It’s Eclipse Day! Plus 10+ Things to Know This Week In Tewksbury

Tables available to community for indoor yard sale at the Senior Center

Remember that Tewksbury Public Schools will close an hour early today for the total solar eclipse. The Mass. Department of Education eclipse site has everything you need to know. 

Thank you to our Town Clerk, her staff, and all our poll workers who managed a record number of declared write-in candidates and helped the town top 13% participation in a town election. And a shout out to School Committee Chair Bridget Garabedian, who not only topped the contested race ticket but got the most votes of any candidate on the ballot. 👏👏👏

Above, TPD community resource officers held a CPR class for Tewksbury’s No Excuse Mom group.

This week will see a number of board reorganizations as we gear up for Town Meeting. Looking ahead, tickets are available for the Friends of the Elderly Spring Fling spaghetti supper for $10. Get them at the Senior Center reception desk or from any Friends member. And, the indoor yard sale fundraiser is Saturday, May 4. If you would like a space, the cost is $25 or two spaces for $35; a 6’ table and two chairs are provided. If you would like additional info about these opportunities, drop by the reception desk or contact Donna at 978-851-6494.

Finally, note that National Grid will begin work on a gas main replacement project on Pine Street between Whipple Road and Chandler Street starting on Monday, weather permitting. Work is anticipated to take approximately 10 to 12 weeks to complete. School bus routes are unaffected, but during construction hours, delays should be expected. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes where possible. 

Monday, April 8

Wellness Workshop: Stress Reduction
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

In this workshop we will open up the conversation about the signs and symptoms and discuss tips and strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Please note pre-registration is appreciated and walk-ins are welcome. Sign up online, in person at the senior center or by calling 978-640-4480.

Eclipse Picnic
When: 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

All ages are invited to TPL’s Eclipse Picnic for a viewing of the eclipse on the library’s back lawn. This event starts at 2:00pm with 95% coverage projected for just before 3:30pm. To learn more about the projected path, please click here. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and snacks to enjoy during the event. Learn more.

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

HA members will review budgets, bills and vacancies. Agenda

Beautification Committee
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Library Trustees Room

The committee will discuss new switchbox art and plans for the town spring cleanup event on May 4.  Agenda

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

After an executive session and reorganization after the reelection of Vice-Chair Vinny Fratalia, the board will hear more details on the proposed two-story, four-unit multifamily development at 20 Glenwood Rd. and 2551 Main St. Tewksbury Dental is also scheduled to appear, though they’ve requested a series of continuances. Agenda

Seed Selection & Seed Starting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Starting your plants from seeds is cheaper than buying transplants and offers a much broader variety. Whether you are interested in annuals, perennials, edibles, or even shrubs and trees, this workshop will give you all the information you need, from selecting seeds to planting them in the ground. 

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

Finance Committee
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The Finance Committee will hear updates on the FY25 budget and review the Annual and Special Town Meeting warrants. Agenda

Tuesday, April 9

Hidden Battles Heroes Meetup
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Greater Lowell Family YMCA

Confidential, weekly meet up for veterans, military and healthcare professionals and first responders. Come join like-minded individuals, in a comfortable atmosphere, for casual discussion and camaraderie.

Communicating With Your Dog
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Billerica Public Library, a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium

Discover how your dog communicates through sounds and body language, and learn how to understand the meaning behind these messages. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to “read” unfamiliar dogs, strengthen your bond with your pet, and address any problem behaviors in canine interactions. Presented by Tracie Laliberte, a certified veterinary naturopath who will guide you through the fascinating world of canine communication. Register here.

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 reorganize after the reelection of Vice Chair James Mackey and addition of new member Eric Ryder. The board will also hear an update on the YMCA recreation program (see details here) and discuss a Facilities Committee for the Tewksbury Public Schools.  Agenda

Wednesday, April 10

TMHS Tennis Dine-out at Kyoto
When: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Kyoto

Eat in or get takeout, mention the Tewksbury Boys Tennis Team and Kyoto will donate 15% of food sales.

Teen Movie: Barbie
When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Barbie is rated PG-13, and the run time is 1 hour and 54 minutes. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12.

School Committee
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: TMHS LG1 or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (22) or Verizon (34)

The School Committee will reorganize after the reelection of Chair Bridget Garabedian — who topped the ticket with 2,615 votes — and addition of new member Chris Moncada. They will then enter executive session and return to hear presentations on TMHS student exchange and Wynn cell phone pilot programs. Agenda

Thursday, April 11

Non-Fiction Book Group: A Castle in Wartime
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Join us for a discussion of  “A Castle in Wartime: One Family, Their Missing Sons, and the Fight to Defeat the Nazis” by Catherine Bailey. 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.

Free NARCAN Training
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Public Health Museum, register here

Prevention Partners of Northern Middlesex & The Public Health Museum offer free Narcan, training, and information. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid or Fentanyl overdose, and you can still carry Narcan even if you don’t know anyone living with addiction. You might save a life. 

Friday, April 12

Movie: American Fiction
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

The Tewksbury Public Library (TPL) hosts Friday morning film screenings in the Senior Center’s Library/Media Room. This week, enjoy American Fiction, which was nominated for 5 Academy Awards this year. A novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiling from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain. Starring Jeffrey Wright. Comedy/Drama. R. 1 Hour, 56 minutes. Limited to 25 seats. Snacks and water will be served. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library and the Tewksbury Lions Club. A $1 donation is suggested. Please register online, at the desk or by calling the Senior Center.

Movie: Poor Things
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Poor Things received 11 Academy Award nominations this year, including a win for Best Lead Actress. The incredible tale is about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe. Comedy/Drama/Romance. Rated R. 2 Hours, 21 minutes. Doors will open at 7pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. 

Both movie showings are cosponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Tewksbury Lions Club. 

Saturday, April 13

Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee Meeting
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Town Hall

All residents are invited to the Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee’s April meeting. Tewksbury residents who are registered Democrats may apply to join as associate members.

Dads & Donuts
When: 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Drop in event

Join us for story time … and donuts! Sharing story time with a parent or caregiver is a good way to foster a love of reading and jumpstart a journey of lifelong learning. This program is designed for children ages 3 to 7, but siblings are always welcome. 

Dance the Night Away
When: 7 – 11 p.m.
Where: Knights of Columbus

Fundraiser to benefit St. William’s Teen ACTS (Adoration Community Theology and Service) Retreat features a fun-filled evening of dancing and socializing with DJ Carol Blanchette. $20 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Debbie Albano at dmalbano@verizon.net Venmo: @DMA49. Tickets are also available at the door, or you can drop off money to St. William’s Rectory between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. M-F. Learn more.