National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week, observed March 6-12, is a federal program designed to heighten awareness of fraud and help consumers improve their ability to combat crime. During NCPW, federal, state, and local consumer protection agencies --- together with consumer organizations and industry associations --- launch consumer protection and education efforts around the country. This year, the Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are partnering to educate postal employees and the general public about scams to which older Americans are increasingly susceptible. 

Postal Inspectors want to:
 Increase awareness about age-related vulnerabilities that can lead to financial exploitation.
 Provide valuable information to postal employees and the general public about the need to protect their own assets as they age, and how to help an older loved one do the same.
 Establish a central location where everyone can learn more about helping an older family member or friend who has been taken advantage of — and keep it from happening again.

Anyone can be a victim of a scam, but scammers often target individuals whom they perceive as vulnerable, so older adults tend to be targeted again and again. These crimes take a toll, both financially and emotionally. Financial exploitation can seriously affect the lives of seniors and their families, who are often unaware until it’s too late.
Experts say financial decision-making declines in all older adults to one degree or another, even healthy seniors who don’t suffer from dementia. Declining decisionmaking — especially where money is concerned — is increasingly regarded as a natural part of aging. 

During NCPW, Postal Inspectors will discuss how everyone should plan for the day they need an extra set of eyes on their financial affairs. The Postal Inspection Service wants postal employees and consumers to learn more about reducing their exposure to fraud and the deceptive marketing practices frequently directed at older Americans. And if someone’s been victimized by a phony charity or fake prize promotion, Postal Inspectors offer steps that families and friends can take to keep it from happening again.

Persons who expose themselves to sales situations, even legitimate ones, are more likely to be victimized by fraud. Consumers of all ages should start doing this today:
 Get a non-published number and install an answering machine with a large caller ID display. Screen all incoming calls. Pick up only if you recognize the caller. Otherwise, let the call roll to the answering machine.
 Reduce robocalls and block unwanted telemarketing offers. Visit www.DeliveringTrust.com for details. 
 Opt-out of pre-approved credit offers by enrolling in the national credit bureaus’ OptOut program. Call (888) 567-8688 or go to www.DeliveringTrust.com and sign up online.
 Never enter free prize and sweepstakes drawings.
 Never attend free lunch seminars.
 Never respond to any solicitation you receive over the Internet.
An educated public is the first line of defense. Visit www.DeliveringTrust.com for more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.

— Criminal Investigations Group, Postal Inspection Service, 2-18-16

Pompano Celebrates Black History

Black History Month, observed each February, is a time to celebrate the heritage of African-Americans and their contributions to the nation. This year, Miami Maintenance Support Clerk Linda Patrick invited the Postal Service to the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. to praise those entrepreneurs who helped to build the area in Pompano-Pompano Beach, west of the Florida East Coast Railroad (FECR).

During the ceremony, Pompano Manager, Customer Service Operations Frank Mariano and Coral Springs A/Manager, Customer Services Richard Elam dedicated a stamp enlargement of Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. Smaller enlargements were presented to the entrepreneurs.  

Allen was a preacher, activist and civic leader and was honored for his inspirational life and profound contribution to American history. The stamp is the 39th in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series, which began in 1978 with a stamp honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman. This year's stamp issue coincides with the 200th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, considered one of the most important institutions in African American life, and Allen’s election and consecration as A.M.E.’s first bishop.

L to R: Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher; Pompano Manager, Customer Service Operations Frank Mariano; Deacon Edgar Goodrum; Deacon Eugene Peterson; Miami Maintenance Support Clerk Linda Patrick; President Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. Derrick Phillips; Community Activist Hazel Armbrister; and Coral Springs Branch A/Manager, Customer Services Richard Elam.

From left: Community members Lula Clark, Willie Clark, and Pompano Manager, Customer Service Operations Frank Mariano. 

Photos: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Have You Taken Your (Postal) Pulse? Just 8 Days Left To Do Your Survey!

If you want to improve your workplace, you must make your voice heard. This is one of the central principles of the Postal Pulse, the all-employee survey now being conducted in USPS workplaces. The survey provides employees at all levels with an opportunity to share observations about their work environments. 

“Change begins with each one of us,” said Employee Engagement Executive Director Kelvin Williams. “Every employee has much to contribute, and every employee’s opinion matters. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to participate in the Postal Pulse.”

The survey has 13 questions and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.Bargaining employees received the survey at their home address, while non-bargaining employees received the survey via email.

Williams encourages all employees to participate before the Friday, March 11, deadline.

“Change won’t happen overnight, but it can happen — and it starts with employees who share their honest, candid feedback,” Williams said.

WPB Has New Faces in New Places

Joseph Molfetto

Joseph Molfetto, Manager, Customer Service Operations, Area 6, is detailed as Officer In Charge, West Palm Beach, FL, while Postmaster Richard Fermo is detailed as Officer In Charge, Tampa, FL.

Molfetto started his career as a Letter Carrier in New York in 1983. In six years, he was promoted to Supervisor, Customer Services, Jamaica, NY. In 1992, he transferred to the Central New Jersey District. During his 32-year career, Molfetto was promoted to several managerial positions of increased responsibility including Postmaster, Plainsboro, NJ, and Jupiter, FL; Manager, Customer Service Operations, Fort Lauderdale, FL; and Manager, Operations Programs Support, Capital District.

                                                                                           

He also served on many detail assignments including Manager, Delivery Programs, Central Florida District; Manager, Customer Service Operations, Atlanta, GA; Manager, Operations Programs Support, Atlanta District; and Manager, Customer Services, Hollywood, FL.

Molfetto is in the Corporate Succession Program and has completed the Advanced Leadership Program, Managerial Leadership Program, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training.

Pablo Estupinan

Pablo Estupinan is detailed as Manager, Customer Service Operations, Area 6 (West Palm Beach City).

Estupinan started his career as a Letter Carrier in Winnetka, IL, in June 1980. In 1983, he transferred to Florida as a Letter Carrier in Jupiter, FL. In three years, he became Supervisor, Customer Services and worked in delivery units throughout West Palm Beach, FL, and in Boynton Beach, FL. 

Estupinan has been detailed to several positions in Mail Processing operations and in Injury Compensation, Labor Relations, and Marketing Departments. He also served as Officer In Charge in Jupiter, FL, for over two years. In 2003, he became Manager, Customer Services and worked in several offices in Palm Beach County. In 2014, he was assigned as Manager, Customer Services, Palm Central Station, West Palm Beach, FL.   

Photos: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Attention Safety-Minded Employees

The District Safety Office is posting an ad-hoc Safety Specialist EAS-16 position, not to exceed two years. This position, open to all EAS and craft employees, will be filled on a best qualified basis.

The Safety Specialist will perform assigned duties at the District Safety Office, located at 2200 NW 72 Ave, Room 214, Miami, FL 33152-9441. The work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Implements and administers occupational safety and health policy and procedures for the safety and health program; monitors compliance with safety and health standards and regulations.

2. Provides technical guidance to line managers, including the interpretation of laws, regulations, and procedures pertinent to safety and health, accident prevention, and standards applicable to postal operations.

3. Coordinates, administers, and evaluate safety and health activities to meet safety and health goals and objectives.

4. Participates in assessing the safety and health training needs of managers and craft employees, including the orientation of new employees; may assist with the development and presentation of the training and the evaluation of its effectiveness.

5. May provide local input into the review of plans and specifications for construction and modification of facilities and installation of equipment to ensure conformance with safety regulatory codes or standards; recommends changes where necessary.

6. Conducts periodic facility safety inspections and safety program evaluations of work, storage and service areas for hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices utilizing the Safety Toolkit; conducts basic industrial hygiene evaluations.

7.  Assist line managers and committees in the review of abatement activities to ensure corrective action and standards compliance; coordinates safety and health activities with other functional organizations.

8. Develops safety and health promotion activities that provides for improvement of safety awareness and accident prevention.

9.  May investigate accidents and fatalities and analyzes accident data to ensure accurate accident reporting, determine causes and accident rates, detect trends, and to develop appropriate action plans.

10. Has frequent contact with representatives of government and private industry to coordinate occupation safety and health activities.

11.  Assists with safety and health aspects of the Integrated Emergency Management Plan for the district or plant to include preparation of emergency action plans, coordinate with local emergency officials, and conduct training and exercises.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit an eCareer profile, including a completed STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS page for each of the Proficiency Requirements (KSAs). See the vacancy announcement posting on your employee bulletin board. Mail your application to Charisse Nadal, Manager, Safety, USPS, 2200 NW 72 Ave, RM 214, Miami, FL 33152 no later than March 18, 2016.

PMG Recognizes WPB Veterans

From left: West Palm Beach Training Technician Gayle Jones; Jupiter City Carrier Assistant (CCA); Walter Pagan; Lake Worth Postal Support Employee (PSE) Custodian Leighton Lall; Haverhill CCA Jeremy Haste; and Ad-Hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) Stanley “Skip” Weaver. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

West Palm Beach newly-hired employees were presented with a special badge and lanyard in recognition and appreciation for serving our country. Ad-Hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) Stanley “Skip” Weaver read a letter from Postmaster General Megan Brennan to employees. Brennan congratulated veterans and encouraged them to wear their badge with pride and patriotism. The PMG also wrote that the Postal Service was honored to have veterans among its ranks.

Pinner Earns 30-Year Service Award

Palm Beach Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) Connie Mitchell (right) presented Mailing Requirements Clerk Maryalice Pinner (left) with her 30-year Service Award. “I have had the privilege of working with Maryalice for over two years now,” said Mitchell. “Maryalice is very personable and brings a wealth of retail knowledge to the BMEU.” Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders