200 Celebrate WPB 'Unsung Heroes'

Palm Beach County District 7 Commissioner Priscilla A. Taylor (left) and Palms Central Manager, Customer Services Pablo Estupinan (right) lift the drape over the Robert Robinson Taylor stamp.

  

Helen Anthony Ferguson (red suit) was an award recipient who coincidentally, was celebrating her 97th birthday. Palms Central Manager, Customer Services Pablo Estupinan (standing) presented her with a birthday gift --- framed artwork of the Robert Robinson Taylor stamp. 

Story & Photos: Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

During Black History Month, the West Palm Beach Post Office dedicated the Robert Robinson Taylor stamp to Palm Beach County Commissioner (District 7) Priscilla A. Taylor in the first annual “Unsung Heroes” Award ceremony on February 26. Taylor held the celebration to recognize 17 local African Americans who selflessly gave their time and talents to better the community of Palm Beach County.

“Each year during the month of February, our nation recognizes and honors the often over-looked accomplishments of African Americans in business and industry, science, education, civil rights, government and politics, and the arts. It is an occasion to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity in our society," Taylor wrote in the program booklet.

The event took place in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers in Downtown West Palm Beach --- with an audience of over 200 attendees. Palm Beach County recorded the ceremony for future viewing on the local Government Channel 20.

On behalf of West Palm Beach Postmaster Richard Fermo, Palms Central Manager, Customer Services Pablo Estupinan told the audience of the accomplishments Robert Robinson Taylor achieved as the first black graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the country’s first academically-trained black architect. Taylor also supervised the design and construction of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama while also overseeing the school’s programs in industrial education and the building trades.

Palm Beach Sheriff Rick Bradshaw and staff served dinner to all attendees.

Vera Rolle Farrington (far left) accepted an “Unsung Heroes” Award. Farrington enrolled in Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in the Fall of 1947 and received an Associate's Degree in 1949.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service & U.S. Postal Service join government agencies, advocacy organizations and private sector groups nationwide to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, 2015. This coordinated consumer education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

In recognition of NCPW week, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its partners are promoting free resources to help people protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, understand credit and mortgages and steer clear of frauds and scams.

The US Postal Inspection Service will be conducting presentations and providing free informational materials, including videos, regarding fraud, at the following locations:

March 3, 2015 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm *

USPS Lobby

1900 West Oakland Park Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

March 4, 2015 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm *

USPS Lobby

640 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

“Through education and awareness, the US Postal Inspection Service, plans on empowering people so they can prevent becoming victims of fraud.” said Postal Inspector Blanca Alvarez. 

Established in 1998, National Consumer Protection Week is a federal program, led by the Federal Trade Commission, to draw attention to issues and ideas that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials and services, and improve their knowledge of how to combat fraud.

For more information about National Consumer Protection Week, visit deliveringtrust.com and www.ncpw.gov.

Follow the US Postal Inspection Service Miami Division on Twitter @USPIS_MIA.
* Employees are welcome to attend as off-the-clock activities.

PRC Approves First-Class Mail Prices

On February 24, 2015, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued Order No. 2365­­­­­­ on Price Adjustments for First-Class Mail finding the Postal Service pricing proposals to be consistent with the Consumer Price Index based price cap under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. 

The following actions affect domestic mail:

• The Postal Service will maintain the price of the First-Class Mail stamp, which includes the Forever stamp, at $0.49.
• The single-piece additional ounce for letters will increase to $0.22.
• The price of postcards will increase to $0.35.

Changes to prices for international mail include:

• Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International Letters (first ounce) will increase to $1.20.
• Non-machinable Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International Letters (first ounce) will increase to $1.42.
• Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International Postcards will increase to $1.20.
• Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International Large Envelopes (Flats) (first ounce) will increase to $2.38.

Miami Rings in Lunar New Year

The Chinese Cultural Foundation, Inc. celebrated its 27^th annual Chinese New Year Festival on Feb. 15, at the Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus. 

On behalf of Miami, FL, Postmaster Enrique Suarez, Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte presented an enlargement of the 2015 Year of the Ram Forever stamp to Chinese Cultural Foundation Chairperson/President Peter Liu.

Town and Country Branch Retail Associate Jerry Galindo promoted the Lunar New Year stamps to generate almost $600 in revenue in three hours.  

Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte presented the 2015 Year of the Ram Forever stamp to Chinese Cultural Foundation Chairperson/President Peter Liu.

Town and Country Branch Retail Associate Jerry Galindo sold the 2015 Year of the Ram Forever stamp during the 27^th annual Chinese New Year celebration. 

Wing Lung Tai Chi Kung Fun School presented the official Lion and Dragon Dance.

Wing Lung Tai Chi Kung Fun School performed a Lions and Dragons dance.

Umbrella dancers perform at Miami-Dade College.

Takemasa plays the Matsuriza Taiko Drum during Lunar New Year celebration.

Photos: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator 

Miami's Quail Heights Employees Celebrate Black History Month

In Miami, FL, the Quail Heights Branch honored Black History Month with a luncheon for all employees to enjoy. The traditional foods were prepared by Retail Associate Donna Burke, retired National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Representative Tim Davis, Retail Associate/Distribution Clerk Gwen Gibbson, and Custodian Mark McCkinny. Manager, Customer Services Mario Bossano and Supervisors, Customer Services Charles Foreman, Linda Scott and Alexander Urquia served employees who were very appreciative for the luncheon.

Prepared to celebrate Black History Month with a traditional luncheon were L to R: Quail Heights Branch Custodian Mark McCkinny; retired National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Representative Tim Davis; Retail Associate Donna Burke; Supervisor, Customer Services Charlie Foreman; Retail Associate/Distribution Clerk Gwen Gibbson; Manager, Customer Services Marion Bossano; Supervisors, Customer Services Alexander Urquia and Linda Scott; and Letter Carrier George Bullard.

 

Quail Heights Branch employees enjoying their Black History Month luncheon.

Photos: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

Registry Clerk Earns Customer Praise

Registry Room Clerk Genevieve Meckes at the West Palm Beach, FL, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) reads a letter from a customer who thanked her for recovering a missing bank deposit. Photo: Karin Nolf

Registry Room Clerk Genevieve Meckes at the West Palm Beach, FL, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) is a 35-year career employee who is instrumental in locating and returning missing items from the mail. Customers frequently write to thank Meckes for returning their lost valuables. While handling the Registry Room duties, Meckes assists the Nixie Mail area where she logs all items of value and relays the information to Customer Service and Plant staff members, in case customers inquire about lost items.

“It is such a happy feeling when I can locate the owner of the lost items and have them returned,” said Meckes.

Here are two of the many examples of customer letters:

Our organization is a small but active non-profit organization that provides emergency relief to severely ill and critically-injured equestrians, and the bank deposit envelope was placed in a collection box by mistake. Thank you for your extra effort on our behalf. --- Emily Cleland, Equestrian AID Foundation, Wellington, FL

 I appreciate you taking the time to return my bracelet. --- Jean Weitermann, Lake Mary, FL

He Drove a Million Miles in 35 Years

Manager Customer Service Operations Manuel Molina (left) pictured with Father Felix Varela Branch, Million Mile Safe Driver Award recipient Letter Carrier Leandro Avila (center) and Manager Customer Services Armando Marsal. Photo: Mirtha Uriarte

Father Felix Varela Branch Letter Carrier Leandro Avila received the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Safe Driver Award for traveling one million miles without experiencing a preventable accident.  Manager, Customer Service Operations Manuel Molina and Manager Customer Services Armando Marsal, along with  A/Supervisor, Customer Service Support Gale Williams, praised Avila for driving over 35 years without an accident. Avila was presented with the award plaque and lapel pin. In addition, Avila will receive a $500 award from the U.S. Postal Service.  

County Line 7 Million Mile Drivers

Million Mile Safe Driver Award recipients featured are from the left, County Line Annex Letter Carriers Gregory Cheever, R L Mike and Joseph C. Jackson. Additional recipients not pictured are Letter Carriers Gwendette Douglas, Andrew Johnson II, Richard Rodriguez and Edward Stokes. Photo: Mirtha Uriarte

County Line Annex Letter Carriers Gregory Cheever (33 years), Gwendette Douglas (31years), Joseph C. Jackson (42 years), Andrew Johnson II (30 years), R L Mike (35 years), Richard Rodriguez (30 years) and Edward Stokes (46 years) received the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Safe Driver Award for traveling one million miles each without experiencing a preventable accident. For over 30 years, these Letter Carriers have delivered mail without having an accident for an accumulative seven million miles.  

Manager, Customer Services Jimmy Jackson and A/Supervisor, Customer Service Support Gale Williams praised all for their commendable achievement of driving over 30 years each without an accident and presented them with the award – plaque and lapel pin – refreshments to celebrate along with their peers.  

Each recipient will receive a $500 monetary award from the U.S. Postal Service. 

Hats Off to Westside Employees

Westside Branch Distribution Clerk Michael Bonito; A/Manager, Customer Services JoAnn Fleszar and Letter Carrier Vito Burgio.

Westside Branch Distribution Clerk Michael Bonito and Letter Carrier Vito Burgio were recognized for their outstanding performance by A/Manager, Customer Services JoAnn Fleszar. To qualify for this monetary award, the employees had to have perfect attendance for the past year and no preventable accidents for the past five years. Employees always are willing to go the extra mile for customer service. Each received a gift certificate.

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize employees who have contributed to the success of our organization,” said Fleszar. 

Weston Employees Recognized

Front Row, L to R: Weston Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Brenda Bannister; Letter Carriers Diane Windle, Linda Varie and Walter Gordillo. Back Row, L to R: Letter Carrier Ronald Vecchio and Manager, Customer Services Duane Hunt. Photo: Amy McCall

Weston Branch employees were recognized for their outstanding performance by Manager, Customer Services Duane Hunt and Supervisor, Customer Services Brenda Bannister. To qualify for this monetary award, the employees had to have perfect attendance for the past year and no preventable accidents for the past five years. Each employee received a gift certificate for their outstanding service.

Letter Carriers Walter (Mike) Gordillo, Linda Varie, Ronald Vecchio and Diane Windle are employees who come to work every day and strive to give their customers the best service possible, according to Bannister.

“I am so happy to recognize employees who have contributed to the success of our organization and show them how much I appreciate their hard work,” said Hunt. 

USPS Celebrates Super Bowl Win

The Postal Service is celebrating the New England Patriots’ recent Super Bowl victory with seven collectible matted prints and envelopes with commemorative cancellations.

The prints include shots of quarterback Tom Brady receiving the game’s MVP award, tight end Rob Gronkowski’s touchdown catch and Gronkowski with the Super Bowl trophy.

Each matted artwork/Super Bowl envelope commemorative set sells for $19.99. A collage is 21.99.

To make a purchase, complete the order form and send a check or money order payable to “USPS” to Greater Boston District Marketing — Patriots Order, 25 Dorchester Ave., Room 4009, Boston, MA, 02205-9998.

Honoring Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou — the beloved author, poet, actress and advocate for equality — will soon be honored with a stamp.
“Maya Angelou inspired our nation through a life of advocacy and through her many contributions to the written and spoken word,” said PMG Megan Brennan. “Her wide-ranging achievements as a playwright, poet, memoirist, educator, and advocate for justice and equality enhanced our culture.”
Angelou’s works include “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” a 1969 memoir about her early years.
She read one of her poems, “On the Pulse of the Morning,” at President Clinton’s 1993 inauguration.
Angelou, who died last year, received multiple awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.
USPS will preview the stamp and announce its release date later.

Got Talent?

Most of us have watched American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and many other talent competitions. Week after week, you cheer for your favorite contestants --- and maybe have dreamed of showcasing your own talents! You can make that dream a reality (well, sort of) right here in South Florida!

The South Florida Federal Executive Board is conducting a talent search --- with the winner and first runner up performing live before an enthusiastic crowd of 300-plus federal employees at the 50^th annual Federal Employee of the Year Awards Program/Luncheon on May 8.

The talent competition is open to you, your family members and friends. All interested candidates should upload a video of their performance to their YouTube account, and send the link via e-mail to djenkins@doc.gov by close of business on Friday, March 6, 2015.  If you do not have a YouTube account, please send a CD/DVD of your performance to Attention: Dorothy Jenkins, South Florida Federal Executive Board, P.O. Box 267845, Weston, FL 33326-7845 by the above deadline.

Performing acts are limited to one or two individuals. A committee will review audition videos/CDs and select talent for a callback --- that’s a live audition! You’ll need to provide your own music and/or instruments at the audition and, if selected, at the awards ceremony.

Casting Call for USPS Commercial

Postal employees are invited to audition for a television commercial that will debut in the spring. No prior acting experience is required.
The new commercial will show employees touting the Postal Service’s advancements while acknowledging that more work remains. It will be the latest ad to feature employees. 
To apply, follow these steps:
1. Create a video and state your name, where you’re from, your favorite on-the-job story and the personal quality you’re most proud of. 
2. Visit the casting call site to upload your video and complete an online form. Hit submit to ensure your video is sent.
Submissions are due no later than Tuesday, March 3, at 5 p.m. EST.
The commercial will be filmed in late March. All applicants must receive approval from their manager before selection and production begins.

Fort Pierce Employee Recognition

Fort Pierce Letter Carrier Greta Petrie (left) is ready to retire after Fort Pierce Postmaster Joel Ouellette (right) presents her 25-Year Service Award and pin.

Fort Pierce Postmaster Joel Ouellette (left) presents Fort Pierce Main Office Retail Associate James Mowers (right) with a Certificate of Appreciation for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE).

Fort Pierce Supervisor, Customer Services Georgia Parsons (left) received her 25-year Service Award and pin, along with her Retirement Certificate, from Fort Pierce Postmaster Joel Ouellette (right). Co-workers joined in the celebration and thanked Parsons for her many years of dedication to outstanding customer service.

Photos: Robert Milian, Supervisor, Customer Services, Fort Pierce Main Office 

Fort Lauderdale Retail Associates Recognized for Excellent Service

Fort Lauderdale Retail Associates continue to provide excellent service to our customers. Retail Associates who recently achieved perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions include Jenny Carvajal, Davie Branch; Linda Prince, Southside Station; and Lynn Virga, Gateway Finance Unit.

Southside's Prince Scores Perfect Retail Transactions for 3 Quarters

Retail Associate Linda Prince is all smiles at Fort Lauderdale's Southside Station. Photo: Amy McCall

Southside Station Manager, Customer Services John Pinto presented a Certificate of Appreciation and Spot Award to Retail Associate Linda Prince. Prince achieved a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) score for the past three quarters.

North Palm Beach Retail Associates Help Stop Money Order Fraudster

By Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and South Florida Retail Office notified West Palm Beach, FL, Post Offices about a postal money order fraud.

North Palm Beach Retail Associates Mary Ann Jesteadt and Cathy Mitchell are being recognized for alerting police and helping to apprehend a person involved in the altering of postal money orders.

“Simply stated, it took communication and teamwork,” said Jesteadt. “Postal Inspectors and the South Florida Retail Manager sent daily updates on money order numbers being bought and cashed, and also included photos of some of the individuals involved.”

 

When the suspicious customer presented a money order to cash at Mitchell’s retail station, she immediately got Jesteadt also to review the money order.  It was determined to be suspicious, so Mitchell stayed at the retail station while Jesteadt pretended to check on available cash. 

“Because of the updates, it was easy to check the date and location to verify that indeed, the money order had been changed from $3.50 to $602.00,” said Mitchell.

Local police immediately were contacted, and by their quick response, they were able to apprehend the customer, who at that time, was headed to her car in the rear parking lot of the facility.

Customer Support Earns Recognition

Supervisor, Transportation Operations Muriel Stewart (center) is recognized by the Business Service Network Team L to R: Mitchell Perez, Iliana Valdes, Lillian Castro, and Vivian Plather. Photo: Phil Derys

L to R: A/Retail Manager Sergio Fernandez is proud of Clerks Miriam Nazco and Renaie Fernandez who were recognized as valuable Customer Support Team Members for January 2015. Photo: Lillian Castro

By Lillian Castro, Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact

Recently, the South Florida District Business Service Network staff visited the Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Transportation Networks Office to deliver a special thank you.

On a quarterly basis, the Business Service Network staff jointly selects a Customer Support Team Member to be recognized for their instrumental assistance with successfully presenting our managed account customers with timely and positive resolutions to meet their business needs. Supervisor, Transportation Operations Muriel Stewart was selected as Customer Support Team Member for Q1, FY15.

Stewart began her postal career as a Letter Carrier at the Hialeah, FL, Main Post Office in 1988.  In her current position, she assist the Business Service Network staff by ensuring that the equipment needs of our largest package volume customers are met, resulting in a positive customer experience. Stewart was presented with a poster and small token of appreciation for her contributions and efforts.

The South Florida District Business Service Network staff also visited the District Retail webBATS Office with another special thank you.

Clerks Renaie Fernandez and Miriam Nazco were the selected Customer Support Team Members  recognized for their instrumental assistance with successfully presenting managed account customers with timely and positive resolutions during January 2015.

Fernandez began her postal career as a Special Delivery Messenger at the Miami, FL, Post Office in 1986.  Nazco began her postal career as a Letter Sorting Machine (LSM) Operator at the Miami General Mail Facility in 1988.  In their current positions, Fernandez and Nazco oversee and monitor activities in webBATS, a web-based application that allows Post Offices to manage their Post Office Boxes, Caller and Reserve services.

Fernandez and Nazco have assisted the Business Service Network staff by providing detailed information, resulting in a positive customer experience. Both were presented with a poster and small token of appreciation for their contributions and efforts.

Palms West Carrier to the Rescue

Palms West Branch Letter Carrier August Paoletto came to the aid of a young girl who had lost control of her car which rolled over several times on a dirt road.

Story & Photo: Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

Palms West Branch Letter Carrier August Paoletto witnessed a vehicle driven by a young girl in her twenties lose control and rollover several times. The car landed on the driver’s side just inches away from a canal.

“All I saw was a dust cloud from the dirt road. I called 911 and stayed with the victim, and her friend who was driving behind the young girl’s car, to calm them down. They were frightened and crying. All the other cars were driving right past us. No one else stopped,” Paoletto said.

Paoletto mentions that he didn’t notice any smell of gasoline and told the trapped victim to remain still until emergency personal arrived.

“She was trying to get out of the car, but the car was too crushed for her to open the door, and I was afraid the car would fall into the canal” Paoletto added

Paoletto returned to his delivery route.  As he passed the scene of the accident again, the Emergency Responders were using the Jaws of Life to remove the victim.

“Her friend came up to me and gave me a hug and said thanks for staying with them and calling 911,” said Paoletto “From the looks of her car, she is lucky to be alive. I was prepared to jump into that canal had her car fallen in.” 

Happy (Lunar) New Year!

The Postal Service marked the start of the Lunar New Year by issuing a Year of the Ram stamp in San Francisco.
The stamp depicts a wooden tray — known as a chuen-hop or Tray of Togetherness — filled with holiday sweets. This is the eighth of 12 stamps in the Postal Service’s Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which will continue through 2019.

The Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays of the year for many Asian communities around the world, is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian heritage.

Happy Valentine's Day

Consumers will spend an average $142.31 on Valentine’s Day gifts this year, including $15.32 in greeting cards, new research shows.
The projections from the National Retail Federation (NRF) highlight the link between Valentine’s Day and the mail. Although some people deliver cards in person, many others send them through the Postal Service.
Fifty-one percent of consumers plan to purchase Valentine’s Day cards, making cards the second most popular gift behind candy. More women will buy cards than men, but men will spend more, NRF reports.
Approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are purchased annually, according to the Greeting Card Association. Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas, when 1.6 billion cards are purchased.
This year, USPS has issued two Forever Hearts stamps for people who mail Valentine’s Day cards. Customers also can request postmarks from towns with “romantic” names, such as Valentine, TX.
Valentine’s Day spending will hit a record $18.9 billion overall in 2015, according to NRF.

Miami Postmaster Seeks Applicants for Mgr, Customer Services Details

Are you looking to broaden your horizons in the Customer Services function? If so, Miami Postmaster Rick Suarez wants to hear from you. All qualified EAS career postal employees within local commuting distance (50 miles) of the respective location may consider these ad-hoc assignments (not to exceed two years). Each position posts hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday as non-scheduled days. Interested applicants should refer to ad-hoc announcements posted on their employee bulletin boards.

• Manager, Customer Services, EAS–24, Flagler Station, 500 NW 2 Ave, Miami, FL
• Manager, Customer Services, EAS–22, Country Lakes Branch, 13520 SW 152 St, Miami, FL
• Manager, Customer Services, EAS–22, Jose Marti Station, 425 NW 27 Ave, Miami, FL
• Manager, Customer Services, EAS–22, Snapper Creek Branch, 11000 SW 104 St, Miami, FL
• Manager, Customer Services, EAS–20, Kendall Carrier Annex, 10500 SW 109 Ct, Miami, FL 

1. Knowledge of postal operations in carrier stations, including delivery and collection, retail sales and service, mail distribution and dispatch, and Post Office Box services.
2. Knowledge of provisions of the national agreement as they apply to delivery operations.
3. Knowledge of management and budgeting techniques and principles.
4. Ability to manage the work of others in order to meet production and quality goals, including planning and scheduling, monitoring performance, facilitating the flow of information, and providing technical guidance.
5. Ability to coach and train subordinate supervisors in customer services and delivery operations.
6. Ability to implement and/or oversee programs in compliance with established safety policies and security procedures.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of employee labor organizations.
8. Ability to communicate orally and in writing sufficient to investigate and resolve customer complaints, and to furnish information to community businesses and governmental agencies regarding postal services.

Employees must submit their eCareer profile, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the requirements stated in postings. All applications should be received by COB, Thursday, February 19, 2015. Send application(s) to Postmaster, Miami, 2200 NW 72 Ave, RM 514, Miami, FL 33152-9998.

Hats Off to Ft Lauderdale Employees

Southside Station Manager, Customer Services John Pinto recognized Letter Carrier William Schaedel with a $100 Spot Award. Schaedel has had perfect attendance for the past four years and had accumulated sick leave over 2,000 hours. Schaedel has had no accidents for the past five years.

“Bill always performs above and beyond my expectations,” said Pinto.

***

Sunrise, FL, Branch Manager Customer Services Joanna Borger presented a 25-year Service Award to Letter Carrier Jana Varela. 

***

Sunrise, FL, Letter Carrier Sheriel Fyffe; Manager, Customer Services Joanna Borger; Letter Carrier Frederick Chan; and Custodian Nolan Schultz.

Sunrise, FL, Branch Manager, Customer Services Joanna Borger presented $100 Spot Awards to Letter Carriers Frederick Chan and Sheriel Fyffe and Custodian Nolan Schultz.  Each employee has had perfect attendance for over a year and has a perfect safety record for the past five years.

“These employees come to work with a positive attitude every day and always are willing to go the extra mile for customer service,” said Borger. “I am so glad to have this opportunity to recognize them for their hard work.”

Sentimental Journey for Missing Doll

By Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

When West Palm Beach, FL, Customer Rachel Supple learned that a package being sent to her didn’t arrive, she quickly contacted and provided a tracking number to City Place Station Manager, Customer Services Jordan Beabout. He tracked the package and saw that it had been mailed from an Automated Postal Center (APC) in Arizona.

The package made it to City Place Station, but without the address, was scanned “Insufficient  Address” and was destined to the Mail Recovery Center in Atlanta, GA that very day. The package was also missing the return address. According to the scan time, Beabout knew the mail was sitting on the dock ready for dispatch. He went through the mail container and found the package with the tracking number. Beabout called the customer to inform her that he found her package.

“When she came to pick it up, she was sobbing and saying that the package contained a doll that was hers as a child and it had enormous sentimental value,” said Beabout. “The doll had been found at a Goodwill Store in Arizona, and the customer had arranged for it to be sent to her.”

“I cannot express my thanks enough and am thrilled that there are people such as Jordan who truly will go the extra mile to help someone in need,” wrote Supple. West Palm Beach, FL, Postmaster Richie Fermo recognized Jordan with a Letter of Appreciation of his dedication to superior customer service.

“It’s my job to help and assist in any way possible,” said Beabout.

Federal Trade Commission Thanks Postal Inspector Cesar Cerecedo

L to R: Del Alvarez, Mail Fraud Team Leader, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Richard Goldberg, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Bureau, Department of Justice; Cesar Cerecedo, Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Ronald Verrochio, Inspector In Charge, Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Valerie M. Verduce, Chief, Criminal Liaison Unit, Federal Trade Commission.

Dear Inspector Cerecedo:

Once each year, the Criminal Liaison Unit presents an award to a law enforcement investigator who has shown an exceptional commitment to consumer protection in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This award, the “Consumer Shield Award,” is our formal recognition of that investigator’s hard work and dedication in helping to prosecute fraudsters who prey on American consumers. It is our honor to present the FTC’s “Consumer Shield Award” to you.

For the last eight years, your work has supported the consumer protection mission of the FTC in exemplary fashion. Your investigations have led to the successful prosecution of dozens of fraudsters behind more than six FTC civil cases, including principals behind “FTC v. Telecard Dispensing Corp”; “FTC v. Nationwide Communications”; “FTC v. Trans Net Wireless”; “FTC v. Univend”; and “FTC vs. Jumping Java Coffee.”  In addition, your work has supported at least four separate FTC sweeps, from “Operation Short Change” in 2009 to “Operation Lost Opportunity” in 2012. Your investigation of these fraudulent business opportunity and unauthorized billing scams have resulted in many notable convictions, including the convictions and sentencing of FTC defendants Paul Pemberton to 136 months and Willoughby Farr to 21 years.

On behalf of the FTC, the Criminal Liaison Unit is thrilled to recognize formally your extraordinary work in fighting consumer fraud. We ask you to join us at your office on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., to receive this well-deserved award.

Sincerely,

Valerie M. Verduce

Chief, Criminal Liaison Unit

Bureau of Consumer Protection

Federal Trade Commission

Super Bowl XLIX Collectibles

The Postal Service is offering football fans Super Bowl XLIX collectible envelopes  in two designs.

One envelope features the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl XLIX logo. The other envelope depicts Tom Brady and Russell Wilson, the respective quarterbacks for the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Each envelope costs $8.
Also available for $25: matted artwork combined with the Super Bowl envelopes.
All items can be purchased by mail order while supplies last.  

TBS to 'Thank a Mailman' Feb 4

Fans Invited to Chime in Online Using #ThankAMailmanDay

"Thank a Mailman Day" arrives this week, and TBS is going to celebrate by inviting viewers to say, "Hello, Newman," to an evening of Seinfeld episodes featuring Jerry Seinfeld's sworn enemy from down the hall. Airing Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6-8 p.m. (ET/PT), TBS's "Thank a Mailman Day" celebration will include four Unforgettable Newman episodes, with Wayne Knight playing the always-scheming mailman to slimy perfection. After spending two straight hours with Newman, viewers are certain to come away with a greater appreciation of the hard-working mail carriers in their own lives.

Newman is one of the most popular recurring characters featured on Seinfeld. With his maniacal laugh and twisted mind, Newman is Jerry's arch nemesis, the Lex Luthor to Jerry's Superman, though the reasons for their long-held enmity remain shrouded in mystery. To make matters worse, Jerry and Newman can't seem to stay out of each other's lives, especially since Newman is a close friend of Jerry's pal Kramer (Michael Richards).

Episodes chosen for TBS's "Thank a Mailman Day" celebration include "The Label Maker," in which Jerry gets stuck sitting next to Newman at the Super Bowl; "The Package," which has Newman investigate Jerry for mail fraud; and "The Andrea Doria," in which Jerry is roped into helping Newman deliver the mail. The lineup wraps up with "The Junk Mail," in which Newman reveals the shocking truth about the Postmaster General and his diabolical plans.

 A complete schedule is included below.

Seinfeld: "Thank a Mailman Day" – Wednesday, Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m. (ET/PT)

6 p.m. – "The Label Maker" – Newman and Kramer play an extended game of Risk. And Jerry finds himself sitting next to Newman at the Super Bowl.

6:30 p.m. – "The Package" – Newman grills Jerry on suspicion of mail fraud, while George accused of creating a mail order pornography ring.

7 p.m. – "The Andrea Doria" – Jerry helps deliver Newman’s mail in an effort to help him transfer to Hawaii.

7:30 p.m. – "The Junk Mail" – When Kramer tries unsuccessfully to stop his mail, Newman confesses there is a greater conspiracy at work involving the Postmaster General.