Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005

Cookie sales

Many Laboratory personnel have children or friends in schools or organizations that sell cookies, candy or other low-cost items as fund-raisers. Low-key, local participation (within a co-located team or group) in charitable events or school fund-raisers is permissible at the Laboratory during work hours as part of the social fabric of our workplace. However, selling commercial products (such as cosmetics or candles) is not allowed (see AM 701.03, Government Resources).

Here are some common-sense guidelines to assist employees:

• Informally taking orders from co-workers for Girl Scout cookies or school candy is permissible.
• Setting up a table at the Otowi Building Cafeteria to sell Cub Scout popcorn is not permissible.
• Setting up a tray or booth at an employee's desk to sell candy in support of a sports team is not permissible.
• Soliciting donations or selling club candy in a reception area or an area typically frequented by employees or guests from outside the co-located group is not permissible.
• Systematically "working" an office building or organization by asking every resident to purchase school or club items is not considered "low-key," and thus is not permissible.
• Spending substantial amounts of office time on informally soliciting cookie sales is not "incidental," thus is not permissible.
• Selling raffle tickets is not permitted under AM 705, Gambling.
• Managers or others in a position of authority must refrain from any fund-raising activity that might present the appearance of coercion.

Lab employees who have concerns about the propriety of any internal solicitation should contact either their manager or Staff Relations (HR-SR) at 7-8730.

Updated 2/3/05

Records managment classes

• The Point of Contacts mandatory training has been scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 16, at Canyon School, Room 164. This session is for those POCs who have not taken the prior POC training. The two POC classes offered last year have been combined into one. This class will concentrate on the POC responsibilities as listed in LIR 308-00-02.0, Laboratory Records Management and also will expand into some records management topics. This class is a mandatory requirement for all POCs. The session will provide interested employees with the basic tools needed to continue to implement this LIR and answers to questions regarding its requirements.
• In response to the issuance of LIR-308-00-02.0, Laboratory Records Management, the Information and Records Management Group is offering a half day course on Basic Records and Information Management from 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 25. The course will be held at Canyon School, Room 164. Other course dates will be scheduled as needed.This course will be presented in four short modules: Overview of Records Management and What is a Record; Records Management Drivers; What Are Retention Schedules; and Records Disposition--Transfer and Destruction. The course will provide interested employees with the basic tools needed to continue to implement this LIR and to answer questions regarding its requirements. Certificates will be awarded to those who complete the course.

There is no cost for this session and registration should be done through Virtual Training on the Lab's homepage. For more information regarding this session, contact Dolores Salazar at dolores@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Updated 2/3/05

Wellness Center class

A Craving for Chocolate! This annual class - just in time for Valentine's Day - will explore the lore and allure of chocolate, health claims for cocoa, and tips for recognizing and dealing with food cravings. Includes a food tasting. 12:05 to 12:50 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, Wellness Center Room 106.

Health promotion classes are open to the entire Laboratory work force. Register at http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/svc/classes/hp/hp_sch.htm online or call 7-7166.

Updated 2/3/05

Office betting pools not allowed at Lab

Laboratory employees are reminded that gambling of any type, including participating in an office pool for the Super Bowl or other sportings events are prohibited at the Lab.

Administrative Manual (AM 706) states that "Gambling in any form on Laboratory premises, as well as any use of Laboratory equipment for gambling, is prohibited. [This includes] conducting or participating in a lottery or pool, participating in a game for money or property, or selling or purchasing a numbers slip or ticket."

Updated 2/1/05

Lab has new telephone exchange

The Laboratory now has 606 telephone exchanges to go with its 664, 665 and 667 numbers.

Like its other numbers, Laboratory employees only have to dial the last five digits when calling a 606 number from inside the Lab. For example, when responding to a page from 606-0055, dial 6-0055.

Updated 2/1/05

Volunteer opportunities

1. DeVargas Middle School (7-8 graders) in Santa Fe is inviting Lab employees to participate in a Career Fair from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Feb. 9. They are requesting as many Lab volunteers as we can provide to share interesting stories, show pictures and discuss their careers. Their format is to have four - 20 minute sessions where students will rotate into classrooms every 20 minutes. For more information, contact Betsy Christensen at 467-3306 / 992-8689 or write to echristensen@mail.sfps.k12.nm.us by electronic mail.
2. The Youth Development, Inc. Foundation will be hosting their Annual Gala Banquet on April 23 to help raise funds for YDI while also recognizing outstanding clients and friends of YDI. YDI is a private, non-profit organization providing services for children, youth and families in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance and Rio Arriba Counties.  For more information, go to http://www.uwcnm.org/organizations/ydi.htm online. Volunteers can be part of the following subcommittees: Logistics (theme, venue, decorations, entertainment and menu); Marketing (invitation, program, signs, publicity, advertising, etc.); Sponsorships and Ticket Sales; Raffle and Silent Auction; or Awards/Recognition Ceremonies. To volunteer, contact Michelle Luna at 242-7306 ext. 18 or write to mluna@ydinm.org by electronic mail.
3. Cimarron High School's Career Exploration class is having a career week and needs individuals to come in and educate students on their careers. They are focusing on a career cluster that is working with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and are requesting that interested volunteers visit the school and give students a presentation on their careers. Included in the presentation: what training or education it required to obtain your degree; how much people in the same field make money wise; actually what all your jobs consist of everyday; and a demonstration or hands on activity for students. This career cluster will be presenting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 24. If interested, contact Kayleigh Braunlich at (505) 376-2241 or write to kbraunlich9@cimarronschools.org by electronic mail.
4. The 2005 New Mexico Regional Science Bowl is scheduled for March 5 at the Albuquerque Academy. This year they expect 50-60 teams from 20-25 schools. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact Ted Wolff of Sandia National Laboratories at (505) 284-5204 or write to tawolff@sandia.gov by electronic mail.

Employees participating in science and/or math outreach activities may be eligible for Community Service time (paid leave, up to 32 hours per calendar year). For more details and procedures for application (before volunteering), go to http://www-stb-internal.lanl.gov:8080/wosaserver/form?app=comServ online.

The Laboratory Volunteer Program is a Laboratory-approved community relations and support activity. For more information, contact Debbi Wersonick at 7-7870.

Updated 2/2/05

Skolnik training classes

Skolnik Technical Training Institute will host the following classes:

• “IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Certification” training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 7 - 11, at Skolnik's soldering training facility in Albuquerque. This IPC/EIA J-STD-001 class is designed to provide soldering certification to assemblers, technicians and/or engineers, for end-product acceptance criteria of high reliability electronic assemblies. The tuition fee is $1,149.
• “IPC-A-610 Re-Certification” class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 14 - 15, at Skolnik's soldering training facility in Albuquerque, and a two-day “IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Re-Certification” class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 16 - 17, at Skolnik's soldering training facility in Albuquerque. The tuition fee for the “IPC-A-610 Re-Certification” class is $599, and for the “IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Re-Certification” class is $799.
• "Basics of Electricity (DC Circuits)" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 15 - 17, at the Howard Johnson Conference Center in Albuquerque. The seminar is designed for technicians, assemblers, engineers, managers and anyone who would like to learn about electricity and electrical components. The training tuition is $1,150.
• "Solder, Hands-On" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 23 - 24, at Skolnik Solder Training Center in Albuquerque. This class is designed for anyone who would like to learn how to solder or to obtain a refresher in soldering. The tuition fee is $699.  
• "Enhanced IPC-A-610 CERTIFICATION, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies": a four-day "IPC-A-610 Certification" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 1 - 4, at Skolnik’s soldering training facility in Albuquerque. This IPC-A-610 class is designed to provide soldering certification to assemblers, technicians and/or engineers, for end-product acceptance criteria of high reliability electronic assemblies. The tuition is $945.
• IPC/EIA J-STD-001 CERTIFICATION, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies": a five-day "IPC/EIA J-STD-001 Certification" training class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7 - 11, at Skolnik’s soldering training facility in Albuquerque. This IPC/EIA J-STD-001 class is designed to provide soldering certification to assemblers, technicians and/or engineers, for end-product acceptance criteria of high reliability electronic assemblies. The tuition is $1,149.
• “Introduction to RF” and “Advanced General RF & µWave Measurement, Theory and Practice” training classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7 - 11, at the Howard Johnson Conference Center in Albuquerque. The “RF, Introduction” class (March 7 and 8) will cover the theory and practical aspects of RF components, design, test and measurement, whereas the “Advanced RF” class (March 9 - 11) is designed to provide the practical RF design and troubleshooting skills for engineers and technicians. The fee for the “RF, Introduction” class is $1,150 and is $1,599 for the “RF, Advanced” class.
• If interested in utilizing external auditors in the ESD audit procedures to ensure an unbiased report, Skolnik Technical has the expertise to assist with this process. The audit will be performed by a qualified Electrostatic Discharge Control consultant, certified by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc., with vast experience and knowledge in electrostatic discharge and technical excellence in training, know-how and job performance. Skolnik will verify all facets of the program to ensure that they are in compliance with defined company procedures and will record and report all discrepancies related to the ESD control program. Upon audit completion, Skolnik will compile and review the report with the organization and recommend the appropriate corrective suggestions. Our goal is to effectively help you to continually improve, manage, and sustain a well-organized and successful ESD Control Program.

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

Updated 2/3/05

CDS training classes in Albuquerque

Commercial Data Systems is providing Sun, Oracle, Veritas and Linux training classes in Albuquerque. The classes are held at the CDS office, located at 4828 Hardware Drive NE.

For a list of classes, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). For more information, contact Renato Taralli at (505) 314-4017 or write to renato@cdsinc.com by electronic mail.

Updated 1/25/05

Support for tsunami victims

Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos asked employees to consider how they might assist the victims of the Dec. 26, 2004 earthquake and tsunami in southeast Asia.

To read a all-employee memo, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Updated 1/13/05

LabVIEW Data Acquisition course in Albuquerque

The following LabVIEW Data Acquisition course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quality Inn Suites at 25 Hotel Circle at I-40 and Lomas and Eubank in Albuquerque.

• LabVIEW Intermediate Level Jump-Start Course - Learn more sophisticated LabVIEW programming methods, different LabVIEW programming architectures to suit each task, how to program LabVIEW from within to make LabVIEW panels and controls appear and disappear as needed and other, more sophisticated functions. Feb. 7 - 9, $1,200 per person.

To register for a course, call Don Jordan at (808) 630-3600 or write to interfacing.concepts@att.net by electronic mail.

Updated 2/3/05

National Instruments LabVIEW classes

The following LabVIEW classes are being offered by National Instruments, in New Mexico, during January and March, 2005.

The LabVIEW Basics I course shows attendees how to develop test and measurement, data acquisition, instrument control, datalogging and measurement analysis applications using LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Basics II course is a logical extension of Basics I and shows how to design complete, stand-alone applications in LabVIEW.

The LabVIEW Intermediate I course teaches structured practices to design, develop, test and deploy LabVIEW applications. The Intermediate II course builds on skills developed in LabVIEW Intermediate I by doing in-depth examination of memory management/performance techniques to extend your ability to develop LabVIEW code to maximizes application efficiency. This training is suggested for LabVIEW users pursuing Certified LabVIEW Developer certification.

LabVIEW users who have not yet attended this LabVIEW training can register for these classes at www.ni.com/training online or by calling toll-free (888) 484-4436. For more information or for a quote, write to Hank.Buterbaugh@ni.com by electronic mail or call (800) 433-3488 ext. 30218.

Updated 2/3/05

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

Found: a onyx necklace with a bear pendant in the HOV parking lot between the Ad Building and CMR. To claim the necklace, call 7-9774.

Found: one key on green holder marked BWXT #5. Found outside Motorola building on Jan. 24. Please contact Lou at 663-5555 to claim.

Lost: rhinestone pendant, inch wide with chains/rhinestones attached around the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3 on Jan. 19. If found, please contact Belinda Valdez at 5-1364.

Lost: pair of ladies black leather gloves. Hole in the right thumb liner. Perhaps at Canyon Complex, Research Park or in parking lot off Truck route and Pajarito. Contact Veronica at vencinas@lanl.gov if found. They were a gift from my husband.

Lost: Nissan thermal travel mug, stainless steel, on Jan. 13 near entrance to commuter bus lot off of Truck Route. If found, call Chris at 5-6228.

Found: pair of black ear warmers for headphones outside Administration Building (TA-3, SM-43) southwest door. Call Bill at 5-3398 to claim.

Found: four keys at Occupational Medicine, Bldg. 1411. To claim, call Di at 7-7890.

Found: cell phone on Pajarito Road, near intersection of Pajarito Road and Diamond Drive. Call 5-2977 to claim.

Found: gold colored french wire earring near Physics Building. To claim, call Wendee at 7-5724.

Lost: three keys in vicinity of S Compound and CMR parking lot. If found, contact Judy Bell at 7-5886.

Lost: silver ring in downtown area. If found, call Ron at 7-7002.

Lost: five keys on a keyring on Nov. 18, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon. They were lost in the vicinity of the CMR parking lot and the S compound. If found, call Judy Bell at 7-5886.

Lost: diamond bracelet, TA-3 area (back of Admin. Bldg. to Otowi Bldg). Call Bonnie at 5-1850.

Commuter's Corner

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