Wisdom Way Solar Village Solstice Celebration & Open House
Friday, June 19th

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#60 (2 BR) & #58 (3 BR) Solar Way. The single story 2-bedroom on the left side of Lot 4 was open for a tour during the Solstice celebration.	The crowd under the tent. Miraculously, the rain held off and we even had some sun!	#41 (4 BR) & #43 (2 BR) Solar Way. The 2-bedroom on the right side of Lot 9 was open for a tour during the Solstice celebration.	RDI's Executive Director, Robin Sherman, Director of Home Ownership Programs, Anne Perkins, and Deputy Executive Director of the Housing Assistant Council, Joe Belden.

The Solstice Celebration and Open House was a smashing success! More than 100 people showed up to learn about the project and lend their support.

Speakers included:

• Robin Sherman - Executive Director, RDI
• Anne Perkins - Director of Homeownership Programs, RDI
• Anne Berwick - Undersecretary of Energy, Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Presentation of LEED® Platinum certificates to owners of 35 and 37 Solar Way
• William Breitbart - Community Based Housing, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation
• Joseph Belden - Deputy Executive Director, Housing Assistance Council
• Samuel Taylor - U.S. Department of Energy, Building America - Presentation of Builder's Challenge certificates to owners of 35 and 37 Solar Way
• Christine Forgy - Mayor, Town of Greenfield

Music was provided by local hero Seth Glier, Ghost Quartet (vocals by the Housing Authority's own Hilary Graves) and Michael Orlen.

Anne Perkins presented home buyer Mary Sirum with a "Sunshine Award" in recognition of her "long term commitment, for designing the logo, for being an excellent neighbor, and for being [her] truly wonderful self." Mary has been an active member of the buyers group since it first met in January, 2007.

Following the ceremony guests were invited to tour three of the Solar Village homes to see the different energy efficient and green features.

Playground built by enthusiastic group of volunteers

On June 6th Stanley Gadomski, RDI's Superintendent of Construction, and Anne Perkins, RDI's Director of Homeownership programs, worked with 6 volunteers to erect the new village playground purchased from Cedarworks. Two other volunteers provided food for the hard working crew. The weather was perfect and at the end of the day happy children were climbing all over the structure.

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Volunteers consider their next steps. The playground was delivered in boxes with explicit instructions, with help just a phone call away.	Almost ready for the play test - children standing by.	The playground met with the first tester's approval!

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Sales Update
Many homes are under agreementand othershave already been sold. RDI will retain ownership of two as rentals for people with disabilities. More homes are still available for sale:

Click here for information on income levels and sale prices.

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Tours
Weekly tours have been very well attended by potential buyers as well as individuals looking for ways to improve their own homes and others simply curious about green construction.

Tours are by appointment. Call (413) 863-9781 Ext.149 to schedule a tour. Directions.

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Note that low and moderate income levels are much higher than most people realize. For example, a family of four is considered Moderate Income if they make up to $85,360 annually. More info.

Call Cynthia Bleil at 413-863-9781, Ext. 149 or email rdi-info@fcrhra.orgif you'd like to apply for one of the remaining homes.

Click here for information on the application process.

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Site last modified 4-8-09