ALL ABOARD MID-YEAR STATUS CHECK by Chris Aadnesen, President & CEO Ers to Address Complex Issues That Require Coopera- 2 Tive Solutions

AALLLL AABOARDBOARD SECOND QUARTER 2011 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE INSIDE...

RAILROAD GAINS TRACTION IN WEED BATTLE CROSSINGS: PRESIDENT’S Alaska’s long summer days are back… and so able to use this permit for the fi rst time July 25-27, 0022 MESSAGE are the weeds. Th anks to three herbicide use permits 2010. A subsequent appeal to the court system was in force this year, the Alaska Railroad gained some fi led May 27, 2011, and is pending. Th is appeal MILEPOSTS traction in the battle against vegetation that poses is made on procedural and constitutional grounds CFO REPORT & safety risks along the track and in the rail yards. only; it does not involved health or safety issues 0033 ALPAR AWARD ARRC hired railroad vegetation control expert related to the herbicide. Until the courts hear the

DeAngelo Brothers to apply the herbicide Aqua- appeal, the permit remains in force. CROSSINGS: Master within the yards and along select areas of ARRC applied for additional permits — An- NEW GREEN track in and around Seward, Anchorage, Healy and chorage and Healy/Fairbanks — in January 2011. 0077 STAR GOALS Fairbanks. Th e application occurred June 20-27. In No comments were made during public hearings accordance with the permits, the contractor avoided held mid-February and ADEC received few com- SIDINGS: areas near surface water. ments by the mid-March deadline. ADEC approved BIKE COMMUTER Th e two-year permit approved in 2010 by the these fi ve-year permits in early May. A 45-day wait- 0088 TEAM SUPPORT Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ing period ended June 15, allow the railroad to use (ADEC) covers the stretch between Seward and the permits by late June. No legal actions opposing WYE OF IT: Indian. An administrative appeal fi led with ADEC these permits have been fi led as of press time. GRAFFITI & ROW June 1, 2010, was denied, and the railroad was 0099 CLEANUP EFFORTS

CROSSINGS: CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE GRAVEL OPS 1100 UPDATE 2011 OPEN HOUSES HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SIDINGS: May 2011 saw the return of TIE GANG GETS the Alaska Railroad’s commu- 1111 GOING nity open houses on consecutive

Saturdays — May 7 in Anchor- SIGNALS: age and May 14 in Fairbanks. ICS SUPPORT & Dubbed Railroad Days, the open 1133 MARINE AUDIT houses drew enthusiastic crowds, with an estimated 3,000+ people SIDINGS: in Anchorage and nearly as many TOUR GUIDES in Fairbanks. Th e family-friendly 1166 RETURN events included free train rides, live music by military bands, static WYE OF IT: equipment displays, balloons, kids OPEN HOUSES tattoos and more. 1188 IN PICTURES A big thanks to dozens of railroaders who helped to pull ABOVE: ARRC LOGO TATTOOS ARE A WYE OF IT: off these highly successful open HIT WITH CHILDREN. RIGHT: HUN- TRAVEL WRITER’S PERSPECTIVE ON houses. Highlights are captured in DREDS LINE UP FOR FREE TRAIN RIDES. 2222 SPENCER STOP photos on pages 18-19. (PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER) PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ALL ABOARD MID-YEAR STATUS CHECK By Chris Aadnesen, President & CEO ers to address complex issues that require coopera- 2 tive solutions. Finally, in July we begin remarking 2ND QTR 2011 With the busy summer season about half over, the right-of-way boundary through populated we are due for a status check on key operating Anchorage as a fi rst step toward better preserving a fronts. necessary buff er for train operations and the public.

Safety: We are pleased to be making reasonable Freight Business: Our Board of Directors progress with our personal injury and derailment recently approved the purchase of additional railcars safety goals through the fi rst half of 2011. How- to increase freight-hauling capacity and associated ever, we are disappointed that there have been a revenues. Th e near $7 million investment includes number of authority violations, on-track equipment 40 of the longer 85-foot fl atcars and 70 open-top collisions and vehicle incidents. Together, we need bottom-unloading hopper cars. Th e fl atcars will to eliminate this trend throughout the second half eventually replace aging 12000 and 12600 series CHRIS AADNESEN of the year. fl atcars that must be removed from service in 2014. Th e hoppers will help meet growing demand for Passenger Business: Passenger train perfor- export coal. Once they arrive later this summer, we mance has been better than we had hoped. Com- will immediately place them into service, increasing paring mid-June 2011 to mid-June 2010, passenger the number of trains hauling coal from Healy to numbers are 9% higher and total passenger revenue Seward. Th ese two acquisitions are really exciting We were wise is up 17%. Th e popular Gold Star fi rst-class service for the Alaska Railroad, because they mark the fi rst continues to show the greatest gains on both Coastal freight rolling stock purchases in a number of years. to reinstate Classic and Denali Star routes. I’ve been a passenger tour guide on several occasions this summer and am personally Capital Projects: Progress has continued slowly impressed with the level of service we are provid- on the two major rail extension projects. In recent positions on ing to our customers. Our Tour Guide program is months, a number of non-government organiza- simply a winner (story on page 16). I have watched tions have pressed for further scrutiny by the Sur- our trains these knowledgeable young people deliver informa- face Transportation Board (STB) with regard to the and we will tive narrative along our routes and interact with Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. Th ey have linked passengers of all ages. (Just recently, I volunteered the project with potential impacts associated with most certainly to edit the tour guide scripts for future trips.) Th e coal and routing through coastal wetland areas. Th e smiles tell the story. We were wise to reinstate tour result is a possible delay in the STB’s Environmental continue this guide positions on our trains and we will most Impact Statement (EIS) Record of Decision and an program in the certainly continue this program in the future. Th e associated delay on Phase One construction that engineers and conductors are terrifi c as well and I had been expected to begin this year. future. appreciate the confi dence they inspire in our pas- Th e fate of the Northern Rail Extension (NRE) sengers. Our customers clearly enjoy watching these was tenuous this spring when a $44 million funding “real railroaders” in action. gap remained unfi lled and the threat of additional and costly regulatory requirements appeared im- Real Estate Business: Our real estate business minent. NRE Phase One — the bridge over the has had several positive developments. We recently Tanana River at Salcha — appears to be back on resolved the long-standing and contentious issue track, thanks to an eleventh-hour funding ap- with Ice Alaska. Beginning in June, the railroad is propriation from the state and the decision by the helping Ice Alaska move its ice carving venue to Environmental Protection Agency to allow the land it recently purchased in Fairbanks (story on Corps of Engineers construction permit to stand. page 12). We are pleased to continue our support of Even so, the earlier uncertainty caused a two-month an iconic event that reaps economic rewards for the delay in the start of construction activity. A ground- Interior and the state as a whole. breaking ceremony is tentatively being planned for Th e Real Estate Department staff has made real early fall. progress with its Real Estate Customer Service Ac- tion Plan and the results have become noticeable to a number of our leaseholders, industry partners and public offi cials. In addition, the Real Estate staff and ARRC Board of Directors Real Estate Committee members have met several times with lease custom- MILEPOSTS: FINANCE REPORT ALL ABOARD EARNINGS UNLIKELY TO MEET EXPECTATIONS By Bill O’Leary, Chief Finance Offi cer earnings solid, although not at the level originally anticipated. 3 A dynamic economic environment has changed As the second quarter closes and a forecast for 2ND QTR 2011 the initial outlook for key drivers of the Alaska the last half of the year is being prepared, other Railroad’s 2011 business plan. changes are manifesting themselves. Export coal Last November, ARRC’s Board of Directors shipments continue to grow, buoyed by strong approved the 2011 operating budget with planned demand giving rise to higher prices. Petroleum net earnings of $18.2 million and an operating ratio volumes continue to decline from initial expecta- (operating expenses divided by operating revenues) tions. Higher than anticipated diesel fuel prices are of 0.93. Primary factors for this budgeted increase whittling away at margins. Benefi t costs, primarily in profi tability were an anticipated growth in petro- related to medical expenses and increases in re- leum shipments from our largest customer, strong quired workers’ compensation reserves, are spiking. global demand for Alaskan coal, passenger revenue Th ese dynamics highlight the need for ARRC to rebound, and continuation of our cost-control carefully manage budget factors that it can control. BILL O’LEARY eff orts. Th is means holding discretionary costs down and By the end of the fi rst quarter, it became evident seeking effi ciencies in daily activities. that the original petroleum forecast would not be In summary, we do not anticipate the 2011 realized, yet other business changes would help fi ll earnings and operating ratio to meet the initial the void. Positive developments include an unbud- budget expectations. Once the mid-year forecast is geted tax credit transaction, a sale of non-operating complete, we’ll share it with employees, in addi- land in Fairbanks, and even stronger passenger tion to steps implemented to address the earnings bookings. Th ese may combine to keep the year’s shortfall.

MILEPOSTS RAILROAD EARNS 2010 ALPAR AWARD ALPAR EXECUTIVE On April 28, 2011, the Alaskans for Lit- cost of pick up in Anchorage and barge MARY FISHER AND ter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) transportation to Seattle. Th e Alaska ALPAR BOARD PRESI- presented the Alaska Railroad with Railroad donates the TOFC/COFC DENT MICHAEL BLEWETT its 2010 Contributor of the Year service for containers and trailers (MIDDLE), PRESENT A Award for outstanding service to that AWE/Lynden designates as 2010 ALPAR AWARD ALPAR and Alaska communities. ALPAR. Th e Alaska Railroad has TO ARRC VP FINANCE Th e award recognizes ARRC’s also moved some trailers from BILL O’LEARY, WHO backhaul services in support of Fairbanks in support of recycling. ACCEPTED ON BEHALF OF recycling along the railbelt. In ALPAR is a non-profi t orga- THE ALASKA RAILROAD. particular, ARRC helped with the nization transport of 5.8 million pounds of dedicated recycleable materials in 2010. to increas- Th e Alaska Railroad maintains a ing economi- steady relationship with Alaska West Express cally viable recycling / Lynden (AWE/Lynden), whereby recycle materi- and eliminating litter als are moved from Anchorage to Whittier to the in Alaska. ALPAR has Lower 48 for recycling. AWE/Lynden trucks pick presented annual awards up recycle materials at Smurfi t in Anchorage, and since its inception in bring recycleable materials to Lynden’s yard, where 1983. In April 2007, AL- materials are loaded into 53-foot containers. Th e PAR presented the Alaska containers are then loaded onto fl at railcars at the Railroad with its 2006 Alaska Railroad’s Trailer on Flat Car / Container on Board of Directors Award Flat Car (TOFC/COFC) operation in Anchorage, for similar contributions and they are transported to Whittier. Once in Whit- to recycling support. tier, railcars are loaded onto a barge and transported to Seattle, and ultimately delivered to Smurfi t in Renton, Washington. AWE/Lynden donates the MILEPOSTS ALL ABOARD SERVICE AWARDS: APRIL, MAY, JUNE 1 Year Megan Ostendorf Corporate Aff airs-Administration 4 Linda Anderson...... Accounting Kristi Schneider...... Business Development 2ND QTR 2011 Michael Anderson ...... Passenger Operations Delbert Sellards...... Maintenance Zen Armitstead ...... Passenger Services Bob Th omas ...... Information Services Monika Doxtater...... Passenger Services Th eodore Woodward...... Transportation John Gage Jr...... Maintenance 10 Years Dirk Hosler...... Transportation Dorothy Barney ...... Transportation Harry Newell ...... Signal James Coltellaro ...... Transportation William Page...... Transportation Christopher Corbeil ...... Facilities Juno Prochazka ...... Passenger Operations Jethro Greenbaum...... Transportation Michelle Renfrew ...... Business Development Robert Hanson ...... Project Management Jake Sterbenz...... Maintenance Robert Hinterleitner ...... Transportation Benjamin Wright...... Maintenance Todd Lemay ...... Mechanical 5 Years Stephen Mitchell...... Maintenance Benjamin Ahrens...... Transportatin Erik Munson...... Transportation Bradley Blattler ...... Maintenance Edna Racicot...... Transportation Michael Budd ...... Maintenance Donald Smith ...... Labor Relations Danilo Corre...... Maintenance Robert “Mo” Waterman . . . . . Information Services Richard Creighton...... Maintenance Stephenie Wheeler...... Corporate Aff airs John Cusack ...... Maintenance 15 Years Drew Dekreon ...... Information Services Lisa Gillespie...... Labor Relations Douglas Falgoust...... Facilities Roy Th omas ...... Engineering Ryan Farnum ...... Maintenance Shawn Grimes...... Maintenance 20 Years Patricia Hill...... Passenger Services Mary Cornell ...... Accounting Emily Hoff man ...... Accounting William Huntley ...... Facilities 25 Years Kathy Kraft ...... Police & Security Julie Zappas...... Legal Brian Lindamood ...... Project Management 35 Years Rebecca Morris ...... Engineering Jeff Rognes ...... Transportation Mark Nickles...... Telecommunications 35 Years 30 Years Sourdough Service Awards LONG-TIME RAILROAD EMPLOEES WERE HONORED DURING A RECOGNITION CEREMONY MAY 18.

STEVEN HAYES AL PRICE DAVE THOMPSEN DAVID KOCHER MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE FINANCE TECHNOLOGY 25 Years

GERALD DAVIS JACLYN PULLER TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION MILEPOSTS ALL ABOARD NEW HIRES: APRIL, MAY, JUNE Jacques Abbott, Jr...... Maintenance Todd Lewellyn...... Information Services Stuart Adams...... Facility Maintenance Nathaniel Lindquist ...... Maintenance 5 Joseph Balog ...... Maintenance Sean McNulty ...... Passenger Operations 2ND QTR 2011 Marcus Burns ...... Maintenance David McKinley ...... Mechanical Mary Ellen Butcher...... Passenger Operations Travis McRae ...... Maintenance Zac Carey ...... Maintenance Nicole Mecham...... Passenger Operations Jeff rey Carlson...... Mechanical Brooke Miller ...... Maintenance Kasey Cavyell ...... Maintenance Alan Moore...... Maintenance Joseph Cook ...... Maintenance Garrett Olson ...... Facility Maintenance Tony Cooper...... Transportation Jacob Pennell...... Maintenance Philip Corre ...... Maintenance Levi Perry ...... Maintenance Charna’e Cox ...... Passenger Operations Jake Petersen ...... Maintenance Liam Deruelle ...... Passenger Operations Sasha Peterson...... Passenger Operations Andrew Deuter ...... Maintenance Sharon Phillips ...... Transportation Olivia Dieni ...... Passenger Operations Chad Popham ...... Passenger Operations Tony Finfrock ...... Passenger Operations Brenton Potter...... Maintenance Patricia Freeman ...... Passenger Operations Caleb Quinlan...... Passenger Operations Charles Frost ...... Passenger Services Todd Robbins ...... Maintenance Rosa Gaona...... Transportation Derrick Robinson ...... Mechanical Dustin Gaubatz...... Maintenance Edgar Romine ...... Mechanical Lewis Golightly...... Mechanical Jardan Ruiz ...... Maintenance Laila Hansen ...... Passenger Operations Clarence Smyth...... Maintenance Melinda Harris ...... Passenger Operations Joseph Stam...... Signal Amando Hernandez, Jr ...... Mechanical Timothy Sullivan...... Corporate Aff airs Kennith Holbrook...... Maintenance Mark Taylor ...... Passenger Operations Lawrence Holt...... Mechanical Jake Th omson ...... Maintenance Stephen Hupe ...... Mechanical Steven Veltkamp ...... Facility Maintenance Joe Van Hyning...... Maintenance Evan Venechuk ...... Passenger Operations Scott Jenkins ...... Mechanical Aaron Vogel...... Maintenance Miranda Jones...... Passenger Operations Justin Voss...... Passenger Operations Douglas Kaaihue ...... Transportation Janet Vreeman ...... Passenger Operations Edwin Kee...... Mechanical Richard Wagoner...... Accounting Lindsay Killgore ...... Passenger Operations Katherine Walden ...... Passenger Operations Jory Kimpton ...... Passenger Services Joseph Wasielewski ...... Maintenance Charles Kindstrand, Jr...... Maintenance Stephanie Whisenhant...... Passenger Operations Alyssa Klaameyer...... Passenger Operations Sharon White-Wheeler . . . . . Passenger Operations Jason Knight ...... Maintenance Una Wirkeban...... Passenger Operations Frank Keller ...... Transportation Sheri Ymbert ...... Passenger Operations Aaron Lampley ...... Maintenance

MILEPOSTS HOME FRONT: BIRTHS AND RETIREMENTS Births Warehouse Supervisor Robert Walker and wife Rachel welcomed son Jaxen Isaac April 26. Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer Ethan Henderson and wife Anna welcomed Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer daughter Liberty Karen March 16. Tony Aron and wife Arelis welcomed daughter Arnellis May 10. Equipment Operator/Truck Driver Monty Bloom and wife Leanne welcomed daughter Retirements Sarah Joy March 16. Fireman / Engineer Randy Ferris retired from Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer the Transportation Department after more than Michael Acheson and wife Heather welcomed 36 years. son Owen Odell April 19. MILEPOSTS ALL ABOARD SPOTLIGHT AWARDS: APRIL, MAY, JUNE In pursuit of the second phase of the Ship Creek Business Systems Analyst II Christopher 6 Intermodal Transportation Center, the Alaska Helkenn graduated from the University of Alaska 2ND QTR 2011 Railroad needed an interim level-loading passenger Anchorage with a Bachelor’s of Business Adminis- platform that met all federal guidelines and regula- tration in Management Information Systems (BBA tions, including the Americans with Disabilities MIS), a rigorous curriculum. He now brings a Act. Th e legal requirement of level platform board- greater degree of technical expertise and project ing presents numerous operational challenges for management skills to his work in the Alaska Rail- many passenger carriers. Th rough creative thinking road’s Information Technology (IT) Applications and an adamant refusal to give up, the project team Department. In turn, the department can off er a pulled together a design that met legal and opera- higher level of customer service to the railroad em- tional requirements. Th e team took the concept ployees and divisions that IT supports. Th e railroad of a modular level loading platform and saw it benefi ts tremendously from employees who accept through to completion in time for the 2011 sum- greater challenges, and who use their knowledge mer passenger season. Civil Engineer III Daniel and skills to ensure fi rst-rate service to our external Ottenbreit provided considerable professional skill and internal customers. to engineer the concept into a workable design. Ottenbreit’s experienced oversight fostered the itera- Conductor / Brakeman Stanley “Ray” Sander- tive process to fi ne-tune fabrication of the platform ford played a key role in correcting an ongoing pieces and fi t them together to create the planned problem with a gravel customer’s overweight loads. 400-foot structure. Guest Services Manager John He researched the data, analyzed customer load- Simmons took the lead to coordinate the project’s ing methods, and then worked hand-in-hand with complex inter-departmental logistics. He kept all railroad management to develop an audit process parties informed of the progress made and kept to identify loads that were outside acceptable limits safety at the forefront through diligent testing and and recommend solutions to the customer. Th anks retesting. Bridges & Buildings 1 (B&B 1) team to Sanderford’s proactive eff orts, our customer provided the technical expertise and hands-on skill has changed its loading process and invested in a to fabricate the pieces, recommend design modifi ca- new scale to correct the problem. Had the railroad tions, and ultimately assemble the segments into a allowed the problem to continue unchecked, a suitable structure. B&B 1 includes: Maintenance mainline bridge failure may have been possible, Mechanic Leaders Robert Niessink and Jim costing the railroad tens of millions of dollars in Reda, Electrician Brent Ferguson, Pipeﬁ tter / repair and lost revenues. Sanderford recognized the Plumber Rodney Oehler, and Cabinetmaker Jef- value of sharing important information and taking a frey Sterbenz. collaborative approach to problems solving.

RECENT ENGINEER COURSE GRADUATES, MILEPOSTS LEFT TO RIGHT: BRAKEMEN/CONDUCTOR/ 6 TRAIN CREWMEN EARN ENGINEER STATUS FIREMEN ADAM YOUNG, MICHAEL REED II, Congratulations to six brakemen/conductor/ in October 2010, they traveled to Johnson County FORREST LONG, fi remen (three Anchorage, three Fairbanks) who Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park KEVIN BOHN, graduated in late April from the rigorous six-month Kansas for three weeks to learn about operating and DEAN SABO AND Alaska Railroad Student Locomotive Engineer safety rules, air brakes, fuel conservation, distrib- DAVID SAVAGE. Program. After two weeks of prerequisite training uted power, mechanical and electrical systems, and basic train handling. Th ey also logged locomotive simulator time to reinforce fuel conservation and proper train-handling skills. Returning to Alaska, the students accomplished over-the-road assign- ments originating from every terminal, gleaning fi rst-hand experience with winter train operations and challenges associated with winter conditions. With class time and hands-on training complete, the men took the comprehensive promotion test. For the fi rst time in recent history, one student — R.D. Sabo — scored 100%. CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD RAILROAD RECERTIFIES GREEN STAR AWARD Th e Alaska Railroad recently re-certifi ed its Complete the Records Management Program’s Green Star Award status by taking stock of eff orts to (RMP) retention schedule and implement the 7 pursue environmental stewardship in our opera- RMP through the approved policy guidelines 2ND QTR 2011 tions. and assigned duties to department staff . Th e Green Star recognizes businesses and Reduce bottled water purchases by 5% each year organizations or initiatives and policies that reduce over the next three years. waste, prevent pollution, conserve energy, and reuse/recycle materials. ARRC originally earned its 2. Energy Conservation: Facilities Maintenance Green Star in 1993. Green Star encourages con- Department (FMD) tinual improvement by asking members to identify FMD to complete and fi nalize a facility thermal several goals to be achieved in two to three years. imaging schedule by the end of 2011. FMD to develop a forum/venue for displaying Status on Previous 2008 Goals before-and-after thermal images to demonstrate When ARRC re-certifi ed in 2008, three goals the value of this tool to energy conservation ef- were established: forts.

Goal 1: Effi ciency improvements to the FMD to fi nalize the Alaska Railroad Facility Anchorage Yard Boiler Plant. Th is goal is not Energy Management and Resource Conserva- complete, but is underway. Th e Facilities Main- tion Policy by the end of 2011. tenance Department (FMD) plans to install FMD to install a trim package and oxygen trim packages and an oxygen package in 2011, package on the Anchorage Yard boiler 3 during which is expected to save 2% on natural gas. summer 2011.

Goal 2: Pursue opportunities to promote Finalize design for modern Anchorage Yard commuter rail. Th is goal is complete as much Locomotive Fueling Facility. as possible. A north end commuter rail study Purchase new locomotive simulator, six locomo- was fi nished and the southcentral study was up- tive fuel-monitoring event recorders and fuel dated. Th e fi rst commuter-style rail car (DMU) syncronization software, and develop engineer arrived and its timing performance was tested “best practices” for fuel conservation. on a practice commuter run between Anchorage Vehicle Maintenance to continue to install auto and the Mat-Su. Th e railroad continues to sup- start systems on vehicles at a rate of 10 per year. port a Regional Transportation Authority and local municipal cooperative eff orts. 3. Recycling Goal 3: Add language to ARRC Request for Establish cardboard recycling at the Headquar- Proposal (RFP) documents to promote Green ters Building in Anchorage. Star. Th is goal is complete. Th e Supply Man- Implement plan to collect and recycle cardboard agement Department added Green Star recogni- at outlying depots in Seward, Denali and Talk- tion to Section E “Selection Process Evaluation eetna. & Criteria” of the RFP template in 2010. Initiate recycling of empty water bottles from As part of the 2010/2011 recertifi cation, ARRC track crews. has established a number of new goals that will Work with K&K Recycling to establish recy- require the awareness and help of employees around cling program for Fairbanks facilities. the company. Th ese include: Explore and possibly implement program to do- nate used computer equipment to the Comput- Future Goals Established in 2011: ers 4 All non-profi t.

1. Waste Reduction 4. Reduce Hazardous Materials Reduce printed copies of the corporate employ- Include language in janitorial contracts to ee directory 10% annually. require use of environmentally friendly cleaning Reduce reprinted copies of mandated federal products. Incorporate in the next iteration of agency materials to no more than 10% over the contracts that expire in 3-5 years. original distribution by 2013. SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD RAILROADERS EMBRACE BICYCLE COMMUTING Th e Alaska Railroad boosted support of bike than doubled with 50+ railroaders on the “Chain 8 riding as a commuting option with several initia- Gang” team. ARRC sponsored team jerseys. Fa- 2ND QTR 2011 tives this summer. Rail tickets and 2011 art print cilities Director Paul Farnsworth also facilitated a were donated to the Municipality of Anchorage kick-off event on May 20 starting with a participant ‘Chain Gang’ (MOA) as incentive prizes for Bike-to-Work Day on prize drawing for gift certifi cates and a free bike 2011 ARRC Bike May 20 and to Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage tune-up performed by our own Brian Lindamood. Challenge Team to support its Freeze My Keys Campaign in April. Th e kick-off featured installation of more bike racks ARRC is also supporting more than 40 employees and an off er of “valet” bike parking at the Head- BLAKE ADOLFAE who are taking part in the summer time MOA quarters and Anchorage Operations Center. BARBARA AMY ZEN ARMITSTEAD Bike-to-Work Challenge, a friendly city-wide com- BRIAN LINDAMOOD PERFORMS A TUNE-UP ON GREG LOTAKIS’ ANNETTE BAKER petition that tallies team bike commuting miles. BIKE AS MARK PETERBURS OBSERVES. BEN BATTLES In 2010, about 20 railroaders competed with DENNIS BOUWENS REGAN BRUDIE two Challenge teams; this year participation more STEPHAN CONLAN HEADQUARTERS: REGAN BRUDIE, CRYSTAL WILSON, JEREMIAH OSBORNE, EDIE ERIN CORK HOUSE, GREG GOEMER, MIKE GRUNWALD, EMILY DALUZ, JIM KUBITZ, EMILY DALUZ KATHLEEN ROGGE AND BLAKE ADOLFAE. LANE DAVIS JASON DENNIS TOBIN DORMAN SCOTT FENNELL JON GARNER GREG GOEMER TRACY GRANT MICHAEL GRUNWALD DAVID HAAG EMILY HOFFMAN JEANETTE HOLT EDIE HOUSE JOE KANESHIRO PATRICK KELLY MATT KELZENBERG ANCHORAGE YARD RIDERS, L-R: MATT YANNEY, RUSS MARTIN, STEVE CONLAN, JIM STEELE 2. SUSIE KIGER JIM KUBTIZ BRIAN LINDAMOOD WENDY LINDSKOOG GREG LOTAKIS RUSS MARTIN DEANNA MCGUIRE JUSTIN MORRISON WILLIAM NYE DAVE HAAG JEFF ROGNES BILL O’LEARY JEREMIAH OSBORNE MARK PETERBURS RON POLK EILEEN REILLY ARLENE RHOADES KATHERINE RHOADES KATHLEEN ROGGE JEFF ROGNES CAROL SCHLITTE MAURA SHEA TJ SHEFFIELD NEW JERSEYS ARRIVE, L-R: WENDY LINDSKOOG, CRYSTAL WILSON, RUSS MARTIN, EDIE HOUSE, DEANNA MCGUIRE, JEANETTE HOLT, JIM STEELE #2 JEREMIAH OSBORNE, LORRI WINCHESTER, JIM KUBITZ, MARK PETERBURS, EMILY HOFFMAN, GREG LOTAKIS, MAURA SHEA, PAT KELLY. JACK VOSSEN CRYSTAL WILSON DON WORTHLEY LORRI WINCHESTER MATT YANNEY AKER B NNETTE A WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD RR COORDINATES BRIDGE GRAFFITI CLEANUP Project Manager Blake Adolfae coordinated city, ing space. Th e Municipality of Anchorage “Graffi ti state and railroad eff orts (and even the weather!) to Busters” removed graffi ti from the concrete bridge 9 remove graffi ti from the rail bridge over Dimond abutments. Th e Railroad’s Bridges & Buildings 2ND QTR 2011 Boulevard on June 8. Th e Alaska Department of (B&B) teams 1 and 6 used man lifts to paint over graffi ti on both sides of the overpass bridge. Transportation & Public Facilities established traffi c 1 CREWS WORK ON control and lane closures to provide a safe work- BOTH SIDES TO RID THE 2 BRIDGE OF GRAFFITI. 1 2 SPRAY PAINT IS USED TO COVER GRAFFITI.

3 BEFORE: GRAFFITI COVERS THE BRIDGE.

4 AFTER: THE BRIDGE APPEARANCE IS GREATLY IMPROVED ONCE GRAF- FITI IS REMOVED.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLAKE ADOLFAE)

3 4

WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES

HOSPITAL GROUP HELPS CLEAN UP ROW

Eight volunteers from the Alaska Regional THE ALASKA REGIONAL Hospital coordinated with South-End Gen- HOSPITAL CLEAN-UP TEAM eral Roadmaster Bruce Gough to clean up INCLUDES: : MARIANNE the railroad’s right-of-way in south Anchor- COLE, J. GEISENDORFER, age during the annual city-wide clean-up day CINDY GRADY, BRETT May 7. “Th e crew was energized to know that HOLLIS, BERNADETTE we were contributing not only to the good of MATEL, JAMES MCAFEE, Alaska and the good of Anchorage but also for KIMBERLY MECK AND our very favorite Alaska Railroad,” said Regis- SHAMESE RUTHERFORD. tered Nurse Brett Hollis, who coordinated the hospital volunteers. Track worker Sean Robbins provided fl agging protection as the group spent hours fi lling more than 100 garbage bags with a variety of trash and debris. Track Inspector Mike Huls noted that the area “looked like a park” after the eff ort, which was sure to leave a good impression on rail passengers as the summer season kicked off a week later. CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD GRAVEL TRAIN ACTIVITY IN FULL SWING Gravel train activity began 10 in early May, with the expec- 1 2ND QTR 2011 tation of moving 2.5 to 2.5 million tons during the summer construction season that winds 7 down in October. Th e 2011 gravel volume forecast is in line with the last few years since 2007; however, demand is down over one million tons from 2005 and 2006 levels. Gravel hauling is currently signifi cantly ahead of forecast due to a fast start to the 2011 season to meet customer tonnage requirements for respective capital projects. For example, through much of June, 1 TO MINIMIZE THE TIME one gravel customer required THE MILE-LONG GRAVEL two train loads per day to meet 3 2 TRAIN OCCUPIES THE C demand related to an ongoing STREET CROSSING, IT IS Anchorage International Airport DIVIDED INTO THREE SEC- expansion project. As of late TIONS FOR UNLOADING. June, this customer’s pace has slowed somewhat, returning to 2 THE TRAIN MOVES single daily trains. Gravel train OVER THE UNLOADING activity is updated on our web FACILITY AT THE GRAVEL site www.AlaskaRailroad.com. OPERATION NEAR C Click CORPORATION side; STREET AND RASPBERRY. then click COMMUNITY, then Gravel Trains. 3 A GRAVEL COMPANY EMPLOYEE MANUALLY 6 OPENS THE HOPPER CAR UNLOADING CHUTES.

4 THE HOPPER CHUTES 5 4 MUST BE CLOSED MANU- ALLY AFTER UNLOADING.

5 GRAVEL FALLS THROUGH THE UNLOAD- ING FACILITY ONTO CONVEYORS THAT CARRY MATERIAL UPWARD.

6 CONVEYORS MOVE GRAVEL UP AND OVER AND ONTO PILES.

7 TRUCKS CARRY GRAVEL FROM PILES TO AREA CONSTRUCTION SITES.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER) SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD TIE GANG TO REPLACE 50,000 WOOD TIES Th e Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) Maintenance-of-way (MOW) track crews can recently began its 2011 tie program with a goal of replace 800 to 1,000 wooden ties per day, operat- 11 replacing 50,000 wooden ties primarily between ing at all hours to avoid train traffi c. Old ties are 2ND QTR 2011 Pittman (north Wasilla) and Portage, from May sold to employees at a discounted price, sold to through September. Tie replacement activity the public during several weekend tie sale events, 1 A TRACK REPAIRER was very visible through Wasilla in late May as a and donated to non-profi t organizations. ARRC POSITIONS A TIE PLATE 20-member tie gang and more than a dozen pieces Purchasing and Materials Technician Muriel Lewis, FOR SPIKING. of heavy equipment moved along the main rail line 265-2630, is the contact for information about tie from north to south of town. Th e tie gang was vis- sales. VP Corporate Aff airs Wendy Lindskoog, 265- 2 TIE CRANE OPERATOR ible in Anchorage beginning in late June. 2498, approves tie donations to non-profi ts. BEN STREFF MOVES OLD TIES AND SITUATES NEW 1 2 3 TIES FOR INSTALLATION.

3 TRACK REPAIRER JACQUES ABBOTT FIXES A MISSED SPIKE.

4 OPERATOR GRANT GERHART MANEUVERS THE TIE REMOVER/IN- SERTER EQUIPMENT WITH JOYSTICK CONTROLS.

5 THE TIE REMOVER / INSERTER EQUIPMENT IS ADEPT AT INSTALLING NEW TIES. 4 5 5 6 THE TIE GANG GOT STARTED AT THE PITTMAN SIDING.

7 TIE GANG ACTIVITY NEAR WASILLA PROMPT- ED INQUIRIES FROM THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC. MAINTENANCE SUPERIN- TENDENT LLOYD TESCH TALKS TO A KTUU CHANNEL 2 REPORTER. 6 7 8 ON AVERAGE, ONE OUT OF EVERY FOUR TIES (ABOUT 25%) IS (PHOTOS BY REPLACED IN ANY GIVEN STEPHENIE WHEELER) STRETCH OF TRACK.

8 WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD RAILROAD HELPS ICE ALASKA MOVE Ice Alaska has found a new home, according to As promised, the Alaska Railroad is assisting Ice 12 its Chairman Dick Brickley, who told the Alaska Alaska with moving its equipment and facilities to 2ND QTR 2011 Railroad that the organization purchased 25 acres the new site. To start, the railroad delivered eight in mid-June. Th e new site is about one mile west of 40-foot containers for use in hauling Ice Alaska RAILROAD HEAVY EQUIP- the railroad’s property at Chena Landing, where Ice property. ARRC contracted with a local trucking MENT HELPS TO MOVE ICE Alaska has hosted the BP World Ice Art Champion- company to move full containers and building sec- ALASKA STRUCTURES. ships for about 15 years. tions. Railroad heavy equipment has also assisted. Th e Chena Landing site encompasses O’Grady’s Pond, which was used to pro- duce carving ice renowned for its clarity and consistency. Th e Alaska Railroad has issued a no-fee permit to allow future dredging and cleaning of O’Grady’s Pond and ice harvesting as needed. Given Ice Alaska’s uncertain status, ARRC was previously unable to market the land that Ice Alaska used three to four months out of each year to host the ice carving event. Following the move, ARRC will pursue new lease opportunities, capitalizing on the millions of dollars originally invested in the 1990s to construct a road through, and connect utilities to, Chena Landing.

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE

NEWLY REPAINTED GP40 LOCOMOTIVES GET NEW PAINT JOB GENERAL PURPOSE Alaska Railroad locomotives #3007 and #3008 was overhauled in 2010, to include an Environ- (GP) LOCMOTIVE returned in April after a 4-month absence while mental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 0+ emission NO. 3007 PARKS Motive Power repainted the General Purpose (GP) system upgrade. No. 3008 is slated for an overhaul OUTSIDE THE 40 engines at its plant location in Idaho. No. 3007 and emission upgrade in 2011. FAIRBANKS DEPOT. SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFTEY & SECURITY ALL ABOARD EXECUTIVE MGMT TEAM COMMITS TO ICS Th e Alaska Railroad’s president/CEO and vice Th e railroad is slated to participate in two full- presidents recently completed the Incident Com- scale exercises later this year. Th e fi rst is an oil spill 13 mand System (ICS) 402, ICS for Executives course response exercise in October. Because the railroad 2ND QTR 2011 giving high-level managers a solid understanding moves petroleum, the Alaska Department of Envi- of this nationally-used emergency response system. ronmental Conservation (ADEC) “Th e railroad’s executive management team demon- requires an annual oil spill exercise strated that the company — from the top, down — to test response and preparedness. is committed to ICS. Th at is remarkable and very Th e second exercise involving full important to the railroad’s use of the ICS system,” ICS deployment is the annual Pas- said 35-year ICS veteran Joe Stam, course instructor senger Train Emergency Prepared- and ARRC ICS consultant for four years. ness Plan drill in November. Th e “Th e Alaska Railroad has done a great job in Federal Railroad Administration adopting and embracing ICS,” said Stam, recog- requires this type of exercise by all nizing the ARRC’s funding of response training, railroads that carry passengers. equipment, systems and software. It’s a smart invest- Certainly ICS is important be- ment, considering the incidents that could befall cause emergency response prepara- the railroad — a fuel train oil spill, hazardous cargo tion is a federal and state regulatory mishap, or passenger train accident. requirement, noted President & ICS VETERAN, INSTRUC- About three dozen railroaders are currently CEO Chris Aadnesen. “More importantly, ICS is TOR AND CONSULTANT JOE trained and participating on the ICS team. Train- the common language and structure used by the STAM, RIGHT, PRESENTS ing is needed to bring new people up to speed and vast majority of emergency responders, and there- AN ICS 402 COURSE to hone the skills of existing team members. Th e fore ICS will allow the railroad to coordinate an ef- COMPLETION CERTIFICATE goal is to ensure every team member completes the fective response to any complex or crisis situation..” TO ARRC PRESIDENT & course training (ICS courses 100, 200, 300 and Every railroader has a potential role in a railroad CEO CHRIS AADNESEN. 400, depending on the ICS position. Th ese courses emergency response, whether they are a tour guide, (PHOTO BY STEPHENIE cover basic to more advanced topics), and then railcar mechanic, track maintenance worker, front WHEELER) practice procedures and protocols with frequent desk receptionist, or corporate manager. Yet, that lunch-and-learn training and annual exercises. response role is all but certain for railroaders who “ICS training, drills and exercises provide team are part of the railroad’s ICS organization, noted members with experience that helps them develop Aadnesen. “Members of the railroad’s ICS team confi dence in their incident management team should consider their ICS function to be an impor- roles,” said Stam. “When you know what to do, and tant part of job performance,” he said. “How we, when you understand the terms and the basic objec- as a company, take care of our customers, partners, tives, you can stay calm and carry out essential tasks the environment and each other in a crisis will much more eff ectively. Calm and confi dence only boil down to how well each member knows and come with training and experience.” performs their ICS roles.”

SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFTEY & SECURITY MARINE TERMINAL OPERATIONS AUDITED Alaska Railroad operations fall under three improvements even prior to the audit’s completion. regulatory jurisdictions for protecting employees: ARRC Safety Manager Dennis Bensel and Civil En- Federal Railroad Administration, Occupational gineer III Dan Ottenbreit have been spearheading Safety and Health Administration, and the United replacement and upgrade eff orts. Th ey have been States Coast Guard (USCG). ARRC recently con- coordinating with Jon Garner, Superintendent of tracted with the USCG regulatory specialist Marine South Terminals, Kevin Meier, Manager of Seattle Exchange of Alaska (MEA) to audit ARRC Seward Rail Marine Operations, and Louis Bencardino, and Whittier marine terminal operations for freight, Seward Dock and Real Estate Manager. export coal and passenger operations. “Many of our marine terminal upgrades have MEA did not take exception to physical plant been worked through the Safety Issue Resolution or operating procedures and protocols. However, Process (SIRP),” said Garner. “It was nice to learn MEA did note opportunities to improve our physi- that upgrades to existing programs — rather than cal plant, and ARRC had been working on these gaps in process — were all that the audit found.” SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD NEW GIFT SHOP POS: A SUCCESS STORY Th e Alaska Railroad installed a new Gift Shop “We worked with the Alaska Railroad Work- 14 Point-of-Sale (POS) Retail Management System ers Union to expand the Fairbanks ticket agent 2ND QTR 2011 (RMS) in time for the summer passenger season. positions to be dual-qualifi ed, similar to window Th e system includes four computer terminals positions at the Denali Depot. Expanding the job equipped with cash drawers, barcode scanners duties allowed the railroad to open a giftshop in and monitors. It uses modern retail sales software Fairbanks.” said Simmons. “Depot agents in Denali to track inventory and execute sales transactions and Fairbanks now serve customers with ticket sales that are made in-person or online. and reservations and gift shop retail sales requests.” Th e system capitalizes on newer technology. From the technology perspective, Information Computers have the latest Windows 7 operating Systems (IS) is pleased with the level of local sup- system. Microsoft Dynamic RMS is a proven port from the IT contract vendor Arctic Informa- turn-key software used by many retailers. Th e tion Technology, said Peyton. Th e software is also website module, Nitrosell, is a hosted solution robust and stable, which translates to time and that streamlines Internet sales and provides near resource savings for IS, making the system worth THE NEW POS SYSTEM real-time inventory tracking. In the future, the the investment and initial work load. COMPUTERIZED REGISTERS system could integrate mobile cash register sales if “Th e biggest challenge was the very short imple- ENABLE TRANSACTIONS an onboard gift shop is added. mentation time,” said Peyton. Purchased March BY USING TOUCH-SCREEN, Th e railroad took a team approach to select- 11, the in-store system went live March 31 and KEYBOARD AND/OR ing and implementing the system. Senior Business the online gift shop went live April 28. In a matter MOUSE-BASED COMMANDS. Systems Analyst (BSA) Willow Peyton coordinated of weeks, hardware and software were ordered, early on with fellow BSA Chad Solberg who has installed, confi gured, inventory uploaded and vali- retail POS experience. Guest Services Manager John dated, and primary system users trained. Simmons, Gift Shop Inventory Technician Ann From the gift shop operation perspective, “Th e McIlhargie and Passenger Services Account Man- initial setup and transfer of all the merchandise data ANN MCILHARGIE ager Carol Bondoc collaborated on system features was the most challenging,” said McIlhargie. Th is CONDUCTED A GROUP and capabilities. entailed the painstaking input and verifi cation of TRAINING IN EARLY MAY. Th e top request from Simmons and McIlhar- details about each gift shop item. Simultaneously, PICTURED, L-R: gie: Th e new system needs to facilitate faster, more she worked to understand the new system’s process- MCILHARGIE, DENALI effi cient transactions to accommodate fast-paced es for ordering, receiving, tracking, transferring and AGENTS PAT FREEMAN gift shop operations. Th eir wish was granted. Th e reporting. Th e system tracks and manipulates item AND JO RAMOS, AND system interface is straight-forward and eliminates data to provide more detailed, customized sales and ANCHORAGE AGENT several steps to complete a transaction. Speed is im- inventory reports that streamline re-stocking and SHARON WHITE-WHEELER. portant, because gift shops have a limited window help with order decisions. of opportunity to Th e software and interface are also user-friendly, sell to passengers which simplifi ed training the employees who use who are waiting to it. In early May, McIlhargie trained eight other board or re-board agents on the RMS. Currently, McIlhargie oversees the train at the refresher training and answers agent questions in Anchorage Historic Anchorage, including warehouse and online sales Depot, Denali De- fulfi llment. Having trained with McIlhargie during pot and Fairbanks implementation and testing phases, Hruska now Depot. assists with system operation questions in Fairbanks “Th e system and Denali. is easy to use for “A lot of folks throughout the railroad respond- sales as well as ed quickly to ensure this project was a success, even end-of-the-day while completing many other pre-season high- procedures,” noted priority projects,” said Peyton, who also praised the Fairbanks Depot Services Associate Teri Hruska. knowledge and commitment of Arctic Information “It is a great improvement, especially the speed of Technology. “We did this all under budget with suf- the credit card transactions.” Credit cards are now fi cient funding left to provide any support needed processed within the same system (as opposed to through the end of the year.” being separate), which saves time and avoids com- Th e project cost a modest $85,000. Th e old munication failures. Hruska is one of the Fairbanks system’s equipment was sold to the parent company (PHOTOS BY positions to become dual-qualifi ed as a result of new of several Alaska souvenir shops, saving the railroad STEPHENIE WHEELER) gift shop operations. the cost of landfi ll disposal. WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SCHOOL PICNIC With August comes a return to school in just a very few short weeks… Yikes! Each year, the 15 Alaska Railroad hosts a back-to-school picnic for 2ND QTR 2011 our school-business partner, Government Hill Elementary School. Th e picnic is scheduled for DURING THE 2010 Monday, August 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the BACK-TO-SCHOOL PICNIC, school. SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE Th e picnic is the fl agship of the railroad’s MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT school business partnership program with Govern- MANNED THE HOTDOG ment Hill. We provide hotdogs and the fi xings, GRILL. PICTURED ARE GRILL beverages, balloons and good cheer from railroad MASTERS ED HILLS (FRONT) helpers. About 20 railroad volunteers are needed to AND DOUG ENGEBRETSON. assist as follows: (PHOTO BY STEPHENIE Cook/grill the hotdogs (2 shifts; 2 cooks per WHEELER) shift) Put the hotdogs in buns and then wrap up in paper/foil (2 shifts; 4 wrappers per shift) Serve the wrapped hotdogs to kids/parents (2 shifts; 2 servers per shift) Blow up and handout helium balloons (2 shifts; 1-2 people per shift)

With railroaders lending a hand, we will off er our Government Hill neighbors another great welcome-back celebration, come rain or shine! To volunteer, contact Corporate Communications Of- fi cer Stephenie Wheeler at 265-2671 or wheelers@ akrr.com by August 8.

WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES OPERATION LIFESAVER ORGANIZES, TRAINS Th e Alaska Railroad continues to advance plans ticularly important, due to the expected loss of for increased participation in Operation Lifesaver federal funding for OL in the near future. Funds (OL), a non-profi t organization dedicated to are needed to purchase educational materials, off set improving rail safety largely though public educa- presentation expenses, and pay for training. tion. An OL Steering Committee was formed in Training presenters is key to the success of late spring to set the direction for OL eff orts in Operation Lifesaver because presenting rail safety DWIGHT WEST Alaska. Th e committee includes: ARRC President information is the backbone of OL’s public educa- & CEO Chris Aadnesen; Safety & Training Man- tion eff orts. As the OL State Coordinator, Dwight ager Dwight West; Police & Security Director Dan West will be attending a train-the-trainer conference Frerich; Safety Director Mark Mitchell; and ARRC at the beginning of August. Upon return, West will Vice Presidents Tom Brooks, Jim Kubitz, Wendy be certifi ed to train presenters to support the OL Lindskoog, Pat Shake and Steve Silverstein. program in Alaska. Th e group gave the green light to establish Th is fall, West expects to establish a regular Operation Lifesaver Alaska (OL-AK) as a non-profi t schedule for teaching volunteers how to provide OL organization, as opposed to an Alaska Railroad presentations. Railroaders interested in volunteering function. Th is will facilitate greater involvement to become an Operation Lifesaver presenter should from volunteers in the law enforcement, transporta- contact West at 265-2691 or [email protected]. tion and education communities. Non-profi t status More information on Operation Lifesaver and OL will also enable OL-AK to receive grant funding presentations is available at www.oli.org. from a number of potential sources. Th is is par- SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM CHANGES LIVES Editor’s Note: Just prior to the start of the passenger I, as an Alaskan-born kid, 16 train season, All Aboard sat down with participants of 2ND QTR 2011 the Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program, which has didn’t know as much about returned after a one-year hiatus in 2010. Th e return resumes a partnership with the Anchorage School Dis- Alaska as I thought. trict, which off ers high school juniors and seniors a tour 1ST YEAR TOUR GUIDE CALEB QUINLAN guide/tourism curricula at the King Career Center. A new tour guide, a seasoned tour guide, an onboard supervisor, and the guy in charge of onboard Quinlan put all that he had learned to the test services all agree on one outcome of the Alaska during his fi rst offi cial day on the job Saturday, May Railroad Tour Guide Program — It changes young 14, aboard the Coastal Classic train. Shortly after lives for the better, off ering valuable life lessons and reporting for work at the Anchorage Historic Depot honing employment skills in a challenging but fun at 5:50 a.m., he was helping passengers onto the work environment. train and guiding them to their seats. Once on the ONBOARD SVCS MGR road, Quinlan narrated the trip, talked to passengers TUCKER REMLEY “Th is program takes teens out of their comfort zone where they can make some huge leaps. and attended to their needs until the train arrived in Students who started out shy and introverted have Seward. Here, the tour guides get a four-hour break grown 100%,” said Onboard Services Manager before helping passengers to reload and settle in for Tucker Remley, who oversees the Tour Guide Pro- the trip back to Anchorage, which arrives at 10:15 gram at the railroad. p.m. By the end of a 16-hour day, Caleb’s singular goal is to go home and get some sleep. This program takes teens out of Despite often long hours, 18-year-old John Mobley jumped at the chance to return to a tour their comfort zone where they guide position. He was a fi rst-year guide in 2009. “I really had a lot of fun and I fell in love with work- can make some huge leaps. ing for the railroad,” said Mobley, who now attends ONBOARD SUPERVISOR ONBOARD SERVICES MANAGER TUCKER REMLEY the University of Alaska Anchorage, enrolled in the HEIDI LYON Hospitality and Restaurant Management program. Mobley also recalls a rigorous 10-hour high During the school year, Remley frequently joins school schedule, including regular classes from 7:30 Anchorage School District tourism course instructor a.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by the tourism course at Mike Woods to teach in the classroom at the King the King Career Center from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Th e Career Center. Th is year, the tourism curriculum schedule forced him to be a better time manager, includes presentations from representatives of other balancing the demands of work, school and family. companies, such hotels and tour operators that “It sounds cliché, but the opportunity really did partner with the railroad. “Th at gave the students a change my life for the better. I have become a more bigger picture of tourism in Alaska,” said Remley. outgoing and better person,” he said. Th e course curriculum is still fresh in the mind Former tour guide and current Onboard Su- 2ND YEAR TOUR GUIDE pervisor Heidi Lyon echoes a sentiment of personal JOHN MOBLEY of recent Anchorage Christian School graduate Caleb Quinlan, who was hired as a fi rst-year Tour growth. “Before becoming a tour guide, I was re- Guide. “Th ere is a lot of material to cover in a short served and quiet and really didn’t know how to talk amount of time,” said Quinlan, noting that the to other people or to be social,” she said. “I have course was condensed from 11 weeks to 8 weeks. changed completely — 180 degrees. Today, I can On the fi rst day of class, students are asked to be friendly to perfect strangers in line at the grocery take a 250-question pre-test that typically illus- store. My friends now cannot believe that I was this trates just how little we know about Alaska, recalls shy quiet person.” Quinlan. “I scored a pitiful 62% and that was a Th e program also gave 22-year-old Lyon the wake up call,” he said. “I was embarrassed that I, as confi dence to pursue other interests. For example, an Alaskan-born kid, didn’t know as much about she felt empowered to approach an Alaska Chan- Alaska as I thought.” nel camera-man to inquire about a career in fi lm 1ST YEAR TOUR GUIDE and television. Ultimately, the company created an CALEB QUINLAN By the end of the course, Quinlan knew a lot more, thanks to a curriculum that covers state and intern position for her. Later, Lyon’s railroad con- railroad history, geography, fl ora and fauna. Such nection led to a temporary position as a production Alaskana details are woven into the narrative that assistant with the Everybody Loves Whales movie tour guides provide aboard the train. (See “Tour Guide Program Resumes” on next page) WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD 3 DOZEN RAILROADERS WALK FOR CHARITY On May 6, about three dozen railroaders and throughout Alaska. ARRC contributed more than family participated in the 2011 Visitor Industry $1,000 for the fund-raiser. Railroaders have partici- 17 Charity Walk to raise funds for non-profi t agencies pated since the fi rst walk took place in 2001. 2ND QTR 2011 2011 ARRC ‘Chew-Chews’ charity walk team:

FRONT L-R: SHEILA THROCKMORTON, JOE AND JUSTICE REINHARDT, KELLY AND TYRAN REINHARDT, LINDA EICHELBERGER, MONIKA DOXTATER, ROBERT RUSSELL, KAREN LEIS, MEGAN OSTENDORF, AND EMILY DALUZ.

BACK ROW, L-R: JORY KIMPTON, ARLENE RHOADES, KATHERINE RHOADES, ANN MCILHARGIE, PAUL WILLMAN, UNA WIRKEBAN, ERIN KEHOE, AAREN MACKENZIE, RON PEARMAN, MICKY LEIS, SAZIL HERRERA-MOODY, TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM RESUMES... EMALYN ADAD, AND PATTY HILL. (Continued from page 16) It sounds cliché, but the WALKERS NOT PICTURED: production in 2010. As a result, she has been of- opportunity really did change BRUCE, TINA AND fered yet another fi lm-related internship due to start ISAAC LALONDE; in the fall in Los Angeles. my life for the better. I have MIA FOSTER, In the meantime, Lyon says she gets a lot of SYDNEY CAIN, satisfaction from being an onboard supervisor. She become a better person. DAVE AND DEANNA starts each morning briefi ng the tour guides, includ- 2ND YEAR TOUR GUIDE JOHN MOBLEY BLAZEJEWSKI, ing tips on specifi c topics of concern or safety. She AND ANNA SALAZAR. coordinates the boarding process, provides support to dining and catering activities, and serves as a Denali Star and Glacier Discovery). In Fairbanks two (PHOTO BY point-of-contact for emergencies. Having been a supervisors narrate and take care of passengers on STEPHENIE WHEELER) guide, Lyon is in tune with her charges, quickly the southbound Denali Star. spotting trouble areas and anticipating their instruc- “In a perfect world, we’d like to see the program tional needs. expand again to include one guide per railcar and Lyon, Mobley and Quinlin are part of a scaled to bring back the tour guides in Fairbanks,” said down Tour Guide Program. At its peak a few years Remley. ago, the railroad hired nearly two dozen tour guides Until then, the summer of 2011 is likely to each summer. Th is summer, 14 guides and six su- change at least 14 young lives — undoubtedly for pervisors man the three passenger trains that depart the better. daily from Anchorage (Coastal Classic, northbound WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD EMPLOYEES ROCK ANCHORAGE OPEN HOUSE 18 1 2 3 2ND QTR 2011

1 FAIRBANKS EMPLOYEE DAWN ALBRIGHT HELPED WITH THE KIDS TATTOO TABLE IN ANCHORAGE.

2 STEVE “CHUCK” CHAPMAN WAVES FROM THE LOCOMOTIVE PULL- ING THE FREE RIDE PASSENGER TRAIN [TT].

3 MIKE GRUNWALD FILLS BALLOONS WITH HELIUM. 6 4 KERI MESZAROS COUNTS PASSENGERS WHO BOARD THE FREE RIDE TRAIN. 4 5

5 BARB KALEOPAA VOLUNTEERS TO READ TO CHILDREN AS PART OF THE NEW READING ROOM ACTIVITY.

6 MANY PARENTS BROUGHT VERY YOUNG CHILDREN, INCLUD- ING RAILROADER BLAKE ADOLFAE AND SON.

7 TOUR GUIDE LYNDSAY KILLGORE HELPS PASSEN- GERS ABOARD THE FREE RIDE TRAIN [TT]. 7 8 8 RAILROADER SPOUSE DEANNA BLAZEJEWSKI, READS TO YOUNGSTERS IN THE READING ROOM ACTIVITY ABOARD THE DMU.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER AND TIM THOMPSON [TT]) WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD EMPLOYEES ROCK FAIRBANKS OPEN HOUSE 1 2 3 19 2ND QTR 2011

1 BEN KAMMER HELPS FASTEN A RAILROAD LOGO LAPEL PIN.

2 RAILROAD RETIREE AND 50-YEAR VETERAN STEVE LOVE GETS A LOGO TATTOO FROM ALASKA RAILROAD FAMILY MEMBER 5 STEPHANIE STACEY.

6 3 STEVE STACEY MANS THE OPERATION LIFE- 4 SAVER BOOTH.

4 MANY OPEN HOUSE ATTENDEES REQUESTED PHOTOS WITH CONDUC- TOR BRIAN DIANOSKI.

5 BILL HUPPRICH DIRECTS PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE TRAIN RIDES.

6 GREG WYATT INFLATES BALLOONS WITH HELIUM. 9 7 MILITARY BANDS 8 PROVIDE LIVE MUSIC (ARMY IN FAIRBANKS 7 AND AIR FORCE IN ANCHORAGE).

8 PAT SHAKE, RIGHT, TALKS TO A PASSENGER AFTER A TRAIN RIDE.

9 SEAN MESLOH, LEFT, AND DENNIS BENSEL COVER BALLOON DUTY.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER]) WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD RAILROAD SUPPORTS JAPAN NAVY TOURS Th e Alaska Railroad’s Real Estate Department providing free parking to members of the public moved quickly to support the Port of Anchorage interested in taking the free tours. Hundreds of 20 as it facilitated tours of a Japanese Navy vessel on people took advantage of the opportunity, park- 2ND QTR 2011 June 8. Th e railroad donated use of the parking lot ing at the lot to board one of several motorcoaches across from the Comfort Inn along Whitney Road, headed to the port.

PEOPLE PARK AND LINE UP TO BOARD MOTOR COACHES BOUND FOR THE PORT OF ANCHORAGE TO TOUR A JAPANESE NAVY VESSEL.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES UNITED WAY COMMITTEE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Th e 2011 United Way Campaign will kick off in serving on the committee should contact Cor- in early September. Th e Alaska Railroad has sup- porate Administration Manager Rosezetta Proctor ported United Way railbelt community campaigns at 265-2523. Proctor has headed the United Way for more than half a century and 2011 continues committee as chair or co-chair for a number of years that proud tradition of charitable giving. and she has agreed to do so again this year with the Preliminary plans call for a format similar hopes of identifying a co-chair very soon. to previous years with outreach including lunch “We need energetic, engaging and enthusiastic events, prize drawings for participating employees, Alaska Railroad employees to join our 2011 United and some fun events to engage employees while Way Volunteer Team,” said Proctor. “If you are generating additional funds. Bingo was especially community-minded, compassionate, and have a well-received as a new activity last year, and early sincere desire to make lasting changes in our Alaska plans call for the return of bingo in 2011. Ideas for community then the ARRC 2011 United Way other new events and activities are encouraged. Volunteer Team needs YOU!” An employee-run volunteer committee will Proctor promises volunteering will be rewarding formulate a schedule and pursue all of the logisti- and fulfi lling. “Th is is an employee-run campaign cal, communication and administration functions that is supported by our corporation. Together we associated with the campaign. Employees interested really do make a diff erence.” she added. LANTERN: RAILROAD HISTORY ALL ABOARD BLAST FROM THE PAST: RAILROAD SECURITY Editor’s Note: An article for history buff s! Th e follow- shift. Two agents work as relief and ride trains. ing article was published October 1953 in the North All agents work forty hours per week. Agents at Pacifi c Law Enforcement News newspaper. It off ers Anchorage have a prowl car with a two-way radio 21 2ND QTR 2011 an interesting and historical perspective on the Alaska hookup with the chief’s offi ce, fi re hall, fi re trucks, Railroad’s early security function and the people who and radio laboratory of the railroad. Th e agent at performed it during the federal ownership era. Fairbanks has a prowl car with a two-way radio hookup with the Territorial Police and city police. A Story of the Men Who Guard Agents at Seward will have a prowl car with a radio Uncle Sam’s Alaska Railroad hookup with Seward police and the Territorial Po- lice in the near future. To make one complete patrol Th e Alaska Railroad is one of the most strategic of the Anchorage yards, a prowl car must travel installations anywhere in Uncle Sam’s domain, and nearly 12 miles. as such must be carefully guarded, not only from in- Th e department has some 12,000 fi ngerprints vasion from without, but from possible danger from classifi ed and on fi le in its offi ce. Th e identifi ca- within. Th is vital duty is in the capable hands of tion section is equipped with the most modern and the special agents of the railroad, headed by Chief effi cient equipment. Monthly meetings are held in Special Agent Olin Colip, a veteran of 32 years in the chief’s offi ce with all agents attending. Pistol law enforcement. shooting is a feature, and general duties and other Colip began his noteworthy career as a deputy pertinent subjects are discussed during these meet- sheriff in Madison County, Indiana. Next he was ings. a deputy United States marshal in the same state, Since Uncle Sam owns and operates the Alaska after which he became chief of police at Noblesville, Railroad, which covers a 470-miles stretch, he Indiana. He then was successively a sergeant of got in an early bid on the surplus communication police for the N.K.P. Railroad, guard at the Indiana equipment at the end of World Ward II and a large Special Agent State Reformatory, an Indiana State game warden, share of it went to the railroad for train rolling Staff of the and a sergeant of U.S. Police at Bonneville Power stock and the special agents. It is probably the only Alaska Railroad Administration. railroad operating on which special agents use voice in 1953: Colip was transferred from the latter post to his high frequency radio, and it has paid off in protect- present job, which he has held for 10 years. When ing the $100,000,000 railroad investment and the FRONT ROW, L-R: CYRIL he became chief, the department had three men. endless volume of important freight, most of which A. WITTWER, HARLEY W. Today, it has 12, each with a background of law en- is earmarked for strategic military construction. WILSON, WILLIAM P. forcement work. Th e men and their previous posts In addition to the strategy phase, the agents on SMITH, CHIEF SPECIAL are: Virgil Barkdoll, ex-captain, Anchorage Police patrol are confronted with weather problems. On AGENT OLIN COLIP,

Department Harold Maxwell, ex-corporal, U.S., the north end of the line, at Fairbanks, the winter BYRON HOLLEMBEAK, and ex-chief, Seward, Alaska, Police Department temperature frequently drops to 50 degrees below WALTER DAHL. William Bettis, ex-Oregon State Police Offi cer zero — sometimes to 70 below. An agent whose BACK ROW, L-R: Byron Hollembeak, ex-patrolman, Anchorage Police car breaks down or gets into other diffi culty might VIRGIL BARKDOLL, HAR- Department Walter Dahl, ex-patrolman, Anchor- perish from the elements in a matter of minutes. OLD BRADFORD, HAROLD age Police Department Harold Bradford, ex-pa- Th at is why the agents regard their car radio sets so MAXWELL, ARNOLD trolman, Seward Police Department Arnold Tisch, highly. Th e knowledge that they can push a button TISCH, MARVIN MILLER, ex-military policeman William Smith, ex-U.S. and say a few words, thus establishing an immediate WILLIAM M. BETTIS. commissioner, Kodiak Marvin Miller, ex-patrol- link with help, has a practical eff ect on morale. man, Seward and Anchorage Police Departments Cyril Wittwer, ex-guard, Anchorage Railroad Yards Harley Wilson, ex-identifi cation and classifi cation offi cer, South Chicago, Illinois, who holds the same position with the railroad. Four agents are stationed at Seward, working the dock, checking outbound and inbound trains, and making any other investigations as assigned. One agent is stationed at Fairbanks, working the yards and covering the Fairbanks-Healy division. Six agents are stationed at Anchorage, one handling offi ce duties, classifi cation and identifi cation and fi ngerprinting. Th e other fi ve are assigned to general patrol duties at the yards, one agent on each WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES ALL ABOARD TRAVEL WRITER SHARES SPENCER STORY Editor’s Note: Passenger Sales & Marketing Director ... the journey with the Alaska 22 Susie Kiger forwarded this article written by a well 2ND QTR 2011 known travel writer in Europe. It is based on an actual Railroad was like riding along a hiking experience shared between Kiger, the writer never-ending photo tapestry. Brigitte von Imhof and their mutual friend Tanya. Th e story off ers a customer’s viewpoint on one of the railroad’s more popular rail/tour off erings. Kiger wanted propelled railcar is a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), railroaders to be the fi rst to read this perspective before short and high, with impressive performance sta- it is circulated though von Imhof’s network of travel tistics. It’s 50 percent more fuel-effi cient, emits 72 publication outlets in the near future. percent less pollution and is 75 percent quieter than a traditional locomotive. By Brigitte von Imhof Only few passengers were aboard this early in One of my favorite things is to ride the Alaska the season so there was plenty of room to join my Railroad, especially with family and friends from two companions. First stop was Whittier where Europe. I always board with a sense of pride in be- some disembarked for a day cruise in Prince Wil- ing an owner — along with a big grin. liam Sound. Th en back to the main line where we Several years ago headed into the pristine wilderness of the Kenai my husband Chris Mountains to a place you can only reach by train. von Imhof and I or- How exclusive and extraordinary is that? ganized a Fam tour Our train guides, Matt and Caleb, introduced to Alyeska Resort themselves and told us to watch out for wildlife, in Girdwood for mainly bear and moose. Seconds later we spotted prominent ski racers our fi rst moose. It gave us a grumpy, “don’t-bother and fi lmmakers me” look before it disappeared into the birch forest. from Germany, Aus- Th e Chugach Explorer travels slow enough for you tria and Italy. Alaska to truly appreciate the spectacular scenery — snow- put on its best face capped mountains rising behind light green leaves, for the occasion separated by shimmering glaciers that roll down the with days and days mountainsides like gigantic white waves. of great powder ski- Eventually we arrive at the Spencer Whistle ing and lots of April Stop. Some passengers will continue on to Grand- sun. Our guests had view and back but 10 passengers, including the A U.S. FOREST SERVICE such a gorgeous time that I thought nothing could three of us, get off . Our choices are a guided INTERPRETIVE RANGER top the experience. Was I ever wrong! 2.6-mile hike with a Forest Service Interpretative OFFERS WHISTLE STOP “I have never seen something that beautiful,” Ranger to Spencer Lake where there are benches VISITORS A GUIDED exclaimed world champion racer Gustav Th oeni to rest and enjoy the breathtaking view of Spencer EXPERIENCE. again and again as we rode the Alaska Railroad from Glacier. Or you can choose the more adventurous Girdwood to Seward. For a reserved man who is not route and take a self-guided, 6.2-mile hike to the (PHOTOS COURTESY OF world-famous for expressing his enthusiasm, it was face of Spencer Glacier and back. Th at’s what we SUSIE KIGER) a virtual verbal eruption. Later at home in the Ital- wanted to try out — three girls heading into the ian Alps, this four-time World Cup champion and secluded beautiful wilderness. gold medal winner told his friends the journey with We soon discover we are not alone. Several the Alaska Railroad was like riding along a never- signifi cant piles of black poop indicate bears are ending photo tapestry. nearby. Bears tend to avoid humans if they hear As you have probably concluded, I am a devoted them, which gave us a good reason to talk more and fan of the Alaska Railroad. So I was excited to hear louder than usual. No problem for us ladies, as you about the railroad’s new project in cooperation with might know. the U.S. Forest Service that off ers a unique travel Spencer Glacier is named after Bill Spencer, a and recreational experience. railroad employee who mysteriously disappeared I did not exactly know what to expect while “out there somewhere” in 1914. No, he is not our standing at the Girdwood station awaiting the train. role model! It was punctual, which we German Krauts appreci- Th e trail meanders along Spencer Lake with its ate, but surprising. Around the corner came the milky waters and shimmering blue chunks of ice Chugach Explorer, not one of these multi-car trains and bigger icebergs. Th e blue color, as we learned I am used to seeing along Turnagain Arm. Th is self- (See “Spencer Whistle Stop” on next page) SPENCER WHISTLE STOP ... ALL ABOARD (Continued from page 22) ... snow-capped mountains from the Forest Service interpreter, is the result of rising behind light green leaves, an overtone of an oxygen-hydrogen bond stretch 23 2ND QTR 2011 in water, which absorbs light at the red end of the separated by shimmering visible spectrum, making the short-wave color blue glaciers that roll down the visible. Wildfl owers cover the meadows on the left hand side of the trail. mountainsides like gigantic After the fi fth pile of bear droppings — bears seem also to like a well-maintained gravel trail white waves. — we cannot hide our nervousness. Is he nearby? About three years ago, I was part of an exciting Should we enrich our lively conversation with some rafting tour with Chugach Adventure Guides. We singing or whistling or clapping? Th en, at the end gently fl oated between the icebergs at Spencer Lake of the trail, we spot a big black bear roaming up the before we picked up more speed down the pristine hillside. Placer River. You can also discover Spencer Glacier We have almost three hours until the train in a modern version of Native Alaskan dugout leaves for Portage. Time enough to play on the canoes. Th ese guided programs start in June. glacier, jump over the crevasses and see if the water Back in the train we meet again with the good- is as cold as it looks (yes). Like 99 percent of all humored passengers. Th ey all had a great time. Th e Alaska glaciers, Spencer is retreating and last year it ones who continued on the train to Grandview saw retreated 200 feet. We keep an eye on the bear on three bears. Th e ones who joined the Ranger to the our way back but he was not at all interested in us lake learned a lot about glacial activities and enjoyed as he slowly made his way through the brushes. spectacular scenic views. And three happy girls who Th ere are other ways to experience Spencer Lake stepped over a lot of bear poop this day felt like — but all require a ride on the Alaska Railroad. they had found a treasure.

FAR LEFT: SUSIE KIGER, RIGHT, AND FRIEND TANYA MARVEL AT THE STUNNING VIEW OF SPENCER GLACIER.

LEFT: SUSIE KIGER STUDIES THE SIGN THAT DESCRIBES HIKING OP- TIONS FROM THE SPENCER WHISTLE STOP.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSIE KIGER) PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID AALLLL AABOARDBOARD ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 500 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

Alaska Railroad Corporation P.O. Box 107500 Anchorage, AK 99510-7500 Printed on recycled Member & www.AlaskaRailroad.com paper Suppporter

SECOND QUARTER 2011 GREAT SHOT! PHOTOS ON THE RAIL EMPLOYEE PHOTO SUBMISSIONS ELIGIBLE FOR $200 DRAWING

Something to look forward to?

Facilities Contracts Manager Benjamin Kammer captures this wintery scene as gloomy skies hover over the Anchorage Historic Depot after a recent snowfall in mid-February. Th e photo was taken just prior to Fur Rendezvous festivities that included activities in the depot. Kammer has contributed photos to previous issues of All Aboard and we appreciate his continued interest in documenting interesting shots of railroad infrastructure. Alaska Railroad employees who enjoy photography, or who just get lucky with a great railroad-themed photo, are encouraged to submit their images for inclusion in the All Aboard employee newsletter. We are looking for employees to share their perspective — whether documenting fellow railroaders at work; capturing a stunning scene along the railroad route; or snapping friends, family or customers enjoying a railroad experience. At the end of each calendar year, the All Aboard editor puts the names of all employees who submitted a photo during the year into a “hat” and draws one name to receive $200 in gift certifi cates. To participate, submit your photos to Stephenie Wheeler via company mail or email digital photo fi les to [email protected]. If using a digital camera, be sure the camera setting is on “fi ne” or “high resolution” to ensure photos are suitable for print. If you have questions, contact Wheeler at 265- ANCHORAGE HISTORIC DEPOT ALONG FIRST AVENUE 2671. DURING MID-FEBRUARY 2011.