What To Know This Week In Tewksbury

Outdoor concerts return tonight on the Library back lawn. Bring some raffle cash. Plus, Planet Fitness coming to Tewksbury

The “Little Bit Trashy” crew cleaned up Shawsheen St. on Saturday. There were fewer nips than expected and fortunately, no mattresses. Watch for the next mini cleanup in September, when residents are invited to beautify Livingston St. before the Fall Festival.

Check out the Tewksbury Police Department’s new website. Residents can learn about the department, sign-up for notifications of new posts and access a variety of forms, including records requests, anonymous tips and contact forms. TPD comfort dog Waffles even has his own page. 

And, Planet Fitness has applied for a building permit to move into 553 Main St., next to Job Lots. Plans are currently under review by the building inspector.

Monday, Aug. 14

Learning Opportunities For Job Seekers At Middlesex CC
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Learn about opportunities available at Middlesex Community College for job seekers and career changers, such as certificate programs and online degree programs. Led by Jennifer Migliozzi, Assistant Director of Admissions at Middlesex Community College. 

Beautification Committee
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Library Trustees’ Room

The Beautification Committee will recap Saturday’s mini clean-up and discuss upcoming opportunities to pick up trash around town and proposals for switchbox art. Agenda

Outdoor Concert Series: The Reminisants (Oldies Cover Band)
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Library Back Lawn

Enjoy a concert from The Reminisants. The Reminisants have been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England since 1973. The band specializes in oldies music from the 1950s through the ’90s, playing a collection of great music for all kinds of musical tastes and generations. No registration required. This concert will take place on the library’s back lawn. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Tewksbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

To supplement the cost of next year’s concerts, the Friends of the Library will be selling raffle tickets and accepting donations at a table near the stage. Can’t make it to the library? You can watch this program live on the Town of Tewksbury’s YouTube Channel.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

MBTA Communities Zoning Virtual Feedback Session
When: 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

As an MBTA adjacent community, the Town of Tewksbury must adopt zoning of a minimum of 50 acres to allow housing density of at least 15 units per acre by right. Eligible acreage must be free of wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas, and other excludable land as defined by the law. Please join the Town of Tewksbury via Microsoft Teams, to discuss the results of a recent MBTA communities survey, the potential locations for an overlay district, and how the Town plans to adopt zoning compliant with M.G.L. 40A, Section 3A.

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

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. Meet in front of the Public Health Museum (365 East Street), located on the grounds of the Tewksbury State Hospital. A limited number of spots are available. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Sewage In The Merrimack River — Solving A 200-Year-Old Problem
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The Merrimack River has been transformed from one of the most polluted in the nation to one of the region’s most popular recreation rivers and vibrant wildlife habitats. Yet every time a moderate rainstorm passes through the Merrimack Valley, you can be sure that raw sewage is being discharged into the Merrimack, sometimes so much that it’s unsafe to swim in the river for days. The summer of 2023 has been a particularly active period for sewage discharges. Why is this happening, and what is being done to stop it? 

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Crafternoon
When: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Calling all knitters, crocheters, needle workers, beaders and colorers! Bring your own craft project to the Library and work on it while enjoying conversation with other crafters. (Please, no crafts involving glue or paint.) Take advantage of the many books available at the library to get ideas for your next project or to explore a new craft. 

School Committee
When: 2 p.m. & 6:15
Where: TMHS

The School Committee will hold a goal-setting workshop at 2 p.m. then reconvene at 6:15 after an executive session. There will be several recognitions as well as discussion of the Superintendent contract and 2023 back to school and orientation information. Agenda

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

The Conservation Commission will discuss Tree House Brewing’s proposed overflow parking, the Soldier On housing project at 1660 Main St. and the Holt & Bugbee lot-splitting proposal, among other matters. Agenda

Thursday, Aug. 17

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

Find more than 30 vendors as well as food trucks and sweets sellers.

Board of Health
When: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (6) or Verizon (33)

The BoH will be updated on health violations by Jade East as well as noncompliance on keeping of animals and will share community education opportunities. A discussion on tobacco sales to minors by Smitty’s Liquors has been deferred to Sept. Agenda

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

If you were at your favorite coffee shop and overheard a frank conversation about the extreme weather, would you wish you could join in? You can! Come to the virtual Climate Café.  It’s a supportive, non-partisan, hopeful space held on the third Wednesday each month. The Café is for concerned people who are not activists, for activists too, and for everybody in between.  There’s no recruiting, just learning from each other. The discussion is co-facilitated by a volunteer from Tewksbury.

Friday, Aug. 18

Movie Screening: Book Club: The Next Chapter 
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases. Book Club: The Next Chapter follows the new journey of four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and Candice Bergen. Rated PG-13. 107 minutes. Comedy. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. Candy & water will be served. 

Movie Screening: BlackBerry
When: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — BlackBerry. The story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone. Starring Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton and Matt Johnson. Rated R. 120 minutes. Comedic drama. Doors will open at 1:15pm. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Trivia Night — Trivia Hodgepodge (General Knowledge & Fun Facts)
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Join us on Zoom to test your knowledge! This month’s trivia night will feature questions around general knowledge and fun facts. Play solo or organize a team! For security purposes, participants’ videos will be disabled, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun! Please note that trivia questions are geared towards adults in terms of difficulty. There is a 40-team limit with a 5-team wait list.

Weekend

Raid My Closet – Clothing Swap & Pop-up Market
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Beehive, Tyngsborough

Bring in your gently used fall clothes, accessories and shoes, and swap them for something new. We’ll also have a popup market with local vendors selling new and handmade items. Sponsored by the Greater Lowell Chamber. Held at the Beehive coworking space at 2 Bridgeview Circle, Tyngsborough.

Mo Bounce and 12 more bands at Tewksbury Elks Lodge – Darren Laquidara Benefit
When: Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Elks Lodge

A benefit for T.J. Callahan’s Darren Laquidara, who has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. There will be a great lineup of bands playing all day plus food and raffles. $20 donation. Darren is a good soul, so drop by and show some support.