Past Luncheon Speakers

Year 2010
Date:	January 20, 2010
Speaker:	Bob Schock Senior Fellow, LLNL Center for Global Security Research
Title:	Copenhagen: Why did it fail? Or did it?
Our speaker at the luncheon will be our retiree colleague Bob Schock. Bob studied Geology as an undergraduate, received his Masters in Geochemistry, and earned his Ph.D. in Geophysics! He joined LLNL in 1968 from the University of Chicago, and served as a senior scientist at practically every level of management at LLNL, including Associate Director. Bob retired from the lab in 2002 but hasn't really retired as he has served as A Senior Fellow at Center for Global Security Research, LLNL 1998 to present, Coordinating Lead Author (Mitigation), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2004-07, and Director of Studies, World Energy Council (London) 2005 - present. The title of his talk is - Copenhagen: Why did it fail? Or did it? The UN Copenhagen meeting in December was supposed to provide agreement on how to deal with climate change after the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012. Yet no such agreement was achieved and only the barest fragments of unenforceable pacts emerged. This is not surprising given the complex interactions between climate change, security (energy and sovereign), economies, poverty, and the global energy systems that directly impact all of these. What is surprising is that so many people thought that success was a matter of nations agreeing to simply cut carbon emissions arising from energy use. The critical question now is: What does this portend for dealing with possible climate changes? The answer lies in understanding the complex global system with energy at the center, in the international rule of law and its enforcement, and a careful examination of the dialogues that took place in Copenhagen. A very timely and thought provoking subject!
Date:	February 17, 2010
Speaker:	Patty Stowers Livermore resident and Valley Care nurse
Title:	Because Every Child Deserves a Smile
Patty Stowers, Livermore resident and Valley Care nurse, will speak to us about her volunteer medical missionary experiences in China. Patty has traveled to several under-served nations as a member of surgical teams organized by Alliance for Smiles (AfS), a San Francisco based non-profit organization that performs free surgeries to repair cleft lip and palate deformities in children. The AfS team works side-by-side with local medical practitioners to exchange ideas on proper medical techniques and procedures, as well as provide follow-up care. AFS has more than six hundred volunteers including medical and non-medical personnel. They have completed 20 medical missions since their founding in 2004 by five members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco.
Date:	March 17, 2010
Speaker:	George Caporaso LLNL Scientist
Title:	Compact Proton Therapy
George Caporaso will be our guest speaker for March. George will talk about his work as LLNL's lead scientist on the first compact proton therapy system - one that would fit in any major cancer center and cost a fifth as much as a full-scale machine. Proton therapy is considered the most advanced form of radiation therapy available, but size and cost have limited the technology's use to only six cancer centers nationwide. The technology has grown out of work for nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship; applying this new technology to the field of cancer treatment will make proton therapy widely available as a treatment option. Conventional radiation therapy kills cancer cells using high-energy X-rays. These X-rays deliver energy to all the tissues they travel through, from the point they enter the body, until they leave it. Doctors therefore have to limit the dose delivered to the tumor to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Unlike high-energy X-rays, proton beams deposit almost all of their energy on their target, with a low amount of radiation deposited in tissues from the surface of the skin to the front of tumor, and almost no "exit dose" beyond the tumor. This property enables doctors to hit tumors with higher, potentially more effective radiation doses than is possible with gamma radiation. Worldwide, there are 25 proton therapy centers in operation. Together, they have treated an estimated 40,000 patients. The compact system is expected to fit in standard radiation treatment suites and to cost less than $20 million.
Year 2009
Date:	January 21, 2009
Speaker:	Bill Nebo Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Livermore (Retired)
Title:	Ethics in Research
Bill Nebo retired as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in 2006. He has been actively involved in our community for years including serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Valley Care Hospital. Bill will discuss his role as a member of LLNL's Institutional Review Board where he considered matters relating to ethics and in particular ethics involving research with human subjects. In this role, he also was involved with genomics related issues confronting the National Institutes of Health.
Date:	February 18, 2009
Speaker:	Dr. Lloyd Hackel LLNL Retiree, and Vice President for Advanced Technologies Metal Improvement Company
Title:	Real-World Applications of LLNL Developed Laser Technology
Dr. Lloyd Hackel is an LLNL retiree who is now an entrepreneur and inventor of a truly incredible laser device. If you want to learn of real-world applications of the lab's extraordinary contributions to the country, this is a must hear presentation. Lloyd earned his BS degree from the University of Wisconsin (1971) and earned his Doctors degree from MIT (1974). After graduating, Lloyd was recruited and employed by LLNL for over 28 years as an R&D professional working in the labs world class laser program.  The culmination of his work was the development and perfection of a unique pulsed laser that was licensed by the lab to a private sector firm, Metal Improvement Company, for commercial application.  After collaborating with the firm under a DOE approved Cooperative agreement and developing applications for aircraft and power generation equipment, Lloyd left the lab and joined the firm at its Livermore facilities in 2004 as the Vice President for Advanced Technologies. Lloyd's talk will include slides showing the array of familiar "products" to which his laser has been applied to make them more reliable, cost-effective, and longer lasting.  The impact that his creativity has had on products, which benefit our lives and enhance US competitiveness, is most impressive!
Date:	March 18, 2009
Speaker:	Mylo Nordyke
Title:	Plowshare and other memories
We've all heard of the Nevada Test Site's Sudan event with its most photographed nuclear excavated crater in the world. But do you remember Rulison, Gasbuggy, Rio Blanco, Gnome, Shoal, Salmon, Sterling? These were all events that were a part of the Plowshare program not on the Nevada Test Site. Mylo Nordyke will present a short film on these events and provide remembrances of his first hand experiences as Director of the Plowshare Program. Perhaps it's time to explore this technology again?
Date:	April 15, 2009
Speaker:	Mark Roberts Community Development Director for the City of Livermore
Title:	Beyond the Bankhead Theater
What's the latest on the proposed performing arts center? What about the outlet center proposed for El Charro Road? A boutique hotel downtown? Is the Bankhead Theater meeting its goals? Mark will discuss these and other projects affecting the future of Livermore and the valley. Come and ask your questions and give Mark your thoughts. Should be interesting for all.
Date:	May 20, 2009
Speaker:	John Marchand Vice Mayor of Livermore
Title:	Valley Water Issues
Before being elected to the Livermore City Council, John represented Valley interests on the Zone 7 Water Board and has had many years of service as an employee of the Alameda County Water District in Fremont. He will provide an overview of the Valley's current and planned water services provided by Zone 7; the prospects of ongoing water shortages and the state and federal governments' plans and initiatives; and a longer view of the potential impact of global warming on California's water supplies and challenges. John is a very good speaker and has a wealth of information to share on these important issues.
Date:	July 15, 2009
Speaker:	Dave Edwards LLNL Retiree
Title:	Visiting Albuquerque
Dave is a member of our retiree group and an internationally well known senior scientist from LLNL. But it is his interest in travel, not his scientific accomplishments that Dave Edwards will share with us at our luncheon meeting on July 15th. Dave and his wife Barbara have not only volunteered to chair the Retiree Travel Group, but will give us a taste of what not to miss the next time you visit Albuquerque. Take a virtual walking tour of a town founded in 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost. When the railroads came to town, the main plaza became what we now know as Old Town. Many of us visited Albuquerque when Route 66 ran right down Central Avenue which some said was the longest street in the US. And who our age hasn't heard of the Harvey Girls? They're a part of the history of this town and Dave will pique your interest in visiting it for the first time or seeing it again. Come join Dave and the rest of your friends for lunch.
Date:	August 19, 2009
Speaker:	Dr. DeRionne Pollard President, Las Positas College
Title:	Future Plans for Las Positas College
Dr. Pollard became the fourth president of the college in March 2008. She formerly served as Vice President of Educational Affairs at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. Dr. Pollard will enlighten us on the future plans for Las Positas including the soon to be opened performing arts center. Dr Pollard is an advocate for meeting the needs of the community which, in part, means meeting the needs of its seniors. This is a unique opportunity for seniors to support Dr. Pollard's efforts to meet the needs of all students by learning what is planned and providing suggestions to enrich Las Positas' continuing education program.
Date:	September 16, 2009
Speaker:	Maxine Trost LLNL Archivist
Title:	Glimpses of Early Rad Lab Personalities
Many retirees will remember Maxine Trost as the person who, once a month, orchestrated presentations on the history of many of the Laboratory's programs and people. Gone are the days when retirees could attend those presentations using a retiree badge. So we have prevailed upon Maxine to give us a taste of what we're missing with her latest presentation of glimpses of several of the early Laboratory personalities such as Herb York, Johnnie Foster, and Charlie Blue. "Rad Lab'ers" who knew them and those who knew of them will enjoy these insights into these early pioneers who worked in support of our nation's security and freedom.
Date:	October 21, 2009
Speaker:	Representatives from Kaiser Permanente Health Care
Title:	New Kaiser Health Care Plans for 2010
Kaiser Permanente Health Care representatives will be at this meeting to present the new Kaiser plans that will be available for 2010. Because Kaiser plans will be available for all retirees who wish to join, a large attendance is expected. Unfortunately, the meeting room can handle only about 130 retirees for lunch. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis so you must get your reservation in early.   Editor's Note: The requests for reservations exceeded the capacity of the room. The representatives from Kaiser were kind enough to allow us to record their presentation on video and to give us a copy of their presentation. Click here to link to view and listen to their presentation
Date:	November 18, 2009
Speaker:	Andrea Comporato Extend Health Care Representative
Title:	Extend Health Care Plans for 2010
Extend Health Care representatives will be at our meeting to present the Extend Health process for enrolling or remaining on a Medicare health care plan for 2010. EH will discuss changes that have been made to improve both the enrollment and Health Reimbursement Account process. This will include the results of LLNL Retirees' Organization members participation in a focus group to identify problems and suggest improvements. This will be the only presentation made by Extend Health to retirees, so we expect a large attendance. Unfortunately, we can only handle about 130 retirees at lunch on a first come, first served basis so get your reservation in early.
Year 2008
Date:	January 16, 2008
Speaker:	Dave Dearborn LLNS research physicist
Title:	Asteroid Impact
The threat to Earth from asteroid impact has been recognized and debated in scientific circles for more than a quarter century. How to deal with the threat is a major challenge. Join LLNL Retirees at their regularly scheduled Jan. 16 luncheon for a fascinating presentation of one approach: Using a nuclear explosion in space to divert or fragment the asteroid so that it poses little or no danger to Earth. The speaker will be LLNS research physicist Dave Dearborn, who has studied this topic for the past several years. Dave's research has ranged from warhead design to astronomy and the history of astronomy, and he has won national and international honors for his work.
Date:	MARCH 19, 2008
Part 1
Speaker(s):	Judy Ackerhalt Deputy to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources and Benefits at UC
Title:	Transfer of Assets and Liabilities from UCRP to the LLNS Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Part 2
Speaker(s):	Maxine Trost
Title:	Magnificent Obsession, The Life of Edward Teller
We have two presentations. First, supporting our goal to keep retirees informed on topics they care about, Judy Ackerhalt, Deputy to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources and Benefits at UC will informally discuss the agreement on the transfer of assets and liabilities from UCRP to the LLNS defined benefit pension plan and the agreement regarding ongoing obligations of the DOE to reimburse UC for contributions to UCRP. Judy will take some general questions and has agreed to stay after the meeting to answer more specific questions that our retirees may have. Our second presentation is a 30 minute film provided by Maxine Trost titled "Magnificent Obsession, The Life of Edward Teller." In commemoration of Edward Teller's 100th birthday, this film was shown at LLNL, but retirees were unable to see it as they no longer have access. We urge our retirees to take this opportunity to stay informed and to recall the proud history we were all part of at LLNL.
Date:	APRIL 16, 2008
Speaker:	Dr. John Ziagos LLNL
Title:	Global and US Energy
How much energy do we have? How fast are we using it? Will we run out? What about the environmental consequences? What role is LLNL playing in all this? Dr. John Ziagos of LLNL will answer these questions including the future use of the nuclear energy, which is currently an important energy source in Europe and Japan.
Date:	MAY 21, 2008
Speaker:	Dr. Roger Werne Senior Advisor, LLNL Industrial Partnership Office (IPO).
Title:	LLNL Industrial Partnership Program
Our speaker is Dr. Roger Werne, former Associate Director for Engineering and now senior advisor, LLNL Industrial Partnership Office (IPO). The IPO's mission is to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, promote economic development, and improve the quality of life for all Americans through transfer of LLNL-developed technology to industry. The Laboratory is preeminent in industrial partnering in biotechnology, communications, transportation, homeland security, and many other areas, but much of it goes unrecognized by the public. Don't miss hearing the latest on the remarkable accomplishments of the scientists and engineers at LLNL.
Date:	July 16, 2008
Speaker:	Susan Mayall Former Owner of Goodenough Books
Title:	Life in London during WWII
Our speaker for July 16th is Susan Mayall. Many of our retirees will know Susan as the former owner of Goodenough Books. She was born in England and will tell us of her harrowing experiences as a young girl dealing with the relentless German bombing of London.
Date:	August 20, 2008
Speaker:	Pete Shoemaker Renewables Program Coordinator PG&E Pacific Energy Center
Title:	Residential Solar Power
Like to see the electric meter run backward? Pete Shoemaker, Renewables Program Coordinator, PG&E Pacific Energy Center will discuss Residential Solar Power Technology and provide the details of solar power, current market-ready solar technologies, and the key steps necessary to own a solar electric system for your home. Frequently asked questions such as how does it work, will it work for my home, how much will it cost, what are the incentives, and how will PG&E help will be addressed.
Date:	September 17, 2008
Speaker:	John Knezovich LLNL Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS)
Title:	Residential Solar Power
In this age of concerns about the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the US, the LLNL CAMS group has been quietly doing some excellent work on the forensics of WMD threats. Learn about their contribution to solving the 2001 anthrax attacks as well as their support to a number of government agencies working on improving homeland security. The CAMS ongoing work on carbon dating of antiquities and the LLNL - UC Davis joint efforts to advance cancer research and treatment using accelerator mass spectrometry will again enlighten and remind retirees of the good things happening on the other side of the fence.
Date:	October 15, 2008
Speaker:	Marcy Feit President and Chief Executive Officer ValleyCare Health System
Title:	Advances in Health Care for the Tri-Valley and Beyond
Marcy will discuss the costs of health care today at a national level and locally, including emergency room usage. She is a member of the Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee on Stem Cell Research in California. Her talk will include work in progress at the California Stem Cell Institute.
Date:	November 19, 2008
Speakers:	Bob Bills, Deputy Associate Director of Human Resources Services Lynn Soderstrom, Benefits Compliance and Communications Manager Andrea Comparato, Vice-president for Extend Health
Title:	LLNS Retiree Medical Benefits for 2009
Bob, Lynn, and Andrea will discuss the medical plan choices available for retirees and answer questions as time allows. This luncheon is usually popular and reservations will be taken on a first come-first served basis.
Year 2007
Date:	January 17, 2007
Speaker:	Ted Kaye Chief Executive Officer of the Las Positas College Foundation
Title:	Las Positas College: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Las Positas College is a growing educational and cultural resource for the Tri-Valley and beyond, offering classes and entertainment to community members young and old. Learn more about this community treasure at the first LLNL Retiree luncheon of the New Year from Ted Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of the Las Positas College Foundation. (Note: you must join for 2007, and sign the waiver form, to attend.) With a 1975 PhD from UCLA, Ted has worked in the private sector on both Coasts, including Senior Vice President of Television Production for Walt Disney Co. His involvement in community and philanthropic activities includes Board memberships in drama and music productions. Locally, he serves on the Boards of Directors of the Tri-Valley^Ňs TV30 and Axis Community Health. He is a member of the newly formed Livermore Film Commission and the Community Advisory Board of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation. Before his current position, he was executive director of Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco and interim executive director and CEO of Beyond Shelter, an organization that fights family homelessness in Los Angeles.
Date:	February 21, 2007
Speaker:	Kevin Roberts Economic Development Director for the City of Livermore
Title:	Are Redevelopment & Eminent Domain Really Four-letter Words?
Kevin is a San Francisco State University graduate with a BA in Urban Studies. He has worked with Livermore for the past five years. Before that, he worked for Walnut Creek and Pacifica in the Bay Area and for Springfield, Ore.
Date:	March 21, 2007
Speaker:	Bob Kuckuck LLNL Retiree, Former Deputy Director
Title:	Bob Kuckuck describes his year as director at Los Alamos, his experience in Washington with NNSA, and whatever else comes to mind.
Please join LLNL Retirees at our March 21 luncheon as Bob Kuckuck describes his year as director at Los Alamos, his experience in Washington with NNSA, and whatever else comes to mind. A physicist by education and training, Bob worked in LLNL programs ranging from Nuclear Test to Lasers. He served at nearly all levels at Livermore, from staff scientist to deputy director, as well as in senior management positions at UC, at Los Alamos and in Washington. He continues many of these important responsibilities in retirement, "on call." Come hear Bob's unique perspective on issues that will influence the LLNL contract transition and the future of the national defense labs.
Date:	April 18, 2007
Speaker:	Len Alexander Executive Director, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center
Title:	Bringing World Class Theater to the Valley
Please join LLNL Retirees at our April 18 luncheon as Len Alexander, executive director of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, talks about "Bringing World Class Theater to the Valley." The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center plans two topnotch theaters for Livermore. The first, with 500 seats, is scheduled to open this Fall, and many performances are already being booked. The second, an 1800-seat regional theater, is targeted for 2012. Originally trained as a lighting designer in the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, Len has held senior management positions in both not-for-profit and commercial performing arts companies, including the New York Pro Musica Antiqua, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Shubert Organization. He was Director of Programs for Philadelphia's celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. In addition, he has produced music, theatre and dance events in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. He was named Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Livermore Performing Arts Center effective Jan. 1, 2007.
Date:	May 16, 2007
Speaker:	Prof. Raymond Seed University of California, Berkeley
Title:	Lessons from Katrina: Can we save California?
Please join LLNL Retirees at our May 16 luncheon as Raymond Seed, a nationally recognized geoengineering professor at UC-Berkeley, discusses “Lessons from Katrina: Can we save California?” Prof. Seed led a team that examined why the famous New Orleans levees failed during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The team's findings have direct relevance to California, whose overall flood risk is judged to be the highest of any state in the U.S., exceeding that of Louisiana and the next several states combined. Prof. Seed is a leading expert on levees, flood protection and water systems engineering. He has been the recipient of a variety of awards, both for technical work and for teaching. He chairs the technical advisory committee for the Sacramento Delta Risk Mitigation Studies, serves on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force for the Delta, and serves on the advisory board for the State's new programs for levee safety and flood protection as created by November's recent bond measures.
Date:	July 18, 2007
Speaker:	Judy Ackerhalt Project Director for Human Resources/Benefits Transition Planning UC's Office of the President and Lynn Soderstrom LLNL Security Transition Team
Title:	Changes Expected Under New Contract Effective October 1
Which features will change and which will stay the same for retirees on Oct. 1 when a new contract takes effect and LLNL becomes Lawrence Livermore National Security? How can retirees keep up with changes as they occur? Start the process of finding out on Wednesday, July 18, by joining the Retirees Association at its regular luncheon meeting. The picture may not be entirely clear by then, since the new contractor's benefits plan may still be under review in Washington, but our two expert speakers will tell us what is known at this point, and they will map out the remaining process. They are Judy Ackerhalt, project director for human resources/benefits transition planning for UC's Office of the President, and Lynn Soderstrom, Lawrence Livermore National Security Transition Team. Their offices are working overtime to get ready for the contract change, so join us and learn the latest!
Date:	August 15, 2007
Speaker:	George Farquar LLNL Chemistry, Materials and Life Sciences Directorate
Title:	SPAMS: Single-Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry
One of the most promising techniques for detecting tiny amounts of explosives at airports and other substances of concern to Homeland Security is under development at LLNL with the unlikely name of SPAMS. Standing for Single-Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry, SPAMS will be the topic at the next monthly luncheon meeting, on August 15, when the speaker will be chemist George Farquar of the Lab's Chemistry, Materials and Life Sciences Directorate. George was a Glenn T. Seaborg Institute postdoctoral fellow at the Lab, where he expanded the use of aerosol detection system to include explosives, chemical warfare agents and drugs.
Date:	September 19, 2007
Speaker:	Jim Gioia Counselor at Las Positas College
Title:	College Learning Communities
Join LLNL Retirees at their regular luncheon on September 19 to learn how counselor Jim Gioia of Las Positas College creates programs to help retain students with disabilities, particularly during the difficult first year of school. The approach is to establish “learning communities” so that identified students can share experiences and provide mutual support. This semester, some 400 of the College's 8,000 students are participating. Dr. Gioia is a licensed psychologist who began private practice in the Tri-Valley in 1984. He worked part-time in counseling at Las Positas before becoming Coordinator of Disabled Students Programs and Services six years ago.
Date:	October 17, 2007
Speaker:	Stuart Profitt USS Potomac Docent
Title:	The Presidential Yacht USS Potomac
The Presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, now berthed at Jack London Square, has had a varied history, to say the least. Chosen by FDR, it was sold by Harry Truman, owned by Elvis Presley, used as a drug runner, and sunk in San Francisco Bay. Join LLNL Retirees at their regular luncheon on October 17 for a fascinating talk by USS Potomac docent Stuart Profitt to learn more about the history of the Potomac, including how Profitt came to be married on it, and about San Francisco Bay.
Date:	November 14, 2007
Speaker(s):	Johnetta Jones, Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS) Benefits Miguel Gonzalez, Hewitt Associates (benefits administrator for LLNS) Joe Lewis, University of California Office of the President (UCOP)
Title:	Open Enrollment and Benefits for 2008
Join LLNL Retirees on Wednesday, November 14, to learn from Hewitt Associates and Lawrence Livermore National Security about Open Enrollment and the new procedure for paying for benefits after January 1, 2008. Hewitt, the new benefits administrator for LLNS, will address changes in procedures and in programs. Speakers are to be decided. We expect representatives from UCOP and LLNS as well as from Hewitt.
Year 2006
Date:	January 18, 2006
Speaker:	William E. Nebo Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Livermore
Title:	Challenges of Worldwide Fundamentalism
Pastor Nebo received his master of divinity from the San Francisco Theological Seminary after getting a bachelors degree in philosophy from UCLA. He is known in the community for his humanitarian thoughtfulness and belief in the value of many faiths, not only his own. He will summarize the histories of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and discuss the importance of mutual respect in today's often dangerous and intolerant world. Please join us as we start the New Year by considering extraordinarily important issues that affect us all.
Date:	February 15, 2006
Speaker:	Jim Seward Medical Director LLNL Health Services Department
Title:	What Happens if the Bird Flu turns into a Human Pandemic?
Dr. Seward will speak about one of the major public health challenges facing the world today: avian flu. His focus will be how the Lab is preparing for the possibility of a major epidemic, with tips on what the general population might expect in the way of community disruption and how we as individuals might prepare. Dr. Seward earned his M.D. in 1977 at UC San Francisco in internal medicine, with fellowship training in occupational medicine. He has particular expertise in preventive medicine and in emergency medicine. He has been LLNL Medical Director and Health Services Department Head since 1994, and he continues to teach both at UCSF, where he is clinical professor of medicine, and at UC, Berkeley, where he is clinical professor of public health.
Date:	March 15, 2006
Speaker:	John Marchand Senior Water Quality Chemist Alameda County Water District, Fremont
Title:	Focus on Water
John Marchand will discuss water in the Livermore Valley at the March 15 Retirees luncheon. The talk will cover such topics as the quality and quantity of water in the Livermore Valley, environmental factors and expectations for the future. John has more than 25 years of water quality experience. He is the past Chairman of the Water Quality Division for the California/Nevada Section American Water Works Association and is currently a trustee on the the Association's Governing Board. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Marine Science Institute, a former member and past President of the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors, and a founding member of California's Small System Inter-Agency Outreach Committee. He has conducted training workshops around the state and has co-authored two books about water quality. In October of last year, he was nationally recognized as one of the top water quality professionals in the country when he was presented with the AWWA's George Warren Fuller award. In November, he was elected to Livermore's City Council.
Date:	April 19, 2006
Speaker:	Linda Barton City Manager City of Livermore
Title:	Eminent Domain: Are you at risk?
Livermore City Manager Linda Barton will discuss eminent domain -- the right of the state to acquire private property without its owner's consent -- at the next luncheon meeting of the LLNL Retirees Association, April 19. Her talk is titled "Eminent Domain: Are you at risk?" It will cover the concept, use and restrictions of eminent domain, and its benefits in Livermore. She will also discuss a controversial 2005 case in which the City of New London, Conn., acquired private property through eminent domain to make way for a hotel, conference center and other features of an urban redevelopment project. Linda has been Livermore City Manager since February 2001. Before that, she was deputy city manager in Bellevue, Wash., for four years (during which she served as interim city manager for more than a year.) She has held city manager positions in Texas and Minnesota, served as a deputy city manager in Oregon, and served as commissioner of employee relations for the State of Minnesota.
Date:	May 17, 2006
Speaker:	Alan Mode LLNL Retiree
Title:	"Hello? Hello? Anyone there?" - Communicating after "the big one."
It's only a matter of time before the next major Bay Area earthquake. How much time, no one knows for sure, but chances are high that we will experience something like a 7.5 shaker in the next decade or two. Experts agree that there will be tens or hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. When it happens, how will our commercial communications system work? Will anyone be there when we dial for help or services? Alan Mode, past chair of the Retirees Association, who been instrumental in developing a disaster communication plan for the Tri-Valley, will discuss these issues and more in his talk titled, "Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?" at the next Retirees luncheon, May 17. As a practical matter, Alan provides the day-to-day coordination for Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin for all amateur radio emergency communication. Alan retired in from 2000 after more than 30 years at LLNL in positions ranging research chemist to deputy associate director for chemistry and for environmental science. He had more than 20 years of experience in emergency response at the Lab, including serving as head of the Nuclear Emergency Search Team, which had international responsibilities, and developing and leading the Laboratory Emergency Duty-Officer program for on-site needs. Before working at the Lab, he was executive director of an industrial research laboratory in Vancouver British Columbia and president of a technology development company. Will anyone answer when you call for help? Come join us on May 17 to learn about a topic that could affect your health and safety.
Date:	July 19, 2006
Speaker:	Lee Younker LLNL Associate Deputy Director
Title:	Change and Continuity at LLNL
Lawrence Livermore associate deputy director Lee Younker will speak at the July 19 luncheon meeting on "Change and continuity at LLNL." Lee will talk about the Lab's continuing science & technology mission against the backdrop of changing national needs and the approach of a new contract. An astrophysicist with a PhD from Michigan State, Lee has worked at the Lab since 1980. He was Earth Science department head starting in 1990, and acting associate director for Earth and Environmental Sciences starting in 1998. His research interests have emphasized earth sciences; for example, working with Stanford and USGS colleagues to develop a program for drilling into the San Andreas fault system. Lee became associate deputy director for science and technology in 2001 and is a member of the Lab's senior management team.
Date:	August 16, 2006
Speaker:	Richard (Rick) Morrow CalTrans
Title:	Bay Bridge Construction: The New East Span
Please join LLNL Retirees at our Aug. 16 regular luncheon as Richard (Rick) Morrow of CalTrans describes the huge and complex construction project to replace the east spans of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge. Rick, who has worked more than 27 years with CalTrans, is Supervising Bridge Engineer and Construction Manager for the Bridge's New Main Span. He managed the I-880 Cypress replacement project as well as retrofit and widening projects at the Hayward-San Mateo Bridge. Ever since the Bridge was severely damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, there has been a major effort to evaluate, repair and ultimately replace its east spans. Opened to traffic in 1936, these spans carry some 280,000 vehicles on Interstate 80 across San Francisco Bay every day. Analysis showed that the spans were vulnerable to collapse during future earthquakes, and it was determined that a replacement structure would be a better value than a retrofit. Today nearly 20 construction contracts are complete, are underway or are pending. Come learn about the status and remaining challenges of a project that affects transportation and the economy of the whole region and indeed the state.
Date:	September 20, 2006
Speaker:	Alan Mode LLNL Retiree
Title:	Dyslexia
As many as one in seven Americans are dyslexic, meaning they have a neurological disability to recognize, spell and decode words. Studies show that those with dyslexia process information in a different part of the brain than do non-dyslexics. There is no cure -- dyslexia is not a disease -- but with proper diagnosis, instruction, support and hard work, dyslexics can and do succeed in school and in adult careers. Join the LLNL Retirees Association on Sept. 20 for a fascinating discussion of this common disability. Our speaker will be Alan Mode, past chair of the Retirees Association, who for four years has tutored dyslexic Pleasanton children from kindergarten through high school. Alan will describe modern approaches to dealing with dyslexia and some of the challenges and rewards of working with children who experience it. Alan retired in 2000 after more than 30 years at LLNL in positions ranging from research chemist to deputy associate director. Before working at the Lab, he was executive director of an industrial research laboratory in Vancouver, B.C., and president of a technology development company.
Date:	November 15, 2006
Speaker:	Andrew Clark Manager of Health and Welfare University of California
Title:	Latest Health Plan Changes
As usual, our speaker in November will speak about any changes to our health plan during open enrollment for the following year.
Year 2005
Date:	January 19, 2005
Speaker:	Art Krakowsky LLNL Retiree, TOPS Partner
Title:	Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS)
Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS) is a highly effective program for bringing science into the classroom. It is no secret that many American public schools lack resources for science instruction, and TOPS is an exciting way to strengthen their programs by putting professional scientists and engineers into the classes. We're talking about an investment in the future of our children and grandchildren, as well as a way for qualified scientists and engineers to enrich their own lives.
Date:	February 16, 2005
Speaker:	Rose Chaco Vice President of Risk Management and Audits UNCLE Credit Union
Title:	Identify Theft: How to avoid it and what to do if you are a victim
Identity theft is one of the fasting growing crimes in America. According to one consumer organization, it hits 7 to 10 million of us every year. Some Lab retirees have been among the victims. Learn what you can do to keep it from happening, and how to respond if it does. Don't miss Rose's talk!
Date:	March 16, 2005
Speaker:	Dennis Barrett Project Engineer LLNL Traffic Safety Program
Title:	Traffic Safety at LLNL
How does the nation's most densely populated DOE laboratory site manage its complex traffic patterns? Dennis Barrett, LLNL Project Engineer in the Traffic Safety Program, will discuss traffic safety on the site, which has the problems and concerns of any small city. Come to the next Retirees Luncheon and hear Dennis' presentation.
Date:	April 20, 2005
Speaker:	John Rusmisel Manager, Alameda Country Mosquito Abatement District
Title:	West Nile Virus Surveillance and Control Strategies for Alameda County
John Rusmisel, manager of the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, will be discussing West Nile virus surveillance and control strategies for Alameda County. He will explain how his and other programs around the state look for West Nile and comparable diseases by examining sentinel chickens, dead birds, and mosquitoes caught in traps Last year, West Nile virus was detected in all 58 California counties, with 829 cases of human illness including 27 fatalities. This year, so far, dead birds have tested positive for WNV in several Bay Area counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Sonoma. Once the virus is detected in mosquitoes, there is normally a 2-4 week lag time until human cases start to show up.
Date:	May 18, 2005
Speaker:	Bob Schock
Title:	Energy: Is it Important?
Today's high gasoline prices reflect a larger reality, that the worldwide competition for energy is one of the most serious issues of our time. It can affect personal well being, stock markets, national economies and international stability. Bob Schock, a well known expert on energy, will address these issues and more at the next Retirees luncheon, May 18. Bob is a 35-year LLNL veteran. Although he is retired from the Lab, he remains a Senior Fellow there, and his current activities are as impressive as his past resume. He chairs a World Energy Council study on 21st century energy technologies, and is lead author of an article on energy sources for the prestigious Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). His talk is sure to be memorable and important, so don't forget to sign up now!
Date:	July 20, 2005
Speaker:	Eileen Vergino Deputy Director of the Center for Global Security Research, LLNL
Title:	Scientific Cooperation in Central Asia
Scientific cooperation in one of the world's most unstable areas, Central Asia, will be the topic of the talk at the next Retirees Association luncheon, July 20. The Lab's Eileen Vergino, Deputy Director of the Center for Global Security Research, will discuss some of the issues that face this politically and seismically volatile region. Countries like Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are gateways to both Europe and Asia. Eileen's job is to promote collaborative scientific efforts and communication among these very different and often troubled nations. A seismologist by training, Eileen is a 28-year Laboratory veteran with extensive experience in programs aimed at developing peaceful pursuits for weapons scientists in the former Soviet Union.
Date:	August 17, 2005
Speaker:	Curt Covey Physicist, LLNL Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Department
Title:	The scientific basis for believing that the cause of global warming is human activity such as fossil fuel consumption
Probably the most important physical phenomenon affecting the Earth today is the rapid warming of the planet. Observed effects so far include melting icepacks, glaciers and permafrost, accompanied by rising sea levels. That the Earth is warming seems no longer subject to serious debate, and many warn of more dramatic consequences in coming decades. But why is it warming? Are we humans responsible? Or would it be happening without us? The scientific basis for believing that the cause is human activity such as fossil fuel consumption will be the subject of the next Retirees Association luncheon talk. Speaker will be physicist Curt Covey of the LLNL Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Department. With a PhD from UCLA, Curt has been at the lab since 1987. In recent years he has worked in LLNL's program to evaluate and compare leading climate modelsi, an effort at which Livermore is an international leader.
Date:	September 21, 2005
Speaker:	Jane Callabresi Tax Consultant
Title:	Preparing for the Unexpected, Including Tax Consequences of Trusts
Date:	November 16, 2005
Speaker:	Andrew Clark Manager, Retiree Insurance Program University of California
Title:	Latest Health Plan Changes

Year 2004
Date:	February 18, 2004
Speaker:	BUDDY NELSON
	Freelance Science and Technology Reporter
Subject:	Overview of Space Science Discoveries Over the Last Two Years
Date:	March 17, 2004
Speaker:	Page Stoutland
	Deputy Division Leader for Programs, R-Division, LLNL
Subject:	Homeland Security Organization at LLNL
Date:	April 21, 2004
Speaker:	Phil Arzino
	Health Services Department Health Promotion Manager, LLNL
Subject:	Losing Weight -- Making Sense of the Low Carb vs. Low Fat controversy
Date:	May 19, 2004
Speaker:	Glenn Mara
	Deputy Director for Operations, LLNL
Subject:	Update on the LLNL operations
Date:	July 21, 2004
Speaker:	Richard F. Post
	Senior Scientist, Energy and Environment Directorate
Subject:	The Inductrack, a Home-Grown Maglev System for our Nation
Date:	August 18, 2004
Speaker:	Steve Bowen
	Summer Intern Student from UCLA
Subject:	Medical Management of Nuclear/Radiological Incidents and Casualties
Date:	September 15, 2004
Speaker:	Richard Farnsworth
	Manager, Science and Technology Education Program, LLNL
Subject:	Current LLNL Education Outreach Programs
Date:	November 17, 2004
Speaker:	Lily Pang
	UC Benefits
Subject:	Benefit Programs for 2005, Open Enrollment, and Costs

Year 2003 Date:  February 19, 2003 Speaker:   Ronald F. Lehman Director, LLNL Center for Global Security Research Subject:  Thinking about the Future: Science and the Security of the Nation Date:  March 19, 2003 Speaker:   Christine Hartmann-Siantar Subject:  Building Molecules to Kill Cancer Dr. Siantar has received several awards for her work on improving the accuracy of radiation therapy for cancer patients. Date:  April 16, 2003 Speaker:   Fred P. Milanovich LLNL Edward Teller Fellow Subject:  The Challenge of Civilian Biodefense Date:  May 21, 2003 Speaker:   David Seaborg Evolutionary Biologist Subject:  The Current Status of Evolutionary Biology Date: July 16, 2003 Speaker:  Jay Davis Subject:  The Future of Science and Technology
Date:	August 20, 2003
Speaker:	Steve Krull
	Chief of Police in Livermore
Subject:	Meet your Livermore Police Chief
Date:	September 17, 2003
Speaker:	ROBERT N. SCHOCK
	Senior Fellow in the Center for Global Security Research
Subject:	21st Century Energy Technologies
Date:	November 19, 2003
Speaker:	LILY PANG
	University of California Benefits Office

Year 2002 Speaker: Ken Giannotti General Manager of the Livermore Laboratory Employee Services Association (LLESA) Speaker:  Jeffery Richardson Dr. Richardson is a Principal Deputy Program Leader at LLNL. Speaker:   Dick Epps Past Chairperson and current treasurer of LLNL Retirees. Speaker:   John Timbs Family Care Specialist with the Alzheimer's Association of Northern CA. Speaker:   Michael May Professor (Research) Emeritus, Engineering-Economic Systems and Operations Research Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University. Formerly Director of LLNL Speaker:   Bruce Tarter Former Director of LLNL Speaker:   Lily Pang and Michael Waldman University of California Benefits Office Speaker:   Duane Sewell Former Executive Director of LLNL.

Year 2001 Speaker: Graham (Des) Desvernine Retired FBI Agent Speaker: Susan R. Gallinger Director Of Library Services Speaker: Dr. John B. Shirley Retired Veterinarian, Ex.Mayor. WW II Veteran Speaker: Theresa Minor from the American Red Cross on The Blood Drive Speaker: Leland Younker Science & Technology Associate Deputy Director for LLNL Speaker: Captain Steve Dick Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Speaker: Rob Allen Principal Member of the Technology Staff at Sandia, Livermore Speaker: Jay C. Davis LLNL's First National Security Fellow, Former Environmental Sciences Associate Director

Year 2000 Speaker: Valerie Gentry LLNL Benefits Speaker: Capt. Hal Strunk Chemical/Biological/Toxin Weapons Defense Speaker: Dr. Leland W. Younker LLNL Earth & Environmental Sciences Directorate Speaker: Ralph Dennard Director of the SPCA Hearing Dog Program Speaker: Dr. Dennis Matthews LLNL Medical Technology Program in Lasers Speaker: Fire Capt. Bob Smith Author, Fire Capt. Speaker: Dale Turner Former Mayor of Livermore

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