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

Marijuana Study Committee hosts panel

The town’s Marijuana Study Committee will host a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 25 from 7–9 p.m. in Town Hall to consider the implications of the state law that legalized the personal use, cultivation, processing, lab testing, and retail sale of recreational marijuana.

Before November 2018, when a temporary town moratorium on marijuana businesses is set to expire, Lincoln must vote on whether or not to allow recreational marijuana cultivation, processing, and retail dispensaries in town. The issue first came up for local discussion at the 2015 State of the Town meeting in the context of medical marijuana dispensaries.

For the April 25 event, the Board of Selectmen has assembled a panel of legal, public safety, agriculture, medical, and industry experts to help Lincoln explore the issues and help inform residents’ thinking about our public policy options. Come learn more about the law, ask questions, and voice your opinions. The committee will also post a comprehensive FAQ document on its web page before the discussion.

DeCordova hosts Park Fest in June

On Saturday, June 23 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum hosts its second annual Park Fest, a campus-wide celebration of art, nature, and creativity. The event kicks off with a 5K trail run in the morning, followed by a day-long festival for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, art-making activities, a local artisan market, mini golf, and food and beer for sale.

“Not only will we offer some of deCordova’s signature outdoor activities, but we’re also piloting some fun new creative activities for our visitors,” said deCordova Executive Director John B. Ravenal. This year’s festival will feature an expanded program of activities, including:

  • A 5K trail race through the Sculpture Park and surrounding conservation trails from 9:30–11 a.m. ($20 entry fee for deCordova members, $30 for non-members)
  • Collaborative art-making activities inspired by special exhibitions “Sculpting with Air: Ian McMahon and Jong Oh,” and “Lived Space: Humans and Architecture,” including a giant parachute painting project
  • The Sculpture Discovery Quest, a series of clues to explore, engage with, and learn about the artwork in the park
  • A curated arts and crafts market with local artists, artisans, and vendors (contact Sarah Oh at soh@decordova.org if you’re interested in being a vendor of small artful or edible items priced under $100)
  • Live music by the Crank-Tones and Melvern Taylor and His Fabulous Meltones
  • A special dance performance by Somerville dance company Weber Dance, inspired by art in the park
  • A mini golf course near Jim Dine’s iconic sculpture “Two Big Black Hearts“
  • Ceramic studio demonstrations by resident artist Bruce Barry
  • Food and drink for purchase, including Cambridge-based Compliments Food Truck, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and beer from Acton’s True West Brewery

All activities take place outdoors in the Sculpture Park (rain or shine). Additionally, visitors will have free access to the museum to view the “Sculpting with Air” and “Lived Space” exhibitions. Tickets for deCordova members are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-17; nonmember tickets are $20 for adults (including Lincoln residents) and $10 for children. Seniors over $65 are $15. Active0duty military families with ID and all children 5 and under are free. Park Fest tickets and details are available at decordova.org/park-fest.

There will not be any public parking available at deCordova during Park Fest except for accessibility needs; parking will occur offsite with shuttle buses running all day. Shuttle service for the 5K run begins at 8 a.m., and Park Fest shuttle service begins at 10:45 a.m. and ends at 5:30 pm.

Sponsored by Boston Properties, Cambridge Savings Bank, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals​, Inc., and Lincoln Tree and Landscape.

Property sales in February

18 Page Rd. — Michael Pehl to Boston Unibo Corp. for $4,000,000 (February 20)

15 Oak Meadow Rd. — Anne Neimi to Sean and Elizabeth Crovetti for $935,000 (February 23)

20 Hillside Rd. — Mary R. Gayley Trust to Gail O’Keefe and Emma Melton for $985,000 (February 27)

School options draw almost 100 comments; workshops next week

The three campus options that residents were asked to comment on via a sheet handed out at Town Meeting (click to enlarge).

The School Building Committee has compiled comments from dozens of residents who turned in a feedback sheet on three possible campus configurations at the March 24 Town Meeting and posted them here in advance of workshops next week. Those sessions on Tuesday, April 10 at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Brooks gym will consider both the school and community center projects.

At Town Meeting, residents also saw drawings depicting the latest community center proposals. Many commenters referenced the six school options (R for repair only, L1, L2, L3, C and FPC or full program concept) in their campus comments.

One-third of respondents preferred option #1 (keeping the L-shaped school), and concern about cost was the most common theme in their comments. Comments by the other two-thirds who preferred campus plan 2 focused on educational quality, maintaining or adding playing fields, and sustainabilty. Several also asked for separate votes on the community center, with the school going first.

A basic repair and renovation project with no educational improvements is slated to cost $49 million. At the other end of the spectrum, an almost entirely new school concentrated on the north side of the ballfield would cost $95–$115 million. A community center on the Hartwell side of campus is estimated at $13–$16 million.

There will be a multiboard meeting on Monday, April 30 at 6 p.m. in the Hartwell multipurpose room with an update on the Campus Projects Briefing Document and planning for the June 9 Special Town Meeting where residents will vote on the projects. Immediately afterwards at 7:30 p.m., the Finance and Capital Planning Committees will host a meeting in the same location to discuss project costs, touching on questions such as what those figures include and the current market conditions affecting building costs.

Residents are always welcome to send their thoughts to the SBC via its website contact page.

News acorns

Hazard Mitigation Plan approved

A summary of Lincoln’s existing hazard mitigation measures (click to enlarge).

The Lincoln Hazard Mitigation Plan has been approved by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and will go before the Board of Selectmen for adoption. The document was created as a useful guide for the town of Lincoln  to meet the challenges of natural hazard events such as flooding, hurricanes and blizzards. Lincoln’s Plan will then be in effect for the next five years. Because the Town will now have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Town it is now eligible to apply for many state and federal grants.

DPW expands hours for brush disposal

To help with the cleanup from the March storms, the Highway Department yard at 30 Lewis St. will be open all four Saturdays in April to accept brush disposal from residents who have a Transfer Station sticker. The yard is normally available for brush disposal Monday through Friday and on the first Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To limit the use of emergency brush disposal privileges solely to Lincoln residents, staff will be checking vehicles to ensure they have valid Transfer Station stickers. If you are hiring an individual or company to clear your brush, you must contact the Highway Department in advance and provide your address, the name of the individual or company you have hired, and the date when this individual or company is expected to dispose at the yard. Any individual or company who does not meet the above conditions will be denied access to the DPW brush disposal area. Please call the Lincoln Highway Department at 781-259-8999 for more information.

ZBA seeks members

The Zoning Board of Appeals is seeking new members for open seats on the board. The ZBA is a land use board that interprets and applies the town’s zoning bylaw, acting on requests for variances, special permits, and appeals of decisions by the Building Inspector, considering the impact on the town and neighborhoods and the requirements of the bylaws. The ZBA has five regular members and three associate members and generally meets one evening a month. For more information, call the Selectmen’s Office at 781-259-2601 or click here for a volunteer application.

Cultural Council session postponed

Due to a family emergency, the Lincoln Cultural Council introduction meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 7 has been postponed. Anyone interested in learning more about the council and becoming a member should contact Melinda Bruno-Smith at melindabruno@hotmail.com.

Gospel group coming to First Parish

Joyful Voices of Inspiration, a community gospel choir, will perform at the First Parish in Lincoln on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in the Parish House Auditorium (14 Bedford Rd.) Joyful Voices of Inspiration is non-denominational and represents musicians from a wide range of religious backgrounds who find joy and power in the gospel’s music and message. They often donate their services at civic and fund-raising events in the Boston area. Suggested donation for the concert is $20 per person or $40 for a family. Children under 12 are free. Proceeds will benefit the First Parish in Lincoln.

Annual benefit gala at deCordova is May 12

Tickets are now available for the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s annual Party for the Park gala benefit on Saturday, May 12 from 6:30–10 p.m. The event honors Phyllis and Jerry Rappaport, who have been loyal supporters of deCordova for the past three decades, most notably by establishing and funding the prestigious $25,000 Rappaport Prize. Established in 2000, the Rappaport Prize celebrates contemporary artists with strong connections to New England and a strong record of achievement.

The gala will be chaired by Gerard Frank, a founding partner of Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects and former board president of deCordova. Joyce Kulhawik, the Emmy Award-winning longtime arts and entertainment critic for CBS-Boston, will be a special guest.

Individual tickets are $500 and tables start at $5,000. Proceeds support deCordova’s exhibitions, lectures, and programs, and can be reserved by emailing rsvp@decordova.org or online at decordova.org/party.

FoMA sponsors tour of Modern houses

Friends of Modern Architecture is sponsoring a tour of three Modern houses in the newly created Brown’s Wood Historic District on Saturday, April 29 from 3–5 p.m. Built in 1956, 1957, and 1959, each house has been updated and adapted to the needs of its current owners while successfully maintaining the spirit and intent of the original house. Cost is $35 for FoMA members and $45 for non-members. RSVP to fomalincoln@gmail.com.

Newly elected town officials sworn in

Town officials being sworn in by Town Clerk Susan Brooks are (left to right) Selectman Jennifer Glass, deCordova Trustee Jonathan Rapaport, Finance Committee members Elisa Sartori and Gina Halsted, Parks & Recreation Committee member Sarah Chester, School Committee members Al Schmertzler and Peter Borden, Bemis Trustee Mimi Borden, Registrar of Voters Margaret Flint, and Housing Commission member Even Gorman.

The induction ceremony for newly elected and appointed officers of the town took place on March 28, two days after the Lincoln election. The event is held annually and is meant to celebrate those who have stepped up to serve the town, and to acquaint them with one another and with the legal obligations of their public service. It culminates with the administration of the oath of office to the group and with each person signing a leather-bound registry of public service.

One of the new officials signs the Register of Oaths Sworn.

LLCT raises $360,000 during campaign

The Bob Davoli Band performs on January 6, 2018. (Photo by Ben Kingston)

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) raised $360,000 from more than 300 donors during a matching campaign organized by Bob Davoli and Eileen McDonagh of Lincoln.

More than 150 LLCT members and friends enjoyed an evening of music and community at a benefit concert hosted by the couple on January 6 at Bemis Hall. LLCT raised $3,855 in ticket sales and $1,200 in raffle tickets, which were rolled up into the larger match.

The largest gift came from an anonymous donor who stepped forward with a check for $100,000. The donating couple had been considering a substantial gift for several years and the opportunity created by the matching campaign became the right moment.

“Many years ago, the conservation land and trails attracted us to Lincoln. Since then, the LLCT and the Rural Land Foundation have provided extensive benefits to us, from recreation, protection of surrounding lands, and a real conservation ethic throughout the community. We decided the least we could do was to return at least some of the benefit that has been provided to us,” the donors said.

LLCT’s trustees and membership base helped raise more than $71,600 during the matching campaign period, bringing the total raised to $176,655. Davoli and McDonagh generously increased their matched amount to bring the total raised to an even $360,000.

“We purchased our land in Lincoln over 25 years ago because Lincoln is a community that clearly shares our deeply held belief in the preservation of open space and in the protection of natural areas. And the LLCT and Rural Land Foundation are the organizations that have successfully secured for over 60 years Lincoln’s open, protected, and rural-feeling, despite Lincoln’s location in the midst of a major metropolitan area. It seemed to us that one way to express our appreciation of Lincoln and to support LLCT’s mission, was to give back,” they said.

The funds raised are already supporting a current acquisition project and are being earmarked for future projects. There are still more than 200 parcels in Lincoln that remain of conservation interest, ranging from less than 1 acre and up to 80 acres.

LLCT is putting some funds toward a Stewardship and Enforcement Defense Fund for protection. LLCT presently holds conservation restrictions and deeds on more than 1,000 acres. Property that the LLCT holds for conservation purposes is a permanent financial liability. Funds are needed to initiate management and later monitor, maintain and manage land.

This spring, LLCT is producing a customized naturalist guide that provides identification of and awareness about the diversity of wildlife and plant species that Lincoln’s natural areas and conservation land supports. The newly raised funds are paying for this new publication that will be distributed to faculty within the Lincoln Public Schools at no cost, as well as to other Lincoln-based schools and local organizations. The Lincoln Cultural Council and Lincoln School Foundation are also helping to fund this project.

Several additional projects are being vetted by the LLCT Board of Trustees that will impact on the organization’s immediate conservation, stewardship, and educational goals.

“We are humbled by the breadth and depth of support demonstrated by Bob and Eileen,” said Meghan Lytton, the board’s chair. “It was a very special moment for all of us at the LLCT to experience the overwhelming support we received from the Lincoln community at the benefit concert. And the success of the matching campaign is an extraordinary endorsement by our membership—the very roots of our organization. As we celebrate this awesome philanthropic success, we remain ever grateful to our many supporters, and grounded in our responsibilities to acquire and protect land of conservation value in Lincoln and to cultivate a conservation ethic among all.”

Poem to the editor: help clear branches from walking trails

You may have noticed the sun’s finally out
And that’s as good a reason as any to shout
Please get out on the trails of our fair city
If you are locked inside, that’s a terrible pity.

And while you are walking the trails with friend or dog
Whether you saunter, speed walk, run or jog,
Please help out your Conservation Department
On the hills and dales and occasional escarpment.

After you’ve managed your own back yard,
Help us with a job that has turned terribly hard—
To clear the trails of limbs and debris,
We need the help of the citizenry.

While walking along, please kick or toss aside
Those small branches we normally can’t abide.
Or perhaps reach down and pick up some wood
(The stretching does most of us good)

And throw it off to the side of the trail
To clear away the residue of last winter’s gale.
We will get the big logs with our hearty crew,
Please have patience—there are more than a few.

Email us please to let us know where they are
And how to get to them by foot or by car.
Do use and enjoy our shared beautiful land
And many thanks for lending a hand.

Send reports of downed trees to Tim Belivieu (beliveaut@lincolntown.org) or Stacy Carter (stacyc@lincolntown.org).

Sincerely,

Peter von Mertens (chair, Conservation Commission)
16 Tower Rd.

 

Watch installation of spring exhibit at deCordova

Ian McMahon works on a previous installation of “Sculpting with Air.”

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum invites residents to observe and engage with artists Ian McMahon and Jong Oh as they create their work in the “Sculpting with Air” exhibition galleries. The behind-the-scenes viewings are Wednesday–Sunday, April 4–8 and April 11–15 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be artist talks with McMahon on each of those days at 1 p.m. and with Oh and 2 p.m. The museum will be open for public viewing and artist talks while McMahon and Oh are working, and the completed works will be on view starting April 20. (Reminder: the museum and park are closed every Monday and Tuesday until Memorial Day.)

McMahon and Oh emphasize process in their work and often make their installations at specific locations rather than in their studios. At the deCordova, they will create original, temporary sculptures that respond to the museum’s unique gallery spaces. “Visitors will be able to have a front-row seat to the artists’ creative process and will even be able to chat with the artists about their work. Each day will be a unique chance to see the sculptures as they change and transform into completed works of art right in the galleries,” said Martina Tanga, deCordova’s Koch Curatorial Fellow and curator of Sculpting with Air.

Also opening at the deCordova on Wednesday, April 4 is “Lived Space: Humans and Architecture,” an exhibit of photographs, paintings, and drawings that explore our psychological and physical attachments to the spaces we build and inhabit. Some artworks show the human body merging with the built environment, while others present imaginary structures that exist solely in the artist’s mind. The exhibit runs through September 30.

The exhibition explores three main themes: figure and form, interior worlds, and architectural fantasies. The artists featured in Lived Space” examine the link between architectural elements and our inner world. In their work, interior rooms function as receptacles of memory, emotion, and identity. Some artworks show the human body merging with the built environment, while others present imaginary structures that exist solely in the artist’s mind. Drawn from deCordova’s permanent collection, the exhibition addresses our impulse to adapt and relate to our architectural surroundings, as well as the ways in which these spaces shape and inspire us. 

Shown in the Dewey Family Gallery, “Lived Space” also considers deCordova’s architectural history, which has undergone several transformations since its original construction. Inspired by their travels abroad, museum founders Julian and Lizzie de Cordova remodeled their summer home in 1910 to resemble a European castle. When the building became a contemporary art museum in 1950, the gallery transitioned from a private to public space. These architectural shifts, prompted by Julian and Lizzie’s personal history, dreams, and passions, suggest an intimate exchange between humans and their spaces that extends far beyond one of basic needs.

April activities at the Council on Aging

Lincoln Academy with Dana Robbat—Modern houses proposed for Lincoln Historic District highlight a meaningful legacy
April 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, April 2 at 12:30 to hear Dana Robbat discuss “Modern Houses Proposed for Lincoln Historic District Highlight a Meaningful Legacy.” At the recent Town Meeting, Lincoln residents were asked to support the Lincoln Historic Commission’s proposal to add 29 Modern houses to the Lincoln Historic District, including the Brown’s Wood Historic District. Built between 1937 and 1969, they represent Modernism’s concern for social reform through the subtle, but powerful force thoughtful design can bring to our lives. Much of Lincoln’s quiet, naturalistic aura is due to the scale of these efficient Modern houses carefully integrated into the landscape. 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!

Piano class with Wanda Paik
April 3 and 17 at 10 a.m.
Dust off your piano music books and come to the piano class at the COA led by Wanda Paik. This class is open to all pianophiles, whatever your level, to play, share, and learn more about how to play and practice to help reach your goals. This class will be held on April 3 and 17 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

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

Surviving… and thriving through life’s challenges
April 4 at 9:30 a.m.
No matter what your phase of life or what you have encountered in life, you can learn and apply the scientifically-proven tenants of Positive Psychology to become more resilient and happier! Come to Bemis Hall at 9:30 on Wednesdays, April 4 and 18 and then every other Wednesday to learn practical strategies, share practices, build connections and support each other. Facilitated by Alyson Lee, social worker, life coach, certified and licensed facilitator of Positive Psychology. Funded by the Friends of the COA.

You’ve been selected…
April 4 at 2 p.m.
…to drop by and visit with a member of the Board of Selectmen. Bring your ideas, feedback, questions, or favorite Lincoln anecdote. Whether you stop by for a minute or stay for the hour, the selectmen hope to see you between 2 and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4 at Bemis Hall.

Remember the name of anyone you meet
April 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Place: Library
What is the cost to you of not remembering names? Embarrassment? Missed opportunities? Fear of meeting new people? Lost business? Come to the Library for a wonderful workshop on Thursday, April 5 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. (Snow date: April 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m.) with Neil Kutzen that will train you to remember anyone’s name you meet. Kutzen has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has developed the program MemorizeBest. Open to everyone, pre-registration is required (Kutzen will be testing his own memorization abilities prior to class!) To register please contact Lisa Rothenberg at the Library 781–259–8465 or by email at lrothenberg@minlib.net. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library and the Friends of the COA.

Celebrate spring with the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band
April 6 at 12:30 p.m.
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Toot Toot Tootsie Goodbye, All of Me… you name it. Join in and sing along if the spirit moves you. Where can you get to enjoy this kind of music live these days? On Friday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall, the ever-popular Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band will entertain you with such favorites. Don’t miss the free Welcome Spring concert of the old-time jazz you know and love.

Lincoln Academy with Mark Hopkins—Cruising the Balkan peninsula from top to bottom
April 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to the Lincoln Academy on Monday, April 9 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Mark Hopkins, who will discuss “Cruising the Balkan Peninsula from Top to Bottom.” Mark Hopkins’ camera documents a trip that begins in Athens, Greece and proceeds by small ship through the Gulf of Corinth and up the spectacular east coast of the Adriatic Sea, with many stopovers in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia. After eight days at sea, the tour continues overland to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. A final visit to the Julian Alps of Slovenia completes the adventure. Mark’s photographs bring the viewer to the famed Acropolis in Athens, the site of the Oracle at Delphi, the majestic mountains of Montenegro, and the historic port cities and islands of Croatia. Along the way, they capture Albania’s struggles to right itself after years of stifling repression. And they end with some delightful discoveries in Zagreb, capped by scenes of the beautiful valleys of Slovenia. The talk includes discussion of the region’s recent history of political upheaval. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Free elder law clinic
April 9 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, April 9 from 3-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

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

Play reading: “The Real Thing”
April 10 at 11 a.m.
Free your inner thespian! Sally Kindleberger leads a group in reading Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing on Tuesdays, April 10 and 17 at 11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Sally will bring copies.

Staying in touch
April 10 at 2 p.m.
You are invited to join this informal group which focuses their monthly discussion on social, cultural, and technological issues of the day. Please join them the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Bemis Hall. In April they will meet on April 10. All are welcome and encouraged to bring topics that interest them.

Over 55 and unemployed? Get on-the-job training
April 11 at 10 a.m.
Those 55 and over who are currently unemployed and meet federal low-income guidelines are eligible for a job training program that places you in a nonprofit or government agency where you can get on-the-job training while earning $11 an hour. Update your skills and learn new ones! Add to your résumé! If you are interested, come hear Jill Fainberg of Operation A.B.L.E. on Wednesday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at Bemis to discuss the program and how to apply.

Falls don’t have to trip you up
April 12 at 11:30 a.m.
Falls are the #1 reason why seniors end up in the emergency room, yet they are almost entirely preventable. Join Ben Juhola of the Fire Department on Thursday, April 12 at 11:30 at Bemis Hall to learn how you can make your home safer with easy-to-take actions, stay on your feet while enjoying spring weather outside, and use assistive devices. Find out more about health conditions that may contribute to falls. The Fire Department will be serving a delicious sandwich lunch, so please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.

Are you getting the best care?
April 13 at 10 a.m.
When physicians and others order tests or treatments you don’t need, bill for services you don’t get, or sell you used equipment as new, you suffer. To learn how you can prevent, detect, report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, April 13 at 10 a.m. to hear a presentation by Patricia McMillen, a representative of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (MA SMP) program. If you have questions about your healthcare bills, Medicare Summary Notices, or other health insurance explanation of benefits statements, please call the MA SMP office at 800-892-0890. Please call the COA at -781-259-8811 to sign up so Patricia knows how much material to bring.

Tour the new Wellesley COA to see what a modern center is like
April 13 at noon
PLACE: Mall parking lot
Residents of all ages are invited to a tour of the new COA senior center in Wellesley that just opened a few months ago. The center includes a number of design elements and principles that might be used in the Lincoln community center and offers a chance for residents to see what a modern center looks and feels like. The tour will be on Friday, April 13. You must sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 in advance as only 20 may go. Anyone who would like transportation is welcome to come on a Doherty’s bus that will leave the Mall parking lot at noon, but you must tell us you would like transportation when you sign up for the tour.

One-on-one help with library e-books
April 17 at 10 a.m.
Do you have a smart phone, Kindle, or tablet? Would you like assistance using it to check out library e-books and audiobooks? Consider making an appointment for a 30-minute one-on-one help session with Kate Tranquada, Lincoln Public Library reference librarian. Kate will be at Bemis Hall Tuesdays, April 17 and 24, from 10 a.m.–noon. The library has a growing selection of e-books and digital audiobooks available for loan. Kate can help you set up your account and select the titles you want, so you can take advantage of the library’s digital services. When you come for your appointment, be sure to bring your phone, Kindle, or tablet, as well as your Minuteman Library Network card and password. Kindle owners will need their Amazon usernames and passwords; Apple owners will need their Apple IDs and passwords. Questions? Email Kate at ktranquada@minlib.net or call the library at 781-259-8465. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Senior dining
April 17 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, April 17 at St. Anne’s Church. Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let them know when you call if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club. Enjoy a lunch free during your birthday month—just let them know!

New group for veterans of spouses
April 20 at 10 a.m.
All spouses of veterans (whether living or deceased) are invited to join a group to be led by Priscilla Leach, Lincoln’s veterans service officer. We hope that the spouses will benefit from getting to know each other, discussing common concerns, and having fun together. This month’s meeting will be held on Friday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall and subsequent meeting places will be at The Commons and Lincoln Woods. No need to sign up, but if you would like more information, please contact Priscilla, 781-259-4472 or leachp@lincolntown.org.

Boston Symphony Orchestra matinee in April
April 20 at 10:45 a.m.
PLACE: Mall Parking Lot
Spend a delightful afternoon with the COA on a trip to a matinee performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra on Friday, April 20. Tugan Sokhiev will conduct works by Britten, Chopin and Mendelssohn featuring pianist Jan Lisiecki. The program includes Britten’s “Simple Symphony,” Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 4, Italian.” (Symphony Hall is handicapped accessible.) You may have a sumptuous buffet at Symphony Hall or you may opt to arrange for your own lunch. The cost of the trip is $45.50 with lunch on your own, or $75 with the lunch buffet. This trip is funded by the Hurff Fund and is therefore open to Lincoln seniors only. Space is limited. The bus will leave the mall parking lot at 10:45 a.m. sharp. To reserve a space, send your check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Marilyn Buckler, 12 Hiddenwood Path, Lincoln, MA 01773. Be sure to include your phone and email. Your reservation is complete when Marilyn receives your check. Questions? Contact Marilyn Buckler at 781-259-8886 or mbuckler1@comcast.net.

Learn more about the community center project
April 20 at 1 p.m.
Please join the Community Center Preliminary Planning and Design Committee on Friday, April 20 at 1 p.m. to get an update and learn more about building concepts for the proposed community center! The committee and their architects are busy at work on a number of potential concepts for both siting and building design and they need your ideas and thoughts. This is a great time to ask questions and voice your concerns.

Lincoln Academy with Lucretia Giese—Rivera and Rockefeller: artist and patron
April 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to the Lincoln Academy on Monday, April 23 at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall with Lucretia Giese who will discuss “Rivera and Rockefeller: Artist and Patron.” A newly “minted” New York skyscraper, a wealthy American patron of the arts and her son, and a volatile and prodigious Mexican painter came together in 1933. These are the ingredients of Diego Rivera’s Rockefeller Center mural “Man at the Crossroads,” which was to celebrate American technology and the American Worker. Join us to learn more about this story that resonates today. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome!

Fireside chat: what to do about firearms
April 25 at 10 a.m.
The COA started these fireside chats five years ago as a result of conversations following the Sandy Hook shooting incident. Seemingly nothing has changed. Come on Wednesday, April 25 as we discuss what exactly the problem is and what can be done. Fireside chats take place in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10–11:30 a.m. Facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Getting the most out of your iPhone and iPad
April 27 at 9:30 a.m.
The COA’s programs on iPhones and iPads given by Andy Payne have been so popular that they have asked him to come back yet again. Andy will be here on Friday, April 27 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 them.

Increase your media savvy
April 27 at 11 a.m.
Are you troubled, or perplexed by the likely presence of “fake news,” “alternative facts,” and phony sources in your email, on Facebook, Twitter or even in your newspaper—all of which seem to have mushroomed in this era of rapidly growing social media opportunities? Do you know the difference between fake news and satire? Do you know how to spot a fake? Do you know about trolls and bots? Are you familiar with FactCheck.org, Snopes.com, or PolitiFact.com? Andy Payne’s workshop on Friday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Bemis Hall will help participants to become more savvy readers and researchers, discerning more readily what is true and what is not as well as sources that are legitimate and those that are not.

Are you eligible for a property tax exemption, deferral, or abatement?
April 27 at 1 p.m.
Lincoln offers a number of ways seniors, veterans, those with disabilities, and those with low incomes can lower their property taxes through exemptions and deferral. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, April 27 at 1 p.m. to hear Dorothy Blakeley and Ellen Meadors of the Board of Assessors, Jennifer Glass of the Board of Selectmen, and Gina Halsted of the Finance Committee discuss the available exemptions and deferral options and how and when to apply. They will also discuss how your property is assessed and how to file for an abatement if you think your property should be valued differently.

The New Sound Assembly: “The Spirit of America in Song”
April 29 at 2 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. to hear the New Sound Assembly perform The Spirit of America in Song. The New Sound Assembly, a 23-man chorus of singers, presents musical programs all over the region and in England and Ireland. The free hour-long performance for all ages will be a mix of barbershop songs, patriotic, and modern favorites. All songs are sung a capella in four-part classical barbershop harmony, a unique and traditional American musical form. This program is supported by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Lincoln Academy with Jack Fultz—Winning is an attitude
April 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, April 30 at 12:30 to hear Jack Fultz discuss “Winning Is an Attitude.” Fultz, the 1976 Boston Marathon Men’s Champion and currently training advisor to the Dana-Farber Running Program, which has raised more than $85 million for cancer research, will discuss life’s lessons learned on the marathon trail. He will talk about this year’s marathon as well as how he came to Boston in 1976 and how he went about winning the race, along with other stories from his life in competitive athletics. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion. All ages welcome.

Save the date:

International Museum of World War II and Indian lunch buffet
Join the COA to commemorate Memorial Day with a visit to the International Museum of WWII in Natick on Wednesday, May 23. The museum hosts over 500,000 artifacts, letters, and documents including the famous enigma machines, diaries, magazines, photos, secret items used by the resistance, and much more. Many items are hands-on. After a group orientation, you will visit the museum at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. After the museum tour, you will have a delicious buffet lunch at an Indian restaurant close by. For the short ride to Natick, you will travel on a Doherty’s school bus. The tour will leave Donelan’s parking lot at 11:15 a.m., returning at approximately 3:45 p.m. The trip is rated easy/moderate. There are no stairs to negotiate in the museum, but the only seating is at the orientation area, not along the tour route. The cost of the trip is $25 including the buffet lunch. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Rd., 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.