×

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@nashuatelegraph.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.

2-7 p.m. Oct. 1: Community Blood Drive in the Function Hall at Wasserman Park, 115 Naticook Road, Merrimack. To make an appointment, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 882-1046 or visit www.merrimackparksandrec.org/events.html. Sponsored by Merrimack Parks & Recreation.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

PUBLIC READING OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Come join us for a public reading of the United States Constitution sponsored by teens from The Granite State Young Americans for Freedom chapter. This event commemorates the 228th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. In an effort to help revitalize the nation’s civic culture, residents from Nashua, Merrimack, Milford, Amherst, Mont Vernon and Hudson will join with people across the nation in a public reading of our nation’s founding document. This local reading will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 at Abbie Griffin Park, 6 Baboosic Lake Road. Free doughnuts and drinks afterward. Granite YAF welcomes new members. Information about Granite YAF or the event: Jacob Parker at 1-978-252-4923 or graniteyaf.com.

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.

HOLISTIC FAIR TO BENEFIT HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE CARE

A Holistic Fair will be held noon-5 p.m. Sept. 19 to benefit Home Health & Hospice Care. It will be held at 555 Elm St., Milford, the location of Universal Kenpo Federation. The fair – sponsored by Lisa Jones, owner of Nia NH – features services such as massage, foot reflexology, acupuncture and healing music as well as products for sale. Many services, classes and products will be raffled to support Home Health Hospice Care. Information: 562-7525.

MERRIMACK FRIENDS AND FAMILIES FALL YARD SALE

Please join us for Merrimack Friends and Families annual Fall Yard Sale, held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Merrimack Town Hall. (No early birds please – entry at 8 a.m. only). There will be toys, books, movies, housewares and a lot more. This is one of MFF’s biggest fundraisers and all of the proceeds go to local charities. If you are interested in donating items, please drop them off between 7 and 8 a.m. that day or contact us at info@merrimackfriendsfamilies.org. For more information on the club: merrimackfriendsfamilies.org.

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 FRIENDS AND FAMILIES VOLUNTEER FAIR

Merrimack Friends and Families’ September General Meeting and Volunteer Fair will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Klumpp Room at the Merrimack Public Library, 470 Daniel Webster Highway. This meeting will give you an opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities in town and is being held in conjunction with the Friends of the Merrimack Public Library. Tom Mahon, vice-chair of the Merrimack Town Council, will be our guest speaker and will tell us about the various volunteer positions on the Town Council committees. We will also host a Volunteer Fair so you can meet with MFF club representatives and representatives from other volunteer organizations within Merrimack. No RSVP is needed. Information about Merrimack Friends and Families: merrimackfriendsfamilies.org.

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

FREE PARENT AND EDUCATOR WORKSHOP

The Merrimack School District and Merrimack Special Education Parent Support Group present "7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle," a free parent and educator workshop, from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Little Theater at Merrimack High School. Speaker will be Lynn Lyons, LICSW, a Concord psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of anxious children and their parents. She is the co-author with Reid Wilson of "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children." Professional Development Certificates will be available.

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.

FINANCIAL LECTURE SERIES

Merrimack Parks & Recreation will host a series of free financial lectures presented by Josh Chabot, a financial advisdr with Edward Jones Financial.

7-7:30 p.m. Sept. 24: "College: Getting There From Here." Held in the John O’Leary Adult Community Center.

7-7:45 p.m. Oct. 6: "Health Care and Your Retirement." Held in the John O’Leary Adult Community Center.

1-2 p.m. Oct. 22: "Preparing Your Estate Plan." Held in the John O’Leary Adult Community Center.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

FALL BUS TRIPS AND TOURS

Working in partnership with Tye’s Tours & Travel, join Merrimack Parks & Recreation as we travel to an assortment of destinations this fall. All trips depart and return to Wasserman Park.

7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 27: The Big E. $59.

8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 3: Maine Lighthouse Tour. $109.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 24: Blue Man Group and lunch. $109.

Nov. 15-16: Patriots vs. Giants weekend. Rates vary.

Nov. 25-27: Three-day Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade weekend. Rates vary.

Dec. 3: Lee Greenwood’s Tennessee Christmas at Foxwoods. $99.

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.

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.

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.

LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS

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: merrimackmotivators.org or contact@merrimackmotivators.org.