10/5/2009 The Emerging Role of Woody Biomass for Heat Energy

Posted by Steve Kelleher 
 
Jacob Blondin, Renewable Energy Director of International Woodfuels in Burnham provided an insightful presentation on how woody biomass thermal energy can achieve impacts for our climate and energy challenges here in Maine.
 
Rotary Meeting for Monday, October 5, 2009 held at the Alfond Youth Center - Here is a recap in case you missed our meeting.

Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of the passing of Rotarian Bill Gerencer this past week.

Sergeant at Arms

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Elery Keene was our Sergeants of Arms today. Thanks, Elery!

Greeter

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Nikki Desjardins and Tina Chapman served as Greeters (and T-shirt sellers) today. David Geller will be our Greeter for the October 19 meeting.

50/50 Tickets

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Frank Prelgovisk sold $70 for the 50/50 raffle today and Ed Oliver was the winner of $35. Ed will sell tickets on October 19th. Lucille Zelenkewich won 10 free tickets for next meeting's 50/50 drawing on October 19th.

World Service Cup

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The beneficiary of the donations for this month's World Service Cup will be announced on the 19th.

Fined for pictures in the Paper

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Peter Garrett and Ken Viens had their pictures in the paper last week and were fined.

Cell Phones

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A $10.00 fee for cell phone ringing continues for the 2008-2009 Club year. No fines assessed today.

On Leave

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Cam McKay

Joan Phillips-Sandy

Paul LePage

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

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Lou Smith introduced Jeff Russell from the Bangor Club.

Patti Newmen introduced Meredith Fast, the new President of the Colby Rotoract club.

Ken Viens introduced Lisa Hallee, the new VP for Philanthropy at MaineGeneral Health.

Kim Lindlof introduced Jacob Blondin and Drew Drummond from International Woodfuels who will be presenting today.

What can you do?

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* Tell Board Members what you are passionate about for community projects

* Tell the program committee about interesting speakers/topics you would like to listen to

* Be involved, join a committee

* Be active

* Be positive

Happy Dollars

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In the interest of time, Sarah indicated that we would be deferring Happy Dollars until the meeting on October 19th and asked everyone to hold onto those happy thoughts until then!

Announcements:

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Sarah reminded those present that there will be no meeting next week.

Tim Beals indicated that there are several slips that have not been picked up or assigned. He read them off and asked those present to see him after the meeting if there were any they thought they might be able to follow up on. Tim also thanked those members who are working on their slips. He reminded the Club that slips are due in at the next meeting on October 19.

Nikki Desjardins announced that she has T-shirts for sale with the Rotary logo's on them. She noted that these can be worn when we participate in both outdoor or indoor club events. They cost $10 and Nikki has sizes to fit everyone. She indicated she will have them at the Domestic Violence Vigil on Wednesday evening downtown as well.

Nikki also reminded the Club that the Domestic Violence Vigil will be held on Wednesday evening, October 7 on Castonguay Square and encouraged the club membership to please turn out for this event.

Lucille announced that the Program Committee is getting together for a brief meeting after we adjourn.

Upcoming Speaker Schedule:

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October 19, 2009 Congressman Michael Michaud

October 26, 2009 Garret Martin, Maine Center for Economic Policy "National Health Reform"

November 2, 2009 Anita Diaz, Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Argentina

Waterville Rotary Club Web Site

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http://www.clubrunner.ca/waterville

Today's Program: The Emerging Role of Woody Biomass for Heat Energy (Jacob Blondin and Drew Drummond, International Woodfuels)

Jacob's PowerPoint presentation can be accessed by going to the "Downloads" link on the Club website.

The presenter was Jacob Blondin, Renewable Energy Director of International Woodfuels, LLC, in Burnham. His firm is putting in a wood pellet production plant next to Prime Sporting Solutions in Burnham. Pellets are denser than cordwood as well as being easier to move and store. Cordwood is not good for commercial applications. Maine currently has 100 million tons of excess capacity of wood now available because less pulp is being produced. Pelletized wood combines soft and hard woods.

Augering in automation for use in residential wood pellet furnaces is now available "at a cost." International Woodfuels works only on commercial and industrial projects.

After his presentation, Sarah presented Jacob with a Rotary 4-Way Test Keychain with the thanks of the Club.