04/29/2025 SWG Minutes

Minutes of the April 29, 2025 Meeting of the Sustainability Working Group 

Due to a number of last-minute conflicts, the meeting was only attended by Barry Zitser, along with Bruce Caplain available by phone. Thus, there was no public input. 

Jess Donnelly has prepared a good informational flyer on recycling and use of the transfer station by apartment renters and occupants of the senior center.  Bruce will get some posters printed. 

Barry stated that he will contact Yonder Mountain orchard to see whether they might look at the solar array site for the best location for the orchard after the orchard opens in May.  Barry indicated that perhaps we should commit up to $200 for two or more mature trees – one fruit tree and one nut tree.  At this time, most of his 11 clippings are doing well due to Rachelle’s professional potting, although she cautioned that perhaps half will die. Andrea Knowles has two clippings, one apple and one plum. 

Barry stated that he believes there will be no problem with the Conservation Commission passing the Plastics Resolution at its May meeting.  At its April meeting, Margaret Gale and Cheryl Jensen clearly stated their support for such a resolution.  Rachelle offered to make a few word changes to the last draft to see if there could be unanimous support at the May meeting.  

Bruce Etter has indicated to Bruce and Barry that he may be meeting with the Co-op in May to discuss sponsorship of some sustainable products. 

The discussions on developing a conversational group meeting, membership, social media presence, and a repair shop/service will be continued until the next meeting. 

Bruce noted that Mr. Matthew Koehler, who is the father of one of our former members, Maddie, is the local community representative of Eversource.  Bruce will send Barry his email so that Barry could contact him about the possibility of Eversource being a vendor at the Vintage Market in the Mountains at the Wayside Inn this July. It is the Group’s hope that Eversource could have a table of available energy and conservation services that might assist residents in controlling their energy bills. 

The minutes of the March meeting were approved. 

The next meeting date was set for May 27, 2025 at 5:30 at the Library.