NORWAY — New homeowners Maddie Cilano of Waterford and Shannon Brenner of Norway have recently participated in the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy’s (CEBE) Community Weatherization Program.
After receiving energy assessment information from Svea Tullberg of Maine Blower Door Test, they worked with Anna Heath from ‘We Built This’ and Seal Rossignol from CEBE to caulk windows, insulate outlets, and measure windows for Window Dressers inserts.
Maddie Cilano of Waterford said, “The weatherization program is such a valuable tool. I’m happy I got the opportunity to participate. It was hands-on and informative, which has empowered me as a new homeowner. I now know some obtainable ways to increase the energy efficiency of my home. An added bonus was getting to connect with other compassionate people in the community.”
Shannon Brenner echoed this sentiment by saying, “Programs like this that cultivate neighbor helping neighbor are how we build the resilient communities we want to see. It was so helpful to learn not only as an individual how I could improve the efficiency of my home, but also connect with and learn from others. The weatherization work day felt so much more meaningful knowing it was part of a broader community effort.”
Homeowners in Paris, Oxford, Norway, and the immediately surrounding towns are encouraged to apply, as there are still open spots for the June, July, and August dates. Eligible applicants will receive an energy assessment of their home, before and after the upgrades, free of charge. The morning of their house’s weatherization, each applicant will also participate in a 1 hour “Weatherization Basics” workshop to be held at CEBE, in partnership with We Built This.
These weatherization workshops will be held one Saturday per month from May through the summer. This is a “pay-it-forward” model so applicants are asked to volunteer in at least one other participant’s home (unless there is a physical limitation, then another volunteer can act as a proxy for the applicant.) This program is free of charge, though there is a $50 “hold-my-place” fee that is refunded after the applicant has completed their volunteer time.
Eligible applicants fit one or more of the following criteria: have a home and property tax value of less than $90k, receive LIHEAP (low-income heat and energy assistance program), MaineCare, or SNAP benefits. Printed applications may be picked up at CEBE’s office at 447 Main Street in Norway, or filled out online at ecologybasedeconomy.org.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but appreciated as soon as possible for scheduling the third party energy assessments. For more information, call or email Seal Rossignol, Education and Programming Director, at 739-2101 or [email protected].