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Spring 2005       Number 83

By Ben Perry

        The budget axe has been hanging over ASPI ever since the leadership transition began back in 2001.  The addition of an executive director's salary coupled with the economic downturn and uncertainty created by 9/11, created a challenging environment for a major leadership transition. Fortunately, a sizable grant to help with the transition bought us a year to create new funding streams, so the major crunch didn't hit until 2003.  Even as late as December 2004, there was still hope for us to meet our budget and survive the transition without major personnel cutbacks, but by the middle of January 2005, it was clear that cutbacks were going to be necessary.

      2004 turned out to be a make-it-or-break-it year for ASPI.  Calendar sales had grown considerably in 2003 and that trend was expected to carry over into 2004.  The Bluegrass Energy Expo showed promise as a source of earned income and we hoped that the timeliness and novelty of the event would generate uncommon support for a first-time event.  We also hoped that extensive grant research and writing in 2003 would translate into more grant funding for 2004.  Finally, we hoped that excitement created by the many successes of 2003-2004, along with special appeals to our donors would increase contributions enough to put us over the top for the year.

       In the final analysis, we found ourselves too dependent on too many new, unproven funding streams to get over the top, and too thin on staff to maintain the momentum from recent successes.  It didn't help that most of the rest of the non-profit world is in similar shape (even without a major transition) and is going after the same smaller pool of funds. Several organizations in the state and region went into competition with our Simple Lifestyle Calendar in 2004 alone!  On the positive side, our total revenues have increased significantly since 2001, when most organizations in the region have seen revenues fall. 

Reorganization

       Fortunately, we knew that budget cuts were a good possibility from the start, so we were not taken by surprise and were able to update and use plans we made for the purpose a couple of years ago.  We have downsized to a level that we hope is sustainable for now, and we are confident that we will be able to reorganize and rise up stronger and more resilient than ever.              The downside is that staff hours have been cut 20% to 40% across the board and it has been hard on some staff members.  Some of us are already "moonlighting" to make ends meet, and many others will have to find other work in order to make it through the year.

             Although we are hesitant to characterize the cutbacks as a blessing, there are certainly some "silver linings" that we can point to.  Office Manager Martha Bond had been thinking about semi-retirement for a year or so and decided to go ahead and take the plunge.  She now works half-time for us.  Deb Bledsoe, who started with us as temporary project staff last year, has now stepped in as part-time Operations Manager. Deb is taking some of the load from both Martha and director Ben Perry, whose hours were cut by 40%.  Spreading the workload among three people has created a more stable managerial structure and should make us more resilient as we move into the future.

             One good omen pointing to a successful reorganization is our new volunteer coordinator Laura Wick, who has been with ASPI since August. She has been successful in attracting volunteer groups to help with area environmental projects and help make up for reduced staff time by working on the ASPI gardens and other labor-intensive projects.  The rest of the staff has also been generous about volunteering hours to complete necessary tasks.  We have extended an open invitation to any ASPI supporters willing to donate their time and talents to keep things rolling and help us build our capacity for future sustainability.

             Another positive is that ASPI is in the middle of a strategic planning process and is in a good position to address both the short and long-term ramifications of the cutbacks in a constructive and comprehensive manner.  The board and staff held a retreat shortly after the budget cuts were finalized, which gave everyone a chance to discuss possible solutions and begin to set the course for a sustainable future.  The ideas that came from the retreat have everyone at ASPI excited to complete the strategic plan and begin to move forward with it. The board and staff are meeting monthly through the end of the year to address the challenge, and are committed to making the sacrifices necessary to the long-term success of the organization.

Energy News

The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide is Now Available!

By Andy McDonald

       After a year of research and preparation, The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide was published in February 2005. This 114 page Guide is a comprehensive resource for those interested in using solar energy in Kentucky. The Guide begins with a review of solar energy technologies, including solar electric, solar thermal (including an emphasis on solar hot water systems), and the use of solar energy for cooking, food drying, and water purification. These chapters discuss the history of solar electric and water heating technology, common applications for these technologies, the various components of these systems, and solar design guidelines. Case studies of solar energy systems installed around the state are used to illustrate how Kentuckians are using solar energy, and demonstrate that solar energy is a viable resource here in the Commonwealth.

           The Guide provides ample resources for learning more about solar energy and finding equipment suppliers, contractors, and financial incentives that can help cover the costs for investments in solar energy and energy conservation.  The following three paragraphs are excerpted from the Guide.

"Solar energy is one of the key components of a safer, healthier, more sustainable energy economy. It provides greater independence and energy security, protecting its users from interruptions to the power grid and fluctuating fuel prices. On a regional and national level, solar energy systems could become part of a "distributed energy network" in which many thousands of smaller and decentralized energy producers would make the whole system less vulnerable to interruption. By developing the use of solar and other renewable resources, our nation becomes less dependent upon foreign sources of energy. This reduces the justification for using the military to protect our fuel supplies in foreign lands, allowing all of our resources to be used more wisely and profitably.

 "Solar energy is widely used around the world in climates as diverse as northern Europe and southern California. Solar photovoltaic technology has developed rapidly over the past four decades, with prices falling dramatically and global installations growing at a rate of 30 percent per year over the past five years.¹ Solar water heating technologies have been in widespread use for the past century. Countries such as Israel and Japan have witnessed a consistently increasing use of the technology. Tokyo had over 1.5 million solar water heaters in use in 1991 and Israel now requires solar water heaters in all new buildings.² Global experience has shown that the use of solar is not limited to the sunniest climates, and that it is capable of making a significant contribution to meeting the world's energy needs"

         "The development of a clean, sustainable energy system depends as much on energy efficiency and conservation as on the development of renewable energy sources such as solar. Improved efficiency enables us to do the same or more work while using less energy. Through conservation, we find alternate ways of doing things that reduce our energy demands. Efficiency and conservation allow us to meet our needs at a lower cost and with less pollution. This principle applies nationally and at the personal level. Nationally, investing in energy efficiency is like building power plants that don't pollute, at a fraction of the cost. For example, a report from the Alliance to Save Energy states that if all homes in America used the most energy efficient refrigerators available, the electricity savings would eliminate the need for about 30 power plants.³ Those energy savings would translate into pollution not produced and money saved by American families."

  - From Chapter One, Introduction, The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide

Solar Water Heater Project Update

By Andy McDonald

          Since establishing our Solar Water Heater project in January 2005, the Kentucky Solar Partnership has created a financing product through the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) in Berea. We are beginning to market the opportunity in eastern Kentucky and have received two applications from interested homeowners already . We are offering loans at a fixed rate of 3% with a term of six years, to cover the cost of installing a solar water heating system. Any resident of Kentucky's 51 Appalachian counties is eligible to apply for a loan through this program.

We are presently preparing to host a training for solar water heater installers, to be held sometime this summer. The KY Solar Partnership (KSP) will be contracting seasoned trainers experienced with solar water heating systems to provide this training, and will be marketing the training state-wide. Plumbing and HVAC contractors are especially encouraged to attend. To learn more about the training or to inquire about a loan, please contact Andy McDonald at (502) 227-4562 or solar@kysolar.org.

River Day 2005 - Keeping the Tradition Alive

By Ben Perry

            ASPI's 22^nd Annual River Day will be held on June 4^th, 2005 at the Demonstration Center on the Rockcastle River.  The day traditionally begins about 9 AM with a 2-4 hour paddle on the Rockcastle River for the more ambitious attendees.  The event will officially begin at noon with a potluck lunch under our picnic shelter next to the river, followed by tours and activities that last until about 5 PM.  Staff cutbacks will decrease the amount of time we are able to spend preparing for the event, but we hope to be able to carry on the old traditions, as well as most of those started in recent years. 

Tours will be given of ASPI's Solar Home, Cordwood House, Organic Gardens and the Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center.  Activities will include the 3^rd Annual Rockcastle River Rocktathalon, a test of human endurance consisting of such grueling activities as horseshoe tossing, watermelon seed spitting, volleyball serving, and river cane tossing.  The Rocktathalon may also include a short river swim and paddling contest if the river cooperates (for a change!).  We hope to hold another Silent Auction and continue the "Taste of the Rockcastle" if we have the time to solicit donations this year.  We also intend to continue the "zero-waste" goal for the event.  In 2003, we produced a ball of trash about the size of a baseball, and in 2004 it was no bigger than a ping-pong ball. This year we hope to reach our goal of no trash at all.

            For those planning to attend: 1) Please don't bring disposable containers and bring your own plates, cups, and cutlery if you are willing (or we will provide them if you can't);  2) You are encouraged to bring a dish or we request a $5 donation for those who don't bring one. Kids under 12 eat free. 3) Those of you that want to camp on-site, please contact us at 606-256-0077 or aspi@a-spi.org  to make arrangements.  Camping is free for ASPI supporters for River Day.  Canoes cost $40 each last year for up to 3 people (and has not gone up as far as we know), and arrangements need to be made with Jim Honchell with Rockcastle River Adventures at 606-864-9407.  For those with your own canoes, ASPI personnel are generally available to help shuttle paddlers to the put-in and pick them up from the take out.

2005 Bluegrass Energy Expo on Track for Success

by Ben Perry

            With oil prices hitting record levels and Kentucky having just released its first comprehensive energy plan, we are hoping that the 2005 Bluegrass Energy Expo will capture the imaginations of the public, the schools, government officials, the business world and other non-profits, resulting in dramatically increased interest and attendance.

The solid success of the last year's Expo has encouraged many of 2004 participants to recommit for 2005. Major sponsors Lexmark International and Sylvania Lighting are back and have increased their sponsorship amounts considerably. We are currently negotiating with other major sponsors and expect commitments in the near future. The US Department of Energy is supporting the event again, partly through their Million Solar Roofs Initiative funding and partly through a grant awarded and administered by the Kentucky Division of Energy.  Most of the educational and commercial exhibitors from last year have recommitted for 2005, and we anticipate dozens of new exhibitors as well. 

The Expo is looking to add many new elements for 2005.  In addition to the 2004 Themes of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, we have added the theme of Healthy Homes, through which we hope will make the connection between our personal health, energy use and a healthy environment.  We hope this will widen our audience to include more women and families.  We have new steering committee members representing the Cities of Lexington and Louisville, along with the Fayette County Schools, so we will be coordinating our activities with these entities for 2005. We are reaching out to more businesses, schools, and organizations from Appalachia and other areas of the state, and anticipate participants and attendees from at least Bowling Green in western Kentucky to some counties along Kentucky's eastern border.   Several of out-of-state exhibitors from 2004 are expected back in addition to some new ones.

Please contact us if you are interested in participating in the 2005 Expo, or if

you know of anyone who might be.  We are looking for sponsors, exhibitors, educators, volunteers and, of course, attendees.  We also welcome ideas and information about thought-provoking and informative exhibits and demos we could do at the Expo.

Watershed News

A-SPI Water Work

By Deb Bledsoe

ASPI is a member of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA).  KWA is dedicated to strengthening community and governmental stewardship for the restoration and preservation of Kentucky's water resources. To this end, KWA sponsors the Kentucky Watershed Roundtable each year in July. ASPI's Deb Bledsoe and Jack Kieffer attended in 2004 and participated in the Upper Cumberland River Basin work group. This group, comprised of citizens, US Forest Service personnel, and KY Division of Water employees, identified threats to the generally excellent waterways of the Upper Cumberland River, and made commitments for the upcoming year to protect and improve the watershed, which includes the Rockcastle River.

ASPI and the Upper Cumberland Watershed Watch sponsored a citizen monitoring workshop in April, at the Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve. Deb Bledsoe of ASPI, and Joe Ray of the KY Division of Water taught the class. The object of the training was to teach citizens to evaluate and report the water quality of their local streams and rivers to Kentucky Watershed Watch for sampling events to be held in May, July, and September. Samplers will collect specimens and test at streamside for dissolved oxygen, pH, and other factors. Samples will also be taken and sent to labs for bacteriological and chemical testing.

In the past, ASPI Watershed Watch volunteers have identified several problem areas in the Rockcastle River watershed, including sewage contamination in the Boils of the Roundstone at Livingston, where the sinking Roundstone Creek boils up from under the creekbed. "The Boils" was the major source of drinking water for the area from European settlement until the 1990s.  Livingston has been active in trying to remediate this problem, and further testing throughout the season will help to determine how successful these efforts have been.

Don't Miss the "River Donut Roundup"

By Ben Perry

            River Donuts (tires to the uninitiated) are an invasive species that has become abundant in the creeks and rivers of Appalachia over the past century.  The stretch of the Rockcastle River between Livingston, KY and the I-75 bridge is particularly good habitat due to the easy river access from US 25 and KY 1329, which shadow the river the entire way.  On may 14^th, ASPI will sponsor a "River Donut Roundup" for anyone interested in spending a few hours on the river to help get rid of these varmints (and other trash we encounter along the way). 

The "Roundup" came out of a pledge given by Deb and Jack at the 2004 Kentucky Watershed Roundtable, in response to a request from a US Forest Service employee.  The event is BYOC (bring your own canoe) and is open to all paddlers.  Make sure to wear sturdy clothes and heavy leather or heavy coated fiber gloves (River Donuts and their kind will bite ya).  Bring your canoe to the water treatment plant in Livingston at 9 AM. Participants will be shuttled back to their vehicles in Livingston after they complete their run. Eastern Kentucky PRIDE will load and dispose of all tires and trash collected. Please contact the ASPI office if you would like more details.

Volunteer News

Notre Dame Students do Spring Break at ASPI

By Laura Wick

ASPI was fortunate to have ten students from the University of Notre Dame join us for their spring break this past March. The group spent a week here in Rockcastle County, working on two PRIDE cleanup projects and assisting with several projects at the ASPI office and Demonstration Center. Braving gray, snowy weather, the students worked all day cleaning up Greenfish Hill, a site that the Rockcastle County PRIDE committee has wanted to tackle for quite some time. James Renner, PRIDE Coordinator for Rockcastle County, thanked the group enthusiastically, saying "I really appreciate their hard work; they got a whole lot accomplished. I hope other groups are willing to come, not just to clean up garbage but to do other projects or even just to visit our region." 

The group worked at the ASPI office, assisting ASPI board member and solar engineer Josh Bills with some work on the solar power system, and helping to prepare the gardens for spring planting. At the Demonstration Center, the students worked with ASPI associate Jack Kieffer in the organic garden and also went out on the trails with ASPI consultant Mark Spencer to do trail maintenance.

During their week here the group also met with several speakers, who shared stories and reflections about Kentucky and the unique struggles that we face, especially in regard to the coal industry and the thirst for "cheap" energy. Several of the staff also pitched in to help the students get a better understanding of the area. ASPI computer consultant and local musician Dan Bond played the mandolin and sang for them, ASPI director Ben Perry gave a brief presentation on the history of Rockcastle County, and ASPI Operations Manager Deb Bledsoe gave the group a tour of the Great Saltpeter Cave, which was the first major extractive industry in the county in the early 1800s, supplying much of the saltpeter for gunpowder used during the war of 1812.

Many thanks to Notre Dame Students Ashley Braun, Ben Clarke, Sean DiTullio, Briana Duncan, Melissa Fisher, Michele Holzinger, Anna Lise Hoopes, Ronica Lu, Katie McHugh and Katie Waid, for giving generously of their time and energy during their visit to ASPI.

Skilled Volunteers Needed for Maintenance Projects

By Deb Bledsoe

               Are you a plumber, electrician, organic gardener or other 
skilled worker? The ASPI facilities in Mt Vernon and on the Rock-
castle River are in need of a little tender loving care. We have a 
number of small projects that could use your help. If you are in the 
area and would like to volunteer, please contact Deb Bledsoe in our
 office in Mt Vernon and let us know your interests and abilities, and
 we will match you up with a job.

Thank Yous

Richard & Martha Lammers, Frank Hare, Nancy Jackson, Ian Rudick, Joan Anderson, Marian Mac Gillis of Genesis Farm, Lucy Mahaffey, Steve & Julie LeBrun, Heidi Gross, Marion Mitchell, Leo Babeu, Robert & Barbara Perkaus, Doug & Laura Fortmeyer, Sharene Schwarz, Ramesh Bhatt, Sisters of Mercy, Robert & Beth & Donald Gehres, Church of Christ Union, Leonard Levine, Georgia Herring, David & Martha Lester, Walter L. Farrell,S.J., Virginia Barber, Annalou Ritchie, James & Hildegard Wachob, Katie Yunker, Mary E. Clark, Phil Henry, Donna Graham,OSF of The Province of St. John the Baptist, Glenda Keyes, Janet Garrison, John & Nancy Gallini, Philip & Terri Curd, Robert Thompson, Church of the Epiphany, Roger Roskin, Leah Bookman, Barbara Wetula, Maureen Darcey, Diane Faircloth, Bill & Kathleen Kennedy, Karl Mulson, Ky. Jesuit Mission, Edwards & Samuels LLC.

Wish List

            Library materials (books, reports, periodicals, reference books) + recent Home Power magazines, fire-box or fire-proof safe, 2002+ model PCs and monitors, a flat-bed utility trailer (12' ideal), mulch and manure, an electric stove, portable mattresses (air beds, Therma-Rest type mattresses); Pots and pans; and Tools (shovels, rakes, mattocks, etc for trail maintenance) 

HELP SUPPORT ASPI Through DISCOUNT COMMUNICATION SERVICES

New Discounted Internet Service

Receive up to 150 hours a month of internet usage for $14.95 and designate $2.25 per month to ASPI (at no cost to you). To sign up, visit aspi.visp-net.com or if you don't currently have internet access, call 800-803-5726. Be sure to mention ASPI so we get credit for the order.

Discounted Long Distance Service for Home or Business - No monthly service fees,

no minimum billing, low-cost calling cards, and six-second billing.

* Mention this ad and designate 3% of your bill (at no cost to you) to ASPI

New! All Outgoing and Incoming Interstate Calls are 4.25c a Minute.

Low intrastate Rates - KY, WV & TN - 4.9c, OH & IN - 4.25c, IL - 3.9c.

For more information or to order new service, contact Ian Rudick with Come From the Heart at 1-888-622-0957

Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest

50 Lair Street, Mt. Vernon, Ky 40456-9806

Phone: (606) 256-0077   Fax: (606) 256-2779

Web Site: www.a-spi.org   E-mail: aspi@a-spi.org