Isn't it nice that we get to have daylight savings time a little earlier this year? Hopefully, with the recent and frequent snowstorms, we'll have enough water to get some early planting done. I can already see the spring flowers sprouting up.

And, speaking of daylight savings time, I recently read that computers may be affected by the time change as well as some household items with built-in clocks. So, don't forget to check them the following day, just in case.

Make it a great March!

Any of you who've read a newspaper or watched the news lately are no doubt aware of recent security incidents at the Laboratory. Those incidents have generated significant levels of concern among our employees and in Congress, and they've also given rise to anxiety and questions about the Laboratory from within the communities that surround it.

Immediate, long-lasting change is expected of us, and we're going to need your help and support to meet that expectation. This is an opportunity to define our future that we can't afford to squander. We're implementing an action plan that will address these security challenges, as well as other key operations elements at the Lab, and we will keep you informed and seek your input as we move forward.

It's clear than ever to me and my management team that the future of this Laboratory and its neighbors are intertwined. Many of your citizens are our employees , and many of your businesses supply us with critically needed products and services. We share a long and proud history of service to the nation. We also share a future that, with your help, we can control and shape so that we can continue to effectively and efficiently meet our country's security needs.

Thank you.

The survey documented the perceptions of 298 community leaders who represented government, business, education, tribal, and special interest groups. The results indicated that:

• Leaders are increasingly satisfied with the impact the Lab is making through its charitable contributions, education, and volunteerism programs.
• They are also pleased, with the overall economic impact of the Laboratory in the community, but expressed some concerns regarding Lab procurement of goods and services from regional businesses.
• Sixty percent were satisfied with LANL's efforts to provide effective environmental stewardship, monitoring, and remediation.
• Leaders believe the greatest problems facing northern New Mexico include a poor education system, illegal drug use, and a lack of economic opportunities.

A survey is available for educators and employers who wish to help. If you would like to provide your input to this process, please fill out the survey available at the link below. Feel free to forward the link to those that you think could also contribute.

An additional benefit of the partnership is the ability for nonprofits to sign up and advertise volunteer opportunities at no cost to anyone who accesses the VolunteerMatch server. Nonprofits and others can register or look for volunteer opportunities, at http://volunteermatch.org.

The Laboratory Director Michael Anastasio attended the event and acknowledged the tremendous efforts of Laboratory employees and the dollar-for- dollar corporate match by LANS, LLC, that helped raise a record-breaking $1.6 million. The 2007 campaign begins in September, and LANS plans to continue to match employee United Way contributions dollar for dollar, up to $1 million dollars.

Green Tags from Green Energy New Mexico are used to help establish a fund to support future green energy projects in New Mexico.

"The RDC realizes how important renewable energy is for economic development in New Mexico" said Ed Burckle, Executive Director of RDC. "Research shows that if 20% of future power plants are renewable, they will create two or three times more jobs than if they burn fossil fuels. We hope that more New Mexicans will join us in supporting Green Energy New Mexico's commitment to renewable energy and New Mexico."

Supporting Green Tags increases the percentage of renewable energy entering the electric grid in New Mexico, while at the same time reducing the percentage of energy derived from coal and other fossil fuels. RDC's purchase of renewable energy resources represents an annual reduction of more than 54,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide). That's the equivalent of planting 7.5 acres of trees or parking a vehicle so that it is not driven for 5 years or 55,400 miles!

CYFD is now seeking help from New Mexicans to spread the word about a new campaign that was launched in February. The purpose of this campaign, "An Act of Love...Foster or Adopt a New Mexico Child," is to reach communities across the state and recruit safe and good homes for the many children who are in need of temporary foster care or who need to be adopted into a permanent home.

This family fun event will feature interactive activities for all, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public!