What To Know In Tewksbury the Week of Dec. 12

Dewing School “Do Good December” idea for the week: Buy some extra items and donate them to a local food bank. The Tewksbury Community Pantry accepts online donations and publishes a list of needed items if you prefer to purchase and drop food at the many donation boxes around town.

Monday kicks off another great lineup of events at the Library, including a special two-part genealogy series and a gingerbread house contest. Some highlights are listed below, and residents are encouraged to check out the full calendar here.

Planning Board
When: Monday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, in person or virtual on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

In addition to several new family suites, the Planning Board will revisit a mixed-use development at 30 East St. The project has been under discussion since January, when Andover Consulting presented a concept plan for the .34 acre lot in the Town Center Overlay District. The proposal includes four residential units in the front of the lot, each with parking under, and one office unit and eight additional parking spots in the rear. The board’s concerns include too many elements for the lot, the placement of the commercial unit and the pending redesign of the adjacent intersection.

100 People Who Care Tewksbury Q4 Meeting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Country Club ballroom

100 People Who Care Tewksbury will surpass the $35,000 giving mark at its third meeting, when Community Teamwork Inc.’s new Rita O’Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health & Development, Great Dog Rescue New England or Hidden Battles will receive the group’s fourth quarter $10,000+ Impact Award. Sponsors Bernard Jewelers and Best Pets Veterinary Hospital will present $250 to the two runners up. Members will also hear an update from September awardee Lazarus House.

In 2022, 100 People Who Care Tewksbury will officially become 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury and accept new members. Tewksbury residents interested in joining for Q1 or learning more are welcome to drop in on Tuesday, fill out the membership form at www.100peopletewksbury.org or email 100PeopleTewksbury@gmail.com.

Pajamarama Story Time
When: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Children’s Room, Tewksbury Public Library

This drop-in program is geared for ages 2 to 5, but siblings are welcome. Pajamas, while not required, are encouraged.

Conservation Commission
When: Wed., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, in person or virtual on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

The Conservation Commission will address several requests for determination of applicability, which are filed when proponents are unsure if a project is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or otherwise within the purview of the Commission, and notices of intent, which are applications for permits to work in a Wetland Resource Area. Lots on Memory Lane, Secor Way, Main St., James St., Pringle St. and Livingston St. are under discussion.

Zoning Board of Appeals
When: Thu., Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, in person or virtual on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

While the focus in town has lately been on the Andover ZBA, Tewksbury’s Zoning Board of Appeals has a slate of variance requests from residents of 19 Kent St., 34 Bay State Ave. and 1058 Chandler St.

Soup & Shop at The Brush Art Gallery & Studios
When: Thursday, Dec 16 & Friday, Dec 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 256 Market Street, Lowell

The Studio artists are hosting a lunchtime event for weekday working warriors. Stop by on your lunch hour and we’ll warm you with a selection of complimentary homemade soups while you find that special gift! Gift certificates are available. Learn more.

American Red Cross Tewksbury Community Blood Drive
When: Thursday, Dec. 16 1:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Masonic Hall, 70 Victor Drive

Blood donations often decline during the holidays, says the Red Cross, because busy schedules, inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can make it more difficult for people to get to donation centers. For an appointment to give blood right here in town, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter Tewksbury or call 1-800-733-2767.

Gingerbread House Dropoff
When: Friday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Public Library

Does your family’s gingerbread house have what it takes to stand out? Enter our Gingerbread House Contest and see how your house compares. There will be one $25 gift card awarded in each of four categories — adults, children, teens and families Winners will be determined by anonymous voting on Saturday, Dec. 18. Find the rules here.