High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield Celebrates 30 Years!

Fairfield, Connecticut - First Selectman Mike Tetreau is pleased to announce that the High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield (HSSFF) is celebrating 30 years of providing scholarships to graduating seniors at Fairfield's public high schools! In honor of this milestone, First Selectman Tetreau has issued town proclamations for both Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe high schools.

The HSSFF has awarded approximately $2 million in scholarships to graduates since its inception and will present 140 scholarships to graduating seniors on June 13, 2019, the night before graduation, at Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe’s annual Awards Night celebrations.

These scholarships are funded by contributions from individuals, families, service and social organizations, businesses and bequests. About 40 percent of its scholarships are needs based, while the remainder recognize students for academic pursuits, leadership, music achievement, athletic accomplishments, and community service, among other criteria. HSSFF also administers scholarships for each Fairfield school PTA, as well as the Fairfield PTA Council.

HSSFF President April Burggraf said, “We are grateful for the support HSSFF receives each year

City of Providence Releases First Annual RePowerPVD Report

Fogarty Elementary School distinguished as part of buildings participating in voluntary energy reduction program that realized savings of $345,000, reduced carbon footprint

PROVIDENCE R.I.- Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Director of Sustainability Leah Bamberger today announced the release of the City of Providence’sfirst annual RePowerPVD report that highlights the successes of a voluntary energy reduction program for large buildings throughout the capital city. Energy used in buildings is one of the leading sources of climate pollution locally, accounting for roughly 70 percent of the city’s carbon footprint. The RePowerPVD program challenges large buildings throughout Providence to reduce their energy usage by 20 percent compared to a baseline taken in 2015.

“The threat of climate change is so great that we can no longer wait for Washington to lead the way,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “That’s why Providence is taking the initiative to reduce its climate footprint as part of our goal to become a carbon neutral city by 2050. I thank the participants for their commitment to a greener and more sustainable Providence.”

The RePowerPVD report, prepared by City’s Office of Sustainability, identifies $345,000 in total energy cost savings, a total energy use reduction of 17,769 MMBtu and a greenhouse gas reduction of 1042.5 Metric Tons CO2e realized by participating properties. The total measured energy reduction of participating buildings is equivalent to removing 221 cars from the road for one year or the annual average electricity use for 182 households.

The report identifies Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in the South Providence neighborhood as the first-ever participating building to have reduced its energy usage by more than 20 percent by 2025 as compared to a baseline taken in 2015. The school achieved a 26 percent energy use reduction this year as compared to its 2015 baseline.

Mayor Elorza launched the RePowerPVD buildings energy challenge in 2018, which has since enrolled over 1,737,156 Gross Square Feet of Providence building space. In addition to highlighting the progress made during the first year of the program, the report also features three new projects that are enrolled in the RePowerPVD “Race to Zero” competition, where properties compete to become the first Zero Energy Building (ZEB) in Providence. Participants include Truth Box, Inc., Sheridan Small Homes by ONE Neighborhood Builders, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo Education Center.

“By committing to energy conservation, these RePowerPVD property owners are saving money and protecting the planet and future generations,” said Leah Bamberger, Director of Sustainability. “Retrofitting Providence’s existing buildings to be more energy efficient is critical to creating a healthier, cleaner Providence for current and future generations to enjoy.”

The RePowerPVD report complements the Municipal Energy Report for Fiscal Year 2018, which showcases multiple improvements in energy use within City-owned facilities. Some notable achievements include:

·         Reduction of building and outdoor lighting energy use by 15 percent since FY10

·         The City’s expenditures on energy have declined by 33 percent since FY10

·         Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities have decreased 30 percent since FY10, a 2.4 percent improvement from last year

·         Recent investments in lighting and mechanical efficiency measures have reduced electricity consumption by 32 percent since FY10 and 13.5 percent since last year

·         The City has converted all its 16,800 streetlights to smart LED fixtures, estimated to save $18.9 million in the next ten years, and expected to reduce City carbon emissions by about 9,441 metric tons annually

·         15 buildings increased their Energy Star scores between FY17 and FY18

"Sailing Western Penobscot Bay" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Sailing Western Penobscot Bay" by Doug Mills

America's oldest schooner, Lewis R French, built 1871, sailing western Penobscot Bay near Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

'Schooner American Eagle" The Maine Windjammer Project

 'Schooner American Eagle" by Doug Mills

Schooner American Eagle, built 1930, sailing past Owls Head on her way back to her home port of Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Connecticut and Rhode Island 7 Day Forecast

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 45. East wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday

A chance of rain before noon, then a chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

People's Credit Union Wins Best Credit Union from Readers of Newport Life Magazine

People's Credit Union was recently awarded Newport Life Magazine's Best of Newport County's Best Bank/Credit Union.

This fun and spirited award is voted on by the magazine's readers and residents of Newport County. People's is proud that its members helped to recognize their financial institution as "best of." One of People's Credit Union's core values is providing an extraordinary member experience. This core value, which is a cornerstone of the organization, speaks volumes about People's Credit Union and its commitment to those that choose to bank there.

"At People's Credit Union, it is our mission to provide our members with more than just a place to do their banking. The 'People Helping People' philosophy is who we are and how we do business. We give our members the tools to achieve their financial goals through our products, services and technologies, while also striving to deliver the best member experience. We are honored to receive this award." commented Ellen Ford, People's President and CEO.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S CREDIT UNION
People's offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People's Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government.  For more information about People's Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com.

"Majestic Schooner Heritage" the Maine Windjammer Project

"Majestic Schooner Heritage" by Doug Mills

The majestic schooner Heritage under full sail at Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com