It’s Getting Spooky — and Crafty — In Tewksbury

Here’s what’s happening this week before Halloween

On Friday, the library hosted its third presentation from the Moonlight Paranormal Productions team. Psychic medium Bonnie Cathryn said there are 83 spirits in our library, including a young man named Billy. Say hello next time you drop by, and watch for an upcoming film documenting the team’s findings over years of investigations. Shout out to Robert Hayes, above, who has spent some late nights at the library facilitating the spirit hunters, and volunteers at Tewksbury State Hospital who helped with historical research on Billy, aka William Talbot, who was a resident in the late 1800s.

Those looking to get a jump on holiday shopping can find unique items this weekend. On Saturday, stop by the 35th annual Applefest Craft Fair. Pro tip: Come hungry and get a warm apple crisp. Then swing by the Shriners Auditorium for the Castleberry Fair, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

The Baldwin Girl Scouts are hosting a diaper and wipes drive through Oct. 30 to benefit Healthy Families Lowell, which helps young, first-time parents in Lowell, Tewksbury and surrounding communities. Diapers and wipes can be dropped in a collection bin at the library. All sizes of diapers are welcomed, but sizes 4,5 and 6 are always a high need, as are the pullup types.

There are three fun fundraising events coming up. On Friday, drop into music venue Taffeta to celebrate 45 years of Alternative House’s work to end domestic violence, and buy a ticket (fewer than 20 left) to win both $10,000 and a full-day tattoo session with Duke of Tats.

Plan ahead for a comedy night on Nov. 4 at the Elks to benefit the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library, and on Nov. 8 get tips to get your home ready for the holidays, from the front porch to the dining room table, while helping out the Tewksbury Garden Club, which works hard to beautify the town.

Monday, Oct. 23

New Resident Reception
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Have you moved to town in the past two years? Are you interested in learning more about what Tewksbury has to offer? You are invited to the 5th Annual “Welcome To Tewksbury” Reception tonight. Drop in anytime to meet representatives from town government, schools, businesses and community organizations (including the Carnation) and learn about their services, programs and volunteer opportunities. There will be food trucks!

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Senior Chorus Practice
When: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

The Swinging Seniors Chorus practices on Tuesdays at the Senior Center Library/Media Room. New members are always welcome! If you enjoy singing, please feel free to join in. The Chorus practices for eight weeks in preparation for holiday performances at local senior living facilities as well as a special performance at our center. No sign up necessary, just drop in!

Learn more about this month’s Senior Center events here.

Teen Event: Franken-Toys
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: In person at library, register here

With a variety of used toys, action figures, dolls and stuffed toys, we will “Frankenstein” together whatever you choose using tools provided. Make horrifying creations you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy — the perfect thing to scare away trick-or-treaters this Halloween! Open to grades 6 – 12. Learn more about this event.

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

An Evening With Middlesex DA Marian Ryan
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Luna Rossa

The Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee invites residents to an evening with District Attorney Marian Ryan. Ryan will speak, take questions and have a meet and greet with attendees. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar, and attendees are welcome to order from the Luna Rossa menu.

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

After several license hearings, the Select Board will hear the MBTA Communities Presentation from Community/Economic Development Planner Alexandra Lowder. Agenda

Shawsheen Tech School Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech or YouTube

There will be an opportunity for public comment as well as a vote on an audit firm and reports from the business manager and superintendent. Agenda 

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Lego Club for kids 6 to 12
When: 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Library

Join Miss Kat for Lego Cub every other Wednesday night. We’ll provide the Legos, and you can build whatever you can dream up in sixty minutes. This program is intended for kids ages 6-11. No registration is required.

First Ladies Fashions
When: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

First Ladies have used fashion in a plethora of ways — employing “sartorial diplomacy,” making political statements, helping define their time in the White House, championing American products and makers, or crafting a specific image — and these clothing choices were not made on a whim. Explore some of America’s First Ladies and their important contributions to fashion and politics.

Thursday, Oct. 26

Coffee & Conversation — A Visit with Newhouse Wildlife Rescue
When: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Library, register here

Jane Newhouse, founder of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, a licensed wildlife sanctuary in Chelmsford, will show us behind the scenes work involved in rehabilitating wild animals. Newhouse will share interesting facts about local wildlife and offer advice on what you should do if you ever encounter injured or abandoned wildlife.  She’ll also answer any wildlife questions you may have. The library will provide coffee.

Friday, Oct. 27

Fall Fun Day
When: 2 -6 p.m.
Where: Town Common

Following the cancellation of the fall festival due to inclement weather, Tewksbury will host a fall fun day with food trucks, activities and crafters. Free parking will be available at Town Hall, 1009 Main Street, and the Center Elementary School, 139 Pleasant Street. Town Hall Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Parking at Town Hall will be via Dewey Street. Learn more.

Alternative House 45th Anniversary Event
When: 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Taffeta at122 Western Ave.

Alternative House, formally incorporated in 1978, was founded by a group of women who took part in the “Battered Women’s Movement” of the 70’s to bring awareness, and an end, to violence against women. They paved the way for the agency to provide services to thousands of survivors of domestic violence. We invite you to look back on the past 45 years with evening of interactive displays, food, music and a $10,000 raffle! Only 200 tickets will be sold, and you don’t have to be present to win. Learn more and get your ticket.

Trivia Night — Trick-or-Trivia: Cryptids, Creatures and Creepy-Crawlies
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

This month’s trivia night is Halloween-themed. 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.

Saturday, Oct. 28

35th Applefest Craft Fair
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: High School

The annual fair will include 140 New England crafters, food and raffles. Admission is free. All proceeds will benefit the Tewksbury Memorial High School PAC, Scholarships and All Night Long Graduation Event.

Electronics Recycling Event
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: St. Williams

Don’t toss your old electronics! Bring them to this recycling event, which accepts a wide range of electronics, including TVs, computers and more. Help reduce e-waste and learn about sustainable practices. Learn more, including prices.

Breakfast with a School Committee member
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Town Hall

Join the Tewksbury Republican Town Committee for a one-on-one conversation with a member of the Tewksbury School Committee. Learn what they do on the School Committee, what it takes to be a committee member and ask questions.

Castleberry Fair
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Shriners Auditorium

More than 175 arts, crafts and specialty food vendors will be at the Shriners today and tomorrow. Free parking. Find a list of vendors here.

Sunday, Oct. 29

Castleberry Fair
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Shriners Auditorium

More than 175 arts, crafts and specialty food vendors will be at the Shriners. Free parking. Find a list of vendors here.

Tewksbury Police Department Safe Halloween
When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: High School

Police Chief Ryan Columbus invites the community to the Tewksbury Police Department’s annual Community Safe Halloween event at Tewksbury Memorial High School. TPD will offer up free goodies, music, dancing, games, arts and crafts and more as they provide safety demonstrations and tips for enjoying a safe Halloween this year.