What To Know This Valentine’s Week In Tewksbury

All four elected boards meet this week, along with the Finance Committee

Shout out to the Tewksbury Lions for a fun — and sold out — inaugural Music Bingo event, held Friday at the Elks and sponsored by Enterprise Bank, a11n Pickleball, Into Action Recovery, Tewksbury Federal Credit Union, Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, Schlott Tire, Dandi-Lyons, Donna’s Donuts, TJ Callahan’s, Ed Tumenas and Vic’s Waffle House. The Lions sponsor free community movies and recently made donations to the Community Pantry and the Healthy Families of Lowell Holiday party. The local chapter welcomes new members. They meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, except July and August, at 7 p.m. at TJ Callahan’s.

The Soldier On benefit hosted by Wamesit Lanes will be held on March 10 from 6 – 9 p.m. The Soldier On home build at 1660 Main St. is making progress, so let’s help with funding to push them over the line. At press time a few private lane sponsorships remained. See flyer, below, and get tickets here. 

Tewksbury resident Jenn Dillon, who spoke eloquently for recreation at last October’s Town Meeting and is active in the No Excuse Mom group , is running the Boston Marathon on team Krystle Campbell. Campbell, a 29-year-old Medford native, was one of three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. If you wish to support Jenn’s effort, check out this page. 

This Friday is the deadline to turn in nomination papers for the April 6 town election, and Saturday is the last day to vote on tiny art. Drop by the TPL lobby to visit submitted artwork from community members of all ages and vote for your favorite piece from each age category. Can’t make it to the library? Check out all of the artwork and cast your vote for your favorite in each age category here. Winners will be announced on Sunday February 18. 

It’s a packed week for board and committee meetings, so check back often. Finally, happy Valentine’s Day, friends 🩷

Monday, Feb. 12

Wellness Workshop: Love and Dating Later in Life
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

This topic is one that people rarely discuss as they age. Some people may feel that love or dating is in the past for them, perhaps even questioning how they would even find someone new.  Let’s explore this topic together in this safe space where you can feel free to share your thoughts and feelings. Please register online at myactvecenter.com, in person at the senior center or by calling the senior center reception desk at 978-640-4480.

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

The FinCom continues its budget reviews in advance of Town Meeting. Tonight they hear details on fire, police, and solid waste among other areas. 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 is due to hear presentations on the Tree House overflow lot and the proposed retail cannabis outlet at 1625 Andover St. 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. 

Tuesday, Feb. 13

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

The Select Board will also hear from proponents on a proposed retail cannabis outlet at 1625 Andover St. along with Eco Auto, which is requesting a Class I license for expanded vehicle sales. Agenda

Phoneboy w/ The Backfires
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Taffeta Lowell

Kick off Valentine’s Day early at the fabulous Taffeta at Western Avenue Studios. This humble Hoboken three piece ensemble bills its style as “all about living in the moment.” Learn more

Wed., Feb. 14

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

After a public session on the proposed budget, the School Committee will hear about the new IEP training and a new program of studies at TMHS. Agenda

20s & 30s: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Valentine’s Day. A day of giant teddy bears, overpriced Ubers, and (sometimes) Ben & Jerry’s. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the night that does not include overcrowded restaurants and the umpteenth “surprise” proposal of the day, please join the Tewksbury Public Library for our Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. This event is suitable for singles, couples, and anyone in between. This event is for those in their 20s & 30s and registration is required. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.

Thursday, Feb. 15

Haitian Creole Bilingual Story Hour
When: 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

The Community Teamwork Family Resource Network is here weekly. Practice using your home language with us. Our staff will be here with an interpreter speaking Haitian Creole. At our playgroup we will work on Early Literacy skills and more. Ask CTI about any resources they can help provide for you and your family. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee
When: 4:30 p.m.
Where: TMHS LG1

The School Committee and Tewksbury Teachers Association will continue the open collective bargaining process. Residents can find all documents relevant to the discussion here. May be televised based on Tewksbury Telemedia availability. Agenda

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

The BoH will take up a sharps take-back program initiative and discuss an April 4 Health Fair at the Tewksbury Senior Center.

Friday, Feb. 16

Technology Class: Editing Photos
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Apple iPhone users can learn about more advanced photo editing features: ways to edit and organize photos using filters, adjusting colors and lighting and cropping/resizing. 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.

Nomination Papers Deadline
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Town Clerk

Today is the last day to turn in at least 50 signatures from registered Tewksbury voters if you wish to run for one of 12 open seats. Learn more.

Movie: The Holdovers
When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases, The Holdovers. A cranky history teacher at a remote New England prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go. Starring Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa. Much of the film was shot in Massachusetts. Comedy/Drama. Rated R. 2 Hours, 13 Minutes. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Silvertones Big Band 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.

Weekend

Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee Caucus
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Town Hall

The annual caucus to elect Democratic delegates for the June 1, 2024 state convention will be held on Saturday, February 17 at the Town Hall. Check in is 9:30 a.m. and the caucus begins at 10 a.m. All registered Tewksbury Democrats are welcome to attend and participate in the proceedings. There will be an election to send 14 delegates and three alternates to Worcester, where this year’s convention is being held. There is a meeting immediately following. Chair Cathy Dwyer says guests will include Jomarie Buckley, candidate for Select Board, and Christopher Moncada, candidate for School Committee.

Middlesex Community College Student Art Show
When: Through Sunday, March 10
Where: Gallery Z

Gallery Z hosts the Middlesex Community College Student Art Show through Sunday, March 10, at 167 Market St. The nonprofit visual and performing arts center and café in Downtown Lowell is open Wednesday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday, from 7 to 10 p.m. The venue is closed Monday and Tuesday. For information, call 978-692-5040.