Briefs: YMCA Summer Signup Open, Johnson Weighs In On TM Retirement

Plus e-recycling event scheduled and TPL teen room mural debuts.

The link to sign up for Greater Lowell YMCA youth summer camp programs is now available on the town website. The YMCA will offer a variety of week-long summer camp programs including Outdoor Rec Camp, Basketball Camp and All Sports Camp. Residents do not need to be YMCA members to register for these programs. Additionally, residents are given a two-week dedicated registration period before the programs are open to YMCA members, and only if they do not reach capacity following that exclusive registration period. This initial offering will have five one-week programs from July 8 through August 9.

Families can sign up now for sessions. The town website also has links to rec opportunities from Tewksbury Youth Sports, the Library, Chess Wizards and Alphabest.

Richard ‘Made It Look Easy’
Former Select Board Chair Todd Johnson was also chair of that board 14 years ago, when Town Manager Richard Montuori was hired. Johnson reflected on Montuori’s hiring and tenure in light of his just-announced retirement:

“Richard Montuori is and has been the consummate professional town manager. When I met with him 14 years ago to negotiate his first contract with Tewksbury, I could tell he was special. His approach over the years to numerous challenges in fiscal areas, ethics areas, leadership areas, and service delivery areas was always well thought out, level headed, fair and appropriate. He was not afraid to say no when necessary and took the heat required.

Being town manager is a set of unique responsibilities and in my opinion, it takes a highly versatile and talented person to straddle all those duties seamlessly. Richard made it look easy at times, but I know well as a Select Board member that it never was.

Tewksbury owes him respect and great appreciation for his efforts on our community’s behalf. His imprint will hopefully last for years to come and the example he set is something for those who choose his successor to strive for. I wish him nothing but the best and thank him for all he has done for our town.

Recycling Event
On July 13, Green Day Recycling will host an electronics recycling event at St. William’s Church where members of the community can bring their old electronics, such as TVs, computers, and other devices, to be recycled in a responsible and eco-friendly manner. The company will also be accepting a wide range of electronics, appliances and bicycles.

Check out the flyer, above, for info.

New mural debuts in TPL Teen Room by Local Artist, Eyeformation 
Some may be inspired to ask “What’s in a name?” At TPL this spring, staff have been inspired to ask “what’s in a room?” namely, the Teen Room. What’s in the Teen Room  may surprise you: video game consoles, beanbag chairs, a manga wall, and so much  more.  Even with all of those cool things, the design of the Teen Room is never stationary for too long. Teen Librarian Emily Leggat and Clerical Assistant Kate Jennings keep the Teen Room alive and full of light, fun, and information for younger members of the  Tewksbury community. This spring, the staff duo has embarked on a journey to  revitalize this dedicated teen space to keep it fresh for their audience of teens from grades 6 to 12.  

The newest addition? An original mural by Tewksbury local Frank Casazza, the artist and creator behind Eyeformation. As soon as Emily and Kate saw the bold pops of color in Frank’s work, they knew he was the right fit to brighten up the Teen Room. The mural is both bold and timeless, encouraging a discussion about art. The Teen Department understands the need for teens to have a space where they can connect, learn and create. Before teens can begin to do this, they need to feel welcome. From furniture,  games, supportive staff and now the mural, teens in the area know that the Tewksbury  Public Library’s Teen Room is a space for them. 

Questions about library services or events for teens? Please visit tewksburypl.org or call  978-640-4490 x279 for more information. Stay tuned for a brand-new Teen Room newsletter coming soon to your inbox. You can sign-up now at tewksburypl.org/teen department. To learn more about Eyeformation, visit https://www.eyeformation.net/