Musical jazz lunch
May 3 at 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the week by grabbing a table at Bemis while the Lincoln Traditional Jazz Band serenades you with familiar good old tunes. Bring a bag lunch and, if you like, food purchased already prepared to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert.
Watercolor class with Jane
May 6 and 20 at 9 a.m.
Rediscover your joyful soul through art and nature in Jane Cooper’s watercolor class. Two classes of four sessions each will be offered on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Mondays, May 6 and 20. The cost is $30 for each class of four sessions, materials included. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.
Lincoln Academy with Timothy Johnson, MD: The future of medicine
May 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Dr. Johnson will review current problems with American health care and propose possible solutions for each. He will also predict what will happen in the next ten years. Johnson was the chief medical correspondent for ABC News, giving medical information to millions of Americans in a way that was accurate yet accessible. 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.
Noticing walks with John Calabria
May 7 at 1 p.m.
Location: TBD
Enjoy a gently paced walk through nature guided by John Calabria on May 7 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. Another walk will be held June 4. If the weather is bad, call 781-259-9251 after 10 a.m. the morning of the walk for an update. Co-sponsored by the COA and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.
Artist coffee with Juliet Rago
May 7 at 2:15 p.m.
The COA invites you to celebrate Juliet Rago’s exhibit, “Flora,” at the Bemis Hall gallery in May and June. An artist’s coffee will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 2:15 p.m. The exhibit features 27 watercolors of flowers, leaves, and trees. Rago studied at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and in Florence, Italy, and has taught and been featured in many exhibits in the U.S. and Italy.
Taking care of yourself so you can care for others
May 9 at 2 p.m.
To take care of others, you must first care for yourself. Caregiving, especially for someone who is frail and may have cognitive issues, can be very stressful, but there are ways you can reduce the stress and improve your life and caregiving. Come join a conversation with Tricia McGean, RN, Lincoln’s town nurse, on Thursday, May 9 at 2 p.m. to talk about your situation with others who understand and to share tips and ideas for keeping your stress down and increase your ability to cope. Tricia will share strategies, but this is mostly a chance for caregivers to talk with one another. All ages welcome.
Healing motion for life
May 10 at 9 a.m.
Being in touch with the way our bodies move and working to keep our movements unrestricted and fluid helps bring health and clarity to every aspect of our lives. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 10 at 9 a.m. to experience free-flowing, expressive movement guided by movement educator and wellness program facilitator Susanne Liebich. Sponsored by Deaconess Abundant Life Services and Newbury Court.
LGBT Q&A: answers to your questions about LGBTQ issues
May 10 at 1 p.m.
Has a family member or friend just come out? Wonder what “nonbinary” or “folx” means? Will being LGBTQ affect whether my child or grandchild can marry or have children? How do I let my LGBTQ friend or family member know that I love them just the way they are? What kinds of discrimination might my family member or friend face and how can I help? Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. to get your questions about LGBTQ issues answered by Julie Nowak of BayPath Elder Services. You may submit written questions anonymously if you like. For information, call Abby Butt at the COA at 781-259-8811.
Lincoln Academy with Clark and Susana Bernard: a journey to Egypt and Sudan
May 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, May 13 at 12:30 p.m. when Clark and Susana Bernard discuss “A Journey to Egypt and Sudan”— two destinations connected for millennia by the Nile. Clark and Susana will share the highlights of their recent travel experience. They spent the month of January traveling through these two countries, participating in two different tours. The objective of each was to learn more about ancient history and admire the remarkable archeological treasures. Egypt was very accessible and they enjoyed the many famous highlights. Sudan was a very different situation — not very accessible, but even more exciting 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
May 13 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, May 13 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 clinics for all ages
May 14 at 10 a.m.
Location: Lincoln Woods
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Road in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, May 21 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.
Prudential Center trip
May 15 at 8:45 a.m.
Enjoy a trip atop the Prudential Center at the Skywalk with a spectacular 360- degree view of Boston and beyond, with an audio tour that provides the history of the city below. The group will have lunch at the famous Italian food emporium Eataly. After lunch, you’ll walk a half-mile to the Christian Science Center Plaza. Guides will take you through the 1894 Romanesque style original church building. You will also visit the 1906 Byzantine-Renaissance style church extension with its soaring dome, and one of the world’s largest Aeolian-Skinner pipe organs. You’ll learn about the life history of Mary Baker Eddy, who established Christian Science as a religion. In addition, you will visit the Mapparium, a world-famous, three-story stained-glass globe.
You will depart Donelan’s parking lot at 8:45 a.m. and return about 4 p.m. The cost of the trip is $25 (lunch not included) and is nonrefundable. Questions, contact Sara Mattes at 781-259-0421 or smattes@gmail.com. To reserve a space send check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Donna Rizzo, 22 Blackburnian Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. This trip will require standing and walking for a good portion. The Skywalk has no seating. The walk from the Pru is through the building, on city streets and across a brick plaza.
The age of Napoleon with John Gardella
May 15 at 7 p.m.
Napoleon is one of the most fascinating characters in history. Rising to power on the wave of the French Revolution, he would go on to reform France and have a lasting impact on all of Europe. Learn more about Napoleon and the Napoleonic Age he ushered in when John Gardella continues his series about French history on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the Library. Mr. Gardella is a retired history teacher. The series is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library and the Council on Aging.
Filing a claim for veterans’ compensation or pension, and getting a veterans’ ID card
May 16 at 10:15 a.m.
If you are a veteran or a spouse or survivor of a veteran, come find out how to file a claim for Veterans Compensation or a Pension and get a veterans ID card when Peter Harvell, Lincoln’s Veterans Services Officer, gives a presentation at Bemis Hall on Thursday, May 16 at 10:15 a.m. He will go through these processes step by step and be available afterwards to provide one-to-one help. Don’t miss out.
Free antiques appraisal with Douglas W. Stinson
May 17 from 1–4 p.m.
Lincoln resident and fine art auctioneer and appraiser Douglas Stinson will be at Bemis Hall to review up to three items per person. Would you like to know the present value of items that you had appraised in the past? Do you wonder whether or not your holdings have increased or decreased in value? The fine art and auction market has seen some dramatic shifts in the last 10 to 15 years. Gain some perspective on the present state of the market as it relates to your tangible personal possessions. Appropriate items include paintings, etchings, lithographs, bronze and marble sculptures, Chinese objects including jade, ceramics, silver, and textiles, sterling silver including flatware sets, tea sets and larger silver pieces, toys, folk art, Americana, Modernism, and much more. Questions? Call Stinson at 781-259-3200 or email dstinsonantiques@comcast.net. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.
Fireside Chat: the story of our lives
May 18 at 10 a.m.
Location: Lincoln Woods
Everyone has a back story. Join the Fireside Chat on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. in the Community Room at Lincoln Woods, 50 Wells Rd. as we reflect on our experiences and share one or more stories from our own lives. Funny, challenging, bizarre — some piece of the puzzle that makes you you. This is a friendly discussion facilitated by Sharon Antia. Remember to park in unmarked spaces.
Lincoln Academy with Bijoy Misra: nature and spirituality
May 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. when Bijoy Misra discusses “Nature and Spirituality.” Is nature spiritual? Does nature thrive on struggle for existence or provide a room for all? Are all objects equal in their existence? If an object in nature is equal to another object, then why does one survive but not the other? We examine these age-old questions from the perspective of our own life and experiences, traits in our own nature and our own built-in spirituality. We look to the philosophers and the scriptures for their insight into equality. We examine whether spirituality lives in our own perception of the “other” object. 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.
Senior dining and free blood pressure check
May 21 at 11:30 a.m.
Location: St. Anne’s
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with new friends and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, May 21 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.
55+ and ready to move
May 21 at 2:15 p.m.
Are you ready to start thinking about your next housing move and don’t know where to begin? To be successful, you need to start by coming up with a plan and a budget and know where to look for housing options. All are welcome to learn more about these and other issues older people face when moving when Evelyn Redshaw of the nonprofit MetroWest Collaborative Development comes to Bemis Hall on Tuesday, May 21 at 2:15 p.m. You will also learn how to determine your eligibility for all kinds of housing, including but not limited to affordable housing, and see what units are available now. The mission of MetroWest CD is to organize residents, resources and good ideas to resolve community problems and improve the quality of life for all members of MetroWest neighborhoods.
Memory Café
May 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: The Commons
The Commons in Lincoln, Right At Home In-Home Care and Assistance, and the Lincoln Council on Aging invite those with dementia and their families, friends, and caregivers to the free Lincoln Memory Café on Thursday, May 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main building of The Commons in Lincoln. This month, the Café presents musical therapist Steve Gintz. Future Cafés will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30–11 a.m. at the Commons. For information, contact Amy Gagne of Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance at 781-275-1400 or amy@rightathomecare.com, or the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.
Legal check-up
May 24 at 10 a.m.
What is an estate plan and why does everyone need one? Estate planning is not just for the elderly, the wealthy or those concerned about estate taxes. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 24 at 10 a.m. when Denise Yurkofsky, an estate planning and elder law attorney from Wayland, will explain the importance of each of the documents in a simple estate plan — a will, durable power of attorney, health care proxy, living will, homestead declaration and, in some cases, a trust — and how they can be helpful to most people in the event of incapacity and at death. She will also discuss the importance of making sure that the titling on your assets and beneficiary designations are consistent with your plan, as well as the probate process, and recent changes in the law relating to estate taxes.
Everyone can help prevent suicide
May 29 at 10 a.m.
Family, friends, neighbors, and others in the community have an important role to play in preventing suicides. Find out more about suicide, how to spot warning signs, and what to do if you are concerned about someone when the Community Education and Outreach Team at Samaritans, Inc., comes to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. You’ll leave the workshop with the skills and knowledge to better understand the specific challenges facing people at risk for suicide and how best to support someone who may be struggling. All are welcome. For more information about Samaritans, Inc., visit www.samaritanshope.org.
Techno teach-in
May 29 from 10–1 p.m.
The Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School senior class is having a Give Back to the Community Service Day, and they invite you to join them at Bemis Hall on Wednesday, May 29 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. to get advice on cell phones, computers, tablets, and other technology. 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 for an appointment today.
Keeping your bones strong to maintain independence
May 31 at 1 p.m.
Keeping your bones strong to prevent fractures is one of the most important ways to ensure that you are able to take care of yourself and do all the things you look forward to. All are invited to come to Bemis Hall on Friday, May 31 at 1 p.m. when Meenakshi Garg, MD, will discuss why bone health is important and what can be done to keep bones strong and prevent fractures. She will also explain what osteoporosis is, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available. Dr. Garg is an internist at Lincoln Physicians specializing in preventive medicine and chronic disease management. She is affiliated with Emerson Hospital. Bring your questions.
Save the date:
Oklahoma!
June 12
On Wednesday, June 12, the COA is going to the North Shore Music Theatre for the matinee performance of Rodgers And Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” The legendary score including, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” “The Surry with the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No!” and the rousing title tune will put a smile on your face The air-conditioned air-ride bus will be in the Donelan’s parking lot at 10:15 a.m., departure is 10:30 a.m. The trip will return at approximately 6 p.m. Before the show you will have lunch at the Danvers Yacht Club. You’ll have your choice of three entrees, salad, and dessert. There are just 27 Inner Circle tickets, so don’t delay as this show will sell out. The final count must be given by May 12. The trip is rated easy for physical ability and entails only a moderate amount of walking. There are no steps. The price is $59 including lunch, and is non-refundable. To reserve a space, send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Virginia O’Brien, 4 Linway 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 Virginia at 781-259-1291 or vobrien39@yahoo.com.