Cool at the Pool!

Charles J. Cook Pool – Cortlandt Manor

Energize NY had a table at the Charles J. Cook Pool in Cortlandt Manor on 6 July 2013.  The result was fantastic.  With great visibility and uncompromising support from the pool’s staff, Energize received tons of attention from interested homeowners and their children.  Under the tent graciously provided by the lifeguard staff, the Energize table offered a brief respite from blistering heat, which peaked well above 90 degrees.

Led by the accommodating and enthusiastic Terry Pierce, the lifeguard team made several loudspeaker announcements, notifying pool-goers of the financial and environmental benefits of Energize, and encouraging them to stop-by.

Energize New York’s presence at the pool was intended to educate homeowners and renters about the benefits of home energy efficiency, and to encourage them to take advantage of the many incentives New York State currently offers for such actions.  These include free or subsidized home energy assessments for most New York residents, as well as incentives to aid in financing bill-slashing energy efficient upgrades. 

And while owners and renters did gather around the table to learn more, Energize was an even bigger hit with their children.  A large panchromatic wheel, supplied by the Town of Cortlandt, offered a source of simple amusement for the kids while their parents discussed the Energize program with volunteers.  With prizes to be won, children of all ages flocked to the Energize tent to spin the wheel.  Each color on the wheel corresponded to a certain group of energy-related multiple choice questions, which tested the knowledge of participants both young and old.  Answering correctly (or just giving it their best shot) won the kids their choice of one of four different prizes: A Town of Cortlandt pen, pencil, bag, or water bottle.  Great for the kids, these prizes also served to promote the Town’s environmental-consciousness:  the bags were made of cloth, the bottles were reusable, and the pens were crafted from recycled plastic. 

Even amidst the sweltering heat and unrelenting sun, the day went off flawlessly.  The two volunteers, Dani Glaser and Tyler Davis, were able to spark immense interest amongst residents in the Energize program, a program that spans across northern Westchester and has the endorsement of the Town of Cortlandt.  A special thanks goes out from the Energize Team to Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, the Recreation and Conservation Director John Palmiotto, and Terry Pierce and the lifeguards at the pool.