events Subcommittee Parade Crew: Ali Dwyer, Maggie Dwyer, Eve Montie, Harrison Reiter and Nick Virkler

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Flint’s Pond fire yields unique research opportunity

June 8, 2016

The burned area after the fire (above) and the deer exclosures set up to study how deer affect forest vegetation regeneration (click either image to enlarge).

One year ago, a brush fire swept through the northeast side of the Flint’s Pond conservation area (see the Lincoln Squirrel, June 7, 2015), leaving a large area with a clear understory and burned canopy trees—and also a unique habitat and opportunity to study forest regeneration.

After the fire, Lincoln’s Conservation Department was approached with a proposal for a research collaboration involving Wildands and Woodlands (an effort overseen by the nonprofit conservation organization Highstead in partnership with the Harvard Forest, Harvard University, and regional conservation and academic leaders).

As a result, walkers in the area today will see several fenced areas inside and outside the cleared area. These are ‟deer exclosures”— three boxed areas of high, welded-wire fence installed in the burn area and three outside the burn area. Six corresponding unfenced control plots were also established to yield comparative data over a five-year research period to assess the effects of deer grazing on forest vegetation regeneration.

“We’re excited about the prospect of observing these exclosures and of learning in a very tangible way about the effects of deer on our woods,” said Angela Kearney, Lincoln conservation planner.

News acorns

June 6, 2016

Town Clerk’s Office looking for part-time help

If you’re interested in what and who makes local government tick, if you’re a “people person” with a good sense of humor, if you have a reverence for history and would like to play a role in preserving and creating it, if you’re a “systems thinker” with computer skills you’d like to employ and enhance, if you have a penchant for order and a high tolerance for disorder… consider a part-time, long-term position with the Town Clerk’s Office. The position is available immediately, with schedule negotiable. Resumes should be submitted no later than Monday, June 20 to brookss@lincolntown.org, or call 781-259-2607 for further details.

Drumlin Farm hosts two events this weekend

Celebrate the bounty of spring with “Farm-to-Table Cooking: Spring Harvest” at Drumlin Farm on Friday, June 10 from 6-9 p.m. as we visit the fields to harvest tender greens, juicy strawberries, nutty pea shoots, baby turnips, spicy radishes, sweet spring carrots, and more. Return to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, where we will craft these ingredients into an array of dishes to enjoy together. Open to adults and anyone age 12 or older with an adult; fees apply to all participants. Tickets are $55 for Mass Audubon members and $66 for nonmembers. Registration is required; register online or call 781-259-2200 to register by phone.

Drumlin Farm will also host Dairy Day on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy exclusive milking access to Drumlin Farm’s dairy cows (while milk supply and cow’s patience last!) as well as crafts and games for kids in our Get Moovin’ zone; cheese-, butter-, and ice cream-making demonstrations; up-close viewing of our heritage breed cattle; and free hayrides to celebrate the crowning of the Drumlin Farm Dairy Princess. The schedule of activities:

10-11 a.m. — Cow milking (also at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30)
10 a.m. to noon — Ice cream making demonstration
11:30 a.m. to noon — Dairy Court hayride
Noon-2 pm — Cheese-making demonstration
1:30-2 p.m. — Dairy Court hayride
2-4 pm — Butter-making demonstration

Purchase tickets online: $8 for Mass Audubon members and $10 for nonmembers (children under age 2 free). Dairy Day will take place rain or shine.

River storyteller at library on Saturday; Riverfest next week

Award-winning storyteller Tony Toledo will present his original story, “Listening to the Rolling Rivers—Three Rivers, One Story,” which introduces children and their families to the wonders of our local rivers, in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room on Saturday, June 11 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This free performance is suitable for ages 6 and older, and will be ASL interpreted. In this specially commissioned story, Tony Toledo will weave a tale about the old turtle who has seen many wonderful things while paddling along the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers. Come hear this fascinating story of special places and times past.

This performance is sponsored by the Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council (WSRSC) with funding from the National Park Service in celebration of the Park Service’s 100th anniversary and by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The WSRSC also hosts Riverfest Also on June 18 and 19, a weekend full of free paddles, hikes, and family-friendly activities offered on and along the Concord, Sudbury and Assabet Rivers, with events from Lowell to Framingham. Highlights include the annual bike for the rivers, free pontoon boat rides and canoe rentals, animal guests for kids at USFWS Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and the ever-popular closing solstice event on June 19 with music and bonfire in Concord. For a full listing of events (all free), please visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org.

Council on Aging activities in June

June 3, 2016

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.

Event marks completion of new Hanscom Middle School

June 2, 2016

Left to right: HMS Principal Erich Ledebuhr, Col. David Dunklee, installation commander; Lt. Col. Daniel Herlihy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District deputy commander; Jonathan Braley, J & J Contractors president; Jennifer Glass, Lincoln School Committee chair; and Dr. Rebecca McFall, Lincoln superintendent of schools, prepare to cut a ribbon to mark the completion of a $34 million Hanscom Middle School on base June 2. The new school replaces a 1950s-era building with 21st Century Learning methods. (U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)

Left to right: Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal; Col. David Dunklee, installation commander; Lt. Col. Daniel Herlihy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District deputy commander; Jonathan Braley, J&J Contractors president; Jennifer Glass, Lincoln School Committee chair; and Becky McFall, superintendent of schools, prepare to cut a ribbon to mark the completion of the new Hanscom Middle School on June 2.(U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)

Local and state representatives attended an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a new $34 million Hanscom Middle School (HMS) on Thursday.

The school replaces a 1950s-era school building and accommodates more than 300 students in grades 4-8.

“The design of the school is visionary and contains many flexible learning spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, the use of technology and the ability to personalize or differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students,” said Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal. “The building design increases learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, art, engineering and math.”

The new 85,000-square-foot school is operated by the Lincoln School Department under contract to the Department of Defense Education Activity, or DODEA.

The ceremony included remarks from U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, who represents Lincoln and other nearby towns.

“As we sit here on Hanscom Air Force Base, which is committed to our national security, the best way we ensure our security as a country, and a peaceful future, is through educating our children,” she said. “So we are really bringing together today all those themes and all those hopes for our future that are embodied in this gorgeous facility.”

“The building is environmentally friendly, featuring integrated systems like photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, solar hot water, high-performance HVAC and lighting systems,” Ledebuhr said. “In addition to being energy efficient, these features can be used as learning tools.”

The Lincoln School District superintendent spoke about the planning involved in the project.

“Many thanks to the faculty, staff and students who have done so much to make this move not only a smooth transition, but a launch into a future of innovation, engagement and authentic learning,” said Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall.

Since breaking ground on the middle school project in June 2014, students have been educated in nearby temporary facilities. Now the primary school will into the temporary facility over the summer so work can begin on a new building for the lower grades, which is slated to open in September 2018. Once they’re both complete, the schools be connected and will share a cafeteria and kitchen.

News acorns

May 29, 2016

Linda Hammett Ory named as deCordova board president

Linda Hammett Ory

Lincoln resident Linda Hammett Ory has been named as the new president of the board of trustees of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum She assumes the position from Gerard Frank, who will remain on the board in an advisory capacity for one more year.

Hammett Ory is an elected member of the board and is chair of the Landscape Committee, as well as serving on the newly reformed Strategic Planning Committee. She was appointed as a trustee in 2011.

“Linda displays an obvious joy and enthusiasm for deCordova. She has already proven her great leadership ability: chairing the Landscape Committee, her and her family’s generous giving to the institution, and acting as a fine ambassador to the museum by promoting all that the institution has to offer to the greater Boston community. Additionally, Linda is a great consensus builder. She’s a great listener and will work well to be inclusive of all the museum’s constituents as the institution moves forward with its strategic plan,” Frank said.

Hammett Ory’s first career was as a choreographer working for stage, screen and music video. Later, she receiving a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education followed by a career producing children’s educational media and a decade of volunteering as a Girl Scout leader.

Meadow planting on June 4

Maps showing flower species for the two pollinator meadows (ciick to enlarge).

Maps showing flower species for the two pollinator meadows (click to enlarge).

People for Pollinators invites residents to help plant a native, perennial, chemical-free pollinating meadow on Saturday, June 4 (rain date June 5) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be two adjacent circular plots so students from the Birches School can compare plant growth and pollinator activity on mineralized vs. unmineralized soil.

Meet in the parking lot for the Smith school building on Ballfield Road. Members of the collaborative and students from Birches School will help and direct participants in planting plugs and seeding the meadow site.

Summer book groups getting underway

The Lincoln Public Library has two book groups this summer that meet in the Tarbell Room on alternate Mondays at 7 p.m., and residents may come to one or all sessions. The “Who Picked This Book?” Club continues on Monday, June 6 with Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, while Mystery Mondays will discuss The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton by Elizabeth Speller on Monday, June 27. The books are available in various formats at the library’s front desk. Click on the book club names to see lists of future books.

News acorns

May 25, 2016

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.

News acorns

May 23, 2016

Lincoln Family Association seeks feedback and ideas

The Lincoln Family Association is celebrating 20 years as a community group for Lincoln families by providing social activities, fun and support for parents and their children. They’re interested in hearing from the entire community, both current members and non-members, to learn about their interests, generate new ideas, and welcome new volunteers. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey to tell us what you think of the LFA’s current kid-centered and adult activities, and your thoughts about new services and community outreach.

New resource directory useful for all ages

Do you need assistance in finding services and other kinds of help to live your fullest life possible? The Council on Aging’s newly released 2016 edition of the Elder Services Resource Directory can help. While focused on elder services, the directory also includes information that will benefit residents of all ages and all ages are welcome to receive a copy. The directory includes information about local, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses that offer services to Lincoln residents. Categories include:

[one_third]

adult day programs
advocacy and consumer protection
Alzheimer’s information
concierge services
de-cluttering resources
disabilities assistance
driver safety
elder abuse and neglect
financial assistance
groceries online

[/one_third][one_third]

health care and coverage complaints
home care agencies
home equity conversion counseling
home modifications
continuing care retirement communities
rental/subsidized housing
medical equipment

[/one_third][one_third_last]

money management
pet care
respite care
Social Security
social and recreational programs
support groups
transportation
veterans’ services

[/one_third_last]

Appendices provide information on selecting a home health agency, kinds of home care assistance, and local housing authorities accepting Section 8 applications. The 32-page directory is free and available by visiting the COA, downloading it from the COA website, or calling (781) 259-8811 and asking to have it mailed to you.

Letter to the editor: diversity event a great success

May 18, 2016

(Editor’s note: This event, which can be viewed online here, was organized by the Lincoln Diversity Committee, which includes writer Sharon Antia.)

To the editor:

At the “Discovering Diversity in Lincoln” event on May 2, much of what our panelists had to say was new to those in the audience and in fact quite eye-opening. About 80 people heard the panelists — Police Chief Kevin Kennedy, School Superintendent Becky McFall, First Parish Senior Minister Manish Mishra-Marzetti, Domestic Violence Services Network Executive Director Jacquelin Apsler and Council on Aging Director Carolyn Bottom — provide an overview of the work they do and some of the needs they see in Lincoln.

Our beautiful town has a rich and varied membership that includes people from a wide variety of backgrounds, gifts and challenges. It was gratifying to learn that one of our many gifts is the wisdom and compassion to help those in our community when they are in need. As Carolyn said, “We are not giving charity, we are not giving to people. We are enabling people to stay in our community who we really need in our community… we are lucky to have them.”

The second half of the evening was given over to the audience, and while participation started a little slowly (I know, surprising for Lincoln), by the time the hour was over, I had to wrestle back control of the microphone to call it a night!

People in attendance were honestly interested in hearing what was said. There were moments when quite heartfelt comments and concerns were raised and it was an honor to be in a room where folks felt safe enough to speak their truth. People shared experiences as low-income residents of our town, Native American, gay, young and worried for the future and having young children and wishing for grandparents to help guide them. We were not there to “solve” anything, and we did not make the attempt. What we did was try our best to provide a venue for all of us to begin to know the people in our neighborhood, and we all agreed it was a good first step.

There was some concern that the majority of the audience was “of a certain age” and not as representative of the town as we may have liked. We struggle with how to reach out to the people that were not there. It was suggested that perhaps, as Rev. Manish pointed out, what works for the people in the audience may not work for the people at home, and one of our jobs is to find out how to engage them.

This meeting was the first of what the newly forming Lincoln Diversity Committee hopes will be many ongoing conversations and activities designed to help all of us better support one another. We are not looking to change the makeup of our community and we certainly do we want to decide who should live here. We believe those of us living here are the people who should be here, and our charge is to ensure they, you, me and we all feel welcome and empowered to be our best selves.

As we wrapped up the evening’s events, many of the attendees stayed and talked for up to another 45 minutes. The sense that we are building community was palpable and people were excited to share their thoughts. We plan to have more of these conversations and hope even more people will be able to join us. Stay tuned and thank you to everyone that came.

Sincerely

Sharon Antia
165 South Great Rd.