What To Know This Week In Tewksbury

School’s out on Friday, and summer reading kicks off with some help from TPD. Will Officer Waffles make an appearance?

Last week, the Tewksbury Public Schools Special Education Department in conjunction with the Tewksbury Special Education Parent Advisory Council (TSEPAC) hosted the Second Annual Family Engagement Fair at the Center Elementary School. Best Buddies members hosted a table with crafts and activities for kids. Families were able to connect with district special education staff and visit vendor tables to learn more about local resources and services. See a full list at the end of this column, or to find out more about the TSEPAC and connect with resources for the summer or next school year, visit the group’s Facebook page or the TPS website. Photo: Peg Ricardo

Normally the Board of Health would convene this Thursday, but the meeting has been canceled. Chair Ray Barry told us that the only agenda item is approval of the April meeting minutes and said that there will be a meeting in July. Barry added that 99% of new business items come from the Health Department and typically involve either hearings requested by permit applicants or health code violations. This is the third BoH cancelation in six months.

Tewksbury will again host BostonARMY’s Festa Fair. This year, BostonARMY, the local chapter of Kpop group BTS’ global fan club, will hold its gathering on July 9 at the Elks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers expect fans from all over New England to gather for shopping, food, music and fun. While the event is free, the group asks those interested to reserve a spot. 

Finally, the Tewksbury Community Market returns June 15. See you there!

Monday, June 12

Job Search Help — How To Negotiate Your Salary
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

In this salary negotiation seminar, learn the strategies and techniques necessary to confidently negotiate your salary during the interview process. Delve into strategies and techniques for researching your market value and determining a realistic salary range based on your experience, skills and qualifications. Explore salary transparency laws and how to effectively communicate your worth, as well as how to navigate common negotiation scenarios. Led by Paula Christensen, a certified professional resume writer and interview coach. 

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

Tewksbury Housing Authority
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Saunders Circle Community Building

The Housing Authority has new business on the agenda, including approval of the capital improvement plan and an updated federal admissions and continued occupancy policy. Agenda

Select Board
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Select Board will meet in the first of three special sessions to consider eight retail cannabis applications. See the lineup here. Chair Todd Johnson says there will be an opportunity for public comment on proposals, but ONLY on the applications being considered, not retail sales in general.

Summer Community Roundtable
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Library

Residents can meet the Friends and many other community groups at the latest Community Roundtable event, hosted by Community Outreach Librarian Robert Hayes. All residents are welcome. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunities, this is a great place to find one. Can’t make it? Check out the Carnation Connector directory of civic groups in town.

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 has a full agenda, including plans for Tree House Brewing’s overflow parking and three site plan reviews for retail marijuana proposals. Two of those are new reviews, for proposals to be heard on June 20 by the Select Board, which requires an approved site plan to consider granting a license. Agenda

Tuesday, June 13

Free Workshop: Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Virtual, see how to register on GLCC site

Interested in establishing or sponsoring a retirement plan for you and your employees but aren’t sure which plan fits your needs? The Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business workshop will assist small employers in making this decision. The workshop will help small businesses and plan service providers understand the types of retirement plans available, the tax benefits and consequences of each, along with the federal law governing these plans.

Free Educational Workshop: Identity Theft
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Beer financial decisions start with knowledge. In this educational workshop you will learn different types of identity theft and fraud, how to identify the signs of common scams, and about the laws that help to protect consumers. Residents may sign up in person, by calling the senior center at 978-640-4480 or online. 

Lunch Mixer with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank
When: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Merrimack Valley Food Bank

Please join the Greater Lowell Chamber for its annual lunch mixer with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. This is the perfect opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members, potential members, and enjoy some delicious food while getting out of the office to enjoy the sunshine. We will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the food bank and see where they do their amazing work. Learn more and set a reminder.

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

There will be an informal session, where visitors may speak to the board and ask questions about their home valuations. Agenda

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

The Select Board will meet in the second of three special sessions to consider retail cannabis applications. Session three will be June 20. See the lineup here. Chair Todd Johnson says there will be an opportunity for public comment on proposals, but ONLY on the applications being considered, not retail sales in general.

Walking Tour Of The Tewksbury Hospital Campus
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: State Hospital

Come explore the history of the legendary Tewksbury State Hospital, which opened its doors in May 1854 as the State Almshouse. Led by a knowledgeable volunteer guide from the Public Health Museum, join this 60+ minute walking tour 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. Limited spaces left.

Shawsheen Tech School Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech or YouTube

The Shawsheen Tech School Committee will hear updates from the business manager and superintendent, who will focus on the past year’s athletics, and discuss a professional development plan. Agenda  

Wednesday, June 14

Teen Event: Card Making (Grades 6-12)
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join us to create cards for any event.  Create birthday cards, thank you cards, Father’s Day cards, and more. All supplies will be provided. This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

School Committee
When: 5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Where: TMHS or Tewksbury TV or Comcast (22) or Verizon (34)

The School Committee will do recognitions at 5:00 in the auditorium, starting with TPS retirees then the TMHS ESports Team, Wynn Middle Drama Club and TMHS Theater Company. These will be recorded and televised at a later date. The Committee will enter executive session at 5:45 then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. in LG1 for its regular meeting. Agenda

Hidden Battles Jeep Nights
When: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Farm Ice Cream

If you have a Jeep or other topless four-wheel drive vehicle, come join us as we admire and talk about these vehicles’ unique personalities. Free to attend, weekly door prizes. Family friendly, leashed dogs welcome. Held every Wed. through Sept. 6. 

In Person: PuzzleMania
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library, Register here

Calling all jigsaw puzzle fanatics! Come meet fellow jigsaw puzzle lovers, discuss all things jigsaw puzzles, swap puzzles, and bring a puzzle for show & tell. Everyone receives a free puzzle. Led by Sue Pedersen, an unabashed jigsaw puzzle addict who organizes the library’s quarterly jigsaw puzzle swaps. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Thursday, June 15

Lobby Day for Mass. Indigenous People’s Bills
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: State House

Those interested in the slate of Mass. Indigenous People’s Bills, including H.477/S.245, which would prohibit the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth, can join in a day of action. Organizers say there may be a virtual participation option. Learn more here.

Community Market Returns!
When: 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Livingston St.

The Beefie Boys and Empanada Dada join 30+ vendors for the return of our Community Market. See the full list.

Cafe Sicilia Dine-out for Friends of the Library
When: 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Cafe Sicilia

A percentage of Cafe Sicilia’s sales of both eat in and takeout meals will be donated to the Friends of the Library to support programming. The Cafe is also donating a $100 restaurant gift card that will be raffled off. 

Sunset Salsa
When: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Burlington Mall

Join MetaMovements for Sunset Salsa outdoors on The Park, opposite Fogo de Chao. Bring your dancing feet for free Salsa classes for all levels and more. Lessons begin at 6 p.m. Separate groups for beginner and experienced dancers.At 6:30 p.m. the party begins! Enjoy a DJ and social dancing. At 7:30 p.m. enjoy 15 minutes of exciting dance performances by Boston-based Latin dance companies, then resume dancing until 8:30 p.m. Free. Rain date Aug. 10.

Friday, June 16

Last Day of School & Splash Pad Opens

This will be a half day, so watch for celebratory children. It’s also opening day for the splash pad and the summer reading kickoff at Livingston St. The new skate park opened on June 8.

Film Screening: Champions
When: 10:30 at Library, 1:30 p.m. at Senior Center

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — Champions. A former minor-league basketball coach is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined. Starring Woody Harrelson. Rated PG-13. 124 minutes. Comedy/Drama. Doors will open at 10:15am. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. 

Register here for the 10:30 a.m. screening. Contact the Senior Center at 978-640-4480 for the 1:30 screening. 

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

Summer Reading Kickoff
When: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Livingston Park

Summer reading programs will run from June 20 through Aug. 11 and kick off with this fun, all-ages kick-off event. The Library has partnered with the Tewksbury Police Department this year and will provide crafts, bubbles, registration opportunities and the dunk tank. Learn more about all programs for kids, teens and adults here.

Little Lunch Date: Madagascar
When: 3:45 p.m.
Where: Chunky’s Nashua

Gear up for a super-cute Little Lunch Date for you and your little one. Enjoy a stress-free trip to the theater with a special showing of Madagascar with the lights slightly dimmed and without the fear of disturbing others. Parents, grandparents, and other guardians are also welcome and admission is FREE, however to secure a seat in advance, you can purchase a $5 off food voucher to be used towards your lunch at the show. Showing at all locations.

Silvertones Dance
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Come Listen/Dance to the sounds of the Silvertones… Waltz, Lan, Jierbug, Foxtrot, Big Band, Line Dances and more… Doors open at 6:30pm. This is not a BYOB event.  Door prizes this month; 2 ckets  to a future Silvertones Dance.  Soda & boled    water available for purchase ($1).  Coffee/tea and cake are served during the break.

Saturday, June 17

Pawtucket Power Walk
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Boott Cotton Mills Museum

Are you up for some walking? The Pawtucket Power Walk is a three-mile round-trip walk along the natural 30-foot drop of the Merrimack River. When walkers reach the dam at Pawtucket Falls, the Pawtucket Gatehouse will be open with Rangers available to explain the workings of this 19th-century engineering marvel. The walk will begin at the Boott Cotton Mills mill yard at 10 am. Walkers can move at their own pace as we follow the Riverwalk and the Northern Canal Walkway to the gatehouse. The walk is free and reservations are not required. Rain or shine. Please note that access to the Pawtucket Gatehouse requires walking down a short stairway.

Sunday, June 18

Rabies & Microchip Clinic at LHS
When: 9 a.m. – noon

List of TSEPAC Exhibitors:
ACE
Best Buddies
BH Counseling and Wellness
Boundary Care
Cotting Consulting
Department of Developmental Services
Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health
Lowell Family Resource Center
Recreational Education Center
School Health
TPS Home Services
TSEPAC