A publication for Legacy Management Support services employee engagement Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
In this issue: Jumpin’ Jack Flash Page 2-3
Richard Dayvault Page 4-5
Fernald Food Drive Page 6
Blind Spot Demo Page 7
Letter from Nick Lombardo Page 8
School Supply Drive Page 9
New Employees Page 9 Page 1, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
by Heather Cates
Jack riding his trike to work.
In Jack Byrom’s book, Stories From the Road, he includes a poem that he wrote titled “Mornings of Light.”
on equipment. “I’m sure they were wondering why I couldn’t just play basketball or something!”
Western Colorado boy of 14, full of hopes of mountains and canyons of joy. He found sandstone Monuments, John Otto’s legacy, Mornings of joy in motion. Clickety-clacks of the gears, whirls of the wheels, Air and light in his world of wheels.
Jack labeled himself as a “bike bum” during his 20s, earning just enough money to buy bike parts and enter races. Throughout the early ‘90s, he pedaled over some of the most magnificent and daunting passes in Colorado. “I never got real fast, but I was having a lot of fun,” Jack said, smiling.
Jack, a technical editor at the LM office in Grand Junction, was 14 when he realized he had been bitten by a bug. While most teens were riding their bicycles through neighborhood streets and on downtown bike paths, Jack was bicycling over the Colorado National Monument—a 50-mile trip climbing 2,000 vertical feet to the highest point. This was no longer just a desire, but an obsession. Jack had been bitten by the “racing bug” and was on fire.
Jack’s most memorable race happens to be the last one that he ever raced. It was the Grand Junction Tuesday night criterium in 1993 and the last one of the year. The criterium is a closed-circuit course of about 30 laps completed in less than a mile. There is no trophy or award money; just the pure thrill of winning.
By age 15, Jack and his best friend decided it was time to become official racers. They received their U.S. Cycling Federation licenses and trained 10–15 hours each week while racing in numerous towns throughout Colorado. Jack laughed remembering the strange looks he would get from his parents during this time—shaved legs, Italian cycling shoes with cleats that tapped like high heels, and crazy amounts of money spent
At this point in his racing career, Jack had never placed before. But for some reason that Tuesday night he was on fire and he knew he had it. “I pulled off the win by outsmarting the other racers, some of which were the fastest in town,” Jack said. “They didn’t think I had the horsepower to pull it off!” Jack had concluded his racing career with ego polished and shining. Jack’s focus switched gears over the next several years while he traded 2 wheels for 18 for his job as a semi-truck driver. He relocated for work a few times, but always adjusted with new riding companions and bike-riding clubs.
Jack refers to the year of 2008 as “crazy.” Usually the guy with a constant spark of energy, he began to notice subtle physical changes, beginning with weakness and gradually evolving into numbness and loss of balance. After 6 weeks, the symptoms had only worsened and were affecting daily routines, including riding a bicycle. “I found myself losing my balance and strength, yet still wanting to be outside and enjoy exercise.” Jack was diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease CIDP, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The disease would eventually destroy part of Jack’s nervous system and cause him to become very weak. By 2010, Jack could no longer ride a bike. He didn’t have the strength or muscle control. His sister’s friend suggested that he get a tricycle (trike). “At first I thought that was a ridiculous idea and I said no,” laughed Jack. “And then one month later I had a new tricycle sitting in my driveway. I have been riding them ever since.” Jack currently owns two trikes. His newest one is a recumbent design, very low and very fast. His goal with the new trike is to ride it to work twice per week while the weather is good and the days are still long. Jack has ridden 1,100 miles this year in Grand Junction
alone. “Although I am in a wheelchair, the competitive fire is still there.” That competitive fire has fueled Jack’s ultimate goal to ride over the Colorado National Monument again. He has not been able to do it since before he was diagnosed with CIDP. His plan is to make it happen this year. Because the climb is so steep, Jack ordered a power-assist kit which will help provide the speed that he needs to ascend the hills. The power-assist kit is a motor and a 36-volt lithium-ion lightweight battery with an electric assist rated at 500 watts. This is the power that Jack normally would have pushed out through his legs. The battery is activated when the biker starts pedaling. “I am finally implementing my dream with amazing technology,” said Jack excitedly. “I will also be able to ride with other people at a normal strength and keep up with them, so I am looking forward to that. Hopefully they will allow a tricycle in their group of road bikes!” Although Jack uses his trike for lots of “play,” he also considers it an “elegant mode of transportation.” He frequently used it for his daily commutes in past jobs and avoided the need to use his vehicle. He has ridden it to work several times this summer. “Not only do I get the joy of riding but it is fabulous exercise and limits impact to the environment.” e
Page 3, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
RichardDayvault Our dear friend and colleague, Richard Dayvault, made a tectonic shift in the lives of many. Dick left us on Saturday, August 29, 2015. We will surely miss such a paramount individual.
You can view his obituary at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gjsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=richarddayvault&pid=175739029 and http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=1048
Page 4, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
photo from http://www.minrec.org
Fernald Food Drive The Fernald site in Harrison, Ohio, held a food drive in July, gathering a total of 80 pounds of food for the Shared Harvest Foodbank in nearby Fairfield, Ohio. The Shared Harvest Foodbank collects and distributes contributions of food and other grocery-style products to over 80 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in five Ohio counties. In addition, the food bank distributes 35-pound boxes of food to senior citizens in need each month and distributes child-friendly, nutritious foods each week of the school year to elementary students identified as nutritionally at risk. In conjunction with the food drive, the Workforce Engagement Team hosted a baseball-themed party to thank everyone for their contributions and to provide a summary report on the amount and type of items donated for the cause. The party menu consisted of hot dogs, mettwursts, and bratwursts; chips; popcorn and peanuts in the shell; and drinks. A radio was also playing the Cincinnati Reds baseball game versus the Minnesota Twins. Fernald personnel also collected school supplies for One Way Farm Children’s Home, a home for abused and neglected children who have run away from home or have been removed from their homes. The farm is located about 15 minutes from the Fernald site and personnel have been helping this home since the 1980s. Personnel at One Way Farm were very appreciative.
(Top) With trunk packed full, Maria Korte is ready to deliver the donated goods to the food bank. (Middle) Jonathan Walters helps carry food donations to Maria’s vehicle.
Page 6, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
(Bottom) Dan Widrich and Katie Payne perusing the food table at the baseball-themed party, along with Dennis Homola in the background.
A reminder of pretrip inspection items was an important part of the demonstration.
The Ford Explorer had some of the worst blind spots in the entire Grand Junction fleet.
Heather Myers observes the blind spots while Scott Ficklin performs a walkaround of a sampling truck.
The Grand Junction Safety Committee Blind Spot Demo by Bryan Wells The Grand Junction Site Safety Committee recently held a demonstration on vehicle blind spots. The committee made two U.S. General Services Administration vehicles available, with cones arranged in various blind spots around the vehicles. Participants were allowed to look at the cones’ locations while outside of the vehicle and then, once in the driver’s seat, instructed to locate the cones again and note how many of the cones were still visible. “We had a really good turnout. I think there were just under 70 people who attended,” said Heather Myers, co-chair of the Grand Junction Site Safety Committee. Barbara Mazurowski and Elizabeth Lowes spoke during a lunch that was provided by SN3 as part of the demonstration. Although attendance was optional, all LMS offices were required to offer the demonstration.
Heather said that SN3 corporate was very supportive of the event and she believes Navarro is interested in similar events that promote safety awareness, as well. The site safety committees were established as part of LMS’s Voluntary Protection Program, or VPP, as a means of encouraging communication on safety issues amongst employees at a grass roots level. At the Grand Junction office, each Safety Committee member is from a different department. Members are encouraged to share information from the Safety Committee in their own departmental staff meetings, as well as relay safety concerns back to the Safety Committee. Employees with questions or safety concerns should contact their site Safety Committee. In Grand Junction, employees should contact either Heather Myers or Paul Darr.
Grand Junction Site Safety Committee members who coordinated the event (from left): Paul Darr (co-chair), Stan Royale, Alison Kuhlman, Heather Myers (co-chair), Tashina Jasso, and Scott Ficklin.
Page 7, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
Dear LMS Family, I want to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the Legacy Management program. You performed with distinction to set up and run this program safely and effectively for the past 13 years, and the expertise and commitment that each of you contributed to the program was crucial to growing SN3 into a trusted, first-tier Department of Energy contractor. We were honored to support the DOE in becoming a High Performing Organization at the onset of the program back in 2007, and excited to face the challenge of setting up a national program comprised of numerous sites with diverse histories, missions, contractors, and cultures. We worked together to align these organizations under a new LM culture with a common goal and mission of long-term protection of human health and the environment. Your accomplishments on the two LM contracts were many. You opened the Legacy Management Morgantown office and later supported the design, construction and operation of the Morgantown Business Center. You built the Fernald Preserve Visitor’s Center from an old warehouse and did so in a nationally recognized environmentally sustainable manner. Our people responded with distinction when a tornado passed through Weldon Spring, damaging the interpretive center. You have implemented innovative treatment technologies at the Pinellas and Rocky Flats sites, implemented innovative ecological management approaches from Grand Junction to Canonsburg and demonstrated excellence from Amchitka to Puerto Rico. Your commitment to excellence in teamwork, line management, business management, and technical performance is evident. Managing the nation’s nuclear weapons legacy is an important mission, demands the public trust, and is in good hands with you at the helm as your journey continues. I hope you found your time with Stoller and SN3 to be rewarding on both a personal and professional level, and I look forward to hearing about your continued excellence in supporting the Legacy Management Program well into the future. Sincerely,
Nicholas Lombardo
Page 8, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
Grand Junction EA School Supply Drive The Employees’ Association (EA) at the LM office in Grand Junction, Colorado, sponsored its annual school supply drive during July. About 350 pounds of supplies—including notebook paper, #2 pencils, composition books, glue sticks, markers, binders, and 50 backpacks— were received. Cash donations were also accepted and used to purchase additional supplies. The donated items were given to HomewardBound of the Grand Valley and the Grand Junction Latimer House domestic violence shelter. The donations were very well received and greatly appreciated.
llo” e h “ Say r new to ouloyees! emp
Brandon Nittler SN3, Technical Services Grand Junction Office
Jonathan Carr SN3, Business Services Grand Junction Office
Rosemary Smith SN3, Projects and Programs Grand Junction Office
Samantha Tigar SN3, Technical Services Grand Junction Office
Cynthia Thompson SN3, Business Services Grand Junction Office
Joe Trnka SN3, ESH&Q Grand Junction Office
Page 9, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015
Points of Contact
A publication for Legacy Management Support services employee engagement
The SN3 LMS Team Legacy Letter newsletter is the first to present an employee spotlight to highlight employees’ creativity, hobbies, and passions for the lifestyles they live. Nominate your coworker and their unique story to be published in a future newsletter. See the bottom of the page for more information.
Managing Editor Heather Cates Grand Junction, CO heather.cates@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6519 Staff Manager Cindy Fry Grand Junction, CO cindy.fry@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6344
Fernald/Mound Sites Office Maria Korte Source One Management 10995 Hamilton-Cleves Highway Harrison, OH 45030-9728 (513) 648-3106 Grand Junction Office Heather Myers Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 2597 Legacy Way Grand Junction, CO 81503 (970) 248-6708 Monticello Office Fred Smith Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 1665 South Main Street Monticello, UT 84535 (435) 587-3115 Morgantown Office Katie Crowley Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 99 Research Park Road Morgantown, WV 26505 (304) 413-0348 Pinellas Office Susan Berg Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 7887 Bryan Dairy Road, Suite 260 Largo, FL 33777 (727) 549-1563, ext. 202
Tuba City Office LaWanda Scott Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 6 miles NE of Tuba City on Highway 160 Tuba City, AZ 86045 (928) 283-5045 Weldon Spring Site Helene Diller Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 7295 Highway 94 South St. Charles, MO 63304 (636) 300-2637 Westminster Office Kerri Blaes Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 11025 Dover Street, Suite 1000 Westminster, CO 80021-5573 (303) 410-4812
Designer Brandi Hock Grand Junction, CO brandi.hock@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6690 Staff Writer Bryan Wells Grand Junction, CO bryan.wells@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6104 Staff Writer Erica Hobbs Grand Junction, CO erica.hobbs@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6122 Technical Editor Teressia Talley Grand Junction, CO teressia.talley@lm.doe.gov (970) 248-6120 Contributing Photographer Marty Dombrowski
Las Vegas Office Jim Ross Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. 570 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 50 North Las Vegas, NV 89134 (702) 374-8748 The SN3 LMS Legacy Letter is a newsletter for SN3 LMS Team employees. Please send news items to SN3 LMS Team office points of contact, or e-mail Internal Communications at InternalCommunications@ lm.doe.gov Submissions are edited for grammar, clarity, and length.
Nominate Your Coworker for Employee Spotlight Do you have a story to tell? Do you know someone who has an interesting passion, talent, or lifestyle outside of work that they should share? If so, nominate the employee of your choice for the monthly Employee Spotlight article. Submissions are always being accepted, so submit early and often.
Copyright Š 2015 SN3 LMS Team Contract
To nominate, submit a brief paragraph describing why the employee should be nominated to: InternalCommunications@lm.doe.gov. Who knows? You may just see yourself in the next Employee Spotlight. Page 10, Volume 5, Issue 2, September 2015