Jiminy Peak Unveils Wind Turbine

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
"Zephyr" is the latest effort by Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort to utilize green technology.
HANCOCK - Only three years after Jiminy Peak President and CEO Brian Fairbank first dreamed of using wind power at his mountain resort, a 386-foot wind turbine rises above the horizon at the popular Berkshire destination. At a dedication ceremony for the turbine - named “Zephyr” - on Wednesday, Fairbank addressed hundreds of Berkshire residents and emphasized his commitment to environmental sustainability and green technology. “Jiminy’s longstanding efforts to be better environmental stewards will not end here,” Fairbank said. “We’re going to continue to ask ‘What can we do better than we’re doing today to preserve our environment for future generations?’ Together, we can make it a better tomorrow and I truly believe that.” Gathered beneath the 1.5 megawatt turbine located at the summit of the mountain, onlookers watched as the three 123-foot blades began to spin in the wind, despite the weak August breeze. “Please, please work,” Fairbank pleaded. As part of the “Windsday” festivities, dedication attendees could purchase “Got Wind?” T-shirts or pick up colorful pinwheels, along with the assortment of informational materials available on the benefits of wind power. A renewable energy summit took place before the dedication ceremony and the public was treated to a picnic at J.J.’s Lodge after words by Fairbank, his business partner Joseph J. O’Donnell and National Ski Areas Association President Michael Berry, with a rendition of “God Bless America” sung by Dave Malachino, a conference sales manager at Jiminy Peak. Freedom, Independence and Commitment “Using wind power is great for our environment, for our world for one thing. And also, it’s great for Jiminy Peak. It just makes downright good sense,” said Rep. Denis Guyer (D-Dalton) who attended the ceremony. Zephyr will produce approximately 1/3 of Jiminy Peak’s annual energy needs and will be used to power snowmaking, lifts and some buildings, including the core of the Country Inn. At full production, Zephyr’s output is 2,000 horsepower, enough to run 600 houses. “Zephyr is a symbol to me of freedom, independence and commitment,” said Fairbank of the $3.9 million project. “You can follow dreams and make them a reality.” The wind turbine symbolizes the freedom to “freely pursue an initiative that promotes environmental sustainability” and the freedom to “think globally and act locally,” while lessening U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. “Zephyr symbolizes commitment because this project has been a challenge and a half,” said Fairbank. “We pushed, we pulled, we went through the mud and we went through all sorts of challenges to get it up here. It’s been quite an experience.” With help from General Electric, Co. - who provided Zephyr after five other companies refused to sell a single turbine to Jiminy - Fairbank was able to realize his dream of using renewable energy at the resort. “[Fairbank] led a charge that I thought was going nowhere,” said O’Donnell. “He set an example for the rest of the country in the recreation and leisure business.” “There will be wiser people doing this afterward,” said Fairbank. Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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