Olympic Champion, Oksana Baiul Joins Town Leaders to Help Kids in Crisis    

NEW HYDE PARK, NY —  Olympic gold medalist Oksana Baiul will help put the spotlight on Children’s Sport Connection, a non-profit organization with grassroots in Long Island’s tightly-knit hockey community, by appearing for an autograph session at the non-profit organization’s premier fundraiser, Family Team Night, hosted by Iceland Skating Rink on Saturday, March 31st from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The mission of Children’s Sport Connection (CSC) is to provide gently-used athletic equipment to children in the midst of a family upheaval or financial crisis so that they can continue to benefit, both physically and emotionally, from an uninterrupted involvement in their chosen sport. CSC evaluates such families and if necessary also awards grants to be used towards community league registrations, equipment, lessons, and other related costs of participation for eligible students. (To learn more about Children’s Sport Connection, visit www.cscny.org). It’s a situation Oksana Baiul understands too well; currently readying her starring role in the new Broadway-bound musical “Cold As Ice,” which will open at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport this May, she was once a struggling Ukrainian orphan who depended on another Olympic champ, Viktor Petrenko, to provide her with the ice skates and costumes she needed to achieve her full potential. 

 “I think it’s great that Children’s Sport Connection has looked outside the norm to find ways to help people in need,” said Councilman Angelo Ferrara who met with CSC’s president Patricia D’Accolti to discuss the upcoming event.  “Financial strains can affect families in ways you would not expect.  Children’s Sports Connection is addressing such circumstances through their fundraising efforts to provide sports equipment to children whose families may not be able to afford these simple but important necessities.  I applaud CSC and Iceland their tremendous effort!” Ms. D’Accolti added that her motivation in creating the foundation came from personal experience and research.  “Studies show that a healthy active lifestyle is a vital outlet for children in crisis and lessens the negative impact caused by the stress of their circumstances. Through consistent interaction with coaches, teammates, and other participating families, these young athletes are able to continue to build their self-esteem,” she explained. “I am overwhelmed by the response I’ve received from the people of the Town of North Hempstead. This is a community that really knows how to pull together. We hope to use this experience as a template to take the project across Long Island. My dream is to one day see CSC’s efforts grow to a national-level.” 

The Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce is striving to push that dream one step closer by issuing their own challenge to neighboring sports teams and other community organizations. “As the businesses that build your community, the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce knows the value of helping  young people to help themselves build a better future,” commented chamber president Chris Vulpis of the accounting firm Rosenblatt, Kiman, Levittan, Levine & Company.  Chamber secretary John Gebbie of ERA Caputo Realty, who spearheads the group’s marketing and community outreach efforts added, “We’re offering the team or organization that donates the most to Children’s Sport Connection’s equipment drive at Iceland’s Family Team Night a cash incentive for their fundraising efforts. We’ll reward the top team with a $200 donation to benefit their own organization because one good deed should always pave the way for another.”  The event is also being supported by the Town of North Hempstead’s Business and Tourism Development Corporation; its executive director Leslie Gross serves as vice president of CSC’s board of directors.  Professional Athletic Performance Center in Garden City is participating as an alternative location for equipment drop-offs.

Over 100 schools, service groups, churches, synagogues and athletic organizations have been invited by Iceland Skating Rink to form “family teams” so that these other non-profits can also benefit by offering their members a chance to socialize while earning cash-back on their admission fees. Registered groups will also qualify for the door prize, an Iceland admissions booklet worth $50.  “For athletic directors, this is a great opportunity to reach out to former players before registration season and let them know that you still consider them part of your team,” said Iceland manager Rich Roulston. Special events and public relations director Karen Sandberg said the rink hopes coaches will also see this as a stellar opportunity for team-building and camaraderie: “When you level the playing field by taking your athletes out of their comfort zone, it allows them to bond in a fun, non-competitive way. Plus Family Team Night will give these kids a chance to feel like they can really make a difference by giving back to another needy child in their community. It’s a win-win situation for coaches, parents, and athletes alike.”

Individual guests may attend at regular rink prices. Donation bins will be set up for unwanted, gently used sports equipment. There will also be a silent auction of collectible merchandise from Grandstand Sports Memorabilia and great raffle prizes like a full size air hockey table from Royal Sports. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the evening kicks off with an exhibition performance at 8:15 p.m. featuring a “leap of faith” stunt off an ice ramp courtesy of Dan Perceval of Xtreme Ice Skating, and synchronized skating from Freeport’s Ice Devils. The public skating session will follow from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. 

Iceland Skating Rink is located at 3345 Hillside Avenue, just west of Herricks Road. For more information or group reservations, call 516-746-1100 or check online at  www.icelandli.com .

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CONTACT:
Karen Sandberg,
516/746-1100 or KazBarWords@aol.com

PHOTO: Oksana Baiul

WWE WRESTLING SUPERSTAR AND BARTENDER FOR THE CRAZY DONKEY ASHLEY MASSARO ON THE COVER OF PLAYBOY THIS MONTH!

March 21st, 2007 (Farmingdale, NY) You may know Ashley Massaro as an American actress, model and professional wrestler, currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment’s on its SmackDown! brand. She was the winner of the RAW Diva Search 2005, and is currently on the cover of the April 2007 issue of Playboy Magazine.

What you may not know however, is that Ashley has spent many nights behind the bar at Long Island’s number one concert and club hotspot; The Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale! And there seems to be a trend developing; Ashley’s appearance in Playboy is actually the second such honor thet a bartender from The Crazy Donkey has recieved in the past year alone. Monica Leigh, a gorgeous 25-year-old brunette from Shirley and former bartender at the club graced Playboy’s March 2006 issue as Playmate of the Month as well.

You can’t argue that there’s a reputation building for The Crazy Donkey as a breeding ground for some of the most beautiful women this side of the atlantic. Your best bet is to make it a habit of frequenting the club cause you never know: the lovely young lady serving your drink just may be the next Crazy Donkey Playboy cover girl!

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For interview requests or questions, contact Rick Eberle:rick@popcore.net / 516-729-6872

Contact:
Rick Eberle
PopCore Entertainment
rick@popcore.net
516-729-6872

THE CRAZY DONKEY
1058 ROUTE 110
FARMINGDALE NY
631-753-1975
http://www.thecrazydonkey.com
info@thecrazydonkey.com

The Crazy Donkey – the Perfect Mix of Club & Pub!

New Population Survey Shows Increase Will Cause Electric Demand to Rise
LIPA Will Have Resources to Meet New Demand

Mineola, N.Y. – March 20, 2007 – The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) today released its 2006 Population Survey for Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.  The annual survey shows a net increase in population of 15,604 residents from January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2006, which resulted in the addition of 6,439 households to LIPA’s service territory in one year.

Long Island’s ten towns and two cities, and the Rockaway Peninsula all added population during 2005, which runs counter to the results of a U.S. Census Bureau report issued last April indicating that New York State overall lost population in 2005.

“Contrary to the notion that people are leaving Long Island in droves, the region continues to add population and new households at a steady pace,” said LIPA CEO and President Richard M. Kessel.  “And, as we continue to add population we will continue to see the demand for electricity grow too.”

Mr. Kessel also noted that some 13 new commercial development projects on the drawing boards in Nassau, Suffolk and the Rockaways will add about 143.5 megawatts of new demand between 2007 and 2013 if they all come to fruition. These projects include the Nassau HUB and the Yaphank Center in Suffolk.

Since LIPA’s average residential customer used about 9,903 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year in 2005 – an increase of 28% over an eight-year period – the region’s new household’s increased electric demand by some 63.8 million kWhs.

Over the five-year period since January 1, 2001, a total of 30,544 households have been added to LIPA’s service territory.  A total of 96,429 households have been added to LIPA’s service area since 1990, which accounted for some 259,822 new residents.

LIPA’s newly released population survey shows that as of Jan. 1, 2006, Nassau County grew by 3,303 persons to a total of 1.35 million; Suffolk grew by 12,301 persons to 1.49 million for a combined increase of 15,604 for a total Long Island population of  2.85 million persons.  During that same period the Rockaway Peninsula added 5,505 residents.

In Nassau County, while all three towns and the two cities gained population, the Town of Hempstead had the biggest gain with an increase of 1,878 persons to bring its total population to 763,822.  North Hempstead had the second largest year-to-year population gain, adding 1,034 new residents to bring its total population to 223,870 residents.

All of Suffolk County’s ten towns experienced population gains during 2005.  The Town of Brookhaven continued to be the fastest growing town in Suffolk by adding 5,717 new residents.  It also remains Suffolk’s most populous town – and Long Island’s second most populous town – with an estimated population of 485,295 residents.  Islip placed second by adding 1,482 new residents; Babylon added 1,338, and Huntington added 1,271.

The Rockaway Peninsula is in Queens County and is the only portion of New York City served by LIPA.  On January 1, 2006 the population estimate for this area was 120,483 persons, which represents a growth of 5,505 persons above the January 1, 2005 estimate.

Since the 2000 Census, the Rockaway Peninsula has continued to gain population at an unprecedented pace by adding 16,375 residents, which is three times the growth the Rockaway Peninsula experienced during the previous decade.

“An increasing population also creates the need for new development and economic opportunities,” said Mr. Kessel.  We’re anticipating that between 2007 and 2013, major new projects such as the Nassau Hub, the Yaphank Center, the Calverton and Gabreski Airport developments, the Arverne Development in the Rockaways and others will add about 143.5 megawatts of new electric demand.

“The region’s population and commercial base continues to grow, which underscores the need for the new Neptune cable and Caithness project,” said Mr. Kessel.  “We’ve been able to keep the lights on by staying ahead of the ever-growing demand, and we will continue to do so in the future.”

“LIPA’s population survey is an invaluable tool to measure Long Island’s growth, trends and energy needs,” said Mr. Kessel.  “With the constant growth on the island it is necessary to plan in advance for added electric resources and transmission and distribution system upgrades.”

Recent Energy Use Trends
LIPA’s 2006 Population Survey also includes a “Recent Trends in Residential Electric Use Summary.”  The Summary outlines how the electrical requirements of the modern home have expanded and why.

LIPA believes that by helping its customers to understand what’s causing electrical usage to grow, customers will have a significant advantage in taking steps to control their electric bills.

As Long Island’s population and year-round household inventory continues to climb so does electric consumption and peak summer demand.  Last summer, on August 3, a new peak energy demand of 5,792MW eclipsed the 5,267MW record set in 2005.  The new record was a year-to-year increase of 525MW or nearly10% the largest ever on Long Island.  With 6,211MW of electric supply available from both on- and off-island resources, LIPA had an adequate supply of electricity to meet the increased demand.

Over the past eight years, the average household electric use increased 28% or 2,166 kWh.  Unlike the basic Levitt house of more than half a century ago, Long Island homes are bigger today.  In fact, the Census Bureau’s 2007 Statistical Abstract reveals that the floor space in new private one-family homes has expanded to 2,227 square feet in 2005 from 1,905 square feet in 1990, which is nearly a 17% increase.  As the square footage grows, so does the need to add the latest available consumer-oriented technologies.  The Census Bureau noted that Americans spend more of their lives than ever-about eight-and-a-half hours a day-watching television, using computers, listening to the radio, going to the movies or reading.

Energy Star-rated Homes
As the trend of larger homes and more technology continues home owners can achieve long-term energy savings by building ENERGY STAR-rated homes.  Many towns on Long Island have become aware of the benefits of energy efficient building codes and have adopted local laws requiring all applicable residential new construction to conform to LIPA’s New York ENERGY STAR-Labeled Homes program.  The specifications call for increased insulation, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, sealing of all penetrations in the structure to comply with an air leakage standard, incorporation of ENERGY STAR-rated lighting and appliances, health and safety test and installation of mechanical ventilation.  The towns that have added the local laws are Babylon, Riverhead, Oyster Bay, and Brookhaven.  Huntington and Hempstead are considering enacting similar local laws.

“LIPA is very pleased and encouraged by the forward thinking of all these towns,” said Mr. Kessel. “They’ve taken the most important first steps towards ensuring that Long Island will be energy efficient and environmentally responsible while providing significant long-term savings for Long Island residents.”

As Long Islanders become more aware of the amount of electricity they are using they can apply this knowledge to purchase energy efficient appliances.  Many major appliances are rated ENERGY STAR products.  This information can be obtained by consulting LIPA’s Electric Appliance Energy Guide.

Appliance Guide
“Long Islanders can use LIPA’s Electric Appliance Energy Guide as a reference to make sure their purchasing decisions are more efficient,” said Mr. Kessel.  “The decisions made today have long-term energy use implications.  By purchasing an ENERGY STAR model large-screen television or refrigerator, electric bills can be lowered and it will lower the impact of power plant emissions on the environment as well.”

As reported in LIPA’s Electric Appliance Energy Guide, some home appliances consume significant amounts of electricity annually.  ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting and appliances use less electricity, saving money.For example, a 75 watt incandescent light bulb that is used for 1,241 hours in a year would use 93 KWh of electricity and cost $18.89. An equivalent ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lamp used for the same amount of hours would only use 25 KWh and cost only $5.04, resulting in an annual savings of $13.86. An in-efficient 6,500 BTU Room Air Conditioner with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 6.6 used for 283 hours peryear would consume 459KWh of electricity and cost $93.16. An ENERGY STAR-qualified unit with an EER of 10.7 used for the same amount of hours would use only 283 KWh and cost only $57.47,which is an annual savings of $35.70.  A typical clothes washer uses 504 KWh and costs $102.31 to operate. An ENERGY STAR-qualified washing machine will use only 337 KWh and cost only $76.53, an annual savings of $33.90.  A typical Central Air Conditioning (CAC) System uses 1,007 KWh to operate in a year with a cost of $308.38 for electricity. A properly sized and installed ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 15 will use only 494 KWh at a cost of $204.33, whichis a savings of $104.05 or nearly 30%.

The appliance guide also shows the dramatic difference in energy consumption between a 10-to 15-year-old frost free refrigerator/freezer, which would consume 2,046 kWh per year, and a new high efficiency model that would consume as little as 517 kWh per year, which is nearly a 75% reduction in electric consumption.

“When purchasing appliances that will be constantly working, it is important to invest in the most efficient model possible,” said Mr. Kessel.  “The initial investment may be more costly but it will be well worth the long term savings.”

The annual population estimates for LIPA’s Population Survey are derived from U.S. Census data and utility records of active residential electric meters.  For each of the approximately 300 communities in Nassau and Suffolk, plus the Rockaways in Queens, the number of persons per household is determined based on the most recent census.  Also, a relationship is established between households and residential electric meters.  Each year these factors are reviewed and adjusted to reflect demographic changes.

A copy of LIPA’s 2006 Population Survey may be obtained by sending a request to:  LIPA-2006 POP Survey, Communications Dept.- Suite 403, 333 Earle Ovington Blvd., Uniondale, NY 11553.  The survey may also be viewed or downloaded at LIPA’s Web site: www.lipower.org.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.  LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of customers served and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered.  In 2006, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories.  LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: www.lipower.org.

LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter

For immediate Release
 
MTV/Food Network’s DJ CHEF Marc Weiss will be performing at New York Sports Club in Garden City on March 21, 5-7pm at part of their “Get Fit For Summer” open house event.

DJ CHEF known for “spinnin’ the beats while cookin’ the treats”, will be spinning pop hits for you to work out to (or tour the club) while mixing up free exotic fruit smoothes….the perfect recipe to get fit for Summer!

New members signing up will be entered into a drawing to win a free $300 gift certificate good towards a home party with DJ CHEF!

For more information contact Kelly at 516-741-1500 or stop in at 833 Franklin Avenue
Garden City. You can find out more info about DJ CHEF by visiting his website www.DJCHEF.com .

New York Sports Club – Garden City

March 21st 2007, 5:00 – 7:00 PM 
 
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More info:
Marc Weiss
DJ CHEF
516.263.2433
 
Kelly Sommersall
NYSC
516-741-1500

Hunter Squires Jackson American Legion Post 1218 Auxiliary and Suffolk County American Legion Auxiliary will co-sponsor a Cancer Awareness and Prevention Luncheon.

This year’s topic is “Colo-Rectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention” and our speakers will be Dr. Paul Mustacchia and Professor Nancy Camp. The proceeds from this luncheon will go to a “Colonoscopy Patient Assistance Fund” at Nassau University Medical Center located in East Meadow, New York in memory of, Harry Jackson, a veteran’s advocate who died of colo-rectal cancer.

The “Colo-Rectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Luncheon” is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, 2007 at the Hunter Squire Jackson Post 1218, which is located at 133 Dixon Ave. Amityville, New York 11701.  Tickets are $10.00 for lunch; lunch is free to anyone who is a cancer survivor or is currently being treated for cancer.  Please call for complimentary tickets. We will also Raffle Corporate and Privately Donated Prizes.

In addition, there will be a second event simultaneously – A Blood Drive in memory of Harry Jackson.  The Red Cross will have Blood Mobiles in the adjacent parking lot and will triage donors in the small hall Saturday March 24, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

For more information on both events,
please call
(631) 789-1740 or visit www.post1218.org 

DO NOT FLASH YOUR HEADLIGHTS AT ANY CAR WITH NO LIGHTS ON!! 

West Babylon 03/10/07 – This could be old news but we just heard of it yesterday. While in a store in Deer Park we picked up the below flyer which was printed in Maryland and distributed accross the nation and advises of a Nation Wide Alert not to flash your vehicle headlights at oncoming traffic for any reason.

Reasons people sometimes flash headlights:

• 1 – To alert another driver that his/her lights are not on.
• 2 – Warn oncoming traffic that police are ahead. (not supposed to do it, but alot of people do this)

Here are the reasons you DO NOT want to flash your headlights at oncoming traffic.

In short, gang initiations require new gang members to drive with their lights off until they are flashed. The gang members are then required to immediatly turn around and KILL the people who flashed their lights. Please review the below scanned letter from the District Court of Maryland. The letter is undated.

 

EastofNYC.com is proud to be participating in the Pups for Parkinson’s event to be held on April 22, 2007 at the Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon. Held by Hope for a Cure, Pups for Parkinson’s is using man’s best friend to defeat one of man’s most debilitating diseases.

About the Pups for Parkinson’s event:

DOGS CAN BE A FUNDRAISER’S BEST FRIEND Come join us as we put our “best paws forward” to raise money to cure Parkinson’s disease. At the PUPS for Parkinson’s Dog Walk our canine best friends can actually help cure Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating neurological disorder that affects 1 ½ million Americans. The Parkinson’s Dog Walk features a comfortable one-mile walk through a Park, obedience demonstrations, an agility course, and an Ask the Veterinarian table. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers, and a small portion of our net proceeds will be donated to our participating not-for-profit animal shelters. Bring you canine pal and come walk with us to support the search for a cure. Donations to the PUPS for Parkinson’s walk will help fund cutting edge research. A small portion of the net proceeds will also be donated to our participating animal shelters.

About EastofNYC.com:

EastofNYC.com was formed in late 2005 by a group of city dwellers that suddenly found themselves transplanted to Long Island and the quiet surroundings of suburbia. Rather than looking for something to do, they decided to start up an online guide for everyone who at some time or another has been looking for a place to eat, somewhere to go, a hotel to put up their in-laws, or a location to just simply enjoy their time. Their goal is to keep you informed of all of the great restaurants, shops, local finds and events that this large island has to offer all the way from the westernmost point of Brooklyn to the eastern end of Montauk.

 

Home Expressions, in Mount Sinai, becomes member of Window Fashions Certification Program

St. Paul, MN – March 2007 – Grace McNamara, Inc., producer of the Window Fashions Certification Program (WFCP) announces that Kathy Passarette of Creative Home Expressions based in Mount Sinai, New York, has become a member of WFCP.  The Window Fashions Certification Program was established in 1991 in response to the need to increase the standards of professionalism in all areas associated with window coverings.
 
This comprehensive continuing education and multilevel accreditation program offers its members the opportunity to attain knowledge, recognition and, most importantly, certification.  The purpose of WFCP is to provide designers, retailers, workrooms, and installers with a superior advantage through continuing education, industry knowledge, and access to resources that will distinguish WFCP professionals as the best in their field.
 
Members can gain certification by earning credits to advance through the program’s levels of expertise including the Associate, Specialist, Master, and Expert levels, by earning IACET CEU credits.  These CEU credits not only help m embers develop profitable areas of expertise but can be applied toward their state certification requirements.
 
As an IACET CEU provider, the WFCP upholds its ongoing commitment to high quality, consistent continuing education and training.  The WFCP designation offers unlimited opportunity in an internationally recognized and respected format to window-covering professionals on their journey to success.
 
Continuing education is critical to the success of the practicing professional.  Through the WFCP program, Grace McNamara, Inc., has proven an ongoing commitment to industry professionalism.  GMI will continue to be at the forefront of the window-coverings industry by providing formats and vehicles for value-added education, thus helping window-covering and design professionals meet the challenges of today’s fast changing world.

For further information, visit www.wfcppro.com 
http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com

LIPA Offers a Special Daylight Energy Savings Time Promotion
LIPA Provides Rebates on Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Bulbs & Other Energy Savers

Uniondale, NY – March 7, 2007 – The Long Island power Authority (LIPA) today announced a new daylight Energy Savings Time rebate program for compact fluorescent bulbs to coincide with the Nation’s new daylight savings time starting this Sunday.

Beginning March 12, 2007 and running through April 30, 2007, LIPA will rebate $1.00 per bulb per pack of ENERGY STAR spiral CFLs, $3.50 on third party tested specialty lamps (globes, A-lamps, 3-way bulbs and dimmable bulbs) and $2.50 per bulb per pack on Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) heat-tested reflectors(for hi-hats).

Since 1999, LIPA has worked hard to raise consumer awareness about the benefits of ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products through its Residential Lighting Program, as part of the LIPA’s Clean Energy Initiative (CEI).  The CEI is LIPA’s 10-year, $355-million commitment to promote clean, renewable electric generation technologies and energy conservation and efficiency.

As a result of LIPA’s Residential Lighting Program incentives, a total of 3,410,376 ENERGY STAR qualified CFL’s and 223,028 ENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures and torchieres were purchased by LIPA customers in conjunction with LIPA program offerings. As of December, 2006 on Long Island 15.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity have been conserved through the use of CFL’s.  That is enough electricity to power 15,500 average-sized homes.

Home lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs for the average Long Island home, and the average home has more than 30 light fixtures.  LIPA’s new promotion offers its customers the opportunity to switch out their energy guzzling incandescent light bulbs for the new and improved compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

“Daylight Savings Time was created to save energy. With a 3 week head start Long Island will be able to conserve even more,” said LIPA CEO and President Richard M. Kessel.  “Thousands of Long Island households have already seen the light and are reaping the benefits of compact fluorescent lighting. LIPA believes we can do more. On March 12th LIPA will launch its Daylight Energy Savings/Earth Day Promotion making everyday Earth Day at LIPA!”

CFL’s on average, use 75% less energy than a comparable incandescent bulb while providing the same level of brightness. For example, a 15 watt CFL is equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Also, at 5 hours a day an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL will last 3.29 years, while an incandescent bulb would last only 6 months. This saves consumers money on their electric bills while creating less pollution, a by-product of energy production and consumption. With an average lifespan of 8,000 hours, it also means fewer trips to the store to purchase replacement bulbs, and less time and hassle changing them.

A 15 wattCFL costs $3.42 per year to operate while a 60 watt incandescent would cost $13.68 per year. Using a 15 watt CFL in place of a 60 watt incandescent bulb will save LIPA customers $10.26 per bulb per year.

A 32 watt CFL costs $7.29 per year while the 100 watt incandescent equivalent would cost $22.79.

Using a 32 watt CFL in place of a 100 watt incandescent bulb will save LIPA customers $15.50 per bulb, per year.

The LIPA ENERGY STAR Lighting Program goes beyond pricing. LIPA’s goal is to promote quality CFLs that are not just a substitute for incandescent bulbs, but a preference. This is accomplished in part by encouraging manufacturers to participate in quality control testing by an independent party. One such party is the Program for the Evaluation and Analysis of Residential Lighting (PEARL). PEARL is administered by the Lighting Research Center in Troy, NY.

While all manufacturers must test their lighting products and submit results to the Department of Energy as part of their application process for the ENERGY STAR, third party testing provides an active system to ensure products in the marketplace are living up to the ENERGY STAR standards. Such standards include long life, realistic color, quick start time, and maintained brightness over the bulb’s lifetime.

To learn more about LIPA’s Clean Energy Initiative and energy efficient products, visit LIPA’s Web site at www.lipower.org/cei or call 1-800-692-2626.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.  LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of customers served and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered.  In 2006, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories.  LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: www.lipower.org.
LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter

LIPA Implements Program to Inspect & Repair Transmission Lines Along LIRR
Three-Phase Effort Will Inspect 130 Miles of Transmission Lines & 29
Substations Aerial Inspections Will Expedite Process

Uniondale, NY – March 6, 2007 – The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) today announced that it has begun an aggressive three-phase inspection and repair program to prevent the recurrence of wires from its transmission system falling on Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks and causing service disruptions for the Railroad.

The program, developed in consultation with the LIRR, will use both aerial and ground-level inspection procedures to complete detailed inspections of some 130 miles of LIPA’s transmission system that runs along LIRR rights of way in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties.  Also included in the inspection program, will be 17 rectifier stations that
belong to the LIRR that LIPA’s transmission system interconnects with, and 12 LIPA-owned substations that interconnect with the Railroad’s electric supply system on Long Island.

Weather permitting it will take about 3 weeks to complete the inspection of 30 miles of “high priority” electric transmission system sections that run along the Railroad’s rights of way from the Queens/Nassau border to Seaford.  This segment of the LIRR includes the sections near the Valley Stream and Seaford railroad stations where LIPA transmission system static wires fell last month and the Far Rockaway and Long Beach branches of the Railroad as well.

As the inspections progress, LIPA will work in cooperation with the LIRR to schedule track access to make all electric transmission system repairs that may be needed with as little disruption as possible to the Railroad’s commuter operation.

“We have given this inspection and repair program our highest priority,” said LIPA CEO and President Richard M. Kessel. “While we have had only two non-storm-related incidents where non-electrified static wires from our transmission system have come down across LIRR tracks disrupting service, it’s imperative that we do everything possible to identify any potential problems and make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

“At the same time, we look forward to continuing our joint efforts with the Railroad in the weeks ahead so we can complete all of the projected inspections and make any necessary repairs in a way that minimizes the possibility of disrupting commuter service operations,” said Mr. Kessel.

“Additionally, we have been working with the Railroad to develop and implement a new response procedure to downed wire incidents that will help coordinate and expedite the joint efforts of  both organizations to minimize the duration of service disruptions while quickly restoring commuter service,” said Mr. Kessel

“I am pleased that LIPA is moving forward with a plan to inspect their infrastructure and make repairs where needed,” said Raymond P. Kenny, LIRR Acting President. “We will work cooperatively with LIPA to ensure that these inspections and repairs can take place expeditiously, to minimize the chances of any further wire-related service disruptions for Railroad customers.  In the event of a recurrence, we will count on LIPA’s improved response protocol to provide a realistic time-frame for the restoration of service.  This will allow the LIRR to make informed operating decisions and keep customers updated on what to expect.”

The Three-Phase Inspection & Repair Plan

Phase One:

* Inspect all 17 of the LIRR’s Rectifier Stations along the 30 mile section of high priority rights of way to determine if there are any connection points with LIPA’s transmission system that need to be repaired or replaced.  This inspection phase was completed by Friday, March 2.  In addition to the permanent repair work previously identified for the two static wire sections that fell near the Valley Stream station last month, the Phase One inspections found that 2 “dead end” connections near Floral Park, and 3 “dead end” connections near Lynbrook
need to be remade.  Working in coordination with the Railroad, this repair work will begin within days, and is estimated to be completed in about 2 weeks.

Phase Two:

* Conduct an aerial inspection with a helicopter fitted with high-technology equipment designed to take detailed photographs of all of the wires and other transmission system components that run along the 30 miles of high priority rights of way.  This will include the connections with over 600 towers that carry LIPA’s transmission system along the rights of way.  It will take about 3 weeks to complete this inspection phase.  An appropriate work schedule will be organized in coordination with the Railroad to expedite any repairs to LIPA’s system that will require working near the LIRR’s tracks.

* As the Railroad’s Rectifier stations and LIPA’s transmission system are inspected, work will begin on replacing any transmission or static wire connection points that need immediate attention.  This phase is underway and will take about 2 weeks to complete and another 3 to 4 weeks for repairs.

Phase Three:

* Conduct aerial inspections of 100 miles of LIPA’s transmission system that runs along other rights of way in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This inspection will take 5 to 6 weeks to complete. Repairs will be scheduled
depending upon need and will be coordinated with the Railroad.

* Inspect 12 LIPA substations that interconnect with the Railroad at various locations around the system.  These substations are routinely inspected by LIPA once every 4 to 5 weeks.

Haverfield Helicopters of Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania will perform the aerial inspections.  Haverfield conducts electric transmission and distribution inspections for electric utilities around the country. They began the aerial inspections on Saturday, March 3, and will hover directly over LIPA’s transmission system to capture the detailed
inspection photos that will pinpoint needed repairs.  The individuals conducting the aerial inspections from the helicopter are highly trained electric system technicians.

The funds for any repairs needed to LIPA’s transmission system will come from existing capital budget funds that have been identified for anticipated repairs of this nature.

Of the 7 incidents that occurred in 2005 and 2006 that involved LIPA wires interfering with LIRR operations, 6 were directly related to storms that brought down trees or tree branches that in turn brought down some of LIPA’s distribution wires across or near LIRR tracks; 1 incident was a non-weather event involving a LIPA distribution wire.

The 3 incidents in 2007 involved static wires for the first time.  One static wire broke mid-span and came down across the LIRR tracks near the Seaford station due to bad weather conditions on St. Valentine’s Day. Two non-weather incidents occurred near the Valley Stream station on different occasions. A device interconnecting LIPA’s transmission system to a LIRR rectifier station failed on February 2, and a clamp holding a
static wire to a termination point failed near the Valley Stream station on February 20.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.  LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of customers served and 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered.  In 2006, LIPA out performed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State in all three major reliability categories.  LIPA does not provide natural
gas service or own any on-island generating assets.  More information about LIPA can be found online at: www.lipower.org.

The MTA Long Island Rail Road is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying over 282,000 customers each weekday on 735 daily trains.  Chartered in 1834, it is also the oldest railroad still operating under its original name.  Throughout that time, the LIRR has been an essential component of the region’s transportation
infrastructure, leading to the development of the Long Island communities it serves and providing a gateway to the economic growth of the region.  A subsidiary of New York State’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the MTA Long Island Rail Road marked its 170th Anniversary in 2004.  More information about the LIRR can be found at
www.mta.info.

LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter