Forever Young- (Paint Striping)

I have enjoyed the past 14 years working on striper crew.  I started in 2003. The last of the original crew I worked with retires next month. One has passed on. One is now a superintendent (who I have gone to work for) and three are lead techs, one is a radio operator in Yakima,  the rest retired. They have a great new crew and next week they select a new lead tech. This is my 17th video I have made on striping crew- the first one  in 2005 called Real Men of Genius.   It is time to move on. Thanks to all who made those years so special.

Happy Retirement Mr. Major Highway Line Painter

It is going to be hard not to have Al Willms part of our crew, when he officially retires after 15 years on August 15th, after  working with me on striping crew and many of the winters in maintenance. He actually started on striping crew before I came on full time by a year- (in photo below) I had several suggested songs to use for him, but I don't think he would have liked "take this job and shove it", or Oney by Johnny Cash- so here are two short  retirement songs and a few of the photos over the years.(I actually could not fit them all in song) I certainly wish you the best in your retirement- and thanks again for all  you have done for the crew and for our region in your work over the years- you are a Real men of Genius.

above photo was taken in 2002 and below photo was taken July of 2017 near Winthrop

above photo was taken in Maui a few years ago when we met up with him and his wife

We always had fun on the job- Going to Miss Al!

Retirement is a big decision- I am undecided on my plans. There are many who "I sure hope they do not retire for a long time." My brother sent me this clipping of a man who has been working for 75 years with American Airlines- wow! Hats off to his employer as well- many do not know how to keep someone that long or want to.  His wife's advice is pretty amazing too.

Age is just a number – from Al Blackman

In the July issue of American Way, Azriel "Al" Blackman, a JFK-based crew chief, reflects on his 75 years of service as an aviation maintenance technician at American. Read the full letter below and be sure to check out the video of Al's special anniversary celebration.

I could start this column by telling you how much I love my job working in Aircraft Maintenance. I could tell you that it's never really felt like a job because it's a craft I love and take great pride in every day. I could share that I've worked on more than 50 different aircraft types during my career or that I served with the U.S. Army in Korea at a facility located across from the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Yes, M.A.S.H. Yes, that M.A.S.H. But instead, I'll start with the reason I was asked to share my story. This year marks my 75th as an aviation maintenance technician at American Airlines. That's right -- 75 years. I started just before I turned 17; I'm now 92. That has landed me in the book of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for having the "Longest Career as an Airline Mechanic." But don't think for a second that this is a retirement letter. See, American keeps buying new planes - in fact, we have the youngest fleet among major U.S. carriers. Many of these new planes are from Boeing, which happen to be my favorite to work on. And while I may not be as hands on as I used to be, I still do some sheet metal work from time to time. My primary role, however, is coordinating our team members so they're safe and successful at getting our planes back in service. You might find this hard to believe, but I still see every day as a new challenge. I always have. My late wife, Dolores, knew it too. She used to tell me, "Go to work; go play with your friends." We were married 57 years before she passed away about seven years ago. But I still hear those words, because they're true. My colleagues are my friends. And they are the finest group of aviation mechanics in the world. When I'm not working to maintain our fleet, you can find me restoring vintage aircraft for the Historical Aircraft Restoration Project at Floyd Bennett Field, a few miles west of my work home -- John F. Kennedy International Airport. I guess that makes me an antique fixing an antique. It's possible I know some of our aircraft as well as you know your kids, but I consider that a good quality in a mechanic. And while I will eventually leave our fleet in the capable hands of my colleagues, American's maintenance hangar at JFK will always be home. My fellow mechanics -- my friends -- have made sure of that.

Azriel "Al" Blackman

We Salute You, Real Men of Genius

Monday we welcome Jeremy Worley to our striping crew as the new driver to replace Beau who is our new lead tech.  We also say goodbye to Johnathan who is moving on to Radio dispatch on Monday, and to Jeanine Ring, our former boss, who is retiring on Wednesday.  Sid Simon retired this summer. Johnny Allen and Brad came back this summer to help out. We even moved to a new office last month that has the best top floor view. I don't have a video for this year, or even a group photo, so here is 2013 video to show you what we do. 2013 was our last year with Pat Medrano as lead driver, he became a lead tech on Stevens. We welcomed Steve Lupton as support Truck driver in 2013, and is still with us. It was a good year with no accidents and lots of good memories. So here is a salute to the NCR Striping Crew- Real Men of Genius- We Salute You.

This is Brad who  worked with us this summer 

and works radio dispatch in winter.

Alana Johnson has been on striping crew longer than any present crew member

I enjoyed working with Jeremy Worley in Leavenworth and on Stevens Pass

Here is a selfie, by Hendricks Road, where we striped this spring below Othello.

This was our entire crew the first year I worked with striping crew- back in 2003. One has passed on, two were promoted, and 3 of us are still with crew 16 years later. Our boss back then retires this Wednesday.

This may be last group photo we have taken- this is from 2014 and has Sid Simon our former Lead Tech in it.

MY JOB SEARCH

My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn't concentrate.

Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.

After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn't suited for it -- mainly because it was a sew-sew job.

Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.

Then, tried being a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but just didn't have the thyme.

Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it.... couldn't cut the mustard.

My best job was a Musician, but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.

I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but didn't have any patience.

Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. Tried hard but just didn't fit in.

I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered I couldn't live on my net income.

Managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.

So then I got a job in a Workout Center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job..

After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.

My last job was working in Starbucks, but had to quit because it was the same old grind.

FINALLY I tried RETIREMENT and found it PERFECT for me.

Real Men Of Genius (08 striping crew)

I really enjoy my job and the people I work with. I  have been on vacation and miss them.  Two of our old support truck drivers are now promoted to Lead Techs in maintenance. I am happy for both of them and hope they remember me as they climb the DOT  ladder.  This is an old video I made in 2008- not sure if I need to make one this year as things have not changed that much  and we have yet to take a group photo of this years crew. Our new support truck driver who transferred from Vancouver is doing a great job! I am thankful for my job. I am blessed.

Real Men Of Genius 2015

This is my 16th Paint Striping Video and the 10th year of a video remembering the years crew, sites, and activities. We see some pretty country- from Canada to below Othello and 4 or 5 mountain passes in North Central Washington. I have enjoyed my years on striping crew and worked with some great people. We are like family. I don't know what next year has in store, but I wish them the best and am thankful for the good memories. I also appreciate the help we got from Johnny and Brad.

When I interviewed for this job, I said my biggest weakness was sometimes I work so hard I forget to cash my paychecks.

I Walk The Line

As many of you know- I work for WSDOT- I am in Traffic which includes striping state roads from Canadian Border to south of Othello. I really enjoy my work and the people I work with. I actually have one of the best jobs. Here is our 2009 striping photos set to an old song by Johnny Cash, called I walk the Line. 

White Line Fever

 

On Sept. 3rd 1985 I went to work for the state, at Utilities and Transportation Commission. I worked in Pasco, (port of entry), Snohomish and Wenatchee/Okanagan.  I actually worked in Kent for one month too, commuting back and forth during September 1993. On Oct. 4th, 1993 I transferred to the Department of Transportation, in maintenance, in Wenatchee. My first winter was night shift on Stevens Pass.  In 2003 I transferred to the Traffic Department of WSDOT. I  now work in Striping between April and November and other months work mainly plowing snow back in maintenance. It’s a good relationship and I enjoy my job(s). I joke that if it wasn’t for my wife, I would work for Free. Since 2005 I have tried to make a video of the striping season-It’s getting hard to find a new song and I can never fit all the photos into 3 minutes that I want. I made this video several years ago- White Line Fever, Since it talks about getting older.  We see some pretty country and work with some great people. Little did I know when I accepted that job thirty years ago, I would see three different towns to live in,  eight different offices to call home, 6 assigned cars/pickups,  and the many great people I would get to work with.  Already this year I have used over 250 cans of spray paint. I am not sure how bosses I have had, who are now retired.  30 years has gone by too fast.

 1985-MCLE Inspector in Pasco

1991-MCLE Investigator in Wenatchee

 2003- Maintenance Tech 2 on SR28

2011- about has high as I am going to get in the DOT I think

Photo Taken in ??

Real Men Of Genius (05)

Ten years ago I made this first video of the striping crew to a commercial called Real Men of Genius. Two have been on the crew longer than I have; Alana Johnson and Al Willms. This is my 12th summer on crew after working for 10 years in maintenance previously. (Prior to that I worked 8  years for WUTC in three different locations)  Last year we put out 37,750 gallons of White Paint, 25,250 gallons of Yellow Paint and 383,590 pounds of glass beads. I think I used over 250 spray cans of paint for spotting and marking.

Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun

This photo was taken last fall of crew  and is the same as this years crew  (we don't get older)

Left to Right;Dennis Hendricks, Steve Lupton, Beau Strutzel, Sid Simon, Alana Johnson, Al Willms

2014 Real Men of Genius

I worked with a great crew in Striping this year and I felt bad I did not make a video, since I have made a video since 2005. It is hard to find new songs, and I refused to use "Hiway to Hell" for this years song. I have used "Real Men of Genius" six times; as well as "On the Road Again", Life is A Highway", "White Line Fever", I Walk The Line", Draggin The Line, "Forever Young" as well as Driving A Truck and Mr. Gasser Passer. Well, for 2014 it is a one minute song called "Real Men Of Genius"again. I really have enjoyed working on the Striping crew and am looking forward to where they assign me this summer. If you missed any other striping videos, simply click on "work-WSDOT" label on right.

My boss called me into his office today.
“We both know you’re not the brightest spark here, Simon,” he said, “but over the last 5 years you’ve never been sick or late and I think you deserve a reward. So, how does a brand new car sound?”
“Vrooom! Vrooooom!” I replied.

On The Road Again (2010)

This video was actually made four years ago- I have not made any new striping videos lately and I don't think we have even taken a group photo of this years crew yet. I am not the spokesman, but people ask me occasionally striping questions; like why the hash marks on some mountain pass corners? Those are installed by engineers as a trial, to see if Motorcycles will slow down for those corners. They are also trying eleven foot lanes in a couple areas to see if that slows people down as well? (and give those bicycle riders more room)

First- our job # 1 is safety- both for our crew and for the traveling public.  The rear truck due to its weight can "track" over the fog line, where cars do not- so he is limited where he can pull off as well, to let cars around. The rear truck stays back to where paint is dry- and if you get paint on your car after passing him- please do not expect tax payers to pay for cleaning your vehicle. That truck knows you are behind and will eventually pull over and let you pass when it is safe.

Second, we follow lots of rules- we would love to stripe at 30 or 40 mph- but the beads do not land on paint at that speed and it is hard to get the required 10-15 gallons per lane mile at that speed. Our lead driver can stripe faster than 20 mph- but our boss will not allow that for reasons beyond those two. Just Be thankful I do not drive the striper- it would probably be less than 20 mph and have crooked lines. We follow federal guidelines for types of lines used- the all mean something from width, color, to lengths and help with uniformity and laws.

Lastly- we do stripe at night when required- mostly in towns or high traffic areas. That sometimes requires overtime, per diem, shift pay and opens more costs/dangers. As you know- at night the drying times double due to lack of temperatures and the sun- in fact we sometimes cannot start in mornings until temperatures rise to above 50*. At night you are dealing with the drunk drivers, (see our job #1) and if you think day drivers are in a hurry….? Most highways are striped one time per year- except for high traffic areas that are shot spring and fall. Chip seals are shot twice since the first shot barely lasts a full year.

Striping Season Common Questions from WSDOT website;

What is striping season?
Each year, WSDOT maintenance crews spend the dry summer months re-striping more than 4,500 miles of highway on dozens of highways in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. The fresh coats of reflective paint stripe that crews apply during spring, summer and fall months will make it easier for drivers to see the road when the winter rains return.

What can drivers do to avoid the wet paint?
Drivers can protect their car from damage by keeping an eye out for striping crews and avoiding lane changes on freshly painted lines.

Watch for “wet paint” warning signs and warning trucks.

Listen to traffic reports for information about when and where striping crews will be on the road.What happens when drivers drive over wet paint?
When drivers go over the wet lane stripes their tires splatter paint onto their vehicles and remove thousands of tiny glass reflector beads that are designed to be clearly visible when illuminated by headlights. The reflective lane stripe helps drivers see the road at night and in the rain.

What can I do if I get striping paint on my vehicle?
The paint we use on highways is engineered to last, which means it's nearly impossible to remove if it dries on your car. However, because the paint is water-based, drivers may have about one hour to wash it off with a high pressure hose. Someone has suggested rubbing Vasaline on it until you can clean it off.

Will WSDOT pay for drivers to remove paint from their vehicles?
No. If a driver crosses wet paint when wet paint warning signs are present, the state will deny the reimbursement claim.

In addition, when a driver crosses the wet stripe their tires remove the paint and thousands of reflective glass beads that help drivers see the road at night and in the rain.

How many miles will WSDOT stripe this year?Between April 6 and October 31, WSDOT maintenance crews will re-stripe more than 4,500 lane miles of road on dozens of state highways in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. Striping is weather dependent.

How many miles will WSDOT paint per day?
The striping crew typically covers approximately 40 miles of lane stripes a day until returning back to the shop to re-fill supplies. Striping crews usually stripe between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.

How warm does it have to be to stripe?
The roadway must be dry and at least 50 degrees.

How long does the striping paint take to dry?
WSDOT uses fast-drying paint that takes thirty seconds to five minutes to dry.

What makes the paint reflective?
Reflective paint is a type of paint which contains thousands of little glass beads designed to reflect lots of light, even at night. It is most frequently used for striping and highway signs, but is also used on license plates.

When vehicle headlights hit the paint, tiny spheres in the glass beads reflect the light, making the road brighter for drivers in dark rainy conditions. All of the reflective beads are made from 100% recycled glass.

Real Men of Genius (2006)

Last week was "Public Works Appreciation Week" I enjoy my job  and my co-workers. I made this video in 2006, my second video of striping crew. It looks like everyone on crew is getting older except for me? We actually have a new driver this year, Beau Strutzel, who has caught on fast and is doing an excellent job. Last year our new support Truck driver was(is) Steve Lupton who greatly adds to the team. This year my spotting and marking truck was replaced with a 3/4 ton Ford shortbox Pickup after the old one reached 154,000 miles. We have seen a few "refuge" lanes added- where at T intersections, you can use the center to pull into and then look for traffic to clear. As perWW article below, they are trying hash marks on some corners to see if it slows down motorcycles and this year they are going to add 11 foot lanes in about 4 areas to see if it slows people down and to give bicycles more room. Those areas for now are Entiat, Chelan area and on 97 between Chelan and Pateros. (Maybe the police will think I am going slower than it says on his radar) Could I also remind you that it is against the law and a 124.00 ticket to "drive on Wet Painted Lines" in our state? Even if you don't get caught- it will show up on the side of your car and don't expect the taxpayers to have it removed.

Shrinking highway lanes: It’s just an illusion in some areas, not so much in others, but some state highways seem to be slimming down. Jeff Adamson, spokesman for the North Central regional Department of Transportation office, confirmed that optical speed bars have been strategically placed on Highway 20, east of Loup Loup Pass, and on the Blewett Pass portion of Highway 97, near Ruby Creek, to make the road appear as it is getting more narrow to traffic coming into sharp turns. The optical speed bars — stripes painted on the road — have been used for about two years to slow traffic — especially motorcycles — in areas where there’s been a history of accidents. The DOT and Washington State Patrol are studying the matter to see if the strategy has been effective at slowing traffic and reducing the number of accidents.

Narrow lanes are no illusion on Highway 97A south side of Lake Chelan. Work is underway to chip seal parts of the highway. When the work is complete, the highway will be restriped with lane width reduced from 12 feet to 11 feet in the area from Pat and Mike’s store and Lakeside Park, said Terry Berends, regional DOT traffic engineer. The intent, he said, is to create a “traffic calming” effect in that area and create an additional one foot space along the road edges for pedestrians and bicycles. (From The Worm, WW-  5-25-14)

Superman has become a Lead Tech on Stevens. Good Luck. We miss you.

 Two of our former support truck drivers have moved on to be lead techs',

and one of our former drivers is now a superintendent in Ephrata.

Forever Young- Real Men of Genius (06)

I am so thankful for my job! Not only to have a job, but to enjoy it, and enjoy the people I work with every day. I actually work with the striping crew from April to November and with the maintenance crew from December to March- so it is like two different jobs/bosses. Both jobs are fun- and both have their plusses and minuses. Every year  since 2005, I have made a new video of the crew, except last year when I failed to make a new one. This year we lost our lead driver to a promotion as lead tech on Stevens Pass. He had been with the crew around 20 years. We welcome our new driver, Beau Strutzel, who starts on May 1st. Welcome aboard Beau Strutzel. We are proud to have you as part of the striping crew and a Real Men of Genius....

Beau was in charge of Signs before he joined the striping crew- this photos is from Coles Corner area of Hwy 2 from a couple years ago.

On The Road Again(2010)

Yesterday was my last day of maintenance and next week I report to Striping Crew. I have worked in WSDOT Maintenance for 10 years and for 22 winters now. For the last 11 years I have worked in Striping from April to November. We stripe state hiways from Canadian Border to below Othello and from other side of Stevens and North Cross passes to the county line past Moses Lake. I am part of a great crew that gets along real well, works hard,  and safety is a big concern for all. We see some pretty country. My job is to make sure the no pass areas are correct per the log book, and if the lines are not visible, to put down spots for truck to follow as center for lines.  Some roads require an additional warning vehicle for safety, and then I am part of train keeping vehicles off lines and warning vehicles, for safety. If someone is on vacation or gone, I can fill in if I am caught up on my spotting for that day. Several years ago a reporter rode with us for a news story-(actually it was 9 or 10 years ago- where does time go?)  I did not think she would quote me on everything I said- "such as every day is a vacation for us".  It is uncertain who will be our striper driver this year since Pat Medrano accepted a lead tech position on Stevens Pass. It is also uncertain of my future and involvement with Striping crew as well since I have applied for a position in Equipment that would be year around. It could  be a big change,  I have not heard anything yet. The good news is it is Gods hands and I look forward to whatever the future holds for me. I am thankful for my job and thankful for those praying for Gods direction and will be done in this matter.

Here is an old photo from 2001 probably- I replaced the one on far right (Eric Brain) who now works in Yakima for WSDOT Radio. Only two in the photo are still on this years crew, (Al, the second one, and Alana, the 4th one) and the one in rear passed away last summer.  And yes, that truck has been surplused and replaced as well several years ago.

Dragging the Line- Real Men of Genius (2012 striping crew)

Our Striping season is over for the year. I normally work striping from April to November and then plow snow in Wenatchee the remaining months.  Since 2005 I used to make a video of the crew each year- this song is Real Men of Genius and Draggin The Line from 2012- I think the last striping video I made.  I hope you can tell we have fun and enjoy our work.   We see some pretty county and we see the best and worst drivers. It is a great crew to work with. Several in this video have moved up to Lead Tech's back in Maintenance.  For the past 20 winters I have worked plowing snow in the winters in Wenatchee. This winter will be my first winter working Leavenworth Shed- I start Dec. 3rd at 5am; Wed. thru Saturday.

No Video of this year; 

but these photos are from 2014 season.

below was on  Hwy 172 near Mansfield

Below;Lunch near Grand Coulee Dam this summer on SR155

Below is on Hwy 20 taken in October, after the summer fires

Below is a photo of Support truck taken on hwy 174 in September

Below- Cleaning out tanks at end of year is not a glamour job or popular choice by some

Below is near Republic on SR 20 and Lunch is ready as soon as the truck is full

Below is Washington Pass taken in late October- now you know why we shut down

This truck replaced my old Dodge flatbed spotter truck at 153,000 miles. 

The new Ford now has about 12,000 miles on it since April

Below is 2014 Crew  taken off Hwy 20 in September on a cold morning near summit.

Left; Dennis Hendricks-Spotter, Steve Lupton-Support Trk, Beau Strutzel-Striper Driver Sid Simon-Boss/shoulder gunner, Alana Johnson-Lead PU, Al Willms-Center gunner

In 2014 We may have put out 37,750 gallons of White Paint,

25,250 gallons of Yellow Paint and 383,590 pounds of glass beads.

And No Accidents!

Real Men of Genius (11)

Yesterday we finished painting our last line for the year. We are in the process of cleaning the truck out.  In a couple of weeks, two of the crew will begin work for the  Wenatchee maintenance crew, two will work Incident Response on Stevens Pass, One will work maintenance on Stevens Pass and one requests a winter layoff. Each year since 2005 I have tried to make a video of our striping crew-This year is perhaps the first year I have not made a new video. Its always hard to find a song that relates and is different. This video was one of two made in 2011.  Maybe someday I can make a Real men of Genius song that salutes the drivers who stay off wet paint lines? I think all wet paint signs have to be personally touched or driven in to see if the paint is really wet? Thank you for allowing us another accident free year, Thank you for not driving in the wet paint- I salute You for that- you are the real men of genius this year. For 2013 we used 27,261 gallons of White Paint, 17,232 gallons of Yellow Paint, and 300,652 pounds of glass beads.

Below is our 2013 Striping Crew Photo taken a week ago on North Cascade Hwy.

Left; Al Willms, Steve Lupton, Dennis Hendricks, Alana Johnson, Sid Simon, and Pat Medrano.

Mr. Silent Gasser Passer

Our striping crew has a good sense of humor, maybe this is why we work together so well? This video is for one of DOT's best striper drivers in the state. He has been on the crew over 20 years, and  he has driven striper the  longest in State, as well. He is one of the younger members on the crew but will be a grandpa this fall. He has driven 3 different striper trucks in his career,  and I cannot recall an accident he has been in. Hats off To Pat Medrano- a true Real  Men of Genius. Although I wish you the best on your Lead Tech interviews- I kinda hope you will stay with our crew as driver, a bit longer.