Wannabe Millionaire is Rich in Many Ways

Zanesville, OH, Letter Carrier Andy Walcutt, right, with Postmaster Steve Williams

Zanesville, OH, Letter Carrier Andy Walcutt wanted to be an all-around millionaire. He almost succeeded.

After almost a decade of trying out for the TV show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” Walcutt finally impressed its producers with his body of knowledge. “I’ve auditioned off and on in different ways since the show started,” said Walcutt. “Sometimes it was on the phone where you would have to answer questions, like on the show. I also auditioned in different cities where I had to finish a 30-question test in 10 minutes.”

To prepare him for his TV debut, customers on Walcutt’s route helped by quizzing him. He says he stayed up to date on news and current events and kept tuning into the show to keep his mind limber.

Sadly, Walcutt didn’t make it to the $1 million round. Instead, he walked away with $25,000 in winnings after incorrectly answering the $50,000 question during the show’s Jan.15 episode. Still, he says the experience was worth more than money could buy.

Meanwhile, Walcutt had another opportunity to become a millionaire. He recently became a member of the prestigious “Million Mile Club,” joining letter carriers around the nation who have driven a million miles without an accident. Zanesville Postmaster Steve Williams presented the letter carrier with a plaque noting the achievement.

“If you want something bad enough, just keep trying,” said Walcutt, whose persistence and dedication to showmanship and safe driving have earned him recognition and cash.

Phone 'Ring' Reunites Jewelry with Owner

Vickie Adkinsson, left, and Cottonwood, CA, Postmaster Beverly Fickes

Thanks to postal employees in California, Vickie Adkinsson has been reunited with her Anderson Union High School class ring that she lost in 1965 while attending a football game. Believing the ring was gone forever, Adkinsson saved her money to buy a replacement.

Nearly 30 years later, the father of Cottonwood, CA, Postmaster Betty Fickes was engaged in his hobby of metal detecting when he found a ring engraved with the initials V and R. Another decade passed before the elder Fickes read a newspaper article about Anderson Union’s 2009 all-class high school reunion. He recalled finding the ring and asked his daughter whether she could locate the owner.

Fickes first checked with Anderson Postmaster Sherry Lelevich to see if there was a current alumni association register. No luck. Then one of Fickes’ employees mentioned that former Cottonwood Postmaster Steven Harp was an Anderson Union graduate.

Fickes called Harp, who made some inquiries. Harp led Fickes to an Anderson Union graduate who had an address for a Vickie Romero Adkinsson.Letters and phone calls led to the reunion of Adkinsson and her ring. After all these years, Adkinsson is happy to report it still fits.

Marine Corps to Salute Father Felix Varela PO, WPB P&DC Employees for Toy Donations

Congratulations to employees at the West Palm Beach P&DC and the Father Felix Varela Branch for collecting the most toys for the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign this year. We received lots of toys --- including many bicycles --- to the delight of children in all age groups as reported by Marines who picked up and made these "special deliveries."

In the coming weeks, Sergeant Slagle, US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinator, will be visiting these two winning offices to present a plaque in recognition of employees' outstanding participation.

Each year following the annual holiday campaign, US Marines receive many letters filled with heartfelt appreciation from children (and their parents). Thanks to the generous support of the Postal Service and other businesses, the Marine Corps nationwide collected and distributed a grand total of 16 million toys to more than 7 million less fortunate children in local communities.

The Postal Service is part of the fabric of every American community each day; your participation in the Toys for Tots Campaign demonstrates good corporate citizenship. The Toys for Tots Campaign simply could not have put the smiles on children's faces without your kindness and compassionate giving this holiday season. Thanks!

Employees Pledge $757,569.58 to the CFC

Employees pledged $757,569.58 to help less fortunate individuals in their community, across the country, and around the world. The South Florida District achieved 85% of its Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) goal ... top performers who met atleast 85% of individual facility/unit goals are:

South Florida L&DC, $28,380.08 (189%); Pompano Customer Service, $27,116.00 (111%); West Palm Beach Customer Service, $54,782.78 (110%); West Palm Beach P&DC, $115,557.04 101%); Boca Raton Customer Service, $14,159.00 (96%); MPOO 334/349, $98,413.54 (93%); Fort Lauderdale Customer Service, $51,014.60 (89%); Hollywood Customer Service $29,915.90 (86%), and Fort Lauderdale P&DC, $ 29,695.40 (85%).

Thanks to all the employees who donated to the CFC and to the campaign coordinators for their hard work.

New FMLA Rules Increase Time Off from Work to Care for Veteran, Active-Duty Relatives

Postal employees will have more opportunities to take time off work to help family members who are military service members or veterans under new rules mandated by the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.

The law allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid or unpaid leave per year under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help a family member who is on active duty or is being called for active duty to a foreign country.

The new rules also enable employees to take up to 26 weeks of paid or unpaid leave per year under FMLA to care for family members who are veterans and need medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness incurred in, or aggravated by, service in the line of duty on active duty.

Previously, employees could only take time off to help injured or ill family members who were active-duty military. To qualify, the veteran must have been a member of the military, National Guard, or Reserves during the five years preceding the treatment, recuperation, or therapy.

Going the Extra 'Miles' to Help Haitian Relief

In Haiti, efforts to feed and house earthquake victims are building strength daily, as public and private organizations coordinate the massive rescue effort.

One of the principle non-government organizations assisting in Haiti is Food for the Poor (FFTP), the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. FFTP feeds millions in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. Days after the earthquake, FFTP volunteers in Port-au-Prince were distributing boxes of Pop-Tarts and hot food to hungry and wounded victims in hospitals and throughout the devastated Haitian capital.

Meanwhile, back in the U.S., the Postal Service has been helping FFTP raise money to help fund the organization’s efforts in Haiti. The day after the earthquake, Mailing Solutions Specialist Charlene Miles met with the organization at its headquarters in Coconut Creek, FL, to propose launching a Direct Mail special appeal for earthquake victims. Expediency was a major concern, and FFTP wanted the appeal to reach their donors as soon as possible.

Miles suggested First-Class Mail would be the most effective product to use for the solicitation. Business Service Network Representative Juan Nadal assisted in speeding the approval of the final mailpiece and making sure the Postal Service was prepared to accept 1 million pieces of First-Class Mail. Nadal also issued Mail Alerts to promote timely delivery nationwide.

'Federal Employee of the Year' Nomination Packages Due February 5

Do you have a co-worker who consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty? A South Florida Postal Family member who deserves recognition for his or her heroic efforts demonstrated in a life-threatening situation? How about an employee who generously volunteers his or her time to benefit others in the community?

If so, then you’ve identified candidates for recognition in the South Florida Federal Executive Board’s “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards Program. This is your opportunity to honor our outstanding employees at any and every level and position in the South Florida District.

Award categories include:

Administrative, Clerical/Administrative Support, Law Enforcement, Management (except Agency Head), Professional, Service to the Community, Scientific, Technical/Information Technology, Trades and Crafts and Valor.

Nominations must be based on performance from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009.

Craft and EAS employees may nominate and/or be nominated.

Nomination packages are posted on the district website. Completed nomination packages must be submitted to District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth on or before Friday, February 5.

Questions about the nomination process? Contact Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity, at 305-470-0881.

The Troggs Were Right ... 'Love is All Around'

Custodian Mike Adams chuckles at a Valentine greeting in the card assortment at the Fort Lauderdale Main Office. Photo: Tashia Romano-Kravitz

Valentine’s Day is February 14, and love is all around at Post Offices in South Florida and across the country. Employees may purchase Valentine greetings from a colorful card assortment at these POs …

Boca Rio Branch, 8185 Via Ancho Rd, Boca Raton
Delray Beach Post Office, 14280 S Military Trail, Delray Beach
Doral Branch, 1700 NW 97 Ave, Doral
Fort Lauderdale Main Office, 1900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
Jupiter Main Office, 1095 Military Trail, Jupiter
Kendall Branch, 13101 S Dixie Hwy, Miami
Milam Dairy Branch, 5600 NW 72 Ave, Miami
Oakland Park Branch, 3350 NE 12 Ave, Oakland Park
Palm Beach Gardens Branch, 3330 Fairchild Gardens Ave, Palm Beach Gardens
Pinecrest Postal Store, 11301 S Dixie Hwy, Miami
Plantation Branch, 7580 NW 5 St, Plantation
Snapper Creek Branch, 11000 SW 104 St, Miami
South Florida Retail Unit, 16000 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines
South Miami Branch, 5927 SW 70 St, South Miami
Stuart Post Office, 801 SE Johnson Ave, Stuart Tamiami Branch, 8880 SW 8 St, Miami West Palm Beach Main Office, 3200 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach

… And get a special Valentine postmark from a Post Office in a love-themed city …

Beauty KY 41203, Honey Grove TX 75446, Loving NM 88256, Bliss ID 83314, Honeyville UT 84314, Loving TX 76460, Bliss NY 14024, Juliette GA 31046, Romance AR 72136, Darling MS 38623, Kissimmee FL 34744, Romeo MI 48065, Deary ID 83823, Lovejoy GA 30250, Juliette GA 31046, Eros LA 71238, Lovejoy IL 62059, Sugar City ID 83348, Hartville WY 82215, Lovelady TX 75851, Valentine NE 69201, Heart Butte MT 59448, Loveland CO 0538 ,Valentine TX 79854, Heartwell NE 68945, Loveland OH 45140, Valentines VA 23887, Honey Brook PA 19344, Loveland OK 73553, Venus FL 33960, Honey Creek WI 53138, Love Park IL 61111, Venus PA 16364, Honey Grove PA 17035, Loveville MD 20656, Venus TX 76084

You’ll need to pre-address your cards, affix postage to each, and send all in a larger envelope (with postage) to: POSTMASTER, VALENTINE RE-MAILING PROGRAM, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4 CODE (Remember to add “9998” for the “plus four”). To ensure that your cards are delivered prior to Valentine’s Day, February 14, you’ll need to mail them to the Valentine Re-Mailing Program at your city of choice by February 1.

eCareer Re-Posts SCS, SDO Positions, But You'd Better Hurry ... Deadline January 24

It’s the New Year. Do your plans include becoming a Supervisor, Customer Services, or a Supervisor, Distribution Operations in 2010?

If so, you’ll be glad to know that eCareer position postings --- with an original closing date of January 13 --- have been re-opened to accept applications --- but for a limited time only. Applications are being accepted today through 5 pm, Sunday, January 24.

Employees who already have submitted an application and received confirmation need not reapply.

Olympic Stamp: 'Let the Games Begin'

The U.S. Postal Service today commemorates the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with the issuance of a stamp featuring an illustration of a snowboarder. The stamp goes on sale today in Park City, UT, and in Post Offices across the United States. The XXI Olympic Winter Games will be held February 12-28 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Stamps featuring Olympic themes have been popular since the first modern Olympiad in 1896, when Greece issued 12 Olympic-themed commemorative stamps. Beginning in 1932, when the Olympic Games were held in Los Angeles, CA, numerous U.S. stamps have honored the Games.

This will be the second Olympic Winter Games, after the 1988 Games in Calgary, to be held in Canada, but the country’s historic ties to the event go back much further. Canada helped usher in the first Olympic Winter Games — at the Alpine resort of Chamonix, France, in 1924 — by joining with Central Europe to persuade the International Olympic Committee to add an “International Winter Sports Week” to the Games planned for that year.

Shipping to Our Marines in Afghanistan

Navy League Council Board member Al Stein (L) was pleased with service provided by SSAs Rachel Miles (R) and Jonathan Parker (not pictured) who work at Fort Lauderdale's Westside Branch.

Our Navy League Council (Broward County Council) is working with another non-profit organization, Operation Homefront, to provide care packages to our military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Homefront agreed to provide the filled boxes if our Council could provide the cost of mailing the boxes.

Our Council initiated an intense fund raising project and asked members and friends to contribute the cost of mailing one box and in less than a month, we raised over $1,000.

Operation Homefront recently provided 50 APO/FPO Priority Mail boxes and Council Board members Al & Shelly Stein were responsible for preparing all the customs forms and addressing the boxes (not a small job). The Steins went to Fort Lauderdale's Westside Branch yesterday to mail the boxes to five different companies of the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines stationed at Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as well as to the scout platoon deployed from the Marine Reserve Center in Hialeah. SSAs Rachel Miles and Jonathan Parker did an excellent job in processing the packages and the Steins were very pleased with their experience at Westside.

-- Marianne Giambrone, secretary to the Fort Lauderdale Postmaster and Board member of Broward's Navy League Council.

Hail to the (Maintenance) 'Chief' in Local 'Cuckoo's Nest' Production

'Chief' Amezquita

It's no surprise that tickets are selling like hotcakes for Davie's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" production. Afterall, Miami Maintenance Manager Rick Amezquita will be making his acting debut as "Chief," one of the main characters who has been cooped up in a mental hospital since the end of World War II.

The play is based on Ken Kesey's original novel about a struggle for personal freedom under the most dire of circumstances. A free-thinking loner stuck in a mental hospital leads a rebellion of patients against a controlling nurse who will resort to anything to stamp out independent thought and action among her patients.

Amezquita shows "great promise," according to his director, but Miami's Maintenance Manager has no plans to leave the Postal Service to pursue a fulltime acting career. To purchase tickets (and to check out Rick's new hairstyle) ...

Performance Dates: February 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 pm; February 6, 7, 13, 14 at 2 pm.
Location: Davie Pine Island Multi-Purpose Center, 3801 S Pine Island Road in Davie
Tickets: $12 at the door, $10 in advance, $8 each for groups of 10 or more. Contact Jill Cuba at 954-797-1153 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or Fern Katz at 954-473-0372 between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm ... or E-Mail actofdavie1999@yahoo.com.

'Ella' Collectible CD is Perfect Valentine Gift

Fort Lauderdale SSA Debra Best suggests employees purchase the collectible CD, "Love Letters from Ella" for a Valentine gift. Photo: Tashia Romano-Kravitz

If you’re looking for a special Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one, check out the collectible Ella Fitzgerald CD, “Love Letters from Ella,” available at many Post Offices in South Florida and across the country beginning Monday, January 25.

This musical collection is being released in conjunction with Concord Music Group to promote the use of mail during the Valentine’s Day season, as well as Black History Month. The cost of the CD is $10.99.

First issued in 2007, “Love Letters from Ella,” is a collection of her most cherished love songs, recorded with some of her favorite collaborators, including Count Basie and his orchestra, Joe Pass, and André Previn.

Photo: The magical 10-track CD, mixed in high-definition audio, includes Ella and Basie singing “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone,” an intimate duet between Joe Pass and Fitzgerald on “The One I Love,” and a playful performance of “Our Love is Here to Stay” with pianist André Previn. “Love Letters from Ella” also features the celebrated singer accompanied by The London Symphony Orchestra on a stirring rendition of “Cry Me a River.”

Blue Man Group Offers Special Kid's Admission

Now there's another reason to experience Blue Man Group, the wildly popular theatrical show that combines exciting music, outrageous comedy, and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment that's fun for the entire family!

Postal employees may purchase a special child's ticket with every adult ticket. Tickets are $59.20 per adult and $22.50 per child (ages 3-9). Visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Corporate to book this special rate. For more details, employees may call 866-866-5027. To inquire about group rates of 15 or more persons, call 407-224-3313.

Offer expires March 31, 2010. Tickets are subject to availability and must be purchased in advance. Special price available for up to six children's tickets per transaction.

A Message from the PMG on Earthquake in Haiti (Here's How You Can Help Those in Need)

I am sure every one of us in the Postal Service has been shocked and saddened by the massive loss of life that has resulted from the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Postal employees across the nation are well acquainted with the terrible toll in human suffering often inflicted upon those caught by natural disasters, whether hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or earthquakes.

Mindful of the needs of those affected, we are often among the first to respond to people in communities hardest hit by disasters.

As we begin a new year, I ask you to keep all those who have lost loved ones, or who are still searching for their loved ones, in your prayers. Tragedies like this, which in the past would have taken weeks or months for us to learn about, demonstrate how small our world has become and how fragile we all are.

Many local and national charities are hard at work providing relief to the victims of this disaster. I encourage you, if you see fit, to work with your local disaster relief groups to provide financial support to those people in desperate need.

In a memorandum to federal agency heads, John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), noted that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has recommended cash contributions as the most effective way to provide relief assistance.

USAID provides a listing of nonprofit agencies working to provide assistance at http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/country/haiti/eq. You also will be able to link directly to this site from our intranet, blue.usps.gov. Liteblue.usps.gov will also enable employees to use their personal home computers to access the USAID site.

We will also include the USAID link at usps.com.

Jack Potter

Recognizing and Honoring Our Employees

Do you have a co-worker who consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty? A member of the South Florida Postal Family who deserves recognition for his or her heroic efforts demonstrated in a life-threatening situation? How about an employee who volunteers his or her time to help less fortunate individuals in the community?

It's time to nominate employees for recognition in the South Florida Federal Executive Board’s “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards Program. Below are the award categories:

Administrative, Clerical/Administrative Support, Law Enforcement, Management (except Agency Head), Professional, Scientific, Service to the Community, Technical/Information Technology, Trades and Crafts, and Valor.

Nominations must be based on demonstrated performance between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.

Nomination packages will be posted on the district website on Friday, January 15. Carefully follow the instructions and review your completed nomination package prior to submitting to District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth on or before Friday, February 5.

Questions on the nomination process should be directed to Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity, at 305-470-0881.

Need to Talk? EAP Offers Counseling to Employees Who Have Loved Ones in Haiti

Earlier this week a powerful earthquake caused major damage to Haiti --- home to 10 million people, including relatives of many of our employees.

If you have family members in Haiti and have been unable to reach your relatives, the U.S. State Department has set up a telephone number for concerned Americans to call: 888-407-4747

There’s another important phone number --- one that can help our employees with their emotional well being during this very difficult time. For information or assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-800-EAP-4-YOU
(1-800-327-4968)TTY 1-877-492-7341.

Professional counselors are ready to talk with you … It only takes a phone call to make an appointment.

Supporting Breast Cancer Research

In December 2009, nationwide sales of the Breast Cancer Research semi-postal stamp totaled $1.4 million, raising $286,000 for research. This brings the total raised for breast cancer research to $68.9 million since the stamp’s introduction in 1998.

The 'HEAT' is On for Discounted Home Games

Attention Miami HEAT Fans:

With only 20 home games remaining in the 2009-2010 Miami HEAT regular season and the playoffs approaching, the time to get your discounted HEAT tickets is now!!

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see Lebron James’ final return to Miami (January 25) or Kobe Bryant’s one and only appearance at American Airlines Arena this season! (March 4).

Customize your own All You Can HEAT pack based on the games that you want to see and the price that you want to pay! Pick at least 3 games to qualify for a discounted ticket price. The more games you choose, the bigger the discount!

Contact Miami HEAT Representative Robin Lee at 786-777-4899 for additional information.

How to Reach Your Relatives in Haiti

Yesterday a powerful earthquake caused major damage to Haiti. While there was major destruction, many countries --- including the United States --- are coming to the aid of this Caribbean nation which is home to 10 million people. Many relief and aid organizations have experienced personnel on the ground and are responding very quickly.

If you have family members in Haiti and have been unable to reach your relatives, the U.S. State Department has set up a telephone line for concerned Americans to call: 888-407-4747.

'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' to Ship Sweepstakes Scratch Cards Inside Valpak

Later this month, the TV show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” will mail 30 million sweepstakes scratch cards inside Valpak envelopes across the nation. The cards will give viewers a chance to win more than $1.5 million in prizes.

The Valpak mailings will begin January 25 and daily individual prizes will range from $1,000 to $100,000. The contest is scheduled to run each weekday from February 8 to May 28.

'Federal Employee of Year' Nominations

Do you have a co-worker who consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty? A person who deserves recognition for his or her heroic efforts demonstrated in a life-threatening situation? An employee who generously volunteers his or her time to benefit others in the South Florida community?

If so, this is YOUR invitation to participate in the South Florida Federal Executive Board's 45th Annual "Federal Employee of the Year" Awards Program. This is your opportunity to honor outstanding employees at all levels in the Postal Service.

There are 10 award categories: Administrative, Clerical/Administrative Support, Law Enforcement, Management (except Agency Head), Professional, Scientific, Service to the Community, Technical/Information Technology, Trades and Crafts, and Valor.

Nomination packages will be available in the coming weeks so start thinking about who you'll be nominating for recognition this year. All nominees will be honored at an awards program/luncheon on Friday, May 7. Winners in each category, as well as the overall "Federal Employee of the Year," will be announced at the luncheon.

Miami to Host Black Heritage Stamp Ceremony at American Black Film Festival in June

The Postal Service is dedicating the Oscar Micheaux stamp in the Black Heritage series at the opening reception of the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 22. The South Florida District is honored that Miami has been selected as the host city for the First-Day-Of-Issue stamp ceremony.

The 33rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors the pioneering filmmaker who wrote, directed, produced, and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century. An ambitious, larger-than-life figure, Micheaux thrived at a time when African-American filmmakers were rare, venues for their work were scarce, and support from the industry did not exist. Micheaux’s entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.

This stamp features a stylized portrait of Oscar Micheaux by Gary Kelley. The artwork is based on one of the few surviving photographs of Micheaux, a portrait that appeared in his 1913 novel The Conquest.

Although only 15 of his movies are known to have survived in whole or in part, Micheaux has become a cinematic icon. In 1986, he was posthumously awarded a special Directors Guild of America award. In 1995, the Producers Guild of America established the Oscar Micheaux Award to honor “an individual or individuals whose achievements in film and television have been accomplished despite difficult odds.”

There's Still Time to Donate to the CFC

The South Florida District is at 83% of its Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) goal. That’s a 3% increase over yesterday. If you haven’t yet contributed to the campaign, your pledge will help us reach or exceed 100%. CFC canvassers are visiting facilities to collect donations throughout the remainder of this week.

Helping people is what the CFC is all about. While you’re making your decision, consider what your gift can buy:

$2 a pay period provides transportation to the hospital for dialysis treatment.

$4 a month buys 145 pounds of food for a food bank.

$10 a month pays for a complete platelet count for two children undergoing cancer treatment.

$12 a month pays 5 month’s salary for an adult literacy teacher.

$15 a month purchases 150 trees planted by volunteers to offset the annual greenhouse gas emissions of the average family of four.

$35 a month buys clothing for three homeless American children.

How much you give and whether you wish to designate your support to a specific charity is your decision. Most employees elect to pledge an amount to be withheld regularly from their paycheck while others give a one-time gift during the CFC. Your gift will help shape the lives of thousands of people in our communities, across the country, and around the world.

'Hail to the (Maintenance) Chief'

There's a rising star at the Miami Plant. Maintenance Manager Ricardo Amezquita auditioned and got the part of Chief Bromden in a local play, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

The play is based on Ken Kesey's original novel about a struggle for personal freedom under the most dire of circumstances. A free-thinking loner stuck in a mental hospital leads a rebellion of patients against a controlling nurse who will resort to anything to stamp out independent thought and action among her patients.

Performance Dates: February 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 pm; February 6, 7, 13, 14 at 2 pm.

Location: Davie Pine Island Multi-Purpose Center, 3801 S Pine Island Road, Davie FL.

Tickets: $12 at the door, $10 in advance, $8 for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, contact Jill Cuba at 954-797-1153 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or Fern Katz at 954-473-0372 between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm ... or E-Mail actofdavie1999@yahoo.com.

"Hail to the (Maintenance) Chief" on his acting debut!

2010-2011: 'Year of the Tiger'

In 2010, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the third of 12 stamps in its Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which began in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The Year of the Tiger will begin February 14, 2010 and end February 2, 2011. The 44-cent stamp will go on sale nationwide January 14 and be dedicated at the El Pueblo Historic Monument in Old Chinatown in Los Angeles.

Art director Ethel Kessler worked on the new series with illustrator Kam Mak, a Chinese American artist who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown. They decided to focus on some of the common ways the Lunar New Year Holiday is celebrated. To commemorate the Year of the Tiger, they chose narcissus flowers, considered auspicious at any time of year and thus especially appropriate at this time of renewed hope for the future.

Testing 1, 2, 3 for Supervisory Positions

It's 2010. Do your plans for the New Year include becoming a Supervisor, Customer Services, or a Supervisor, Distribution Operations?

If so, you'll want to apply for a position posted in eCareer on or before January 13. You'll also be required to pass an exam covering math, logic, and reasoning ability. The District Learning Development and Training Office has scheduled Exam Prep workshops as follows:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2010
9:00 am to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
South Florida P&DC, 16000 Pines Blvd, Rm 699, Pembroke Pines FL

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2010
9:00 am to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
West Palm Beach P&DC, 3200 Summit Blvd, Rm 139, West Palm Beach FL

All workshops are off-the-clock activities. Please direct any questions to Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity, at 305-470-0881.

'Give a Day, Get a Disney Day'

Disney Parks officially has launched “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” — perform a day of volunteer service at a participating organization in 2010 and you’ll receive a free, one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.

1. Visit www.DisneyParks.com, search for a volunteer activity and sign up. The opportunities are being coordinated by HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network. Many of the available activities offer opportunities for families to volunteer together.

2. Complete the volunteer activity selected.

3. When the completed day of volunteer service has been verified by HandsOn Network, you’ll print out a voucher online (instructions will be included in a follow-up E-Mail from Disney Parks) before redeeming it at a Disney Park — in California at Disneyland Resort or in Florida at Walt Disney World Resort – for a one-day, one-park ticket. Vouchers must be redeemed and tickets used by December 15, 2010.

Keep checking The Disney Parks Blog for updates on “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” There also are some official details, including, but not limited to:

1. You must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. 2. Ticket quantities for this program are limited.
3. Must be at least age 6 to participate.