National Grid to Present $29,000 Rebate Check at Westford CAT's Open House

By Lauren Horton
General Manager, Westford CAT 

Early visitors to Westford CAT’s Open House will get to see something really big: an oversized check made out to Westford CAT. The big check will represent the rebate that the station earned from installing energy efficient lighting in their studio. Ellen Hermanowski, National Grid’s Manager of Energy Efficiency Inside Sales, will be presenting Westford CAT with a $29,000 check, covering 60% of the studio’s new $48,000 energy efficient lighting package. Jonathan Lipsy from Barbizon Lighting Company, was the project leader for this lighting upgrade, managing the design as well as the rebate process with National Grid. Westford CAT's Open House begins at 4 p.m this Thursday, October 25.

The new lighting greatly expands the community’s recording options in the studio. When combined with the studio’s “green screen” curtain, users can choose between 18 different virtual sets that came with their new computer-based video switcher, or they can design their own. They can also use the new light panel in combination with one of the other three curtains, to reflect a variety of colors and patterns that will coordinate with their show.

Ms. Hermanowski will be available following the ceremony to answer questions about National Grid’s energy efficient lighting program. The public will then tour the studio, have an opportunity to get recorded in one of the virtual sets, and talk with staff and board members about Westford CAT’s new equipment and studio services.

A few local businesses have stepped up to support this public event, which takes place at 487 Groton Road, until 7 p.m. BixBite, one of Westford’s newest restaurants in town, will provide refreshments for Thursday’s event. Stony Brook Acres donated the seasonal decorations on display at the entrance to the station, and Witch’s Woods at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area has supplied complimentary tickets for a door prize. Westford CAT is still accepting donations for additional door prizes. People must attend the event to enter the drawing.

Other Station Happenings:

Mark your calendar. On Sunday, October 28 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. the studio's annual Halloween Party, recorded LIVE on Westford’s public access channels, Comcast 8 and Verizon 35, returns! Enjoy some refreshments, games, a costume contest, and take part in some on-air interviews. Lots of prizes and goodies! Children, parents, station producers and the general public are all invited to come and participate in this "spooktacular" community event!

And, after you vote in the national election on Tuesday, November 6, come learn what it takes to produce programs for your community with Westford CAT. A new series of training classes begins at 6:30 p.m. If you live or work in Westford, you are eligible to attend this free training series. To register, call the station at 978-692-7152 or go to www.westfordcat.org.

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