Nashua This 'n That

There's been a lot re-openings here in Nashua, NH, in recent weeks and some things that are cancelled, not postponed, this year. The not happening list includes fireworks and the downtown July 4 parade.

Some venues have resumed business, but not quite as usual. Restaurants were first open for takeout, then outside dining and now indoor dining with restrictions on seating capacity, social distancing. Weather permitting, we prefer outside dining, but only weekly. The public library remains closed but offering services, the downtown farmers market reopened last weekend, and kayaking has become a popular activity on the river.

Unfortunately for myself and many city residents, the Nashua Public Library remains closed for inside use. However, starting a couple of weeks ago, the NPL started offering a new service, like grocery stores, Curbside Pickup. 

Here's how it works: library users order materials by placing holds in the library’s online catalog or by calling the library directly. Although its closed, librarians are working inside the building.

Once materials are ready for pickup, an email, text or phone call notification is sent. Pick-ups are done by parking in a specially designated spot, then calling the library's number. A library staff member, masked and gloved, delivers the requested materials. Since we live so close to the library, I walk and call from outside the front of the library.

According to an email sent to users, an average of 80 people daily have been using the service. Pick-up hours run Mon. to Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and half day on Sat. Unfortunately, there’s no heads-up on as to when the library building will re-open. 

This past Sunday was opening day for the Nashua Farmers’ Market which has been relocated to the area around City Hall. In the past few years, the Sunday only market had taken place on Main St but that roadway has become narrower with the Jersey barriers in place to allow expanded outdoor dining for the nearly dozen eateries along the route. 

We walked downtown to  check out opening day activities. But it’s early in the season, and few vendors were selling local produce or fruit. In future weeks, the market is expected to expand with vendors offering baked goods, art and photography, locally produced wines, honey, homemade pasta, soaps, spices, herbs and other items.

Unlike in previous years when buyers could casually walk along either side of the roadway to check everything out, social distancing measures are in place to accommodate as many vendors as possible. Mask wearing is required for vendors and buyers and there’s a one-way flow of foot traffic. 

Masks have definitely become a must-have clothing accessory. We're required to wear them inside common areas of the mill apts (mailroom, hallways, package room). I recently bought some from a locally-based company based. I’m hopeless at attempting home-made versions, other than our bandana masks worn during the cooler months — too hot for those now. 

After finding a local firm selling reusable masks, just call me all kinds of happy. The American Quilt Co. is a fabric product manufacturer and its product line includes unisex cloth face masks for adults and children made of two layers of cotton/cotton blends with a wrap-around elastic. Masks are washable, reusable and reversible. The company operates in Nashua from a former factory building less than 10 minutes from the mill apts. 

I called the website listed 800 number and actually spoke to someone to place my order, so nice in times of anonymous online ordering. The photo ↓ shows the ones that arrived in 2 days — in time for July 4th. Since local celebrations have been cancelled, I'll wear a holiday display.

The company offers single masks or multi-packs with a random assortment of colors and styles and advertises that all are USA-made with Free USPS shipping. You indicate male/female preference and/or solid colors or prints. I'm not sure if all items are made locally, but will ask if I re-order any. You can check them out online at the americanquilt.co website.

Kayaking has become very popular sport on the Nashua River, both on weekdays and especially on weekends. There’s a launch site put in as part of work on the walkway along the Nashua River’s north bank. But it's not a boat ramp for trailers or motorboats. It consists of a half-dozen wide, concrete steps that connect the paved Riverwalk with the Nashua River (shown in the first collage image). This lets folks carry canoes or kayaks and put them in the water without slipping and sliding on a muddy bank.

The launch site's drawback is a lack of parking. Two sizable parking lots are nearby but are both privately owned. Neither is open to the general public even on weekends; the closer lot has even been blocked off from access by concrete barriers. On recent weekends, a local kayak rental company (top photo ↑) has been bringing about half a dozen kayaks in on a trailer and folks can just rent one onsite — rates are $35 for 90 minutes.

It will soon be Play Ball when the Silver Knights, a collegiate summer baseball team based in Nashua, NH, hosts the North Shore Navigators in their delayed home season opener on July 2. The Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) is a wood-bat league that normally includes seven teams from NH to western CT, but one team has opted out this season.  

The Silver Knights play in Holman Stadium, which once hosted professional baseball teams. The team has won the FCBL Championship in four of the league's nine years of existence and have qualified for the post-season every year. 

The walkways are blooming here thanks to the city's Public Works department which recently planted assorted flowers in planters citywide.

Another floral garden is located near the mill apts and has many new blooms too. This area is planted, weeded and watered by two neighbors who told us they missed a home garden.

The most exciting personal update is that we've went for summer haircuts this week. Hair salons and barbershops have reopened with mask wearing requirements in place. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We're going to the White Mountains (NH) for ham radio field day