In-lightened employee in sync with season
For a second year, Marv Lima is lighting up the holiday season — one blinking light and melodious tone at a time.
Lima, a computer support technician in the Director's Office, has decorated the exterior of his Tracy home with 60,000 colorful lights. But, it doesn't stop there. Each light is synchronized to turn on and off with music.
Inspired by a similar synchronized holiday display in Mason, Ohio (see the Carson Williams Wikipedia page ) that he viewed on the Web back in 2004, Lima said for one reason or another, he put off creating his display for several years.
"Life tends to get in the way," he said. "There are many reasons to avoid going to this extreme in decorating — money and time to name a few. But, there is a child in each of us and this has been something I have wanted to do for a long time."
In December 2007, Marv, with the help of his girlfriend Kanna and his brother Danny, started a new Tracy tradition and began decorating the home.
The amount of electrical power consumed during the light show leads Lima to admit: "PG&E may like me but I don't like them very much." He uses 80 percent LED lighting for energy efficiency, and 20 percent standard bulbs. The display is hardly maintenance free, with wind often a factor in losing some ornaments.
The light show is computer controlled, with each pulse programmed to music resonanting from eight speakers. There are eight controllers, which run a total of 128 channels and more than 4,800 feet of extension cords. Eleven melodies can be heard, ranging from classical interpretations by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and spiritual tunes of Amy Grant to the rock music of Twisted Sister.
"There's something here for everyone," Lima said.
Since earlier this month, Lima's street in Tracy has been lined with cars. Drivers will slow down and often stop to roll down the windows and take in the show.
And what do his neighbors think? Most like it, Lima says; at least there are no complaints.
With all the work, time and money involved to arrange the display, which he started in September, Lima says it is well worth it. "People like it. Kids enjoy it. It feels good to spread some joy this time of the year."
It was announced this week in the Tracy Press that Lima won this year's holiday decorating contest sponsored by the Tracy Rotary Club, sharing a first place spot in the home and grounds category with another entry.
You can experience Lima's light show at 2465 Travao Lane in Tracy, Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5 to 11 p.m. The show will run through Dec. 31.
'Science Chats' scheduled
In recognition of the Year of Science 2009, the Laboratory will present Science Chats — a series of discussions with leading scientists.
- First session: Jan. 13, 2009, 7-8:30 p.m. Carbon Dating, Anthrax and Forensic Science by John Knezovich, LLNL Livermore Public Library, Civic Center branch, community rooms A and B
Science Chats are open to the public. Bring your family, friends and an open mind; come ready to learn and ask questions. (Please refrain from bringing children too young to enjoy the topic.)
Contact: Rachael Mills, LLNL Public Affairs Office, at 925-422-4355.
Volunteers needed for Tri-Valley EYH conference
Help foster the interest of young women's in science and mathematics by volunteering at the annual Tri-Valley Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Diablo Valley College, San Ramon Campus.
The goal of the conference is to introduce young women in grades 6–9 to a variety of interesting and challenging careers. The students will participate in hands-on workshops, career discussions and a career fair exhibit.
If you are interested, view the volunteer page or, if you have questions, contact Ohashi at (925) 294-2393.
