VOLUME 7 WINTER 2018

FEATURE: 

LOOKING AHEAD 

FOR TALENT

YEAR IN REVIEW: 

2017

DOING GOOD: 

SERVING WITH 

ENCOURAGEMENT
YEAR IN REVIEW:

Highlights of the AOC’s 

important work in 2017.

THEN & NOW:

A look back at the 

U.S. Capitol’s baking 

operations during the 

Civil War. 

DOING GOOD:

LaTisha Williams finds 

and gives encouragement 

by serving with her 

community church. 

7

COOL TOOL Well before the first snow fall, 

the AOC prepares for the winter months.

13

16

20

In This Issue

1 ARCHITECT’S NOTEBOOK 

2 FEATURE

 Looking Ahead for Talent

7 YEAR IN REVIEW

 2017

 13 DOING GOOD

 Serving with Encouragement 

 16 THEN & NOW

 Capitol Building 

Superintendent’s Office 

 18 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

 Anthony Carlyle

 20 COOL TOOL

 Ditch Witch

COVER: A view of the U.S. Supreme Court 

lions. Photo by Susanne Bledsoe
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 1

Even after working with this agency for more 

than 20 years, I continue to discover little 

surprises in the buildings, grounds and art cared 

for by our employees.

I was recently walking in National Statuary Hall’s 

upper gallery and stopped at the “Car of History” clock 

by Carlo Franzoni where I saw a small bust of George 

Washington carved into its marble chariot. Washington’s 

profile faces the front of the vehicle while Clio, the muse 

of History, stands above looking out over the room.

I’ve walked under that chariot thousands of times 

and never knew the bust of Washington was there. This 

got me thinking...Washington created this capital city, 

picked its location, laid the building’s cornerstone and 

he rises into the heavens in Constantino Brumidi’s 

“Apotheosis” under the Capitol Dome, but where else 

does he show up?

There are more than 30 pieces of art in the U.S. Capitol 

that feature or include his likeness. He appears in sculpture 

and paintings throughout the building from large spaces, 

like the Rotunda and committee rooms, to places more 

off the beaten path including a stained-glass window in 

the Congressional Prayer Room, a bronze doorway in the 

Senate wing and a stairwell in the House wing.

Two of the art pieces in the building featuring 

Washington have a special connection to my time serving 

as Architect of the Capitol.

The first of these pieces was present during my 

swearing-in ceremony. Directly above where I stood 

ARCHITECT’S NOTEBOOK 

A Washington Connection 

to take the oath of office in the U.S. Capitol’s Old 

Senate Chamber hangs a “porthole” portrait of George 

Washington by Rembrandt Peale.

This portrait was created in 1823, then purchased in 

1832, the centennial of Washington’s birth, for display 

in the Old Senate Chamber. On the lower part of the 

frame, a stone sill is engraved with “PATRIAE PATER,” 

meaning “Father of His Country.”

The second George Washington piece I have a 

connection with has spent much more time with me. I 

see it on a daily basis as it hangs in a corner of my office 

opposite my desk.

This pastel portrait by William Dunlap in 1783 is 

one of the oldest works of art in the U.S. Capitol. It is 

a unique depiction drawn from life showing General 

Washington in his blue and buff military uniform. In 

1940 it was bequeathed to the Congress in a will and 

accepted by the Joint Committee on the Library. It has 

hung in the Architect of the Capitol’s office ever since, 

except when on loan for exhibition.

As I walk the U.S. Capitol corridors, my eyes and 

thoughts are often looking for my next surprise. t

Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP

Architect of the Capitol

Left, middle photos by Chuck Badal; Right photo by Susanne Bledsoe
2 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

Photo by Dewitt Roseborough
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 3

FEATURE + DOING GOOD

T

HIS PROGRAM FAR EXCEEDED WHAT I EXPECTED,” SAID SUPPLY 

MANAGEMENT OFFICER PAUL VENTURELLA. HE WAS SPEAKING OF 

THE PILOT PROGRAM TO HAVE COLLEGE STUDENTS EARN CLASS 

CREDIT WHILE APPLYING THEIR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND 

SKILLS TO ADVANCE THE WORK OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL (AOC). 

THE FIRST STUDENT IN THE PROGRAM, MARY DELANEY, ALSO SAID THE 

INTERNSHIP EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS, “IN MY FIRST PROJECT ALONE, IT 

TRULY FELT LIKE I HAD DONE MEANINGFUL WORK.”

LOOKING 

AHEAD 

FOR 

TALENT

“

WRITTEN BY FRANKLIN BRADLEY 

AND ERIN COURTNEY FINDING THE NEXT WIN PHOTOS BY CHUCK BADAL
4 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

Internships, by definition, are professional apprenticeship experiences that give students the opportunity to 

gain practical experience in a professional environment. 

It is the opportunity to expand horizons and apply 

classroom knowledge in the real world. Yet we know that 

not all internships are created equal. The AOC strives to 

make the intern experience substantive, challenging and 

rewarding. And that same philosophy was evident during 

the piloting of the AOC’s new work-for-credit intern 

program in the House Office Buildings.

Delaney, a finance major, was selected to work in the 

Inventory Management Branch in the House Office 

Buildings, where Venturella is the supervisor. Along with 

his employees, Venturella manages the supply chain for 

the jurisdiction to ensure it has the parts and supplies 

necessary to do its work. They operate behind the scenes, 

but Venturella knows their work is essential to the success 

of frontline employees, “If it takes a shop less time to get 

the supplies they need, they have more time to serve our 

customers and can serve them better.”

“We are always working to make our shop more 

proactive,” he said. But, just one unforeseen event can 

delay those efforts. “If there’s flooding, we can’t wait to 

order the supplies needed to clean that up and make 

the repair.” Venturella needed someone who wouldn’t be 

taken off task by emergencies, could work independently 

and was driven to deliver.

“We have a lot of hard-to-fill positions,” said Talent 

Acquisition Program Manager Lisa Maltbie. “Talent 

acquisition is a way of both expediting the hiring process 

for them and being more strategic. We look ahead at 

the long-term needs of the agency and we identify likely 

sources of employees to meet those needs.” 

This led her to a job fair at Catholic University, where 

she represented the AOC with House Office Buildings 

Assistant Superintendent Dan Murphy. They learned 

that practical experience is a graduation requirement, for 

which the university gives students course credit. 

Interested in opportunities to grow her knowledge 

of business and help her narrow — or expand — her 

educational pursuits, Delaney’s academic advisor 

suggested she explore and apply for an internship with 

the AOC, which she did. 

After she was selected, and reported to her first day of 

work, Delaney admitted that, “It was a little intimidating 

walking past the big Dome in the morning.” However, 

when she got to her desk, her colleagues put her at ease. 

“Everybody was so nice, and they all know and support 

 “ IF IT TAKES A SHOP LESS TIME TO GET 

THE SUPPLIES THEY NEED, THEY HAVE 

MORE TIME TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS 

AND CAN SERVE THEM BETTER.”

FEATURE

Supply Management Officer 

Paul Venturella reviews records 

with intern Mary Delaney.
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 5

each other. It was a good, positive culture.” She also 

credits her supervisors and colleagues for helping her 

make the internship at the AOC her own.

The feeling she had, standing in the shadow of the 

U.S. Capitol, didn’t leave Delaney, though. “It was 

constantly on my mind: do the best that I can.”

Venturella still wasn’t sure what to expect. “I thought 

that she might complete one project,” he said. He tasked 

Delaney with creating a more efficient process for 

procuring replacement parts and services for the House 

heating and cooling systems. Perhaps Venturella would 

have had higher expectations if he had known that in 

addition to doing the work required for her finance 

major and two minors, Delaney also enjoys hurling. 

“It’s an ancient Irish game, called the fastest sport in 

the world, because you’re constantly running full speed,” 

she explained.

When she got her first assignment, as she does in 

a hurling match, Delaney hit the ground running. On 

her second day, Murphy stopped by her desk. “She 

already had a spreadsheet that analyzed the cost of each 

purchasing action for one service,” he said. “We could 

immediately see if each one was worth it.”

In that first project, Delaney was able to bundle 

separate purchases of the same service into one contract, 

eliminating processing time for each transaction and 

 “ TALENT ACQUISITION IS A WAY OF BOTH EXPEDITING THE HIRING PROCESS FOR THEM AND 

BEING MORE STRATEGIC. WE LOOK AHEAD AT THE LONG-TERM NEEDS OF THE AGENCY AND WE 

IDENTIFY LIKELY SOURCES OF EMPLOYEES TO MEET THOSE NEEDS.” 

Intern Mary Delaney learns about an air handling unit from Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Worker Valarie Buggie to better 

understand the parts and services required by heating and cooling systems. This knowledge helped her write a contract that maintains 

service levels and saves time and money.
6 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

FEATURE

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

This internship is a pilot project, but the AOC 

has two active intern programs, including the 

Summer Intern Employment Program and the 

Co-op Program. The summer program is a 12-week, 

paid opportunity that introduces students to 

a professional work experience, enhancing 

their academic or trade school development in 

preparation for their chosen vocation.

The Co-op Program offers students the opportunity 

to work while completing their studies with the 

guarantee of a permanent job upon graduation.

Be sure to follow our social media accounts for 

announcements about opportunities to join 

the team.

saving Venturella’s shop 100 labor hours every year. 

Despite never being exposed to federal contracting, 

Delaney was able to successfully draft a statement of 

work for a contract. “She needed direction, but no handholding. When she didn’t know about something, she 

researched it and found the answer,” Venturella said. 

The work was also rewarding for Delaney. “When 

I saw the replies to the contract from suppliers in my 

inbox, it was fulfilling. I did my best work on this. I had 

started from scratch. It tied together everything I had 

been working on.” But she had only just begun. By the 

end of her term, Delaney had completed a half-dozen or 

more projects. “They were all from my wish list to make 

supply management more proactive,” Venturella said.

Murphy considers the program a success and has 

worked with Maltbie to select the next intern. “We 

achieved our goal to improve efficiency. Now, our only 

question is, ‘What is the next win?’” t

“ WHEN I SAW THE 

REPLIES TO THE 

CONTRACT FROM 

SUPPLIERS IN MY 

INBOX, IT WAS 

FULFILLING. I DID 

MY BEST WORK ON 

THIS. I HAD STARTED 

FROM SCRATCH. 

IT TIED TOGETHER 

EVERYTHING I HAD 

BEEN WORKING ON.”

Assistant Superintendent Dan Murphy shows Mary Delaney around the Rayburn House Office 

Building. Delaney’s speed and drive to succeed ensured she met every goal, and now Murphy 

is looking ahead to the next win.
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 7

WRITTEN BY ANDREW DENTAMARO

For even more agency accomplishments in 2017, visit aoc.gov/PAR. 

YEAR IN 

REVIEW 2017

Photo by Michael Dunn
8 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

YEAR IN REVIEW

PRESIDENTIAL 

INAUGURATION

The Architect of the Capitol 

(AOC) played a crucial role in 

planning, managing and executing 

the construction and logistical 

activities for the 58th Presidential 

Inauguration. This included 

installing the inauguration platform 

and more than 7 miles of event 

fencing to support physical security. 

Photo by Dewitt Roseborough

Photo by James Rosenthal 
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 9

YEAR IN REVIEW

STONE PRESERVATION PROGRAM 

The AOC continued an ambitious program to restore and 

preserve the deteriorating stone and metal features on many of 

the agency’s most treasured heritage assets, including the U.S. 

Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Botanic Garden 

Conservatory and others. 

Photo by James Rosenthal 

Photo by Susanne Bledsoe

Photo by Susanne Bledsoe
10 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

YEAR IN REVIEW

COGENERATION PROJECT

The AOC completed the cogeneration system 

design documents, delivered and installed 

major equipment, and began the installation 

of connection piping, wiring and auxiliary 

systems to prepare for equipment startup 

and commissioning efforts. This project is an 

important element of the AOC’s commitment 

to achieving future energy savings, reducing 

environmental impacts, and maintaining a 

reliable source of chilled water and steam for 

the 23 facilities on Capitol Hill.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS BOOK 

STORAGE MODULE 5 

The AOC completed construction of Book 

Storage Module 5 located in Fort Meade, 

Maryland. The modules at the Library of 

Congress Book Storage Module Facility boast 

35-foot high ceilings with rows of book shelves 

that reach 30 feet. They also all feature optimum 

environmental conditions for paper-based 

collections. Books, maps, globes, photographs, 

microfilm and music are stored in one of 10 

different-sized boxes, ensuring the preservation of 

these cultural assets for future generations. 

Photo by Dewitt Roseborough

Photo by Chuck Badal

Photo by James Rosenthal

Photo by James Rosenthal
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 11

YEAR IN REVIEW

CAPITOL CAMPUS 

VISITATION 

In December 2017, the AOC 

welcomed its 20-millionth visitor to 

the Capitol Visitor Center since its 

December 2008 opening. 

Photos by Marcey Frutchey
12 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

YEAR IN REVIEW

ELECTION-YEAR 

CONGRESSIONAL 

MOVES

 The AOC completed the 

Senate and House office 

and committee moves for 

the 115th Congress. 

RECOGNITION OF THE U.S. CAPITOL GROUNDS AS AN ACCREDITED ARBORETUM

The U.S. Capitol Grounds earned recognition as a nationally recognized and accredited arboretum. As an arboretum, the 

U.S. Capitol Grounds is recognized as an area with at least 100 species of woody plants, dedicated staff, enhanced public 

education programs and a documented collections policy. 

Photos by Susanne Bledsoe

Photo by Dewitt Roseborough
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 13

Serving with 

Encouragement

WRITTEN BY LAURA CONDELUCI • PHOTO BY DEWITT ROSEBOROUGH

Although the sign on LaTisha Williams’ desk reads, “Solutions Please,” it could 

just as easily say, “Find Encouragement Here.” With a ready smile that radiates 

warmth, Williams is always quick to serve and to praise others, with a personality 

that draws colleagues, employees and friends toward her. 
14 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

Williams has many 

experiences of everyday 

encouragement to 

share in her 10 years 

with the Architect of the Capitol 

(AOC), currently as custodial worker 

supervisor in the House Office 

Buildings Day Cleaning division 

and previously with Senate Office 

Buildings. True to her nature, when 

asked to speak about her own 

volunteer work, she talks instead of 

her AOC colleagues and how they 

regularly support her, each other and 

their customers. She then launches 

into a story about her fellow AOC 

employees who took a pause from 

their shoveling work to help some 

pedestrians cross a particularly icy 

stretch of pavement this winter.

“I have been so grateful to the 

people who work here. We are all 

here to help each other,” Williams 

said, gesturing to her coworkers who 

were gathered for lunch at a table 

outside of her office. “We have taken 

a personal interest in each other and 

have real community here.” 

DOING GOOD

Connecting with her community 

is important to her, whether at work 

or at home. Williams is always 

asking the people she interacts with 

throughout the day about their lives. 

What she has discovered is that 

many people just need someone to 

listen to them. 

“Our life experiences are not just 

for us to go through and get through, 

but to share them with others,” said 

Williams. “Help somebody else 

dealing with the same thing.”

Her affection for the employees 

she supervises is evident when she 

talks about them, in addition to her 

pride in their work in the Cannon 

and Longworth House Office 

Buildings. Williams encourages 

them to apply for other open jobs at 

the AOC because she wants all of 

her employees to have the chance to 

move up and do the work they want 

to do. She helps them prepare their 

applications and is so proud to see her 

employees also helping each other.

Williams tries to share an 

encouraging word with each of her 

employees every day because, “Some 

people do not get an encouraging 

Photo courtesy of LaTisha Williams word at home. I hope after I’ve 

Williams was part of a team that distributed coats, scarves, gloves and toiletries to the homeless in Franklin Park in downtown 

Washington, D.C. Photos courtesy of LaTisha Williams
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 15

uplifted somebody, that they will be 

nice to somebody else.”

“LaTisha has a passion for people,” 

said Cordell Shields, laborer (recycler) 

general supervisor, who nominated 

Williams for the Architect’s Award 

for Community Service that she 

received in 2017. “She has great 

people skills and really cares for 

her employees. She assists the 

laborers and custodians doing their 

jobs sometimes so she can better 

understand what they need and what 

they may come to her about.”

Outside of work, she is a member 

of a church that she describes as, 

“small, but very mighty,” with a 

focus on giving. She serves in the 

community through her church by 

participating in food and clothing 

drives, helping the elderly, and 

supporting local homeless shelters. 

Williams passes this passion for 

serving her community onto her 

children Arrielle (18), Christopher 

(16) and Chase (11). Together, they 

recently collected and distributed 

coats, scarves, gloves and toiletries to 

homeless people in Franklin Park in 

downtown Washington, D.C. They 

also provided food baskets to families 

who could use some extra support 

during the holiday season. 

“You just never know who may 

need you or what you can offer 

someone else,” said Williams. “I used 

to have so much pride thinking I 

had it all together. Then you have 

some humbling experiences that 

make you realize that you don’t. We 

need each other.”

Williams also volunteers with her 

son Christopher for the Civil Air 

Patrol, which is an auxiliary of the U.S. 

Air Force. The organization teaches 

kids survival skills and prepares them 

for service in the U.S. Air Force. As 

a member and active participant, she 

chaperones many activities, such as 

the annual wreath laying at Arlington 

Cemetery during the holiday season 

and serving lunch to members of the 

military on local bases.

While caring for those in our 

communities is a reward unto itself, 

she recognizes the lessons it teaches 

her children. “You never know 

how much you are going to bless 

someone when you help them, and it 

shows them how truly blessed they 

are,” said Williams. “We don’t always 

know what is happening in someone 

else’s life.” 

Spending time with Williams 

brings to light the importance of 

connection, encouragement and 

service. To explain how she has 

time for all of her volunteer work in 

addition to a full workload and her 

family, she admits she needs to slow 

down a bit and care for herself to 

preserve her health. Then without 

much of a pause, she starts talking 

about the new women’s fellowship 

she will lead at her church. 

It doesn’t sound like Williams will 

be slowing down any time soon. t

DOING GOOD

“You just never know who may need you 

or what you can offer someone else.”
16 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

THEN & NOW

Capitol Building 

Superintendent’s Office

WRITTEN BY ERIN NELSON • PHOTOS BY JAMES ROSENTHAL

S

ince its founding in 1793, 

the United States Capitol 

Building has been an 

enduring symbol of freedom 

and the democratic process that 

happens within its walls. Photos of 

the building are in no short supply, 

especially in Washington, D.C., 

where the 288-foot tall building 

looms in the skyline. Photos of the 

inside, though not as prevalent, still 

make daily appearances in the news.

The building is steeped in rich 

history. Some of the historical 

narratives invite interpretation or 

imagination while others are little 

more than rumors passed down 

from previous generations. And 

some historical facts seem more like 

fiction until you see the photos that 

bring them to life.

History buff and Executive 

Assistant Gabriella Marvin had 

been searching for photos that 

captured her U.S. Capitol office 

during the Civil War. Marvin spends 

her weekdays working for the 

Architect of the Capitol’s (AOC) 

Capitol Building Superintendent’s 

Office while her weekends are often 

reserved for two of her favorite 

things: learning more about history 

and playing with her dogs, Alvin, 

Murphy and Roxie.

A current view of the U.S. Capitol, Room 

HB-29, which once served as a bakery 

during the Civil War.
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 17

 Last summer, she took her 

dogs to Eastern Market, a bustling 

marketplace in southeast D.C., in 

hopes of finding the Civil War era 

photos. It was a long shot, but as she 

flipped through dozens of newspaper 

clippings, she immediately recognized 

the image she had spent months 

searching for of the U.S. Capitol; 

Room HB-29; May 25, 1861.

HB-29 is located in the center 

of the U.S. Capitol and was 

constructed under the direction of 

Charles Bulfinch between 1818 

and 1826. Bulfinch was one of the 

first American-born architects of 

distinction and is honored as the 

third Architect of the Capitol. His 

design for the central section of the 

building included 40 committee 

rooms, but that space underwent 

a major transformation during the 

Civil War.

Many temporary accommodations 

were made for the military at 

the U.S. Capitol after President 

Abraham Lincoln ordered Union 

troops to defend the building and 

the city of Washington during 

the war. When Congress was not 

in session, the House and Senate 

Chambers were used to house troops 

for a month, the Rotunda became 

a makeshift hospital and bakeries 

were created in the basement and 

terraces in the center of the building, 

including in HB-29.

Construction for the bakeries 

began on April 21, 1861, and the 

large brick ovens were completed on 

April 28. The ovens were located in 

HB-29 and HB-28 while HB-27 

was used for mixing yeast and other 

baking operations. Eventually, 

bakery-related tasks occupied 

the entire west basement of the 

center building. In February 1862, 

a Harper’s Weekly reporter stated 

that there were 14 ovens that baked 

200 loaves a day, and six or seven 

ovens that baked 800 loaves a day. 

The bread was passed out through 

the windows to troops and freight 

wagons waiting in the courtyard.

 The bakeries continued to 

produce food for the Union armies 

in the area, even after troops were no 

longer staying in the U.S. Capitol. 

Within six months of the bakeries’ 

installation, complaints began 

pouring in from Capitol occupants 

who were concerned about the 

smoke damage the bakeries were 

causing to other parts of the 

building. Money for the removal of 

the bakeries was authorized in July 

1862, and they were removed in 

October of that year.

According to AOC records, 

HB-29 has been occupied by the 

Architect of the Capitol and support 

staff since the late 19th century. 

Marvin has only occupied the space 

since 2015, but she appreciates the 

historical significance of her office 

every day, “Working for the Capitol 

Building Superintendent has been 

nothing short of a life-changing 

experience. From the people I’ve met 

to the history I continue to learn 

about this remarkable building, there 

is no other place I would rather work. 

Some days are more challenging than 

others, but my experiences and the 

people that surround me make every 

day worth it.” t

THEN & NOW

Left: Capitol Building Executive Assistant Gabriella Marvin holds a newspaper clipping that shows what her U.S. Capitol office looked 

like during the Civil War. Right: An up-close look at the bakery operations in the U.S. Capitol.
18 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

Anthony 

 Carlyle

Q

with

&

A

PHOTOS BY THOMAS HATZENBUHLER
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 19

Anthony Carlyle is a health and fitness 

specialist in the Senate Staff Health 

and Fitness Facility.

Q: Is it true that you once worked 

with Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks?

A: Yes! I have worked with Billy 

since my first Instructor Camp in 

2002. Since then I have gone on to 

become an elite Tae Bo instructor and 

appear in numerous Tae Bo DVDs. 

I’ve also made television appearances 

with him and continue to work with 

him today.

Q: For those unfamiliar, can you describe Tae Bo? Is it a form of karate? 

A: Tae Bo is a total body 

cardiovascular workout that mixes 

martial arts, boxing, calisthenics 

and a few dance moves. All levels 

are welcome. Tae Bo is actually 

an acronym which is as follows: 

T= Total, for total commitment 

to whatever you choose to do. A= 

Awareness, of yourself and the 

world around you. E= Excellence, in 

everything you do. B= Body, as a force 

to total change. O= Obedience, to 

your will and your desire to change. 

Tae Bo has its roots in Taekwondo. 

Q: What did you learn from that 

experience, and how do you 

apply those lessons to your work 

in the Senate Staff Health and 

Fitness Facility? 

A: One of the best lessons I learned 

is the ability to focus and to be 

committed to excellence. Every year 

instructors would have to go back 

to California and get re-certified at 

Tae Bo Re-cert Camp. Camp took 

place over a three-day period from 

Friday to Sunday. Each day was 

nine hours of drilling and training. 

We never knew what to expect. 

One day we would be in the Pacific 

Ocean doing drills at 5 a.m., one 

day we would be on a muddy hill 

doing drills at 5 a.m. After it was all 

over we would go back to the studio 

and drill some more! 

Billy really tested our will power. 

Q: In the 1990s, Tae Bo became 

a pop culture phenomenon with 

celebrity clients, like Paula Abdul, 

kicking and punching their way to 

a healthy lifestyle. Do you have a 

favorite memory from your time 

with Billy Blanks? 

A: There are so many to choose 

from! The best times are Fitness 

Conventions and watching him 

interact with his fans. Billy genuinely 

cares about people. I’ve seen him 

stand in the rain to speak with 

someone for 15 minutes. 

And there was that time we played 

Madden for three hours!! 

Q: The start of a new year usually 

comes with renewed commitment 

to physical fitness. What is your 

recommended go-to exercise to 

burn calories and jumpstart 

a health plan? 

A: Tae Bo of course! I would also 

recommend an exercise that is 

going to challenge you and keep 

you engaged. Anything that is going 

to get a person moving is always 

beneficial. I love the battle ropes. 

Battle rope workouts not only work 

your upper body but your core and 

legs as well. 

Q: For those who don’t have time 

to join a gym, do you have easy and 

effective exercises to encourage 

movement and wellness? 

A: Yes! Here are a few tips everyone 

can do at home:

1. Instead of walking around the 

house, try lunging. Lunging to 

a few rooms around the house is 

a great way to work your legs. 

2. During commercials see who 

can do the most push-ups or 

sit-ups while you watch your 

favorite show. 

3. Grab a Tae Bo DVD. 

4. Have a “Fit Party.” Invite a few 

friends over, put on a workout 

DVD and go for it! Have your 

friends prepare healthy meals for 

before and after. Also, have some 

literature on fitness available to 

hand out. t

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Anthony Carlyle demonstrates use of the battle ropes. 
20 THOLOS • WINTER 2018

The Ditch Witch

BY ERIN COURTNEY • PHOTOS BY THOMAS HATZENBUHLER

T

he AOC is responsible for the maintenance, 

operation, development and preservation of more 

than 18.4 million square feet of buildings and 

570 acres of land. There are more than 14 miles 

of sidewalks, 7 miles of streets and drives, and about 20 

acres of parking lots and plazas to clear and keep free of 

snow and ice. A significant storm requires a lot of work 

and cooperation across all facets of the agency to ensure 

the campus is safe for members, staff and visitors.

“We do a lot of refresher courses for seasoned 

employees and training for new employees on the 

equipment. And we do several dry runs to make sure 

everyone is prepared for snow,” said General Gardener 

Supervisor Ralph LoJacono. “We also coordinate and 

Well before winter, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) prepares snow equipment, 

procures rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviews the emergency and essential 

personnel snow response plans. And with good reason. 

COOL TOOL 
THOLOS • WINTER 2018 21

COOL TOOL 

share information with the U.S. Capitol Police, AOC 

Office of Security Programs and the District Department 

of Transportation on forecasts, snow clearing needs and 

other storm preparation essentials,” he said.

General Maintenance Supervisor Lee Dennis manages 

heavy equipment and supplies including more than 500 

tons of rock salt to keep road surfaces clear and 20 tons 

of deicer for the sidewalks and steps. “If the surface 

temperature is below 28 degrees and we get 6 inches of 

snow or more, we can quickly use 200 to 250 tons of 

product to help remove snow and ice from the campus,” 

he said.

This year, Dennis organized a cross-jurisdictional 

training session on safe snow removal procedures. 

Dubbed, The Snow Rodeo, the training exercise included 

a friendly competition between offices and jurisdictions 

on a new piece of snow removal equipment, the Ditch 

Witch SK600 mini skid steer. The machine has a narrow 

frame for better maneuverability in tight, compact spaces 

like the bollards that ring the campus. 

The Capitol Grounds team anticipates using this 

piece of equipment to decrease the amount of time and 

resources it takes to clear snow and ice between the 

security barriers. The Ditch Witch SK600 has an efficient, 

low-maintenance engine to power through snow in those 

hard-to-reach places. Additionally, the machine is capable 

of having numerous attachments to perform a wide range 

of tasks, including a narrow bucket for snow removal. 

Representatives from Capitol Grounds, Supreme 

Court Building and Grounds, Library Buildings and 

Grounds, and the United States Botanic Garden 

participated in The Snow Rodeo and found the plow 

easy to operate. Competitors successfully maneuvered it 

through cones set up in a course made to resemble rows 

of bollards. In the words of Dennis, “It’s not how fast you 

plow, it’s how well you plow fast.” t

Architect of the Capitol employees practice maneuvering the Ditch Witch SX600 through cones designed to replicate the safety 

bollards on campus.
Communications and Congressional Relations

U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16

Washington, DC 20515

The Architect of the Capitol strives 

to meet its mission 24 hours a day, 

365 days a year to serve Congress 

and the Supreme Court, preserve

America’s Capitol, and inspire

memorable experiences for all who 

visit the buildings and grounds.

Tholos is distributed by the Architect 

of the Capitol primarily for AOC 

employees. Questions regarding 

content and publication should be 

directed to AOC Communications 

and Congressional Relations at 

communications@aoc.gov, 

202.228.1793, or U.S. Capitol, Room 

SB-16, Washington, DC 20515.

JOIN AOC ONLINE:

Twitter.com/uscapitol

Facebook.com/architectofthecapitol

Instagram.com/uscapitol 

YouTube.com/uscapitol

www.aoc.gov

The East Plaza’s trolley stop 

captured on a snow day.

Photo by Chuck Badal