Wind Turbine Update

Sandi Pierson sent us this report. If you want updates emailed directly to you, send a request to townoforangenh@gmail. (It's her Select Board Secretary email, but her reports are not related to Select Board business.) She writes:

Currently there are three proposed projects  that, with the existing Groton Wind Farm, would total over 100 turbines. Miles Sinclair, a Board member in Groton, told me the Spruce Ridge proposal was given the OK by the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) to erect a 200-foot meteorological tower to gather wind data. A wind farm on Spruce Ridge would directly affect the 13-mile Elwell Trail between Newfound Lake and Cilleys Cave. I have hiked this trail twice and am averse to losing its remote flavor.  (Perhaps many do know that there is a wolf preserve in the Elwell Trail area  (in Alexandria, but not too far from Orange). I'm glad I was aware that the area had a  wolf preserve  because when I was in my tent one night at the foot of Mowglis Mountain, I  started hearing their otherworldly howls coming out of the woods!!!)
 
Senator Jeanne Forrester (who, by the way, will be at tonight's Board meeting) has introduced legislation for the OEP to have an outside review of the site evaluation process for wind farms. The review is due by December 31, 2013. 
 
Sandi Pierson
 
P.S. As an aside, here in the office is a 1985 map proposing no less than 80 turbines in Orange on the Tug Mountain and Pinnacle ridge. The town said thanks but no thanks through our Zoning Board. If anyone remembers the turbines that once adorned the ridge heading up 118, they were in Canaan and stopped short of the Orange town line near Bryant Pond. Let me know if you would like a copy of this "historical map." 
 
The issue in my opinion is that legislature was passed at some time so that energy projects would  no longer go before the town for approval but, instead, they now go before the state SEC.  The town is basically left out of the loop. For instance, at the last town meeting, both Grafton and Alexandria solidly voted in opposition to the Wild Meadows Project. But it actually means nothing. If anything, I would consider it "advisory" to the politicians.

Mascoma Valley Co-op

The voluntary steering committee for the effort to bring a food co-op to our area met in the Town House last night. The group included three Orangeites: Dorothy and Jay Heinrichs, and Colin Higbie. Enfield and Canaan were represented as well. 

Dorothy reported that the five towns in the Mascoma Valley comprise 1,400 members of the Hanover Co-op. Co-op officials have told us that a critical mass of existing members is one criterion for setting up shop out here. The group will begin looking at possible buildings and sites; the store will probably be smaller than the one in Hanover. In addition, they're exploring ways to raise money. And one member was chosen liaison to the Co-op officials and board members.

If you want to learn more, or are interested in helping out, "like" the Facebook page or get in touch with Jay or Dorothy.

Minutes from the May 28 Select Board

You'll find them here.

The Dog Rescuers

Sandi Pierson wrote up this hearwarming story after it was given at the May 28 Selectboard meeting. Judith and Ken, you're the best.

A stray dog was hanging around the Burnt Hill Road area. She was wearing a shoulder harness but had no tags. Judith Lindahl began feeding the dog but could not coax it near her. Her neighbor, Ken Guarnieri, who frequently walks his own dog in the area, managed to catch the dog and brought it home. Ken and Judith decided to split the cost for a veterinarian visit. The dog tested positive for Lyme disease and was laden with ticks. Treatment was started and Ken took the very well-behaved and friendly “Hobo” home to stay with him and his dog Lady.

On the other side of the mountain, in Alexandria, an elderly man who lived alone with his dog had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. An EMT was going to take care of the dog but, alas, the dog escaped and disappeared. The man, back at home from the hospital, dearly missed his four-footed companion.

A connection was made between the Alexandria ACO and the Bristol vet and needless to say, a tearful reunion ensued. Thank you, Judith and Ken, for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Minutes of the May 14 Select Board Meeting

You'll find the officially approved minutes here.