WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity 950 Kanawha Boulevard, East 3rd Floor Charleston, WV 25301 Lyn M. Bartges, Manager of Administration Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity 950 Kanawha Boulevard East, 3rd Floor Charleston, WV 25301 Telephone: (304) 558-8860 ext. 221 Fax: (304) 558-4210 Email: Lyn.M.Bartges@wv.gov Lisa Kesecker, Leveraging Program Specialist Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity 950 Kanawha Boulevard East, 3rd Floor Charleston, WV 25301 Telephone: Fax: (304) 767-5451 Email: lisa.kesecker@wv.gov Click Here for more information

FY2010 DOE Funding: $2,525,991 ARRA Funding: $37,583,874 FY2009 DOE Funding: $4,817,624 FY2008 DOE Funding: $3,196,901 FY2007 DOE Funding: $2,872,199 FY2006 DOE Funding: $3,320,985 FY2005 DOE Funding: $3,225,843 FY2004 DOE Funding: $3,211,846 FY2003 DOE Funding: $3,155,893 FY2002 DOE Funding: $3,251,749 FY2001 DOE Funding: $2,162,350 Number of Local Agencies: 14 Contact Information for Local Agencies

Weatherization Day 2007 Activities

Governor Joe Manchin III issued a Proclamation designating  October 30, 2007 as "Weatherization Day in the Mountain State", and sent out a press release on the Proclamation.  The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) then used the Governor's Proclamation and Press Release, along with pictures of the Governor and Weatherization Director Bob Scott and GOEO Director Edwin Harper, and designed the GOEO website homepage at http://www.wvf.state.wv.us/oeo/ to highlight these activities and provide links to Weatherization documents, pictures, etc. This Weatherization/Public Information website homepage was then live for three months.

An official copy of Governor Joe Manchin III's Weatherization Day Proclamation was then sent to each of the 12 weatherization subgrantee community action agencies for their local use in promoting the program and honoring their weatherization employees.

A GOEO Weatherization state staffer was interviewed on October 8th by Rob Ferrett with the Public News Service out of Boulder, Colorado regarding expensive heating bills for West Virginia. This audio news bite was then aired on various radio stations.   http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/10495.

A GOEO Weatherization state staffer participated on a half-hour talk radio morning show on WAJR-FM in central West Virginia in Mid-October and again on October 30th to discuss the state's weatherization assistance program and to provide energy efficiency tips for their listeners.

North Central West Virginia Community Action Association's Weatherization Director LeAnna Bickel took a television crew to a weatherization job site and was interviewed for the evening news program.  WBOY-TV, NBC Affiliate, serving north central West Virginia, aired this home energy makeover segment, "Don't Let Heat Escape out the Window", with tips for viewers. http://www.wboytv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=30896

Ms. Bickel also appeared on the WDTV CBS 5 noon news talk show "WV Mid-Day" to discuss the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program.

Various local community action agency county offices throughout the state had their County Commissioners issue a County Proclamation recognizing Weatherization Day in their counties.

Barbara Painter, Weatherization Coordinator for Nicholas Community Action Partnership's Fayette County office gave an energy efficiency and weatherization tips presentation to 5th graders utilizing the DOE Energy Savers Booklets for the students to review and take home to their parents.

DOE Energy Savers Booklets were also made available by GOEO to all local weatherization subgrantee community action agencies for their use during October is Energy Awareness Month.

A weatherization press release was sent to the Governor's Media Center in mid-October for use in the "From the Governor's Desk" weekly column. This column was not used until January 25, 2008 and was titled: From the Governor's Desk: State Provides Heating Assistance and Energy Efficiency Help. http://www.wv.gov/Offsite.aspx?u=http://www.state.wv.us/governor

Weatherization Day 2006 Activities

On Wednesday, October 25, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III proclaimed October 30, 2006 as Weatherization Day in the State Capitol Rotunda in Charleston.  In attendance were local community action agency weatherization personnel from across the state as well as many of each agency's State Senate and House of Delegates members.  Representatives from both television and radio covered the event.

In 10 of West Virginia's 55 counties, local weatherization agencies had their County Commissioners follow up on the Governor's Proclamation with their own Weatherization Day Proclamations. 

 In the meantime, CHANGE, Inc, in the Northern Panhandle's four county service area sent out Weatherization Day press releases which then appeared in local newspapers.  Weatherization Coordinator David Ruhl also gave an on-air interview during the morning show of radio station WEIR, and discussed the program's operation.

The Fayette County Commission was encouraged to sign a Weatherization Day Proclamation yielding a press release and picture in the local newspaper.  A presentation on the Weatherization Program was also given to a United Methodist Church Ladies Group and to the Boomer Head Start Center's parents.

North Central West Virginia Community Action Association's Weatherization Coordinator LeAnna Bickel appeared on the noon news of CBS Affiliate WDTV in Bridgeport with an overview of North Central's 10 county weatherization program.

In addition to these activities, demonstrations on the technical diagnostics used in the Program were presented to several local Boards of Directors.

Weatherization Day 2005 Activities

In mid-October Governor Joe Manchin proclaimed October 30th as Weatherization Day in West Virginia. Copies of the Governor's Proclamations were then sent to all local Community Action Agency and Weatherization offices for their use in highlighting their Weatherization Assistance Program and further promoting Weatherization Day.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Governor Joe Manchin was not able to attend an on-site technical weatherization demonstration until Monday, November 7. The event was organized by the state weatherization office and hosted by local Community Action Agency, Community Resources, Inc.

During the event, the Governor talked with Bob Scott, State Weatherization Director, regarding the statistics of the statewide program. The Governor then met the local weatherization crew, the homeowners, and spent over 45 minutes seeing first hand how weatherization diagnostics were used to determine the energy efficiency needs of the home. The Governor asked the weatherization technicians many questions, went into the attic and the basement to see first hand how Weatherization Works in West Virginia. The Governor then spoke to two television station reporters about the importance of the state's Weatherization Assistance Program. Also in attendance at this demonstration were partner representatives from Mountaineer Gas Company and the state Department of Health and Human Services LIHEAP office.

Meanwhile, many Community Action Agencies in West Virginia had their county commissions declare October 30 as Weatherization Day in their county including Barbour County which recognized the local weatherization crew of North Central West Virginia's Community Action Association and the important service they provide to low-income residents. A news article and picture appeared in the local newspaper highlighting this local proclamation.

Nicholas Community Action Partnership's Fayette Branch Weatherization Coordinator Barbara Painter had the Mayor of Summersville sign a Weatherization Day Proclamation for the town and that event, and the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program was promoted in the local newspaper. Mrs. Painter also taught two 5th grade science classes about energy conservation and demonstrated energy efficiency tips with them as part of DOE's 'October is Energy Awareness Month' activities. Also, ABC affiliate WOAY-TV in Oak Hill, WV sent a camera crew to a weatherization job site and discussed the benefits of the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program with Mrs. Painter.

Last, but not least, North Central West Virginia Community Action Association Weatherization Program Director Leanna Bickel was interviewed and shared energy saving tips with local ABC news affiliate WAJR-1440, Morgantown.

Weatherization Day 2004 Activities

In mid-October, Governor Bob Wise issued a Proclamation declaring October 30 as "Weatherization Day 2004". While no other major statewide events occured, North Central had each of their 10 County Directors process a county Weatherization Day Proclamation which was signed by their local county commissioners. A picture of the Proclamation signing and a news acticle appeared in the local county newspapers. Local Weatherization staff worked with "Weatherization CAN" (Coordinators Assistance Network) to develop video/audio Weatherization Public Service Announcments to be used throughout the state. Logan County's PRIDE staff distributed energy saving brochures to the largest bank in the county seat, reproduced the Weatherization Saving Energy Coloring Book, and distrubuted 150 books to Chapmanville Middle School students. Fayette Weatherization Coordinator Barbara Painter went to a Weatherization job site with television station WOAY-TV's cameraman and reporter and recorded a brief segment about their Weatherization program. She also taught two 5th grade level science classes focusing on energy conservation and efficiency. In Nicholas County, the mayor of Summersville (the county seat) signed a Weatherization Day Proclamation and it was posted at the Town Office. Plans are underway to determine further celebration activities for Weatherization Day 2005.

West Virginia Energy Expo

The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity Weatherization Assistance Program and the West Virginia Community Action Partnership, with funding support from the US Department of Energy, sponsored a one-day Energy Expo May 26, 2004, at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley, WV. Tamarack is the state's retail outlet center for Culture, Arts and Crafts, and is located on the West Virginia Turnpike, I-77. The Energy Expo was organized with over 40 exhibitors and offered workshops and demonstrations that enabled participants to learn more about energy use and energy technologies of today and the future. The Energy Expo also provided simple and realistic information and examples of steps that people could take to reduce their energy bills. This event was one component of the West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program's Public Information Campaign activities for 2004.

The Energy Expo showcased sophisticated vehicle technology including the Toyota Prius, the new GM Silverado Hybrid pickup truck, and two electric cars built by the Raleigh County Academy of Careers and Technology. An 'Energy Theater' presentation by Richard Pollack, teacher with the Governor's School for Math and Science, was given for the public as well as 125 rising 8th and 9th grade science and math students. The Energy Theater presentation reviewed the basic principles of energy and "alternative" energy sources and highlighted their practical implications.

The Fayetteville, WV Middle School's National Energy Educational Development (NEED) Team performed hands-on experiments demonstrating energy transformations. Exhibitors also included Florida Power and Light's West Virginia Mountaineer Wind Energy Farm, Whirlpool's new energy efficient ENERGY STAR ® appliances, and Philips energy efficient home lighting technology from State Electric. Efficient examples of home heating technologies exhibited include Water Furnace ® Geothermal Heat pump technology. Allegheny Power's Appalachian Heating exhibited Carrier High SEER heat pumps. Weatherization exhibit topics included energy audits, chimney and vent safety, heating and duct system design, heating ducts: diagnostics, repair & sealing, heating system combustion diagnostics, blower door diagnostics, gas cook stove efficiency & air quality diagnostics, and mobile home diagnostics. Weatherization demonstrations were given on carbon monoxide testing, home dry-spray insulation and dense-pack insulation examples, duct sealing techniques, and window air-conditioner maintenance. Low-income solar applications were exhibited by the Million Solar Roof Pennsylvania Partnership; Richard Pollack exhibited West Virginia University's Biodiesel Research applications; Ken Auvil from West Virginia Green exhibited Green Building Technology; WVU's Appalachian Hardwood Center exhibited renewable hardwood products for residential construction. The Pennsylvania Weatherization Training Center exhibited the latest in infrared diagnostic technology, the New River Center for Energy Research and Training (NRCERT) taught classes on pressure diagnostics dynamics in the home using the House of Pressure which was developed by NRCERT staff. DOE Exhibits were showcased on Biomass Energy as well as Wind and Solar Energy. DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory also exhibited, as did the National Research Center for Coal and Energy.

"October is Energy Awareness Month" and/or "Weatherization Day" 2003 Activities

• Governor Bob Wise signed a Weatherization Day Proclamation, proclaiming October 30 as Weatherization Day throughout West Virginia -- the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) sent the Governor's '03 Proclamations to the 13 community action agency subgrantees the week of October 20 -- for use as part of PR press release to be sent by each agency to local daily and weekly newspapers.
  
  
• OEO distributed 3"x5" clear Weatherization Works logo vehicle decals to all subgrantee weatherization offices -- decals will be put on all agency field vehicles, agency office entrance doors, etc.
  
  
• Weatherization Works buttons were sent to local agencies requesting buttons for distribution to agency staff, agency Board of Directors members, Head Start and Outreach staff.
  
  
• OEO provided a Weatherization PIC Campaign training session during the September State Weatherization Fall Training Conference.
  
  
• OEO organized and supplied a "PIC Resource Kit" to all subgrantees at the September State Weatherization Fall Training Conference -- Kit included the national Celebration Kit and also state and DOE Weatherization 'Fact Sheets' and DOE EERE materials for each subgrantee wanting to use materials in local events the week of Oct 30 (bookmarks, flower seeds, insulation and heating fact sheets, energy savers coloring books order information, lead-safe weatherization info, etc.)
  
  
• OEO is planning an on-site weatherization demo for Second District US Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito -- but due to Congresswoman's schedule on the Hill, her scheduling staff has requested that the On-site demo be planned for mid-winter when she is available instead of the week of October 30.
  
  
• OEO staff coordinated T&TA, weatherization technical demo props, and supplies with various local subgrantees as they planned their agency Weatherization Day '03 events.
  
  

Reported local agency activities:

• Nicholas County Community Action Association's Fayette Brach office (mid-southern WV) provided an energy education review class to the local middle school's 6th grade class
  
• Council of the Southern Mountains Weatherization office (southern WV) is planned several Weatherization Day events. Secretary Valerie Brooks organized a Weatherization Fair at the local courthouse where the agency disseminated State Weatherization and DOE EERE educational materials. Weatherization applications were taken as well (agency needs a deeper application base). Council of the Southern Mountains Weatherization staff also organized a Board of Directors meeting overview of the WX Program, and visited Head Start centers to share energy ed materials and coloring books, pins, etc. with the children and their families.
  
• Wyoming County Opportunity Council/Mountain Heart (southern WV) hosted an agency wide Weatherization Day Energy Fair for October 30. Those present included agency program staff and various program clients, Board of Directors members, Head Start mother's advisory Board, senior center staff, and local newspaper staff. The sole focus of the day was on the Weatherization Assistance Program, Energy efficiency and conservation. The agency demonstrated some weatherization measures and techniques, showcased weatherization diagnostic equipment, provided posters and displays on energy efficiency information-dense-pack side wall insulation effectiveness, carbon monoxide testing and the dangers associated with exposure to such.
  
  
• North Central West Virginia Community Action Association (northern WV -- the state's largest WX subgrantee) planned several and various events for October is Energy Awareness Month and Weatherization Day. The Harrison County TV station, WDTV-TV, Bridgeport, CH 5 -- CBS affiliate, had weatherization staff on a TV show to talk about the North Central Weatherization Program. All 10 of North Central's County Directors had their County Commissioner's declare October 30 as Weatherization Day in their counties, and agency county offices then sent a local proclamation-signing picture and caption in to the county weekly or daily newspaper.

Content updated on 1/8/2010