January 7, 2026 Breakfast Meeting Notes
Our guest today was Denise Hutchins of PAREI, who served as our speaker.
The 50/50 was won by Ken Evans.
Tony got the chance to play the card game but selected the 10 of Spades. The game continues.
Russ presented Rotary trivia, membership edition.
Club business: This Saturday we will be removing the decorations from the Common, starting at 9:30. Be at the bank at 9 to get the empty boxes. We will need people to bring ladders; bring wire cutters and warm gloves. We will be putting the garland and lights away in storage for now and in the summer we will have “Christmas in July” to go through and discard garland that is worn out, lights that don’t work, and old mangled bows.
Superbowl squares: Each Rotarian is responsible for 3 squares at $20 each, $60 total. Ben will figure out how many extras we have that will need to be sold to friends, family or purchased ourselves. Remember that the money raised is for the club, not the foundation, and so is not tax deductible.
Styrofoam update: Last Saturday we did not get to Gilford. Shawn proposed that we pick up foam every 2 weeks; if the bags are filling up too fast, he will go to the station on Wednesday to replace the bags.
Rabies clinic will be held.on March 28. From 12:30-2 pm.
Ben introduced our speaker, Denise Hutchins. She is the new director of PAREI (Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative.)
PAREI has been around for over 20 years. They are located at the corner of Route 3 and Fairgrounds Road. They offer people ways to let people live more sustainably. Their mission is to build resilient communities in central NH by providing options that encourage sustainable living.
Resources are finite, so we need to conserve them. PAREI offers solar design and installation, solar system expansions, solar system checkups and repairs, energy consultations and audits, heat pump installations, and small businesses technical assistance. Their programs include Local Foods Plymouth, farm to community food share, NH solar shares, and NHSaves Button Up workshops.
Local Foods is a project to strengthen our regional food system by connecting small farmers and producers with local buyers through a year-round community marketplace. The program helps ensure that our community has a choice in where the food comes from. Every week the online store opens on Fridays at noon; you have until the following Wednesday at a7 am to place your order. Pickup is Thursday, starting at 3:30. Go to their website for more information: localfoodsplynouth.org They accept SNAP and EBT.
NH Solar Shares is a program to install solar panels that generate power for needy families. They have 3 sites: one in Plymouth at the Common Man property behind their office, one in Warren on the roof of Appleknockers, and on in Center Harbor at the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The families that participate get about a $30 a month reduction in their electrical bills.
The solar projects that they installed last year will generate 2.5 million kWH. They gave out $9000 in electric credits and raised $3500 for healthy local food for local food partners. Volunteer donated 400 hours of time.
PAREI provides access to solar service and energy consulting to prepare our community for potential uncertainty. They offer sustainability, provide local healthy food, and serve as a viable economic engine for the local area. They will be offering a small business energy savings workshop webinar on February 19 at 9 am. This program will help small businesses to take advantage of solar energy programs.
Mike noted that Ben has stepped up to be president next year. He is willing to take a partner who would serve as co-president if anyone would like to volunteer, but he is also fine with working by himself.
Happy dollars were shared by Tony, Denise, and Phil.
At next week’s meeting, Sharon and Mike will talk about our club web site and MyRotary.
The Admin committee will meet this Friday on Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Lora Miller, secretary