"Zephyr" is the latest effort by Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort to utilize green technology.
HANCOCK - Only three years after Jiminy Peak President and CEO Brian Fairbank first dreamed of using wind power at his mountain resort, a 386-foot wind turbine rises above the horizon at the popular Berkshire destination.
At a dedication ceremony for the turbine - named “Zephyr†- on Wednesday, Fairbank addressed hundreds of Berkshire residents and emphasized his commitment to environmental sustainability and green technology.
“Jiminy’s longstanding efforts to be better environmental stewards will not end here,†Fairbank said. “We’re going to continue to ask ‘What can we do better than we’re doing today to preserve our environment for future generations?’ Together, we can make it a better tomorrow and I truly believe that.â€
Gathered beneath the 1.5 megawatt turbine located at the summit of the mountain, onlookers watched as the three 123-foot blades began to spin in the wind, despite the weak August breeze.
“Please, please work,†Fairbank pleaded.
As part of the “Windsday†festivities, dedication attendees could purchase “Got Wind?†T-shirts or pick up colorful pinwheels, along with the assortment of informational materials available on the benefits of wind power.
A renewable energy summit took place before the dedication ceremony and the public was treated to a picnic at J.J.’s Lodge after words by Fairbank, his business partner Joseph J. O’Donnell and National Ski Areas Association President Michael Berry, with a rendition of “God Bless America†sung by Dave Malachino, a conference sales manager at Jiminy Peak.
Freedom, Independence and Commitment
“Using wind power is great for our environment, for our world for one thing. And also, it’s great for Jiminy Peak. It just makes downright good sense,†said Rep. Denis Guyer (D-Dalton) who attended the ceremony.
Zephyr will produce approximately 1/3 of Jiminy Peak’s annual energy needs and will be used to power snowmaking, lifts and some buildings, including the core of the Country Inn. At full production, Zephyr’s output is 2,000 horsepower, enough to run 600 houses.
“Zephyr is a symbol to me of freedom, independence and commitment,†said Fairbank of the $3.9 million project. “You can follow dreams and make them a reality.â€
The wind turbine symbolizes the freedom to “freely pursue an initiative that promotes environmental sustainability†and the freedom to “think globally and act locally,†while lessening U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.
“Zephyr symbolizes commitment because this project has been a challenge and a half,†said Fairbank. “We pushed, we pulled, we went through the mud and we went through all sorts of challenges to get it up here. It’s been quite an experience.â€
With help from General Electric, Co. - who provided Zephyr after five other companies refused to sell a single turbine to Jiminy - Fairbank was able to realize his dream of using renewable energy at the resort.
“[Fairbank] led a charge that I thought was going nowhere,†said O’Donnell. “He set an example for the rest of the country in the recreation and leisure business.â€
“There will be wiser people doing this afterward,†said Fairbank.
Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
123 inch blades? The efficiency of this windmill is amazing!!
North Adams Selected for $2.5M Pilot 'Creative District' Program
Staff reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A $2.5 million grant for a "creative district" pilot is being seen as a way to leverage past studies and business and arts leaders' input to strengthen the revitalization of the downtown.
The three-year grant is from the Barr Foundation, a Boston-based philanthropic organization that aids communities in unlocking potential for creativity, growth and equity. The foundation partners with the Mass Development and has supported its Transformative Development Initiative program.
"We are just so excited about the opportunity to be part of the creative initiative," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey on Thursday. "Not being designated a gateway community, we thought that was going to hinder us, but Mass Development really came and circled around us.
"We've assembled a great team, and I'm very excited about the work that is going to be done."
This is a new economic development program, and will be used by North Adams to leverage arts and culture as drivers of equitable growth while supporting small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, and positioning the Northern Berkshires for future public and private investment.
"I think this is really going to launch our economic development model — develop it, plan it, and also, again, reach out to the business community, the art community, the municipal community, the residents, and get us all working together to grow North Adams," Macksey said.
One of the first things for the city will be to hire a creative district fellow to work alongside local partners and coordinate program implementation, strengthen collaboration across the district, and advance catalytic projects.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
