12+ Things to Know This Week In Tewksbury

Sen. Barry Finegold will moderate a panel on the rise of antisemitism; TMHS collecting gently used gowns

About 20 people braved the cold to enjoy a showing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, courtesy of the Tewksbury DEI Advisory Committee, the Tewksbury Library and the Tewksbury Public Schools, which opened the McGrath Performing Arts Center at TMHS to the community. 

“On behalf of the DEI Committee, I want to thank the School Department and the Library for their help bringing Tewksbury’s first Black History Month Film Festival to residents,” said Jayne Wellman, chair of the TDEIAC. “The town’s support has been great to see.” 

Barring significant snow on Tuesday, the final installment in the Black History Month film series will be Just Mercy at the Library. See details below.

Also on Tuesday is the launch of a NEW book club focused on children’s fiction. At this meeting, participants age 8 to 11 will meet and discuss what books to read. 

Got prom or bridesmaid gowns? The TMHS International Club is collecting new or gently used dresses to support Belle of the Ball, a nonprofit dedicated to providing students with formal dresses for school occasions. Dresses may be dropped off at TMHS during school hours 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., or contact mldudley@tewksbury.k12.ma.us. This is a collaboration with Anton’s Cleaners, Enterprise Bank and Jordan’s Furniture. Visit antons.com/belle for more information, or see the flyer, below, for more details.

Monday, Feb. 27

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

Tickets may be purchased at the door but may not include lunch provided by AgeSpan’s Traveling Chef. The February menu is a “pasta saute” and tiramisu for dessert. Doors do not open before 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Dance begins at noon and concludes at 2:00 p.m. $8 per person.

Learn about services for older adults 60+ now available at the Senior Center.

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

The first retail marijuana site plans come before the Planning Board tonight, for proposed shops at 2122 Main St., next to Donna’s Donuts; 2504 Main St., the former Sal’s Pizza location; and at 1693 Shawsheen St.,  just down the road from Luna Rossa plaza. Under the retail marijuana regulations that were approved by the Select Board, applicants must complete a site plan review with the Planning Board before being considered. Agenda

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

The Finance Committee’s review of FY24 budgets in advance of the May 1 Town Meeting continues tonight with a presentation on the town’s enterprise funds and capital budget. Agenda

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

Tuesday, Feb. 28

Last Day to Withdraw from Ballot
When: By 5 p.m.
Where: Town Clerk

Anyone who qualified to be on the April 1 2023 Town Election ballot but wishes to formally withdraw needs to so do by today at 5 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s office. To vote in this election, you need to register by March 22. Learn more about opportunities to connect with candidates here.

Virtual: A Trip To China with Jack Holmes
When: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Online, register here

Travel with Jack Holmes as he returns to places visited over the past couple of decades. Visit Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai and the unforgettable Lijiang River near Yangshuo. Holmes is a travel photographer and owner of “Images From Near and Far” at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. A retired high school teacher, he previously served as President of the Greater Lynn Photographic Association and Gallery Manager of the Loading Dock Gallery in Lowell. Holmes regularly gives armchair travel presentations to senior centers and libraries in the area.

TMHS Class of 2026 Dineout at Pushcart
When: 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: Pushcart

Eat in or take out and mention or show the flyer, below, and Pushcart will donate 20% of your purchase to the Class of 2026.

Film Screening: Just Mercy
When: 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.
Where: Library

As part of the Town’s Black History Month film series, enjoy a screening of Just Mercy. World-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner. Starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Rated PG-13. 137 minutes. Biographical drama. Light movie refreshments will be served. Register here

Presented in collaboration with the Tewksbury Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

TMHS PAC Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: TMHS

Parents of TMHS students: The PAC is looking for volunteers to cover activities that support scholarships. the All Night Long safe graduation event and the 2023 Applefest. Please consider coming to a meeting and learning how to help out.

Children’s Fiction Book Club: First Meeting
When: 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Library Craft Room

We’re starting a new book club focused on children’s fiction. At the first meeting, members will meet and decide what books we’d like to read. This program is intended for children ages 8 to 11. 

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

Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational/Technical School Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: John P. Miller Conference Room or YouTube

The Shawsheen Tech School Committee will hear from David Norkiewicz, the school’s director of vocational/technical programming. At its January meeting, the Committee heard an interesting presentation from Director of Data & Assessment Hallie Larocque.

Wednesday, March 1

Board of Assessors
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Annex

There will be a public comments session before the Board enters executive session to review abatement and exemption applications. Agenda

Wellness Advisory Committee
When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: TMHS Meeting #3

The state mandates local Wellness Advisory Committees that regularly review districtwide policies related to student wellness, such as those addressing health education and services, school nutrition and physical education. This month’s meeting will include a discussion of lunchtimes at each school and healthy fundraising. Agenda

The College Application & Selection Process – From A Parent’s Perspective
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

If you have children in high school who will eventually be applying to college, this webinar is for you. There is much to consider, both from the parent’s and student’s perspective. Hear some useful tips from Frank Marino, a Tewksbury parent who has sent four students to college. Learn how to narrow your search of schools, important items to consider, athletics in college, time management for the student, and more. 

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

If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back in 2023, check out the Friends of the Library. They provide funding for about $20,000 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. For the Zoom link, email friendstplibrary@gmail.com. 

You can learn more about the FoTPL and other town organizations at the Carnation Connector.

Thursday, March 2

Offsite Pints + Pages Book Group
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Firewater Tavern at Wamesit Lanes

A social book group geared towards readers in their 20’s and 30’s. The group meets on the first Thursday of every other month. The book discussion will be hosted by librarians from the Wilmington and Tewksbury Public Libraries. Meeting location rotates between Wilmington and Tewksbury. 

This month we will discuss True Biz by Sara Novic. You can find True Biz as an audiobook or ebook on Libby or pick up a hard copy at the Tewksbury Public Library. Space is limited so register soon.

Virtual: The Rise In Antisemitism — A Panel Discussion With Sen. Barry Finegold
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Zoom, register here

Throughout the past several years, American has witnessed a resurgence of virulent antisemitism, from the open embrace of white supremacist ideologies to celebrities, politicians, and insidious behaviors that appear across the political spectrum. Among the harmful effects have been increased levels of fear and isolation as Jewish communities throughout the United States, and the world at large, grapple with this age-old hatred in new ways.

This panel discussion, moderated by Tewksbury’s State Senator Barry Finegold, aims to explore first-hand the Jewish experience as it is impacted by hate, sharing ways that the recent upswing in antisemitism has impacted our communities. Panelists include: Rabbi Max Chaiken of Temple Emanuel of Andover; Cantor Vera Broekhuysen of Temple Emanu-El of Haverhill; and Peggy Shukur, Interim Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League New England. Learn about allyship, education and the ways we can unite against hatred, bigotry and intolerance. 

Friday, March 3

Film Screenings: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
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 — Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. A joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female R&B pop vocalists of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom. Starring Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci and Ashton Sanders. Rated PG-13. 144 minutes. Biographical drama. Candy & water will be served. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Contact the Senior Center at 978-640-4480 to register if you’d like to attend the 1:30 showing.

Library showings: A $1 donation is suggested. Register here for 10:30 a.m. or register here for 7 p.m.