If it seems like your latest water bill is higher than usual, it's not an error. It's because as of July 1, the base water rate of $7 per thousand gallons increased to $7.75 per thousand gallons. According to Water Department Superintendent John Rezza, this totals an increase of approximately $5.25 per month to the average user or $0.008 per gallon. "We realize that in these current economic times no increase is welcome, but we have to pay our vendors for supplies and services to operate the department," said Rezza in a letter to all homeowners.
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Local Scout troops will hold a paper drive on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the First Congregational Church on Main Street. Newspapers, books and magazines are will be accepted, as will redeemable cans and bottles. Donations of nonperishable items, which will be given to the Rowley Food Pantry, are welcome, as well. Contact Scout Leader George Pacenka at 978-948-7918 with questions.
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The third annual fundraiser for Solstice, a nonprofit, private residential program and special education high school in Rowley, will be held on July 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the VFW on Bradford Street. Cost is $10 and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and chances at silent auction and raffle items. For more information, email Kelly or Jeanne at jmchugh@hes-inc.org or call 978-948-2346.
Solstice, which was founded 32 years ago, provides a place for those with social and emotional problems, learning disabilities and mental illness to thrive and learn at its 13-bed residence and school.
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Before you purchase a new air conditioner, check the Rowley Light Department website for information about its appliance rebate program. Some of the rebates on Energy Star products include $75 off refrigerators, $50 off clothes dryers and $25 off room air conditioners. Visit www.rowleylight.com for details on these and other discounts.
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There's still time to sign up for this year's Stephanie Jenkins Memorial Golf Outing on July 18 at the Ipswich Country Club. Get 18 holes of golf, plus the use of a golf cart, contests and prizes, and a luncheon for $120, and take a shot at the $10,000 hole-in-one prize.
Participants must pre-register at www.clubcorpcharityclassic.com or call Holly Harris at the Ipswich Country Club at 978-312-3082. Proceeds benefit the Solace for Stephanie Foundation, a nonprofit organization started in the memory of Rowley resident Stephanie Jenkins, who died in 2009 of renal cancer.
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Michelle Pelletier Marshall reports on the Rowley. She can be reached at marshallsinmass@comcast.net.
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