2018 LEAP Projects
Here’s a sample of LEAP’s 2018 activities:
Waterbury Energy Plan: At the request of town officials, LEAP members provided extensive suggestions and feedback on the new Waterbury Energy Plan.
12th LEAP Energy Fair: On Saturday, April 7 the 12th LEAP Energy Fair was held at the CBMS gym and attracted more than 75 exhibitors and 600 attendees. This fair is now the largest such event in Vermont. Attendees at this free event toured displays and spoke with experts about solar power, heat pumps, weatherization, green building, electric vehicles, pellet stoves, biomass, and many other topics. They also used the free electronics recycling.
Walk & Bike to School Day: On June 6 Waterbury in Motion (a LEAP program) helped organize a Walk & Bike to School Day with TBPS and CBMS. Some 225 children and adults gathered at Rusty Parker Park, enjoyed breakfast provided by LEAP, and then bikers and walkers proceeded in groups to TBPS and CBMS. These events help encourage an expanded biking and walking culture in Waterbury and Duxbury.
Articles for the Waterbury Record: During the year LEAP prepared articles for the Waterbury Record, Stowe Reporter, and Valley Reporter. These articles included conversations with local experts about energy-related topics and were created to help local residents learn more ways to save energy and money.
Walk & Bike to School Day: On September 19 Waterbury in Motion (a LEAP program) helped organize a Walk & Bike to School Day with TBPS and CBMS. 220 children and adults gathered at Rusty Parker Park, enjoyed breakfast provided by LEAP, and then bikers and walkers proceeded in groups to TBPS and CBMS.
LEAP Electric Vehicle Fest: On September 26 LEAP held our first LEAP Electric Vehicle Fest. The free event was held at the Crossett Brook Middle School cafeteria and despite very inclement weather 100 people attended to learn about the 16 electric vehicles that were parked outside including Teslas, Volts, Bolts, Leafs, and Prius Primes. The gathering included free pizza, drinks and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and the chance for local residents to speak to many local electric vehicle owners about their experiences owning EVs, how much the cars cost, and how much money and fuel the owners are saving.
VCRD Annual Conference On October 1 LEAP was invited to attend the annual VCRD (Vermont Council on Rural Development) Annual Conference where we spoke on a panel regarding town energy planning.
Button Up Weatherization & Home Heating Workshop: On November 15 LEAP held a free Button Up Weatherization & Home Heating Workshop at the Steele Room in the new Municipal Complex. The free event drew 40 attendees who learned how to tighten up their home to save fuel and money. Guest speakers included a senior energy consultant from Efficiency Vermont a representative from VSECU who spoke about ways to finance weatherization projects, and several installers. LEAP provided free pizza, drinks, and many green energy raffle prizes.
Waterbury Zoning Bylaws: Upon the request of town officials, LEAP members provided feedback on the draft Waterbury zoning bylaws.