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Celebrating 102: Merrimac’s Oldest Resident is Recognized with Commemorative Boston Post Cane

  • The Town of Merrimac awards Robert ‘Bob’ Eastman, who turns 102 on Saturday, May 9, with the Boston Post Cane, in recognition of being the oldest resident of Merrimac. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Community members and family gather to wish Bob Eastman a happy 102nd birthday. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Town of Merrimac Council on Aging Director Brienne Walsh presents Bob Eastman, who turns 102 on Saturday, with the commemorative Boston Post Cane signifying Bob as the oldest living resident in Merrimac. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Bob with his granddaughter, Donna Kolifrath after reciving the Boston Post Cane recognition. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Merrimac Select Board Clerk Janet Bruno presents Bob with a certificate for being the oldest living resident in Merrimac during a ceremony on Friday. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Community members and family gather to wish Bob Eastman a happy 102nd birthday. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)
  • Representative from State Representative Dawne Shand’s (D-Newburyport) Office, awarding Bob Eastman with state recognition for being the oldest resident of Merrimac. (Photo Courtesy Town of Merrimac)

MERRIMAC — In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held, and the Ford Motor Company manufactured the first Model T vehicle. It was also the year that the U.S. Army Air Service carried out the first round-the-world flight. 

1924 is also the year that Robert “Bob” Eastman was born. 

Bob, who was born and raised in Haverhill but has lived in Merrimac since 1962, is the Town’s oldest resident. He turned 102 on Saturday, May 9.

He served in the Coast Guard from August 1942 to November 1945 during World War II. During his time in the Coast Guard, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Wakefield, a transport ship, and spent the majority of his time off the coasts of Europe and Africa. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard at the rank of Seaman 1st Class.

Bob resides at MerriVillage. He and his late wife were parents to five children, one of whom has passed away. They are also grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents to many.

When Bob turned 100, his family wanted to commemorate the special occasion with a party. But after a brief time in the hospital, the party had to be canceled. However, Merrimac residents, friends, and neighbors joined forces to make sure Bob was properly celebrated. A parade of public safety personnel, town officials, state representatives, local community partners, veterans alliances, students, and more came to wish Bob a very happy birthday. 

This year, to celebrate Bob’s 102nd birthday, he is being recognized on a larger scale. On Friday, May 8, Bob was presented with the Boston Post Cane. The cane recognizes the lives of the oldest residents in communities across New England. This is a long-standing tradition that began in 1909. 

During the event, held at his home in Merrimac, Bob was presented with the cane and a certificate of recognition from the Merrimac Select Board and a certificate from state Rep. Dawne Shand.

While it was a bit too cold for Bob, who sat at his door waving to onlookers, the cool breeze didn’t stop his friends, family, and community members from stopping by to drop off cards and shake his hand to celebrate his birthday. 

Bob’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, community members, including officers from the Police Department, Select Board, the Senior Center, and the Veterans Alliance, were in attendance. 

When asked how it feels to be 102, Bob’s response was, “I feel normal. It’s just nice to see all of the people. I didn’t know we had that many friends.”

“This is just such a great accomplishment and recognition for him. I think he has a few more years left in him”, said Bob’s granddaughter, Donna Kolifrath. “It is truly amazing to see him still so independent, living on his own, cooking his own meals. He’s just amazing. He’s just my hero in every sense.”

“The Merrimac COA was honored to celebrate not only Bob Eastman’s 102nd birthday but also his place as the ‘Oldest Living Resident’ of Merrimac. Not many residents receive the Boston Post Cane, and being able to bring this momentous and long-standing tradition to Bob’s door was a wonderful way to commemorate his place in Merrimac history,” said COA Director Brienne Walsh. “Bob is a testament to aging in place in his community with supportive resources and family assistance, and I am thrilled to have been able to participate in a wonderful morning with Bob, his family, friends, and neighbors.”

The ongoing question Bob got throughout the day was ‘how do you make it to 102 years old’, to which Bob replied, “Keep moving… and whiskey.”

About the Boston Post Cane

The Boston Post Cane originated in 1909. The Boston Post newspaper distributed about 700 canes throughout New England so that towns could recognize their oldest resident in a ceremony.

The cane is topped with a 14-karat gold head with the inscription, “Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of (name of town) — To Be Transmitted.”

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DROUGHT STATUS – LEVEL 2 SIGNIFICANT DROUGHT

TOWN OF MERRIMAC WATER DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

EFFECTIVE May 15th, 2026

LEVEL 2 SIGNIFICANT DROUGHT CONDITIONS –MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS ON NON-ESSENTIAL WATER USE:

Under the Level 2 Water Use Restriction:

Our Water Management Act permit defines the following:

  • YES: Watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand hold hose or watering cans, and irrigation may be permitted during non-peak hours (after 5 pm and before 9 am)
  • Minimize overall water use – be mindful of wasting water
  • Fix indoor leaks from toilets, showers, and indoor/outdoor faucets
  • NO: irrigation of lawns via sprinkler or automatic irrigation systems
  • NO: filling of swimming pools
  • NO: washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
  • NO: washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except as necessary to apply surface treatment such as paint, preservatives, stucco, cement or pavement
  • NO: establishing new lawns regardless of the time of year until ban is removed

Water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:

  • for health or safety reasons;
  • by regulation;
  • for production of food and fiber;
  • for the maintenance of livestock; or
  •  to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation of a golf course as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by a plant nursery to maintain stock).

This conservation measure will be strictly enforced. Violators will be issued a written warning for the first offense. A second offense will be fined $50.00 and $100 for each subsequent offense.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns…978-346-8407

  • May 11, 2026 in News

Town of Merrimac, MA Town Seal

Town of Merrimac to Host Pre-Town Meeting Information Session Ahead of Annual Town Meeting

MERRIMAC – The Town of Merrimac will be hosting a pre-Town Meeting information session ahead of its annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 27, and encourages residents to learn more about the important issues facing the community.

The pre-Town Meeting informational session will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 2 School St. 

The purpose of this session is to share information on warrant articles, promote transparency and increase civic participation. Town officials will be present at the session to present details, explain budget impacts and answer any questions from residents. 

The annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. at Sweetsir School, 104 Church St.

Voters will consider 23 articles on the Town Warrant: 

  • Article 1: Appropriate funds from Free Cash for FY2026 for snow and ice deficit, Lake Attitash invasive weeds, OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) actuarial study, poll pad upgrade and replacement, OPEB trust funding, facility repairs for the Council on Aging, health insurance consultant, employee retirement funding, police patrol vehicle, tasers, ADA compliance for town sidewalks and public meetings, and asbestos tile repairs at Pentucket Regional Elementary Schools.
  • Article 2: Appropriate funds from Water Retained Earnings for FY2026 for water meter replacement, water infrastructure, Ford Maverick truck and planning development for interconnect with Haverhill.
  • Article 3: Appropriate funds from Water Retained Earnings for FY2026 for building and road maintenance at the Wallace Way Treatment Plant.
  • Article 4: Transfer funds from Wastewater Retained Earnings for FY2026 for various replacements and repairs. 
  • Article 5: Authorize the Select Board to enter lease agreement to procure tasers for the Police Department for a five-year period. 
  • Article 6: Transfer funds from Inspectional Services Resolving Account to Town General Fund for FY2026. 
  • Article 7: Appropriate funds for demolition of 28 School St. 
  • Article 8: Appropriate funds for IT server and upgrades at Fire Department, and transfer additional funds. 
  • Article 9: Appropriate funds for salary and compensation of all elected officers of the Town. 
  • Article 10: Raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to operate the Wastewater Department Enterprise for FY2027. 
  • Article 11: Raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to operate the Water Department Enterprise for FY2027. 
  • Article 12: Raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money from the Electric Light Operating Balance to be used by Assessors to reduce tax rate for FY2027. 
  • Article 13: Appropriate or otherwise provide funds to be expended under Cemetery Trustees for care, improvement and embellishment of cemeteries. 
  • Article 14: Raise and appropriate funds to make necessary repairs to town roadways.
  • Article 15: Accept State Grant of Chapter 90 Highway Funds and authorize Select Board to use said funds for highway purposes. 
  • Article 16: Raise and appropriate funds to be used for necessary tree maintenance. 
  • Article 17: Raise and appropriate funds for solid waste collection and disposal and recycling collection. 
  • Article 18: Amend Town of Merrimac General Bylaws Section “Authorized Revolving Funds” to add funds for Hazardous Waste Collections and Rent Control Board.
  • Article 19: Amend Town of Merrimac General Bylaws Sections 94-1, 94-3(A), 94-3(C) to change the start time of Town Meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
  • Article 20: Vote to accept M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 100B.
  • Article 21: Affirm Notice of Landfill in accordance with 310 CMR 19,000. 
  • Article 22: Amend Merrimac Zoning Bylaw Zoning Map to include the MBTA Overlay District
  • Article 23: Authorize Merrimac Municipal Light Department to sell land and buildings located at 10 West Main St. 

The Capital Planning Committee and the Finance Committee will also each present their FY2027 recommendations. 

Merrimac’s 150th Birthday Celebration

Join the Merrimac Light Department for a birthday bash to celebrate Merrimac’s 150th Anniversary! April 11th, 2026, 6PM-8PM at Town Hall. Followed by the Town Hall Clock Tower lighting!

  • April 9, 2026 in News

Job Opportunity- Highway Junior Equipment Operator/Laborer

Town of Merrimac seeks qualified candidates for full time (40hr/wk) Highway Junior Equipment Operator/Laborer at $27.42/hour for the DPW. Responsibilities include: general road maintenance, catch basin install & repair, snow plowing, removal and sanding. Minimum Qualifications Class B CDL & Medical Certificate.

Click here for full job posting and application.

Submit resume and application to Alyssa Sexton, asexton@townofmerrimac.com.

  • April 6, 2026 in News

Public Info Session – PFC Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge Replacement

PFC Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge Replacement

What is happening?

MassDOT will host a live, in-person public information meeting to provide community members with an opportunity to become fully acquainted with the construction phase of the replacement of the Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge which carries State Route 125, locally Bridge Street over the Merrimac River and the Bradford Rail Trail between downtown Haverhill and the Bradford neighborhood. At the meeting, MassDOT will present construction timing and phasing, measures to help the project be a good neighbor, and developments to the bridge’s appearance that have come through the design-build process. The bridge’s overall look continues to reflect what was developed through a robust public process with the Haverhill community including arches, a central overlook with lighted beacons, and the reuse of the existing ridge’s tower roofs in the Bradford Rail Trail Park, however, the main structural material will be steel, instead of concrete, providing greater constructability and more open sight lines.

How will this affect you?

The proposed project includes the full replacement of the Basiliere Bridge. Staged construction will be used to generally maintain one travel lane going towards Bradford and one lane going towards downtown Haverhill as well as one sidewalk. Night and weekend closures of the bridge with detours may be needed at times to ensure public safety. MassDOT encourages all interested members of the community to attend and learn more about this project.

When

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026

6:00PM

Where

PINNACLE AT HARBOR PLACE

2 MERRIMACK STREET, 3rd FLOOR

HAVERHILL MA 01830

To ensure its meetings are accessible, MassDOT reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services. To request such services, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity and Civil Rights Officer at 857-368-8580 or MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. For adequate time to process such request, please make them as early as possible, ideally 10-15 days prior to the event.

Project inquiries may also be emailed to massdotmajorprojects@dot.state.ma.us. Please submit any written statements regarding the proposed undertaking to: Carrie A. Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: BRIDGE SECTION PROJECT FILE NO. 605304

  • February 19, 2026 in News