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 “Personally, I believe
that our American system works as long as you participate in it. You must vote
and make your voice heard. Otherwise you will be left out." — Mari-Luci
Jaramillo, Educator, Author, Diplomat
Finding a topic to
introduce this month’s newsletter was daunting. Should I talk about the meaning
of St. Patrick’s Day or encourage you to vote in local elections? But the
Internet made the decision for me when my first search request found a quote
from my undergraduate mentor and friend Mari- Luci Jaramillo. Her advice is to
become the change you want to see, and she has encouraged many, like me, to get
on the inside, where you can make the boldest changes. It came as no surprise to
me that a quotation from her made the search engine hum.
So, vote this month because
it’s important to do so. But remember to wear green on St. Patty’s Day so you
don’t get slugged—just ask my kids! Use this time too to reflect on the friends
and teachers who’ve guided and encouraged you. You too may see their words come
back to you from an Internet search engine. For me, it was a little nudge,
reminding me how fortunate I’ve been to have such great
mentors.
Make it a wonderful
March!
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| Big Bucks for Energy
Efficiency |
The US Department of
Agriculture (USDA) has launched a program offering rural New Mexico businesses
and agricultural producers grants and loans for renewable-energy and energy-
efficiency projects. Grants will range from $1,500 to $500,000; loans, from
$5,000 to $10 million.
Renewable energy includes
wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydrogen systems. Energy efficiency
includes adding insulation, upgrading to more efficient heating systems, and
replacing old, inefficient electric motors.
Maximum loan or grant
amounts are 25%–50% of project costs. Loan applications are accepted anytime.
The next 2006 grant application deadline is June 5. Call the USDA at
505-761-4953.
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| Reading Room Makes a
Move |
The Lab's Public Reading
Room has moved to the J. Robert Oppenheimer Study Center in TA-3. Formerly
located at the CRO offices downtown, the Reading Room is open to the public
Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm. It features permitting and environmental compliance
papers, other environmental documents, and annual reports.
Visitors need to sign in
and out and show a valid driver's license or other ID. Have a question or need
directions? You can email the Reading Room at readingroom@lanl.gov or call the
main desk of the Study Center’s Research Library at
505-667-4448.
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| Power for Pluto
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The fastest spacecraft ever
launched is on its way to Pluto powered by plutonium pellets produced at the
Laboratory. Pluto is a long way from Earth: even at 36,000 mph and accelerated
by a gravitational assist from Jupiter, the New Horizons mission won’t arrive at
the outermost planet for another ten years.
New Horizons uses nuclear
power because the solar panels used on most interplanetary missions wouldn’t
receive enough light when the craft is so far from the Sun. The Cassini
spacecraft now successfully orbiting Saturn also uses Lab fabricated plutonium
power.
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| MBA Program Arrives
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Lab employees and area
residents have a new career advancement resource—New Mexico State University's
Masters of Business Administration program. Last year NMSU began offering
classes at alternate locations in New Mexico, including White Sands, to help
place-bound professionals obtain an MBA. Now the program has come to Los
Alamos.
You can learn more at the
2006 MBA Graduate Fair and Luncheon to take place Tuesday, March 21, 9 am–2 pm,
at the Best Western Hilltop, 400 Trinity Drive. Former Governor Garrey
Carruthers, Dean of NMSU's College of Business, will be the featured speaker.
Call 505-646-8003 or e-mail mba@nmsu.edu no later than March 15 to reserve a
seat.
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| Bradbury Wheels Over to
CRO |
The Bradbury Science Museum
has joined the Community Relations Office. Through exhibits and programs like
Science on Wheels, the Bradbury plays an important role in the Laboratory's
education outreach efforts.
Widely recognized as one of
the finest, most progressive operations of its kind in the DOE complex, the
Museum is located at 15th and Central in Los Alamos. Admission is free. Hours
are 10–5 Tuesday–Saturday and 1–5 Sunday and Monday. Phone
505-667-4444.
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| SATOP Rocks
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The Los Alamos Community
Development Corporation (LACDC) and NASA’s Space Alliance Technology Outreach
Program (SATOP) recently tied the knot on a closer relationship to help local
businesses obtain free technical assistance—and one small business has already
benefited
Best Way Lands needed
compositional analysis of a type of rock powder that’s highly effective at
absorbing oil. Staff at the LACDC referred the company to SATOP, which connected
them with New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where the laboratory of
Professor David Rockstraw performed the analysis and provided it to the
company.
The LACDC and the Regional
Development Corporation, which administrates SATOP in New Mexico,
collaborate on many economic development projects. For more information on the
LACDC, contact Kevin Holsapple, Executive Director, at 505-662-0001 or
Kevin@losalamos.org.
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| Nonprofits Helping
Women |
As part of National Women’s
History month, Community Relations and the Lab’s Women's Diversity Working Group
are sponsoring a panel discussion to publicize area nonprofits offering services
primarily to women. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the work
these groups do and to give an opportunity to volunteer.
Organizations planning to
attend include Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program; Casa Mesita Group
Home, a Los Alamos facility for girls; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and Many
Mothers.
The panel will take place
at the Lab in the Otowi Building Cafeteria side rooms on Monday, March 27, 11
am–1 pm. Call Leisha Davenhall at 505-665-2943 for more
information.
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| Community Calendar
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