PUTNAM — Sonoco Protective Solutions is North America’s leading provider of protective packaging, components, and material handling solutions. When Plant Manager Reid Chamberlin set out on a five-year plan to upgrade Sonoco’s 50-year-old Putnam facility, energy efficiency played a key role.
“I knew we had to get the building weathertight again and upgrade several key pieces of equipment,” said Chamberlin. “We reached out to Eversource, and they challenged us to look at the bigger picture and take a comprehensive approach to the energy-saving improvements.”
Sonoco worked with Eversource and Loureiro Engineering Associates Inc. to conduct an energy usage assessment of its equipment and systems. The assessment identified nearly 20 projects which addressed the facility’s infrastructure and production hardware in order to reduce Sonoco’s overall energy use.
“For manufacturers, there are opportunities to save energy in the operation and maintenance of the facility itself, and with the equipment used in the manufacturing process,” said Eversource Energy Efficiency spokesperson Enoch Lenge. “Connecticut is home to more than 5,000 manufacturers, and they play a big role in our state’s economy. Being able to connect them to solutions for savings is very important to us, as it reduces their operating costs and keeps them competitive in the state and beyond.”
Sonoco installed new boiler economizers, which reduce energy consumption by recycling waste heat, high efficiency LED lighting to brighten the facility’s interior, steam system upgrades and insulation to piping, and new variable frequency drives to manage the speed and energy usage of its motorized pumps. Eversource secured Energize Connecticut incentives for Sonoco to offset the cost of upgrades.
The Putnam manufacturer is now saving more than $76,000 in annual energy costs, is operating more efficiently than ever, and is two to three years ahead of its improvement plan, according to Chamberlin.

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PUTNAM— Putnam Science Academy’s basketball sensation, Akok Akok, had a stellar season last season at Putnam Science Academy and is currently preparing for his post grad year with the Mustangs.  
The phones have been ringing off the hook over this past season as Akok has developed into a focal of the Mustangs offense and along with his length he makes for an excellent defender and rim protector.
Akok helped PSA win the 2018 Boys National Prep School Championship by averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game.  
Akok has catapulted into the New England Class of 2019 Rankings. Head Coach Tom Espinosa has seen first hand the attributes which make Akok such a great player. “Akok hits shots and blocks shots” Espinosa added:  “You are a very unique player if hitting 3’s and blocking shots are your two biggest strengths on the court. That is what makes Akok so different and so special compared to other players around the country”.
With colleges such as Florida, Boston College, UConn, Providence and Syracuse all consistently knocking on the PSA gymnasium door, it is no surprise that Akok continues to climb to the top of the National Prep School scene as the 2018-2019 winter season approaches.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director

DANIELSON — The Quiet Corner Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association is holding its annual Old Furnace Fund-raiser Ride Sept. 9 at Old Furnace State Park on Ross Road. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Ride offers both a short and long marked loop option for self-guided rides. There will be a Guided Ladies Intermediate Level Ride that rolls at 9:30AM. Registered riders are invited to join the chapter for post ride lunch provided by the chapter.
Old Furnace State Park is one of the Quiet Corner’s hidden gems and has undergone vast improvements made possible from the funds raised at our 2014-2017 Old Furnace Fund Raiser Rides.
The cost for NEMBA members is $10, $15 for not-yet-members and free for ages 15 and under with a registered adult. Helmets are required for all riders.
Cost is free to anyone who joins NEMBA as a new member at the event. For info go to: www.facebook.com/QuietCornerNEMBA/.