The Gale River Motel & Cottages is The First Motel Certified as Environmental Champion under the New Partnership with The NHLRA and NHDES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 8, 2009
CONTACT: Tara Mae Albert, NHDES

The Gale River Motel & Cottages is The First Motel Certified as Environmental Champion under the New Partnership with The NHLRA and NHDES

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the N.H. Lodging and Restaurant Association announced today that the Gale River Motel & Cottages in Franconia is the first motel labeled as an Environmental Champion under a new program coordinated between the two organizations.

In November, NHLRA kicked off their redesigned green certification program for restaurants and lodging facilities to make them more accountable for keeping up their green practices and also offers a tool to educate hotels and restaurants on making their businesses more sustainable. Michele Veasey of the NHLRA’s Sustainability Program and Tara Mae Albert of the DES’s Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) completed a site assessment of the Gale River Motel & Cottages in Franconia, which was the final step for certifying the motel.

The recently revised certification manual now consists of a point award system that allows a facility to choose projects that best apply to them. The point system gives accountability for all projects implemented but awards a higher point value for the more environmentally sustainable items on the list. To be considered an “Environmental Champion” a facility must receive 175 points or more out of a possible 316. Once the application is complete, a site assessment must be completed to verify their self-certification.

The Gale River Motel and Cottages (GRM&C), a year round family-oriented getaway, scored 251 points on their application. Motel owner, Kevin Johnson, stated, “As one of the smallest lodging properties in the state of New Hampshire, it has been a challenge to pursue the ideals of eco-friendly business practices, but it is an effort which has yielded significant cost-savings and beneficial public relations."

The most notable project described in GRM&C’s application is their solar hot water system, the first in the state for a motel. To justify the installation, Johnson used electric bills and spreadsheets to conduct surveys calculating their emissions savings, which tie directly to their carbon footprint. If any business owner has questions on the system, Johnson “welcomes them to visit the Gale River Motel for a tour”. In addition, the motel has changed to energy efficient lighting in 95% of their guest rooms; 100% of their exterior lighting is energy-efficient; and they replaced the boiler system in 2008 with a more sustainable model. The GRM&C has also focused on water conservation by changing to 100% low flow showerheads, faucets and toilets to low flow models and they also have built their own “irrigation” system for a small garden using a homemade rain barrel and a system of buried soaker hoses. Additionally, they limit landscape watering by only watering when necessary and they have added moisture sensors to the automated systems.

To involve guests in their sustainability efforts, the GRM&C has developed room signs for the guest rooms informing them about their initiatives. They have set up a towel program and do not launder the sheets until the second guest day unless asked to. In addition, there are informational signs indicating what items the hotel will recycle and asking guests to either use the bags provided for recycling or to leave the items on the table for the cleaning staff to take care of. This initiative alone has lead to 4,743 pounds of waste not sent to landfill.

After receiving the certification Kevin remarked, "Certification under the NH Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Program provides an objective and standardized evaluation utilizing a uniform criteria for recognition as an eco-friendly business. I have used these guidelines as a roadmap for developing policies and practices designed to positively impact the environment and operate more efficiently as a business owner."

In addition to these projects, the GRM&C set up a strategic plan for their future environmental goals. These commitments to obtaining future savings have lead to their induction, in November, into the DES Aspiring Leaders Program. That program gives recognition to companies that go above and beyond the legal requirements for environmental and economic benefit. Bob Minicucci, program manager for Aspiring Leaders, said he was very impressed with the projects GRM&C has taken on and the way their management is tracking progress and continuing to try new ways to do better improve operations.

Fire Pit Brings Guests Together

The addition of the new fire pit at the Gale River Motel has resulted in an unexpected consequence. "The fire pit provides a social setting for individuals and groups to gather around and socialize with each other that they otherwise wouldn't enjoy" reports Kevin. A large family from Honduras was staying in one of our cottages and another large family had rented out several rooms, the evening campfire provided a wonderful setting for the two groups to meet and socialize while toasting smores and enjoying the blazing fire. The firepit has been popular during the summer despite the overcast skies. Couples have enjoyed quiet intimate conversation in front of the flames as much as the families with little ones roasting their marshmallows.

Consistent with the Gale River Motel's eco-friendly philosophy, all of the wood being burnt is deadfall that has been cleared off the property, or material scavenged from the area's recycling center that was destined to be burnt by the town.

The fire pit will be continued through the winter months so that visitors during the colder season can still enjoy the pleasure of a bonfire.

Solar System Arrives at the Gale River Motel

The Gale River Motel & Cottages has made a major investment in preserving the planet and reducing the business’s carbon-footprint with the installation of a solar hot water system. “I’ve contacted the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association and learned that as far as they know, the Gale River Motel will be the first motel in the state to install a solar hot water system,” states Kevin Johnson, owner of the Gale River Motel.

“Preserving and protecting the environment is the responsibility of each and every one of us as citizens of Planet Earth,” states Johnson. “Choosing to install this solar system at this time works on many levels. As a long-term investment it reduces the consumption of increasingly expensive carbon-based fuel. Increasingly, visitors are looking for eco-friendly lodging. Economists and politicians are encouraging Americans to spend as a means of stimulating the economy. If money needed to be spent, doing so in a manner that yielded a long-term positive impact financially and environmentally seemed the way to go” says Johnson.

The Gale River Motel, the only motel in the state recognized by the New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Program (NHSLRP) as an Environmental Champion, has instituted an ambitious recycling program, installed compact fluorescent lighting and low flow water devices, developed a rainwater garden irrigation system, uses eco-friendly cleaning solutions, implemented a towel reuse program, and developed in-room guest education materials as strategies for translating a philosophy of sustainability into practice. “Kevin is one of the leaders in the NHSLRP. Not only does he constantly look for ways to reduce his motel’s environmental impact, but he also enthusiastically shares his knowledge with other businesses interested in doing the same,” states Michelle Veasey, NHSLRP Manager.

DNL Energy of Holderness, NH designed the system that will harness the energy of the sun to heat the motel’s domestic hot water. An alcohol-based solution circulating through three high performance solar collectors will transfer solar heat to one hundred and twenty gallons of domestic hot water stored in super-insulated hot water tanks providing guests with ample amounts of hot water.

Anyone interested in seeing the system in operation and stopping by to learn more about solar energy is invited to contact the Gale River Motel at 603-823-5655 to arrange a visit.

Memorial Garden Dedicated

On a sunny Saturday, July 5th, a quiet ceremony was held to dedicate Manilow’s Memorial Garden in remembrance of all the special pets that have visited the Gale River Motel and have passed on in body, but live in the hearts and memories of their owners.

Manilow, a playful and much loved, companion to Barbara Drury, owner of Manilow’s Canine Playground in Leominster, MA was a frequent visitor to the Gale River Motel during his lifetime. And as Barb can attest, Manilow was gifted at making a difference in the lives of the people that he touched. His magic formed a strong bond of friendship between the owner of the Gale River Motel, Kevin Johnson and Barb as both shared their love of their canines and the mountains of New Hampshire.

When Manilow passed away several years ago, Kevin wished to extend his sympathy to Barb and proposed the creation of a memorial garden dedicated to those pets who had visited the Gale River Motel throughout the years, sharing memorable times with their owners during their visits. Kevin, having lost his own canine companion, Cali, a year earlier, realized this could be a truly special project.

The project began with the leveling of a small plot of ground and the laying out of the dimensions of the garden. The second year saw the initial planting of the garden and the spreading of bark mulch. Barb trekked to New Hampshire to observe the progress being made on the garden and contributed some plantings of her own. As the garden matured, preparations were made for the official dedication of the garden this summer. Additional plantings were placed this spring, and all was ready for the dedication ceremony this summer.

Barb traveled to the Gale River during the first weekend of July with a small urn of Manilow’s ashes. A commemorative stone identifying the garden as “Manilow’s Memorial Garden” was unveiled at the dedication ceremony. A small urn, holding some of Manilow’s remains was buried in the garden. The garden flourishes as a living memorial to the many feathered and furred visitors to the Gale River Motel, who with their owners enjoyed the pleasure of vacationing with the one’s they loved.

Waterproof Activities in the Franconia Notch Region

Planning a vacation to the Franconia Notch area of the White Mountains!
Worried that the weather might wash-out your vacation plans?
Fear No More…these ideas for “rainy day” activities will keep everyone satisfied!


Museums
· Franconia Heritage Museum - http://www.franconiaheritage.org/
· New England Ski Museum - http://www.skimuseum.org/
· Sugar Hill Museum - http://www.franconianotch.org/activities.html
· The Frost Place - http://www.frostplace.org/
· Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium - http://www.fairbanksmuseum.org/

Shopping
· Chutters - Guiness Book World Record for Longest Candy Counter - http://www.chutters.com/
· Village Book Store - http://www.booksmusictoys.com/
· League of NH Craftsmen - http://www.nhcrafts.org/localsites/littleton.htm
· Littleton Grist Mill – Working grist mill - http://www.littletongristmill.com/history.php

Theater
· Papermill Theater, Lincoln - http://www.papermilltheatre.org/
· Weathervane Theater, Whitefield - http://www.weathervanetheatre.org/

Movies
· Jax Theater - http://www.jaxjrcinemas.com/
· Colonial Theater - http://www.bethlehemcolonial.org/
· Lincoln Cinema - http://www.lincolncinema.com/Showing.html

Fun Stuff to Do
· Moose Tour - http://www.i93.com/pvsr/
· Discover Covered Bridges - Request brochure from White Mt. Attractions - http://www.whitemtn.org/
· Ride the Hobo Railroad - http://www.hoborr.com/
. Relax in the Indoor Jacuzzi at the Gale River Motel - http://www.galerivermotel.com/

Gale River Motel - New Hampshire's Only Green Motel

Environmental Champion Demonstrates Greener Ideas

In a press release from the NH Lodging & Restaurant Association....

Concord, New Hampshire – The New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program encourages continual evaluation of member operations for more environmentally sensitive ways of serving guests. Kevin Johnson, owner of the Gale River Motel took the program’s goals to heart. The Gale River Motel became a member of the program in March of 2006. Since then, Kevin has worked to address environmental issues in his motel’s operations. He is creative in educating guests and has gotten the attention of many other lodging operators around New England with his clever poems and guestroom placards.

The NHSLRP asks that applicants commit to environmental actions in five focus areas; energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, hazardous waste reduction and education. Environmental Champions must show leadership in environmental initiatives within the industry.

The Gale River Motel uses energy efficient lighting in almost all of its lighting fixtures. Window draperies with southern exposure are left open in the winter to allow light to warm the rooms. Northern draperies are kept closed to insulate the rooms. The motel replaces appliances with Energy Star models, as needed. A new heating system is being installed next month to reduce the motel’s heating fuel use.

Water is conserved through the installation of low-flow faucets and showerheads, but the owner went further developing shower hangers that explain a shut-off valve that can be used during a shower to conserve water, without changing the temperature. Landscape watering is limited to early mornings when necessary and native plants and perennials are used to limit the need for irrigation.

The motel is also fully dedicated to recycling, having calculated waste and cost reductions achieved through their recycling efforts. Gale River also employs composting, double-sided printing, reusable mugs in guestrooms, furniture reuse or donation, and the reuse of downgraded guestroom towels to pool towels or cleaning rags to reduce waste.
Gale River Motel is committed to proper disposal of fluorescent lighting, the reduction of hazardous waste products, environmentally-sensitive cleaning product, participation in hazardous waste collection and reducing its use of chlorine.