Absentee ballots for the October 15 primary for the open seat in the 5th Congressional District are available now in the Town Clerk’s office. To inquire, please call 781-259-2607. Below are sample ballots for the primary (click to enlarge). The election will take place on December 10.
By Alice Waugh
Community facilities needs, the future of Lincoln Station, and the possibility of Lincoln getting its own electrical utility are the topics that will be discussed at the annual “State of the Town” meeting on Saturday, November 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Brooks Auditorium.
[Read more…] about Meeting to look at community facilities, Lincoln Station, electricity
By Alice Waugh
Selectman Noah Eckhouse took a swipe at a recent Lincoln Journal column criticizing the absence of Wi-Fi in the recently refurbished town office building, saying the implied allegations are “just plain wrong.”
[Read more…] about Selectman disputes Feinberg column’s allegations
Scarecrows at StonegateBring the kids to the third annual Build-a-Scarecrow weekend at Stonegate Gardens on Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit the Lincoln School. For $15, Stonegate provides hay, twine, markers, stakes, instruction, and refreshments! You provide a pillowcase for the head and some old clothing and accessories to dress your scarecrow. 100% of the proceeds go to the Lincoln PTO. You can also browse through Stonegate’s wide selection of mums, pumpkins, fall perennials and a fabulous assortment of Halloween decorations.
Rain or shine. Parental supervision required.
The Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department is running “Trunk or Treat” on Wednesday, October 30 at 5 p.m. Individuals or groups can decorate their cars for Halloween and park them in the Codman lot behind the Brooks gym, where young children can trick or treat from car to car in a safe environment. Download this flyer for details.
Space is limited, so register soon. If you can’t participate but would like to donate candy, you can drop it off at the Parks and Rec office during normal business hours. For more information, call Stacey Mulroy at Parks and Rec at 781-259-0784.
Three children’s events are on tap at the Lincoln Public Library this week. These and many other children’s activities take place regularly; for more information, see the library kids’ activities web page.
Kids’ Lego Club
Wednesday, October 2 from 4:00–4:45 p.m.
Drop-in activity for kids ages 5 and up to build and create structures. We provide the Legos—you provide the creativity!
Sing-along with Ed Morgan
Friday, Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
Singing and dancing for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. No registration necessary.
Super Saturday Stories
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
Stories are read to children in grades K-1. No registration necessary.
All events sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is hosting the inaugural Scarecrow Classic, a fund-raising 5K road race or walk through Lincoln on Sunday, October 20 at 9:30 a.m. The race-walk starts at the Mall at Lincoln Station and goes down Codman Road to Rt. 126 to Baker Bridge Road to Woods End and finally through conservation land and back to Lincoln Road.
All ages are welcome to participate. You can run, walk, or do a little of both. There will be raffle prizes, T-shirts, music, food and refreshments. Registration is $30 ahead of time or $35 on race day, when registration opens at 8 a.m. Those who register by October 6 will get a free Scarecrow Classic T-shirt.
To register and learn more about the race, sponsors, raffle prizes, etc., go to scarecrowclassic5k.com.
Police report that scammers have been calling older residents in towns in the region saying they are from Medicare and trying to set up home visits. If you get such a call, try to get a phone number and report it to the Lincoln Police. Medicare does not call beneficiaries to set up home visits.
Learn more about Medicare and supplemental insurance coverage for 2014 at a Council on Aging informational session on October 25 at 10 a.m. in Bemis Hall with Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s counselors from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE health benefits counseling program. This is an especially important time to be sure you understand and are satisfied with your benefits. This year’s Medicare open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, 2013 is your primary opportunity to change your plans, effective January 1, 2014. Representatives from the major supplemental health insurance plans serving Lincoln (Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Humana, Fallon, and AARP/United Health Care) will give 2014 information. It’s a unique opportunity for you to learn about their products and get answers to questions. Also present will be representatives of Prescription Advantage (the state’s secondary prescription assistance program) and Priscilla Leach (Lincoln’s Veterans Service Officer). This program was very helpful to many Lincoln residents last year.
Seniors should also note that there will be a free flu shot clinic on Saturday, November 2 from 9-11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. In accordance with federal CDC and state Department of Public Health guidelines, this clinic is for those 60 and over. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt. Vaccine supplies may be limited, so come early. A $2 donation to the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging is requested. Those who attend are also invited to bring non-perishable food that is not past its shelf life expiration date for the St. Vincent de Paul Grocery Distribution Program at St. Joseph Church.
For more information on any of these events, visit the Council on Aging website.
Save the Date: Flu Shot Clinic at Bemis Hall on November 2
Come to the Board of Health/COA flu clinic at Bemis Hall on Saturday, November 2 from 9-11 a.m. In accordance with federal CDC and state Department of Public Health guidelines, this clinic is for those 60 and over. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt. Vaccine supplies may be limited, so come early. A $2 donation to the Friends of the Lincoln Council on Aging is requested. Those who attend are also invited to bring non-perishable food that is not past its shelf life expiration date for the St. Vincent de Paul Grocery Distribution Program at St. Joseph Church.
October 4 at 10 a.m.
Coffee with Lincoln’s Town Administrator
Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. for coffee with Town Administrator Tim Higgins. Tim will update you on some of the projects going on around town and news, especially related to this fall’s “State of the Town” meeting, and answer your questions about town services and initiatives. He would also like to know your ideas and suggestions. Get to know Tim in an informal setting and chat about those aspects of the town that are most important to you.
October 7 at 9 a.m.
Watercolors with Jane
Rediscover the joyful soul within you through art and nature in Jane Cooper’s watercolor class. Jane will offer fun dabbling in watercolor painting of scenes of nature, landscapes or perhaps some favorite sky. Two sessions of four classes will be offered each Monday and Friday beginning October 7 (first session) and October 28 (second session) from 9-11 a.m. The cost is $15. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.
October 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln Academy—
Dr. Arthur Siegel and Chief Kevin Mooney on the Boston Marathon Disaster
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, October 7 at 12:30 to hear Dr. Arthur Siegel and Chief Kevin Mooney discuss the Boston Marathon disaster. Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging will provide 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.
October 9 at 10 a.m.
Discuss Civil Rights at our Fireside Chat
If you enjoy a lively, but respectful discussion of topics in the news, come to the COA’s next “Fireside Chat” with Sharon Antia, who will facilitate an exploration of civil rights on Wednesday, October 9 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The chat’s rules are simple: No one is right and no one is wrong. Ask questions to understand and spend little to no time arguing your point. Questioning and answering, it’s a great way to explore issues, don’t you think?
October 10 (leave Lincoln Station Mall at 9 a.m.)
Trip to Historic Saugus Iron Works
Travel to the banks of the Saugus River on Thursday, October 10 to explore the birthplace of the American iron and steel industry. Discover where European iron makers brought their skills in the 17th century to a young Massachusetts colony at the site of the archaeological excavations done by Lincoln native Roland W. Robbins. Enjoy morning options of a guided tour, orientation film, museum visit and nature trails at this nine-acre national park. You will depart from the Lincoln Mall at 9 a.m. by Doherty school bus. After a morning at the site, you ‘ll travel to Marblehead for lunch at a seafood restaurant at your own expense with the group. The bus will depart Marblehead by 2 p.m., arriving back at the Lincoln Mall by 3 p.m.
The non-refundable cost of the trip is $8 made payable by check to FLCOA Trips and mailed with your email or phone number to Rob Todd, 126 Old Concord Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773. Payment must be made by Saturday, October 5. Questions? Email Rob at hmbt@comcast.net or call 781-259-8820.
October 11 at 10 a.m.
Ayurveda, Part II: Living According to Nature’s Rhythms
Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old holistic health care system still in practice all over the world, focuses on keeping our body, mind, and spirit in balance in order to maintain health and well being. Come join Tracey Cornogg, an Ayurvedic educator and consultant, on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m., when she continues the very well-received discussion she began this past summer. This talk will focus on making changes in diet and daily practices based on Ayurvedic principles that are life enhancing as well as energizing to both body and mind. You do not need to have come to the first program to attend, though you may wish to stop by the COA to pick up the introductory handout.
October 11 at 1 p.m.
Check your Medication at a Brown Bag Pharmacy
Prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements can all interact with dangerous consequences. Come bring all your medications, herbs, and supplements to a “Brown Bag Pharmacy” on Friday, October 11 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall and have Christine McLellan, a pharmacist from Emerson Hospital, review them to check for possible interactions, side effects, or other problems. Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up for a 15-minute appointment.
October 15 at 11:30 a.m. – St. Anne’s Church
Enjoy “Senior Dining”
Lincoln seniors are invited to a gourmet meal in an elegant setting at 11:30 on Tuesday, October 15 at St. Anne’s Church. You must reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead. The cost 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, and St. Anne’s.
October 16 at 10 a.m.
Are you Interested in Joining a Chorale?
If you would be interested in joining a chorale, with weekly rehearsals culminating in performances, come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. Mezzo-soprano and choral director Letitia Stevens will discuss her plans to initiate a chorale for older adults under the auspices of Encore Chorales, an organization that supports chorales for older adults throughout the country. Letitia will share her ideas about repertoire and scheduling and answer your questions; she looks forward to meeting you.
October 17 at 10 a.m.
The World in your Pocket: Smartphones
So you received a smartphone as a gift from your children. What now? For many people, their smartphone is their phone, their computer, their GPS, their information on shops and restaurants, the weather, and more, all-in-one and traveling with them wherever they go. What is a smartphone? What can they do and why would you want to have one? How much do they cost and where do you buy the phone and sign up for service? Find out when Avram Kalisky comes to Bemis Hall on Thursday, October 17 at 10 am! Bring your questions, concerns, and, if you have one, your smartphone!
October 17 and 24 at 2:15 p.m.
Let the Scenes Begin! An Improvisation Workshop
Celebrate the “spirited” month of October with a lively improvisation workshop! Improvisation is a theatre technique in which participants create scenes without the use of a script or rehearsal. It is also a powerful tool for anyone who enjoys exercising their creativity, acting spontaneously, and working with others as they create both comic and thought-provoking scenes. Theatre games will be used as warmups. No acting experience is necessary! Led by Leslie Kilgore, “Let the Scenes Begin!” will be offered on two Thursdays, October 17 and 24, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall.
October 18 at 10 a.m.
Balancing Life Cycle Loss with Living: A Discussion
Our experiences, especially those of loss, constantly change us across the life cycle. Come join Niki Pugach, MSW, of Parmenter VNA and Hospice on Friday, October 18 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall when she briefly summarizes the presentation last month on life cycle changes and what we can do to adapt, yet still honor those losses, then leads a discussion of your experiences, thoughts and ideas, and concerns.
October 18 at 1 p.m.
Lincoln Academy at the Movies—
Saptapadii with the film’s writer/actor and assistant director
The COA is proud to participate in the Discover India! Lincoln Cultural Festival 2013 with a special screening of the 2013 feature film Saptapadii and a discussion with writer/actor Chandu Shah and Assistant Director Eshani Shah on Friday, October 18 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Saptapadii is the story of how a wealthy Indian couple’s life and relationship is turned upside down when the husband learns that his wife’s attempts to cure a traumatized child while on vacation at a beautiful hill station can have disastrous consequences for his business and open up possibilities of independence for her.
October 21 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln Academy—
Mark Hopkins: Good Graffiti—A Sampling of Spanish Street Art
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, October 21 at 12:30 to hear Mark Hopkins discuss “Good Graffiti: A Sampling of Spanish Street Art.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging will provide 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.
October 21 at 1:45 p.m.
Enjoy an Afternoon of Bridge and Desserts
Enjoy a fun afternoon with desserts and bridge on Monday, October 21 at 1:45 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Play with old friends or find some new partners after enjoying a selection of homemade desserts. All skill levels are welcome. If there is enough interest, the COA will offer more bridge opportunities and Bridge Dessert afternoons. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811!
October 25 at 10 a.m.
2014 Medicare Open Enrollment and Supplemental Insurance Update Session
Find out what changes could affect your Medicare coverage and how much you will pay in 2014 when Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s counselors from the Minuteman Senior Services SHINE health benefits counseling program, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, October 25 at 10 am. This is an especially important time to be sure you understand and are satisfied with your benefits.
This year’s Medicare open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, 2013 is your primary opportunity to change your plans, effective January 1, 2014. Representatives from the major supplemental health insurance plans serving Lincoln (Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Humana, Fallon, and AARP/United Health Care) will give 2014 information. It’s a unique opportunity for you to learn about their products and get answers to questions. Also present will be representatives of Prescription Advantage (the state’s secondary prescription assistance program) and Priscilla Leach (Lincoln’s Veterans Service Officer). This program was very helpful to many Lincoln residents last year.
October 25 at 1 p.m.
Choosing the Right Home Contractor
Your home is your biggest investment, so you want to make sure that whoever makes renovations and repairs to it is qualified and will treat you fairly and in a business-like way. Find out how to choose and work with the right contractor when Dan Walsh, Lincoln’s Building Commissioner, comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, October 25 at 1 p.m. He’ll explain about the process for getting good estimates, determining if a contractor has the proper credentials and insurance, criteria for choosing a contractor, legal requirements for contracts and permits, inspecting the work when completed, and what to do if you have a problem or complaint. Come with your questions and concerns.
October 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Lincoln Academy—
Barbara Slayter: Unraveling the Complex Relationships Among Food Security, Health, and Livelihoods for Rural Women in Sub-Saharan Africa
Come to Bemis Hall on Mondays at 12:30 to hear Barbara Slayter discuss “Unraveling the Complex Relationships among Food Security, Health, and Livelihoods for Rural Women in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging will provide 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.
October 31 at 10 a.m.
Fall Accessory Swap
Dress up your fall and winter wardrobe without spending a penny! Ria Vet will once again be facilitating an accessory swap on Thursday, October 31 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Just bring in a few accessories you no longer want and see if someone else has brought in the perfect accompaniment to your new dress or maybe a bit of bling for your holiday outfit that you would like to take home with you. Be sure to get here on time if you don’t want to miss getting the best stuff.
Saturday, November 16
Mark Twain & Harriet Beecher Stowe
Come join the COA on Saturday, November 16 to visit the fascinating homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. These two famous authors, who shared many interests, lived but a few yards apart in a section of Hartford known as Nook Farm. Twain wrote his most famous books while living in his ostentatious 19-room mansion. Stowe, the woman who wrote the book that started the Great War, lived by contrast in a modest Victorian next door. The trip will depart from the Lincoln Mall at 8:45 a.m. on a comfortable coach for this full-day excursion, with a delicious box lunch included. You’ll enjoy guided tours, and also have time to visit the small museums and view the short documentary films at each site. You will arrive back at the Lincoln Mall about 4:30 p.m. The non-refundable cost is $39, partially supported by the Hurff Fund. Send checks, payable to FLCOA Trips, to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Please include phone number and email address. Space is limited, and payment must be made by Friday, November 1. Questions? Contact Virginia O’Brien at vobrien39@yahoo.com or 781-259-1291.
Lincoln residents are invited to join Democratic Congressional candidate Peter Koutoujian for a “meet and greet” opening reception in his Lincoln office at 146 Lincoln Road on Sunday, September 29 from noon to 1 p.m. (next to St. Joseph’s Church).
Koutoujian, the Middlesex County sheriff and a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is one of seven candidates running for former U.S. Rep. Ed Markey’s 5th District seat. The primary will be held on October 15, with the election on December 10.
Refreshments will be available. Parking is available across the street at Lincoln Station.
David Hubel
David Hubel of Lincoln, a Harvard scientist and Nobel Prize winner, died of kidney failure on September 22 at the age of 87.
Hubel and two other scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for discoveries in visual processing and development that ushered in the modern study of the cerebral cortex and changed the way childhood cataracts and strabismus (“cross-eye”) were treated, according to his obituary in the Harvard Crimson. A news release from Harvard Medical School discusses his work in more detail.
Obituaries for Hubel have also appeared in newspapers including the Boston Globe (which has a 1981 photo of him with his wife Ruth and son Eric), the New York Times and the Washington Post. Ruth Hubel died earlier this year at the age of 83.
The Nobel Prize website includes Hubel’s autobiographical essay and a 2009 video interview with him.
The Lincoln Fire Department welcomes families to a free open house on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that aims to teaching families fire safety and prevention practices.
The open house, which is sponsored by Papa Gino’s, commemorates National Fire Safety Month in October. Participants will learn about safety tips such as “stop, drop and roll” and how to plan escape routes, as well as extinguishing simple kitchen fires and other fire-related demonstrations. In addition, Dedham-based Papa Gino’s will provide free pizza and fire safety coloring sheets and certificates for kids.
“This event allows us to reach out to the community and arm local families with fire safety tips and procedures,” said Lincoln Fire Chief Steve Carter. “Our open house allows families to get together and better prepares them to react if a fire does start.”
For the past 19 years, Papa Gino’s has sponsored open houses throughout New England, helping to educate more and 1 million people about fire prevention and safety. Fire department open houses are being hosted throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in October.
For more information about the open house, call Lincoln Fire Department Lt. Ben Juhola at 781-259-2675.