A huge shout out to the National Museum of Crime & Punishment (575 7th Street) for hosting the March SAM of the Month meeting! The museum that focuses on law enforcement, forensic science and the history of crime, graciously hosted the monthly gathering that helps keep our Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) informed of new developments in the DowntownDC BID area by enhancing their understanding of Downtown institutions. This knowledge enables them to better assist all Downtown visitors, workers and residents.
Janine Vaccarello, the museum’s chief operating officer, welcomed the SAMs. What she wants everyone to know: despite its name, the Crime & Punishment Museum is a family-friendly institution. It offers children many interactive activities and provides resources to help families navigate its space.
In fact, here are some programs for families to check out: Family Friendly weekend forensic labs and the Dog Fighting: The Voiceless Victims temporary exhibit on display through September. Kids can also enter their dogs into the annual Top Dog contest, which recognizes one special dog for its efforts in protecting and serving the community. A special LGBT event takes place after regular business hours. The $44 per person admission price is reduced to half when the “LGBT13” coupon code is used.
During the meeting, two SAMs were recognized as the January SAMs of the Month for exhibiting stellar work performances. They are Maintenance Team Member Sarvelio Rodas and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Robert Toney.
Sarvelio Rodas has been a SAM for 15 years. The Guatemalan native worked in agriculture before coming to the U.S. His supervisor says Rodas takes the initiative to do tasks all the time, has good attendance, is neat in his uniform, and works well with everyone. Rodas and his wife have no children; his parents and siblings reside in Guatemala. During his spare time, Rodas enjoys watching television, particularly soccer, and playing a little basketball.
Robert Toney is another veteran SAM, and has been with the SAM Program for 12 years. This is his second SAM of the Month award, and he is also a SAM of the Year recipient. A member of the BID’s Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST), Toney says what he likes best about his job is “helping others and putting a smile on their faces.” He also enjoys being outdoors and moving around. The former Reagan National Airport security screening supervisor studies computers (he has a programming certificate) and enjoys playing video games in his spare time.