10+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

This public health week, the focus is on a family dealing with a sudden diagnosis

A Tewksbury Ryan school student and athlete was recently diagnosed with acute lymphocystic leukemia and is currently in Children’s Hospital receiving treatment. Friends of the family are raising funds to help cover her care as well as the suddenly increased cost of living that comes with cancer and getting to and from Boston as often as the family needs to.

There is a GoFundMe organized by resident Micayla Hanson where the goal is to raise $5,000. Those who wish to help may also purchase teal “Jocey’s Posse” #JocelynsJourney bracelets for $5 each, with all the proceeds going directly to the family. You can order one on Venmo at @joceysposse or by scanning the QR code found here. Bracelets can be picked up or dropped off once they arrive on April 11. You can also Venmo donations for gift cards for local restaurants, Uber eats, gas or other needs.

Tonight at 6 p.m., residents elected on Saturday to the Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board, Board of Health, Moderator, Housing Authority and Board of Library Trustees positions will be formally sworn in by Town Clerk Denise Graffeo. Here are the full results. We’ll also learn today who won the write-in campaign for the second Trustee seat.

It’s Public Health Week, and Tewksbury has a wonderful educational resource in the Public Health Museum at the State Hospital. There are a number of programs planned this week, marked with a 🩺

Monday, April 3

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

The Finance Committee will review the town’s budget for the Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational/Technical School and receive an update on the May Town Meeting warrant. Agenda

Upscale Boutique Intake
When: 2 – 5 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Cleaning out your closets? The Senior Center is always looking for donations for the Upscale Boutique Consignment Shop. What sells best are “like new” clothing and accessory items. If you wish to make a donation or would like to become a consignor in the shop, contact Diane at 978-640-4480 or email ddunlevy@tewksburyma.gov. Donations can be dropped off at the intake held the first Monday each month from 2 – 5 p.m.

🩺Big Chicken: How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed The Way The World Eats
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Join Wired journalist Maryn McKenna as she discusses her book, Big Chicken. Part of The Public Health Museum’s Public Health Week slate of activities, the museum is partnering with the Tewksbury Public Library to bring this event to you, free of charge.

Tuesday, April 4

Field Trip To Strongwater Farm
When: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Strongwater Farm

For over a decade, Strongwater Farm — located at 500 Livingston Street — has improved the quality of life and health for thousands of children and adults with special needs in the greater Boston area by providing professionally supervised, equine-assisted activities and services. Take a tour of the facility with Kassandra Carefoot, Program Manager and Riding Instructor. Registration is required.

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 reorganize then address several street acceptances and a donation from the Friends of the Elderly to the Senior Center. Agenda

Wednesday, April 5

Workshop: How I View Myself
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

The Senior Center is hosting a series of grant-funded workshops open to the community. This month will address self esteem, which is so important in how we see ourselves in our family, community and our everyday lives. For some people, self esteem has been eroded by negative messages. This workshop will offer ways to rebuild self esteem.

🩺Free Narcan Training
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Public Health Museum

As part of Public Health Week, receive free Narcan training and Narcan. Fentanyl is everywhere and is being used to make regular medicines into killers. In this free session, learn how to spot the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan. You could save a life. Today, overdoses can happen at the grocery store, on a walking trail, at school. Register today

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

There will be an informal session beginning at 3:05 p.m. for any visitors who wish to speak with the board before they begin abatement and exemption application reviews. Agenda

Mad Science: Elephant Toothpaste
When: 3:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: Library

This month, we’ll learn about exothermic reactions with elephant toothpaste. This event is designed for kids in grades 3-5. Registration is required. 

TMHS Senior Art Exhibition
When: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Where: Library Meeting Room

Please come out to see the masterpieces created by the Senior Art Studio class from Tewksbury Memorial  High School. The artwork will be on display for the month of April.

Conservation Commission
When:6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and Tewksbury Wetlands Protection Bylaw. They are also responsible for the protection and management of Tewksbury’s Conservation Land and Open Space. On Wed. they will consider requests for parcels on Shawsheen Ave., Country Club Drive, Pine St. and River Rd. Agenda

Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library Meeting
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Library Meeting Room

The Friends are back to meeting in person. The FoTPL fund nearly $30,000 in programming not covered in the town budget. All are welcome to attend this meeting of the Friends’ Board. Email questions to friendstplibrary@gmail.com

🩺Outbreak! What I Gained from the Program
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Outbreak! The Public Health Museum’s summer program for high school students is in its 11th session and will be held this year from July 24 to July 28.  A panel of five students will share their Outbreak experiences and what they gained. Hear their advice about pursuing public health careers and the connections they made. Register today

Thursday, April 6

🩺Public Health Museum Indoor Tours
When: Various times
Where: Public Health Museum

In celebration of Public Health Week, the Public Health Museum will be open for indoor and outdoor campus tours at expanded hours – FREE of charge! Register here

🩺Free Narcan Training
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Public Health Museum

As part of Public Health Week, receive free Narcan training and Narcan. Fentanyl is everywhere and is being used to make regular medicines into killers. In this free session, learn how to spot the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan. You could save a life. Today, overdoses can happen at the grocery store, on a walking trail, at school. Register today

Zoning Board of Appeals
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (99) or Verizon (33)

The ZBA will open a new hearing for a variance request at 16 Water St. and pick up a hearing about the ongoing dispute over paper road Foster Lane and efforts to construct a single-family home on the landlocked parcel. Agenda

Lowell Writers Group Open Monthly Open Mic
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: lala books, Lowell

Join us for our monthly spoken word open mic. Bring a few minutes of material and share it with Lowell. Every month we have a feature — followed by an open mic where those in attendence are invited to share their stories, poetry, fiction, non-fiction and other spoken word works. 

🩺The Aftermath of Textile Waste: How Fast Fashion is Impacting the Environment
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online, register here

Julia DeVoy (PhD, MTS, MBA, Boston College, LSEHD) will trace the current state of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts and associated issues of environmental injustice. She will explore solutions that include changes individuals can make to reduce their environmental impact, as well as policies needed to regulate discarded textiles and contribute to systemic change in the textile industry.

Friday, April 7

Rep. Tram Nguyen Office Hours
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Zoom. Please sign up at least 24 hours ahead of time using this link
State Rep. Tram Nguyen continues to hold virtual office hours on the first Friday of the month, 10 – 11 a.m. and the third Tuesday, 5 – 6 p.m. via Zoom. As always, Tewksbury residents can reach out to Rep. Nguyen’s office at any time to discuss an issue. Simply email her legislative director, Tobin Abraham, at Tobin.Abraham@mahouse.gov or call 617-722-2060 x 5. 

🩺Local Public Health Forum on Rural Health
When: 10 a.m. – noon
Where: Virtual, register here

Providing public health services in small, often isolated, rural communities presents particular challenges. A panel of public health officials from rural districts and towns will discuss these challenges and potential solutions. Join to hear a lively discussion of meeting the public health needs of rural communities.

Paint and Sip for People 20s and 30s
When: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library

Join Kate for a night of painting and mocktails* in the meeting room! She will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to a beautiful night sky over water while you enjoy a selection of mocktails, light snacks and great company. No experience necessary. This event will be two hours, with a brief intermission, and is completely free. All materials (except an apron) will be provided, thanks to the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library. Register here, only a few spaces remain.

Weekend

🩺Public Health Museum Outdoor Tours
When: Saturday, various times
Where: Public Health Museum

In celebration of Public Health Week, the Public Health Museum will be open for indoor and outdoor campus tours at expanded hours – FREE of charge! Register here

Happy Easter!