Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Hurricane Prep: Important Phone Numbers
There are many types of emergencies. But there’s only one source of information on work schedule and reporting time changes, facility openings and closings, and other workplace announcements due to an emergency. To check your work schedule and/or status of your facility in an emergency (including before, during, and after a tropical storm or a hurricane), call the USPS National Employee Emergency Hot Line at 888-363-7462.
ONLY in case of a natural disaster requiring you to leave your home, city, or state, report your
location, physical condition, and contact information to the USPS Emergency Notification Line at 866-666-5349. Please DO NOT call this number for information on your work schedule/facility status.
Deaf/hard-of-hearing employees who are seeking the above workplace information should call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 or the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771. Ask the operator to call the USPS National Employee Emergency Hot Line, and then relay the information to you.)
The EAP: It's There When You Need It
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers assessment referral and counseling for postal employees and their family members. EAP also can help with the challenges employees and their families face in their lives, including:
-- Job and life stress
-- Depression
- Anxiety
-- Marital discord
-- Domestic violence
-- Parenting issues
-- Addictive behavior, including substance abuse
-- Financial concerns
-- Excessive gambling
-- Change and change management
EAP is not just for crisis situations. EAP also can be a management tool for living, designed to help employees and their family members sort through life’s ups and downs. Employees can gain the most benefit from EAP through a proactive approach that addresses issues and concerns before they become problems that can interfere with personal and work life.
Employees also can contact EAP when they need a new or different perspective or when they need help identifying options for making informed choices. Contact EAP at 800-327-4968 (TTY 877-492-7341) or online at http://www.eap4you.com/.
-- Job and life stress
-- Depression
- Anxiety
-- Marital discord
-- Domestic violence
-- Parenting issues
-- Addictive behavior, including substance abuse
-- Financial concerns
-- Excessive gambling
-- Change and change management
EAP is not just for crisis situations. EAP also can be a management tool for living, designed to help employees and their family members sort through life’s ups and downs. Employees can gain the most benefit from EAP through a proactive approach that addresses issues and concerns before they become problems that can interfere with personal and work life.
Employees also can contact EAP when they need a new or different perspective or when they need help identifying options for making informed choices. Contact EAP at 800-327-4968 (TTY 877-492-7341) or online at http://www.eap4you.com/.
Hurricane Prep: Portable Generator Safety
If you own a portable generator, compliance with equipment operating procedures is critical to the safety and well being of your family. Non-compliance with safety regulations and operating guidelines could result in the carbon monoxide poisoning of loved ones and extensive fire damage to your home.
Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with generator safety tips so that they’re knowledgeable and are well prepared for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season:
-- Always operate a generator in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
-- To avoid being electrocuted, use heavy duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate to plug individual appliances into your generator. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating allows.
-- Never connect a generator to a wall outlet or to the electrical system in your home since that can cause damage to your equipment and can be a life-threatening danger to your family, neighbors, and repair crews.
-- Always operate your generator outdoors on a level surface in a well-ventilated, dry area away from air intakes to your home. Your generator needs an unlimited supply of fresh air for proper cooling during operation so ensure that it has a minimum of three to four feet of spacing on all sides, including the top. An open door or window will allow dangerous exhaust fumes to enter your home. Since combustion engines create carbon monoxide, which can be lethal, good ventilation is critical.
-- Be sure to have adequate fuel for your generator and manage consumption by running for only a few hours at a time. Never add fuel to your generator when it is running, and always store additional fuel in approved gasoline containers.
-- If connecting a generator into your home wiring is necessary on a temporary basis, a transfer switch must be installed by a licensed electrician. A transfer switch permits the transfer of the load from the utility company power source that normally supplies power over to the portable generator. A transfer switch will isolate the circuits supplied by the generator. This transfer switch will prevent “backfeeding,”a term that refers to the inadvertent energizing of circuits in both systems. Backfeeding most commonly occurs when a generator is connected directly to the electrical panel or circuit in a home. Feeding power into the utility system during an outage will energize the transformer. This could pose a serious threat to the power line and to the service crews who are unknowingly working with an energized line as they attempt to restore power to your home and your neighborhood.
Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with generator safety tips so that they’re knowledgeable and are well prepared for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season:
-- Always operate a generator in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
-- To avoid being electrocuted, use heavy duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate to plug individual appliances into your generator. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating allows.
-- Never connect a generator to a wall outlet or to the electrical system in your home since that can cause damage to your equipment and can be a life-threatening danger to your family, neighbors, and repair crews.
-- Always operate your generator outdoors on a level surface in a well-ventilated, dry area away from air intakes to your home. Your generator needs an unlimited supply of fresh air for proper cooling during operation so ensure that it has a minimum of three to four feet of spacing on all sides, including the top. An open door or window will allow dangerous exhaust fumes to enter your home. Since combustion engines create carbon monoxide, which can be lethal, good ventilation is critical.
-- Be sure to have adequate fuel for your generator and manage consumption by running for only a few hours at a time. Never add fuel to your generator when it is running, and always store additional fuel in approved gasoline containers.
-- If connecting a generator into your home wiring is necessary on a temporary basis, a transfer switch must be installed by a licensed electrician. A transfer switch permits the transfer of the load from the utility company power source that normally supplies power over to the portable generator. A transfer switch will isolate the circuits supplied by the generator. This transfer switch will prevent “backfeeding,”a term that refers to the inadvertent energizing of circuits in both systems. Backfeeding most commonly occurs when a generator is connected directly to the electrical panel or circuit in a home. Feeding power into the utility system during an outage will energize the transformer. This could pose a serious threat to the power line and to the service crews who are unknowingly working with an energized line as they attempt to restore power to your home and your neighborhood.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
EDDM Seminars Still Growing the Business
The South Florida District is offering FREE seminars to help small businesses save money on their mailings. It’s part of a “Grow Your Business Days” initiative promoting Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) in South Florida and across the nation.EDDM lets a business market to every address in the neighborhoods near the business without the need for names or street addresses. The business saves the cost of renting a mailing list and does not require a postage permit to mail. That means no annual fee! Just bring mail bundles to the Post Office that services the area you want to reach, and letter carriers will deliver these mailpieces during regular delivery. And the postage is only 14.2 cents per piece!
Nearly any business can take advantage of EDDM’s marketing power, according to Grow Your Business Days Coordinator Lillian Castro. Retailers include auto dealers, restaurants and pizzerias, pharmacies, clothing stores, furniture dealers, flower shops, coffee shops, and bakeries would benefit. Not to mention service-based businesses such as attorneys, health care professionals, dry cleaners, home improvement companies, and real estate firms.
EDDM Requirements: Mail must be dropped at the Post Office that services the carrier routes being targeted, 5,000 maximum mailpieces per mailer per day, per-piece weight up to 3.3 ounces, Standard Mail flats only.
The South Florida District has partnered with UPS Stores at these power breakfast meetings from 8 am to 9 am:
Wednesday, June 1: IKON Office, 490 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway in Sunrise
Thursday, June 2: Konica Minolta Office, 8100 Oak Lane in Miami Lakes
If you know a business that would be interested, registration for a FREE “Every Door Direct Mail” seminar is at usps.com/growyourbusinessdays. Are you a postal employee who also is a small business owner? You're invited to attend as an off-the-clock event. You also will need to register to reserve a seat. If you have any questions, please contact Lillian Castro at 954-436-4417.
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 22-28.
Hurricanes are powerful storms that can create severe flooding, dangerous storm surges, high winds, and tornadoes. The effects of these storms can be devastating to entire communities and can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of life and property. History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. It’s important to be familiar with the following terminology:
A hurricane watch issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
A hurricane warning issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
During Hurricane Preparedness Week, it is important that we prepare an Emergency Action Plan, create an Emergency Supply Kit, and learn evacuation routes. More information on hurricane hazards, including details on how to secure buildings and belongings, is available at www.hurricanes.gov/prepare and http://www.ready.gov/. Weekly Hurricane Preparedness Newsbreaks will continue to be issued … Stay tuned throughout the season.
Hurricanes are powerful storms that can create severe flooding, dangerous storm surges, high winds, and tornadoes. The effects of these storms can be devastating to entire communities and can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of life and property. History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. It’s important to be familiar with the following terminology:
A hurricane watch issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
A hurricane warning issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
During Hurricane Preparedness Week, it is important that we prepare an Emergency Action Plan, create an Emergency Supply Kit, and learn evacuation routes. More information on hurricane hazards, including details on how to secure buildings and belongings, is available at www.hurricanes.gov/prepare and http://www.ready.gov/. Weekly Hurricane Preparedness Newsbreaks will continue to be issued … Stay tuned throughout the season.
Long-Term Care Webinars Set June 14-15
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is conducting an open season for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) that ends June 24, 2011.To help employees understand the program and benefits, OPM has scheduled a series of voluntary, off-the-clock webinars. The next webinar will be June 14 at 3 pm EDT and June 15 at 1 pm EDT. To register, visit this website: https://www.ltcfeds.com/webinar/index.html.
During the webinars, a FLTCIP expert will discuss the importance of planning for potential long-term care needs, review FLTCIP benefits options, review the open season application and the enrollment process, including costs, and answer questions.
All webinar registrants will receive an email with sample rate quotes.
Long-term care provides assistance for those unable to perform on their own normal daily activities such as bathing or dressing. However, expensive long-term care is generally not covered by Medicare or other federal health care programs.
FLTCIP — underwritten by the John Hancock Life and Health Insurance Company under a contract with OPM — can protect those who are covered from the high costs of long-term care whether they live at home, in an assisted care facility, or in a nursing home. For more information about FLTCIP, visit http://www.ltcfeds.com/ or call 800-LTC-FEDS (800-582-3337). The TTY number is 800-843-3557.
FLTCIP is the only long-term care insurance program offered by the OPM.
Burger Giant Cannot Have It Their Way
Last year, Burger King launched an ad campaign that included television commercials featuring a “letter carrier” singing about breakfast at Burger King rather than delivering the mail. The Postal Service objected to the commercial, resulting in a negotiated settlement favorable to both sides.
The commercials promoted a new line of Burger King food items, including its new breakfast platter. The letter carrier in the commercials — wearing a uniform that closely resembled official USPS attire — sang, “With pancakes and eggs on my plate, the mail has to wait” to customers on his route.
The Postal Service requested the fast food company immediately stop airing the commercials. The Postal Service, represented by its Law Department, argued the letter carrier was portrayed in a less than favorable light. The Postal Service also alleged that its trademarked and copyrighted Sonic Eagle logo and its letter carrier uniform — which also is registered and trademarked — were used without permission.
Burger King denied it had acted inappropriately. Negotiations resulted in a settlement that includes a license agreement allowing Burger King to use a uniform that resembles those worn by letter carriers. Burger King also agreed to broadcast a revised commercial, featuring a fictitious “delivery person” — portrayed in a more positive manner and dressed in a uniform that resembles a letter carrier uniform without the eagle logo.
The Intellectual Property Section of the Law Department and the Manager of Public Affairs work together to enforce the Postal Service’s intellectual property rights. Postal employees should protect the USPS brand and its trademarks by properly using trademarks.
The Postal Service encourages employees to contact the Law Department and Thad Dilley, Manager, Public Affairs, if they see the eagle logo, the letter carrier uniform or any other USPS trademark used in an advertisement and if they suspect that the advertisers do not have a license to use USPS trademarks in the ad.
The commercials promoted a new line of Burger King food items, including its new breakfast platter. The letter carrier in the commercials — wearing a uniform that closely resembled official USPS attire — sang, “With pancakes and eggs on my plate, the mail has to wait” to customers on his route.
The Postal Service requested the fast food company immediately stop airing the commercials. The Postal Service, represented by its Law Department, argued the letter carrier was portrayed in a less than favorable light. The Postal Service also alleged that its trademarked and copyrighted Sonic Eagle logo and its letter carrier uniform — which also is registered and trademarked — were used without permission.
Burger King denied it had acted inappropriately. Negotiations resulted in a settlement that includes a license agreement allowing Burger King to use a uniform that resembles those worn by letter carriers. Burger King also agreed to broadcast a revised commercial, featuring a fictitious “delivery person” — portrayed in a more positive manner and dressed in a uniform that resembles a letter carrier uniform without the eagle logo.
The Intellectual Property Section of the Law Department and the Manager of Public Affairs work together to enforce the Postal Service’s intellectual property rights. Postal employees should protect the USPS brand and its trademarks by properly using trademarks.
The Postal Service encourages employees to contact the Law Department and Thad Dilley, Manager, Public Affairs, if they see the eagle logo, the letter carrier uniform or any other USPS trademark used in an advertisement and if they suspect that the advertisers do not have a license to use USPS trademarks in the ad.
Exigent Rate Case to Get a Second Look
The U.S. Court of Appeals has remanded the exigent rate case to the Postal Regulatory Commission for a second look.
Here's the background:
On September 30, 2010, the Postal Regulatory Commission denied the Postal Service’s exigent rate case price request.
The Postal Service then filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The petition sought a review of the PRC’s interpretation of the law that governs how prices can be set under extraordinary and exceptional circumstances. The Postal Service’s position was that the PRC misread the statute and applied an incorrect standard in evaluating the request for an exigent price increase. The Postal Service asked the Court of Appeals to confirm its right to pursue the exigent price increase as originally requested of the PRC.
The “incorrect standard" argument from the Postal Service refers to when the PRC misinterpreted language and imposed at least three different requirements on the Postal Service to obtain the exigent price adjustment, none of which were written in the statute.
Here's the background:
On September 30, 2010, the Postal Regulatory Commission denied the Postal Service’s exigent rate case price request.
The Postal Service then filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The petition sought a review of the PRC’s interpretation of the law that governs how prices can be set under extraordinary and exceptional circumstances. The Postal Service’s position was that the PRC misread the statute and applied an incorrect standard in evaluating the request for an exigent price increase. The Postal Service asked the Court of Appeals to confirm its right to pursue the exigent price increase as originally requested of the PRC.
The “incorrect standard" argument from the Postal Service refers to when the PRC misinterpreted language and imposed at least three different requirements on the Postal Service to obtain the exigent price adjustment, none of which were written in the statute.
Loxahatchee Carrier Richards to the Rescue
Loxahatchee Rural Letter Carrier Cliff Richards Photo: Edith B. Roundtree
Loxahatchee Rural Letter Carrier Cliff Richards is credited not only with saving the life of his customer, but in providing information that led to the arrest of thieves who had broken into the customer’s home.
Richards, who has delivered the same route for 26 years, was on his appointed rounds when he found Customer Bruce Arentz on the ground in front of his house.
Arentz had returned from the store and surprised four thieves inside his home. Two attacked Arentz, knocking him to the ground and kicking him in the head. Arentz was able to dial 9-1-1 before a burglar ripped the cell phone from his hand. The burglars sped out of the driveway, nearly broadsiding Richards’ LLV as he pulled up to the mailbox.
“Bruce’s son yelled out the front door ‘that car, that car’ so I quickly figured out what he meant and got a description of the vehicle,” Richards said. “I tried to get the license tag number, but couldn’t. I had noted the direction that the getaway vehicle had fled.”
Palm Beach Sheriff Deputies arrived, and thanks to information provided by Richards, the four thieves were caught and arrested. Arentz went to the hospital, but upon his release, said that he was confident that stolen property recovered would be returned to him, as well as to neighbors whose homes also had been burglarized that day.
“Thanks to Cliff’s quick and decisive actions, a burglary ring has been stopped dead in its tracks,” Arentz said. “I can’t offer enough thanks to express my gratitude, and that of untold others, who were victimized by these thugs. The spirit of service to the community instilled and fostered by postal employees lives strong in Loxahatchee!”
Richards, who has delivered the same route for 26 years, was on his appointed rounds when he found Customer Bruce Arentz on the ground in front of his house.
Arentz had returned from the store and surprised four thieves inside his home. Two attacked Arentz, knocking him to the ground and kicking him in the head. Arentz was able to dial 9-1-1 before a burglar ripped the cell phone from his hand. The burglars sped out of the driveway, nearly broadsiding Richards’ LLV as he pulled up to the mailbox.
“Bruce’s son yelled out the front door ‘that car, that car’ so I quickly figured out what he meant and got a description of the vehicle,” Richards said. “I tried to get the license tag number, but couldn’t. I had noted the direction that the getaway vehicle had fled.”
Palm Beach Sheriff Deputies arrived, and thanks to information provided by Richards, the four thieves were caught and arrested. Arentz went to the hospital, but upon his release, said that he was confident that stolen property recovered would be returned to him, as well as to neighbors whose homes also had been burglarized that day.
“Thanks to Cliff’s quick and decisive actions, a burglary ring has been stopped dead in its tracks,” Arentz said. “I can’t offer enough thanks to express my gratitude, and that of untold others, who were victimized by these thugs. The spirit of service to the community instilled and fostered by postal employees lives strong in Loxahatchee!”
24/7 Access to Our Products and Services
The “electronic Post Office” — providing access to postal products and services when and where they’re needed — is available 24/7.What does that mean? A customer who needs stamps, but doesn’t want to leave the house, can go to usps.com/shop. If customers need to send a package, but can’t leave the office, they can go to usps.com/shipping. And if they need to track a package or find a ZIP Code while on the go, they can use the Postal Service’s mobile applications.
The Postal Service launched its first mobile application for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices in December 2009. Using this application, customers can find Post Offices, look up ZIP Codes, calculate postage prices, and track packages. Since its launch, more than 966,000 customers have downloaded the app, and 50,000 use it at least once a week. And the application has consistently been listed as one of the top 10 free business apps on the Apple iTunes App Store.
Last March, the Postal Service launched a mobile application for Android devices. To date, more than 30,000 customers have downloaded the application, which has been listed among the top 25 free business applications in the Android Marketplace.
Nearly one and a half million customers each day go online to usps.com or on the postal smartphone applications. They can receive an online discount for postage and free Delivery Confirmation service on Priority Mail and Express Mail packages when using Click-N-Ship — a quick and easy way for them to print mailing labels with postage using a desktop computer at home or the office.
And when the package is ready to be shipped, customers can schedule free package pickup from their home or office at usps.com/pickup.
Stamp sales account for about 85 percent of all postal retail transactions. Stamps can be purchased at 100,000 locations around the nation, including ATMs and grocery stores, as well as online at usps.com/shop.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Boot Camp Trio Drill "Every Door Direct Mail"
Hollywood Postmaster Scott Bower, Business Solutions Specialist Maria Artiz, and Grow Your Business Days Coordinator Lillian Castro drilled "Every Door Direct Mail" at Business Boot Camp.Boot Camp, originally coined as a term for basic training in the Armed Services, has evolved to meet many different categories. During National Small Business Week, 52 South Florida business owners attended their own version of Boot Camp at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood.
Their mission? To learn all that they could be at the “Small Business Conference and Boot Camp for Business” educational and networking sessions. With more than 20 professionals facilitating different topics, participants firsthand learned more about entrepreneurships and cost-saving tips to promote the success of their business. Hollywood Postmaster Scott Bower Grow Your Business Days Coordinator Lillian Castro, and Business Solutions Specialist Maria Artiz were stationed at the “Every Door Direct Mail” unit, by far the most popular exercise at Boot Camp. Together this team drilled the benefits of EDDM.
EDDM lets a business market to every address in the neighborhoods near the business without the need for names or street addresses. The business saves the cost of renting a mailing list and does not require a postage permit to mail. That means no annual fee! Just bring mail bundles to the Post Office that services the area you want to reach, and letter carriers will deliver these mailpieces during regular delivery. And the postage is only 14.2 cents per piece!
Their mission? To learn all that they could be at the “Small Business Conference and Boot Camp for Business” educational and networking sessions. With more than 20 professionals facilitating different topics, participants firsthand learned more about entrepreneurships and cost-saving tips to promote the success of their business. Hollywood Postmaster Scott Bower Grow Your Business Days Coordinator Lillian Castro, and Business Solutions Specialist Maria Artiz were stationed at the “Every Door Direct Mail” unit, by far the most popular exercise at Boot Camp. Together this team drilled the benefits of EDDM.
EDDM lets a business market to every address in the neighborhoods near the business without the need for names or street addresses. The business saves the cost of renting a mailing list and does not require a postage permit to mail. That means no annual fee! Just bring mail bundles to the Post Office that services the area you want to reach, and letter carriers will deliver these mailpieces during regular delivery. And the postage is only 14.2 cents per piece!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
How to Recognize Suspicious Mail
While the chances of encountering suspicious mail are very low, employees who identify a suspicious item should follow procedures and remember the Three Ps:
Package — Don’t handle the package. Isolate it.
People — Clear the area of people. Notify your supervisor.
Plan — Contact Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (option 2) and, if smoke or vapors are present, call 911. Follow your emergency plan.
Employees should use Poster 84 as a guide in recognizing the characteristics of suspicious mail, including its shape, look, addressing and packaging.
Shape — Is it lopsided or uneven? Is it rigid or bulky?
Look — Are there oily stains, discolorations, or crystals on the wrapper? Does it have a strange
odor?
Address — Is there a return address? Are there restrictive markings? Are there misspelled words? Is it addressed to a title rather than to an individual? Is it an incorrect title? Is it poorly typed or written?
Packaging — Is it sealed with tape? Is there excessive tape? Is there excessive postage?
Celebrating Career Milestones in June
40 YEARS: Charlie C. Anderson, Homestead Post Office; H.B. Hamilton, Jr., Boca Rio Branch
35 YEARS: James A. Campbell, Clewiston Post Office; Gary A. Herron, Stuart Post Office; John C. Merritt III, West Palm Beach P&DC; Gregory T. Murphy, Boca Raton Post Office; Clyde W. Pang, West Palm Beach P&DC; Joseph A. Ruggiero, Palms West Branch; Anita L. Sciolino, Hallandale Post Office; Thomas W. Siedel, Jr., Jensen Beach Post Office; Bernard P. Soja, West Palm Beach P&DC; Althea P. West, Little River Station
30 YEARS: Michael R. Brisebois, Miramar Branch; Nelson Carmona, Blue Lagoon Branch; Sharon M. Davis, West Palm Beach P&DC; Silvio R. Delsol , Hialeah Main Office; Stephen B. Johnson, South Florida L&DC; Robert L. Johnson, Jr., South Florida L&DC; Deborah W. Llamas, North Miami Beach Branch; Rosemary E. Mansfield, South Florida District – West Palm Beach; Yvonne D. McCormick, Hollywood Hills Station; James Newkirk, County Line Annex; David P. Penegor, Boynton Downtown Branch; Kevin R. Phillips, Miami P&DC; Sheryl H. Riley, Key Largo Post Office; Howard E. Stewart, West Palm Beach P&DC; Myron G. Thompson, Lake Worth Main Office Station; Donna J. Thurman, Tropical Reef Station; Francisco G. Vinas, Miami P&DC; John L. Zeigler, Jr., South Florida District – Miami
25 YEARS: Mary F. Ayers, West Palm Beach P&DC; Felix Baquerizo, Palms Central Carrier Annex; Alberto Beltran, South Miami Branch; Cintya M. Besu, Miami Post Office; Kelvin E. Brooks, Kendall Branch; Carlos H. Charria, Miami P&DC; Maureen V. Ciarnelli, Melrose Vista Branch; McVicker M. Coleman III, South Florida District – Miami; Richard D. Colgan, Miramar Branch; Conni C. Cully, North Ridge Annex; Sharon L. Daniel, North Miami Branch; Julio A. Diez, Hialeah Carrier Annex; Lisa S. Farlow, West Palm Beach Main Office; Norma T. Figueroa-Otero, Margate Branch; Evelio M. Gonzalez, Miami Beach Main Office; Irvin Gordon, Miami ISC; Glenn A. Green, Little River Station; Christopher J. Hartin, West Branch; Joseph B. Hawk, Wellington Carrier Annex; Barry D. Henry, Miami ISC; William J. Kelly, Orange Avenue Station; Jose Lages, Port St. Lucie Branch; Douglas E. Lai , Hollywood Main Office; Richard A. Lanuez, Miami VMF; Cynthia Legrant, Normandy Station; Francisco J. Lopez, City Place Station; Richard Mack, Jr., Hialeah Main Office; Cynthia L. Marschall, Wellington Carrier Annex; Luisa A. Mata, Norland Branch; Duen F. McClean, Quail Heights Branch; William L. McKnight, Norland Branch; David Mercado, Coral Gables Branch; Steven L. Miragliotta, Miami P&DC; Daphne M. Mulkey, Miami ISC; Marilyn M. Ray, Carol City Branch; Jorge L. Rivero, Miami VMF; Cynthia L. Roberts, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch; Raysa M. Rojas, Miami Post Office; Sharon V. Sam, Surfside Branch; Miguel A. Sanabria, Miami P&DC; Marc L. Seidman, West Boca Carrier Annex; Oscar Sosa, South Florida L&DC; Michael D. Steinberg, South Florida P&DC; Michelle A. Szollosi, Palmetto Carrier Annex; Jose R. Tineo, Central Carrier Annex; Pedro E. Torres, Miami ISC; Lisa A. Trotter, South Florida District - Fort Lauderdale
35 YEARS: James A. Campbell, Clewiston Post Office; Gary A. Herron, Stuart Post Office; John C. Merritt III, West Palm Beach P&DC; Gregory T. Murphy, Boca Raton Post Office; Clyde W. Pang, West Palm Beach P&DC; Joseph A. Ruggiero, Palms West Branch; Anita L. Sciolino, Hallandale Post Office; Thomas W. Siedel, Jr., Jensen Beach Post Office; Bernard P. Soja, West Palm Beach P&DC; Althea P. West, Little River Station
30 YEARS: Michael R. Brisebois, Miramar Branch; Nelson Carmona, Blue Lagoon Branch; Sharon M. Davis, West Palm Beach P&DC; Silvio R. Delsol , Hialeah Main Office; Stephen B. Johnson, South Florida L&DC; Robert L. Johnson, Jr., South Florida L&DC; Deborah W. Llamas, North Miami Beach Branch; Rosemary E. Mansfield, South Florida District – West Palm Beach; Yvonne D. McCormick, Hollywood Hills Station; James Newkirk, County Line Annex; David P. Penegor, Boynton Downtown Branch; Kevin R. Phillips, Miami P&DC; Sheryl H. Riley, Key Largo Post Office; Howard E. Stewart, West Palm Beach P&DC; Myron G. Thompson, Lake Worth Main Office Station; Donna J. Thurman, Tropical Reef Station; Francisco G. Vinas, Miami P&DC; John L. Zeigler, Jr., South Florida District – Miami
25 YEARS: Mary F. Ayers, West Palm Beach P&DC; Felix Baquerizo, Palms Central Carrier Annex; Alberto Beltran, South Miami Branch; Cintya M. Besu, Miami Post Office; Kelvin E. Brooks, Kendall Branch; Carlos H. Charria, Miami P&DC; Maureen V. Ciarnelli, Melrose Vista Branch; McVicker M. Coleman III, South Florida District – Miami; Richard D. Colgan, Miramar Branch; Conni C. Cully, North Ridge Annex; Sharon L. Daniel, North Miami Branch; Julio A. Diez, Hialeah Carrier Annex; Lisa S. Farlow, West Palm Beach Main Office; Norma T. Figueroa-Otero, Margate Branch; Evelio M. Gonzalez, Miami Beach Main Office; Irvin Gordon, Miami ISC; Glenn A. Green, Little River Station; Christopher J. Hartin, West Branch; Joseph B. Hawk, Wellington Carrier Annex; Barry D. Henry, Miami ISC; William J. Kelly, Orange Avenue Station; Jose Lages, Port St. Lucie Branch; Douglas E. Lai , Hollywood Main Office; Richard A. Lanuez, Miami VMF; Cynthia Legrant, Normandy Station; Francisco J. Lopez, City Place Station; Richard Mack, Jr., Hialeah Main Office; Cynthia L. Marschall, Wellington Carrier Annex; Luisa A. Mata, Norland Branch; Duen F. McClean, Quail Heights Branch; William L. McKnight, Norland Branch; David Mercado, Coral Gables Branch; Steven L. Miragliotta, Miami P&DC; Daphne M. Mulkey, Miami ISC; Marilyn M. Ray, Carol City Branch; Jorge L. Rivero, Miami VMF; Cynthia L. Roberts, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch; Raysa M. Rojas, Miami Post Office; Sharon V. Sam, Surfside Branch; Miguel A. Sanabria, Miami P&DC; Marc L. Seidman, West Boca Carrier Annex; Oscar Sosa, South Florida L&DC; Michael D. Steinberg, South Florida P&DC; Michelle A. Szollosi, Palmetto Carrier Annex; Jose R. Tineo, Central Carrier Annex; Pedro E. Torres, Miami ISC; Lisa A. Trotter, South Florida District - Fort Lauderdale
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Key Largo Rural Carriers Deliver
Bonnie Luikhart takes a break from unloading the LLV to strike a pose for the camera. 
Letter Carrier Cindy Smith unloads canned goods collected on her route. 
Lori Johnson collects hampers full of canned goods in back of the Key Largo Post Office.
Kim Sikora (left) and Susan Anderson (right) count the flat tubs full of canned goods donated from Key Largo residents.
Mary Mendez is pleased with the generosity of customers who donated to the "Stamp Out Hunger" effort.
Susan Anderson unloads one of many flat tubs filled with non-perishable items. 
Cindy Smith (left) and Pastor Kerry Foote (right) unload bags of canned goods to a pair of helping hands. 
Pastor Kerry Foote (left) and Burton Memorial Methodist Church food bank helpers Cindy Smith, Kim Hamilton, Susan Anderson, Lori Johnson, Maureen Dodge, Genaro Urtchero, Lisa Weber, Bonnie Luikhart, and "grandchildren helpers" Lori, Jordan, and Kayla. Editor's Note: Great job, Key Largo! Special thanks to Photographer Cindy Smith for sharing these pictures of a very successful "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive.
EDDM Opens Door to Sales Opportunities
Take a trip down "Simplified Way." The South Florida District is offering free seminars to help small businesses save money on their mailings. It’s part of a “Grow Your Business Days” initiative promoting Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) in South Florida and across the nation.EDDM lets a business market to every address in the neighborhoods near the business without the need for names or street addresses. The business saves the cost of renting a mailing list and does not require a postage permit to mail. That means no annual fee! Just bring mail bundles to the Post Office that services the area you want to reach, and letter carriers will deliver these mailpieces during regular delivery. And the postage is only 14.2 cents per piece!
Nearly any business can take advantage of EDDM’s marketing power, according to Grow Your Business Days Coordinator Lillian Castro. Retailers include auto dealers, restaurants and pizzerias, pharmacies, clothing stores, furniture dealers, flower shops, coffee shops, and bakeries would benefit. Not to mention service-based businesses such as attorneys, health care professionals, dry cleaners, home improvement companies, and real estate firms.
EDDM Requirements: Mail must be dropped at the Post Office that services the carrier routes being targeted, 5,000 maximum mailpieces per mailer per day, per-piece weight up to 3.3 ounces, Standard Mail flats only.
If you know a business that would be interested, registration for a free “Every Door Direct Mail” seminar (below) is at usps.com/growyourbusinessdays. Are you a small business owner? Employees are invited to attend, but their participation must be off the clock. An employee also must register to reserve a seat. If you have any questions, please contact Lillian Castro at 954-436-4417.
"Stamping Out Hunger" in Miramar
Live from the Miramar Post Office! NALC Branch 1071 Vice President/Food Drive Coordinator Laurie Miale promotes the "Stamp Out Hunger" effort for WPLG's Saturday morning news broadcast. 
NALC Branch 1071 Shop Steward/Letter Carrier Michael Brisebois tells WPLG staffers that his customers are very generous with canned food donations. He also says that the food drive is a very rewarding experience.
WPLG videographer records NALC Branch 1071 Shop Steward/Letter Carrier Paul Lehoux arranging canned goods on the dock of the Miramar Post Office.If you'd like your digital photos of the 19th annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive posted on this blog, please send them to debbie.j.fetterly@usps.gov.
Celebrating Career Milestones in May
45 YEARS: Joseph E. Director, Boca Rio Branch
40 YEARS: Isaac Ford, Jr., Little River Station; Charles Harris, Opa-locka Post Office; Richard E. Kalchuk, Pembroke Pines Branch; Michael R. Ranta, Lake Worth Main Office Station
35 YEARS: Hugh A. Chance, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Manuel V. Ferrer, Opa-locka Post Office; Marcel Jeanty, South Florida L&DC; Alan Kwoczka, Olympia Heights Branch; Herbert R. Owens, Palm City Carrier Annex; Rafael Rosado, South Florida P&DC
30 YEARS: Andrew Acebal, Country Lakes Branch; Juan A. Aviles, South Miami Branch; Arthur B. Barber, Westside Branch; Richard A. Beaudoin, Delray Beach Post Office; Dorothy R. Berman, North Miami Beach Branch; Alvin L. Breedlove, Norland Branch; Larry A. Brewer, West Palm Beach P&DC; Efrain O. Camacho, South Florida P&DC; Roger A. Chiaravalle, Jr., Boca Downtown Station; Connie D. Davis, Fort Lauderdale Main Office; Diane L. Genneken, Delray Beach Post Office; Daniel F. Granger, Boca Rio Branch; Larry W. Jackson, Quail Heights Branch; Russell S. Johnson, Quail Heights Branch; Billie A. Lymas Johnson, Pompano Beach Main Office; Michael J. McFadden, Olympia Heights Branch; Adela E. Mesa, Miami Gardens Branch; Willie M. Mike, North Miami Beach Branch; Marian M. Moore, West Palm Beach P&DC; Linda S. Nesbitt, West Palm Beach P&DC; Ubaldo Perez, West Palm Beach P&DC; Donald J. Pescitelli, Milam Dairy Branch; Elsya Y. Ravelo, South Florida L&DC; Charles E. Sullivan, North Miami Branch; Coleman E. Taylor, Jr., Norland Branch; Anthony D. Thomas, Lauderhill Crossroads Annex; Joseph Vanghelof , Miami VMF; Marguerite L. Way, Lake Worth Main Office Station
25 YEARS: Vernell M. Arinah, Buena Vista Station; Carolyn M. Ball, Alridge Station; Deborah T. Bonito, Plantation Branch; Charles D. Buchanan, Port St. Lucie Branch; William J. Burns III, Miami Gardens Branch; Keith E. Carr, Melrose Vista Branch; Anthony M. Catania, Plantation Branch; Emma K. Cusack, Alridge Station; Robert Feliciano, Alridge Station; Raymond M. German, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Briggett R. Glinton, Miami GMF Finance Station; Revertha W. Grace, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Larry G. Haynes, Margate Branch; Mary B. Hudson-Fuller, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Thomas J. Kristian, West Palm Beach P&DC; William P. Lloyd, Miami P&DC; Clara L. Lopez, Miami ISC; Carla Y. Mann, Norland Branch; Lashawn R. Manuel, Weston Branch; Thurackal U. Mathew, Pembroke Pines Branch; Glenn R. McCormick, Weston Branch; Mary A. McMillan, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Wilfredo Morales, Sr., St. Lucie West Branch; Elveta V. Newton-Sheppard, Miami P&DC; David A. Parrott, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Candido Perez, South Florida P&DC; Fidel Pino, South Florida District; Kimberly A. Pishko, Woodlands Station; Marilynn Y. Purdy, South Florida L&DC; Juan Rivera, Gratigny Branch; William J. Roach, Jr., West Palm Beach P&DC; John Roddin, Stuart Post Office; Isabel C. Rodriguez-Rosado, Everglades Branch; Agnes T. Roland, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Kimberly Y. Santos, Tropical Reef Station; Linda L. Simmons, Southside Station; Janet F. Spells, Fort Pierce Main Office Station; Michael W. Strenges, Boca Rio Branch; Denise W. Thompson, Miami P&DC; Barrington A. Walters, West Palm Beach P&DC; Lesly A. Warmbrandt, South Florida P&DC; Angela D. Williamson, Palm Beach Gardens Mall; Susan M. Wransky, West Palm Beach P&DC
40 YEARS: Isaac Ford, Jr., Little River Station; Charles Harris, Opa-locka Post Office; Richard E. Kalchuk, Pembroke Pines Branch; Michael R. Ranta, Lake Worth Main Office Station
35 YEARS: Hugh A. Chance, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Manuel V. Ferrer, Opa-locka Post Office; Marcel Jeanty, South Florida L&DC; Alan Kwoczka, Olympia Heights Branch; Herbert R. Owens, Palm City Carrier Annex; Rafael Rosado, South Florida P&DC
30 YEARS: Andrew Acebal, Country Lakes Branch; Juan A. Aviles, South Miami Branch; Arthur B. Barber, Westside Branch; Richard A. Beaudoin, Delray Beach Post Office; Dorothy R. Berman, North Miami Beach Branch; Alvin L. Breedlove, Norland Branch; Larry A. Brewer, West Palm Beach P&DC; Efrain O. Camacho, South Florida P&DC; Roger A. Chiaravalle, Jr., Boca Downtown Station; Connie D. Davis, Fort Lauderdale Main Office; Diane L. Genneken, Delray Beach Post Office; Daniel F. Granger, Boca Rio Branch; Larry W. Jackson, Quail Heights Branch; Russell S. Johnson, Quail Heights Branch; Billie A. Lymas Johnson, Pompano Beach Main Office; Michael J. McFadden, Olympia Heights Branch; Adela E. Mesa, Miami Gardens Branch; Willie M. Mike, North Miami Beach Branch; Marian M. Moore, West Palm Beach P&DC; Linda S. Nesbitt, West Palm Beach P&DC; Ubaldo Perez, West Palm Beach P&DC; Donald J. Pescitelli, Milam Dairy Branch; Elsya Y. Ravelo, South Florida L&DC; Charles E. Sullivan, North Miami Branch; Coleman E. Taylor, Jr., Norland Branch; Anthony D. Thomas, Lauderhill Crossroads Annex; Joseph Vanghelof , Miami VMF; Marguerite L. Way, Lake Worth Main Office Station
25 YEARS: Vernell M. Arinah, Buena Vista Station; Carolyn M. Ball, Alridge Station; Deborah T. Bonito, Plantation Branch; Charles D. Buchanan, Port St. Lucie Branch; William J. Burns III, Miami Gardens Branch; Keith E. Carr, Melrose Vista Branch; Anthony M. Catania, Plantation Branch; Emma K. Cusack, Alridge Station; Robert Feliciano, Alridge Station; Raymond M. German, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Briggett R. Glinton, Miami GMF Finance Station; Revertha W. Grace, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Larry G. Haynes, Margate Branch; Mary B. Hudson-Fuller, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Thomas J. Kristian, West Palm Beach P&DC; William P. Lloyd, Miami P&DC; Clara L. Lopez, Miami ISC; Carla Y. Mann, Norland Branch; Lashawn R. Manuel, Weston Branch; Thurackal U. Mathew, Pembroke Pines Branch; Glenn R. McCormick, Weston Branch; Mary A. McMillan, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Wilfredo Morales, Sr., St. Lucie West Branch; Elveta V. Newton-Sheppard, Miami P&DC; David A. Parrott, Fort Lauderdale P&DC; Candido Perez, South Florida P&DC; Fidel Pino, South Florida District; Kimberly A. Pishko, Woodlands Station; Marilynn Y. Purdy, South Florida L&DC; Juan Rivera, Gratigny Branch; William J. Roach, Jr., West Palm Beach P&DC; John Roddin, Stuart Post Office; Isabel C. Rodriguez-Rosado, Everglades Branch; Agnes T. Roland, Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex; Kimberly Y. Santos, Tropical Reef Station; Linda L. Simmons, Southside Station; Janet F. Spells, Fort Pierce Main Office Station; Michael W. Strenges, Boca Rio Branch; Denise W. Thompson, Miami P&DC; Barrington A. Walters, West Palm Beach P&DC; Lesly A. Warmbrandt, South Florida P&DC; Angela D. Williamson, Palm Beach Gardens Mall; Susan M. Wransky, West Palm Beach P&DC
Dog Bite Prevention Week: May 15-21
Ginger loves everybody (well maybe not the family bird, Gretzky). Ginger stands at full attention when she hears the letter carrier pulling into the driveway. Ginger's owner quickly scoops her up into her arms to let the carrier deliver without incident.Today's news reports are filled with stories of children, adults --- and even other animals --- who have been injured, or even killed, in vicious animal attacks. Every year, the U.S. Postal Service calls attention to, and continues its crusade against, what continues to be one of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: dog attacks and dog bites. “National Dog Bite Prevention Week” is May 15-21 and is an opportunity to emphasize to the public that responsible pet ownership can prevent these disturbing attacks.
How to be a Responsible Pet Owner:
-- Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games, such as wrestling or tug of war. It's essential that your dog recognizes family members as dominant figures whose authority should not be challenged.
-- For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam. Make your pet a member of your family. Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time, frequently turn into biters.
-- Stay on the safe side. Help your dog become accustomed to a variety of situations. If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If you think your dog could panic in a crowd, leave him or her at home. If your dog may overreact to visitors or delivery people, keep your pet in another room.
-- Spay or neuter your dog. Statistics from the Humane Society of the United States reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs.
-- Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games, such as wrestling or tug of war. It's essential that your dog recognizes family members as dominant figures whose authority should not be challenged.
-- For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam. Make your pet a member of your family. Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time, frequently turn into biters.
-- Stay on the safe side. Help your dog become accustomed to a variety of situations. If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If you think your dog could panic in a crowd, leave him or her at home. If your dog may overreact to visitors or delivery people, keep your pet in another room.
-- Spay or neuter your dog. Statistics from the Humane Society of the United States reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs.
U S Postal Service Faces Financial Shortfall Unless Congress Addresses Mandates
Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe told a Senate subcommittee today that despite significant cost cutting and revenue generation, the Postal Service finds itself in dire financial straits. Statutorily mandated payments due to the government at the end of September will not be paid, he said, unless Congress acts to refund overpayments of pension funding or ease the mandate to prefund retiree health benefits.
Testifying before the Federal Financial Management Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the PMG said that the financial condition of the Postal Service is such that in the absence of comprehensive legislation, there are required federal payments that are now in jeopardy. “As things stand, we do not have the cash to make a $5.5 billion prepayment for future retiree health benefits due Sept. 30,” he said.
He also alerted subcommittee members that the cash shortfall could extend to operational expenses. “Despite our significant role in the American economy and our aggressive cost cutting and revenue generating efforts, I regret to say we are in a serious financial predicament today,” he said.
For three years, the Postal Service has been asking Congress to alter the payment schedule of a mandate in a 2006 law that, unlike any other federal agency, requires the Postal Service to prefund retiree health benefits in amounts approximating $5.5 billion. In addition, the Postal Service has asked to gain access to $50 to $75 billion in overpayments it has made to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and a $6.9 billion it has overpaid to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Since inception in 2006, the Postal Service has paid some $20.9 billion into the Retiree Health Benefit Trust Fund. Under current law, the Postal Service is scheduled to continue to make $5.5 to $5.8 billion in payments up to and including 2016.
With the right legislation, however, Donahoe told the subcommittee, the Postal Service can return to profitability and if given flexibility, “the Postal Service can continue to serve the American public very effectively and continue to sustain and propel American commerce.”
The subcommittee chairman, Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), introduced legislation today that addresses the financial issues confronting the Postal Service and, among other things, allows a transition to a five-day delivery schedule, a move that could effect an annual saving of $3.1 billion.
In asking for urgent consideration of legislative action, Donahoe said that although the agency’s financial condition is dire, the Postal Service is nonetheless a strong and a vital part of the economy, but the continued burden of the retiree health benefit prefunding “continues to have a negative impact on our business.”
Testifying before the Federal Financial Management Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the PMG said that the financial condition of the Postal Service is such that in the absence of comprehensive legislation, there are required federal payments that are now in jeopardy. “As things stand, we do not have the cash to make a $5.5 billion prepayment for future retiree health benefits due Sept. 30,” he said.
He also alerted subcommittee members that the cash shortfall could extend to operational expenses. “Despite our significant role in the American economy and our aggressive cost cutting and revenue generating efforts, I regret to say we are in a serious financial predicament today,” he said.
For three years, the Postal Service has been asking Congress to alter the payment schedule of a mandate in a 2006 law that, unlike any other federal agency, requires the Postal Service to prefund retiree health benefits in amounts approximating $5.5 billion. In addition, the Postal Service has asked to gain access to $50 to $75 billion in overpayments it has made to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and a $6.9 billion it has overpaid to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Since inception in 2006, the Postal Service has paid some $20.9 billion into the Retiree Health Benefit Trust Fund. Under current law, the Postal Service is scheduled to continue to make $5.5 to $5.8 billion in payments up to and including 2016.
With the right legislation, however, Donahoe told the subcommittee, the Postal Service can return to profitability and if given flexibility, “the Postal Service can continue to serve the American public very effectively and continue to sustain and propel American commerce.”
The subcommittee chairman, Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), introduced legislation today that addresses the financial issues confronting the Postal Service and, among other things, allows a transition to a five-day delivery schedule, a move that could effect an annual saving of $3.1 billion.
In asking for urgent consideration of legislative action, Donahoe said that although the agency’s financial condition is dire, the Postal Service is nonetheless a strong and a vital part of the economy, but the continued burden of the retiree health benefit prefunding “continues to have a negative impact on our business.”
Miami Drills Emergency Preparedness
The alarm sounded, and employees quickly evacuated the building. 
Postal Inspectors enter the plant to retrieve the BDS cartridge for testing. 
Postal Inspectors exit the building and immediately proceed to the decontamination shower unit. 
Local First Responders assist Postal Inspectors Larry Jacobs (foreground) and Kevin Henry (background). 
(L to R) Postal Inspectors Julio Santiago, Larry Jacobs, and Kevin Henry are trained Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPERs) Specialists.
(L to R) Postal Inspectors Julio Santiago, Larry Jacobs, and Kevin Henry are trained Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPERs) Specialists. The U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and local First Responders participated in an interagency Emergency Preparedness Drill at the Miami P&DC last week.
As with other federal agencies, the Postal Service utilizes the Incident Command System, a structure that defines the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Management Team (EMT). Under the direction of Postal Inspector/Incident Commander Jeffrey Esser, the Miami P&DC EMT, including Plant Manager Rick Suarez and In Plant Support Manager John Howard, ensured the safe evacuation of all employees during the drill. Employees understood being prepared to respond to an emergency, including a simulated biohazard event.
In the wake of biological attacks in 2001, the Postal Service installed Biological Detection Systems (BDS) in cancellation operations at plants to safeguard its employees and the public. The BDS serves as an early warning system for the presence of any dangerous biological material, including anthrax. There have been over seven million tests conducted nationwide --- and not one positive or false positive result.
As Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPERs) Specialists, Postal Inspectors Kevin Henry, Larry Jacobs, and Julio Santiago suited up and entered the Miami P&DC to retrieve a BDS cartridge during the drill.
As with other federal agencies, the Postal Service utilizes the Incident Command System, a structure that defines the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Management Team (EMT). Under the direction of Postal Inspector/Incident Commander Jeffrey Esser, the Miami P&DC EMT, including Plant Manager Rick Suarez and In Plant Support Manager John Howard, ensured the safe evacuation of all employees during the drill. Employees understood being prepared to respond to an emergency, including a simulated biohazard event.
In the wake of biological attacks in 2001, the Postal Service installed Biological Detection Systems (BDS) in cancellation operations at plants to safeguard its employees and the public. The BDS serves as an early warning system for the presence of any dangerous biological material, including anthrax. There have been over seven million tests conducted nationwide --- and not one positive or false positive result.
As Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPERs) Specialists, Postal Inspectors Kevin Henry, Larry Jacobs, and Julio Santiago suited up and entered the Miami P&DC to retrieve a BDS cartridge during the drill.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
USPS Launches Two Space Stamps
Yesterday the Postal Service dedicated two stamps commemorating two historic events — one that occurred a half century ago, and the second that’s making history now.The 50th anniversary of America’s first manned spaceflight and an unmanned spacecraft currently charting planet Mercury were commemorated today on two 44-cent First-Class Forever stamps. The dedication ceremony took place next to a seven-story replica of the rocket Alan Shepard piloted to become America’s first man in space. A second stamp celebrates the MESSENGER Mission spacecraft that is currently orbiting and charting planet Mercury.
“These two historic missions — Shepard’s Mercury flight that took place 50 years ago tomorrow, and MESSENGER’s current orbiting of Mercury — frame a remarkable 50-year span in which America has advanced space exploration through more than 1,500 manned and unmanned flights,” said Stephen Masse, U.S. Postal Service Vice President, Finance and Planning, in dedicating the stamps. “The Postal Service is proud to commemorate these achievements on stamps.”
Hurricane Preparedness: Keeping in Touch
There are many types of emergencies. But there’s only one source of information on work schedule and reporting time changes, facility openings and closings, and other workplace announcements due to an emergency situation. To check your work schedule and/or status of your facility in an emergency situation (including before, during, and after a tropical storm or a hurricane):USPS National Employee Emergency Hotline
888-363-7462
(Deaf/hard-of-hearing employees who are seeking the above workplace information should call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 or the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771. Ask the operator to call the USPS National Employee Emergency Hotline, then relay the information to you.)
Meet Our FEOY Candidates
Public Service Recognition Week is May 1-7, and 17 South Florida employees are vying for “Federal Employee of the Year” award recognition on May 6.
The South Florida Federal Executive Board honors and recognizes outstanding federal employees in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties through its “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards and Recognition Program. The May 6th luncheon will honor all candidates for their exceptional service at their place of employment and/or in their local community. Congratulations and best wishes to these employees in their respective categories:
Administrative
Anthony Alaimo, Data Collection Technician, Fort Lauderdale P&DC
Sherry Scott, Data Collection Technician, Fort Lauderdale P&DC
Law Enforcement
Brian McCarthy, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division
Management
Ed Coppola, Postmaster, Pompano Beach
Teresa Johnson, Supervisor, Customer Service, Opa-locka Post Office
Miami P&DC Green Team
Mike Adams, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Ricardo Amezquita, Manager, Maintenance
Robert Balzan, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Jose Jimenez, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Franco Parodi, Quality of Life Coordinator
Eddy Perez, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Albeo Rosado, Manager, Field Maintenance Operations
Professional
Carroll Burgess, Environmental Compliance/Risk Mitigation Specialist, Southwest Area
Service to the Community
Starr Hunter, Letter Carrier, Palms Central Carrier Annex
Wanda Wynn, Mail Processing Clerk, South Florida P&DC
Technical/IT
Rosanna Schmidt, Information Systems Specialist, South Florida District Office
Valor
Linda George, Letter Carrier, Palm Beach Gardens Branch
The South Florida Federal Executive Board honors and recognizes outstanding federal employees in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties through its “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards and Recognition Program. The May 6th luncheon will honor all candidates for their exceptional service at their place of employment and/or in their local community. Congratulations and best wishes to these employees in their respective categories:
Administrative
Anthony Alaimo, Data Collection Technician, Fort Lauderdale P&DC
Sherry Scott, Data Collection Technician, Fort Lauderdale P&DC
Law Enforcement
Brian McCarthy, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division
Management
Ed Coppola, Postmaster, Pompano Beach
Teresa Johnson, Supervisor, Customer Service, Opa-locka Post Office
Miami P&DC Green Team
Mike Adams, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Ricardo Amezquita, Manager, Maintenance
Robert Balzan, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Jose Jimenez, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Franco Parodi, Quality of Life Coordinator
Eddy Perez, Manager, Maintenance Operations
Albeo Rosado, Manager, Field Maintenance Operations
Professional
Carroll Burgess, Environmental Compliance/Risk Mitigation Specialist, Southwest Area
Service to the Community
Starr Hunter, Letter Carrier, Palms Central Carrier Annex
Wanda Wynn, Mail Processing Clerk, South Florida P&DC
Technical/IT
Rosanna Schmidt, Information Systems Specialist, South Florida District Office
Valor
Linda George, Letter Carrier, Palm Beach Gardens Branch
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Special Delivery! --- Lola Style
This cute toddler has a fascination with the Postal Service. And with a grandfather who is the Officer-In-Charge of the Hialeah Post Office, "Princess Lola" is "postal by birth." Lola is pictured collecting mail from the local collection box --- without exiting her vehicle. "Don't lose that arrow key," says Grandpa Cintado. "And remember to get back to the office before 5 o'clock!"
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Robert Jones: 50 Years and Counting!
South Florida District Manager Jeff Becker (R) presents Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic Robert Jones (L) with Letter of Appreciation commemorating 50 years of outstanding service. 
L to R: Miami Plant Manager Rick Suarez, Senior Plant Manager Jennifer Stevenson, MPE Robert Jones, District Manager Jeff Becker, and Maintenance Manager Rick Amezquita celebrate Robert's career milestone. Robert Jones began his career in Cleveland Ohio and never gave it a thought that one day he would be celebrating 50 years in the Postal Service.
"I just came to work every day and did my job," Robert said. "I never really planned to stay for 50 years from the get-go, but one year became another and here I am."
In Cleveland, Robert unloaded trucks and then worked as a letter carrier for eight years. Uncle Sam called him to serve in the Army for 2 years, and then he returned as a Special Delivery Messenger, and then worked in Maintenance at a facility near Lake Erie.
"It was soooo cold. I would unload a truck for 15 minutes, and then have to come inside to warm up," Robert said.
It's the warm weather that brought Robert to South Florida in 1976. He transferred to MPE in Miami, first at the Biscayne Annex and now at the Miami GMF.
How has the Postal Service changed over the years?
"Tremendously," Robert said. "I remember those old blue cancelling machines, the machine that tied mail into bundles, and the Single Position Letter Sorting Machine. Now we are in the digital age with all these computers."
Robert enjoys his job and has fond memories of being on an overhaul team that travelled to Texas and Louisiana to move and install Letter Sorting Machines (LSMs). Today his MPE job involves "basically a little bit of everything." Robert has performed maintenance on all equipment at the Miami GMF. In addition, he runs test mail, conducts mail searches, and pulls reports.
"I like to troubleshoot and fix the equipment the most," Robert said.
What is his secret to postal longevity?
"Keeping a positive attitude and taking pride in your work," Robert said. "Learning all there is to know about your job and helping the Postal Service survive as a business for many years to come."
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Hallmark Introduces Postage-Paid Greetings
USPS and Hallmark have introduced “Postage-Paid Greetings” — a line of everyday and seasonal cards that include postage. All customers have to do is buy the card, address it and drop it in a mailbox. No stamp required.
The Hallmark Postage-Paid Greetings line includes a unique Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) on each envelope, indicating Hallmark is responsible for the postage. The scan information captured during normal mail processing is used to identify, sort and count the cards. Hallmark pays half the postage to USPS when Postage-Paid Greetings cards are sold and the other half when the customer mails the cards.
To make sure the Postal Service receives the full value of each card’s postage, employees must not obliterate the IMb or any other pre-printed markings on the envelope.
With Postage-Paid Greetings, Hallmark customers won’t need to be concerned about changing stamp prices. The postage is covered anytime they choose to mail it — even if it’s a few months or years down the road.
More than 200 different designs of Postage-Paid Greetings everyday cards will be sold in Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS and other Hallmark distribution locations. Seasonal cards will be available starting this Easter season. Postage-Paid everyday cards can be purchased for $3.99. Seasonal cards will range in price from $2.69 to $3.99.
For more information, visit www.halmark.com
Help "Stamp Out Hunger" on Saturday, May 14
Entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon will join Feeding America, the National Association of Letter Carriers and Campbell Soup Company in their annual fight to Stamp Out Hunger across America on Saturday, May 14.Now in its 19th year, Stamp Out Hunger has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive. In 2010, letter carriers collected a record-setting total of 77.1 million pounds of food donations along their postal routes. This pushed the 18-year total to more than one billion pounds of food.
As a hunger relief advocate and the newest member of Feeding America’s Entertainment Council, Nick Cannon is supporting the letter carriers by appearing in radio and print public service announcements. Both promote the campaign and urge Americans to help their neighbors in need by donating a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods – such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal – next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 14th.
Cannon also is appearing in a television public service announcement which will be available to view on the drive’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/StampOutHunger2011) as well as its Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger).
“My family turned to food pantries for assistance from time to time when I was growing up, so I know first-hand how important this food drive is,” said Cannon. “With more than 50 million Americans living at risk of hunger, please join me and millions of other generous Americans on Saturday, May 14 by placing a non-perishable food donation next to your mailbox to help the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger.”
Again this year, Campbell will donate one pound of food (up to one million pounds) to the Feeding America food bank network for every person who joins the Stamp Out Hunger Cause on Facebook. Americans can trigger a donation by visiting www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger.
Also supporting the drive as national partners are the U.S. Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, Valpak, the AFL-CIO, United Way Worldwide and Uncle Bob's Self Storage.
For more information about the Stamp Out Hunger food drive in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and the District of Columbia, ask a letter carrier, contact a local Post Office, or visit www.helpstampouthunger.com, www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger or www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger.
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