The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

seniors

Council on Aging activities in March

Lincoln Trad Jazz Band
March 2 from 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Come hear the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band on Friday, March 2 at Bemis Hall. Enjoy old-time trad jazz that will have you up on our feet dancing and your hands a-clapping!

Painting in pastels with Juliet
March 5 at 10 a.m.
Express your vibrant self with the brilliant colors of pastels 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.–noon on March 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23 at Bemis Hall. No experience is necessary. All materials furnished. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Limit of six. Cost is $40.

Lincoln Academy with Karin Flynn: A family divided by the Berlin Wall, 1961–1989
March 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, March 5 at 12:30 to hear Karin Flynn discuss “A Family Divided by the Berlin Wall, 1961–1989.” Karin will talk about the effect of the Berlin Wall on her family and how they held together despite political pressure trying to divide them. She will also read a few of her poems and tributes to people who helped her and her two brothers when they decided to come to the US and become American citizens. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

World hand drumming
March 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Hand drumming is a fun way to express yourself and enhance well being. Come learn the joy of drumming with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on 12 Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning March 6. Cost is $156. Sign up now by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. No need to bring a drum.

Piano class with Wanda Paik
March 6 and 20 at 10 a.m.
Dust off your piano music books, and come to the piano class at the COA led by Wanda Paik. This class is open to all pianophiles, whatever your level, to play, share, and learn more about how to play and practice to help reach your goals. This class will meet for 6 sessions, every first and third Tuesday of the month (March 6 and 20) from 10–11:15 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

Mindfulness walks in nature
March 6 at 1 p.m.
Early spring can be a very special time to connect with nature through walking in a mindful way. Join naturalist John Calabria for a series of walks in some of Lincoln’s most beautiful places on Tuesdays March 6, April 3, and May 1 beginning at 1 p.m. Where the walks will take place are to be determined. Unplug, disconnect from the world for a while and let our senses come alive in nature. These are co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the COA. For more information, including locations of the walks, go to lincolnconservation.org. If there’s snow on the ground, you may wish to bring pull-on grippers, walking sticks, or walking poles.

Surviving and thriving through life’s challenges
March 7 at 9:30 a.m.
No matter what your phase of life or what you have encountered in life, you can learn and apply the scientifically proven tenants of Positive Psychology to become more resilient and happier. Come to the COA at 9:30 on Wednesdays, March 7 and 21 and then every other Wednesday to learn practical strategies, share practices, build connections and support each other. Facilitated by Alyson Lee, social worker, life coach, certified and licensed facilitator of positive psychology. Funded by the Friends of the COA.

Declutter and get organized
March 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Decluttering and getting organized can seem overwhelming, but you can do it with some help. Come to a new decluttering group facilitated by Pam Mizrahi on March 7 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall to talk about why we clutter and learn strategies.

Selectman drop-in
March 7 from 2–3 p.m.
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, the selectmen hope to see you between 2–3pm on Wednesday, March 7 at Bemis Hall.

Caring for loved ones at home after death and green burial
March 9 at 10 a.m.
For millennia families have cared for loved ones at home after death and buried them directly in the earth with simplicity and dignity. You can do the same today. Come to Bemis Hall on March 9 at 10 a.m. to hear Peg Lorenz  discuss reclaiming these beautiful traditions. Did you know that embalming is not required; the deceased can be kept at home (two to three days is usual); a family can do the paperwork and transport the deceased; a cement vault is not required by law; both cremation and conventional burial have serious environmental consequences. Get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Proposed Town Meeting plastic water bottle and bag ban
March 6 at 3:10 p.m.
Students from the L-S Environmental Club will be at Bemis Hall on Tuesday, March 6 at 3:10 p.m. to discuss the two proposals they are sponsoring at the Annual Town Meeting to ban plastic bags and plastic water bottles in Lincoln. Get information about the impact of plastic water bottles and bags in our environment and why the students are proposing the bans, ask questions, and give your thoughts and ideas.

Town Meeting resolution on gas leaks
March 9 at 1 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, March 9 at 1 p.m. to hear information about a resolution to be proposed at Town Meeting by Mothers Out Front Lincoln to support a bill before the state legislature, “Protecting Consumers of Gas and Electricity from Paying for Leaked and Unaccounted-for Gas.” If Lincoln passes this resolution, we will join many other Massachusetts towns which have also passed similar resolutions in an effort to motivate the utilities to fix the largest gas leaks.

Lincoln Academy with Steve Low—Jerusalem & At Tuwani: international law & local action
March 12 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to the Lincoln Academy on Monday, March 12 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Steve Low who will discuss “Jerusalem & At Tuwani: International Law & Local Action.” A retired business consultant, Steve Low’s frequent travels to the Holy Land have brought the Israel-Palestine conflict into sharper focus. His talk will address two timely questions: (1) Why is moving the American embassy to Jerusalem so contentious? and (2) Can Lincoln play a role in promoting peace? 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
March 12 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, March 12 from 3–4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
March 13 at 10 a.m.
PLACE: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, March 13 from 10 a.m.–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.

Explore what’s next in a new group
March 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Explore simple ways to have greater joy and meaning in your life in a new group, facilitated by Pam Mizrahi, that will be held every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. beginning March 14 in Bemis Hall. This group will help you discover what is truly important to you and how you want to spend the next chapter of your life. People in the group will share their in-depth knowledge and wisdom, do some brainstorming, and be supported in their endeavor to get more out of life. What you discuss in the group will be confidential.

“The Irish and How They Got That Way”
March 14 at 12:45 p.m.
Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 14 at the Stoneham Theatre. Trip-goers will attend the matinee performance of The Irish and How They Got That Way by Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes). This revue is a celebration of a heritage that confronts adversity with determination, good humor, music, and love of life. It is a fabulous show, with excellent reviews, an uplifting musical that will leave you smiling. A comfortable air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 12:45 p.m., returning at approximately 5:30 p.m. This trip is rated easy, as it entails a short walk from the bus to the theater with no stairs to climb. Complimentary refreshments are served at intermission. The cost of the trip is $29 and is non-refundable. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, send your check made out to “FLCOA Trips” to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773. Please include your phone number and email address. If you have questions you can call Virginia at 781-259-1291 or email her at vobrien39@yahoo.com.

Coffee with the candidates
March 14 at 1:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, March 14 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Bemis Hall, meet all the Lincoln Sudbury High School Committee Candidates who will speak about the issues facing our High School. Two LSRHS School Committee seats are up for election on March 26. This is your opportunity to meet the people who will be making the decisions that affect your life and that of your family and community before you enter the voting booth.

New group for spouses of veterans
March 16 at 10 a.m.
All spouses of veterans (whether the vet is living or deceased) are invited to join a group to be led by Priscilla Leach, Lincoln’s Veterans Service Officer. We hope that the spouses will benefit from getting to know each other, discussing common concerns, and having fun together. This month’s meeting will be held on Friday, March 16 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall, and subsequent meeting places will be at The Commons and Lincoln Woods. No need to sign up, but if you would like more information, please contact Priscilla at 781-259-4472 or leachp@lincolntown.org.

What you need to know about Oriole Landing and zoning proposals
March 16 at 1 p.m.
Important new changes related to planning and land use will be voted on at Town Meeting. Come find out more and have a chance to ask questions at Bemis Hall on Friday, March 16 at 1 p.m. Planning and Land Use Director Jennifer Burney and Assistant Director Paula Vaughn-MacKenzie will discuss a site plan review zoning amendment. Then, members of the Housing Coalition and Civico Development will give information about a bylaw amendment to establish a North Lincoln Planning Development Overlay District and a Preliminary Development and Land Use Plan. Civico Development is proposing Oriole Landing, a 60-unit mixed-income rental community adjacent to the Rt. 2 interchange, Mary’s Way and the Commons including 15 units (25 percent) reserved for those earning a maximum of 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

Lincoln Academy with Jonathan Ammen—Acupuncture and traditional Asian medicine: overview, modern research, and integration
March 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to the Lincoln Academy on Monday, March 19 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Jonathan Ammen who will discuss “Acupuncture and Traditional Asian Medicine: Overview, Modern Research, and Integration.” Acupuncture and traditional Asian medicine have become popular and enjoyed increasing acceptance in the western world over the last two decades. Today, many hospitals and academic medical centers are integrating acupuncture services with conventional care. This talk will include a quick overview of traditional Asian medicine followed by an up-to-date chronicle of the science behind acupuncture, how it works and what it can treat. Jonathan Ammen has practiced and researched traditional Asian medicine for 37 years. He currently sees patients and conducts research at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Lexington, and Peabody. The lectures last about an hour, including a Q&A period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Senior dining is free in your birthday month
March 20 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, March 20 at St. Anne’s Church. Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know when you call 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. Enjoy a lunch free during your birthday month—just let them know!

Coffee with artist Owen Beenhouwer
March 20 at 2:15 p.m.
Come have coffee with Lincoln artist Owen Beenhouwer on Tuesday, March 20 at 2:15 p.m. to celebrate his exhibit of photographs in March and April in the Bemis Artists Gallery. Born in Amsterdam, Owen has lived in Lincoln for 45 years, as well as New York City and four other New England states and taught architectural design at the University of Washington. Owen has done photography in black and white, then color, then slides, and now digital. He has been fascinated with patterns and structure and their beauty, both in nature and man-made, and urban oddities including water tanks, and reflections. So come see shots of buildings, bridges, stairs, flowers, glass and windows, overhead wires and more.

Coffee with the candidates
March 23 at 10 a.m.
Get to know the candidates running for local offices at the March 26 election by coming to Coffee with the candidates Ask them your questions, and hear their approaches to the issues facing our community. Come to the Bemis Hall on March 23 at 10 a.m. to meet with candidates for Lincoln offices including Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Housing Commission, Parks and Recreation Committee, Planning Board, School Committee, and more. This is your opportunity to meet the people who will be making the decisions that affect your life and that of your family and community before you enter the voting booth.

Donating your stuff locally after you declutter
March 23 at 1 p.m.
Your 2018 decluttering resolution can be easier than you think. Come learn the best choices for giving your possessions a local home while making great strides to de-clutter your home at a panel discussion on March 23 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Hear about the transfer station with Laura Berland, the library book sale with Sally Kindleberger, Old Town Hall Exchange with Dot Taylor, and Household Goods Recycling in Acton with Linda Svetz.

Lincoln Academy with Evelyn Harris—Music: understanding the art of repetition
March 26 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, March 26 at 12:30 to hear Evelyn Harris discuss “Music: Understanding the Art of Repetition.” Evelyn Harris invites you to spend an hour with her as she discusses (mostly performs) music by four different composers (Beethoven, Liszt, Debussy, and Gershwin) and their creativity regarding repetition. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Access investment information free through the library
March 27 at 2:15 p.m.
Did you know that all you need to access subscriptions of investment information worth hundreds of dollars for free is a library card? Having a card allows you to get information at your home computer on mutual funds and stocks from Morningstar, Valueline ratings, reviews of stocks, and more! Find out what’s available in the Minuteman Library Network databases and how to use them when Lincoln Reference Librarian Laura Paryl comes to Bemis Hall on Tuesday, March 27 at 2:15 p.m.

The Fireside Chat: coping with grief, sadness and disappointment
How do you handle grief or deep sadness, disappointment? Do you have any strategies to share, or tips to help others who may be struggling? Come to the Fireside Chat on Wednesday, March 28 from 10–11:30 at Lincoln Woods and engage in a lively conversation. Sharon Antia will facilitate the discussion.

School Building Committee update
March 30 at 10 a.m.
Please join the School Building Committee on March 30 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall for an update on the latest building concepts and cost estimates as well as a review of the SBC’s presentation at Town Meeting. The gathering at Bemis provides another important checkpoint for our community in moving collectively closer to a town-wide vote on June 9 for a preferred school building concept. For the latest information on the Lincoln School project, visit www.lincolnsbc.org. Questions or comments, email us at SBC@lincnet.org.

Healing motion for life: a free movement workshop
March 30 at 1 p.m.
Being in touch with the way our bodies move, and working to keep our movements unrestricted and fluid help bring health and clarity to every aspect of our lives. Join Susanne Liebich on Friday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall to experience a variety of sustainable exercises including expressive movement, breathing and relaxation in a program sponsored by Deaconess Abundant Life Services and Newbury Court. Susanne’s movement practice helps you achieve body awareness, presence, physical strength, balance, focus, and serenity.

The International Museum of World War II in May
In May, the COA will have a trip to the International Museum of World War II in Natick with lunch at a delicious Thai restaurant. The museum hosts over 500,000 artifacts, letters, and documents including the famous enigma machines, letters, diaries, magazines, photos, secret items used by the resistance, and much more. Check the April COA newsletter for more information.

News acorns

One-act plays presented at L-S

LSB Players, the theater production company of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, presents the fifth annual Winter One-Act Plays. Facebook Ruins Everything directed by Adam Rose ’18, Episode in the Life of an Author directed by Ruby Carmel ’18, and An Adaptation of Macbeth directed by Jack Troiano ’18 will be performed on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Rogers Black Box Theater at L-S. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for senior citizens/students—click here to reserve.

Library opens late on Feb. 8

The Lincoln Public Library is developing a new state-mandated five-year plan of service.
The library will be opening at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 so staff members can participate in the process.

Ms. G predicts six more week of winter

Ms. G, the official state groundhog who resides at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, saw her shadow on February 1, so there will be six more weeks of winter. There’s now a website where you can learn about the history of Ms. G and Groundhog Day.

Talk on Provincetown preservation

Preservation consultant Eric Dray will discuss Provincetown’s successful preservation efforts in “Advocacy and Sense of Place: The Provincetown Experience” on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 4–5:30 p.m. Bemis Hall. Dray’s consulting business focuses on preservation planning in local communities, including National Register nominations, survey work and support to Community Preservation Committees and local historic districts.

Lincolnites flock to Top of the Town gala

Attendees at the Top of the Town gala. (Photo by Harold McAleer)

Dozens of Lincolnites enjoyed the annual Top of the Town gala sponsored by the Council on Aging at the deCordova Museum on January 20. Click here to see Harold McAleer’s video photo montage of the event with musical accompaniment.

Free income tax preparation help

Volunteers certified under the AARP TaxAide program will prepare your federal and Massachusetts personal income tax returns or answer your tax questions. This free service can answer most of the tax issues faced by low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those over age 60. Appointments begin in February. Call the COA office at 781-259-8811 to schedule a confidential appointment on a Wednesday afternoon or Thursday and get a list of documents to bring.

DeCordova installs site-specific public artwork in Cambridge

The window installation in Cambridge by Vanessa Irzyk (click image to enlarge).

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has installed a new site-specific public artwork in the windows of a Cambridge office building. The installation, part of deCordova’s corporate art loan program, features 12 sculptural paintings created specifically for the space by local artist Vanessa Irzyk and will be on view at 1 and 101 Main St. in Cambridge for six months. The site-specific installation was requested by deCordova corporate member CBRE New England, located in Kendall Square’s Riverfront Office Park. The artist used found wood from Vermont, paintings, and colored tape to make a dynamic 3D installation.

This is the sixth site-specific installation at this property as part of deCordova’s corporate art loan program. DeCordova’s corporate art loan program lets corporate members exhibit artwork of both established and emerging contemporary New England artists directly in their offices. The original artworks are from deCordova’s permanent collection and over 200 lending artists. The corporate program also recently facilitated a site-specific art display for corporate member BioMed Realty at 210 Broadway in Cambridge.

COA activities in February

Want to try out your singing voice outside the shower?
February 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 at Bemis for an hour of old-time jazz. There will be tunes to try out your singing voice in the comfortable company of other seniors as you join them in singalongs and there will be tunes to just listen to and tap your feet. Either way it will be a fun way to spend a lunch hour as the regulars will tell you.

Lincoln Academy with Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and REACH Advocates Jyoti John and Pat Cooper: Update on safety and security issues in our community
February 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Feb. 5 at 12:30 to hear Police Chief Kevin Kennedy and REACH Advocates Jyoti John and Pat Cooper discuss “An Update on Safety and Security Issues in Our Community.” Unfortunately, Lincoln is not immune to the problems of the world outside our borders, whether these be the opioid crisis, crime and scams, domestic violence and elder abuse, and more. Come hear our police chief discuss some of the issues facing our community and how the Lincoln Police Department is responding. We will also hear about a new project to combat elder abuse by REACH Beyond Domestic Violence from Elder Community Advocate Jyoti John and Project Coordinator Pat Cooper. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

[Read more…] about COA activities in February

Five days of events coming up for Lincoln Winter Carnival

Weekend-long activities

Online snow sculpture contest
Build your snow sculpture, then snap a photo with you in it and send it to smulroy@lincnet.org. Submit as many sculptures as you like! We will accept submissions until 5 p.m. on Sat, Jan 27, then post them online for voting. Winners will be chosen on Friday, Feb. 2.

Discover Drumlin Farm in winter
See our animals in their winter homes, look for wildlife tracks or other signs of animals in the snow, or check out our feeders at our Wildlife Blind. Drop-in naturalist programs take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. Free admission for Lincoln residents. Call 781-259-2200 for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Lincoln School Student Council: American Red Cross blood drive
1–6 p.m., Brooks Gym
If you’re healthy and eligible to donate blood, please come on out. Ages 17+ can donate blood, and 16-year-olds may donate with parental permission. Learn more and schedule to donate at: www.lincolnschoolbloodrive.org. Questions? Contact Advisors Jaime Moody (jmoody@lincnet.org) or Keith Johnson (kjohnson@lincnet.org).

Thursday, Jan. 25

FOMA movie night: Columbus, Indiana: Different by Design 
7–9 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Please join us for a film about the architectural odyssey of industrialist J. Irwin Miller of Cummins Engine Co., who re-imagined the architecture in Columbus, Ind. By offering to pay for talented engineers and designers from all over the world, he fostered an architectural environment that would have a positive effect on the lives of people. Peter Sugar, who designed the Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus in 1966, will introduce the film.

Friday, Jan. 26

Intergenerational sing-along
3:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
The LEAP After-School Program, the Council on Aging and Magic Garden Children’s Center invite residents of all ages to enjoy a free Multigenerational Sing-Along including performances from the organizations singing favorite folk songs, children songs, and more.

LPTO Family Bingo Night
5:30–7:30 p.m., Brooks Gym
Come celebrate Family Bingo Night with even more chances to win! Prizes awarded for each winning board as well as awesome raffle prizes. Pizza dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Free entry. Bingo cards are $5 (15-game multi-pack); raffle tickets are $1 for one, $5 for six, and $10 for 15.

Adult cooking class and dinner
7–9 p.m., Pierce House
Ring in the New Year in culinary style as we enjoy an evening of good food and festive flair. Learn the techniques to preparing a mouth-watering dinner with a renowned Boston chef. The evening will include a full meal. Details are available at www.piercehouse.com. Cost is $95 and the class is limited to 10 people.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Girl Scout pancake breakfast
8–11 a.m., Stone Church
Start the weekend off with pancakes with real maple syrup! Plain, blueberry, choc- chip, and gluten-free pancakes with maple syrup along with coffee, tea, OJ, and fruit. Enjoy face painting and crafts! Girl Scout Cookies will be sold. $5 under 12, $10 everyone else ($30 family max).

Snowshoe tours
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Enjoy nature and art in winter. Discover a fun and active way to explore the Sculpture Park. Tours are led by a museum guide and an EMS instructor. Click here to purchase tickets. Rent snowshoes or bring your own.

Magic Garden preschool fun
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Magic Garden Preschool
Come and visit with friends and neighbors at Magic Garden Children’s Center. Enjoy carnival games, arts and crafts activities and indoor “ice skating” in your socks! This event is suited for children ages 2-5.

Lincoln holistic wellness fair
Noon–3 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come learn about complementary medicine, including therapeutic touch, essential oils, energy work, reiki, quick energy balance, food as medicine, sound healing with crystal bowls, shamanic healing, gentle Hatha yoga , family yoga, Kundalini yoga, gong meditation and more! Contact Jai Kaur Annamaria at asanajai@verizon.net with questions.

Community skating and bonfire
1–3 p.m., Cemetery Pond (Lexington Road)
Enjoy skating, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire. Bring your own skates. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will be hosting a capture-the-flag event instead, so stay tuned to www.lincolnrec.com for updates.

LFA energy blaster
3–5 p.m., Brooks Gym
Jump in a bounce house, run through an obstacle course, climb, slide, and joust. The gym will be filled with ways to let out some energy. Free for LFA 2018 members; nonmembers are $10 per child. A new 2018 LFA membership on the spot includes admission. Renew now at www.lincfam.org to bypass the lines.

Lincoln Acoustic Coffeehouse
7–10 p.m., Bemis Hall
Our annual night to showcase local musicians and performers! We have over 12 acts—some returning, some new—ready to perform, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee and desserts will be served. Tickets are available online at www.lincolnrec.com. General Admission is $10. Table of 8 is $160. Doors open at 7 p.m. sharp,

Sunday, Jan. 28

Make you own snow globe
10:30–noon, deCordova Carriage House
Join Lincoln Nursery School in partnership with deCordova to craft your own Winter Wonderland Snow Globe. Choose from a variety of materials to create your own wintery scene. Appropriate for all ages.

Let the games begin!
12:45–1:45 p.m., Stone Church
An old-fashioned battery-free family event. Join us for an hour of games including from Candyland, charades, Jenga and Twister. There will be lots of prizes for all ages! Laughter guaranteed. Cocoa and community. Visit fplincoln.org for info.

Karen K & the Jitterbugs
2–3 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Known for their high-energy show packed with humor and amazingly catchy, well-crafted tunes, Karen K & the Jitterbugs has become one of the most buzzed about “kiddie” bands on the East Coast. Described as “power pop sheen that makes them fun for the whole family,” the Jitterbugs have quickly become a favorite among families. Drop in.

Historical Society event: “Lincoln’s Schools and Who was Joseph Brooks, Anyway?”
2 p.m., Bemis Hall
How did our school campus develop, and what schoolhouses came before it? From the 18th century to the Little Red School House to the Joseph Brooks School, learn how schools and education in Lincoln have changed. Then hear graduates tell tales from their school days.

Council on Aging activities in January

Celebrate the new year with the Trad Jazz Band
January 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the free New Year’s offering of traditional jazz on Friday, Jan. 5 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Enjoy all your favorites including music of such greats as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Louis Armstrong, and Fats Waller, played by a fun group who enjoy playing and providing toe-tapping enjoyment for you.

Paint in pastels with Juliet
January 8 at 10 a.m.
Express your vibrant self with the brilliant colors of pastels 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 8, 12, 19, 22, and 26 at Bemis Hall. No experience necessary. All materials furnished. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Limit of six. $40.

Lincoln Academy with Margaret Coffin Brown—linebacks, Lincoln pippins, and rangeways: resource management at Minute Man National Historical Park
January 8 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 8 at 12:30 to hear Margaret Coffin Brown discuss “Linebacks, Lincoln Pippins, and Rangeways: Resource Management at Minute Man National Park.” North Lincoln retains historic resources preserved in Minute Man National Historical Park. Margie Brown will discuss the delights and challenges of preserving North Lincoln’s cultural and natural resources including heirloom cattle, orchards, witness homes, stonewalls, and the Battle Road. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question-and-answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Free elder law clinic
January 8 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 provides a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Jan. 8 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.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
January 9 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m.–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.

Memoir group
January 10 at 10 a.m.
If you’re interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, come to the first meeting of the group at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. If you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Jan. 10 and 24; Feb. 7 and 21; Mar. 7 and 21; Apr. 4, 7 18; and May 2 and 16. For info, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

How to decide what to do next with your new freedom
January 10 at 2 p.m.
What do you want to do with your freedom when you’ve retired or had another life change? How do you decide what to do next? Join Pam Mizrahi in a free course of practical strategies to uncover your own values, plan retirement’s stages, identify goals, create helpful habits, balance your days and weeks, celebrate accomplishments, and build in flexibility based on a book by Jean Risley. It will be held every other week for nine Wednesdays at 2 p.m. beginning January 10 at Bemis Hall.

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud
January 12 at 10 a.m.
$60 to $90 billion of our tax dollars are lost to Medicare fraud each year. Come meet Patricia McMillen, a representative of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program, on Friday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall to participate in a discussion on how to prevent, detect, and report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. The program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program which is funded in part by grant number 90-MP 0226-03-01 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201.

Enjoy a potpourri of songs with Rich Eilbert
January 12 at 1 p.m.
Spend a fun, enriching musical afternoon with Lincoln-based singer/songwriter Rich Eilbert on Friday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall! Rich has run the LOMA (Lincoln open-mike acoustic) event at the Lincoln Library for over eight years and can be seen annually at the Lincoln Winter Carnival coffeehouse. Rich will be performing original songs during the concert covering the gamut from romantic to humorous to topical/political. He’ll welcome comments or discussions at the end about the songs or songwriting in general.

World hand-drumming
January 16 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. Come learn the joy of drumming with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning January 16 at Bemis Hall. $78. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 as space is limited. No need to bring a drum.

Senior dining: now free in your birthday month
January 16 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. 16 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. 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. 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. New: enjoy a lunch free during the month of your birthday! Just come and let us know it’s your special month.

Coffee with pastel artist Bernadette Quirk
January 16 at 2:15 p.m.
Join Lincoln artist Bernadette Quirk at a Coffee in the Bemis Hall Gallery on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 2:15 to celebrate her exhibit of pastel paintings during January and February. Bernadette is currently an active member of the Lowell Arts Association and has a pastel painting in their Fall 2017 Members Juried Show at Lowell’s Whistler House Museum until January 27, 2018. She teaches at local senior centers and gives private lessons in art mediums.

The Science Club: advances and innovations in the field of radiation therapy to treat cancer from the research labs at MIT past and present
January 18 at 10:15 a.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. to hear Richard Keough discuss a project he was involved in along with the MGH Radiation Therapy department to combine the traditional forms of ionizing X-rays with a non-ionizing method of ultrasound hyperthermia to treat cancer. Developing this ultrasound system entailed a major engineering effort over a decade which required that the treatments be done at this facility at MIT. Otherwise this lab was a typical academic research center utilizing grad students, postdocs, and technical and medical talents spanning a wide spectrum of talent. Keough will discuss the fundamental principles differentiating the types of radiation interactions that take place in treating this disease as well as some more recent research efforts in this field utilizing concepts of nuclear and high energy physics.

Getting the most out of your iPhone and iPad
January 19 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 Friday, Jan. 19 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!

New group for spouses of veterans
January 19 at 10 a.m.
Priscilla Leach, Lincoln’s Veterans Services Officer, is pleased to announce that she is starting a group for spouses of veterans (whether the vet is living or deceased). She hopes that the spouses will benefit from getting to know each other, discussing common concerns, and having fun together. The first meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall and subsequent meeting places will be The Commons and Lincoln Woods. No need to sign up, but if you would like more information, please contact Priscilla at 781-259-4472 or leachp@lincolntown.org.

Uber and Lyft: they’re easier than you think
January 19 at 11 a.m.
If you need to get somewhere, the best way may be to use services like Uber and Lyft. However, these require a smartphone to set up your rides. If you’re befuddled by Uber, Lyft, and GoGoGrandparent (a new service to use Uber and Lyft without a phone), come on down to Bemis Hall on Friday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. for an introduction by Andy Payne. Besides telling you how these options work, the class will go through signing up for Uber and Lyft (bring a credit card for your account setup), as well as showing how to request rides.

The stories of your life should be told
January 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Our lives are made of stories, but too often we don’t feel they are valuable to others or we just don’t know how to tell them. Sharing both the fun and tough stories is healing for ourselves and important for our families. Join Lincoln native and professional storyteller Elisa Pearmain on Friday, Jan. 19 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall for an engaging and playful workshop on remembering, shaping and sharing stories for yourself, your family and friends.

2018 Top of the Town Winter Gala
January 20 at 5 p.m.
Are you planning to go to the Top of the Town Winter Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5–8 p.m. at the deCordova Museum? If so, please send in the reservation form you got in the mail. The form must reach the FLCOA at PO Box 143, Lincoln, MA 01773 or Bemis Hall by January 11 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 support for this event.

Lincoln Academy with Peter Conrad—the medicalization of society: origins and consequences
January 22 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 22 at 12:30 to hear Peter Conrad discuss “The Medicalization of Society— Origins and Consequences.” In recent years an increasing number of behaviors, conditions and human differences have been defined and treated as medical disorders. Examples include addictions of all sorts, ADHD, obesity, menopause, a wide range of sadness, erectile dysfunction, PMS, infertility, childbirth, aging, cognition loss, and dozens of others. This talk examines the origins and consequences of this widespread medicalization of society. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Fireside chat: marijuana
January 24 at 10 a.m.
“Should Lincoln become the marijuana mecca? After all, this is a farming community and we are trying to bring more traffic into our downtown area,” quips Fireside Chat facilitator Sharon Antia. Do we want to grow pot commercially? Do we want to have a dispensary here in town? Join the discussion at 10 a.m. on Wednesday Jan. 24 in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods as the Fireside Chat thinks through what options make sense for us here in Lincoln. The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Healing motion for life: a free movement workshop
January 26 at 1 p.m.
Being in touch with the way our bodies move, and working to keep our movements unrestricted and fluid help bring health and clarity to every aspect of our lives. Join Susanne Liebich on Friday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall to experience a variety of sustainable exercises including expressive movement, breathing and relaxation in a program sponsored by Deaconess Abundant Life Services and Newbury Court. Susanne’s movement practice helps you achieve body awareness, presence, physical strength, balance, focus, and serenity. Future programs will be held on February 23 and March 30.

Lincoln’s intergenerational singalong
January 26 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. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The program will include singing groups from each of the three organizations. Members of the audience will enjoy favorite folk songs, children songs, and more.

Lincoln Academy with Zach Woods: amateurs assist in the second war for U.S. independence
January 29 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 29 at 12:30 to hear Zach Woods discuss “Amateurs Assist in the Second War for U.S. Independence.” Non-professional militia, privateers, and Napoleon hindered and helped as we fought against the superior but hamstrung British Military in the War of 1812. What was the war all about? Learn about some of the surprising and telling moments in the conflict through a short film and presentation. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Save the date

The Irish and how they got that way
Join us to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 14 at the Stoneham Theatre. Trip-goers will attend the matinee performance of The Irish and How They Got That Way by Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes). This revue is a celebration of a heritage that confronts adversity with determination, good humor, music and love of life. It is a fabulous show, with excellent reviews, an uplifting musical that will leave you smiling. A comfortable air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 12:45 p.m., returning at approximately 5:30 p.m. This trip is rated easy, as it entails a short walk from the bus to the theater with no stairs to climb. Complimentary refreshments are served at intermission. The cost of the trip is $29 and is non-refundable. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, send your check, made out to FLCOA Trips, to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Please include your phone number and email address. If you have questions you can call Virginia at 781-259-1291 or email her at vobrien39@yahoo.com.

Community center draft designs expected in January

Preliminary designs for a community center on the Hartwell campus will be presented at public forums on Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 8–10 a.m. and 7–9 p.m. in the Hartwell B pod.

At the November 4 State of the Town Meeting and afterwards, the Community Center Planning and Preliminary Design Committee (CCPPDC) asked residents for feedback on a “character study” (a series of photos of other community centers) and a “wish list” with in-depth questions about what the facility should include to meet the town’s needs.

Lots of natural light and views, a place that’s interesting to go to architecturally, and a desire for a strong connection to the site and for the creation of outdoor gathering space were among the themes in the responses to the surveys. The architectural team has since met with Council on Aging and Parks and Recreation staff to discuss the two group’s program needs, and they also toured several facilities to gather ideas for further discussion.

“These meetings primarily gave us a greater understanding of how each group operates today, the breadth of their programs, what works in their current spaces that they want to maintain, and what doesn’t work. This understanding will help us greatly as we start to lay out the program and develop the designs,” an MTA representative said via email last week.

One of the biggest take-aways from the tours of other community centers was about storage—”these buildings had an amazing amount of storage distributed throughout the buildings, but it was not enough,” MTA reported. However, “all the centers that we visited were very active, and they had all seen a huge increase in participation in programs with their new spaces.”

News acorns

Movies for many tastes and ages

(Fair use source via Wikipedia)

In anticipation of the new Star Wars movie The Last Jedi that opens in theaters on December 15, the Lincoln Public Library will be showing the movie that directly precedes it chronologically, The Force Awakens (PG-13), on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Popcorn will be served.

The Lincoln Library Film Society presents a December homage to French actress Anne Wiazemsky (1947-2017) with three movies, all on Mondays starting at 3 p.m.:

  • December 4 — Teorema
  • December 11 — Au Hasard Balthazar
  • December 18 — La Chinoise 

Magic Garden open house

Magic Garden Children’s Center will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.—noon in advance of open enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. While the event is geared towards answering parents’ questions, children are welcome to attend and play in our classrooms. Children’s activities and a snack will be provided. Please RSVP to 781-259-8161 (walk-ins also welcome).

Magic Garden’s year-round program offers care and education to children ages 15 months to 5 years. Our core program hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–3 p.m., two to five days a week, with earlier arrival and later pickup also available.

Organizations welcome holiday donations

Toys for Tots

The Lincoln Police Department has set up Toys for Tots collection boxes at the Lincoln Public Library and the Barrett Sotheby’s office in South Lincoln. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys during regular hours through Wednesday, Dec. 13. if you have any questions please call the Police Department at 781-259-8113

Toiletries and other basics for seniors

During the holidays, Lincoln Council on Aging staff visit homebound, frail, and needy seniors to deliver baskets full of basic necessities. They are collecting new, unopened, unscented, full-sized items to fill the baskets: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, lip balm, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, kitchen sponges, trash bags, laundry soap, men’s and women’s socks, coffee and tea, postage stamps, pharmacy gift cards. Please place items in the marked box in the lobby of Bemis Hall.

Donate or purchase items to benefit domestic violence roundtable

On Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon–4 p.m., Mango Tree Artisans (410 Boston Post Rd. in Sudbury) will host a special shopping event to benefit the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. The store sells handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, baskets, clothing, instruments, and other items from around the world that are ethically sourced and sustainably created. Enjoy light refreshments while you shop. The Roundtable receives a percentage of all sale proceeds from this event.

Each year, the Roundtable sponsors a family from a local domestic violence agency for the holidays. These agencies need help to provide happy holidays for families in shelter and to meet the ongoing needs of additional families who have been victims of domestic violence. Sponsored families are anonymous, though the agency will share the number of family members and their ages. Match yourself with a smaller family to sponsor, or invite relatives, friends, and colleagues to join you in sponsoring a larger family.

For those who can’t sponsor a family, gift cards for food, clothing and other necessities to stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, CVS, Target, and Stop & Shop are welcome. Wrapping paper, ribbon and tape are also needed. To learn more about how you can help, contact:

Council on Aging activities in December

Jazz oldies concert at Bemis
December 1 at 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will present a concert of beloved songs from the early days of jazz at Bemis Hall at 12:30 on Friday Dec. 1. Channel your inner Al Jolson, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, or Fats Waller by singing along with the band. Or, if you prefer to get up and move around to the music, feel free to do your best Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Everyone welcome!

Lincoln Academy with Kathy Mierzwa: What’s so cool about Iceland?
December 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 4 at 12:30 to hear Kathy Mierzwa discuss “What’s so Cool about Iceland?” Why is Iceland such a popular travel destination these days? Do tourists go for the ice, the geothermal pools, the volcanoes or the Northern Lights? Come see some stunning photos from Katherine Mierzwa’s recent trip to Southern Iceland. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Demystifying probate when executor of an estate
December 5 at 2:15 p.m.
Does the word “probate” make you nervous? Has a loved one recently died and left you to manage his affairs? Are you unsure whether and when you might need to file Probate Court paperwork and tax returns after someone’s death? Please join Lincoln resident and estate planning attorney Sasha Golden on Dec. 5 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall to demystify probate and talk about what you need to do if you are appointed as the executor of an estate.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
December 6 at 1 p.m.
A Constituent Services representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold Office Hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 1–2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen
December 6 at 2 p.m.
Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or stay for the hour, they hope to see you from 2–3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Bemis Hall.

Coffee and conversation with Abby
December 7 at 10 a.m.
Come share coffee and conversation with the COA’s new assistant director, Abby Butt, on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10 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. Come and ask her a question about what the COA can offer, concerns you might have or ideas you would like to share.

Have coffee with the library’s photo share
December 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Come join the members of the group “Photoshare at the Lincoln Library” on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2:15 at Bemis Hall to celebrate their exhibit in the Bemis Gallery in December. In the decade-plus that the club has been around, it’s been a haven for people to come together to share and grow their photography. They accept all, both in terms of experience and in subject matter — portraiture, nature, wildlife, travel. Come on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Tarbell Room of the Lincoln Library.

The Birches musical: “The Ocean Show”
December 8 at 8:15 a.m.
The Birches School grades K-3 invite you to their fall musical, The Ocean Show, on Friday, Dec. 8 at 8:15 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Follow the journey of Ashley and Maya, two businesswomen bent on destroying tidal pools to build luxury apartments, as they visit the wonders of the ocean and encounter fish and plankton, sea mammals and bioluminescent creatures. This fun and educational journey shows that oceans are a series of interconnected systems, and destroying any one part will have unintended consequences elsewhere.

Lunch and tips for eating through the holidays
December 8 at 11:30 a.m.
You may be tempted to overeat or eat foods you shouldn’t at the holidays, but you can eat healthfully and have a delicious holiday season, too! Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. to have a yummy lunch prepared by the chef from the Commons and hear some tips for eating well through the holidays without feeling deprived from Sadie Daniels, RD, dietician at the Commons. You’ll feel better, look better, and enjoy the holidays knowing you are being good to yourself! On the menu will be a formal gourmet luncheon! Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by December 4 as space is limited. The Commons in Lincoln recently earned a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for overall quality and staffing in its skilled nursing center.

Lincoln Academy with Mark Hopkins: Making a difference in rural Honduras
December 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 11 at 12:30 to hear Mark Hopkins discuss “Making a Difference in Rural Honduras.” In this presentation, Mark Hopkins documents how a small, volunteer-run NGO (non-government organization) has spent the last 25 years helping the residents of a remote mountain village raise themselves out of poverty. His talk describes the many challenges involved — lack of education, poor health, polluted water sources, and an uncaring government — and follows the organization’s progress as it brings in teams of doctors, teachers, and engineers who volunteer their time to solve those problems. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Free elder law clinic
December 11 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, Dec. 11 from 3-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
December 12 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.–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.

Celebrate the holidays in a new way
December 13 and 27 at 2 p.m.
Most of us are used to celebrating the holidays through certain activities and traditions we have done for decades. But often there comes a time in our lives when those ways no longer serve us. Come join Pam Mizrahi on Wednesdays, Dec. 13 and 27 at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall for a comfortable and informal yet upbeat discussion about how we can rethink and reinvent our holiday traditions to fit who we are and our lives now. We will then spend low-key yet festive time with others in the group. No need to sign up.

Breathe, relax, and de-stress for the holidays
December 14 at 10 a.m.
Whether you perceive the holidays to be stressful or not, this is a perfect time to give yourself the gift of a little relaxation. Ahhhhh! Learn some practical, easy-to-remember techniques and strategies for reducing your stress, relaxing your body and mind, and enhancing your well being when Catherine Collins comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. She’ll show you a variety of ways to both begin a relaxation practice that you can do every day as well as calm yourself down when you find yourself getting overly upset. Catherine Collins, RN, MS is a registered nurse and a master’s level nurse practitioner with 30 years experience in health care.

Prevent falls and trips to the E.R. with the Fire Dept.
December 15 at 11 a.m.
Falls are the #1 reason why people end up in the Emergency Room, yet they are almost entirely preventable. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Friday, Dec. 15 at 11 here at Bemis Hall to learn how you can make your home safer with easy-to-take actions, staying on your feet in winter weather, using assistive devices, health conditions that may contribute to falls, and more. The Fire Department will be serving a sandwich lunch, so please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Gourmet luncheon with friends old and new
December 19 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, Dec. 19 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, Part III
December 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Join physicist Stanley Solomon on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m. in Bemis Hall for the third 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 American Physics Society and read by physicists worldwide. In this session, Stan’s presentation will examine how the collected data leads to an inescapable conclusion. 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 email address.

The fireside chat: the First Amendment
December 27 at  10 a.m.
Many of us take the First Amendment for granted and proudly stand up for it, at least our own interpretation. What do “freedom of speech,” “free exercise of religion” et al really mean? Come join the discussion as the Fireside Chat group wrestles with this important topic on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. at their 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.

Save the date:

Revel at the Top of the Town winter gala
The Friends of the Lincoln COA (FLCOA) are pleased to announce that the annual Top of the Town Winter Gala will again be held at the deCordova Museum! The date is set for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5–8 p.m. Mark your calendars and look for your invitation in the mail in late December. Be sure to return your reservation form promptly — space is limited to 200 people. Don’t procrastinate! The event is free but the FLCOA, as always, is extremely grateful for any donations to support this event and all its activities.

Tell your story with the memoir group
In the spring, there will room in the memoir group for a couple of new (or returning) members. If you are interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the group at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, January 10 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what the group does. 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 Jan. 10 and 24; Feb. 7 and 21; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18; and May 2 and 16. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Color your life with 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.–noon on January 8, 12, 19, 22, and 26. 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.

World hand drumming for fun and well being
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 learn the joy of drumming with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning January 16 at a cost of $78. Please sign up as space is limited. No need to bring a drum.

News acorns

FELS pie sale extended

The FELS Thanksgiving Pie Sale deadline has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 14. Through the proceeds from this sale, FELS (the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury) can fund opportunities for L-S teachers to grow and refresh next summer and add to their teaching. Pies ordered will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Beware of phone scams

The Lincoln Police report that a Lincoln senior received a scam call saying that several arrest warrants had been issued for the senior and the senior needed to call the scammer’s number. Police want Lincoln seniors to know that this is a scam and they will not be coming to anyone’s home to arrest them. If you receive such a call or would like more information, please call the police at 781-259-8113.

Advent workshop for kids

Pictured making crafts at last year’s Advent Workshop are Atticus Borggaard and Peter Covino.

The First Parish in Lincoln will hold an advent workshop for children on Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10:15–11:30 a.m. in the Parish House at 14 Bedford Road. Children will make seasonal crafts at this event, and refreshments will be provided. Free and open to children of all ages in the community.

A capella music, book preview at library

The Lincoln Public Library presents the Mistletones in concert on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and an adult and children’s gift book preview from 1–4 p.m. The Mistletones a capella group sings classic winter and holiday songs mixed with a modern twist and contemporary sound. All ages welcome. Before the concert, enjoy a holiday book preview where staff we can help you with suggestions for “just right” books for the children and adults on your gift list.

Minute Man trail reconstruction begins

Minute Man National Historical Park has announced that the Battle Road Trail, located in Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord will begin an extensive rehabilitation to improve the trail surface and drainage beginning Wednesday, Nov. 15. Sections of the trail at Hartwell Tavern will be closed. There will be a pedestrian trail detour, which is narrow and impassable to bicycles or strollers and is not suitable for running or jogging. The project runs from November 20 to December 31. Additional work at North Bridge will begin in April 2018.

Tour the Pierce House on Nov. 25

The Pierce House will offer free tours for the public on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. For more information, call 781-259-9757.

Fuel bill and financial assistance available

If you need help paying your winter fuel bill, the state’s Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help. The Fuel Assistance Program provides a cash benefit, payable to an authorized fuel provider, for both home owners and renters whose incomes are eligible. How much you receive depends on your household income, how many people you have in your household, and your heating costs. Those who receive fuel assistance may also be eligible for other benefits, such as weatherization services, heating system repairs, and discount utility rates. To apply for fuel assistance, residents of all ages should call Carolyn Bottum or Susan Isbell of the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 for an appointment. The Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will review the application to determine whether you’re eligible Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, please call to find out.

When Lincoln residents have an unforeseen and extreme financial emergency that threatens their well-being, the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund and the Small Necessities Project may be able to help. The Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund is supported entirely by the Ogden Codman Trust, First Parish, and donations. For more information or to ask for assistance from the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund, call Carolyn Bottum or Abby Butt at the COA, 781-259-8811.

Architects ask for reactions to school and community center possibilities

The current school campus showing when various sections were built.

(Editor’s note: Check back tomorrow for more coverage of the State of the Town meeting.)

At Saturday’s State of the Town meeting, residents began offering feedback on six concept drawings for a reconfigured Lincoln School as well as some photos of community center ideas.

The school campus drawings by Ewing-Cole and SMMA Architects represented only ideas for where various parts of the school could be located relative to each other on campus, rather than actual building outlines and walls, explained SMMA’s Joel Seeley. The presentation also did not address parking, fields and roadways, and it intentionally looked at a mostly new or completely new buildings.

All six designs had some features in common:

  • Academic hubs organized by grade level in for PreK–4 and by team teaching mode for grades 5–8.
  • Separate entrances for PreK, K–4, and 5–8.
  • Classrooms as well as breakout spaces for students groups of varying sizes and abilities in each hub.
  • Facilities for “specials” (art, music, science, and maker spaces) located close to the hubs.
  • A single dining commons and kitchen for the entire school.

The concepts are categorized in three groups according to whether the school building is concentrated in the current “L” configuration (Group A), or on the north or west side of the ballfield (Groups B and C). Some distinguishing features:

  • A1 — Retains the two gyms and auditorium, and is closest in shape to the current school.
  • A2 — Follows the same basic shape but in a curved rather than L-shaped fashion, with two new gyms and the existing auditorium.
  • B1 — A northern focus with five two-story linear classroom hubs, retaining and enclosing the Reed Gym and auditorium.
  • B2 — An all-new building on the north side, with a gym and theater space next to each other but separated from the rest of the school by a commons area to demarcate school and public uses.
  • C1 — A western focus having the clearest plan for two separate schools in one. Includes a new gym and a glassed-in or covered walkway to the existing auditorium.
  • C2 — A western focus with a ring of angled hubs around a central piazza and a new gym between the classrooms and the auditorium.

The concepts and explanations can be seen on the School Building Committee website. See larger versions of the drawings by clicking on one of the images below:

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”89″ gal_title=”School concepts – Nov 2017″]

At the State of the Town, residents offered written comments, but others may use the SBC’s online feedback form. The form asks what viewers saw or heard that they liked, what they wished would be developed further, and what they wonder about, or what questions should be answered.

The SBC and architects will continue to gather public input and refine the concepts in the coming months. Residents will be asked to vote on a design concept at a special town meeting in June 2018. By that point, officials hope to have a plan that has “overwhelming community support. We don’t want to get to a vote in June and wonder what we missed,” said Chris Fasciano, chair of the SBC.

Community center

The Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee (CCPPDC) recently hired Maryann Thompson Architects to work alongside SMMA and design a proposal for a community center. Their first step at State of the Town was to post “character study” photos of various community center interiors, exteriors, and landscapes and asked residents to jot down “gut reactions” on sticky notes with comments on the easels.

The architects are hoping for more detailed feedback via a “wish list” questionnaire on the CCPPDC website, which also includes the images shown on Saturday and an accompanying comment form. Residents are invited to download the questionnaire, answer whichever parts they wish, and email it back by noon on Friday, Nov. 10. The firm expects to have a proposed basic design along with “firm cost estimates” before the special town meeting in June, which will also address the school.

There are various advantages and disadvantages to having the community center physically connected to the school rather than on the Hartwell side, noted Town Administrator Tim Higgins. He briefly touched on some of those pluses and minuses as outlined by a group including the two school principals, Parks and Recreation Department Director Dan Pereira, Council on Aging Director Carolyn Bottum, and Administrator for Business and Finance Buck Creel.

Factors mitigating against having the two facilities side by side, according to their report:

  • There would be less space for athletic fields on the school side and the topography of the Hartwell side would also make it difficult to put a field there.
  • Sharing space would be impractical since the hours of operation of the school and community center would largely overlap.
  • The parking on the north and west side of campus would have to be significantly increased and the roadway network would have to be rethought.
  • There would be public safety and security concerns associated with keeping the various building users separate and out of restricted spaces.
Finances

The town can afford to borrow up to $80 million for the projects and still retain its AAA bond rating, said Andrew Payne, vice chair of the Finance Committee. Each $10 million borrowed would increase the tax bill by about $275–300 per year, depending on the interest rate. The current median tax bill is $13,600.

The FinCom’s debt financing subcommittee also recommends that the town should make bond payments that are more or less equal throughout a 30-year term. Some of the town’s debt stabilization fund, currently at $4.7 million, can be used to even out some of the tax bill impact in the first few years, Payne added.