Out of the Classroom and into the Workplace

Garver hosted two "externships" in January that invited college students to explore and experience Garver's Tulsa, Oklahoma workplace and observe day-to-day activities.

An externship is a shadowing experience designed to help students explore their chosen career fields in a real-time environment outside a classroom. Garver invited seniors with academic majors in civil, transportation, traffic, and bridge specialties to participate in the day-long program.

The externships offer students a glimpse into their professional possibilities after graduation. This real-work opportunity provides an engineering experience that both reinforces their education and invites them to take an inside view of Garver's professionals at work.

As part of the Garver Tulsa office externship, students:

• listened to a presentation about Garver
• toured the office and met with staff
• attended a team meeting and listened as projects were discussed
• shadowed an engineer who introduced them to ongoing design projects
• toured the Tulsa area and visited several Garver project sites (both under construction and completed) to see the transition between designs and construction

Helping Cities Find Their Voices

This past weekend, Garver served as the event partner for the second annual Oklahoma Congress of Mayors at the Oklahoma State Capitol in the House Chambers.

Mayors and vice mayors from across Oklahoma came together to discuss key issues and share ideas relevant to municipalities. Garver provided financial support for the event that offers city leaders a way to have their voices be heard on important municipal topics. Michael Graves, Garver's water group leader and treatment plant operations specialist, also serves on a water advisory committee to the Congress of Mayors. He has been called on to provide information on regulations, funding, and other water and wastewater issues.

The congress provides the mayors a time to debate and eventually present critical issues to the Oklahoma legislature on such topics as water resources and utility planning, transportation, public safety, economic development, municipal finance, and municipal operations.

An Advocate for Bike-Friendly Communities

The Little Rock Bicycle Friendly Community Committee has selected Garver Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Williams to serve as a member.

The committee is working to make Little Rock, Arkansas a Bicycle-Friendly Community and achieve this designation through the League of American Bicyclists. Committee members interact with the city and community to make Little Rock safe for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists; to create a network of connected on-street facilities and bicycle-friendly trails to safely travel anywhere in Little Rock by bicycle; and to promote and encourage bicycling for recreation and transportation.

Dan is just one example of Garver’s commitment to bicycle advocacy, which is fueled by employee passions. Through leadership, athletic example, and engineering design, Garver is encouraging communities and individuals to stay fit and have fun on two wheels. Moreover, Garver’s “cyclelogical” attitude reflects the public’s growing trend to settle in communities with bicycle-friendly infrastructure.

Coats at Christmas

Garver's Fayetteville office has organized a drive to collect winter coats for families in northwest Arkansas. The employees gathered more than 30 coats as well as gloves, hats, and scarves for the Peace at Home Family Shelter.

The winter clothes have been donated to the shelter's thrift store, which provides clothing, furniture, and household items free of charge to its families. The organization is committed to ending family violence in northwest Arkansas and provides a crisis hotline, safe emergency shelter, support groups, and assistance in finding employment and transitional housing.

Engineer Starts College Scholarship

Aviation engineer Adam White, EI has teamed with two friends to start a scholarship for engineering students at the University of Arkansas. The Honorarium for Dedicated Leadership and Outstanding Character Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship awarded to junior and senior civil engineering students who demonstrate leadership skills in academic and extracurricular activities.

“We all had the financial capacity to start the scholarship," Adam told the University of Arkansas Alumni Association. "We didn’t want to wait... It is rewarding to give back to students. You get so much out of it, and it helps you grow as a professional just as much as they grow as students.”

Adam graduated from the university in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He worked with Garver as an intern while in school, and he has worked with Garver since he graduated.

Helping Students Prepare for a Drafting Career

Senior Technician Charlie Macom is helping students at the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton prepare to work in the drafting industry.

Charlie has nearly 25 years of experience in drafting and surveying, and he is part of an advisory committee that provides the university's drafting program with ways to improve its curriculum. Charlie represents the engineering field and joins professionals with backgrounds in machine and mechanical, architectural, interior design, and aircraft industries.

The drafting program introduces students to the drafting profession, principles, and  technology. Throughout the program, students learn and work with computer-aided drafting and 3-D modeling programs. Students gain experience in residential and structural drafting, machine drafting, and pre-engineering drafting by working on realistic projects. The drafting program curriculum includes design concepts and sustainability theories to gives students an edge in today's workplace.

Earning the Aviation Merit Badge

Perry Havenar (left) helps the Boy Scouts earn the Aviation Merit Badge.

Garver Senior Aviation Planner Perry Havenar is helping a Texas Boy Scouts of America Troop earn the Aviation Merit Badge. In early October, Havenar introduced Troop 1177 to the world of aviation and spent 1.5 hours talking with the Scouts about aviation history, aerodynamics, aircraft engines, and airport design.

Joe McAnally

Perry also joined with Joe McAnally,
Addison Airport operations manager and Eagle Scout, to give the Scouts a behind-the-scenes tour of the airfield on October 19. They visited the American Flyers maintenance hangar, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle and fire station, and airport management offices. The Scouts received 2 hours of hands-on exposure to the aviation world and the many careers it offers.

Buddy Walk

Garver's Shannon Hanks and her family recently participated in a Buddy Walk hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Buddy Walk is an advocacy event in which people with Down syndrome invite "buddies" to walk with them. The Hanks family participated for the third consecutive year and were buddies for their son, Tyler.

The Buddy Walk promotes October as National Down Syndrome Awareness month and encourages greater acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. It is an inspirational and educational day that celebrates people with Down syndrome and their many abilities and accomplishments.

The walk has expanded from 17 walks nationwide in 1995 to more than 300 this year. In Tulsa, more than 5,000 people attended the ninth annual walk and event activities, which began in 2002 with 500 people.

Garver served as an event Gold Sponsor.

Pulling for Education Trap Shoot

Garver's Gary Bennett takes aim during the trap shoot competition.

Garver employees are continually finding ways to support and give back to their communities. At the end of September, and for the third consecutive year, a group of Garver employees competed in a competitive clay pigeon shooting contest to raise funds for a two-year, higher-education institution.

Garver organized two teams and participated with 60 shooters and 20 teams in the Fifth Annual Pulling for Education Trap Shoot in Columbus, Arkansas. Proceeds benefited the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation. Garver's team of Gary Bennett, Jim Ward, and John Ed Watkins won first place in the second flight. Glynn Fulmer, TJ Bruck, and Blake Martin also teamed together.

Left to Right: Gary Bennett, Representative David "Bubba" Powers, U.S. Congressman Mike Ross, John Ed Watkins, Jim Ward, and Chris Thomason, Chancellor of the UofA Community College at Hope

Inspiring a New Generation of Engineers

"Carmen Cobb is harvesting her cornfield. She planted 270 rows of corn, and there are 130 corncobs in each row. It will take Carmen 18 hours to harvest her corn. How many corncobs did Carmen Cobb collect every hour?"

Whew. Remember the days of fifth-grade word problems? At the time, they may not have seemed important, but they foster knowledge application and problem solving skills - which just so happen to be essential in construction services.

Jim Heard, a Garver senior construction observer, recently visited several fifth-grade classes in Jay, Oklahoma. During his interaction with 100 students, Jim demonstrated why math and science are important on the job site. Jim's visit was a hit, and the teacher sent Garver the following thank you note:

"The students really enjoyed getting to hear how the math and science they use in class can be applied to the real world! I've had parents tell me that since Mr. Heard's talk, their children have quizzed them on information about highways and bridges as they drive over them. What better way to get kids involved in learning!"

And don't think that you're off the hook. Put that calculator in a drawer and grab a trusty pencil. How many corncobs were collected every hour?

Encouraging the Big Dam Bridge 100 Cyclists

This past weekend, cyclists in the Big Dam Bridge 100 Tour rested outside Garver's corporate office in North Little Rock, Arkansas to catch their breath and refuel with sandwiches and drinks. Garver also set up a couple speakers that amplified inspirational music to encourage the cyclists on their way.

Approximately 2,300 cyclists registered for the sixth annual event, which is the largest bicycle tour in Arkansas. A group of Garver employees biked in the event, and several tackled the 100-mile course.

Garver employees and their families cheered and clapped for the bikers as they went by. Cyclists chose routes 16, 30, 50, 68, and 100 miles long. After the event, the employees donated the remaining food to the Arkansas Rice Depot.

Thanks to Mike Massey for contributing these photos.

Balancing Work, Life, and Volunteering

Garver transportation engineers Nathan and Natalie Becknell understand what it means to give back and are making it a priority to mentor young engineers.

The University of Arkansas's newest edition of The Volunteer View features the alumni Becknells. The publication highlights ways Nathan and Natalie are balancing their work at Garver with life responsibilities and volunteer opportunities.

"As alumni, we learned quickly that you don't have to endow a scholarship to make a difference," Natalie told The Volunteer View. "We make it a priority each year to give back, and we do what we can."

The Becknells contribute money to engineering scholarships, serve as student advisers, and regularly visit the university to offer students advice and encouragement.

"We give reassurance," Nathan said. "The students who are doing the best academically often doubt themselves the most. We give advice that will help them with current classes and projects and also prepare them for the real world."

The Becknells' real world activities also include taking part in the Illinois River Watershed Project by planting trees and cleaning streams, participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and staying active in the University of Arkansas's concrete canoe contest.

Big Dam Bridge 100 and Jersey

Registration is open for Arkansas' largest cycling tour, the sixth annual Big Dam Bridge 100, which starts in Little Rock, Arkansas and ends in North Little Rock on September 24. A change in the 100-mile course includes a new route over the Garver-designed Two Rivers Bridge.

Garver is again providing a rest stop at our corporate office, cheering on a group of company riders, and designing the official event jersey. Here's a peek at this year's design with the slogan, "It's just the Big Dam Bridge. Get over it."

The event jersey can be ordered on the Big Dam Bridge 100 website when you register for the ride. And if you participate in the tour, keep an eye out for bicyclists wearing our past designs:

2009

2010

In the next few years, bicyclists will benefit from several Garver-designed improvements made to the central Arkansas bicycle trail system. Construction crews are beginning work to add a west leg to the Little Rock side of the Big Dam Bridge, which will allow bicyclists to connect with the Two Rivers Bridge without attempting a tight 180-degree turn. In addition, design on the pedestrian bridge at Shilcutt Bayou is nearly complete. The new replacement bridge will provide a safer and smoother ride than the existing alignment, and it will offer cyclists a route that is not limited by the existing timber structure.

Mountain Biking 100 Miles Across the Sky

With a wild look in their eyes and an unbending determination to conquer the extreme, Garver's Steve Jones and Kyle Kruger recently pushed themselves to the limit across brutal mountainous terrain.

Nicknamed the Race Across the Sky, Steve and Kyle tackled the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race in Colorado on August 13, a 100-mile course in the Rocky Mountains.

With 15,000 feet of total climbing and an ultimate high at Columbine Pass (12,424 feet above sea level), the race features forest trails and mountain roads, steep climbs and narrow descents, sharp turns and switchbacks, creek crossings, and panoramic views. With an entry field of over 2,000, less than 1,300 finished.

With arms raised high as he crossed the finish line, Steve completed the race in 11 hours and 39 minutes. Steve started near the back of the pack but passed nearly 1,000 riders to finish.

Pushing hard to the finish, Kyle completed the course in 11 hours and 58 minutes. Kyle overcame several challenges during the race to finish ahead of the 12-hour cutoff. This was his second time to complete the race; in 2008, he finished in 10 hours and 17 minutes. 

This wasn't Kyle and Steve's first experience together with long-distance mountain biking. Last year they rode with a Garver group (including President Brock Johnson, Chief Operating Officer Dan Williams, and Chief Marketing Officer Chad Clinehens) on a challenging seven-day, 215-mile hut-to-hut adventure from Durango, Colorado to Moab, Utah.

Question

Have you ever biked in a 100-mile race?

Would you try?

Run Safe and Beat the Heat

Like many Garver employees, Bill Ruck enjoys competing in races. He recently ran in the Big Dam Bridge Twilight 5K (finishing first in his age group), the River City 5K (finishing second in his age group), and the Firecracker Fast 5K (finishing third in his age group).

If you plan to run or exercise during the summer months (and especially during this heat wave), take precautions to avoid overheating and dehydration. Below are some running tips to keep in mind when you're having fun in the sun.

1. Make sure to drink fluids before and after you exercise. 
2. Avoid running in the afternoon. A good tip is to run when your shadow is taller than you.
3. If you do run in the afternoon, be prepared to run at a reduced pace; the heat takes a lot out of you.
4. Wear thin, synthetic materials free of cotton, including your socks. They allow moisture to escape to the surface where evaporation brings a lot of cooling.
5. Don't forget the sunscreen. Ball caps trap a lot of heat on your head.
6. Run with a buddy, and recognize the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
7. Unlace and dry your shoes after each run. Stuff your shoes with newspaper while they are stored in your gym bag.
8. If you don't breathe well through your nose, a piece of gum keeps you from getting a dry mouth.
9. Nourish yourself with a balanced diet low in fats and high in carbs, natural vitamins, and electrolytes to enable your cooling system to operate at peak efficiency.

Tour de Rock

More than a dozen Garver employees and associates participated in the eighth annual 2011 CARTI Tour de Rock bicycle endurance ride in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The ride offers 30, 50, 62, and 100-mile courses as well as a family fun ride, and all proceeds benefited the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute.

More than 1,000 cyclists pedaled for the cause, and $125,000 was raised through the event. The funds will allow CARTI to continue bringing the fight to cancer through extensive patient outreach, education, and advanced forms of radiation therapy.

Garver was a Gold Sponsor for the event, and the Garver bike team included Blake Staton, Scott Donaldson, David Yandell, Bert Parker, Bethany Mooney, Dan Williams, Nancy Fulmer, Brock Johnson, David Gambill, and several relatives and business associates.

More information and pictures are available on CARTI's website and Facebook page.

How to Help Disaster Victims

After the tornadoes swept through Joplin, Missouri, our Garver employees found ways to help. Some of our Fayetteville, Arkansas engineers teamed with ENGAGE! and used chainsaws to help clear streets. We also had employees in our North Little Rock, Arkansas office work in their local neighborhoods to gather donations and deliver them to Joplin.

Even if you can't travel to Joplin or Tuscaloosa, Alabama or another disaster area, the American Red Cross provides many ways to help now and in the future.

Volunteer Training and Opportunities. Disaster-prepared organizations provide just that: organization. After recently visiting Joplin, Garver employee Mike Morgan has started the application process with his local American Red Cross to receive training and volunteer with future assistance teams. Every year, the Red Cross responds to 70,000 disasters, everything from house fires to tornadoes.

Give Blood. I donate blood every couple months, and I just received my "two gallons donated" pin. While there is always a need for blood after a disaster, don't forget about the rest of the year. The American Red Cross reports that every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion and 5 million patients need blood every year. Only three percent of the population donates blood, so here's your chance to join an elite group of individuals. One pint can save up to three lives.

Financial Donations. One of the best ways to help is by donating money. While supplies are needed and appreciated, many times disaster areas have a difficult time storing clothes, toiletries, and other items until they can be used. It's often easier and faster to donate money that can be used by organizations to meet an area's specific needs.

Encouraging a Career in Engineering

When a planned speaker couldn't attend Career Day at Clyde Boyd Middle School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Garver aviation engineer Jeremy Stahle raised his hand and stepped to the front of the class. Jeremy recently spent a full afternoon speaking to 8th graders about the various career opportunities in civil engineering.

After using a PowerPoint presentation to show students what engineering fields are available, he talked about his experience with Garver and his passion for the profession. He also fielded questions ranging from "What's the starting pay?" (which was a popular question) to "Do you get to blow things up?" Before ending each 25-minute session, Jeremy expressed the importance of doing well in math and science classes and encouraged the students to work hard in high school.

Tornado Relief Efforts

When the recent tornadoes swept through Alabama, Garver's Huntsville office spent a week without electricity. During that time, our employees worked in their communities. Jerry McCarley is Garver's Regional Office Administrator and works in the Huntsville office. The following message contains some of Jerry's thoughts as he's witnessed first-hand the vast destruction and Garver's outreach efforts.

"We've all been deeply affected by the destruction and loss of life caused by the April 27 tornadoes that struck the north Alabama area. The scale is staggering, and everyone in our Huntsville office knows a victim or someone who has lost everything.

"Over the past few weeks, Garver employees have responded to their neighbors' needs with an impressive effort that is helping the area begin to recover from the unprecedented disaster. Some grabbed their chain saws and tractors and went to work removing tree limbs and debris, which helped emergency vehicles reach the hardest hit areas. Others helped victims salvage personal items and memorabilia from the wreckage and found additional ways to comfort those who've lost everything. Our staff has handed out food and clothing, donated blood, and contributed financially. We've also offered to assist one of the most damaged communities with surveying, mapping, and basic planning services.

"This is deeply personal to us, and as a company and individuals, we will continue to help our communities recover."

According to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and other emergency response organizations, the best way to help tornado victims and relief workers in the coming days is to make a financial contribution. The donations allow the organizations to meet specific needs in individual communities. Below are several ways to contribute:

• American Red Cross
• The Salvation Army. Designate your gift to "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak"
• Alabama Governor's Relief Fund

Bike to Work Week Events

The League of American Bicyclists is again sponsoring Bike to Work Week, May 16-20. Below are some of the organized events near Garver office locations. Other events may be available, so make sure to check your local news sources. And happy biking!

Little Rock/North Little Rock, Arkansas

Sharing the Road Workshop (Friday, May 13) A three-hour educational workshop that addresses responsible ways for motorists and bicyclists to share public roadways.

Ride of Silence (Wednesday, May 18). A memorial ride to remember bicyclists killed or injured in traffic crashes.

Bike to Work Day (Friday, May 20). Garver is defending its Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas Commuter Challenge trophy. The company with the most riders attending the rally will win the trophy, and Garver has held the title for two consecutive years.

A great source for central Arkansas bicycling news, commentary, tips, and links is the blog JBar Cycling.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Kick-Off Proclamation and Urban Ride (Friday, May 13). The city mayor will read the Bike to Work Week Proclamation, and then an urban bicycle ride will begin.

Bicycle Commuter Challenge (May 15-21) The workplace with the highest percentage of bicycle commuters on any single day has the chance to win great prizes. Garver has won the title two years in a row.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Free Workshop Series (May 15, 17, and 20). The Indian Nations Council of Governments has organized a number of training workshops for bicyclists. Remaining events include "Gear Up," "Bike to Work Essentials," and "Happy Hour."

Norman, Oklahoma

Bike To Work Day (Friday, May 20). The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments is helping coordinate Bike to Work Day rides for for numerous communities, including Norman. Two group rides are planned. More information is available on ACOG's website.

Frisco, Texas

Irving Bicycle Fest (Saturday, May 14). Planned events include group rides, kids' bicycle safety, bike repairs, and a safe route finder.

Ride of Silence (Wednesday, May 18) . A memorial ride to remember bicyclists killed or injured in traffic crashes. Events are planned in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

City of Allen Family Bike Day (Saturday, May 21). Bike day events include bike safety check up, games for kids, and educational presentations.

Nashville, Tennessee

Ride of Silence (Wednesday, May 18). A memorial ride to remember bicyclists killed or injured in traffic crashes.

Tour de Nash (Saturday, May 21). Family rides and longer tours are scheduled.

Jackson, Mississippi
Bike to Work Week Events (May 16-20). Bike to different businesses throughout the week and get free coffee and discounts on other food and drinks.