Valley Futures

Attendees: Jay Pilliod, Darlene McKormick, Charley Hosford, Bob Ferris, Carol Hosford, John Norton, Dennis Derryberry, Bill Maclay, Emiric Rochford, Erin Russell-Story, Gaelan Brown

 1.Purpose/Mission:

The Valley Energy Group’s mission is to move the Valley toward being carbon neutral through developing an action plan to explore successful local energy programs implemented by the other communities in both Vermont and globally, and through initiating and/or supporting an achievable and impacting energy product in the Valley. The basic goal is moving toward a carbon neutral, energy independent Valley.

2. Primary areas of action:

(a.) networking with existing energy groups and individuals

(b.)communicating work and efforts of all energy organizations to the Valley

(c.)contributing to development of a carbon neutral, energy independent energy plan for the Valley

(d.)contributing to specific projects that support a carbon neutral, energy independent future.

3. Current energy initiatives:

·        Moretown Energy Fair (including DIY “Button Up” workshop. September 20, 2008, 2:00-5:00 pm at Moretown School. Contact Karen Horn for additional information.

·        Warren DIY “Button Up” workshop. October 2 at Yestermorrow School. Contact Yestermorrow School.

·        Carbon Shredders are continuing to work with individual homes to reduce the Valley carbon footprint.

·        Biomass grant from the Northern Forest Alliance is to inventory biomass resources of the Valley and develop pilot programs. Others with information or interest should contact Tara Hamilton

·        VERA has information on wind resources in Vermont and the Valley. Information can be found on Earth Turbines web site.

·        Yestermorrow is offering workshops on energy conservation, renewable energy, design and construction.

4.Ideas for future initiatives:

·        Create community energy infrastructures/networks using group net metering, community methane systems, local carbon credits and similar associated structures.

·        Community wood for people in need

·        Workshops and classes for weatherization (Habitat model)

·        Networking with Chambers and other community organizations

·        Valley Health Center -  possible solar hot water collectors if technical assistance is volunteered.

5.Future Meetings:

Next meeting will be Thursday, October 9 at 6:00pm at Yestermorrow School. Future meetings will be every 2 months on the second Thursday of the month at Yestermorrow unless Yestermorrow has a conflict. If there is a conflict an alternative location will be indicated.

6.Chair:

Bill Maclay will continue until December unless someone else would like the position.

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