Buffeted by those great lake breezes, Mahtomedi area community members and dignitaries gathered August 24, 2011, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of the successful installation of the Zephyr Wind Turbine.

Representatives of Mahtomedi Schools, the city of Mahtomedi, state government, and elected officials as well as close to 200 community members cheered as high school student Mady Mustar and preschooler Alex Lavalle cut the ribbon encircling the turbine tower. Afterward, guests gathered at nearby St. Andrew’s Great Hall to celebrate, learn more about the educational aspects of the project, and brainstorm ideas for future community initiatives.

A highlight of the evening was an announcement by Zephyr Wind Project benefactors Vicki and Si Ford of a new scholarship fund to recognize exceptional environmental leadership in Mahtomedi students. The Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative Environmental Leadership Award provides a $1,000 merit-based scholarship to a graduating senior who exemplifies commitment, innovation, and leadership in addressing environmental issues. The Fords and their family were inspired by Mahtomedi students whose vision, dedication, and leadership were pivotal in making the Zephyr Wind Turbine a reality. The award celebrates this past student initiative and aims to encourage future student engagement and innovation in defining and solving environmental problems. The Fords provided funding for the first three years of the award. Community members are encouraged to make a tax-deductible contribution to keep the award active in future years.

Final electrical work is now being performed on the turbine, with hopes of having it running by early September. A number of turbine-related educational projects are already being planned for the fall semester in all Mahtomedi schools.
The Zephyr Wind Turbine Celebration was made possible with support from the American Legion Kramer-Berg Post 507 and the St. Andrew’s Environmental Stewardship Team. The turbine was funded by numerous donations and grants from community members and other generous supporters, including a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Thank you!!