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Institute Celebrates the Season

By Eddy Ball
January 2008

Down the Hall

Ken Olden’s door reflects the holiday spirit in Nottingham Hall.
Ken Olden’s door reflects the holiday spirit in Nottingham Hall. (Photo courtesy of Eddy Ball)
As does one at the other end of the hall belonging to Marian Johnson-Thompson.
As does one at the other end of the hall belonging to Marian Johnson-Thompson. (Photo courtesy of Eddy Ball)
It’s hard to beat the optimism expressed by these three words on a hat hanging outside the door to Jane Lambert’s office.
It’s hard to beat the optimism expressed by these three words on a hat hanging outside the door to Jane Lambert’s office. (Photo courtesy of Eddy Ball)

Members of the NIEHS community, who put their best efforts into advancing science during the rest of the year, are also accomplished at ushering in the solstice season. During the weeks leading up to the two-day holiday, the festive season gives contractors and employees an opportunity to show off their goofy ties, silly sweaters, and ridiculous hats and to decorate office doors with wrapping paper, ribbon and bows.

Holiday parties are an important part of the season at NIEHS. Core groups of people in divisions, labs or buildings hold smaller lunches and receptions, and as the big break gets closer, there are two Institute-wide events, the International Day celebration following Awards Day and the Director’s Holiday Reception, hosted this year by Acting Director Sam Wilson and Acting Deputy Director Bill Suk.

Luckily, photographers were on hand to record the fun and fellowship.

Nottingham Gets Down for the Holidays — December 4

When it’s time for Office of Management folks to party, Dick Sloan, right, is usually on hand. Dick is joined by Susan Sherron, left, and Tommy Hardy, standing, as they go over the order of entertainment.
When it’s time for Office of Management folks to party, Dick Sloan, right, is usually on hand. Dick is joined by Susan Sherron, left, and Tommy Hardy, standing, as they go over the order of entertainment. (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)
Like other “local” events, the Nottingham party is a potluck paradise. From left to right, Jennifer Collins, Kelly Powell, Fran Cowans and Tammy Baynor enjoy the holiday fare.
Like other “local” events, the Nottingham party is a potluck paradise. From left to right, Jennifer Collins, Kelly Powell, Fran Cowans and Tammy Baynor enjoy the holiday fare. (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)
Sporting his holiday tie, Phil Hanson, right, built his plate, as Donna Byrd, foreground, tried to decide where to begin. Celeste Edwards wass in the background making difficult choices from among the abundance of goodies.
Sporting his holiday tie, Phil Hanson, right, built his plate, as Donna Byrd, foreground, tried to decide where to begin. Celeste Edwards was in the background making difficult choices from among the abundance of goodies. (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)
Were Keith Holloway, left, and Sheila Norton talking IT and Policy — or chicken and cake?
Were Keith Holloway, left, and Sheila Norton talking IT and Policy — or chicken and cake? (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)
A’tondra Carree will surely cherish this turkey… uh, chicken… for years to come. Giving gag Secret Santa gifts like this one is one way to clean out the attic — and clutter up someone else’s.
A’tondra Carree will surely cherish this turkey… uh, chicken… for years to come. Giving gag Secret Santa gifts like this one is one way to clean out the attic — and clutter up someone else’s. (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)
The luncheon may began on a quiet note, but once the sugar started to kick in, the event became loud and exuberant.
The luncheon may have begun on a quiet note, but once the sugar started to kick in, the event became loud and exuberant. (Photo courtesy of Dona McNeill)

Director’s Reception — December 17

Chris (Kringle) Portier made the rounds during the reception.
Chris (Kringle) Portier made the rounds during the reception. (Photo courtesy of Eddy Ball)
Framed by the campus lake in the background, Allen Dearry joined Annette Kirschner, left, and Carol Shreffler for an obligatory spot of punch.
Framed by the campus lake in the background, Allen Dearry joined Annette Kirschner, left, and Carol Shreffler for an obligatory spot of punch. (Photo courtesy of Eddy Ball)
Dav Robertson, left, and Melissa Chan chatted with Bill Suk.
Dav Robertson, left, and Melissa Chan chatted with Bill Suk. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
The Director’s Reception featured “refreshments,” not an all-you-can extravaganza like Nottingham’s bash, but keeping the cups filled for guests like Brandon Cuthbertson kept volunteers busy.
The Director’s Reception featured “refreshments,” not an all-you-can extravaganza like Nottingham’s bash, but keeping the cups filled for guests like Brandon Cuthbertson kept volunteers busy. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
The event gave Wilson a chance to talk with a number employees, including Barbara Shane.
The event gave Wilson a chance to talk with a number employees, including Barbara Shane. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Durham Chapter Delta Alumnae Sharon Beard, left, and Marian Johnson-Thompson work in different off-campus buildings, but they got to spend some holiday quality time together at the reception.
Durham Chapter Delta Alumnae Sharon Beard, left, and Marian Johnson-Thompson work in different off-campus buildings, but they got to spend some holiday quality time together at the reception. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
A grateful Wilson posed with Charletta Fowler, the young woman whose extra effort makes each year’s reception a success.
A grateful Wilson posed with Charletta Fowler, the young woman whose extra effort makes each year’s reception a success. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

International Day — December 13

Chris Long may be a little green, but he showed he has the right stuff as he filled in for Marc Hollander as emcee.
Chris Long may be a little green, but he showed he has the right stuff as he filled in for Marc Hollander as emcee. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Dick Sloan put his heart into the NIEHS band with Santa cap, goofy tie and white “Mr. Rogers” sweater, as band mate Doug Bristol joined in.
Dick Sloan put his heart into the NIEHS band with Santa cap, goofy tie and white “Mr. Rogers” sweater, as band mate Doug Bristol joined in. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Perry Blackshear enjoyed an opportunity to talk with newcomer Sharon Hrynkow, whose oriental garb reflected the international theme of the event.
Perry Blackshear enjoyed an opportunity to talk with newcomer Sharon Hrynkow, whose oriental garb reflected the international theme of the event. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
For the some of the small children, the best part of International Day was decorating the tree.
For the some of the small children, the best part of International Day was decorating the tree. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
And big kids, such as Dona McNeill, also seemed to enjoy it.
And big kids, such as Dona McNeill, also seemed to enjoy it. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)
Along with the NIEHS Band’s repertoire of Christmas tunes, there were professional musicians on hand to entertain the audience.
Along with the NIEHS Band’s repertoire of Christmas tunes, there were professional musicians on hand to entertain the audience. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

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