News

Merrimac – Residents and visitors are invited to view a local example of early Colonial architecture and to enjoy a look at Colonial life when the Merrimac Town Improvement Society holds their annual fall open house at the Old Sawyer House Saturday September 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main Street (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station) in Merrimac, Ma.

This year, the Town Improvement Society is pleased to announce that the annual open house at the Old Sawyer House will be featured as a cultural event during this year’s Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails and Sails free event series.  The Town Improvement Society is excited to participate in this regional program which raises interest and awareness for art and culture in the Essex County.  

    A 1.5 mile looped trail will also be open for guided walks during the open house.  The trails provide visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

    In addition to tours of the Old Sawyer House (circa 1735) and woodland trails, cider and light refreshments will be served around the main fireplace of the Sawyer House. 

    A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House.  The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available at the September 19 Open House. 

    The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908 when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society. The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) will provide an introductory presentation to the Planning Board at their meeting on August 19th at 7 PM at Town Hall pertaining to the elements of the Commonwealth’s voluntary zoning law (Chapter 40Y)  that allows cities and towns to create a local “Starter Home Zoning District”.  The Town is working with MVPC to investigate the possibility of creating a Starter Home Zoning District in Town.  All are welcome to attend this public meeting.

The Board of Health has shared the attached Cyclosporiasis Fact Sheet.

Air Quality Alert
Effective: Now through 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: Statewide

Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires impacting Massachusetts, MassDEP has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to result in unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Sensitive groups include:

• People with heart or lung disease (including asthma)
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers
• People who are active outdoors

Individuals in these groups should:

• Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity.
• Take more frequent breaks and choose less strenuous activities.
• Follow asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medication readily available.
• Monitor for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting MassAir Online, where you can view current air quality conditions, forecasts, and real-time monitoring data.

Please take appropriate precautions and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to poor air.

On 7/14 & 7/15, weather permitting, the Town’s paving contractor will continue work on Liberty, Mechanic, Judkins Court, Railroad Ave & Locust Street.

No Parking will be permitted on these streets while work is underway. Motorists should expect temporary road closures, detours, and limited access throughout the workday. Local traffic will be accommodated whenever it is safe to do so.

As Massachusetts experiences extreme heat this week, the Town of Merrimac encourages residents to take precautions to stay safe.

Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration. Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are sweating heavily, consider replenishing electrolytes with a sports drink.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illness, which can become life-threatening if left untreated. Check in on family members, friends and neighbors, especially older adults, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.

If someone experiences symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, a very high body temperature, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin, or excessive sweating, call 911 immediately and stay with them until help arrives.

During periods of extreme heat, fans alone may not be enough to prevent heat-related illness. Take cool showers or baths when possible and spend time in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling center, public library, shopping mall or another air-conditioned public building. 

Stay indoors when possible, and limit exercise and outdoor activities to the mornings and evenings. If you must be outside, be sure to hydrate, rest often in the shade, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. 

For more ways to stay safe during the heat wave, visit the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s Extreme Heat Safety Tips website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips