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Events at the library next week

“Music from 5,000 Years of Civilization: A slide Presentation on the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra” will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. Accentuating the beauty of ancient Chinese instruments like the pipa and the erhu amidst the grandeur of a Western symphony, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra draws on cherished ancient melodies and delightful musical styles to create a brand-new yet wonderfully familiar experience. Chinese tea and refreshments will be served.

westbankLincoln native Shaina Low returns to Lincoln after three months in Bethlehem (her 10th visit to the region since 2008) to share her perspective at the Lincoln Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. Low will discuss conditions in the occupied West Bank, the political landscape in Israel and Palestine, and her work at the BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, where she researched and authored chapters in its report to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in The Hague on forcible transfer, a crime against humanity as codified in Article 7 in the ICC statute.

Minute Man hosts National Park Service centennial events

Minute Man National Historical Park will host a series of special events as part of this year’s National Park Service Centennial. During Founders’ Day Weekend from Thursday to Sunday, August 25-28. Lincoln highlights include:

  • Battle Road Trail Walks — Saturday, Aug. 27 from 12:30-4 pm. Walks starts at Meriam’s Corner and ends at Minute Man Visitor Center. Meet at Minute Man Visitor Center. Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
  • All-day kids’ activities — Junior Ranger Centennial Activity Books, Find Your Park, Selfie Station, What is a National Park? — Aug. 26-28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minute Man Visitor Center (250 North Great Road, Lincoln).

For more information, see this Founders’ Day Weekend web page or the MMNHP calendar.

Codman Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

The 34th annual Codman Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Codman Estate (34 Codman Rd.) This annual event features the work of more than 100 local artisans. Items include wooden furniture and toys, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, knitted sweaters and throws, children’s clothing, metalware and folk carvings. Enjoy live music, a food court and first-floor tours of the Codman House museum. Free to Historic New England members and children under 12, $5 for nonmembers. Click here for more information or call 617-994-5914.

COA activities in August

bemisAugust 3 at 11 a.m.
Codman Estate tour, garden visits and luncheon
You are invited to spend a delightful summer day at the Codman Estate on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. presented by Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and Historic New England. Enjoy a house tour, a visit to the Italian Garden, and a picnic under the arbor in the Italian Garden. After lunch, visit with Jai Kaur Annamaria to view her newly established garden and explore adjacent Lincoln conservation land and visit with the alpacas. $5 per person for lunch (Lincoln residents), $10 per person for lunch and tour (non-Lincoln residents). Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

August 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Share the joy of jazz with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet
Jazz up your summer at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 12:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will share with you their love of traditional jazz music in a delightfully spontaneous jam! They’ll have you stomping your feet and cheering as they belt out favorites such as Honeysuckle Rose, Sweet Georgia Brown, Sunny Side of the Street and When the Saints Go Marching In. The group are all retirees, amateur musicians who give expression to their love of the jazz of the 1920s–1940s at Bemis Hall once a month and also join the larger group of jammers who meet on the third Saturdays of each month, alternating between the library and Bemis Hall.

August 8 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free legal clinic!
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, Aug. 8 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 9781) 259-8811.

August 10 at noon
Savor summer with a special luncheon for veterans and their spouses
Veterans and spouses are invited to a special lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at noon at Bemis Hall featuring Hebrew National all beef hot dogs, 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 all veterans and spouses at the luncheon. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by Aug. 3.

August 17 at 1 p.m.
Nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart
Summer is the perfect time to get to know Lincoln’s highways and byways in all their natural glory. Come on a nature walk with Conservation Director Tom Gumbart on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m., starting from Bemis Hall. Tom will lead you on one of Lincoln’s many conservation trails while pointing out some of the native flora and fauna that you might otherwise miss. The walk will be on relatively level ground and no more than one mile. No need to sign up, just be at Bemis Hall a few minutes before 1 p.m.

August 18 at 10 a.m.
We honor veterans: end-of-life and survivor benefits
Veterans and their families have special needs when it comes to end-of-life care, whether related to the unique life and health care experiences of veterans or to the benefits of the Veterans Administration for end-of-life health care, burial benefits, or survivor benefits. We Honor Veterans is an initiative of the Veterans Administration and local hospices and other care providers to make sure that veterans receive sensitive and compassionate care and know about all their benefits. Come find out more when Mary Beth Kawalek of Brookhaven Hospice comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Aug 18 at 10:00 a.m.

August 22 and 24 at 10 a.m.
Enjoy historic Lincoln cemetery walks
Lincoln’s cemeteries are both historic and beautiful, telling the stories of Minute Men and soldiers from many wars, town luminaries, and ordinary people while also being extraordinary works of art. Gather at Bemis Hall for a walk through the Meeting House Cemetery (1756) with Valerie Fox, Deputy Town Clerk, on Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Then on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 10 a.m. meet at the entrance to the Arborvitae Cemetery (1837) for a walk with Cemetery Commission member Susan Harding. In both walks you’ll hear about the history of the cemeteries, stories of some of the people buried, and about the artistry of the monuments and landscapes. No need to sign up.

August 24 at 1 p.m.
Give calligraphy a try
Calligraphy is a beautiful way to express yourself while making elegant and lovely invitations, notes, cards, certificates, and more. Come give calligraphy a try on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. when Beth Anderson, client liaison with Caring Companion Home Care, comes to Bemis Hall. She’ll demonstrate how to do calligraphy, explain what you’ll need to take it up, and let you try your hand at it. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. 

 
Whaling museum in September
Save September 21 for a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum! This renowned museum of the history of whaling and its impact on New England, the nation, and the world offers interactive exhibits, including the world’s largest whaling ship model; displays of fine and decorative arts; collections of cultural artifacts, rare antiquities, scrimshaw and logbooks; and five whale skeletons including the rare blue and northern right. For more information, see the COA’s September newsletter!

Improve your life with Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is a new and innovative way of building on strengths to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life, cultivate what is best within ourselves, and enhance love, work, and play. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now for a free eight-session course, beginning Friday, September 16 at 9:30, in which you will hear presentations, view videos and engage in discussions to learn strategies for being happier, realizing dreams, bringing about personal change, using mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and nutrition to enhance quality of life, and improving relationships. The course is taught by Alyson Lee, who is a social worker and life coach and certified to teach Positive Psychology. It is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust.

Music appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics
Develop your musical listening skills and music appreciation with Music Appreciation: Unwrapping the Music—Special Topics presented at the COA by the Concord Conservatory of Music. This year the course will cover special topics like world music, American music, opera, and symphonies. 12 Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning September 13. $117. Taught by Ela Brandys, DMA. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now!

 
Take charge with aging mastery
This fall, forge your own path to better physical and emotional health, financial well-being, and life enrichment through actionable goals, small but impactful life changes, and peer support! Lincoln seniors are invited to join others from Weston and Wayland at the Weston COA in this free 10-week program meeting on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. beginning on September 14. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 now as space is limited. Supported by the National Council on Aging, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

Memoir group
Without any obligation, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we 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. 7 and 21; Oct. 5 and 19; Nov. 2, 16, and 30; and Dec. 14. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Beginning and refresher bridge
Depending on interest, the COA may offer a beginning and refresher bridge class in the fall. Look for more details in the September newsletter! If you are interested in bridge lessons, please call Carolyn at the COA at 781-259-8811!

July activities at the Council on Aging

bemisNew “Staying in Touch” group
July 5 at 2:30 p.m.
The slower pace of summer is a wonderful time to get in touch and stay in touch with ourselves and others. All are invited to a new discussion group facilitated by Wanda Paik to be held on Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 2:30-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This is an opportunity to chat with others on an array of topics of the group’s choosing and get to know your Lincoln neighbors. The COA’s hope is that those who come will attend as many sessions as possible. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by July 1 as the optimal number is 9-11 per group. If the COA has have more than 11, they may offer more groups. All are welcome.

Preventing tick-borne disease
July 6 at 2 p.m.
Join School Nurse and Town Nurse Maureen Richichi in a question-and-answer conversation on ticks, how to prevent tick-borne diseases, and what to do if you have a tick bite at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, July 6 at 2 p.m. Among the topics she may discuss will be how the tick season is shaping up in Lincoln, tick borne diseases and their symptoms, how tick borne diseases are diagnosed and treated, and personal protection including how to do tick checks and safely repel and remove ticks, and personal advocacy with your doctors.

Free legal clinic
July 11 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, July 11 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Architectural voyage around Boston by boat
July 13 at 11:45 a.m.
Join the COA for a unique voyage on the Charles River and around Boston Harbor on Wednesday, July 13. This 90-minute tour, hosted by the Charles Riverboat Company, offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin and includes historic landmarks and cutting edge contemporary designs by today’s top architects. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical difficulty, is $26, non-refundable. The trip will run rain or shine so come prepared! Space is limited. The trip will stop for lunch on your own at the Summer Shack in Cambridge, then go on to the dock. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 11:45 a.m. Call Claire Mount at 781- 259-8695 to see if space is available due to a cancellation.

Lincoln Trad Jazz Sextet
July 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Jazz up your summer at Bemis Hall on Thursdays, July 14 at 12:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will share with you their love of traditional jazz music in a delightfully spontaneous jam! They’ll have you stomping your feet and cheering as they belt out good ol’ favorites such as Honeysuckle Rose, Sweet Georgia Brown, Sunny Side of the Street or When The Saints Go Marching In. The group are all retirees, amateur musicians who give expression to their love of the jazz of the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s at Bemis once a month and also join the larger group of jammers who meet on the third Saturdays of each month, alternating between the library and Bemis Hall.

Dealing positively with difficult people
July 20 at 10 a.m.
We all interact with people who are stubborn, always angry, just plain irritable, or who frighten us. Come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, July 20 at 10 a.m. to learn how you can respond in a way that helps lead to less frustrating and more positive results. Claire Gerstein, the COA’s social worker with many years of experience helping others to cope with difficult people, will be leading a workshop that day. She will help you understand what may be causing some of these behaviors and give you strategies which may decrease your frustration and lead to better outcomes. Feel free to send examples of scenarios you would like Claire to discuss to gersteinc@lincolntown.org or give her a call at the COA at 781- 259-8811 between 9 and 11 a.m.

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud
July 27 at 1 p.m.
Come meet Pat McMillen of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program on Wednesday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m. at Bemis Hall and participate in a discussion about how to prevent, detect, and report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse. If you cannot attend this workshop but have questions about your healthcare bills, Medicare Summary Notices, or other health insurance explanation of benefits statements, please call the MA SMP Program office at (800) 892-0890. The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program is funded in part by grant number 90-MP0226-01-00 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living.

Lincoln Housing Coaltition brunch
July 28 at 11 a.m
All are invited to a free brunch hosted by the Lincoln Housing Coalition on Thursday, July 28 at 11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Lincoln has always been at the forefront of meeting our affordable housing goals, but we cannot afford to sit on our laurels! Are you at all curious about what an Affordable Accessory Apartment program is and how it would help us meet our goals? Do you have an accessory apartment already and wonder if this is something you’d be interested in participating in? Come enjoy a leisurely brunch and learn about this exciting program the Housing Coalition hopes to propose at the next Town Meeting. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Bemis Hall unveils new space

Renel Fredriksen (center) speaks at the ribbon-cutting for the renovated Bemis Hall basement while Carolyn Bottum (left) and Dot Taylor (right) look on.

Selectman Renel Fredriksen (center) speaks at the ribbon-cutting for the renovated Bemis Hall basement while Carolyn Bottum (left) and Dot Taylor (right) look on.

By Alice Waugh

Don’t call it the basement any more—call it Bemis Down Under, or maybe just Bemis Lower Level.

At an official ribbon-cutting on June 10, visitors sipped coffee and toured the spiffy new spaces in the previously dank and crowded subterranean portion Bemis Hall centering on a carpeted, well-lit meeting room with a large flat-screen TV, a floral loveseat and artwork donated by residents.

“It doesn’t look like anybody’s basement,” said Selectman Renel Fredriksen, who shared the ribbon-cutting duties with Dot Taylor, chair of the COA’s board of directors.

The meeting room will also serve as an expanded space for the weekly Friends of the Lincoln Library used book sale, because carts of books can now be wheeled in from the nearby storage area for easier access. Other new amenities include two handicapped-accessible bathrooms, a storage area for medical equipment such as walkers that are loaned out by the Council on Aging (COA), and a private office for the COA’s volunteer counselors. There’s also storage for the Historical Society are a large walk-in closet for the Lincoln Minute Men for muskets and uniforms.

“My office used to be in my flash drive,” said COA volunteer Marilyn Lewis, who previously had to talk to clients wherever she could find two chairs. “it was a huge privacy issue if people were talking about personal finances or health issues.”

The timing for the opening is good with summer just around the corner. Bemis Hall is not air-conditioned, so the first and second floors can get uncomfortably hot, but groups and activities can now simply move to the cool basement space, which also has a new ventilation system.

The renovation will improve things a bit for the COA, but it’s not a long-term solution. “This not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of the story,” Fredriksen said, noting that the town hopes to build a community center. “This relieves some of the pressure in the meantime.”

Years ago, creating this much more space in the Bemis basement wouldn’t have been possible, since the main area was taken up by two large steam boilers. A space-efficient gas heating system was installed several years ago, and in the latest project, more space was freed up when workers removed a piece of Lincoln history: the huge air tanks that fed the air horn in the building’s cupola. The tanks, which stored air from a compressor elsewhere in the building and weighed several hundred pounds, had to be cut apart.

In bygone days, whenever there was a fire in town, the horn sent out a series of coded blasts that helped residents identify the location of the fire using a cheat sheet supplied by the town. The horn also honked at the same time each day so people could synchronize their clocks and watches.

The construction took about 10 weeks altogether, though the project had a bumpy beginning when officials opened the bids and found that they all exceeded the amount budgeted by the town. Fortunately, Lincoln Facilities Manager Michael Haines stepped in to act as general contractor, which saved enough money to avoid having to go back to Town Meeting for more funds and delaying the project significantly. As work proceeded, some details such storage configurations were changed with the input of those who’ll be using the space.

“Everyone had good suggestions here. It was really a team effort,” said Town Administrator Tim Higgins.

Council on Aging activities in June

bemisThe many faces of loss: a new group
June 6 at 10 a.m.
As we age we confront loss in many forms. It may be the death of loved ones. It may also be dealing with physical or cognitive changes in loved ones, friends or in ourselves. It may include regrets about lost opportunities and we may also confront the recognition of our own mortality. Claire Gerstein, LICSW, our social worker with many years of experience helping people navigate the losses of later life, will be facilitating a group which will give people the opportunity to talk about these issues in a supportive environment. The six-week group will run on Mondays from 10-11 a.m. beginning on June 6 at Bemis Hall. No need to sign up.

Lincoln Academy with Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler—Keeping the waters of life flowing: water conservation and infrastructure in Lincoln
June 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 6 at 12:30 to hear Ruth Ann Hendrickson and Packy Lawler discuss “Keeping the Waters of Life Flowing: Water Conservation and Infrastructure in Lincoln.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.

Being mortal: discuss life and end-of-life planning
June 9 at 10 a.m.
How we die and help family and friends at the end of their lives, how the medical system assists or hinders you in your choices, and the best ways to live more independently are all questions that have no easy answers. Join in a series of free-ranging conversations on these and other related topics, with references to Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal, facilitated by Alyson Lee, life coach, social worker and certified facilitator for Honoring Choices/Massachusetts. This month’s conversation will be on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

Lincoln Academy with Mike O’Brien—Making sense of our crazy politics: how psychology can change what we see
June 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 13 at 12:30 to hear Mike O’Brien discuss “Making Sense of Our Crazy Politics: How Psychology Can Change What We See.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.

Got a question about a legal issue? Come to our free clinic!
June 13 at 2 p.m.
Got a question about a legal issue? The Council on Aging is pleased to provide a monthly legal clinic with elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden on Monday, June 13 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. Register in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Celebrate summer at our strawberry ice cream social!
June 16 at noon
Celebrate this special time of year at the annual strawberry ice cream social which will be held at Bemis Hall on Thursday, June 16 at noon. The Social is sponsored by the COA and the Friends of the COA. Bring a bag lunch at noon or just come for dessert. Make your own ice cream sundae with luscious ice cream topped with strawberries, chocolate and more! Please RSVP to the COA at 781-259-8811. Tell them when you call if you will need a ride.

Stay up to date and save yourself from becoming the victim of a scam
June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Criminals have scammed Lincoln residents out of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past several years. Becoming the victim of a scam can happen to anyone; criminals are professionals at stealing your money and they count on victims believing that it can’t happen to them. Come find out what the latest scams are in Lincoln and how to protect yourself from them when Lieutenant Sean Kennedy and Detective Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police Department host a seminar at the Public Safety Building on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m. They will serve coffee, muffins, and donuts! Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up so they know how many to expect. Come to learn and discuss your questions and concerns.

Sharing memories, sharing lives
June 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Memories are an important facet of our lives as elders.  The recollection of past events connects us to our former selves and our feelings, providing a through-line to who we are now and what we believe in, based upon how these values influenced our lives. Memories also connect us to each other as part of a shared experience. On Friday, June 17 from 12:30-2:30, join Leslie Kilgore at Bemis Hall in a workshop entitled Sharing Memories, Sharing Lives as we discuss our memories and bring them to life through role-playing, art, or music. Participants can choose to explore their memories in one or several of the arts and may bring in their own musical instruments if desired. Artistic experience is not required; the emphasis is on self-expression and the process, not the finished product. Please come!

Lincoln Academy with former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club: Growing up on horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s
June 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, June 20, at 12:30 to hear former members of the Lincoln 4-H Club discuss “Growing Up on Horseback in Lincoln in the 1960s.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.

The butterfly place
June 21
Join the COA for a visit to Westford’s Butterfly Place on Tues., June 21. It’s an indoor garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies! The trip will leave by Doherty’s bus from the Lincoln Mall at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $10. Lunch at Kimball Farm. You will return to Lincoln around 1 p.m. Send a check made out to FLCOA Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln MA 01773. Please enclose your phone number and email address. Questions? Contact Donna at 781-257-5050 or donna@ecacbed.com.

Fireside chat: telling each other our stories
June 22 at 10 a.m.
We all have a story to tell. It may be a story we have told many times or one we have never told anyone. It may be funny or sad, poignant or light. When we tell each other our stories and listen to the stories of other people, we not only learn more about each other but also about ourselves as individuals and as a community. Too often, we are just too busy to truly listen to the stories of our neighbors. Come to the June Fireside Chat facilitated by Sharon Antia on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall and take some time to learn about your neighbor and share your own life. Be prepared to tell a short story from your life and/or listen to others’ stories.

Summer solstice celebration: walking the labyrinth
June 24 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate summer with Jai Kaur Annamaria in one of Lincoln’s secret wonders—a local labyrinth! You will experience the ancient meditative practice of walking a labyrinth, indulge your senses in flowers, and enjoy summer’s abundant beauty. The event will be on Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. Please call the COA to sign up. The location will be given on registration. A $5 donation is requested. The rain date will be June 25.

Interested in playing bridge or learning duplicate bridge?
June 24 at 12:30 p.m.
A small group currently plays every Friday afternoon at Bemis Hall and will continue during the summer on Mondays. If there is interest, courses may be offered during the Fall for beginners and refreshers for others. Please call Carolyn at 781-259-8811 for more info and/or come to Bemis Hall Friday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss bridge in the fall.

Save the date: An architectural voyage around Boston by boat
Join the COA for a unique voyage on the Charles River and around Boston Harbor on Wednesday, July 13. This 90-minute tour hosted by the Charles Riverboat Company offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, the Charles River Locks and the Charles River basin and includes historic landmarks and contemporary designs by today’s top architects. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical difficulty, is $26 (non-refundable). The trip will run rain or shine so come prepared! Space is limited. The trip will stop for lunch on your own at the Summer Shack in Cambridge, then go on to the dock. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 11:45 a.m. Send your check for $26, payable to FLCOA/Trips, to Claire Mount, 123 Tower Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 prior to July 1. Call Claire at 781-259-8695 to reserve your spot.

Series on Iraq and ISIS continues on Friday

iraqThe second in a series of discussions on the origins of ISIS, the U.S. involvement in Iraq and how the psychology of our current political leaders plays into these issues will be led by retired counseling psychologist Michael O’Brien on Friday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

The first session on May 20 focused on an article published March 13 in Boston Globe Magazine titled “An Iraq Reckoning” describing how two key decisions by Paul Bremer in Iraq in 2003 shook the Middle East and paved the way for ISIS. At this week’s session, attendees will watch the 2007 documentary No End in Sight that presents a “staggering portrait of arrogance and incompetence in our chain of decisions that led Iraq into a state of chaos and civil war following our occupation.” The third session, “Fiasco in Iraq” on Friday, June 3, will discuss the May 27 film and the book Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq by Thomas Ricks, senior Pentagon correspondent for the Washington Post.

Each of these Friday morning sessions, co-sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library and the Lincoln Council on Aging, will run from 9:30-11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. For more information on the series, call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8211

O’Brien will also speak on Monday, June 13 about “Making Sense of Our Crazy Politics: How Psychology Can Change What We See.” It will consist of a 30-minute talk followed by discussion as part of the Lincoln Academy series regularly held on Mondays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. O’Brien will focus on how psychological research on various developmental needs—as well as narcissistic and socially dominant personalities, submissive-follower types, and even differing views on God and reality—can illuminate what we’re seeing in our current national political contests.

Attendees are urged to read the Boston Globe article before the next two discussions, as well as Ricks’s book prior to the June 13 session. For those unable to attend the May 27 screening, No End in Sight is available on DVD and from some libraries.

O’Brien, a longtime Lincoln resident, has a doctorate in counseling psychology and an master’s degree in theology. Now retired, he has long focused on phenomenological approaches to the study of personality. He worked for many years as a clinical counselor and therapist at counseling and testing centers at both Boston University and Northeastern University. Earlier, after years of theological study, he taught courses on biblical exegesis at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Council on Aging events in May

bemisMeet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
May 4 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, May 4 at 1 p.m. to meet with Anthony Moreschi, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. He will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You are also welcome to discuss other matters with him that he may be able to help with.

We honor veterans: end-of-life and survivor benefits
May 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Veterans and their families have special needs when it comes to end-of-life care, whether related to the unique life and health care experiences of veterans or to the benefits of the Veterans Administration for end-of-life health care, burial benefits, or survivor benefits. “We Honor Veterans” is an initiative of the Veterans Administration and local hospices and other care providers to make sure that veterans receive sensitive and compassionate care and know about all their benefits. Come find out more when Mary Beth Kawalek of Brookhaven Hospice comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Want to sit back and enjoy some old-fashioned harmony?
May 6 at 12:30 p.m.
A melody you can sing along with? Hum, tap your toes to? The Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet will be bringing those tunes you know and love to Bemis Hall on Friday May 6 at 12:30. “Geezers” swingin’ on piano, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, sax, bass and drums will be there to entertain you. Come join the regulars singing along to When You’re Smilin’, put a smile on your face with Ain’t Misbehavin’, do the Charleston or the Lindy Hop if you’re up for it. Or just put your feet up and relax.

Lincoln Academy with Kathi Anderson—The Walden Woods Project: keeping Thoreau’s legacy alive in Lincoln and beyond
 May 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, May 9 at 12:30 to hear Kathi Anderson discuss “The Walden Woods Project: Keeping Thoreau’s Legacy Alive in Lincoln and Beyond.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.

May 11 at 7 p.m.
Medicare 101: basics for those about to sign up and others
Learn the basics of Medicare on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Minuteman Senior Services SHINE counselors Don Milan and Anne Meade. Come if you will be signing up soon or you just wish to understand your 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, timeframes for enrolling to avoid penalties and more. [Read more…] about Council on Aging events in May

Hundreds of Lincolnites flock to the fair

Dancing around the maypole in Pierce Park.

Dancing around the maypole in Pierce Park.

There was something for everyone at Saturday’s “40 Years of Community” fair, and Lincolnites of all ages flocked to Pierce Park on a bright and sunny spring day to connect and have fun.

Visitors enjoyed music from Colonial fifes and drums, a grand piano, guitars and an a capella group; hundreds of hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones and ice cream; bounce houses and fair games; an art exhibit; and tables showcasing dozens of Lincoln organizations where they could learn about everything from 19th-century rifles and toys to People for Pollinators, the Lincoln Diversity Committee, The Food Project and the Town Archives.

Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy, who helped out at the barbecue, estimated the attendance at well over 1,000. “It’s a great day for Lincoln. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

Here’s a gallery of images from the fair. For best results, view the pictures on a desktop computer. Click one of the images to see a larger version in the lightbox that pops out. Then you can:

  • Click on the “i” icon at the bottom of the image to see the caption at the upper right of your screen
  • Click the diagonal arrow button to see the maximum size image
  • Move between photos by moving your mouse cursor to the far left or right of your screen and clicking on the white arrow that appears.
  • To return to the Lincoln Squirrel, click the “x” in the upper right of your screen.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”42″ gal_title=”40 Years of Community”]

Photos by Alice Waugh

Fair celebrates 40 years of three town institutions

40 years fair logoLincoln is gearing up for the “40 Years of Community” Fair packed with activities, art, music and history on Saturday, April 30 to recognize four decades of the Council on Aging, Parks and Recreation and the Lincoln Review.

The fair will feature children’s games and activities including a live animal demonstration, games and activities, storytelling, crafts related to Lincoln’s architectural heritage, a photo booth with a frog cutout, reading by “grandparents,” a scavenger hunt, a trackless train, 18th-century games, a sewing project, carnival games, a sketching demonstration and chance to meet a canine author, an activity table, and seed bomb and pollinator habitat making.

Lincoln’s history will be front and center, with displays on Lincoln history and iconic Lincoln buildings and landscapes. The Lincoln Minute Men will demonstrate aspects of life in Lincoln in the 18th century. Local organizations will provide information and demonstrations on such important topics as energy efficiency, agriculture, heirloom plants, nature and pollination. They’ll also have valuable information about their activities, programs and services.

Lincoln and Lincoln-associated artists will show their best work in the Pierce House, which will also feature historic photos from the Town Archives. The exhibit in Pierce House will also be open on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 from noon to 3 p.m.

What’s a fair without food? The Lincoln Police Department will host a barbecue while the Minute Men will offer baked goods and cider for a small cost. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy a meal or a snack on the grass in the park.

While you’re enjoying all the activities, exhibits and art, you’ll be regaled by music by some of Lincoln’s many virtuoso musicians. Bands and performing groups will play outside on a stage while more musicians will play and sing classical and other musical genres inside the Pierce House. The Lincoln Minute Men musicians will also be on hand.

Among the groups participating are the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Drumlin Farm, First Parish, Food Project, Friends of the Lincoln Public Library, Green Energy Committee, Historic New England, LEAP,  Lincoln Council on Aging and Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging, Lincoln Family Association, Lincoln Garden Club, Lincoln Historical Society, Lincoln Minute Men, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln PTO, Lincoln Review, Lincoln School Foundation, Magic Garden, METCO Coordinating Committee, Old Town Hall Exchange, People for Pollinators, and the Town Archives.

For more information about the fair, call Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 or Dan Pereira at Parks and Recreation at 781-259-0784. Local businesses interested in donating goods are also welcome to call Carolyn or Dan.

New series invites residents to create their own ‘third age’

seniorsThis spring, the Lincoln Council on Aging invites residents to create their own “third age” (life after 60) their way with a new series of presentations and discussions that meets their individual needs physically, emotionally, spiritually and legally.

While everyone is encouraged to attend all the sessions since they interrelate, residents are also welcome to come to only those presentations they wish to. The programs will feature plentiful opportunities for small and large group discussion. There is no need to sign up, except for the introductory lunch on April 8, and all programs are free.

The series will kick off on Friday, April 8 at noon with a sandwich lunch provided by Newbury Court and continue through June 10 with seven programs on a wide variety of topics. Those who would like lunch on April 8 should call the COA at 781-259-8811 to reserve their place. All programs will be held at Bemis Hall. The full schedule is as follows:

Living your purpose—your reason for being
The Rev. Lilian J. Warner, Newbury Court chaplain
Friday, April 8 – lunch at 12 p.m., presentation at 12:30 p.m.

Teaching the mind and body to communicate
Arthur Gleiner, MD and Amanda McLain, MD
Friday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Regular exercise is good medicine for mind and body
Terri Zaborowski, certified group fitness instructor
Thursday, April 21 at 2:15 p.m.

Readying your legal toolbox in case of the unexpected
Sasha Golden, elder law attorney
Friday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m.

Making and communicating about tough end-of-life decisions
Sally Pastorik, Brookhaven Hospice
Friday, May 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Creating independence at home with in-home services and technology
Hector Montesino, Deaconess Abundant Life Services
Friday, May 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Living in a small space and loving it
Lyn Spaeth, Transformations (home staging and interior redesign)
Friday, June 10 at 12:30 p.m.

“Life in the ‘third age’ has unique challenges, but also new opportunities for pursuing new skills and interests and being with family and friends,” said COA Director Carolyn Bottum. “Truly, your experience is largely determined by whether you look at life through a positive or negative lens, how you take care of your health, and how well prepared you are for the unexpected. This series is designed to give people the information they need to have the best ‘third age’ possible while also offering lots of time for discussion to share wisdom and life experiences with others.”

For more information, call the COA at 781-259-8811.