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

seniors

Council on Aging activities in December

bemisLincoln Academy with Jim Cunningham and Rick Detwiller: A Historical Architecture Journey and the Barrett Farm Restoration Project
December 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 1 at 12:30 to hear Jim Cunningham and Rick Detwiller discuss “A Historical Architecture Journey and the Barrett Farm Restoration Project.” 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. 

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
December 3 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. to meet with Natalie Kaufman, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. She will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You are also welcome to discuss other matters with her that she may be able to help with. [Read more…] about Council on Aging activities in December

Holiday happenings in Lincoln

christmastreeBoy Scouts selling Christmas trees and wreaths

Lincoln Boy Scout Troop 127 will once again be selling Christmas trees, wreaths (decorated and plain) and balsam garlands at the corner of Lincoln and Codman Roads on November 29–December 23 from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Trees from 3 to 10 feet high will be available. Proceeds support Scout activities and a portion is donated to support local and regional charities.

L-S and Lincoln School choral groups perform on Dec. 4

[Read more…] about Holiday happenings in Lincoln

Residents delve into community center, school project at State of the Town

stateofthetown-cropped(Editor’s note: this article was updated on November 18 to include clarifications and additional document links.)

By Alice Waugh

At the State of the Town meeting on November 15, hundreds of Lincoln residents asked questions and heard cost estimates for two projects that are on parallel discussion tracks heading for Town Meeting in the spring: a school building project and a community center.

The Lincoln School needs millions of dollars in basic repairs as well as improvements such as cafeterias and other upgrades to improve education, while the Council Aging, now in cramped quarters in Bemis Hall, also urgently needs better space, town officials said.

“In both cases, doing nothing is not an option,” Selectman Renel Fredriksen said at the start of the meeting.
[Read more…] about Residents delve into community center, school project at State of the Town

Letter to the editor: important discussions at State of the Town

letter

Editor’s note: See this Lincoln Squirrel article for information on the school project and this one for coverage of the community center charrette.

To the editor:

This coming Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the State of the Town meeting (SOTT) in the Brooks auditorium, we will have an opportunity to weigh in on two important projects that are making their way through the town decision-making process: the community center project and a school building project. We will be discussing “pathways” for both projects, but all pathways have certain pitfalls and potholes that must be addressed before we can pave a route that the whole town might travel together.

[Read more…] about Letter to the editor: important discussions at State of the Town

News acorns – 11/8/14

Family potluck supper at First Parish on Nov. 9

You are invited to a family potluck supper this Sunday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish House of the First Parish Church. All are welcome. We will have pizza and cartoons for the kids. Bring a dish to share (no need to cook—purchased food is fine) and wine or beer if you would like. We provide the soft drinks. Come and spend some relaxing time with great First Parish folk. [Read more…] about News acorns – 11/8/14

News acorns (little ones) – 10/29/14

acornWildlife open house at Drumlin on Sunday

Learn more about Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary’s upcoming new exhibit,  New England Wildlife Explorations, on a behind-the-scenes guided tour for adults of Drumlin’s current wildlife exhibits and wildlife care facility on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. Meet at the Pond House opposite the Audubon Shop. For more information on the planned exhibit, see the Lincoln Squirrel, Oct. 6, 2014.

Music event at St. Anne’s

Come to a fall recital of Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe (“Poet’s Love”) and songs by George Gershwin with tenor Fred C. VanNess Jr. and pianist Aaron Franklin on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.

Register by Nov. 19 for Reagle trip

The deadline for reserving tickets for the Council on Aging’s December 7 Reagle Music Theater holiday gala trip is Wednesday, Nov. 19. The cost is $36 per person. See this calendar listing for details.

 

November activities hosted by the COA

bemisLincoln Academy with Ian Spencer—Forensic art: Blending creativity and crime-fighting
November 3 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 3 at 12:30 to hear Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police Department discuss “Forensic Art: Blending Creativity and Crime-Fighting.” 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.

Ole time traditional jazz concert
November 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Join in the fun on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2:30 when our regular traditional jazz combo gathers around the Steinway Grand at Bemis Hall for an afternoon of spontaneous jamming. Share the joy as cornet, sax, clarinet, trombone, bass, drums and piano belt out good old foot stompers of the ’20s,’30s and ’40s. Tap your toes to old favorites such as Ain’t Misbehavin’, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Makin’ Whoopie, On the Sunny Side of The Street, Honeysuckle Rose, I Got Rhythm, etc., ending with a rousing all-in When The Saints Go Marchin’ In. Get up and dance around the room if you feel the urge. If you missed the last one, you definitely won’t want to miss this one. Just ask anyone who was there. Check them out. You might end up staying!

Zen cancer wisdom
November 7 at 10 a.m.
If you or a friend or family member has been touched by cancer, you know that having cancer is a journey involving the body, mind, heart, and soul. That journey can be made easier, however, by words of wisdom from those who have experienced it. All are invited to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov.7 at 10 a.m. to hear Sue Stason discuss the newly released book Zen Cancer Wisdom: Tips for Making Each Day Better by Sue’s daughter-in-law, Daju Suzanne Friedman. Ms. Friedman, a scholar of Daoism, qigong master, Zen teacher and professor and doctor of Chinese medicine, was a cancer patient twice. Her book includes tips on and specific practices for managing the physical effects of cancer and its treatment, coping with stress, living fully with a cancer diagnosis, harnessing the mind and more.

Basic self-defense with the Lincoln Police
November 7 at 1 p.m.
Whether you’re at home in Lincoln or traveling to another place, you need to know how to prevent crime or, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, know how to get away unharmed. Find out the best ways to secure your home and your vehicle as well as learn strikes, blocks, kicks, and patterns of movement to get you out of a situation in which you are being attacked when Ian Spencer of the Lincoln Police comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. The methods you learn will use minimal energy with the goal being escape. Those who attended the previous workshop will benefit from the refresher provided by this workshop.

Lincoln Academy with Holly Holleroth—The “naked truth” about aging
November 10 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 10 at 12:30 to hear Hugo “Holly” Holleroth discuss “The Naked Truth about Aging.” 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.

Important Hanscom Air Force Base and MassPort update
November 12 at 10 a.m.
Hanscom Air Force Base and Massport are integral to Lincoln in many ways. Join part two of our conversation about what’s going on at Hanscom and Massport when Tim Higgins, Lincoln’s Town Administrator, comes to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. He will update the group and then answer questions and concerns. This presentation is part of Fireside Chat, a discussion of a current news topic using questions and answers led by Sharon Antia each second Wednesday of the month. All are welcome.

Veterans Day luncheon
November 12 at Noon
Veterans and their spouses are invited to a Veterans Day luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at noon at Bemis Hall. Come for soup/chowder and sandwiches. This will be a relaxing, fun time for veterans and their spouses to get together, chat, and enjoy some time together. Please sign up by Friday, Nov. 7 by calling the COA. A $5 donation is requested.

European river cruises and meet-up
November 14 at 9:30
The Danube, the Seine, the Rhine the Main—Europe’s rivers are romantic, beautiful and full of historic intrigue. Find out more about the rivers and cruises that can take you on them without the aggravation and uncertainty of planning the trip yourself when Peggy Dawson, travel advisor and accredited cruise counselor, comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. She’ll describe some popular tours, let you know how to choose a.m. ong them, and give the inside scoop on costs. Start the morning at 9:30 a.m. with a “meet-up” of people who would like to travel but need traveling companions or who just like to talk about traveling.

Observation status: are you an inpatient or outpatient?
November 14 at 1 p.m.
The difference between being admitted as a hospital inpatient vs. being under “observation status” as an outpatient is a costly problem for seniors and even more difficult to understand. Learn the difference between the two and how to advocate for yourself or a loved one when Lindsay Brennan, LSW, CMC, executive director of Life Care Directions of New England, comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. There will be time for questions and concerns. Refreshments will be provided by Right at Home.

Do you have something you need sewn?
November 17 at 10 a.m.
Do you have a seam that needs repairing or a hem to be taken up, or some other sewing need? Barbara Straus has volunteered to come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help you with your sewing needs! No need to sign up, just come on down!

Lincoln Academy with Walter Bossert—was Edith Wilson the de facto president?
November 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 17 at 12:30 p.m. to hear Walter Bossert discuss “Was Edith Wilson de Facto President of the United States During the Last 17 Months of Woodrow Wilson’s Presidency?” featuring live music of the era. 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.

Senior dining
November 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincoln seniors are invited to a gourmet meal in an elegant setting at 11:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at St. Anne’s Church. You must 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 the COA know when you call if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, and St. Anne’s. And the volunteer serving staff consists of your Lincoln friends and neighbors. Except in extenuating circumstances, you must call to cancel at least a week ahead or the COA will need to charge you for the meal in order to cover costs.

Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
November 19 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. to meet with Natalie Kaufman, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. She will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You’re also welcome to discuss other matters with her that she may be able to help with.

Happy feet, happy life: foot massage you do yourself
November 21 at 10 a.m.
Your feet don’t just get you here and there—they have key pressure points. Keeping them in good shape is essential to our overall health and well being, including improving circulation, removing toxins, stress relief, and more. Find out how foot massage can become part of your wellness routine and how to do foot massage on yourself or someone else with Jai Kaur Annamaria San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. Jai Kuar Annamaria teaches the COA’s popular Easy Yoga course, among other yoga classes, and is a qualified massage therapist in private practice. Bring your feet and your questions!

Developing a job search action plan
November 21 at 1 p.m.
Join Tee Provost of Operation ABLE when she continues her series on successfully finding a job on Friday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Tee will focus on deciding between job options, setting goals, evaluating resources and obstacles to achieving goals, and developing an action plan with clear, obtainable steps. This program will be of benefit even if you have not come to previous sessions.

Lincoln Academy: Birches School teachers
November 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m. to hear Teachers from Birches School discuss “Birches School: Offering a Nature-based, Community-based STEAM Education” (STEAM = science/technology/engineering/arts/mathematics). 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.

Reagle holiday gala
Revel in holiday joy as you experience over two hours of enchanting Christmas cheer at the Reagle Music Theater’s Holiday Gala on Sunday, Dec. 7. You’ll enjoy a breathtaking spectacle including a full orchestra and 150 talented performers featuring Yuletide songs and pageants of the Parade of Wooden Soldiers, Santa’s Workshop, a Victorian Christmas and more. The bus will leave the Mall at 3:15 p.m. on a Doherty’s bus and return about 7 p.m. The cost, including transportation, is $36 per person. Remember to bring some cash for ice cream and drinks that will be served at intermission. To reserve your place, send a check made out to FLCOA Trips to Claire Mount, 123 Tower Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 by November 19. Questions? Call Claire at 781-259-8695.

Save the date! Winter piano recital by Wanda Paik
Join Lincoln resident Wanda Paik for a solo piano performance on Friday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Admission is free and open to the public and will be followed by refreshments. Music by Chopin will be performed. Paik has appeared as soloist with the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler and Erich Kunzel, the Boston Classical Orchestra with Harry Ellis Dickson and the Boston Civic Symphony with Max Hobart, among others. She has also performed at the National Gallery in Washington, the Fogg Museum at Harvard University, at numerous colleges and universities throughout the U.S., and in Brazil, Trinidad and South Korea. Paik has served as president of the New England Piano Teachers’ Association and a board member of the Concord Area Music School Association. She is a member of the music faculty at Regis College in Weston and has released two CDs: Piano Perennials and Romantic Classics.

News acorns

acorn
Halloween activities for kids at the library

Movies & Muffins — Friday, Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m.
Watch Halloween-themed short films based on the beloved children’s books Fletcher and the Falling Leaves and Dem Bones, and the “Little Bear’s Moonlight Serenade”TV episode. For ages 2 and up.

Oogly Googly Halloween Puppet Show — Monday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.
Come hear a Halloween story and then make a shadow puppet. Puppeteer Faye Dupras will work with participants and their puppets in a fun shadow puppet activity. Recommended for ages 3-8. Registration required.

“Not Too Scary” Stories and Crafts — Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m.
Halloween stories for kids age 3-5 with Amy and Jane. Wear your costumes if you dare! Drop-in.

Candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence

At an October 29 candlelight vigil in Lincoln to commemorate victims of domestic violence, District Attorney Marian Ryan will give a keynote address on the collateral impact of domestic violence on children who witness violence and on our communities.

The Domestic Violence Services Network will host its annual candlelight vigil (October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month) on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at Bemis Hall in Lincoln,  to commemorate the victims who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. Candles will be lit in reverence of those lives lost to domestic violence, and an honor guard from Hanscom Air Force Base will join in the ceremony.

While the vigil is a solemn occasion, it is also a night of hope. By publicly standing together, we show the victims in our communities that we believe their stories and support their journeys. A gathering with light refreshments will follow. For more information about DVSN’s Candlelight Vigil, please call 978-318-3421.

evensongEvensong at St. Anne’s on November 2

St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church is hosting a service of choral evensong on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Evensong is the most particularly Anglican service in all of Christian worship. Originating from the monastic hours, it consists of the distinctive parts of the ancient office of Vespers and Compline. During the last century, Evensong has emerged as a liturgy of rare and mystical beauty. For more information, visit www.stanneslincoln.org or call 781-259-8834.

 

 Lecture on “The Codmans and the Great War”

Come to a lecture about “The Codmans and the Great War” on Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Codman House (34 Codman Rd.) at 1 p.m. After war was declared in Europe in 1914, New England families like the Codmans, who had strong ties to France, felt reverberations. When war broke out, oldest brother and architect Ogden Codman Jr. was at his chateau outside of Paris. While he and his staff made a daring, last-minute escape to the United States, his friend and co-author Edith Wharton remained in Europe to assist the war effort. In Lincoln, the Codman siblings threw themselves into home front activities like knitting and canning. Dramatic letters from family and friends in Europe serving as ambulance drivers, nurses, aid workers, and soldiers kept the family abreast of news from the front lines. Drawn from material in Historic New England’s archives, this illustrated talk focuses on the First World War experience of the Codmans and their community.

The lecture takes place in the Carriage House followed by an optional tour of the Codman House museum. Tickets are $10 for Historic New England members and $15 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Please call 781-259-8098 for more information. Click here to purchase tickets online.

Conservation Commission seeks volunteers

The Lincoln Conservation Commission (ConsComm) seeks volunteers to serve on the seven-member commission. There is at least one immediate opening. Commissioner appointments are made by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term unless the appointment is to fill out a previous commissioner’s term. The time commitment includes an evening meeting every third Wednesday as well as site visits, which are often held on the same day as the meeting and are typically held on weekday mornings. You may also be asked to participate in a subcommittee or serve as a liaison to another board or commission.

The ConsComm’s work is diverse, but much of it is focused on wetlands permitting and open space management. Those with professional skills in reading and understanding construction plans are especially desirable so a background in fields such as engineering, construction, architecture and surveying is helpful. Also those with legal experience would help round out the current group of commissioners.

If you’re interested, please submit the town’s online volunteer application form and submit it to the Board of Selectmen’s office or the Conservation Department. Attendance at ConsComm meetings is helpful for any interested applicant’ the schedule is also available on the commission’s website.

Buy a Thanksgiving pie for a good cause

Order a gourmet Thanksgiving apple, pumpkin, pecan or chocolate pie and help fund enrichment grants for teachers at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Purchase pies for $18 each from the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury (FELS).

To support another good cause in addition to FELS, you can also donate a pie to the Lincoln or Sudbury fire and police staff, the L-S Senior Dinner, a food pantry or an L-S teacher. FELS will arrange delivery — just indicate your choice on the form if you’re paying by check, or in the “special instructions to seller” area if you’re using a charge card or Paypal. (If you do not fill in anything under “instructions to vendor,” we will e-mail you to ask your preference.) Go to the FELS website to order pies online via credit card or download a paper form to pay by check. Pie orders must be received by Friday, Nov. 10 and will be available for pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Half of your order is tax deductible.

See musical theater gala with Council on Aging

Revel in holiday joy as you experience over two hours of enchanting Christmas cheer at the Reagle Music Theater’s Holiday Gala on Sunday, Dec. 7.  You’ll enjoy a breathtaking spectacle including a full orchestra and 150 talented performers featuring Yuletide songs and pageants of the Parade of Wooden Soldiers, Santa’s Workshop, a Victorian Christmas and more.

The Council on Aging bus will leave the Lincoln Mall at 3:15 p.m. on December 7 and return about 7 p.m. The cost, including transportation, is $36 per person. Remember to bring some cash for ice cream and drinks that will be served at intermission. Lincoln seniors and their caregivers, family members and friends who may be visiting (with permission from the trip leader) are welcome.

To reserve your place, send a check made out to “FLCOA Trips” to Claire Mount, 123 Tower Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 by Wednesday, Nov. 19. Please include your name, address, email (if available) and phone number on your check. Questions? Call Claire at 781-259-8695.

Letter to the editor: support a multigenerational community center

letter

To the editor:

My parents moved their young family to Lincoln in 1948. Growing up, I was always impressed by how much my parents gave back to the community, and how much the Lincoln community gave to our family. I remember my Dad very clearly saying how important it is to pay it both forward and backwards. Even in late middle age, after their kids had long flown the nest, he and my mother were generous supporters of the schools, the library and other important town initiatives.

As our town looks forward to making funding decisions, I am concerned that some folk are becoming polarized. Young parents perhaps think there is little need for a community center, while some seniors are less interested in funding the schools and young kids. I think it is a mistake to divide ourselves like this. In order to be a thriving robust community, we need to look after all the various members of our town.

At a recent community center meeting, several people stated that we really don’t need a community center, since we already have a great community. While I agree that we have a wonderful town, I strongly feel we need a community center that embraces both the Council on Aging and Parks and Recreation. I am concerned that if we create a separate COA, we will in fact isolate the older folk in town.

Some folks are concerned that children might run over frail seniors, but if children are adequately monitored that would not be a problem. Children and seniors coexist well at Donelan’s, the library and church settings. By thinking creatively, we can meet the needs of all. Why not build a building with separate entrances for young and old, and at the same time have mixed/joint spaces? By sharing space, we can build connections between young and old. In this modern age, so many kids and grandparents are separated by great distances. Many little kids never see grownups older than their parents. There are so many opportunities for multigenerational activities — including some of the opportunities listed below…

  • Computer classes
  • Cooking
  • Dressmaking
  • Conversational language classes
  • Woodwork – toys and furniture
  • Music
  • Tutoring/ literacy opportunities
  • Drama, plays and improv classes
  • Dancing
  • Arts and crafts
  • Leatherwork and pottery
  • Gardening
  • Creative writing and poetry classes
  • And much more

These joint activities would allow for teaching opportunities for both students and seniors. Are there any seniors out there ready for a hip-hop class?

In conclusion, I encourage everyone to attend the State of the Town Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15 starting at 9:30 in the Brooks School Auditorium to learn more.

Sincerely,

Sally Kindleberger
14 North Commons

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, 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.

Letter to the editor: come to CCSC forum on Oct. 17

letter

To the editor:

The Community Center Study Committee and the Lincoln Council on Aging invite Lincoln residents of all ages to a public meeting on Friday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall to explore the need for a new community center in town.

The Community Center Study Committee (CCSC) was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to evaluate options for the long- and short-term facilities needs of both Parks and Recreation and the COA, in addition to the numerous other community organizations which currently use such town facilities as Bemis Hall and the Hartwell School buildings for their activities and storage. Questions to be explored by CCSC, discussed at November’s State of the Town Meeting and next spring’s Town Meeting, are whether Lincoln should have a Community Center and, if so, where it should be located and whether it should be new construction or adapted from within an existing structure.

At the October 17 meeting, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the space and programming needs of the departments and community organizations and the options being considered, then have an open discussion of what programs, activities, and services should be included and where either a combined or separate facilities should be sited. This meeting, along with a charrette held on October 8 (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Oct. 14, 2014), are the first steps in its dialogue with residents to explore and discuss various options. We hope that any residents who were not able to attend the October 8 evening event will come to the October 17 public meeting. The CCSC will then take information learned during the workshop as they go forward. Refreshments will be served.

We hope to see you on October 17!

Sincerely,

Dilla Tingley
5 Laurel Drive
Community Center Study Committee and Council on Aging board member

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, 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.