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Greetings Everyone,
2010 came in and left just as quickly. The weather was cold and wet for much of the summer which left us starting our straw bale green house in August. The compacted rubble foundation was laid, logs were peeled and dried, and the frame work was erected. Polycarbonate roofing was installed (the most expensive component of the whole thing) and the bales were brought up from a field 20 minutes away (think global, buy local).

Much thanks goes to Warren Hill for his time and energy assembling and preparing all the pieces that go into constructing a building. We also had a neighbor, John Benjamin, who spent many hours getting hands-on experience with natural building techniques and materials while also helping us put it all together! Freezing temps come early at a 6400-foot elevation, so construction slowed to a crawl around November.

What’s ahead for 2011 is to enclose the southern exposure of the greenhouse with glass, install the solar hot water system and solar electric fan, and then wire, tie, and plaster the bales (this will coincide with a Straw Bale Building Workshop). Then, the hundreds of other little things like weather stripping, building raised beds, and, of course, PLANTING have to be done.

By the end of last year, we had two freezers full of chards, kales, zucchinis, and squash as well as some canned relishes. We have been happily living off these vegetable this winter.

Garden

Our ’05 Toyota Prius has hit 192,000 miles without a single glitch (aside from the over-hyped recall/repairs). We are currently in the market for a second used Prius as Linda’s work with Hospice is putting her on the road more often. Although the plug-ins have just started coming out (Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf), they are still a little out of our price range. Fortunately, the plug-in trend is going full steam ahead, so we should have no problem tapping into this technology as it matures.

Lectures Also, last year, we saw continued growth in our renewable energy consultation services. As you can see below, we had another busy year giving tours, field trips, and presentations around the state, with interest in sustainable energy at the forefront. We look forward to seeing many old friends again this year as well as meeting many of you who have been thinking of getting up here to experience Sage Mountain Center first-hand.

In addition to our site assessments and tour offerings, here were a few highlights from 2010.

01/06	8-week winter yoga course (40 students)
01/07	Consultation on sustainably designed assisted living facility in Heron, MT
01/12	Christopher Borton re-elected as Vice President of Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
01/15	Presented a photovoltaic workshop for electricians
03/29	Presented a photovoltaic workshop for electricians
05/10	Department of Environmental Quality renewable energy presentations in SE Montana
05/26	SMC tour for Hopa Mountain tribal leaders
08/01	SMC construction begins on year round straw bale greenhouse
09/11-11/6	Renewable energy presentations for NorthWestern Energy Home Energy Expos
10/08	National Center for Appropriate Technology Energy Corp training
11/04	NCAT Energy Corp tour and training at SMC
11/13	Borton elected to board of directors for Montana Energy Education Council (MEEC)
12/12	SMC completes NorthWestern Energy Montana seminars and tours on renewable energy
12/13	SMC television/internet interview and tour on http://suprememastertv.com/featured/You-Are-Watching-Supreme-Master-Television-v2.html