To be engulfed in the elegance of the National Building Museum (401 F Street) can be mesmerizing, what with the magnificence of the Great Hall and its colossal 75-foot-tall Corinthian columns and 1,200-foot terra cotta frieze. That’s where the DowntownDC BID’s Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAMs) employees found themselves earlier this month for the August SAM of the Month meeting.
The National Building Museum is devoted to the history and impact of the built environment and tells the stories of architecture, engineering and design through exhibits, public programs and festivals. Since President Grover Cleveland held his inaugural ball there in 1885, the building has been the site of numerous exciting events, including the Opening Ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
During the meeting, Chase Rynd, the Museum’s president and executive director and a BID board member, thanked the SAMs for their exceptional work through the years, which has contributed to a better Downtown experience. Brett Rogers, the Museum’s director of marketing and communications, also greeted the SAMs and engaged them in a short game of Museum trivia.
Before recognizing the SAMs of the Month, several BID staff members also addressed the SAMs. Ron Jones, the SAM Program maintenance services manager, discussed a new initiative focused on assessing after-hours trash removal and a pilot involving four SAMs who recovered 96 garbage bags in one evening. After sending SAMs out Thursday through Saturday, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, to collect trash, a decision will be made soon about whether to add another shift. Blake Holub, the Public Space Management Quality Control Manager, provided an update on the handheld mobile devices now used by the SAMs to report street defects, and Ebony Walton, a Communications project coordinator, acknowledged the 6:00 am Maintenance Team for going above and beyond their duties in assisting the BID with various tasks.
Safety/Hospitality Team Member Ezra Bryant and SAM Maintenance Team Member Anthony Davenport were recognized as the SAMs of the Month for their stellar performance.
Ezra Bryant has been a SAM for just over a year-and-a half. This is his first SAM of the Month designation, and while he acknowledges that it feels great to be appreciated, he’s always encouraged to put his best foot forward, with or without an award. Ezra formerly worked with the Marine Corps and as a security guard, so he knows all about being diligent, watchful and responsible. A music lover who plays the drums, he also enjoys martial arts and once hosted a class for battered women. Ezra is married with seven children—five girls and two boys.
Anthony Davenport joined the SAM Program in 2009. Noted for his tenacious work ethic, Anthony isn’t shy about saying that he’s “proud to be a SAM.” Now a two-time SAM of the Month winner, he often seeks constructive criticism of his work efforts and always strives to exceed expectations. The former welder is an avid sports fan and is particularly fond of boxing.
Congratulations to both SAMs!