June 2023 Employee of the Month Shane Adkins

I would Like to nominate Fleet Dept Employee Shane Adkins for Employee of the Month.  The Fleet Department is one of the smallest departments in the Town of Jonesborough, with only 3 technicians serving 16 departments with over 200 vehicles and engine powered equipment, our schedule is tight.  Police vehicles are replaced every so many years which requires new vehicles coming in and being sent to specialized “Upfitters” that install all the equipment and fixtures necessary to create a truly customized Cruiser for the Police and Fire departments.  The budget was tight for the new vehicles and with a last-minute increase in prices by the “Upfitters”, equipping all the new vehicles would put the Police Department over budget on the new Units. Matt Rice approached Shane asking if he thought he could do the upfitting for the new Police Fleet.  Shane had been servicing the Police units already but hadn’t upfitted a unit yet.  He was given 2 units to prepare. Shane researched the necessary details online, and through a supplier of upfitter equipment and went to Washington Co. Sheriffs garage to clarify some questions he had about their units.  He started slow and spent a few weeks doing the first car, then the second car went a little better.  Along the way he improved the wiring design he was taught and came up with a better way to design the add on electrical system to support all the equipment to turn an Explorer into a Police unit.  Shane completed 10-unit upfits saving $1,500.00 each, adding up to $15,000.00 in labor savings.  He also saved the departments another $1,600.00 in shop supply charges.  Both combined 16,600.00 saved.  Another benefit is he knows everything about upfit work and that makes him the expert on our Police and Fire units.  In order to complete this task Shane worked overtime without complaint to complete this project on time. After the new units were completed, he also changed three Police unit into Fire units. A job well done!

 

Thank you, Shane Adkins! You are appreciated!

May 2023 Employee of the Month Glen Woodfin

For May 2023, I would like to nominate Street Department Employee Glen Woodfin for Employee of the Month. The Street Department is a small, multi-function group of men, tasked w/a plethora of projects with varying degrees of difficulty. Glen Woodfin is one of those folks who can do just about anything. Well beyond Glen’s regular job scope, he can do grade work and landscaping, framing and trim work, work with metal and steel, ceramic tile and flooring and much more. During our recent foray into the Lincoln Park project, Glen had a hand in most of the construction of the Park. Whereas I was more involved in the layout attributes of the structures, Glen was tasked with directing the crew in how to actually ‘construct’ the structures and features. On the Lincoln Park project alone, Glen was involved in wood and steel framing, setting the timbers for the Stage, construction of the block terraced beds, wood framing and trim of both buildings, grade work and landscape sculpting of the grounds, installing outdoor lighting, grading and asphalting of parking areas and about a hundred other items. To say that Glen was invaluable to the successful completion of Lincoln Park would the understatement of the century. There were so many moving pieces to the Lincoln Park project that our crew (and many others) were involved in. I just wanted to take this opportunity to shine the spotlight on one of the key players in that large and complex project. Everyone involved in the Park project did a fantastic job, but I feel Glen Woodfin deserves a special word of recognition and ‘thanks’. For these reasons and many more, Glen Woodfin is my choice for Employee of the Month.

 

Thank you, Glen Woodfin! You are appreciated!

April Employee of the Month Malcolm Highsmith

We are nominating Malcolm Highsmith, Director of Streets for the April 2023 Employee of the Month.  Malcolm Highsmith exemplifies true leadership in his ability to lead the Street Crew (6 men) in all the job tasks they undertake.  The Street Department is often “pulled” to assist with projects for other Towns departments that results in them putting their own projects on hold for a period of time.  One example is the Lincoln Park Project that they have worked effortlessly and tirelessly on for several months in getting this wonderful park finished, alongside of several other departments as well. Most citizens of the Town of Jonesborough do not realize all the planning, organization and work it takes just for the regular operation of the Street Department in advance for the preparation of each of the four seasons by making sure equipment is operable, for example mower(s), leaf vacuum, snow removal equipment, staying on top of the weather in order to get the Street crew organized and to be ready to go and tackle whatever natural storm event comes our way;  (1) Summer – rights-of-way along all city streets have to be mowed, (2) Fall – leaf pick-up, and ordering salt to make sure there is enough in stock just in case we experience more snow and ice than we normally have during the winter months , (3) Winter – ice and snow removal, (4) Spring – making sure the “pot holes” are taken care of,  working with the Operations Manager and Town Administrator on developing a priority list of streets that need to be paved; as well as during weather events like heavy rains storms and winds – storm drains have to be checked and cleared and trees that fall across the road have to be removed.  Malcolm and the Street Department assists the Event Coordinator, Tourism & Main Street staff, Recreation and Public Safety Departments with the annual Special Events happening in town, i.e., Jonesborough Days, Storytelling Festival, the Jonesborough Days and Christmas parades, the half-marathon and 5-K races, by making sure safety cones and street blockades are put in place before each event.  Malcolm has a great attitude and expresses his concern toward his fellow employees by letting them know “you are doing a great job and keep up the good work”. Malcolm Highsmith demonstrates the quality of a great Town Employee and Department Head with a positive “can do” attitude and the effort and concern he puts forth for his crew and their safety in whatever job tasks they have to undertake at the spur of the moment, and prefers to remain in the background and that his CREW receives the praise for a “JOB WELL DONE!!!”

 

Thank you, Malcolm Highsmith! You are appreciated!

March Employee of the Month Tim Banner

For March 2023, I would like to nominate Street Department Employee Tim Banner for Employee of the Month.  The Street Department is a close-knit group of hard-working individuals comprising a great team.  Tim Banner adds qualities to the team that I would consider to be exemplary.  If you know Tim, you already know of his unflappable character.  Tim is a fine upstanding man, who showcases his character and integrity each day, on each project, and during each interaction.  Tim is the type employee that a department head enjoys having on his crew and project.  Tim completes each and every job or task, with a level of dedication that is rarely seen.  To say Tim is a ‘team player’ is a vast understatement.  Tim is a compassionate and kind soul who has a warm countenance as he meets with Town residents on animal control calls, or when he deals with the motoring public while providing traffic control, as Tim is our Animal Control officer as well as holding a central spot on the Street Department.  Whether in a dump truck or on a piece of equipment, driving a snow removal vehicle, or responding to yet another animal control issue…Tim Banner is ‘all in’ concerning the way he views his job.  Tim is always willing to help on any task or project, a solid citizen who adds value and depth to our tight knit Street Department team.  Tim is one of those folks you are proud to have representing your work unit, always having a positive attitude and ‘can do’ spirit.  Tim is responsible, dependable, considerate and mindful of co-workers… timely, skilled and a true asset to our Town.  Tim has been with the Town for 14 years, and has a solid record of excellent service, dutiful employment and the proper work ethic and attitude.  Tim Banner is my choice for Employee of the Month. Tim represents his work unit and our Town in fine fashion.  

 

Thank you, Tim Banner! You are appreciated!

January Employee of the Month Allen Weems

Congrats to Allen Weems on receiving January’s Employee of the Month.

Allen is the Program Director for the Jonesborough Senior Center. Allen is responsible for all the planning and implementing of senior center trips, activities and programs. That means planning an average of 100 trips a year and 14 activities, classes and programs daily.

He is a very detail-oriented person and does an excellent job of arranging all of the aspects of the trips, arranging speakers and instructors. He is mindful of member’s financial situations and interests and works to offer classes, trips and programs that are varied.

As the senior center continues to grow, the needs of our members are ever changing and his creativity and organizational skills make him the right person for this position. Allen is not only creative and detail orientated, he is also very conscious of cost. He works hard to find the best rates to make the trips affordable for our members.

Allen also pays attention to the resources of the senior center’s special projects account; this is the money that the center fundraisers for with the help of the Senior Center Advisory Board. This funding enables the senior center to offset class cost to make them more affordable to our members and help seniors in need. Which is very important to Allen as he worked as our Options Counselor and managed services for homebound seniors, on his caseload.

Allen worked diligently on promoting the senior center’s Annual Health Fair we hosted in May. Our vendor participation was the highest the senior center has had in 10 years of hosting this event.

In July, Allen organized a new monthly trivia challenge. Trivia is proven beneficial brain health activity, and it has been the goal of the senior center to host this event. Allen secured monthly business sponsors to cover the cost of the trivia host, with no cost to the senior center.

Allen most recently worked on the annual Fall Craft Show and was responsible for coordinating with vendors, securing payment and organizing the set up.

Not only is Allen great with the senior center members, he is also a team player, who encourages his fellow coworkers. Congrats!

 

Thank you, Allen Weems! You are appreciated!

November Employee of the Month Sergeant Jonathan Peace

Sergeant Jonathan Peace has been with the Jonesborough Police Department for approximately 7 ½ years. He has continuously proven himself and risen to the rank of Sergeant, Field Training Officer, and General Department Instructor. He has never ceased showing his knowledge, commitment, and dedication to the department and our community.

On the afternoon of June 14, 2022, Sgt. Jonathan Peace responded to a motor vehicle accident call near the intersection of E. Main St. and Fox St. in downtown Jonesborough. When Sgt. Peace arrived, Michael Daniels, one of the drivers, had been pulled from his vehicle unconscious and placed on the side of the road. It was quickly determined that Mr. Daniels was in cardiac arrest. Sgt. Peace immediately jumped into action beginning CPR. He continued chest compressions as EMS personnel worked to assist in life-saving measures. Sgt. Peace continued these compressions in the blazing East Tennessee Summer heat without complaint or ceasing in his efforts.

When special medical equipment took over chest compressions on the patient, he helped with securing and moving the patient to a waiting ambulance. Sgt. Jonathan Peace saved Michael Daniels’ life. Without his prompt response, calm composure, and level-headedness in an emergency, this incident would have ended very differently. After the patient was transported from the scene, Sgt. Peace continued with absolute professionalism to all parties involved in the accident. He was compassionate as he contacted the next of kin of Mr. Daniels. He was sympathetic in speaking with the other driver, Sandra Stelter who was visibly anxious given the circumstance. Sgt. Peace exemplified the definition of serving his community. He contacted the hospital to check on his welfare the following day.

The Jonesborough Police Department Life Saving Award is given to those who go beyond to save a life. Sgt. Jonathan Peace is one of those people. We are pleased to recommend Sergeant Jonathan Ryan Peace as the recipient of the Life Saving Commendation and wish to recognize him as the employee of the month.

 

Thank you, Sergeant Jonathan Peace! You are appreciated!

October Employee of The Month – Sergeant Jeff White

September 28, 2022 Sergeant Jeff White has been with the Jonesborough Fire and Police Departments for many years. He has continually demonstrated commitment and dedication to the public in his years of service.

On the evening of September 7, 2022, Sgt. Jeff White responded to a fire at Jonesborough Barrel House located at 119 E. Main Street. When Sgt. White arrived, he found a small building at the back of the address fully engulfed in flames. Sgt. White and the Jonesborough Fire Department leaped into action. Given the nature of the already engulfed building and foregoing his safety, Sgt. Jeff White began fighting the fire in his Police uniform when he heard people calling out from an apartment next to the outbuilding. The individuals in the apartment had no way to exit the building safely. Without hesitation, he focused on getting those trapped to safety. His years of training and experience ensured Sgt. White was able to keep the fire from spreading to the apartment and injuring anyone. He assisted in getting those individuals down from the apartment and away from the blaze.

After Sgt. White secured their safety, he continued to fight the fire saving surrounding historic buildings from damage and ruin. He never stopped working to fight the fire despite the exhausting conditions. Sgt. Jeff White’s efforts irrefutably save buildings adjacent to the property and potential loss of life by keeping the fire from escalating. Sgt. White embodied the police motto “to protect and serve” with his actions. Therefore, we are strongly recommending Sergeant Jeff White for Employee of the Month for his heroic and brave actions.

Thank you, Sergeant Jeff White! You are appreciated!

September Employee of The Month – Jules Corriere

I would like to nominate Jules Corriere for Employee of the Month.  Jules Corriere has worked for the Town of Jonesborough for about ten years now.  Most know that Jules writes our annual community play and the Radio Show each month, but much of what Jules does on a day-to-day basis goes unseen.

For years, Jules has spent time meeting residents of Jonesborough and Washington County.  She quickly builds relationships with them; her glowing personality and charm make people comfortable enough to tell her the stories of their lives, their military service, their struggles, their victories, etc.  Jules has collected hundreds of stories since her time here and because of her the town is capturing stories that would otherwise be lost.

Each month, Jules takes these stories and turns them into a one-hour radio show that performs live.  The StoryTown Radio Show is now in its eleventh season; with 11 performances each year, that means Jules has written over 100 plays about and for the Town of Jonesborough, not including writing and performing for town events, departments, and the McKinney Center’s own annual community plays.

Jules manages the Radio Show cast of approximately 30 individuals. Through her direction, I have seen many of her actors gain confidence in their speaking and performing abilities.  They go on to audition and win parts in JRT productions.  The most heartwarming observation is her work with the youngest members of the cast.  After several years of watching these kids on stage, I’ve witnessed them overcome shyness and find their voice. Their growth comes, in part, from the nurturing and educational environment of the Radio Show. In a time where communities struggle with social issues, Jonesborough should be proud to have an organization like the Radio Show. The youngest member is 5 and the oldest is in their 80s; members are from various ethnic and religious backgrounds and socio-economic levels.  She makes sure it’s a place where everyone’s story is valid, understood, and appreciated. Not only can this be seen in the cast, but in the audience, as well. If you’ve attended one of the Radio Show’s sold-out performances, you’ve seen a very diverse group of individuals in the seats. This is by Jules’s design; she makes sure that everyone feels wanted and welcomed.

One of the most significant recent projects Jules was a part of was the play, We Did It Together.

Despite Covid, Jules still collected stories over the past two years.  She and her Story Brigade (her group of trained, trusted story collectors) gathered stories by phone, email, written letters, and once it was safe again to meet face-to-face, they were back to collecting stories in person.

Jules spent countless hours preparing for this show.  Between April and June, Jules worked 6 days a week.  We altered her schedule so that she came into work late so that she could stay late for rehearsals.  During this time, her only day off was on Wednesdays, technically. She had daily/nightly production meetings and rehearsals with her crew during the week, rehearsed most of Saturday and Sunday afternoons; even her Wednesday mornings off, she was still answering emails, promoting the play on TV and radio, or scouring the Goodwill racks for costumes. Not to mention being at every performance and stepping in a major role when an actress was unable to reprise their role for the rescheduled dates.

The play was a huge undertaking and would not have been possible without the dedication of many town staff and their skills; however, we could have not had a successful run without Jules’s skill in playwriting and passion for theatre. I asked some of Jules’s cast members to say a few words in support of this nomination.  Here are a few of their responses:

During We Did It Together, she was there lending her guidance and support throughout the entire rehearsal process. She also, as the playwright, captured one of her most profound theater pieces on paper. She is a skilled storyteller, a phenomenal writer and will go above and beyond to help anyone who needs it. Jules has her finger on the heartbeat of the community and knows what it takes to make these stories resonate with the public. Jules not only deserves the employee of the month but the employee of the year! – Sabra Hayden

I first met Jules over 10 years ago when the group came to Jonesborough to do the first play “I Am Home.”  Back then, I thought she was very energetic and had a real future.  Watching her through the years has confirmed this.  Jules doesn’t put the project first; she puts the people first because she has learned that this will make the project successful.  All involved learn to take ownership and build community.  People are attracted to Jules because of her energy and hard work.  She works many long hours behind the scenes and still makes time to try and make people stretch their talents. She shares her talents with everyone and encourages others to do the same.  She deserves the employee of the month.  – Linda Poland

I recently had the privilege of working with Jules Corriere while performing the community play “We Did It Together.” Right from the beginning, I was impressed with the exceptional quality of the play that Jules wrote, especially the way that she crafted local histories into vignettes that coalesced into a story with the central theme of community building. As a writer, I know how many long hours go into drafting and editing work of this caliber and can appreciate the sleepless nights and weekends spent in front of a keyboard to get the words right. It takes a lot of perseverance to write well, and with that dedication comes sacrifice; time with family and friends is traded off in the hope that something in the story will be meaningful to a wider audience. Jules must have sacrificed many, many personal hours to write this play because it truly showed in the finished product.  But even beyond the writing, Jules was the biggest star of the show. Not in the way typically thought of as a “star” because she wasn’t a leading actress. Her light shined on all of us, not on an audience. She began work on the performance side of things as a co-director and humbly slipped into a consultant role to allow Richard Owen Geer a larger role as director. But Jules continued to manage and advise and encourage all of us amateur actors as we stumbled through rehearsals. She also helped work on sets and clean up the theater after our rehearsals. She never complained when someone forgot to put away props or send out reminders or any of the thousands of other little jobs delegated to everyone involved in the play. Instead, she took on the responsibility and made sure the job was done.  If Academy Awards were given out for community plays, Jules would win, hands down, for Best Playwright, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Stagehand for being the backbone of We Did It Together. – Annette Zimmerman

Jules took a group of strangers of widely disparate ages, cultures, and skill levels and turned us into a family.  She worked around everyone’s schedules, in spite of inconvenience to her, and made everyone feel welcomed.  More than employee of the month, Jules should be Employee of the Year. – Laurie Herlich

Jules is held in high regard by all who have worked with her including numerous volunteers and is respected for her integrity, compassion and collaborative work style.  Jules came to Jonesborough with a rich, storied (pun intended!) history of creative development and direction.  She has the ability to energize any group of people and create a community for whatever project she is leading.

Jules has a broad range of skills and distinguishes herself whether she is writing a grant, gathering community stories and training a team to do the same, inspiring and bringing out the best in children as well as adults, and developing a monthly radio show and podcast now in its 11th year.  She is a dedicated advocate for the Town of Jonesborough. – Katy Rosolowski

I want you to know Jules is such a kind and caring person.  My first time I met her was at the Jonesborough Senior Center when we were doing a play there. She was so full of enthusiasm, telling me about being in town, her plays, asking me if I’ve ever thought about being a story collector for the Jonesborough town plays. I explained to her that I just moved here myself and didn’t feel comfortable because I didn’t know anyone   She told me, “I could be here one day or a lifetime and it doesn’t matter. What matters is participating in community.” Jonesborough loves people, opens its arms to everyone. From that point on, I’ve been doing my best to be part of Jonesborough.  Her words and encouragement gave me the push to get involved. – Kathleen O’Brien

 

I’ve nominated Jules for Employee of the Month because I believe she has shown extreme dedication to her duties, to the Town of Jonesborough, and to the people who live here!

Theresa Hammons

Director, McKinney Center

Thank you, Jules Corriere! You are appreciated!

July Employee of The Month – Donna Freeman

I would like to nominate Donna Freeman for the distinction of Employee of the Month for July 2022. Donna is the Executive Assistant for Town Hall, but does the job of many titles. Donna, on many occasions, has gone above and beyond for not only the General Department, but the Town. On a routine basis, Donna handles information for the Board of Mayor and Alderman, Planning Commission, Health Assessments, helping with the Budget, Town event flyers, JRT playbills and much more! No matter what Donna is facing she is sure to finish it in a timely manner and with excellent quality! When anyone has a question, their first stop is almost always her. On top of her routine roles, she has added trainer, mentor, friend, and the affectionate name of Nana as Glenn refers to her when trouble comes and you need wise advice. She has been a wonderful mentor and someone I greatly look up to! When things become stressful, she makes them seem simple. She is who you would want on your team.

Speaking of “team”, Town Hall is what I would like to think of as a family unit. We all work hard together, look out for one another and share a lot of laughter with one another. Donna is a very large part of that family unit and what makes it work. She is the glue, if you will. She holds us all together and helps us all with any issues we may face and is there when we need her the most as well as when we just need to smile. When things get hard, you will never receive a complaint from Donna, but you will receive an impeccable job well done!

For these reasons, and many–many more, I feel that Donna deserves the honor of receiving Employee of the Month for July 2022.

 

Thank you, Donna Freeman! You are appreciated!

June Employee of The Month – John Saylor

John Saylor joined the senior center staff in 2021, as our Program Coordinator. John brings a wealth of knowledge and great ideas with him. John has a background in IT and he has been able to utilize our sound equipment to its full potential and is providing the growth in audio visual capabilities that the senior center has desperately needed. We look forward to offering our senior center plays again and dance performance groups and his expertise will definitely be utilized. I continue to be impressed with John’s calm nature, no matter what is asked of him he jumps in and calmly manages whatever is thrown his way. Recently, I asked for staff volunteers to complete some outdoor maintenance and John jumped right in and assisted with mulching some of the flower beds over several different days. His willingness to tackle any project or job is what makes him the perfect Employee of the Month. I am very impressed with his great team attitude. He gets along so well with everyone and is very patient with our senior center members. John drives many of the senior center trips and I have received many compliments on his driving and how friendly he is with members. He also teaches a weekly computer help class, that well attended. John, like all of our staff, feel a calling to working with seniors. I would like to recommend John Saylor for Employee of the Month.

Submitted by:  Mary Regen, Senior Center Director

 

Thank you, John Saylor! You are appreciated!