What To Know This Week In Tewksbury

Families can enjoy an open observatory night. Plus: charity cornhole tournament, free tennis lessons

A state spending plan agreed on by legislative leaders Monday makes permanent the universal school meal program, making Massachusetts the eighth state to mandate no-cost meals for all children. But until school starts, families that could use some help can access Project Bread’s Summer Eats, a totally free-of-charge program that provides meals to all kids and teens ages 18 and under, at locations all across Massachusetts during the summer months. No ID is required. The closest distribution point for most of Tewksbury is Shedd Park at 453 Rogers St. in Lowell. Meals are given out M – F from noon to 12:45. Learn more.

Due to popular demand, a second date has been added for the Neil Diamond & Friends Tribute and Luncheon Event at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, Mass. If you didn’t get tickets for Thursday, Sept. 7, there is now a show on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Cost per person is $99 including lunch and transportation. Sign up at the Senior Center.

Residents 55 and older are invited to join Tewksbury Open Space & Recreation Committee member Bruce Shick to explore the Pinnacle Street Trail on Saturday. This easy hike is 2.2 miles long and will last approximately 90 minutes. The trail features some boardwalks and nice marsh views. Please register.  

There is no outdoor concert this week, but mark your calendars for The Reminisants next Monday at 6 p.m.

And realtors, there’s still time to sign up for this Wednesday’s free seminar.

Monday, Aug. 7

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

The boutique generates funds to cover the operating expenses of the Tewksbury Senior Center and for programs for our seniors. All residents are invited to drop in on intake day and talk with the volunteers, who will help with pricing your items. Consignment sellers get 50% of the marked price when the item is sold, with the balance going to the Senior Center. If an item hasn’t sold in 60 days, the item becomes the property of the Senior Center, the price will be marked down and the Center receives all proceeds. After 30 additional days, marked-down items are donated to local charities. Find more info here or call the Senior Center at 978-640-4480. 

Teen Movie Monday: Pitch Perfect (Grades 6-12)
When: 3 – 5 p.m.
Where: Library; please register

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch Pitch Perfect! Pitch Perfect is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12 only. About the movie: College student Beca (Anna Kendrick) knows she does not want to be part of a clique, but that’s exactly where she finds herself after arriving at her new school. Thrust in among mean gals, nice gals and just plain weird gals, Beca finds that the only thing they have in common is how well they sing together. She takes the women of the group out of their comfort zone of traditional arrangements and into a world of amazing harmonic combinations in a fight to the top of college music competitions.

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

The Tewksbury Housing Authority will welcome new member Terry Musgrave and discuss vacancies and upgrades to units, including roofs, showers, fire alarms and kitchens.

Free Tennis Lessons
When: Kids 10 and up: 5 – 6 p.m. – Adults 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: TMHS Tennis Courts

These lessons, for Tewksbury residents only, will be held Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Brought to you by Tewksbury tennis coaches and tennis team members.

Select Board
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

In this working session, the Select Board will discuss reuse of the North St. and Trahan schools, the October Special Town Meeting warrant and member items of interest.

Demystifying The Big 3 Free Digital Sites For Genealogists In Massachusetts
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The Tewksbury Genealogy Group is open to everyone who’s interested in genealogy. Each meeting consists of a presentation from a guest speaker, typically a professional genealogist, followed by a period where members can briefly share their latest research, and then the library will share a genealogy resource its patrons can access for free. This month will feature Linda B. MacIver’s new presentation, “Demystifying the Three Big Free Digital Sites for Genealogists in Massachusetts: The Internet Archive and Beyond!” With a whole truckload of formerly copyright-protected, now freely available, materials out there, has it been at least a year since you stopped to search the Internet Archive, the Digital Commonwealth, or the Digital Public Library of America? Let’s revisit these three and a few new favorites. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, Aug. 8

Princess Party
When: 2 – 2:45 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Every Tuesday, the Library hosts a different performer. This week is a Princess Party with the Book Princess and the Mermaid Princess! Join them for story time, sing-alongs, a dance party, and more. Attendees are welcome to come dressed up as their favorite princess, and there will be an opportunity for photos at the end. This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library.

Teen Event: Fabric Dying with Rhonda Fazio
When: 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Give a T-shirt a new look using ancient design techniques from cultures on the other side of the world. Learn some interesting history about the travels of a cotton T-shirt, how it is made and why blue is the color blue. Fashion first, history second. Promise! Artist and designer Rhonda M. Fazio from Dyer Maker Studio will set up a textile design lab and instruct students on how to upcycle a used t-shirt to look like new again. All materials will be provided except the T-shirts. 

Select Board
When: 6 p.m. executive session, 7 p.m. meeting
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (9) or Verizon (33)

The Select Board will enter executive session to strategize around host community agreements for the two retail cannabis companies awarded licenses. At 7 p.m. the board will reconvene and address licenses for the new Mexican restaurant and Brothers family sports bar & grill opening in town, as well as board and committee appointments and other matters. Agenda

How To Keep Your Personal Information Safe Online
When: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

When using your email or the Internet, are you concerned about the security and safety of your personal information?  What does it mean to get doxxed? What do you do if it happens to you — and how do you prevent it in the first place? Whether you’re worried about your address, passwords, cell phone, or credit cards, this workshop gives you both preventive and reactive steps you can take to protect your digital identity and maintain your peace of mind. Led by Ken Gagne, a writer, editor, and podcast on the subjects of IT, electronic entertainment, and diversity. A former writer for Computerworld and editor of Juiced.GS magazine, Gagne currently serves as a technical account manager at Automattic, helping local independent news outlets launch and maintain their WordPresss websites. He also hosts the YouTube channel Gamebits and the podcasts Polygamer and Transporter Lock.

Wednesday, Aug. 9

Realtor Seminar
When: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Town of Tewksbury’s Planning and Conservation Department will hold a seminar for local real estate agents, giving an overview of the Town’s Zoning and Wetland bylaws and how they relate to how properties for sale or rent may be best marketed. Presentations by the Town’s Planner and Conservation Agent will include information about building setbacks, uses, jurisdictional areas and permitting procedures. Participants will also learn about how to interpret wetland and zoning maps. The goal of this session is to better equip real estate agents working in Tewksbury with the knowledge to advise their clients about potential uses and reuses for their properties as well as applicable limitations to expansion or building. This event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of Leader Bank. RESERVE A SPOT HERE

Barry Finegold Office Hours
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Senior Center, open to all residents

Feel free to drop by the café area at the center to say hello to Sen. Finegold, chat and share questions or concerns that you think his office may be able to help with. 

Teen Event: Build-A-Bot (Grades 6-12)
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here — limited space!

Join us for a STEM activity where we will make Brush Bots (possibly more if time allows!) Each registrant will have bots to take home, and as always, our events are FREE! Supplies are limited, so be sure to register below. If you have any questions, please email Kate, our Teen Library Assistant, at kjennings@tewksburypl.org. If you are unable to attend after registering, please let us know so we can give your space to someone else. If you know you’ll be late, please email Kate at kjennings@tewksburypl.org so we can know to expect you. This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group — Self-Assessment & Transferable Skills
When: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month 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! Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance. Each biweekly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach.

Thursday, Aug. 10

Teen Event: Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons
When: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here — limited space!

Always wanted to play D&D but no idea how to get started? Join John Palmer as teaches you the ins and outs of Dungeons & Dragons. After he sets you up with the basics, you’ll play in your very first one-shot game! As creativity can take us down many roads, this event may end anywhere between 3:30 and 4 pm.  This event is open to teens entering grades 6-12 in September 2023.  Registration is required. This program is supported by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

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

Last week’s market had more than 1,000 visitors — they ran out of churros! This looks to be another great week for an outdoor market.

August Open Night at UMass Lowell Schueller Observatory
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: 900 Broadway St., Lowell

Calling all stargazers and budding astronomers. Free admission and all ages welcome, and free Parking at 900 Broadway St. UMass astronomers will be present to give views through the telescopes on the field and in the observatory.

Friday, Aug. 11

Family Fun Friday: Touch a Truck
When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Library

Bring the whole family down for Family Fun Fridays at the library! We’ll have a different activity each week. This Friday, join us for our Touch a Truck. This marks the end of our Summer Reading program, and we’ll have tons of trucks for kids to explore. No registration required. 

In Person: Film Screening — Women Talking
When: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — Women Talking. Do nothing, stay and fight, or leave? In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grappled with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith. Starring Rooney Mara and Claire Foy. Nominated for two 2023 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Rated PG-13. 104 minutes. Drama. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Weekend

Mini Town Cleanup Session
When: 9 – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at Oakdale

Residents are invited to join the Tewksbury Beautification Committee for a one hour mini-clean up event this Saturday, August 12, from 9 – 10 a.m. The group will walk Shawsheen St. starting at Main St. Gloves and bags will be provided.  Meet at Oakdale Plaza parking lot.

Shedd Park Craft Fair
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 453 Rogers St, Lowell

Get a jump on holiday shopping! More than 45 of the region’s finest crafters and artisans will display and sell their American-made works, including paper crafts, ceramics, personal care products, blankets & quilts, candles, hair accessories, farmhouse chic décor, decorative painting, seasonal knits, pillows, handmade jewelry, woodworking, epoxy resin and more.

Charity Cornhole Tournament
When: Sunday, kicks off at 9 a.m.
Where: Wamesit Lanes

Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the first annual Wamesit Friends & Family Cornhole Tournament under the tent at Wamesit Lanes, to benefit scholarships for local youth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the game, this tournament is the perfect opportunity to show off your skills and compete against other corn hole enthusiasts. Double elimination and each team guaranteed two games. Sign up.