Instruments donated to Lowell High students
LOWELL — The Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation presented the students at Lowell High School with a donation of top-quality musical instruments valued at $15,000 during a ceremony at LHS held Dec. 17. Each year, the foundation gives the “gift of music” to three schools in need. The donation includes soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, two clarinets and a trumpet. All are Conn-Selmer instruments, Gerry Mulligan’s favorite instrument of choice.
“Gerry loved to help young musicians,” Franca Mulligan said. “He would be so proud that we are carrying on his legacy. Lowell High School is a very deserving school.”
LHS was selected upon the recommendation of Glenn Morgan, a graduate of the then-University of Lowell (now part of UMass Lowell), who now serves with the Lowell Arts Community. Morgan learned that the school had a flood five years ago, which destroyed many of the school’s instruments. He contacted Mia Toschi, executive director of the Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation, and the foundation agreed to provide a donation.
In addition to the flood, the school also had major budget cuts to the music program in 2025.
“This donation will make a huge difference and change lives,” Instrumental Music Director Jared Logan said. “Music builds confidence, shapes hearts, and opens doors to possibilities children never knew they had.”
Gerry Mulligan was known as one of the greatest baritone saxophone players, but he also had a long history of helping young musicians in need. For more information about the foundation, visit gerryandfrancamulliganfoundation.org.
Winter market
TEWKSBURY — Tewksbury Community Market’s winter market is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler St. The last winter market of the season takes place Feb. 12. Each market features 25 to 30 vendors selling food and other products.
Vendors include many of the same businesses featured during the summer markets including Big Rich’s Gourmet Hot Sauce, KRM Chocolates, Tewksbury Honey, Black Sheep Craft Ice Cream, Bittersweet Herb Farm and others, as well as handcrafted goods, artisan soaps, jewelry, books, clothing and more.
Food vendors include Polish Prince Pierogi, The Stand (lemonade), Sofie’s Apples, and Bird’s Nest Italian Street Food. The community groups of Baldwin Girl Scouts and the Public Health Museum will be tabling at the event.
For information, contact Community/Economic Development Planner Alex Lowder at 978-640-4370 ext. 248 or alowder@tewksbury-ma.gov or Community Outreach Librarian Robert Hayes at 978-640-4490 ext. 205 or rhayes@tewksburypl.org, or visit tewksburymarket.com.
Vanna Howard fundraiser
LOWELL — The Ban family, Kowith Kret, Mony Var, Narith Sokun, Rithy Uong, Saroeun Thou, Sophy and Sopheap Theam, Sreyvan Nget, Thao Lan and Vichtcha (Vee) Kong host a fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., to support state Rep. Vanna Howard’s bid for the 1st Middlesex Senate District seat. The event takes place at Simply Khmer Restaurant, 26 Lincoln St.. Suggested donations start at $25.
Merrimack River survey
The Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards wants the public’s help to shape the future of the Merrimack River by filling out a 2025 River User Survey at surveymonkey.com/r/MRUS2025. The survey will help ACES assess user concerns about the river’s condition, allowing for a comprehensive five-year update that highlights changing trends, environmental changes and public perception. All survey responses to the 15-minute survey are confidential.
For more information, visit aces-alliance.org.
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