To the Editor:

The board of directors has recently begun a building improvement initiative designed to make the John O’Leary Adult Community Center more aesthetically pleasing, attractive and energy efficient to current and potential users of the facility.

This ambitious program includes painting of the interior, new LED chandeliers and wall sconces in the ballroom, replacement of the acoustical ceiling tiles and grids throughout the center, and the installation of a new public address system.

Most of the funding for this work has been appropriated by the JOACC Board, as well as the membership of the Merrimack Senior Citizens Club; it is the hope of these two entities that the town of Merrimack, which owns the building, will reimburse the bulk of these expenses through monies left over from the town’s current fiscal year budget, as well as earmarks from the 2016-17 town budget, now being put together.

In addition, individuals and corporate entities have generously volunteered their time and/or pledged monetary donations to fund specific items, such as the purchase of individual lighting fixtures.

Since the ceiling tiles and grids are slated for replacement, it would be an ideal time to replace the old fluorescent ceiling fixtures with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, dimmable LED flat panels, both in a more contemporary 2-foot by 2-foot configuration. Currently, we have been approved by Eversource, our electric utility, for participation in the 2016 NH Saves program, which will rebate to the center $50 for each ceiling fixture replaced, up to a maximum of $2,000. These funds will go a long way toward our goal of making this tremendous cost-saving improvement a reality, but we need the monetary help of others to contribute to our cause.

If you have hosted an event at the center or been a guest at one, you know what a wonderful facility and important town resource the JOACC is – not only for our senior citizens who use it at least five days a week for their varied activities, but also for those who belong to groups who meet there regularly and for folks who rent it for special occasions.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the John O’Leary Adult Community Center Inc., and mailing it to P.O. Box 10, Merrimack, NH 03054-0010. With your help, the center will offer an even more comfortable, pleasing and energy-efficient atmosphere for all our townspeople to enjoy.

Steven M. Dembow, Coordinator
John O’Leary Adult Community Center