Lincoln Receives Grant for Composter
State Representative Anne Haskell recently presented a $500 check from Gorham Savings Bank President & CEO Christopher Emmons to Lincoln Middle School for the purchase of a composter.
Plans are underway to raise funds to buy two additional composters. All will be placed in the school’s outdoor educational park.
Students will compost organic waste from the cafeteria to fortify the soil used to grow herb and vegetables seedlings in the school’s new geodesic dome and indoor greenhouse. The seedlings will be transplanted into raised planting beds in the park. Many of the vegetables will be enjoyed by Lincoln students and staff in the cafeteria salad bar.
Composting is just one component of a sustainable living project that includes construction of the dome and installation of solar panels at the school.
Lincoln recently won a $37,200 alternative energy grant from the Maine Public Utilities Commission to install solar panels on the school roof and to power equipment in the dome.
The grant will be used to purchase and install 23 solar photovoltaic panels. Students will have the opportunity to see how the panels provide a percentage of the school’s energy.
Most of the solar panels will be placed on the school roof. One panel will be installed on a pole outside the library to provide power for lab equipment in the dome. That panel also will be used for educational demonstration purposes. Students will monitor energy production and pollution offsets from the panels through software purchased with grant money.
“Lincoln Middle School students and staff are committed to practicing sustainability, fostering positive school spirit and promoting community service,” said Principal Kathleen Rossi. “The PUC grant will help us implement our vision.”
Lincoln’s science teachers worked together on the PUC grant. They built on the success of teachers Christel Driscoll and Thom Fournier and eighth grade students in soliciting funds and grants to create the dome as a learning classroom and sustainability lab.
The 850-square-foot dome was formally unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 18. Those attending included the school community, members of the Portland School Committee and City Council and Haskell. Principal Rossi thanked the many contributors and volunteers who brought the project to reality.
