Solar Power

Andrew Reed of Borrego Solar will speak about the current state of electricity rates in Massachusetts and explain how solar (photovoltaic) systems are an energy solution. He will explain how solar PV systems work and describe who Borrego Solar is. Brendan will close by offering 4 Massachusetts case studies which will include a residential, low income, commercial and an affordable housing example.

May 13, 2008

The Auction: Our Largest Fundraiser

One of our primary functions is to raise money for charity in the area and the auction is our primary source of revenue. Turn in your last minute items and sell tickets to your friends who will come and spend money. If you know someone who you would like to invite, Frank Novak will have some invitations that you may send out. See him at the this week's meeting. Download a PDF copy of the auction donation form if you have a last minute gift to be donated. We are also very happy to accept cash donations.

This is your opportunity to offer input into our club's activities and to socialize with fellow members. 5:15 pm, Wednesday, May 14th at Evenfall. Drinks, hors' d'oeuvres and club discussion. Everyone is welcome to attend.

About 50 years ago our furnace oil dealer went up from 18 cents a gallon to 20 cents a gallon. We quit 'em. Our last delivery was $3.49.9 per gallon. Sure wish that we hadn't quit that first guy.

We visit in Canada at least once a year and the oil prices there are even higher. And they produce oil in their country. I don't get it. I thought that furnace oil and diesel fuel were cheaper products to manufacture but they are currently more expensive than gasoline. I don't get it, do you?

I thought that maybe the Arabs were out to get the Americans but the high oil prices are worldwide. When our house furnace needed replacing a few years ago Stark and Cronk installed a dual fuel furnace for us. It can use either oil or wood. I used to saw, split and put wood into the cellar. But now that I am an old fart that chore is getting to be harder and harder. We would buy the wood by the tree length and I would saw and split it and, with our pick-up, bring it to the cellar window and throw it down a chute.

Do you remember the story of Tom Sawyer painting the fence? He made it seem like so much fun that the other kids wanted to do it too. I have a brother that is now retired and he tries to get exercise whenever he can. He stopped by to visit us recently. I was out back splitting wood with a sledge hammer and wedges. He asked if he could split the wood. The whole truckload. Being the nice guy that I am I allowed him to split the wood. Now, do any of you Rotarians like to mow lawns and trim shrubs? Call me.

The District Conference is going to be at the Boston Park Plaza from Friday, June 30 - Sunday, June 1. The last day to register is this Thursday, May 15, 2008. You WILL NOT be able to register at the door. Sign up if you plan to attend.

Keep up with what's happening in Rotary District 7930.
You may download a copy of the February/March Newsletter or visit the web site:http://www.rotary7930.org

Rotary Club of Haverhill is part of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, whose mission is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Each year, the Rotary Club of Haverhill raises and distributes more than $50,000.00 annually to local community charities that work to make our community a better place in which to live. Rotary Club of Haverhill places a high emphasis on serving the needs in the community of Haverhill. The application deadline is June 1st of each year. If you know somebody who would like to apply for a grant download the form and return it to one of the club's officers.

Diane Franz, Sr. Director, United Way
Remember to welcome Diane into our club and sign her book.

Masaru Komura spoke to us last week about the northern town of Japan that he is from. Masaru is an Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and will use his Harvard education to assist the financially depressed region of his home town. He hopes to promote supply chain relationships with other Asian regions and regain financial stability by developing an exporting economy in his region. Masaru was extremely grateful that Rotary has enabled his education at Harvard.

May 15 - Andrew Reed, Borrego Solar
June 5 - Reverend Paul H. Dionne, Atkinson Congregational Church
June 12 - Colonel Jackson "Randy" Dobbins, USAF Commander of the 66th Medical Group
June 19 - Stanley Usovicz, Verizon Regional Director of External Relations
See John Cuneo if you have an interesting speaker for our meetings.