ECG meeting June 9th 4pm
Barbara Jones
June 2026
Hi folks
This month we will meet on June 9th at 4pm at the Ely Community Center to hear Andrea Strom from Ely’s Brainstorm Bakery on Sheridan St. thinking about sustainability for her business, and Steve Piragis on his long experience with solar power in Ely.
Here is some background from Andrea and Brian https://brainstormbakery.com/pages/about-crapola or watch their video at https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2022/06/13/local-exchange-ely-couple-serves-homemade-granola-with-side-smiles/. Well what would you call apple cranberry granola? We will hear how they make sustainable choices in their business.
Like Andrea, Steve Piragis needs little introduction to Elyites. But, of course, there is a web page that tells the backstory and has more info than many of us know. https://www.piragis.com/home/about-us.html. Nancy and Steve started Piragis Northwood’s store in 1979. They were early adopters of solar and heat pumps both at the store and their home. Some years ago Steve was part of a group trying to centralize power and heat in Ely with the same goals we still have – to reduce costs, increase efficiency and decrease the CO2 we emit.
You can hear the full story on Tuesday May 12th, 4pm at the Ely Community Center, or by zoom. All are welcome. Here is the zoom link:
Topic: Ely Climate Group meeting with Andrea Strom and Steve Piragis
Time: Jun 9, 2026 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85110267594?pwd=7BorHWJ8cbt1wAhbFsySJFwkwJvG6w.1
Meeting ID: 851 1026 7594
Passcode: 859502
If you missed it, our April meeting with Keith Steva on electronics recycling and his plans for a new local venture “Reclaiming Critical Metals” is available on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1msXrqRCY&t=52s
Our upcoming meeting for July is July 14 Tues 4pm - Aaron Kania, candidate for MN House District 3A
Finally, to reduce electrical energy use and decrease the CO2 we emit, Ely Climate Group is teaming with MNIPL (Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light) to promote solar energy. The federal incentives supporting installation of new solar arrays on businesses and non-profits are still available! That is a 30% subsidy for clients getting started before the end of 2026. Sadly these funds are not available for private homes. The attached flyer gives more details. We will take a few minutes to talk about the program on Tuesday.
Thanks for all your help and interest, hoping to see you Tues June 9th
Barb
