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Employee Monthly Newsletter September 2022 |
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Message from Director Robinson
Greetings Team DMV and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! With just a little under three months left until the new year, I can't thank Team DMV enough for all of your hard work and dedication to our agency and residents. We are truly Saving Lives Every Day! I hope you will find our September 2022 newsletter fun, engaging and informative.
A few announcements:
1) Effective October 1, 2022, select vehicle registration fees will increase. The renewal notice coupon will be honored for six months (in-person and mail).
2) Eligible residents 70 years or older may now renew their driver license online. Online driver license renewals will require the Mature Driver Fitness to Drive Certification form to be completed by a licensed medical practitioner.
3) Our next agency-wide Director's meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 8-9 am. More details will be provided at a later date.
4) If you missed our first ever live social media chat, you can view it here. During this chat, the leadership team provided updates on vehicle, driver and ticket services and answered viewers questions in real-time. I would like to give a big THANK YOU to our Communications, IT and Support Services Teams for all of their hard work with making sure this event was a success. Our next live social media chat will feature our Inspection Station. More details coming soon.
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Lastly, after 21 years, our thoughts and prayers still remain with the families and friends of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. ❤️ #WeWillNeverForget
-Gabriel
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"There are no secrets to your success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." |
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Meet Lakisha Favorite...
Hearing Examiner at Adjudication Services. Lakisha joins us from the DC Department of Employment Services as a Hearing and Appeals Examiner. A native of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Lakisha relocated to Washington, D.C. after completing her undergraduate studies at the illustrious Spelman College. She often describes the District as the best place to live because of its vast culture and career opportunities. Lakisha joined DC Government in 2020, after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School and working as a judicial law clerk to three judges, including Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. In her free time, Lakisha enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor adventures and live sporting events.
"I am the first person in my family to graduate law school. Raising the bar for the generation to come is critical in my eyes. I'm also proud of the mentorship I provide younger ladies. I write recommendation letters to colleges, help map out career paths, and even draft resumes. One should never be too busy to lend a hand". ~Lakisha Favorite
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Meet Taion Walters...
Supervisor at the SW Service Center. Taion joins us from the DC Department of Employment Services where he worked as a Program Support Specialist. Taion is currently attending the University of the District of Columbia, obtaining a Master of Business Administration and expects to graduate in the fall of 2023. Throughout the years, Taion has been recognized for many achievements, including making the Dean’s List. Welcome to Team DMV Taion.
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Meet Tyrae Collins...
Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Inspection Station. Tyrae joins us from Big Bus Tours. He would like his colleagues to know that he's a hard, dedicated worker. Tyrae is most proud of joining Team DMV's Motor Vehicle Inspection Team. We are really excited to have you Tyrae!
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Meet Larry Jamison...
Motor Vehicle Inspector at the DC Inspection Station. Before arriving to DC DMV, Larry was a self-employed contractor. He has many skills, including the ability to make LED lights that work off any 12v, 24v, or 32v battery. Welcome to Team DMV Larry!
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Meet Gerrel Woody...
Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Inspection Station. Gerrel joins us from the US Supreme Court. He would like his colleagues to know that he's a really cool guy, born and raised in Washington, DC and he's happy to be a part of Team DMV. Gerrel is most proud of his son. That's awesome! Welcome to Team DMV Gerrel!
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National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15. During this month, let us pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have influenced and enriched our nation and society. ❤️🧡💛 |
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World Heart Day was Thursday, September 29. Heart disease and strokes are the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each day.
Let’s focus on living healthier lives, by cooking and eating healthier, exercising, and saying no to smoking and other lifestyle choices that don’t contribute to a healthy heart. ❤️❤️
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Four Easy Desk Stretches
You can boost your energy and improve your posture while at your desk with these exercises.
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AAMVA's 2022 Annual International Conference
On September 13-15, AAMVA held its 2022 Annual International Conference (AIC) in Baltimore, MD, where members of Team DMV attended. It was a great opportunity for attendees to network with AAMVA members from across the country and attend numerous educational sessions. This year's AIC showcased the latest trends in the motor vehicle and law enforcement community and provided a forum for chief administrators to learn and grow from fellow colleagues. Conference sessions covered a wide variety of topics tailored to the AAMVA community.
In the photos above is Talayna Clements, Correspondence Management Specialist (left) and Shannon Hodges, Supervisory Legal Instrument Examiner at Rhode Island Avenue and Moses Dicks, Manager at Benning Ridge (right). View more photos from AAMVA's conference here. If you attended the conference and have photos to share, please send them to Kellye Underwood.
Congratulations Gledion
Congratulations to DC DMV Investigator Gledion Goci who was recognized by the Virginia State Police for his efforts to fight against auto theft. Gledion was the individual winner of a Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) award on September 13 in Roanoke, Virginia. He was honored for serving a community of more than 100,000. “Investigator Goci’s work has led to recoveries across the country…In the last year, Investigator Goci’s efforts have led to the recovery of 15 vehicles with a combined value of $1,808,000….Investigator Goci goes above and beyond for law enforcement.” It should also be noted that Gledion is the first person from the District of Columbia to receive this award. What an awesome accomplishment!
In the photo is (left to right): SSA Shannon Pinto, Investigator Gledion Goci and SA Beverly Baker
Juan Aliaga (September 2) | Lawanda Kearney (September 7) | Salvador Casco (September 9) | Kirby Sanders (September 10) | Gloria Hardy (September 11), Michelle Smalls (September 11) | Edward Tate Jr. (September 12) | Rose Musonye Smith (September 13), Johnice Walton (September 13) | Taylor Croom (September 14), Lachelle Johnson-Britton (September 14), Bobby Smith (September 14) | William Dorsey (September 15), Ursula Holmes (September 15), Jeremy Beegle (September 15) | Gregory Simpson (September 19) | Wanda Butler (September 20) | Nikita Johnson (September 24), Mercy Moore (September 24) | Joana Cruz (September 27), Keshmere Pearson (September 27) | Tracey Lee (September 28), Shahn Douglas (September 28), Linda Johnson (September 28) | Desiree Matthews (September 29)
Updated Mask Guidance
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What's Happening at DC DMV |
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#DCDMVSpotlight
Our Spotlight Wednesday campaign on DMV's social media channels is a great opportunity to highlight employees for their outstanding work and dedication. Learn more
Meet Marcus Lewis, Legal Instrument Examiner at the Southwest Service Center. Marcus is a team player who goes beyond the call of duty to assist internal and external customers. He always delivers quality service in a calm and professional manner when interacting with customers.
Thank you, Marcus for your hard work and dedication to DC DMV and District residents!
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#KudosDCDMV
(Compliments from our Social Media Fans)
"Big thank you and shoutout to Ms. Miller at the @dcdmv for helping me solve a DMV registration mystery. Proving once again, that when you get to talk to an actual person at @dcdmv they are incredibly helpful and nice. Thank you!". ~David Fire Ferebee Joseph
"@dcdmv A shoutout to the great women at the Georgetown office. They graciously helped me and my son through the learners permit process this morning. We could not have done it without them. Professional courteous and very helpful staff. Thank You!" ~William E. Kaye
"My account is private but I just tweeted this: Cristella at SW DMV just rocked my lunch hour and had me in and out so fast the people in the park congratulated me! They saw me go in and out on their lunch break. 🙌. Just wanted you to know how excellent she was." ~My name is not Swoosan
"Shoutout to Ms. Rutherford @dcdmv for giving me one of the BEST experiences at the DMV. She was so nice, quick and made it so easy! 💜" ~Madiha Nawaz
"@dcdmv Thank you! Once again gratitude to the professionals who respond to Twitter messages--you have been a source of enormous help during trying times. Mil gracias! Again!" ~DR. CM Fernandez
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
September 2022 CLD Virtual Course Series
View the Center for Learning Development (CLD) virtual training courses available in September 2022. Please register for these trainings in PeopleSoft.
Learn more
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Percipio Learning Management System (Percipio)
Reminder: DCHR launched Percipio, the District's new eLearning platform! With over 500+ curated channels, employees/learners have access to a wealth of current content on a host of professional topics (with badge credentialing) to include project management, leadership, communication, Microsoft Office, and so much more!
For questions, please contact DCHR at DCHR.Percipio@dc.gov.
Learn more
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Move Your Body, Shape Your Future |
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The Art of the Cover Letter
The second article in a series of four — Limitless You— by Karen Dickerson
The Benefits of Certifications vs Degrees
by Coleman Caldwell
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Visit Aruba ✅
On September 8 - 15, Communications Specialist Kellye Underwood was able to check a travel destination off her bucket list...Aruba. Kellye stated, "I had the time of my life. It was very hot though! The food wasn't too good [she laughs], but the atmosphere, the people and those beautiful beaches made up for the food not being good. And of course, I found a bowling alley that was five minutes away from my resort".
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Kellye visited Aruba with her aunt and uncle, who lost their daughter Antoinette Sherman in the attacks on the Pentagon on September 11. "My aunt is still devastated about losing my cousin, but she's a strong woman and does her best to live life each day. Each year, my aunt and uncle travel to Aruba during the 9/11 anniversary, where they honor my cousin’s memory and try to feel whole again ", says Kellye.
Kellye would like to share a story that aired on WUSA9 recently, featuring her aunt and uncle sharing their story and thoughts on the 21st anniversary of the attack on the Pentagon. View it here.
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Happy Dance: Fall Sports are Back
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It's an exciting time of the year when football, basketball and hockey are back in session. Do the happy dance everyone! Goodluck to all of the local teams on a wonderful season this year: Washington Capitals, Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards, and area college teams.
Left (Juan Aliaga)
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There's actually a huge game taking place on Sunday, October 2, 2022 in Arlington, Texas: the Washington Commanders vs the Dallas Cowboys. Goodluck to both teams and may the better team win!
Have a happy sports season everyone!
Right (Timothy Jackson)
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We all know that IT Specialist Juan Aliaga is a huge DC sports fan! If you didn't know, well...you know now! Juan is a season ticket holder for DC's soccer team, DC United. Their season is currently in full kick mode and will sadly come to an end on October 9.
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Even though the Washington Nationals will miss the MLB playoffs this season, Support Services Specialist Kevin Branch had an enjoyable time at the San Diego Padres vs Washington Nationals game on August 12. This game was Juan Soto's first game back in DC after being traded on August 2.
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Heathcliff and Friends...Part II |
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A short story by Tonya Miller...
The child took the thing out of its mouth and offered it to Heathcliff who politely declined the offering.
Next was the large female human. She seemed to tower over him, and Heathcliff stood about 36 inches at the withers. She held out a hand for him to sniff, which he obliged. She smelled okay as far as humans went. She said something to the giant man, and they smiled at each other.
The larger miniature human said something back and he came over to pet Heathcliff who shied away a bit. The large female said something, and the larger miniature human lowered her hand to Heathcliff’s nose. He sniffed and then allowed her to pat his head.
The man sat down on the floor and called, “come here boy,” in an enthusiastic voice.
Heathcliff slowly walked over, though a bit wary of the human. When he was about two feet away the man held out his hand. Heathcliff sniffed it as the man turned it over, palm up. Heathcliff sniffed again. The man scratched under his chin.
“That’s a lot of slobber,” the larger miniature human said.
“Well, he is a Neapolitan Mastiff. They slobber a lot,” the tall female said.
“How would you like to come live with us?” the man asked.
Heathcliff didn’t understand this. He cocked his head to one side, as if contemplating the question.
“He’s funny,” the larger miniature human said.
“Well, Cecilly, he has to want to live with us too,” said the giant man.
“I like him,” her mother said.
Clifford didn’t understand what was going on, but he new what the leash was. He was going for a walk! Yea!...
Join us next month Heathcliff and Friends: The Last Episode!
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What's Happening Around the District |
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Kids Ride Free Program
The Kids Ride Free program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District. DC students can request a new SmarTrip Card for traveling on public transit systems within the District. Read more
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WMATA's New Silver Line Map
Metrorail’s iconic map is getting an update with the addition of the six new Silver Line stations. Beginning today, you’ll start to see new maps rolling out in stations, trains and transit centers, featuring Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Washington Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn. Also on the new map, Potomac Yard Station is shown as a future station. Read more
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Have Some Exciting News to Share? |
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Have some exciting news to share with your colleagues? It can be a family recipe, birth announcement, vacation, sporting event, etc.
Send your photos and a small write-up to Kellye.Underwood@dc.gov by Friday, October 7.
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