July 13, 2013
Bridport farm running 100kW wind turbine BRIDPORT — The first farm in Vermont to put power from cow manure on the electric grid is now capturing energy from the wind. Green Mountain Power has installed a Vermont-built Northern Power 100 kilowatt wind turbine at Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport, Vermont. “The Audet family led the way with Cow Power, so it was logical for us to approach them when we were looking for a partner to host a communityscale wind turbine” said Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. “As far as we know, Blue Spruce is the only farm in the US that’s producing renewable electricity from cow power and from wind power.” Blue Spruce Farm produces over 4 million gallons of milk each year, which is used to make locally produced Cabot Cheese. The family crops 3,000 acres to feed their dairy cows. In 2006 they became the first farm in Vermont to turn cow manure into electricity with a methane digester, and they generate 2.5 million kilowatts of electricity annually for their community. Marie Audet of Blue Spruce Farms said “Our family has been farming in Bridport since 1958. We are committed to practices that reduce costs, energy use and waste, with a focus on protecting the environment and improving the health and comfort of our cows. Harvesting the wind that blows across the fields for electricity fits naturally with what we do here.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Pittsford man arrested, charged with murder Christopher Sharrow arraigned July 8
PITTSFORD — A 35-year-old Pittsford man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following an early morning incident July 5 in which his girlfriend, Kristen L. Parker, 32, of Bristol, was found deceased inside a duplex home on West Creek Road. Vermont State Police Major Ed Ledo said Parker’s boyfriend, Christopher Sharrow, was taken into custody and was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, July 8 at 1 p.m. in Rutland Criminal Court. According to Vermont State Police, a neighbor reported a domestic dispute taking place at 2:28 a.m. When police arrived and forced their way in, they located Parker deceased inside the residence. Sharrow was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rutland Barracks on suspicion of murder. He was being held without bail until his arraignment July 8. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
YOUNG SKIPPER — One of the best experiences young visitors have at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is a hands-on experience of history. Here, Chrissy Littleton of Vergennes is skipper of one of the museum’s historic lake vessels. This summer, visitors of all ages have several opportunities each day for interactive experiences with members of the museum’s staff and volunteers in exhibits around the campus. The museum is located at 4472 Basin Harbor Rd. in Ferrisburg. Call 802-475-2022 for hours and directions. Photo provided
Vergennes to celebrate French Heritage Day VERGENNES — The Addison County Chamber of Commerce, with the support of a Vermont Community Foundation grant and individual and business sponsors, is hosting French Heritage Day on Saturday, July 13 in Vergennes. The event celebrates the area’s French-Canadian heritage , but can be enjoyed by all, regardless of family descent. Full details of the event and a schedule of activities are available at www. FrenchHeritageDay.com. Activities on Saturday, July 13 run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vergennes City Park is hosting day-long activities featuring colorful re-enactors, Franco-American music, French-Canadian fiddling, response songs, a Native American storyteller, horse and carriage rides, step-dancing, fencing demonstrations, French food, and traditional craft demonstrations such as spinning, weaving, rug hooking, crocheting, knitting, chair caning and rush weaving, and basket making. Interactive exhibits will range from French artistry to historical information and tools to antique vehicles and engines. Hands-on fun includes pumping water, making rope, churning ice cream, old-time games and children’s activities such as “building” the Eiffel Tower and a puppet theater presentation of ”Mon Chat.” Trace your roots with the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society or practice your French Traditional French and Quebecois musicians perform at French Heritage Day.
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