WEEKLY STAFF NEWS | 8.31.2020
IN MEMORIAM
Adan Ramos and Carlos Rodriguez
Last week we learned the heartbreaking news that two members of the Getty Security team passed away due to COVID-19.
Adan Ramos (who also went by Adam) was hired as a Getty Security Officer in October 2007 and his last day of work at the Villa was August 8. He had been on bereavement leave in Mexico for the funeral of his grandfather when he and other family members fell ill. He was 34. We will all miss his outgoing, friendly nature. You can send a note of condolence to his wife Lissette at 1030 E 66th Street, Inglewood, CA, 90302. She asks that we not post to social media about Adan’s passing. Staff can also contribute to a GoFundMe page.
Carlos Rodriguez marked his 19th year as a Security Officer this month. His last day of work was August 4 and we hoped and prayed for his recovery as he battled his illness for several weeks. He was 62. His loss is devastating and he will be greatly missed. You can send condolences to Carlos’s sister, Teresa Megan, at 5638 Bowcroft St., Los Angeles, CA, 90016. (She requests no flowers, please.)
We are grieving the losses of both Adan and Carlos and our thoughts are with both of their families. As we learn of any additional information regarding memorials or other support we can offer the families, we will let you know. If it would be helpful for you to have the support of grief counseling, please let your supervisor or manager know and it will be arranged.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
COVID-19 Testing at Getty Sites
Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in the surrounding Los Angeles community, we will begin an onsite COVID-19 testing program on Tuesday, September 8, at all three locations. All employees, interns, scholars, and contractors working at the Center, Villa, or Annex will be required to be tested weekly. Please look for more detailed information later this week.
Zoom—Mandatory Passcodes or Waiting Rooms
For increased security, all Zoom meetings will require either a passcode or waiting room enabled starting September 27. Don’t have these enabled? Learn more about passcodes and the waiting room. Note: If you have not enabled either by September 27, Zoom will enable a waiting room for your meetings. Additional information available at the Zoom Meeting Room Passcodes and Waiting Room FAQs webpage. If you have any questions, contact the Getty Digital Help Desk, or join us for a Zoom Q&A session (this week’s is focused on webinars) Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
Labor Day Holiday and Timecards
Monday, September 7, is not only a holiday, it is also the deadline for time card approvals for the period ending September 5, 2020. Please make sure you approve your own time card on your last workday of the pay period. For some employees that may be Thursday, September 3; Friday, September 4; or Saturday, September 5. Supervisors should make every effort to approve the time cards on each of those days, as well, for those employees who have completed their work. The payroll department will be available on Monday, September 7, should you require assistance. You can reach the payroll department at payroll@getty.edu.
Flu Season is Coming
If you have Getty health insurance, you can get a free flu shot from your primary care doctor or at your local pharmacy—e.g. Walgreen’s, CVS, Rite Aid. Not all independent pharmacies are contracted with your health insurance plan. Please contact member services (their number is on the back of your UHC or Aetna ID card) to find participating pharmacies in your area.
In October, Rite Aid will provide flu shots at Getty for employees who are regularly scheduled to work on site at the Villa or Center on the days the shots will be offered. At Getty Center, the flu shots will be on Tuesday, October 6, and at the Villa on Wednesday, October 7. A link to register for a flu shot will be sent out in late September. Please note, if you are not scheduled to be onsite on these dates, you will not be eligible to receive a flu shot on campus.
Working Remotely from Outside SoCal
During the coronavirus pandemic, some staff have inquired about working remotely from a location outside the Los Angeles area. The response to this question is complex. Attached is important information for employees and their supervisors to discuss and consider if an employee contemplates working outside the area.
Financial Wellness Virtual Day Schedule
Getty’s financial wellness partner, My Secure Advantage (MSA), will offer a free virtual day of workshops on September 9. Hour-long workshops will include topics on rebuilding after a financial setback, avoiding risks to your retirement plan, and becoming debt-free. See the attached flyer for schedule and registration links. Please be sure to register for the workshops in advance.
NEWS
Getty Virtual Art Explorations Launched
Following the success of a virtual pilot program this summer with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Inner-City Education Foundation (ICEF), the Getty Education team has expanded the program to additional school districts and homeschool networks in Southern California. Getty Virtual Explorations is an interactive, collection-based, object-focused experience with students. The program uses a discovery- and inquiry-based approach to teaching, and was created to provide arts education in the virtual classroom. Using Zoom, Getty is also able to extend its reach both locally and globally, opening new doors and connecting with future visitors. Reservations for the program open on September 8. Learn more about the virtual classes Getty is offering.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Creativity begins at Home
While spending more time at home, staff have discovered unique ways to entertain themselves and give back to their communities. To share how you’ve been passing the time, email internalcommunications@getty.edu.
- Marika Page, Villa Store Associate: “During this time of self-reflection, I contributed a selection of Black American fine artists who may not be household names, but should be! As a Getty employee, inclusive art is important to me and I love how the Getty strives for diversity and inclusion. So, I wanted to share my article written for The El Segundo Scene last month.”
Getty Anniversaries This Week
Five Years
- Jerome Tate, Mechanical, Facilities
- Abisai Ramirez, Villa Engineering, Facilities
- Jamie Dunn, Getty Center Museum Store Operations, Facilities
- Richard Rand, Associate Director Collections, Museum
15 Years
- Antonio Beecroft, Vocabulary Program, GRI
Comings and Goings
See how the Getty community is changing—and welcome new co-workers.
From InternalCommunications | internalcommunications@getty.edu
