15+ Things to Know This Week In Tewksbury

Select Board member Jayne Wellman surprised longtime resident Rita O’Brien Dee with a brick from the recently demolished Center School, which had stood since 1934. O’Brien Dee not only attended high school at the Center School, she’s devoted many years to the education of children, having started as a teacher’s aide in the Head Start program. She became a teacher in 1971 and spent 27 years with Head Start before joining the board of Community Teamwork. 

“Rita is a cornerstone of this community,” said Wellman. “Her connections within Tewksbury go far beyond the bricks and mortar of our public buildings. In many ways, people like Rita are the mortar who connect all of us — who make us a stronger, more welcoming place. It was my sincere privilege to give her this piece of her history in Tewksbury and honor her work for everyone in our community, especially children.” 

Here’s what else is going on in town this week.

Monday, Sept. 26

Teen Welcome Night for Grades 6 – 8
When: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library

This open house is for tweens and teens in grades 6-8 and their parents, though those up to grade 12 are welcome to attend. Grab some pizza, tour the teen room, do a craft or henna and enter to win a raffle prize. Please register here.

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

Tewksbury Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The TDEIAC will review its survey results and discuss upcoming events such as a gazebo lighting and recognition of National Coming Out Day. AGENDA

Finance Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

Residents who want to ask questions about the articles up for vote at the Oct. 3 town meeting should consider attending this Finance Committee public hearing. Town Manager Richard Montuori and other staff will be there to answer questions in a relatively informal forum as the Finance Committee weighs whether to recommend that Town Meeting vote yes on warrant articles. AGENDA

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

After hearing from the town planner, the board will consider the 30 Commerce Way warehouse project and a request by Wamesit Lanes to add parking and an accessory building. It will then do site plan reviews for a huge warehouse development on the Andover/Tewksbury line that’s expected to add more than 100,000 square feet of space in Tewksbury. Read more here. Finally, closer to home, the board will hear about plans to convert Wood Haven to 55+ age restricted apartments as an adaptive reuse project. AGENDA

Public meetings may be added after this posts, so check the calendar of events for a full list.

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Flu Clinic
When: 9 a.m. – noon
Where: Senior Center

All residents are invited to make an appointment to get their flu shots. You may also book an appointment by phone at 978-640-4480 x305. Run by the Tewksbury Health Department.

See more Senior Center events happening this month here.

An Exploration of Pivotal Moments in American History with The National Constitution Center
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Online, register here

The National Constitution Center is taking its signature exhibit, “The Story of We the People,” virtual through this special LIVE guided tour. Take a look at how the government works, explore exhibits about federalism, the three branches of government, the separation of powers, checks and balances and more. Throughout the tour, you can get questions answered by a National Constitution Center educator.

Narcan Training — Learn How To Reverse An Opioid Overdose
When: 2 – 3 p.m. or 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library meeting room

Learn how to administer Narcan in this training from Kathryn Bergeron and Maria Ruggiero, both with the Front Line Initiative, a regional police mental health collaborative consisting of the police departments of Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut and Tyngsborough. Free Narcan will be distributed to participants. Learn more and register here (afternoon) or here for the evening session.

Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational/Technical School District
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech or YouTube

After an opportunity for public comment, the Shawsheen Tech District representatives will hear from MASC on a policy manual and from the Facilities/Capital Planning Subcommittee on plans for a new school facility. AGENDA

Wednesday, Sept. 28

One-Day Art Show: Mary Jane Marcucci
When: 2:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Public Library

Noted local artist MJ Marcucci will present her en plein air pastel impressions in the first of three art shows. Learn more.

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

The Select Board will consider a request from La Vita Dolce, the long-awaited bakery opening near Angelina’s, for both a common victualler license and full liquor license. The board will also have a final discussion of Special Town Meeting warrant Article 6 and set official Halloween trick or treat hours. AGENDA

Thursday, Sept. 29

Statewide National Resources Conservation Service Local Working Group
When: noon – 2 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Local Working Group (LWG) Meetings are an opportunity to provide input on natural resource priorities for the NRCS and the state conservationist. To join the Zoom, email Austin Miles at amilesmacd@gmail.com. Residents interested in forestry and conservation may also want to take the NRCS survey to weigh on what should be priorities for the group. More info.

In Person Film Screening: Lightyear
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — Lightyear. While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source. Disney Pixar action adventure. Rated PG. 99 minutes. 

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

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

This week is the final Community Market of 2022, and it’s looking like a beautiful day. We’ll publish a full list of vendors on Thursday, or you can check out the Market’s website. 

Friday, Sept. 30

Drop in Messy Craft
When: 11 a.m. – noon
Where: Library

For ages 2-6. Older and younger siblings are always welcome. Join this new program to explore different messy crafts — there will be paint, stamps, shaving cream and Play-Doh available to play with and have fun. There will be smocks available, but consider wearing old clothes just in case.

1920s Murder Mystery Dinner
When: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

The Tewksbury Senior Center and the Murder Mystery Co. are teaming up to present a 1920’s themed dinner party. Learn more.

Community Outreach Meeting: Cannafords
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Place: Tewksbury Wilmington Elks Lodge

Residents are invited to a community outreach meeting for a proposed retail marijuana establishment at the former Sal’s Pizza location. The proposal is dependent on approval of relevant articles at next week’s Special Town Meeting. Learn more.

Weekend

Both days! 

8th Annual Fall Harvest Festival Weekend
When: Saturday & Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Livingston St. 

For the first time in the history of this event, the Tewksbury Fall Harvest Festival will be a two-day celebration with a touch-a-truck event on Saturday and the craft and food festival on Sunday. On Saturday, residents will be able to get up close looks at various public safety vehicles and meet up with some of their favorite K9 pals. There will also be helicopter rides with donations for each ride to benefit the Tewksbury Community Pantry. Learn more.

Saturday

TMHS International Club Car Wash
When: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Annex

By donation. Please enter on Dewey St. Benefits Doctors Without Borders

Electronics Recycling Event
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: St. Williams

Drop off everything from DVD players to projection TVs. More info and a fee list is here. Cash preferred or checks for over $30. Rain or shine.

Sunday

Strongwater Farm’s Annual Hoedown
When: Noon – 4 p.m.
Where: Strongwater Farm

Treat yourself, your family and friends to a day of live music, food, shopping, hayrides, and much more to benefit equine-assisted services. Learn more.