PhilaNet.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a ceremony today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $149,992 grant to the West Chester Area School District for a project to help local businesses conserve energy, save money and cut harmful greenhouse gases.

The District’s Student Conservation Corps, made up of high school students concerned about the environment, will encourage and teach area businesses simple, no-cost measures to achieve 10 percent reductions in their energy usage and emissions of greenhouse gases. The project is one of 20 nationwide funded by EPA to showcase how communities are fighting climate change.

“EPA is proud to support students who are taking responsibility for the future of our environment,” said Shawn M. Garvin, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator. “Their efforts to engage businesses in conserving energy will have pay offs economically and for the larger community by improved air quality.”

The district already has an energy efficiency program, started and implemented by students, in operation in its 16 school buildings. The district spends $3 million a year for electricity. Last year, B. Reed Henderson High School, where today’s ceremony was held, used $300,000 of electricity. Now, as a result of its “Power Down Fridays” program the school has reduced its energy use by 22 percent – saving the taxpayers $60,000 annually.

Dr. Jim Scanlon, the district’s Superintendent, expressed excitement about this grant and in particular the way it is structured. “Our students are a great resource for ideas and care so much about the future of our community. That’s why they’re a key part of the implementation strategy.”

As a part of this EPA-funded project, the district plans to broaden its conservation efforts district-wide to achieve an additional 10 percent cut in energy use and greenhouse gases. Preliminary calculations estimate that by 2012 about 1,960 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions will be reduced annually through efforts by the businesses and the school district.

EPA will monitor the progress of grant recipients and will post quarterly updates about each recipient online.

More information on the grants and the grant recipients: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/

More information about the program: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate, and visit the website of the West Chester Area School District: http://www.wcasd.net

Shiatsu for couples
Sunday, February 14
Relax and enjoy giving and receiving Shiatsu
Chocolate and  Sparkling beverage provided
See more info below to sign up for this lovely event at Creative Healing Arts!

Our Special Valentine’s Day Retreat
Shiatsu for Couples Sunday, February 14th
from 1 to 4 pm
$75. per couple

Romantic Valentine’s Day Dessert will be provided!

In ancient times, everyone knew how to care for their loved ones with nourishing food, herbs and therapeutic touch.

Now you, too, can learn a basic hands-on healing technique to use with yourself and your loved ones.

Known as the Whole Body Outline, in this relaxing retreat & workshop  you will learn the foundational tools to give a simple but effective shiatsu treatment.

No experience necessary, no points or meridians to memorize. You will learn how to work from your center, how to ‘listen’ with your hands, and how to apply healing pressure with fingers, palms and elbows. You will also receive a great shiatsu session in return! It’s the perfect way to spend
Valentine’s Day with your beloved!

To Register for this event call Gina: 610-034-5120  by Thursday, February 11 or visit http://EmbodyGrace.com.

Creative Healing Arts (CHA) is a limited liability corporation. The practitioners and intructors referred to be at CHA are not employees or partners. They are independent business owners responsible for all aspects of their business.

Creative Healing Arts

1568 McDaniel Drive

West Chester, PA 19380