New Commercial Makes Letter Carriers, Retail Clerks a 'Priority'

         A letter carrier delivers a package in a scene from the recent “Priority: You” commercial.

The Postal Service is seeking city letter carriers and retail clerks to participate in a commercial that will be part of a summer advertising campaign.

The commercial will be similar to the recent “Priority: You” spot, which showcased employees as the organization’s foundation.

This sentiment will also be part of the new ad, along with a message about how the Postal Service is constantly innovating and improving.

All city letter carriers and retail clerks are welcome to audition, and no prior acting experience is required. Here’s how to apply:

Create a video of yourself, with your name, job description, how long you’ve been with the Postal Service, and why you want to be in the new commercial. Your video doesn’t need to be professional, but make sure you can be clearly seen and heard.

 Upload your video, and complete the online form with some important information to help the Postal Service learn more about you.

Hit “Submit” to make sure your video is reviewed.

Submissions are due by Tuesday, July 1, at 12 p.m. EDT. Applicants must receive approval from their managers prior to selection and production of the commercials.

Tavernier PO to Host Passport Fairs

For the convenience of Florida Keys residents planning a vacation outside the country, the Tavernier Post Office, 91220 Overseas Highway, has scheduled two Passport Fairs --- Saturday, June 28, and Saturday, July 26 --- from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“If you’re planning a vacation and needing a passport, make the Tavernier Post Office the first stop of your journey,” said Tavernier Postmaster Eduardo Suarez. “For customer convenience, we’re hosting two Passport Fairs on Saturdays and not requiring appointments.”

Here's what you'll need:

1. Proof of American citizenship or naturalization (a state-issued certified birth certificate with parents’ information, a previous offi­cial passport, or a naturalization certificate if you are foreign-born)

2. One officially acceptable state or government photo ID (a driver’s license or military ID) 

3. One recent photograph that meets specific passport requirements (Tavernier Post Office will offer photo opportunities --- two for $15 --- at the Passport Fairs.)

4. Passport application, which can be downloaded and should be completed prior to visiting the Post Office (available at www.travel.state.gov).  Please do not sign the form ahead of time.

5. Payment for services rendered:         

                                          Adult (16 Years and Older)               Minor (Under 16 Years)

Passport Book & Card:        $140.00                                            $95.00

Passport Book:                     $110.00                                            $80.00

Passport Card:                      $  30.00                                            $15.00

Passport fees are payable to the U.S. Department of State via personal check or money order. In addition, each passport application requires a $25 execution fee payable to the U.S. Postal Service.  This fee is payable via debit or credit card, cash, money order or check. For customer convenience, the Tavernier Post Office sells money orders at the retail counter.

Need to expedite your application?  The U.S. Department of State charges an additional $60 fee for expedited processing, providing your passport in three weeks or less. Regular processing is four to six week. Priority Mail Express from the U.S. Postal Service is available to expedite your application to, and your passport from, the U.S. Department of State. At the Passport Fairs, Postmaster Suarez and his team of Retail Associates will be available to provide information on Priority Mail Express service.

Oakland Park's Gereffi to the Rescue

Oakland Park Letter Carrier Mark Gereffi provides outstanding service to his customers and checks on their well being. 

For heroes, looking out for the community comes with the uniform.  

Today NALC National Business Agent Judy Willoughby recognized Oakland Park Letter Carrier Mark Gereffi for coming to the aid of a customer in distress.

In April, Gereffi was delivering mail on his Oakland Park, FL, route when he saw a customer lying on ground in front of her home. He immediately called 9-1-1, and then called customer’s husband.  Gereffi stayed with the customer, talking to her and the 9-1-1 operator until paramedics arrived. Paramedics indicated she was having a stroke and transported her to Holy Cross Hospital. Gereffi’s quick actions saved her life. 

WFOR Channel 4 (CBS) and WSVN Channel 7 (FOX) covered the recognition ceremony at the Oakland Park Branch.

 WFOR Channel 4 (CBS) 6/18/14

 "South Florida Letter Carrier Hero Earn Recognition"

 http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/06/18/south-florida-letter-carrier-heroes-earn-recognition/

WSVN Channel 7 (FOX)

 "South Florida Letter Carrier Honored after Saving Woman's Life"                 http://www.wsvn.com/story/25809726/so-fla-letter-carrier-honored-after-saving-womans-life

NALC National Business Agent Judy Willoughby (L) presented Oakland Park Letter Carrier Mark Gereffi (R) with a hero pin for his quick action is saving the life of a customer.

Manager, Customer Services Joe Marrone (first row, standing left) and Oakland Park Letter Carriers gather around Letter Carrier Hero Mark Gereffi (seated center).

Photos:  Amy McCall, Customer Relations Coordinator, Fort Lauderdale

NALC Honors Coconut Grove Hero

Today the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) recognized one of its own for going above and beyond the call of duty. NALC National Business Agent Judy Willoughby and NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gill presented Coconut Grove Letter Carrier Jesus Malvarez with a hero pin.

Several months ago, Malvarez was delivering his route when he heard a customer screaming for help. Her door was open.  Malvarez took a closer look and found his customer lying on the floor, trembling with chest pains.  He immediately called 9-1-1.  He stayed by her side, while paramedics coached him on the phone. Fire Rescue arrived and transported Olga to the closest hospital.  Malvarez was credited with preventing his customer from having a fatal heart attack.

The District recognized Malvarez with a Certificate of Appreciation.  The Postmaster General sent Malvarez a letter of recognition for being a hero.

Jesus Malvarez humbly, but proudly, displays his “hero” pin, part of a new NALC recognition program.

NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gill (L) and NALC National Business Agent Judy Willoughby (R) award “Hero Certificate” to Malvarez (center).

L to R: Miami Postmaster Enrique M. Suarez; NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gill; Coconut Grove Branch Letter Carriers; Supervisor, Customer Services Tracy Conner;  Manager, Customer Services Alex Rafuls; NALC National Business Agent Judy Willoughby; and Acting Manager, Customer Service Operations (Central Area) Rosalyn Bell-Mosley.

WPLG Channel 10 Local News videographer interviews Miami Postmaster Enrique M. Suarez who praised Malvarez’ heroic action.  The new Postmaster also expressed his appreciation for all carriers who deliver outstanding service to our customers.  In addition, Suarez mentioned that sometimes our carriers are in the right place at the right time to save the lives of their customers … “making a difference” in our community.

Photos:  Mirtha D. Uriarte, Customer Relations Coordinator, Miami

Celebrating the Red, White, and Blue

Fort Lauderdale Officer-In-Charge Sarah Augustine and her management team dressed in red, white, and blue for a Star-Spangled Banner promotion in Social Media. 

Front Row L to R:  Ray Borger, Manager, Customer Services, Main Office Carrier Annex; Joanna Borger, Manager, Customer Services, Sunrise Branch; Adrian Drummond, Acting Manager, Customer Services, North Ridge Carrier Annex; Sarah Augustine, Officer In Charge, Fort Lauderdale; Alan Siegel, Acting Manager, Customer Services, Oakland Park Branch; Rosena Bivins, Acting Manager, Customer Services, Melrose Branch; and Alex Sepulveda, Manager, Customer Service Operations, Fort Lauderdale.

Back Row L to R:  Steve Santarcangelo, Manager, Customer Services, Lauderridge Carrier Annex; Bridget Johnson, Manager, Customer Services, Everglades Branch; Esteban Martinez, Acting Manager, Customer Services, Westside Branch; Dorothy Gilzene, Manager, Customer Services, Inverrary Branch; Virginia Rhodes, Manager, Customer Services, Plantation Branch; John Pinto, Manager, Customer Services, Southside Station; Jason Beach, Manager, Customer Services, Tamarac Branch; Duane Hunt, Manager, Customer Services, Weston Branch; and Thomas Petrush, Manager, Customer Services, Alridge Station.

Photo Credit:  Amy McCall, Customer Relations Coordinator, Fort Lauderdale

WPB BMEU: A 'Shoe-In' for 'SOX'

L to R:  Jorge Molares, Connie Mitchell, Harold Corkins, Sharon Archetti, Penny Fetters, and Stephanie Wilburn.  Photo:  Gale G. Jackson

The West Palm Beach Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) proved their operation was a “shoe-in” with SOX compliance during the quarterly reviews. SOX, an acronym for the Sarbanes Oxley Act established in 2002 contained two provisions: Certify the accuracy of financial reporting, and establish internal controls verifying the accuracy of those controls.  The U S Postal Service has been in mandatory compliance since September 2010, and as a result, BMEU Clerks have come to understand the importance of revenue assurance.  In Quarter 3 financial testing, the West Palm Beach BMEU achieved 100% for all controls being met. 

"Our team continues to display dedication to excellence," said Acting Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Connie Mitchell.  "The ongoing training and continued commitment are the keys to our success."

Congratulations to the West Palm Beach BMEU Team for its super star performance in acceptance and verification procedures this quarter. 

Submitted by:  Gale G. Jackson, Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

Miami Opens Window to Employment; Application Deadline: June 15

The U.S. Postal Service is seeking applicants for City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) in Miami-Dade County.  Applications will be accepted today, Wednesday, June 11, through Sunday, June 15.

City Carrier Assistants deliver and collect mail.  The starting salary is $15.30 per hour.  Work hours vary; employees may work up to six days a week, including Sundays and holidays.  

Individuals interested in postal employment must apply through the internet at www.usps.com/employment.   Paper or e-mailed applications for employment will not be accepted in person, by mail or by e-mail.  The individual must have a valid e-mail address as the Postal Service will communicate employment opportunities, examinations, interviews, and background checks by e-mail.

Applicants must live within 50 miles of the facility address (within the Miami Post Office 331 ZIP Code area) to be eligible.  Veterans who are entitled to veteran’s preference and/or are covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act may apply for any posted position.  Applicants claiming veteran’s preference must provide a copy of page 4 of DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.”

Applicants must successfully complete Postal Service Test 473.  The number of applicants invited to take the exam is limited. 

Additionally, applicants must have a valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of documented driving experience in the United States.  Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and also must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.  Applicants also must have a basic knowledge of the English language.

Applicants with questions may contact Postal Service Human Resources Generalist Debra Falzarano at 305-470-0539.  

USPS Honors Milk in San Francisco

The Harvey Milk Forever Stamp received a special dedication May 28 at San Francisco City Hall, the pioneering civil rights leader’s political home base.

Milk became one of the nation’s first openly gay elected officials when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was assassinated one year later.

“Harvey Milk gave people hope. That’s one of the reasons he ran for office in the first place. By showing the world he wasn’t afraid to be himself, he gave countless others the courage to take pride in who they are,” said Postal Service Employee Resource Management Vice President Rosemarie Fernandez.

The ceremony was attended by San Francisco city leaders, as well as Stuart Milk, Harvey’s nephew and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation. One week earlier, Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman dedicated the stamp at the White House.

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee (seated) listens as USPS Employee Resource Management Vice President Rosemarie Fernandez speaks at the Harvey Milk stamp dedication ceremony. 

Father's Day Cards, Gifts at PO

Finding a card and gift for Father’s Day is as simple as visiting the Post Office.

Post Offices have an assortment of 20 Father’s Day greeting cards priced from $2.50 to $3.95 apiece. The cards are displayed in the retail lobbies.
Need a quick gift? Post Offices also sell American Express gift cards in denominations of $25 to $50, or in any dollar amount from $25 to $100. 

Circus is Staying in Town on Stamps

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Children Of All Ages… step right up and share the magic of the circus as the U.S. Postal Service today issues the new, limited-edition Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps. With the help of a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ringmaster and clowns, the new stamps were unveiled during an interactive stamp dedication ceremony held at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL.

The new Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps are modeled after original circus posters — including those promoting the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — and are now part of the Tibbals Digital Collection at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

“P.T. Barnum, the great American showman, businessman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, once wrote that ‘the noblest art is that of making others happy.’ At the Postal Service, we think these new stamps will do a spectacular job of doing just that,” said Ellen Williams, member, Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service, in dedicating the new stamps.

“We hope people will proudly display these new stamps on all their cards, letters and packages and, just like the circus does, we hope they will bring joy, wonder and amazement into the lives of everyone who receives them.”

The circus has brought together Americans of all ages and walks of life to watch the amazing acts and let imaginations soar. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, companies such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey used evocative posters to let people know that an exciting attraction was coming to town.

USPS Takes Stamps to the Street

On June 6, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the fast, powerful vehicles thrill-seeking enthusiasts have been modifying for nearly a century by dedicating the limited-edition Hot Rods Forever Stamps. The stamps depict two 1932 Ford “Deuce” roadsters — a black ’32 Ford with orange flames running down the car's body — and a red ’32 Ford.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony took place at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals East Plus at the York Expo Center in York, PA. Available in booklets of 20 stamps, customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) or at Post Offices nationwide and on eBay at ebay.com/stamps.

“These Hot Rods stamps mark the beginning of America’s fascination with customizing fast cars,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe in dedicating the stamps. “And they’re just as popular today as they were decades ago. Just like the cars they celebrate, these stamps are timeless in that they’re good for mailing First-Class letters anytime in the future.”

Joining Donahoe in dedicating the stamps were “Car Crazy TV” host Barry Meguiar and NSRA Special Events Director Jerry Kennedy.

“With an estimated 12 million hot rodders in America today, I applaud the Postal Service for recognizing that Hot Rods will forever be a symbol of our American Culture,” said Meguiar.

PMG Donahoe Swears into Office Miami Postmaster Enrique M. Suarez

Enrique M. (Rick) Suarez

Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe administered the Oath of Office to Miami Postmaster Enrique M. (Rick) Suarez on June 4.   Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt and South Florida District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor, along with 175 of the new Postmaster's family, friends, and colleagues, attended the installation ceremony. 

Special guests included Congressional Aides: Ed Haynes of U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson’s Office, and Alyn Fernandez and Nury Soler of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s Office. 

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez issued a proclamation that designated June 4 as “Enrique M. Suarez Day.”

As Miami Postmaster, Suarez will be administratively responsible for 2,187 employees, primarily in retail and delivery operations at 48 Post Office facilities, and will be operationally responsible for mail service to 743,000 possible city business and residential deliveries in Greater Miami and its suburbs. 

Mundo Fox 8 reporter interviews Miami Postmaster Enrique M. Suarez.  Jose Puig, Manager, Information Systems, stands in the background following the installation. Photo: Mirtha Uriarte

Suarez was born in Miami and grew up in Hialeah. His 30-year career also was in South Florida --- first as a Miami City Letter Carrier before a series of promotions to Supervisor, Station and Branch Operations; Supervisor, Mails and Delivery; Superintendent, Detached Delivery and Collection Unit; and Manager, Customer Services. Suarez then was promoted to Manager, Customer Services in Hialeah, FL, and also served as Hialeah, FL Postmaster.  At the South Florida District Office, he was Manager, Post Office Operations prior to a promotion to Postmaster, Fort Lauderdale; and then to Plant Manager, Miami Processing & Distribution Center.

Following the official installation ceremony, Miami Postmaster Enrique M. Suarez (center) enjoys a light moment with family, friends, and colleagues. Pictured to his left are his wife and mother, both who are very proud of Rick's accomplishments during his 30-year postal career.  Photo:  Mirtha Uriarte

During his career, his willingness to accept additional responsibility led to detail assignments as Breakthrough Productivity Initiative (BPI) Team Leader (2004); Manager, Operations Programs Support (2003); Miami Officer-In-Charge (2004); Senior Plant Manager, South Florida District (2010); and District Manager, South Florida District (2011).

Suarez is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified.  He also was Project Leader, Area Mail Processing Initiatives, Lean Six Sigma Team Champion, and National Reassessment Coordinator (Southern Area).

Among his many accolades are the Southeast Area Vice President’s Award, District Manager/Senior Plant Manager Leadership Award, South Florida District Leadership Award (Miami City), and South Florida District Leadership Award (North and South Areas).  He also was a finalist in the 2003 “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards Program sponsored by the South Florida Federal Executive Board.

The new Miami Postmaster is a regular participant in community activities including Boys Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and March of Dimes Walk.  He also is a sponsor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a local community leader in the Chamber of Commerce of Miami.

He earned an Associate of Science Degree from Miami-Dade Community College, studied mathematics at Florida International University (Miami), and in 2003, earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Barry University (Miami).  In 2001, Suarez completed the U.S. Postal Service’s Advanced Leadership Program at the William F. Bolger Academy.  

He and his wife, Silvia, have two children, Daniel and Stephanie.

Making a Difference in Boca Raton

L to R:  Jacqueline San Lucas, Postmaster’s secretary, and Woodland Station Supervisor, Customer Services Joann Augustin happily donated their time to the local thrift shop.  Photo: Carlos G. Rodon, Jr. 

Boca Raton, FL, Postmaster Carlos G. Rodon, Jr., Supervisor, Customer Services Joann Augustin, and Postmaster’s Secretary Jacqueline San Lucas are making a difference in their community.  Not only do they provide outstanding service to postal customers, they understand the importance of giving back to their community.  Recently, the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce organized a project for volunteers to help at a local thrift shop to benefit Florence Fuller Child Development Centers. The centers make a difference through education for economically-challenged children and families.  The postal trio donated their time on a recent Saturday.

Congratulations to Patricia Albright

Supervisor, Customer Services Robert Millan (L) presented Patricia Albright (R) with a Certificate of Appreciation thanking her for 28 years of dedicated service at the Fort Pierce Main Post Office.  Photo:  Pamela Blandford

L to R:  Clerk Anthony Customer Services Robert Millan (second from left) poses with Clerk Anthony Lloyd, Supervisor, Judy Guantt, and Clerks Pamela Blandford, Jacqueline Long, Patricia Albright, James Mowers, Carlos Camacho, Larry Bowling (retired clerk), and Acting Supervisor, Customer Services Jennifer Keiser.

Miami P&DC 'Drills' Its Preparedness

As part of the U.S. Postal Service's commitment to the safety of its employees, customers, and the mail, a Biohazard Detection System (BDS) in the Advanced Facer Canceler System (AFCS) Operation is used to detect the presence of a dangerous biological substance/agent at mail processing facilities.

Recently, the Miami Emergency Management Team, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division, and local First Responders participated in an interagency Emergency Preparedness/BDS Drill at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center. Postal Inspector/Dangerous Mails Team Leader Jeffrey Esser served as Incident Commander and Manager, In Plant Support Maxine McFarlane as Emergency Manager.

The BDS equipment operates primarily on the afternoon shift -- Tour 3 -- as mail passes through the high-speed, high-impact areas of the postmarking operations. The BDS collects air samples from this area on an hourly basis, and then analyzes each sample to determine whether anthrax is present.  If the BDS detects anthrax, the system shuts down this operation and sounds an alarm to evacuate the plant.  During the drill, all employees, customers, contractors, vendors and any visitors to the facility immediately evacuated the Miami P&DC and reported to assigned rally points for additional instruction.

A consensus of postal participants voiced their appreciate for the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and local First Responders who worked together for the safety of employees and the community.

Since the inception of BDS nationwide, there have been more than seven million tests, but not one positive or false-positive result.

Postal Inspector/Dangerous Mails Team Member Claudia Angel (L) reported drill activity to Inspection Service Headquarters in Miramar, FL.  As Incident Commander, Postal Inspector/Dangerous Mails Team Leader Jeffrey Esser (R) communicated with team members onsite and coordinated the overall drill.  Photo:  John Zeigler

Employees lined up for a simulated gross decontamination, although some volunteers walked through the elevated giant shower. Decontamination would be critical to the safety and health of individuals exposed to hazardous substances, including anthrax. Photo:  Bladismir Rojo

Following decontamination, employees reported to the tent area where health professionals would have given instruction and distributed medication, if there had been a live anthrax event. Photo: Bladismir Rojo

National Preparedness Specialist Teresa Parrett (L) discussed drill activities with Miami-Dade Fire Department participants.  Photo:  John Zeigler

Postal Inspectors trained as Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Specialists retrieved the BDS cartridge from the Miami P&DC.  Photo: Bladismir Rojo

Homeland Security Coordinator Mike Balcom of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division observed the various components of the drill and was pleased with the outcome. Photo:  John Zeigler