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Ford's Focus
"When the cannon fires, everyone keeps their mouth open to prevent ear popping, and they are allowed to use one modern safety device--earplugs. The live demonstration usually sets off car alarms and barking dogs."
Ron Nagle describes his life as a Civil War re-enactor in this issue's "After Hours."
 The next issue of News & Views will come out in 2013.
In the meantime, I wish all of you taking days off a happy holiday break.
Be safe in your travels and all of your winter adventures.
See you in the new year.
Ford
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Safety Record
Roll out the Barrel (Carefully)
 If only all barrels were "barrels of fun." We had an employee sustain a hematoma when an empty barrel hit them on the leg.
We also had an employee suffer a right hand strain from using a wrench.
Please continue to be careful, and have a safe holiday break.
As always, please report all safety hazards, near miss incidents and safety success stories.
Call us at 863-2340.
Visit us, or even drop a note outside our office in 103 Physical Plant.
Let's have a safety record to crow about.
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Announcements & Reminders
'Twas the Night before Holiday Break
'Twas the night before Holiday Break
When all through the suite
Not a screen was glowing, and no one sent a Tweet
The lights were shut off by the staff with care
In hopes that the energy elf soon would be there,
The CFLs were nestled, all snug in their sockets
While visions of energy savings filled up their pockets
The water coolers were unplugged, the fridges too,
The blinds were down, and the thermostat in the blue.
When out in the hallway, there arose such a noise
The appliances shook, hoping for toys
Then, what to our wondering eyes should appear
But the energy elf, all
snug in his bright green gear
At his sight the appliances gave such a shout
To think they saw an elf of such great clout
He called out to them, all the girls and boys
"Saving energy brings us all so much joy!"
With a twinkle in his eyes and a spring in his step
Just a flick of his wrist granted suites a heaping of pep!
They shone brighter and cleaner with just a few saved watts
And the printers and lights danced as they saved a lot
For with the Holiday Elf brought savings galore
And not a soul was bothered by their chores:
Recycling went out and compost did too,
The Elf was so glad, he too did a few
Before he ran back to the sustainable night
Visiting offices and turning off lights,
He called out to the appliances, who hoped for a hug
"Happy savings to all, and to all stay unplugged!"
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Congratulations to Chad Illig who was just recognized for his determination and persistence throughout the East Campus Steam Plant Addition Project. Jeff Spackman described Chad as "extremely valuable" and that he "exceeded expectations by clearing up several issues at the end of the project."
The purpose of this program is to recognize superior performance by OPP employees and teams on a specific event, problem, work challenge, process or project. Chad received his certificate on Thursday.
Railing against Danger
Congratulations to Terry Hansel who has been a great advocate for employee safety. Terry led the initiative to enhance fall protection at Beaver Stadium. This is part of a larger, campus-wide initiative led by Rachel Prinkey and Matt Leah.
This new guardrail is part of the system installed at Beaver Stadium to protect workers from an exposed edge.
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Welcomes and Farewells
We want to welcome a number of employees who started this week and will be starting in the new year. At the same time, we bid farewell to some folks who have been with us for a very long time. Please take a moment to reach out to all.
Welcomes
Steve Garbini is the new Facilities Engineer in Engineering Services. His first day was last Monday.
Keith Seltzer is the new Custodian in the Power Plant. His first day was last Sunday.
Michael Jones will be the new Custodian in District 43. He is new to the University and will begin work on January 1.
Eric Fye will be the new Utility Maintenance Worker in District 13. Eric is new to the University and will begin work on January 1.
Dan Mahan is the new Custodian in District 52. He is originally from McKeesport near Pittsburgh and will be transferring from Hospitality Services on January 2.
Farewells
Laura Maney is a Lead Horticulture Worker who will be retiring after 25 years at the University. Jeff Dice highlighted Laura's special gift to Penn State.
"Laura had an extraordinary impact on the aesthetic quality of University Park and will be sorely missed. Landscaping is a work unit that maintains the campus appearance, whether it's mowing grass or planting trees. It is a team effort. Laura's contribution to that effort was the shine. It was the color. She really awakened horticulture on campus with her efforts. She leaves a legacy of flowers and a standard of beauty that will endure." Her last day will be January 2.
Ron Holsopple started his life with service to his country by serving in the military prior to joining the OPP team. He started at OPP as a custodian and his been a Painter since 1987.
Jeremy Smith describes Ron as "a dedicated employee and a craftsman in his field. We wish him all the best as he moves on to pursue his other passions of hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife Dawn and two daughters." His last day will be January 3.
Kenton Dutrow is a Facilities Specialist who will be retiring after 34 years at the University on December 31. He started out in accounting, became a scheduler and a foreman, and then a supervisor. Lloyd Rhodes highlighted Kenton's work ethic.
"Kenton has been a tremendously hard-working individual, usually in the Garage well before 5 am each day and still there long after his first shift people leave at 3:30 pm. He has great expertise in the management of fleet, service or construction equipment, and is always resourceful when a unit out of the ordinary is needed by OPP or even other departments on campus. Kenton has always managed the equipment like he personally owned it, giving great care, and expecting no less from the operators. He has always assisted anyone in need with an equipment issue, being a key resource for all of us. We will miss him greatly!"
 Holly Hosterman is a Custodian who will be retiring after more than 35 years. She started her career in Housing and Food Services and worked there for 14 years, followed by nearly 22 more years in OPP. She won the Spirit of Physical Plant award and in April won the Commission for Women's award. Biff Myers will miss her deeply.
"Holly always has a good word for her customers and peers. She is a remarkable lady who will be missed. We wish her the best in her retirement."
Finally, Lance White is a Utility Maintenance Worker who will be leaving OPP on January 2. We wish him good luck in his new position in the College of Science.
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Carpooling
Or you can contact Alex Novak to post a request in News & Views.
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Up for Grabs
New This Issue - December 21
FOR SALE: License Plate Purses
PRICE: $10
CONTACT: Candace Wert
DEPARTMENT: AVP
E-MAIL: ckw1@psu.edu
DESCRIPTION: There are multiple purses available besides this blue Penn State one. The insides are covered in black felt and the ID closes with heavy-duty velcro. There is a 32" strap. Great gifts.
More...
New Last Issue - December 14
FOR SALE: Delta Contractors Table Saw
PRICE: $450
CONTACT: Denny Smith
DEPARTMENT: Project Management
E-MAIL: des6@psu.edu
PHONE: 865-7078
DESCRIPTION: Includes 40" Bessemyer Fence and 110/220 motor
More...
FOR SALE: Xbox 360
PRICE: $250
CONTACT: John Mason
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Estimating
E-MAIL: jam788@psu.edu
PHONE: 863-8733
DESCRIPTION: Bought last Christmas. Bunch of games. Used 10 times.
Any OPP employee can post an item FOR FREE with their name, department, and e-mail address.
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After Hours
Ears plugged? Mouth open? Fire!
Ron Nagle's great, great, great, great, great grandfather, Richard Nagle was a Revolutionary War hero. In 1828, at the age of 82, he walked from Patton, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C., to claim his military pension. He met with President Adams and a newspaper clipping at the time reported that he was told, "Be gone you imposter and dirty old rascal. I'll have you horsewhipped." Luckily Congress stepped in and awarded Richard his annual $27 a year pension. Ron Nagle, OPP Facilities Supervisor in Pond Lab today continues his family history of being connected to...history.
"Hey Dad, can we do this too? "
It all started when Ron Nagle's son turned 12 and he saw a Civil War reenactment. Ron and his son went to a couple of meetings, did some training and were hooked. Ron Nagel was always interested in history, but never dreamed he would someday be living it. Ron and his son are now members of the Third Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery B. They participate in battlefield recreations, parades, honor guards, dedications or anything honoring our American heritage.
You start as a recruit and go through a year of training at the Boalsburg Military Museum. All recruits learn every position on the cannon and go through a whole season of reenactments. At the end of the year a vote is taken and you become a cannoneer. Battery B owns three rifled cannons and a portable mountain howitzer. They are detailed replicas that cost between $10-15,000 apiece.
 Ron does one reenactment a month and some attract thousands of people. The biggest are at Old Bedford Village in June and at Cedar Creek, Virginia, in October. Those represent actual battles where the Federals faced the Confederates. Battery B has even reenacted at the Green Briar Hotel in West Virginia for such notables as Tiger Woods and Barbara Eden.
They shoot their cannon for many school functions and teach kids about the Civil War. They usually select one youngster from the audience and allow him to pull the lanyard that fires the cannon. Their unit uses a half-pound of powder and no projectiles. As shown on the Battery B web page, this provides plenty of bang. During the Civil War, the actual cannons used between 1 and 2 pounds of powder and, of course, real projectiles.
Just like OPP, Battery B is concerned with safety. They follow an authentic Civil War manual, but have added some additional steps to ensure safe firing of the cannon.
When the cannon fires, everyone keeps their mouth open to prevent ear popping and they are allowed to use one modern safety device, earplugs. The live demonstration usually sets off car alarms and barking dogs. They occasionally are visited by the local police who are responding to complaints about cannon fire in the neighborhood.
Battery B members aim to be as authentic as possible so they wear kepis (military hats), brogans (boots) and replica uniforms made of wool (pictures here). Ron was surprised that the uniforms are not really that terrible even in July.
"Our Captain inspects the unit prior to each event. He checks that your buttons are shiny, that your cap is in place and that no wristwatches, sneakers or modern devices are in sight. We once had a cell phone ring in the middle of a reenactment. The embarrassed soldier yelled out, 'It's my 1864 communications device.' That never happened a second time!"
"As far as Civil War films go, I like them all. One thing that surprises me about the whole Civil War reenactment thing is how dedicated everyone is. At the end of the day, we camp in period tents made of canvas with 2 poles and 6 stakes. We just sleep on the ground with wool blankets, no sleeping bags, no cots, nothing like that."
"If I could time travel and be a fly on the wall, I would love to go to Gettysburg at Little Round Top and be right beside Chamberlain at the moment they ran out of ammo and still attacked. Chamberlain has always been my hero!" Ron has been to Gettysburg many times and has just completed his fifth visit to Antietam. He is looking forward to participating in the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this summer.
If you are interested in getting involved with the 3rd Pennsylvania Light Artillery Battery B, you can visit their web site or e-mail Ron.
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Tip of the Week
Take This Snow and Shovel It
 With winter now upon us, a number of OPP employees will soon be shoveling snow to help ensure a safe campus environment.
Shoveling is also an activity that many of us complete at home to clear our driveways and sidewalks. Here are some tips for safe shoveling.
Dress warmly.
Remember that extremities (nose, ears, hands, and feet) need extra attention. Wear a cap, scarf, face protection, gloves, wool socks, and waterproof boots as needed.
Shovel fresh snow.
Freshly fallen, powdery snow is much easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
Take it slow!
Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically, so pace yourself accordingly. Be sure to stretch out before beginning to shovel.
Push the snow as you shovel.
If possible, this is easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs and do not bend at the waist.
Don't pick up too much at once.
Use a light shovel (e.g., plastic), a small shovel, or partially fill a large one in order to reduce the stress on your body. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Never throw snow over your shoulder!
Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately. Individuals over the age of 50, or those whoa re relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's persmission.
Check out the these additional winter weather safety tips or e-mail Mark Linsenbigler in EHS with any questions about this article.
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Contact Us
If you have any comments or suggestions for News & Views, contact Alex Novak by e-mail or at 863-0432.
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