In response to growing interest in solar and small-scale wind power in the Berkshires, the Center for Ecological Technology (CETsm) will offer a workshop to highlight small-scale renewable energy technology and exciting new funding opportunities.
Anyone who is curious about what’s involved in using renewable energy at home or work is encouraged to attend the informational workshop, which will be presented in North Adams and again in Great Barrington. The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 13 from 7 pm to 9 pm at the North Adams Public Library.
On Tuesday, September 20, the second workshop will be held at Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington in the Fisher Science Center, Clark Auditorium from 7 pm to 9 pm. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, will be the featured speaker. Both workshops are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Increases in energy costs and concern about the damage fossils fuels cause to the environment lead many people to seek local, clean sources of energy. Conservation is a critical part of any energy strategy. Installing small renewable energy systems is becoming increasingly popular. Over the past few years, dozens of solar electric systems have been installed on homes, schools and public buildings in the Berkshires.
CET’s small-scale renewable energy workshop is a good way to find out if a renewable energy system is a good fit. Those who attend will learn the basics of using energy from the sun to create electricity or heat water. They will also learn how solar panels work, the components of a solar electric system, how to determine whether they have a good site and how many solar panels would meet their electrical needs. Also covered will be average prices for solar electric and solar hot water systems, and how to find local contractors who install systems. Both workshop sites feature newly installed solar electric systems, so the workshop will include a tour of the system.
Financial incentives are available. Mr. Vreeland will give an overview of those incentives and will summarize a new program through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative that can help homeowners and small businesses pay for renewable energy systems.
The workshop will briefly explain small-scale wind and hydropower. Individuals interested in learning more about commercial scale wind power may want to attend a tour of the Searsburg Wind Power Facility. For more information about those tours, visit http://www.cetonline.org/Events/events.htm#Wind.
Please pre-register if you are interested in coming to either of the workshops. To find out more or to pre-register, contact Amy Johns, at 413-445-4556 ext. 14 or email her at: amyj@cetonline.org.
CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976. CET receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. These workshops are made possible through grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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