Grand Island, NY

           In response to the needs and questions of many Grand Island residents about solar energy throughout their community, The Town of Grand Island has partnered up with two local agencies to provide a virtual, live presentation with a question and answer session.

          Golden Age Center Director Jennifer Menter, Councilwoman Jennifer Baney, Councilman Thomas Digati, Regional Clean Energy Coordinator Jason Kulaszewski, and Program Assistant with PUSH Buffalo Lou DeJesus have been collaborating to bring a seminar to Grand Island residents. This seminar stemmed from inquiries from residents about solar parks and the desire of residents to know more about community solar plans.

          “As public officials, we get a lot of inquiries, and I frequently hear from residents wanting to know more about their options to buy into existing community solar,” said Councilwoman Baney. “I reached out to some experts in the field that we have worked with before, so that our residents can feel educated and informed about solar projects that are happening in their community. There will be a focus on consumer protection and how to determine if a company is reputable, which was a very important component to me.”

        “I look forward to joining forces with PUSH Buffalo and the Town of Grand Island and learning more about solar energy with the senior population.  Learning how solar energy works, how to be more energy efficient, how to reduce energy consumption, and how to share this information through this virtual platform is an exciting and interactive way to learn about this popular energy source.  I look forward to this presentation and this partnership,” said Jen Menter, of the GAC.

        “UBRI is happy to support efforts on Grand Island to educate residents about the benefits of solar energy. The town has been a local leader in solar development, and this event will continue to build on the success of previous educational campaigns like 2018’s Solarize Grand Island that helped Grand Island become a designated Clean Energy Community,” shared Kulaszewski.

The seminar is on June 30^th at 2pm. Residents can join the interactive session by logging into the Solar Energy Zoom Meeting at the following direct link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89856153493?pwd=T08xdlpiVWpCQzM0NjJHQm1sZVZpdz09

The Meeting ID is 898 5615 3493 and the Passcode is 025688. 

Residents can also call in to listen to the meeting and ask follow-up questions at the following phone number: 1-646-558-8656 and entering the Meeting ID.

The meeting will be livestreamed and available for later viewing at the Town of Grand Island YouTube page. Questions can be directed to Councilwoman Baney at 716-622-9006.

On Saturday, June 13^th, from 9am until noon, Grand Island residents are encouraged to mobilize their family members and pitch in to clean up their neighborhood or a surrounding property.

This Island-Wide “Clean-up Initiative” encourages residents to mobilize within their neighborhoods to clean up trash as part of an effort to further beautify our community.  The event is rain or shine.

The Initiative grew from the online posts of resident Debbie Whalen, who began her personal crusade of picking up trash along East River and the DEC Spicer Creek Park during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Other Grand Islanders also began their own journeys by doing the same.  Highway Superintendent Dick Crawford, Councilman Jenn Baney and Debbie Whalen brainstormed this initiative to include all Grand Island businesses and Island residents, with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, Grand Island Rotary and The Grand Island Lions Club all stepping up to assist.

    During this time, residents are encouraged to clean their homes and yards and dispose of excess trash, passenger car tires, and any items that could hold water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Volunteers will be needed for some additional clean-up areas that have been identified and are listed below, as well as on the Town of Grand Island Website and Facebook page.

    Underage volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to wear proper attire (gloves, work boots), sunscreen, insect repellent and stay hydrated. Wear a mask if social distancing cannot be accomplished. Due to the wet spring and tall grass areas, we encourage all to be very mindful of ticks.

    If you have any questions, please contact Dick Crawford, Highway Superintendent, at 716-773-9632 or Jennifer Baney, Town Councilwoman, at 716-622-9006. Send in your photos of your family clean-up to rdiehl@grand-island.ny.us, if you would like them shared on social media. Refunds from cans or bottles found and returned to the Highway Department, with proceeds donated to The Grand Island Neighbors Foundation.

 Safety Rules & Guidelines for Trash Clean-up
All volunteers are encouraged to follow the following guidelines;

• Wear bright colors or Safety Vest
• Wear clothing that covers arms and legs
• Wear closed-toed shoes or boots
• Wear clothing that will not divert attention of motorists during clean-up
• Wear clothing that will not impair vision or movement during clean-up
• Stay at least five feet from the edge of the road
• Obey all safety rules and guidelines
• Face oncoming traffic when picking up litter and look up often to ensure that no vehicle is encroaching your work area
• Stay well clear of any construction
• Drink plenty of fluids-take breaks-avoid overexertion
• Be alert for snakes, stinging insects, poisonous plants and ticks
• Avoid contact with noxious weeds and areas where herbicides were applies
• Use proper lifting and bending techniques
• DO NOT pick-up what appears to be hazardous materials, medical waste  or any type of container with unknown contents, Call Richard Crawford- Highway Superintendent at 716-818-6992