May 2003

Volume 2 Issue 7

 

SeaLab

The Newsletter For FOA Employees On the Sea and In the Lab
Important Links

FOA Home Page

ProVantage Software

SeaLab April 2003

SeaLab March 2003

SeaLab February 2003

SeaLab January 2003

SeaLab December 2002

SeaLab November 2002

Congratulations to FOA Molecular Genetic Technician Holly Coe and her husband Stuart on the birth of their son Kieran,  born on April 6. Happy May everyone.   I hope you are enjoying the Spring.  Speaking of Spring, I want to thank everyone for participating in last month's survey, the biggest response we have received so far, to our survey questions.

And with all those respondents we ended up in a tie for "What Is The Best Way To Spend A Spring Day".  Watching a baseball game and going to the beach were the favorites of those who participated.

Hope you continue to enjoy your Spring.

Gene
Last month you told us that you would like to be at the beach, when it comes to enjoying warm weather.  What we would like to know this month is where do you like to go to enjoy the beach? Hawaii? Mexico? Bahamas? Another destination? Let us know?

Vote For Your Favorite Beach

Personal Expenses When Traveling

Traveling for work is a mixed opportunity.  You work very hard and you are away from home.  But, it also gives you a chance to enjoy new sights and places during your down time.  When these opportunities come up we encourage you take advantage of them.  

If you do take advantage of some sight seeing opportunities please make sure that when you submit your receipts for reimbursement, that you do not have personal expenses on it.  For example if you stayed an extra night in a hotel at your personal expense, please make sure that the extra night is not included as an expense submitted for reimbursement.   Only expenses incurred while performing your job are eligible for reimbursement.

By following these procedures we will be able to process your expense reimbursements in a timely manner.  

Please contact Gene Gordon if you have any questions.

 

 

 

  Upcoming Important Dates  
May 4 Happy Birthday! Barbrina Dunmire
May 5 Pay Day  
May 11 Mother's Day The first Mother's Day was celebrated in 1907.  Ana Jarvis of Philadelphia, persuaded her mother's church to celebrate a day to honor mothers, on the anniversary of her mother's death; the second Sunday  in May.  In 1914 President Wilson signed the bill that made Mother's Day a national holiday.
May 15 Time Sheets Due  
May 20 Pay Day  
May 26 Memorial Day.   FOA and  Federal Offices Closed

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868.  General John Logan had wreaths laid on the graves of both union and confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. General Logan believed this would be the first step to healing wounds left over from the Civil War between the North and South.  This celebration was carried out every year until World War I.  After World War I the ceremony was changed to honor the dead of all wars. However, Memorial Day did not become an official Federal holiday until 1968 when Congress designated the last Monday of May as a day to honor those who lost their lives in armed services.

 
May 31 Happy Birthday! Jennifer Rogan
June 2 Timesheets Due  
June 5 Pay Day  
June 14  Flag Day Flag day is believed to have originated in 1885, when a Wisconsin school teacher encouraged his students to celebrate the flag's birthday (The Stars and Stripes was officially proclaimed the US Flag on June 14, 1777).  The earliest celebrations of Flag Day were often referred to as "Flag Birthday". Flag Day, or Flag Birthday would be celebrated in various ways until 1949.  In 1949 President Harry Truman signed an act of Congress making June 14 Flag Day. 
June 17 Timesheets Due  
June 20 Pay Day  
July 1 Timesheets Due  
July 4 Independence Day.  FOA and Federal Offices closed. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.  The first known Independence Day celebration took place one year later, on July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia.  Philadelphians celebrated by ringing ship bells, firing cannons, and lighting fire crackers.  Independence Day would continue to be celebrated annually, with more cities participating each year.  In 1941 Congress declared the 4th of July a federal holiday.
July 7 Happy Birthday! Dawn Radonski
July 7 Pay Day  
July 17 Timesheets Due  
July 20 Pay Day  

Comments about SeaLab, questions for the editor?  Contact Gene Gordon