Daily Five: A Vote For Two Submarines And A Clean Up

1.  Today is Thursday, April 26.  The National Weather Service predicts rain, mainly after 11 a.m., and a high temperature of 57 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Tonight will be cloudy, with a chance of showers and a low of 46 degrees.

2.  A Congressional subcommittee is expected to vote today on a measure that would authorize advanced funding to build two Virginia class submarines in 2014, Congressman Joe Courtney said in a press release. The measure would also grant contracting authority for up to 10 new submarines over five years.

The decision before the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee is important to Groton because President Obama’s proposed 2013 budget was for one submarine in 2014, and changes in production of submarines affect the sub base. “While we are all mindful of the pressures facing the defense budget, the fact remains that a steady submarine production rate today will ensure that the Navy has the submarine force structure it needs in the future and that our industrial base will remain stable,” Courtney said in a prepared statement.

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3.  The Groton Open Space Association is holding its annual clean up day from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday at Haley Farm State Park. The group is asking volunteers to bring some used grocery bags, along with water to drink and loppers, clippers and gloves to help free trees from vines. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. For more information, contact Sidney F. Van Zandt, 860-572-5715 or svanzandt3@aol.com.

4.  Groton Utilities is seeking nominations for the ninth annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, which honors a community member who gives their time, energy and resources to make Groton a better place to live and work. Nominees must live in Groton City or Groton town, including one of the subdivisions or fire districts, and exemplify the slogan “giving back to the community”. The winner will be named at City of Groton Day on August 3 in Washington Park. Applications are available at the Groton Utilities Customer Care Center in the municipal building, by phone at (860) 446-4000 and through the website at www.grotonutilities.com.

5.  Downtown Mystic is holding a sidewalk sale, rain or shine, on the weekend of May 5 and 6. “We in the Greater Mystic area are fortunate to have such a lively downtown scene that fosters growth and involvement in our community,” said a news release on the event. Stores throughout downtown along Main Street, including those on Cottrell Street, Holmes Street, Water Street and Pearl Street are participating. For more information, visit www.mysticchamber.org or call the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce at (860) 572-9578.