10+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

Saturday is Town Cleanup day; TMHS Theater Co. announces its fall musical

Dineout season is in full swing, and the Carnation is collecting listings in our new Community Calendar. By eating in or ordering from a restaurant taking part in a dineout, the student group gets 10% to 20% of your purchase as a donation. It’s a good idea to mention the group when ordering. And if you’d like your noncommercial event listed, drop us a line at tewksburycarnation@gmail.com.

On Saturday, about 28 volunteers came together to sort and reshelve hundreds of books in the Ryan school library. Damaged and duplicate volumes were weeded out to make room for new acquisitions. Extra books may be offered on an honor cart for students to take home.

Librarians Jen Burke, center in photo, and Theresa Troiano, left, led the effort. With Burke and Troiano is TMHS student Skye-Bryana Tambi, who spent the day helping out.

“I’m blown away,” said Burke. “Everybody came together, from NHS and DECA students to parents with kids in the school to retired volunteers. It was nice. Everybody was working as a team to get this done.”

Burke also thanked those who dropped off snacks, including School Committee member Katie Anderson, and DECA advisor Jim Sullivan, who helped out with directing students as they reshelved the entire nonfiction section. Several retirees expressed interest in volunteering on an ongoing basis, she said, adding that the town includes shelving books in its senior and veterans tax work off program. While the elementary schools and high school have staff librarians, the Ryan library is run by volunteers. The Wynn library has been out of service since Covid.

Residents who want to help out can learn more by contacting Suzanne Caliendo in the Ryan School office, at scaliendo@tewksbury.k12.ma.us. All school volunteers need to have active CORI forms (download here) on file. Once completed, forms can be emailed to Caliendo or brought into the school. Tiffany Troxell is in charge of volunteer scheduling and can be reached at ryanschoollibrary@gmail.com.

In other school news, TMHS Theater Company will present High School Musical as its fall show. The dates are Nov. 17, 18 and 19, and tickets are now on sale. The troupe’s spring show, Mamma Mia, sold out, so grab your seats early. You can also support the theater program in its Kyoto dineout this Wednesday.

Finally, trash collection will be delayed one day this week, and branch collection runs through Oct. 14. The Town Hall, Library and Senior Center are closed on Monday.

Monday, Oct. 9

Final Billerica Farmers Market of the Season
When: 3 – 5:45 p.m.
Where: 793 Boston Rd., Billerica

If you missed the final Tewksbury Community Market of the season, drop by the Billerica Market, which was voted No. 1 in Massachusetts. The Wilmington Aleppo Shriners Clowns and entertainment by Bob Leger as well as a demo and kids tent.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

In Person Teen Event: Halloween Jars
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Library

Join us for a October-themed craft–Halloween Jars! These jars can be used to store candy or hold pencils, or stick a (flameless) candle in it and you can use it as a lantern. Supplies will be provided for every registered attendee, so be sure to register. If you have any questions, please email Kate, our Teen Library Assistant, at kjennings@tewksburypl.org. This event is open to anyone in grades 6-12.

Heath Brook School Night at the Library
When: 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Library

All students and their families of the Heath Brook School are invited tonight to the library. Staff will take families on tours and play Book Bingo, and kids can find their teachers and/or principal.  It’s a great time to get a library card for the first time, or replace a lost card for free. No registration required. Please drop in!

Wednesday, Oct. 11

In Person Teen Event: Welcome Night (Grades 6-12)
When: 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Are you entering 6th grade? Are you in 7th to 12th grade but have never visited the library’s teen room? Unsure about what you can do here or what we offer? Join us for our open house for tweens and teens in grades 6-8 and their parents. While this event is aimed at grades 6-8, all in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend. Enjoy pizza while supplies last, play some mini-golf, make a beaded keychain and tour the teen room. Mini golf will run until 8 p.m. All other events will end at 7 p.m. Registration is not required, but does help us plan.

School Committee
When: 6 p.m.
Where: TMHS LG1 or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (22) or Verizon (34)

After an update from student rep Rania Elouahi, the School Committee will hear committee reports and consider policies including parking. There will also be a report on the town’s MCAS results. Get the full agenda.

Thursday, Oct. 12

Wellness Workshop: Anxious Thoughts
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Every now and then, we have those days when our thoughts take over. It may be due to a person, place or thing that makes us anxious. How can we let go to lessen the anxiety? Please note that pre-registration is appreciated. Sign up online at myacvecenter.com, in person at the senior center or by calling the senior center reception desk at 978-640-4480.

Children’s Concert: James Lepler
When: 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Library

Join James Lepler of Kids ‘N Harmony as he plays and sings all your favorite songs. Lepler sings and plays guitar, keyboards and drums to offer a variety of sounds and types of music. Designed for caregivers with children ages infant to 6 years old. No registration required.

Zoning Workshop to Finalize Siting of MBTA Communities District
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Residents are invited to consider four potential districts for the MBTA Communities Overlay District. Three options emerged from previous sessions as the most advantageous: Main A (Heath Brook Plaza to Oakdale Plaza), Main B (St. Williams to Colonial Drive), and North B (Trull Brook Golf Course). The Town Manager Richard Montuori requested that the Town Center district be added back as a potential siting; that area includes the parcels with Archstone and Emerald Court. Montuori said that he considered it premature to take that district off the table and wants to keep it as part of the discussion until the Select Board and Planning Board have the opportunity to weigh in.

12th Annual Town of Tewksbury Candlelight Overdose Vigil
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury State Hospital

Join to remember those lost to overdose or substance use disorder. Please bring a photo of a loved one lost for the remembrance table. Rain date is Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Friday, Oct. 13

Walking Group
When: 8:30 a.m., weather permitting
Where: Meet at Senior Center lobby

This new Friday morning walking group is led by Susan Timmons. The group will be walking up to and around the State Hospital grounds, 1 to 1.5 miles. Walkers should be sure to wear comfortable clothing and good walking sneakers.  If you would like to participate, please call Susan at 978-640-4480 to sign up. The group meets in the Senior Center lobby at 8:25 a.m. each week. 

Film Screening — You Hurt My Feelings
When: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases. 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. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Register here. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Teen Foodie Friday: Cheesecake Brownies
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Jump on YouTube to learn how to create your own cheesecake brownies. Registered attendees will be sent an email with more details about picking up supplies. On the day and the exact time of the event, attendees will be sent a link to the video. Open to anyone in grades 6-12. Register here.

LGBT+ Halloween Dance
When: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

There will be music, food and refreshments as well as prizes for the best costumes. RSVPs were required by Oct. 2. If you have questions, call Chaz at 978-946-1391.

Saturday, Oct. 14

New England Robotics Derby: Free Robotics Event With Battle Bots
When: Begins at 8 a.m., battle bots after lunch
Where: TMHS

See high school teams from around New England and New York compete in the New England Robotics Derby at Tewksbury Memorial High School. This all day event is co-hosted by Billerica and Tewksbury high school robotics teams, the Bionics and the Titans. Learn more here.

Sponsors are also sought for help in underwriting the event. More information.

FALL Town Clean Up Day: Tire/Textile/Food Pantry
When: 9 a.m.
Where: All over town, learn more and sign up here

Join the Tewksbury Beautification Committee for the fall town clean up from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grab a bag at town common by noon, then set out and pick up trash. Sign up for a spot or pick an area near you. Bags are dropped off at the DPW at 999 Whipple Road until 2 p.m. Special recycling: Tires off rim for residents only. Clean, bagged textiles/clothing/shoes/accessories and suitcases collected by Helpsy, with proceeds going to the Community Pantry. Bring a Community Pantry donation. Sign up to help and see the flyer, below, for more details.

Inside ‘Barrett’s Haunted Mansion’ with Owner Mary Costello (Haunted Experiences Series)
When: 9 – 10 a.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

During most of the year, Mary Costello is busy running her restaurant, the Abington Ale House, in Abington, Massachusetts. But every Halloween season, things get considerably more scary behind the beloved restaurant. Barrett’s Haunted Mansion is a labor of love for all involved. Along with their two haunted houses that are changed each year, the Mansion also offers special nights like Bite & Fright, a Lights on Tour, and extreme nights for guests who don’t mind being touched in total darkness for an extra scary experience. Join owner Mary Costello and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast,” as they talk all about the history and creation of this Bay State haunt.

Friends of the Library Book Donation Drive & Puzzle Swap
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Library

Join the Friends of the Library for their quarterly book donation drive & puzzle swap. If you are interested in donating books or DVDs in good condition, please visit the Friends’ table on the first floor of the library from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All donations will be reviewed by a volunteer from the Friends of the Library. Accepted items will then be sorted and sold on the Friends’ ongoing book sale carts located on the first floor. For puzzles, please ensure that all pieces are in a sealed plastic bag and the boxes are taped shut. Puzzles may be swapped 1-for-1 or purchased for $1.00 per 100 pieces.

20s & 30s: Barbie Party
When: 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Library

It’s time to rock your favorite Barbie attire and come celebrate all things Barbie. There will be cupcake decorating, friendship bracelet making, Barbie trivia, Barbie-themed glittery mocktails and pink snacks, a Barbie photo booth and more. Please register here.