May 17th - Nancy Foster

May 30th - Maureen Conrad

 

 

 

May 17th - John & Kate

May 25th - Nancy & Robert

May 30th - Jason & Abby

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS - May

• Friday May 22 and Tuesday May 26 -Flags Out and In (Flag Teams)
• Saturday May 238:00 am - Float Build 11 am 16 Creek Rd (Eric)
• Monday May 25 8:00 am - Memorial Day Parade - Float (Eric)

 

 

Fines:

 

Happy Dollars:

 

 

 

The program is run by a nonprofit-supported initiative, Energy Navigators, led by Shannon Bryant, and has been active for about two
years. It has helped a little over 250 homes in Addison County navigate energy burden with the ultimate goal of reducing carbon emissions. The
program meets people where they are, discussing whether energy costs, comfort, or other motivations are driving their decisions, and
emphasizes that lowering energy use (and electrifying where appropriate) reduces carbon emissions. It is a free service—"Free. Free.
Free."—with no sales, kickbacks, or hidden incentives.

 

Key elements include:
• A person-to-person, home-based approach (often at kitchen tables) to discuss weatherization, heat loss, and indoor comfort.
• Connections to weatherization services through the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO).
• Guidance on weatherization projects for doors and windows.
• Information about the annual do-it-yourself weatherization rebate of $100 per household from Efficiency Vermont (proof of purchase/
receipts required).
• Help locating weatherization contractors and rebates via Efficiency Vermont, GMP (Green Mountain Power), and VGS (Vermont Gas
Systems), including contractor recommendations and vetted options.
• Follow-up support to compare quotes and understand what different contractors are proposing.

The session also highlights broader issues—rising fuel costs, comfort, and how heat pumps can reduce heating loads. Shannon explains how
heat pumps work (they move heat similarly to a refrigerator in reverse), their use for cooling, and the importance of using them to decrease
dependence on oil or propane. The program emphasizes real-world use and education rather than pushing a single solution.

Other topics covered include:
• Wood stoves: there is a $400 rebate for new wood stoves, and wood stove efficiency has improved in the last decade. A guest
shared that replacing a stove can cut wood consumption significantly (an example cited about 35% savings). The group discusses balancing wood usage with weatherization and
community aid, such as donating wood savings to a wood bank.
• Weatherization and DIY efforts: attics and basements, with attention to door weatherization and other minimal-effort improvements.
• Volunteers and staffing: two tiers of trained volunteers, with supervision to ensure safety and quality. A standout volunteer mentioned is Spence.

 

Energy Navigators offers a practical, free, community-centered service that helps Addison County households reduce energy burden and
carbon emissions through education, weatherization connections, and access to rebates and vetted contractors. By meeting people where they are, providing guidance on heat pumps, wood stove upgrades, and DIY weatherization, and leveraging partnerships with CVOEO, Efficiency Vermont, GMP, and VGS, the program empowers households to make
informed energy choices. The initiative emphasizes affordability and comfort, highlights the value of community volunteers (such as
Spence), and continually integrates feedback through testimonials and Q&A. Ongoing outreach includes events like the June 13 energy and eco fair in Vergennes and exploration of balcony solar as a scalable option for broader solar access. The overarching message is that practical, supported steps—weatherization, heat-pump optimization, and smart contractor choices—can reduce energy costs, increase home comfort, and lower carbon footprints without pressuring individuals to adopt a single solution.

 

Thank you, Shannon!