Present: Gabriel Pena, Catherine Moore, Billy Strausser, Doug Arbogast, Neil S. Hakel, Pat Drago, Jennifer Garlesky, Leah Squires, Carl Thompson, Kelly Jo Drey, Stephanie Zorio, Andrew Stout, Jessical Logan, George Walberg, Ginger Danz
Leah Squires provided information about the Mountain Pride Fall Litter Sweep, sponsored by New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, taking place in Fayette County September 16 and 17. Volunteers are needed, please contact mountain.pride.sweep@gmail.com or call (304) 673-5637
Fall Mixer: We had originally planned a Sep. 17th mixer but that plan has been put on hold due to Gauley Fest, which is the same weekend. We discussed other possible dates, including having a mixer in place of our usually scheduled meeting in September. More details to come.
Recycling Committee: We received an update from Stephanie Zorio and Neil Hakel regarding the bottle bill and glass recycling. Bottle bill is in the works but is being opposed by large corporations who believe it would cost them too much money. Members are encouraged to educate themselves at http://www.wvbottlebill.org and contact their representatives regarding this legislation. The Citizen’s Action Group is sending a community education kit for us to use.
Glass recycling: glass is accepted in Charleston and processed in a polarizer which crushes the glass into sand, gravels or pebbles to be used for paving, glass mulch, water filtration and golf course sand traps, among other uses. We discussed the possibility of exploring grants (DEP Litter Control grant?) and working with the county commission to obtain a polarizing machine in order to generate revenue through glass recycling.
We discussed ways to publicize the information we have gathered about recycling in Fayette County. Catherine Moore offered to write an article (Reg. Herald and Fayette Tribune) about recycling, including recycling options.
Greening Bridge Day and GREAT booth: Leah Sl, Carl T, Stephanie Z and Neil H agreed to set up the booth. We are working with the Town of Fayetteville and will have a truck in our vendor space in order to cut down on the travel distance of recycled items (mostly cardboard from vendors). We will have bins for plastic.
Energy Efficiency: Discussed AEP’s Smart Grid program and we are working on ways to distribute this information to residents, businesses and government offices. A federal program (E-3) is providing an assessment of Fayetteville’s Memorial Building, and will provide suggestions for increasing energy efficiency and ways to use the space effectively. We were also informed of a public meeting in Lewisburg:
August 31st, 2011 – Lewisburg Energy Efficiency WV Public Meeting
This workshop, beginning at 7:00 PM at the Lewisburg City Hall will be a two hour survey about how residents and businesses can be empowered to take control of their energy bills. Come hear about energy saving tips, as well as means to voice your concern about your access to affordable, reliable energy. Light refreshments will be available.
VISTA: the application is in process. We need someone willing to supervise the VISTA position, office space for the volunteer and $6000 to apply. We will continue to discuss this issue at our Board Meeting at the beginning of September.
Next Meeting: Monday, September 26, 6 pm, venue TBA
