12+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

The town needs candidates! Papers are available through Feb. 10

Thank you to all the Tewksbury residents who donated five big boxes of spices, oils and condiments to the drive hosted by Tewksbury Rep. Vanna Howard. And thank you to Nina and Ben Lin of Kyoto for providing the collection space. Howard collected 800 spice jars, 100+ salt and pepper shakers, 216 oils & vinegars and 286 sauces and miscellaneous food pantry items — close to 1,500 pounds donated.

Above: Carnation contributor Maria Zaroulis, Rep. Vanna Howard and Rep. Rodney Elliott

Looking to fund a nonprofit initiative? The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2023 Discretionary Grant Cycles on Feb. 1 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award $200,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle.

Nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington are invited to apply. Learn more and apply.

No residents pulled papers last week for any open seat. There are currently four positions with no declared candidates — a two-year Planning Board seat, two seats on the Board of Library Trustees and one seat on the Board of Health. The deadline to turn in the 50 signatures required to be on the ballot is Friday, Feb. 10, before 5:00 p.m. 

Residents interested in any seat can contact Town Clerk Denise Graffeo for more in-depth information on the positions. Learn more.

Monday, Jan. 30

DJ Dance & Lunch
When: 11:40 – 2 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

The monthly luncheon dance is $8 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door but may not include lunch. Early sign up is recommended as the monthly dances sell out quickly. Lunch will be provided by AgeSpan’s Traveling Chef. January menu: “Soup & Salad” lunch includes a water/juice, choice of either corn chowder or broccoli cheddar soup, garden salad with dressing and a brownie for dessert. Please Note: Doors do not open before 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Dance begins at noon and concludes at 2:00 p.m. 

See more Senior Center events happening in February here. Many require early signup, so check out the newsletter!

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

Last week Town Manager Richard Montuori presented a budget overview to the Select Board. On Monday Montuori will dig into departmental detail and assign representatives to subcommittees. Agenda 

Residents may also access detailed budget documents on the town website.

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

Gardening With Native Plants
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Learn how growing native plants and using ecological landscape practices can simultaneously reverse biodiversity loss, increase resilience in our landscapes, and slow climate change — all while creating a beautiful garden. Led by Amy Meltzer, an active member of Grow Native Massachusetts and the Mass Pollinator Network, and a research team member of Elders Climate Action.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Townwide PAC
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Center Elementary School

Leaders of individual school PACs will gather at the new Center Elementary School. One topic is recruitment for the TMHS parent advisory council. Agenda

Pajamarama Story Time
When: 6 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Library

For ages 2 to 5. Older or younger siblings are welcome to join, too! Have early literacy fun with stories, songs, movement and more at this early evening story time. Pajamas are optional but encouraged. No registration required. Please drop in.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Zoom

If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back in 2023, check out the Friends of the Library. They provide funding for about $30,000 in programming and passes not covered by the town and are always looking for ideas on how to raise money while having fun and providing enrichment. Meetings are virtual through March. For the Zoom link, email friendstplibrary@gmail.com. 

Businesses looking for a unique way to reach customers can advertise with the Friends. You can learn more about the FoTPL and other town organizations at the Carnation Connector.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Indoor & Outdoor Walking Tours
When: 10:00 and 10:30
Where: The Public Health Museum, 365 East Street, Tewksbury

Take advantage of the nice weather this week. Led by a knowledgeable volunteer guide, the Public Health Museum invites you to explore life in days past, the history of a vibrant community, its architecture, the lives of its patients and staff, and its connection to public health. The outdoor tour lasts approximately one hour. There is also an indoor docent-guided tour. More details and signups here.

Friday, Feb. 3

Public Skating for All Ages
When: Weekdays 10 a.m. – noon
Where: John J. Janas Memorial Skating Rink in Lowell

Skate rentals available for $5 (first come first served). Please call ahead to check on schedule changes. Helmets are recommended for all, but are not provided by the rink. Limited to 30 skaters, no reservations required. Children $3, adults $5. Skate rental $5. Learn more.

Friday Night Public Skating at Hallenborg (all ages)
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Hallenborg Ice Rink, 10 Good St., Billerica

The rink is open for public skating every Friday night from 7 – 8 PM. Bring your own skates and helmets. $5 per person/$20 family cap

Weekend

IN PERSON Teen Movie: Wakanda Forever (Grades 6-12)
When: Saturday at 1 p.m.
Where: Library Meeting Room; registration required

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch Wakanda Forever! Wakanda Forever is rated PG-13 and run time is 2 hours and 41 minutes.  This event is open to teens in grades 6-12 only.

About the movie: Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom.

This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

Full Moon Hike
When: Saturday, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Willow Spring Vineyards, Haverhill

Experience Willow Spring Vineyards trails through the woods behind the vineyards by moonlight. Return after your adventure to our grand outdoor fireplace or come inside the barn to warm up with refreshments. Tickets will be available at the door for $15. Online ticketing will close before noon on the day of the event in order to process the events. Prices at the door are the same as those purchased in advance. Kids and well-behaved pets are welcome. Get tickets.

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