Solar News for Dobbs Ferry and Hastings

Dobbs Ferry and Hastings Selected for Solar-Savings Program—discounts of up to 15%

When Roots & Wings was asked to write a letter of support and endorsement for Dobbs Ferry and Hastings' application to Solarize Westchester last June, we did not hesitate, as it was brought to our attention by friends at the Dobbs Ferry Energy Task Force. 

Here's the good news: Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry was approved as the newest program of Solarize Westchester! Read the official news here. (Other programs include Tarrytown, Cortland-Croton and Bedford-Mount Kisco. More here.) 

This means that between now and the end of February 2016 residents of Dobbs Ferry and Hastings can buy solar electric systems at a discounted group rate, and from an installer--Sunrise Solar Solutions--which has been vetted by a team of local architects, green energy specialists and homeowners.  

You are invited to attend launch events for Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry:

• Thursday, October 15 @ 7:30 PM in the Board Room at the Dobbs Ferry Village Hall
• Sunday, October 18 @ 3 PM at the James Harmon Community Center in Hastings

There will also be a home tour of existing solar installations the weekend of October 24, and a series of workshops throughout the next four months in both villages for residents who want to learn more about installing a solar powered system. 

From Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry's press release:

Given the tax incentives, cheap financing now available, and the group discount, homeowners can have a system installed right now at no upfront cost, and realize immediate and ongoing savings on their electricity bills.

Monarch Butterflies Bon Voyage!

Here are some photos I took on Saturday, at South Church's garden, when releasing 3 of the 22 Monarchs I fostered.

Another one was released by the children's class on Sunday.

The monarch butterflies will spend their winter hibernation in Mexico and some parts of Southern California where it is warm all year long. 

"Have a margarita for me!" 

-- MJ Wilson

photo credit MJ Wilson

Fan Mail!

It's so good to hear from people who attend our programs, or just hear the buzz about them! Here's some notes we received recently.

Composting is EZ with Eliza Zazzera

My name is Aimee and I am a Dobbs Ferry resident (right down from South Church on Broadway). My partner and I have been to the church a few times and recently learned of the composting program held at the church through Roots & Wings. We've been looking for a composting option for our small apartment for some time now and would love to be able to drop them off at the Roots & Wings Community Garden. Might that be a possibility? 

With gratitude,

A.

* * * 

hi -- i live in ardsley and i was wondering if you take contributions to your compost -- we juice organic vegetables -- the juices include carrots, celery, apples, ginger, dandelion, parsley and cilantro so that is what is in the pulp -- i have been trying to find a place to donate it for compost -- thank you -- j.  

We replied:  

Thanks for reaching out.

We think it would be wonderful if you dropped off your compost at our bins. The best thing to do would be to come to The Kitchen Garden on a Saturday morning (10 AM - noon) and meet Marcello or Gabriela, two of the people who are most involved in The Kitchen Garden. The Kitchen Garden is behind South Church and our compost bins are right next to the garden. They would acclimate you to our bins and you could take it from there.

Tomato Sauce Making and Canning with Coco Zordan

Hi ladies,

Just wanted y’all to know that my penne a la vodka last night, using the sauce we made Saturday, was the best I have ever made! We did good. Thanks!

Warm regards,

E.

 * * * 

Dear all,

The bread, the quick sauce, the focaccia, the bread SO delicious.  I enjoyed meeting you all (Donna and Lenore, my friends from before, so much fun!). I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning...  Ellen, if you are willing, I would love your recipe for vodka sauce!

I look forward to the bread making class.  Coco, your focaccia is pure heaven....

Ciao to all and until the next time,

N

* * * 

I haven't used the sauce yet (except for some of the chunky sauce with Coco's delicious bread), but I had a lot of fun with all of you on Saturday and I am looking forward to trying the sauce. 

Thanks,

Y 

Our teacher Coco replied:

Great team work indeed! looking forward to creating more delicious recipes and have fun with you guys soon.

best

coco:)

notes from the garden

Gabriela and Marcello 

After missing my gardening day during the Labor Day weekend I rejoined the gardeners this past Saturday.  Linda M. helped with the removing of vegetable plants and the preparation of the soil for next season by sifting and adding compost to one of our community plots.  Gabriela brought in cover crop seeds and added them to that same plot.  Blanca helped with the harvesting of tomatoes, collard greens and weeded around the raised beds.  Mark P. worked at weeding around the inside and outside the garden fence and general landscaping while I helped with the sifting of the compost.  Overall it was a very productive day as we get ready to prepare our soil and beds for next year while still harvesting some of the remaining vegetables for the Food Pantry.

Our group gardening days remain Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to noon.  We will be having our second free gardening workshop on Thursday September 24 at 6:30 pm with Suzi Novak.  If you like more information about the class topic and registration please visit RivertownsCommunityGardens.com.

Marcello