5 Things: Catch a Family Favorite on the Big Screen

Here are 5 things you should know as you start your 12/12/12.

1. A Haunted Mind. Revisit a program that was supposed to occur at the end of October when Hurricane Sandy blew through town. Join the Merrimack Public Library on Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. for an evening with Nathaniel Hawthorne. "Due to his reclusive nature, Massachusetts author Nathaniel Hawthorne never offered a public reading in his lifetime. For this presentation, however, the author himself has returned to read some of his short works which explore the dark side of human nature. Hawthorne is portrayed by literary historian and playwright Rob Velella who specializes in American literature of the 19th century. A question and answer session will follow the performance. This performance is appropriate for adults and teens. Space is limited so registration is recommended.

2. Citizen's Academy. The Merrimack Police Department is still accepting applications for its Citizen’s Police Academy. The academy begins Jan. 23, and concludes on April 3, with its graduation ceremony. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. with one Saturday morning class at the Police station. Any person interested in attending the Citizen’s Academy may pickup an application at the Merrimack Police station. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age and the Chief of Police reserves the right to deny applicants for reasons he deems appropriate.If you have any questions feel free to contact Community Services Officer Rob Kelleher at 420-1853 or email at rkelleher@merrimacknh.gov. For more information, click here.

3. Deck the House. We have our first entrant in this year's Deck the House contest. Thanks to Gary K. for uploading a photo of his home dressed in white lights and greenery. There are still a few days left to upload photos of your own and gather your friends to vote for yours to win bragging rights in Merrimack. A little friendly competition never hurt, right? Especially when there's $100,000 on the line. Each town winner will go head to head across the country to be narrowed down to 24 finalists who will each win $500 toward their December electricity bill. Those 24 finalists will be posted on every Patch site across the country for a final vote. The grand prize winner, the house with the most votes across the country, will win $100,000 to donate to their Patch town's school district. Help Merrimack get into the finals by uploading photos or videos of your home or voting for your favorite entry. Get more details and vote here. Let's show everyone how much holiday spirit Merrimack has!

4. See the Polar Express on the big screen. Catch a free flick and take the kiddos to see The Polar Express on the big screen at Chunky's Cinema Pub in Nashua. Showings are at 6:30 and 7:30 tonight and Thursday, Dec. 13. Get in the holiday spirit with an artful telling of the holiday favorite book written by Chris Van Allsburg.

5. Weather watch. Nice weather continues today with expected sunny skies with a high near 41. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 24. Bazinga!