Tewksbury’s Top 12 Stories of 2022

As we embark on 2023, here’s a look back at what grabbed residents’ attention in ’22

#12. “New Fire Station Set to Open In March With State-of-the-Art Facilities.” About 2,000 people have clicked through our photo gallery of the new Center Fire Station that this year replaced the old Center Station, which was constructed in 1966. A highlight was Chief Joe Kearns showing off the traditional fire poles. Read it.

#11. “National Grid Electricity Prices Rose 64% Last Night. Here’s What You Can Do.” This post was published Nov. 1, the day before electricity costs jumped by 64%, on average, versus last winter. About 2,200 residents have checked out details on the town’s Community Choice Power Supply Program. Read it.

#10. “Former Sal’s Site Proposed for Retail Marijuana Outlet.” This was the first retail marijuana proposal to go public, with a meeting at the Elks on Sept. 30. Info on a new use for the Sal’s site drew about 2,400 views. Read it.

#9. “La Vita Dolce Granted Full Liquor License, Shares Expected Opening Date.” La Vita Dolce landed in several Top 12 spots. At this Select Board meeting, Todd Arsenault, Ronald Pereira and Michael A. Parziale, owners of the bakery, deli and café currently under construction at 1866 Main St., requested licenses to serve food and a full range of alcoholic beverages. Both requests were granted. Read it.

#8. “US Postal Service Confirms Tewksbury On Consolidation List.” At the August Planning Board meeting, member Vinny Fratalia shared rumors of branch closings. A few days later, the Postal Service confirmed that Tewksbury is one of six Massachusetts sites scheduled to be consolidated under a Woburn MPO, or main post office, in February 2023. While the retail location is scheduled to remain, carriers will need to travel to pick up our mail. Read it.

#7. “Tree House Brewing Co. Coming To Tewksbury at TCC Location.” News that the Tewksbury Country Club had been sold shocked many residents, who had become accustomed to attending events, dining and playing a round of golf at this 25-year community gathering spot. That and the buyer — Tree House Brewing — brought in a lot of attention, to the tune of about 2,600 views. Read it.

#6. “La Vita Dolce Construction Moving Forward.” The Carnation got a peek at progress at La Vita Dolce. Arsenault shared that the vision for the business is to offer breakfast, lunch and coffee and pastries, opening in time to serve students and residents on their way to work and closing in mid to late afternoon. Read it.

#5. “Letter: TTA Responds To School Committee Chairperson Statement.” In one of the three Top 12 stories not about a local business, about 2,700 residents considered the statement by Tewksbury Teachers Association leadership regarding a “no confidence” vote in the TPS Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Read it.

#4. “Pushcart Will Soon Expand, Adding 42 Seats, Smoothie Bar and Larger Kitchen.” About 3,000 residents checked out plans by The Pushcart to more than triple its square footage by adding an additional 3,000 s.f in a newly renovated space next door. There will be a new kitchen , a dedicated sandwich prep area, an office, more storage, 42 additional seats for dining in and a long serving counter for takeout orders. Read it.

#3. “Board of Health: Cracker Barrel Faces Shutdown Over Late Payments.” Close to 3,100 readers checked out coverage of this month’s Board of Health meeting, at which Director of Public Health Shannon Gillis reported that Cracker Barrel had not sent in its food permit renewal application or fee. Presumably that was taken care of by the Dec. 30 deadline. This meeting also featured some food safety tips from member Susan Amato. Read it.

#2. “Tewksbury Florist & Greenery Property on the Market.” News of another Tewksbury landmark being on the block drew some 3,600 views. Fortunately, the town has had at least one more holiday season to pick up a fresh tree, kissing ball or gnome. Read it.

#1. 6 Takeaways From the June 13 Planning Board Meeting. What caught readers’ attention was Part 2 of the headline: “Tree House Unveils Retail Plan, Bakery Build Resumes.” This post also discussed Starbucks, Pera Grill and Brelundi, which is opening at the former Mirabella’s. Tree House Brewing’s Sarah Maggi Morin gave the Planning Board a first glimpse of the company’s intentions for the TCC.

“Our plan is to evolve the main event space into an inviting beer hall with a retail store,” said Maggi Morin. “We’re going to operate a golf course and the various amenities that feed that golf course.” Read it.

Team Carnation thanks Tewksbury for a great 2022 and is looking forward to covering our community in 2023.