Frequently Asked Questions:

Although a little hard to find on the Argonne National Laboratory website, there are many social and interest groups that gather here. The Argonne Club is a social and recreational organization for employees, family members and retirees whose purpose it is "to sponsor activity groups that promote good fellowship, healthful recreation, and other matters of common interest for employees” It is the umbrella organization for special interest clubs at the laboratory. Any employee of Argonne is welcome to join the different clubs without discrimination by gender, creed, race, or age. From badminton, a choral group, chess, ultimate Frisbee, Toastmasters, or a Hispanic/Latino Club there is something for everyone. A list of clubs and organizations with contact information can be found at: http://www.argonneclub.anl.gov. Don’t forget the Newcomers Assistance Office social activities. We hold monthly coffee mornings off site and some family oriented social activities each year for newcomers. To make sure you get an invitation, please contact the Newcomers Assistance Office (newcomers@anl.gov) and provide us with a name and address.

Certainly

Visitors are defined as person(s) seeking access to the site who are not regular Argonne or DOE employees or other site occupants. Regular badged employees may obtain gate passes for family members or others who may visit the Laboratory on a frequent basis (more than 7 days). Approval must be obtained from authorized division representatives. You are responsible for ensuring visitor compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and security requirements of the site. Gate passes are only required for person(s) over 16 years of age. Every Argonne employee can request the issuance of a gate pass to a visitor through the online Gate Pass System for US Citizens. To request a gate pass for a foreign citizen speak to your division secretary and complete an ANL-593 form for submission and approval. A gate pass will not be issued by the Argonne Information Center (AIC) until there is verification that an ANL-593 form has been approved. In all cases, hosts are responsible for ensuring that site access requirements are met and for the actions of their visitor. All visitors are required to present photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to receive the gate pass. In addition, all those operating a motor vehicle on site must have a valid driver's license. Passes must be worn in plain view, on the upper part of the body, at all times while on site.

Where do visitors pick up their gate pass?

Once a gate pass has been approved the person must present at the Argonne Information Center (AIC) during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a gate pass is issued. If after hours admission is required please inform the AIC and the badge will be issued at the Main Gate following verification with photo identification.

There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Argonne area allowing you to make new friends, learn about your community and help someone in need. You just need to be a little bit resourceful and know how much time you want to spend volunteering.

All the groups that accept used items and furniture also need volunteers to operate their organizations. Each of the surrounding communities have food banks that need help. Senior-living facilities are often looking for people who will read to their residents or write letters for them. There are many organizations in the area that sponsor activities that require extra help such as “Fun Runs”, art shows, fairs etc. Join the volunteer group to support your local library. The options are endless. Why not contact us at the Newcomers Assistance Office; perhaps we know of a group that is looking for help, or can put you in touch with a group that needs a skill you have to offer. There are also two excellent websites that list volunteer opportunities in the Chicago area: Volunteer Match and Giving DuPage.

There are always newcomers arriving at the laboratory that are looking for a good deal to furnish their apartment. There are three ways to reach them:

       •  Freecycle@Work -- free social networking site that can optimize the use of Argonne resources and reduce waste and costs. Users may exchange both Laboratory and personal property through this system.

       •  Newcomers Assistance Office has a bulletin board where we post information about items that are for sale, sub-lease apartments etc. We are also aware of newcomers who have recently arrived in many divisions and can forward any emails we receive directly to them to connect you.

       •  The Post-Doc office is also a great way to tap into a network of people searching for used items.

If you have a lot of items and have time, you may wish to hold a garage sale. They are usually held on Friday and Saturdays in the spring and summer months. Make sure to advertise in the local newspapers and on the internet to make sure you have a clientele.

Check out Craig’s List or local classifieds – and place an advertisement that will reach the entire Chicago area.

If you wish to donate your items there are two local and two nationally based charities that will be happy to take your furniture and household goods. Depending on where you live, some will provide a pickup service, and all will provide a charitable deduction receipt. You should check each charity’s website about do’s and don’ts for donations. Some even take cars! If you are having the charity pick up your items, do not wait to the last minute as many rely on volunteers to drive the truck and this requires considerable scheduling. If you want a specific date make sure to give the charity plenty of advance warning.

Sharing Connection
Bring your donations to Sharing Connection right in Downers Grove and a volunteer will be there to greet you, help you unload your donation. Donation drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm and Saturday, 9:00am – Noon. If you have large furniture items, you may schedule a Monday or Thursday truck pick up. All other items can be dropped off at our warehouse.

New to You Upscale Resale Store
1700 W Roosevelt Rd, Broadview (708-344-8477).Although this is quite far from Argonne, they are happy to accept used items and they will pick up furniture donations.

Goodwill
You can donate at two centers in the Argonne neighborhood; 539 Fort Hill Dr, Naperville and 7400 W 159th St, Orland Park. Check out the website for maps and directions and guidelines for what items are accepted.

Downers Grove Family & Thrift Store
1520 75th St. Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or check out the website (www.satruck.org) to discuss a pick up of your items or to find out the nearest drop off location and for information on donating goods, including used vehicles, to help support the Salvation Army’s programs.

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