News Nearby: Tewksbury Recreation Complex Close to Opening

Wilmington residents aren't only interested in what happens in town. So each week we provide you with a look at items that are making headlines in surrounding towns.

Here is a look at the latest News Nearby.

Merrimack Valley Pavilion Expected To Open In November

TEWKSBURY--With each passing day, Gary Brown's vision for the property at 2087 Main St. is becoming closer to reality.

Some time in November, featuring a multi-level laser tag arena, a miniature golf course and an arcade. The complex will also feature a snack bar.

Reading Public Library Receives $5.1M for Renovations and Addition

READING--Finally, Reading officials received the word they’d been hoping for: the state has awarded the town $5.1 million toward a $12 million public library "gut" renovation and 8,000-square-foot addition project.

Between Jan. 2 and Feb. 11 of 2013, a special town meeting will be held, according to the project schedule, to approve a debt exclusion to pay for the town’s portion of the project. The cost, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner said, for an average homeowner, would be $100 a year for 10 years.

A Slice of Hollywood Opening in North Reading

NORTH READING--Former Golden Globes regular Alex Williams took what she learned from being styled for the red carpet in Beverly Hills and brought it to North Reading when she opened her own salon on Main Street. 

Williams spent two years attending the Golden Globes to escort stars to be photographed by the Hollywood Foreign Press and interviewed on Extra and other entertainment shows. Williams had to look the part to do her job, and spent hours in hair and makeup before getting to work. 

Opening her salon, Axle Color Studio, fulfilled her dream of offering local customers the Beverly Hills salon experience without the travel or high price point.

Ragucci: Stoneham DPW Completes Most Street Repaving in 30 Years

STONEHAM--The Stoneham Department of Public Works has had one of its most productive years in recent memory when it comes to street repaving, as the department has repaved more than four miles of roads, according to Town Administrator David Ragucci.

"According to Director of Public Works (Robert Grover), this is the most he's ever had paved since he's been with the town of Stoneham which is about 30 years," Ragucci told the Stoneham Board of Selectmen Tuesday night at Town Hall in the Banquet Room. 

Selectman Robert Sweeney asked Ragucci if Chapter 90 money was used on the repaving projects, and the town administrator confirmed that the town spent $400,000 in Chapter 90 funds. Ragucci noted that $300,000 was also spent "on the streets that were torn up to do the water line replacement" and Selectman Chairman Frank Vallarelli added that utility work was also completed during that project.