Feb 29: 'Leap Day,' 'Bachelors' Day'

Nearly every four years, we add an extra day to the calendar in the form of February 29, also known as Leap Day. Put simply, these additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure that it stays in line with the Earth’s movement around the sun. 

While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for Earth to orbit its star is slightly longer—roughly 365.2421 days. The difference might seem negligible, but over decades and centuries that missing quarter of a day per year can add up. To ensure consistency with the true astronomical year, it is necessary periodically to add in an extra day to make up the lost time and get the calendar back in sync with the heavens.

According to an old Irish legend, St. Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how leap day balances the calendar.

In some places, Leap Day has been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty (money), if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day.

In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.

Patriotic Pensacola Postman Praised

Pensacola Letter Carrier Glenn Corbett 

A Florida employee’s spontaneous act of respect is warming hearts online. 

Pensacola Letter Carrier Glenn Corbett was driving a postal vehicle recently when he encountered a funeral procession for a World War II veteran. Corbett parked the vehicle, stepped out and removed his hat. With rain pouring, he stood reverently as the motorcade passed.

The veteran’s daughter, Carole Chase-Draughan, noticed Corbett as she drove by and snapped a picture of him.

Chase-Draughan posted the image on Facebook with and commented, “This is what respect looks like. Whoever this wonderfully patriotic postman is, I would love to just thank him.”

Facebook users have shared the image more than 30,000 times. Chase-Draughan recently learned Corbett’s name and updated her post with a new comment, the Weather Channel reported this week.

“Thank you, Glenn Corbett, from the bottom of my heart. The respect you displayed at my daddy’s funeral procession truly touched my heart,” Chase-Draughan wrote.

Corbett said he always stops for funeral processions.

“I believe it is the respectful thing to do because I am in a uniform representing the U.S. Postal Service and its employees,” he said.

Self Plus One: Deadline Feb. 29

Postal employees and retirees can choose Self Plus One health coverage during a special enrollment period now through February 29 (11:59 EST).

The enrollment is only for employees and retirees currently in the Self and Family coverage level who want to move to Self Plus One coverage.

Self Plus One is a new Federal Employee Health Benefits enrollment type that began last year. This special enrollment period is only open to employees and retirees who didn’t make the switch during last year’s open season.

If you’re enrolled in a Self Only plan, you must wait until open season or until you experience a “qualifying life event” — such as a marriage, divorce or change in employment status — to switch to Self Plus One.

To change your enrollment type, go to PostalEASE or call 877-477-3273 (select option 1). Some facilities also offer self-service kiosks that allow you to change your coverage.

For assistance, call the HR Shared Service Center at 877-477-3273 (select option 5). The TTY number is 866-260-7507.

Film Stars on Stamps

The red carpet at this weekend’s Oscars ceremony isn’t the only place to see Hollywood glitterati.

You’ll also find film stars on stamps, including the long-running Legends of Hollywood series.

Two recent additions, the Ingrid Bergman and Charlton Heston stamps, are available at usps.com and some Post Offices.

The newest Legends of Hollywood stamp, Shirley Temple, will be issued this year.

Many other luminaries have been featured on stamps through the years, part of the Postal Service’s long history of honoring pop culture icons.

In 2012, four Hollywood directors — Frank Capra, John Ford, John Huston and Billy Wilder — received stamp dedications for their work, which earned them 15 Oscars combined.

Other stamps have paid tribute to Charlie Chaplin, Boris Karloff and Hattie McDaniel, who won an Oscar for her role in “Gone with the Wind.”

McDaniel’s stamp, issued in 2006, is part of the Black Heritage series.

Rollback to Cost $2 Billion Per Year

Absent Congressional or court action to extend or make permanent an existing exigent surcharge for mailing products and services – including the Forever stamp -- the Postal Service will be required to reduce certain prices on Sunday, April 10, 2016. This mandatory action will worsen the Postal Service’s financial condition by reducing revenue and increasing its net losses by approximately $2 billion per year.

“The exigent surcharge granted to the Postal Service last year only partially alleviated our extreme multi-year revenue declines resulting from the Great Recession, which exceeded $7 billion in 2009 alone,” said Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan. “Removing the surcharge and reducing our prices is an irrational outcome considering the Postal Service’s precarious financial condition.”

An order from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) requires the 4.3 percent exigent surcharge to be reversed after the Postal Service has collected surcharges totaling $4.6 billion. As outlined in a notice filed with the PRC today, that amount is expected to be reached by April 10^th. 

Postal Service prices for Mailing Services are capped by law at the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U). However, the law does allow for exigent pricing (price increases beyond the CPI-U cap) due to extraordinary or exceptional circumstances. That was the case when the Postal Service sought and ultimately received approval for the current exigent pricing, citing the severe effects of the Great Recession on Postal Service mail volume.

However, the PRC did not accept the views of the Postal Service concerning the extent of the harm resulting from the Great Recession, and the PRC strictly limited the period of time that the Postal Service could continue to collect the exigent surcharge. While the Postal Service has experienced rapid growth in package volume over the past few years, it is not nearly enough to offset the decline in revenues from Market-Dominant products, especially First-Class Mail.

Brennan added that the Postal Service’s current pricing system, where products that generate roughly 76 percent of its revenues fall under the statutory price cap, is fundamentally unsuited to the Postal Service’s current business environment in which First-Class Mail volume continues to decline and the network costs required to provide universal service continue to rise. 

According to Brennan, “our current pricing regime is unworkable and should be replaced with a system that provides greater pricing flexibility and better reflects the economic challenges facing the Postal Service.” 

The surcharge removal means these First-Class Mail prices will be adjusted to the following:                                                     

• Letters (1 oz.): 49 cents to 47 cents
• Letters additional ounces: 22 cents to 21 cents
• Letters to all international destinations: $1.20 to $1.15
• Postcards: 35 cents to 34 cents

Commercial prices will also decrease. A complete listing of the new prices, effective April 10, is available at www.usps.com. 

If You're an Alabama Fan, Roll Tide!

One of four pieces of matted artwork suitable for framing at $25 each.

In celebration of the University of Alabama's National Football Championship, the Alabama District is offering limited edition commemorative envelopes at $10 each and double-matted art suitable for framing at $25 each. The order form, which includes photos of available collectibles, is available at http://southeast.fws.usps.gov/sites/alabama/marketing/retail/AICGLA%20Crosswalk/Alabama%20Memorabilia%20Order%20form2016.docx. 
For additional information, contact A/Retail Specialist Christina Brown at 205-521-0353.

Commemorative envelope at $10 each.

Have You Voiced Your Concerns?

If you want to improve your workplace, you must make your voice heard.

This is one of the central principles of the Postal Pulse, the all-employee survey now being conducted in USPS workplaces.

The survey provides employees at all levels with an opportunity to share observations about their work environments. This feedback helps the organization change and improve, postal leaders say.

“Change begins with each one of us,” said Employee Engagement Executive Director Kelvin Williams. “Every employee has much to contribute, and every employee’s opinion matters. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to participate in the Postal Pulse.”

The survey has 13 questions and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.

Bargaining employees received the survey at their home address, while non-bargaining employees received the survey via email.

Williams encourages all employees to participate before the Friday, March 11, deadline.

“Change won’t happen overnight, but it can happen — and it starts with employees who share their honest, candid feedback,” he said.

More information is available on the Postal Pulse Blue page.

Sunrise PO Leads Ring Up Sales

From left: Sunrise, FL, Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Miriam Ramirez; A/Manager, Customer Service Operations Camille Moscola-Calvo and Business Development Specialist Adrienne Savino. Photo: Fort Lauderdale, FL, Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

During a Fort Lauderdale team meeting to discuss the Employee Engagement Programs (EEP), Business Development Specialist Adrienne Savino shares with A/Manager, Customer Service Operations Camille Moscola-Calvo the success that Sunrise, AL, Supervisor, Customer Services Miriam Ramirez is having with leads submitted into the programs.

“Sunrise Post Office is significantly contributing with lead generation, resulting in new revenue sales for the Fort Lauderdale area,” said Savino.

Lunar New Year Stamps Ring In $400

Miami, FL, Postal Police Officer Octavia Johnson (left) and Miami, FL, Town and Country Postal Store Retail Associate Jerry Galindo (right) set up at the Lunar New Year celebration at Miami-Dade College – Kendall Campus. More than 1,000 South Floridians attended the festival -- with the Postal Service ringing in $400 in stamp sales.

ELD Deadline Extended to Feb. 24

The Postal Service is now accepting applications for a program to help field employees develop their leadership skills.

The EAS Leadership Development (ELD) online application system deadline has been extended to Feb. 24 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The program helps prepare area and district employees to assume future managerial positions throughout the Postal Service.
Participants develop their leadership competencies and functional and technical skills through virtual learning, on-the-job development feedback and coaching.
Area and district employees who are Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) levels 16 and higher are encouraged to apply. ELD is not currently open to headquarters or headquarters-related employees.
Before applying, employees should talk with their managers to discuss the application process and how they will be evaluated. Once submitted, the manager will either support or decline the employee’s application.
Applications can be accessed by typing “ELD” in the address bar on Blue. The Blue Career Development page has more information.

WPB Celebrates Black History Month

On Feb. 17, the West Palm Beach Postmaster’s Office dedicated the Richard Allen Forever stamp in honor of Black History Month. The celebration at the Palm Beach County Robert Weisman Governmental Center was part of the “Unsung Heroes” event hosted by Palm Beach County District 7 Commissioner Priscilla A. Taylor.

Taylor honored African Americans who have stepped up when duty called, broke color barriers, or quietly made their communities better one person at a time. West Palm Beach, FL, Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders shared the life of Allen who was a preacher, activist, and civic leader with the audience. The 39^th stamp in the Black Heritage series coincides with the 200^th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, one of the most important institutions in African-American life, and his election and consecration as its first bishop.

West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto dedicated a stamp enlargement to Taylor and presented a second enlargement to Pastor Charles Scott of St. Paul AME Church in West Palm Beach, FL.

  

West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto (left) and Palm Beach County District 7 Commissioner Priscilla A.Taylor (right) unveiled the Richard Allen Forever stamp, the 39^th addition to the U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage Series. Photo: West Palm Beach, FL, Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

MPOO7 Congratulates Retirees

Manager, Post Office Operations, Area 7 Robert Weiser congratulates the following employees on their retirement:
Lead Sales and Services Associate Larry Wolf, Oceanview Station, Miami Beach, FL, 43 years; Letter Carrier Lewis Glintz, Jog Road Station, Boynton Beach, FL, 39 years; Mail Processing Clerk Melanie Bledsoe, Jog Road Station, Boynton Beach, FL, 32 years; Letter Carrier Bernard Cousens, Surfside Branch, Surfside, FL, 31 years; Letter Carrier Grace Pollack, Normandy Station, Miami Beach, FL, 30 years; and Rural Carrier Deborah Parsons, Port St. Lucie, FL, Main Office, 20 years.

Palm Village's Green Has Perfect RCE

Manager, Customer Services Virginia McGinnity (left) congratulates Retail Associate Michael Green (right) who earned a Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) score. Green delivers outstanding customer service at Hialeah's Palm Village Finance Unit.

Have You Taken Your 'Pulse' Yet?

The U.S. Postal Service is conducting the Postal Pulse survey through Friday, March 11.
The Postal Pulse is designed to help USPS improve its workplace environments and engagement, which describes employees’ involvement, enthusiasm and positive contributions to the organization.
The survey has 13 questions and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.
Postal Career Executive Services (PCES) and Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) employees will receive an email from the Gallup organization, which conducts the survey for USPS. The email will contain a link to an online version of the survey.
All other employees will receive the survey at their mailing address of record.
These employees should bring the survey to work and complete it on the clock at an agreed upon time with supervisors. Employees should follow instructions for returning the completed surveys to Gallup.
More information is available on the Postal Pulse Blue page.

Miami PO Seeks New RCAs March 1-5

Here's a first-class opportunity to work outdoors and exercise --- without having to pay an expensive gym membership!  

Let your family members, friends, neighbors, and business associates know that the Miami Post Office will be accepting applications for Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) at www.usps.com/employment from March 1-5 only. 

An RCA has a starting salary of $16.65 per hour and is required to work weekends and weekdays, as needed. This may include holidays. Applicants must have a valid state driver's license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of documented driving experience.

The RCA is a non-career employee who provides rural route customers a variety of services including delivering and collecting mail and selling stamps, supplies, and money orders. Desirable candidates have a vehicle suitable for use and live within easy commuting distance of the Miami area. 

The position is physically demanding with work performed indoors, as well as outdoors in all types of weather. RCAs may be required to load and unload trays and containers of mail and parcels weighing as much as 70 pounds. 

Rural Carrier Associates must be of good character and maintain pleasant and effective public relations with their customers and others. They are expected to maintain neat and proper personal attire and grooming appropriate to conducting public business.

Key West Seeks CCAs Thru Feb. 22

Do you know family members, friends, and business associates who would like to work in Key West?  Currently, the Key West Post Office has openings for City Carrier Assistant (CCA) at $16.06 per hour. 

A CCA may be required to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed 360 days. After a five-day break in service, subsequent appointments may be offered, but are not guaranteed.

Applicants must have a valid state driver's license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of unsupervised experience driving a passenger car or larger vehicle.

A CCA must be of good character and maintain pleasant and effective public relations with their customers and others. They are expected to maintain neat and proper personal attire and grooming appropriate to conducting public business.

Hurry! Hurry! The application window is open now through Monday, February 22. Apply at www.usps.com/employment.

'Self Plus One' Open Through Feb. 29

Postal employees and retirees can choose Self Plus One health coverage during a special enrollment period now through February 29 (11:59 EST).

The enrollment is only for employees and retirees currently in the Self and Family coverage level who want to move to Self Plus One coverage.

Self Plus One is a new Federal Employee Health Benefits enrollment type that began last year. This special enrollment period is only open to employees and retirees who didn’t make the switch during last year’s open season.

If you’re enrolled in a Self Only plan, you must wait until open season or until you experience a “qualifying life event” — such as a marriage, divorce or change in employment status — to switch to Self Plus One.

To change your enrollment type, go to PostalEASE or call 877-477-3273 (select option 1). Some facilities also offer self-service kiosks that allow you to change your coverage.

For assistance, call the HR Shared Service Center at 877-477-3273 (select option 5). The TTY number is 866-260-7507.

Seeking Upward Mobility? Apply for Leadership Program Through Feb. 22

The Postal Service will accept applications for the EAS Leadership Development (ELD) program through Monday, February 22, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The program helps field employees develop leadership competencies and prepare for future managerial positions.
Area and district employees who are Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) levels 16 or above are encouraged to apply.
The program currently isn’t open to headquarters or headquarters-related employees.
If you are a current ELD participant, you must re-apply during the enrollment period to continue participating in ELD.
Before applying, employees should talk with their managers to discuss ELD and their interest in furthering their development.
Applications can be accessed by typing “ELD” in the address bar on Blue. The Blue Career Development page has more information.

Postal Pulse Survey Feb 16 - March 11

The U.S. Postal Service will conduct the next Postal Pulse survey from Tuesday, Feb. 16-Friday, March 11.
All employees are strongly encouraged to participate.
The Postal Pulse is designed to help USPS improve its workplace environments and engagement, which describes employees’ involvement, enthusiasm and positive contributions to the organization.
The survey has 13 questions and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.
Postal Career Executive Services (PCES) and Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) employees will receive an email from the Gallup organization, which conducts the survey for USPS.
The email will contain a link to an online version of the survey.
All other employees will receive the survey at their mailing address of record.
These employees should bring the survey to work and complete it on the clock at an agreed upon time with supervisors. Employees should follow instructions for returning the completed surveys to Gallup.
More information is available on the Postal Pulse Blue page.

Modern-Day ‘Barefoot Mailmen’ Hike from Pompano Beach to Miami Beach

Boy Scouts of America South Florida Council completes the 35-mile Barefoot Mailman Hike from Pompano Beach, FL, to Miami Beach, FL. 

Story and Photos: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

More than 600 Boy Scouts and Scout Leaders hiked 35 miles from Pompano Beach, FL, to Miami Beach FL, to commemorate the 52^nd annual Barefoot Mailman Hike.

The Boy Scouts of America relived part of South Florida history, walking the trail of the Barefoot Mailmen who carried mail on foot between 1885 and 1893. The Barefoot Mailmen braved heat, thunderstorms, alligators, sharks, and bears to carry mail between Palm Beach, FL, and Miami, FL. Crossing inlets by rowboat and hiking along the beach, a round trip took six days. Their exploits earned them $600 a year, and later resulted in a best-selling book and a movie.

James Hamilton was the most well-known carrier. He mysteriously disappeared after only three months on the job. It is believed that he lost his life at Hillsboro Inlet in Pompano Beach, FL, where he attempted to swim from the shoreline to the other bank to retrieve his rowboat that had drifted. Search parties scoured the coastline, but only found Hamilton’s clothes and backpack of letters.

Following in Hamilton’s footsteps, modern-day Barefoot Mailmen were self-sufficient, carrying their food supply, shelter, and letters on their backs. They camped overnight on the beach. On the second day, family and friends gathered to applaud and cheer Scouts --- some barefooted and blistered --- as they completed their journey. Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte collected letters and affixed a “Barefoot Mailman Station” special cancellation to each envelope to commemorate the event.

Nancy Hill Carter (left) and Suzanne McDavid Pendleton walked the Barefoot Mailman Hike forty years ago and in 2016, decided to relive a fond memory and hike the route again! 

Also participating in this year’s hike were Nancy Hill Carter and Suzanne McDavid Pendleton who have been best friends since middle school.  During the 1976 hike, Pendleton’s father, Eagle Scout John McDavid, asked both Pendleton and Carter (who had just celebrated their 18^th birthday) to chaperone during that year’s hike; back then it was a little more than 50 miles.

Forty years later, Pendleton asked Carter if she wanted to complete the hike again. 

“I figured I would call her bluff and told her if she thought she was up to it that I would do the hike with her,” said Carter. 

The ladies completed the 35-mile hike and truly enjoyed reminiscing along the way.  

“We have remained best friends all these years, even after marrying, having children and grandchildren,” said Carter.

The ladies proudly carried a photo of themselves during their first hike. Pendleton has a special place in her wallet for the photo with “50-Mile Barefoot Mailman Hike, February 8, 1976, Last leg of our journey, South Miami Beach” on the back.

Forty years ago, Nancy Hill Carter (left) and Suzanne McDavid Pendleton (right) participated in the Barefoot Mailman Hike.

Back of photo

It's Superbowl Sunday!

Today is Superbowl Sunday.

In 1997, the Postal Service issued a stamp honoring famed coach Vince Lombardi.

The gridiron doesn’t belong to just football fans.
It’s also part of the history of the Postal Service, which has issued several stamps over the years to salute the game and its champions.
The football-themed offerings include stamps that honor coach Vince Lombardi, the 1960s Green Bay Packers, the fourth Pittsburgh Steelers’ championship, the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame and Jim Thorpe, one of the game’s earliest heroes.
These stamps are no longer available from USPS, but they’re part of the organization’s long tradition of celebrating cultural icons.

Lunar New Year Rings In the Monkey

Speakers and dedicating officials gather during the Lunar New Year stamp dedication.

The Postal Service marked the start of the Lunar New Year Feb. 5 by dedicating a Year of the Monkey stamp in New York City.
The stamp depicts two red-orange peonies against a purple background. Peonies are popular, symbolic flowers and have special meaning for Kam Mak, stamp series illustrator.
“The peony painting was inspired by the three Chinese peony trees I have in my own garden. I hope the painting will evoke a sense of renewal and the coming of spring,” Mak said.
This is ninth stamp in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which is slated to continue through 2019.
Northeast Area VP Richard Uluski, who dedicated the stamp, said it reflects the Postal Service’s efforts to honor the nation’s diversity.
“For 123 years, our commemorative stamp program has celebrated the cultures of people from around the globe — that together reflect the rich and complex heritage of America,” Uluski said.

Now Accepting FEOY Nominations

It's that time of the year to honor outstanding employees (craft and management) in the 51^st annual “Federal Employee of the Year” (FEOY) Awards Program. This program, sponsored by the South Florida Federal Executive Board, is your opportunity to recognize employees for their work performance and/or contributions to the community. 

This year a new category has been added entitled “Innovation” which will recognize employees who are new to government service – 10 years or less – who provide a fresh perspective to government programs, products, and/or services.  

Overall, there are 12 award categories: 

• Administrative
• Clerical/Administrative Support  
• Innovation   
• Law Enforcement       
• Management (except Agency Head)   
• Organizational Partnership                    
• Professional  
• Scientific         
• Service to the Community
• Technical/Information Technology
• Trades & Crafts 
• Valor

Please note the following requirements:

• Nominees must be permanent career employees.
• Nominations must be based on demonstrated performance between 10/1/14 and 9/30/15.
• All nomination packages must be typed.
• Nominees must submit a digital ready photograph of the nominee or team.
• All nominations must be submitted to Manager, Learning Development and Diversity Damaris Agrait by Wednesday, February 17, 2016.

Each nomination package must include: 

• Nomination Form Cover Page (For team nominations, enter team name on the nomination form cover page and attach individual names on separate page.)
• Narrative (not to exceed one typewritten page (Time News Roman font no smaller than 10 point)
• Summary (100 words or less) of the nomination on a separate sheet of paper
• Publicity Data Sheet/Privacy Act Notice (each nominee must sign)

For a nomination package, contact your supervisor or Damaris Agrait at 305-470-0881.

Parents Love 'The Inspectors' Show

“The Inspectors” was recently honored with a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award.

Parents and experts agree: “The Inspectors” is quality programming for families.
The TV series recently received a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award, a commendation that assures parents the show has passed a stringent evaluation process.
“The Inspectors,” which follows the Postal Inspection Service as it investigates mail fraud and other postal crimes, was recommended for audiences ages 13-16.
Awards committees look for entertaining and educational products that stimulate imagination and inspire creativity.
The crimes depicted on “The Inspectors” are based on true events from the Inspection Service’s files.
CBS stations air the show at varying times on Saturday mornings. Visit CBSDreamTeam.com for local air times and to view past episodes.

Today is 'Thank a Mailman Day'

There is mail in your mailbox six days a week (and packages on Sundays, too!) so let’s take time out of our day to thank the city and rural letter carriers and the City Carrier Assistants and Rural Carrier Associates who are responsible for getting it there! 
"Thank A Mailman Day" always is celebrated on February 4. It is a day that is  a reminder of  just how important our carriers are to our everyday lives.
Let's all give our carrier a shout out and a big THANK YOU to let them know that they are appreciated!

Affordable Care Act: It's a Tax Matter

The Postal Service is mailing employees an important tax document they may need when completing their 2015 federal income tax returns.
Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, is a new IRS form created to fulfill the reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Beginning with tax year 2015, the ACA requires the Postal Service to provide an annual statement — Form 1095-C — to employees who are offered health insurance coverage during the year.
When employees receive Form 1095-C in the mail, they should keep it with their Form W-2 and other wage and tax information documents.
Employees who have questions should consult a qualified tax preparer or tax attorney.
Additional information is available on the IRS site, as well as the Frequently Asked Questions document available through the PostalEase application on LiteBlue and the Form 1095-C toolkit on the Accounting site.

Castro Reaches 25-Year Milestone

Supervisor, Customer Services Ine Diaz (right) recognizes Miami, FL, General Mail Facility Postal Store Sales Service and Distribution Associate Robert Castro with his 25-Year Service Award and pin. Photo: Mirtha Uriarte, Miami Customer Relations Coordinator

Program Seeks Future Postal Leaders

The Postal Service is now accepting applications for a program to help field employees develop their leadership skills.

The EAS Leadership Development (ELD) online application system opened Feb.1 and will close Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The program helps prepare area and district employees to assume future managerial positions throughout the Postal Service.
Participants develop their leadership competencies and functional and technical skills through virtual learning, on-the-job development feedback and coaching.
Area and district employees who are Executive and Administrative Schedule (EAS) levels 16 and higher are encouraged to apply. ELD is not currently open to headquarters or headquarters-related employees.
Before applying, employees should talk with their managers to discuss the application process and how they will be evaluated. Once submitted, the manager will either support or decline the employee’s application.
Applications can be accessed by typing “ELD” in the address bar on Blue. The Blue Career Development page has more information.

Inspectors Deliver for PCC Members

Pictured from left: Miami, FL, Postmaster Enrique Suarez, Postal Inspector Ivan Ramirez, Fort  Lauderdale Officer In Charge (OIC) David Guiney, Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo, and Opa-Locka, FL, Postmaster Manuel Ferrer pose for the camera following a Postal Customer Council (PCC) meeting.

As the federal law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the goal of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to ensure confidence in the U.S. Mail.  Postal Inspectors work to assure that American businesses can safely dispatch funds, securities, and information through the U.S. Mail; that postal customers can entrust their correspondence to the mail; and that postal employees can work in a safe environment.

The Broward County Postal Customer Council (BCPCC) and Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (MDCPCC) joined together and invited Postal Inspectors Ivan Ramirez and Bladismir Rojo to present an educational seminar, “Who Protects Your Mail.”  

As one of our country’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies, founded by Benjamin Franklin, the first Postmaster General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a proud and successful history of fighting criminals who attack the nation’s postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger, or otherwise threaten the American public. Postal Inspectors Ramirez and Rojo showed a video that educated business owners how to protect themselves from and how to react to mail threats. They engaged the membership in their presentation and answered their questions and concerns relative to protecting the mail and identifying fraud.

'Robin' Sings Oakland Park Praises

Oakland Park, FL, Branch Retail Associate Cindy Smith-Faine (left) shares a smile with NewLook Marketing Owner Marc Robin (right). Photo: Kelly Worthman, Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator

Oakland Park, FL, Branch Retail Associate Cindy Smith-Faine and NewLook Marketing Owner Marc Robin are all smiles at the retail counter.  NewLook Marketing is a boutique firm that has specialized in printing and direct mailing services since 1983. Robin takes advantage of Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service as a cost-effective method for his clients to reach potential customers near their  business.

“It is such a pleasure to work with Cindy and the other employees of the Oakland Park Post Office,” said Robin. “They are friendly and knowledgeable!”

Today is Groundhog Day

Will Punxsutawney Phil pop out of his burrow today?

Today is Groundhog Day, and each year on February 2, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the legendary groundhog, "Punxsutawney Phil," with a festive atmosphere of music and food. 

During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, a rural area about two miles east of town. 

Groundhog Day has been celebrated since 1887. According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like like weather. If Phil does not see his shadow, he has predicted an "early spring." 

Does anyone know what this means for South Florida?!?!

It's African-American History Month

The U.S. Postal Service will dedicate a stamp February 2 honoring African-American religious leader Richard Allen. It will be the 39th stamp in the Black Heritage series, which also has honored leaders such as Robert Robinson Taylor, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. 

African-American History Month, observed each February, is a time to celebrate the heritage of African-Americans and their contributions to the nation. 

The national observance of African-American History Month began in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, founder of the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, promoted Negro History Week. In 1976, the week was extended to a one-month commemoration. Today, it’s designated as African-American History Month or Black History Month.