Green Team Auxiliary paints Little Red House
By Guest
Submitted by Sage Lee, Pranathi Ganni and Lizzie Crespi; photos by James Bourikas
Under a blue October sky, members of the Green Team Auxiliary, along with several volunteers of varying ages, painted the Little Red House on Pequitside Farm for all of Canton to see.
The Green Team Auxiliary is made up of Canton High School students who are campaigning for adoption of the Stretch Energy Code at the upcoming annual town meeting in April 2012. Their efforts count toward the high school requirement for 80 hours of community service. Written commendation by the Canton Board of Selectmen will enhance college applications.
The Stretch Energy Code provides for energy efficiency standards that stretch energy usage and shrink energy costs for homeowners, renters, and businesses. If the code is passed, Canton can be designated a prestigious Green Community by the state of Massachusetts and the town can earn grants of approximately $150,000 annually. Last year, Easton received $168,000 and Dedham received $179,800 from the state. Like these and many other cities and towns, Canton would share in millions in state funding annually as a Green Community.
To launch its campaign, the Green Team decided to link energy conservation with historical preservation. When refurbished, the Little Red House could be powered by solar energy. Old can be combined with new to save a historical landmark dear to all Canton citizens while demonstrating the benefits of a free energy resource — the sun.
“Painting the Little Red House is a great opportunity to help the community as well as raise awareness of the benefits of the Stretch Energy Code,” said auxiliary member Pranathi Ganni.
“The job is only half done, however,” said Elizabeth Crespi, another member. “There is still much more of the house to paint. We just can’t reach that high.”
Another painting day is scheduled for Sunday, October 30, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
“The problem is that most of what is needed to be painted is near the top of the house, much higher than a teenage volunteer can reach,” said auxiliary member Sage Lee. “The team needs adults or professional painters to volunteer to help us finish painting the house. We can’t finish the job without them. We really need their help.”
Long ladders are also needed. If anyone can help the Green Team paint the Little Red House or can donate painting supplies, please send an email to greenteamaux@gmail.com. If you have questions about Canton’s official Green Team, the Green Team Auxiliary, or the Stretch Energy Code, please send these to the same email address. The town’s Green Team plans to enlist associate members soon.
The Little Red House, otherwise known as the Tilden House after the original owners, is one of Canton’s greatest colonial sites. It is approximately 300 years old; however, due to the lack of funds necessary to preserve it, the house is wearing down. The Green Team decided to help by applying a fresh coat of red paint. This will help draw attention to the house and hopefully encourage more people to want to save it.
Voters for the Preservation of Canton (VPC) joined the Green Team in encouraging the Green Auxiliary to paint the Little Red House. VPC members painted alongside auxiliary members and volunteers. VPC members provided ladders and ground tarps, as well as other essential materials. “They were really helpful,” said Lee.
Canton’s Green Team is appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The team’s mission is to promote initiatives in clean technologies and related services in such areas as solar, wind, recycling and hydroelectricity, and to seek grants for activities that provide opportunities for job growth and expansion of Canton’s leadership in alternative and renewable energy technologies.
The VPC is campaigning for adoption of the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA). This proposition will appear on the ballot in the town election scheduled for April 3, 2012. The CPA enables cities and towns in Massachusetts to create a local fund for open space, historic preservation, community housing and outdoor recreation projects. Adoption of the CPA will allow the town of Canton to receive funds each year from the state’s Community Preservation Trust Fund to help underwrite local projects. Canton would receive approximately $452,599 annually following acceptance of the CPA.
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