Merrimack|News|
Amherst Runner Was at the Finish Line When Bomb Blew
Dave Salvas said he realized immediately what was going on and got himself out of the danger zone as fast as he could.

Until I was a junior in high school, I planned to go to school for acting, but I took a semester-long journalism class at the recommendation of my sophomore English teacher and my career path changed. I went to St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt., where I earned a degree in journalism and mass communication.
I have worked in community journalism since I graduated from college in 2004. I worked for nearly three years as a reporter covering seven towns for the Argus-Champion, a newspaper in the Newport/Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire that has since closed. Until I took the job as the editor for Merrimack Patch, I worked for the Nashua Telegraph and Cabinet Press where I worked in several capacities including as a reporter, copy editor and editor. I worked most recently as an editor handling the content for the Cabinet, Merrimack Journal, Bedford Journal and Hollis Brookline Journal.
I live in Nashua and have lived in the Nashua area since 2007. I was born and raised in Exeter, and can see myself living in New England, if not New Hampshire, for the rest of my life, despite strong urges every January to pack up and move to San Diego. I think I may have lived there in a previous life.
I'm a member of the Gate City Striders, a large group of runners who get together for coached track workout and group runs, and am hoping to getting back to running competitively as I did in high school and college.
In my free time I also like to play floor hockey and softball, spend time with friends, read and cook.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I'm a registered Independent though I vote more with the Democratic party. While I am tend to lean to the liberal side on most issues, I'm more interested in the person than voting along party lines.
Religion
I grew up Catholic and went to a Catholic college but I haven't been practicing for several years. I appreciate the beliefs of others and take interest in reading here and there about other religions.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Finding businesses to replace Zyla's and the old Shaw's.
Dave Salvas said he realized immediately what was going on and got himself out of the danger zone as fast as he could.

A look at last week's Troop B arrest log.
Check the times, splits, places and more of Merrimack's participants in the 2013 Boston Marathon.
Police seeking the public's help in locating the 43-year-old Merrimack man.
Police say a caller alerted them to a woman driving while deemed an habitual offender.
Here are five things you need to know as you start your week.
Here are several ways you can make sure your sports teams are highlighted on Merrimack Patch this season.
We're plotting on a map all the bear sightings around town. Share your pictures and videos.
Follow their progress and leave them your words of inspiration the comments section.
Rally at NH Statehouse targets 189 State Reps who voted against 'Stand Your Ground' law.
A snapshot of Merrimack Police activity between March 30 an 31.
A petition for redress seeks removal of 189 reps supporting HB 135. 'Honor Your Oath' rally at the NH Statehouse today, April 13, to tout constitutional rights and the existing law.
Meet this week's Pets of the Week from the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.
A petition filed Tuesday seeks to remove those who favored repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' Law.
These five houses and condos are open for viewing Sunday, April 14.
Jackie Flood was honored for her service on the Town Council on Thursday night.
A snapshot of Merrimack Police activity between March 28 and 29.
Superintendent's office still waiting on a complete damage assessment.
Here are five things you should know as you start your Friday.
Here are five great activities this weekend for five great organizations. And they are all right here in town.