10+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

Got books to donate? The Library is accepting donations on Saturday

Winterfest returns to Lowell this coming Friday and Saturday, with live music, food vendors, a fire show, an art market and lots more to do. Kids will like the Bonaparte Magic Show, Bubbles McGee and Dinoman. You can find a full schedule on the event website.

The Tewksbury Community Pantry has put out a call for donations. The pantry is currently low on pancake mix and syrup, oatmeal, granola and fruit bars, rice pilaf, boxed potatoes, mac & cheese, Hamburger Helper, peanut butter, jelly, Fluff and individual snack packs for lunches. The pantry is also in need of household items, such as paper towels and toilet paper (2-4 pack or individually wrapped), tissues, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, hand/body lotion, dish soap and sponges.

Donations can be dropped off at the Tewksbury Community Pantry at 999 Whipple Rd., at Schlott Tire at 530 Main St., at the Tewksbury Public Library at 300 Chandler St. or at the Oakdale or Stadium Market Baskets. For large donations, to make a cash contribution or to host a food drive, please contact the Pantry.

Monday, Feb. 13

Community Education Workshop: Suicide Prevention/Mental Health/Wellness
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Community connectedness has a role to play in reducing the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness — a stigma which inhibits people from discussing their feelings and challenges. Break the silence and initiate conversation at an upcoming workshop on suicide prevention, mental health and wellness, presented by the Samaritans’ Community Education and Outreach Team. You will leave the workshop with the skills and knowledge to better understand the specific challenges facing a variety of groups and how to best help someone who may be struggling. Grant funded, light refreshments will be served.

Valentine’s Special Movie: Leap Year
When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Anna (Amy Adams) decides to take action. Aware of a Celtic tradition that allows women to “pop the question” on a leap year in February, she plans to follow her longtime boyfriend to Dublin and ask him to marry her. Fate has other plans, however, and Anna winds up on the other side of the Emerald Isle with a handsome Irishman who may just lead Anna down the road to true love. Rated PG (romantic comedy).

Housing Authority
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Saunders Circle or virtual

The Housing Authority will address FY22 budget certifications. Residents may join via GoToMeeting or by dialing 1-872-240-3311 and using access code 473-880-197. Agenda

Films So Bad, They’re Good
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, please register 

Join us for a fun night and take a look at movies that were so bad, they’re good. Film clips, trivia, fun facts and prizes included. Led by Frank Mandosa, a film historian and Massachusetts high school Film and English teacher. Mandosa has been giving film lectures at libraries, senior centers and community centers across the state since 2012. He is also the host of the “Silver Screeners” podcast and co-host of the “Movies Across The Pod” podcast. Learn more about Frank.

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

VFW Post 8164 Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: TJ Callahan’s 

VFW Post 8164 is a virtual post that serves the Tewksbury community and the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. Learn more.

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

The Finance Committee will review FY24 budget proposals in nine areas, including fire, police and community events. Agenda

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

The Planning Board will revisit the proposed child care facility at 770 Main St. and discuss a sign special permit for La Vita Dolce, among other matters. Agenda

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

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Anti-Valentine’s Day
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Valentine’s Day. A day for love, kisses, and … commercialism. If you’d rather drown in Ben & Jerry’s than watch another “surprise” proposal, you can join like-minded people at the Tewksbury Public Library’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Join in a variety of activities: breaking hearts (piñatas), decorating heart-shaped cookies, treating ourselves (to some snacks and self-care), adding red flags to the “Wall of Horrors” and loving our self-ies (photo booth anyone?) Around 7:15, we’ll start our game of Break-Up Trivia. The winner will take home a themed prize. Refreshments will be served. This event is suitable for singles, couples and anyone in between. It is intended for those in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group: Applications, Cover Letters & Negotiation
When: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., via Zoom. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap or recently retired and looking for your “encore career,” this networking group program is perfect for you. Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking! 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 discuss FY24 enterprise funds and marijuana regulations, among other matters. There is also an opportunity for residents to speak. Agenda

Heat Pumps Presentation
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Want to get off fossil fuels and minimize your carbon footprint? Get the facts on heat pumps at this informational webinar hosted by 350 Mass’ Charles River Green Coalition to learn how to navigate the often bewildering process of installing heat pumps and maximizing your rebate. State and federal rebates on installing the green technology will also be discussed. All are welcome! For more information, call 773-580-3348.

IN PERSON: An Evening with Legendary Boston Sports Photographer Steve Babineau
When: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Legendary sports photographer Steve “Babs” Babineau will share some of his best images and stories after spending the last 50 years accumulating hundreds of thousands of photographs of the Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox. He also serves as campus sports photographer for UMass Lowell and Boston University, and has photographed countless concerts and special events at the Boston Garden. His decades of work and involvement as an employee, contractor and fan have paid off in diamonds. Since 2007, “Babs” has earned championship rings with all five aforementioned organizations he works for. No other photographer in North America has accomplished this. Learn more.

Thursday, Feb. 16

Rainbow Social & Health Fair
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

This month’s LGBTQ+ Rainbow Social will feature lunch provided by AgeSpan and a mental health discussion. For details, contact the Senior Center.

The Nature of Winter
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The nature of Massachusetts is filled with seasonal mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Have you ever wondered which animal left those tracks in the snow? What’s happening to the trees or insects, or frogs, or rabbits, or… in the cold? This online program will introduce the seasonal dynamics of nature in winter, and what and how to observe, appreciate, and support the wildlife near home this winter. Led by Tia Pinney, a biologist, lead naturalist and educator at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln. 

Board of Health
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

The Board of Health will hear from Health Director Shannon Gillis on the Open Gov permitting system, while Town Nurse Ashley Pavlakos and Outreach Coordinator Christina Hess will report on the town’s hoarding task force. Agenda

Friday, Feb. 17

Film Screenings: The Fablemans
When: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Library; 1:30 p.m. at Senior Center

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — The Fablemans. Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth. Starring Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, and Paul Dano. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Rated PG-13. 151 minutes. Drama. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested.  

Senior Center showing: Doors will open at 1:15 a.m. Contact the Senior Center at 978-640-4480 to register if you’d like to attend this screening. 

Library showings: 10:30 a.m. register here or 7 p.m. register here

Silvertones Dance
When: 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30
Where: Senior Center

Come listen/dance to the sounds of the Silvertones … waltz, Latin, Jitterbug, Foxtrot, big band, line dances and more! Purchase tickets at the door for $10 per person. This is not a BYOB event. Door prizes this month: two tickets to a future Silvertones dance. Soda & bottled water will be available for purchase. Coffee/tea and cake are served during the break.

See more Senior Center events happening this month here.

Weekend

Friends of the Library Book Donation Drive
When: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Library

Join the Friends of the Library for another book donation drive. If you are interested in donating books or DVDs in good condition, please visit the Friends’ table on the first floor of the library.  All donations will be reviewed by a volunteer from the Friends of the Library. Accepted items will then be sorted and sold on the Friends’ ongoing book sale carts located on the first floor.

Questions? Please reach out to the Friends of the Library at friendstplibrary@gmail.com. For more information on the Friends of the Library, please visit their website.

Love Should Be Sweet Fundraiser
When: Noon – 3 p.m.
Where: Long Meadow Golf Club

A “Love Should Be Sweet” fundraiser to benefit Alternative House will be held at Long Meadow Golf Club. Alternative House serves people affected by domestic violence in Greater Lowell, including Tewksbury. The event will feature a performance by soprano Alison Burns, a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary glasses of champagne, light hors d’oeuvres, chocolate treats, a cash bar and an extensive raffle table. Tewksbury will have several tables, so please join us. Learn more or get tickets here.