WEEKLY STAFF NEWS | 10.12.2020
IN MEMORIAM
Janak Shamji
We mourn the loss of Security Officer Janak Shamji, who passed away yesterday after feeling ill for some time. (His death was not COVID-19 related.) Janak was with the Getty for more than 20 years, and was familiar to everyone in the Getty Center galleries. We are sending flowers and will place condolence cards at CSS and the Villa Lower Level desk for all to sign. You are welcome to leave a personal card or note also and we will forward these to his family. Information about a memorial service will be shared as it becomes available.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Note from Steve Olsen on DEI
Steve Olsen sends a note of thanks to staff for participating in the DEI Plan feedback sessions and outlines next steps. Steve Olsen and Jim Cuno announce that they will begin holding office hours to meet with staff. See the attached note.
Employee Self Service Upgrade
Getty Digital has completed the upgrade to ESS and you should have received an email with information about that change. Attached is another copy of the handout with that information. Coming soon—more tips about using ESS during Open Enrollment.
Getty Store Staff Discount and Free Shipping
Discover books, gifts, apparel, and more at the Getty Store—and shop our new Holiday Gift Guide. As a reminder, staff can receive a 25% discount by entering the code GETTY25 at checkout. Subscribe to weekly emails to receive free domestic standard shipping. Not valid on department charges. Treat yourself or send a gift to a friend!
Reminder—Free Flu Shots at Getty Center and Getty Villa This Week
Free flu shots are available this week for Getty, Uniserve, and Bon Appetit staff who are regularly scheduled to work on site on the dates below. If you would like to receive a flu shot, please notify your supervisor to schedule a time.
Getty Center, GRI Lecture Hall
Tuesday, October 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Getty Villa, VN 111/112
Wednesday, October 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
If you are enrolled in Getty health insurance, please bring your member ID card for UnitedHealthcare or Aetna at the time of your flu shot. If you are not enrolled in Getty health insurance, you will still be able to receive your shot at no cost.
Masks must be worn at all times. Please maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, and do not arrive in groups with your colleagues. If you have questions, contact Human Resources at HR@getty.edu or 310-440-6523.
Library Curbside Service
You have until Wednesday, October 14, to submit your requests for Getty Library Curbside Service in October. Please submit your requests for library items via the Library Catalog. Please see the attached PDF for instructions and FAQ about requesting library materials for this curbside service.
NEWS
12 Sunsets Website Launched
The GRI launched the interactive website 12 Sunsets: Exploring Ed Ruscha’s Archive, which allows users to discover thousands of photographs of Sunset Boulevard taken by artist Ed Ruscha between 1965 and 2007. On the website, designed by Stamen Design working with Getty Digital, users can “drive” down Sunset Boulevard in 12 different years between 1965 and 2007, as well as view, search, and compare the more than 65,000 photographs of this key urban artery. The photographs are part of the Ed Ruscha Streets of Los Angeles Archive, a trove of 500,000 photographs, notes, drawings, and records documenting the artist’s photography of Los Angeles which was acquired by the GRI in 2012. Learn more about how this project came together on the Iris and explore the site.
EVENTS
Digital Share 2020 (So Digital It’s Virtual) Starts This Week
See the Digital Share schedule for details. Join us on Zoom. Get custom Digital Share Zoom backgrounds! All Getty staff welcome, no signup required. Gift card raffle at each session.
- Lightning Talks: Tuesdays, October 13 and 20, 12–1 p.m.
- Demos, Geekfest, and Activities: Thursdays, October 15 and 22, 12–1 p.m.
“Squatober” Fitness Challenge
The Fitness Center invites eligible Getty employees to join "Squatober,” the terrifyingly fun new fitness challenge, which begins today. Lisa and Karl will be sending out three workouts a week through October 30 that will light your legs up like a jack-o-lantern, with options and modifications for every fitness level (so it won't be scary). Lisa and Karl are available for free one-on-one Zoom training sessions or email consultations (by appointment) for staff who need assistance. To sign up, email fitnesscenter@getty.edu. See the attached flyer.
Dancers on Film: Okwui Okpokwasili and devynn emory
The inaugural program for Dancers on Film, the GRI’s Director's Film Series, presents writer, choreographer, and performer Okwui Okpokwasili and choreographer and nurse devynn emory in conversation with GRI research specialist Kristin Juarez. The conversation, hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, October 21, at 12 p.m. PST, explores the artists' experiments in dance-making and documentation, and follows a pre-screening of the film Bronx Gothic (Andrew Rossi, 2017, 91 minutes), an intimate portrait of Okpokwasili’s acclaimed one-woman show of the same name. The pre-screening of Bronx Gothic will be available from October 16 through October 21 through webinar registration. Please register in advance for the webinar and access to the film pre-screening.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Creativity Begins at Home
While spending more time at home, staff have discovered fascinating ways to entertain themselves and give back to their communities. To share how you’ve been passing the time, email internalcommunications@getty.edu.
- Harvey Jordan, Visitor Services: “Since the quarantine order came down last March I have been bunkered in my apartment in Sherman Oaks. Being at higher risk of illness I decided to ride it out with Netflix and a fully stocked refrigerator. After five months I noticed that my pants started shrinking and I needed to act. I was afraid to get on my scale for fear of the worst. Years ago, I was an avid bicycle camper and multiday rider. So, I dusted off my bicycle, added some panniers, and hit the road. Recently I spent overnight bike rides along the coast near Santa Barbara. Last week, with my schedule still wide open, I decided to ride the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles (I had done this ride 24 years ago). I left on Thursday, taking a 10-hour Amtrak ride to the Bay Area where I will start my ride down the coast. When finished I may turn Netflix back on but will try to stay away from my refrigerator.”
- Rachel Artenian, Docent: “I was really looking forward to participating in the Getty Underground this year. When I found out that it was a virtual event, I was quite disappointed. But then, I realized that as a writer and a storyteller, I had an opportunity to explore a new medium. Two years ago, I performed my story Kouros on PCH at the 2018 SubText event in person. This year, I decided to participate in SubText again; this time via a short film. I created the virtual set using vintage photographs, I styled my outfit, added some special effects, and produced this short video that I am quite proud of: Olympic Blvd (A vintage LA story told by a vintage LA broad). You can see it in the SubText room of the GU or on YouTube.”
Getty Anniversaries This Week
Five Years
- Jessica Palmieri, Associate Director of Collections, MUS
- Megan Catalano, Museum Special Initiatives, MUS
30 Years
- Linda Somerville, Insurance and Risk Management
Comings and Goings
See how the Getty community is changing—and welcome new co-workers.
From InternalCommunications | internalcommunications@getty.edu
