Community Leaders Survey Scores Still High
Of the 244 community leaders who responded to the most recent Community Leaders Survey, 78 percent of them said they currently have a favorable opinion of the Lab, while just 4 percent said they have an unfavorable opinion. Read more
COMMUNITY GIVING
Holiday Gift Program “Wraps” Up for the Year
More than 1,100 gifts are being distributed to people throughout Northern New Mexico, thanks to the contributions of Lab employees, contractors, and others. Read more
“Feed the 500” Campaign Exceeds Goals
This year, the Lab’s “Feed the 500” campaign netted more than 400 turkeys and collected enough food for more than 850 food baskets. Read more
Wreaths Across America
On December 10, more than 150 volunteers helped place 2,500 wreaths on gravesites at the Santa Fe National Cemetery to honor the nation’s veterans. Read more
Las Cumbres Community Services Is Now 40 Years Old!
Las Cumbres Community Services provides help to children, families, adults, and respite and personal care for families whose members have developmental disabilities. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, and you can show your support by volunteering for them. Read more
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lab’s 2011 FY Procurement Almost $1 Billion
Through September 30 (the end of the fiscal year), the Lab spent $917 million buying what it needed to carry out its national defense mission and exceeded its goals for purchases made from small businesses in Northern New Mexico and the rest of the state. Read more
Lab Engineers Recognized for Small Business Support
The Lab’s New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program and Northern New Mexico Connect economic development program last month recognized two Lab engineers for contributions they’ve made to New Mexico small businesses. Read more
Regional Development Corporation Offices Have Moved
Thanks to the Espanola City Council, the Regional Development Corporation’s (RDC) offices are now located on the second floor of Espanola’s historic Bond House near the plaza. Read more
EDUCATION
Regional Winners of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge
Middle and elementary teams from around New Mexico participated in the annual Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge on November 19 in Albuquerque. A total of 46 teams from 31 schools worked to build fuel-cell cars for the competition with guidance from teachers and parents. Read more
Local Students Gain and Improve Robot Building Skills
A grassroots effort that started 10 years ago, RoboRAVE is now New Mexico’s largest robotics competition. Read more
New Exhibit on Pearl Harbor at Bradbury Science Museum
To commemorate the bombing of Peal Harbor, the Lab’s Bradbury Science Museum opened its new exhibit “Infamy: December 7, 1941” earlier this month. Read more
Regional Nursing Program Receives National Accreditation
Northern New Mexico College’s baccalaureate in nursing program recently received accreditation from the Commissions on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Read more
Northern New Mexico College President Honored
Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barcelo was recently selected as the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) 2012 Scholar. Read more
Employees Granted 3,100 Hours for Science Education in FY2011
During the 2011 fiscal year, 203 Lab employees were granted more than 3,100 hours to assist with science education activities in the region.. Read more
ENVIRONMENT
Improvements at LANL Help Accelerate Legacy Waste Shipments
Los Alamos National Laboratory’s TRU (transuranic) Waste Program achieved a milestone in September, saving money and time, when it shipped several boxes of mixed low-level legacy waste to a licensed disposal facility. Read more
LANL Completes Environmental Cleanup at 83 Sites
The LANL Corrective Actions Program (CAP) received 83 certificates of completion from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) during FY11for cleanup at environmental sites on current or former Lab property. Read more
Is Sustainability Science Really a Science?
The idea that one can create a field of science out of thin air, just because of societal and policy need, is a bold concept. But for the emerging field of sustainability science, the gamble has paid off. Read more
OTHER NEWS
LANL’s Emergency Operations Team Recognized
The National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Defense Programs organization recently recognized the Lab’s Emergency Operations Team with its Defense Programs’ Employee of the Quarter Award. Read more
Lab Scientists Win the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award
David E. Chavez, of the High Explosive Science and Technology Group, and Mark B. Chadwick, of the Computational Physics Group, were recently announced as two of the nine winners of the 2011 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award. Read more
American Indian Science and Engineering Society Board's New Member
Barbara Tenorio-Grimes, with the Lab’s Education and Postdoc Office, was recently elected to the board of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Read more
CALENDAR
Kurt's Column
Working to Make Good Scores Better
We are currently reviewing the feedback from the latest Community Leaders Survey (see the article in this issue for more information). Last year's survey indicated the Lab reached its highest overall favorability rating ever at 78 percent. Read more
RELATED LINKS
MISSION
The Community Programs Office is the lead organization for developing community support to accomplish LANL's national security and science mission by: (a) connecting LANL with Northern New Mexico, (b) providing clear communications, and (c) managing the LANS community investments.
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CONTACTS
Community Programs Office
- Office Director
Kurt Steinhaus - Deputy Office Director
Johnnie Martinez - Professional Staff Assistant
Yvonne Martinez - Office: (505) 665-4400
(888) 841-8256
connections@lanl.gov