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CHS's Derek Garrow to be honored by Boston Bruins

Date: 3/30/2011

March 23, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE — School Committee members asked Kenneth Parsons, the energy manager of the Chicopee Public School, why some of the city's schools are saving more money in energy costs than others.

The answer: not all school buildings were created equally.

Parsons delivered his annual report on energy savings at the city's schools at the March 16 meeting. He noted there have been additional savings over the previous year, resulting in energy costs dropping from $3.4 million to $2.4 million.

The reasons for the savings vary from building to building, Parsons said. At Bellamy Middle School, for example, some of the savings came from the fact the auditorium had been used less, he cited. Also at Bellamy, Parsons noted repairs have been made to the pneumatic system that controls the heating plant. He explained that if there are leaks in the pneumatic hose the heating system might not lower into the night mode status.

Parsons and the school maintenance staff have been finding and repairing the leaks so the heating system works more efficiently.

When Parsons sees a teacher opening a window during the heating season, he knows something is not working well with the heating system, he said.

Parsons also said that educating the staff in turning off electronic devices or unplugging them when they are not in use has also contributed significantly to energy savings. He explained that even when turned off some devices still use as small amount of electricity, known in energy conservation circles as "vampire energy."

The way some school districts have addressed that problem is to connect electronics to power strips and turn off power at the power strip. Superintendent Richard Rege said he doubted that could be used here as the system doesn't have the money in its budget to buy the power strips needed and the strips pose a tripping hazard.

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Rege announced that Chicopee High School hockey player Derek Garrow has been selected as one of the recipients of this year's Boston Bruins Sportsmanship Awards.

Garrow will receive his recognition at the March 22 match between the Bruins and the New Jersey Devils.

The Bruins have been citing outstanding high school player for the past nine years in conjunction with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, according to the press release announcing this year's honored students.

The awardees were picked based on the following criteria: an exemplary record of complying, both in spirit and letter, with all league and MIAA rules and regulations during the season; a demonstrated record of respectfully accepting the rulings of game officials during the season; a record of conduct, on and off the ice that brings honor to self, team, school, and community; an exhibited commitment to teamwork by providing all members with recognition of their talents, an opportunity to contribute them to the team and a spirit of camaraderie; and demonstrated respect for opponents before, during, and after games.

According to the release, "A senior forward, Derek served as a team captain this season. He began playing hockey during his freshman year of high school and as a senior, was one of the leading scorers in the league. Derek has volunteered with the Learn to Skate and Toys for Tots programs. Chicopee Head Coach Alan Styckiewicz says, 'In 27 years as head coach of the Chicopee High hockey team, Derek is the most respected athlete that I have had the honor of coaching and coached against. At school and on the ice Derek is extremely polite and respectful. He is always attentive, gives eye contact, nods his head to assure me that he is listening and gives his support to the beliefs and philosophies of the team's policies.'"

Rege said that in the Chicopee schools, "Athletics is more than just wins and losses."

He added the Chicopee High School boys' basketball team would receive a sportsmanship award from the Western Massachusetts District Board of International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Inc.

"We're doing very very well in the field of sportsmanship," Rege said.

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