CET donates 15 electric vehicles

12:00AM / Tuesday, November 25, 2003Print Story | Email Story

The GEM: Not exactly a muscle car but friendly to the environment

The Center for Ecological Technology has donated 15 Global Electric Motors zero-emission vehicles to western Massachusetts cultural organizations, educational institutions and municipalities. CET "regifted" vehicles that it received as a donation from Daimler Chrysler's GEM electric car division. CET's application to GEM was supported by Cahillane Motors of Northampton. Recipients of the electric vehicles are: Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Hancock Shaker Village, Mass MOCA, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Simon's Rock College of Bard, Shakespeare and Co., Gould Farm, Norman Rockwell Museum, Williams College and Tufts University as well as the cities of Northampton and Springfield. These organizations will showcase and use these pollution-free GEM cars on their property. Currently, 37 states have passed legislation accepting the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) ruling to allow GEM cars on public roadways. It is anticipated that in spring 2004, the GEMS can be registered for use on Massachusetts' roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. According to GEM, more than 28,000 GEM vehicles will be in use by the end of this year. "At Gould Farm we are forever driving between the barns, gardens, offices, maintenance buildings and residences. The GEM car offers an environmentally appealing alternative to our trucks and cars, especially when we're transporting light loads or one or two people. They're easy to spot and comfortable to drive. And because they're open, they don't smell like the barn," noted Rita Kasky, Gould Farm's Director of Development. Jacob's Pillow Executive Director Ella Baff said, "It's fitting and fun that a National Historic Landmark is also known for innovation, both on stage and off. We're forward-thinking in what we present, and how we operate and are proud to showcase a car that heralds the transportation of the future." Electric vehicles are an alternative to a full sized automobile or small truck for short trips or for use on campus-type settings. CET received 2 and 4 passenger as well as long and short back models for carrying small loads. They have lower maintenance costs, greater efficiency, no emissions and can operate on tight roads, narrow paths or inside buildings. They have a range of about 30 miles before needing to be recharged and can be plugged into a standard 110 volt outlet for recharging. They are powered by a 72-volt GE motor and a battery pack comprised of six deep cycle 12-volt batteries. Their maximum speed is approximately 25 miles per hour. They meet the low speed safety requirements set by the NHTSA including three point seat belts, safety glass, windshield, wipers, headlights, turn signals, driver and passenger side mirrors. CET's mission is to promote and demonstrate technologies that have less environmental impact. Over the years, CET has worked with non-profit organizations, cities and towns, schools, businesses and communities on practical and affordable solutions to environmental problems. Providing zero emission vehicles to local organizations and municipalities is an ideal way to educate the public, reduce pollution and save money on gasoline. CET plans to retain several zero-emission vehicles which it will use for local deliveries of recycled copy paper to businesses, to move building materials at the ReStore Home Improvement Center, and for routine local travel. In the future, CET hopes to provide cars to employees for their commute to work. "Everyone benefits from alternatives to standard gasoline engines. Our communities get cleaner air, commuters have clean, quiet and convenient transportation and people are exposed to the design and capabilities of these all electric vehicles," said Alan Silverstein, CET Director. CET is a non-profit community organization serving western Massachusetts. Founded in 1976, CET works in the areas of energy and resource conservation, renewable energy and environmental education. CET is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Stockbridge Grange Community Dinner

03:12PM / Tuesday, February 03, 2026

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Stockbridge Grange is holding a community dinner on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, featuring spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and bread with dessert choices of chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.

Dinner is $17.00 per person, take out only with 12-1:30 pm pick up at the Stockbridge Grange Hall at 51 Church Street, Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352.

Inclement weather postpones the meal for a week.