The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

02/13/2026

Hot jazz & hot cocoa were the perfect combo to combat a chilly New England winter evening. We served up both at our Palentine’s Day Jazz Lounge & Cocktail Hour this week. To “jazz up” traditional coffee & cocoa drinks, some residents chose to add a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chambord or Disaronna to their hot beverages. A little pink finishing sugar made a festive libation perfect for this unforgettable evening.

02/13/2026

Perfectly prepared & paired was on the menu this afternoon as residents enjoyed tender Teriyaki Beef with sautéed peppers. The entree was served along with rice pilaf and a vegetable medley. A feast for the eyes as well as the bellies, this dish is a work of art.

02/13/2026

Residents enjoyed a full spread of dippable goodies after dinner last night. Our Jazz Lounge & Cocktail Hour featured live music by friend of The Woods, Jimmy Otis, playing gentle jazz on his keyboard. Cocktails were served along with spiked coffee & cocoa drinks. Something different for 2026, this event was a beautiful tribute to love & friendship.

02/07/2026

On our list for a while, Grassfields Food & Spirits was our luncheon destination in January.

Our Lunch Bunch thoroughly enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and the memories that this comfortable, cozy restaurant served up. From crab meat pie, to hearty cuts of steak to baked stuffed shrimp and their famous creamy & sinful rice pilaf, this Andover classic did not disappoint.

Some residents even indulged in tuxedo mousse, classic New York-style cheesecake or rice pudding for dessert along with freshly-brewed coffee. Thank you Grassfields for a stroll down memory lane and for a heaping portion of nostalgia. We will definitely be back.

02/07/2026

On Friday, we celebrated the chopstick with some friendly competition in the Bistro. The goal: using only a pair of these ancient utensils (people in China have been deftly using chopsticks since 1200 B.C.), stack as many Lifesavers or dice as possible. Our winner, Ann B., made it look easy as she stacked 13 Lifesavers!

Did you know, every time you use a chopstick, you engage over 50 different joints and muscles. Not only do you use your fingers and wrists but your arms and shoulders too. That’s quite the workout. I think that makes us all winners.

Simple yet mighty. National Chopstick Day is celebrated every year on February 6th.

Fun facts compliments of www.nationaltoday.com

02/06/2026

When the weather outside is frightful, nothing heats things up better than friendly competition. Residents joined Life Enrichment Director, Mark, for a rousing game of Farkle in the Bistro earlier this month. They say variety is the spice of life &, with a wide assortment of board/card/dice games on hand, we’re always ready to raise the heat here at The Woods at Merrimack.

02/04/2026

Daily engagement brings purpose and joy to independent living 💛

In independent living communities, activity calendars are thoughtfully designed around personal interests, comfort levels, and goals. Each day offers opportunities to explore new hobbies, build friendships, and enjoy life at your own pace in a welcoming, connected environment.

🤝 activities built around individual interests encourage belonging
🏃‍♀️ fitness classes, walking clubs, and pools support active lifestyles
🎨 games, book circles, and creative programs spark connection
🎬 movie nights, mixers, and outings create shared experiences
🌿 gardens, courtyards, and social spaces invite relaxed connection

Independent living blends freedom with community. With supportive services like dining, housekeeping, and transportation, residents focus on what matters most staying active, social, and fulfilled every day.

02/02/2026

Transitioning into a senior living community is a meaningful step toward greater ease and freedom in daily life. But for many older adults, this exciting new chapter also means preparing to leave a long-loved home, and all the belongings that come with it. The downsizing process can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, it becomes a powerful opportunity to create a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.

This blog shares in-depth downsizing tips for seniors, offering a guide that covers everything from where to begin to how to manage sentimental items, so you or your loved one can make the most of this transition with clarity and peace of mind: https://bit.ly/490Yk1X

Make the move smoother with expert downsizing tips for seniors transitioning to independent living. Find comfort and peace of mind.

02/01/2026

February may be the shortest month but our calendar is anything but when it comes to activities selected to keep us moving and grooving, to encourage us to make connections and to inspire us to do more and to be more.

We’ll celebrate our beloved home football team on Patriots Pride Day (2/5) and again at our Super Bowl LX viewing party (2/8) as The Pats take on Seattle’s Seahawks. It’s all about celebrating friendship at our Palentine’s Day elevated dinner followed by a jazz lounge cocktail hour featuring live music (2/12). Nevins Library will be on-site to introduce us to their catalog of books, movies, events and programs (2/18), then we’ll “check out” the stunning historic building, take a tour and get our very own library cards (2/19).

Olympics week (2/9-2/13) will see us competing for prizes and bragging rights with a wide range of competitive events. Join resident Casey C. as she shares with us the diary kept by her relative, a soldier fighting in World War I (2/16).

Also, be sure not to miss singer Scott Johnson (2/7), Trivia & Tunes with Vin (2/9), “Wuthering Heights” (2/17), Tour of Italy (2/20), Southern NH Ukulele Group (2/23), lunch at Sevmar Mediterranean Bistro (2/24) and much, much more. Remember, getting out and staying connected warms the soul.

01/31/2026

From the website www.allthingssicilian.com, “Chickpeas — ceci, or cìciri in Sicilian — have been part of Sicily’s cucina povera’s cooking for centuries. Quiet, sustaining, and deeply rooted in the land, they belong to a cuisine of continuity rather than elaborate dishes.”

This week, Chef David prepared a resident’s family recipe for chickpea salad to an attentive audience. Chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, peppers, Kalamata olives, Feta cheese, canola oil & spices all played well together and satisfied even our biggest chickpea skeptic.

Thanks to Marie W. for sharing her recipe with us and for bringing smiles to our faces during these gloomy days of Winter.

01/31/2026

Residents enjoyed something rare & spectacular this week. Special guest, Rich Araldi, took us on a journey down Memory Lane playing familiar favorites on his Vibraphone.

01/30/2026

Recipe: Winter Warmer Hot Honey Vanilla Latte ☕❄️

A cozy, comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly days and quiet winter moments. This gentle latte is easy to make and soothing from the first sip.

ingredients
☕ ½ cup brewed coffee or espresso
🥛 1 cup milk or milk alternative
🍯 1 teaspoon honey
🌼 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
✨ pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

instructions
1️⃣ warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming
2️⃣ stir in honey, vanilla, and spice until fully dissolved
3️⃣ pour coffee into a mug and add the warm milk mixture
4️⃣ stir gently and enjoy while warm

A simple winter sip that brings comfort, warmth, and a little seasonal joy.