Stamps to the (Animal) Rescue

Today the Postal Service unveiled its “Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet” sheet of commemorative stamps, kicking off a major 8-week promotion with an appearance by Postmaster General Jack Potter on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The commemorative sheet of stamps continues a half-century tradition of promoting attention and awareness of national social issues. The set features photographs of 10 shelter pets adopted through the Animal Welfare Society of New Milford CT. The stamps go on sale April 30 following a First-Day-Of-Issuance ceremony at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in Hollywood.

West Palm Beach Celebrates Black History

(L to R:) Regina Bean, Retail Associate at the West Palm Beach Main Office; Sybil Mainor Williams, Resource Teacher with the Office of African and African American Studies; Phyllis Reed, Postmaster of Delray Beach; and Marellius King, Instructional Specialist with the School District of Palm Beach County pose with the enlargement of the Civil Rights Pioneers stamps.

West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator JoAnn Goodrich gives opening remarks at Black History Month event at Wellington High School.

Four hundred Wellington High School students attended a Black History Month event hosted by the School District of Palm Beach County's Office of African and African American Studies. Students intently listened to a Black Heritage Stamp Series presentation by Delray Beach Postmaster Phyllis Reed. Phyllis is the first African-American Postmaster in Delray Beach.

Sybil Mainor Williams, Resource Teacher with the Office of African and African American Studies, is pleased that the enlargement of the Civil Rights Pioneers stamps are on permanent display.

West Palm Beach Retail Associate Regina Bean displays a sheet of Anna Julia Cooper stamps from the Black Heritage Series.

Photos: JoAnn Goodrich

WPB Plant is # 1 in Holiday Toy Collection

West Palm Beach Tour 2 Plant, Maintenance, and Mail Handlers celebrated being the # 1 Plant in the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive. These West Palm Beach employees collected the most toys of any of the plants in the South Florida District. Human Resources Specialist Debbie Dalelio was the Toys for Tots coordinator for the 334 & 349 area.

(L to R:) West Palm Beach Plant Manager Rufus Graham joins Marines and Terrance Russ, President, National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local Branch 318; Sharon Chandler, custodian; Lynn Shorman, custodian; Wayne Parker, President, APWU Local Branch 749; and Kenny Goodrich, Manager, Maintenance.

Front Row: Jann Miller, Manager, Human Resources, and Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity, pose with Marines along with Dwayn Peavy, Mail Handler; and Kenny Goodrich, Manager, Maintenance. Back Row: Terrance Russ, President, National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local Branch 318; Wayne Parker, President, APWU Local Branch 749; and Rufus Graham, West Palm Beach Plant Manager.

Photos: JoAnn Goodrich

During the 2009 holiday season, the U.S. Marines issued a challenge to the U.S. Postal Service. South Florida District Plants and Post Offices accepted. The Plant and Post Office that collected the most toys would win a visit from Marines who would recognize the winning offices with a plaque. West Palm Beach Plant employees collected the most toys of all the plants in the South Florida District. Congratulations! Employees brightened the holidays for many less fortunate children in the community.

Father Felix Varela Wins Toys for Tots Contest

Father Felix Varela employees gather around for the Toys for Tots awards presentation.

NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gill(center) talks about the importance of giving back to the community in which you serve. Gill and Manager, Customer Service Armando Marsal (R) were pleased with carriers' contributions to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Campaign.

(L to R:) Jann Miller, Manager, Human Resources; Sergeant Michael Morin, Corporal John Hirnyk , and Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity, congratulated Father Felix Varela employees for being named the Post Office that collected the most toys in the district.

(L to R:) Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity; Miami Postmaster David Boardman: Manager, Customer Service Operations Joseph Croce; Manager, Human Resources Jann Miller and Marines join employees in celebrating their award for collecting the most toys of all the Post Offices in the district.

Father Felix Varela Manager, Customer Service Armando Marsal (center) joins Marines in thanking Michelle Mitchell and Mercy Tercilla who coordinated the branch campaign.

Traditionally, postal employees are well known for their generosity, especially during the holiday season. The U.S. Marines issued a challenge to employees in last year’s Toys for Tots Campaign, and the South Florida District Plant and Post Office that collected the most toys would receive a plaque and a visit from Marines. Father Felix Varela employees won the Post Office category and were recognized as shown in photos above.

A/Customer Relations Coordinator Zeida Alvarez and NALC Union Representatives Javier Rodriguez and Miguel Araujo also attended the recognition ceremony.

Photos: Zeida Alvarez

Powell & McPhaul: District FMLA Coordinators

Jann Miller, Manager of Human Resources (L) and Nena Sanders, Manager Health and Resource Management (R) congratulate Chris Powell (Center) on his recent promotion as the District FMLA Coordinator. Missing from the photo is Raynard McPhaul - also promoted as District FMLA Coordinator.

Ray McPhaul began working for the Postal Service in June of 1987 as a mail processor. He was promoted to Supervisor of Distribution in 1990 and worked in that position until he was detailed as the FMLA Coordinator in December 2001. Ray graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 1983. He is married with 2 daughters.

Chris was hired as a letter carrier in 1980 at the Opa-Locka Main Post Office. During 1996 and part of 1997 he covered as a Supervisor, Customer Service in Hialeah at the Miami Gardens Branch. In 1997 Chris was promoted to Supervisor, Distribution Operations at the South Florida Plant. He has been working as the FMLA Coordinator for the South Florida District since September 2001.

Congratulations Chris and Ray!

Debunking the Myth: Does USPS Waste Taxpayer Dollars?

When people say to you the Postal Service wastes taxpayer dollars, here’s what you can say to them.

“Bunk.”

Here’s the truth. In 1971, Congress reorganized the Postal Service, making it an independent agency of the executive branch operating as a commercial entity. Today, USPS relies on the sale of postage, mail products and services for its revenue.

A small annual appropriation from Congress reimburses USPS for free mail for the blind and absentee-ballot mailing for overseas military personnel. Otherwise, the Postal Service has not received taxpayer funds to support its operations since 1982. In fact, though the Postal Service often is described as “quasi-governmental,” it’s required by law to cover its costs.

Don’t let myths about the Postal Service cloud the truth.
“Misconceptions about the future of the Postal Service abound,” says PMG Jack Potter. “Dispelling these myths will show we can continue to deliver the mail.”

Tale of Two Cities on Consumer Protection

(L to R:) Thaddeus Clark, Investigator for the State of Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, talks with customers Mary Ellen Gardner and Joan Kegel. Photo: JoAnn Goodrich

(L to R:) Postal Inspector Tracy Schaeffer, West Palm Beach City O-I-C Ed Coppola, Sales & Service Associate Sonya Owens (West Palm Beach Main Office), and Thaddeus Clark, Investigator for the State of Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation strike a pose for the camera. Photo: JoAnn Goodrich

Postal Inspector Hugo Cuellar and Consumer Affairs Manager Ellen Uptgrow set up National Consumer Protection Week display in the Fort Lauderdale Main Office Lobby. Photo: Tashia Romano-Kravitz

National Consumer Protection Week (March 7-13) drew record crowds, and events at the West Palm Beach Main Office and Fort Lauderdale Main Office were no exceptions. Postal Inspectors, the Consumer Affairs Manager, and community partners alerted customers to the latest scams and shared fraud prevention tips.

Revenue Generation. Everywhere. Every Day. Are You Engaged?

During times of changes and challenges, we are reminded that there’s also a time for opportunity. As we continue to implement cost-cutting measures, we have a great opportunity to grow the business. Working together as a team and “engaging” in revenue-generation initiatives, including the Employee Engagement Program, will improve our overall financial situation and create long-term job security for all of us.

Yes, our business is changing, but what isn’t changing is who we are --- a trusted part of the communities we serve. The commitment and dedication of employees, like yourself, connect the nation through the power of the mail. We’re an integral part of a self-supporting agency that funds its operations from revenue generated by the sales of products and services. And we’ll continue to make that connection with our customers through the Employee Engagement Program. Customer Connect. Business Connect. Rural Reach. Submit a Lead.

Everywhere. Every day.

While the Employee Engagement Program is not new to you, as an organization, we’re revitalizing the overall program. We’re re-engaging our efforts to making that connection with our customers. Our future depends on employee engagement --- your engagement!

CFC Luncheon Hails Success in Tough Times

USPS South Florida District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth makes a point that postal employees are among the most generous federal employees.

West Palm Beach P&DC Mail Handler Mack Preston was a Loaned Executive and a member of the Atlantic Coast CFC for the past six years.

(L to R): Edward Kiess, Director, Atlantic Coast CFC; Craig Snyder, Atlantic Coast (Past) Co-Chair; Damaris Agrait, USPS Manager, Learning Development & Diversity; and David Boardman, Miami Postmaster.

Jaqui Arroyo, Director, South Florida Federal Executive Board, expresses thanks to all involved in the success of the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign.

Jennifer Thonus proudly displays her plaque recognizing her work as a CFC Loaned Executive.

Michelle Butler is pleased to be recognized for her work as a CFC Loaned Executive.

PHOTOS: JOANN GOODRICH

District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth thanks CFC loaned executives, coordinators, canvassers, and all the postal employees who contributed to the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign. Although we fell short of our goal, it wasn't due to the lack of dedication or enthusiasm of our CFC workers or the generous spirit of our employees. In this tough economy, we all tightened our belts ... but we still gave. We understand our social responsibility to the community, the nation, and the world ... and we'll renew our commitment to next year's CFC.

Pompano Beach MO to Get Second Name

At 11 am on Saturday, March 20, the U.S. Postal Service will join Congressman Alcee L. Hastings in renaming the Pompano Beach Main Office facility as the “Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building.”

A dedication ceremony will take place in front of the Main Office located at 2351 W. Atlantic Blvd in Pompano Beach. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be available in the Post Office Box Lobby.

Last year the Congressman introduced a bill designating the Post Office in honor of Pompano Beach’s first African-American mayor, Elijah "Pat" Larkins, who died on February 14, 2009, after losing a 16-month battle with brain cancer. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors of this legislation include: Representatives Corrine Brown (D-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ron Klein (D-FL), Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Robert Wexler (D-FL).

Throughout his more than 25 years of public service, Mayor Larkins made significant contributions to the Civil Rights movement and to the lives of the many Floridians he served. Mayor Larkins became Pompano Beach's first African-American mayor in 1985, and served a record seven terms in that office.

Ft Pierce PO Offers Consumers Protection

Postmaster Michael Lloyd, Janelle Brown from the Florida Department of Regulation, and Postal Inspector Tracy Schaeffer of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Miami Division participated in a National Consumer Protection Week event at the Fort Pierce Main Office.

The lobby was buzzing with activity as customers were very interested in learning how to protect themselves from becoming fraud victims. Ann Marie Tighe, secretary to the Postmaster, set up an inviting display of consumer protection brochures, publications, and flyers to educate the public.

"Education is the best defense!" said Ann Marie.

Photo: Ann Marie Tighe

Customer Praises Key West PM's 'Fab Service'

TO: Key West Postmaster Jane Evans

Ms Evans,

Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!

A miracle worker you are. I thought the package was lost forever!

I cannot thank you enough for the effort you expended on my behalf. As you might have guessed the prodigal package made its way home Friday afternoon - 5.5 weeks after being mailed (with postage!) on January 19, 2010. The mistake was mine (hah of course you are saying to yourself!) because I addressed it as "TO" in the "FROM" space.

I take all the blame- but award you all the thanks! Fab customer service and a happy ending!

Please feel free to forward this blast of praise to your supervisor or ask me to do so!

Thanks again,
Laurel Giobbie

Media on 'Dollars & Sense' Consumer Event

South Florida District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth welcomed a standing-room-only crowd to the National Consumer Protection Week kick off in Pembroke Pines.

Veronica Ortega, Sales/Services/Distribution Associate at the Hialeah Main Office (L) and Damaris Murphy, General Analyst, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division (R), discuss fraud prevention.

During the National Consumer Protection Week kick off event at the South Florida Retail Unit in Pembroke Pines, Inspector-In-Charge Enrique Gutierrez told the audience that "if it's too good to be true, it is."

"Dollars and Sense: Rated 'A' for All Ages." Today the South Florida District, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Miami Division, kicked off National Consumer Protection Week in the South Florida Retail Unit Lobby. Look for coverage from the following media outlets:

WFOR Channel 4 (CBS)
WTVJ Channel 6 (NBC)
WSVN Channel 7 (FOX)
WPLG Channel 10 (ABC)
WSFL Channel 39 (CW)
Sun Sentinel
National Public Radio
Miami Herald
Money Talks News (nationally-syndicated financial news program broadcast in 85 U.S. markets)

Oceanview Carriers 'Deliver' for 'Jerry's Kids'

Oceanview Letter Carriers Louis Fish and Raveca Muresan collect for "Jerry's Kids." Photo: Faye Anastasia

Miami Beach's Oceanview letter carriers delivered seven days last week. On Sunday, March 7, Oceanview letter carriers returned to their delivery area and collected funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They took to the streets, not to deliver the mail, but to collect for "Jerry's Kids."

"I am always very proud of my employees," said Faye Anastasia, Manager, Customer Service, Oceanview Branch. "I'm always inspired by their countless hours of volunteer work to help those less fortunate in our community."

Military Mail On Its Way to Haiti

USPS has begun delivering letters and packages bound for members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed to Haiti.

The initial wave of military mail — destined for Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince — is being coordinated by the Postal Service and the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) in support of the overall U.S. recovery effort in the country devastated by January's massive earthquake.

Employees at the Miami International Service Center (ISC) are processing and distributing the thousands of packages arriving daily. Mail then is forwarded by air to Port-au-Prince, where MPSA distributes it.

“It’s a large quantity of mail,” says Miami ISC Plant Manager Ben Vidal. “It’s a challenge we welcome, because the service members in Haiti are doing so much to help so many. They deserve first-class mail service.”

Post Offices are continuing to accept letter mail and packages mailed to addresses in Haiti. However, USPS is temporarily holding mail addressed to the country until the Haiti Post can accept mail.

Troops Thank Broward Navy League, Operation Homefront for Priority Mail Boxes of Essentials

In January, Marianne Giambrone, secretary to Fort Lauderdale Postmaster Mike Fortunato and Board member of Broward's Navy League Council, shared that her council was working with a non-profit group, Operation Homefront. Together, they were providing care packages to military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Homefront filled the Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, and the Council paid the shipping costs. Below is a thank you letter from the grateful recipients:

Thank you to the Navy League of Broward County very much for the deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste ... all needed here! Here's a photo of one of our Marines and soldiers (I'm the sailor who took the picture) displaying two of the many boxes received. As for the one box marked "Personal," an extra special thanks for the Rokeach hammantaschen ... just in time for Purim.

Regards, Paul RDML Paul Becker, USNCJ2, ISAF Joint Command (IJC)NIPR: Paul.B.Becker@afghan.swa.army.milSIPR: Paul.B.Becker@afghan.swa.army.smil.milJWICS: cebecpx@centcom.ic.govSIPR TANDBERG: 22.77.41.242DSN/IVSN: (318) 449-9908SVOIP: (308) 449-9246Afghan Cell From US: 0093-797840522Afghan Cell In Country: 0797840522

PMG Delivers 10-Year Business Plan

Revenue and mail volume projections point to continuing and dramatic losses in the billions. If the Postal Service takes no action, it could face a cumulative $238 billion shortfall by the year 2020.

To meet these challenges over the next decade and beyond, the Postal Service today presented its action plan — “Ensuring a Viable Postal Service for America” — to adapt to America’s changing mailing habits and preferences.

“The Postal Service understands that to best serve the American people in 2020 and beyond, it must be leaner and have the ability to quickly respond to customer mailing needs,” said PMG Jack Potter.

The plan, presented by Potter and senior USPS executives to an audience of more than 200 congressional and mailing industry stakeholders, calls for the Postal Service to focus on several main areas where change is needed to become a flexible, agile agency able to respond to change.

Restructure retiree health benefits prefunding to “pay-as-you-go,” comparable to what is used by the rest of the federal government and the private sector.

Adjust delivery frequency to better reflect current mail volumes and customer habits.

Expand access to postal products and services through self-service kiosks, partnerships with other retail outlets, and a world-class website — usps.com.

Workforce flexibility that allows USPS to put the right people at the right place and at the right time.

Ensure pricing of Market Dominant mailing products is based on demand for each individual product and its costs, rather than capping prices for every class at the rate of inflation.

Expand Products and Services by allowing USPS to evaluate and introduce more new products consistent with its mission and compete more effectively in the marketplace.

Lea Loves Little Letters

In a world where the biggest and the best most often garner attention, along comes the World’s Smallest Post Office (WSPO). Actually, it’s not a Post Office — it’s a miniature desk that business owner Lea Redmond carries to cafes and shops in San Francisco and uses to produce really, really small letters for passers-by. Each letter is transcribed by WSPO in the tiniest of script, sealed with a miniscule wax seal with the sender’s initial pressed into it, packaged with a magnifying glass in a glassine envelope and finished off with a large wax seal. Each package containing the wee writings is addressed large enough for anyone to read.

Got Tubs? USPS Can Save $$$ With Your Help

Postal equipment has been misused in many ways --- from office file cabinets to garage tool collections --- but a flat tub as a planter is a first!

The Postal Service spends $10 million each year to purchase new flat tubs. That’s because every year, customers fail to return 68 percent of the Postal Service’s flat tubs. They’re very handy containers --- flat tubs can be used for all kinds of purposes --- even as planting pots.

Here’s what employees can do to help keep flat tubs in the USPS network and save us some money:

Don’t give flat tubs to customers for hold mail and caller service mail.

Don’t leave flat tubs near collection boxes, customer mailboxes and doorsteps.

Avoid leaving flat tubs with business customers.

If you see postal equipment outside the postal network, send an e-mail to hqmte@usps.gov listing the location, type and quantity.

Bill Renames Pompano Beach Main Office as 'Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building'

At 11 am on Saturday, March 20, the U.S. Postal Service will join Congressman Alcee L. Hastings in renaming the Pompano Beach Main Office as the “Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building.”

A dedication ceremony will take place in front of the Main Office located at 2351 W. Atlantic Blvd in Pompano Beach. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be available in the Post Office Box Lobby.

Last year the Congressman introduced a bill designating the Post Office in honor of Pompano Beach’s first African-American mayor, Elijah "Pat" Larkins, who died on February 14, 2009, after losing a 16-month battle with brain cancer. Throughout his more than 25 years of public service, Mayor Larkins made significant contributions to the Civil Rights movement and to the lives of the many Floridians he served.

(Employees are reminded that this is an off-the-clock activity.)

'Dollars and Sense Rated 'A' for All Ages' ... Now That's Your Consumer Protection Ticket!

National Consumer Protection Week is March 7-13. This year’s theme, "Dollars and Sense: Rated 'A' for All Ages,” highlights consumer education for every stage of life --- from grade school to retirement.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working to educate consumers about identity theft and fraudulent schemes and to provide them with the information needed to combat these frauds. During National Consumer Protection Week, other federal, state, and local consumer protection agencies --- together with consumer organizations and industry associations --- are launching consumer protection and education efforts in South Florida and around the country.

District Manager Tammy J. Autenrieth will kick off the week’s observance at 10 am on Monday, March 8, in the South Florida Retail Unit Lobby, 16000 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. She will give opening remarks and welcome participants, including guest speakers Mike Galvin, Vice President, Communications, Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean; Hope Hinds, Director, Compliance and Risk Management Services, Compliance and Mitigation Strategies; and Inspector Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. A Deputy Chief and two Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the U.S. Attorney’s Office also will speak.

From 10 am to 2 pm, postal personnel and subject matter experts from the FBI, Miami-Dade Police Department, City of Miami Police Department, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, and National Insurance Crime Bureau will be stationed at informational tables in the lobby. Help prevent identity theft by discarding your documents --- at no charge --- at the onsite truck provided by Cintas Shredding Company.

During the weeklong observance, Postal and Inspection Service personnel will distribute fraud prevention material at the following locations:

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, Atlantic Branch,8801 W Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs; 1 pm - 3 pm , Boca Rio Branch, 8185 Via Ancho Rd, Boca Raton.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 12 Noon - 2 pm, Fort Pierce Main Office, 5000 W Midway Rd, Fort Pierce; 1 pm - 3 pm, Chesterbrook Academy, 14900 NW 20 Street, Pembroke Pines.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 10 am - 2 pm, Miami Beach Post Office, 1300 Washington Ave, Miami Beach; 1 pm - 4 pm, Fort Lauderdale Main Office, 1900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 9 am - 1 pm, Miami Killian Senior High School, 10655 SW 97 Ave, Miami; 1 pm - 3 pm, West Palm Beach Main Office, 3200 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach.

(Employees are reminded that these are off-the-clock activities.)