Tap your toes to trad jazz tunes
January 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Come join your fellow COA neighbors to tap your toes and bob your heads and sing to those tunes of yesteryear that we all know and love. Yes, the grandchildren can shake their heads and think we’re nuts, but we know where it’s at. Led by the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band, we’re gonna have a good time — you might even say a ball — around the old Steinway upstairs at Bemis Hall on January 4.
Lincoln Academy with MaryBeth Wise: From source to tap — Lincoln’s water system
January 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 when MaryBeth Wiser, Lincoln’s Superintendent of the Water discusses “From Source to Tap: Lincoln’s Water System.” How does water get from its source in nature to your tap and what happens to it in between? Find out where Lincoln gets its water, how it is treated, how it is tested, what it is tested for, how you know if there is ever a problem with your water, and how the Water Department makes sure that water will be available when you turn on the tap. 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 wellness clinics for all ages
January 8 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.–noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 9–11 a.m. Blood pressure, nutrition and fitness, medication management, chronic disease management, resources, and more. Services provided by Emerson Hospital Home Care. The Bemis Hall clinic is supported by the Pierce House.
Would you like to share writing memoirs with others?
January 9 at 10 a.m.
If you are interested in writing a memoir or just curious about what goes on in the memoir group, please come to the first winter meeting of the Memoir Group on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m.–noon at Bemis Hall and find out what we do. If you like what you hear and you want to continue, the cost of the ten-week term is $75. The dates for the term are January 9 and 23; February 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; April 3 and 17; and May 1 and 15. If you want more information, call Connie Lewis 781-259-9415 or email her at conlewis1000@gmail.com.
Understanding diabetes for a better, healthier life
January 11 at 10 a.m.
About one in four people 65 and over have diabetes and it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, with complications that can lead to disability and the loss of independence. Yet, many people can prevent and manage diabetes with a proper diet, exercise, careful monitoring, and medication. Whether you have diabetes, are at higher risk of diabetes, would like to know how to prevent it, or are concerned about someone else, come hear Jocelyn Fram of HealthPro Heritage of The Commons in Lincoln when she comes to Bemis Hall on January 11 to talk about diabetes and how you can take control.
The hand-heart connection
January 11 at 1 p.m.
Join Catherine Collins, RN, MS, QTTT (Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher) Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall to learn about a profoundly simple way to connect to a loved one when a verbal interaction is difficult or impossible. Developed by a hospice nurse and therapeutic touch practitioner, this technique is a way to be with someone who has suffered a loss such as health or a relationship, or is at the end of life. Simply being next to the person and using your hand to connect to their heart and be present is a powerful way to send compassion. It benefits both the recipient and the person offering the hand-heart connection. Anyone can learn this technique. We will watch a video about the technique and have an opportunity to practice and ask questions.
Lincoln Academy with Ron McAdow and Betsy Stokey: Galapagos Islands and Amazon rainforest
January 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Jan. 14 at 12:30 when Ron McAdow and Betsy Stokey: discuss “Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest.” Do you enjoy nature slideshows? Ron and Betsy’s nature-themed trip to Ecuador took them to the Amazon rainforest in the eastern part of Ecuador and to the Galapagos Islands at the western end of the country. From jungle towers, canoes, trails, and power launches, they had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The pictures they will share include giant tortoises (of course) plus monkeys, sea-lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and other many bird species. 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
January 14 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, Jan. 14 from 3–4 p.m. There is no charge for the 30-minute consultation, but please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Senior dining and a free blood pressure check
January 15 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, Jan. 15 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. You may also get a free blood pressure check.
Coffee with artist Don Alden
January 15 at 2:15 p.m.
All are invited to join artist Don Alden for a “coffee with the artist” on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 2:15 at Bemis Hall to celebrate his exhibit that will be in the Bemis Gallery in January and February. The show is titled “Honoring the Living Earth” and features a combination of abstract landscapes, objects in liminal space, color, and texture. Don is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. He has a studio in ArtSpace in Maynard. To him, a painting is a relationship between the artist and the viewer through color, shape texture and line. What one projects is a reflection of their experience.
Learn to protect yourself from winter scams with Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan
January 18 at 10 a.m.
Join Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan on Friday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall when she comes to tell you about the latest winter-related scams involving home heating, snow removal, roof service, chimney cleaning, furnace cleaning, vehicle maintenance, and tree service. She’ll let you know what to watch out for, which scams are happening now, how to protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim. Bring your questions and concerns
LGBT-focused group for older adults to share tea and conversation
January 18 at 10 a.m.
All are invited to enjoy tea and conversation at a new LGBT-focused group to be held the third Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The date this month is January 18. Come share your thoughts, ideas, and life experiences. Older adults from other towns are most welcome.
Co-housing: A new option focusing on community and private home ownership with the benefits of more sustainable living
January 18 at 1 p.m.
Co-housing, or housing that offers both privacy as well as intentionally living in community with shared spaces, is catching on among people of all ages, but especially seniors. Come hear Lincoln resident Pat Brinkman speak on Friday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall about what co-housing is and its benefits, as well as a new initiative for a 55+ co-housing community that’s now forming in our area. Find out if this option might be right for you and how to join an existing or new community.
Veterans beef stew lunch
January 23 at 12 p.m.
Warm up on a chilly day with other veterans and their spouses or partners on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at noon at Bemis Hall. On the menu will be beef stew, beverages, and dessert. This is a chance to get to know other veterans and share your experiences that are unique to veterans. You must sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 so that we know how many meals to prepare. $4 donation requested.
Memory Café opens for elders with dementia and caregivers
January 24 at 9:30 a.m.
The Commons in Lincoln, the Right-at-Home in-home care and assistance organization, and the Lincoln Council on Aging are proud to announce the debut of the Lincoln Memory Café with a free open house on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 9:30–11 a.m. at 1 Harvest Circle at the Commons. The open house is open to family, friends, and caregivers of those with dementia from Lincoln and area towns. Beth Soltzberg, director of the Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support Program of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, will talk about what memory cafés are and their benefits to families experiencing dementia.
Ongoing sessions of the free Lincoln Memory Café, which will feature refreshments, entertainment, and activities, will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30–11 a.m. at The Commons beginning in February. The goal is to offer an opportunity for elders and their care partners to spend relaxed, fun, social time together and with others who share their same experience. It is helpful, but not required, to sign up by calling the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811. For information, contact Amy Gagne of Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance at 781-275-1400 or amy@rightathomecare.com.
DeCordova Museum and Trustees of Reservations update
January 25 at 10 a.m.
The deCordova Sculpture Park and the Trustees of Reservations have proposed a partnership that will enhance the ability of both organizations to fulfill their missions. To learn more about the rationale and benefits of the partnership and what it will mean for the deCordova and its future as well as for Lincoln residents, come to a conversation with John B. Ravenal, executive director of the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, a representative from the Trustees of Reservations, and Tim Higgins, Lincoln’s Town Administrator, on Friday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Bring your questions and concerns.
Celebrate Lincoln’s generations with a singalong
January 25 at 3:30 p.m.
The LEAP after-school program, the Lincoln Council on Aging, and the Magic Garden Children’s Center invite Lincoln residents of all ages to enjoy a free Multigenerational Concert and Sing-Along as part of the Winter Carnival on Friday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. at Bemis Hall. The program will include singing groups from each of the three organizations. Members of the audience will enjoy favorite folk songs, children songs, and more. Come enjoy some songs that are beloved from childhood and others that are new and delightful.
Fireside Chat: Diversifying Lincoln’s governance
January 26 at 10 a.m.
What will it take to engage a more diverse group of people in the governance of Lincoln? Join the conversation from 10–11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. The Fireside Chat is facilitated by Sharon Antia. Please remember to park in unmarked spaces.
2019 Top of the Town Winter Gala
January 26 at 5 p.m.
The Friends of the COA invites all Lincoln residents 60 or over to the Top of the Town Winter Gala on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 from 5–8 p.m. at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Meet and greet old friends and new at this elegant gala party. Enjoy beverages along with finger food, small plates, and delicious desserts.
Be sure to send in the reservation form you’ll receive in the beginning of January. If you are a Lincoln resident 60 or over and do not receive an invitation by January 10, please call the COA at (781) 259-8811 right away. The form must reach the FLCOA at PO Box 143, Lincoln MA 01773 or Bemis Hall by January 18 to confirm your attendance. This is a catered party, and an accurate head count is important. Because there is a space limit of 200 persons, the FLCOA will start a waitlist if replies reach that number. They request that you let them know promptly if you must cancel so they can notify the next person on the list. While the Friends of the Lincoln COA are pleased to host this event with free admission for Lincoln residents, they greatly appreciate your donations to show support for this event.
The untold story of Emily Dickinson’s introduction to the world
January 28 at 10 a.m.
Join Lincoln author Julie Dobrow on Monday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall when she discusses her new book, After Emily: Two Remarkable Women and the Legacy of America’s Greatest Poet — a mother/daughter biography of Mabel and her only child, Millicent Todd Bingham. This book tells the story of Mabel and Millicent’s fascinating lives that pushed the boundaries of what women of their respective eras did, how Mabel’s 13-year-long love affair with Emily’s brother Austin led her to the Emily Dickinson work that defined her career and her life, and how Mabel and Millicent’s own complex relationship complicated it all.
Smartphone meetup
January 28 at 11 a.m.
Do you have a smart phone that you’d like to be able to use better? Or can you give smart phone pointers? Come to a group facilitated by Carol Peskin for smartphone users to share tips and get help on Monday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. at Bemis Hall. This isn’t a class, but rather a chance for people to teach each other.
Lincoln Academy with Kathy Mierzwa: How I make music videos and how you can, too
January 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on January 28 at 12:30 when Katherine Mierzwa discusses “How I Make Music Videos and How You Can, Too.” Katherine has been making videos on her Apple computer since the first iMovie program came out in 1990. Apple has made it possible to make professional-quality videos by combining your photos and music. Katherine makes beautiful videos to remember vacations, as birthday gifts for friends, to document weddings, and for personal remembrances for funerals and memorial services. She’ll show some of her videos and show you how she does it, and how you can, too. 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.
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School update
January 30 at 10 a.m.
Join Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Committee member Patty Mostue on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall. Find out about new educational initiatives and some of the issues facing the school and its students and have a chance to ask questions and offer ideas.
