About once a month, members of Sandia/California’s community come together for a virtual hobby session, where they learn about a colleague’s favorite pastime over lunch. California Weapon Systems Engineering Director Mike Hardwick kicked off the popular series shortly after the pandemic started as a way to help maintain connections and build engagement among staff, and it worked.
Staff members began signing up to present, and the sessions have continued with entertaining talks that inspire great questions and lively conversations. The photos below provide a glimpse into some of the many fascinating topics volunteers have shared.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS — Bryn Miyahara shared her passion for photography with a presentation full of beautiful images and tips for taking planned and candid photos. (Photo courtesy of Bryn Miyahara)
MODEL TRAIN ENGINEER — To kick off the Hobby Sessions, California Weapon Systems Engineering Director Mike Hardwick discussed what inspired him to start building model trains and how his hobby informs the technical and operations planning skills he uses at work. He also shared photos of the railroads and infrastructure he has created. (Photo courtesy of Mike Hardwick)
FISH TALES — California Stockpile Systems and Components Engineering Director Dan Fonte described his favorite hobby — recreational and tournament fishing — with some amazing fish tales and the photos to prove it. For skeptics, a lie detector is included on his essential equipment list. (Photo courtesy of Dan Fonte)
INTRICATE DESIGNS — Helen Smith started crocheting as a creative outlet and then took it to a new level by using her engineering and math skills to design and publish original patterns. In her hobby session, she walked attendees through crochet and pattern design basics, sharing photos of her beautiful creations.(Photo courtesy of Helen Smith)
CRAB HAUL — Frank Griffin, right, and Hung Nguyen invited attendees along for a fun virtual peek at their weekend crabbing adventures, which began shortly after they both transferred to Livermore from Sandia’s Albuquerque site. (Photo courtesy of Frank Griffin and Hung Nguyen)
THE ART OF BREADMAKING — In his hobby session, “Dr. Breadlove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gluten,” Mike Maguire took the audience on a culinary adventure into the art and science of baking bread, exploring everything from the properties of different flours to the best methods for measuring and mixing to the impact of external factors like humidity on baked goods. (Photo courtesy of Mike Maguire)
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES — After providing vivid details about his exciting backpacking and raftpacking experiences, David Marangoni-Simonsen encouraged attendees to join an email group he started to bring together Sandians interested in similar adventures. (Photo courtesy of David Marangoni-Simonsen)
BACKYARD ORCHARD — Gilbert Wong has cultivated more than 20 fruit trees in his backyard. He described his process — from planning to planting to harvesting — including helpful tips for local growers. (Photos courtesy of Gilbert Wong)
PUMPKIN CARVING — Steven Paradise, a pumpkin-carving artist, shared a visual display of his hobby, along with helpful tips, tools and techniques for carving elaborate designs. (Photo courtesy of Steven Paradise)
SMOKING MEAT — Senior Manager Hung Nguyen prepared a visual feast of mouthwatering photos, recipes and tips for smoking meat. He enjoys the food but said the best thing about his hobby is how it helps him connect and make memories with family and friends. (Photo courtesy of Hung Nguyen)
UNCOVERING FAMILY HISTORY — Senior Manager Ben Markel guided attendees through the process of researching their family history and genealogy. He offered ideas for discovering new connections with their ancestors, including collecting biographical information, stories and photos, like this one of his family. (Photo courtesy of Ben Markel)
