Take Charge: Wrap Up for Winter
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This Week in Clean Energy:
Although it has warmed up these past couple of days, we have already gotten a glimpse of the winter to come.
Take Charge, Williams College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, the Green Group, Center for Ecological Technology, Berkshire Community Action Council and various community members are teaming together on Nov. 15 to help keep people warm this winter.
In the past, these groups have helped to weatherize homes but this year, with a new name and a revived energy, Winter Blitz is going to do more than ever before. We are looking to weatherize 60 homes in North Adams and the surrounding area.Weatherizing homes is relatively easy, but can make a world of difference in a home's energy consumption. Barack Obama emphasized its importance at one of the presidential debates saying, "Each and every one of us can start thinking about how can we save energy in our homes, in our buildings."
His administration, he said, would incentivize Detroit to make more fuel-efficient cars, and would also be "making sure that you are able to weatherize your home or make your business more fuel efficient."
Winter Blitz will be caulking and weather-stripping windows, providing compact florescent light bulbs and providing residents with information about ways they can improve their energy efficiency.
Rep. Edward J. Markey is also in tune with the importance of weatherization. As a member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Markey along with other committee members, "welcomed the release of $7 million in funds to help Massachusetts families weatherize their homes, cutting back on energy bills and keep homes warm for many winters to come."
With support from politicians, schools, companies, organization and community members it is possible to ensure that drafts are kept out and energy bills pushed down. If you are interested in being involved with Winter Blitz contact us. We are looking for people to be team leaders that will lead groups of four to five students. We would love to have you.
In Our Community:
NBCC Forum "Outreach": Friday, Nov. 14, 10 to noon
Held at First Baptist Church on Eagle Street in North Adams to discuss how to connect people and information on different community initiatives and issues. Public encouraged to attend. Contact the NBCC office with questions at 413-663-7588.
CET Geothermal Workshop: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
This event will be held at the Cummington Community House. It will offer information on geothermal energy, which employs buried tubing to harness the Earth's near-constant underground temperature to warm or cool air for residential, agricultural or industrial uses. Learn the ins and outs of ground-coupled heating and cooling, including an overview of the technology, system types, siting considerations, distribution methods, space requirements, costs, benefits and payback scenarios, updates on available incentives, local installers, and energy efficiency measures. Advance registration is required; $10 suggested donation. Contact Tomasin Whitaker at 413-586-7350, Ext. 25.
North Adams Green Group meeting: Thursday, Nov. 20, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
The Take Charge campaign is organized by an ad-hoc citizens group that meets on the North Adams Public Library's third floor. This week's meeting will continue the discussions started last month on plans for future projects and long-term goals and vision. All are welcome to join. Contact Madeline with questions.
Neighborhood Expo: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:30 to 3
"Environment" is the theme for this year's 11th annual community expo, which will be held at St. Anthony's Parish Center in North Adams. Morning sessions will include discussions on the physical environment, enjoying our environment, and improving the environment. Booths and information will be available throughout the day. Keep an eye out for more information!
Book signing with Bruce Harley: save the date for Thursday, Dec. 11This event will be held at the North Adams Public Library to discuss his newest book, "Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money and Make Your Home More Comfortable and Green." Harley is considered a green building expert and is technical director of Conservation Services Group in Westborough. Stay tuned for more details!
Good luck saving energy!
Madeline King
Take Charge Project Intern
msk1@williams.edu
Kara McCall
Take Charge Project Intern
KM3564@mcla.edu
