September 2017

AMARILLO

DISTRICT NEWS

JULY • AUGUST • SEPTEMBER 2017

TN NETWORK MAKES AMARILLO DEBUT

IN THIS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE COVER TN Network Hurricane Harvey Response Page 2 Quarterly Service Awards Page 3 Texans Caring for Texans Please Be Seated!

District Headquarters Blood Drive Page 4 Aging Well New Employees Promotions Page 5 Employee Assistance Program Your New Health Plan Page 6 Retirements TxDOT Night with the Bulls Important Safety Banquet Info Page 7 Strategic Action Plan August Wellness Recipe Page 8 Around the District You may notice something new in this issue. Not only will the District Employee Newsletter come to your inbox every month instead of once a quarter, we have combined your Employee and Wellness newsletters together. We hope you like the change!

Have you noticed something new in your work area? Perhaps the new monitors installed throughout the District featuring the TN Network?

Hopefully you have had a chance by now to watch the video introducing the TN Network to the Amarillo District. If not, you can still find it on our District YouTube page.

This groundbreaking internal communications project debuted in October 2014 and expanded to 12 districts in 2015 before making it fully statewide this summer. These specially equipped TV monitors broadcast the TN Network, which includes a mix of video, still graphics and photos showcasing the latest news and information from administration, districts and divisions.

To make sure you get the most out of the TN Network, make sure these monitors are always on and that the volume is

up during peak office hours. If you ever experience a problem with the monitors, contact PIO Sonja Gross at (806) 3563256 or sonja.gross@txdot.gov.

As always, your feedback and input is what will make this new communications tool a success. Please call or e-mail Sonja with your suggestions from birth announcements to promotions — we want to share all the good news!

HELPING WITH HARVEY As Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport on Friday, Aug. 25, crews across the state were put on alert that help would be needed in TxDOT's relief efforts. Amarillo immediately began identifying volunteers and equipment to respond to the southeastern portion of our state.

That same day, Traffic Systems Specialist Kevin Wilcox joined a response crew from Abilene. That crew provided assistance in the San Antonio area. Amarillo District Director of Operations Blair Johnson went to Austin where he assisted by fulfilling requests at TxDOT’s State Emergency Operations Center. Safety Officer JJ Thomas, Jr. assisted in the Yoakum area.

Before departing for the Houston suburb of Sugar Land on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 30, an 11-man crew led by Potter County Maintenance Section Supervisor Brent Lane was briefed on safety, supplies and what to expect upon arrival. Another crew led by Justin Lawrence, assistant supervisor at the Canyon Maintenance Section, departed the following morning.

“This has never happened in the history of TxDOT so know that you are part of something special,” said District Engineer Brian Crawford. “But with that being said, that doesn’t change our priority – safety.”

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QUARTERLY SERVICE AWARDS

HARVEY

District Engineer Brian Crawford presented Quarterly Service Awards during the Leadership Meeting hosted in July at Amarillo District headquarters. The Texas Department of Transportation would like to congratulate the following people for their years of service and thank them for their dedication to the citizens of Texas.

In addition to sending crews to the areas impacted by Harvey, staff at the Texas Travel Information Center (TIC) in Amarillo, along with 11 others across the state, were helping navigate motorists away from the flooded areas.

On a typical day, TIC staff answers an average of 20 calls in between greeting visitors and helping them to their next destination. TICs across the state began working emergency hours on Aug. 24 – opening earlier and staying open later – answering thousands of calls and the ones coming into Amarillo were all Harvey-related, according to Daphne Adkins, supervisor of the Amarillo-based TIC. Adkins, who has been with the TIC for the last 10 years, worked the center during Hurricane Ike in 2008 and says Hurricane Harvey has brought a much deeper emotional response.

In fact, one call Adkins received was from a lady who was stuck on the roof of her home with two children. Adkins provided her with the emergency response contacts she needed.

“It was heart wrenching, but to be able to talk with her and give her the information she needed to get help was rewarding,” Adkins says. “She actually called back to let us know she was rescued.”

Some roads remain closed due to damage and the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) DriveTexas. org website has been instrumental in helping TIC staff navigate motorists who call seeking help.

“Our team in Austin leading the DriveTexas.org website has done a remarkable job of keeping us updated on what’s going,” Adkins says. “In turn, our travel counselors are able to provide guidance and reassurance to the public that depend on Texas’ roadways to get to home, get to work and to transport commerce. Knowing that we’re making a contribution to the effort is very energizing for my staff.

Plus, simply knowing that we’re helping people is extremely rewarding.”

Billy Hester

Kenneth Petr

Canyon 30 YEARS

District Construction 30 YEARS

Randy Hochstein

Terrel Bell

Clint Harms

Joey Cordova

Jim Alexander

Heath Hunt

Dalhart 25 YEARS

District Design 15 YEARS

Borger 5 YEARS

Darrouzett 15 YEARS

District Lab 10 YEARS

Panhandle 5 YEARS

(Continued from Cover)

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Amarillo District

TWO HONORED AS TEXANS CARING FOR TEXANS Each year Texans Caring for Texans honors employees was so well-received that TxDOT expects to install these from state agencies across the upper 26 counties in the benches at all its rest areas.

Texas Panhandle for their efforts that positively impact Williams began her TxDOT career 20 years ago as an their communities. The event office manager and worked was created in 1996 by former her way up to her current State Representative David role as supervisor. She was Swinford as a way to say, nominated for the Texans “Thank you for all the work Caring for Texans award for her that you do,” to outstanding volunteer work as a paramedic Texas employees. for the last 12 years and as This year, two Texas a volunteer firefighter for the Department of Transportation last 10 years. Williams is one employees from the Amarillo of only three paramedics District were among those supporting the Hansford recognized at the annual County EMS on every 911 call. ceremony, held Aug. 10 She is certified to teach CPR, From left: Jerry Ewers, Sherman County Maintenance section supervisor; on the West Texas A&M Laura Rogers, Stratford Maintenance office manager; Brian Crawford, First Aid and AED classes.

Amarillo district engineer; Janet Williams, Hansford County MaintenanceJanet also is certified to teach University campus in section supervisor; and Corky Neukam, Dumas area engineer.

Canyon – Laura Rogers, an Advanced Cardiac Life Support office manager in TxDOT’s Stratford maintenance section and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life support. and Janet Williams, a supervisor for TxDOT’s Hansford Both Rogers and Williams appreciate the ability to County maintenance section. Both were nominated for serve in these volunteer capacities afforded through this recognition by Dumas Area Engineer Corky Neukam. their careers with TxDOT. Williams says that if it wasn’t Rogers, who joined TxDOT three years ago, was for the flexibility offered to her by TxDOT, Hansford County nominated for this honor for her service as a paramedic would not have fire or EMS responders and, for that, she in Sherman County for 16 years. She is one of five is grateful. Williams has enjoyed her career with TxDOT so paramedics supporting the Sherman County EMS. A much that she convinced her son, Lance, to become part typical call out could range from going to a nursing home of the TxDOT family, too. He is a transportation engineer, and checking someone’s blood pressure or tending to recently promoted to Pampa assistant area engineer. minor injuries to transporting people to nearby medical “Our District is blessed with several employees who are facilities or responding to traffic accidents. constantly giving back to the communities in which they In addition to her career with TxDOT and volunteer efforts serve,” says District Engineer Brian Crawford. “What an with the Sherman County EMS, Rogers is the mother to honor it is to have two outstanding employees from our four children. In fact, as the mother of a handicapped district recognized for answering the call of duty both on teenaged daughter, Laura was also instrumental in the job with TxDOT and in their communities.” encouraging TxDOT to install a large, permanent changing Texans Caring for Texans committee members are bench in the rest area in Donley County to help special volunteers that are committed to coordinating this annual needs that some travelers experience. The suggestion recognition program to outstanding state employees.

PLEASE BE SEATED!

SEPTEMBER SAFETY TOPIC:

LaViza Matthews, traffic safety specialist for the Amarillo District, has introduced a new program designed to help keep our littlest Texans safe: Please Be Seated!

When you see an unrestrained child in a moving vehicle, get the license plate number and call (806) 356-3388, provide the license plate information and what you observed. LaViza will then send the owner of the vehicle educational information about child passenger safety along with information on how to get a car seat if they cannot afford one. Thank you for helping keeping all of our Texans safe!

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AGING WELL: TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY & HAPPY Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age, and that doesn’t change just because you have a few more gray hairs. Coping with change is difficult, no matter how old you are. The particular challenge for older adults is the sheer number of changes and transitions that start to occur—including children moving away, the loss of parents, friends, and other loved ones, changes to or the end of your career, declining health, and even loss of independence. It’s natural to feel those losses. But if that sense of loss is balanced with positive

ingredients, you have a formula for staying healthy as you age.

Healthy aging means continually reinventing yourself as you pass through landmark ages. These tips

can help you maintain your physical and emotional health and live life to the fullest, whatever your age.

Start an Exercise Plan Start a New Hobby Connect with Old Friends Be Socially Engaged Eat Well Quit an Old Habit Embrace Age Keep a Positive Attitude Save for Retirement Now Learn Something New Every Day Plan for Your Later Years Laugh A LOT! Sources: Helpguide.org; Huffingtonpost.com

EMPLOYEE NEWS New Hires: July - August 2017

Name

Greyson Gonzalez Shannon Glenn Jose Mireles Jason DeLeon Sysavath “CC” Sysombath George Barnes Joseph Saavedra Brandon Trolinder Tyler Dodds James Miller Zaira Gonzalez Scott Payne Paul Romero Jesus Martinez Peggy Miller

Title

General Engineering Tech I General Engineering Tech II General Transportation Tech III Design Tech III Transporation Engineer III General Transporation Tech III General Transportation Tech II General Transportation Tech II General Transportation Tech II General Transportation Tech II Maintenance Support Tech II General Transporation Tech II General Transportation Tech II General Transporation Tech II Travel Counselor IV

Unit

Amarillo AE Amarillo AE Canyon Maintenance Design Design Dumas AE Dalhart Maintenance E-Way Maintenance Loop Maintenance Loop Maintenance Gruver Maintenance Gruver Maintenance Gruver Maintenance Perryton Maintenance Travel Information Center

Promotions: July — August 2017 Name

Darrell Caldwell Devin Cowart Armando Longoria Andrew Tubb Phillip Calhoun Jason Sedgwick Tracy Bridges Doug Gresham Aaron Johnson Christopher Johnson Jerome Rose Lance Williams Michael Anderson

Title

Construction Inspector II Construction Inspector II General Transportation Tech III Transporation Engineering Supervisor II Design Tech III Design Tech III General Engineering Tech I Construction Inspector I Construction Inspector I Administrative Assistant I General Engineering Tech I Transportation Engineer V Transportation Maintenance Crew Chief

Unit

Amarillo AE Office Amarillo AE Office Canyon Maintenance Construction Design Design Dumas AE Office Dumas AE Office Dumas AE Office Maintenance Operations Pampa AE Pampa AE Office Special Jobs

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Amarillo District

NEED ASSISTANCE? THERE'S HELP

Guess what? I recently used EAP. For those of you who don’t know what it is, EAP is our Employee Assistance Program. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! I called, did a short intake (about five minutes), and received excellent care.

Did you know that you can call for just about any issue you are dealing with including: divorce, family issues, anger management, stress management, quitting smoking, death of a loved one, or any personal concern? While I was a little hesitant to give any information about myself, I was assured that it is completely confidential. No one will know that I even called (except all of you reading this).

What I liked about calling EAP: it was easy, it was confidential, it was free, and I felt like my questions were addressed.

I also used EAP a couple weeks ago to make a will. I had to sign up through their website so that I could access all of the legal forms, but they were COMPLETELY FREE (normally it would cost $25 to $225). In fact, I was shocked to see so much more than wills. I found rental agreements, landlord letters, contracts, bills of sale, mortgage worksheets, agreements, and much more.

What I like about using EAP legal forms online: it was easy, all the forms were free and I was able to do it on my own time.

The last thing I did on the EAP website was to take a self-assessment quiz. I chose the resilience quiz. The results: I have a balanced life perspective, I am moderately resilient, and I find life meaningful but there is room for improvement. You can also take 12 other assessments ranging from mental health to fitness.

It’s important to take care of yourself. Sometimes we all need a little help to make that happen. EAP can help you take care of yourself and your families.

To use EAP, call 1-800-343-3822 or log into EAP Access Benefits — Alliance Work Partners (www.awpnow.com) and use the registration code: AWP-TXDOT-1751.

By Tammy Esposito, HR Specialist

YOUR NEW HEALTH PLAN As of Sept. 1, 2017, changes were made to our health insurance plan.

While most of our current benefits and requirements are not changing, there are some things you need to know.

The first is that this change is happening because under state law, ERS has to rebid the contract for our health benefits on a regular basis. Blue Cross Blue Shield won that bid.

Other changes: • You must have an in-network PCP • Check your current and possible doctors to make sure they are in-network. Many that were in-network are opting out. (Find a BCBS provider) • If your provider is not in network, he/she can be nominated to be added. Go to Provider Nomination Form | HealthSelect of Texas | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas • Any questions? Call BCBS at (800) 252-8039 • Look for Blue Points Rewards where you can earn points for activities and then redeem them for items from an online catalog.

What to do now: • New ID cards from BCBSTX and from OptumRx (Pharmacy benefits have not changed) should be on the way. You should receive them by the end of August.

• Access the Personal Health Assistant feature if you need any help at all by calling or going online.

• On September 1, we will have access to two weight loss programs – Real Appeal or Naturally Slim. Take advantage of these great programs.

• The HealthSelect Fitness Program gives us access to over 9,000 fitness centers nationwide (with a discount) – go online or call on September 1 to find gyms.

• You will need a referral from your PCP to receive in-network benefits (you do not need a referral to see OB-GYNs, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists, Mental health counseling, Chiropractors or Urgent care clinics.

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Floyd Finney

Canyon Maintenance 32 Years

Mike Fowler

Traffic Operations 30 Years

Florencio Maldonado, Jr. Dumas Maintenance 21 Years

Rickey Estep Special Jobs 20 Years

Della Tucker

Loop Maintenance 23 Years

Gary Allen

Fleet Operations 20 Years

As you have probably heard by now, the annual Safety Banquet has been moved back to the fall, with the next one scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Grand Plaza of the Amarillo Civic Center. The theme for this year's Safety Banquet is "A Family Affair". To help us focus on and celebrate this theme, we are putting together a special video that will star you and your family! Please send at least one family photo to Sonja Gross, public information officer either through inner-office mail or to sonja.gross@txdot.gov

and you and your family could be the stars of our next show! Family isn't just the parents and the kids. Be sure to send some pictures that include your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, grandchildren and, most importantly, your pets! Safety is all about going home to the people you love — and who love you - at the end of the day — so, let's celebrate "A Family Affair".

BTW ... want to guess whose grandkids these are on the left? Hint: there is a new grandbaby in the family, but not in this picture.

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Amarillo District

Learn more about our District's Strategic Action Plan on the SharePoint site.

PUBLICATION POLICY: The Amarillo District Employee & Wellness newsletter is distributed monthly through e-mail and the District’s SharePoint site.

It is designed to help keep you informed of events and accomplishments throughout the organization you serve. If you have ideas for future stories, features or photo opportunities, or to receive this newsletter electronically, contact:

Sonja Gross

Public Information Officer Amarillo District (806) 356-3256 (office) (806) 570-6301 (mobile) sonja.gross@txdot.gov All items are subject to space availability and edited for appropriateness.

AUGUST RECIPE WINNER! Congratulations to Construction Records Auditor Raquel Dominguez for submitting the winning recipe for a healthy snack in August. If you are looking for something yummy try this recipe for yourself!

LOW CARB ZUCCHINI PARMESAN CHIPS Ingredients: 4 small zucchinis 1 to 1 ½ cups parmesan cheese (or your favorite cheese) Optional: low-sugar spaghetti sauce for dipping Instructions: Prep a large baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper. Slice each zucchini into slices about ¼ in. thick. Spread out the sliced zucchini rounds onto the large baking sheet and do not worry if there is a little space between each one. Sprinkle each one with salt and pepper. Sprinkle your cheese evenly over each zucchini round, covering each one.

Bake in oven at 425° F for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese turns a golden brown color. Set a timer and check after about 10 minutes and keep adding 5 minute increments until it gets close to the color you want.

Serve them with a small amount of spaghetti sauce to add more flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information Serving size: ¼ recipe; Calories: 133; Fat: 7.7g; Sat Fat: 4.9g; Sugar: 2g; Fiber: 1.3g; Protein: 11.8; Cholesterol: 20mg; Carbohydrates: 5g

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1 Hurricane Harvey Debris Crew This 11-man crew was deployed to the Houston suburb of Sugar Land to help with debris cleanup.

Pictured back row from left are Larry Skidmore, John Kabetzke, Heath Henderson, Tate Harris, Kevin Baldridge and Justin Lawrence. Front row from left are Jimmy Traylor, Michael Morrison, Kevin Allison, Pete Lomeli, Brent Lane and Al York.

AROUND THE

DISTRICT

2 Hurricane Harvey Sign & Signal Helping repair signs and signals in the Yoakum area were, back row from left: Melvin Jobe, Josh Hilary, Bobby Reining, Johnny Olivarez and Rob Hendricks; and front row from left: Walt Donald, Chris Speed and Johnny Cordova.

3 Get Your Motor Runnin' If you have never made it by the Texas Travel Information Center in Amarillo, be sure to drop by the next time you are in town and say "hello" to these outstanding ladies.

They helped navigate motorists who were displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Pictured from left are Travel Counselors Peggy Miller and Annette Mata, and TIC Supervisor Daphne Adkins.Seated is Travel Counselor Kathy Caraway.

4 This Trail Was Made for Walkin' A new walking trail debuted at District Headquarters late last month. Following a ribbon cutting, those who walked the half-mile trail were treated to a cool new water bottle and cooling headband!

What's happening at your home base? With 17 counties in the Texas Panhandle, the Amarillo District covers a lot of ground.

Share pictures from your maintenance section and you could see them on this page or, better yet, on the TN Network.

Send your pictures through inner-office mail or make it easy on yourself and use technology ot your fingertips — e-mail sonja.gross@txdot.gov or text your pictures to her at (806) 570-6301.

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