WPB Celebrates Career Milestones

A/Manager, Customer Service Operations (MCSO) Pablo Estupinan recognized three Palms West Branch employees for attaining career milestones: Letter Carrier Joseph Ruggiero, 40 years; A/Manager, Customer Services Michelle Cooper-Wilson, 30 years; and Letter Carrier Joe Sardone, 30 years.

Estupinan also honored five Palm Beach Gardens Branch employees for their years of service: Retail Associate Mirian Bland, 35 years; Letter Carrier John Booth, 30 years; Retail Associate Denise Bullard, 30 years; Harry Creech, 30 years; and Letter Carrier Anne Condio, 25 years. 

 

From left: Palms West Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Tim Price; A/Manager, Customer Services Michelle Cooper-Wilson; Letter Carriers Joe Sardone and Joseph Ruggiero; and A/Manager, Customer Service Operations  Pablo Estupinan.

Front Row, from left: Palm Beach Gardens Branch Manager, Customer Services Virginia Rhodes; Retail Associates Denise Bullard and Mirian Bland; and A/Manager, Customer Service Operations Pablo Estupinan. Back Row, from left: Letter Carriers John Booth, Anne Condio  and Harry Creech.

Photos: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Miller Leads Family in Postal Record

South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor (right) thanked  Supervisor, Customer Service Support Leslie Miller (left) for her outstanding performance and ongoing dedication and commitment to the U.S. Postal Service. Miller has 40-plus years of postal service to her credit.  Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

West Palm Beach Supervisor, Customer Service Support Leslie Miller has 40-plus years in the Postal Service. Recently, District Manager Jeffery Taylor made a special visit to her office to thank her for her ongoing dedication  and commitment to the organization.

Miller is one of several postal employees in her family, and currently holds the record for having the most years of service. Miller started her postal career in Philadelphia and then worked at USPS Headquarters in Washington DC. She transferred to West Palm Beach where she has worked the past 18 years.

As Supervisor, Customer Service Support, Miller reports to the West Palm Beach Postmaster. Currently, the majority of her time is spent on employee complement issues such as job bidding and maintaining the caps for non-career hiring of City Carrier Assistants, Postal Support Employees and Rural Carrier Associates.

Soda Fountain Favorites: No Calories

Soda Fountain Favorites --- the cold, sweet treats beloved by people of all ages --- stamps go on sale nationwide today, June 30. 

 

This First-Class Mail Forever booklet of 20 stamps features five different illustrations --- a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float, and a hot fudge sundae --- and have no calories! 

 

Customers have 60 days to obtain the First-Day-Of- Issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at your local Post Office. Affix the stamps to envelopes of your choice, address the envelopes (to yourself and/or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

 

Soda Fountain Favorites Stamps
Metro Station Post Office
2245 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37228-9998

 

After applying the First-Day-Of-Issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by August 30, 2016.

Los Angeles Plant to Get Solar Panels

The U.S. Postal Service has announced that it will expand its use of alternative energy when solar panels are installed on the roof of a mail processing center in Los Angeles, CA, making the Postal Service facility the largest building generating electricity through solar energy in the city.

In July, Hecate Energy Central Avenue, LLC, will begin installing a solar power generation system comprised of 31,000 solar panels on the rooftop of the Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center, located at 7001 S. Central Ave.

“The solar power generation system will allow the Postal Service to meet its daylight energy consumption needs while generating revenue from excess production that will be sent to the electric grid for use by others,” said Tom Samra, vice president of Facilities for the U.S. Postal Service. “This effort provides financial benefits to the Postal Service while helping the environment at the same time.”

The overall project includes the installation of the solar power system on the roof of the facility and a carport canopy in the existing parking lot and will help reduce local utility costs.

The program is part of the Postal Service’s overall sustainability efforts to support the environment. For additional information, visit usps.com/green.

Partnership to 'Deliver the Win'

Senior Sales Executive, Mailing Solutions Helene Diaz (above) explained the benefits of the Quick Response (QR) Code to local candidates who attended a Political Mail seminar sponsored by Postal Customer Councils in Broward County, Miami-Dade County and the Treasure Coast. A QR Code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

During the PCC meeting on June 22, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (left) and Broward County Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes (right) talked about their roles and partnership in maintaining the integrity of the Vote by Mail process. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders
 

Several local political candidates attended the June 22 Postal Customer Council (PCC) meeting in the Fort Lauderdale Postmaster’s Conference Room to learn how postal products and services could help “deliver the win.” The meeting was a joint effort of South Florida’s PCCs --- Broward County PCC, Miami-Dade PCC and PCC of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

 

Attendees also took this opportunity to meet guest speaker Broward County Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes who praised postal employees and her department personnel for their partnership and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Vote By Mail process. Fort Lauderdale, FL, Postmaster David Guiney agreed.

“Dr. Snipes and I are in close contact throughout political mail season,” said Guiney whose responsibility includes the Alridge Station which serves the Broward County Elections Department. “Postal employees understand the importance of each election and maintain the integrity of the Vote By Mail process through compliance with our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).”

Dr. Snipes encouraged voting by mail and reminded attendees that Vote By Mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

“A voted ballot cannot be accepted at a polling place,” she said.

The meeting continued with Senior Sales Executive, Mailing Solutions Helene Diaz who shared all the ways mail can get political messages to voters. Diaz stressed that political candidates should optimize by audience segment.

“Know your audience to optimize your mix of channels, strategies, and tactics,” she said. “Select the perfect platform for your platform."

Diaz explained the benefits of the Quick Response (QR) Code, a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone.

She also told the audience that young voters are paying attention to direct mail and that Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) can reach potential voters who support the candidate or their cause while saving money on lists and delivery costs.

“It’s like canvassing neighborhoods door to door, but letting the U.S. Postal Service do it for you,” Diaz said.

 

Administrative Assistant to the Fort Lauderdale Postmaster Juanita Kingcade (left) and Broward County Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes (right) pose with the American flag, a symbol of freedom, liberty and human rights. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

 

Marine Corps Sets Record Straight

The Marine Corps has identified Harold Schultz, a longtime Postal Service employee who died in 1995, as one of the six men in the iconic World War II photograph of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima.

The Marines began investigating the photo this year after researchers raised questions about the identities of the men in the image.

The investigation determined the man second from left was Schultz, not John Bradley as previously believed.

“Our history is important to us, and we have a responsibility to ensure it’s right,” said Marine Corps General Robert Neller, who led the investigation.

Pfc. Schultz, a Detroit native who enlisted at age 17, was seriously injured during fighting on the Japanese island. Bradley, a Navy hospital corpsman, had been involved in a flag raising hours before the famous photo was taken.

Schultz received a Purple Heart for his heroism in 1946. He got a postal job in Los Angeles about a year later and sorted mail until he retired in 1981, according to news reports.

Dezreen MacDowell, 54, his stepdaughter, told Time that Schultz knew he was in the photograph but never wanted to make a big deal about it.

“I said, ‘My God, Harold, you were a hero,’” MacDowell recalled. “And he responded, ‘No, not really, I was a Marine.’”

And More NALC Food Drive Photos!

Snapper Creek Branch NALC 1071 Stewards from left: Letter Carriers Xavier Corral, Frank Ramirez and Gino Armand proudly show two gurneys full of food. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Manager, Customer Services Nadene Hart of the Lauderridge Carrier Annex sorted donations from the NALC Food Drive. This photo, taken by Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman, received national recognition in the LINK publication dated May 17.

Palms Central Letter Carrier/NALC Branch 1690 Food Drive Coordinator Starr Hunter has been dedicated to promoting the annual NALC “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive for the past 24 years. The Food Drive has supported several nonprofit organizations such as United Way of Palm Beach County, Feeding South Florida, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Holy Name Of Jesus Church Food Bank and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Palm Beach County.

Front Row, from left: NALC Branch 1690 Vice President Brian Debee; Feeding South Florida Community Investment Manager Heidi Reever; Feeding South Florida Vice President of Community Relations Sari Vatske; Palms Central Letter Carrier/NALC Branch 1690 Food Drive Coordinator Starr Hunter; and Palms Central Supervisor, Customer Services Tina Blount. Back Row, from left: Palms Central A/Manager, Customer Services Marlene Findlay; Palm Beach County Food Bank Manager, Fleet Operations, Warren Witter; West Palm Beach Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto; and NALC Branch 1690 President Rick Abbarno.  Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

Snapper Creek Letter Carrier Nancy Rios Ortiz unloaded several bags of donated canned goods from the Miami customers on her route. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

More NALC Food Drive Photos

From left, Feeding South Florida Vice President of Community Relations Sari Vatske, Palms Central Carrier Annex Letter Carrier Felix Baquerizo and West Palm Beach volunteer work together to stamp out hunger. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Quail Heights Branch Letter Carrier Lisa Lundeen collected canned goods from generous customers along her Miami route. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Letter Carrier Dale Robb unloads canned goods at the Lauderridge Carrier Annex. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Snapper Creek Branch Letter Carrier/NALC Branch 1071 Steward Gino Armand picks up another donation along his route. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

Quail Heights Branch Letter Carrier George Bullard enjoyed the "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive. "I liked the opportunity to give back to the community," he said. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

 

Kendall Carrier Annex Letter Carriers helped "Stamp Out Hunger" in Miami. Front Row, from left: Letter Carriers Yilliam Orosco, Ruben Fernandez, Constance Anderson, and Bob Ginsler. Back Row, from left: Letter Carriers Kelvin Brooks, John Degregorio and Marlon Flores. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

Congratulations in Boca Raton

Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (left) presents gift certificate for outstanding performance to West Boca Carrier Annex Laborer Custodial Gerald Walker (right). Congratulations, Jerry, and thank you for doing a great job! Photo: Jacqueline San Lucas

 

 

 

 

 

NALC Food Drive Breaks Record!

NALC Food Drive results have been tabulated!  South Florida letter carriers collected 1.3 million pounds of canned goods that benefitted less fortunate individuals in the community.

 

Miami NALC Branch 1071 ranked # 5 in the country with 1.1 million pounds of food collected.

 

Nationwide, city and rural letter carriers collected more than 80 million pounds --- a new record!

 

Photos of South Florida collections will be posted in the blog over the next few days.

 

Congratulations and thank you to city and rural letter carriers and all the employee and community volunteers!

 

 

L to R: NALC 2550 Branch President Tammy Jo Cadwell, Fort Lauderdale  Postmaster David Guiney and Lauderridge Carrier Annex Letter Carriers Davon Hitton and Brenda Frances participated in a Food Drive kick off in the Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

 

 

NALC Branch 1690 Food Drive Coordinator/Palms Central Carrier Annex Letter Carrier Starr Hunter (left) promoted the food drive to Treasure Coast media. Also pictured are WRFM Radio Vice President Sari Vatske (center) and Host Tracy St. George (right). Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

 

Miami Snapper Creek Branch Letter Carrier Mayte Valdes collected a full grocery bag of canned goods from a generous customer on her route. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

Palms West Letter Carrier Laura Thompson (center) appreciated the help of community volunteers. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Miami Kendall Annex Letter Carrier Cary Labrada collected a full gurney of canned goods donated along her route. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Miami Snapper Creek Letter Carrier Luis Romero delivered his route with a smile and was pleased to collect non-perishable items from his customers. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

From left, Palm Beach County Food Bank volunteer Christine Rizetto, Palm Beach Gardens Letter Carrier Robert Freeborn and Palm Beach County Food Bank Director of Programs Britnye Underwood unload non-perishable goods from a postal van. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Haverhill Letter Carriers Vanessa Voss and Larry Williams (with hats) unload a postal vehicle full of canned goods with the help of Feeding South Florida community volunteers. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Palms West Supervisor Earns Praise

Palms West Supervisor, Customer Services Cheryl Granville was recognized for going the extra mile to assist a customer in locating her mishandled package. The customer stated in a letter to West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto: “Cheryl went out of her way to try and resolve the missing package mystery. I want to commend her for her diligence and kindness.”

A/Manager, Customer Service Operations (MCSO) Pablo Estupinan (left) thanked Granville (right) for providing excellent customer service and encouraged her to continue to portray a positive postal image to our customers.

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

NJ Carrier Reunites Customer and Pet

Remy, the pit bull puppy, has a postal employee to thank for reuniting him with his owner.

New Jersey had experienced flooding, and the dog swam away from home. Remy later became stuck in a muddy marsh where he stayed for hours until kayakers discovered him.

Toms River, NJ, Letter Carrier Al Font, a 16-year USPS veteran, came upon the rescue effort while on his route and recognized Remy as the dog described on a missing poster he’d just seen.

Font then called Remy’s owner, who immediately came to the scene to pick up his best friend and to thank Font for reuniting them.

Soda Fountain Favorites Stamps: Who Screams for Ice Cream?

If you grew up in the 1970s or before, or maybe even in the 1980s, you probably are  familiar with the childhood chant about ice scream: "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!"
On June 30 in Nashville, TN, the U.S. Postal Service will issue Soda Fountain Favorites stamps.

The USPS will celebrate the cold, sweet treats beloved by people of all ages. This First-Class Mail Forever booklet of 20 stamps features five different illustrations: a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float, and a hot fudge sundae. The geometric silver-toned patterns in the selvage and on the booklet cover evoke a classic chrome-accented soda fountain. The words “Soda Fountain Favorites” appear across the top of the booklet cover.

 

'Beam Me Up, Scotty'

Nearly 50 years to the day of its original airing, the U.S. Postal Service will celebrate the iconic 1960s television show Star Trek by dedicating the Star Trek Forever stamps in New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony will take place at noon on Friday Sept. 2, and will officially launch Star Trek:  Mission New York, a three-day celebration that is expected to draw thousands of Star Trek fans. For tickets to Star Trek: Mission New York go to startrekmissions.com.

The stamps will be available for pre-order the first week of August at usps.com/shop for delivery shortly after Sept. 2. Fans are encouraged to share the news on social media using #StarTrekForever. Visit this link for information on other upcoming stamp dedication ceremonies.

The stamps, under license by CBS Consumer Products, showcase four digital illustrations inspired by classic elements of the television program that premiered Sept. 8, 1966:

• The Starship Enterprise inside the outline of a Starfleet insignia against a gold background
• The silhouette of a crewman in a transporter against a red background
• The silhouette of the Enterprise from above against a green background
• The Enterprise inside the outline of the Vulcan salute (Spock’s iconic hand gesture) against a blue background

Everglades National Park 'Forever'

From left, Photographer Paul Marcellini, Retail Specialist Sue Walker and Homestead Postmaster Ilia Gonzalez-Marino. Marcellini took the photo that became the stamp. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Photographer Paul Marcellini (left) and West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders (right) wish the National Park Services a happy 100th anniversary at the Everglades stamp dedication. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Everglades National Park Superintendent Pedro Ramos (left) and South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor (right) applaud during the National Park Services stamp dedication. There are 400 national parks in the United States. The Everglades was one of 16 national parks selected for this stamp sheet. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

 



Boca Raton Postmaster Shares with Reporter Good News about USPS

A Boca Raton City News reporter interviewed Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr., who shared his dedication and commitment to the Postal Service and its products and services.

 

First the reporter focused on letter  carriers cruising through the neighborhood on Sundays.

“The good thing about digital equipment is that people are shopping more online, which means we are delivering more packages,"  said Rodon. "The first six months of the fiscal year, our package business in the Boca Raton area has increased by 21.4 percent over last year.”

 

The interview continued with questions and answers on postal products and services.

 

"A lot of customers nowadays also sell on EBay and print shipping labels from the comfort of their home," Rodon said. "It’s an affordable and convenient way for EBay sellers to move their goods.”

Rodon continued with a promotion of Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). He explained that this product is an easy way for business people and small business owners who want to target a certain market of postal customers with a flyer, tri-fold or the like. Create a mailpiece yourself or at a printer, then bring it to the Post Office to handle the rest. The website allows business people, such as realtors, business owners and more, to search areas by ZIP Code to find per capital income and other information, and is an alternative to having to use a mailing permit or buying a list.

 
"We also offer passport services and sell money orders for the convenience of our customers," Rodon said. "“You see the trucks, we bring the mail, but there is so much more that we can do.” 

Magazine Highlights Riviera Beach Manager for Great Customer Service



David Roy, Division Manager, Best Version Media (left), was so impressed with the outstanding service provided by Riviera Beach Manager, Customer Services Lori Giordano (right) that she was featured on the cover of Fairway Living magazine. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

Giordano was in the lobby when Roy asked to speak with a manager about a delivery issue with one of his magazines. Giordano shared that she was a resident of the development in question and that she had received her magazine. Giordano asked Roy to provide her the addresses that did not receive delivery so that she could follow up with letter carriers.

Several weeks later, he provided the addresses (and route) numbers. As promised, Giordano followed up --- all the carriers had remembered the cover of this issue and that it had been delivered to each address on the list provided by Roy. Giordano shared her findings with Roy via email and a phone call. He was very pleased with her service, commitment and follow through. Then he remembered her residency (a requirement to be featured in the magazine) and asked her to be on the cover of the next publication.

Best Version Media also publishes Resort Living, Gardens Living, and Lighthouse Neighbors which the U.S. Postal Service delivers in the Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens areas.

Congrats to New Miami Supervisor!

LaTosha Barnard-Clarke was promoted to Supervisor, Customer Services at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Branch in Miami.

Barnard-Clarke began her postal career as a Casual Clerk at Miami's Norland Branch in June 1991. She made several career moves later as a Transitional Clerk and then became a Letter Carrier at Flamingo Branch in Pembroke Pines. In April 2015, Barnard-Clarke covered as Supervisor, Customer Services at several Miami locations.

Career Milestones at Oceanview

Top Photo: Oceanview Station Manager, Customer Services Eboni McKenzie (left) presents framed congratulatory letter on 30 years of service to Letter Carrier Carolyn Robinson-McCoy (right).  Bottom Photo: McKenzie (left) presents congratulatory letter for 35 years of service to Letter Carrier Edgardo Hernandez (right).
Photos: Camille Moscola-Calvo 

Delray West Earns Gold Star Award

Manager, Customer Services Gil Vega (right) presents a Gold Star Award to Retail Associate John Miceli (left).

Congratulations to Delray West Station Retail Associate John Miceli who achieved a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. The shopper gave the visit a “10” for total overall experience.

'Hurricane House Call' Features USPS

WPLG Channel 10 has featured the Postal Service in its “Hurricane House Call” program. For video access: http://www.local10.com/video/final-version-hurricane-house-call

The program is about 42 minutes with commercials deleted. USPS is at approx.. 24:00 through 28:00.

Special thanks to our South Florida Emergency Management Team and Royal Palm P&DC employees who shared our story and promoted our brand.

Miami Carriers Go Back to School

All in the family --- Ludlam Branch Letter Carrier Edelberto Varona and son, Daniel, take a selfie at the Career Day event.

Recently, two Miami letter carriers went back to school.

Olympia Heights Branch Letter Carrier Ernesto Velasco, participated in a Career Day activity at a Miami elementary school.

Velasco enjoyed meeting children of all ages and promoting letter writing.  He provided a postal coloring book to each student and requested that they color their favorite picture and mail their artwork to the Olympia Heights Branch for display.

Ludlam Branch Letter Carrier Edelberto Varona visited a local elementary school where students were amazed to find out that in the early 1900s, children were mailed to their relatives' home via Parcel Post for pennies.  

Varona distributed coloring books to students, including son, Daniel. Varona also demonstrated scanning a package.

Olympia Heights Branch Letter Carrier Ernesto Velasco was pleased that, by a show of hands, many elementary school students knew how to address an envelope. 

Ludlam Branch Letter Carrier Edelberto Varona shared some postal history with students at a Career Day at a Miami elementary school.

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte