Thanks to All For Summer Light Switch Success!

With summer’s end came the successful completion of the Truckee Climate Action Network’s Summer Light Switch Program, generously funded by a $10,000 grant from the Passthrough Fund at the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation.  Planned by a small group of volunteers and led expertly by Kris Hansen, a professor at Sierra College who took on the effort during his summer hiatus, the program was an overwhelming success.  Over the course of two full weekends, TCAN and Sigba members handed out 2,100 free compact fluorescent light bulbs to Truckee residents at a custom designed Kiosk inside Mountain Hardware.  Also as a part of the Summer Light Switch program, incandescent lights were replaced with energy efficient CFL’s at the Glenshire Club House and at Claire Tappan Lodge.  In addition to distributing free light bulbs, volunteers did a tremendous job of educating the public, discussing the benefits and savings of making the switch to CFL’s, providing accurate information about the proper handling and disposal of CFL’s, as well as discussing other ways to reduce carbon emissions and save energy and money. TCAN also provided materials for and encouraged residents to take advantage of the TDPUD’s rebate program for future CFL and other energy saving purchases.

Many thanks to Greg Havorka at Mountain Hardware for allowing TCAN to use the store as a distribution hub, and to all the helpful staff, especially Heather and Sarah, for working so closely with us to make the program a success.  Rick Reynolds, of Truckee River Furniture Company, donated his time to build our beautiful kiosk.  TCAN’s planning committee consisted of Seana Doherty, Carolyn Hamilton, Greg Jones, David Yardas, Betony Jones, Scott Terrell, Neal Mock and Kris Hansen.  Streamline Consulting Group donated staff time and expertise. Kiosk volunteers included Carolyn Hamilton, Kris and Nicole Hansen, David Yardas, Elizabeth Bell, Tamara Perlman, Mary Ellen Benier, Neal Mock, Scott Terrell, Pamela Summer and Drew Kanuch.  Big thanks also to Nichole Dorr and the Town of Truckee who donated the cost of printing magnets with CFL recycling/disposal information and to TTCTV (Channel 6), for running a program announcement. Finally, a big shout out to the 600 residents who participated.  By doing so, you have helped us get closer to our goal of creating an incandescent free Truckee and you have demonstrated your personal commitment to adopting conservation measures which will help shrink Truckee’s carbon footprint.

Thanks again! 

Beth Ingalls

Photo by Catherine Howard

Truckee and Tahoe area residents gathered together on April 14th for our local Step It Up 2007 event.  Despite being the first day of spring break for area schools and the weather being somewhat questionable, several hundred people came out to the Regional Park.  TCAN thanks all of you for showing your support and helping us send our message to Congress!  We want to also thank...

Our Distinguished Speakers: Paul Vercruyssen, Helena Rodriguez, Frank DeCourten, Kaleigh Deardorff, Chase Nunez, and Paul Bansen.

Truckee Mayor Richard Anderson for his opening remarks.

The one and only Jeff Jones for his musical stylings!

Chris Worcester and Solar Wind Works for supplying the solar power to keep our event off the grid and the EZ-ups for shelter!

Mark Keim and Two Out Rally for the PA system!

Wild Cherries Coffeehouse for the warm beverages!

Perry Norris for the Pizza!

Sierra Avalanche Center.

Step it Up website   for more information about the national event. 

Step It Up Organizer - TCAN Member Elizabeth Bell busy before the Rally!

Step It Up Organizer - TCAN Member Carolyn Hamilton...always smiling!

Photos above by TCAN member Seana Doherty