Step It Up a rousing success

Warwick — “In spite of the weather, our turnout was fantastic,” said Pat Gallagher, the main organizer of last week’s Step It Up, a national program to educate residents on ways to conserve energy and decrease harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Gallagher, who owns Gallagher Solar Hot Water, said the crowd was enthusiastic and the mood was festive. Music filled the air while kids and adults learned about the effects they are having on the environment and the simple things they can do to lessen the effect. Cloth shopping bags were available, as was advice on solar energy from Sara Hambleton of Solarias Solar, Buddy Damiani of Damiani & Sun, and Gallagher. Sustainable Warwick helped homeowners switch from carbon intensive energy providers to alternative energy sources. Gallagher hopes that people look back at the day—and the powerful photo taken by Fred Buell that included approximately 120 residents—and see it as a turning point in how people look at their energy use. “There will be enormous changes in how people will be using fuel in the future,” said Gallagher, pointing out that oil is now near $100 a barrel. “I hope this is a turning point for many.” Anyone wishing to buy copies of the photo may contact Giant Copy on Railroad Avenue. For more information, contact Gallagher at 845-258-0749 or check out his Web site, www.solarthermalsolution.com)