Thursday, July 3, 2003

CalPers long-term care plan enrollment extended

Open Enrollment for the CalPERS long term care plan has been extended though July 31.

University of California Laboratory employees and their families are eligible for the program, which is designed to offer protection from the potentially devastating cost of long-term care.

Long-term care is the extended care needed to perform activities of daily living like bathing, dressing or eating caused by accidents, chronic conditions or frailty of old age.

Application packets can be obtained from the CalPERS Web site at http://www.calpers.ca.gov/longtermcare/apply/app-kit.htm online.

For more information on the CalPers long-term care program, see the March 31 Daily Newsbulletin.

Updated 7/3/03

Wellness Center closing early today

The Wellness Center will close at 5 p.m. today for the Independence Day holiday weekend. For more information, contact the Wellness Center at 7-7166.

Updated 7/3/03

Lab cafeterias open shorter hours today

The Otowi Building cafeteria at Technical Area 3 is open under reduced hours today. In addition, the cafeteria at TA-55 is closed and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center at TA-53 is serving breakfast only.

Aramark Corp. operates the cafeterias for the Laboratory.

The Otowi Building cafeteria is open from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today; the Sweet Shoppe next to the cafeteria is open from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Helen French of Aramark Corp. The cafeteria at LANSCE serves breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 this morning, while the cuisine trucks will have an abbreviated menu.

The cafeterias resume normal operating hours on Monday, July 7.

For more information, call 7-3591.

Updated 7/3/03

KIWANIS and Los Alamos County 4th of July Fireworks

The Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos and Los Alamos County will again sponsor the annual July 4th celebration at Overlook Park in White Rock. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include games for the kids and adults, a dunking booth with Los Alamos County councilors and other dignataries, food and drink venders, political pundits and candidates and information booths by local organizations. A fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Kiwanis plans to fire 756 rounds this year. A $3 donation per person is asked at the entrance gate to cover the cost of fireworks. Families of four or more are $10 at the gate and automobiles with four or more people are $12.

Music begins at 3 p.m. with disc jockey Sam Kendricks leading the activities. The Hill Stompers, Los Alamos' community marching band, will play old favorites throughout the day and evening and the Los Alamos Community Winds orchestra will perform patriotic music. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., South By Southwest will perform. Local veteran's organizations, along with a contingent from JROTC, will officially open the festivities at 9 p.m. with a flag raising ceremony to the accompaniment of Valarie Delgado's medly of patriotic songs . The flag raising will be preceded by remarks from State Rep. Jeannette Wallace, R-Los Alamos, Sandoval, and welcoming remarks from Los Alamos County and Kiwanis.

A special treat this year will be The Order of the Thistle Pipe and Drum corps from Albuquerque and Santa Fe. This bagpipe group will play at the entrance gate from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Family picnics are encouraged. Charcoal or propane fires in grills are authorized; no open fires please. As at all public functions, dogs/pets are discouraged on the field, but if you must, bring a scoop and disposal bag. Kiwanis will provide American flags to the first 1,000 children attending the day's activities. 3D glasses to enhance the fireworks experience will be for sale, as will red, white, and blue glow strings, commemorative T-shirts, and other patriotic fare. From 4 to 6 p.m., children are encouraged to visit the fireworks firing area accompanied by an adult.

To arrange for organizations to have a booth or to participate in some other way, contact Don Landry at 7-3627, Sandra Landry at 5-6346 or Katherine Guidry at 662-6721.

Updated 7/1/03

FSN events

• Infant Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday (July 3)
• Craft:  Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday (July 9)
• Infant Support Group, 10:30 a.m to noon, Thursday (July 10)
• Adult Craft:  Introduction to Scrapbooks, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Friday (July 11). Bring four to six photos of an event or subject
• Red Cross Babysitting class, 8:30 a.m. to noon, July 15, 16 and 17 and Aug. 12, 13 and 14, Cost: $30

All events are at the Family Resource Center; 1990 Diamond Drive. For more information or to register, call 662-4515.

Updated 7/3/03

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers needed for Laboratory Family Festival
The Laboratory Family Festival, a special 60th Anniversary event, is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Sullivan Field in Los Alamos. This all-day festival will salute members of the extended Laboratory family - past and present - for their many contributions to this great institution and thank our families for their outstanding support and dedication.

The Festival planning committee is looking for suggestions and volunteers. Anyone who wishes to volunteer their time or submit ideas for activities can write to familyfestival@lanl.gov by electronic mail or call Min Park at 7-5701.  Additionally they are looking for face painters, jugglers, expert grillers, greeters and ideas for games, races and other activities.

For more information or to register, go to http://sixty.lanl.gov/festival online. Deadline for registration is Wednesday (July 9).

Call for volunteers from Mentoring New Mexico
Mentoring New Mexico is looking for people to "cyber-mentor" high school students starting in September. Cyber-mentoring, or Ementoring as it's sometimes called, means working with a student interested in a field with his/her school work, projects and interests. It also means helping the student explore the possibility of making the field his/her career. Meetings with the student are face to face at his/her high school initially and once a month thereafter but otherwise communication is primarily by email or by telephone. The program will serve Santa Fe, Pojoaque and Española high schools.

Mentoring New Mexico, a non-profit mentoring program, will provide the necessary training (at the Lab), background checks (as needed) and will match you with an appropriate student by field.

For more information, contact Gene Weisfeld at 988-1611 or write to mnm@swcp.com by electronic mail for more information or an application.

Donate books for northern NM children and young adults
Carmen Rodriguez of RRES-ECR is helping with the Española Farmers' Market by supplying childrens books. If you have any books for children or young adults, and would like to donate them to families in northern New Mexico, contact Rodriguez. She is located at the Pueblo Complex (Room 104-C), or by phone at 5-6770.

Updated 7/3/03

Wellness Center class

The Portable Gym: Register for this 45-minute class and learn about the latest in compact, inexpensive and easy-to-use equipment that can be taken just about anywhere. 12:05 to 12:50 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, Wellness Center Room 106.

Health promotion classes are open to the entire Laboratory work force. No fee, but pre-registration is required. For related classes and online registration, go to http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/svc/classes/hp/hp_sch.htm online.

For more information, contact the Wellness Center at 7-7166.

Updated 7/2/03

Dahl Wholesale Supply to close Los Alamos office

Dahl Wholesale Supply, the Laboratory's Just-In-Time Subcontractor for plumbing products, will be closing their Los Alamos facility effective Monday, June 30. They will support the Laboratory from their Santa Fe facility located on 1000 Siler Park Lane. Their telephone numbers, points of contact and delivery requirements will remain unchanged having minimal impact on Laboratory customers.

For questions, contact Dave Martin of Dahl Wholesale Supply at 662-2600 or Florence Serna at 5-7008.

Updated 6/27/03

IACUC Zoonosis workshop on July 8

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are hosting a Zoonosis workshop for all animal handlers at the Laboratory. The workshop is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on July 8 at the TA-43 auditorium.

For more information, contact Shayna Whitaker at 672-2288 or Laura Marsh at 5-6092.

Updated 6/26/03

Tour de Los Alamos on July 12 and 13

The 31st annual Tour de Los Alamos will be held on July 12 and 13. The public is invited to ride the 27 mile citizens race/tour around the Lab on Sunday, July 13. $15 pre-entry fee. Medals to top finishers in each age category. Free T-shirts and water bottles to first 200 entrants.

For more information, go to http://tourdela.home.mindspring.com/ online, pick up flyers at the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, or County pool or write to bcl@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Tour de Los Alamos is a Lab sanctioned organization.

Updated 6/25/03

Computer Corner news

Just-In-Time for all COMPAQ products and miscellaneous brands of parts, monitors, scanners, printers, drives, memory, software, accessories and more -- more than 20,000 items from Computer Corner.  

Brands like: NEC/Mitsubishi, Epson, Viewsonic, Sony, Palm, Compaq, Kingston, Targus, Microsoft, Symantec and more.

For more products and information, go to www.compcorner.com online, call Adam Warren at (505) 228-2005 or write to awarren@compcorner.com by electronic mail.

Updated 6/24/03

EAP survey

The Employee Assistance Program, part of Occupational Medicine (HSR-2), is a confidential counseling service available to all employees who work at the Laboratory. Employees can use EAP services to address any issue that impacts quality of life.

The EAP constructed a survey to better understand factors influencing workers use of the EAP and the data collection period for the EAP confidential study has begun. Thanks to all employees who received the anonymous survey, completed it and returned it to HR-WDA. For those of you who received the survey and have not yet returned it, please take a few minutes to do so. The information will be help us to understand how EAP is viewed across the work force and how concerns about confidentiality are impacting or may impact our workers.

Updated 6/24/03

CDC public meeting on July 9

A public meeting of the study team for CDC's Los Alamos Historical Document Retrieval and Assessment Project is from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 9. Agenda items will include discussions by CDC and ENSR of the status of the project-information gathering that has been underway at the Laboratory for over four years, but is not nearly complete. CDC will discuss the outlook for completion of "Phase 1" information gathering and the possibility of work beyond that at Los Alamos. There will be time for public input, questions and comments.

The meeting will be at Northern New Mexico Community College, Joseph Montoya Building- Lower Level, Room AD-104, Española Campus, 921 Paseo de Oñate, Española.

For more information, contact Phil Green at 404-498-1717 or write to prg1@cdc.gov by electronic mail or Tom Widner at 510-748-6700 ext 6788 or write to twidner@ensr.com by electronic mail.

Updated 6/23/03

CNM North Mesa Riders needs volunteers

Challenge New Mexico North Mesa Riders, a horseback riding program for physically and mentally challenged community members, needs volunteers for the 6 p.m. class on Tuesday's and at 5 and 6 p.m. on Thursday's. No horse experience necessary. Folks who like to work outdoors, enjoy animals, and want to make a significant contribution to children and adults in our community are needed. For more information, contact Sue Bargeloh at 7-8036.

CNM North Mesa Riders is planning to host a week-long horseback day camp for children who face physical and mental challenges. Several items are needed to complete the new facility. The following items are needed (a tax receipt from the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization can be provided): strong, mid-size to large wooden or metal table; metal, plastic or wooden chairs; microwave oven that works; medium-sized TV that works; VCR that works; large water dispenser, similar to those used on picnics (not a bottled water dispenser); saw horses and blanket or quilt stands; garden canopy/patio tent or outdoor patio table with umbrella; anything that would help with art projects; used games (board games, outdoor games, puzzles); and standalone metal, wooden or plastic closets with doors that close, suitable for storing horse and therapy equipment.

To help the CNM North Mesa Riders with work projects, contact Sue at 7-8036. Most project work will be done in the evenings or on weekends. We need warm bodies who can use basic tools (hammers, saws, rakes, etc). to help us with several construction projects at our facility. Time commitments will vary per project, generally four to six hours per project. Sodas and snacks provided.

Updated 6/19/03

Integrity Networking Systems news

Integrity Networking Systems Inc. Xerox demo printer for sale. Experience the incredible ease of use and the stunning image quality when you purchase the Phaser 8200 Solid Ink Printer. The single-pass printer prints up to 16PPM, has 128MB memory, 10/100BaseTX ethernet, and automatic two-sided printing. One year on-site warranty included. Call Litita Romero at 505-294-7747 for special demo pricing. All Xerox printers available on the Laboratory Just-in-Time contract.

Integrity Networking Systems has a Phaser 6200DP Laser printer demo unit for sale. The 6200 prints 16PPM, has 128MB memory, 10-100BaseTX ethernet, and automatic two-sided printing. One year on-site warranty included.

Single-pass printing technology, a powerful processor and plenty of meomry easily puts the PHASER 7300 at the top of its class. The Phaser 7300DT LED Tabloid color printer prints 30PPM in color and 37PPM in black. This printer comes with 256MB memory, 10/100BaseTX ethernet, and automatic two-sided printing. One year on-site warranty included.

For more information, call Lititia Romero at (505)294-7747. All Xerox printers available on the Laboratory Just-in-Time contract.

Updated 6/19/03

Amateur Radio Licensing exams on July 15

The Los Alamos Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring Amateur Radio Licensing exams for all classes of licenses. Exams will be given at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at the White Rock Training Center. Pre-registration is not required. All applicants should bring a photo ID, a simple calculator and $12 for the ARRL exam fee. License upgrades will require the original and a copy of your current amateur license and any CSCEs for credit. All other required forms will be provided at the exam session.

For more information, contact Kyle Carr, KM5P, at 7-3641 or 661-8967 or write to km5p@arrl.net by electronic mail.

Updated 6/17/03

Family YMCA registering for July 4 Firecracker Run

The Los Alamos Family YMCA is accepting registrations for its annual July 4 Firecracker Run. The 5-kilometer run begins at 8:30 a.m. from the north end of the YMCA parking lot downtown.

Race check-in begins at 8 a.m. and there are several age group categories for men and women. There also will be prizes awarded to the top overall male and female finisher.

Race-day registration is from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. The cost to enter the run is $10 for the first member, $8 for a second family member and $6 for subsequent family members. But family members must register at the same time to qualify for the family discount, according to a news release from the Family YMCA.

The Los Alamos Family YMCA is located at 1450 Iris St.

For more information, contact John Marble at 662-3100.

Updated 5/27/03

Radiochemistry conference July 13-16 in Carlsbad

The 2003 Radiochemistry Conference, sponsored by the Radiochemistry Society, will be held July 13-16 in Carlsbad. The conference includes a one day technical workshop, "Education in radiochemistry: an academic and a public problem," on July 14. Technical sessions are scheduled the following two days.

Details on the conference and workshop can be found at http://www.radiochemistry.org/rc_2003conference.html online or contact Jim Conca of Carlsbad Operations (EES-12) at (505) 628-3934.

Updated 6/23/03

Project management workshop scheduled for July

Doing projects succesfully and delivering results on time and within budget is [one of] the most effective tool for obtaining future funding. On July 8-10, the Leadership Center in Training and Development (HR-TD) is hosting a workshop focusing on individual skill building and the essential elements of project management. These include:

• Building high performing teams;
• Establishing project definitions that are clear and realistic;
• Understanding the detailed steps in project planning;
• Optimizing trade-offs;
• Developing a baseline plan and monitoring procedures;
• Tracking progress and fixing problems;
• Closing out a project.

The course is customized for the Laboratory and presented by Erika Jones and Associates. The workshop also will include case studies for participants.

For more information and to register, go to http://www.hr.lanl.gov/TIOCourses/TIOSession.asp?CourseSession=196920014 online or call Harry Thomas of HR-TD at 7-4002.

Updated 5/15/03

Plutonium Futures conference in July

The Plutonium Futures conference is July 6-10 at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel. The conference addresses scientific and technical issues surrounding plutonium and other actinides and attempts to educate the public and students on these topics.

Registration cost is $450. For American Nuclear Society members, the cost is $400.

For more information, contact Kathy DeLucas of Communication Arts and Services (IM-1) at 5-3618 or write to duke@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Updated 1/9/03

Employees leaving Lab must attend termination presentation

Employees who are leaving the Laboratory or changing to casual status must attend a benefits termination presentation held by Benefits (HR-B).

The termination presentations are held every Laboratory pay day for University of California Lab employees. Employees who are retiring aren't required to attend a presentation, but rather, they should schedule a meeting with their designated benefits specialist.

The presentations begin at 8:30 a.m. in room P280 on the second floor of the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3. Pre-registration is required. Employees should register on line at http://hrcluster.lanl.gov/TIOCourses/TIOAha.asp?CourseNumber=21013 one to two weeks prior to their last scheduled work day to sign up for a benefits termination presentation.

Employees also must obtain a departure processing form from Staffing (HR-S) before the presentation. This form is available at http://www.hr.lanl.gov/hrstaffing/Terminations/index.stm online.

At the presentation, employees will receive a packet of information about their benefits and savings balances. They will learn about options to continue or convert insurance plans and distribution options for savings funds.

Employees who require a sign language interpreter should write to benefits@lanl.gov by e-mail three days in advance of the presentation they plan to attend. Or call the benefits office at 5-3842 (TDD).

Because of limited parking, employees should plan to arrive early and/or make alternative transportation arrangements, such as using Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico's ride service.

Updated 10/25/02

Lost and found

Lost: Gold band by Otowi. If found, call 5-1672.

Lost: key ring with two keys and two remotes in or around the Otowi Building. If found, write to chdavis@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: Gold wedding band ring found on the fourth floor of the Administration Building on June 12. Call Carolyn or Lucy at 7-5101 to claim.

Lost: pair of wireless glasses in a small blue bag near the Otowi Building on June 13. If found, call Rebecca at 7-7436.

Lost: a silver earring with three stones - top yellow, middle pink and bottom gray (the largest and a prehistoric stone) somewhere between Otowi Building and SM-28. If found, contact Mable at 5-0528.

Lost: lapis tennis bracelet in the vicinity of Otowi Building on June 11. If found, call Lou at 663-5555.

Found: a government key attached to a Hayworth key on a white plastic clip. To claim, contact Felix at the locksmiths office.

Lost: gold and silver chain ring bracelet. If found, write to cross@lanl.gov by electronic mail or call 5-4444, ext 814.

Lost: key ring with two keys (both have colored grips), there also may be a small Smith's card attached. Lost somewhere in the TA-3 vicinity. If found, write to madrids@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: a pair of prescription wire frame glasses in the TA-3 Otowi Building parking lot on May 16. Contact Gerri at 5-6311 to claim.

Lost: key ring with Nissan key and remote. If found, please call 5-5853 or write to psadasivan@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Lost: Palm Pilot on May 6. If found, write to Al_Eddebbarh@Notes.YMP.GOV by electronic mail.

Lost: keys at TA-3 near HSR-2, set of 3 keys on black pin on fob. Lost on May 12. If found, please call 5-2653 and leave a message or write to djuarros@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: 24" gold chain in Otowi Building. Call 5-8525 to identify and pick up.

Commuter's Corner

To run an ad, contact the Newsbulletin at newsbulletin@lanl.gov or 7-6103.

• Airplane pools
• Abiquiu
• Albuquerque
• Alcalde
• Bernalillo
• Chimayo
• Eldorado
• Española
• Jemez Springs
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• Santa Fe
• Velarde
• Commercial Transportation Options
• LA Bus Schedules and Fares
• Park-and-ride Commuter Bus Service Schedule (pdf)
  More information also is available on the May 5 Daily Newsbulletin