lincoln annual report
2008

Mary Beth Stilwell became the chair of the new Lincoln Energy Committee last spring. Our first meeting was held in June 2008. This report covers activities between then and the end of 2008.

1. Administrative startup and draft ing of a mission statement (below)
   
   
2. A town-wide survey to determine our community’s current energy use, to assess interest in energy education and weatherization programs, and to solicit suggestions for projects, seminars, and programs.
   
   
3. Assistance to town residents with heating and energy
   Pursuant to the survey and taking into account the recession and high energy costs, we were concerned about the ability of more and more citizens to heat their homes during the coming winter.
   
   

1. Special Town Meeting August 12 to inform residents of fuel assistance options.
   
   
2. Hill Country Holidays: an information booth, a membership drive, and distribution of energy saving CFL bulbs.
   
   
3. Establishment of a Wood Bank to provide a supply of cut, split, seasoned wood to residents in temporary need. (Donations of wood were solicited and catalogued, protocols developed for handling calls and deliveries, legal issues explored, a trailer donated, refurbished, and loaded, residents notified via e-mail, flyers, announcements at local gatherings, etc.) So far, we have seven cords of wood, but have had only one call. We will sell any remaining wood toward the end of February or early March and use the proceeds to help residents purchase heating fuels other than wood (oil, propane, etc.)
   
   
4. Hosted “Button Up Vermont” workshop in Burnham Hall where a weatherization and energy efficient contractor spoke about ways to save money and the climate.
   
   
5. A weatherization program to help residents tighten up their homes through a basic assessment of need and help in addressing it. This program didn’t get fully underway until December 2008 and will only really get going in 2009.
   
   
6. Education Attendance at conferences held by Efficiency Vermont, groSolar, SERG, the Vermont Law School, and the The Addison County Regional Planning Commission.