Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope you have all recovered from the Blizzard of ’17! Mainers are hearty folks, but Mother Nature sure knows how to pack a wallop if she wants to! Unfortunately there wasn’t any snow to speak of during the Maine Great Outdoor Weekend when kids were looking for a place to go sledding at the Squam Creek property. Nevertheless about thirty outdoor enthusiasts showed up to hike the planned new preserve and enjoy some hot chocolate and s’mores. Luckily KELT has indicated that their management vision includes maintaining land as habitat as well as retaining a hill for sledding. A crowdfunding campaign concluded this week, and now focus is shifting to raising funds for stewardship efforts like trails and bog bridges. You can still contribute to these efforts at kennebecestuary.org. Thank you to everyone for turning a vision into a reality.

Do you own a trailer? If so, Dedee wants to remind you that February is officially “trailer month.” That means it is time to update your registration! Thank you for promptly doing your civic duty.

On another note, Carol Norris of Post Office Road (882-4691) is considering the purchase of a heat pump. If you own one or know someone who does, please contact Carol so that she can learn more.

So what is a heat pump anyway? I had to do some research myself to learn about this fast growing, cost-effective technology for efficient heating in cold climates. Ductless heat pumps absorb heat from outside air and transfer it indoors to keep you warm in winter. In summer, heat pumps reverse the process to extract heat from indoors, keeping you cool. The unit operates with a compact outdoor condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. An insulated copper pipe connects the two; no duct work is required. With today’s technology, heat pumps can operate even when it’s -15 degrees F outside!

And there’s more! Efficiency Maine is an independent administrator for energy efficiency programs in our state. Its mission is to save money and lessen the environmental impacts of energy by promoting cost effective and alternative energy systems. By delivering rebates on the purchase of high efficiency lights and equipment that help customers save electricity, natural gas, and heating fuels, Efficiency Maine helps both customers and the environment. Their Board of Trustees is overseen by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Check out www.efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-376-2463 to learn more about rebate programs for heat pumps, pellet and wood stoves, geothermal systems, gas furnaces, oil burners, home insulation, air sealing, energy assessments, clothes washers, and LED bulbs. Learn about low interest energy loans and renewable energy tax credits. There are online videos, calculator tools and much more information to help save both money and Mother Earth! What’s not to love?

Thanks for that great question, Carol! If you have an inside scoop on heat pumps, please contact her today @ 882-4691. Or contact your newshound with more great questions pat-dick@midcoast.com (231-4049).