What to Know This Week In Tewksbury

The Galilee Café is this week, along with a ‘Strike Out Cancer’ fundraiser Saturday

Saturday was the first Pines Cemetery walk put on by the Tewksbury Public Health Museum. The tour, led by volunteer guide Liz Robinson, was about 1.5 miles and provided a history of the hospital and its residents and staff. There are between 10,000 and 15,000 people buried at the Pines, which spans about 3.5 acres. Most markers are simple cast iron wreaths with an identification number, but Robinson pointed out a few larger markers, like the one pictured, placed by descendants. There is also a cemetery for State Hospital residents behind the ballfields at Livingston St.

Robinson gave a special shoutout to Open Space & Recreation Committee member Bruce Shick, who came through before the walk and cleared debris from trails. 

There will be additional walking tours coming up this summer, so watch for those here, and sign up quickly because they are limited to 15 people. Residents may also hike the Pines, and the adjoining side trails, using a map supplied by the town.

There will be several fundraisers on Saturday. Stop by the library for the Garden Club’s annual plant sale and raffle (look for an Italian basket from The Carnation!) and then drop in to the One Mission “Strike Out Cancer” event at Wamesit Lanes. More details below.

Monday, May 15

Franchising & Self-Employment As A Career Option
When: 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Thinking about business ownership, but not willing to take on the risk of starting from scratch? It may be time to consider franchising. From consulting to restaurants, from gyms to service-based businesses, from home-based to personal services, franchising offers a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs. You will leave this workshop with a better understanding of the pros and cons of independent business ownership and franchises. Led by franchise ownership coach Suzanne Gray.

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

Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

If you love Tewksbury’s well-maintained trails, thank the Open Space Committee. This month they’ll discuss the state’s plans for Sutton Brook, trail stewardship and a proposal for pickle ball courts on Chandler St. Agenda

Beautification Committee
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Beautification Committee will recap a very successful Spring Town Cleanup, where more than 100 residents and groups collected more than 250 bags of trash and about 1,000 pounds of food and $200 for the Community Pantry.

CARE Community Forum
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom, register here

Tewksbury representative Tram Nguyen invites interested residents to tune into a conversation hosted by the Coalition for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) with Nguyen, state Sens. Ed Kennedy and Adam Gomez and state Rep. Steven Ultrino, community leaders, students and educators on the issue of racially inclusive curriculum in schools. Registration is required. 

The Historical Wizard of Oz
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Zoom, register here

Just hearing the name “Oz” conjures up fantastic images. So many of us can recite the plot of the famous story, but how many of us really know what went into creating it? What influences did L. Frank Baum have in his life as he created what is widely acknowledged as America’s First Fairytale? Illinois librarian Laura Keyes, owner of Historic Voices, will separate fact from fiction as she shares the fantastic story of this amazing man, who created The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Tuesday, May 16

Council on Aging
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

The COA will discuss its June calendar of events, board member reappointments and nominations and elections of officers in June. Agenda

See all this month’s Senior Center happenings here.

Human Rights Are Women’s Rights with the Clinton Presidential Library
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

On September 5, 1995, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke at the 4th United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing, China. Her speech included the memorable phrase “Human Rights are Women’s Rights and Women’s Rights are Human Rights.” This program will examine her rhetoric and the behind the scenes speechwriting process through records from the Clinton Administration. Led by Kathleen Pate, Education Specialist for the Bill Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

IN PERSON Teen Event: Scratch Art (Grades 6-12)
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join us and create your very own rainbow scratch art!  As always, our events are FREE, and if you have any questions, please reach out to Kate, our Teen Library Assistant at: kjennings@tewksburypl.org. This event is for teens in Grades 6-12. This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

Galilee Cafe at Tewksbury Congregational Church
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: 10 East St.

Every third Tuesday of the Month, the members of Tewksbury Congregational Church invite all to a free community dinner from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Dinners are served in the Fellowship Hall, and you may eat in or take a meal to go. Donations are accepted but not required. Contact cafe@tewksburycc.org with any questions.

Educational Program on Ghost Guns
When: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: UMass Lowell O’Leary Library, Room 222

Rep. Vanna Howard invites residents to join her along with Rep. Michael Seamus Day, chair of the Judiciary Committee, and a panel of experts on the Greater Lowell stop of a statewide listening tour on issues relating to gun safety. In this session: What once had to be purchased in person in a registered gun store can now be made from someone’s living room, remaining completely untraceable. We have heard firsthand from law enforcement that these untraceable weapons are appearing more and more at crime scenes. Our goal is to understand the business models for ghost guns/sales parts, review their compliance with current law and determine challenges in enforcement actions.

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 hear two petitions for alcohol sales at the 2023 Community Market, appoint a designee to NMCOG and learn about the TDEIAC’s planned Pride Lights event, which is scheduled for June 2. Agenda

Your Rights In The Digital Age — Face Surveillance In Massachusetts
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Kade Crockford, the ACLU of Massachusetts’ Director of Technology for Liberty, will discuss the Press Pause on Face Surveillance campaign, which seeks to educate the public on the civil liberties concerns posed by face surveillance technology and the need for the state legislature to prohibit the use of the technology to track you in public and strengthen existing protections. Learn what you can do to help ensure new technologies, including artificial intelligence, don’t eclipse your basic rights.

Graphic Novel Book Club: All’s Faire in Middle School
When: 7:15 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library

This month we’ll talk about All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson. This program is intended for children ages 8 to 11. No registration required

Wednesday, May 17

EV Car Show & Expo
When: 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Eco Auto

This event is open to consumers, EV enthusiasts, business owners and dealerships and will feature information on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, rebates and infrastructure.

Great Hikes In New England For Families
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

New England has a lot to offer, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top outdoor tourist destinations in the country. And, for families looking to get outdoors, there are places a-plenty for exploring with littles of all ages. Hiking with Kids New England offers up new and exciting adventures for parents and their kids alike. Author Sarah Lamagna will discuss her new book, Hiking with Kids New England: 50 Great Hikes for Families, in this webinar. 

Friends of the Library Meeting
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library

Monthly meeting of the fabulous Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library. All are welcome to attend this meeting of the Friends’ Board. New volunteers are always welcome — even a few hours will help the FoTPL keep funding programming that benefits Tewksbury. Email questions to friendstplibrary@gmail.com or drop by and say hello.

Monthly Climate Café
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Are you sometimes paralyzed by even the thought of climate change? Would you like to have a supportive place to share your concerns? They are welcome at the Climate Café on Zoom! It’s a space where you can talk with people who are experiencing a wide range of reactions. It’s nonpartisan and hopeful. The Café is for concerned people who are not activists, for activists, and for everybody in between. There’s no recruiting, just learning from each other. The discussion is co-facilitated by a Tewksbury resident.

Thursday, May 18

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

This month’s LGBTQ+ Rainbow Social will feature refreshments and a fun activity. For details or to sign up, contact the Senior Center and ask for Christina.

TMHS Lacrosse Musical Bingo Night
When: 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Knights of Columbus

Doors open at 7 p.m., Bingo starts at 7:30. Four games will be played. There will be a DJ, prizes and a cash bar. Bring your own snacks, no beverages allowed. $30 pp or $250 per table. Email TYLBoard@gmail.com to reserve your tickets.

Friday, May 19

Introduction to Birdwatching with Bill Gette
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Learn why birding is so popular; review basic information every new birder should know to get started; learn to work through the identification process most effectively; understand why a sense of place and time is so important; and discover the many aids to bird identification, both physical and behavioral. Led by Bill Gette, Founding Director of Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

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

The Silvertones are back! Purchase tickets at the door for $10 per person and dance the night away. 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.

Weekend

Tewksbury Garden Club Annual Plant Sale & Basket Raffle
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Library

The Garden Club will sell a variety of hardy, locally grown annual and perennial plants as well as herbs, tomatoes and vegetables. There will also be a free kids’ planting activity. You can pay by cash or credit card.

In addition, the Friends of the Tewksbury Library and Garden Club will offer raffle baskets inside the Library meeting room, and you can drop off items for the Tewksbury Community Pantry. Proceeds help support programming, our town gardens, scholarships and various community efforts.

Electronics Recycling Event
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: St. Williams

The event will be held in the church parking lot. All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles in any condition will be accepted and recycled for a small cost. Find a full price list here. 

Music and Movement with Jennifer Gadbois
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Library

Kids can enjoy a Music and Movement class with special guest fitness and movement teacher Jennifer Gadbois! This program is being sponsored by Community Teamwork Incorporated.

One Mission Strike Out Cancer Fundraiser
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Wamesit Lanes

The annual ‘Roids Out event is hosted by Jeff Howe with Emerson Lotzia from Draft Kings, Randy Scott from ESPN and Donny MacLaren from Wamesit Lanes. Enjoy bowling, golf simulators, raffles, door prizes and more while raising money for a great cause! There are a variety of tickets and sponsorships available.

School Bus Driving Information Session
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.
Where: Tewksbury Transit, 555 Whipple Rd.

Are you interested in becoming a school bus driver? Drop in to learn about what it takes to become a school bus driver and the requirements for this important job. Experienced drivers will be there to answer any questions you may have and provide valuable information about the training process.

Lowell Philharmonic Colors of the Orchestra – Family Concert
When: 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: 125 Mt. Hope St., Lowell

Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra’s Annual Family Concert featuring student string players from area schools and our 2023 Jeanne Selander Memorial Concerto Competition winner Jaeho Lee performing Herbert’s Cello Concerto. Activities and raffle for the kids! Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 Seniors and FREE ADMISSION for young people 17 and younger. Free parking. RSVP and get tickets here.