imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net  E-Community Conservation Efforts Pay Off Grinnell's E-Community program, a partnership between Imagine Grinnell and Alliant Energy intended to encourage local energy conservation, recently came to an exciting conclusion. On October 27th, Alliant representatives came to town to present the community with a check for more than $235,000, the final installmentof the more than $271,000 in rewards earned by Grinnell. Under the determined leadership of program coordinator Rich Dana, Grinnell earned 86 percent of what they were eligible to earn and nearly $81,000 more than their action plan. At least half of the pay out will be used to advance parks and trails projects in Grinnell, the balance going to local groups that assisted in the effort and to sustaining future conservation projects. As part of the celebration of the program's success, Imagine Grinnell held a two-day CFL (compact flourescent light bulb) giveaway. Additional units will be made available through local organizations, particularly to low-income residents. Thanks to funding provided by the Iowa Foundation for Education, Environment and the Arts and the Iowa Energy Center, a total of 2000 energy efficient bulbs will be distributed. Call the Imagine Grinnell office at 641-236-6311 to find out about getting your free energy efficient ligh bulbs! Ongoing Energy Conservation Effort Not an organization to rest on it's laurels, Imagine Grinnell recently embarked on another energy conservation partnership, this time with the Iowa DNR. The GAPRI (Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative) project is aimed at helping the community reduce it's dependence on oil, improve our local economy and environment, and increase awareness of locally produced alternatives to petroleum based products like fuels, plastics, cleaning products, solvents and lubricants. The GAPRI project will continue through July, 2007. Rich Dana, whose efforts brought this great opportunity to Grinnell, will serve as the program coordinator. On October 13, 2006 GAPRI held a symposium entitled "Help Iowa kick the OIL HABIT! Community Independence from Petroleum". The event was well attended and featured representatives from Iowa based businesses involved in bioproducts, as well as experts on health environment and public policy.