What’s Happening In Tewksbury This Week

Saturday is cleanup day around town, and the weather looks great

On Friday, Tewksbury celebrated its second year as one of 91 Massachusetts cities and towns designated as a Tree City with the planting of two trees native to the Eastern United States: a “Wildfire” black gum, also called a black Tupelo or sour gum, and a tulip poplar.

The Garden Club’s Susan Young, center, above, was instrumental in achieving Tree City status along with resident Al Mancini, who could not attend. Young led a ceremony at the Library with speakers including Library Director Diane Giarrusso, Assistant Director Nicole Goolishian, Select Board member James Mackey, and Garden Club member Pam Meroski, who shared information on the two trees.

“Today on Arbor Day, as we’re celebrating our second Tree City year, we are also celebrating the planting of two native trees on library grounds, which is the start of a new collaborative journey,” said Young. In addition, the Garden Club continued its 40-year tradition of giving saplings to third-grade students. Last year, three trees — a red bud, a pussy willow and a flowering dogwood — were planted at the Center Elementary School.

Giarrusso pointed out the new stage and walkways that were installed at the Library with CPA funding. The stage will be used for the town’s popular summer concerts, and the walkways make the lawn and the Community Garden more accessible.

The black gum will likely reach 30 to 50 feet. In early autumn, it will turn it a deep scarlet. In the late spring its flowers will attract bees, and in late summer the flowers produce fruit that is highly nutritious for our songbirds as they prepare for their fall migrations. The tulip poplar tree is a member of the magnolia family.

“It’s actually a very fast-growing tree — it can grow up to 25 inches in a year,” said Meroski, eventually possibly reaching 100 feet. “Those flowers will produce a wealth of nectar and pollen; hummingbirds and bees will be frequent visitors to the tree, and it’s also host to two species of caterpillars.”

More tree plantings are planned for the Library back lawn next year and going forward.

“You’re going to need to come back next year so that you can see what we’re going to do as our next steps,” said Young.

Looking ahead

Town Meeting is May 6 and May 8 at TMHS. There are important articles being considered both evenings. Check out our Know Before You Go for details. Alphabest is offering free childcare for PreK – Grade 8 on Monday, but you need to sign up by May 2.

The Carnation is happy to run letters for and against various articles. As with the town election, we will publish residents’ final thoughts two days ahead of each Town Meeting. Letters for Monday, May 6 warrant articles must be received by us by May 1, while letters in regard to May 8 articles must be in by May 3. If you wish to cite statistics, legal opinions, etc. please include links to your sources so residents can follow up if they choose.

The annual Power of Flowers Project Bloom Festival is Saturday, May 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Grow Greenhouses. A wide variety of annuals, perennials, locally created artisan goods, garden novelty items, and other unique gifts will be sold. Learn more. 

Friends of the Library Book Donation event is May 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your gently used books for resale to benefit the Friends. No encyclopedias, dictionaries, or textbooks please.

A dine out at Mac’s Dairy Farm to benefit the Friends of the Library is all day on May 15. Mention the Friends and they will get a percentage of your sale.

The Lions Club Meat Bingo is also Wed., May 15 at TJ Callahan’s. Revenue from this year’s event, which features a raffle of a giant lobster, will fund the annual Beep Ball tournament on Sept. 7, with the Boston Strong Beep Ball team playing three innings against the Tewksbury Fire Department, and the winner playing three more innings against the Boston Renegades. Learn more.

And pencil in May 22 to learn more about the Lions Club at 7 p.m. at TJ Callahan’s. Wilmington residents welcome!

The Tewksbury Garden Club annual plant sale is Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Tewksbury Library. Get your annuals, perennials, herbs and more. Free kid’s planting activity. Learn more

Here’s some of what’s coming up this week.

Monday, April 29

DJ Dance & Lunch
When: Doors open 11:30 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

The monthly luncheon dance is $8 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door but may not include lunch, and there is no discount for tickets purchased without the meal, which is provided by AgeSpan’s Traveling Chef. This month’s menu is a taco bar: corn tortilla soup, hard and soft taco shells, seasoned ground beef with all the fixins, cilantro lime rice, beans and tres leche cake for dessert. 

Author Shaina Steinberg Discusses “Under The Paper Moon”
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Author Shaina Steinberg discusses her new historical mystery, Under The Paper Moon. Two former spies who shared more than just missions during WWII reunite in 1948 Los Angeles. Can they let go of heartbreak long enough to team up for one last operation? Steinberg is the author of the Bishop & Gallagher Mysteries, as well as a film and television writer who’s worked on Malcolm in the Middle, Everwood, Cold Case, Bionic Woman and Spartacus.

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

After addressing a sign special permit and discussions on 1563 and 910 Andover St., the board will hear updates on the Melmark project. Agenda

Tuesday, April 30

Community Preservation Committee
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall

The committee will hear an update on CPA needs and possibilities and review the 2024 Town Meeting articles that pertain to CPA spending. Agenda

Adult Board Game Night
When: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Enjoy playing board games while socializing with others! This month, board game extraordinaire Jonah McCreary will introduce two games — Ticket To Ride and Pandemic. Additionally, several tables will be available for “open play” if you’d like to bring your own games or borrow one of the library’s games. Light refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, May 1

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

After executive session, the School Committee will hear from TPS Food and Nutrition Services and consider an out-of-state field trip request. Agenda

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

The Commission will hear an update on 1596 Andover St. and an emergency certification for 4 Terramore Dr. Agenda

Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library Meeting
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Library

All are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of the fabulous Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library. Come learn about upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities.

Thursday, May 2

20s and 30s: Pints + Pages Book Group
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Karma in Andover, MA

A social book group geared towards readers in their 20’s and 30’s. The group meets on the first Thursday of every other month. The book discussion will be hosted by librarians from the Wilmington and Tewksbury Public Libraries. Meeting location rotates between Wilmington, MA and Tewksbury, MA. Book: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. If you have an MVLC library card, you can pick up a copy at the Tewksbury Public Library. Register here, limited space.

Digital Decluttering with Professional Organizer Jamie Novak
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Wondering how to easily delete all those emails? Tired of the “running out of space” messages on your phone? Log on to this program and learn how to declutter your devices. Led by professional organizer Jamie Novak, who is the bestselling author of Keep This, Toss That: The Practical Guide To Tidying Up and host of “The 10 Minute Podcast.”

Friday, May 3

Rep. Tram Nguyen Office Hours
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Zoom, register here

State Rep. Tram Nguyen holds virtual office hours on the first Friday and the third Tuesday of every month via Zoom. Please sign up ahead of time using this link. As always, residents may reach out to Rep. Nguyen’s office at any time to discuss an issue. Simply email her Legislative Director Tobin Abraham at Tobin.Abraham@mahouse.gov, or call 617-722-2060 x 5.

Chess Class Series presented by Tewksbury Recreation
When: 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Library, learn more here

Kids in grades K-5 can learn how to play chess, and for those who already know how to play, learn new ways to let your creativity flow on the chess board. Friday afternoons May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st and June 14th, 21st, and June 28th. Please note there is no class on May 24th. This is an eight 8-week series. 

Weekend

Saturday, May 4 is Annual Spring Town Clean Up Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. See the flyer, below, or click here for info on special services. Community service hours are available. Email clean.up.tewksbury@gmail.com with questions.

There are complementary events being run by the VFW, the Library and the Friends of the Elderly:

20s & 30s Volunteer Day
When: 9:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Where: Wherever there is trash, register here

Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer to clean up Tewksbury Public Library and the surrounding area. As part of the Tewksbury Beautification Committee’s Spring 2024 Town Wide Clean Up, we’ll spend a few hours picking up trash along Chandler St., East St., Livingston St., and Hospital Rd. All volunteers will receive trash bags and gloves. Breakfast refreshments will be available from 9:15 – 10 a.m. Registration is required for an accurate headcount for supplies. 

Suggestion: A prize for the most empty nips collected

May 4: VFW Day of Service 
When: 10 a.m.
Where: East Street Cemetery, 172 East St.

VFW Post 8164 members join with the community for a collaborative effort to clean up the town cemetery. Volunteers will rake and haul away debris accumulated over the winter months. This event aims to honor veterans and ensure that the cemetery is properly maintained for the upcoming Memorial Day Ceremony.

May 4: Indoor Community Yard Sale & Lunch
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

After cleanup, residents are invited to the Tewksbury Senior Center for lunch and to browse tables of treasures to benefit the Friends of the Elderly. Enjoy a variety of lunch options including hot dogs, chicken salad, or sausage, peppers and onions, with chips and a drink. There is a 50/50 raffle. Contact Ginny for details at 978- 851-3297 or to reserve your space (Center provides the table). $25/1 or $35/2. Learn more

May 4: 20s & 30s Goat Yoga at Chip-in Farm
When: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Bedford, register here

Head to Chip-In Farm in Bedford for a relaxing afternoon of goat yoga with some adorable baby goats. Get ready to stretch, laugh, and make new furry friends during an hour of outdoor yoga with a certified instructor. You’re welcome to arrive early to explore the farm, meet the goats, and browse the farm store before class starts at 3:30.

May 5: Tewksbury Youth Lacrosse “Homecoming”
When: Starts at 9 a.m.
Where: Livingston Street lacrosse fields

All teams will play home as host to the competition. There will be food trucks and a “Fastest Shoot” competition where kids can see how fast they can throw, as measured with a radar gun. The community is welcome.