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Organizers said that winter is at the door, but it can prevent cold air currents.

Dennis Robillard (left) and Malcolm Green (back) take a closer look at how shrink wrap is applied to window inserts as Taylor Strubel and Phoebe Little wrap the pine frame-this is Part of the process of assembling the window inserts is designed to keep some Bidford residents warm this season. The Maine Energy AmeriCorps Program project built 87 inserts last week. Bideford Christian Church donated space for volunteer work. Tammy Wells Photos

BIDDEFORD-Several families in Biddeford will find that their homes will be warmer this winter, and the new window inserts are designed to provide insulation.

All that is needed is a frame made of pine wood, glue, screws, tape, weather strip foam, and plastic sheeting—and some volunteer work. The windows were pre-measured, so the work of making them went very fast.

On a recent day, construction was carried out in the lobby of Biddeford Christ Church. Volunteers and Phoebe Little, coordinator of the Maine Energy America Project, designed 87 frames.

Recently, Dennis Robillard was one of the volunteers who assembled window inserts in the Maine Energy AmeriCorps Program in Biddeford. The project was also supported by non-profit organizations WindowDressers and GrowSmart Maine. Tammy Wells Photos

Little said that this is the first year of Biddeford's window insertion program, and MEAP is working with GrowSmart Maine and the non-profit WindowDressers. Statewide, construction sites also include York, Portland, Wyndham, Lewiston and Orono.

"Our goal for 2020-2021 is to build windows for 80-100 eligible households, with a total of more than 500 windows built (5-10 windows per household)," Sally Slow, Director of the Maine Campus Contract Vinsky said. Maine Energy AmeriCorp's plan is at the helm. Slovenski said: "It is estimated that each window can save an average of $27 in heating costs per year, and help reduce energy and carbon dioxide emissions by reducing heat loss from the windows."

GrowSMart Maine Director Nancy Smith said that this is the second year that GrowSmart Maine has partnered with MEAP to provide weather resistance for those who need it and choose to participate in Biddeford and Windham.

"We started this work because energy efficiency and climate change are pragmatic steps to combat climate change, because all Maineers like to save money while improving comfort and safety, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. "Smith said.

All of this is good news for Malcolm Green. He stopped to volunteer and his home would benefit from window inserts.

"These should help a lot," Green said, noting the recent increase in heating oil prices.

Phoebe Little, coordinator of the Maine Energy American Corps Program in Bidford, showed a sample window insert at a recent event. Volunteers assembled 87 full-size inserts To help make residents’ homes warmer this winter. Tammy Wells Photos

The work is going very fast. Volunteers first assemble the frame and then use shrink wrap plastic on each side. When the insert is placed in the window, the foam sealing strip holds it in place. The design life of the insert is up to 10 years.

On a recent day, Dennis Robillard was also assembling the frame.

"I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club and Phoebe spoke. They are looking for volunteers," Robillard said. "I have time and it's easy to do it."

As far as she is concerned, Little said that it feels good to work on a project with tangible results.

"It's really worth it," she said.

Little called on several local entities to find volunteers and find people who can use these plugins.

Pastor Dennis Godin of Bidford Christian Church said MEAP asked if they could use the building to assemble plug-ins.

"They sent us information and we quickly decided to help," Godin said.

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