TMB Virtual Events – Summer 2021
Throughout our time with maximum telework due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TMB has been holding virtual events for all employees. While we look forward to having events in the office again once we reopen and return to the office, this has allowed us to stay in contact with our employees and keep the connections we established in the office. These events range from a monthly morning coffee session with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to diversity talks to company All Hands presentations. For one event we borrowed a tradition from the US Navy and the COO held a modified “Rope Yarn Sunday” to check in with employees and enjoy a little virtual down time together.
The history behind a Rope Yarn Sunday:
“On the day the tailor boarded a sailing ship in port, the crew knocked off early, broke out rope yarn and mended clothes and hammocks. One afternoon per week at sea, usually a Wednesday, was reserved for mending. Since it was an afternoon for rest from the usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed ‘Rope Yarn Sunday.’
The Navy adhered to the custom up to the years immediately after World War II; men used Wednesday afternoon for personal errands like picking up their laundry and getting haircuts. Of course they paid back the time by working a half-day on Saturdays.
Today, uniforms require less attention so Rope Yarn Sunday has been turned to other purposes; mainly early liberty or a time for catching up on sleep. Some, however, still adhere to tradition and break out the ditty bag for an afternoon of uniform PMS [Preventative Maintenance Schedule].”
Source: https://www.history.navy.mil/
