Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Arms control expert speaks March 18 at Laboratory

Scott D. Sagan, co-director and professor of political science at the Center for International Security and Arms Control at Stanford University, is scheduled to speak March 18 at the Laboratory.

His talk, "The Madman Nuclear Alert: Secrecy, Signaling and Safety in Past and Future Nuclear Crises," is at 10:30 a.m., in the Materials Science Laboratory Auditorium at Technical Area 3 (Building 1698) and is open to all Laboratory workers. The unclassified talk provides insights on the nuclear alert ordered by President Richard Nixon in October 1969 to convince Soviet and North Vietnamese leaders that he might do anything to end the war in Vietnam.

Sagan will be available for questions from the audience after the talk.

For more information, call Corine Ortiz of the Deputy Director for National Security (DDNS) Office at 7-9808.

Updated 3/10/04

All School Art Show at Mesa Public Library

March is National Youth Art Month. The art is everywhere in the Mesa Public Library. The elementary schools are showing downstairs in Youth Services, the middle school students have work on the main level and the high school students' work is displayed in the third floor gallery.

Don't miss this great exhibit which will run from March 5 - 31. The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours.

For more information, call 662-8247.

Updated 3/10/04

Skolnik training classes

Skolnik Technical Training Institute will host two training seminars at the Canyon Complex in March.

• A two-day "Introduction to RF" training seminar, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 29 - 30. This class will introduce the discipline of RF and µwaves, including the theory and practical aspects of RF components, design, test and measurement. Tuition is $999.
• A three-day "Advanced General RF Microwave Measurement, Theory, and Practice" training seminar, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 31 - April 2. This class will enhance learning from the Basics RF seminar to a superior level of knowledge, allowing design and troubleshooting more effectively. Tuition is $1399.

For more information, go to http://www.skolnik-tech.com/ online or call Skolnik at (505) 299-1157.

Updated 3/10/04

Teen film series at Mesa Public Library

To celebrate Fridays, Mesa Public Library Youth Services is starting a film series just for teens. On the third Friday afternoon of each month, from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m., there will be a free movie and popcorn for teens in the upstairs meeting room 'theater'.

The series begins March 19. Please note that due to licensing restrictions, we cannot use the film's title outside of the libraries. Please come by the libraries for more information including the title. Or call 662-8247 for details.

Updated 3/10/04

Hunter safety class on March 27-28

There will be a Hunter Safety training class from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 27-28, at the Los Alamos Sportsmans Club. This training is mandated by the state of New Mexico before anyone under the age of 18 can apply for a New Mexico lottery hunt.

Students must attend all class sessions. Students under 11 must have a parent/guardian present at all times. No live ammo allowed at class. Absolutely no firearms from home allowed at class. Students should bring a sack lunch. Donation: $5.

To register and schedule pickup of student materials, call James at 690-5621.

Updated 3/10/04

LALO presents "The Music Man"

Los Alamos Light Opera's production of "The Music Man" is at 7:30 p.m., March 12, 13, 19 and 20, in the Duane Smith Auditorium. Tickets are $12 ($10 for students and seniors) and are available at Gordons' Tapes and CDs in Los Alamos or at the door.

For more information, call 662-6653.

Updated 3/9/04

Mesa Public Library authors talk and book signing on March 20

Barbara Waters and Patrick Burns talk and book signing is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., March 20, in the Mesa Public Library third floor meeting rooms.

Burns is a singer, songwriter and music teacher in northern New Mexico. He is a Los Alamos High School Alumni and taught at the high school and at Pinon Elementary School last year. Burns was one of the contributors to the Frank Waters Centennial celebration and book, and will be talking about his recent book, "In the Shadow of Los Alamos: Selected Writings of Edith Warner," a fascinating account of a legendary Northern New Mexico figure and the first publication of many pieces of Edith Warner's writing. In addition to the book talk, Stephanie Burns will give a reading of Edith Warner's work.

For more information, contact the Mesa Public Library at 662-8247 or go to the County Web site at www.lac-nm.us online then scroll down to Mesa Public Library.

Updated 3/9/04

Community job fair Thursday at UNM-Los Alamos

Department of Labor Secretary Conroy Chino is the keynote speaker at a community job fair Thursday at University of New Mexico's Los Alamos branch campus.

The Laboratory is co-hosting the job fair with UNM, Los Alamos, Los Alamos National Bank and the Los Alamos Medical Center. It is open to all Northern New Mexico residents.

Chino is scheduled to speak at about 1:15 p.m. The job fair begins at 2 p.m., in the UNM, Los Alamos Student Center, Building 2.

Companies who pay a $100 booth fee ($50 if a member of the Los Alamos County Chamber of Commerce) can meet with job-seekers and provide information about job openings in their company, said Debbie Valdez, UNM, Los Alamos' associate campus director.

For more information, call Sue Hoffman of the Los Alamos County Chamber of Commerce at 661-4844 or the Recruiting team in Staffing (HR-S) at 7-2955.

Updated 3/9/04

MATLAB seminar on April 20

MathWorks, Inc. is hosting a seminar on using MATLAB for image processing and mapping in aerospace and defense from 8:30 a.m. to noon, April 20, in Albuquerque. Discover how MATLAB can provide a complete environment for image and map analysis, data visualization and algorithm design. MathWorks engineers will provide an introduction to MATLAB and related toolboxes. They will demonstrate image processing and mapping functionality, and present case studies of customers who have solved their own technical challenges with MathWorks products. Experts will be on-hand to answer your image processing and mapping questions.

During this half-day seminar, discover how MathWorks products can help access data from a wide variety of file formats and data products; organize and manipulate data for exploration, analysis, and visualization; execute standard image processing and mapping functions, such as segmentation, spatial transforms and map projections; create maps that display vector, image, and gridded raster data from multiple sources in their correct spatial relationships; and design innovative analysis techniques from domains such as signal processing, statistics, neural networks, wavelets and more.

For more information, contact Paul Nihill of The Mathworks Inc. at (508) 647-7123, write to pnihill@mathworks.com by electronic mail or go to http://www.mathworks.com/company/seminars/seminar6144.jsp online.

Updated 3/9/04

Volunteer opportunities

1. A mechanical engineer is needed to participate in McCurdy's annual career day from 8:30 to 11 a.m., April 15. The request is for hands-on activity/demonstration. Presenters will give three 25 minute presentations on area of expertise. If interested, call 753-7221, ex. 242, write to Nickel0917@yahoo.com by electronic mail or call Olivia Martinez at 7-4583.

2. Hands Across Cultures is looking for a computer expert(s) to provide some assistance in assessing computers they received through the Laboratory/State salvage program. They want someone who can tell them about computer's life and usage and what software will be required to run them. If interested, contact Olivia Martinez at 7-4583.

3. Los Alamos County is taking applications for Board vacancies until March 12 for Council consideration. To apply for these vacancies or to learn more about a board, call the County Administrator's Office at 662-8080. All applicants must be County residents. To download a Board application, go to www.lac-nm.us (Boards & Commission link) online.

• Interested in enhancing visual arts availability in the County? Apply for the Arts in Public Places Board.
• Concerned about historic preservation in Los Alamos? The Fuller Lodge/Historic District Advisory Board needs your help.
• Want to see more places to play in Los Alamos? The Parks and Recreation Board wants you.
• Have human resources experience you'd like to share? The Personnel Board has a spot for you.
• Interested in land development issues in the County? Apply for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Concerned about recycling? The Solid Waste Management Board needs your help.
• Got an idea for how to expand public transportation or pedestrian options locally? Apply for the Transportation Board.

Updated 3/5/04

Workshops on preventing retaliation rescheduled

All Laboratory managers from SET through deputy group leader level were required to attend a four-hour workshop on Management Actions to Detect and Prevent Retaliation. However, heavy snows and Laboratory closures resulted in the cancellation of several of these classes. To ensure that all managers who are required to participate in the training have an opportunity to do so, 11 additional classes have been scheduled in April. Registration for the make-up classes differs than from signing up for previous classes.

To register for a make-up class, go to the Virtual Training Center at http://int.lanl.gov/training/training.shtml online. In the left-side bar, click on Leadership. Under Leadership Training, click on Leadership & Management to pull up course options for course number 28257. If you have questions about registering, please contact the Registrar at 7-9071.

This is the last series of classes that will be provided for this required training. Supervisors (team leaders, program managers, etc.) and Human Resources Generalists may elect to attend the training. Classes with fewer than 10 people registered may be cancelled.

For more information, contact Sue Bargeloh of Training and Development (HR-TD) at 7-8036.

Updated 3/5/04

Trinity Site spring tour April 3

The National Atomic Museum's Trinity Site semi-annual tour is scheduled for April 3.

The tour includes docent lectures, walking Ground Zero, viewing of Jumbo and visiting the McDonald Ranch House. Seats for the tour are limited; interested participants can make reservations by calling the museum store at (505) 242-6083. Tour buses will leave the museum at 6 a.m. and return about 4 p.m. Participants will be treated to lunch at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

Cost of the tour is $50 per person. The tour is preceded on the night before by a lecture at the National Atomic Museum   given by Ben Benjamin, who was at Trinity for the first atomic bomb test. The lecture begins at 7 p.m., and is free to tour participants. Admission for nontour participants is $3.

The National Atomic Museum is located in Albuquerque. For more information about the museum, go to http://www.atomicmuseum.com/ online.

Updated 3/5/04

Research Library news

The Laboratory's Research Library (STB-RL) has set up four public terminals for Lab users only. The terminals require a cryptocard for access. What is the benefit of this setup? You can now:

• View technical reports (because we are open to the public these have been restricted)
• Get to the internal LANL website
• See ejournals that have been blocked from the public terminals.

Note: The remaining terminals do not currently require crytocards, but what you will see is strictly green network.

For more information, contact Lou Pray of STB-RL at 5-2756.

Updated 3/5/04

FSN news

• Toddler Support Group - Every Wednesday join our active group of parents and toddlers as they gather to network and play in our living room/play area. Come relax with this great group of families. Craft activities are provided twice a month. Please call for craft dates and to register. 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays
• Infant Support Group, join other moms and a registered nurse from Los Alamos Medical Center for discussion on topics that are important to raising infants. Meet other parents for networking and support. 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursdays
• Parenting with a Purpose - Learn how to development positive communication, joy and communication skills in your family. Fee: $10. Call to register. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 11
• Zoo to You - This wonderful zoo program featuring live animals from the Rio Grande Zoo is coming. Reserve a spot now. Call to register. Three morning sessions, Tuesday, March 23

Family Strengths Network is located in the Pueblo Complex, 1990 Diamond Drive. For more information or to register, call 662-4515 or go to http://www.losalamos.com/familystrengths online.

Updated 3/5/04

Wellness Center class

The following Health Promotion classes are open to the entire Laboratory work force. No fee.

Snack Attack - for Work and Play: If your idea of a mid-day snack is a trip to the vending machine, it's time for some quick and healthy alternatives that will keep you energized. Participants will learn how to match the snack to the situation. 12:05 to 12:50 p.m., Thursday, March 11, Tentative location: Wellness Center Room 106 (call for confirmation).

Register at http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/svc/classes/hp/hp_sch.htm online or call the Wellness Center at 7-7166 for more information.

Updated 3/10/04

Mountain biking classes start in April at Los Alamos Family YMCA

The Los Alamos Family YMCA, a Laboratory sanctioned organization, is offering introductory mountain biking classes starting April 7. There will be a coed and women's only class.

The classes are for participants age 13 and up and will provide a fun and safe environment to learn about proper mountain bike fitness and maintenance; riding techniques; trail etiquette; and how to be self-sufficient on trails and on rides in forest areas, said Jennifer Witt of the Los Alamos Family YMCA.

The coed class begins April 7 and ends April 28. The women's only class is from May 5-26. The classes cost $45 for YMCA members, $62 for nonmembers.

The Los Alamos Family YMCA is located at 1450 Iris St., downtown. For more information, contact Witt at 662-3100.

Updated 3/3/04

Food to Work by program begins this month at Wellness Center

Challenge yourself and your coworkers to a healthier way of eating during the workday. Register today for Food to Work By, a motivational program celebrating National Nutrition Month® in March. Join with a buddy, team or go solo. Choose from activities like Lunch Swaps, Take the Break Room Challenge, and more ideas for workday meals, potlucks and snacks. Prizes in several categories.

Program runs from March 8 - 26. No registration fee; the entire Laboratory workforce is eligible to participate.

Register at the Wellness Center page at http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/svc/classes/olreg.htm online or contact Marta Gentry Munger at 7-7166 for more information.

Updated 3/2/04

Women Leaders 2004 conference

The University of California, San Francisco, Center for Gender Equity is hosting a conference titled "Women Leaders 2004: A Symposium for Women in University Settings." The conference is May 10 - 11 in San Francisco. Complete program information is available at http://www.ucsf.edu/cge/ online.

For more information, contact Victoria Auer at (415) 476.5222 or write to vauer@genderequity.ucsf.edu by electronic mail.

Updated 2/27/04

Stanford University registration

Stanford Center for Professional Development has begun registration for the Spring 2004 Quarter. SCPD will close registration on March 21. Summer Quarter registration opens on April 25 and closes on June 11.

Select from graduate courses in engineering, computer science, management science and engineering, bioscience, international security and more. For detailed course information, go to http://scpd.stanford.edu/scpd/default.htm online.

For information and registration, contact Michelle Aguino of Training & Development (HR-TD) at 7-9074 or write to Stanford-contact@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Updated 2/27/04

Estate planning seminar March 24 at Research Park

Los Alamos National Bank's financial management department is hosting an estate planning seminar for Laboratory employees on March 24. Titled "Estate Planning Dilemmas and Solutions for LANL Employees," the seminar is free but attendance is limited to 100 participants per session.

The seminar is in the Los Alamos Research Park, located at 4200 West Jemez Road across from the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3.

The half-day event is broken up into a beginning level from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.; an advanced level is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Scheduled speakers include Asenath Kepler, Christopher Schreur, John Hickey, an estate planning attorney, and Mark Napolin.

The event is designed for Lab employees over age 50, but it is open to employees under age 50 contingent on space availability.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Gayle Wood of Los Alamos National Bank at 662-1060 or write to gaylew@lanb.com by electronic mail.

Updated 2/27/04

Ixia seminar on March 16

Ixia is sponsoring a free hands on seminar on March 16 at the Best Western Hilltop. Please join us for hands on demonstrations on IPv6, VoIP, and WLAN.

For a complete agenda and to register, go to http://www.ixiacom.com/news_and_events/us_gov_series/nextgen_ip.php online

For more information, contact Paul Kersse at (703) 499-4082.

Updated 2/27/04

Daffodils for Hospice

The Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service are hosting their annual Daffodils for Hospice sale. The daffodils are cut flowers; 10 stems to a bunch for $5 or two bunches in a vase for $15. The location sale will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday (March 12), at the Hot Rocks Java Cafe.

Sales of these daffodils support the Hospice Programs, the LAVNS and Los Rios Home Health Care in Española.

For more information, call the LAVNS at 662-2525.

Updated 3/8/04

Vacuum seminar in October

Varian Vacuum Technologies will present a seminar on vacuum technology from 8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 13 at the Physics Building Auditorium. The non-commercial presentation is about vacuum technology in general and is applicable to all brands of vacuum equipment.

Workbooks and refreshments will be provided by Varian. Subjects covered include: Brief introduction to vacuum technology, system pressure, total gas load, materials selection, sstem pumping speed, gauging, system operation, Troubleshooting and a question and answer session.

To register, send name and telephone number to tom.mathers@varianinc.com by electronic mail.

Updated 2/26/04

Work assignments needed for homeland security student fellowships at Lab

The Laboratory wants to bring as many as 10 undergraduate and graduate students to Los Alamos this summer to work under a new Department of Homeland Security fellowship program.

The students positions are funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the students would work at Los Alamos for 10 weeks. All placements must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Lab organizations interested in taking on a Department of Homeland Security fellowship student this summer should contact Rick Alexander of the Education Program Office at 5-4373 or write to alexander_rick@lanl.gov by electronic mail. More information also is available at http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/ online.

Updated 2/19/04

Certified Quality Auditor examination

The Northern New Mexico Subsection of the American Society for Quality is offering classes to candidates for the Certified Quality Auditor examination. The classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon beginning Feb. 18 and every Wednesday at the same time through May 26 in room one of the Mesa Public Library.

The cost is free and all persons interested in the certification are welcome to attend. A text (see instructor) is highly recommended but not required. For more information, contact Dick Danforth at 661-7109 after 6 p.m.

Updated 2/19/04

Project Management toolbox scheduled for March 16-18

A three-day project management toolbox course is scheduled for March 16-18 at the Laboratory. The workshop focuses upon individual skill building, and addresses the essential elements of project management, including

• 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 the project.

The course is customized for the Laboratory and presented by Erika Jones and Associates. For more information and registration, go to http://www.hr.lanl.gov/TIOCourses/TIOSession.asp?CourseSession=196920020 online or call Harry Thomas of Training and Development (HR-TD) at 7-4002.

Updated 2/10/04

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: brown framed sunglasses, left in TA-3, Bldg. SM-43, women's first floor bathroom (just opposite the entry door), on March 8 in the morning. If found, contact Donna at 5-0198 or write to dleshne@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: key ring with nine keys and three different charms found in parking lot by SM-456 at the corner of Diamond and Eniwetok. To claim, call 5-8430.

Lost: two women's scarves; one lavender wool, the other velvet and satin. If found, contact Theresa at 5-4574 or write to tgc@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: key ring with one key and "One Love" key chain at TA-35, Bldg. 2. To claim, call 7-7110.

Found: silver butterfly earring at Otowi cafeteria. Ccontact Stella at 7-4889 to identify.

Lost: thick silver choker with in lay black and mother of pearl between Otowi and down the canyon. If found, call 7-8517 or write to dubois@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Lost: black wallet, wool material with rainbow stripes and a zipper across the top. If found, contact Tara at 7-3308.

Found: sunglasses, gray wrap-around style. To claim, call 5-2443.

Lost: ring of keys on a blue carabiner, near Pueblo Complex or on Diamond in the vicinity of the Pueblo Complex. Includes several keys and two keyless entry devices. If found, call 5-5011 or write to becky_cr@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Found: one key on ring with remote control for vehicle. Call 7-3946 to claim or come by room B115 of the Administration Building.

Lost: necklace with a cluster of black pearls possibly near the Central Park Square. Contact Karen at 5-6610.

Found: Silver toned ring with cross and hearts design in parking area between new Occupational Medical Building and Physics Building Auditorium. Contact pwh@lanl.gov.

Found: tinted prescription glasses in a hard black case on pedestrian walk near parking garage at TA-3. Call 5-5758 or send e-mail to jgerken@lanl.gov to claim.

Lost: ladies black gloves at Otowi Building or Otowi west parking lot on Jan. 20. If found, contact Coleen at 5-1201 or write to coleen@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Lost: earring - dangling black bear stone earring for pierced ear approximately an inch in length. Lost in TA-3, Bldg. 261 area. If found, call 7-0874 or write to lafave@lanl.gov by electronic mail

Found: gold ring at the Otowi Building. Contact nelda@lanl.gov or daltonj@lanl.gov. Must provide ring description.

Found: key ring with one key and name of Melton on keychain at SM-30. To claim, call 7-0037.

Lost: sterling silver hoop earring (3/16" w) for pierced ears either near TA-43, HRL or TA-35, Building 2. If found, contact susanc@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Commuter's Corner

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

• Airplane pools

• Abiquiu

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• Eldorado

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• Commercial Transportation Options

• LA Bus Schedules and Fares

• Park-and-ride Commuter Bus Service Schedule (pdf)