Celebrating the 'Red, White, and Blue'

Celebrate America with the Red, White, and Blue issuance. Each of the four stamps features a modern interpretation of a flying flag, complete with six red and white wavy stripes and a handful of five-pointed stars. The designs were inspired by 20th-century American ephemera, such as pins and flags.
Designed for business use, the Red, White, and Blue Forever stamps are being issued in self-adhesive large coils of 10,000. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
Ethel Kessler was the art director. Greg Berger designed the stamps.

USPS Issues Charlton Heston Stamp

Legendary Hollywood icon and humanitarian Charlton Heston was honored as the 18th inductee into the U.S. Postal Service’s Legends of Hollywood stamp series. The event took place during a First-Day-Of-Issue stamp dedication ceremony at the The Creative Life Chinese Theatre as part of the TCM Classic Film Festival.

“Acting was not Charlton Heston’s whole life,” said U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors Chairman Mickey Barnett in dedicating the stamp. “He was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs. In the 1960s, he believed so strongly in civil rights that he marched on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whom he called ‘a 20th century Moses.’ Later, he became a strong supporter of rights for gun owners and served as president of the National Rifle Association. No matter what kind of stand he took, you always knew his beliefs came from a place of true conviction. Beyond winning an Oscar for ‘Ben-Hur,’ he also received the Motion Picture Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.”

Joining Barnett at the dedication were filmmaker Fraser C. Heston, son of Charlton Heston; Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris;and, American Film Institute President Emerita and former U.S. Postal Service Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee Chair Jean Picker-Firstenberg.

“On behalf of my mother, Lydia, my sister, Holly Rochell, and the entire Heston family, I can say enthusiastically how deeply grateful we all are that my father, Charlton, has been honored with a ‘Legends of Hollywood’ postage stamp,” said Heston. “In many ways, a nation’s stamps are a cross section of a culture, its ideals and icons, in microcosm. As a fervently patriotic American, my father would be deeply moved to know that his image — based on one of my mother’s photographs — will be on a Forever stamp.”

Designed by art director Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, the stamp features a color portrait of the actor by noted movie artist Drew Struzan of Pasadena, CA. The portrait is based on a photograph taken by Heston’s wife, Lydia Clarke Heston. The area outside of the stamps is decorated with an image of the actor from the 1959 movie Ben-Hur. Originally shot in black and white, the photo was later hand-colorized. Heston is shown wearing his costume from the film’s monumental chariot racing scene.

Congratulations to Top Performers

The South Florida District held its Quarter 1 Recognition Meeting on March 28, 2014. Fort Lauderdale Customer Service was recognized in several categories. Postmaster Scott Bower acknowledges his staff for its accomplishments. “Your hard work and dedication are very much appreciated and your recognition is well deserved.”

The following is the breakdown of each category:

Best Performance CDPOM was awarded to Tamarac Branch.

Best Performance CSSOM was awarded to Northridge Annex.

Retail Revenue to Plan was awarded to Alridge Station.

Function 4 Overtime % Improvement was awarded to Plantation Branch.

Highest SSK Adoption Rate was awarded to Davie Branch.

EDDM sales went to Oakland Park Branch.

MVA Performance Level 18-20 was awarded to Alridge Station; MVA Performance Level 21 to Westside Branch, Inverrary Branch, and Weston Branch. In the same category in Level 22, Sunrise Branch was recognized.

OSHA I&I Level 18-20 was awarded to Davie and Westside Branch; in the same category Level 22, Oakland Park Branch, Plantation Branch, Sunrise Branch and Tamarac Branch.  

For Level 18-20 offices, Overall Retail Customer Experience 100% was awarded to Alridge Station.

Street Base Performance was awarded to Tamarac Branch. Street Performance Improvement was awarded to Tamarac Branch as well.

                                                                        #  #  #

Congratulations to the following offices in 334/349 recognized for their performance during Quarter 1 FY 2014:

Level 18-20 Offices

Best Performance CD POM:  Belle Glade Post Office

OSHA I&I:  Hobe Sound Post Office,  Pahokee Post Office, Port Salerno Post Office, South Bay Post Office

Reduction MVA Performance:  Pahokee Post Office

Overall MSP:  Pahokee Post Office

Total Expenses to Plan: Port Salerno Post Office

100% Overall RCE:  Port Salerno Retail Unit, Downtown Station Retail Unit

Total Workhour Performance:  Port Salerno Post Office

Attendance Control:  Port Salerno Post Office, South Bay Post Office

Reduction OT/F-4:  City Place Station (West Palm Beach)

Reduction OT F-2B Improvement:  Pahokee Post Office

Delivering Every Scan: Hobe Sound Post Office

Congratulations to the West Palm Beach Plant that received the following awards:

BPI % Improvement – LDC 11, BPI % Improvement – LDC 13, Best DBCS Performance, Best AFCS Performance, Best AFSM Performance, Best APBS Performance, Best Performance Overnight, MVA Performance, and Attendance Control.

Harvey Milk Stamp First-Day-Of-Issue Scheduled at White House May 22

The U.S. Postal Service officially revealed the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp this week.  The stamp’s official First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony will take place May 22 at the White House.
The public is invited to attend the May 28 Harvey Milk Forever Stamp special dedication ceremony in San Francisco. Details on the time and location will be forthcoming. 
The stamp image is based on a circa 1977 black and white photograph of Milk in front of his Castro Street Camera store in San Francisco taken by Daniel Nicoletta of Grants Pass, OR. Antonio Alcalá of Alexandria, VA, was art director for the stamp.
Harvey Milk was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk’s achievements gave hope and confidence to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in the United States and elsewhere at a time when the community was encountering widespread hostility and discrimination. Milk believed that government should represent all citizens, ensuring equality and providing needed services.
His political career was tragically cut short less than a year after he took office in California when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated on Nov. 27, 1978.

In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

A World-Class Stamp Dedication Celebrates Earth Day 2014

In celebration of Earth Day 2014, the U.S. Postal Service today issued an Earth Day 2014 Forever Stamp depicting Earth temperatures generated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  The stamp was dedicated at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) “Community Day” event to celebrate Earth Day 2014.

The Global: Sea Surface Temperatures Forever Stamp goes on sale today for customers to mail a one-ounce First-Class letter overseas.  

The 1.27 inch diameter stamp depicts a visual representation of the planet’s sea surface temperatures. It shows the Earth with North America at the center and parts of South America, Asia and Europe just visible on the edges, surrounded by vivid bands of color throughout the oceans.

The image on the stamp is one frame in a 1,460-frame animation created from a computer model of Earth’s climate by NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. The animation has been used by Science On a Sphere, a room-sized educational display that projects a variety of images and views onto a sphere six feet in diameter. The full animation shows how the surface temperatures of the oceans vary seasonally and change over time, and how surface ocean currents transport heat and water around the globe.

The image also combines the depiction of sea-surface temperatures with visible vegetation on land masses, an element derived from a satellite composite created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Postal Service Art Director William Gicker designed the stamp.

Stock Up Now for NALC Food Drive

On Saturday, May 10, you can make a difference in your community.

That is the day of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) 22^nd Annual Food Drive --- the largest single-day collection of canned goods in the nation.

Between now and then, think about individuals who are less fortunate and buy some extra non-perishable food items --- peanut butter, canned soup, canned meats and fish, canned vegetables, fruits and juices, boxed goods (such as cereal), and pasta and rice.

On Saturday, May 10, leave your bag of donated canned goods at your mailbox for your city or rural letter carrier to pick up. All donated goods will be brought back to the Post Office and/or to a local charity to benefit the hungry in your community. 

Last year, with the help of thousands of volunteers, letter carriers all across America collected more than 74.4 million pounds of non-perishable food — the second-highest amount since the drive began in 1992, bringing the grand total  to just under 1.3 billion pounds.

Happy Earth Day, April 22

On Earth Day, April 22, the Postal Service has released its 2013 Annual Sustainability Report, demonstrating continued commitment to environmentally-responsible business practices.  The sixth-annual report highlights key achievements, including:

•       Reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent from FY2008 to FY2013
•       Remaining on track to achieve a 30 percent reduction in facility energy use by FY2015
•       Becoming a member of EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership
•       Recycling nearly 2.4 million pounds of e-waste
•       Releasing the 2014 Forever International stamp — Global: Sea Surface Temperatures,     featuring a visual representation of our planet’s sea surface temperatures. The image was created by a model of the Earth’s climate by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory.

The 2013 report details the expansion of the USPS BlueEarth brand, including two active services — the USPS BlueEarth Federal Recycling Program and USPS BlueEarth Carbon Accounting program for business mailers. These programs provide a business solution for customers while offering environmental benefits.

The report also highlights a sustainability challenge the Postal Service faces — transportation fuel use. An aging fleet and the need to service more delivery points increase fuel demand. Despite this challenge, USPS seeks new ways to reduce fuel consumption, and maintains a fleet of more than 42,000 alternative fuel vehicles.

The Postal Services continues to actively engage employees through sustainability initiatives. More than 1,300 “Lean Green” teams across the country implement low- or no-cost activities in their facilities, assisting in reducing the organization’s overall environmental impact.

According to Chief Sustainability Officer Thomas G. Day, these employees play an important role in sustainability success throughout the organization. 

“We take great pride in supporting and recognizing employees who create new opportunities for sustainability, and this year was no different,” Day said. “The efforts of our employees exemplify how sustainability actions are right for the environment — and our business.”

Visit usps.com/green and the USPS Green Newsroom to learn more about the Postal Service’s sustainability initiatives.

* * * * * 

In the South Florida District, sustainability is on the minds of employees throughout the year.  For example:

• The district recycles paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic.
• The Key West Post Office has 31 propane vehicles and a three-wheeled electric vehicle called a T3 with a 40-mile range, maximum speed of 12 mph, 450-pound weight capacity, and two cents a mile average in energy costs.  Miami Beach Post Office has 12 bicycle routes that reduce  emissions and save fuel.
• The South Florida L&DC is a showcase of resource conservation and innovation.  This environmentally-friendly facility uses energy efficient lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints; and low-water-use fixtures.  Native plant species are used in landscaping to minimize consumption of water and energy.
•  Employees at our Vehicle Maintenance Facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Miami, and West Palm Beach protect and preserve the environment.  They properly dispose of hazardous wastes that prevent contaminants from going into storm drains and participate in recycling programs for tires, coolants, and other automotive items.

Eco Symposium in Plantation April 26

In a joint effort with the U.S. Postal Service and the Broward Postal Customer Council, JKG Group is proud to sponsor the South Plantation High School's 2014 Eco Symposium scheduled 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 26.  The event will take place at South Plantation High School Magnet Amphitheater, 1300 SW 54 Ave, Plantation, FL.  

This sustainability event is free to the public.  Postal employees are reminded that attendance is an off-the-clock activity.

Come see South Plantation High School's Solar Knights demonstrate their solar-powered racing vehicles!

Keynote speakers:  Thomas G. Day, Chief Sustainability Officer, USPS; Joseph H. Simmons, Ph.D., Backe Chair for Renewable Energy, Florida Gulf Coast University; Ben Wesley, Director, External Affairs Department, Florida Power and Light Company; Kevin Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Chico's Boutiques and Boston Proper Retail Stores; and Christine Hesmati, Analyst, Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition.

NALC Food Drive, Saturday, May 10

The 22^nd NALC Food Drive is just one month away!  As Saturday, May 10, draws ever closer, letter carriers in more than 1,200 branches nationwide (including South Florida!) are full steam ahead to get ready for the largest, single-day food drive in the country.

“Too many people in this country are still going hungry every day,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “As letter carriers, we see this firsthand in just about every community we serve. But we aren’t the type of folks who simply move on to the next delivery and hope someone else will do something about it. Instead, for more than two decades now, our members have taken the lead in the effort to help solve this ongoing national problem.”

While grocery shopping over the next four weeks, consider those individuals in our community who are less fortunate than us … pick up some extra canned goods for the NALC Food Drive!

New Faces & Places in Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster Scott R. Bower is proud to announce the following promotions:

Virginia Rhodes, Manager, Customer Services, Melrose Vista Branch, to Manager, Customer Services, Plantation Branch.  Rhodes had been detailed to this position for the past 10 months.

Jason Beach, Manager, Customer Services, South Portland, ME to Manager, Customer Services, Tamarac Branch.
Bridget Johnson, Supervisor, Customer Services, Sarasota, FL to Manager, Customer Services, Everglades Branch.  
Thomas Petrush, Manager, Customer Services, Savannah, GA to Manager, Customer Services, Alridge Station.  

New Password to Replace PIN Online

Later this month, each employee will begin using a new password for the LiteBlue website and online self-service applications such as PostalEASE, eCareer, ePayroll, eJob Bidding, and eOPF.

Currently, employees use their Employee Identification Numbers (EINs) and 4-digit Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) to access LiteBlue and online self-service applications. That will change when Human Resources and IT launch a new online program to help each employee create a stronger password, 8-16 characters in length.

The password length change is being made to improve protection of personal information by moving to an 8-character, more secure password. By the end of April, employees will need their new passwords as well as their EINs to access LiteBlue and online self-service applications.

Employees conducting self-service HR transactions over the telephone (not online) will continue using their current EINs and 4-digit USPS PINs. 

Webinars to Address Long-Term Care, Retirement Planning

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is promoting a series of webinars featuring industry experts who will explore issues such as retirement planning and caregiving.

April 22, 2014 — Growing up and growing older, part 1: Having the long-term care conversation. This event will highlight real-world experiences and provides tips to help employees coordinate family responsibilities and prepare for long-term care. 
April 30, 2014 — Solving your personal retirement puzzle at any age. This webinar focuses on retirement planning and helps employees understand the pieces of their personal retirement puzzles and how to manage health and long-term care concerns in retirement. 
May 1, 2014 — Beyond retirement planning, part 2: Advance directives. During this webinar, experts will discuss the differences between a living will, health care proxy and durable and health care powers of attorney. 

Participation in these webinars is voluntary and should be conducted off the clock. The Postal Service and the Office of Personnel Management are not conducting these webinars; nor are they endorsing them. Neither agency is bound by the information presented in them.

Miami CS Team (Craft & EAS) Rocks!

Recently the South Florida District held its Quarter 1 Recognition Meeting.  Miami Customer Service was recognized in several categories.  Miami Postmaster Rick Suarez would like to acknowledge his staff for its accomplishments.  

“Thank you to all employees in the Miami Customer Service area; our success is a reflection of all, craft and EAS employees,” said Suarez.  “Working together as a team makes us stronger, we have the ability reach all of our goals.” 

Rick Suarez, Miami Postmaster; Larry Suarez, Manager, Customer Services, Kendall Branch; Armando Marsal, Manager, Customer Services, Father Felix Varela Branch; Luis Rodriguez, Maintenance Supervisor, Miami International Service Center; Raul Mayor, Manager, Gratigny Branch; Manny Molina, Manager, Customer Service Operations; Brian Goldstein, A/Manager, Customer Services, Gratigny Branch; Jose Martinez, A/Manager, Customer Services, North Miami Beach Branch; and Ernie Cintado, Manager, Customer Service Operations.  Photo:  Mirtha Uriarte

Congratulations to the following units recognized during the event especially Flagler Station which received seven awards followed by Milam Dairy Branch receiving five. 

The following is the breakdown of each category: 

Best Performance CDPOM was awarded to Father Felix Varela Branch, Flagler Station, Gratigny Branch, and Milam Dairy Branch. 

Best Performance CSSOM was awarded to Flagler Station.

Function 2B Work Hour % to Plan was awarded to Flagler Station and Ludlam Branch. 

Function 4 Work Hours % to Plan was awarded to Flagler Station and Sunset Branch.  
  

Highest VOE Score was awarded to Coconut Grove Station.

MVA Performance Level 18-20 was awarded to Coconut Grove Station, Ludlam Branch and Milam Dairy Branch; MVA Performance Level  21 to Allapattah Station, Blue Lagoon Branch, Coral Gables Branch, and Father Felix Varela Branch.  In the same category in Level 22 offices, Jose Marti Branch, North Miami Beach Branch and Sunset Branch were recognized. 

OSHA I&I Level 18-20 was awarded to Coconut Grove Station, Gratigny Branch, Key Biscayne Station, and Martin Luther King Station; in the same category Level 22, Country Lakes Branch and North Miami Beach Branch.

Overall MSP Scanning was awarded to Flagler Station and North Miami Beach Branch.  For Level 18-20 offices, Overall Retail Customer Experience 100% was awarded to Doral Branch, Milam Dairy Branch and South Miami Branch.  Flagler Station, a Level 24 office, also was recognized in this category. 

Percent to Standard Improvement was awarded to North Miami Branch.   

Street Base Performance was awarded to Flagler Station and Milam Dairy Branch.  

Street Performance Improvement was awarded to Milam Dairy Branch. 

Total Work Hours % to Plan was awarded to Flagler Station and Sunset Branch.

Marines' Toys for Tots Campaign: West Carrier Annex Wins Again!

U.S. Marines Gunnery Sergeant Eddie Fonseca thanks West Carrier Annex employees for their generosity in donating items to the 2013 "Toys for Tots" Drive.

L to R:  West Carrier Annex Manager, Customer Services Joel Marc; U.S. Marines Gunnery Sergeant Eddie Fonseca; A/Human Resources Specialist Phileana Evans; Manager, Learning Development and Diversity Damaris Agrait; Manager, Human Resources Jann Miller, and Manager, Customer Services Operations Marcia Pedraza thanked all employees at the West Carrier Annex.

Both the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Marines have been very busy the past few months ... so busy that just now they had the opportunity to celebrate a 2013 holiday achievement.

U.S. Marines Gunnery Sergeant Eddie Fonseca presented West Carrier Annex employees with a plaque recognizing them for collecting the most toys of all Post Offices in the district in the 2013 Toys for Tots Campaign.

Employees proudly display the plaque at their work unit.  They won the same contest in 2011.

Carriers gave credit to Letter Carrier Avrill "Michelle" Cawley-Small for "making it happen." Carriers all agreed that Michelle was the driving force behind the success of the campaign at their station.  

Preparing Now for Tax Day, April 15

With the 2014 tax filing deadline fast approaching, South Florida postal employees are reminding last-minute tax filers to mail early in the day at their local Post Office and observe scheduled pick up times on local collection boxes on Tuesday, April 15.  

Customers may visit usps.com to query Post Offices that regularly are open after 5 p.m.  There will be no midnight collection box pickups or parking lot collections at any South Florida postal facility on Tuesday, April 15.

The U.S Postal Service will provide customers with both timely tax return drop offs and special services including; Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Certified Mail, and Return Receipt. The IRS accepts the First-Class postmark as proof of filing by April 15.

Postal employees provide these tips for income tax filers mailing their returns:

1.   If filing on April 15, mail early in the day at any Post Office. Be sure to verify Post Office hours of operation.

2.   If depositing returns in a collection box on April 15, double check the pick-up schedule on the collection box.  To ensure getting the April 15 postmark, deposit returns before the last scheduled pick-up time.

3.   Affix the correct postage. Some returns include many forms and require additional postage.  One ounce is 49 cents. The second ounce is an additional 21 cents. IRS will not pay postage due and will return items to sender.  If you use a flat-sized envelope (8 1/2 X 11), then it's 98 cents up to one ounce and $1.19 for two ounces.

4.   In addition to the Post Office retail counter, postage may be purchased at a Self-Service  Kiosk (SSK) in many lobbies.  For locations, visit usps.com.  Alternate access locations to buy stamps i.e. grocery stores, also are listed at usps.com.

5.   Remember that due to heightened security, mail that bears only postage stamps and weighs more than 13 ounces must be taken by the customer to a Post Office retail counter.

6.   Be sure to include a return address on your envelope.  Verify the IRS address where your return should be mailed.

The U.S. Postal Service offers flexible products and services when mailing tax returns:

Priority Mail Express Service

This gets your tax return to many locations the next day guaranteed or your money back. Priority Mail Express includes online tracking and signature at delivery.

Priority Mail Service

This gets your tax return delivered in an average of 2-3 days. Priority Mail with USPS Tracking provides a receipt of mailing for record-keeping purposes and allows the customer to confirm electronically via the web at usps.com, or through a toll-free number, 1-800-222-1811, that the mailing was delivered to the IRS.

First-Class Mail Service

Efficient, economical option for mailing your return with the all-important postmark.

Proof of Mailing Services

These services provide you with peace of mind. You can prove you mailed your tax return, verify that it was delivered or both with the following services:

·         Certificate of Mailing - This receipt shows evidence you mailed your tax return.

·         Certified Mail - This receipt proves you mailed your tax and provides online access to verify the date and time of delivery.

·         Return Receipt - This receipt verifies both mailing and delivery, returning a postcard to you signed by the person who received your package.

Online Service

·         Click-N-Ship - From any computer with internet access and a printer, you can print Priority Mail and Express Mail labels for all your tax returns, with or without postage.

It's Nat'l Crime Victims' Rights Week

Postal Inspector Claudia Angel and General Analyst Damaris Santiago of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division attended the awareness event.

Local, state and federal agencies are observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as a way to promote victims’ rights and honor those who advocate on their behalf.  During the week of April 6, the U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service are working with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to raise the awareness of postal customers and employees support of victims’ rights. This is the ninth year of this partnership.

The theme is “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice,” marking the progress made since the enactment of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. The law established an infrastructure for victim-assistance programs and funding for victim compensation in all 50 states.

Communications Programs Specialist Debra Fetterly joined Postal Inspector Claudia Angel and General Analyst Damaris Santiago of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami Division at a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event in Coral Gables.  As keynote speaker, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, announced that she had dedicated a team of staff members to investigate kidnapping of children and to end human trafficking.  Families of victims also spoke to increase awareness of sexual exploitation.  Several individuals and law enforcement agencies were recognized for their ongoing efforts in helping kidnapped and runaway children return home.

During the week-long observance, the Miami Division will set up educational displays in the lobbies of the Miami GMF Finance Unit and Fort Lauderdale Main Office, as well as several locations in the South Florida community.  Participants will include Postal Inspectors Blanca Alvarez, Jannie Fernandez, Ralph Garcia, Vivian Guerrero, Scott Horne, and Ivan Ramirez; General Analysts Larry Alfonso, Liz Collier, and Damaris Santiago; and Operations Technicians Karina Capo, Robert LaTorre, and Mary McCurry.

District to Host EAP Open House

You are invited to an Open House to commemorate “EAP Awareness Month.”  The Open House will be held in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offices. 

The EAP offers relevant and comprehensive services to address the needs of postal employees and eligible family members.  You will have an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the EAP from licensed professional counselors on staff.

The Open House is open to all employees throughout the South Florida District.  Your   attendance is a voluntary and off-the-clock activity. 

MONDAY, APRIL 14 

5 pm – 8 pm

West Palm Beach P&DC, 3200 Summit Blvd, Room 123, West Palm Beach FL

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

5 pm – 8 pm

Fort Lauderdale P&DC, 1900 West Oakland Park Blvd, Room 204, Fort Lauderdale FL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

5 pm – 8 pm

Miami P&DC,  2200 NW 72 Ave, Room 100, Miami FL

School Kids Love Milton the Mailman!

Allapattah Letter Carrier Milton Davis participates in "Career/Truck Day" at Kelsey L. Pharr Elementary School in Miami every year.  Photos:  Mirtha Uriarte

During "Career/Truck Day" at Kelsey L. Pharr Elementary School, Allapattah Letter Carrier Milton Davis met with over 100 students.  Chairperson Deborah Simmons specifically requested Davis to participate in their annual event.

Davis, who has been a carrier since 1986, enjoys the excitement in the students' faces when they get a chance to see inside the Long Life Vehicle (LLV).  

During his school visit, Davis demonstrates how he scans a package and explains to the students what happens once their letter or package is given to the carrier or dropped in a collection box.  

Davis has been on the same route over 20 years and recognizes a lot of the faces.  He has been around long enough to recognize one of the students and tells her “in fact, I have a package for your grandma in my vehicle,” he pulls the package and shows the little girl who is elated to see her grandmother’s name on the package.

Davis gave each child a postal coloring book.  Teachers asked students to color their favorite page and mail to Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte.  The purpose was for students to properly address a letter.

Harris Saves the Day for Customer

Wanda Harris is off to a great start in her new position as Sales and Services Associate at Miami's Flagler Station.  

Harris had only been in her new awarded position 10 days when she received the desperate call from an Overland Park, KS customer looking for a lost care package for her father.  Her father was scheduled to have surgery and she was not able to be at his side with the family.  Therefore, she decided to send a care package to him to let him know she would be at his side --- even if only in spirit.

Harris located the parcel and contacted the customer's relatives to pick it up at the station.   The customer’s father himself and his wife came in to pick up the package and asked to meet  Harris.  Harris said the gentleman hugged her and thanked her for her kindness and commitment to get the package delivered. 

Harris was a mail processing clerk at the South Florida Processing & Distribution Center up to its closure in 2013.  She transitioned to working in the same capacity at the Miami International Service Center and recently decided to try Customer Service operations.  

Nadal is New Manager, Marketing

Juan Nadal, Senior Business Service Network Specialist, Southern Area, has been promoted to Manager, Marketing, South Florida District. 

In his new role, Nadal will have overall responsibility for the 80 employees --- including four direct reports --- working in the Business Mail Entry Units and the offices of Business Development, Business Service Network, Consumer and Industry Contact, and Retail. Nadal also will be actively engaged in customer relations and marketing activities --- including customer service operations and mail processing coordination.  In addition, he will direct the implementation of national, area, and district marketing programs and strategies. 

“Juan will be an asset to the South Florida Leadership Team,” said District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor.  “Please join me in wishing him well in his new position as Manager, Marketing for our district.”

Supervisory Program Kicks Off

The District kicked off its new Supervisor Program on Monday, March 31.  District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor and several members of the South Florida Leadership Team met with recently- promoted supervisors, welcoming them on board and expressing their support.  Congratulations to Tina Blount, Palms Central Annex; Carlisa Brannon, Margate Branch; Victor Collado, Flagler Station; Deborah Dhue, Fort Lauderdale Main Office; Pedro Gonzalez, Deerfield Beach Main Office; Steve Maiorino, Haverhill Branch; Esteban Martinez, Tamarac Branch; Elizabeth Muniz, Coral Springs Branch; John Neal, Flamingo Branch; Neil Ricketts, Coconut Creek Branch; and Elouise L. Robinson, Carol City Branch.

So Money DOES Grow on Trees!

The South Florida District earned six tokens on its money tree plaque for the week ending March 21.
It is estimated that employees generated annual revenue of $7,624,443 for the Employee Engagement Program (Business Connect, Customer Connect, Rural Reach, Clerks Care, Submit A Lead, and Mail Handlers).  
So money DOES grow on trees!  The Southern Area developed a new Employee Engagement Program (EEP) recognition campaign titled the FY 14 “Revenue Tree.”   This program is designed to encourage Area-wide participation for EEPs by continuing to support current small business based customers, while expanding the reach to new business customers with the intent to achieve overall program revenue and employee participation.  
The District is at 60% of its FY14 Combined Revenue target for EEP.  

Misprinted 'Jenny' Escapes Vault

The Postal Service has printed 100 additional sheets of stamps of the recently issued $2 Inverted Jenny stamp but with the plane flying right-side up. These very limited edition stamps were circulated with the recent issue of stamps mimicking the most famous stamp error in U.S. history. Customers who purchased the new Inverted Jenny stamp could have a very limited edition of the famous stamp. 
Unique to this stamp issuance, all sheets were individually wrapped in a sealed envelope to recreate the excitement of finding an Inverted Jenny when opening the envelope and to avoid the possibility of discovering a corrected Jenny prior to purchase.
“We are leveraging the incredible story behind the rare collectible as a creative way to generate interest in stamp collecting while highlighting the role the Post Office Department had in developing the commercial aviation industry,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.  
Individuals purchasing ‘corrected Jenny sheets’ will find a congratulatory note inside the wrapping asking them to call a phone number to receive a certificate of acknowledgement signed by the Postmaster General.
The 100 sheets were distributed randomly among the nation’s Post Offices and at the Postal Service’s Stamp Fulfillment Center which accepts stamp orders online at usps.com/stamps, and by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724). Additionally, some of the 100 also were randomly distributed at ebay.com/stamps.

It's an 'Amazing' Partnership: Priority Mail & Spider-Man!

L to R:   City Carrier Assistant Daniel Santana and Manager, Customer Service Victor Maldonado of the Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex.  Photo:  Adrienne Savino

The U.S. Postal Service is teaming up with one of summer’s most exciting movies to bring you the speed, agility, and reliability you expect from domestic Priority Mail — with a superhero twist. Find a location near you to get Amazing Spider-Man 2 postage or order free Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes delivered right to your door. 

Priority Mail is an amazing service, thanks to its speed, agility, and reliability.  Find out how --- just like Spider-Man --- we're delivering using those amazing qualities every day.

Speed:  Where your domestic Priority Mail package is headed and wherever it's shipping from, you'll know when to expect it with a specified delivery date.  And with Priority Mail Express, you get our fastest domestic product available, with overnight delivery to most U.S. locations.

Agility:  With USPS Tracking, you can see where your package is at up to 11 points along its journey.  That's because we're conducting more package scans than ever before, allowing you to locate your package at pickup, confirmed final delivery, and many points in between.

Reliability:  When you ship domestic Priority Mail, peace of mind is included.  That's because for most shipments valued up to $50, you get free insurance.  And it's all at Priority Mail's affordable rates.

USPS: 'Yes, I Do' to Wedding Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service continues its celebration of weddings with its most recent issuance to the popular wedding stamp series — the 70-cent Yes, I Do stamp. 
First issued in 2013, Yes, I Do is being sold at the 2-ounce stamp price and accommodates the heavier weight of a wedding invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversized cards or small gifts that require extra postage.
The stamp design highlights the words, “Yes, I Do” nestled in a bouquet of flowers in the shape of a heart on a white background. A similarly designed companion stamp, Where Dreams Blossom, issued in 2013, is available for response cards, save-the-date notices, thank-you notes and other correspondence. 
To learn more about the stories behind the stamps, visit uspsstamps.com or view the Yes, I Do stamp, as well as many of this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter@USPSstamps or at USPSstamps.com.

Songbird Stamps to Sing in Dallas

You don’t need a smartphone to tweet once the Postal Service issues 10 colorful Songbirds Forever Stamps. The dedication ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, in Dallas at the Trinity River Audubon Center. 
“Songbirds have been singing and delighting humans for thousands of years, so it’s only fitting that today they receive their own postage stamps,” said U.S. Postal Service Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt, who will dedicate the stamps. “As you celebrate all of the upcoming events of spring — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and weddings, or whatever the occasion, remember the Songbirds stamps.”
Scheduled to join Feindt in the dedication are Audubon Texas Executive Director Brian Trusty; Trinity River Audubon Center Director of Operations T. Hanson; and, Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation owner Kathy Rogers.

Note: Hyperlinks from each bird name listed below link to chirping audio recordings, migration maps, nesting information and photographs from the National Audubon Society’s bird guide.

The stamps depict: the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), the western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), the painted bunting (Passerina ciris), the Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), the evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), the scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea), the rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) and the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

Customer Feedback on Postal Forum

DPMG Ronald Stroman (L) and PCC of the Palm Beaches Vice Chair-Industry Jerry Neptune are engaged in conversation at the National Postal Forum.

During the week of March 16, Postal Customer Council of the Palm Beaches, Jerry Neptune, Vice Chair-Industry, had nothing but praise for the National Postal Forum held in National Harbor MD.   Mr. Neptune listened to 4 days of inspired addresses and instructional workshops networking with postal executives and NPF partner companies such as Deloitte, Canon, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Bell & Howell, and Harte Hanks.  “This was a truly innovative experience beginning on Sunday the first day right through to the closing event with the rock band “America” singing their iconic hits.   I was truly energized and pumped up after my conversation with Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman who gave me his undivided attention to discuss our local PCC and postal products during a networking session.”

Submitted by Gale Jackson, West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator