Salem - The Extra Mile - October 2022

EQUIPMENT PREP FOR WINTER WEATHER
During the dry runs, an equipment inspector visits
each area headquarters and works with crews to
evaluate their snow trucks, plows and equipment
used in winter weather.
Every year, the district holds a dry run competition
and the area headquarters with the best scores are
recognized during the snow conference which was
held this year on October 18-19. Congratulations
to Southwest AHQ for having the best score during
this year’s dry runs.
Supervisor Gary Reaves credits the entire
maintenance team at Southwest AHQ for winning
this year’s competition.
“There is a great deal of planning and a lot of
scheduling throughout the shop to make sure
every piece of equipment is ready,” Gary said. He
explained how they work hard to take care of their
equipment all year, but they start working even
harder when they get the annual dry run schedules
and checklists.
“Communication during dry run planning is one of
the topics of our safety meetings every morning.
This is very important so that we all know what’s
going on and what is needed to meet our goals,” Gary said.
Southwest AHQ celebrates a Dry Run Award: (l to r)
Patrick Bower, Matthew Gillenwater, Larry Woolwine, Dale
Smith, Gary Reaves, Sam Weddle, David Hinkley, Salem
Resident Engineer Brian Blevins and Ashley Smith
Dry Run Award Winners
Southwest AHQ
The Southwest team goes over the checklist in advance and puts on their plows, spreaders and
tire chains to make sure everything is functioning properly. “We always give feedback to the
operators as to what they still need to check, and we thank them for their hard work.”
The team also reviews how to mix and apply the Neutro Wash solution to the equipment.
“One of our newest operators, Dustin Dudley, was asked about this during the dry runs and he
scored us points by providing the correct answer.”
Gary said he always looks forward to this time of year. “I have been with VDOT for more than 30
years, and I have always wanted to win the dry run competition.” While they also brought home
the dry run trophy in 2020, he said he hopes to win every year!
Blacksburg AHQ
Big Island AHQ
Hanging Rock AHQ
EMPLOYEE PROFILE: JANET SMITH
After working a little more than 30 years for the
Commonwealth, Janet Smith retired from the
Salem District’s Environmental section in 2018.
A year later, she decided to return as a parttime
environmental specialist working for the
Christiansburg Residency.
She likes that her job requires her to be outside
near streams and other natural resources. She
doesn’t have a favorite stream or environmental
area because she likes them all.
Working outside and in nature interested Janet
many years ago which is what led her to get a
bachelor’s degree in environmental science. She
began her career with VDOT working for the
Bristol District’s Environmental section where she started learning more about the
different types of threatened and endangered species.
Janet’s love for the outdoors has also spilled over into her personal life as is
evident by her hobbies. Camping and kayaking are two of her favorite pastimes
with her husband Larry to whom she has been married for 32 years. They enjoy
finding camping spots near Bluegrass festivals.
After a long and successful environmental career, Janet has found a great balance
between work and play at this time of her life.
New London AHQ
Dublin AHQ
Smith Mountain Lake AHQ
Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke