The Buzz Online

AARP NH appointed Patrick McDermott as the new volunteer state president. He retired after a 37-year career with Eversource in 2013. Five years ago, McDermott joined AARP NH’s Executive Council, a leadership group of volunteers responsible for guiding AARP’s strategic priorities within the Granite State. He was elected to a two-year term as volunteer state president and he plans to work to strengthen AARP’s volunteer recruitment program, which took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NH Granite State Ambassadors elected Charyl Reardon, president of White Mountains Attractions Association, is the board chair for the organization. New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors is a nonprofit that trains volunteers to support hundreds of travel and tourism-related businesses.

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Appolo Vineyards in Derry is the first winery to be included in the NH Sustainable Craft Beverage Recognition Program. The veteran-owned business, established in 2006, is recognized for its environmental leadership and sustainable initiatives. The Sustainable Craft Beverage Recognition Program is a free, voluntary program offered to the craft beverage industry to recognize those go above and beyond to produce high quality eco-friendly craft beverages. Recognition requires the completion of an application and a site visit by NH Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) staff for verification. This visit also gives NHPPP staff the opportunity to offer additional suggestions for sustainability practices.

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Zebra Crossings, a nonprofit in Dover, appoointed Debra Taylor as executive director, succeeding Aric Morrison, who left the position in September for personal health reasons. Taylor is the third executive director for the organization that was founded in 2009. Taylor previously served as president and CEO of Sweetser, a behavioral health and developmental service organization in Maine. She began her career in healthcare, working for nearly a decade with a home health agency. Zebra Crossings helps connects kids with chronic medical conditions through play and give respite for caregivers.

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Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) is supporting the Society for the Protection of NH Forests’ restoration project at The Rocks in Bethlehem as they continue to rebuild following a devastating fire in 2019. The $25,000 in tax credits purchased through the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) will be used to renovate the historic Carriage Barn into a net-zero energy efficient structure, featuring geothermal and solar photovoltaic systems.