Dear Editor:

Wow! After a stretch of record warmth we just lit a fire for the first time in months. As we baked this summer it was hard to believe that icy days were just around the corner, but once the cold weather arrives we will be suddenly reminded of the challenges winter presents. Research shows that nearly half of all the energy consumed in the United States is used to make our homes and commercial buildings comfortable, and that makes sense. Especially around here where much of that energy literally flies out our windows because Maine has the oldest houses in America.

Please let your readers know about WindowDressers, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to making northern New England winters more comfortable and affordable. WindowDressers builds clear and insulating, interior storm windows at community workshops in more than two dozen towns around our state. After volunteers measure leaky windows in customers’ homes, sturdy wooden frames are built in Rockland. Come Fall customers participate in local workshops to apply plastic film and foam edging to their inserts before taking them home. By lowering fuel consumption, homeowners can expect the inserts to quickly pay for themselves, and they’ll be more cozy and comfortable!

A group of us volunteers are currently measuring in Lincoln County and would be happy to talk with prospective customers to answer any questions. They can call 837-0630, or they can investigate and signup online at www.windowdressers.org. The deadline for having windows measured is September 22. The workshops, where the homeowners and other volunteers will complete the inserts, are to be held at the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset the week of Oct. 22. Financial assistance is available for low income homeowners, so anyone with leaky windows should be able to be much more comfortable while saving money on energy this winter.

Kayda and Sam Selby

Wiscasset