September 08 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine

Notebook

Infrared wireless devices

Infrared data communications (e.g., data transfer between portable electronic devices, printers, and computers) and the use of infrared keyboards are permitted only on unclassified systems in property protection areas that do not process sensitive unclassified information. Infrared communications are not allowed inside a Limited Area.

Do not delete e-mails from HSPD12Admin@eds.com

Personnel Security has begun submitting cleared Laboratory workers for the new HSPD-12 badge. As names are submitted, workers will receive e-mails from the address listed in the headline. These are not spam and should not be deleted. They contain important information regarding the new security badge enrollment and activation processes. For more information, go to http://int.lanl.gov/security/newbadge/process.shtml (internal only).

Discounted hotel programs to supplement government-rate hotels

Integration of travel programs with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of California will offer both Los Alamos and Livermore employees an additional inventory of approximately 9,000 hotel properties, with discounts between 15 and 20 percent off published rates, to supplement demand when government-rate hotels are not available. The new properties include Marriott, Starwood (e.g., Sheraton), and the Wyndham chains of hotels. For more information, go to http://cfo.lanl.gov/travel/ online (internal only).

What causes car accidents?

Four factors contribute to the majority of car accidents: equipment failure, roadway design, poor roadway maintenance, and driver behavior. More than 95 percent of motor vehicle accidents involve some degree of driver behavior combined with one of the other three factors. To find out ways to avoid these accidents, go to http://www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guideline/what-causes-car-accidents.html online.

Benefits Open Enrollment scheduled in November

Benefits Open Enrollment is scheduled for November 3 through 21. A Benefits Fair for employees is scheduled for October 8 and 9. Medical premiums will remain at 2008 rates. Life and Disability rates will decrease. Medical plans will remain the same for 2009. Employees who don't make any changes to their health and welfare benefits will maintain 2008 coverages in 2009. Re-enrolling in the Flexible Spending Account is required to continue the benefit.

United Healthcare offers 24-hour nurse line

United Healthcare (UHC) members who have medical questions but are unsure whether they should see a doctor can use UHC's live Internet service (https://www.myuhc.com/) to chat with a registered nurse in real time. Alternatively, members may speak with a nurse by calling the toll-free, 24-hour nurse line at (866) 425-2157.

September service anniversaries

Find the September service anniversaries online at http://www.lanl.gov/news/currents/2008/sep/anniversaries.shtml.

In memoriam

• Frank William Reeves, 81, died July 3
• Harold "Gaby" Hays, 85, died July 4
• John Pirtle, 82, died July 8
• Roger Perkins, 72, died July 11
• Robert "Breck" Glascock, 75, died July 12
• James Robert Neergaard, 72, died July 16
• James F. Smith, 59, died July 16
• James H. Breen, 75, died July 17
• Bart J. Daly, 79, died July 18
• Robin Markham, 48, died August 4