Georgia roads [Summer 2007]

A newsletter of Georgia's Local Technical Assistance Program

Vol. 17, No. 1 Summer 07

Route To:

In Remembrance of Dennis Scott Rice

Inside Page 3 News Page 4 Resources Page 5 Reflections Page 7 Calendar of Events

Dennis Scott Rice passed away on June 15, 2007, in a single vehicle crash.
He was returning home from the Atlanta airport after attending a work-related conference in Portland, Maine. Dennis had been with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) since December 16, 1992, and was the Local Technical Assistant Program (LTAP) Director since 2001. He worked very hard to build a strong LTAP Center by bridging the gap between local agencies and the GDOT. Under Dennis' leadership, the LTAP program has grown in quality of training, technical assistance and the relationship we enjoy with the transportation community. He will be deeply missed. Dennis believed in doing. He had a vision for the future of Georgia's LTAP and just how he was going to built it. His enthusiasm was so great that he just swept everybody along with him. He touched so many people in his 40 years, inspired and changed so many lives, simply by being himself. He was a very humble and compassionate person, always aware of others' feelings and often put himself in their shoes. Most of all, Dennis believed in laughter; he was c constant reminder that we should not take life too seriously. There aren't many times/days that I can remember, when Dennis did not interject with a sarcastic comment, hidden innuendoes or outright joke, to lighten the mood. He was definitely comic relief and I know that we will all fell his absence when we remember him. Talk about a good man- Dennis was not only that, but he was a Godly man. He was very active in his church and was a vital part of the youth ministry. Just a few days before his passing, he had returned from a mission trip to Mexico. He had a deep and sincere love for his family, and spoke highly of this wife; he always said that she was his best friend. Dennis Scott Rice may be gone from us physically, but he'll never be forgotten.
The Georgia LTAP Staff

GEORGIA LOCAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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www.dot.state.ga.us/dot/personnel/training/training_ext/index.shtml Summer 2007

Georgia Roads
Beverly Fontenot, Editor
Bobby Vaughn, Reporter
Rick Smith, Program Director
Beverly Fontenot, Program Training Coordinator II
Adele Samuel, Program Assistant
Address
GDOT, LTAP 276 Memorial Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a nationwide effort financed jointly by the Federal Highway Administration and individual state departments of transportation and/or universities. Its purpose is to disseminate the latest state-ofthe-art technologies in the areas of roads, highways and bridges to municipal and county highway and transportation personnel.
The Georgia LTAP is supported by FHWA and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Georgia Roads Newsletter is one of the LTAP activities. The opinions, findings or recommendations expressed in this newsletter are those of the Georgia LTAP Center and do not necessarily reflect the views of the FHWA nor the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Editor's Notes
Our LTAP Center suffered a tragic and terrible loss with the passing of our Program Director, Dennis Rice. In remembrance of his wonderful life, dedication and hard work, we dedicate this issue of the "Georgia Roads" to him. We would like to thank all of you for your warm e-mails, telephone calls and other acts of kindness you have shown to us. Rest assured that we will continue to provide the best quality service that you all have come to expect. All of Dennis' initiative will continue to move forward. Please remove Dennis' contact information for your records. If you need to get in touch with the LTAP Center, please contact either Adele Samuel at 404 656-5364, adele.samuel@dot.state.ga.us or myself at 404 463-7886, beverly.fontenot@dot.state.ga.us.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Beverly Fontenot Training Coordinator II, Georgia LTAP

The Georgia Roads Newsletter is distributed free of charge to counties, cities, towns and others with transportation responsibilities.

LTAP Advisory Committee
Barbara Bennett Candler Co. Public Works/ Landfill 912.685.2822
Keith Braswell Bibb County Engineering 478.621.6660
Matthew Hicks Association of County Commissioners of Georgia 404.522.5022
Georgene Geary State Materials & Research Engineer, GDOT 404.363.7512
Tom Gehl Georgia Municipal Association 678.686.6247
Charles McGiboney Rockdale Co. Public Works & Engineering 770.785.6908
David Painter FHWA - Georgia Division 404.562.3658
Eric Pitts Asst. State Maintenance Engineer, GDOT 404.635.8734
Jeff Geisen City of Cartersville 770.387.5602
Dan Buckingham R/W and Utilities Pickens County 706.253.8875

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What Everyone Should Know
About Temporary Traffic Control
Training.
A Four-Hour Awareness Program
An FHWA grant sponsored course. This fourhour awareness level program is for the person in your company responsible for managing the work zone training function-safety officers, supervisors, or any other person whose decisions may impact traffic safety.
Lack of training is one of the leading causes of tort liability. It is very important to have a trained work force in your company. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that "each person whose actions affect temporary traffic control (TTC) zone safety, from the upper-level management through the field workers, should receive training appropriate to the job decisions each individual is required to make. Only those individuals who are trained in the proper TTC practices and have a basic understanding of the principles (established by applicable standards and guidelines, including those of this Manual) should supervise the selection, placement, and maintenance of TTC devices used for TTC zones and for incident management."
The four-hour program will discuss the who, what, and why of training: Who needs training? What type of training is needed? Why is training needed? What training avenues are there" Where do you go for comprehensive TTC training? How can you ensure that workers and other decisionmakers are working as safely and effectively as possible?
This program is intended to answer these questions and assist you in putting together a comprehensive training program for your employees. It will also offer an in-depth review of ATSSA's Work Zone Safety Grant and how you can take advantage of the unique opportunities offered under this grant.
This program will be held in Atlanta, GA on October 16, 2007 from 8am - 12noon. The registration deadline is October 1, 2007. The cost is free for federal employee's, $25.00 for public officials and $50.00 for all others. To register or for more information please visit ATSSA website @ atssa.com or call 540-368-1701.

IRF Training Videos
The International Road Federation has developed the most comprehensive transportation training aids library in the world. Many broadcast-quality videotapes have been produced in eight languages (English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Turkish) and benefit from nearly two decades of feedback from satisfied users in 88 countries around the world.
IRF also provides train-the-trainers seminars to the users of the videotapes. The seminar's objectives are to develop the capabilities of participants to produce and implement training programs that utilize IRF videotapes. Training workshops to discuss in more detail the subjects covered by IRF tapes are also available. IRF's training video library currently consists of 13 series: Road Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance, Construction Inspection, Cement and Concrete Testing, Traffic Control, Job Site Safety. Highway Safety, Contract Maintenance, Highway Management Systems, Equipment Management Systems, Construction Management Systems, Low-Volume Roads, and Technology Transfer.
For more information or to order check out there webpage @ http://www.irfnews.org/ training_videos.htm

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Resources
Videos:
1) HighwaySafety&Trees... TheDelicate Balance 2) Electrical Safety, Beware the Bite!

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A Note From the Rice Family
Abby, Sam and I want to thank each of you for the kindness and support you have shown to us during this difficult time. I know our loss is also your loss. It means so much to us that you thought as highly of Dennis as we, his family, did. He was a loving husband and father and a dedicated worker. He was not only a co-worker to many of you, but also a friend. His life made such an impact on so many people including his family. Our loss has become Heaven's gain.

DVDs
1) "Defensuve Flagging: A Survivor's Guide"-In Spanish
2) "Anti-icing/RWIS Training"

Many of you have asked about the children and me. The children and I are doing find. We are relying on our faith in God to see us through this "storm in life." We have had a lot of support from our family, friends, and church. We do appreciate all of your prayers and support and Dennis would be proud to know how thoughtful and kind each you have been to us.

Compact Discs:

1) "WorkZone Training Law Enforcement

Course"

"

2) "Safe Routes To Schoold Program"

Again, we thank you. May God bless each of you. With Love, Angela, Abby, and Sam Rice.
Reflections

Publications:
1) Recycling Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements 2) FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines
Publication No. FHWA-SA-06-06.

The Florida Center was totally stunned by this devastating news - we, too had just had the pleasure of hosting Dennis at the Region IV meeting in May where Dennis had shared an excellent DVD he helped create to promote the GA LTAP Center. We are all grieving and will sorely miss our close friend.--Gainesville, Florida.
I have had a number of opportunities to visit with Dennis, including the most recent Region IV meeting. He was such a genuine person, never a hidden agenda--a true LTAPer-- just honest and straight forward with his thoughts, concerns, and ideas and ALWAYS a POSITIVE attitude. When I needed a lift I would be sure to sit next to him at meetings. Dennis had the passion and lived it every day and we are sure that the same passion was part of his family life too. He chose a quieter, gentler approach than some of us and he was extremely successful. -- Florida LTAP, Florida.

Dennis was a true gentleman and a quiet, effective leader. I'm going to miss him as are we all.--Virginia.

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Reflections cont

I know Dennis from GDOT as we put together several asphalt and

On behalf of the City of Statesboro, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Dennis' family and friends. Dennis was truly an asset to the DOT and to the transportation community in Georgia. He will be missed--City of Statesboro, Georgia.

other technical workshops for local governments. Together we organized and participated in the past 2007 Career Expo at Gwinnett County Fairground for thousands of Georgia's high school students. I still see his laugh and hear his humor like yesterday. He is such a nice guy, and will be missed by all of us

My co-workers and I are saddened to hear of the passing of

who have associated with him.--Forest Park, Georgia.

Dennis. Our condolence goes to his family and his co workers. --City of Kennesaw, Georgia.

He joined me and a couple of other Michigan LTAP guys for lunch at a little Cuban food place down the road from the hotel. It

I am so very sorry to hear about Dennis. You are right, he will be was hotter than blazes and we were sweating like dogs and there

missed. I have worked with him for years and been in meetings was no air conditioning in the restaurant. Dennis just said "This is

with him and always enjoyed him. He was a friend and that is a pretty much like home!" I can still see him sitting across the table

treasure we all miss when it's gone. -- Catoosa County Public

with a smile on his face talking that Georgia twang.--Houghton,

Works, Georgia.

Michigan.

This is a tremendous loss. Prayers to all of Dennis' friends and family. Dennis was a great asset to the Department. His enthusiasm, ability, and conscientiousness will be missed, both personally and professionally.--Savannah, Georgia
Over the past few years I have gotten to know Dennis. I have enjoyed sponsoring a location at times, being able to attend personally some of the classes through the LATP. Please be assured that he will be truly missed and my prayer go out for his family.--City of Gainesville, Georgia.
My sincerest sympathies are extended to you and your entire organization, as well as Mr. Rice's family. I extend these wishes of comfort and sympathy on behalf of the DeKalb County government and the DeKalb County Police Department. -- DeKalb County, Georgia.

I was with Dennis at our TCCC meeting in Portland, ME. My wife, Jan, and I enjoyed the time we spent with him the first night in town. It was indeed a pleasure to know and work with Dennis. I only wish it had been for a longer time. He was such a dedicated person and such a contributor to our group. We have all lost a wonderful person and we share in that loss. However, Dennis will live on in my thoughts through that wonderful smile and personality.--Vancouver, Washington.
Dennis Rice is one of a kind. I remember Dennis as honest, dedicated and compassionate... but most of all, and most importantly, a believer in Christ as his Savior. He loved you, his family, he spoke of you often. I will miss Dennis' presence in this world daily. Colleagues of Dennis Rice's caliber are rare, and I thank God for my association with your husband Angela, and your father, Abby and Samuel. Cartersville, Georgia.

We wish to express our sympathy at the sudden passing of Dennis. I only met him last year and found him to be a sincere gentleman who had great potential and strength. Our heartfelt condolences to those left behind. May God give you his blessings to help the healing process.--Train Rite Services, Pascoag, Rhode Island.

Dennis is still an inspiration to my soul. Angela, Abby and Samuel thank you all for sharing Dennis with me. Dennis was not only my boss; he was also a good, dear, and personal friend who poured his sweet spirit and wisdom into my life daily. Dennis, I will miss seeing you coming around the corner every morning with your coffee cup in your hand and that smile on your face. I

My heart goes out to the Rice family. I considered Dennis a good friend. He and I had worked together for the past four years and the one thing that I would like to share with you is that on the road, Dennis was constantly talking about his family and the love

will cherish the memories of working with you and most of all our conversations together whether they were about your family, my family or anything that was on my mind, you were always there for me. Thanks Dennis. -- College Park, Georgia.

he had for them. He was a great guy and his memory will be upon I met Dennis for the first time at the Region IV LTAP

me forever. -- Ashburn, Georgia.

Conference. Being new to LTAP, I met a lot of new people at that

My thoughts and prayers are with you after your sad loss. I had the privilege of knowing Dennis through his work with us in TCCC, and was so glad to have met him. He was a good man, with a great sense of humor and very dedicated to helping people all over the country. He will be dearly missed.--Washington, DC.

conference, but Dennis was one of the most memorable. He was so friendly and down-to-earth. He had the ability to connect the whole group through his clever humor. He talked of his family, and he probably told us a few funny stories of them that they wouldn't want us to know. -- Jackson, Mississippi.

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Lasting Memories
Don't grive for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God set for me, I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undie grief.
Author Unknown

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Event

Calendar of Events

Sponsor/Contact

Date

Locations

Ethics for Engineers
Surveying Methods for Local Highway Dept Gravel Roads Maint

LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463.7886
LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463.7886
LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463.7886

Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 20

Morrow, GA Morrow, GA Morrow, GA

Bridge Inspection Chain Saw Safety

LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463-7886
LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463.7886

Sept 21

Morrow, GA

"Hands On" Chain Saw Safety

LTAP/Beverly Fontenot 404.463.7886

Sep 10-11 Sept 12-13

Thomasville St. Mary's

Small Engine Repair

LTAP/Beverly Fontenot

Sept 14

St. Mary's

404.463.7886

Oct 2

Gwinnett Co.

Nov 16

Gwinnett Co.

Zero Turn

LTAP/Beverly Fontenot

Dec 4

Gwinnett Co.

404 463-7886

REMEMBER WE HAVE TWO TAILGATE TRAINERS HERE TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR

TRAINING NEEDS, JUST GIVE US A CALL.

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Georgia Department of Transportation Local Technical Assistance Program 276 Memorial Drive Atlanta, GA 30303
Sponsors: Georgia Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Georgia Roads
is a technical newsletter about local roads published by the Georgia Department of Transportation Local Technical Assistance Program. It is written for Georgia's municipal and county employees who are responsible for planning and managing rural roads. All of your comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome. Please call us toll free at 1.800.573.6445.