15+ Things to Know This Week In Tewksbury

Did you know that more than 4,500 black bears live in Massachusetts? One of them has been spotted in Tewksbury, near Deering Drive. Billerica/Tewksbury Animal Control officers are asking residents in that area to temporarily remove bird feeders and secure their trash and chicken coops until the bear moves along. If you see the bear, don’t approach it — go inside your home.

Learn more about the black bears of Massachusetts, including where they live and how to avoid conflicts.

The Assessor’s Office is now accepting Fiscal Year 2023 Exemption Applications. Please note that, at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting, the Town voted to increase the exemption amount granted for the 41C exemption, which applies to those over 65 who meet certain asset and income limits, to $1000. Others who may qualify for exemptions include some veterans and those who are legally blind. For more information on the exemptions offered, please visit the Assessor’s Exemption information webpage.

Applications are available online, or a hard copy can be picked up in the Assessor’s Office, located at 11 Town Hall Avenue. The town will also mail you an application if you call 978-640-4330. 

Monday, July 11

Stranger Things Watch Party (Grades 7-12)
When: 2 – 5 p.m.
Where: Library

Teens can head to the Library to watch Season 4 of Stranger Things, relax and have some snacks. See episodes 1-3 on July 11, episodes 4-6 on July 25 and episodes 7-9 on August 8. Stranger Things is rated TV-14 for fear, language, gore and smoking. Due to interest, the library is opening these events to teens in grades 7-12.  By registering, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the rating.

About Episode 1: Still reeling from the events last year, the gang tries to move on with their lives. However, a threat is brewing both on Earth and the Upside Down. REGISTER HERE.

See all the events for kids, teens and adults at the Tewksbury Public Library here.

Tuesday, July 12

First Images From the James Webb Space Telescope (Official NASA Broadcast)
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online

It’s time to #UnfoldTheUniverse. Watch as the NASA mission team reveals the long-awaited first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Webb, an international collaboration led by NASA with partners the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, is the biggest telescope ever launched into space. It will unlock mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Chamber Webinar: Unpacking the Employee Retention Credit: Funding for Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Online

If the pandemic impacted your organization, you’re likely eligible for an ERC: a refundable, advanceable credit. Employers across all industries are claiming ERCs of hundreds of thousands of dollars — some over $1 million or 2 million. Since inception, the ERC program has expanded eligibility and available funds. Join MP’s ERC expert, Paul Carelis, to find out how to get your organization’s ERC claim in process immediately. Sponsored by the Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber. Free, register here.

Kid’s Live Performance
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Library

Matt Heaton plays music for kids, and the adults who love them. Based in the mid-century styles he loves (surf, rockabilly, Western swing, soul) Matt’s shows feature great musicianship and a healthy dose of Muppet-esque humor. Kids and their grown ups will groove to his beats! Come on down and rock with Matt and the library! This program is supported by a grant from the Tewksbury Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. This program is also supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library. No registration required.

Finance Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

Residents may take part by dialing in at 978-771-0819. The Finance Committee will hear an update from town manager Richard Montuori on reports from the town’s finance director. AGENDA

Wednesday, July 13

Library at Livingston: Rona Leventhal
When: 10:30 – 11:30
Where: Livingston St. Pavilion

Join your friends every Friday this summer for special programs at the pavilion at Livingston Park, near the playground. The address is 288 Livingston Street, Tewksbury. This week, the program features storyteller Rona Leventhal and “Hot Diggity Dog: Stories to Rattle Your Bones!” This program is appropriate for kids 5 and up and is sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library.

Book Collection Drive, Puzzle Sale & Swap
When: 2 – 7 p.m.
Where: Library large meeting room

Bring your books in good condition to be sold on the Library Honor Carts. Proceeds support Library programs and museum passes. Books will be checked for condition — please, no musty or water-damaged volumes or textbooks. The Friends of the Library will also collect, sell and swap puzzles. Please place pieces in a plastic bag and tape boxes closed.

Conservation Commission
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Conservation Commission has a full AGENDA, with public hearings for projects on Bligh St., Main St., Whipple Rd., Longmeadow Dr., Commerce Way, Shawsheen St., East St. and Frasier Lane. The Commission will also discuss funds to protect wetlands and consider certificates of compliance for projects on Starbird Ave. and Rounsevell Rd.

Thursday, July 14

Community Market
When: 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Livingston St.

The Tewksbury Community Market is scheduled to host more than 30 vendors and community groups this week at Livingston Street Park, behind the Recreation Center. That list includes Bird’s Nest Italian and What the Fork food trucks, the Whoo-Pie Wagon, Beckah’s Bangin’ Butter (almond) and Aeronap Cellars.

Center Elementary Tour
When: 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: New Center Elementary School, next to the Ryan School

Town officials and media will review progress on the town’s new elementary school, which is slated to open in January.

Elementary School Building Committee
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The ESBC will convene post-tour to review milestones and budgets. At the ESBC website, residents can access documents, an overview of the project and a webcam showing progress. AGENDA

Friday, July 15

Family Fun Friday
When: 11 a.m. – noon
Where: Library

Family Fun Fridays are back every week during the Summer Reading Program! Come visit the Library back lawn, do a fun activity and play some games. This week: FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING! No registration required.

Film Screenings: Downton Abbey
When: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: 10:30 at Senior Center, 2 p.m. at Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s latest films, Downton Abbey: A New Era. Follow-up to the 2019 feature film in which the Crawley family and Downton staff received a royal visit from the King and Queen of Great Britain. Drama starring Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith. Rated PG. 125 minutes. 

While usually Friday movies are at the Library, for this week, there will be one showing at the Senior Center.

Senior Center showing: Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Register here.

Library showing: Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Register here.

Ukulele for Beginners (Grades 5-7)
When: 3:30 – 4:30
Where: Library

Get ready for music! Join Miss Noelle in the teen space to learn how to play the ukulele.  The Library has a limited number of ukuleles available, so registration is required.  If registration is full and you have your own ukulele, please email Emily (eleggat@tewksburypl.org) to see if there is space. REGISTER HERE.

Weekend Preview

Take a Hike Tewksbury
When: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Tewksbury State Hospital Cemetery

There are just a few spaces left for the July 16 walk through the Tewksbury State Hospital Pines Cemetery, but you can grab a spot on the waiting list.

Christmas in July Shopping Event
When: Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Open Space Gift Shop

The “Christmas in July” sale will feature raffles, refreshments, a storewide sale and more. The gift shop and crafter space is located next to Mac’s ice cream. Learn more.