First, the forward-thinking faculty and administration of North Montco Technical Career Center, who embraced the idea of the course and generously provided the space for it to take place. I am particularly indebted to Bill Kirkpatrick and Bernie Wagenseller for their initial enthusiasm and support.
Bill, the automotive technology instructor at NMTCC, oversaw the "de-fossilizing" of the donor vehicle by his auto tech students and has already helped me solve a number of administrative problems in advance of the workshop. He will assist Mike Parker and serve as master mechanic during the class. His warm, steady,“can-do” attitude shines through everything he does.
Mike Ewall of the Energy Justice Network provided fiscal sponsorship, contacts, and ideas. He is profoundly ethical and frighteningly well-informed about environmental issues, and his rigorous insistence on the importance of renewable sources of electricity helped create “the wind-powered car.” Thanks also to Traci and Suzanne of EJN for administrative assistance.
This program was endorsed by the nonprofit organizations whose logos and links are displayed here. I particularly want to acknowledge MAREA and the Lehigh Valley Alliance for Sustainable Communities for publicizing the workshop.
The Morgan Hughes Homestead Bed & Breakfast offered a reduced rate which made housing Mike Parker convenient and affordable. A generous donation from Whole Foods Market in North Wales will allow us to feed workshop participants lunch daily. Andy Cleff and Chanin Walsh from Ampersand Design donated design services for the vehicle's graphic wrap (there will be a whole other blog entry devoted to that topic!). Chanin has given unstintingly of her time, creative energy, and advice, with more to come. I am deeply grateful.
Bob Batson of EVAmerica and Tim Ruth of Warehouse Battery Outlet provided the conversion kit and batteries respectively, and I thank them for answering all my questions and providing prompt and excellent service.
Lale Byers, Recycling Coordinator for the Bucks County Planning Commission, encouraged me to pursue the idea of a workshop and sent me leads for grants. John Dietter cheerfully shared data and advice on converting a Vanagon based on his experience with his students at North Haven Community School in Maine (you can read all about their solar-powered van here). Karin Wadsack helped launch the project and made me buy a whiteboard. My husband Matt Perkins donated a new set of tires, as well as a loving abundance of technical and moral support.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the generosity of my father-in-law Tom Perkins, whose contributions helped to found and sustain Bucks County Renewables and whose genuine interest in what we do is the greatest gift of all.
