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Letter to the editor: CCPPDC offers updates

letter

To the editor:

“Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee”—with a name like that, we can’t help but succeed in our mission to bring a preliminary design to the town for consideration when discussing the current state of and future goals for the Ballfield Road campus. The townfolk spoke and the town representatives heard you: there should be collaboration between any and all committees striving to improve the nature and service of the Ballfield Road buildings.

But let’s start with introductions. Your CCPPDC members are Owen Beenhouwer, Sarah Chester, Doug Crosby, Jonathan Dwyer (for the Board of Selectmen), Steve Gladstone, Margit Griffith (vice chair, Parks and Recreation Commission), Eric Harris, Ellen Meyer Shorb (chair), Dilla Tingley, Town Administrator Tim Higgins, Director of Council on Aging Carolyn Bottum, and Director of Parks and Recreation Dan Pereira.

We have been tasked with providing the town with a community center design on the Ballfield Road campus in answer to the Lincoln community’s desire for a cohesive, cost-effective and community-spirited plan for Lincoln. We hope to provide enough information to help answer questions such as:

  • What is the realistic cost of a serviceable community center?
  • What does a community center do differently from other town spaces, and why is this important? (Much of this already addressed by prior studies, and we’re happy to review.)
  • Is it feasible and fiscally responsible to build the school and community center simultaneously or sequentially?
  • Can/should the same architect and/or construction company build both?
  • May the school and community center be built at the same time, or does the school need to keep current Hartwell buildings intact for alternate classrooms during the school build? Or are there other factors?

…and we hope to answer the questions you and we don’t know about yet!

The CCPPDC met a few times over the summer and has opened the request for quotes from architectural firms to work with us, reviewed their quotes, and is scheduling interviews. Our next step will be to choose a firm with which to work and to introduce them to you, the School Building Committee (SBC) and the architect they have chosen (if different)… which leads to a first response to the question “can we use the same architect?”

Well, yes and no. School buildings are very specialized structures and the architectural firms who design them tend to be quite focused on just that type of building. An architectural firm that promises they can do anything from a storage shed to a 20-story building probably isn’t the firm we’re hoping will design our next school building. Similarly, community centers tend to be a bit of a different creature and some firms make these designs their specialty. The SBC and CCPPDC have made it very clear to all parties that this is a collaborative effort by our two groups and we are requiring similar collaboration if the selected firms are different.

You will be hearing from the CCPPDC as we progress. You are always welcome to attend our open meetings and we hope to have a few community feedback events as plans develop. We will be at the SBC visioning meetings on October 3 and 17—will you? Once a month, a joint update will be provided by the SBC and CCPPDC, and you will likely see brief updates about one committee in the updates from the other. We’re also working on a CCPPDC page on the town website and hope to make more informative very soon.

Sincerely,

Margit Griffith on behalf of the CCPPD

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.

Workshops on school campus scheduled

There will be two community workshops on October 3 where residents can learn about and discuss options for the Ballfield Road campus.

Residents are invited to part or all of two “Developing a Shared Vision for our Campus” workshops on Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 8–10 a.m. and 7–9 p.m. Both will be in the Reed Gym. Children are welcome and refreshments will be served.

The Lincoln School and the Ballfield Road campus grew over time between 1948 and 1994 as parcels of land were added and building projects completed. The last major addition to the campus occurred in 1994, when a school project connected the Smith and Brooks buildings, creating a unified K-8 school.

Now, as a community, Lincolnites have the opportunity to create a holistic plan for the campus. Between the work of the School Building Committee (SBC) and the Community Center Preliminary Planning & Design Committee (PPDC), every aspect of the campus is under consideration: the Lincoln School, preschool programs, after-school programs, a potential community center for the Parks & Recreation Department and the Council on Aging, playing fields, roadways, walking and bike paths, and parking lots. This workshop is designed to begin thinking about the space needed for all these pieces and where they fit on the campus.

A brief history of the campus can be found on the new SBC website, which aims to document and detail every aspect of the school project. To subscribe for automatic email updates from the site:

  1. Visit lincolnsbc.org
  2. Scroll down to “Subscribe to SBC Updates” in the white box on the left
  3. Type your email address where indicated and hit “subscribe”

You’ll then receive an email from the Lincoln School Building Project asking you to confirm your subscription; please click on “Confirm Follow.”

Anyone questions or comments may email SBC@lincnet.org.

News acorns

“Mrs. Ship” by Catherine McCarthy, one of the works in the Clark Gallery’s “Paperwork” exhibit.

Artists’ reception

The Clark Gallery will host an artists’ reception with 17 artists to mark the opening of its Paperwork exhibit on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 4–6 p.m.

Used book sale

The Friends of the Lincoln Library resume their monthly used book sale on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m.–noon in Bemis Hall. Support the Lincoln Library by picking up gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Leave donated materials in the box in the Bemis Hall foyer.

Quilters exhibit their work

The Lincoln Quilters will display the results of several years of creative shared-quilt construction at the Lincoln Public Library art gallery starting on Friday, Sept. 8 and running through Saturday, Sept. 30. All quilts will be auctioned to benefit the charity of choice of the successful bidder. Bids will be closed out at the closing reception on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 3–5 p.m. at the library. Members of the Lincoln Quilters are Anne Crosby, Nancy Constable, Tricia Deck, Linda MacNeil, Margaret Olson, Lucy Sachs, Kate Sacknoff, Jane Solar, and Dilla Tingley.

Forum on Lincoln as a sanctuary

The Lincoln Sanctuary Town Committee is holding a forum titled “Lincoln Explores Sanctuary” on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 4–6 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The forum will be moderated by Steven Perlmutter and will include panelists Akuot Leek, a former Sudanese refugee and Lincoln resident; Andrea Hewitt and Sharon Carlson of Dignity in Asylum; Vince Amoroso, Boxborough city councilman; and state Senator James Eldridge of the Middlesex and Worcester District.

Sunday School registration, evening meditation at St. Anne’s

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church will hold its annual Sunday School open house and registration on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. There will be snacks and activities for kids. At the 10 a.m. service, there will be a special blessing for the new school year—bring your backpack to have it blessed.

St. Anne’s is also hosting an evening mediation series this fall, “Let Go and Know.” The group will meet Mondays from 7–8 p.m. beginning September 18. Cushions and chairs will be available for sitting, or feel free to bring your own favorite. To learn more, contact Nanri Tenney Nanri at nanritenney@gmail.com.

Bemis Lecture clarification

The Bemis Free lecture on “Philanthropy Shaping Lincoln: The Ogden Codman Trust” on September 27 will run from 7–9 p.m., not ending at 8:30 p.m. as previously listed in News Acorns and the calendar.

COA activities in September

New fitness classes for all levels
September 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Looking for an opportunity to get fit and toned, limber up, and enhance your physical and mental well-being? Try one of the Council on Aging’s new fitness classes at Bemis Hall. At 11:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Stretch and Flex for all fitness levels. You’ll start with a gentle warmup, then progress to resistance training with bands or weights. At 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Active Aging that begins with a stretch followed by muscle toning and strengthening with weights, aerobic dance, and cooldown. Both classes are $3 a session with no signup needed and begin September 5. Attend when you like. The certified instructor, Terri Zaborowski, teaches these two classes in other COAs where they are so popular they have wait lists. For more information, call the COA at 781-259-8811.

Think you might want to join the memoir group?
September 6 at 10 a.m.
If you’re interested in writing your memoirs or just curious about what goes on in the group, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bemis Hall and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are September 6 and 20; October 4 and 18; November 1, 15, and 29; and December 13. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Line dancing
September 6 at 11 a.m.
Enjoy the fun and fitness of line dancing Wednesdays at 11 a.m. beginning September 6 at Bemis Hall with Katrina Rotondi. Those who come to the line dancing class love it. $3 payable the day of the class. No signup needed. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 for more information.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Katherine Clark
September 6 at 1 p.m.
Jimmy Santos, constituent services and military liaison for Congresswoman Katherine Clark, will hold office hours at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. on federal benefits and other concerns. No need to sign up.

Join a new group to declutter and get organized
September 6 and 20 at 2 p.m.
Decluttering and getting organized can seem overwhelming, but you can do it with some help, and you will enjoy your living space more and feel better about yourself and your life. Come to a new decluttering group facilitated by Pam Mizrahi at Bemis Hall on September 6 and 20 at 2 p.m. and every other week thereafter to talk about why we clutter and learn strategies.

Coffee with artist Susan Wu
September 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Come join Lincoln artist Susan Wu for Coffee with the Artist on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Wu will be showing her Chinese brush paintings at Bemis Hall in September and October. Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Wu has studied Chinese brush painting at the deCordova Museum and with Qinxiong Ma. She is a member of the Chinese Painting Guild of Boston and is a featured artist on their website, chinesepaintingguild.org, and is also a member of the Sumi-e Society of America (Sarasota, Fla., chapter). She has shown her work in the annual Art in the Park exhibits at University Park in Sarasota since 2001 and has won many awards. Wu has also exhibited her work at the deCordova Museum and the Lincoln Library, among other places.

Lincoln Academy with Donald L. Hafner, Captain, Lincoln Minute Men—The “Inexplicable” Captain: William Smith and Lincoln’s Minute Men of 1775
September 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 11 at 12:30 to hear Donald L. Hafner, Captain of the Lincoln Minute Men, discuss “The “Inexplicable” Captain: William Smith and Lincoln’s Minute Men of 1775.” What explains the election of William Smith as Captain of Lincoln’s Minute Men in 1775? A report in 2007 for Minute Man National Historical Park asserted that Smith’s election was “inexplicable,” and it does seem puzzling. Among the Minute Men were long-time Lincoln residents, military veterans, and men older than William Smith. Yet to command them in battle, they elected Smith, who had moved to Lincoln barely a year earlier, was only 28 years old, and had no military experience. Various explanations have been offered for William’s election, but are they persuasive? Come join the conversation, review the evidence, and judge for yourself whether William Smith was the “inexplicable” captain. Donald L. Hafner is a retired professor of political science and a long-time member of the Lincoln Minute Men. His most recent book, published by the Lincoln Historical Society, is William Smith, Captain: Life and Death of a Soldier of the American Revolution. 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.

Tai chi for health, rehabilitation, and wellness
September 11 at 1 p.m.
Tai chi has been shown to develop a better sense of overall well being, reduce stress, help with posture and balance, increase strength and flexibility, and more. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to increase wellness in general or who is recovering from an illness and wants a gentle movement routine. The COA’s fall tai chi classes begin September 11 and continue until the week of December 11 at Bemis Hall. Level I (Beginners) is taught on Mondays from 2:15– 3:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 1–2 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:15–10:15 a.m. Level 2 is taught Mondays from 3:15-4:15 and Thursdays from 10:15–11:15. Level 3 is taught on Wednesdays from 2:15–3:15. The cost is $60 for 1 hour a week, $80 for 2 hours a week, and $100 for 4 hours a week. Instructors are Jane Moss, Ellie Horwitz, and Cynthia Rosenberger. For information, contact Jane Moss, at 781-259-9822 or mindbodyjm@comcast.net. Beginners may sign up now by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. Continuing students do not need to sign up.

Free elder law clinic
September 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, Sept. 11 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                                     
September 12 at 10 a.m.
PLACE: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Monthly positive psychology group
September 13 at 9:30 a.m.
All are welcome to come to a new group to support each other in Positive Psychology practices like gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, coping, and more. The group will focus on incorporating Positive Psychology into our daily lives through community-building, support, shared practices, facilitated discussions, and social media like Facebook. You don’t need to have attended previous Positive Psychology groups. The group will be facilitated by Alyson Lee, who is certified to teach Positive Psychology. The group will meet at 9:30 on Wednesdays, Sept. 13 and 27, and then monthly every second Wednesday. Funded by the Friends of the Lincoln COA. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 for more information.

Getting the most out of your iPhone and iPad
September 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Our programs on iPhones and iPads given by Andy Payne have been so popular that the COA has asked him to come back yet again. Andy will be at Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 15 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.

Using social media like Facebook and Twitter: it’s easier than you think
September 15 at 11 a.m.
These days, if you’re going to get the latest information about events and other things, you need to know how to use the Internet’s social media like Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. If you’d like to know which site has what kind of information, how to sign up, how to keep your private information private online, and more, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m., when Andy Payne will give an introduction to what social media is and how to use it.

Lincoln Academy with Heather Korostoff Murray—African-American improvisational quilts
September 18 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 18 at 12:30 to hear Heather Korostoff Murray discuss African-American improvisational quilts. She will introduce you to African-American improvisational quilts: the unique qualities of these extraordinary textiles, their possible African connections, and the stories behind their creators, including their inspirations and astonishing talents. Heather’s talk will focus on the lives and work of eight significant African-American improvisational quilt makers, with slides from the extensive quilt collection and research of her mentor, quilt scholar and curator Eli Leon. On exhibit will be several antique and vintage quilts from her collection, illustrating the key characteristics of the genre. 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.

Hand drumming for fun and wellness
September 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve musical skills for playing any instrument, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Learn this special art with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesday mornings at 9:30 beginning September 19 at a cost of $78. Sign up now.

Gourmet luncheon with friends old and new
September 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, Sept. 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 us 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.

Techno teach-in with LEAP students
September 20 at 2:30
Middle school students from the LEAP afterschool program invite you to join them at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. to get help with a variety of devices, such as computers, cell phones, ipads and tablets, and more. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up today.

Science and technology club: the science and economics of developing new drugs
September 21 at 10:15 a.m.
Every new medication undergoes years of development and testing between the initial spark of scientific innovation and the time patients’ lives are saved or improved. What is the scientific process of bringing a drug from idea to market, and what are the costs involved that can raise the price of a medication to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars a dose? Find out when Mary Elisabeth Field comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 10:15 a.m. Field, a Lincoln resident, has provided quality assurance and compliance services to Genzyme and other pharmaceutical corporations as they develop new medications for over 30 years.

Coffee with a cop—share concerns and ideas with the Lincoln Police
September 21 at 1 to 3 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 1–3 p.m. to meet privately with an officer from the Lincoln Police Department. Do you have a security concern regarding yourself, a family member, or neighbor? An idea the police should try? Would you like guidance about a situation? Come on down—no need to make an appointment. An officer will be at Bemis on the third Thursday of every other month from 1–3 p.m.

Fall and winter safety with the Fire Department
September 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Place: Public Safety Building
Fall and winter will soon be here, so brush up on how you can prevent a fire, accident, or related tragedy. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Friday, Sept. 22 at 11:30 at the Public Safety Building to learn about such topics as burning leaves, using space heaters safely, shoveling snow the right way, and more. The Fire Department will be serving a sandwich lunch, so please sign up.

Piano recital of music by Schumann, Gershwin, and Liszt by Abla Shocair
September 22 at 2:15 p.m.
You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of piano music with Abla Shocair on Friday, Sept. 22 at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall. She will play Schumann’s Carnaval, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C# minor. Abla, originally from Jordan, started playing piano at age 4. She is a civil engineer and has given many piano concerts in a variety of venues.

Greatest artworks of the 20th century
September 23 at 3 p.m.
Place: Library
Adults of all ages are invited to take a five-week free course that will reveal the genius behind various 20th century artworks and artists from Picasso to Pollock and beyond and discuss their own thoughts and reactions to each piece. The course will be from 3–4:30 p.m. at the Library on Saturdays Sept. 23, October 7, 21, and 28, and November 4. The course is taught by Steven Kendall, tour leader and teacher. The course is co-sponsored by the Library and COA and made possible by the Friends of the Lincoln Library and the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging. Please sign up by calling the library at 781-259-8465.

Lincoln Academy with Susan MacMillan Kains (Siusaidh Nic a’Mhaoilean Cahans)—Gaelic woman on a braided path
September 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 25, at 12:30 to hear Susan MacMillan Kains discuss “Gaelic Woman on a Braided Path.” This presentation will trace the interweaving of Susan’s life as a Scots-Gael, moving among and living with her Gaelic-speaking relatives of Canada and the North American Indian tribes, especially the Oglala Lakota Sioux of western South Dakota, with whom she has been an adopted family member for 35 years. 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.

Fireside chat: what’s on your bucket list?
September 27 at 10 a.m.
Place: Lincoln Woods
What’s on your bucket list? What should/could be in it but isn’t? What is your favorite list item, either something you’ve done or have yet to do? Get together with others and have some fun talking about things you want to do or have done and things that make us happy on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the 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.

Get what you need from your financial advisor
September 29 at 10 a.m.
Financial advisors vary significantly in not only their expertise, but also in how dedicated they are to meeting your needs instead of theirs. To make sure that you are getting the right advice from the right advisor, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. when attorney Christine R. Fitzgerald will talk about the suitability of investments, questions to ask when offered a financial product, and what to look for in financial advisors. Fitzgerald, a founder of the Belcher Fitzgerald law firm, has extensive experience with legal issues related to the financial services industry. Bring your questions and concerns.

Good habits to reduce inflammation for health
September 29 at 1 p.m.
Chronic inflammation is associated with major diseases like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and depression. You can help reduce chronic inflammation through eating the right foods, exercising, reducing stress, sleeping better and more. Find out about what foods to eat and avoid, how to exercise, and more when Jane Polley, MS, RD, LDN, and Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM, come to Bemis Hall Friday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m..

Save the date:

Tour of the State House and lunch
Come to the Massachusetts State House and the John Adams Courthouse on Wednesday, October 11. These historic and beautiful buildings house the story of Massachusetts. Think you know our history? John Adams’s passion for justice, community and learning are evident in the stunning 19th-century courthouse where the Supreme Judicial Court or Appeals Court meets right across the street from the Massachusetts State House, where the group will begin a docent-led tour. Do you know our state motto? Why do we have a state insect? Who owned this land? Who designed this beautiful building? Why is our Constitution so important? There’s a lot to learn. The bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. sharp and plan to be back in Lincoln by 4 p.m. Lunch will be on your own at the Union Oyster House, the oldest continually operating restaurant in the country. The cost of the trip is $15 and is supported by the Hurff Fund so the trip is limited to Lincoln seniors. Both buildings have elevators but expect to be standing on both tours. Send your check payable to FLCOA, along with your phone numer and email, to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or call 781-257-5050 or email donna@ecacbed.com.

Let’s bowl!
Let’s go bowling on Thursday, Nov. 9. Most of us haven’t bowled in years and certainly not with large balls. Don’t worry, the group will be using small balls (candlepin bowling). They will have four bowlers to a lane and maybe get a little competition going. Afterwards they’ll head for an early dinner at a nearby restaurant to discuss their bowling skills or lack thereof.

Express your love of nature with watercolors with Jane Cooper
Rediscover the joyful soul within you through art and nature in Jane Cooper’s watercolor class. Jane will offer fun dabbling in watercolor painting of scenes of nature, landscapes or some favorite sky. Four classes will be offered on October 13, 16, 20, and 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $30, all materials included. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up now.

Medicare 101
Are you turning 65 in the next year? Save November 1 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall for a program about what Medicare offers, how to choose a plan, when to sign up, and more, provided by the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE program. The federally funded SHINE program only has funding through March 2018 due to federal budget cuts, so this may be your last opportunity to attend a program about Medicare benefits.

News acorns

Clarification on Elizabeth Warren town hall location

Due to the editor’s oversight, the location for the August 25 town hall with Sen. Elizabeth Warren was omitted from the August 22 edition of News Acorns. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Concord-Carlisle High School (500 Walden St., Concord). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

School Council seeks new member from the community

The Lincoln School Council is an advisory body to the school principals that includes parents, teachers and a community member. Due to a resignation, the group is seeking a new community member to serve. The council meets on a monthly basis, typically during the school day. Recent School Council work includes supporting goals in areas of homework, community building, and technology. Anyone who has questions or is interested in participating may contact one of the Lincoln School principals:

FOLL book sale seeks volunteers

The Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale is looking for additional volunteer help, The group meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1–3 p.m. to sort and cull donations of used books and other materials. The book sale takes place on the second Saturday of the month in the Bemis Hall basement from 9 a.m.–noon. Getting involved is a great way to get first dibs on books for yourself and family, or just to meet with like-minded bibliophiles. For more information, contact Susan Hallstein at reerichards1@gmail.com or 781-259-1023.

L-S Boosters membership now open

L-S All Sports Boosters membership is now open. Your $85 donation gets each family member an L-S Boosters card to use for admission to all home games (excluding playoffs). Get your card now and join us for the first home football game on Friday, Sept. 8. To purchase a membership or find more information, go to www.lsboosters.org.

News acorns

Film on West Bank/Gaza occupation

The GRALTA Foundation presents two screenings of Ra’anan Alexandrowicz’s documentary The Law in These Parts (Israel, 2014, 90 minutes) on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall (basement screening room). Free; light refreshments will be served.

After conquering the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967, the Israeli army imposed thousands of orders, laws, and sentences while moving over 500,000 Jewish settlers into the territories in violation of international law. With archival footage and first-ever interviews with the prosecutors, legal advisors, and the judges who created the framework, The Law in These Parts unravels the intricate system of control that accompanies one of the most enduring and damaging conflicts of our time and sustains it. Can a nation that occupies another people act with principles that adhere to the rule of law? Winner: Best Documentary, Jerusalem Film Festival, 2011 and World Cinema Grand Jury Prize in Documentary, Sundance, 2012. Click here to watch the trailer. For more information, contact Steve Low at 781-259-1300 or steve.low@gordianconcepts.com.

Volunteers needed to serve at Senior Dining

Senior Dining is the Council on Aging’s very popular program that provides an elegant meal once a month at St. Anne’s Church. In order for the program to continue, the COA needs volunteers who can help set tables, serve the meals, and clean up a few times a year on the third Tuesday of each month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Kim Buell at kim_buell@hotmail.com or 781-259-1278.

Mass Audubon photo contest seeks entries

Picture This: Your Great Outdoors, Mass Audubon’s annual statewide photo contest now underway and running through September 30. The contest attracts hundreds of photographers representing all abilities, ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to record the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Bay State. There are two entrant age categories: 18 and older, and under 18. Subject areas include: People in Nature, Birds, Mammals, Other Animals, Landscapes, and Plants and Fungi. Each entrant may submit up to 10 photographs, which must be taken in Massachusetts or at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp in Rindge, N.H. Images may have been taken at any time prior to or during the contest.

One grand prize winner will be awarded a $250 gift card (to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary), in addition to being featured in Explore, Mass Audubon’s member newsletter. Eleven winners will win $100 gift cards and at least six honorable mentions will win $50 gift cards. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges. All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online. Please visit massaudubon.org/picturethis for complete contest rules, submitting images online, and other details.

Lincoln Literary Society meets

The Lincoln Literary Society will meet on Friday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the home of founder Daniela Caride. People may arrive or leave any time during the four-hour window to enjoy wine, food, and lots of books from the transfer station swap table as well as poems, stories and articles. It’s not a regular book club with required readings or deadlines—members talk about books they’ve read (recently or not), recite poems, read a passage or whatever inspires them to start a conversation. Explore www.LiteraryLincoln.org for the latest book recommendations, poems and upcoming events, and send submissions to Caride for publication on the site. For more information, email her at danielacaride@gmail.com. The group meets on the second Friday of each month.

Council on Aging activities in August

Lincoln Trad Jazz Band
August 3 at 12:30 p.m.
August 31 at 12:30 p.m. (both at Bemis Hall)

Regular exercise for wellness and independence
August 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Our bodies are meant to move. As we age our bodies lose muscle mass and bone density, a condition known as sarcopenia, which the National Institutes of Health has called “one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence in older adults.” Regular exercise can slow and reverse this process leading to greater wellness that can help you stay independent and help to prevent diseases and fall risk and even brighten your mood and mental sharpness! Learn more about sarcopenia and the benefits of exercise as we get older and try a few of the exercises for yourself when Terri Zaborowski, the COA’s aerobic and strength training instructor who teaches classes for every fitness level, comes to Bemis Hall Thursday, Aug. 10 at 11:30 a.m.. Terri is an AFAA-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and AAAI/ISMA older adult trainer with over 16 years experience in senior fitness. Come in comfortable clothing.

Adapt your home for disabilities
August 14 at 10 a.m.
The Home Modification Loan Program, administered in Lincoln by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), provides loans of up to $30,000 to elders and adults with disabilities and families with children with disabilities to make disability-related modifications to their homes. In many cases, the loan only needs to be repaid when the property is sold or transferred. You can have an income of up to $144,800 for a one-person household with higher maximums for larger households and still qualify. Landlords may get loans to modify units for renters with disabilities. Find out more about this program when Susan DiClemente Aaron of SMOC comes to Bemis Hall on Monday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. Pam Gallup of the Lincoln Housing Commission will also be on hand to discuss the town’s new Affordable Accessory Apartment program.

Free elder law clinic
August 14 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, Aug. 14 from 3–4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Luncheon for veterans and spouses
August 16 at noon
Veterans, spouses, and partners are invited to a special lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at noon at Bemis Hall featuring Hebrew National all beef hot dogs and turkey dogs (all available with classic condiments and toppings), coleslaw, and vegetarian beans. Widows and widowers of veterans are most welcome to join us. The COA is hoping to create a dynamic veterans community here in Lincoln and would love to see everyone at the luncheon. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by August 9.

Bees, butterflies and flowers with Tom Gumbart
August 16 at 2 p.m.
Join Lincoln Conservation Director Tom Gumbart on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. for a short walk at the Muster Field conservation land. This will be to view summer wildflowers and the abundance of pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, that use these flowers. You will also visit the new boardwalk that is located nearby at the Lincoln School. Park and meet in the field at the intersection of Sandy Pond Road and Baker Bridge Road. The field is on the south side of the road and there will be signs for where to enter the field. This will be in the full sun so please bring hats, water, and sunscreen.

Brush up on CPR and auto defibrillators to save family and friends
August 23 at 10 a.m.
Knowing CPR and how to use an automatic defibrillator (AED) can help you save a life. Come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. for a brush-up or an introduction to CPR and use of a defibrillator given by the Fire Department. This free workshop will not lead to certification, but it will give you the basics of what to do if you are with someone who has a medical crisis for which CPR or a defibrillator are appropriate. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up. All ages are welcome (maximum of 20).

Charles Reid, painter: a film and discussion with Jane Cooper
August 28 at 10 a.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. to see a film by acclaimed watercolorist and teacher Charles Reid, The Figure in Watercolor. The film shows you step by step how to use watercolors to depict the human figure in a way that is expressive of what you are trying to convey. Lincoln COA’s watercolor instructor Jane Cooper will then lead a discussion and give her own insights into the art of watercolor painting. This program will be of interest whether you are an accomplished painter, a beginner, or just thinking of getting started!

Save the date:

Greatest artworks of the 20th century
In this five-week free course co-sponsored by the Lincoln Library and the COA, the genius behind various 20th-century artworks and artists from Picasso to Pollack and beyond will be revealed and the group will discuss their own thoughts and reactions to each piece. The course will be from 3–4:30 p.m. at the library on Saturdays, Sept. 23 and 30, and October 7, 21, and 28. It is open to all adults. Please sign up by calling the library at 781-259-8465.

World hand drumming for fun and well being
Hand drumming is a fun and unique way to spend enjoyable time with others, improve musical skills for playing any instrument, and de-stress, relax, and feel more positive. Learn this special art with acclaimed drummer Mike Connors from the Concord Conservatory of Music on six Tuesday mornings at 9:30 beginning September 19 at a cost of $78. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Memoir group
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 Memoir Group on Wednesday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are Sept. 6 and 20; Oct. 4 and 18; Nov. 1, 15, and 29; and Dec. 13. If you want more information, contact Connie Lewis at 781-259-9415 or conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Fall tai chi classes
The COA’s fall tai chi session will begin September 11 and finish the week of December 11. Beginners may sign up now for Mondays from 2:15–3:15, Wednesdays from 1–2 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:15­–10:15 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. The cost is $60 for one hour a week, $80 for two hours a week, and $100 for four hours a week. Continuing students do not need to sign up. For info, contact Jane Moss at 781-259-9822 or mindbodyjm@comcast.net.

Council on Aging activities in July

Coping with change: a new group
July 6 at 1 p.m.
As we age, we confront change in many forms. It may be dealing with physical or cognitive changes in loved ones, friends or in ourselves. It may be moving to a different living situation or a joyful reveling in the freedom and time to pursue new skills and interests. Claire Gerstein, LICSW, a social worker with many years of experience helping people navigate the changes of later life, will be facilitating a group which will give people the opportunity to talk about these issues in a supportive environment. The three-week group will run on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. on July 6, 13, and 20 at Bemis Hall. If there is interest the COA will schedule three additional sessions in August. No need to sign up.

Tai chi in the park
July 11 at 9:30 a.m.
You may sign up now for tai chi in the park, which will begin on July 11 and continue each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. (Tai Chi I) and 10:30 a.m. (Tai Chi II) until August 8 at a cost of $5 per day. The class will meet at Pierce Park. Bring a water bottle, lawn chair and a hat! In inclement weather, the class will meet under the tent. Participants may use the Pierce House restroom. The class is for continuing students only. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Outdoor drawing with Bernadette Quirk at Lincoln Tree Tour sites
July 12 at 9 a.m.
Enjoy the outdoors while learning to draw nature’s glory outside with the COA’s new class, “En Plein Air Drawing” with Bernadette Quirk. The class will take place on six Wednesdays at 9 a.m. beginning on July 12. Meet at Bemis Hall the first week. Then each class will take place at each of the five Garden Club Lincoln Tree Tour locations. Bernadette will e-mail you the list of materials needed for this class. No previous experience necessary, beginners encouraged! The cost is $20 per session. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 and leaving your contact information.

Paint a colorful flower pot to take home
July 12 at 10 a.m.
A painted flower pot is a colorful, cheerful way to express your love of both art and nature. All are invited to join Karen Halloran, Community Liaison of CareOne at Concord, in a fun, free workshop to paint a lovely flower pot for you to take home on Wednesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. No painting experience necessary and all materials are provided. All you need to bring is yourself and your imagination! Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Sizzle your summer style with an accessory swap
July 19 at 10 a.m.
Go through your accessories—clean out any jewelry, handbags, hats, scarves, etc that you just don’t use anymore. Then come on down to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. for an accessory swap! Bring one or more pieces (not more than five)—scarves, jewelry, etc.—put them on a table, and then pick out some to take home! It’s fun and it’s a great way to swap out what’s OLD to you and breathe some new life, color and style into your wardrobe!

Canal and mill tour: Lowell National Historic Park
July 25
Join the COA on Tuesday, July 25 for a fascinating day at the Lowell National Historic Park. Find out about the famous Mill Girls, the technology that powered the mills, and how immigrants have contributed to the industrial city. First, you’ll hop a trolley to the Swamp Locks. There you’ll board a canal boat and cruise the Pawtucket Canal, maybe even all the way to the Pawtucket Falls. Then, you’ll have lunch at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the area. Finally, you’ll visit the Boott Cotton Mill Museum and Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit. The air-conditioned air-ride bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m., returning at approximately 4 p.m. This trip is rated moderate for physical ability, as there will be some walking and entering/exiting the canal boat entails steep steps. Non-refundable cost, including lunch is $32, and drinks are on your own. This trip is funded by the Hurff Fund, and is therefore open to Lincoln seniors only. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Your reservation is complete when your check is received. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.

Savor summer and be healthier with delicious, nutritious summer salads
July 26 at 10 a.m.
Salads can be exciting and scrumptious while giving your body the nutrients you need. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy crisp, tasty ingredients from your own garden or a local market. Get a fresh take on salads and how to make them when Jamie Parsons, the chef at Lincoln Kitchen/Trail’s End Cafe, comes to Bemis Hall on July 26 at 10 a.m. Chef Parsons will tell you how to get the best vegetables and fruits from local farms and then walk you through creating the most delicious salad you’ve ever made! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up as space is limited to 15.

What programs would you like the COA to offer?
July 27 at 10 a.m.
The COA would like to know what you would like them to offer as new programs and services or what you would like more of that they already provide. They would love suggestions for one-time presentations, ongoing classes and workshops, one-to-one services, and more. Come have coffee with COA Director Carolyn Bottum at Bemis Hall on Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m., call her at 781- 259-8811 or email her at bottumc@lincolntown.org.

Coffee with Lincoln’s town administrator
July 31 at 1 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, July 31 at 1 p.m. for Coffee with Town Administrator Tim Higgins. Tim will update you on some of the projects going on around town and news—including the results of Town Meeting, the state of town finances, the Wang property, the Community Center Planning and Preliminary Design Committee, and more, and answer your questions. He would also like to know your ideas and suggestions. Get to know Tim in an informal setting and chat about those aspects of the town that are most important to you.

Council on Aging activities in June

Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band
June 2 at 12:30 p.m.
On Friday, June 2, the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will be in the house once again from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Once again they will lift your spirits with upbeat favorite tunes for you to tap your toes to or sing along with. What? You’ve never been to even one of the past 38 concerts? Come find out what the regulars are enjoying while you’ve been sitting at home.

Lincoln Academy with Ben Horne—”The Essence of Bhutan”
June 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Ben will discuss, with pictures, a trip he and Jean took last October to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, known for its peace, happiness, and dramatic beauty. While many trips to the Himalayas can be classified as “treks”, this trip was more a brief immersion in the kingdom’s magical, mystical culture and history. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Tour the New Hanscom Middle School
June 8 at 10 a.m.
The Lincoln Public Schools and the Council on Aging invite you to tour the new Hanscom Middle School. A bus will leave the Donelan’s parking lot at 10 a.m. on June 8 and return about 1 p.m. You must call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up by noon on June 2, giving your full legal name and date of birth in order to be granted access to Hanscom Air Force Base. The new Hanscom Middle School is an 85,000-square-foot serving 300 students in grades 4-8. The $34 million construction cost was funded entirely by the Department of Defense Education ActivityThe firm of Ewing Cole designed the school building to support 21st-century education with grade-level “neighborhoods” where individual classrooms are clustered around common areas and small break-out spaces. This creates a flexible environment that fosters collaboration, accommodates project work, and provides opportunities for small, class-sized, or grade-level groups. The music room, art room, library, full kitchen, and gymnasium all have direct access to a central commons that features a stage and serves multiple functions: cafeteria space during lunch, performance center for music and drama, and a place to practice presentation skills for individuals and groups of students.  The building includes many energy-efficient features. The tour will be led by Superintendent Becky McFall.

Public Safety cookout
June 9 at 11 a.m.
Join Public Safety on Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. for a cookout at the Pierce House. You’ll start off by finding out more about current trends in frauds and scams and how to avoid being a victim; home safety from both police and fire perspectives; and services offered by Public Safety. At noon, Public Safety will be cooking up hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers with all the fixin’s. Because the event will be under the tent, the cookout will go on rain or shine. Please sign up by June 2 by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Lincoln Academy with James Harrison—”The Food Project and food justice in Massachusetts”
June 12 at 12:30 p.m.
James Harrison, executive director of The Food Project, will provide an update on the organization as well as the current state of food justice in Massachusetts and the role of The Food Project in creating multi-generational communities that work together to build sustainable and equitable food systems. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Free wellness clinic for all ages
June 13 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Medicare 101: What to know, how to choose
June 13 at 7 p.m.
Come find out the basics of Medicare on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. This introduction to Medicare is especially for those who will be signing up soon, but is also for those who just wish to learn more and understand their benefits better. Don and Anne will discuss traditional Medicare, Medigap plans, Advantage plans, and medication drug coverage (Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D), how to go about choosing the plan or plans that are best for you, avoiding penalties when you sign up late, and more. Bring your questions and concerns.

Gloucester and the Cape Ann Museum
June 14 at 9:30 a.m.
On Wednesday, June 14, the COA will head to the Cape Ann Art Museum in downtown Gloucester. There the group will have a docent-led tour of the collection of Fitz Henry Lane paintings, the luminist, marine painter (1804-1865) of this historic seaport, the museum’s collection of 18th-century portraits and contemporary art, and the fisheries, maritime and granite galleries. Lunch will be together at your own cost at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is good you will have time to wander Main Street filled with galleries, a wonderful artists’ cooperative, restaurants and shops. The bus will leave the Lincoln Mall at 9:30 a.m. sharp, returning to Lincoln around 4 p.m. The non-refundable cost of the trip is $22. This trip, supported by the Hurff Fund, is open to Lincoln residents 60+. Reservations must be made by June 8. Send checks payable to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Please include your phone number and email address. Please call Donna at 781-257-5050 with questions.

Next steps for affordable accessory apartments
June 14 at 10 a.m.
Come find out more about the Town’s new Affordable Accessory Apartments Program in a forum especially for homeowners and tenants. On Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall, members of the Housing Commission will be here to give information and answer questions. What are the benefits for homeowners and tenants? How does the Housing Commission match up tenants with homeowners? What is the lottery? Why do I have to choose a tenant from your list? How long will I wait for an affordable apartment. Come join the Housing Commission and get answers.

Strawberry ice cream social
June 15 at noon
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 15 at noon. The event 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, then share conversation with friends old and new. Please RSVP to the COA by calling 781-259-8811 and tell them if you will need a ride.

Ethics and climate change
June 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Climate change has not only a scientific component, but an ethical one as well that relates to political, economic, and other actions on local, national, and international levels. Come hear a presentation and discussion led by John Terrell, Ph.D., on Friday, June 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall on the many facets of ethics and climate change. Terrell will highlight the most recent successful Annual Town Meeting warrant article and a critique of the Paris Agreement including the possibilities of various alternate energy options and the economic and political necessities to effectively combat climate change. Come with your questions, concerns, and ideas.

Facing our futures with hope and love
June 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Rev. Lilian Warner, spiritual director/chaplain of Newbury Court, on Friday, June 16 at 12:30 for informal coffee, pastries, and conversation while she shows a video and shares her thoughts on how we can be molded and mended into new beings—different from who we were and still valuable—and create a better future for ourselves and others with the “Triple L, Double C of Living,” or how we must “Listen, Learn, Love, Care and Connect.” Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Lincoln Academy with Tom Gumbart—backyard butterflies, dragonflies and more
June 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 19 at 12:30 to hear Tom Gumbart, Lincoln’s conservation director, discuss “Backyard Butterflies, Dragonflies, and More.” Tom will give a photo show and talk on insects and other small critters found locally. Featured photos will be close-up images, especially of pollinator species on flowers. 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.

Coffee with Lincoln artist Loretta Arthur
June 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Join Loretta Arthur for a reception celebrating her art exhibit that will be in the Bemis Artists Gallery through June on Tuesday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m. A Lincoln resident since 1994, Loretta has recently begun painting again after a 25-year hiatus while she raised three children and practiced with her husband in the firm D.W. Arthur Associates Architecture. She was a studio art major at Brandeis with a concentration in sculpture, and received a master’s in architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design. The paintings for this exhibit include still life and landscapes.

The COA Science and Technology Club—technical challenges of making measurements on human beings
June 22 at 10 a.m.
Both human beings and instrumentation can often be very fragile, especially in medical, transport, and hospital environments. Paul Svetz will lead a discussion on Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall on some of the interesting and unusual technical challenges of designing and building devices for making measurements of physiological functions. Everyday contact with physical, electrical, and chemical items that offer little risk in daily life can be quite hazardous in the medical area.

Managing arthritis with exercise
June 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Please join Ryan Stoddard, orthopedic clinical specialist of Emerson Hospital’s Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies, on Friday, June 23 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The notion of living a long healthy life appeals to all of us. The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Therapies advocates for a life to be active and engaging. Exercise and activity promote a healthy life. Active longevity is about staying active and engaged as long as possible and improving your quality of life. You will learn some tips on how to manage osteoarthritis as well as some safe exercises to promote joint health and keep you staying active longer.

Fireside chat: the U.S. Constitution
June 28 at 10 a.m.
Do you have a favorite line from the Constitution? A favorite amendment? Something that confuses you or excites you? Have you ever read it? Come to Bemis Hall for a discussion of the U.S. Constitution. Join others in a lively but respectful discussion facilitated by Sharon Antia using questions and answers on Wednesday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The purpose is not to convince others of your opinion, but to share ideas so as to create dialogue and understanding.

Save the date:

Canal & Mill Tour – Lowell National Historic Park

Save Tuesday, July 25 for a fascinating day at the Lowell National Historic Park. Find out about the famous “mill girls,” the technology that powered the mills, and how immigrants have contributed to the industrial city. First, the group will hop a trolley to the Swamp Locks. There you will board a canal boat and cruise the Pawtucket Canal, maybe even all the way to the Pawtucket Falls. Then you’ll have lunch at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the area. Finally you’ll visit the Boott Cotton Mill Museum and Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit. The air-conditioned bus will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m., returning at approximately 4 p.m. This trip is rated moderate for physical ability, as there will be some walking and entering/ exiting the canal boat entails steep steps. Non-refundable cost including lunch is $32, and drinks are on your own. This trip is funded by the Hurff Fund and is therefore open to Lincoln seniors only. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLOCA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Your reservation is complete when your check is received. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.

En plein air drawing with Bernadette Quirk at Lincoln Tree Tour sites

Enjoy the outdoors while learning to draw nature’s glory outside with the Council on Aging’s new class, En Plein Air Drawing with Bermadette Quirk. The class will take place on six Wednesdays at 9 a.m. beginning on July 12. Meet at Bemis Hall the first week. Then each class will take place at each of the five Lincoln Tree Tour locations. Bernadette will e-mail you the list of materials needed for this class. No previous experience necessary; beginners encouraged. The cost is $20 per session. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 and leaving your contact information.

 

Community center, school group both seeking more residents

The School Building Committee (SBC) is seeking volunteers for an Outreach sub-committee. The Outreach Team’s focus is to communicate SBC updates and key community forum details, but also to warmly welcome community input in all our outreach messages and encourage engagement from our residents. The time commitment of our committee members will vary and depend on the role the volunteer chooses, for there are many. Please volunteer if you…

  • Are interested in acting as a neighborhood “captain” to ensure SBC communications reach your neighborhood
  • Would like to be involved in hosting coffees or small group community sessions
  • Have an expertise in updating and managing website content
  • Have an expertise in photography or videography
  • Would like to be involved in communicating community forum details and listening sessions to encourage greater community engagement.

If you’d like to volunteer or just learn more about this subcommittee, please email SBC@lincnet.org.

Community center panel

Selectmen are still seeking candidates to serve on the CCPPDC who have experience in fields that are relevant to the committee’s work, such as architecture, planning or design, project management, or community engagement. There will be four at-large community members on the committee. More information on the committee’s duties can be found here.

Those interested should send letters of interest (mentioning relevant experience) to the Board of Selectmen via email to at ElderP@lincolntown.org by Friday, June 2. The board will appoint members of the CCPPDC at its meeting on June 12. The committee will hold its first meeting the following week and will present public updates (including at the fall 2018 State of the Town meting). If possible, there will be a final report and/or town vote at the spring 2018 Town Meeting.