Around the Towns: Merrimack – Hudson
Merrimack to reflect, remember on 9/11
Merrimack will pause to remember the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks Thursday with a public ceremony.
Town councilors have proclaimed Sept. 11, 2008, “a day to remember,” and have organized events at Abbie Griffin Park.
A period of reflection will be followed by remarks by Councilor Mike Malzone; the Pledge of Allegiance; the national anthem, sung by Meghan Jacobson; color guard ceremonies; speeches by Police Chief Mike Milligan and Fire Chief Mike Currier; other patriot songs and the playing of taps.
Candles and song lyrics will be provided. The event begins at 7 p.m.
Hudson expecting expo
The Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce will hold an expo next Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 222 Central St., to showcase local businesses.
The free event, which opens at 7 p.m., includes giveaways, a cash bar and door prizes, in addition to the opportunity for residents to learn more about the products and services available in Hudson and meet some local business owners, according to a press release from the chamber.
Greg’s BBQ, Digital Credit Union, Specialty Kitchens, T-Bones and UPS are sponsoring the event, according to the release.
Call the chamber at 889-4731 or visit www.hudsonchamber.com for more information.
Rivers safe for swimming
The Souhegan and Merrimack rivers continue to be clean enough for swimming and other human contact, according to the latest bacteria tests.
The all-volunteer water-quality monitoring program, conducted by the Souhegan Watershed Association and Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee, found that virtually all the sites had fewer than 88 colonies of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water in the test Tuesday.
Levels of bacteria have been relatively low for the last month or so, following extremely high levels seen when tested after periods of heavy rains. Generally, bacteria levels rise when runoff into the rivers and streams occurs during rainstorms.
Flow levels on the two rivers remain very high, with both Souhegan and Merrimack rivers almost double their historic averages. The Merrimack was flowing at 2,550 cubic feet per second; its historic average for this date is 1,400.
The final test of the season will be performed Sept. 16.
Volunteers needed in Merrimack
Merrimack town officials are seeking volunteers for two new groups.
The Merrill’s Marauders Bridge Trails Committee is charged with helping the town manager develop a trail system within town center and along the Souhegan River, adjacent to Merrill’s Marauders Bridge. Officials are looking for three residents to accompany a school board representative and town councilor.
The Merrimack Agricultural Commission aims to protect agricultural lands, preserve the town’s rural character, provide farmers a voice and encourage agriculture-based businesses. The commission needs seven regular voting members and five alternates.
Those interested should contact the town manager’s office at 424-2331 or e-mail Deb Courtemanche at dcourtemanche@merrimacknh.gov.
