PORTSMOUTH — Know of a local individual or group you think is worthy of some praise for their community efforts?

The Town of Portsmouth is seeking nominations for the recipient(s) of the annual “Portsmouth Award.” The award is presented annual to an individual, business, or civic group in Portsmouth who has, over a period of time:

• consistently demonstrated excellence in professional and community leadership;

• exhibited outstanding initiative, inspiration, leadership and organizational skills which produced significant results directly benefiting the community and its citizens;

• made, or is making, significant contributions to the welfare of the community through involvement and participation; and

• given freely of their time and energy for the betterment of our community.

Nominations must include a narrative of how and why you believe your nomination fits the above criteria.

E-mail the information about your nomination to bripa@portsmouthri.gov or mail to the attention of Barbara Ripa, Town Administrator’s Office, 2200 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. All nominations must be received no later than June 14.

The Portsmouth Award Committee, consisting of the president of the Town Council, chair of the School Committee, town administrator and school superintendent, will then meet to select the individual, business, or civic group from those nominated.

Here are some more local news briefs:

Battle of RI group awarded $150K for scavenger hunt

The Battle of Rhode Island Association has received $150,000 in Rhode Island Commerce funds to support a statewide, multimedia, mobile scavenger hunt learning experience focused on experiences highlighting Rhode Island’s significant role in the American Revolution.

The award was among 24 across the state totaling $2.7 million in federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). 

“When we welcome visitors to Rhode Island, we showcase all that makes the Ocean State so great,” said Governor Dan McKee. “With these awards, we are investing in the future of the state’s already fast-growing tourism economy and are empowering the thousands of unique small businesses that call Rhode Island home to succeed.” 

EDA subawards were made available to provide seed funding for the development of new attractions and recurring events across Rhode Island, with special consideration given to proposals that drive tourism during the shoulder and off-season months, from November to April.

ALT awarded $400K to acquire local farmland

The Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) has been awarded $400,000 grant acquire a scenic tract of farmland in Portsmouth. The land includes prime farmland soils and will be maintained in agricultural use with designated habitat areas.

The grant was one of 11 open space grants totaling $2.6 million awarded to help communities and local conservation organizations protect valuable green space throughout the state, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced last week.

The 11 projects will receive matching grants through DEM’s competitive Local Open Space Grant Program to protect 383 acres across Rhode Island. The funding is made possible by the 2022 Green Bond, which was passed by almost 70 percent Rhode Island voters, and invests in preserving open space, improving recreational facilities, and cleaning up lands and waters.

“There is much important land conservation work being done at the local level throughout Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM is pleased to support communities and conservation groups who work to make Rhode Island a greener place by improving access to the outdoors, protecting water quality, and helping make our state more resilient.”

Memorial Day ceremony is May 27 at VFW 5390

The public is invited to a Memorial Day ceremony and reception scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at VFW Post 5390, 822 Anthony Road.

The event will be presented by The American Legion Post 18 and Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 5390 and Auxiliary.

Water board meets Tuesday

The Administrative Board of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at the District’s office, 1944 East Main Road.

Visit www.portsmouthwater.org for call-in information.

Raffle benefits local food bank

The St. John’s Lodge Food Bank is holding a fund-raiser to support its efforts in addressing food insecurity in the community. 

Every person who donates $50 to the food bank will receive a raffle ticket to win a fully installed, 15,000 BTU Mitsubishi Hyperheat Ductless Cooling and Heating System valued at $10,000. 

Two hundred raffle tickets are available, and the drawing will be held at St. John’s Lodge, 81 Sprague St., at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. Supporters may make multiple donations to receive multiple tickets.

“This fund-raiser will support our mission of providing fresh and nutritious food to members of our community,” said Ann Pierce, the food bank’s director. “We are grateful to all who support our efforts, especially Ocean State Air Solutions, which donated the grand prize. This will have a real impact on our ability to assist those in need.”

Donors may make cash or check donations at St. John’s Lodge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ocean State Air Solutions is also accepting donations and distributing raffle tickets at its new office, 3076 East Main Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. 

More information about the raffle can be found at https://oceanstateair.com.

PHS Athletic Hall of Fame nominations now open

Nominations for induction into the 2024 Portsmouth High School Athletic Hall of Fame are now open. 

To nominate athletes, coaches, teams, or boosters visit portsmouthathletichof.com and open the link, “Nominations.” The ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Green Valley Country Club, 371 Union St., staring at 4:30 p.m.

For further information, contact John F. Blaess at johnfblaess@yahoo.com, or Shaun Horgan at shorgan@nssk12.org.