For Release: December 12, 1997 See Attachment for Local Interest

Contact: Bill Pett 277-3434, Ext. 4417

Robert Ballou 277-4700, ext. 4420

PROVIDENCE - You can prepare for the New Year and for Earth Day at the same time by purchasing the new Earth Day Calendar for 1998. The Earth Day Calendar is available for six dollars at BankBoston/Hospital Trust banks or by calling the Department of Environmental Management's OSCAR program at 1-800 CLEAN-RI.

Proceeds from sale of the calendars will go to the Environmental Council of Rhode Island Education Fund to be used to benefit the Earth Day Committee, a 21-member group which plans and coordinates a host of events throughout the state to promote Earth Day, the day we celebrate environmental awareness. Earth Day events include EarthFest, Concert Earth, and neighborhood cleanups around the state.

The calendar features poster art by 13 Rhode Island schoolchildren, winners of a contest sponsored by the Earth Day Committee. The artists range from grades one through 12, and hail from public schools in Central Falls, East Greenwich, Lincoln, Providence, Smithfield, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and from LaSalle Academy.

The calendars will also include helpful tips on the environment, such as tips on how to conserve water, how to dispose of household hazardous wastes safely, and how to take care of your lawn in an environmentally friendly way.

According to Terri Bisson of DEM, co-chair of the Earth Day Committee, "Buying the Earth Day Calendar is a wonderful way to show your support for environmental action. They're very attractive - each page has a colorful poster by one of 13 local schoolchildren - and your purchase will help support the 1998 Earth Day celebration. Earth Day calendars can also make wonderful holiday gifts for friends or family."

COVER Michael Brown, Grade 11, Warwick Area Career Center

JANUARY Tiffany Salvatore, Grade 4, Central Elementary

FEBRUARY Laura Saltzman, Grade 4, Raymond C. LaPerche School

MARCH Elizabeth Toher, Grade 8, LaSalle Academy

APRIL Kristie Johnson, Grade 6, George R. Hanaford School,

MAY Charlotte Bender, Grade 6, Matunuck Elementary School

JUNE Christopher Parisi, Grade 4, Central Elementary

JULY Amanda Freitas, Grade 12, West Warwick High School

AUGUST Jonathan Griffee, Grade 8, LaSalle Academy

SEPTEMBER Christina Gorski, Grade 11, Warwick Area Career Center

OCTOBER Eliza Stewart, Grade 10, Feinstein High School

NOVEMBER Coral Isom, Grade 1, Ella Risk School

DECEMBER Bryan Ricard, Grade 4, Central Elementary