Renewable Energy Committee Announces Solar 2010 Project

C.O.G.S (Citizens of Greater Springdale (C.O.G.S.) announced it will collaborate with Make-A-Difference Foundation, a Valley, Washington based public charity to achieve a positive outcome in a C.O.G.S. committee on Renewable Energy Solar 2010 project, which advocates the use of designated renewable energies as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, said Sue Cox, chair of C.O.G.S. as the once known Horizons projects enhances its position in community involvement.

Solar 2010 envisions Springdale to designate renewable energy as the means to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and endorses its use as the marketplace produces a greater variety of products at affordable prices.

IMMEDIATE GOAL IS TOWN COUNCIL ACTION

C.O.G.S. Renewable Energy committee and Make-A-Difference Foundation has written an Action Plan to implement all activities according to spokesman Mike Easterly. "We intend to address the town council and get them aboard too," he added."Our immediate goal and the outcome of this Action Plan is for the Springdale Town Council to adopt a resolution establishing a partnership with Citizens of Greater Springdale (C.O.G.S.) and its Renewable Energy committee, and Make-A-Difference Foundation to organize a steering committee that encourages, accelerates, and advises in fulfilling the goal of twelve renewable energy systems to be installed locally by December 2010." Easterly added. The Action Plan asks for community support from commercial businesses and organizations, and private individuals, in fulfilling this goal.

EIGHT RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATIONS IDENTIFIED 

To claim validity in renewable energy practices, the partnership has identified eight applications suitable for Springdale. They include solar-electricity, solar collection, wind, micro-hydro generation, wood waste combustion, borehole thermal, solar combustion air, and hydrogen fuel.

COLLABORATION KEY TO SUCCESS

C.O.G.S. is new to renewal energy advocacy, Make-A-Difference Foundation is not. In 2004, the foundation began advocating the use of renewable energy in the home and small business market through its "Green Acre Project." The organization has a mission of inspiring people to inquire and acquire wind an solar systems to grid-tie with local utility companies. As a non-profit, Make-A-Difference Foundation provides educational and hands-on experiences regarding renewable energies and makes solar and wind systems available to consumers at wholesale prices.

Special Focus - Synergy of Springdale (SOS)

Evolving out of the Horizons Circles, SOS tackled Springdale's basic needs. First on their list was creating activities for senior citizens living in the greater Springdale area. Their solution is the Senior Social event held weekly at the Community Church on Wednesday at noon. This popular event started in late summer with two participants. Today, over 25 honored guests enjoy a variety of hot lunches, companionship, bingo, and movies. Below is a slideshow honoring the volunteers and their successful work making Synergy of Springdale a progessive Horizons team project.

Easterly Volunteers to be Blogmaster

Realizing the Springdale Horizons Community Blog has been dormant, Mike Easterly recently volunteered to be blogmaster. His duties are to insure Springdale Horizons Action Committees receive their fair share of publicity for the hard work they do for the community. In addition, he will provide a Calendar of Upcoming Events in an effort to advise all members what's happening.

He believes this blog will not only be useful as a public relations tool for all readers but also a tool to communicate with local and foreign Horizons members.

Come back soon and often!

Celebration at the Grange Hall

The Springdale Horizons Group celebrated in style November 13th with a delicious buffet served up by the Kountry Korner. There was plenty of good food. Frank, you and your staff did a fantastic job. Monica and Kristan, Horizon consultants, were in attendance.

After dinner, Monica asked a member from each local standing committee to speak briefly on their progress and it was revealed each committee was either progressing quite well or not at all. Basic Needs and Alternative Energy committees are working hard and have been since last August. Hooorah!

Monica and Kristan provided plenty of news about the results of the survey taken during last September. Monica revealed the townspeople chose economic development, poverty, and affordable housing as the top three needs. To cap off the night, diners were asked to choose one of the topics and help develop an action plan.

The diamond ring prize offered in raffle was won by Ethel Scovel. Congratulations!

Leadership Plenty students

 

Leadership skills are vital in community growth! This is just one of the important facts these Mary Walker High School students are learning. You can get involved in this program by contacting members of your community that are already involved.

Horizon's Leadership Plenty

 

Lela Taylor


Just two of the three Leadership Plenty trainers, Lela and Susan, take their training into Mary Walker High School. The teens who are participating in this program will take with them, the knowledge on how to become involved in their community and how they can make a difference.

More Mad Hatters

 

These lovely ladies look like they are having a great time together.

Mad Hatters Tea

 

May 5, 2007, several local mothers and daughters gathered their hats together and enjoyed an afternoon of tea and talk. This year's guest speaker was Mary Selecky, Washington State Secretary of Health. By the looks of the group, they enjoyed their afternoon.

Beating Poverty in Springdale

Beating Poverty in Springdale

How is Springdale different from thousands of other small communities across the nation? It’s not. Beating poverty seemingly is every town's goal. Thanks to the Northwest Area Foundation, who created the Horizons Program, this goal is obtainable.

Horizons is a community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in rural and small communities. Through an 18-month volunteer project, communities members are able to gain tools and knowledge of leadership to rise above and succeed. The Horizons Project awards participating communities that fulfill the 18-month commitment with grants up to $10,000 to help grow their community.

Springdale is lucky enough to have multiple volunteers join in the Leadership Program to better their community. Recently, four area women traveled to Moses Lake to partcipate in an incredible learning experience. Horizons Project instructors jam packed a wealth of knowledge into two days of work and fun. Thank you for their inspiration and encouragement.

Springdale Horizons participants urge other community members to get involved in making a positive change. Let’s join together, reduce poverty, and rise above to success.

Springdale has an official Public Relations representitive

Misty Shepherd

Thank you to WSU Horizons Program for the opportunity to become a Public Relations representive. This has been an awesome experience and I'm eager to share my newfound knowledge with others.

Springdale takes on Moses Lake

Pamela and Shawn
Washington State University


Thank you to the Horizons program for sending four Springdale residents to Moses Lake for the Leadership Plenty Trainers program. This program is dedicated in giving underpriviledged communities the tools to rise above poverty. We had a wonderful time and brought home a wealth of knowledge to help the Springdale community thrive!