Lincoln Academy with Craig Donaldson — A holiday story: Massachusetts and the 1917 Halifax explosion
December 2 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 2 at 12:30 p.m. when Craig Donaldson discusses “A Holiday Story: Massachusetts and the 1917 Halifax Explosion.” On December 6, 1917 the Norwegian vessel SS Imo and French cargo shop SS Mont-Blanc, which was full of high explosives, collided close to Halifax Harbor. The resulting explosion, the largest man-made explosion at the time, destroyed much of the city of Halifax, killing 2000 people and injuring 9000 others. Boston, which had a relationship with Halifax dating back to its earliest days in 1749 as a shipping and fishing settlement, immediately sent people and supplies to help. Learn the story of Boston’s Herculean rescue efforts and the holiday gift given by Halifax in gratitude that we still enjoy today. 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 in nature
December 3 at 1 p.m.
Come on a gently paced walk through nature with John Calabria on December 3 from 1–2:30 p.m. at a location posted at lincolnconservation.org. Bring walking sticks or walking poles if you like. 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.
Musical jazz lunch
December 6 at 12 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays 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 at the store to share. The COA provides beverages and dessert.
Lincoln Academy with Ron McAdow — Our winter birds
December 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. when Ron McAdow discusses “Our Winter Birds” in a slide lecture about birds that spend the winter in our neighborhood or visit when conditions permit. Ron will show photos of songbirds, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers, and will discuss their adaptations for winter survival. Data from the long-running Concord Christmas Bird Count will illustrate changes in our winter bird population over the decades. This presentation is an opportunity to learn more about the birds seen at or near our backyard feeders as well as the birds that are more of a challenge to observe. 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.
Healthy holiday treat tasting at The Commons
December 9 at 2 p.m.
What would the holidays be without special treats to remind you of yesteryear and celebrate today? Enjoy a healthy holiday tasting menu of tasty treats and sparkly drinks on Monday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at The Commons in Lincoln, 1 Harvest Circle. The treats are designed and prepared by The Commons’ team of chefs and dietitians. Transportation can be provided. Please call 781-262-3433, Monday to Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to reserve a spot. Please specify how many people and if you need transportation.
Free wellness clinics for all ages
December 10 at 10 a.m.
Meet with a nurse at 50 Wells Rd. in Lincoln Woods on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.–noon or Bemis Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 17 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.
Police open forum
December 11 at 10 a.m.
Do you have questions about traffic issues, how to avoid becoming a victim of scammers, what to do in an emergency, a concern about crime, or other question for the police? Come to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. when Chief Kevin Kennedy will be here for an open forum. This is an opportunity for you to get to know Chief Kennedy and both get and give information in an open, informal session.
New sewing group
December 11 at 3 p.m.
Do you love to sew and want to share tips, show off projects, and chat? Come to the next meeting of the COA Sewing Club on Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 3–4 p.m. at Bemis Hall.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Newport mansions
December 12 at 8 a.m.
Are you signed up to experience the elegance of Newport mansions at the holidays on Thursday, Dec. 12? Please remember to be at Donelan’s parking lot by 8 a.m. and that we will return by 5:30 p.m. If you are not signed up but are interested in coming, contact Ginny at 781-259-1291 or vobrien39@yahoo.com to get on the wait list. You’ll start out with a tour of the delightful Elms, then on to lunch at Johnny’s at the Atlantic Resort, and then you’ll experience the Crown Jewel, the Breakers. This trip requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Cost, including lunch, is $59 and is nonrefundable.
Heat pumps: what you need to know
December 12 at 2:15 p.m.
You may have heard about heat pumps as a way to heat and cool your home. They are more energy efficient and less environmentally harmful than oil and propane heat and can be used to heat and cool all kinds of spaces. Come to Bemis Hall on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 2:15 when Belinda Gingrich and Sue Klem of the Green Energy Committee discuss heat pumps: what they are, how they work, how much they cost, how you can get rebates when you buy them, and more.
Breakfast with Carolyn: Caregiving 101
December 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Are you new to caregiving and would like to be pointed in the right direction? Or would you just like to learn about what resources are available to you and the person you’re caring for? Come have breakfast with Carolyn Bottum, the COA’s director, on Friday, Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. You’ll learn what services can be provided in your home or in the community, who can help you evaluate and monitor services, and tips and strategies for reducing your stress while being a caregiver. All are welcome.
Successful transitions of care: support throughout the continuum
December 13 at 12 p.m.
Going from home to hospital to a skilled nursing facility or a short term rehab and back home is much less stressful if you are aware of available resources and how to advocate for yourself. Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 13 at noon when Emily Tamilio of Deaconess Abundant Life Communities will discuss how to successfully transition through care while you enjoy a delicious luncheon. Tamilio will highlight how seniors may advocate for themselves in different care settings and how they may take inventory of their care and their care options. You will come to understand how to identify your care partners and how to access valuable resources. You will also find out how to be alert to warning signs, communicate your needs effectively and become an active participant in your care. Please call the COA at 781-259-8811 to secure your spot for this program.
Lincoln Academy with Mo Movassaghi — chemical synthesis and study of bioactive natural products
December 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, Dec. 16 at 12:30 p.m. when Mo Movassaghi discusses “Chemical Synthesis and Study of Bioactive Natural Products.” Join MIT Professor Mo Movassaghi as he brings us along on his Group’s exploration of secondary metabolites, representative complex molecules and natural products, the science of chemical synthesis of complex molecules which is his group’s research focus, along with evaluation of the biological activity of complex natural products, and the exciting intersection of chemistry and biology in broad terms. Click here for more information on Dr. Movassaghi’s Group at MIT. 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.
Gourmet lunch with Tim Higgins
December 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Lincolnites 60 and older are invited to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch with friends new and old at 11:30 on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at St. Anne’s Church. Our special guest will be Town Administrator Tim Higgins. Come meet him, ask him your questions, and give your ideas. Tricia McGean, Lincoln’s public health nurse, will offer free blood pressure readings. The cost of lunch is $5 per person. 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. Call the COA at 781-259-8811 to sign up.
VA health system benefits overview
December 19 at 10:15 a.m.
Join Lincoln Veterans Services Officer Peter Harvell on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10:15 a.m. for an overview of the VA’s health benefits system. Get an overview of the system and how it works and what benefits it offers and find out if you or a family member might be eligible.
Memory Café for elders with dementia and caregivers
December 19 at 10:30 a.m.
The Commons in Lincoln, Right at Home In-Home Care and Assistance, and the Lincoln COA invite those with dementia and their family, friends, and caregivers to the free Lincoln Memory Café on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 10:30 a.m.–noon in the main building of The Commons. Enjoy delicious refreshments and entertainment. The Memory Café is held each fourth Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at The Commons. Call Elizabeth Kaupp of Right at Home at 781-275-1400 or the COA at 781-259-8811 for more information.
Art, movement, and fun for holiday relaxation
December 20 at 1 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. when Catherine Collins, RN, MS, QTTT (Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher), leads a fun afternoon of using art, movement, and other playful techniques to de-stress, loosen up, and get ready to truly savor all the joys of the season. The holidays don’t have to make you crazy. Whether you feel stressed or not, you’ll have a great time and learn some techniques you can use any time of the year. Please sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Save the date:
Revel at the Top of the Town winter gala
The Friends of the Lincoln COA (FLCOA) are pleased to announce that the 2020 Top of the Town Winter Gala will again be held at the deCordova Museum on Saturday January 25, 5–8 p.m. (snow date: January 26). Mark your calendars and look for your invitation in the mail in late December. Be sure to return your reservation form promptly — space is limited to 200 people. The event is free but the FLCOA, as always, is extremely grateful for any donations to support this event and all the FLCOA’s activities.
