Franklin County

Host’s Name(s): Ron Coler and Nina Coler Location: Ashfield, MA 168 Bailey Rd.

Description of site:

Our house is off the grid, which means we have no wires coming out of our house. Our electricity comes from the sun through a photovoltaic system. We heat our home with wood from our land and we grow much of the food that we eat.

Availability for visits:

Anytime

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

None

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Ron or Nina during day time (413) 834-2465

Directions:

Ask when making arrangements.

Host's Name(s): Cynthia Bleil   Location: Bernardston, MA 54 River Street

Description of site:

Rural Development Incorporated (RDI) is the first place winner of a national award: The Home Dept Foundations Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly in the homeowner category. At RDI, they build single-family houses using green building materials, photovoltaics, and energy efficient ventilation systems, instillation systems, boiler systems, and heat and hot water systems. The houses come equipped with dual flush toilets, drought resistant grass, and hardy planks opposed to vinyl siding.  For more information go to www.ruraldevelopmentinc.org

Availability for visits:                 

Discuss with hosts.

      

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

Visitors will be brought to the site of a house in progress so it is essentially a construction site. Dress appropriately and use caution.  Construction would not be in progress during the tour to ensure the safety of the visitors, but making an appointment is important.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email Ann Perkins at aperkins@fcrhra.org or call (413) 863-9781 ext. 148

Directions:

Ask when making arrangements.

Note: When making arrangements, double check with the host: ask for directions if needed.

Host’s Name(s): Dawn Peters Location: Charlemont, MA 20 Factory Road

Description of site:

Charlemont Sewer District: We have a grid connected solar-electric system, meaning that the system is connected to the town electrical distribution system. Our solar system supplies more than one half of our power consumption at 15 kilowatts. It is a fairly large system for this area and the first known wastewater treatment plant that has solar power.

Availability for visits:

Anytime, but call first.              

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

This is a very basic but successful plant and there are no open tanks to be concerned about. Near by places include the Pizza House, Charlemont Inn, Stillwater Restaurant, and Averys Store.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Dawn Peters at (413) 339- 5767

Directions:

Take Route 2 to downtown Charlemont. Across from the Neighbor's Convenience store, look for a sign that says "Charlemont Sewer District, Fire Department and Department of Public Works" and turn into that driveway. From there, look for several large white domed structures. The array on 8 poles is on the far side of the domes, and the supporting electronic system is located nearby on a large freestanding power board.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host's Name(s): Conway School of Landscape Design           Location: Conway, MA 332 S. Deerfield Road

Description of site:

The Conway School of Design was built facing south for maximum heat efficiency and features solar hot water, a diesel vehicle to convert over to biodesiel so that it will run on fats and oil and not pollute the environment, and the schools curriculum focuses on ecological landscape design.

Availability for visits:

We can accomodate one visit for this school year. Monday through Friday is best, between 10am and 4 pm.            

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

We have literature we can give visitors.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email Nancy Braxton at nebraxton@csld.edu 10am- 6pm Monday thru Wednesday, and Friday

Directions:

Ourwebsite has directions. Go to www. csld.edu
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Mark Fraser Location: Deerfield, MA 121 Keets Road

Description of site:

Woolman Hill Quaker Conference Center: We have a photovoltaic (solar panel) system which is grid tied (connected to an electrical distribution system), we have a PV (photovoltaic) system with batteries, and we have a solar hot water system.

Availability for visits:

Weekdays and Sunday afternoons are best, unless it is a very small group, which could be arranged at another time. We can accommodate about 2-3 visits per school year.

          

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

There are a lot of hiking trails at Woolman Hill (110 acres) which continues far beyond our property. The Pocumtuck Ridge Trail (Mount Sugarloaf- Greenfield) besets Woolman Hill.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Mark at his home phone: (413) 772-3197

Directions:

Travel 2 miles south of Greenfield on Routes 5 & 10. Follow the sign for Woolman Hill onto Keets Rd. Go 1 mile up Keets Road and park in the lot. It's a dead end and you are there.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): John Eichholz Location: Greenfield, MA 144 Main Street

Description of site:

Greenfield's Market, a natural foods store, operates on 2 kilowatt solar-electric system with a good monitoring history. The store uses a wealth of clean and sustainable energy features such as a good lighting program with regular, incandescent bulbs, motion sensors to turn on and off when detecting human activity or lack there of in the room, good fluorescent bulbs and reflectors. In the basement, we re-use heat (its called  heat reclimation) for things such as heating our water. We also re-use waste water, there is a skylight, and a low flush toilet for solids and non-solids which saves a ton of energy.

Availability for visits:

Call ahead for arrangements; the store hours are 8:00 am-8:00 pm.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

For information about Greenfield's Market you can visit www.greenfieldsmarket.coop

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email John at john@gfm.coop or call John or Suzette at (413) 773-9567

Directions:

Take I-91 or Route 2 (they run together for a while) to the exit 26 rotary. Head into town on 2A East, which is Main Street. Go up the hill to the top, and then look for us a couple of blocks ahead, on the left. Our store sports a long, green awning, above which is our sign. It is across the street from a gas station and a church.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host's Name(s): Nancy Gross   Location: Greenfield, MA 589 Barton Road

Description of site:

My house has 10 PV (solar) panels which contributes to a nice deduction from my electric bill.  When I make more electricity than I use I can sell it back to the electric company.

Availability for visits:

Visits times are flexible; just contact me first.           

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

I have a dog, so that is something to think about if anyone has allergies.  Also, the driveway is long and narrow so cars will have to park right behind each other, essentially blocking one another in.
This is a rural part of town so there is not much for attractions except maybe for hiking.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call me at home at (413) 773-2867 or email ib9c@verizon.net

Directions:

Ask when making arrangements.

Host’s Name(s): Mark Skinder Location: Greenfield, MA 2 Fiske Ave

Description of site:

At the Greenfield Solar Store we have energy saving light bulbs and home appliances, pellet stoves, solar hot water & electric, solar ovens, solar science and gift items, and a great bookstore. We hope you come and visit!

Availability for visits:

Tuesday- Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Please call before coming.          

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

I may be busy with customers so please be patient as interruptions may happen. The NESEA (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association) Energy Park is near by as well as Antonio's Pizza, Mesa Verde Mexican restaurant, and a host of other stores, as we are located in downtown Greenfield.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Mark at (413) 772-3122

Directions:

We are at the intersection of Miles Street and Main Street, located between Antonio's Pizza and Mesa Verde restaurant.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Len and Sue Weeks Location: Greenfield, MA 322 Adams Road

Description of site:

Our house has 2 photovoltaic panels on a first story roof facing south. It was installed with the help of a program from the local electric company in 2003. The power it generates goes into a bigger electric grid. We also have a large addition heated by radiant heat from hot water piped in plastic tubing throughout the concrete floors. This type of heat is very warm and effective. Our house is very modern looking and has an unusual shape like an octagon.

Availability for visits:

We are available from April to May and September to November, for up to 5-10 visits a year.  

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

We have 2 friendly dogs, and a nice large yard. Barton's Cove on the Connecticut River is one mile away. There are eagles living there and you can see their nests. Also, there is a picnic area and hiking trails there. In May, there is a local fish ladder where you can see Atlantic salmon and other fish.
 

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call our home at (413) 773-8974 between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Directions:

From Interstate 91 North or South: Take Exit 27 for Route 2 East. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Adams Road. House #322 is one mile up on the left. Watch for a black mailbox hanging from a beam off of a tree.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host's Name(s): Jean and David Dempsey        Location: Montague, MA 143 W. Chestnut Hill Rd.

Description of site:

We use solar energy to heat our hot water and to produce about half of our electricity. We heat our house with wood with a thermal mass stove in our lower level and a small cast iron stove in the dining room, burning about 2 cords per year. We also have  a solar "box" heater in our sunny bedroom that gives us a little extra heat on sunny days.  Our windows all have thermal shades to help keep heat in. We do a lot of little things to reduce our energy consumption, like using compact fluorescent bulbs in our lights, cooking in our wood stove's bake oven or warming food on  top of the wood stove - living simply!

Availability for visits:

We are flexible about our visit availability.   

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

We are not totally handicapped accessible.     
There are wonderful hiking trails during all seasons right from our driveway!  During the maple sugaring season in late February and March, the Billings Farm is open right down the road from our house. Some additional hiking destinations include: the Peace Pagoda is 2 miles away and Rattlesnake Gutter is 3 miles away.            

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email David at Dddempsey50@hotmail.com

Directions:

We will give directions to the field trip organizers.

Host’s Name(s): Jean and Paul Voiland Location: Montague Center, MA 504 Turners Falls Rd

Description of site:

Paul Voiland is the general manager of Deerfield Valley Heating and Cooling (DVHC) which is the leading geothermal installer in the area. DVHC is very often working on a geothermal installation which may be available as sites for field trips. This would give participants some information about the construction process. Geothermal heating systems use the warmth of the ground to heat buildings. We will measure the temperature of the ground at different depths to see how warm the ground really is. The heat pump moves the heat from the ground to the building. We will see how that is done with compressors and other pumps.

Availability for visits:

Saturdays are best. During winter 11:00 am to 2:00 pm are the best times.           

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

 The Voilands suggest to check out WaterFurnace.com for background information on how the systems work. Attractions that are close by include The Book Mill and a greenhouse that is used by the Red Fire Farm to raise organic vegetables on site. Inquire about these opportunities when making arrangements.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Paul at w ork (413) 774-7672 or email pvoiland@comcast.net

Directions:

The site is located in Montague Center one mile north of the Book Mill where Turners Falls Road passes over the railroad tracks - at Old Depot Gardens!

From 91 northbound: Exit at Route 116 (Exit 24 in Whately).
Proceed south on Route 116 to Route 47 in Sunderland. Turn left onto Route 47 North. Drive ~6 miles to Montague Center. (Along the way, be sure not to take the right turn to Rte 63! Proceed straight ahead.) When you are in the village area of Montegue Center (common, post office, etc.) follow the main road as it bears left at the common and then sweeps right. The Book Mill will be visible on the left as you cross the Sawmill River and enter onto Turners Falls Road. The house is on the left 1/2 mile from the Bridge. To get to the driveway, take a left (west) onto Ferry Road just past the house and look for the driveway into the field about 300 feet on the left.
 From Route 2 westbound: Proceed from Route 2 to Route 63 South. Go about 4 miles (past Sirum's/ John Deere Store). Turn right onto Swamp Road. Drive 1 mile to the stop sign. The house is directly across from the stop sign. Turn right and then left to the driveway into the field.
From Route 2 eastbound: Exit Route 2 at the Gill Main Road intersection. Turn right, cross bridge over Connecticut River into Turners Falls. Proceed through to the first Stop Light (Third Street). Turn left. Follow the road up the hill and bear right near the top. Follow the road to a Four Way Stop. Proceed straight through onto Turners Falls Road and drive about 3 miles until the road rises over a railroad tracks. Immediately after the overpass, turn right onto Ferry Road and then left into the drive into the field.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Peter Weis Location: Montague MA 6 Main St

Description of site:

Our house uses geothermal heating and cooling and we have a low water use dishwasher and washing machine to save water

Availability for visits:

Weekends, up to 2 visits a month.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

The Book Mill is right across the stream; you can read and get a bite to eat.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call our home no later than 9:00 pm (413) 367-2174 or call us at work at (413) 498-3363

Directions:

Locate Montegue Center on a map and find the best route from your location or ask when making arrangements. From the common in Montague Center, head north on Main Street, which turns sharply to the left and then right again before 6 Main Street is located on your left. We share a driveway with 4 Main Street, a camel colored bungalow, which is closer to the road. We are in the back with a red metal roof. If you cross a bridge and see the Book Mill on your left, you have just passed us.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Bob and Kimberly English Location: Franklin County Northfield, MA 367 Four Mile Brook Rd.

Description of site:

This is an earth bermed passive solar home that has solar hot water and solar electricity. The house is not connected to the electric grid.  The house also has a passive refrigerator.  Check out http://fourmileisland.com for more info.         

Availability for visits:

Depending on my workload, I might accommodate 2 or 3 visits per year

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

For more information go to http://fourmileisland.com.  Northfield Mountain has some displays and could be an interesting place to visit.

To arrange a visit and interview:

renglish@direcway.com

Directions:

From intersection of Rte 2 and Rte 63 in Millers Falls, head
North on Rte 63 towards Northfield. Go 3 miles and take right on Four Mile Brook Rd. Go 2 miles down town maintained gravel road. Driveway is on right w/Solar Home Tour sign.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Don & Judy Campbell Location: Northfield, MA 113 Coller Cemetary Rd

Description of site:

We have a small farm that includes Dexter cows, guinea fowl, and fire circle. We power our house from the sun allowing us to be entirely off the grid. We use a solar hot water system for our hot water and we have an independent solar system for barn lighting and a solar water pump for our livestock. In the winter, our basement wood stove heats our hot water.

Availability for visits:

One visit per month, Saturday afternoons are best. Call first.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

Cell phones don't work near the home. Laurel lake is within 2 miles for swimming, hikes, and picnics.

To arrange a visit and interview:
Call us in the early evening at (413) 498-0027

Directions:

Take Route 63 north into Northfield. Before entering the main part of town, a Mobil gas station is on the left. At the end of the gas station there is a street on the right called Maple St. Turn right at this street. Continue on this street (the name changes to Gulf Road although it is not marked) for 3.6 miles. It goes up the mountain and just after you begin to go down-hill there is a left turn onto Orange Rd. There is also a sign for "Jacks" There is a Towing and Inspection Station here. Continue on Orange Rd for 1.5 miles until you come to the first road on the left, Coller Cemetery Road. There are 2 mailboxes here. Turn left & go for 6/10 of a mile. Just after a sharp S curve is our house, the only one on the right.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Betty & Walton Congdon Location: Northfield, MA 16 Warwick Road

Description of site:

Most of the electricity is derived from sunlight and some of the heat is from the sunlight as well. We also have a small wind electric generator. We partly heat the house with a wood pellet stove in the kitchen. We have learned how to use energy very efficiently.

Availability for visits:

Call ahead to make arrangements.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

Places to think about visiting while you are in the area include Northfield Mountain Visitor Center, owned by Western Massachusetts Electric Company which has: hiking, cross country skiing, an environmental center and more. They also offer a narrated tour of the Connecticut River on the Quinnetucket riverboat in season, and canoeing, picknicking and camping opportunities are nearby. There are two small restaurants within distance, including the 4-Leaf Clover restaurant in Bernardston.

Our house is very easy to access. Looks like an ordinary home. We're used to having visitor groups. We have a small classroom in the basement with a slide presentation on renewables such as photovoltaics (PV), micro-hydro (small scale water power), wind, and a 13-minute video on New England’s only wind farm.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Betty or Walt at 413-498-2729 or Email walt_congdon@nmhschool.org

Directions:

Main St. in Northfield is MA Route 10 and 63. Take Route 63 North from Amherst, or Route 10 East from Bernardston, or Route 91. In the center of Northfield at a blinking yellow light, turn East on Warwick Road. # 16 is the third house on the left after the turn. It has grey vinyl below, and brown shingles above. The number is on tree in front and on the front porch. Park in the driveway.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Robert Pasteris Location: Northfield MA 630 South Mountain Road

Description of site:

The house uses passive solar to partially heat the home, as well as a photovaltaic system that is connected to the electrical grid which provides one half of the electrical use.

Availability for visits:

Winter is not a good time because of the location. Other times of the year are fine and visit availability is flexible. Call to make arrangements.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

There is hiking near by and places to eat in down town Northfield.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call me at my home phone at 413-498-5978 or email Robert at southmtn@hotmail.com

Directions:

From Interstate 91, take Exit 28, Northfield, onto Route 10 North. At the junction of Route 10 and 63 there is a blinking light. Turn right and go south on Route 63. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on South Mountain Road. There is a sign on the corner for the Linden High School there.
Go all the way up South Mountain Road approximately 3 miles to our house. We are on the left 1/4 of a mile after going through a 4-way intersection.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Peter Pullen & Jo Ann Pullen Location: Northfield, MA 46 Maple St.

Description of site:

There are four solar panels on the roof that come down to a controller in the kitchen where we can monitor them. We have a sunroom where the temperature gets to be 20 degrees higher than in the kitchen, we have a fan that brings the air into the kitchen during the winter. There is also 120-gallon tank for water.

Availability for visits:

Daylight is the best for seeing the solar panels. Otherwise we are flexible: please call a couple weeks ahead of your planned visit.      

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

The owner has bad allergies, so if guests would refrain from wearing perfumes that would be greatly appreciated.
The Metacomet-Monadnock trail is close by. There is a good 2 hour hike which is best in the drier seasons.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call Peter or Jo at (413) 498-5015 or email joepullen@mtdata.com

Directions:

Maple Street is on the east side of Main Street (Route 10/63) in Northfield. It is Exit 28 off of I-91. Make a right turn if you are traveling north on Main St, approximately opposite the Mobil station. #46 Maple St. is a Brick Cape at the corner of East and Maple Streets, one block from Main Street. The driveway is on Maple Street. Parking is available in the long driveway or across the street in the lot of a former dairy store. The brick cape is the only the brick house on street.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host's Name(s): Heather Hutchinson & Rich Karsten          Location: North Leverett, MA 98 Dudleyville Road

Description of site:

At our alternative homestead/ mini-farm we grow our vegetables and raise animals such as chicken and lamb for food.  We have a pond with wildlife and recreation.  The  house is an education center for home schoolers and it operates with photovoltaic panels, solar hot water, and a composting toilet.

Availability for visits:

Late January, late April, and May are good months for visits.  We can accommodate 2 visits this school year.           

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

The Village Co-op is right down the road and sells snacks and groceries.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call during the weekday afternoons at (413) 367-2828

Directions:

Directions will be provided by phone.

Host’s Name(s): Deb Habib & Ricky Baruc Location: Orange, MA 165 Chestnut Hill Rd.

Description of site:

Seeds of Solidarity Farm: At Seeds of Solidarity Farm, you will get ideas that make you realize how people can live and farm comfortably while using few resources. Learn how a home can be fully powered by solar electricity, and use solar hot water. It only takes a little wood to heat the house because it is so well insulated. Also see food being grown in solar greenhouses. You may even get to plant something to take home!

Availability for visits:

We will be available to Girl Scout visitors and their adult
mentors one day during the April school vacation, Friday April 21st.
As many Girl Scouts that would like to visit may on this day, though advance notice is requested. Groups are preferred so that we can consolidate tour-beginning times once we know who is coming. We also have scheduled a Solidarity Saturday opening house visiting day for the general public on Saturday June 10 at 10:00 am if they would like to join in with that tour and visit.

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

We have a friendly dog and cat. Visitors are requested to park in a
parking area and walk approximately 700 feet to the site, so if any
visitors are people in a wheelchair or with limited mobility please
contact us so we can be sure to make accommodations so you can drive all the way to the site. There is nice hiking at the Quabbin Reservoir nearby, as well as easy to access overlooks for picnics, etc.

To arrange a visit and interview:

978 544 9023 Weekdays 9-5 or email deb@seedsofsolidarity.org

Directions:

From Rt 2, take exit 14 (Holtshire Rd, Lake Mattawa). Go south on Holtshire Rd approximately 1 mile to Lake Mattawa. Go right on Chestnut Hill Rd. Follow 3/4 mile to top of hill. Left at T, go 1/3 mile to fork, bear right. Go 8/10 mile to Seeds of Solidarity.
From Rt 202. Take Wendell Rd to end (veers to right). Take first left onto Crowl Rd , becomes Chestnut Hill Rd within 3/4 mile. The farm is on the right side of the road. When you see the farm sign by the road turn right. House is 700 down driveway.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Jamie and Julie Godfrey Location: Shelburne Falls, MA 12 Wilde Road

Description of site:

The Salmon Falls Land Association, Co-Housing Community has four houses planned. One is currently built and occupied, another home and the community common building are under construction. We have built a super-insulated home, that tries to use as little energy as possible. Walls and windows are very thick so the house stays very warm in the winter and very cool in the summer. The sun heats all our hot water and provides heat since the hot water is piped through tubes in the cement slab under our tile floor. The electricity also comes from solar panels on our barn roof that provides electricity for the whole community.  We tried to use many recycled materials in building the home, including recycled wood, slates on our roof, etc. We also have many exposed wood beams that show how the house is held together.

Availability for visits:

Since we are still in the building phase and very busy, we could handle perhaps two groups per year, ideally after school hours on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday; weekends are possible too.

     

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

We do have a friendly, gentle dog and two cats. Shelburne Falls has many things to do an see. There are coffee shops and restaurants, a bowling alley, glacial potholes, glass blowers, a playground at the elementary school, etc!

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email us at godfreys@salmonfalls.name or call during the evening at (413) 665- 6222

Directions:

Take Route 2 to Shelburne Falls. From Greenfield, continue on Route 2 until you cross the Deerfield River. Immediately after the bridge turn left on State Street. Go about 1/2 mile and just after "Neighbors" convenience store, turn right onto Old State Street (a very sharp turn). Then, 100 yards up that road, make a sharp left onto Wilde Rd. We are at the end of Wilde Road on the left, #12.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Bruce Davidson & Linda Reimer Location: Shutesbury, MA 72 Baker Rd.

Description of site:

The Sirius Community: This is an ecovillage demonstrating passive solar building design, including straw bale and cob construction. Many houses are on solar power and wind generation. There is a recent grease car cooperative which powers community cars, and we also grow many vegetables.

Availability for visits:

We hold regular open houses on the first and third Sunday of every month and host special visits by request.

                

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

Visit the website at www.siriuscommunity.org and get a feel for the place, come prepared to ask questions. Bring a lunch, there is access to the dining room. There are fields to play games in, hiking trails and a small swimming pond, there are gardens as well.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Email Bruce or Linda at siriusbd@hotmail.com or call our home phone before 9:00 am or 5-6:30 pm. (413) 259-1230. Email us after 8:00 pm.

Directions:

From the center of Amherst, travel out Main Street to Route 202. Take a left and go 1/8 mile to the first left. On this road, the next left is Baker Road. Off Baker Road, we are the third drive on left.  Look for the sign, Sirius Farmhouse, which is the second house on the left. Directions can be found at www.siriuscommunity.org

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

Host’s Name(s): Jennifer Wiest Location: Sunderland, MA 47 Garage Road

Description of site:

We have solar hot water with super hot tubes on the roof. We use part vegetable oil as heating fuel to heat our house, and some of our insulation is from recycled blue jeans.

Availability for visits:

I am available all year around to as many as are interested.

                    

Considerations and opportunities noted by host:

People can hike or drive up Mount Sugarloaf for the best view of the Connecticut River Valley, and there is a boat launch for canoeing right under the Sunderland Bridge. Sugarloaf Frostie can be seen from the yard; it is open for ice cream from May to September. There is strawberry picking nearby in June, and during weekends in September and October from 12:00 to 5:00 pm there is a cornfield maze called Mike's Maze at a nearby farm.

To arrange a visit and interview:

Call me at home at (413) 665-3509 or work (413) 256- 6006

Directions:

Garage Road is one block south of the only light in town (intersection of Route 47 and Route 116) on the left. My house is on the right after a fork in the road.

Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.

 

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