Twas the week before Christmas and all through the ‘Bury,
All the people were rushing here and there in a hurry.
Traffic on 38 was back to the Jade,
As shoppers hunted for gifts all handmade.
Officer Waffles was nestled all snug in his bed,
While visions of Milk Bones danced in his head.
And Jayne in her Mini and Jay in his Ford,
Called “Adjourn, adjourn! Adjourn, Select Board!”
Todd Johnson lamented, “Meet once more we must,
For I promised the people, it’s bylaw or bust!”
Robert Hayes ably managed the library Zoom,
Bringing laughter and joy to each little room.
When down at Donna’s there arose such a clatter,
The kitchen was full of donuts, and batter!
Now jelly, now lemon, now chocolate raised!
On cruller, on coconut, on cinnamon glazed!
Paige sniffed out the story and on deadline she filed,
As school release came early to each little child.
Then the Carnation team exclaimed as clicks rose out of sight,
Nina’s Mai Tais to all, and to all a good night!”
Got a verse to add? Send it to the editor or place it in the comments and we’ll add to the story.
This week’s Dewing School Do Good December ideas: Give away something that you have been holding on to, choose to give or receive the gift of forgiveness and congratulate someone for an achievement that may go unnoticed.
Also, if you are able, please check the Tewksbury Public Library Twitter or Facebook account to find out if there are tags remaining on the State Hospital Giving Tree. A number of last-minute requests recently came in from residents.
Bottle Signing with Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine
When: Monday, Dec. 20, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 92 Cluff Crossing Rd., Salem NH
Need a last-minute gift for a fan of Restaurant Impossible? Head up to the Salem NH Liquor and Wine Outlet for an in-store bottle signing with celebrity chef Robert Irvine, featuring Robert’s newly released gin and vodka. Grab a free ticket to reserve your spot.
Tewksbury Writing Group: Writing Advice From Ceara Comeau
When: Monday, Dec. 20, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here
Are you a writer — or an aspiring writer — looking for some support? The new Tewksbury Writing Group, which generally meets the third Monday evening of every month, is open to everyone who’s interested in writing — all genres, all skill levels. Each meeting, which will take place via Zoom, features a guest speaker (typically a published author or editor) offering some tips of the trade. Between meetings, members can share their work for reading and friendly critiquing via the group’s list-serv. Learn more.
There are a number of daytime events at the library this week. It’s closed on Friday.
Winter Solstice Walk 2021
When: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7:00 a.m.
Where: Hawk Valley Farm, 35 Varnum Terrace, Lowell
Celebrate the time of year when days become longer once again! Join us for a SUNRISE walk through Hawk Valley Farm to start the day off with fresh, cool air and beautiful scenery. The sun will rise at approximately 7:12 AM on December 21, 2021. Please wear good walking shoes/boots and dress for the weather.
Select Board Meeting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, in person or virtual on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)
The Select Board will address matters including a change of manager for Main St. liquors, a plan for snow and ice removal and approval for liquor and pool table licenses.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Zoning Bylaw Committee meeting was on Monday, not Tuesday as listed. The Carnation regrets any inconvenience.
Zoning Bylaw Committee
When: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Town hall, first floor meeting room
Residents are encouraged to attend and learn about the draft zoning bylaw to be considered at 2022 Annual Town Meeting. Draft bylaw information can be found here, and residents may view information videos on the bylaw here.
The committee asks that residents attend one of the committee’s listening sessions — the next one is Jan. 19 — and make specific references to the draft bylaw to allow for meaningful discussion. Residents can view the last input session here.
The History and Folklore of Santa Claus
When: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7:00 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here – NOT for kids!
Many folks know that our modern-day Santa Claus had his start as St. Nicholas, but what happened on the journey to make us think of a “jolly old elf” rather than a pious Christian bishop? Where, exactly, did Santa Claus come from, and why does his popularity remain so high in modern American popular culture? This illustrated lecture is well-researched, with details on the journey Bishop Nicholas made to become our current-day Santa Claus.
Christmas in Ireland
When: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 7:00 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here
Explore how Christmas has historically been celebrated in the Emerald Isle and how it is celebrated by many today. The presentation will incorporate recorded music and video to create a holiday friendly atmosphere. The history of the emergence of the Christian annual celebration in Ireland and elsewhere will be discussed along with how some of the earlier pagan traditions across Europe, including in Ireland, became incorporated. Presented by Sean Murphy, a teacher of Irish history, music and dance who was born and raised in Dublin and moved to Massachusetts in 2005.
Early Release for Students
When: Thursday, Dec. 23
Where: All schools
Follows the Early Release Schedule: High School: 7:30 am – 10:40 am Middle School: 7:40 am – 10:50 am Ryan School: 8:15 am – 11:25 am Elementary Schools: 8:45 am – 12:10 pm
Ugly Sweater Party and Meet Santa
When: Thursday, Dec. 23, 4 – 6 p.m. for Santa, till 10 p.m. for sweaters
Where: Navigation Brewing, Lowell
Santa’s visiting the taproom along with a bunch of people in ugly holiday sweaters, with everyone able to nosh on Empanada Dada. Free.
An Introduction To Kwanzaa
When: Thursday, Dec. 23, 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here
Learn about Kwanzaa in this virtual presentation. Kwanzaa, celebrated December 26 through January 1, is a holiday to commemorate African heritage, during which participants gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and to light a series of black, red, and green candles that symbolize the seven basic values of African-American family life: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
If you have yet to view Tewksbury’s holiday light trail, the map is here.
Lorna Garey
Lorna is a 25-year resident of Tewksbury who has written for organizations ranging from the DIA to InformationWeek to a free weekly in New London that sent her to interview the pastry chef at Foxwoods.
Lorna, I always enjoy reading your submission to the Tewksbury Carnation. The poem in this current one, is absolutely adorable. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Bonnie!