Wind Power for Jiminy Peak
Berkshire Resort Promotes Green Energy
By: Roman Iwasiwka - Jul 16, 2007
I have always supported conservation, recycling, renewable energy, and the 'green' movement. My wife and I try to pass these beliefs on to our two boys because they and future generations are the ones who will inherit this Earth. As a Native American proverb says: "We did not inherit the land from our fathers. We are borrowing it from our children".
The July 12th 'blade lift' ceremony at the Jiminy Peak ski resort was a historic day. Being an avid skier as well, I was eager to attend and to photograph this event. It was a truly memorable occasion. The sky was as blue as can be with scattered cotton ball clouds serving as a backdrop.
To get to the summit visitors rode the chair-lift. The ride itself was a treat as we approached the top of the mountain, We were greeted with the Stars & Stripes waving magnificently in the Berkshire wind. A steep, half mile walk led to the area where the 'Zephyr' wind turbine tower seemed to be patiently awaiting completion. The audience watched the nearly 12 tons of blades lifted and aligned perfectly with the nacelle where three crew members, 260 feet above ground, waited to secure the blades.
The onlookers included Jiminy Peak staff, media, GE crew, crane gang, grandparents, parents, children, retired and active science teachers, the curious, and the green. Surely the most excited and delighted person present that day was Jiminy Peaks' President & CEO, Brian H. Fairbank. He has taken yet another bold step to protect and to respect our natural environment. He is my local hero. On July 12th, I was very proud to live in Berkshire county and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The promotional Jiminy Peak whirligigs that were given out to the kids were terrific. Now I know where they got the idea for them. Thanks to all the good people at Jiminy Peak and let us hope that it inspires others in the efforts to Green the Berkshires.
During the recent town meeting between arts and business leaders and Governor Deval Patrick there were many points made that the Commonwealth with its spectacular and varied natural resources should lead the nation as the first fully committed Green State. The Governor has gone on record, as he again did at this meeting, in supporting a wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod and exploring other sources of renewable energy. It was pointed out that were the Berkshires to promote ecology and Green efforts that this would be particularly attractive to European visitors. Installing a wind turbine at Jiminy Peak is a small but significant step in the right direction. Go Green.