Wilmington Apple Daily E-Newsletter
Sunday, September 27, 2026
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WEATHER: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 62. Northeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
STORM REMINDERS FROM RMLD: Reading Municipal Light Department wishes to remind Wilmington residents that strong winds and heavy rain could increase the risk of downed branches and power interruptions. Check the RMLD outage map to see reported outages HERE. Review the RMLD Storm Guide for tips to stay safe HERE. If you see a downed power line or electrical equipment, call 781-942-6598 or 781-944-1340 right away. Do not approach the area and stay at least 35 feet back.
FALL FEST WAS POSTPONED, BUT THE 5K WAS RAIN OR SHINE: While yesterday’s Fall Fest was postponed until next Saturday, October 3, 2026 due to the weather, the Fall Fest’s 5K moved forward as planned. Congratulations to the 130 runners and walkers. The top 3 male finishers were John Lucey (16:18), Brett Mazza (17:32), and Jason Chiesa (20:36). The top 3 female finishers were Jessie Ying (21:47), Elizabeth McDermott (22:34), and Breanna Dionne (22:48). See the full results HERE and photos HERE.
FARMERS MARKET CANCELED: Today’s Wilmington Farmers Market has been canceled due to the weather. The final market of the season will take place next Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10am to 1pm, on the Town Common. And don’t forget about the three monthly “Winter” Farmers Markets at the Senior Center on Sunday, October 25; Sunday, November 22; and Sunday, December 20 — all from 10am to 1pm.
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT POSTPONED & REGISTRATION EXTENDED: This weekend’s Kanter Klassic (the 6th Annual Elliot Kanter Memorial Pickleball Tournament) has been postponed to next Saturday, October 3 at 9am at the Glen Road Pickleball Courts. The tournament is for Wilmington residents only, and there’s a $25 fee to play. Registration has been extended and now closes on September 30 at noon. Register HERE.
WILDCATS WIN: The WHS Varsity Football Team (3-0) defeated Arlington Catholic, 42-7, on the road yesterday. QB Mark Holleran completed all his passes and accounted for two touchdowns. RB Julian Martins racked up 91 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sophomores Brayden Long and Michael Duffy both scored their first varsity touchdowns. Ayden Bellevy had a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a forced fumble with a recovery.
RAMS WIN TOO: The Shawsheen Tech Varsity Football Team (3-0) defeated Bishop-Fenwick, 7-0, on the road yesterday. The Rams picked up their 30TH STRAIGHT VICTORY, having not lost since November 2023. The Rams held last year’s Division 2 Super Bowl runner-up to negative 7 total yards in a defensive masterpiece. Senior Captain Quinn Carbone found the end zone with a 1-yard run, and also recovered a fumble on defense.
FIRST RESPONDERS MASS: The Parish of the Transfiguration is holding its First Responders Mass at 11am at St. Dorothy’s Church. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and all first responders, along with their families and members of our community, are invited. All first responders will receive a special blessing, St. Michael Medal, and prayer card as a small token of gratitude.
OBITUARY: Condolences to the family and friends of Barbara L. (White) Nickerson. Nickerson — a beloved wife, devoted mother of two, and loving grandmother of three — grew up in Wilmington and passed away at Willowbrook Rehab and Healthcare in town. Read her obituary HERE.
POLICE LOG HIGHLIGHTS: On Monday, September 21, at 7:09am, M. Talavera (39, Andover) was arrested on a warrant, as well as Operating A Motor Vehicle With A Suspended License and Failure To Stop/Yield. … On Tuesday, September 22, at 2:28pm, J. Pena Gonzalez (36, Hyde Park) was served a summons for Operating A Motor Vehicle With A Suspended License. [Read the full logs HERE and HERE.]
PROPERTIES SOLD: W. & A. Nolan sold 104 Nichols Street to D. & E. McLaughlin for $705,000 on September 23. … J. Spada & E. DiStefano sold 333 Chestnut Street to R. & S. Sevakula for $1,166,333.
LRTA EXTENDS FREE BUS SERVICE IN TOWN: The Lowell Regional Transit Authority has extended its fare free program through July 1, 2027. (It was originally supposed to end on September 30, 2026.) Wilmington residents can travel LRTA’s two Wilmington routes for free. The Route 12 bus travels from Wilmington’s MBTA Commuter Rail station on Main Street through Tewksbury (Route 38) to Lowell’s Kennedy Center. The Route 21 bus travels from Wilmington’s MBTA Commuter Rail station on Main Street to Burlington, with stops at LaCascia’s Bakery, Burlington Mall and Lahey Clinic.
SAVE THE DATE: The Shriners are hosting a Trunk or Treat and Touch A Truck event on Sunday, October 18, from 1pm to 4pm, at Shriners Auditorium. This is a free and fun way to celebrate Halloween. Kids ages 14 and under will get to Trick or Treat in a safe environment full of decorated vehicles with trunks full of treats.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEWS — Orchestra To Go To Italy: At its recent meeting, the School Committee unanimously approved the request of WHS Strings Teacher Jennifer Perkins to hold an overseas field trip to Italy during April Vacation in 2028. The 8-day trip — titled “Music in Italy” — will include stays in Milan, Florence and the Venice region. Stops will include the La Scala Opera House; the Violin Museum; the La Fenice Theatre; and the Muaggio Musicale Fiorentino, plus several cathedrals and musical performances. This marks the orchestra’s first overseas field trip since COVID-19.
SELECT BOARD NEWS — Tom Pazyra & Jim Buckley To Be Recognized For Pickleball Efforts: At its recent meeting, the Select Board unanimously approved a request from the Wilmington Pickleball Community to place a commemorative plaque at the pickleball courts at Old Town Hall in honor of Tom Pazyra and Jim Buckley “for their continued efforts in establishing and growing the sport of pickleball within the town.” The Wilmington Recreation Commission also unanimously endorsed the request.
EARLY VOTING HOURS ANNOUNCED: The in-person early voting schedule for the November 3, 2026 Election has been announced. All early voting will take place at Town Hall (146 Middlesex Avenue):
Saturday, October 17 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, October 19 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday October 22 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 23 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday October 24 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, October 26 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday October 29 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
VIDEO — Wilmington Remembers 9/11: Earlier this month, the Town of Wilmington held a September 11 Remembrance Ceremony on the Town Common. Town Manger Eric Slagle, Select Board Chair Kevin Caira, Fire Chief Bill Cavanaugh, Police Chief Brian Pupa, Veterans Director Michael Frotten, and State Senator Barry Finegold offered remarks. Former Veterans Director Lou Cimaglia oversaw the ceremony, which also saw a performance from the WHS Marching Band and Bagpipes from WPD’s Matt Stavro. Watch the ceremony, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, HERE.
FOOD SHOPPING GUIDE: Read this week’s Market Basket flyer HERE. Read this week’s McKinnon’s flyer HERE.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Brian Gallucci, of Wilmington, recently graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with a major in Philosophy and Economics.
TOWN IS HIRING: The Town of Wilmington is searching for a custodian to work nights (2:30pm-10:30pm) at Wilmington High. The position pays $25.72 to $30.09 hourly. Read the job description HERE.
Contact Editor Robert Hayes at wilmingtonapple@gmail.com or 978-604-8933 (cell) with corrections, comments, questions, concerns, news tips, story ideas and press releases.
