GILBOA: Power Project Completes First Phase of Upgrade— The Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project has returned to service after completing the first phase of a program to modernize the plant and extend its life. Three of the project’s four pump-generating units resumed power production in November, and the fourth is scheduled to be available by June, in time to help meet power needs in the peak summer period. The project was shut down and returned to service on time, under an extremely demanding schedule. The shutdown, which began in September, was required so operators could reduce water levels in the facility’s upper reservoir to permit replacement of a spherical valve that controls the flow of water into the powerhouse. The project’s three other spherical valves will be refurbished in succeeding years, also requiring temporary shutdowns. The four-year, $135 million Life Extension and Modernization program will help ensure that the Blenheim-Gilboa project operates at maximum efficiency for many years.

SELDEN: Solar Power Set for Suffolk County Community College— Solar energy will soon help power a building at the Suffolk County Community College campus on Long Island. A $75,000 grant from the Petroleum Overcharge Restitution Fund (POCR) has been approved by Gov. George Pataki for the Power Authority to install a roof-mounted, six-kilowatt photovoltaic array on the campus. The 40 solar panels will generate about 8,000 kilowatt-hours per year, enough electricity for two or three average-size homes. POCR funds were established from proceeds of court settlements relating to major oil company violations of price controls in the 1970s and 1980s. In New York State, the Power Authority administers the funds.

QUEENS: Women's Health Care Prompts Many to Share— In support of women's health care issues, NYPA recently contributed $1,500 to SHAREing & CAREing, a community health advocacy organization that provides breast cancer support services to local women and their families. The contribution coincided with the Astoria-based organization's 12th anniversary benefit and fundraising event in November, with proceeds used to ease the financial burden that low-income breast cancer patients often face. Last year alone, nearly 7,700 women and their families received some form of assistance from SHAREing & CAREing, including transportation, pharmaceutical and hair prosthetics, insurance advocacy and educational outreach. SHAREing & CAREing was founded in 1994 by Anna Kril, a breast cancer survivor, along with Carol Scarano, Lucille Hartmann and Mary Demakos. Since its inception, the organization has honored local community leaders and medical personnel who have aided in the fight against breast cancer and other cancers that primarily affect women.

BROOKLYN: New Boilers Lower Library’s Energy Bills— The Brooklyn Central Library is saving $87,000 annually in energy costs thanks to a NYPA project to replace three aging boilers with energy-efficient models. The $5.8 million project was completed earlier this year at more than $300,000 under budget, and included installation of auxiliary equipment such as a 250-gallon hot water storage tank and steam and oil pipes. The library was named an official New York City landmark in 1997.

NORTH BLENHEIM: ’Tis the Season to Celebrate With Events— NYPA’s Blenheim-Gilboa project is once again setting a festive holiday scene at its Visitors Center with its annual “Pictures with Santa” and “Festival of Trees.” Holiday photos with Santa, and sleigh or carriage rides pulled by a team of classic Clydesdale horses, will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 3 p.m. Visitors can stroll through the center to learn about electricity, and feast their eyes on more than 20 evergreens adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights and dressed in such finery as traditional patriotic colors, familiar Disney characters and ornaments reminiscent of an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Many of the decorations are courtesy of such local organizations as the Stamford and Gilboa historical societies, the Jefferson Senior Citizens and the Jefferson Central, Gilboa Central, Middleburgh Central and Roxbury Central school districts. The trees will be on view daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Jan. 2 except for holiday periods. All events are free of charge. In 2007, look for special events as the Power Authority celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Lansing Manor museum. Lansing Manor, a restored 19th-century mansion on the power project grounds, continued to be a major attraction in Schoharie County this year, drawing more than 11,800 people for its season from May 1 through Oct. 31.