Five Things to Know: Save Means Savings

Here are five things to know Jan. 23, 2013 in Swampscott:

1) Town and School Meeting Watch: The Board of Selectmen meet tonight at 7 at Town Hall. The School Committee meets at 7 at the high school. The ZBA meets at 7:30 at the Senior Center.

2) Newsbit of the Day: Since 2010, Swampscott has been a designated Green Community in Massachusetts.  This designation was given to the town due to its commitment and desire to reduce energy use and dependence on fossil fuels.  It's a win-win effort — Swampscott sees reduced energy bills and contributes to a better environment.

The reality is that it's actually a win-win-WIN.  Thanks to government and utility programs, the town has received significant rebates and incentives for the energy reduction work that's been completed on Town and School property.

The town completed Energy Services Contract work over the past two years that included building weatherization, lighting retrofits, boiler work and a new cogenerator.  In total, Swampscott has received just over $100,000 in rebates due to these measures.  This is great news for the community and helps to provide additional monies for the local budget.

The Renewable Energy Committee, who spearheaded the Green Communities designation and helped out with the ESCo work selection, is committed to finding more opportunities for the Town to reduce its energy use.  Using FY2009 energy usage of Town and School properties, the energy use has dropped by 9 percent through FY2012.  Part of the Green Community goal is to reduce energy use by 20 percent by 2015.  We're nearly half way there!

3) Swampscott Scholars: Swampscott High Class of 2012 graduate Matthew Gambale received the Swampscott Police Association Scholarship.

4) Weather Watch: Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -8. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 20 mph.

5) Big Blue Watch: The Swampscott High boys and girls basketball teasm play against Salem on Friday. The girls play at home and the boys play on the road.