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Calendar

EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar items are submitted by readers and are only lightly edited.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submitting items to the Merrimack Journal is 5 p.m. Friday. Please send your items to neighbors@nashua
telegraph.com at least two weeks prior to the event.

BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross will hold these blood drives. For more information or to reserve a time, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

8:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 1: St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 4: Cinemagic Theater, 11 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack.

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 15: St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack.

2-7 p.m. Sept. 17: Our Lady of Mercy, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HISTORICAL SOCIETY YARD SALE

The Merrimack Historical Society will hold a Historical Yard Sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29 at their schoolhouse site at 520 Boston Post Road. Books, documents, artifacts and supplies will be available for sale. A full list will be available by contacting Anita at anitacreager58@comcast.net. This is open to the general public as well as interested historical societies and dealers. Held indoors in case of inclement weather. Parking is available at the Merrimack Valley Baptist Church across the street.

BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE PHOTO SESSION

The Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery offers guests the opportunity to bring a camera and pose for photos with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Merrimack Brewery Tour Center, 221 Daniel Webster Highway. These "gentle giants" have been an Anheuser-Busch symbol of tradition since the first Clydesdale hitch and a red beer wagon paraded to celebrate the end of Prohibition in 1933. Free. Information: 595-1202 or budweisertours.com.

NE PARKINSON’S RIDE

Join the 2015 New England Parkinson’s Ride on Sept. 12 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Choose from a 10-, 30-, 50- or 100-mile bicycle ride and help pedal toward a cure for Parkinson’s. Start and finish festival at Old Orchard Beach Ballpark. Registration fee is $45 (free for riders younger than 18). Fundraising requirement is $100 via Team Fox. Information: neparkinsonsride.com or visit the organizers at their offices at 515 Daniel Webster Highway.

MERRIMACK BUSINESS EXPO

The Merrimack Town Council initiated and is overseeing the ninth annual Merrimack Fall Festival and Business Expo, aimed at showcasing businesses, crafters and civic organizations. The purpose is to provide businesses a conduit for meeting the residents of Merrimack and showing how much there is to offer within Merrimack and surrounding communities. The expo will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 19 at Merrimack High School. Free. Many area restaurants will be on hand selling their food. Information: merrimackexpo.com.

MERRIMACK SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB TRIPS

The Merrimack Senior Citizens Club is sponsoring these day trips. Transportation included in cost. Information/registration: 429-1502 or lorraine_lessard@yahoo.com.

Sept. 23: The Beach Boys Tribute Show at Venus DeMilo Resturant in Swansea, Mass. $59. Merrimack residents only.

MERRIMACK SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB FALL FAIR

The Merrimack Senior Citizens Club will hold its annual Fall Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24 at the John O’Leary Adult Community Center. To reserve a table: Irene at 424-2362.

FAMILIES

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT AT MERRIMACK PREMIUM OUTLETS

Merrimack Premium Outlets joins forces with Teen Vogue for a Teen Vogue Back-To-School-Saturday event held noon-5 p.m. Aug. 29, featuring gift card giveaways, photo booth madness, flash tattoos, a live DJ spinning tunes and more, all aimed at giving school bound consumers the 4-1-1 on back-to-school style as they head into the new year. Special guests include style influencer and Boston fashion blogger Katherine Tabinowski of Style Tab. Information: simon.com/teenvogue.

MEEP PREREGISTRATION APPLICATION

The Merrimack School District is accepting registration applications for its inclusionary preschool program, Merrimack Early Education Program, for the 2015-16 school year. Classes are at James Mastricola and Reeds Ferry elementary schools, and will include preschoolers with and without developmental or learning delays to provide opportunities for children to play and learn together. To register for classes: Laura Bobbitt at 424-6215. Information: www.merrimack.k12.nh.us/index.cfm, or Sheila Demers at 424-6215, 424-6218 or sheila.demers@merrimack.k12.nh.us.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department will hold the following events. For more information or to register for an event, visit the Recreation Department at Town Hall, call 882-1046, email mcasparius@merrimacknh.gov or visit
merrimackparksandrec.org.

TRIP TO ARIZONA, UTAH

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Dept. is hosting a trip to Arizona and Utah’s Canyon Country through Collette Tours from Oct. 1-9. Traverse three national parks and be immersed in some of America’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Prices range from $2,749-$3,429 and includes nine days of sightseeing, 12 meals, tour guide, round-trip airfare, transportation from Merrimack and overnight stays at luxury hotels.

BREATHE NH FUN PASS

Merrimack Parks and Recreation has partnered with the New Hampshire Recreation & Park Association and Breathe New Hampshire to bring "The Fun Pass" to the Merrimack community. Fun passes are coupon booklets with savings at ski resorts, amusement parks, zoos, museums, water parks, whale watches and more. There is over $1,800 in savings at more than 100 New England family attractions. In most cases, coupons offer a child 12 and under a free or discounted admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Offers and deals vary by attraction. When you purchase a Fun Pass, you are supporting Breathe New Hampshire’s mission to promote lung health throughout the state. Booklets are $32. To buy a booklet, call or visit the Parks and Recreation Department at Town Hall.

ONGOING

ADULT CENTER LUNCHES

St. Joseph Community Services offers hot lunches at noon Monday-Friday for seniors 60 and older. Join the group for a nutritious meal, camaraderie and a variety of activities. Held at the John O’Leary Adult Center, 4 Church St. Van transportation available. Information: Michelle Kelliher, 424-2100.

BLUEGRASS MUSIC CLUB

The Bluegrass Music Club will meet 7-9 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Merrimack Middle School. Local musicians of all abilities are welcome to bring their musical instruments and join. Information: Kevin Nunley, 249-9982, or www.bluegrassclub.org.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 401

Looking for an outdoor adventure? Join Boy Scout Troop 401! Troop 401 meets 7-8:30 p.m. Monday evenings at St. James Church. If you are 11-18 years old, come join in the fun while you learn about camping, biking, canoeing, hiking, first aid, community service and a whole lot more. Information: M. Kofman at 429-0794.

FOOT CARE CLINIC

A foot care clinic operated by the nurses of Home Health & Hospice Care will be held 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every odd-numbered month at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road. The clinic is open to anyone 50 years of age and older who lives in Merrimack or the surrounding area. Cost is $22, payable by cash or check at time of appointment. For low-income seniors, there will be a simple form to be completed for eligibility purposes. For more information and to schedule your appointment: call Bess at 882-2941. Visit Home Health & Hospice Care at hhhc.org.

JOIN BOY SCOUT TROOP 401

Troop 401 meets 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays at St. James Church. If you are between ages 11-18, come join in the fun while you learn about camping, kayaking, hiking, first aid, community service and more. Information: M. Kofman at 429-0794.

LIONESS CLUB SEEKS MEMBERS

The Merrimack Lioness Club is looking for new members. Meetings held on the first Monday of each month in a member’s home. They participate in community service and fundraising to benefit the town. Members would be happy to arrange transportation to the meeting. Information: Marsha at 440-5399.

FARMERS MARKET

The Merrimack Farmers Market will be at 526 Daniel Webster Highway, home of Vault Motor Storage. Over 20 farmer/vendors provide you a wide array of fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, eggs, meats, wool and locally made products. 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 14. Information: merrimacknh.gov or see our Facebook page at Merrimack Farmers’ Market.

GARDEN CLUB

The Merrimack Garden Club is a group of people from surrounding communities who meet to share a love of gardens and plants. Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, 646 Daniel Webster Highway. Information: www.merrimackgardenclub.org.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Merrimack Historical Society is open from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from May through Thanksgiving. The Society is located in the 1847 Schoolhouse at 520 Boston Post Road. The society offers tours, artifacts, research into history, buildings and genealogy. There is no charge, but donations are cheerfully accepted. The society is always seeking donations of artifacts, books, photos and other items of interest to Merrimack.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS TELEVISED

The speakers at the Merrimack Historical Society meetings will have their programs appear on the town’s cable channel for all to see. Thanks to Ron Ketchie, Bob L’Heureux and the town’s media department for their help.

ROTARY

The Rotary Club of Merrimack meets 7:15-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the John O’Leary Adult Community Center, 4 Church St. Each meeting includes a guest speaker, hot breakfast buffet and an introduction to Rotary. The club is a volunteer organization supporting local communities with donations and scholarships. Merrimack Rotary projects have included scholarships, reconstruction of Kids’ Kove Playground, support for Merrimack flood relief, the Merrimack July Fourth festivities, the Rotary 4-Way Speech Contest, Interact Club, lighting at Reeds Ferry fields and more. Members also work with other clubs on international projects such as eradication of polio, Pure Water for the World, and hurricane relief in Honduras. To RSVP for a breakfast meeting or for information: Chris Christensen at 424-2542 or Chris@ChristensenNH.com or www.merrimackrotary.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. It’s sponsored by Merrimack Crimeline, which is trying to revamp neighborhood watch groups. If you have had a Neighborhood Watch, the Crimeline wants to hear from you. If you want to start a Neighborhood Watch, the crimeline can help you establish one. Information: Community Service Officer Rob Kelleher at 420-1853 or rkelleher@merrimacknh.gov or Jackie Watson at 943-1024.

NH RIGHT RIDERS

The New Hampshire Right Riders ATV and dirt bike club for Merrimack residents is entering its fifth season and riding at its local motocross track. Its purpose is to keep designated areas of town-owned land open for safe and legal riding. Information: www.NHRightRiders.com.

PLAY CRIBBAGE

Come play cribbage at the John O’Leary Adult Center, 4 Church St., at 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. $2.25 fee; winners of nine straight games win the jackpot. All ages welcome. Information: 424-6306.

SENIORS ACTIVITIES

The Merrimack Senior Citizens Club has more than 280 members and always welcomes new members. Club dues are $15 a year for Merrimack seniors older than 55. The group has guest speakers and many activities that take place at its meetings, held 1 p.m. Mondays (excluding holidays) at the John O’Leary Adult Community Center. Bingo is played after the meeting. For information and a schedule of activities: Call 424-6306.

ST. JAMES COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHING ARK

The St. James Community Food Pantry and Clothing Ark is open every Tuesday 9:30 a.m.-noon p.m. Free, gently worn clothing is available to anyone in need. St. James is at 646 Daniel Webster Highway. Information: call 424-7459.

TOASTMASTERS

Toastmasters meetings are held 7-8 a.m., Thursdays at Merrimack Town Hall, 6 Baboosic Lake Road, to help you build confidence, learn leadership skills and be a better communicator. Free. Information: Toastmasters.org or Laurie at 801-9410.

Calendar

EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar items are submitted by readers and are only lightly edited.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submitting items to the Hollis Brookline Journal is 5 p.m. Friday. Please send your items to neighbors@nashuatelegraph.com at least two weeks prior to the event.

BROOKLINE

COMMUNITY EVENTS

BROOKLINE LIONS’
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

The Brookline Lions Club will hold a back-to-school supply drive to benefit Brookline students and to be distributed through the food pantry. Collection will be held through Sept. 5. There will be collection boxes at the Brookline Post Office, public library and general store. New, unused items needed are: Binders (1.5-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch), dividers (5 tab and 8 tab), two-pocket folders, subject notebooks (1, 2 and 3), composition notebooks, index cards, Post-it Notes, filler paper, pens, No. 2 pencils, highlighter markers, erasers, pencil sharpeners, staplers, calculators, pencil boxes or pouches and thumb/USB flash drives; for the middle and high school lockers, locker organizer shelves; and backpacks to carry all suggested items. Information: 769-0732 or kthomp0909@aol.com.

FAMILIES

BROOKINE BEFORE/
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Brookline Before/After-School Program is still registering children in grades K-6 for the 2015-16 school year. It offers a stimulating program in the Brookline elementary schools that includes recreational activities, academic support, field trips and enrichments. Information: Sylvia at 801-4802 or SLM724@aol.com. This is not a school-sponsored program.

HOLLIS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

OLD HOME DAYS COMMITTEE SEEKS RESIDENTS 90 OR OLDER

The Hollis Old Home Days Committee invites Hollis residents 90 or older to be its guests for the chicken barbecue on Sept. 19 at Nichols Field. Please RSVP to Thelma at 889-6369 if you plan to attend and a ticket will be reserved for you.

HOLLIS WOMEN’S CLUB APPLE PIE CONTEST

Submit your best apple pie recipe to the Hollis Woman’s Club Apple Pie Contest, held during Hollis Old Home Days. Bring your pie to the Apple Pie Contest tent at Nichols Field between 9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Sept. 19. No entry fee. One entry per person – a two-crusted homemade apple pie or entry for Open Division (pie must have apples in it). Recipe should accompany entry. There are four divisions – children up to age 12, students 13-21, adults 22 and older and Open all ages. Ribbons and cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each division. Information and entry form at hollisoldhomeays.org/applepiecontest.

FAMILIES

FREE CHILD CHECK SCREENINGS

Free monthly child check screenings are available for all Hollis children 2.5-5 years at Hollis Primary School. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, hearing, speech, coordination or development, you may wish to have your child screened by preschool educators and specialists at a child check. Information: tinyurl.com/k8229d4. Appointments: Paula Izbicki at 324-5995, ext. 5968.

BEAVER BROOK ASSOCIATION

These events will be offered by the Beaver Brook Association. Registration required unless otherwise noted. 465-7787, www.beaverbrook.org. Fees are listed as nonmember/member.

GUIDED HIKE

Enjoy a guided hike at Beaver Brook with experienced leader Judy B. from 1-2:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Steady rain will cancel. Free. Meet at the Maple Hill Farm parking area and Trailhead Kiosk.

LAST HURRAH OF SUMMER CAMP

Miss Stephanie will have fun plans, games, hikes and projects for this Last Hurrah of Summer – Aug. 31-Sept. 2. For students entering Grades K-6. $150 for 3 days.

PICKLING: THE TRADITIONAL, EASY AND PROBIOTIC METHOD

A pickling workshop will be held 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Beaver Brook Nature Center. Old fashioned deli pickles can’t be beat for flavor. They are also easy to make and full of probiotics. Ditch the heat and work of water bath canning. Taste samples of fermented vegetables and condiments. Learn to make dill pickles, tasty fermented vegetables, salsa and mustard. There will be a short discussion on the history and benefits of fermented foods. Take home recipes and instructions on basic brining and fermenting. Sound Interesting? Check out Fall Fermenting on Oct. 1, and Homemade Fire Cider on Nov. 5. $18./$15.

HOME GARDENING SERIES

The Home Gardening Series is held 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 9-Oct. 28 at Beaver Brook Nature Center. The topics of this series are: Vegetable & Fruit Garden Planning, Healthy Soil for Happy Plants, Garden Fertility, Composting, Container and Raised Bed Gardening, Weeds, Pest and Disease and Good Bugs, Bad Bugs; Season Extension and Building an Inexpensive Greenhouse; and Storing the Harvest and Closing up the Garden. Taught by Ron Christie, of Living Earth Farm. $10 pp or $75 for series of 8. $15 per couple. Ten percent off for BBA Members.

FALL FESTIVAL AND NATURE ART SHOW

Beaver Brook Association’s 35th annual Fall Festival & Nature Show will be held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26 and 27 at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road. The Fall Festival is the signature annual event of Beaver Brook Association. Along with the fabulous display of artwork, there will be activities of interest for all age groups, including nature crafts for children, animal presentations from Wingmasters and Eyes on Owls and Wild Encounters, live music , bee keeping demonstrations, garden tours and guided hikes. See website for details.

ONGOING

HOLLIS ARTS SOCIETY

Visual and performing artists are invited to the Hollis Arts Society meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Lawrence Barn, 29 Depot Road. Meetings begin with a 45-minute professional development program followed by the business meeting. Information: Linda Bard, president, 1-978-443-9121.

HOLLIS ARTS SOCIETY EXHIBITS

The Hollis Arts Society, working with the Community Council in Nashua, has use of the large conference room for a space called the Gallery at West Pearl. The gallery will remain open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday unless meetings are in progress in the room. Art will be available for purchase through the gallery manager. Information: Sarah Roche, Hollis Arts Society, gallery manager, at 759-2516 or 882-0879.

CALLING ALL PERFORMING ARTISTS

The Guild of Performing Arts is a newly forming part of the Hollis Arts Society that seeks to include artists from all aspects of performance to promote our art through performance and education. All welcome. Information: Pat Hurd, president, 882-1503, PHurd1503@aol.com.

HOLLIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUMMER EVENTS

The Historical Society will hold an Attic Treasures Yard Sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month, through Oct. 17, in the Ice House behind the Wheeler House at 20 Main St.

The Always Ready Engine House on Main Street will from 1-4 p.m. on the first and third Sunday of the month, through Oct. 18. Featured exhibits are "Farming in Hollis, the permanent Veterans Wall, our mid-19th century horse-drawn hearse and the antique Always Ready Fire Engine and equipment. On the lower level in the spooky basement is the old jail, photos of past police chiefs and the huge old Hollis town safes.

The Wheeler House Museum is open 1-4 p.m. on the first and third Sunday, June through October, and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year. Learn about the history of Hollis and it’s early settlers and for genealogy research.

The Pine Hill School House on Ranger Road, an original one-room schoolhouse, will be open 1-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month, June through October.

HOLLIS SENIORS

The Hollis Seniors Group welcomes new members older than 55. They meet every Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Road. A low-impact exercise class is held from 10-11 a.m. for anyone wanting to come early. You may bring your own lunch or pre-order from Meals on Wheels for $2 by calling the number listed below. They have guest speakers and offer a blood pressure screening at the first meeting of each month. Information: Donna Wardlow, 673-6415.

HOLLIS VFW MEETING

The VFW meets the third Sunday of the month. From April-September, meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Brookline American Legion Post home; from October-March, meetings are at 2 p.m. at Hollis Town Hall. To join or for information: Visit www.hollisvfw.org or call one of the officers, Post Cmdr. Jim Belanger at 465-2301 or Sr. Vice Cmdr. Andy Seremeth at 880-8685.

SOUTHERN NH MONEY CLUB

The Southern NH Money Club is a free nonprofit women’s financial education group open to anyone. It meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at Charles Schwab, 2 Cellu Drive, Nashua. A broad range of personal financial topics are covered, including investments, money’s effect on relationships, Social Security, credit, retirement strategies and more. Information: mmurphy1030@hotmail.com.