01 January 2020

Salem District Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 01 January 2020

What’s Inside • Employee Profile: Robin Keeler • New Facilities Manager • Painted Plows • Salvation Army Helpers • Saving Lives One Pint at a Time Ronald Cowan from Patrick Springs AHQ operates a backhoe on Route 58 while Todd Blankenship and Doyle Eaton use rock and gravel to stabilize the slope.

The Extra Mile SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD PROGRAM

2020 VISION

By Ken King, P.E.

As the winner of the 2019 Safety Excellence Award, Salem District employees are getting an opportunity to see the award up close and personal as it tours the residencies, area headquarters and offices within the district.

Ken.King@VDOT.virginia.gov

“Receiving the safety award could not have been accomplished had it not been for the work performed by each of our employees,” said District Castle AHQ with the 2019 Safety Excellence Award. Their Engineer Ken King explaining New safety slogan (and great advice!): “To keep you and your family why the award cup tour was free from harm, please change the batteries in your smoke alarms.” implemented.

The district won the 2019 award for accumulating the highest sum of points in three categories: submitting safety ideas, developing safety videos and completing safety training.

The award has completed its rounds at the Christiansburg, Martinsville and Salem residencies.

This winter, it is touring the District Complex and Operations. Next, it will visit the Bedford Residency, which will bring its tour to a conclusion.

It’s not too soon to start thinking about the 2020 Safety Excellence Award Program. “The deadline to submit entries for this year will be here before we know it,” said District Safety Manager Scott Mutter. cont. pg. 2

When I was with the City of Greensboro’s Department of Transportation in the late 1990s, I worked on an effort to develop a strategic plan for the city. It was one of the many plans in those days titled Vision 2020.

It envisioned a distant future which for me seemed like an eternity. Well, time flies, and indeed 2020 has arrived.

As I reflect on the many changes in our world over the last two decades, it is hard to remember a time when 9/11 was just another day in September and there was very little about our flip-phones cont. pg. 2

Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke

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KING

cont.

that could be branded as smart.

The Smart Road opened for business in 2000 and helped launch the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which today is the nation’s top transportation research facility.

The smart technology features of today’s cars have all been tested on our very own Smart Road before being introduced into today’s marketplace.

While it is hard to see a clear picture of the years ahead, it is easy to tell that transportation will be one of the major frontiers of change and that VDOT will continue to play a major part in this developing picture. By the close of this decade, the I-81 projects just identified for funding will be nearing completion and many more will likely be planned for implementation in the years ahead.

To kick off a busy decade ahead, 2020 is slated to be action packed and challenging. Among the projects that we will be breaking ground on are widening I-81 between exits 141 and 143, realigning the Route 460 S-curves near Montvale and adding a new lane to Route 419 near Tanglewood.

As our vision of 2020 becomes reality, I want to remind everyone to focus on safety first and foremost. I am confident in our Salem District team and know that we can accomplish great things together.

Make it a great 2020 and stay safe out there.

-Ken 2

SAFETY EXCELLENCE…

cont.

Employees are encouraged to earn Safety Excellence points for the district by submitting ideas and videos on ways to improve the safety, health and productivity of their working conditions. “Employees should also take the required safety training courses as soon as possible to add points for our district,” explained Scott. These courses can be found on VDOTU and are called: • Driving Safety • Safety at Home • Slips, Trips and Falls • Top Hazards

BONUS: • CPR / First Aid • Fire Extinguisher

For employees without computer access, these training courses can be accessed on the EBB. For more information about these courses or how to submit an idea or video, contact Scott Mutter at 540-8718365 or email scott.mutter@vdot.virginia.gov.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: ROBIN KEELER In 25 years, Robin Keeler has served and excelled in five different roles within the Salem District. On January 25, she assumed her sixth role as the Salem Residency’s assistant resident administrator and she couldn’t be more excited for the challenge. “I have enjoyed every position I ever had at VDOT,” she explained. “They have each challenged me and prepared me for what’s next.”

Robin started working for VDOT in 1994 as a construction inspector trainee for the Martinsville Residency and then became an inspector and later an inspector senior. What she didn’t know at the time was how VDOT would not only change her professional career but her personal life as well. She met her future husband, Tim, who was a contractor hired

by VDOT, when she inspected his job. They didn’t start dating until a year later but had it not been for that first on-the-job encounter, they might not have met. They have been married for 18 years and have a 16 year-old son named Alan.

Some other positions Robin has held include contract administrator and environmental specialist for the Martinsville and Salem residencies and, most recently, district maintenance contract manager. “Robin is one of the most efficient people I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside,” said Martinsville Resident Engineer Lisa Hughes explaining how she fondly remembers having to run up and down the hall of their office to get her guidance.

Having worked with her before, Salem Resident Engineer Ray Varney looks forward to having her on his team. “We are fortunate and well pleased to have her join our team.”

Robin’s advice to new VDOT employees: “Do not dwell on where you are now; focus on where you want to be.” She said that’s what helped her overcome any challenges she faced in her different positions.

NEW FACILITIES MANAGER Mike O’Malley is the Salem District’s new Facilities Manager. He has more than 20 years experience in industrial, residential and commercial electrical and mechanical fields.

Mike and his family are relocating to the Smith Mountain Lake area of the district. He will be working out of an office on the District Complex.

Be sure to introduce yourself as he tours the district over the next several weeks.

Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke

PA I N T E D P L O W S F O R H O L I D AY PA R A D E S Each year, VDOT area headquarters across the state work with local school systems to coordinate Paint-a-Plow, a program that gives students an opportunity to practice their creative skills by painting snowplows. This year, the Eagle Rock, Buchanan and Troutville AHQs had great participation with students from Botetourt County Schools. The painted plows were proudly displayed in the Fincastle and Buchanan holiday parades.

In addition to the great artwork from students, one of our very own, operator Chris Hull from Dublin AHQ, painted a plow (below) that was shown in the Pulaski and Christiansburg parades. He said painting helps him relax, specifically when he paints wildlife. He started developing and applying his artistic skills throughout his teenage years. He even served as president of the National Art Honor Society his senior year of high school. He enjoys sharing his talents with his three-year-old daughter, Maleah, who adores the panda-themed bedroom that he painted for her. Chris also shares his hobby with the community by donating his artwork to local charities so they can raffle it off as a fundraiser.

SALVATION ARMY HELPERS On December 20, employees from Hanging Rock, Troutville and New Castle AHQs used Community Service Leave to help the Salvation Army distribute toys for recipients of the Angel Tree. Hanging Rock Superintendent Tammie Sowers has enjoyed being a part of this charity for the past five years. “We go to the Salvation Army Community Center and help people pick up their toys and bikes,” Tammie said explaining how the VDOT volunteers work closely with families in need.

This year, the VDOT crew had bike duty making sure the right bikes were matched to the right families. They also helped load them into vehicles. Tammie and her team of volunteers really enjoyed their service to the Salvation Army on Angel Tree distribution day. “To see the smiles on their faces knowing that their children will have a Christmas this year is the best feeling in the world.

That’s the reason we choose to help out the Salvation Army every year.”

Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke

GOING THE EXTRA MILE Citizens Express Gratitude for VDOT “I really appreciate the VDOT crew that added gravel on Camp Carysbrook Road.

Thanks to whoever was paying attention to the weather and our road. You guys do a great job.”

–T. Mortensen, Christiansburg AHQ “I requested that Sleepy Hollow Road in Moneta be graded and it was done promptly. It looks great! Thank you!”

–Mr. Tinsley, Smith Mountain Lake AHQ “Thanks to Eagle Rock AHQ for the gravel on Patterson Trail in such a timely manner. They do such a great job and I’m very glad they are my area headquarters.

Thank you!” –A. Mayer, Eagle Rock AHQ “I am thankful for the work Mary Peters did to clean up trash near Hill Crest Drive in Bedford. The bank has never looked so good. Thank you for your commitment to customer service!”

–Ms. Carter, Irving AHQ “Thank you for filling the potholes at the intersection of Trinkle Avenue & Lee Highway. Your fast response is much appreciated.”

–M. Giles, Dublin AHQ “Thank you for fixing Stone Coal Road.

They really did a good job grading and gravel.”

–S. Meador, Troutville AHQ FA C E B O O K K U D O S --------------------------------------------------“I heard our AWESOME Bent Mountain VDOT crew about 3:30 this a.m. Thank you!”

–M. Goad, Southwest AHQ “Our Bent Mountain VDOT crew is the BEST…THANK YOU GUYS!” –C. Reed, Southwest AHQ --------------------------------------------------“It looks like Big Island VDOT knocked another one out of the park last night.

Great job fellas.”

–B. Cocke, Big Island AHQ “They always do…Big Island VDOT is the bomb!”

–C. Dudley, Big Island AHQ “They are always amazing.”

–S. Whorley, Big Island AHQ

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SAVING LIVES ONE PINT AT A TIME According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. One pint of donated blood can potentially save up to three lives. Cheri Wood has potentially saved up to 207 lives.

Cheri is the quality and training supervisor for the Customer Service Center and has been donating blood since she was 18 years old.

“My dad was in a car wreck in 1978 and needed immediate surgery but they didn’t have enough blood in the blood bank,” she said explaining what inspired her to be a blood donor. “They put out a call over the local radio and TV stations asking for blood donations to help my dad.

Thankfully, there were enough people that responded and dad was able to get his surgery.”

She was a young girl when the accident happened, but she was old enough to understand how the blood donations made a difference not only in her dad’s life, but in her family’s life also. “I just determined, when I got old enough, I wanted to give back. So, when I turned 18, I started donating.”

The Red Cross will allow a person to donate blood every 56 days, but you have to be in good health.

“Through the years there have been instances when I haven’t been able to donate but I tried to stick to the ‘every 56 days’ as much as humanly possible.”

She is thankful for VDOT’s Community Service Leave program which allows her to take the time needed during the day to donate. “It used to take two and a half hours but now they have a ‘Blood Donor App’ that makes it much quicker to donate. You can be in and out in an hour!”

Cheri has donated 69 pints of blood in her lifetime and is on track to give a total of 9 gallons by June.

“Every time I give, I do it in memory of my dad Charlie Martin because others cared enough to donate for him,“ she explained. “As long as I am able, I will continue to donate because I know it is making a difference.”

EMPLOYEE UPDATES New Hires Jeffery Amos Emergency Wage Worker (EWW), Horsepasture AHQ Chris Atkinson TOI, Martinsville Sign Crew W. Todd Blankenship TOII, Horsepasture AHQ David Bolen EWW, Hillsville AHQ Devin Carroll TOII, Troutville AHQ D. Wayne Collins TOII, Horsepasture AHQ Noah Dean EWW, Southwest AHQ Roger Edmonds EWW, Hillsville AHQ Kenneth Foley EWW, Fairystone AHQ Tommy Harrell EWW, Laurel AHQ Bradley Holt EWW, Patrick Springs AHQ Brent Hylton EWW, Fairystone AHQ Ricky Joyce EWW, Carlisle AHQ Blake Landford EWW, Peters Creek AHQ Jonathan Lawson TOII, Martinsville AHQ Mike O’Malley Facilities Manager, District Wayne Park EWW, Hanging Rock AHQ Shannon Salyer TOII, Dublin AHQ Transfers Jonathan Harris TOII, Carlisle AHQ Anthony Heavener TOMI, Hanging Rock AHQ

Transfers Cont’d T. Bryan Hodge TOMI, Pearisburg AHQ Jeremiah Law TOII, Ironto Bridge Brendon McNally TOII, Hanging Rock AHQ Steven Mullins Senior Engineer, Traffic Engineering Lewis Sharpe TOII, Big Island AHQ Clarence “Sam” Boone TOMI, Southwest AHQ Promotions Jason Hartman to Senior Hydraulics Engineer in Location and Design.

Jason Kennedy to Contract Monitor for the Bedford Residency.

Jesse Miller to assistant Resident Engineer Land use for Christiansburg Residency.

Retirements Gary Brown retired as Operator for the East River Tunnel.

Charles Johnson Jr retired as Operator for Big Island AHQ. Wayne Key retired as Operator for Big Island AHQ. Ryland Moore retired as Operator for Willis AHQ. Deaths Roger Goad passed away on January 24. He was currently working as an operator for Hillsville AHQ.

Virginia Department of Transportation Salem District Office of Communications 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem, VA 24153 Nancy.Simmons@VDOT.Virginia.gov 540-387-5236 ©2020 Commonwealth of Virginia

FEBRUARY

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Presidents Day

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