Energy Week Comes to Newport – Clean, Green and Efficient
The small town of Newport was chosen by the New Hampshire Nature Conservancy to host this year’s ‘Energy Roundtable.’ Taking place this past week and sponsored by the Sunshine Initiative, the event was held at the Salt Hill Pub. The Roundtable attracted industry leaders from throughout the northeast to discuss innovative solutions to the energy challenges of the region. (Please see video above with Bruce Clendenning of the Nature Conservancy and Jay Lucas describing the event.)
New Hampshire and the northeast, with cold weather and high energy costs, need to lead the way in innovation and are doing so with true entrepreneurial spirit. Terrific ideas discussed – and in great depth of detail – solar arrays, incentive structures, towns and cities operating as independent energy entities, municipalities banding together to drive down costs and much more.
And, standing proud in this discussion, we were delighted to highlight Newport’s great achievement. The largest solar array in the state with the ability to supply the entire energy needs of our municipal and school systems!
Energy Threat to National Security – Positively Being Addressed in Newport
Electromagnetic Pulse – also known as EMP. While this phenomenon is not well known, it has the potential to strike at the heart of our national security, indeed our survivability as a nation. In other words, if our electric power grid were to become incapacitated for any reason and be ‘down’ for any sustained period of time – life as we have come to know it, would not be able to continue. An electronic magnetic pulse of sufficient magnitude would have precisely this effect. And there are a variety of potential causes – ranging from a nuclear explosion above our atmosphere, terrorist or cyberattack, or such natural causes as the debris or effects from a solar storm.
The scary thing is that, as of now, we as a nation are totally unprepared for such an event – and would be completely vulnerable. While efforts to defend against this threat on a national basis grind forward, the good news is that actions can be taken on a local basis to ‘harden’ sites and protect localities against such a loss of power. With this in mind, national security experts came to Newport this past week to begin a grassroots effort. This initiative is not only intended to help protect the community – but also to serve as a template, or model, for what can be done by towns and cities across the country. Local communities engaging in positive action to take control of their own destiny. Very much in sync with the American independent spirit.
Hero Pups: Rescuing Dogs to Support Veterans and First Responders
Hero Pups is a volunteer based organization located in New Hampshire. Dedicated to honoring the sacrifice our servicemen and women make to defend our freedoms.
Connecting them with companion dogs who can make the key difference in their lives – while also serving to rescue dogs – and thus the term ‘Hero Pups.’
So wonderful, on so many dimensions – Hero Pups exemplifies the generous volunteer spirit that resides in so many of our local communities.
Thanks to founder, Laura Barker, and Jon Morton who volunteers time and efforts to the program – a really special initiative!
To learn more about this great organization – click on the following link – and consider getting involved.
https://www.heropups.com/apply-for-dog/
Profile of the Week: Gus Fromuth
It’s only fitting that on Energy Week, that Gus Fromuth of Manchester is featured as our ‘Profile of the Week.’ Gus is a prominent Granite Stater and owns and operates Freedom Energy Logistics (FEL) along with his son, Bart. Freedom is among the most innovative energy firms in the nation. Provides consumers with “Direct-to-Grid” power purchasing options which gives them access to much lower, whole-sale rates to meet their energy needs.
In addition, one of the truly great things about Gus and Freedom Energy is the commitment to family and integrity. And what a great story. Starting with three employees, operating out of a small office over a gas station, Freedom is now a thriving business, twice named amongst NH’s Top Family businesses by Business NH Magazine.
Moreover, Gus and Freedom are big on ‘giving back’ – notably as significant leaders and contributors to the Children’s Scholarship Fund NH which provides scholarship opportunities for low-income students to attend top-tier schools in New Hampshire.
Quotes of the Week: Energy (Positive Energy!)
“Positive energy is meant to give people confidence and hope, encourage people to love their country, society and life, as well as to pursue nice things. Everything we do is ultimately for the sake of spreading positive energy.” Lu Wei
“We can bring positive energy into our daily lives by smiling more, talking to strangers in line, replacing handshakes with hugs, and calling our friends just to tell them we love them.” Brandon Jenner
“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.” Henry Ford