10+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

We hope to see you at Town Meeting on Tuesday

On Saturday, the Tewksbury Republican Town Committee hosted “Breakfast with a Select Board Member” featuring Mark Kratman (photo, left). TRTC Chair Jeff Dufour, right, facilitated a Q&A with about 10 attendees. Audience members quizzed Kratman on the roadway and water infrastructure, how the Tewksbury DEI Advisory Committee could be disbanded, and how the town budgetary process works across the town and schools.

Dufour asked what the job of a Select Board member entails. Key responsibilities are to appoint the Town Manager, budgeting and licensing, but Kratman reminded attendees that the Town Meeting form of government means the power is with the residents — although the Select Board and other boards make recommendations, voters have the final say.

“We try to do the research to see what is best for the community,” he said. “The Select Board is here to represent your best interests. But residents can go and argue about anything that’s happening.”

Kratman explained the process of budgeting and bringing articles forward and the role of Town Manager Richard Montuori.

“More than 90% of the time we see eye to eye,” he said of Montuori. “Other towns are envious of what a great town manager we have.” 

His priorities include more programs for kids who are into the arts, such as a marching band. He cited placing a satellite police office and cameras at Livingston St. as well as upgrades to the skate park and other recreational facilities as accomplishments but said one problem is endemic in town.

“Volunteerism is way down,” Kratman said. He called out the Garden Club as an example of a group in town that does great work without fanfare and encouraged attendees to get involved.

“You can make a difference,” he said.

The TRTC will hold a similar program with a School Committee member on Oct. 28, while the Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee will host “An Evening with Middlesex DA Marian Ryan” on Oct. 24.

There is a new senior Friday morning walking group, led by Susan Timmons. Weather permitting, the group will meet in the Senior Center lobby at 8:30 a.m. and walk up to and around the State Hospital grounds, 1 to 1½ miles. If you would like to participate, please call Susan at (978) 640-4480.

Monday, October 2

Power of Flowers Project Spread the Joy Luncheon
When: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Four Oaks Country Club

Wine and gift card raffles, and a golden ticket drawing for a chance to win $500, $250, or a $100 cash prize. Tickets are $60 per person with a buffet lunch and a cash bar. All proceeds benefit the Power of Flowers Project, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization who shares hope and happiness with seniors, veterans and those living in care communities. Learn more.

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

Bring in your like-new clothes, jewelry, home décor and decorations. Volunteers 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. Learn more.

Beautification Committee
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The committee will discuss plans for Fall Cleanup Day, which is scheduled for Oct. 14.

Tuesday, October 3

Special Town Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: High School

While it’s too late to book free childcare with AlphaBest, kids are welcome to sit with their parents at Town Meeting. Details on matters voters will address are available in the Special Town Meeting supplemental handout and in the warrant. Want to know more about how STM works? Check out our FAQs, here.

Wednesday, October 4

Wellness Advisory Committee
When: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: TMHS LG1

The Wellness Committee advises the schools on ways to improve student and overall community health. This month, they’ll discuss town and school events and the ongoing wellness policy revision. Agenda

Teen Movie: The Ring (Grades 6-12)
When: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Library

Join us to start the scary spooky season, as we watch The Ring! The Ring is rated PG-13. About: A journalist must investigate a mysterious videotape which seems to cause the death of anyone one week to the day after they view it. Register here

Greater Lowell Chamber Annual Meeting
When: 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Businesses in Greater Lowell are invited to join the GLCC at Lenzi’s to celebrate 2023 and look ahead to 2024. Learn more and purchase tickets.

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

The ConCom may or may not hear an update on Tree House Brewing. Also on the agenda is a discussion of tree removals on North St. Agenda

Friends of the TPLibrary Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Library Meeting Room

If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back as we head toward 2024, check out the Friends of the Library. They provide funding for about $20,000 in programming and passes not covered by the town and are always looking for ideas on how to raise money while having fun and providing enrichment. All residents are welcome to their monthly meeting.

You can learn more about the FoTPL and other town organizations at the Carnation Connector.

Thursday, October 5

All Ages TPL “Let Freedom Read” Statewide Read-In
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Library

Open to all ages, TPL is celebrating our community’s right to access and read materials freely in their local public library. Bring a book or audiobook of your own or borrow one. Stay for as long or as little as you’d like to catch up on your reading, log your minutes as part of the third annual Reading Rivals challenge, and celebrate access to what you want to read. Themed refreshments will be served throughout the day. No registration is required for this event. Can’t make it to the Read-In? Participate digitally by reading or listening to a book from one of the library’s many free eBook resources including Libby and hoopla. Learn more. 

Friday, October 6

Movie: You Hurt My Feelings
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases, “You Hurt My Feelings.” A novelist’s long standing marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book. Starring Julia Louis Dreyfus. Rated R. 1 hour, 33 minutes. Comedic drama. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Sign up online at myacvecenter.com, in person at the Senior Center or by calling the reception desk at 978-640-4480. Limited to 25 seats. 

Movie: The Little Mermaid
When: 7 – 9:15 p.m.
Where: Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — The Little Mermaid (2023). A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince. Starring Halle Bailey. Rated PG. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. New this fall: Play a game of team trivia about the film between 6:40 and 7 p.m. while enjoying your pizza. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club. Register here.

Saturday, October 7

Inside ‘Spooky World’ with Creator David Bertolino (Haunted Experiences Series)
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

In 1991, Spooky World opened in Berlin, Massachusetts as the first Halloween scream park. The attraction became so popular that it expanded well beyond its original haunted hayride and shaped a generation of New England Halloween lovers. Join David Bertolino, the man who started it all, and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast,” to hear how an idea became a Halloween institution in Massachusetts.

Library Clean Up Day at Ryan Elementary
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Help the Ryan School library reset the books so students can start checking them out. Volunteers are needed for any time they can donate between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m on Saturday. Great for community service hours. All ages are welcome. Sign up here. All ages welcomed. Question? Email ryanlibrarytewksbury@gmail.com