10+ Things To Know This Week in Tewksbury

The Select Board, Planning Board and Housing Authority will convene for a housing summit on Tuesday

Tewksbury Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee Chair Tom Branchaud and Vice-Chair Bruce Shick led a guided hike of the Chandler Well Fields on Saturday, above.

The hike, presented with the Tewksbury Public Library, brought a few dozen residents through the largest accessible area of town conservation land, around 118 acres. The walk passed by some old pumphouse locations, one of which is slated to become a platform to make the site’s beautiful marsh views accessible to people with disabilities, including in wheelchairs, according to Shick. The committee is working to construct new boardwalks to connect the trails and create a 2.5 mile loop. One sticking point: The land abuts the Pine Hill Cemetery, where people who have donated their bodies to science are buried. Shick said discussions are ongoing with the medical schools that own the cemetery to gain an easement along the edge of the property.

While this was the last guided walk of the season, residents can access the trail by parking in the lot at the intersection of Chandler St. and Whipple Rd. A map is available at the entrance. Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved with open space can attend the committee’s meeting on Thursday.

On Saturday, the Tewksbury Titans robotics team hosted a successful New England Robotics Derby — N.E.R.D. — event, bringing together 30 teams from across New England. While the Titans FRC Team 1474 didn’t win the battle of the bots, the event raised awareness of the sport. Tewksbury has participated in FIRST robotics for more than 15 years, and eighth graders are invited to join the Titans. Learn more.

Branch collection ended last week, and leaf collection is now ongoing through Dec. 1

Wednesday is early dismissal for Tewksbury Public Schools, so watch for buses and walkers.

Finally, the Baldwin Girl Scouts are hosting a diaper and wipes drive in honor of the birthday of Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low. The drive starts Friday and runs through Oct. 30. Diapers will be donated to Healthy Families Lowell, a local organization that serves young, first-time parents in Lowell, Tewksbury and surrounding communities. Diapers and wipes can be dropped in a collection bin at the Tewksbury Public Library. All sizes of diapers are welcomed, but larger sizes 4,5 and 6 are always a high need, as are the pullup types. Please bring sealed packages to the library collection box during library hours.

Monday, Oct. 16

Learn What MassHire Career Centers Can Do For You
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Learn about services that the MassHire Career Centers offer job seekers with Bob McIntosh, Career Advisor with MassHire Lowell. McIntosh will also provide information about the free workshops he offers and job club he runs. Bring any and all questions you have related to the job search as Bob will answer those as well.

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

The Housing Authority will approve bills and discuss vacancies. Tewkbury’s HA received a favorable report in a recent audit, which did not identify any significant deficiencies in internal controls and found no instances of noncompliance. Agenda

Planning Board
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (6) or Verizon (33)

The Planning Board has a busy agenda, including hearing from Garrett Berube about the planned 30-unit apartment building at the MacLellan Oil site at 1167 – 1187 Main St. 

A Look At LGBTQ+ History Around The World
When: 7- 8 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join author Sarah Prager as she shares fascinating stories from LGBTQ+ history you’ve never heard before. Learn why LGBTQ+ matters, how far back it goes, how it has shaped the world, and who some of the most interesting individuals from it are. Sarah is the author of four books on LGBTQ+ history. Please note this program is intended for adults. Sponsored by a grant from Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester and administrated by the Tewksbury Police Department.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Council on Aging
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

The COA will hear a summary of Sept. and Oct. financials. Also on the agenda are nominations for a new treasurer.

Shawsheen Tech School Committee
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech or YouTube

There will be an opportunity for public comment as well as a discussion of a student dress code. Agenda 

Galilee Cafe
When: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Congregational Church

Every third Tuesday of the Month, the members of Tewksbury Congregational Church invite all to a free community dinner from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Dinners are served in the Fellowship Hall, and you may eat in or take a meal to go. All are welcome to drop by; the TCC is accepting donations for the Tewksbury Community Pantry. Donations are accepted but not required. Contact cafe@tewksburycc.org with any questions. This month’s menu includes spaghetti and meatballs, and there will be entertainment by the Praise Band.

Select Board
When: 6:50 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (6) or Verizon (33)

After considering a common victualler license for Origin Thai Bistro, which is adjacent to Luna Rossa, the Select Board will host a summit with the Planning Board and Housing Authority to discuss the housing situation in town. Agenda

Public meetings may be added after this posts, so check the calendar of events for a full list.

Children’s Fiction Book Club: Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket and Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star B
When: 7:15 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

This month we’ll talk about Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket by Chris Grabenstein  (book 5 of the series). We’ll also cover the book from our canceled meeting last month, Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game. This program is intended for children ages 8 to 11. 

Wednesday, Oct. 18

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group: Resumes: Beyond The Basics
When: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 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 for you. 

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

Will Tree House Brewing, Holt & Bugbee and Tewksbury Dental actually appear this month? We’ll find out tonight. Agenda

PHM Annual Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Join the members and the board of the Public Health Museum for our virtual annual meeting. You will hear about the museum’s accomplishments over the year, recent accessions and discoveries, and future programs and plans. Our guest speaker is Catharina Giudice, MD, FXB Climate Change & Human Health Fellow at the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University.

The Tragic Tale of Salem’s Witchcraft Hysteria
When: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The 1692 Salem trials are infamous for being the greatest witch hunt in American history. Untangle the tragic tale of Salem’s witchcraft hysteria. Explore the perfect storm of factors that led to these disastrous events, including religious discord, political factionalism, the worst weather of the century, and an abject failure of leadership. Examine the decisions made by Massachusetts leaders, including Salem’s local ministers, the panel of nine judges who heard the trial, and the governor who appointed them. Led by Salem Witch Trials historian Dr. Emerson “Tad” Baker, a Professor of History at Salem State University and the author of two books on the topic

Thursday, Oct. 19

Field Trip To Public Health Museum
When: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: PHM, register here

Come explore the Public Health Museum in this special guided tour. The Museum preserves records and artifacts from our nation’s public health history while educating the public about the achievements and contributions of public health. While visiting the Museum, you will also see the remarkably preserved 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals which highlight the industries of Massachusetts. Meet at the Museum, located on the grounds of the Tewksbury State Hospital, behind the library. Enter off of East Street. Limited to 20 spots.

Senior Care Informational Seminar for All Ages
When: 3 – 5 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Information on many important topics for older adults will be available to familes. With presentations and vendor tables, many of your questions may be answered by visiting this event. Patty Sasso from SHINE and Chaz Rudich and Cristina Penna from AgeSpan will be making presentations. Topics include Medicare/health Insurance, private home care, assisted living, nursing homes/hospice, medication management, health care proxies, living wills, trusts, reverse mortgages and more. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP appreciated to Susan at 978-640-4480 x303. Drop ins are welcome.

Young Professionals Mixer
When: 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Navigation Brewing

Come by Navigation after work and grab a drink with other young professionals. Food, giveaways, and more, sponsored by the Greater Lowell Chamber. Please register.

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

It appears the Jade East consultant has wrapped up his work. There will also be a number of updates from the health director. Agenda

Friday, Oct. 20

Film Screening: Golda
When: 10 a.m. @ Senior Center, 1:30 p.m. @ Library

Enjoy a timely screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases. “Golda” focuses on the intensely dramatic and high-stakes responsibilities and decisions that Golda Meir, also known as the ‘Iron Lady of Israel,’ faced during the Yom Kippur War. Starring Helen Mirren. Rated PG-13. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Historical drama. Doors will open 15 minutes ahead. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Sign up here for the Library showing.

A Paranormal Investigation At The Tewksbury Library
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Several current and former employees of the Tewksbury Public Library believe it is haunted. Over the past 10 years, there have been reports of unexplainable phenomena, from shadowy figures to whispering in empty rooms to falling books seemingly defying the laws of physics. The library has hosted its annual fall “Fright Night” series of paranormal programs for the past 12 years. 

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

Come listen/dance to the sounds of the Silvertones … waltz, Latin, jitterbug, foxtrot, big band, line dances and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is not a BYOB event. Door prizes this month are two tickets  to a future Silvertones Dance. Soda & bottled water available for purchase ($1). Coffee/tea and cake are served during the break.  Come dressed in your favorite orange and black outfit this month!

Saturday, Oct. 21

Boo at the Zoo
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., this Saturday and next
Where: Stone Zoo

Halloween comes early to Stone Zoo on October 21 and 22. Show off your costumes and bring your curiosity for some mystery animal encounters. Chat with our education team about a “Green Halloween” to learn about the importance of purchasing treats made with sustainable palm oil. The animals will join in on the seasonal fun as many will receive pumpkins as enrichment! All activities are included with admission. Reserve your tickets to this popular event in advance to save with our plan-ahead prices at stonezoo.org. 

Trunk or Treat at Shawsheen Tech
When: 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech

Stop by from 3 to 6 p.m. Cost for Trunk or Treaters age two and over is $5, with all proceeds going to suicide prevention. Fee includes face painting, cookie decorating, and of course, trunk or treating itself. We have a few other surprises this year as well! Bring your costumed little ghouls and gremlins for a fun, pre-Halloween event!

Proceeds to benefit Samaritans for Suicide Prevention

20s & 30s: D&D Murder Mystery
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join us for a night full of spooky adventure at this D&D Murder Mystery one shot! We will be playing Dungeons and Dragons 5E at this special one time event. There will be pizza and soda available. Doors open at 6 and the Murder Mystery starts at 6:15. No D&D experience is required.

Sunday, Oct. 22

Community Breakfast
When: Sunday, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: Senior Center

Drop into the Senior Center for an EGG-CEPTIONAL BREAKFAST to benefit the Friends of the Elderly. Cost is $10 adults, $5 under 10 yrs. No reservation is required, just drop in. Menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, juice, coffee and tea. What a great way to start your Sunday! 

Blessing of the Animals
When: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Congregational Church

Come have your animal companion blessed. Animals have always been part of human communities. They delight us, entertain us and teach us about faithfulness, friendship, love, and forgiveness. They bring laughter, joy, comfort and companionship. Please bring pets in cages or on a leash and ensure that they are well behaved with other animals and humans. If your pet has died or you can’t bring it, please bring a picture or a stuffed animal to be blessed. A treat bag and a blessing card will be provided to every participant.