Relax on the River Front Walk Along the Merrimack River

Its days like these that make you want to be outside. If you are looking for a beautiful place to take a walk try the riverfront park along the Merrimack River. This quiet and peaceful walk follows the east bank of the river. Parking is available in the Millyard at one of the metered spaces. The Red Oak reporter recently walked the path from Granite Street to Bridge Street. I would suggest a picnic lunch to enjoy near the UNH Manchester campus. Walks like these are relaxing and good for you. Try it today!

Manchester's Newest Restaurant: Portland Pie Company

Have You Tried the Newest Restaurant in Manchester??

The Portland Pie Company opened its doors last week. This Maine based pizzeria is much more than dough and sauce. The menu carries a wide variety of classic sandwiches, wraps, salads and pastas too.
The renovation at the 786 Elm St location is remarkable. The transformation from the old Merrimack Restaurant to a sleek modern bar and eatery is truly amazing!
The bar carries a large variety of beers, ales and wine and the atmosphere is fantastic with some high top tables, flat screen TV’s and fireplace.
I had a delicious sandwich and a salad on my visit. The wait staff was friendly and the manager was welcoming.
Don’t be the last one to try this cool new restaurant!

Gardens are Looking Good!

How is your garden coming along?? The wet conditions from the past few weeks have really helped the tomato and pepper plants! I have nice blossoms on both of them.

My potatoes are looking really good too.

Weeding and watering every few days is helping to keep the plants really growing.

"Paws For The Cause"

Have you driven by the Verizon Arena over the past few days?? Do you wonder what the tent, the WGIR Vans and the Blue Mustang are all about? Scorch, from WGIR has been sleeping on the Verizon Plaza since Monday all to bring awareness to the Animal Rescue League's "Paws For the Cause."

Stop by to meet Scorch, make a donation and meet some of the pets that can be adopted by you. You can also register to win a gorgeous new Ford Mustang!!!

The Red Oak reporter met Scorch and Austin, a 3 year old mixed breed dog ready for a good home. Can't make it to the Verizon Arena by Friday...You can donate on-line at: http://www.justgive.org/.

Helping out a great cause...Now That's the Red Oak Life!

Red Oak Sends Off A Great Employee: Happy Retirement Dana!

Red Oak Says Farewell to A Great Employee!!

Today was Dana's Last Day at Red Oak. A wonderful employee for 15 years and an essential part of our team.

Dana was the behind the scenes guy who made sure that all our maintenance projects were coordinated. He kept track of our key system with perfection, ordered materials, organized stock and got quotes on supplies.

We wish Dana well as he retires to Florida for some well deserved rest and fun.

Rembering Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, Let us remember all those men and women who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces.

In this great country we are very fortunate to live every day with great liberties and freedoms. The bravery of our Armed Forces makes this a reality for us all.

This March the Red Oak Reporter had an opportunity to visit the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire. This solemn and serene location is a magnificent final resting place for many of our fallen brothers and sisters.

As you enter the grounds, the sight of all the grave markers is humbling to say the least. On this cold March day as I walked the grounds, I came upon a lone woman who set up a chair near the grave of a loved one. She sat for a long time. I tried to imagine what was going through her mind.

There is one location in the cemetery with a gazebo for visitors to sit and reflect. A beautiful visitors center is also available with services to look up the grave site location of specific veterans.

The Veterans Cemetery has a section where many groups have assembled beautiful memorials to all branches of the Armed Forces and the support groups who provide help and service to them. The design of each memorial was unique and beautiful.

I would recommend a trip to this special place to give special thanks for all those who serve our country in the armed services and to offer thoughts for our continued liberty and peace.

Remember them on Memorial Day and every day!

Container Gardening on Your Patio

Are you craving homegrown vegetables? Feel like you can’t have a garden because you live in an apartment? Don’t worry; there are several options available to you in the Manchester area.
The first is to look into a community garden. There are currently three in Manchester. The first is in the inner city at the Pine St. Community Garden. This plot is overseen by the Way Home. A second choice is run by the International Institute and is located on the Grounds of Brookside Community Church in the north end of town. The third is also located in the North End on the Grounds of the Youth Development Center. This garden supplies the Food Bank with fresh produce.
If these options do not work out you can always try a container garden on your own patio or deck. There are a few reasons why this can be a great alternative. First there is nothing more convenient then stepping out on your own deck for a fresh tomato or a few herbs for a recipe, secondly most patios or decks are sun drenched and your plants will love this. Thirdly, container gardens allow you to control the soil so that you have a perfect mix of fertilizer. This rich mix ensures success and can save you time and money. A fourth reason for loving container gardens is that it takes a lot less water to keep them damp. Lastly, container gardens are easily accessible for children and mature gardeners.
Make sure you keep your container garden watered and feed your plants with the proper plant food or fertilizer. Before you know it; you will be enjoying fresh veggies that you grew yourself. Now is the perfect time to get started!