Newsbits

Gillibrand Announces Government Grant for Solar Project in Chatham

In September, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Solaqua Power & Art, a renewable energy, business incubator located in Chatham, had been awarded $49,608 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program. The funds will be used to purchase and install a photovoltaic renewable energy system. The 25 kilowatt system will be installed as part of a redevelopment project at the vacant Columbia Box Board Mill in Chatham.

“I am very exited to announce this funding for Solaqua Power and Art,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Upstate New York will play a major role in the development of renewable energy, and projects such as this will be an example of the way renewable energy can revitalize our rural communities.”

“We are absolutely thrilled and energized to receive this grant to help create a solar-powered regional foods restaurant and brew pub at Solaqua Power and Art. This 25 kW solar voltaic system will provide over 90% of the electrical energy required for the restaurant's operation,” said Jody Rael, President and Founder, Solaqua Power and Art.

The Rural Development Program helps fund projects from water and utility infrastructure, to economic development and job growth projects in rural communities nationwide.

Otsego County Schools Go Green!

The Wildlife Learning Company in Hartwick, NY is pleased to announce that three schools—Milford Central School, Oneonta Middle School and Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School—have joined Laurens Central School in the Otsego County School Recycling Project this year. Laurens successfully recycled 4,694 pounds of paper after implementing their recycling program in February, 2007.

The project, a partnership among schools, Wildlife Learning Company and Otsego County Solid Waste Department, was established to provide assistance to schools seeking to improve or establish recycling programs. In addition, Vets Disposal of Oneonta has made contributions of rolling containers to each of the schools at no extra cost and is committed to responsible handling of materials.

The project coincides with state efforts to improve recycling and waste reduction in schools. In a recent memo from Commissioner of Education Richard P. Mills, School Superintendents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on recycling practices, and were reminded that recycling is required by state and local laws. The memo also encouraged all schools to establish or expand recycling and waste reduction programs.

Schools interested in being part of the project should contact Wildlife Learning Company at 607 293 6043.

“Creating Desirable Communities” in Margaretville

“Creating Desirable Communities” will be the featured topic at Catskills Local Government Day on Wednesday, October 17 in Margaretville. David Ivan, Michigan State University Extension Director and Economic Development Specialist, will give the lunchtime address at Hanah Country Inn, where the annual gathering will be sponsored by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) and the New York State Department of State (DOS). Municipal officials and staffers, planning and zoning board members, economic development coordinators and other interested citizens are welcome to attend. For an agenda and registration materials, go to www.cwconline.org/special/gov_day, or call 845 586 1400.

David Ivan’s presentation will be a lively look at some of the 225 communities he recently surveyed in 10 Midwestern and East Coast states to determine how the most successful ones manage to fill storefronts, capitalize on art and cultural heritage, engage citizens and attract young professionals.

Ivan’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, “Beyond Facades: Realizing Our Main Street Potential.” Speakers will include Linda Overbaugh of Heart of Catskill Chamber of Commerce explaining how the Village of Catskill has diversified its retail base; Victor Dadras of Dadras Architects of New York City and Liberty, on the topic of “Saving Historic Buildings for Commerce,” and Nan Stoltzenburg, of Community Planning and Environmental Associates of Berne, NY offering advice on “Turning Vision Into Action: Tools to Help You Get There.”

Space is limited for these workshops so those interested are advised to register without delay.

For more information on the non-profit Catskill Watershed Corporation and its environmental protection, economic development and education programs, go to www.cwconline.org, or call 845 586 1400.