text: Merrimac: Alyssa Coberly, 9, center, lit the candles of friends Faith Haberland, 8, left, and Chloe Ross, 9, all of Merrimac at a vigil in Merrimac last night. Close to 200 people showed up to show their support for two youngsters in that town, Avalanna Routh, 6, and Emma Jouneay, 9, that are battling serious illnesses. Bryan Eaton/Staff Photo