Tag: community solar

November 2020 Newsletter: Webinar Recordings

We have two webinar recordings now available-Solar Options for Congregations and Engaging Active Hope book study:

  • Solar Options for Congregations:
    Joy Baxter did a virtual presentation about solar options for congregations for the Main Line PA IPL chapter, and it is now available to all of you!  Get the recording. ​​​
  • Engaging Active Hope Book Study:
    In June, Alison Cornish held a webinar for folks interested in preparing to lead an Engaging Active Hope book study, either virtually or (eventually) in person. 
    The recordings and materials are available here.

Stories from the Road reflection — Joyce Breiner host and community connector

Joyce Breiner has been welcoming cyclists to Poolesville, Maryland since the earliest rides. In her role as director of Poolesville Green, she has created many and varied opportunities for cyclists and community members to connect and learn. What that doesn’t tell you is that (1) she personally hosted riders until the ride got big enough that she connected us with the Am Kolel Sanctuary Retreat Center and (2) she cooks legendary breakfasts. Joyce shared this reflection:

Please share a few sentences describing a highlight of a past bike trip.
There have been a number of highlights over the years – 8 so far?! From small beginnings of hosting a handful of riders in our Poolesville home to showcasing progress on sustainable actions in our community, it has been years of fun and growth in faith and purpose.

How has the bike trip continued to impact or sustain you?
The bike trip has been a reminder of the importance of continuing the work to encourage and inspire a more sustainable future.

In what ways are you continuing to reap inspiration and energy from your experience of the trip?       
Thinking of the PA IPL friends we have met and hosted each year, remembering the conversations we’ve shared and listening to their experiences along the trip continue to feed the soul. Hopefully sharing our experiences has been inspiring in return.

Please share a few sentences on what you are doing right now to support the work of PA IPL in raising climate change as a moral issue.          
Last year I achieved the Climate Change Professional designation as certified by the Association of Climate Change Officers and the State of Maryland. I am a member of the Montgomery County Maryland Climate Planning Workgroup, which is determining how to achieve the county’s climate emergency goals of reducing GHG emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. I am advocating to allow agrovoltaic Community Solar projects in the county’s Agricultural Reserve through adoption of a countywide Zoning Text Amendment.

PA IPL’s Sustained Advocacy group is following and promoting community solar legislation in Pennsylvania — it is bipartisan and in both houses! You can help!

What “call to action” would you encourage others to take regarding climate change at this time?

  1. Vote.
  2. Run for local office, even a church council position, PTA position or other.
  3. Adopt renewable energy sources or drive an electric vehicle. Look for ways that make it work instead of being put off by perceived difficulties.

Watch for a how-to webinar for choosing 100% renewable energy at PA IPL this fall —the “shoulder seasons” when we use less energy are the best time to shop.