2003 NMSEA Annual Retreat

Date: AUGUST 22-24

Location: Circle A Ranch near Cuba,NM (Directions are given below)

This retreat will be a GREAT chance to have some in depth discussions with some really knowledgeable people about several interesting and important topics. Also, Cuba, NM. is a beautiful place. Come and enjoy.

Friday August 22nd, 2003

Arrive                                                      after 3:00 pm

Potluck Dinner (bring a dish for 5-10)          6:00 pm

Evening session facilitated by Julie Stephens

Brainstorming session  Financial issues            7:00 pm

Open Discussion           Leadership                  8:00 pm

Saturday August 23rd, 2003

Breakfast                                                        8:00 am

Morning session facilitated by Marlene Brown

New technology updates                               9:00 am

Find out and discuss the latest and greatest

Allan Sindelar from Positive Energy Inc. will describe new developments in the world of photovoltaics, including the new SunnyBoy inverters. These units allow the creation of integrated community power systems (they can talk to each other through the wires, have great control software, etc).

Ben Luce will give an update on Wind Power and Hydrogen Technology.

Lunch                                                             12:00 pm

Afternoon session facilitated by Ben Luce

Craig O’Hare   Energy Policy Issues             2- 4 pm

Ned Farquah

Craig O'hare, the Governor's Special Assistant for Renewable Energy, will discuss the current energy policy trends in New Mexico. Ned Farquhar, the Governor's Advisor on Energy and Environment, has also been invited and may attend.
 

Late afternoon session facilitated by Ben Luce

Solar Outreach

Ben Luce will give a talk on Solar Talking Points - a quick review of basic facts ranging from rules of thumb for solar systems to the big picture concepts such as the ultimate potential of renewable energy resources and the current and projected growth rates of technology: The kinds of thing anyone talking solar should know.

 
One of NMSEA's five new solar education kits will also be present. Ben Luce
will also make a brief presentation on that, and will be available for
discussions about this equipment with anyone interested in taking the kits
out.

Dinner                                                             6:30 pm

Open time/hangout

 

Sunday August 24th, 2003

Breakfast                                                        9:00 am

Out of the rooms                                            11:00 am

Board Meeting                                                10-2 pm

We will have a pretty comprehensive set of solar cooking gear at the
retreat as well, and this will provide a chance to those interested to
learn to cook things like veggies (instead of just cookies!)
 
Registration: The official deadline for registration was August 15, but if you would like to come and still haven't registered, you can register onsite when you arrive. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING, HOWEVER - send email to info@nmsea.org.
 
HOUSING: Each person attending: $50 - one night/$75 - two nights
(including related meals.) Cost is the same if camping or staying in the
facility (Bunk Beds dorm style indoor lodging.)
 
ATMOSPHERE: We are going back to Cuba because of its location and scenery
providing beautiful walking and hiking trails nearby and a tranquil place to
relax and read a book.
 
FOOD: Beverages and service provided at all meals. Bring favorite snacks to
share!
Directions to Circle A Ranch:
Note that Old Hwy 44 is now called 550: From Albuquerque, take exit 242 off I-25, on 500, go past Bernalillo and go all the way to and through Cuba, NM to the Conoco Station. About 100 yards past the Conoco station turn right on Los Pinos Road....go approximately  5 miles....you will see small signs to the Circle A "Hostel".