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Sam of the Month archive

Each month Downtown BID profiles one outstanding SAM from the Maintenance and Beautification Team and one from the Safety and Hospitality Team

February 2012 The SAM of the Month meeting recognizes individual SAMs for their stellar performance and informs all SAMs of new developments in the DowntownDC BID area by enhancing their understanding of Downtown institutions. This, in turn, enables them to better assist visitors, workers and residents. SAM Maintenance Team Member Robinson Reyes Acevedo and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Sandra Tapscott were honored as the February SAMs of the Month. Robinson Reyes Acevedo joined the Maintenance SAMs three years ago, and has received his second SAM of the Month designation in the past year. No surprise there, according to his supervisor, who looks for consistency in work, appearance and punctuality—all areas where Reyes stands out. The former painter rarely takes unscheduled leave and not only works his zone but volunteers to help pull trash cans in another one. A native of the Dominican Republic, he enjoys playing baseball and spending time with his wife and 22-month-old daughter, Angie. Sandra Tapscott is big on making progress, learning and meeting challenges. Like Reyes, she is now a two-time SAM of the Month honoree—and she’s been on the job only a year! Says she: “This job and I fit like a hand and glove.” Since being recognized last fall, the DC native has volunteered to join the Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) and the new Field Asset Management Project Team, both consisting of specially trained SAM members. Meanwhile, she continues to absorb as much about Downtown as possible. “I’m like a sponge,” says Tapscott. “I teach myself everything because what was the same a month ago might be different now. This area changes so much.”

January 2012

SAM Safety/Hospitality Team Member Jahmil Thompson and Maintenance Team Member Rosa Rosales are the Downtown BID's January SAMs of the Month.

Jahmil joined the SAM Team three years ago. The native New Yorker is a former fast food restaurant manager, a position that required him to enforce food safety rules and interact with customers. So he knew a thing or two about safety and customer relations before joining the SAMs. Says Jahmil of his current role: “It’s been great but unusual because you see a lot of unusual things on the street,” where he’s ever vigilant, observing and paying close attention to the environment and passersby. In his spare time, Jahmil enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old daughter, Lanaisha.

Rosa has been a Maintenance Team member since 2008. Like Jahmil, the one-time volleyball and ping pong player has found a new home with the SAMs and in the DC area. Originally from El Salvador, she came to the U.S. in 1993. Rosa moved from the restaurant industry to security before joining the SAM Program. Besides ensuring that Downtown streets are clean, she fancies another part of her job, which is having the privilege to say “May I help you?” to people needing assistance while traversing the DowntownDC BID area’s 138-block territory. Rosa enjoys leisure time with her husband, two children and two grandchildren.

Congratulations, Jahmil and Rosa!

December 2011

SAM Maintenance Team Member Jessie Marlow and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Marquez Clifford were saluted as the December SAMs of the Month.

Jessie, recognized once or twice before for his strong work ethic, is a veteran member of the SAM team, nearing his 13th year on the job. The native Washingtonian has seen Downtown transition from a wasteland to a model urban gathering place. Or, as he likes to say, “It’s changed 6,000 times since then. If I had gone away and come back, I would be lost.” When he’s not working, the father of eight girls and one boy spends time acting and singing, performing at hospitals, churches and the Arc Theater. If you see him driving around in the SAM truck (or even see him acting on stage), say hello; he’ll holler back.

Marquez is a newcomer, having joined the SAM Program a year ago. The former loss prevention agent for the Gap clothing store had been in retail for 16 years, including at the now-defunct Filene’s Basement and Bar Louie (701 7th Street). Despite that long history, Marquez prefers donning the SAM uniform and distributing directions, advice and her considerable expertise to Downtown workers, residents and visitors. “There’s more freedom, less stress. I don’t have to meet quotas, and I get to meet a lot of different people every day,” she says. In addition, the native Washingtonian acknowledges that while she’s been in DC all of her life, “I had never seen or been into some of the places that the SAMs have an opportunity to visit.” All of the busyness, however, takes it toll. In her spare time, Marquez enjoys sleeping and tending to her cat, Stormy.

Congratulations, Jessie and Marquez!

November 2011

The November honorees are Safety/Hospitality Team Member Barron Avent-Bey and Maintenance Team Member Jose Tomas Avelar.

Barron Avent-Bey joined the SAM Program earlier this year. Since becoming a SAM, the native Washingtonian and former National Institute of Health contractor says he has learned to appreciate what DC has to offer. When performing his job, Barron likes to “think internationally but work locally because you’re meeting people from all over the world, including Russia, Germany and the continent of Africa.” His superiors contend Barron is one of the SAM Program’s most enthusiastic members and is quick on his feet and always willing to go the extra mile. And they have several letters of appreciation from Downtown visitors to prove it!

Jose Tomas Avelar is now a three-time SAM of the Month winner! “It’s most deserving,” said his manager, who added that “Jose is one of the most reliable and dependable members of the SAM team. He does everything from painting to making repairs.”  Even Jose, who was born in El Salvador, admits that he strives to perform his job better every day and keeps looking forward, not backward. During his free time, Jose enjoys cookouts, church, reading the Bible, and spending time with his wife, three adult children and granddaughters.

Congratulations, Barron and Jose!

October 2011

Safety/Hospitality Team Member Stephanie Haygan and Maintenance Team Member Bernard Bond, both hired this year, were recognized as the October SAMs of the Month.

Safety/Hospitality Team Member Stephanie Haygan receives the October SAM of the Month award from Wally Mlyniec, Georgetown’s Lupo-Rici Professor of Clinical Legal Justice and director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic

Stephanie Haygan, a former receptionist, bank teller and hostess, aspires to become a police officer. Meanwhile, she’s enjoys her stint as a SAM and has excelled just months into her new position, proffering excellent customer service.  “The camaraderie with my co-workers and helping people on a daily basis is rewarding,” said Haygan. During her spare time, she works out at the gym, reads, watches movies, and takes online classes to earn a bachelor’s degree in forensics.  Haygan is single.

Bernard Bond told the BID’s director of operations that he wants to “own” his job as a SAMs Maintenance Team member, meaning he didn’t just want to do his job, but he wanted to stand out doing it. Obviously, people have taken notice. Bond said making the transition from his former job as a maintenance crew chief to becoming a SAM has been easy because similar skills are required for each job. But the former boxer and basketball player doesn’t take anything for granted. “I was laid off for two weeks before I got this job, so it’s a blessing,” said Bond, a former Wilson High School graduate, college student, and father of four children aged 15 to 22.

September 2011

The SAM of the Month meeting recognizes individual SAMs for their stellar performance and informs all SAMs of new developments in the DowntownDC BID area by enhancing their understanding of Downtown institutions. This, in turn, enables them to better assist visitors, workers and residents. In this edition of the Downtown Update, we present two SAM of the Month meetings because of a brief summer hiatus in August that set us back a bit. 

Thus, we begin with the National Museum of Crime & Punishment (575 7th Street), which hosted the October SAM of the Month meeting and invited the SAMs to explore the 28,000-square-foot facility which provides memorable insights into crime issues, crime fighting, and the consequences of committing a crime in America through an interactive, educational and entertaining experience. During the visit, a grand time was had by all, particularly when touring the America’s Most Wanted filming studio. Located in the Museum, the studio is where host John Walsh airs programs about missing persons and hard-to-catch fugitives.

The privately-owned Museum’s attractions include crime scene investigation (CSI) lab experiences, audio tours, a comprehensive curriculum for students in 5th through 12th grades, and temporary exhibits. Catch the Bonnie & Clyde, Jewish Gangsters and Art Crimes exhibits? Heard they were pretty cool. The Museum even selects a favorite Canine Cop of the Month, a contest held in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States and the Washington Humane Society and inspired by McGruff the Crime Dog.

During the meeting, Maintenance Team Member Ernest Johns and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Sandra Tapscott, both hired this year, were acknowledged as the September SAMs of the Month.

Ernest Johns was eager to join the SAM Program after an existing employee sang the operation’s praises, noting that hard workers could excel there. Johns, a DC native and former Pepco (701 9th Street) electrician, looks back with no regrets. “It’s been very good, a real learning experience,” he said. “The SAM Program gets you in touch with a lot of things. You’re always helping people and you’re much more aware of things, such as jaywalking” and maintaining an inviting environment. Outside of work, Johns’ 9-year-old son keeps him busy and “young.” Johns also plays pool and swims.

Sandra Tapscott is a vivacious and inquisitive newcomer. Being a SAM has taught her how to rattle off a list of five star restaurants for any visitor who asks; shoot back with her own questions to better ascertain and respond to a request; and independently learn more about Downtown attractions, restaurants and entertainment. “You can’t recommend what you don’t know. You have to visit museums and watch the news to be up on everything happening in the city,” said the longtime DC native, who obviously takes her job seriously! As a former Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Avenue) visitor center supervisor, Tapscott knows more than a thing or two about excellent customer service. Even sign language skills acquired working 17 years at Gallaudet University have come in handy while working on Downtown streets.  In her spare time, Tapscott enjoys crafts such as sewing and jewelry and doll making and simply resting.

In November, the Georgetown University Law Center (600 New Jersey Avenue) graciously welcomed the SAMs and other BID staff for a special SAM of the Month meeting which included a celebratory salute to Hiram Brewton, a retired BID and SAM Program director. First, however, Wally Mlyniec, Georgetown’s Lupo-Rici Professor of Clinical Legal Justice and director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic, informed all assembled that the law school has been in Downtown since its inception in 1870 to be near the courts but has relocated numerous times before settling in at its existing campus in 1971.

Georgetown is one of the nation’s top 10 most selective law schools. Mlyniec recalls how the law school was a development pioneer in the East End, moving to an area with no hotels and few residences, restaurants and retailers. He urged the SAMs to expand their presence in the area, which has become increasingly more robust over the years

August 2011

Safety/Hospitality Team Member Amanda Chavers and Maintenance Team Member Charles Stroud, both hired this year, were recognized as the August SAMs of the Month.

Amanda Chavers, shy by nature, blossoms when on Downtown streets helping people find their way. “I meet a lot of different people on this job,” says the former catering firm employee, “and it makes my day when I make them happy.” When not dispensing her vast knowledge about restaurants, theaters, and cultural institutions, Amanda enjoys drawing and taking tropical excursions. In fact, a trip to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic is already planned for this year. Can we go?

Charles Stroud originally applied for a position with the Safety/Hospitality Team, but discovered during orientation that the SAMs could really use his know-how on the Maintenance Team. Stroud has worked as an electrician’s helper, a carpenter’s apprentice, and a janitor. Once hired in the SAM Program, he made the following promise to the Operations Director: “You won’t be disappointed.” Indeed. Today, everyone praises Stroud for his hard work ethic and great attitude. Married with a teenage son, his biggest challenge now is learning how to play a bass guitar. Good luck!

July 2011

Maintenance Team Member Michael Winder and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Oyoo Okumu are the July SAMs of the Month.

Michael Winder joined the BID in April 2011. The Richmond, Virginia, native moved to DC last fall to job hunt and ended up with the Maintenance Team. Having previous landscaping experience didn’t hurt. Described as a “good guy with perfect attendance and a strong work ethic,” Michael is known for diligently carrying out every task assigned to him. In his spare time, he details cars, watches movies, basketball, and football.

Oyoo Okumu is another newcomer, joining the Safety/Hospitality Team in April 2011. The Ugandan native acknowledges the BID trained him well to serve Downtown workers, visitors, and residents. The former Giant Foods cashier enjoys meeting, greeting, and helping people on the streets. In his free time, Oyoo finds comfort in the library and watching movies; his family resides in Uganda.

June 2011

Safety/Hospitality Team Member Linda Jeter and Maintenance Team Member Ronald Calhoun were saluted as the June SAMs of the Month.

Linda Jeter joined the BID in February 2006. This is her third SAM of the Month honor.  No one is surprised. The native Washingtonian and former Wonder Bread sales rep is steadfast in her duties. Linda carries out her responsibilities with heartfelt conviction and nation whether assisting homeless individuals or providing information and directions to Downtown patrons. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, fishing, and bowling, as well as spending time with her dogs.

Ronald Calhoun has been with the Maintenance Team since March 2007, establishing himself as a true leader and “go-to guy” for Operations. He first received a SAM of the Month award after being on the job for a mere two months. Says his manager: “Mr. Calhoun takes the initiative to do things, always willing to work late and help out where needed.” The former US Marine and Alabama native says he takes pride in any job that he does. To relax, he plays cards and spends time with family.

May 2011

National Aquarium Marketing Coordinator Emma Connors awards a proud De'Marco as SAM Supervisor Teresa Savoy looks on.

	SAM of the Month Oliver Pugh III

Maintenance Team Member De’Marco Head and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Oliver Pugh III were recognized as the May SAMs of the Month.

De’Marco Head joined the SAMs nearly two and a half years ago. This is his first SAM of the Month recognition. According to his supervisor, it’s well deserved because he worked hard to reach new heights. Head enjoys working as a SAM because he gets to meet lots of people, visit great museums, and see something new everyday.

The H.D. Woodson High School graduate is a “gadget guy” who’s fond of computers and electronics. He can usually be found with a smile on his face, whether in a room filled with people or laid back listening to music on his headset.

Oliver Pugh III graduated from the SAM Program the same year as Head. The former security guard and military veteran (he served in the US Army and Marines) brings professionalism, a great attitude, and excellent customer service to the job. The Monroe, Louisiana, native is unfazed working year-round outdoors. Says he: “I used to do construction, grew up on a farm, and spent long hours outdoors while in the military. ” Undoubtedly, he’s equipped to be a SAM. The father of two adult children enjoys writing poetry and songs in his free time as well as reading and exercising. 

April 2011

Safety/Hospitality Team Member Crystal Saunders and Maintenance Team Member Jose Rivas are the April 2011 SAMs of the Month.

Crystal Saunders joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2001. The native Washingtonian and former Strayer University security guard enjoys meeting people from different parts of the country, and the world, and engaging with Downtown’s homeless population. When she’s not on the street, Saunders works the SAM dispatch desk. Says her supervisor: “Crystal’s great. She’s instrumental to our safety information fairs, volunteers to we

ar costumes at the Downtown Holiday Market, and conducts tours for our training classes.” Saunders has a 16-year-old hearing-impaired daughter and devotes her free time volunteering at her daughter’s school, learning sign language, and attending movies and museums.


Jose Rivas joined the SAMs 10 years ago. He has performed every task imaginable, from picking up trash and sweeping the streets and sidewalks to meticulously taking care of hanging baskets and performing landscaping duties. He learned from a pro: his brother once worked as a SAM. Originally from El Salvador, Rivas lives in DC with his wife. He has two adult children and a granddaughter. In his spare time, he treasures time with family, planting flowers, shopping, and eating.

February 2011

The February SAMs of the Month, Maintenance Team Member Nelson Giron and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Brenda Holmes have more than five years of service among them.

Nelson Giron joined the SAMs three years ago and has been recognized for putting forth his best efforts and setting an example for the Maintenance Team. A first-time SAM of the Month winner, Giron says that he likes his job because it allows him to assist the city with keeping Downtown clean for

stakeholders. A former restaurant worker, he has three children aged 11, 10 and 6. Giron relishes doing activities and going places with his family.

Brenda Holmes has been a member of the Safety/Hospitality team since February 2009. The job suits the erstwhile security guard well. “I like people. I’m a people person and enjoy helping them,” she said. “I truly like to meet and greet.” Her supervisor agrees, contending that Holmes receives praise from her fellow SAMs and the public for her diligence. Like Nelson, Holmes enjoys spending time with family and is a first-time SAM of the Month winner. In her spare time, she fancies cooking, entertaining and going to the movies.

January 2011

The January SAMs of the Month have more than fourteen years of experience among them:  Safety/Hospitality Team Member Jose Marquez and Maintenance Team Member Lorine Simon.

	José Marquez receives a SAM of the Month Award from Warner Theatre General Manager Angie M. Gates

José Marquez has been a member of the Safety/Hospitality team since February 2005. When asked what he enjoys most about being a SAM, Jose doesn’t hesitate to say, “I like to make people smile and make their day easier.”

A sports enthusiast who adores the Redskins and likes baseball, he can be counted on to perform tasks responsibly and admirably. José’s excellent attendance, pride in his appearance and voluntary role as a Spanish translator, sets him apart from others. His supervisor says the native Washingtonian continuously seeks to improve his performance and relishes interacting with Downtown patrons.
 

Lorine Simon joined the Maintenance team in 2002. As a hardworking member of the 7:30 am team, she has been recognized as a SAM of the Month before. Lorine is very family oriented and much of her life is centered around her three honor roll daughters —aged 13, 17 and 19. When she’s not working to keep Downtown streets clean and litter free, Lorine enjoys reading novels and watching movies and basketball in her spare time. Says she: “I’m just a family person.” We could tell. Lorine certainly makes Downtown workers and visitors feel at home.

SAMs of the Month, both José and Lorine received free tickets from Gates to attend upcoming Warner Theatre performances. Jose will attend the March 11 Sinbad concert; Lorine will attend David Talbert’s new play, What My Husband Doesn’t Know, running through March 6. Talk about motivating factors!

December 2010

	Robinson Reyes Acevedo

December SAMs of the Month, Maintenance Team Member Robinson Reyes Acevedo and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Oscar Manual Benitez, Jr.

	Danielle Loewy of the US Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center presents the SAM of the Month award to Oscar Manual Benitez, Jr.

Robinson Reyes Acevedo joined the Maintenance SAMs two years ago and is delighted to receive his first Sam of the Month designation. The former painter was recommended by two Maintenance SAMs—SAM of the Year and SAM of the Month winners—who know a thing or two about a first-rate worker when they see one. Acevedo volunteered to work during the 2010 snowstorm and has a reputation for working hard and being on task. Born in the Dominican Republic, he loves playing baseball and spending time with his wife and 10-month-old daughter.

Oscar Manual Benitez, Jr., likes making people’s day. Since joining the Hospitality SAMs in 2009, he makes it his business to greet Downtown visitors and workers with a smile and helpful advice. The SAM Program’s Maintenance Team manager isn’t surprised. He originally interviewed Benitez for a spot on his team, but was so impressed with his personality and bearing that he referred him to the Hospitality Team, where interacting comfortably with visitors, workers and residents is key. Benitez is a native of El Salvador but grew up in DC and Prince George’s County. He is single and enjoys drawing in his free time time.

October 2010

The October SAMs of the Month have more than six years of experience among them: Safety/Hospitality Team Member Denise Macklin and Maintenance Team Member Anthony Davenport.

Denise Macklin joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2006. Her dedication and common sense approach to problem solving and job assignments makes her a valuable asset to the entire SAM program. Part of the coveted “Green Team”--comprised of some of the most proven members of the SAM Program--she meets and greets Downtown workers as they arrive to work in the morning, flashing her brilliant smile and impressing them with her pristine appearance. She is also a member of the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), a specially trained cadre of SAMs dedicated to homeless outreach on the street, and is often called upon to conduct Safety/Information fairs in Downtown office buildings. A multiple SAM of the Month winner, Macklin is an extremely outgoing, dependable, and exemplary employee.

Anthony Davenport came highly recommended when he joined the Maintenance SAMs in 2008, after serving as a volunteer for the BID-sponsored Downtown Holiday Market. He is a member of the 9:30 am to 6:00 pm maintenance crew. He has a tenacious work ethic and no problem “stepping up” when his supervisor is absent. Davenport thoroughly understands the SAM Maintenance operation and how important the final shift of the day is to maintaining Downtown’s aesthetics. Not one to complain, he often seeks constructive criticism of his work efforts and always strives to exceed expectations.

Congratulations to two exceptional SAMs!

September 2010

The September SAMs of the Month have more than 12 years of experience among them: Maintenance Team Member Jose Avelar and Safety and Hospitality Team Member Charles J. Macklin.

Jose Avelar is no stranger to the SAM of the Month award.  The rookie has been a recipient twice this year and is on pace to nab the coveted SAM of the Year award. Known for his quiet demeanor and

	Thor Headley of Hines presents the SAM of the Month award to Charles J. Macklin.

devotion to excellence, Jose always performs to his utmost ability and has a keen sense of self and true desire to make everyone’s day with kind words and deeds. The native El Salvadorian is the “go-to guy” that the SAM Program can count on when a project needs attention. According to his supervisor, Avelar represents himself, the SAM Program and the Downtown BID exceptionally well.

Charles Macklin has been with the Downtown SAMs since August of 1999. He continues to uphold the standard of excellence Downtown has come to expect of the SAMs.  A multiple Employee of the Month recipient through the years, Charles continues to impress with his consistency and hard work and receives numerous letters of appreciation which commend his attitude and aptitude for the job. A steady performer and knowledgeable SAM program veteran, Charles is often called upon to conduct safety and information fairs and special streetscape survey projects.

August 2010

Thanks to his discipline and professionalism, Michael Creed is front and center this month.

The August SAMs of the Month have more than four years of experience among them: Safety/Hospitality Team Member Michael Creed and Maintenance Team Member Timothy Hillie.

Michael Creed joined the Safety/Hospitality team in February 2009. As a National Guard Infantry Platoon Sergeant, he brings a tremendous amount of discipline,

	Timothy Hillie scores another knockout.

professionalism and skills to the SAM Program. His observation abilities, report writing and outstanding performance are recognized by all who encounter him.  According to his supervisor, “He is honest, forthright and easily deserving of this award.” Michael is married and enjoys gardening in his spare time.

Timothy Hillie became a Maintenance SAM in April 2008. Having just won the SAM of the Month designation in April, he was anointed a SAM extraordinaire once again for his remarkable work ethic. The former US Boxing Association light heavyweight champion always seeks to position himself as “The Best” and impresses all with his tenacity and willingness to assist with all tasks. The father of four is a champion inside the gym--where he still trains--and out. He hopes to line up a professional fight this year.  

July 2010

Sarvelio is no stranger to hard work, or to awards! This is not his first time as Employee of the Month,  and once he was even chosen as Employee of the Year.

The July SAMs of the Month have more than 14 years of experience between them: Maintenance Team Member Sarvelio Rados-Oajaca and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Dorcas Dessaso.

Sarvelio Rados-Oajaca has been a part of the Maintenance SAM program since its inception in 1997. A multiple Employee of the

	Dorcas poses proudly with her award, presented by Celia Lourens of the Commerce Department. Also in attendance was Regional Commissioner Bart Bush who deserves special thanks for hosting the program at the department's auditorium and addressing the SAMs.

Month and one time Employee of the Year, he always gets the job done right. The Guatemalan native is dedicated, dependable and versatile. Sarvelio sometimes repairs SAM equipment and works on special projects. Whether maintaining plants and weeding tree wells or painting poles and removing gum from sidewalks, he is always extremely efficient and professional. Sarvelio is married and spends his free time relaxing and enjoying soccer.

Dorcas Dessaso joined the Safety/Hospitality SAM team in February 2009 and has performed admirably ever since. The native Washingtonian and former radio host and AT&T operator maintains a positive attitude and approaches her work energetically. She often motivates the SAM Team by boosting morale and volunteering to share bits of trivia and valuable information about Downtown DC’s major attractions and cultural history during morning roll calls. Dorcas enjoys watching old movies, reading and visiting craft shops in her spare time.  

June 2010

Cheryl Brown flashes her trademark smile.

The June SAMs of the Month have more than six years of experience among them: Safety/Hospitality Team Member Cheryl Brown and Maintenance Team Member Maria Caravante.

Cheryl Brown joined the SAM Hospitality team in 2006 and is a member of the morning “Meet & Greet” team. No surprise there. Brown is quick to smile, thus earning her the nickname “Smiley.” Genuinely delightful in conducting her duties, she quickly established herself as a dedicated and conscientious employee and has been a SAM of the Month three times. Recently, Cheryl helped deter a potentially dangerous situation by notifying the proper authorities. 

	Maria Caravante is helping to make public recycling a Downtown success.

Smart, dependable and adaptable to change, Brown is a former before and after school care worker for summer camp programs. Says she: “I’ve always wanted to be the person to welcome people and give them that good feeling of being home.” The grandmother of two certainly has succeeded in fulfilling this goal.
 
Maria Caravante became a Maintenance SAM in 2008. She works as a zone cleaner and has performed her duties admirably throughout the month of June. She is courteous, diligent and dependable. When Caravante is not keeping sidewalks and curb lines clean, and public spaces beautiful, the mother of three enjoys cooking, especially plato tipico, her favorite dish. Originally from El Salvador, Caravante is a former construction worker. This is her first SAM of the Month recognition. 

May 2010

The May SAMs of the Month have more than 10 years of experience among them: Maintenance Team Member Gregory Smith and Safety and Hospitality Team Member Crystal Saunders.

Gregory Smith

Gregory Smith became a Maintenance SAM in March 2009 because he gets a thrill out of providing service, walking, being outdoors, working with minimal supervision and showing initiative. The former ice cream store manager is a man of few words. “He’s really quiet,” says his supervisor. “He comes to work and goes about his task. ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ is about as much as I’ve gotten out of him.” Smith is a longtime Washingtonian and spends his spare time working on an A+ certification for computers.

 

	Maintenance Services Manager Ronald Jones presents a SAM of the Month certificate to Hospitality team member Crystal Saunders.

Crystal Saunders joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2001. Impressed by the SAMs she encountered on Downtown streets, she applied for the job to help others. Saunders says there are two things she likes most about being a SAM—meeting different types of people and visiting Downtown facilities and attractions before they're open to the public. When she’s not on the street, Saunders works the SAM dispatch desk. Says her supervisor: “She’s informed, and she understands that we’re in the business of selling hospitality and politeness.” Saunders has a 15-year-old hearing-impaired daughter and devotes her free time volunteering at her daughter’s school and learning sign language.

April 2010

The April SAMs of the Month have more than three years of experience among them: Safety and Hospitality Team Member Catherine Thompson and Maintenance Team Member Timothy Hillie.

Catherine Thompson joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2009 and, by all accounts, has been a great teammate and tremendous asset. From the beginning, she vowed to excel and receive a letter of appreciation from Downtown patrons at least once a month. She has not disappointed herself or others and receives praiseworthy letters from Downtown patrons almost monthly. Thompson’s performance has been consistently outstanding. Her incident reports are always thorough and concise. Patrons often cite her friendly nature and astute knowledge of the city.

Always one to accentuate the positive, she knows how to handle stressful situations with lucidity and grace, making her a shining example to others. “I’ve always loved people, and every job that I’ve had has dealt with people,” says the former Marine, who also has worked for the Departments of the Army and Navy. Thompson writes poetry in her share time.

Timothy Hillie became a Maintenance SAM in April 2008, and his work ethic has set an example for the entire maintenance team. Affectionately dubbed the "Go to Guy," the former US Boxing Association light heavyweight champion is relentless in his zeal to do his job, do it right and do it well. Hillie often volunteers for special operations and works to excel at all tasks. He follows directives extremely well but takes the initiative when needed, all the while maintaining a positive and winning attitude.  “I make it my business to do the best that I can do,” he says. “I want to set an example and work really hard to keep Downtown clean.” The father of four (one son followed him into the SAM Program) is a reliable and dedicated champion in every sense of the word, inside the gym—where he still trains—and out. 

March 2010

The March SAMs of the Month are new members of the corps: Maintenance Team Member Michael Stewart and Safety and Hospitality Team Member Prosper Daziorlor.

Michael Stewart was born and raised in Washington and can recall the days when Downtown was far from vibrant, inviting and smart. Today, the area’s transformation makes him proud, especially now that he has joined the SAM team, which strives to provide more and better service. “It makes you feel good to know you’re a part of that turnaround,” says the former security guard, who is known for his contagious grin and calm demeanor. Stewart is single with two children aged two and nine. He enjoys family time, outdoor grilling and traveling. 
 

Prosper Daziorlor gets a kick out of how surprised people are to discover that he knows so much about Downtown DC. His African accent might throw them off guard initially, but his knowledge runs deep. Before coming to the US, the Ghana native was an elementary school teacher. Sharing and acquiring knowledge are commonplace to him. So is discipline, which is why he always can be found positioned where he’s assigned and fulfilling his role as a neighborhood concierge. In his free time, Daziorlor cherishes moments to read, listen to music and watch movies.  

February 2010

Maintenance and Beautification - Jose Tomas Avelar
Jose is the “go-to guy” that the SAM Program can count on when a project comes up. Even when the SAM Headquarters office closed during the snowstorm, he volunteered to work every available snow day. Born in El Salvador, he was a construction worker and farm laborer before joining the SAM Team in April 2009. During his free time, Jose enjoys church, reading the Bible and spending time with his wife, three adult children and two granddaughters.
 

Safety and Hospitality - Roy Johnson
Roy moved to DC from West Palm Beach, Florida, just over a year ago and joined the SAMs two months later. A former furniture showroom and warehouse worker, it was his first trip North since 1969. But he wasted no time learning the ins and outs of Downtown DC. According to his manager, Roy is always inquisitive and enthusiastic and conducts his own research diligently. “This job helps me learn about the city, which is a very interesting one,” he says. “I saw snow for the first time here and really enjoyed it, although I can’t say I liked that last snowstorm.” The father of four adult children enjoys fashion, chess and meeting people. We could tell. We saw him on the street the other day alertly seeking out visitors to assist.