Simsbury group pushes follow-up to PowerSmart solar-and-storage kickoff as sustainability fair plans advance

Simsbury Sustainability Committee members on the call on an evening in March discussed next steps after a well-attended PowerSmart solar-and-storage kickoff and advanced planning for the town—s sustainability fair, set for the first Saturday in May.

The committee—s chair, Jamie, opened the discussion by noting the PowerSmart campaign had "kicked off this past Monday" and that the kickoff event at the library was "very well attended," drawing new participants and many technical questions about solar and battery storage. Barrett (also referred to as Bear) described the presentation as "a lot of information" and said the speaker handled technical questions well. Committee members agreed a follow-up event would help keep momentum.

Members discussed several possible follow-up formats rather than a single-home tour. Mark suggested a small public trade-show format with several solar and battery vendors on site where residents could bring electricity bills and get assistance; Barrett proposed PowerSmart have a presence at the sustainability fair. Committee members also discussed inviting the PowerSmart presenter to the fair and to other local events in Avon for coordination.

Planning for the sustainability fair itself continued in detail. Barrett reported about two dozen groups had agreed to participate, with tables and a large vendor room at the library, a large tent outside, Holcomb Farm selling plants, a beekeeper, kids— activities, and half-hour workshops. Gee Monkey (food truck) is confirmed to operate in the parking lot. Committee members asked that participating groups confirm their presence in time for final flyer layout by the March 18 program-planning deadline.

Members explored powering parts of the fair from a solar-and-battery generator being developed by Mark. He described a unit that can supply "80 to a hundred kilowatts" when charged and suggested it could power the two inside library rooms used by the fair for the four-hour event; others flagged logistics and safety and urged coordination with the town buildings crew. Suggestions included using the unit to power food trucks (avoiding diesel generators), providing an educational display, or broadcasting fair activities over the internet. Mark said he is considering removing an on-board diesel generator and relying on battery/solar only.

Other logistical items covered: banner permits were submitted and scheduled to be up on Hot Meadow for two weeks in April; there are 24 tables available in the main room and about four or five remain; and Barrett will ask the tent rental company about side walls for rain protection.

The committee also confirmed a separate, related opportunity: a public tour of a dormitory at the Walker scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m.; Jamie said a Google form will handle sign-ups.

The committee set a March 18 deadline for confirmations for the printed flyer and asked volunteers to staff the fair on the day of the event. Members agreed to continue outreach to vendors and to try to schedule a PowerSmart presence at the fair and a follow-up public event.

Ending: Committee members closed the item by asking volunteers to continue confirmations for the flyer deadline and to coordinate logistics with the library and town buildings staff.