Laboratory honors its "national treasures" at Veterans Day flag raising

The men and women who served America as veterans are national treasures much as are artists, doctors, scientists and entrepreneurs.

"It is vitally important for the nation to take seriously its responsibility for the stewardship of this treasure," said by Lt. General Gordon Sumner, United States Army Retired. "Treasure of whatever quality or quantity will soon evaporate if it not understood and taken care of."

Sumner was the keynote speaker Monday at the annual veteran's breakfast in the Otowi Building Cafeteria. The Lab's Veterans Employee Interest Group sponsored the breakfast and talk, flag raising and a lunchtime fun run and walk.

The Laboratory held Veteran's Day ceremonies Monday; it was closed in observance of the federal holiday last Friday.

There are about 1,200 veterans working at the Lab and several hundred subcontract personnel who also are veterans, said Veterans Committee Chairperson Randy Mynard of Environmental Science (EES-15).

In his talk, Sumner said the United States must take steps to address "a significant loss of both enlisted and junior officers" and suggested that the decline is due in part to the U.S. not taking care of its veterans.

World War II and Korean War veterans are dying at the rate of about 1,000 a day, Sumner said. He spoke of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces during peacetime and war and how they took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. He also spoke about the state of America's military readiness and the importance of good intelligence, training and leadership to ensure a strong military.

Sumner retired from the United States Army in 1978 after more than 35 years of service, including in Korea from 1946 through 1948 and in Vietnam in the late 1960s.

Sumner is a consultant to the Laboratory on matters involving the development of alternate energy sources in third world nations and in technology transfer to foreign nations and private industry. He is currently chairman of the board of Sumner and Associates, a company involved in high technology and scientific activities. Sumner and his wife, Frances, also are involved in international business development projects worldwide.

Veterans activities also included a flag raising ceremony conducted by Protection Technology Los Alamos outside the Badge Office and Administration Building. Stan Busboom, Security (S) Division director and a veteran, made some brief comments. Mary Beth Stevens of the Business Administration and Outreach (BAO) Office sang the National Anthem while Elizabeth Courtney, an Army veteran in the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Nuclear Weapons (ALDNW), lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

--Steve Sandoval

Ombuds Office hosts fire survivors workshop today

The Ombuds Program Office will hold a fire survivors workshop today for Laboratory employees and others affected by the Cerro Grande Fire.

The meeting is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Fuller Lodge on Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos. It is free and open to the public.

The workshop is part of a series of meetings the Ombuds Program Office has sponsored as Los Alamos continues its recovery from the fire last spring that affected more than 400 Los Alamos families and caused the Laboratory to close for more than two weeks. For more information see the Nov. 9 Newsbulletin.

Younger to talk on nuclear weapons Wednesday in Adminstration Building Auditorium

Steve Younger, associate Laboratory director for Nuclear Weapons (ALDNW), will give an unclassified talk on the future of U.S. nuclear weapons at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Administration Building Auditorium. Younger's talk will be followed by a question and answer period.

Younger's talk, "Nuclear Weapons in the 21st Century," will be open to badgeholders only. Uncleared Laboratory employees who hold a badge also may attend.

Lab to celebrate America Recycles Day on Wednesday

The Laboratory is joining thousands of other businesses and individuals across the country on Wednesday in celebrating America Recycles Day by highlighting and providing information about the Lab's recycling goals, performance measures and programs.

In support of the awareness effort, ARAMARK Corp. will also provide free refills for holders of Northern New Mexico Recycles Day 16-ounce reusable cups, available Nov. 30, 2000 through April 30, 2001.

There also will be an information booth about Lab recycling activities on the third floor lobby of the Otowi Building. Also on Wednesday, the Lab and Johnson Controls will roll out a Student Recycle Material Science and Art Fair with Northern New Mexico schools. Teachers have received information about recycling and have been given the name of a contact from the Laboratory or Johnson Controls that will help them with any recycling questions they may have. It is hoped the student event, to be held on Jan. 19, 2001, will raise awareness about recycling.

Tom Starke, recycling coordinator of the Environment Stewardship Office (E-ESO) said the Laboratory's participation will help raise consumer awareness through purchase of products and packaging made from recycled materials. He also says that if everyone makes an effort to recycle, it will help the Laboratory meet the Appendix F measure of the University of California contract with the Department of Energy to reduce waste generation by 8 percent each year until 2005. The Appendix provision specifies the Laboratory produce no more than 2,166 metric tons of solid sanitary waste a year.

Camille Bustamante of Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico, and recycling coordinator for wastenot@lanl.gov, said the long term goal of the Lab in participating in America Recycles Day is to reduce the amount of material the Laboratory sends to the landfill, and to increase the amount of material the Lab sends out for reuse or recycling. She said wastenot@lanl.gov is an electronic mail list Lab employees can use to ask questions about material recycling, schedule pick up, or for more information. Bustamante, along with Mike Shepherd, Norma Tech, Suzie Archuleta, Sophia Chavez and Earl Valdez, all of JCNNM, coordinate the collection and release of recyclable material from the Laboratory.

One of the big successes towards meeting the Appendix F measure at the Lab has been the A-1000 program. Lab mail carriers agreed to carry junk mail back to the mailroom for sorting and recycling. Lab employees can contribute to the recycling program by addressing unwanted mail, books, software and transparencies to Mail Stop A1000. So far, the program recycles over 13 metric tons of material a month.

Laboratory workers can also support America Recycles Day by simply pledging to step up their own efforts to recycle and by buying recycled products, said Bustamante. By making the pledge, Americans 18 and over will become eligible to win the American Dream house in a random drawing. Consumers can also make pledges via the Internet at http://www.americarecyclesday.org.

The Laboratory and JCNNM are also sponsoring a Recycle Materials Fair for students in Northern New Mexico schools to be held on Jan. 18, 2001. Teachers began receiving materials from the Lab today.

For questions about what the Laboratory recycles, employees can visit http://emeso.lanl.gov/useful_info/recycle/recycle.html. Or contact waste management coordinators in your organizations. Questions also may also be sent to wastenot@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

--John Bass

When it's snowing outside....

Wondering if the Lab will be open or delayed because of snow?

There's a new, toll-free employee hotline that employees can call to find out. That toll free number is 1-877-723-4101. The toll free number provides easy access to the UPDATE phone number that employees should call to find out if the Lab's operating schedule is affected by winter storms. The hotline is the Lab's official, primary source for obtaining such information.

The local phone number for Santa Fe and Los Alamos residents is 667-6622. The message will not change unless there has been a change in schedule at the Laboratory or new information concerning an emergency. The Laboratory's Early Dismissal/Closure/Delayed Opening Plan for determining the Lab's operating schedule because of inclement weather involves several resources. Gene Darling of Emergency Management and Response (S-8) said the on-duty EM&R officer keeps up with the latest local forecast and usually knows ahead of time if a weather system can potentially affect the Lab's schedule. In the case of Lab closures or delayed openings, the process usually begins around 3 a.m. The on-duty Emergency Management and Response officer begins receiving calls from Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico Roads and Grounds, Protection Technology Los Alamos, and Utilities and Infrastructure to receive information on road conditions at the Lab. The EM&R officer calls the State Highway and Transportation Department, Los Alamos Police Department, New Mexico State Police and the Air Quality Group (ESH-17) for weather and additional information. Once the officer has received the latest information concerning road conditions, JCNNM's progress in clearing sidewalks and parking lots, current weather conditions and the forecast for what is expected to occur later that day, he or she discusses the situation with other EM&R personnel before contacting the Director's Office. There are several backup contacts throughout each phase of the plan in case the primary cannot be reached for any reason. That person then confers with DOE senior managers. The final decision and authority on whether to close entirely, delay opening or dismiss early rests with the DOE Los Alamos Area Office. Once such a decision has been made, the duty manager at EM&R is contacted; EM&R personnel call the primary contact in Public Affairs. The individual places the message on the UPDATE information hotline first, then types the information on a new Web-based pager system for completely deaf Lab employees. If it's a delayed opening or closure, he or she then calls various radio and television stations, asking them to report the Lab's operating status. In the case of an early dismissal, the information is immediately put on the UPDATE Information Hotline and the Daily Newsbulletin. E-mail announcing the early dismissal also is sent to master management and administrative distribution for dissemination to all employees. Emergency Management personnel also contact the Los Alamos Public Schools superintendent, Los Alamos and State police, PTLA and other organizations. The entire process for delayed opening or Lab closure usually is completed before 5:30 a.m., giving Lab and contractor employees time to find out ahead of time what the situation is at the Lab. Darling says the plan works relatively well when bad weather occurs very early in the morning, but there's really not much EM&R can do in terms of warnings when bad weather strikes the area unexpectedly after 5 a.m. "There's just no time to adequately respond to the situation," he said. If you are at work and want to know if the Lab is closing early, periodically call the UPDATE hotline (667-6622) or check the daily Newsbulletin (remember to click the "Reload" button if you have previously accessed the site). If you are at home and want to know if the Lab is on a delayed opening schedule or is closed for the day, call the hotline first. Listen to the news on radio or television stations. For more information about the Lab's Early Dismissal/Closure/Delayed Opening Plan, call 7-6211. --Kathy DeLucas

Fact Sheet: WINTER DRIVING The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car. Battery Antifreeze Wipers and windshield washer fluid Ignition system Thermostat Lights Flashing hazard lights Exhaust system Heater Brakes Defroster Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety) Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation. Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Carry food and water. Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving. Winter Car Kit Keep these items in your car: Flashlights with extra batteries First aid kit with pocket knife Necessary medications Several blankets Sleeping bags Extra newspapers for insulation Plastic bags (for sanitation) Matches Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap Rain gear and extra clothes Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels Small shovel Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver) Booster cables Set of tire chains or traction mats Cards, games, and puzzles Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag Canned fruit and nuts Non-electric can opener Bottled water

IF TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A BLIZZARD Stay in the car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the car hood. Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. For warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration. Wind Chill "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder. Winter Storm Watches and Warnings A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours. Frostbite and Hypothermia Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

Cold Turkey lunch to help smokers quit is Thursday

Having trouble quitting smoking? Been thinking about quitting but need some help?

From noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Occupational Medicine (ESH-2) is hosting a "Cold Turkey" lunch to help smokers quit smoking. The free lunch is in Room 106 of the Wellness Center at Technical Area 3.

The cold turkey lunch coincides with the American Cancer Society's 24th annual Great American Smokeout to encourage smokers to stop smoking.

Seating for the "Cold Turkey" lunch is limited to 20, so Lab personnel should sign up by calling the Wellness Center at 7-7166 or registering at www.esh.lanl.gov/~wellness/classes/healthpromo.html online.

"It used to be that going 'cold turkey' was the only way to quit smoking," said Amy Anderson of the Lab's Employee Assistance Program, part of ESH-2. "Now, there are many approaches available for a smoker to kick the habit."

At the cold turkey lunch, participants can learn about the latest approaches to smoking cessation; nicotine replacement aides; foods that curb the nicotine crazes; and resources and programs available at the Lab to help smokers quit. There will be literature available about quitting smoking as well as information about studies comparing success rates and the various methods used.

"Quitting isn't easy," said Anderson, who directs the Lab's smoking cessation program. "Many smokers try multiple times before they are successful. If you are trying to quit, you aren't doing it wrong," she said, noting that with each attempt to quit smokers learn more about what works for them and what doesn't.

And according to Anderson, it is never too late to stop smoking. She said physiological changes occur in smokers within 20 minutes of stopping smoking. She said a smoker's blood pressure drops, pulse rate decreases and body temperature of their hands and feet increases to normal.

After one day without smoking, a smoker's chances of heart attack decreases and after two days, nerve endings start regrowing and a smoker's ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

Within three months, a former smoker's lung capacity increases up to 30 percent, while after nine months of no smoking, a smoker's overall energy increases, while coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease.

Anderson said after one year of not smoking, risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker, and after five years, the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker, while stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker.

For more information, call Anderson at 7-7339.

Additional information also can be found at the American Cancer Society's web page: www.cancer.org/tobacco/quitSmok.html online.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research also has published a brochure, "You Can Quit Smoking," which can be found at http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/ch_quits.htm online.

And the Public Health Service recently published a revised clinical practice guideline, "Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence," that can be found at www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/ online.

--Steve Sandoval

On today's bulletin board
Commuter's Corner | Parking areas around TA-3 | Parking shuttle routes (pdf) or jpeg
NEW NNM Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday NEW Lost: silver cufflink NEW Lost: diamond earrings LA Historical Society presents third lecture tonight Financial Wellness presentation on Thursday LANL wall calendars available Monday Volunteer Opportunities NMHU offers BA degrees in Business and Education Improving the Performance of your GC and GC/MS YMCA activities for Nov. ESH-2 offering flu vaccinations Found: four barrel-type keys	News from Computer Corner Management Institute call for nominations German Study Group will begin reading "Emil und die drei Zwillinge" Eighth Leadership Institute December 3-8 Project Recovery offering support group meetings Los Alamos Historical Society has launched fundraising campaign Fidelity Investments at Lab on Nov. 14 -16 Pajarito Mountain Cafe open through Nov. Stop Mail marketing plan Employees leaving Lab must attend termination presentation What is P2 IQ 4U?