The newly renovated John O’Leary Adult Community Center on Church Street drew dozens of members of the Merrimack Senior Citizen Club on Monday, July 12.

It was an applauded reunion, for the rental facility that is the club’s home base had been closed for some months while remodeling and pandemic safety upgrades were incorporated.

An emailed newsletter kept members in touch during the interim. The club meetings now resume on most Mondays at 1 p.m. Among the topics discussed at the club’s reincarnation at the center were ways to save water, an effort invigorated by a recent water rate increase of 22 percent.

According to the Merrimack Village District website, the move was approved after two public hearings and an in-depth rate study by Underwood Engineers. Full details are available online: mvdwater.org

Some water conservation tips proffered by the seniors are shared here. —

Submitted by Loretta Jackson, member MSCC.

�” Use water from the dehumidifier to water plants and flowers.

�” Lightly soiled laundry may be refreshed with only a rinse cycle.

�” Clean dishes in a pan of water instead of running the faucet.

�” Catch rain water to supply outdoor plants.

�” When changing pets’ water, use the excess to water plants.

�” Use a refrigerated water pitcher instead of running the tap to be cold.

�” Shower by getting wet, then turning the shower off while lathering.

�” Turn off the irrigation system when rain is forecast.

�” Join a gym and shower there instead of at home.

�” Use less body wash and shampoo for a quicker shower.

�” Turn the faucet off while brushing one’s teeth.

�” Park the car in the rain for a free wash.

�” Run the dishwasher only when it is full.

�” Keep a “finger bowl” next to the sink for a quick dip.