Daily Archives: June 19, 2012

Department of Emergency Services Warns CT Residents About Heat Safety

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Department of Emergency Services Warns CT Residents About Heat Safety

Photo contributed.

From the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)– 

With possible record high temperatures forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is advising people to be cautious during this period of extreme heat.

“A few simple steps can greatly reduce heat related issues, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments, who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperature,” said DESPP Deputy Commissioner William P. Shea.

Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday are expected to range from 95F – 100F across most of interior Connecticut with Heat Index Temperatures between 100F – 105F.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection offer the following tips during extreme high temperatures:

·         Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.

·         Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

·         Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

·         Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.

·         Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

·         Stay indoors as much as possible.

·         If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.

·         Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

·         Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent

·         Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

·         Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

·         Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.

·         Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

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Bethel Music Center to Present Bethel Schools With “Best Community for Music Education” NAMM Foundation Award

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Bethel Music Center to Present Bethel Schools With “Best Community for Music Education” NAMM Foundation Award
Mr. Damon Coachman takes a bow after a Bethel High School band concert last spring. Photo credit: Wendy Mitchell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – EVENT NOTICE

BETHEL PUBLIC SCHOOLS NAMED A BEST COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA

–Bethel Music Center To Present Bethel Schools With The Award–

What: 

Bethel Public Schools will receive their award as a “Best Community for Music Education.” The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing participation in music, named the district one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America.” Bethel Music Center has provided support in the form of music and instruments for this program, which was one of only 176 districts in the entire country to be recognized for its commitment to music education. Districts were judged based on their music curriculum and program, as well as public support.

The Web-based survey used to evaluate each district included questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for the music program.

Where: 

Municipal Center – 1 School Street, Bethel CT

When: 

Thursday, June 21st at 7PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The NAMM Foundation: 176 Programs Earn Distinction As ‘A Best Community for Music Education’
-166 School Districts and 10 Schools Achieve Prestigious National Designation-

CARLSBAD, Calif.  —The NAMM Foundation today announced the results of its 13th annual Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education as part of the core curriculum. In all, 176 communities out of 237 that submitted surveys were recognized, including 166 school districts and 10 schools. The announcement comes in anticipation of NAMM’s National Wanna Play Music Week, (May 7-13) a weeklong promotion designed to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to experience the proven benefits and fun of playing music.

Established in 1999, The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education. The BCME survey is designed and implemented in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin<http://www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin>) of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

The announcement of the 2012 Best Communities for Music Education campaign comes during a crucial time as school districts nationwide finalize budgets.  The “Best Communities” designation is a distinction worthy of pride, but is also a call to action for local music education advocates to help preserve and potentially expand access to their current music education programs.

Past designees have reported that making the Best Communities list had a positive effect on their ability to advance recognition and support for music programs.  NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen encourages communities to use the designation as a cornerstone of vigorous advocacy for music education programs.

“We know that communities are struggling to maintain funding for many education programs and we applaud these communities that remain committed to a complete and quality education that must include music and the arts,” said Luehrsen.  “We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, to keep the music playing in their schools for years to come.”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

A copy of the survey can be downloaded for review at www.nammfoundation.org<http://www.nammfoundation.org>.

In conducting the annual survey, the NAMM Foundation is joined by advisory organizations in the fields of music and education: Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org<http://www.americansforthearts.org>), League of American Orchestras (www.americanorchestras.org<http://www.americanorchestras.org>), The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org<http://www.mhopus.org>), Music for All (www.musicforall.org<http://www.musicforall.org>), Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org<http://www.mtna.org>), National Guild For Community Arts Education (www.nationalguild.org<http://www.nationalguild.org>), Yamaha Corporation of America (www.yamaha.com<http://www.yamaha.com>), Young Audiences (http://www.youngaudiences.org/) and VH1 Save The Music Foundation (www.vh1savethemusic.com<http://www.vh1savethemusic.com>).

The complete Best Communities for Music Education roster can be viewed at www.nammfoundation.org<http://www.nammfoundation.org>.
About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

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Connecticut Electricity Prices may Rise and Fall with the tides of change

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Looking ahead from 2017 to 2022, electricity generation could rise as much as 3 cents per kilowatt hour because of increased demand, rising natural gas prices, and New England‘s commitment to renewable energy. But first electricity price could decline for 5 years. Why the instability? In March 2012 I paid .079800/kwh, the saw a reduction to  .065900/kwh in April 2012  for my 450kwh of residential service. Delivery charges were about 60% of my total expense

The Ct  Department of Energy & Environmental Protection published the Integrated Resource Plan on June 7, 2012  which is intended to serve as a guide for the state’s energy policy for the next 10 years.(1)To offset the potential increase, the Integrated Resource Plan suggests we focus on cost-effective renewable power and , increased  investments in energy efficiency to assure the New England has enough natural gas supplies to meet rising demand in the electricity and heating sectors. (1)

This future demand and cost projection presents a window of action and opportunity to increase investment in energy-saving technology as a capital investment, while taking advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates.

Connecticut electricity prices could drop for five more years before a variety of market factors could force a 38 percent rise in prices by 2022, a new report says. We must be wary of this short-term reduction in rates as complacency will undermine the motivation in invest in energy-saving technology when prices are declining

In the report, DEEP officials said they expect the generation price of electricity – about 40-50% of a total electric bill – to remain at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour or below through 2017. The low prices are due almost entirely to the dropping price and increasing domestic supply of natural gas. (1)

Contributed by David Carr Ct Sales Manager

(1) HartfordBusinessJournal 06.14.12

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Electricity prices to rise and fall with the tides of change

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Looking ahead from 2017 to 2022, electricity generation could rise as much as 3 cents per kilowatt hour because of increased demand, rising natural gas prices, and New England’s commitment to renewable energy.

To mitigate the potential increase, the IRP recommends Connecticut focus on cost-effective renewable power, increase its investments in energy efficiency, and make sure the region has enough natural gas supplies to meet rising demand in the electricity and heating sectors. (1)

Connecticut electricity prices will drop for five more years before a variety of market factors could force a 38 percent rise in prices by 2022, a new report says.

The state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection released its Integrated Resource Plan on June 7, 2012  following months of examining the energy market and the impact of state and regional policies. The IRP is meant to serve as a guide for the state’s energy policy for the next 10 years.(1)

In the report, DEEP officials said they expect the generation price of electricity – about 40-50% of a total electric bill – to remain at 8 cents per kilowatt hour or below through 2017. The low prices are due almost entirely to the dropping price and increasing domestic supply of natural gas. (1)

Contributed by David Carr Ct Sales Manager

(1) HartfordBusinessJournal 06.14.12

someone like you

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the thought of someone like you

is what I dream of

2 parts inspiration one part love

So much to plan so much to do

Not sure how much is real

It’s just how I feel

I wanna be a better me

And share a future that I see

I’ll refrain from sayin too much

I’ll refrain from pushin my luck

Just letting you know it’s people like you

That inspire everything I do

-Steve Schappert

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