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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WMMGA to Host Gardening Half Day in Lenox

LENOX, Mass. — The WMMGA will host a gardening half day on April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School.

The event will feature eight workshops covering the following topics:

  • Ticks
  • Hydrangeas
  • Summer bulbs
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Good garden tools
  • Plant propagation
  • Heirloom tomatoes
  • Container gardening

The event will also include vendors, free refreshments, a sale table with puzzles, houseplants, and gently used garden books, and a garden-themed raffle.

Registration can be completed at wmmga.org. Class size is limited.

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