10+ Things To Know This Week In Tewksbury

This week marks the anniversary of a catastrophic explosion that led to new safety technologies

This Friday marks the 52nd anniversary of the Lowell Gas Co. explosion on Chapman Rd. The Tewksbury Fire Department commemorates the event every fifth year; the last observance was two years ago, for the 50th anniversary. Learn more about the tragic event that shaped so many lives, and find memories from retired Tewksbury firefighter Ed Kearns and others, in this piece from Paige Impink in the Crier and watch the full ceremony at Tewksbury TV.

“Half of our fire department was injured, and our Engine 5 was destroyed,” said Kearns. “We don’t want people to forget that night.”

The weather is looking warmer by the end of this week. If you’d like to get outside, the Senior Center has a walking group on Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. led by Susan Timmons. Call Susan at the Senior Center to sign up, and be sure to wear comfortable clothing and good walking sneakers. 

This coming weekend is Lowell Winterfest. The celebration kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony and continues through Saturday, with entertainment for the whole family and the annual Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Bowl Competition. Get the full schedule here.

Finally, the MacKID Summer Camp Fair series kicks off this Sunday in Littleton. Details below.

Monday, Feb. 5

Consignment Boutique Intake
When: 2 – 5 p.m.
Where: Senior Center, open to all residents

Bring in your like-new clothes, jewelry, home décor and decorations. Volunteers will help with pricing. 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.

Finance Committee
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Finance Committee continues its review of FY25 town department budgets in preparation for making recommendations for Town Meeting. Agenda

Become A Soup Master
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Soup is one of the most nutritious and nourishing foods you can eat, when it’s made with less sodium and real ingredients. Ditch the store-bought salt bombs and come learn a variety of soups you can make at home, including Creamy Spinach Bisque, Low Sodium Garden Vegetable, Lentil Vegetable, and tons more! Sample soup and recipes will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous donation from 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury. 

Science Squared Discussion Group: What is Life
When: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

This month the group will read and discuss What is Life by Paul Nurse. Nurse takes readers on a wondrous journey through five fundamental biological ideas and addresses biology’s most pressing ethical issues and biology’s role in tackling infectious disease. Books are available at the front desk. Titles and a brochure can be found in the library or online here.

Tuesday, Feb. 6

Shawsheen Tech Budget Subcommittee Meeting
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Shawsheen Tech

Continuing with the budget theme, the Shawsheen Tech budget subcommittee will review and vote on FY25 operating budget recommendations. Agenda

How To Focus On The Positive In Your Life & Thrive In 2024
When: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Motivational speaker and interactive storyteller Scott Maloney will deliver his keynote presentation, “I Am.” Those two little words are the preamble to the most powerful phrase in the world. Scott will share methods to maintaining focus on positive energy and avoiding negative thoughts in difficult situations, while learning from the past and preventing future mistakes. Scott is the author of Lean on Me: A Story of Hope, Healing and Holding On. A survivor of a near-fatal traumatic brain injury, Scott was declared brain dead and endured a 23-day coma, a craniectomy and repeated surgeries, and years of physical and speech therapy. His inspiring story promises to leave an impact on you. Sponsored by the Tewksbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Technology Class: Taking & Organizing Photos
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Apple iPhone users can learn about the different features of their phone cameras and get tips on organizing photos into favorites and albums. Sign up is required, and class size is limited to 15 in person participants and 5 virtual participants via Zoom. Sign up online at myacvecenter.com, in person at the senior center or by calling the reception desk at 978-640-4480.

See more Senior Center events happening in February here.

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 has Tewksbury Dental on its agenda, along with the MacLellan Oil site and 1695 Shawsheen St.

Living With Coyotes
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: North Andover Middle School

Myths surround the coyote and clouds our understanding of it. Come listen and learn about their behaviors, issues of human and pet safety, hazing and more. Project Coyote’s Chris Schadler will discuss the eastern coyote and how residents can live in harmony with our wild neighbors. Chris has 40 years of wolf and coyote research and experience. Her presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. This program is hosted by North Andover Middle School, in the auditorium and sponsored by the North Andover Police Department. The public is invited.

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

The monthly meeting of the fabulous Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library are virtual for the winter. All are welcome to attend this meeting of the Friends’ Board; simply email friendstplibrary@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Thursday, Feb. 8

Non-Fiction Book Group: Red Notice
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Library

Join us for a discussion of  “Red Notice:  A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice” by Bill Browder. This discussion will be conducted in person in the First Floor Meeting Room. No registration required. Copies of the book are available for check out at the Front Desk.

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

Friday, Feb. 9

Movie: Killers of the Flower Moon
When: 6:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — Killers of the Flower Moon. When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one, until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, and directed by Martin Scorsese. Historical Crime Drama. Rated R. 3 Hours, 20 Minutes. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Please note the early 6:30 p.m. start time. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Lion’s Music Bingo
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Elks

While this event is sold out to the tune of 250 attendees, the Lions are still looking for raffle baskets. Contact them at tewksburylions@gmail.com or 781-799-9466.

Weekend

20s & 30s: Galentine’s Day Brunch
When: Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Where: Tavern in the Square in Woburn

Join a Galentine’s Day brunch full of waffles and love! At this social gathering geared towards readers in their 20s and 30s, we will share our favorite romance genre recommendations and celebrate the strong female protagonists in our lives.

Tewksbury’s Antiques Roadshow
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Auctioneer and appraiser Ron Wackowski will provide answers to the most common questions he is asked about the antique trade. A free informal “road-show” appraisal session will follow the class. Attendees can each bring one antique to be identified and evaluated. All appraisals will be verbal. 

MacKID Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair
When: Sunday, noon – 3 p.m.
Where: Westford Regency, Littleton

Meet representatives and gather information from camps, recreation programs, schools and activities, including day camps, overnight camps and specialty programs such as dance and martial arts. Visit the event discussion area to see updates and posts on specific camps and activities. Free admission. Can’t make the February Camp Fair? Additionally, we will host Summer Camp Fairs March 3 from 1:30 – 4:30pm at Teamworks Acton and April 6 from 9am – 12pm at Westford Regency. Learn more.

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