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

Two letters to the editor: fund the new Minuteman school

September 13, 2016

To the editor:

On September 20, we will be asked to vote on funding a new Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School. You will recall that in the spring Lincoln voted to leave the Minuteman district, but as that change does not take affect until July of next year, we still have a voice in its governance.

As many of you are aware, this is a terribly complicated issue. As the Lincoln representative on the Minuteman School Committee, I have been pondering how to best present this issue to our voters here in Lincoln. Given that Lincoln chose to leave the district, is it best for us to sit this out and let what happens happen? Of course, we are still members of the district and as such, we have an obligation to see our membership through in a responsible manner. In addition, all but one of the remaining 10 districts have already voted in favor of funding the new school, so a “yes” vote will be supporting the will of the majority.

In order for the School Committee to authorize a new school building, all 16 towns in the district had to vote in favor of funding the project. All of the towns except Belmont approved the funding. The School Committee then exercised the option to implement a district-wide vote. If the collective majority of all 16 towns vote for funding the new school, the vote will stand. The state of the current building is such that the cost of refurbishing it is roughly equal to, or possibly greater than the cost of building a new school.

Let me be clear: we in Lincoln will not be responsible for funding the new school. This school will reside in Lincoln, and our children, if accepted, may opt to attend this school and the town will pay their tuition, but responsibility for paying to build the school will be on the 10 remaining towns, not Lincoln. On September 20, please vote yes to authorize funding of the new Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School.

Sincerely,

Sharon Antia
165 South Great Rd.

To the editor:

On September 20, the 16 communities that comprise the Minuteman High School district will be asked to vote on whether or not to fund a new high school. This is a complicated issue which will have NO financial impact on Lincoln tax-payers.

In the spring of this year, Lincoln voters chose to leave the Minuteman High School District, but that will not take effect until July 2017. Meanwhile, as current members of the school district we are asked to vote on this important issue. If you feel strongly, as we do, that all kids should have an equal opportunity for an education which fits their learning style, we urge you to take the time to vote for the new school building. Polls will be open from noon to 8.

Sincerely,

B-J Scheff and Joan Seville
1 Harvest Circle

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

News acorns

September 13, 2016

Session on town’s hazard mitigation plan

The Lincoln Hazard Mitigation Plan is being updated to help the town reduce its vulnerability to natural hazard events such as flooding, hurricanes and blizzards. The Board of Selectmen is hosting a public meeting to provide an overview of the plan and an opportunity for questions and public input on Monday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall’s Donaldson Room. For more information, please contact Martin Pillsbury at 617-933-0747 or mpillsbury@mapc.org, or Planning and Land Use Director Jennifer Burney at 781-259-2684 or burneyj@lincolntown.org.

Garden Club offers yoga and event for prospective members

The Lincoln Garden Club will host an informational coffee for prospective members on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. All Lincoln residents are invited. If interested, RSVP for the coffee’s lcoation to 781-259-0841 or 781-259-0276 or email membership@lincolngardenclub.org.

Melinda Bruno-Smith, certified hatha yoga instructor and Lincoln Garden Club member, will lead yoga sessions in the Station Park Garden (160 Lincoln Road, across from the train station) on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9-10 a.m. A $5 donation is suggested; bring a yoga mat, towel or blanket to practice on and wear loose clothing. Lincoln Garden Club volunteers created and maintain the garden, which includes a native plant bed designed by the New England Wildflower Society and installed with help from horticulture students from Minuteman High School. For further information about the yoga classes, email Melinda Bruno-Smith at melindabruno@hotmail.com.

Horse show in Lincoln

The Old North Bridge Pony Club will hold its annual horse show in the Browning Field Riding Ring (Weston Road near Conant Road) on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The deadline for entries is September 21. The schooling show will award numerous ribbons and trophies. Proceeds will benefit the Browning Field Riding Ring. For more information, see the club’s website or email vlochiatto@verizon.net.

Preschool open house

Lincoln Country Day Preschool is hosting a Fall Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Our students range from 2.9 years of age in September through 5-6 years of age for pre-K. Parents and their children are invited to take a tour of the school, play in our Threes, Fours and Pre-K classrooms, and make a souvenir project to take home. Please RSVP to 781-259-8607. Lincoln Country Day is located at 147 Concord Rd. in St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church.

Insects, drought talk, Scarecrow Classic on offer from LLCT

September 12, 2016

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust invites residents on a fall walk, a talk about the drought, and the annual Scarecrow Classic.

“Night-Singing Insects: A Fall Walk”
Sunday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m., Lindentree Farm (10 Old Concord Rd.)
In the fullness of summer, we become aware of a swelling clamor of trills, ticks, and scrapes as the call of singing insects rise to a crescendo. By means of careful listening and song matching, using an audio field guide, participants will learn how to discriminate and identify, by ear, species of crickets and katydids. Lead by local naturalist Norman Levey. Dress for the weather (e.g., wet grass and dropping temperatures), and protect yourself from ticks and mosquitos. Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 25. Free and open to all. Pre-register for materials by emailing llct@lincolnconservation.org.

“The Drought: Brown is the New Green”
Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m., Bemis Hall
Signs of drought are everywhere, from brown lawns to mosquito-free evenings. What is the impact on our flora and fauna? What actions have been taken and are recommended by the state and our town? What can we do as private citizens and a community? Come to a free panel presentation and discussion about the drought with:

Richard Primack, professor of biology at Boston University
Greg Woods, Superintendent of the Lincoln Water Department
Daniela Caride, member of the Lincoln Garden Club

Scarecrow Classic 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, Oct. 16 at 9:30 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.), Mall at Lincoln Station
The Scarecrow Classic is a 5K road and trail race that winds through the scenic roads, fields and trails of our historic New England town. Proceeds from this event support the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT), a non-profit organization that helps manage over 2000 acres of land and nearly 80 miles of public trails as a regional recreational resource for the greater Boston area. Participants who register by October 3 get a tech shirt. There will be prizes for the top three runners in each category, as well as post-race food, drink and entertainment. Registration fee: $30 before October 16 (click here to register online) and $35 on race day. Register online now.

Agriculture Day blooms in Lincoln

September 12, 2016

Lincoln residents packed the parking lot in front of the Bank of America on September 10 for Agriculture Day to learn more about Lincoln’s agricultural and craft offerings. Click on any photo to enlarge. (Photos by Alice Waugh)

Ellen Raja demonstrates spinning wool form her farm's sheep, along with items she made from that wool.

Ellen Raja spins wool from her farm’s sheep at her table with items she made from that wool.

Sophie Vandebroek (right) buys some produce from Ellery Kimball of Blue Heron Organic Farm as Kimball’s niece Jackson looks on.

Mary Drouin displays her kitchen towels with hand-crocheted attachments.

Agricultural Commission co-chair Lynne Bower (left) with Conservation Commission member Jim Henderson and AgCom member Heather Korostoff Murray.

Letter to the editor: vote for new Minuteman school building

September 12, 2016

(Editor’s note: For more information, see “Minuteman project going to district-wide vote” (Lincoln Squirrel, July 14, 2016).

To the editor:

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, voters in the Minuteman District will go to the polls in a special election to determine the fate of the Minuteman High School building project. I urge my fellow citizens living in the towns of Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Lincoln, Needham, Sudbury, Stow, Wayland and Weston to join me in casting a vote on that day between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. (If you won’t be in town on September 20, please contact your Town Clerk’s office about getting an absentee ballot.)

As superintendent of the Minuteman district, I have been involved in this project since its inception. Working with the Minuteman School Building Committee, Minuteman School Committee, member towns and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), I believe we have jointly designed a project that all of us can be proud of. For me, a new Minuteman High School:

Supports the continuation of high-quality career and vocational-technical education for our students that will improve the region’s local workforce and enhance our economic vitality
Provides a safe, modern facility specifically designed to provide 21st-century career and technical education along with relevant and rigorous academics
Addresses long-standing structural, mechanical and handicap accessibility issues that limit its educational effectiveness for all students
Safeguards the commitment of $44 million from the MSBA to keep down costs to local taxpayers
Enables Minuteman to charge out-of-district towns a capital fee to cover their portion of the costs of a new building
Retains Minuteman’s regional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC)
Avoids “Plan B,” a scenario that would require member towns to spend more than $100 million on repairs to the existing building without any financial assistance from the MSBA
Demonstrates a strong and unified commitment that may compel new cities or towns to join the district to provide access for their students
Represents the most affordable option for local taxpayers

To learn more about the project or to view a list of polling places in your town, please visit the Minuteman website at www.minuteman.org.

Sincerely,

Edward A. Bouquillon (Director/Superintendent, Minuteman High School)
10 Mill St.

Winter Street hospice construction underway

September 7, 2016

Artist’s rendering of the completed hospice facility.

Construction has started on the Greater Boston Hospice House at 125 Winter St. on the Lincoln/Waltham town line, with an opening expected in fall 2017.

The 18-bed, 27,500-square-foot inpatient hospice facility will provide a home-like setting for terminally ill patients who need hospital-level care for pain and symptom management where hospice physicians, nurses and support staff can provide 24-hour care.

“While the majority of hospice patients spend their final weeks in their own homes, a growing number have care needs that are simply too complex to be managed at home,” said Care Dimensions President and CEO Diane Stringer.

The hospice entrance as seen from the Lincoln/Waltham town line on Winter Street at the end of the white stripe (click any image to enlarge).

The Waltham side of the hospice construction site looking southwest.

Care Dimensions of Danvers originally proposed a 42,400-square-foot facility straddling the Lincoln/Waltham town line but scaled it back after residents and town officials said it was too big. The nonprofit company later submitted a scaled-down plan with 64 parking spots rather than the original 89.

Access to the facility will be from a new driveway on the Waltham side of the property where Winter Street is two-way. The Lincoln side of the property, where Winter Street becomes one-way heading into Lincoln, would have a gated emergency entrance that be opened only by Lincoln emergency vehicles. It’s currently being used as a second construction entrance.

News acorns

September 6, 2016

In-town soccer starts Saturday

The Lincoln In-Town Soccer program will start Saturday, Sept. 10 at Smith Field. Pre-K and kindergartners will begin at 8 a.m., and grades 1-2 at 9 a.m. There will be two instructors from the Revolution Academy soccer program present to assist us in implementing practice plans and for coaching guidance; parent volunteers are responsible for coaching the teams with instructors’ help. Please register your child before the first practice if possible at www.lincolnsoccer.com. If you’ve already registered, please double-check the website to confirm, as players must be registered in order to play. Parents, even those without soccer experience, who are interested in volunteering should contact Deepak Dibya at 515-203-5986 or dibyadeepak@gmail.com .

Lecture on Gropius-Breuer partnership

A talk titled “When Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery: Tracing Forms and Legacy in the Gropius-Breuer Partnership” will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 7-9 p.m. at the Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Road). Join architectural historian Amy Finstein for an evening exploring the literal and figurative inspiration that Lincoln’s Gropius House provided for other architectural patrons and designers in the late 1930s and early 1940s. We’ll use one particular commission to explore how Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer used their own homes as models for subsequent architectural commissions, and how the literal imitation of certain elements may have impacted public reception of finished designs.

Tickets are $5 for Historic New England members or $10 for nonmembers. For details, click here, call 781-259-8098 or buy tickets online.

9/11 commemoration details

The Veterans of Lincoln, Mass. (VOLMA), with the support of the Department of Recreation, are sponsoring a flag display and brief memorial ceremony on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. A flag to represent each person killed in the attacks in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Penn. (almost 3,000 in total) will be stationed on the lawn around the library on the corner of Trapelo and Bedford Roads before the anniversary and until a week later, when they will be returned to the town.

The event will include an official U.S. Army Color Guard, the singing of the national anthem, a rifle salute, bugle taps, and a group singing of Irving Berlin’s classic “God Bless America.” The veterans hope many Lincoln residents and other local citizens will be able to attend this solemn and dignified event. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside Bemis Hall.

Talks on Lincoln photographer, investing and retirement

The Lincoln Public Library will host the following guest speakers in September:

Passive Investing with Jerome Moisand

Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of Boglehead investing, which follows the principles of Vanguard founder John Bogle.

‘Juxtapositions’ with Judy Polumbaum

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. As a photojournalist, the late Ted Polumbaum of Lincoln documented some of the most important news events and social movements of the second half of the 20th century, from Muhammad Ali to Ted Kennedy to the volunteers of Freedom Summer. Revisit his photographic works as his daughter Judy Polumbaum, Professor Emeritus at University of Iowa School of Journalism & Mass Communications, speaks about her new book Juxtapositions: Images from the Newsmuseum Photo Collection of Ted Polumbaum. All of Polumbaum’s 200,000 images are archived at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.; more information about the collection is available here.

Retirement Planning with Ahmet Atamar

Thursday, Sept. 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. With over 30 years of experience in investing, Ahmet Atamar of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will lead a seminar in retirement planning and answer questions.

Letter to the editor: open debates to all

September 5, 2016

To the editor:

The presidential debates are the most important events in our election process, and voters need to hear from all four candidates who will be on the ballot across the country in November. The right to vote means little unless we have the right to know who we can vote for and what they stand for.

It is public knowledge that the debates are now controlled by a corporation actually controlled by the Republican and Democratic parties. This corporation has not served the U.S. voting public well, and a majority of U.S. voters today no longer identify with either of the two major parties. This is what the League of Women Voters said in 1988: “The League of Women Voters is withdrawing its sponsorship of the presidential debate scheduled for mid-October because the demands of the two campaign organizations would perpetrate a fraud on the American voter.”

The presidential debates should provide voters with multiple opportunities to see all the candidates representing the diversity of American political thought discussing important issues in an unscripted manner so that the people can make informed decisions about the direction of our country. Instead, the debates have become an unfairly and tightly controlled charade. There is no significant participation by the public, moderators are chosen by the candidates, and questions are carefully vetted. And any unscripted back-and-forth between candidates is minimal. This “fraud” deprives voters of the honest and open discussion they need and deserve.

Open debates will strengthen our nation, no matter who is the next president. Please stand with the majority of Americans who want open debates and demand all four candidates be in the debates.

Sincerely,

Jean Palmer
Tower Road

Council on Aging activities in September

September 1, 2016

“Staying in touch” group
September 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Take time to get in touch and stay in touch with ourselves and others. All are invited to a discussion group to be held each Tuesday from 2:30-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall beginning September 6. This is an opportunity to chat with others on an array of topics of the group’s choosing and get to know your neighbors.

Memoir group
September 7 at 10 a.m.
Without any obligation, please come to the first meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon and find out what they do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the eight-session term is $75. The dates for the term are September 7 and 21; October 5 and 19; November 2, 16, and 30; and December 14. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.

Lincoln Trad Jazz Sextet
September 9 at 12:30 p.m.
The beginning of September can be a hectic time as life gets started up again. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m., sit back while the Lincoln Trad Jazz Sextet stirs up memories and sets your toes a-tappin’ as their music fills the hall with old favorites from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. All the musicians are highly talented retired amateurs who bring you their love of this uniquely American music for your enjoyment!

Free legal clinic
September 12 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, Sept. 12 from 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for the thirty-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.

Unwrapping the music: special topics
September 13 at 9:30 a.m.
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 class will cover topics like world music, American music, opera, and symphonies. 12 Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. beginning Sept. 13. $117. Taught by Ela Brandys, DMA. Sign up now!

September 14 at 10 a.m.
Coffee with the new planning director
Jennifer Burney, Lincoln’s new Director of Planning and Land Use, is already off and running on a number of important projects and initiatives that will shape Lincoln for decades to come, including South Lincoln, the commuter rail, open space, housing, and more. Come meet Jennifer, find out more about what is going on in the town and her goals and priorities, ask her questions, and give her ideas on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall.

Aging mastery program in Weston
September 14 at 1:30 p.m.
PLACE: Weston COA
This fall, forge your 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 p.m. beginning September 14. Please sign up now; space is limited. Supported by the National Council on Aging, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and the Mass/ Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

New Science and technology group
September 15 at 10 a.m.
Would you be interested in attending a monthly discussion group to talk about various discoveries, issues, or aspects of science, engineering, and technology? The group could either be free-flowing or have a formal speaker to introduce a topic each month. If you are interested, please come to a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall to discuss what the group might be like and when it might meet.

“Coffee with a Cop”
September 15 at 1 to 3 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 1-3 p.m. to meet privately with Police Chief Kennedy. Do you have a security concern regarding yourself, a family member, or neighbor? An idea for the Police should try? Would you like guidance about a situation? Come on down! No need to make an appointment. An officer will be at Bemis each third Thursday of the month from 1 to 3.

Positive psychology class
September 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Positive Psychology is an innovative way to build on strengths to lead a meaningful life, cultivate what is best within ourselves, and enhance love, work and play. The Ogden Codman Trust is generously supporting a free, eight-session course in Positive Psychology beginning Friday, Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 to hear presentations 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. Taught by Alyson Lee, a social worker and life coach.

Go to sleep easier and stay asleep longer
September 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Many people of all ages have problems sleeping, whether it is getting to sleep or staying asleep. Improving your sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and cope with life’s challenges. Come find out more about why you may be having trouble sleeping, common sleep disorders, and how you can sleep better when Neil M. Kruszkowski, RRT/CPFT, a registered respiratory therapist and Director of the Cardiopulmonary/Neurology/Sleep Disorders Program at Emerson Hospital comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 16 at 12:30 p.m. Bring your questions and concerns.

Lincoln Academy with Noah Eckhouse: Winning the 1992 America’s Cup
September 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 to hear Noah Eckhouse discuss “Winning the 1992 America’s Cup: Technology Triumphs over Pedigree.” According to Noah, “From 1990 to 1992, I had the honor of being a member of the design team for America Cubed, the winner of the 1992 America’s Cup sailboat race. Backed by the vision (and financing) of Bill Koch – an MIT alumnus – we took a technologically-heavy approach to winning the most esteemed yacht race in the world. Over the course of 18 months we developed technologies and capabilities that took the sailing world by storm – and a few hoaxes along the way just to keep the other syndicates honest!” 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.

Luncheon with friends
September 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at St. Anne’s Church. The COA welcomes new diners often—give them a try! Please reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let the COA know if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, Newbury Court, St. Anne’s, and the Lincoln Garden Club. And the volunteer serving staff consists of friends and neighbors.

Coffee with Lincoln artist Sheila Beenhouwer
September 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall during the month of September to view an exhibit of Sheila Beenhouwer’s work painted after photographing the vibrant colors of the entrancing city lights and sunset. She attended the Arts Students League of New York and graduating from William Paterson University to become an art teacher for grades 7-9 while continuing her studies in painting, silver jewelry-work and welding. Meet her at her Artist’s Coffee on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 2:30!

Whales and tales at the new Bedford Whaling Museum
September 21
Come with the COA to the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 21. This world- renowned museum brings to life the rich history of the whaling industry and New Bedford’s role as its premier port. After viewing a brief film under the guidance of the museum’s docents you will see the world’s largest whaling ship model, five rare and huge whale skeletons, and a notable collection of scrimshaw, artifacts and logbooks. On your way to lunch, on your own, at a very charming, near-by restaurant, you will stop in at the Seamen’s Bethel, still today serving the seafaring community. The price of this trip, rated moderate for physical activity, is $16, non-refundable and space is limited. This trip is subsidized by the Hurff Fund and is for Lincoln residents only. The bus will depart from Donelan’s parking lot at 9 am. To reserve your spot, you must send your check payable to FLCOA/Trips to Sally Kindleberger, 14A North Commons, Lincoln, MA. 01773 prior to September 7. Without your check, the COA cannot reserve your spot. For more information, call Sally at 781-259-1169.

Techno teach-in with LEAP students
September 21 at 2 p.m.
Middle school students from the LEAP after-school program invite you to join them at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. to get help with a variety of devices, such as computers, cell phones, iPads and tablets, and more! Whether you want some tips on texting to keep up with grandchildren, or need help learning to store and play your favorite music and films on your computer, or anything else tech-related, call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up today!

iPhones and iPads
September 22 at 10 a.m. and 11 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 at Bemis Hall on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 10 am to teach a class for beginners and then teach a class at 11 a.m. for those who have attended previous sessions and are fairly comfortable with their devices. He will give more information on the operation and features of iPhones and iPads and answer questions. You are welcome to attend whether you came to the other sessions or not. If you have tips for using your iPhone or iPad, bring those, too!

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan: an update on elder safety initiatives and more
September 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy on Friday, Sept. 23 at 12:30 at Bemis Hall for an update on the latest crimes and threats to safety for older adults, including SCAMS, computer security, and fake charities. She will also discuss prevention initiatives on topics in the news such as the opioid crisis and preventing and prosecuting violent crime. A special focus will be on identifying potential SCAMS through “red flags” by way of calls, emails, and solicitations and the best way to respond. Prior to being named District Attorney, Marian Ryan served as the Chief of the office’s Elder and Disabled Unit for 18 years. Through her experience she has worked to promote best practices and protocols in investigating and prosecuting abuse cases. Bring questions! Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.

Lincoln Academy with Lew Lloyd: Off-Broadway theater
September 26 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Sept. 26 at 12:30 to hear Lew Lloyd discuss “The Story of A Young Man and His Off-Broadway Theatre in the 60s, and How I Met Merce and John and Bob and Learned to Love the Avant Garde.” 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.

Tea on Tuesdays
September 27 at 2:15 p.m.
When was the last time you spent a relaxing hour or so over a cup of tea with friends? You are cordially invited to “Take Time for Tea on Tuesday,” when you may enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) and snacks in an elegant atmosphere with friends, old and new on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 2:15-4 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Just come as you are, have a seat at a table, get yourself some tea and cookies and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors. All are welcome. No need to sign up.

Fireside chat: anti-Semitism and Israel
September 28 at 10 a.m.
The Fireside Chat meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. so that residents may get together for a respectful discussion of important current topics. The group uses questions and answers to gain a greater understanding of issues as well as why residents think and believe as they do. On September 28, Rabbi David Finkelstein will join the group in a discussion about anti-Semitism and negative beliefs and attitudes about Israel. The discussion is facilitated by Sharon Antia.

Maximizing long-distance caregiving
September 28 at 7 p.m.
Do you find it challenging to help a loved one from a distance? How can you ensure your aging relative is getting the attention they need to avoid crises? Are you familiar with the Lincoln area resources? Come learn tips from Linda Smith, RN, a certified Aging Life Care Manager, a registered nurse of 30 years and principal of Metrowest Eldercare Management. Smith will discuss how to make long distance caregiving a positive experience, how to avoid crises and how to enhance your loved one’s well-being. She will discuss warning signs depicting when immediate help may be needed, how to start difficult conversations, and how to lessen the long distance caregiver’s worry. Come to Bemis Hall, on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. to hear how you can be a more effective and confident long distance caregiver.

Navigating the legal aspects of incapacity and disability for elders and families
September 30 at 12:30 p.m.
If you or a loved one has a disability or is incapacitated in some way, making sure that you or they are both taken care of and protected should the unexpected happen is essential. Come find out about guardianships—what they can do and when they are and are not appropriate, special needs trusts, requirements of the HIPAA legislation, and more when attorney Renee Lazar comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, Sept. 30 at 12:30. She’ll explain what you need to be concerned about and how to make the best use of the legal tools available, and then answer questions.

News acorns

September 1, 2016

Wellness clinic for all ages this fall

Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse through a free town service. Come to get your blood pressure checked, ask questions, or learn about wellness resources. Clinics will be held at the Community Building at Lincoln Woods from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays: September 2, October 7 and November 4. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust. Additional clinics will be held at Bemis Hall from 9–11 a.m. on Tuesdays: September 20, October 18 and November 15. These are supported by the Pierce House. Services for all clinics are provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.

Book sale on tap; Saturday hours resume at library

The Friends of the Lincoln Library will hold their monthly used book sale in the newly renovated basement of Bemis Hall on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale takes place on the second Saturday of every month except August. Support the library and its many programs while finding great reading material. Hardcovers and CDs are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, or fill a grocery bag with books for just $8.

Starting on September 3, the Lincoln Public Library will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it will be closed on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5). Click here for hours and services.

Memorial for bicyclist killed in Lincoln

There will be a memorial event for Eugene Thornberg on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at the corner of Routes 117 and 126, where he died in a bicycling accident in June. Lincoln police have worked with his family on a plan to divert traffic and ensure the safety of cars and pedestrians. A “ghost bike” will be temporarily installed at the site as well. For more information, see the Lincoln Squirrel, Aug. 23, 2016.

Agricultural Day on Sept. 10

Celebrate Lincoln’s agricultural heritage and local farming activities at the town’s third annual Agriculture Day on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Lincoln Mall from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Rural Land Foundation and is sponsored by the Lincoln Agricultural Commission. Farmers, artists, therapeutic animals and agricultural educators will be on hand, accompanied by music and ice cream. This year there will be contests for best honey and best maple syrup from our backyards and local producers. There will also be a display of farming equipment. If you’d like to participate in the event as a farmer, artist or contestant, or if you have a truck or tractor to enter in the farming equipment show, please email agcom@lincolntown.org.

Church to hold Water Communion Sunday

The First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) will begin its church year with services on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Parish House (14 Bedford Road) with its Water Communion Sunday service. On Water Communion Sunday, parishioners bring small amounts of water from a summer trip or favorite place, combining their water with that from other parishioners in a reverse communion. Water from FPL will be available for those who are unable to bring water with them. Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti will lead the worship service. All are welcome to attend.

The First Parish in Lincoln is also currently accepting religious education registrations for 2016-17. Religious education is available most Sundays starting September 18 for children in grades K-8. To register, please visit the FPL website or click here.