Blog : May 2012
The Green Alliance summer cruise is just a day away!
June is almost here and that means we are just one day away from the Green Alliance Cruise! Tomorrow the Green Alliance prepares to welcome aboard members and guests for a ride on one of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s party boats. Undoubtedly, a perfect way to celebrate summer’s arrival.
Tomorrow, Friday June 1st, join the Green Alliance for live music, drinks, dancing and mingling from 7-9:30 aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton. Free to Green Alliance members, this cruise is also open to those without a Green Alliance membership card! Just buy your $20 cruise ticket from www.greenalliance.biz/cruise-discount and receive a one-year Green Alliance Membership (normally $35!). You’ll receive your Green card upon boarding.
“Last year’s cruise was a blast,” says Sarah Brown, director of the Green Alliance, “We watched the sun set, people danced and great connections were made – it was a wonderful way to enjoy our green community.”
This night will be a great opportunity to connect with local green businesses. Have a drink with Chris Redman of Little Green Homes. Talk composting with Rian Bedard of EcoMovement or sustainable options for exterior paint with Sean Sturk of Minutemen Painters. The possibilities for green canoodling are endless!
Each year, the Green Alliance cruise is an opportunity for local residents to not only mingle with people who share common eco-friendly pursuits but also gather information about green products and businesses in the area. “People get the chance to have one on one conversations with green business leaders that have amazing knowledge to offer,” says Sarah Brown.
If you’re an owner of a local business that isn’t a member of the Green Alliance, this is a tremendous opportunity to make connections. Take some time to combine business and pleasure as you enjoy this summer networking event.
Reprising their role as “fun party band” are Blue Eye Brown and the Mystery Tramps, a local band that is sure to get people on the dance floor again. “Last year, the kids there started off the dancing and all the adults followed suit,” explains Becky Holt, Green Alliance Assistant Director. Bring your dancing shoes!
Come aboard this 3 level party boat and enjoy the sun, the music the dancing and the company. This warm weather event is a Green Alliance membership drive that will surely kick your summer off right! Green Alliance members, be sure to RSVP to Becky@greenalliance.biz so we know you’re coming. Boarding begins at 7 pm on Friday, June 1st with this cruise sailing at 7:30. All aboard!
Brewery Getting Boost: $500k Grant helps pay for Smuttynose relocation
Peter Egeleston, the proud owner of the Portsmouth Brewery, has reason to celebrate his business’ success. Not only does this week mark the Brewery’s 20th anniversary, but the N.H. Community Development Finance Authority just approved a $500,000 loan to help the Smuttynose Brewery Co. relocate to a larger facility in Hampton.
The Coastal Economic Development Corporation is a unique and economically beneficial organization that provides loans to businesses, the Brewery being one of them. Once the Brewery pays off this loan, that money will then be re-lent for other economic projects in the area. This re-location symbolizes great opportunity for the company, its employees and customers and will provide great economic benefits to the community. This loan will be used to help purchase the facility, including three new brew tanks in the intent to double operational capacity. With an increased production results in a demand for more employees, therefore 25 new jobs will be created. As part of the loan agreement, 60% of these jobs will be offered to residents with low- and moderate-income residents.
As if this expansion wasn’t impressive enough, their sustainable approach should be applauded, as well. The project plans to preserve and repurpose two historic buildings on the property. The new building is expected to receive gold certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program due to a high efficiency waste treatment and other energy efficiency measures that will be implemented.
Simply Green Biofuels featured at 'Green Your Fleet!' workshop series
On June 1st the NH Department of Environmental Services and Granite State Clean Cities Coalition will host ‘Green Your Fleet’, an opportunity for fleet managers throughout the state to learn more about emission reduction strategies through alternative fuels, idle reduction, cost savings and logistics strategies.
Joel Bobbett, of Simply Green Biofuels will present on the values and performance qualities of biodiesel in fleet application. No longer just a homegrown, renewable fuel, biodiesel has transitioned to a performance fuel,that adds lubricity to engines, saving on overall fuel usage and adding to the longevity of a vehicle. Over the informative sessions, Joel will address the benefits and engine manufacturer's warranties concerning biodiesel usage, dispelling common misconceptions related to biodiesel usage and mapping out the availability of biodiesel throughout the state of New Hampshire.
Joel will also speak to the viability of an on-site fueling solution. On-site fueling brings the fuel to the user, much like the way home heating oil delivery works, allowing fleets to maintain normal routing, eliminating the need to travel for fuel. Instead, Simply Green provides overnight, on-site delivery for the individual vehicles. Not only does the biodiesel usage reduces emission factors, limiting the miles driven over-the-road reduces fuel consumption (and keeps labor costs down) while optimizing delivery routes.
The ‘Green Your Fleet’ presentation will be held at Nashua Community College on Friday, June 1st from 8:30am to 3:30pm and will include presentations about idle reduction technology, propane gas auto-conversion, Compressed Natural Gas, grant opportunities, and demonstration vehicles from municipalities. Register here for the workshop or for more information on Simply Green Biofuels visit here!
Redhook Brews ‘Revolutionary’ Beer
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Interested in promoting local revolutionary history and inspired by its own “revolutionary” past, Redhook Brewery has teamed up with Exeter’s American Independence Museum to launch a new seasonal beer.
The aptly named American Independence Ale will be served at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, the inspiration for the beer — where beer has not been served for 100 years — as part of Redhook’s Backyard Brewery Series. The summer seasonal brew will also be available throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont until early fall.
“We will be able to sell the beer. It’s a nice fundraiser,” said Julie Tiebout, the museum’s marketing and development director.
Calling Redhook “socially aware and responsible,” Tiebout said the introduction of the brew benefits both organizations. “They’re giving us a chance to showcase the museum and we’re giving them a chance to open up the Exeter market.” And when Red Hook informally launched the beer on May 17, “a lot of people we have never seen before came to the museum inspired by the beer and then became interested in our local history.”
Tiebout said Folsom Tavern was a beehive of activity during the American Revolution when Exeter was New Hampshire’s capital, and revolutionaries had lots to discuss, a point that attracted Redhook to the museum, Redhook spokesman Ted Lane said.
“This seemed like a natural fit,” he said of the relationship. “We’re always interested in history
as being a pioneer in this industry, and the museum saw us as a pioneering brand. Thirty years
ago in Seattle we were revolutionaries developing our unique brand of craft beer.”
Kittery annual block party celebrates local art, food, and culture
In Kittery, Maine, neighborliness means more than just a wave on the street. The strong sense of community is characteristic to the small town feel, as the appreciation for all-that-is-local leads the way for the second annual neighborhood event.
On June 16th, in celebration of both community and local flavor, the town of Kittery will host the 2012 Kittery Block Party with this year’s theme of “Rock the Block”. The all-day event will feature local artisans, artists, nonprofits, farmers, and local businesses with an array of vendor booths and live music entertainment.
Fun for the whole family, the Kittery Block Party will host children’s activities and games, live demonstrations, and presentations throughout the day. The all-inclusive event has something for everyone, whether it’s art or business, dancing or dining, all on top of the free admission for the day from 10am-4pm.
Platinum sponsors Bob’s Clam Hut and Roberts Maine Grill return again to offer local dining options at the Block Party. Owner of both establishments, Michael Landgarten prioritizes local ingredients that are indicative to the high regard for community within the Kittery business district. A proud sponsor of the first Kittery Block Party in 2011, Bob’s Clam Hut and Roberts Maine Grill are dedicated to their contributions to Kittery’s community and look forward to the continuation of this annual event.
Set in the well-known downtown Kittery, the easily navigable neighborhood will host booths and entertainment from Government Street through Wallingford Square and up Walker and Wentworth Streets. Day admission is free to the public with events beginning at 10am and will continue until 4pm, with a $10 admission for the evening event at 8pm. Proceeds will benefit Fair Tide Inc. and the Kittery Recreation Department.
For more information on Kittery Block Party visit kitteryblockparty.org . For more information on Bob’s Clam Hut and Robert’s Maine Grill visit www.bobsclamhut.com.
Middleton shows why now is the time to insulate
With summer just around the corner, few may think that a home’s energy efficiency is a priority. Even though New Englanders don’t like to think about cold weather during our idyllic summers, Andy Carberry of Middleton Supply, Inc. thinks we should and here’s why.
“The spring and summer are in fact the perfect time to do those home energy improvement projects that cant be done during the snowy, blowy months of winter. Its when we can find the time to get this stuff done so that come next winter, our homes are all buttoned-up,” explains Carberry.
Middleton Building Supply, a LaValley family company, is a local, family-owned, full-service hardware and lumber yard that has, for nearly 50 years, serviced home owners and contractors throughout New Hampshire. The Middleton stores in both Dover and Hampton have a decidedly green focus with both locations working hard to green the options on their shelves so as to offer a myriad of more sustainable options for home improvement projects from paints to lights, to insulation.
Dedicated to providing green options to its customers, the folks at Middleton are tuned into the importance of insulation for both the planet and their customers’ wallets. Insulation is often overlooked when people buy a new home. They consider its overall layout, square footage, bathrooms, etc. but don’t ask about the building envelope and its capacity for keeping heat in and cool air out. The amount and kind of insulation a home has can seriously affect heating costs – not to mention a homes environmental footprint.
Carberry knows spring and summer are the times of year for home improvement projects and he urges homeowners to focus on insulation. “It’s an investment that has the highest return and the most impact on the environment,” he says. It’s not often that doing the “green” thing is so financially attractive. Most consumers who buy green products are accustomed to paying more than they would for regular products since the idea is that the “cost” is lower with regards to environmental impact. With regards to insulating a house however, Carberry says we can have our cake and eat it, too.
Traip Academy Greenhouse Plant Sale and Free Lawn Care Class
On Saturday, June 2 from 9:00 to 11:00am the Traip Academy is offering a plant sale from their very own Greenhouse as well as an informative and FREE lawn care class.
Not only will you be supporting the high school students and the greenhouse educational series, but you can also learn how to maintain your lawn with safe and healthy lawn care products. You will receive free grass seed as well as be entered into a gardening supplies raffle. Don't miss out on this event!
For more information, please contact the Town of Kittery Department of Public Works at (207) 439-0333 or email www.kittery.org
Modern industry preserves Portsmouth’s historic identity
.jpg "Photo courtesy of David J. Murray, ClearEyePhoto.com")
Until two hundred years ago, Portsmouth was a bustling seaport that fueled prosperity throughout the region. Today, the brick and mortar relics of that era make Portsmouth an iconic destination for tourists from around the country, but preserving that historic spirit is a challenge for a city that also wants to earn its place in the modern world.
The members of the Portsmouth Historical Society found themselves facing just such a hurdle five years ago when they moved their headquarters from the John Paul Jones House to the site of the old public library on Islington and Middle Streets. Today, that location is known as Discover Portsmouth and – along with the aforementioned Portsmouth Historical Society – is home to the Seacoast African-American Cultural Center (SAACC) as well as the Star Island Corporation.
On May 3rd, Discover Portsmouth held its long-awaited season opening. And while the focus of the event was to draw attention to the building’s incredible wealth of information, artifacts, and heritage – including a new exhibit featuring centuries-old pottery shards and other ephemera from the Isles of Shoals – it also kicked off a new green focus for the two centuries-old building.
Two of the three buildings that make up Discover Portsmouth– the Benedict House and Academy – were built in the early 19th century, shortly before Portsmouth’s shipping economy collapsed. As such, the windows were singled-paned, while the plaster walls weren’t constructed to accommodate modern conveniences like electrical wiring, piping and ventilation ducts.
Even the newest building, which was built in 1976 to join the two historic buildings, had an outdated boiler system that wasn’t able to keep up with heating demands.
“The system was wasteful and very inefficient. We couldn’t afford to keep the center open year-round,” said Maryellen Burke, Executive Director of Discover Portsmouth. “The buildings are so old, it just cost too much to heat them in the winter.”
(Photo courtesy of David J. Murray, ClearEyePhoto.com)
GA Cruise Into Summer promises fun for whole family
We're just a week away from our third annual GA Cruise Into Summer aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's famed Thomas Laighton! From 7:00 to 9:30 PM next Friday, enjoy a jaunt about Portsmouth Harbor with a boat chock full of green business leaders and community members.
And music! Can't forget about the music! That photo to the right is actually of Sarah Brown's brother, Adam, the frontman of Blue Eye Brown, who will be joining us for the second straight year to offer up his eclectic blend of rock, funk, blues, and dance music. He's holding Claire, Sarah's youngest daughter and Adam's niece, presumably because Sarah just decided to go for a swim in the Piscataqua.
Kidding!
There's still time to sign up for what promises to be our biggest, baddest, and funnest cruise yet! Already a GA member? All you have to do is RSVP to becky@greenalliance.biz. Not yet a member? What are you waiting for! For this week only, you can join the GA and get a FREE cruise ticket for just $20! That's $15 less than the regular membership rate, and you get to hang out on a boat with a bunch of cool people and dance to some great music! What's not to love!?
Click here to sign up for the special membership rate, and be sure to RSVP to becky@greenalliance.biz.
See you all there!
Shawnee Peak offers special yurt and cabin rental prices
Memorial Day weekend is upon is, and -- so far -- it looks like the weathermen are going to give us an early Christmas in July present. With temperatures on the Seacoast expected to flirt with the low 90s, what better way to celebrate the long weekend than a short jaunt north to Shawnee Peake, where the ski resort's cool, mountain-top yurt and cabin await?
The Pleasant Mountain Yurt and Cabin offer a unique wilderness experience the whole family can enjoy. Hike to the summit, explore the Pleasant Mountain trails, pick blueberries, toast marshmallows in the fire pit and watch for the many species of wildlife! Guests have lake access to moose pond where you can swim, fish, canoe or kayak right from the dock.
Both the cabin and the yurt feature breathtaking views of the beautiful Bridgton, Maine area.
Too short a notice? You can book a night's stay during the month of June in the Pleasant Mountain Cabins for just $100 -- a $65 savings!
Bookings need to be made Tuesday May 29th through Thursday 31st by calling into Shawnee Peak's main office (207-647-8444) between the hours of 9am-4pm. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance's Jon Merwin is one "Tough Mudder!"
Think you could complete a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces that included swimming in freezing water, crawling through barbed wire, wading in oceans of mud, climbing sheer walls, and fire?
Didn't think so.
Luckily, one of our braver Business Partners can -- and did -- so none of us have to! Two weekends ago, Jon Merwin of Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance participated in Tough Mudder New England, the regional branch of the world-renowned, and universally feared, team obstacle course.
Judging by these pictures, it certainly looks like they got their money's worth! (Jon is the one with the plastic cup staring at the camera and smiling ear to ear.)
But while simply enduring the near half-marathon's worth of will-testing torture was itself admirable, there was a bigger purpose to Merwin and company's pain: A portion of the proceeds from the Portsmouth Atlantic team's participation went to the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides combat stress and adaptive sports programs, benefits counseling, and employment services -- among many, many other things -- to veterans seriously injured in combat.
Big kudos to Jon and the rest of the Portsmouth Atlantic crew!
Check out the video below to get a quick glimpse of what Tough Mudder entails, and try not to cry tears of fear all over the keyboard.
NOFA Spring & Herb Day!
‘Tis the season to spend time outdoors enjoying the sun with family, friends and nature! Don't miss the 3rd Annual Spring Herb & Garden Day this Saturday, June 2 located at the beautiful McLane Audobon Center on 84 Silk Farm Road in Concord, NH. The NOFA-HH Herbal Network is putting on this incredible event that includes workshops from 10am-5pm that will educate you on the endless uses for herbs and edible plants, including the medicinal qualities, organic gardening, herbal wine & cheese making and urban survival, just to name a few.
There will also be an all day Herbal Market Fair where you can stock up on delicious organic food, baked goods, as well as gardening supplies, herbal medicine, live plants, books and much more! Don't worry about packing a lunch for this event because there will be an organic and local breakfast, lunch and herbal hors d'oeuvres offered so don't forget some cash!
To register and learn more about this, click here!
Jenaly FYI.T. May Newsletter Green IT item: KurbKarma
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Jenaly FYI.T. Newsletter offers the latest and greatest advancements in technological information that will benefit you greatly! This month’s Green IT item will save you gas, time, energy along with unnecessary aggravation…
If interested in learning more about what Jenaly Technology Group has to offer, click here!
GA community thrives despite tough economic times
By Dave Anderson
Union of Concerned Scientists
Four years ago, the Green Alliance was little more than a two-business organization run out of a one-couch, one-desk Kittery living room.
Fast forward to recent, unseasonably cool May afternoon, and its founder can barely find the time to sit down and answer a few emails before spiriting herself away to yet another event.
Like business itself, the GA office – located on the third floor of downtown Portsmouth’s historic Franklin Block building – is teeming, with the company’s three employees and throng of college volunteers scrambling to piece together the organization’s monthly newsletter, website, and prolific, daily-updated blog.
Sarah Brown, the organization’s Founder and Director, can’t help but be struck by how far her little organization-that-could has come.
“It seems like yesterday when this all started, and I barely had a clue of where we were going, much less who we were as an organization,” quips Brown. “Now we’re operating and moving confidently, we have an incredible, dedicated staff… It’s an amazing community I’m grateful every day just to be a part of.”
Since Brown launched the GA in early 2008, the organization has grown to include nearly 100 mostly small, local businesses, as well as north of 3000 consumer members. A Kittery native who spent five years working as a journalist in post-Soviet Russia before returning home in 1999, Brown identified in the region’s growing green ethos a recession defying template.
“At the time it was me, and the owners of Simply Green Biofuels and Purely Organic Lawn Care, and that was it,” recalls Brown, who attended Barnard College in New York City after graduating from Portsmouth High School. “We recognized pretty quickly that they both had basically the same target audience, so we started thinking of the best way to bring those consumers together under one, green business umbrella, while promoting those businesses within the community.”
With clients ranging from the Portsmouth Brewery and Robert’s Maine Grill to yoga studios, construction companies, alternative energy firms and everything – including a resident green dentist – in between, the GA offers consumer members exclusive discounts to each of the partnering businesses, proving “going green” and “saving green” need not be mutually exclusive.
Become a Green Alliance member today and START SAVING on local, green goods and services! JOIN NOW
