Month: October 2018

Westport News: Second Residential Green Building Award Announced

Westport, CT – The Town’s Green Task Force has announced that the recipient of its second Residential Green Building Award is 23 Oak Ridge Park.  The Project Team for this home is: Kirsty and Tom McCarthy-owners, SellarsLathrop-Architect, and Signature Home Remodeling, Peter Kupchick-Contractor

The Westport Green Task Force-initiated program recognizes projects that make, or have made, significant contributions to sustainability and Westport’s future as a Net Zero Community. This award acknowledges noteworthy accomplishments that add benefit to the Town and its residents. 23 Oak Ridge Park is an exemplar for residential renovation, and advancing the Town’s goal of being a Net Zero community by 2050, where the community has reduced its impacts across energy, water and waste so that they are sustainably managed, using approaches that are economically viable, of social benefit, and environmentally responsible.

This house, built in the mid-1950s, and renovated in the 1980s, was again fully renovated in 2015/16. It was stripped down to the walls to significantly increase the amount of insulation. By renovating an existing structure, instead of building a new home, a significant amount of waste was diverted from the landfill. New windows are primarily triple glazed and doors double glazed, including the floor to ceiling doors/windows which look out onto the garden and Saugatuck River.  In addition, the owners installed air sourced heat pumps which run on electricity and 9.2 Kw solar photovoltaic system on the roof to offset the electricity demands by about 50%.  The owners, Australians who are accustomed to water shortages, installed a cistern to collect water from the roof and water the garden. No gardening water is taken from Westport’s aquifer.

With a HERS rating of 23, this home is 77% more energy efficient than a new home built to 2006 building codes and at least 100% more efficient* than the typical resale home. It has been renovated with energy efficiency in mind, resulting in a home that is environmentally friendly, enjoys a high comfort level and benefits from lower energy costs.

This residential building is the third recipient of the Green Building Award and the second residential building to be awarded this honor. Great value is placed upon home energy efficiency measures, as Westport homes consume over 50% of all energy used in town.

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe stated, “Reaching Net Zero by 2050 is only going to be possible through the combined efforts of the town, local businesses, and our residents. I’m pleased to see both businesses and residents valuing sustainable construction and renovation that embraces energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Chair of the Westport Green Task Force David Mann, said “In a town where the tear down of the day has been a staple news item, it is rewarding to see sustainable redevelopment. The project team is to be commended for setting an example of how to responsibly handle the rejuvenation of our existing building stock for the current real estate market and life in the 21st century. Projects such as this one are key to a sustainable future for Westport.”

ABOUT THE WESTPORT GREEN TASK FORCE

The mission of the Green Task Force is to advise the First Selectman and town commissions and departments on determining and setting environmental policy and decisions for the purpose of transforming Westport into a sustainable community. The Green Task Force will educate, encourage and assist Westport residents, businesses, and the town to adopt sustainable practices consistent with this purpose. For more information or to find out how you can volunteer to help, contact GTF@westportct.gov   *https://www.resnet.us/hers-index-score-card

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

St. Vincent’s Offering Free Counseling

BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – October 10, 2018 – St. Vincent’s Medical Center is offering free counseling to help people select the best Medicare plan to meet their needs for the coming year and help them save money.  Everyone who currently has Medicare or who will turn 65 by January 31, 2019 is urged to sign up for this free, unbiased counseling at St. Vincent’s during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

This service can help individuals make an informed choice, find plans that best meet their needs and save money. The service can also help with claims, billing and other Medicare issues.

With 13 years of experience, certified Medicare and government benefits counselor Betty Brandt will help individuals learn about their options regarding Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans.  Every year these plans change so this service will help clarify choices. In addition, the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help for prescriptions will be discussed.

This one-on-one confidential counseling will be especially helpful to those new to Medicare or about to turn 65. Senior citizens, people with disabilities and family members are invited to talk by phone or meet with Betty Brandt by appointment in the privacy of the Banks Library, located on the third level of St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Brandt is available to discuss Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, prescription plans, Medicare savings program, statements, bills, claims, appeals, and Medicaid.

Brandt, who is a volunteer with St. Vincent’s Medical Center, holds a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Bridgeport, and holds Medicare and Government Benefits certification from CHOICES, a partnership between the CT State Department on Aging, the five Area Agencies on Aging, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy. She has been assisting people with Medicare issues for more than thirteen years.

This program, sponsored by St. Vincent’s Mission Services, is a community outreach effort to help seniors and people with disabilities obtain the medical benefits they need, and to make the best decisions about health insurance coverage.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please contact Betty Brandt at svmcmedicare@outlook.com or 475-210-5111.

 

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