Weston Retail 'Star' Earns Gold

Weston Branch Retail Associate Daniel Licitra received a Gold Star Award for achieving a perfect score on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Photo: Amy McCall 

Causeway's De Ona is Good as Gold

Recently, Causeway Postal Store Retail Associate Frank De Ona earned a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction and received a Gold Star Award. Photo: Amy McCall

NALC Food Drive is Saturday, May 9

Miami West Carrier Annex Employees Earn Performance Recognition

Story & Photo: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

Miami’s West Carrier Annex employees had manually processed between 20,000 and 35,000 mailpieces daily between January and March 2015. On April 21, Manager, Customer Service Operations Rosalyn Bell-Mosley, Manager, Customer Service Operations Marcia Pedraza, Manager, Customer Services Joel Marc, and Supervisor, Customer Services Susy Ramos recognized employees for going “above and beyond in handling the anomaly of parcel volume by scanning, distributing, and/or delivering.” Managers thanked employees for their hard work and dedication in providing the best customer service.

West Carrier Annex employees are recognized for the excellent service to our customers during the months of January and March 2015. Front Row, L to R: Letter Carrier Alfonso Trujillo, Distribution Clerk Frank Abreu, Letter Carrier Frank Miralles, and Distribution Clerk Edith Fluitt. Second Row, L to R: Rural Letter Carrier Jose Jacho, Supervisor, Customer Services Juan Tabio, Letter Carriers Richard Regalado, Werner Goodman, Ana Sidades, Karl Bithorn, Eddy Gil, and Anotonio Ruiz; City Carrier Assistants Randy Urraca and Dyondra Parker; and Supervisor, Customer Services Susy Ramos. Third Row, L to R: Distribution Clerks Anissa Thomas and Sandra Hynan, City Carrier Assistants Amanda Henri, Michael Diaz and Migdalia Cordero;  Letter Carriers Alexis Diaz, Roberto Millan, Henry Eyzaguirr and Milton Martinez; City Carrier Assistant Percious Newberry, Postal Support Employee Patrick Johnson, Jr., Letter Carrier Bonny Carvajal, Distribution Clerk Nolan Woods, City Carrier Assistant Philip Barnard, Letter Carrier Juan Hernandez, Distribution Clerk Brian Nash, and Letter Carriers Ross Williams and Jaqueline Nicolas. 

Dr. Maya Angelou Earns Palm Beach Stamp of Approval at Dedication

Front Row, L to R: Lake Worth, FL, Supervisor, Customer Services Belinda Palmore and Haverhill, FL, Manager, Customer Services Valerie Carbone. Back Row, L to R: Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal; Field Sales Representative Curlita Rogers-Saunders; Riviera Beach, FL, Letter Carrier Roy Grinnon; Riviera Beach, FL, Manager, Customer Services Patricia Copeland; Loxahatchee, FL, Postmaster Edith Roundtree; Boca Raton, FL, Postmaster Carlos Rodon; and Palm Beach, FL, Office In Charge Valarie Rother. 

Story & Photo: Gale Jackson, West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator

On April 23, a stamp dedication honoring Dr. Maya Angelou took place at Palm Beach State College.

Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal dedicated the stamp to Dr. Vallejo with presentations to Alpha Kappa Alpha President Charlotte Price Leonard who received special recognition as Dr. Angelou was an honorary member of the sorority.

Honored guests included College Provost Dr. Maria Vallejo, Professor Patrick Tierney, Honor Students Kiandra Knighton and Kaelin Peart, Author Clarice T. Davis, Vocalist Annette Gilbert and Musician Gwendolyn Scruggs. Congressional representation included Irene Sas, District Aide to U.S. Representative Lori Berman, and Gladys Whigham, Administrative Assistant to District 7 County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. also joined the dedication.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Member April Mcadoo served as moderator. The program included three recitations, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Knighton, followed by “Still I Rise” by Peart, and “Phenomenal Woman” by Davis. 

Loxahatchee, FL, Postmaster Edith Roundtree recited Dr. Angelou’s quote “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Gilbert then sang “Faith.” West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge Andrew Moir read the “Life of Dr. Maya Angelou.” 

Countdown to Retirement: Rosenberg's Last Day as a Carrier

Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney (left) and Main Office Carrier Annex Manager, Customer Services Raymond Borger (right) present a Retirement Certificate to Letter Carrier Ira Rosenberg (center).

Story & Photo: Amy McCall, Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator

Employees at the Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex said goodbye to Letter Carrier Ira Rosenberg who dedicated 26 years of service to his customers. Co-workers showed their appreciation to Rosenberg and expressed how much they all were going to miss his upbeat attitude.

“Ira has been counting the months, than weeks, days, hours and yesterday he announced the minutes until his retirement, it’s been the office joke,” said Manager, Customer Services Raymond Borger. “We are going to miss him; he is a very dependable and dedicated employee who really cares about his customers and provides them with great service every day.”

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service will once again highlight National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, to be observed April 19-25 this year.
The Department of Justice organizes the annual event, which aims to raise awareness of victims’ rights and the services available to them.
This year’s theme, “Engaging Communities, Empowering Victims,” reflects the progress made since a 1984 law paved the way for national victim-assistance programs and funding for compensation.
Postal Inspection Service employees will participate in community events throughout the week. 

Tale of Two Postal Customer Councils

South Florida District Marketing Manager Juan Nadal welcomes attendees to the Postal Customer Council event held at Nova Southeastern University.

Story & Photos: Amy McCall, Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator

Broward and Miami-Dade Postal Customer Councils joined forces to provide their members and all Full-Service mailers with vital information they will need to prepare for the upcoming postage assessments scheduled to be implemented this year. Headquarters Business Mailer Support Analyst, Brad Lammers conducted an in depth presentation providing the attendees with valuable information they can take back and put to work immediately. Lammers engaged the audience by asking them questions and allowing their responses to determine the direction of the presentation. “He really geared the presentation to each of our needs and answered all of our questions” said David Newell, Director of Business Services at Nova Southeastern University.

Brad Lammers, Headquarters Business Mailer Support Analyst made a dynamic presentation to Full-Service mailers at the Broward/Miami-Dade Postal Customer Council seminar.

Retail Associate Fred Faber Earns Perfect Score at Tamarac Branch

Tamarac Branch Retail Associate Fred Faber earned a perfect score on a recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. This is his second consecutive perfect transaction. 

A Picture-Perfect (Tax) Day in WPB

Certified Mail was the popular choice of extra services on Tax Day at the West Palm Beach Main Office Window. Retail Associate Steve Cooper assists a customer mailing his tax return. Photo: Karin Nolf

On Tax Day, Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (right) assists customer with a Priority Mail Express Flat Rate mailing t the West Palm Beach Main Office Window. Photo: Karin Nolf

West Palm Beach Main Office Window Retail Associate Pat Moody is all smiles after helping a customer mail a Priority Mail package. Postal employees created pens with the American flag and Priority Mail stickers for customer use on one of the busiest days of the year. Photo: Karin Nolf

On Tax Day and every day, West Palm Beach Main Office Window Retail Associate Christine Glover has a smile for her customers. Today one of her customers presented several income tax returns to be sent Certified Mail. Photo: Karin Nolf

West Palm Beach Mail Handler James Johnson is assigned to the Retail Section to prep mail and packages prior to transporting to mail processing operations. On Tax Day, Johnson is ready for the extra work load. Photo: Karin Nolf 

April 15 was a picture-perfect day at the West Palm Beach Main Office Window. Retail Associate Pat Moody (left) and A/Customer Relations Coordinator Karin Nolf (right) framed the experience for the camera!  Photo: Starr Hunter

Miami GMF Passport Fair is Sat, 4/18

Are you planning a vacation that requires a passport? If so, your journey may begin on Saturday, April 18. That’s the day of the Passport Fair at the Miami GMF Postal Store, 2200 NW 72 Avenue, Miami. No appointment is required … just come to the GMF lobby between 6:45 a.m. and 12:00 Noon to begin the passport application process.  (Employees seeking to submit an application are reminded that the passport process is an off-the-clock activity.)

How to Prepare for the Passport Application Process

• A completed application (form is available at usps.com/passport; but do  not sign it until the passport clerk instructs you to do so).  Remember that everyone, including newborn infants, is required to obtain a passport in his or her own name.  For children under age 16, the consent of both parents/ guardians is required. 
• Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver’s license, a government ID or military ID, previous passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport, original or certified birth certificate issued from the state with a raised, embossed, impressed, or multi-colored seal and the registrar’s signature and date of certificate filing)
• Two official passport photos (available at the Passport Fair for $15)
• Social Security Number

The U.S. Department of State fees vary according to age and type.  The fee(s) must be made by money order, check, bank draft, or cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of State; debit and credit card payment is not available.  The Passport Book fee for under age 16 is $80, and for age 16 and older is $110. The Passport Card fee for under age 16 is $15, and for age 16 and older is $30.

In addition, all acceptance agencies, including the Postal Service, charge a processing fee of $25 per application.  A debit or credit card may be used in addition to cash, money order, or check made payable to the Postal Service.

Should you need to expedite your application, Priority Mail Express service is available. The U.S. Department of State charges an additional $100 fee for expedited processing, offering two-week, door-to-door service. 

Davie Customer is Happy on Tax Day

Customer Elizabeth London from Southeast Landscape Management was pleasantly surprised to find no line at the Davie Branch this morning. 

Story & Photo: Amy McCall

Tax Day preparation started early this morning, with the Custodians Doug Kenney and Jeffrey Thompson cleaning the windows and floors and emptying the trash; Retail Associate Anne Riggs stocking the lobby with plenty of Certificates of Mailing, Certified and Return Receipt forms and Ready Post shipping supplies; and Manager, Customer Services Johnson D’Souza directing the early arriving customers to the Mailing and Shipping Center. 

When the full-service lobby opened, there were only a few customers left in line and they were already delighted with the service and preparedness of the Davie staff. Customer Elizabeth London arrived early hoping to beat the crowds and was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly she was served.

“I thought there would be long lines waiting for the Post Office to open, but when I arrived, I could see the staff was already assisting customers at the automated machine," said London. "This is fantastic; I didn’t have to wait at all.”

Tax Day in the Miami GMF Parking Lot

Althea Atkins, a mail handler at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center affixes the April 15 postmark to letters addressed to the Internal Revenue Service. This is Atkins’ first year assisting last-minute tax filers in the drive-through collection set up in the parking lot of the Miami General Mail Facility.

Ramona Johnson collects an income tax envelope from a customer on April 15. This is Johnson's 10th year assisting customers who appreciate the convenience of the drive-through collection in the Miami General Mail Facility parking lot. Johnson, a mail handler at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center, says the drive-through helps build the brand as customers show their confidence in the U.S. Postal Service.

Miami Processing and Distribution Center Mail Handler Althea Atkins affixes the April 15 postmark to letters addressed to the Internal Revenue Service. This is Atkins’ first year assisting last-minute tax filers in the drive-through collection set up in the parking lot of the Miami General Mail Facility.

L to R: Miami Processing and Distribution Center Postal Support Employee (PSE) Clerk Rosalyn Montalvo, Mail Handler Ramona Johnson, Mail Handler Rose Fraga, Clerk Dedra Goudas, and Mail Handler Althea Atkins prepare to assist last-minute income tax filers who will utilize the drive-through collection in the Miami General Mail Facility parking lot.

Team members not pictured include Manager, Distribution Operations Otis Hill, A/Supervisor, Maintenance Operations Pedro Garcia, and Mail Handlers Vidal Coto and Jorge Diaz.

Special thanks to Sergeant Michael Alewine and Postal Police Officers Gary Bohl, Michelle Browder, Gustavo Cabanas, Jose Chirinos, Craig Clarit, Octavia Johnson, Brian Juman, Richard Reno, Alonzo Simons, and Edgar Solano for providing security at the Tax Day event.

April is EAP Awareness Month

Dedicated Duo Delivers at Miami ISC

Ariadna Garcia Photo: Barry D. Henry

Catalina Rivero Photo: Debra J. Fetterly

Miami International Service Center (ISC) Plant Manager Benjamin Vidal received the following letter from a customer who praised two of his employees:

The purpose of this letter is to let you know what great people you have working at the Miami International Service Center. Catalina Rivero, Ariadna Garcia and another employee at JFK intercepted an international package going to Nigeria that contained my son’s laptop computer he had sold on eBay. My son found out the transaction was fraudulent shortly after mailing the package. He had worked two summers to pay for the computer, and it was a sad state of affairs for him. Luckily with the assistance of my local Postmaster, I was told what I would need to do to intercept the package.

My initial point of contact was Catalina Rivero who quickly put a hold on the package and contacted another employee at JFK in New York. She tried to get in touch with the person at JFK again that day before she left work. Catalina instructed me to call back the next morning to see if they were able to locate it. When I called the following morning, Ariadna Garcia informed me that they were able to find the package and instructed me on how to proceed to have it returned. When I got to my local Post Office, she spoke with my Postmaster and made sure the fax was received on her end. I am so grateful that people do care about their jobs these days and cared about this situation … I was very impressed with their professionalism and expeditious response to my situation.

These employees should be acknowledged for their expertise, customer service and professionalism. I can’t thank them enough.                

Sincerely,

Marilee Capel

Civil War Stamps Dedicated 150 Years to Minute of General Lee's Surrender

Two descendants of Civil War officers joined postal officials on the steps of the Appomattox, VA, courthouse for the April 9 dedication of the last two stamps in the Civil War Sesquicentennial series.

One stamp depicts the decisive Battle of Five Forks, often called “the Waterloo of the Confederacy.” The second stamp shows Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union Army General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, ending the war.

The dedication took place almost 150 years to the minute of Lee’s surrender.

“In these images, we see the story of America — and remarkably, all this is done in the size of a postage stamp,” said Pat Mendonca, U.S. Postal Service Senior Director for the Postmaster General/CEO. “From this day forward, the images of these historic events will be carried on letters and packages to millions of households and businesses throughout America. And in issuing these new stamps, the Postal Service has been proud to participate in a valuable effort to commemorate and reflect anew on a critical era of our nation’s history.”

Joining Mendonca in dedicating the stamps will be Dennis Bigelow, descendant of Lt. Col. Chas. Marshall, Lee’s aide at the Appomattox surrender; Parker, descendant to Grant’s Military Secretary Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker; Acting Superintendent Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Robin Snyder; Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Historian Patrick Schroeder; and Chief Historian/Chief of Interpretation Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park John Hennessy.

Chamber Praises Hialeah, 'Orlando'

Hialeah, FL, Postmaster Orlando De La Osa (left) is presented with a Certificate of Excellence Award from Miami Lakes, FL, Chamber of Commerce President Magaly Rubio (center). Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (right) also was present. 

Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (PCC) Executive Board Members --- Miami Beach, FL, Postmaster Lockey Anderson, Hialeah, FL, Postmaster Orlando de la Osa, Opa-Locka, FL, Postmaster Manuel Ferrer, and Miami, FL, Postmaster Enrique Suarez --- are networking with Chambers of Commerce members in various municipalities.

Recently, Hialeah, FL, Postmaster Orlando de la Osa was invited to a Miami Lakes, FL, Chamber of Commerce meeting. Chamber President Magaly Rubio presented de la Osa with a Certificate of Excellence Award for his outstanding leadership in the community. He also was welcomed as the newest postal member of the chamber.

De la Osa talked about the vital role of the U.S. Postal Service to the community and shared information on postal innovations and technology. Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal joined him in a presentation on Every Door Direct Mail. 

De La Osa was featured in “The Miami Laker” community newspaper. 

Help Our Carriers 'Stamp Out Hunger'

Palm Central Station Letter Carrier and NALC Food Drive Spokesperson Starr Hunter is one of many employees who are dedicated to stamping out hunger in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area.

Representatives from local food banks came together to finalize plans for the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive on May 9. Front Row, L to R: Vice President NALC Local 1690 Brian Debee, Treasure Coast Food Bank Representative Tammy Zalucky, Palm Beach County Food Bank Operations Manager Autumn Oliveras, Stuart, FL, Main Office Letter Carrier Roy Schalp. Back Row L to R:  Food Distributor Manager Dave Lee, Fort Pierce, FL, Main Office Letter Carrier/Shop Steward/NALC Food Drive Coordinator Patty Badini, Feeding South Florida Industry Manager Charles Bandy, Palm Central Station Letter Carrier and NALC Food Drive Spokesperson Starr Hunter, and Palm Beach County Food Bank Director of Operations Warren Witter. 

Photos: Karin Nolf

Melrose Vista Retail Associates Earn Trophy for Outstanding Service

Front Row: Melrose Vista Branch Retail Associates Leonora Guzzi, Jacqueline Quintana and Jacqueline White; Manager, Customer Services Esteban (Steve) Martinez. Back Row:  Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney and Manager, Customer Service Operations Alejandro (Alex) Sepulveda. Photo: Amy McCall

Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney presented Melrose Vista Branch Retail Associates with a trophy for their outstanding retail performance. The retail team earned a perfect score on three Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions in Quarter 2, FY15. 

Guiney commended employees on the outstanding service they provided to their customers and challenged each one to continue their efforts so they can keep the trophy next quarter.

Gifts of Friendship Blossom

The U.S. Postal Service and Japan Post jointly issued Gifts of Friendship Forever stamps today, celebrating the American issuance during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC.

                                 

The stamps feature beautiful images of flowering dogwood and cherry trees and honor the enduring connection between two nations on the centennial of the gift of dogwood trees from the United States to Japan in 1915.

“These trees bring renewed life each spring after the long winter months and are celebrated on both sides of the Pacific Ocean with annual festivals that echo the spirit of friendship,” said Postal Service Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Nagisa Manabe. “I’m honored to be a part of this special moment that honors our collective history and heritage.”

It's Countdown to Tax Day, April 15

Miami employees will accommodate last-minute tax filers with the traditional drive-through collection in the Miami GMF parking lot on April 15.

With Tax Day only a week away, South Florida postal employees are reminding their customers to pay special attention to Post Office retail hours and blue collection box pick-up times. On Wednesday, April 15, Post Offices will be open regular business hours (many Post Offices regularly are open later than 5 p.m.). Post Office hours, collection box locations and pick-up times, and Self-Service Ship and Mail Center locations are posted at usps.com. Customers also may call 1-800-ASK-USPS for this information.

For customer convenience, postal employees will be stationed in the parking lot of the Miami General Mail Facility, 2200 NW 72 AVE, Miami, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Customers who have properly addressed envelopes with correct postage may give their tax return to employees with a postal identification badge. Mail that is deposited at the drive-through collection will receive the April 15 postmark.

Postal employees offer these tips for last-minute income tax filers:

• Mail early in the day at any Post Office. Be sure to verify Post Office hours of operation.

• If depositing a tax return in a collection box on April 15, double check the pick-up time on the collection box. Your tax envelope must be deposited prior to the last scheduled pick-up time posted to receive the April 15 postmark.

• Affix the correct postage. Some tax returns include many forms and require additional postage. For First-Class letter-sized envelopes, one ounce is 49 cents and 21 cents for each additional ounce. A two-ounce letter-sized envelope is 70 cents. A First-Class flat-sized (8 ½ X 11) envelope, the cost is 98 cents up to one ounce and 21 cents for each additional ounce. That’s $1.19 for a two-ounce flat-sized envelope.

• Customers may purchase postage at the retail counter or at a Self-Service Ship and Mail Center (credit/debit card only) in the Post Office lobby. Stamps also are available at alternate retail access locations posted at usps.com.

• 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.

The U.S. Postal Service offers flexible products and services:

Priority Mail Express Service 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 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 at usps.com, or at 1-800-222-1811, that the mailing was delivered to the Internal Revenue Service.

First-Class Mail Service is an efficient, economical option to mail your return with the all-important April 15 postmark.

Proof of Mailing Services provides customers with peace of mind. Services prove that you mailed your tax return, verify that it was delivered or both: 
-- Certificate of Mailing - This receipt shows evidence you mailed your tax return. 
-- Certified Mail - This receipt proves you mailed your tax return and provides online access to verify the date and time of delivery. 
-- Return Receipt - This receipt verifies both mailing and delivery, returning to you a postcard signed by the person who received your package.

Click-N-Ship Online Service allows you to print Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail labels, with or without postage, from any computer.

Help 'Stamp Out Hunger' Sat, May 9

On Saturday, May 9, the National Association of Letter Carriers, U.S. Postal Service, Campbell Soup Company, Feeding America,and other partners are asking South Floridians to help "Stamp Out Hunger."  Now in its 23rd year, the annual food drive has grown into a national effort that provides assistance to the millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.

The NALC's "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, held on the second Saturday in May, has become the nation's largest single-day food drive. In 2014, generous Americans donated 72.5 million pounds of food, feeding 30 million people. This was the 11th consecutive year of at least 70 million pounds of collected by letter carriers. That's well over one billion pounds of food since the drive began.

The need for food assistance exists in every community in America.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 50 million Americans are food insecure, meaning they live at risk of hunger. Perhaps most alarming is the fact that nearly 16 million children in America are struggling with hunger. In addition, 4.8 million seniors face the choice between paying rent and utilities and having a nutritious meal.

To participate in the annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, you're encouraged to leave a bag containing non-perishable food items, such as canned soup and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and/or cereal next to your mailbox prior to the time your regular letter carrier makes delivery on Saturday, May 9. City and rural letter carriers will collect these items and deliver them to local food banks and pantries.

Retirement 'Lures' Plantation's 'Fish'

Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney (right) presented Retirement Certificate to Plantation Branch Letter Carrier James “Fish” Fischi (left). 

Plantation Branch employees said goodbye to Letter Carrier Jim Fischi who dedicated 38 years of service to his customers. Co-workers showed their appreciation to Fischi and expressed how much they all were going to miss his upbeat attitude.

 “Fischi is an excellent worker who is very dependable, which made him a pleasure to work with,” said Supervisor, Customer Services Tony Catania. 

Photo Left: Plantation Branch Letter Carrier James “Fish” Fischi clocked out for the last time.

Photos: Amy McCall

NALC Food Drive

Palms Central Workers Sport Beards in Honor of Retiring Letter Carrier

Several Palms Central Station Letter Carriers wore beards in honor of Letter Carrier Dave Schloyer who retired after a 24-year postal career.

“I hired Dave 24 years ago. He was a very good carrier. Good positive attitude, reliable and worked well with everyone,” said Palms Central Manager, Customer Services Pablo Estupinan. “He is well liked and we are going to miss him.”

 

Palms Central Station Letter Carrier Dave Schloyer (L) with Manager, Customer Services Pablo Estupinan who wears a costume beard to honor Schloyer’s 24 years of service.

Several Palms Central Station Letter Carriers wore beards in honor of Letter Carrier Dave Schloyer who retired after a 24-year postal career.

Photos: Karin Nolf

'Medley' Chamber of Commerce Event Harmonizes Community Partnership

L to R: Medley Chamber of Commerce President Gladys Padron; Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez and Medley Police Officer Elio Cardenas promoted the importance of a community partnership at a recent chamber event.

Story & Photos: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

On March 26, Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez was the keynote speaker at the Medley Chamber of Commerce event. Senior Sales Executive Theresa Fondon also attended to share information on Every Door Direct Mail.

Suarez spoke about the U.S. Postal Service’s packaging growth.

“Milam Dairy Branch, which services the Medley area, is one of the largest package volume-generating cities nationwide,” Suarez said.

Suarez invited attendees to join the Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (MDCPCC). He promoted membership benefits including training seminars and networking opportunities with local postal officials and industry representatives.

Fondon gave presentations on packaging resources and Every Door Direct Mail. Customers were very receptive to Fondon’s presentations.  Many expressed their interest in attending the upcoming the MDCPCC’s upcoming  Every Door Direct Mail educational seminar.   

Senior Sales Executive Theresa Fondon (L) provides Every Door Direct Mail details to MetLift Financial Service Representative Bilal Saleh (R) at the Medley Chamber of Commerce event.

Job Fair: 'Today's USPS is Hiring!'

On March 19, the U.S. Postal Service participated in the 2015 Spring Job Fair hosted by Florida National University (FNU). Human Resources Generalist-Principal Debra Falzarano, Field Recruiter Lorraine Ramsey and Operations Programs Specialist Zahira Figuereo attended and promoted City Carrier Assistant (CCA) and Rural Carrier Assistant (RCA) positions. The job fair provided students an opportunity to speak to several industries within their degree studies or inquire on a part time position as CCAs and RCAs. 

Photo (above): Operations Programs Specialist Zahira Figuereo (seated) provides details on City Carrier Assistant (CCA) and Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) positions to a Florida National University student.

Photo (left): Florida National University student Ariana Gonzalez (left) receives information on postal job opportunities from Human Resources Generalist-Principal Debra Falzarano and Operations Program Specialist Zahira Figuereo. 

Photo (left): Field Recruiter Lorraine Ramsey (background) provides information on postal job opportunities to Florida National University students. 

Photos: Mirtha Uriarte

From Me to You: A Delight to Write!

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates April as National Card and Letter Writing Month by issuing colorful Forever stamps sheets complete with decorative stickers for personalizing envelopes, letters and greeting cards. The Postal Service is collaborating with Scholastic to provide an educators’ guide on teaching letter writing titled, “It’s a Delight to Write,” that will be distributed to 80,000 teachers and 7.3 million parents nationwide.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony took place today at the Friendship Public Charter School - Woodridge Campus in Washington, DC.

“Sure, email and texting is quick and convenient, and Facebook has photos and videos, but nothing beats the thrill and excitement of opening your mailbox and finding a personal letter addressed to you,” said U.S. Postal Service Judicial Officer William Campbell in dedicating the stamps.

“Letter writing improves social and penmanship skills. More importantly, it helps create lasting memories with the people you care about most. That’s what the From Me to You stamps are all about. After all, nothing else cultivates a romance, nurtures a friendship, or helps you stay connected like a hand-written card or letter.”

National Classroom Writing Program
The national writing program, “It’s a Delight to Write,” is designed to encourage letter writing through a classroom poster-teaching guide that will be distributed to more than 80,000 teachers nationwide. The guide features lessons on writing letters, plus writing activities for students including: “Mystery Mail,” a fun writing game to get students to learn more about each other. “Post Pocket Pals,” an activity to create pen pals around the world and “Fan Mail,” a guide to writing letters to favorite authors. The program also includes parent take-home activities to encourage family writing night and comes with a cut-out postcard to get kids started. An “It’s a Delight to Write” perforated postcard is included in the April issue of Scholastic Parent & Child magazine, which reaches 7.3 million readers.

Dawn Hutson is Stuart Postmaster

Stuart Postmaster Dawn Hutson

Dawn Hutson is the new Postmaster in Stuart, FL. Hutson became the ninth Postmaster of the largest of four incorporated municipalities in Martin County in 81 years.

In 1999, Hutson joined the U.S. Postal Service as a Part Time Flexible (PTF) Clerk in Palm Beach Gardens. She graduated from the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP) in 2001 and served as Supervisor, Customer Services in Haverhill Branch and Palms West Branch from 2001 through 2005. Hutson then relocated to Tennessee where she served as Officer In Charge in several locations. She returned to South Florida and was detailed to Officer In Charge, Stuart, FL, prior to becoming Postmaster.

Hutson graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University in 1993.

LaConnia Watkins Makes History as New Boynton Beach Postmaster

Boynton Beach Postmaster LaConnia Watkins

LaConnia Watkins has made history as the first African-American female to be promoted to Postmaster, Boynton Beach. As the 16^th Postmaster, Watkins is responsible for overall postal operations in the third largest city in Palm Beach County.

Watkins began her postal career as a Letter Carrier in Miami’s Norland Branch in 1986. The following year, she transferred as a Letter Carrier to the Boca Raton Main Office, and then in 1992, entered the managerial ranks at the Deerfield Beach Post Office. 

Watkins advanced into positions of increased authority, including Manager, Customer Services at the Boca Raton Main Office and the West Boca Carrier Annex. She also served as Officer In Charge, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pahokee, Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie. Prior to becoming Postmaster, Boynton Beach, Watkins was Postmaster, Jupiter, the 11^th individual and first African-American female to attain that position.