Solano Stroll Volunteers Sought for Sept. 9 Event

The annual Solano Stroll — a daylong event featuring food, entertainment and information booths — takes place Sunday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Berkeley Lab will once again sponsor a booth where visitors can stop by to learn more about scientific research and education programs. Lab scientists are needed to staff the booth for a minimum two-hour shift. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. Those interested in participating should contact Terry Powell (x7292).

Cafeteria’s New Website
Features Menu, Catering

The Lab’s cafeteria has launched a new website for employees. The site includes the menu for each week, monthly promotions, and a feedback option. Also included is a catering menu and an online catering order form. Go here to view the new website. The cafeteria has also received a new shipment of merchandise imprinted with the Lab’s logo, for sale near the coffee bar. Items include t-shirts, hats, and mugs.

Retired Physicist Riddell Dies; Started at Rad Lab

Ridell

Robert James Riddell, Jr., a theoretical physicist at Berkeley Lab from 1955 until his retirement in 1982, died in Oakland on Aug. 16. He was 84. Riddell was hired as an instructor in the Physics Department at UC Berkeley in 1951 and moved to the "Rad Lab" — Berkeley Lab's name at the time — four years later. A memorial service will be held on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Go here to read an obituary, and here for a tribute by his son James.

Funds for Cellulosic
Biofuel Production

The Department of Energy announced a Funding Opportunity Announcement that will make available up to $33.8 million to support the development of commercially viable enzymes — a key step to enabling bio-based production of clean, renewable biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.  As part of President Bush’s “Twenty in Ten Plan,” DOE is pursuing a long-term strategy to support increased availability and cost-effective use of renewable and alternative fuels. Full story.