Beer and sunshine pop-up on a winter’s night

Two of Vermont’s fastest growing industries, alternative energy and micro brewing, teamed up to showcase their products in an innovative pop-up store on Springfield’s Main Street the evening of Dec. 15.

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Beer and sunshine pop-up on a winter’s night BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The Shopper December 19, 2017 Carol Eramo (left) discusses solar projects with Becca White. Photo by Karen Engdahl. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Two of Vermont’s fastest growing industries, alternative energy and micro brewing, teamed up to showcase their products in an innovative pop-up store on Springfield’s Main Street the evening of Dec. 15. Representatives from SunCommon, a solar energy developer, and Trout River Brewery, Springfield’s own microbrewery, were on hand to informally discuss topics that captured the imaginations of all who attended: beer and sunshine. Becca White, community organizer for SunCommon, addressed a wide range of issues while talking with pop-up visitors. “People have strong opinions about solar energy,” she said. “Some people think the solar panels are an eyesore, other people disagree.” “I actually think they look ‘sculptural,’” said Char Osterlund as she sipped her Trout River Rainbow Red Ale. “It’s great to see people move toward renewable energy.” Other pop-up visitors echoed her enthusiasm, with some seeking detailed information about solar solutions for their own homes. Adding a festive note to the gathering was Kelen Beardsley, one of the founders of the local Trout River Brewery, pouring free samples of several popular beers. pop-up Char Osterlund and Kelen Beardsley at SunCommon pop-up. Photo by Karen Engdahl. White, who has been working in the Springfield area for the past two years, said she was proud of the initiative the community has taken with solar power. “We’ve gone from seven solar homeowners to 19 in just two years,” she said proudly. “And when we measure community interest in terms of attendance at our events, we’re even with the organizers in Montpelier.” Rather than rely on print media, White has used social media plus the pop-up location and other local events to spread the word on solar energy. “We just had a presentation with emergency responders about the potential of solar generators,” she added. “The disaster in Puerto Rico really brought into focus the need for alternative energy sources in an emergency.” “Another outreach activity we came up with started when I noticed the heart of downtown Springfield doesn’t have a good spot to sit and enjoy coffee and a donut in the morning,” she said. “So to fix that problem, we created pop-up events featuring a free cup of local coffee and a treat.” Several morning coffee pop-ups are scheduled for the month of December, including Dec. 21 and 29 from 8-11:30 a.m. “The pop-up events will stop after January,” White said, adding she will be moving on to organize similar events in the Windsor area. For more information about SunCommon, visit the Facebook page @SunCommonSpringfield. For more information about Trout River Brewery, visit @troutriverbrewery.