Cancelled Concord Inaugural Ball Transforms
Into a Home Weatherizing Blitz
Due to the current economic conditions, the Concord Inaugural Ball Committee encourages everyone interested in honoring the historic nature of this inauguration to join in a local service project on Saturday, January 17.
"After considering the increasing economic problems facing my constituents and the state, the Concord Inaugural Ball Committee decided to do something more in keeping with President-elect Obama's mission," said Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord).
Rather than spending money on a party, all efforts and resources will be put towards working to assist in the weatherization of homes throughout Concord during the pre-Inauguration weekend on January 17.
Weatherizing involves installing plastic storm windows, weather-stripping doors to prevent drafts and mounting foam insulation inserts on electrical outlets. The Concord Municipal Light
Plant will donate the materials. Residents may ask for materials to be delivered and install them themselves, or they can ask for a volunteer to do the installation for them.
The volunteers are coming from all over town, including students from Concord Carlisle High and Minuteman High Schools, Concord Middle School, and Concord Academy. "We have a lot of volunteers who are looking forward to an opportunity to do something concrete for the people of this community," said Berni Jenkins, volunteer coordinator for ConcordCares, with whom the Concord Innaugural Ball Committee is working on this project.
Though ConcordCares' other activities are focused on aiding those less fortunate, this weatherizing service is available to ALL Concord homes, regardless of their financial status. ConcordCares also offers fuel assistance and coordinates community outreach for those in need, but this particular service is for all. "We would like to get every one in the town to weatherize their homes, as it will reduce our carbon footprint as a community," said Lori Kalinoski, program supervisor for the Council on Aging who is helping with this effort.
To arrange to have your home weatherized on the 17th, call the Council on Aging at 978-318-3020 and ask for Lori or MaryAnne.
Art Credits: Page designed by Windfall. Other images courtesy of Clipart.com.
