ONAWAY — Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op continue giving generously through their voluntary round-up of change on their electric and natural gas billings to assist area community organizations and individuals. These member contributions to the PIE&G Communities First Fund enable grants and scholarships in their local communities within PIE&G’s service area.

PIE&G Communities First Fund recently awarded $10,797 in local grants and $13,000 in scholarships to area high school seniors.

At their March meeting, the PIE&G Communities First Fund board of directors finalized review of applications and made awards of $9,684. In April, the board made one award of $1,113. In addition, the board approved 12 $1,000 scholarships and two additional scholarships at $500 each that were awarded to local high school students. The following is a list of recipients by county.

ALPENA COUNTY

Alpena Area Senior Citizens Council Inc. ($3,853)to cover the supply costs for five senior citizens who participate in the Liquid Nutrition Program. The program strives to provide liquid nutritional supplements for frail, homebound and nutritionally at-risk seniors who partake in the Alpena County Meals on Wheels program.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity ($3,162) to assist with building energy efficient upgrades specifically related to energy efficient lighting. The Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity wants to increase employee and customer experience in the ReStore and office building, while decreasing utility costs. With the reduced utility costs and an improved experience for ReStore patrons,the organization hopes to promote increased funding for the Habitat mission.

Cheboygan County Child Advocacy Council (CCCAC) ($1,113) to enable the purchase of car seats for Project Car Seat Safety. Car seats will be purchased for children ages 0-8 and will be distributed at a community event (tentatively scheduled in June). During the event, safety literature will be distributed to parents, and inspectors will review instructions and demonstrate how to properly install the car seats.

PRESQUE ISLE

COUNTY

Forest Township ($2,669) to purchase a “Balance Walk” for Phase 2 of the Outdoor Tower Fitness Park. The Outdoor Tower Fitness Park has already established equipment for young children and ball fields for all ages. In Phase 2, Forest Township plans to bring in equipment that is appropriate for teens and adults, including the addition of Ninja Steps, a “Balance Walk,” and a “Climbing Up and Over Wall.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

The PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 12 $1,000 scholarships were awarded in April to the following high school seniors:

Alpena — Karli Myers; Cheboygan — Noah Demers and Madelyn Maltby; Hillman — Jaden Dove, Emma Hardies and Emalie Lis; Onaway — Elliana Prow; Posen — Luke Chappa; Rogers City — Austin Bielas, Mackenzie Bruning and Megan Delekta; and Mount Pleasant — Emma Stempky.

In addition to the above awards, The A. Barkley Travis Memorial Scholarship, valued at $500, was awarded to Marisa Perry from Atlanta, and the Peterson Vocational School Scholarship, valued at $500, was awarded to Zachary Kazyaka from Hillman.