To publish Merrimac column items, e-mail items to Robin Thomas at rtthomas@aol.com or The Daily News at ndn@ecnnews.com; by fax to 978-465-8505 or mail items to 23 Liberty St., Newburyport, MA 01950.
Old Home Days
Old Home Days will take place Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Donaghue School field, Locust Street, Merrimac. Admission is free. This year will feature a chalk drawing contest, train rides, pony rides, live entertainment, bonfire, craft fair, block dance, parade, baking contest and free CHIPS program. Food will be on sale to benefit various charities.
Volunteers needed
The Merrimac Board of Selectmen is looking for several volunteers for a committee to help develop the town's cable station. If you are interested, call the selectmen's office at 978-346-9962 or e-mail selectmen@townofmerrimac.com.
Lake Attitash water
The Board of Health will no longer be responsible for testing the water in Lake Attitash. There is no longer a monitored public swimming or beach area in Merrimac. Anyone choosing to swim or sit on the beach does so at his or her own risk. Since no traffic is allowed, the beach will not be maintained and there will be no sanitary facilities. Individuals may collect a water sample and submit it to the lab for testing at a cost of $30 a sample, payable by check at the time of drop-off. Samples may be dropped off in Rowley every Wednesday morning, and sterile containers can be obtained at the drop-off. Contact the Board of Health for further information.
Fitness classes at the library
The Merrimac Public Library is now offering two fitness classes that will run July 21, 28, and Aug. 4 and 11. The morning class will focus on core conditioning and run from 10 to 11 a.m. The evening class will focus on Pilates and run from 7 to 8 p.m. Call Maria Ammon at 508-826-8106 to register.
Merrimac senior trips
The following are being offered by the Merrimac Senior Center, 100 E. Main St.. For more information, call Joyce Gariepy or Laura Mailman at 978-346-9549.
Sept. 17-20 — Niagara Falls, Toronto, Red Sox. Country Inn & Suites Niagara Falls, taxes, baggage, gratuities, continental breakfast, tour of Niagara Falls, dinner at the Skylon Revolving Dining Room, the Great Gorge, illumination of the falls, reserved seating at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Red Sox versus Blue Jays, featuring Irish Night on Sept. 19, time to explore Toronto on your own, time at casino at Niagara Falls across from the hotel, Deluxe Yankee Line bus with onboard refreshments. Cost is $469 per person, double. Deposit of $50 due at sign-up. Final payment due by Aug. 1.
Water Quality Report released
The Merrimac Water Department released the 2007 Water Quality Report. Copies of the report will be available at the Water Department office. For more information, call the Merrimac Water Department at 978-346-8311.
Zoning Board seeks member
The Merrimac Zoning Board of Appeals seeks an alternate member to attend monthly meetings at the library. The new member will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Interested residents may call Debra Weinhold at the Zoning Board of Appeals at 978-346-0525 or Jennifer Penney at the Board of Selectmen at 978-346-8862.
Library art program through Aug. 6
Vanessa Boyle hosts "Teaching Art with Books Kids Love" Wednesdays through Aug. 6, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Merrimac Public Library. The cost is $15 per class and $90 total for all six weeks. The interactive classes are for children ages 6 through 12 and consist of three basic components of elementary school visual arts: the "Element of Art," "Principles of Design" and "Artistic Style." To sign up, call Vanessa Boyle at 978-758-3898. Space is limited.
More items to recycle
Residents may now recycle plastic containers Nos. 1 through 7, which include most household beverages, food, laundry and beauty product containers. Look for the recycling triangle and No. 1 through 7 on the product. No toys, plastic bags, tools, kitchen utensils, packaging, plastic bags, Styrofoam, motor oil, hazardous or chemical containers will be accepted. For more information, visit merrimac01860.info/recycling, or call 978-346-8862.
Mobile food pantry schedule changed
The Merrimac Mobile Food Pantry, operated by Our Neighbors' Table, will be at the Merrimac Public Safety Building, 16 East Main St., on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. to distribute food to needy Merrimac residents. Due to the overwhelming demand, distribution must be limited to residents of Merrimac. Identification may be requested.
Donations of food to Our Neighbors' Table programs are always needed. You are welcome to bring them to the truck when it is in Merrimac.
Yard waste site open
The Yard Waste Site is open each Saturday through Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, brush will be accepted on the following days: Sept. 6, Oct. 11 and Nov. 15.
Metal items collection first Tuesday of month
Bulk metal items (appliances, grills, air conditioners) and bulk white items are picked up by Mello, the town's household curbside waste collector, only on the first Tuesday of the month. Residents must purchase a bulk item sticker from the selectmen's office by noon on Fridays.
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