Teen Raising Money, Collecting Water Bottles for Haiti

Here are five things you should know as you start your weekend. To those celebrating, have a happy Easter.

1. ICYMI. If you see more police while you are commuting to and from work today, that's because they are taking part in a statewide initiative called Operation Safe Commute. The Merrimack Police Patrol Division will be out keeping an eye on speeeding, distracted driving and traffic light violations. Read more here.

2. Clean water. Merrimack teen Hannah Vaccaro is at it again. Mark your calendars now for June 1 for a a 5K run/walk to raise funds for a clean drinking well in Haiti. Vaccaro, who organized her first 5k last year, Race 2 Lace, was a fundraiser and shoe raiser for an orphanage she visited on a mission trip to Haiti. This year, in addition to raising money with the race, Vaccaro is also collecting reusable water bottles to send with the well. Registration for the Running Water 5k, and more information, is available online.

3. Learn Spanish. Children in grades K-3 are invited to Merrimack Public Library on Saturday, March 9, from 11-11:45 a.m. for an introduction to Spanish shared through stories, songs, and games. This week's theme: Greetings, body parts, and clothing. Registration is helpful for planning purposes. Register with an adult Merrimack Library card.

4. Vote for your favorite. The submissions are in, now it's time to vote for your favorite PEEP artwork. Check out the creative use of Easter's iconic marshmallow candies and tell us which one is your favorite. Vote here.

5. Weekend weather. Don't let potential for spotty rain and clouds get your weekend down. The sun should make itself known, and the temperatures are looking divine.

• Friday: A slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
• Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 51.
• Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
• Sunday: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
• Sunday Night: Showers likely, mainly between 9 p.m. and midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 39.