How do we move to the future and respond to the changing needs of those we serve and still hold in the balance our responsibility to our planet? Growth needs to be planned and monitored if we truly have respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Our vision is to build a straw-bale house that will be the model of green technology in action. It will have solar panels for heating hot water and photovoltaic solar panels for generating electricity. The south side of the building will be largely glass in order to take full advantage of passive solar heat. The floors will be tile and will absorb the heat during the day, while thermal drapes will keep the heat in once the sun is down. The hallways and service areas will be on the north side of the building.
The house will have seven bedrooms with private baths, be handicapped accessible, provide indoor space as well as outdoor decks, and house the new Women’s Library. The house will be available year round for conference guest space and for group and private retreats. It will have a small kitchen so that small groups can rent the house during youth camps and cook their own meals.
We are looking for major donors to put the initial funding for the Green Guest House in place. The Women’s Library and four of the seven guest rooms have been named. For a gift of $25,000, a room will be named for you or a loved one, and you will have priority status to stay there when you visit Rowe. In addition, we are looking for a $200,000 donor who would like to name the house.
Over the years, we have been the recipient of many generous gifts given through family foundations. If you are aware of any foundations or corporate sponsorships that could benefit this project or would like more information on naming a room or the house, please contact felicity@rowecenter.org.
You can donate online by using the form, by calling us at 413-339-4954 or by mail to us at Rowe Camp and Conference Center, Kings Highway Road, PO Box 273, Rowe, MA 01367.