| Energy Independence: Real World Solutions for Homes and Businesses |
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| Click Here for our Press Release Conference Speaker Abstracts and Bios Bill Bobenhausen, FAIA Title: Moderator: “Elements Employed in Local Case Studies” Bio: Bill Bobenhausen, FAIA, is President of Sustainable Design Collaborative, LLC. Throughout his career Bill has consulted on a wide range of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings that feature environmental architecture and energy-conserving design. He combines his practice with teaching at CCNY and NJIT and is the author of several books including the third edition of American Building: The Environmental Forces That Shape It. Sobeida Cruz Title: "NYPA Satisfies Governor's Green Clean Building Initiative" Abstract: Energy efficiency measures implemented at the NewYork Power Authority building located at 123 Main St. in White Plains will be reviewed. These measures included new chillers, an energy management system, lighting retrofits, and window film, and resulted in a saving of 50 percent of the building's energy demand. NYPA's programs to encourage energy efficiency measures by its customers will also be discussed. Bio: Sobeida Cruz works for the New York Power Authority as Director of Public & Government Affairs, the Lower Hudson Valley. She holds a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. The division which she heads is based in the White Plains office, provides public and government affairs support for NYPA initiatives in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties. It reaches out to Community through sponsorship of local events, participation in community organizations, education programs, regional speakers bureaus and contact with local officials and business customers in the regions. Robert Cunningham
Title: “Energy Savings Opportunities and Methods in the Educational Environment” Abstract: Kingston City School District entered into a people-oriented training program in 1997 to save dollars via energy. Their energy manager, Bob Cunningham, was able to roll this into an energy performance program using the resources of NYPA and NYSERDA to produce a program that generates over 30 percent cost avoidance yearly. This resulted in national exposure and an Energy Star Partner of the Year award in 2001. Bio: Presently Director of Buildings and Grounds; formerly Energy Manager, 1997-2002. Previously: environmental geologist, 1990-1997. Masters in Geology from SUNY New Paltz. Kingston City School District won Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2001. Robert Dooley Title: “Geothermal in Commercial Buildings” Bio: Robert Dooley has over twenty years experience in the field of geothermal heating and cooling systems. As President of RJ Dooley Construction Inc., a geothermal construction company, he has overseen installations at the Theodore Roosevelt Science Center, Long Island Aquarium, Woodbury Suites Hotel, St. Peters Cathedral, Westchester Country Club, Mount St. Alfonso, Peconic Landing, Bard College, Vassar College, and Stetson School, among others. Eileen Egan-Annechino Title: “Home Comfort--Con Edison's Central Air-Conditioning Program” Abstract: Con Edison's Central Air-Conditioning Program offers customers with central air-conditioning a free programmable thermostat with internet access and a $25 sign-up bonus. Customers who agree to participate have the advantage of managing the energy usage and help Con Edison provide reliable power during the summer season. Bio: Eileen Egan-Annechino is the market manager for Con Edison's residential, small commercial and multi-family markets. She develops new, innovative programs and products for electric and gas. Ms. Egan-Annechino holds a BS degree in Organizational Management from Manhattan College. David Eisenbud Title: Solar Electric Power Systems for Commercial and Government Buildings Abstract: Commercial-scale solar electric systems have a vital role to play to help our nation move ahead with a sustainable, domestic and pollution-free energy strategy. PowerLight is the nation's leading integrator of distributed, grid-connected photovoltaic energy systems and this presentation will identify industry trends and review a few exciting regional solar projects where solar power is deployed. Bio: Mr. Eisenbud holds a MBA from Fordham University and a BS in Economics from Lehigh University. He has over 10 years of sales, marketing and project experience in the environmental energy field, the last two years with PowerLight developing large-scale, distributed grid connected photovoltaic power systems. Sue Morrow Flanagan Title: “Introducing the ‘Pocantico Conversations,’ a Forum for Professional Discourse” Abstract: Ms. Flanagan will introduce the creation of the series of “Pocantico Conversations” which will provide an opportunity for professionals to meet and continue a creative, forward-looking discourse on sustainability--exploring issues ranging from energy-saving measures and historic preservation to green building technologies and future energy systems. Bio: As Kitchawan’s president, Ms. Flanagan has fostered informed dialogue on social, environmental and scientific issues impacting the quality of people's lives in the Hudson Valley. Under her direction, Kitchawan undertook to convert its building into a technologically up to date green building. Using a geothermal heating system, by improving insulation and using green materials, the building cut its energy costs by almost $7,000 a year and reduced toxic emissions by 22 percent annually---some 38,000 pounds of toxins. Ms. Flanagan, a long-time environmental activist, was the publisher of Water Ways: New York’s Waterfront News, a monthly newspaper covering development, the environment and issues affecting rivers, lakes and canals across the state of New York. George Fletcher Title: “Solar Energy Works in New York: A Case History” Bio: George "Buck" Fletcher originally became aware of light as energy as a kid on the harvest in Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. Every day the sun would warm a big barrel of water so the harvest hands could have a warm shower at night--priceless. Energy in any other form never made sense to him after that. When solar panels were subsequently invented, changing light directly into free electricity with zero pollution, and it became possible to install them on his house, he didn't hesitate. His only question is, why don't we all do it? Rick Gerardi Title: NYSERDA: The Mission and the Programs Bio: Rick Gerardi is the Director of the Residential Energy Affordability Programs (REAP) at NYSERDA, and administers over $45 million per year of public and ratepayer funds in residential and consumer energy efficiency efforts. REAP, established within NYSERDA by Rick in 1998, implements statewide programs which improve both residential efficiency and affordability. Carl Ian Graham, PE Title: “Green Building, LEED, Design Process, Green Building Tax Credit: What are they? How are they related? How do I pay for them?” Abstract: What distinguishes a Green Building from other buildings is the design process. This course will address the different ways that Green can be and is defined. Participants will learn how just about any building, including theirs, can be Green. The session will focus on the design process and will include real-world examples and lessons learned that punctuate the details. Finally, there will be guidance on how to secure financial assistance to pay for the critical elements of the Green Design. Bio: Carl Ian Graham, P.E., is a senior associate at Steven Winter Associates. He has more than ten years’ experience with testing, monitoring, design, and evaluation of building systems, with an emphasis on the energy use of HVAC systems. His experience includes energy analysis, rate analysis, facility and system audits and performance evaluations, and indoor air quality investigations for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential buildings of all sizes. He is the author of the HVAC Resource Page of the Whole Building Design Guide (a website sponsored by the U.S. Navy, GSA, DOE/NREL, SBIC). He was also instrumental in drafting the regulations for New York‚s Green Building Tax Credit. In 2001, he was named Energy Engineer of the Year for Region One (New England, Mid-Atlantic) by the Association of Energy Engineers. Manna Jo Greene Title: Owner Builder Builds Green: Saves 90 Percent Fuel Consumption Abstract: As an owner builder, Manna Jo Greene created a Sustainability Center as an addition to a cottage on her property using conventional building materials with green building practices to reduce toxicity and promote energy efficiency. Built of sustainably harvested, local rough cut, the Center is a 30' hexagonal space with a cathedral ceiling; skylights and energy efficient windows provide natural lighting. The building is carefully air-sealed and super-insulated with densely packed cellulose made of recycled newsprint. The radiant concrete floor is a very energy-efficient method of heating and is supplemented by passive solar gain. Active photovoltaic cells mounted on the south-facing roof provide electricity; any excess will be sold back to the grid (net metering). Bio: Manna Jo Greene is founder of the Hudson Valley Sustainable Communities Network (HVSCN) and is the Environmental Director for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Formerly the Recycling Coordinator/Educator for Ulster County for more than ten years, and a Registered Critical Care Nurse since 1976, Greene is a lifelong environmental professional and community activist. Working with HVSCN to promote sustainable agriculture and green building and landscaping practices, Manna built a Sustainability Center in her backyard to house their large collection of resources on a variety of sustainability related projects. As the primary educator for HVSCN, Greene teaches communities how to balance environmental preservation, economic prosperity (based on quality of life indicators), and social equity using effective communication. She is currently studying to become a trainer for The Natural Step, a sustainability methodology for businesses and institutions, and publishes a monthly calendar that is emailed to over 3,000 people in the Hudson Valley. Lloyd Hamilton Title: Owner Builder Builds Green: Saves 90 percent Fuel Consumption Abstract: Lloyd Hamilton, building performance specialist, will join Manna Jo Greene’s presentation for questions and answers. Bio: Lloyd has over 25 years experience as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) contractor. He has designed and installed all types of systems, including geothermal, radiant, solar and heat recovery ventilation. He currently works as a consultant for homeowners and builders, specializing in building performance, green building, HVAC, and indoor air quality issues. It is common for homes he consults on to save 50 to 60 percent on energy usage with a significant improvement in indoor air quality. Each of these houses easily exceeds the NYSERDA Energy Star Building requirements. Lloyd has been involved in the NYSERDA sponsored Green Building initiative and assisted in developing the draft New York Green Building guidelines. He is a HERS rater and evaluates houses for the NYSERDA EPA Energy Star Homes programs. Thomas C. Jordan Title: “New York State's Energy Star Labeled Homes Program” Abstract: An overview of NYSERDA's Energy Star Labeled Homes Program. Bio: Senior Associate with ICF Consulting for 2 years. Currently working as an Account Manager for NYSERDA's Energy Star Labeled homes program. Certified HERS Rater. Received HERS certification from KBSI. Recently completed BPI Building Analyst I training. Passed BPI certification test, 03/28/03. Tom Kacandes Title: “100 Percent Recycling of Construction Debris--Taylor Is Almost There!” Abstract: 35 percent of all solid waste is debris from the construction, demolition, and renovation of buildings. It is now possible to recycle nearly all of that debris, but most debris is still landfilled. Tom Kacandes will describe how debris can be cost effectively recycled and address some of the waste implications of your material choices. Bio: Tom Kacandes is Vice President for Business Development at Taylor Recycling, the region's leading recycler of construction and demolition debris in Montgomery, NY, (just west of Newburgh, exit 5 on Rt. 84). Mr. Kacandes worked with the state legislative commission that wrote New York's laws on waste starting in 1985, ran recycling programs in state office buildings, and did financing for dozens of recycling businesses through Empire State Development before becoming CEO of the region's first drywall recycling business which started up in 2001 and was merged into Taylor Recycling last year. He also holds an MBA and BA from the University at Albany and is a native of White Plains. Ron Kamen Title: “Wind Powered Electricity: Now Available & Affordable to Everyone in New York State” Abstract: New York State currently has 50 MW of wind farms creating pollution free electricity, and we have the potential for 10,000 MW--enough to meet 20 percent of the entire state’s electrical needs. Thousands of individual consumers, non-profit organizations, and businesses have already joined local, state, and federal agencies throughout New York in purchasing part of the current supply of wind generated electricity for premiums as small as $5 per month. The presentation will explain how the wind energy program works, and how every individual and institution in the state can now purchase wind power and create a viable, affordable alternative to coal, oil, nuclear and other non-renewable, more polluting power sources. Bio: Ron Kamen is the New York State Director of Community Energy, Inc., the most successful marketer of wind-generated electricity in the United States. Ron assisted the U.S. General Services Administration in powering the first two federal facilities in the country with 100 percent wind generated electricity. He also negotiated the University of Buffalo's commitment to purchase the entire output of two 1.5 Million Watt wind turbines, and the Village of Croton’s historic procurement of wind power for 25 percent of the municipal government’s electric needs. Michael L'Ecuyer Title: “Making Homes Safer, More Durable, and More Energy-Efficient with NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR” Abstract: NYSERDA's award-winning Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program represents a whole new approach to home improvement contracting. Specially trained and certified contractors perform detailed audits of homes and offer recommendations to make them safer, healthier and more durable, in addition to saving lots of energy. Customers enjoy access to low-interest financing and other financial incentives that make it really attractive to take advantage of the program's services and benefits. Only contractors who are certified and accredited with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) may access these financial incentives for their customers. Bio: Michael L’Ecuyer has over a decade of experience in energy efficiency programs. He designed, budgeted, and built teams for EPA's ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes and ENERGY STAR HVAC programs, and authored a major EPA report on residential heating and cooling systems, leading to EPA endorsement of geothermal heating and cooling technology as environmentally friendly and cost-effective. He joined CSG in 2000 to design and implement NYSERDA's award-winning Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program, which was implemented two years ago, in April of 2001. Michael McDonough Title: “e-House: The High Performance Single Family Residence Reconsidered” Abstract: e-House is an experimental house of the future by award-winning architect Michael McDonough. A high-performance Internet-based building, it was developed with a team of engineers, building scientists, computer scientists, environmentalists, and over 100 manufacturers. Now being constructed in New York's Hudson Valley, e-House uses response to nature as a generator of architectural form, and integrates advanced building products and systems with traditional materials and techniques. Emphasizing emerging lifestyles, e-House is a “smart house“ configured for distance computer controls and e-commuting. Bio: Michael McDonough is an award-winning architect who has specialized in environmentally appropriate systems and advanced building technologies for over twenty years. He has designed offices, airport passenger facilities, galleries, multi-media environments, showrooms, public buildings, shops, conceptual projects, furniture, and exhibits for corporate clients, as well as over 50 custom residences and lofts in the United States, Asia, and Europe. McDonough believes that traditional design and modern design--holistic and high-tech--can be advantageously synthesized, and that new types of buildings will emerge from these combinations. John M. Oyhenart Title: “Energy Audits for Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Buildings” Abstract: NYSERDA provides energy audits, on a cost-shared basis, for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings under the New York Energy $mart Energy Auditing and FlexTech Programs. These programs help customers better understand their energy use, identify and quantify energy savings opportunities, and help customers implement energy-efficiency projects. Bio: John Oyhenart is Associate Vice President with TRC Energy Services, primarily responsible for TRC’s energy consulting practice. TRC provides program development and management support to a number of NYSERDA’s residential and commercial energy efficiency initiatives, including the Comprehensive Energy Management, Commercial/Industrial Performance, Comprehensive Energy Strategies for Schools, and Energy $mart Energy Auditing Programs. John has 22 years of diverse experience in the energy industry, including service in a number of positions in the electric utility industry, the energy services business, and in various consulting capacities. In addition to NYSERDA, John has worked directly with residential, commercial, industrial and governmental energy end-users, and as a consultant to the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR Buildings and Homes Programs. He holds a B.S. in Economics from George Mason University and an M.B.A. from George Washington University. F.L. Andrew Padian Title: “Best Practices in Home Retrofit: A Bigger Bang for Your Buck” Abstract: Learn what most people don't know (and industry doesn't want you to know)--in most cases, smaller expenditures and attention to detail on unseen things will increase your comfort and reduce your bills and energy use more than many big-ticket items that are hawked by telemarketers and advertisements. Air sealing and other simple measures can often be the most cost-effective energy improvements in a home, leaving homeowners cash flow to make the big-ticket improvements, like windows and siding, if they are needed. By attending this session, participants will understand: the intelligent things that a good do-it-yourself homeowner or good contractor can perform to make a home more comfortable, energy efficient, safe, durable, and affordable. Bio: Andrew Padian is a housing specialist with Steven Winter Associates (SWA), and has over 20 years experience in fixing existing residential buildings. He teaches classes on residential energy efficiency across the country and has written extensively on the subject. SWA is an architecture and engineering firm specializing in high-performance design and rehabilitation, sustainable and "green" practices, and building modeling, for buildings that are efficient, safe, comfortable, affordable, and sustainable. Nicholas Pouder, ASLA Title: “Landscape Strategies to Manage Energy Demand” Abstract: Strategic landscaping can play a significant role in thermal management and energy reduction. Guiding principles for energy-efficient site design that reduce both summer and winter energy demand will be discussed. Bio: Nicholas Pouder is a practicing landscape architect and a faculty member at the Harvard Design School and the Rhode Island School of Design where he teaches courses in environmental planning. Based in Westchester County, his work includes residential and institutional site design, wetland mitigation, and ecological restoration. He holds undergraduate degrees from the State University of New York and the University of Connecticut and received his Masters from the Harvard Design School. Micheal W. Rengers
Title: “Heimbold Visual Arts Center at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers” Abstract: See abstract Susan T. Rodriguez. Bio: Micheal Rengers has been working for Sarah Lawrence College for over 25 years. He is responsible for the construction and renovation of facilities at the College. Recent projects include the Science Building, Campbell Sports Center and the Seigel Center. He is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence. Alexander Roberts Title: “A Practical Guide to Saving Energy and Money in Existing Buildings” Abstract: You don’t have to be a major corporation to take advantage of the new energy-saving technologies. Whether you’re a small business or commercial building owner, this presentation will show you step-by-step how to 1) identify cost-effective opportunities through an energy audit, 2) take advantage of low-interest financing and cash incentives from NYSERDA, and 3) implement the recommendations to a minimum 20 percent return on investment. Bio: After winning two Emmy Nominations and the Associated Press Broadcasters Award for Excellence in a twenty-year television news career, Alexander Roberts founded and has run a successful nonprofit housing organization for over eleven years. In 2001, he became interested in geothermal heat pumps and became associated with RJ Dooley and Associates as marketing agent. After becoming certified in Energy Management Practices, Mr. Roberts began specializing in cost-effective energy retrofits for existing buildings, utilizing the Energy Star “whole building” approach. Susan T. Rodriguez, FAIA
Title: “Heimbold Visual Arts Center at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers” Abstract: From the outset, sustainable design principles have been integrated into the overall conceptual design of Sarah Lawrence College's new 60,000-square-foot visual arts center, and the facility is designed in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating standards established by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council). Siting, solar orientation, material selection, daylighting, and mechanical systems all contribute to an innovative approach to the project. More specifically, a geothermal heat-pump system utilizes eight fifteen-hundred-foot wells to provide year-round heating and cooling for the building. A recycled glazing system defines the painting studios' northern exposure. Extensive site excavation allows for on-site quarrying which provides stone for the exterior cladding. A central sky-lit gallery forms a two-story light-filled focal point for the building, unifying activities within. Bio: Susan T. Rodriguez, FAIA. Susan Rodriguez is a design partner at Polshek Partnership Architects. Her work focuses on the design of projects for cultural and education institutions. Recent projects include the Heimbold Visual Arts Center at Sarah Lawrence College, Smith College Fine Arts Center, The New York Botanical Garden Plant Science Center, Lycee Francais de New York and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Andrew J. Sebor, P.E. Title: Geothermal for the Home Abstract: Geothermal Applications for HVAC. Bio: Andrew J. Sebor is the managing principal of AltieriSeborWieber Consulting Engineers, a firm nationally known for its expertise in the design of institutional buildings including museums, theaters, libraries, educational facilities, and aquariums. Mr. Sebor has directed the design of numerous geothermal projects, beginning with a 900 ton open to diffusion design for the Cummins Engine Company Corporate Headquarters in 1981. His firm has successfully designed open to diffusion, standing column well, and closed loop geothermal style systems. Andrew J. Spano Title: “Westchester County Energy Initiatives” Abstract: An overview of current energy initiatives in the county. Edna Sussman Title: “Conference Welcome” Abstract: The many pressing reasons for reducing demand to the grid through energy efficiency, load management and increased distributed energy will be reviewed. Bio: Edna Sussman, J.D. recently completed her term as Executive Director of Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Inc. ( FCWC). In the wake of the many energy-related issues confronting Westchester County, under her direction FCWC launched the energy initiative of which this conference is a part. FCWC’s multifaceted approach addresses energy matters through articles in its publication Westchester Environment (available online at www.FCWC.org) and in the Westchester Business Journal, energy audits by students through WESC, the high school student environmental council founded last year by FCWC, and by working with governmental representatives and other not-for-profit organizations to move towards a sustainable energy future. Ms. Sussman started her career as a lawyer at the New York City firm of White & Case where she was a litigation partner and a frequent writer and lecturer on litigation practice. She has returned to the practice of law with her former colleagues at the New York City law firm of Hoguet Newman & Regal LLP, specializing in environmental and energy law as well as general commercial litigation. Gregory Thomas Title: “Designing for a Green Community” Abstract: As land and transportation costs become increasingly important, clustered housing offers significant benefits. EcoVillage at Ithaca is an award-winning sustainable community that has been under development since 1992 and now has two neighborhoods of green buildings. This presentation will look at how the designs of the two neighborhoods have addressed issues of orientation, energy use, materials, communications and other green features in the context of clustered housing. Bio: Gregory Thomas is the President of Performance Systems Development, Inc., a consulting firm supporting the development of markets and business systems for building performance contracting. Mr. Thomas has twenty years of experience in building performance, as a heating contractor, the director of an energy service company, an energy conference planner, and as a program consultant and software developer. He is a past president of Affordable Comfort Inc., the national not-for-profit for promoting home performance, and lived at EcoVillage at Ithaca, an award-winning sustainable housing development where he developed the design of the energy systems. Stephen Tilly Title: “The Burnham Building in Irvington” Abstract: The presentation will describe the design and construction of the Burnham Building in Irvington-on Hudson, the recycling of a former greenhouse factory into a mixed-use building containing a new public library, 22 units of affordable housing, and associated outdoor spaces. The building received the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association 2001 Green Building Award for Schools and Government Buildings. Bio: Principal of a 20-person multidisciplinary design firm with a focus in sustainable design, historic preservation, housing, and facilities for the arts. BA in English Literature, 1966; M. Architecture 1971, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mike and Chris Trolle Title: “Recently Built Energy Star Homes” Abstract: Energy Star homes can be built in any style and in many different ways. We will take a look at several new high-performance homes built by BPC, each of which is quite different from the others. Bio: Mike and Chris Trolle each have over twenty years experience in real estate and construction. Mike has built four homes to Energy Star standards, including the first American Lung Association Health House in the New York region. Chris is a licensed engineer and home energy rater, with expertise in both residential building science and mechanical systems for the home. Jon Vogel Title: “Pleasantville Housing and Rockefeller Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture” Abstract: Jon Vogel will present the work of Jonathan Rose Companies, LLC and the firm’s approach to green building, focusing on these two case studies. He will discuss his experience implementing environmental sustainability strategies at Ashbourne Hall, an affordable senior housing and senior center project in downtown Pleasantville and at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills. These projects are both in construction and are to receive funding under NYSERDA’s Smart Equipment Choices Program and New Construction Program. The nuts and bolts of some basic HVAC and electrical design strategies receiving subsidy will be discussed. Bio: Jon Vogel is General Counsel and Project Manager with Jonathan Rose Companies, a developer of affordable and sustainable communities in the Hudson River Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Prior to his work with Jonathan Rose Companies, Jon was the General Counsel of the New York City Housing Partnership, where, in addition to his legal work, he was responsible for developing the Partnership's High Performance Building Program. Jon graduated from NYU Law School and obtained his B.A. in economics from Duke University. Steven Winter Title: “Green and Energy Efficiency Strategies in New Homes” Abstract: Winter will present an overview of the key green and energy efficiency strategies suitable for homes--for both builders and homeowners. These include site/planning issues; insulation and windows; heating/cooling equipment; water/resource conservation; waste and recycling; air quality, and others. Bio: Winter has managed his 60-person research and consulting practice in Norwalk, CT, for over 30 years, servicing government agencies, housing developers, utilities, and product manufacturers. Specialties include design, engineering and testing of innovative and energy-conserving housing. Winter is Past Chairman of the US Green Building Council and now heads its residential initiative. Ed Witkin Title: “Solar for the Home” Abstract: Ed Witkin will give an overview of solar energy technologies that are available and work in this region. He will also discuss what factors homeowners may consider when evaluating these technologies for possible installation. Bio: Since 1987 Ed Witkin has been designing and installing solar electric systems for both on- and off-grid applications. He lives with his family in a completely solar-powered house, which he built using solar-powered tools. Ed has been involved with renewable energy education, through hands-on workshops, school programs, displays at fairs and festivals, and providing solar power generators for PA systems at music festivals and concerts [Posted 4.30.03] |