Wellness clinic for all ages
April 1 at 10 a.m.
Lincoln residents of all ages are invited to meet with a nurse at Lincoln Woods Community Building at 50 Wells Road on Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. These clinics are funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care.
April showers bring spring flowers to Bemis Hall
April 1 at 12:30 p.m.
April showers bring spring flowers on Friday, April 1 (no foolin’) at 12:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall when the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Sextet return to entertain you with tunes like the old Al Jolson favorite we all remember. We can’t promise you Al Jolson but you can certainly join in and sing along (or hum or dance or just sit and listen) as the band lifts spirits with its rendering of Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue, or Ain’t She Sweet or Sweet Georgia Brown. Don’t be shy; when it’s time to sing everyone joins in and the result is just plain fun.
Lincoln Academy with Cyrus Mizrahi: Persian poetry—the soul of an ancient people
April 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, April 4, at 12:30 to hear Cyrus Mizrahi discuss “Persian Poetry—The Soul of an Ancient People.” Bring a bag lunch. The Council on Aging provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
Meet with an aide to Congresswoman Clark
April 6 at 1 p.m.
You are invited to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. to meet with Anthony Moreschi, Constituent Service Representative for Congresswoman Katherine Clark. He will be available to assist residents with Social Security, Medicare, and MassHealth/Medicaid. You are also welcome to discuss other matters with him that he may be able to help with.
Coffee with watercolor artist Florence Como
April 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Join Lincoln artist Florence Como on Thursday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. for “Coffee with the Artist” in celebration of her exhibit of watercolors in the Lincoln Artists Gallery at Bemis Hall. The exhibit runs through April. Como, a Lincoln resident and former teacher, paints watercolors, oils, and acrylics in a traditional, representational style. She is inspired by nature and travel experiences, especially to Italy, where she has taken several workshops. She is a member of many art associations and has exhibited in solo and group shows where she has been the recipient of numerous awards.
Living your purpose, your reason for being
April 8 at 12 p.m.
The COA’s “Design Your Third Age Your Way” series will begin with a special luncheon and session with the Rev. Lilian J. Warner of Newbury Court on Friday, April 8. The afternoon will begin at noon with a lunch of sandwiches and dessert and continue at 12:30 with a presentation and discussion by the Rev. Warner. Please call the COA at (781) 259-8811 to sign up if you would like lunch. Below is the Rev. Warner’s invitation to the presentation:
At the Leading Age Annual Conference held in Boston this year, the topic was “Be the Voice.” I really resonated to this topic, because I feel we have to let our voices sing out loud and clear that we, still even as elders, want to live a life full of purpose and meaning. During our time together I hope to help us examine a new paradigm for elderhood. I have been a Pastor in the United Methodist Church for over 40 years and have served as the Spiritual Director/Chaplain at Newbury Court in Concord, MA since 2009. Through my years of learning, I realize that elderhood can be a positive or negative experience; we can embrace either one. It can be an exciting time of new discovery, freedom and growth. Or, we can dwell on the negatives of aging. I look forward to meeting you all and searching for new meaning and purpose in our lives and helping us to be the voice for positive change.
Very moving graduation of the New England Assistance Dogs Society
April 10 at 11:30 (meet at the Lincoln Mall)
Join the COA for a wonderful outing to the NEADS graduation on Sunday, April 10 at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, in Fitchburg, MA. You will have a chance to watch these expertly trained dogs in action as they demonstrate their skills in aiding their new owners. You will also hear from their owners as they share the wonderful impact the dogs have had on their lives. You will leave by a Doherty’s bus from the Lincoln Mall at 11:30 and have a leisurely lunch at the City Hall Cafe. The graduation is planned from 2 until 4. You will return to Lincoln between 4:30 and 5. The cost for the trip is $10 for the bus and driver’s tip. Lunch is on your own. Please also bring $5 for a suggested donation to NEADS. Send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Sally Kindleberger, 14A North Commons, Lincoln, MA 01773. Call (781) 259-1169 to reserve a spot.
Lincoln Academy with Dwight Gertz: to Antarctica and beyond—eight weeks trying to find the most remote settlements on earth
April 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, April 11, at 12:30 to hear Dwight Gertz discuss “To Antarctica and Beyond, Eight Weeks Trying to Find the Most Remote Settlements on Earth.” 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.
Experience reiki for your highest healing
April 13 at 9 a.m.
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on healing modality. “Rei” is the Japanese word for universal life energy and “ki” means breath. Reiki embodies the belief that there is an all-knowing spiritual consciousness or intelligence that knows where to direct this energy for the client’s highest healing. Experience Reiki when Lincoln resident Heidi Nichols offers free 10-minute sessions, lying down, fully clothed, on April 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Heidi has studied reiki with Bobbie Wells at the Center in Westwood and Haleya Priest at Sanctuary Healing Arts. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 for your appointment.
Dwell in possibility: a poetry workshop for enthusiasts and skeptics alike
April 13, 20 and 27 and May 4 at 12:30 p.m.
April is National Poetry Month! Celebrate this year by joining Patti Russo, Certified Poetry Therapist, for four fun and spirited workshops in which you will explore, through the lens of poetry, a variety of topics relevant to our lives today. In each session, you’’ll read and discuss poems around a specific theme such as mindfulness, gratitude or happiness, and then we’ll do some reflective writing in response to our discussion. You will leave with a better understanding of both poetry and yourself! You do not need to be a writer to participate. The sessions will be at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays April 13, 20, and 27 and May 4 at Bemis Hall. The cost for all four sessions is $40. Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 now to sign up; they must have a minimum of 10!
Being mortal: an ongoing conversation about life and end-of-life planning
April 15 at 9:30 a.m.
How we die and how we help our family and friends at the end of their lives, how the medical system assists or hinders you in making choices about your care, and the best ways to live more independently for as long as possible are all questions that have no easy answers. Join in a series of free-ranging conversations on these and other related topics, with occasional references to Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal, facilitated by Alyson Lee, Life Coach, Social Worker, and Certified Facilitator for Honoring Choices/Massachusetts. This month’s conversation will be on Friday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. You do not need to have come to the first conversation to attend.
Teaching the mind and body to communicate
April 15 at 12:30 p.m.
Mind-body medicine teaches the mind and body to work in harmony through such means as meditation, nutrition, exercise, sleep health, simple yoga techniques, positive psychology, and attention to the use of language and thought in everyday life. It can increase well being, positive health status, and happiness, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent or ameliorate chronic diseases. Try out mind-body skills and learn more about using them to reach your specific goals and apply them to your everyday life when Lincoln resident Arthur Gleiner, M.D., and Amanda McLain, M.D., come to Bemis Hall on Friday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. Dr. Gleiner has practiced internal medicine for many years, focusing now on mind-body practices, and Dr. McLain is a hospitalist at Emerson.
Senior dining
April 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, April 19 at St. Anne’s Church. There are new diners often—please come and give Senior Dining a try! They need you! 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 your Lincoln friends and neighbors.
Regular exercise is good medicine for body and mind
April 21 at 2:15 p.m.
Our bodies are meant to move. As we age our bodies lose muscle mass and bone density. Regular exercise can slow and reverse this process leading to greater wellness that can help you stay independent and help to prevent diseases and fall risk and even brighten your mood and mental sharpness! It’s never too late to start a regular exercise program! Learn more about the benefits of exercise as we get older and try a few of the exercises for yourself when Terri Zaborowski, the COA’s aerobic and strength training instructor who teaches classes there for every fitness level, comes to Bemis Hall Thursday, April 21 at 2:15 pm. Terri is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor and AAAI/ISMA Older Adult Trainer with over 16 years experience in senior fitness. Come in comfortable clothing and be ready to move!
Readying your legal toolbox in case of the unexpected
April 22 at 12:30 p.m.
No matter what your age, accidents and illnesses can affect your ability to make important decisions about your personal and financial affairs. Having the right legal documents in place is critical to ensuring that your wishes will be followed should you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated. Without these documents, your family may have to go to court to protect your legal and financial interests and to be sure that your health care needs are met. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, April 22 at 12:30 when elder law attorney and Lincoln resident Sasha Golden will let you know not only the documents you should have, but also how to create and use them so that they will be the most effective, including how to think about preparing for a variety of possible situations, who you need to communicate with and how, and more. Bring your questions and concerns.
Lincoln Academy with Elizabeth Graver: Write what you don’t know—seeking my grandmother’s life in Turkey, Spain, Cuba and New York
April 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, April 25 at 12:30 to hear Elizabeth Graver discuss “Write what You Don’t Know: Seeking My Grandmother’s Life in Turkey, Spain, Cuba, and New York.” 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.
The fireside chat: Seeking asylum in America, part II
April 27 at 10 a.m.
After the January Fireside Chat about challenges facing asylum seekers and refugees in the U.S., the group decided to continue the discussion and also consider how interested people in our community can lend a hand. On April 27 at 10 a.m. we’ll focus on what was learned in January, the situations of refugees and those seeking asylum in our country and globally, and what opportunities to provide assistance locally, nationally, and internationally those in the group might like to pursue. All are welcome whether you attended the January session or not.
“40 years of Community” fair
April 30 at 1 p.m.
This year, the COA, Parks and Recreation, and the Lincoln Review are celebrating their 40th anniversaries and they’re throwing themselves a free party on Saturday, April 30 from 1-4 p.m. at Pierce Park (rain date: May 1). The Fair will feature activities and games for all ages. Lincoln’s history will be front and center with displays and demonstrations about Lincoln’s past, iconic buildings and landscapes, and life in times gone by. Myriad local organizations will provide information and demonstrations on such important topics as energy efficiency, agriculture, and gardening. Lincoln and Lincoln-associated artists will show their best work in the Pierce House, which will also feature historic photos from the Town Archives. What is a fair without food? The Police will host a barbecue where you can get a delicious lunch while the Minute Men will offer baked goods and cider, both for a small cost. But wait! There’s more! While you are enjoying all these treats, you will be regaled with music by some of Lincoln’s many virtuoso musicians. And expect some surprises!
Save the date:
Canterbury Shaker Village
Please join the COA on a visit to the fascinating Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, NH on Wednesday, May 25. You will step back in time and learn about the lives of these joyful people. A comfortable air ride bus will leave Lincoln Mall at 8:45 a.m., returning between 4:30 and 5 p.m. There will be a 75-minute guided walking tour of the Village, including the Meeting House, the Laundry, and the Dwelling House. Following the tour, you will have a picnic lunch in the Shaker Barn Restaurant. There will be ample time after lunch to explore on your own the School House, the Sister’s Shop, and many other exhibits. You may view an excellent film on the history and life of this unique community. This trip is rated moderate for physical difficulty. The price of the trip is $38 per person, including the picnic lunch. Payment is non-refundable. The trip is subsidized by the Hurff Fund and is for Lincoln residents only. Space is limited, so respond ASAP. Make checks payable to FLCOA/Trips and send to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway Road, Lincoln MA, 01773. Please enclose your phone number and email address with your check. If you have questions please contact Virginia at 781-259-1291 or vobrien39@yahoo.com.
Express your love of nature using 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 some favorite sky. Four classes will be offered each Friday and Monday beginning May 9 and then another session of four classes will begin on May 23 from 9-11 a.m. The cost is $15. Call to sign up now as space is limited.
