Hi everyone!
Today’s first story comes from Greenfield, Mass., home of Penn (of magician Penn & Teller fame, which is REALLY weird because I JUST watched Friends episode in which he played an salesman selling encyclopedias to Joey) . It seems environmental friendly, renewable energy is on the lips of every idealist these days. But the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce stepped up the talk by holding a special breakfast for environmental-related companies, with a focus on regional business and development.
“”‘We need leaders in municipal government, commercial and industrial business decision makers and homeowners to help incorporate renewable energy and conservation measures into our lives in meaningful and long-lasting ways,’ said Sandra Thomas of Greenfield-based Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.”"
Some of the topics the panelist discussed were millions of dollars in rebates and grants offered for alternative energy projects, the Wisdom Way Solar Village in Greenfield, and a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine planned for Hancock. Probably most exciting is the launch of a sustainable energy program at Greenfield Community College.
“”"‘In 2015,’ said program developer Teresa Jones, ‘the projection for photo-voltaic installations in this country will explode so much, we will not have enough technicians to do the jobs, and that will be the bottleneck in the industry. Not the silicon or solar panels, but the trained installers who will make the industry successful. That’s all we needed to hear. We said, ‘Yes — now is the time to not only catch this wave, but contribute to something we cared most about.”
Working with businesses, technical schools and other community colleges, GCC is planning to roll out an array of technical courses for area trades workers, people looking for new careers and college students who want to tap into an emerging green economy.
‘I’ve never felt more optimistic about the future of living in Franklin County,’ Jones said.”"”"”
“Power of the green: Eco-technologies expected to charge up local economic life”
By Richie Green of the Greenfield Reporter 2007-04-28
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Our next story comes from Worcester, the Heart of New England. What’s better than the cool, relaxing sound of a ukulele? How about a whole bunch of ukuleles? The Mount Vernon Hotel plays host to Ukapalooza, a gathering of all things ukulele. On the bill are perenniel Worcester performer Bob Jordan and an artist who plays Bruce Springsteen tunes on – you guessed it – a ukulele.
“”"”“There won’t be one serious song,””"”" says musician TJ Peavey.
Organized by coffee house regular “Amazing Dick” Leufstedt, the show is absolutely free. Simply turn up at 7 at the Ship Room at the Vernon Hotel in Kelly Square.
Maybe Uke Springsteen will play my favorite ukulele song, “Born in the Uke.S.A.” OK, that was bad. Feel free to email me a groan.
by Scott McLennan of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette 2007-04-29
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And finally,
Here are some photos of my cousin Paul and I at the Passion Plunge at Indian Lake in Worcester on February 3rd to benefit the Massachusetts Special Olympics. It was about 40 degrees that morning, as we plopped in one by one into the water via a 15’x15’ foot hole cut by the Worcester Fire Department. The first photo is us waiting in line to jump in; the second photo is Paul in the water – 35 degrees – you can see the ice behind him – Brrr! I think I stayed in about .5 seconds.
Paul and I collected $550 for the Special Olympics; altogether, with the 71 other dunkers, we raised $26,766. Thanks to everyone who jumped in the water and to everyone who donated, you guys are great! :)
