Mayhew Program dedicates new solar array

BRISTOL — More than 30 people gathered next to the Base House of The Mayhew Program in Bristol, on Aug. 4 to celebrate the completion of the new solar array. What began as a dream following the completion of a new arts building on Mayhew Island has become a reality with assistance from multiple Rotaries, The Rotary Foundation, a generous donation from the Thomas W. Haas Fund at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, dedicated volunteers and the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI).

Stepping up first was the Bristol Rotary and they were quickly followed by Plymouth, Lincoln-Woodstock, Littleton and Franklin. The Bristol Rotary also took the lead on applying to the Rotary Foundation. The Thomas W. Haas Fund at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation committed to the project allowing it to move on to the next phase of permits and assembly. Mayhew volunteer Ivan Quinchia shepherded Mayhew through the complex paperwork process and led the actual construction of the 19.8 kilowatt array.

Jim Nute, executive director, summed up the gratitude of the organization; “We feel very fortunate to be with you now in celebration of this solar array project – a people-helping-people achievement, if ever there was one. For years to come, it will save Mayhew thousands of dollars in electricity expense and that savings will be invested directly in Mayhew’s work with the boys, making this experience ever stronger for them.”

From left, by the solar array at the Mayhew Program are Wall Strauch, Franklin Rotary; Rob and Marilyn Bedell, Rotary District 7850; Grayson Richey and Junior Boley, Mayhew Program; Wendy Williams, Bristol Rotary; Bill Clark, Plymouth Rotary; and Bob Broadhurst, Bristol Rotary. (Courtesy photo)