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

seniors

Council on Aging activities in March

bemisMeet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
March 2 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, March 2 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.

Wellness clinic for all ages
March 4 at 10 a.m.
All Lincoln residents are invited to meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods Community Building at 50 Wells Road on Friday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in March

Top of the Town

See a slide show of photos by Harold McAleer from Top of the Town, a cocktail party for seniors hosted by the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging on January 23, 2016.

Council on Aging activities for February

bemisSeniorSpeak theater performance
February 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Join the SeniorSpeak group for a theatre performance on Monday, Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. The performance is an outgrowth of the work participants were engaged in as they rediscovered their voice as older adults. Drawing upon memories, feelings, and life lessons, participants have created a performance piece that incorporates turning points and events that shaped their lives both as individuals and as a group. The piece uses scenes and music as tools to capture key moments. After the performance, all are invited to join a discussion with the performers about the development of the theatre piece and the insights gained in the process.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
February 3 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 3 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. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities for February

News acorns

satelliteTalk on high-schoolers and satellite missions

Can a high school design, build and operate a satellite mission to the moon and beyond? Come hear Paulo C. Lozano, Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Director at MIT’s Space Propulsion Laboratory, when he speaks at the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Rethink space exploration and consider how advances in miniaturization and spacecraft engineering allow students to design their own satellite and put it in space.

Run for local office in Lincoln

Looking for a rewarding if occasionally vexing way to feel more connected? Willing to undertake new challenges? Unafraid to speak up? Then run for local office! The annual Town Election will take place on Monday, March 28, 2016. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office now. Papers must be returned by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8. For additional information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-259-2607.

The following offices will appear on the March ballot: Board of Selectmen for three years; Board of Assessors for three years; K-8 School Committee for three years; Water Commissioner for three years; Board of Health for three years; Cemetery Commission for three years; Planning Board, two seats for three years; Commissioner of Trust Funds for three years; deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park for four years; Housing Commission for three years; Parks and Recreation Committee for three years; Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee, two seats for three years each; Bemis Trustee for three years; Town Clerk for three years; and Library Trustee for three years.

Aka Bistro discount for Lincoln Public Library patrons

The Lincoln Public Library and Aka Bistro are offering Lincoln residents who hold Lincoln library cards a 1o percent discount on food at Aka Bistro during the months of January and February. Drinks are not included, and the offer is not available on Valentine’s Day weekend (February 12-14).

hermione

Photo: Philippe Leray/Thalassa

Hear about seven months at sea

Come to an hourlong presentation detailing the maritime adventures of Adam Hodges-LeClaire, recently returned from seven months of sailing aboard the recreated frigate l’Hermione on her maiden voyage from France to the United States, on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Adam, currently a history major at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, grew up in Lincoln and brought his love for recreating the 18th-century to work on this French tall ship. Hi’s adventures were the subject of a lengthy article in the Boston Globe this year. Topics he’ll address include the context of the original l’Hermione, its connection to Lafayette, and its significance in French naval operations during the War of American Independence.

Campus study draft to be presented next week

The current school campus showing when various sections were built.

The Campus Master Planning Committee (CMPC) will receive a draft report from its consultants with recommendations for reconfiguring the Lincoln School campus on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room.

Residents heard an interim report at the State of the Town meeting in November from LLB Architects, who outlined some examples of how the building areas, pedestrian walkways, playing fields, and roads on the campus could be configured to accommodate a school project and a new community center somewhere on the Hartwell side. They did not include site work cost estimates for the scenarios.

The CMPC also released results of an informal survey of residents who attended an October 17 public forum. About 160 people responded to seven statements with answers ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The results of Questions 1 and 5 indicate support for reducing the footprint of the school building, which would most likely mean a two-story structure, although the overall character of the campus is still seen as important.

1. Gaining additional field space is a worthy reason to reduce the overall school footprint.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
52% 20% 25%

2. Locating parking near building entrances and fields is more important than the character of the campus.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
17% 21% 60%

3. Pedestrian walkways should take precedence over vehicular drives and parking lots.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
54% 30% 15%
4. The campus character is tied directly to the current footprint of the buildings.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
38% 25% 31%

5. We should consider reducing the footprint of the school in order to gain building efficiencies, better educational layout, and more space on campus for playing fields and other uses.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
62% 14% 19%

6. The value (functionality, appropriateness, and life expectancy) of the projects should take precedence in decision making if the costs exceed the previously projected costs.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
8% 19% 67%

7. Future projects should aim to reduce the impact on the regulated areas [wetland buffers, riverfront setbacks] to the extent that is practical.

Agreed or
strongly agreed		 Neutral Disagreed or
strongly disagreed
27% 25% 42%

The final report is due to town officials on December 31. The CMPC and its consultant have been working for six months on the project and have presented information at five public forums this fall.

Council on Aging activities for December

bemisMeet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
December 2 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 2 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.

Toe-tappin’ jazz at Bemis
December 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 when a traditional jazz combo gathers around the magnificent piano at Bemis Hall for an afternoon of old-time favorites. Share in the fun as trumpet, sax, clarinet, trombone, bass, drums and piano belt out foot stompers of the ‘20s, ’30s and ’40s. Tap your toes to good ole oldies such as Ain’t She Sweet, Somebody Stole My Gal, Bei Mir Bist Du Shein, or I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World.

Be prepared for winter’s fury: lunch and learn
December 4 at 12 p.m.
We all learned last year how challenging New England winters can be, but blizzards, power outages, and other potential disasters can be easier if you are prepared. Join Ben Juhola of the Lincoln Fire Department on Friday, Dec. 4 at 12 p.m. at the Public Safety Building for lunch and a presentation about how you can be sure you are ready for winter, including what supplies you need, ensuring you have communication, what to take if you need to go to a shelter, how Public Safety will be there to serve you, and more. Please sign up in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 so Public Safety knows how many people to expect.

Celebrate the holidays with other veterans and spouses
December 7 at 9 a.m.
Celebrate the holidays with other veterans and their spouses on Monday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. You’ll be treated to pancakes with butter and syrup, coffee, and great conversation! This is a social time just to chat and get to know other veterans in town. The breakfast will be followed by the Veteran to Veteran discussion group at 10 a.m. The breakfast is free, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities for December

Thanksgiving contra dance and maybe more

turkey1Contra dance at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will sponsor a Thanksgiving Night Contra Dance on Thursday, Nov. 26 from 7-10 p.m. at the Smith School. The program will feature musicians Larry Unger and Julie Metcalf, and caller Chris Ricciotti. All ages and abilities are welcome. Tickets are $6 for adults and students, or $4 for children 10 and under. For more information, contact Kati Winchell at 781-259-0692 or kwinchell@comcast.net.

Seniors invited to Wednesday dinner

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School invites the seniors of both Lincoln and Sudbury to a Thanksgiving dinner at the school (390 Lincoln Road in Sudbury) on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at noon. Diners will be entertained by both student musicians and an intergenerational dance troupe. Call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Who wants to wobble?

Jen Flanagan of Lincoln is asking if Lincolnites are interested in the Thanksgiving morning Gobble Wobble again this year. Participants run or walk either 3.5 miles or 2.5 miles after donating an “entry fee” of one bag of nonperishable groceries. The food goes to Open Table in Concord, which has come to depend on the contributions. Flanagan will organize the event again this year if there is enough interest; email her at jen@flanagans.us.

L-S alumni soccer, anyone?

Another holiday tradition is the L-S soccer alumni game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Organizers need to know if there is enough interest to reserve a field at the high school. If interested, leave a note on the L-S Soccer Alumni Facebook page or email tim_mangini@wgbh.org.

November activities at the Council on Aging

bemisLincoln Academy with Avram Kalisky—From the desert (Israel) to the midnight sun (Scandinavia)
November 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 2 at 12:30 to hear Avram Kalisky discuss “From the Desert (Israel) to the Midnight Sun (Scandinavia).” 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.

Minuteman High School building conversation
November 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Join the Minuteman High School Building Committee on November 3 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall to get an update on plans to build a new Minuteman High School. The project, with Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) support, is now in the schematic design phase. Building a new school was determined to be the least expensive alternative for local taxpayers and the option with the most educational benefits for students by Minuteman and the MSBA. The new building will be in Lincoln, next to the existing high school. Come with questions and concerns. [Read more…] about November activities at the Council on Aging

No major obstacles to putting community center on campus, consultant says

A map showing which parts of the campus were built at different times (click to enlarge).

By Alice Waugh

If a community center is built on the Hartwell campus, more parking will be needed, but creating a new entrance from Lincoln Road on the south side of the site probably won’t be necessary, according to an interim report by the Campus Master Planning Committee consultants.

Because both a school project and a community center are being contemplated on the Ballfield Road campus, the CMPC was formed to study the basic infrastructure and physical layout of the campus and assess the capacity of the existing infrastructure (buildings, roadways, septic systems, etc.) to support future uses. [Read more…] about No major obstacles to putting community center on campus, consultant says