Boynton Beach Has a New Supervisor

Boynton Beach Postmaster LaConnia Watkins (left) congratulates Mearlene “Liz” Harris (right) on her promotion to Supervisor, Customer Services at the Boynton Beach Downtown Station. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

Boynton Beach Postmaster LaConnia Watkins has announced the selection of Mearlene “Liz” Harris as Supervisor, Customer Services at the Boynton Beach Downtown Station.

 

Harris started her postal career as a casual in Boca Raton and has been with the Postal Service for the past 31 years. Harris stated that she has enjoyed her journey with the Postal Service. She encourages employees to learn as much as they can.

 

“The Postal Service offers a lot of opportunities and advantages for growth," said Harris. "I plan to continue to serve the Postal Service and my community as a supervisor in the Downtown Boynton Beach Station.”

July 31 eCareer/Grammar Workshop

If your career goals include being promoted to an EAS job  or if you’re interested in a best qualified craft position, the South Florida District is offering eCareer Guidance and Grammar Refresher workshops to assist you through the application process. 

Workshops will provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete your eCareer candidate profile. Subject Matter Experts will demonstrate how to write a powerful summary of accomplishments based on your work experience, training, education, and/or volunteer work. Learn how best to address the requirements on a job posting. Engage in a grammar refresher to improve your writing skills.

Sunday, July 31, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
West Palm Beach P&DC
3200 Summit BLVD Room 139
West Palm Beach, FL  33416-9998 

This  workshop is an off-the-clock activity.

WPB BMEU 'Delivers the Brand'

Front Row, from left: Bulk Mail Technicians Sharon Archetti and Penny Fetters, Mailing Requirements Clerks Maryalice Pinner and Elizabeth (Libby) Sutherland, and Bulk Mail Technician Stephanie Wilburn. Second Row, from left: Bulk Mail Technician Reinaldo (Jorge) Molares; Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Unit Connie Mitchell; Mailing Requirements Clerk Nancy Rankins; Manager, Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) Joycelynn King; and Bulk Mail Technician Pedro Camacho. Not pictured: Bulk Mail Technicians Albert Bakari, Harold (Hal) Corkins, Nury Garcia, and Jill Shade. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

South Florida District Manager, Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) Joycelynn King conducted the “Deliver The Brand” training to 13 West Palm Beach BMEU employees, including Bulk Mail Technicians Sharon Archetti, Albert Bakari, Pedro Camacho, Hal Corkins, Penny Fetters, Nancy Garcia, Reinaldo (Jorge) Molares, Jill Shade, and Stephanie Wilburn; Mailing Requirements Clerks Maryalice Pinner, Nancy Rankins and Elizabeth (Libby) Sutherland; and Supervisor, BMEU Connie Mitchell.

The training is designed to prepare our employees to become more thoroughly engaged, connected, and committed to our customers and the business. 

"BMEU employees process transactions with high-volume business customers on a daily basis, and they are expected not only to deliver, but to represent the brand every day," King said.

Boddie, You Can Drive My Car

West Palm Beach ad-hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) Craig Boddie conducts a safe driver class for newly-hired Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) and City Carrier Assistants (CCAs). Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders
 
West Palm Beach ad-hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) Craig Boddie conducted a safe driver class for newly-hired Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) and City Carrier Assistants (RCAs). Each employee will be assigned to a delivery unit between Palm Beach Gardens and Pompano Beach.

 

The two-day training course includes classroom instruction the first day and driving demonstration on the second day. The class is designed to enforce safety while driving and the proper way to operate a postal vehicle. The road test consists of backing up, parallel parking, delivering to curbside boxes, and basic driving skills.

Direct Mail 'Delivers the Win' in Miami

Broward and Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Councils welcome Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Christina White (center) as guest speaker at the July political mailing seminar.  Also pictured are Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (left) and Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez (right). 

Story & Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte  

Direct mail is the winner’s choice. It is the spark that can start voter action. When your messages are relevant and personal, they’re powerful. And when people listen to power, they are more likely to act. Year after year, direct mail continues to prove itself as one of the most engaging and effective channels for winning campaigns. USPS is highlighting this message on its political mail website at http://www.deliverthewin.com/.

 

The South Florida District has been emphasizing the importance of direct mail to local political candidates running for office, as well as their campaign consultants, since March 2016.

The South Florida District’s Postal Customer Councils (PCCs) of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties and the Treasure Coast have combined efforts to host monthly events promoting the effectiveness of direct mail during this political season. Candidates continue joining us to learn how to reach the perfect platform with the assistance of USPS Headquarters Senior Sales Representative Helene Diaz. They all have received the knowledge for a successful campaign.   

On July 20, Miami-Dade County hosted the political mailing event at the Miami Postmaster’s Conference Room.

"What better way to receive the complete information than my having Miami-Dade County,Supervisor of Elections, Christina White, as our guest speaker," said Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez.

White provided very important information to attendees and answered all of their questions and concerns.  White responded to a Twitter social media posting: "Thanks for allowing us to participate in today’s event ... looking forward to a continued partnership in ’16,” and included her official hashtag, #beelectionready.


Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez addresses attendees who participated in the Postal Customer Councils of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

USPS Headquarters Senior Sales Representative Helene Diaz addresses political candidates and campaign consultants at the July 20 political mailing seminar hosted by the South Florida PCCs.

A Career Milestone in Riviera Beach

West Palm Beach Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto (right) recognizes Riviera Beach Manager, Customer Services Lori Giordano (left) for her 30-plus years of dedicated postal service. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

 

 

Recently, West Palm Beach Officer In Charge (OIC) Joe Molfetto presented Riviera Beach Manager, Customer Services Lori Giordano with her 30-year Service Award and Pin. He also encouraged her to continue to "deliver the brand."

 

Giordano started her postal career as a Part-Time Flex Letter Carrier in Lake Worth. In 1997, Giordano served as the Activation Coordinator for the opening of the Greenacres Branch, and in 1988, was promoted to Supervisor, Branch Operations in Lake Worth. In 2013, Giordano was the Postmaster in Acworth, GA when USPS Headquarters and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association selected her office as the pilot site for changes to rural standards.

 

During her career, Giordano held many other managerial positions in Atlanta, GA, and in Phoenix, AZ, as well as in the Suncoast District. She returned to South Florida as the A/Manager, Customer Services in Palm Beach Gardens. 

Who Screens Mail at Conventions?

U.S. Postal Inspectors are screening mail and providing other security at this year’s national political conventions.
 
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is helping to keep this year’s national political conventions safe for USPS and attendees.

Inspectors are securing mail, facilities, vehicles and employees in Philadelphia, where the Democrats are meeting this week. Inspectors performed the same duties last week in Cleveland, where the Republicans met.

“We’re here to serve,” said Postal Inspector Paul Krenn. “Providing security is one of our highest priorities. In fact, it’s part of our mission.”

Conventions traditionally draw the party faithful, as well as protesters. Inspectors from across the United States are coordinating with federal and local law enforcement agencies not only to help provide security, but also to mitigate any negative effects on mail service in and around the convention areas.

Source: LINK

'Customer Appreciation Day' in Miami

Norland Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Sonji Young (left) recommends Priority Mail Express to her customers. 

Story & Photos: Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

On July 14, the Norland Branch celebrated “Customer Appreciation Day” by providing refreshments for all customers and having managers available to answer questions or help them with their mailing needs throughout the day.

Participants included Norland Branch Manager, Customer Services Raymond Borger; and Supervisors, Customer Services Jose Martinez and Sonji Young, and A/Supervisor, Customer Services Albert Turner. Manager, Retail Sue Walker and County Line Annex Manager, Customer Services Jimmy Jackson also assisted "Team Norland." All managers ensured customer were greeted at the door.

Customers had many accolades on the improvements that have taken place since Borger’s arrival at Norland Branch. One customer stated, “we usually have long lines, but everything runs a lot smoother thanks to the presence of management in the lobby assisting customers; personally I am a frequent visitor during this time of the year because I mail mangos to my out-of-state family.”

 

Norland Branch Retail Associates and Supervisors, Customer Services truly have embraced the use of the Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS), which has reduced the wait time in line for our customers. Currently in the South Florida District, Norland Branch holds the number one spot for mPOS usage, having generated $2,769 during the week of July 9-15. Right behind Norland Branch is Sunrise Branch, having generated $2,587 for second place. 

Supervisor, Customer Services Jose Martinez (right) greets and thanks customer during "Customer Appreciation Day" at Norland Branch.

Customer pays close attention to Norland Branch Manager, Customer Services Raymond Borger (right) who shares information on shipping options for her package.

WPB eCareer/Grammar Workshop

If your career goals include being promoted to an EAS job  or if you’re interested in a best qualified craft position, the South Florida District is offering eCareer Guidance and Grammar Refresher workshops to assist you through the application process. 

Workshops will provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete your eCareer candidate profile. Subject Matter Experts will demonstrate how to write a powerful summary of accomplishments based on your work experience, training, education, and/or volunteer work. Learn how best to address the requirements on a job posting. Engage in a grammar refresher to improve your writing skills.

Sunday, July 31, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
West Palm Beach P&DC
3200 Summit BLVD Room 139
West Palm Beach, FL  33416-9998 

This  workshop is an off-the-clock activity.

Boca Raton Employee Recognition

Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (right), presents a gift certificate for outstanding performance to West Boca Postal Store Sales and Services/Distribution Associate Michael Cook (left).

Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (right), presents gift certificate for outstanding performance to Boca Woodlands Station Lead Sales and Services Associate Samuel Jones (left).  Photo: Jacqueline San Lucas

West Boca Carrier Annex Recognition

Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (third from left), recognizes West Boca Carrier Annex Letter Carriers pictured left to right as follows: Mark Seidman, 30-year Service Award and Pin; George Barreiro, 35-year Service Award and Pin; Thomas Perry, gift certificate for outstanding performance; Andrew Vitale, 35-year Service Award and Pin; and David Horowitz, gift certificate for outstanding performance.

 

Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (right), presents 30-year Service Award and Pin to West Boca Carrier Annex Mail Processing Clerk Richard Lagges (left). 

2016 Contemporary Holiday Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service announced today that this year’s contemporary holiday stamps will highlight the role windows play during the holidays. The Holiday Windows Forever stamps will be issued in October, providing plenty of time for mailing greeting cards. Details will be announced soon. This is one of a number of holiday-themed stamps that will be issued this year.

Portraying winter nights, these elegant stamps showcase ways we observe traditions and spread cheer, letting us delight in the snow when we’re inside while also sharing our warmth and merriment with the outside world. Available in booklets of 20 with each design repeated five times, the stamps feature a candle, a wreath, a star and a lighted tree. The stamps are sure to add a dash of winter bliss to letters and cards during the year’s coldest months.

Two of the designs show views from the inside looking out:  a single burning candle sits on a sill and a simple star ornament hangs from a hook attached to the window sash, out of sight.

Two other designs show views from the outside looking in a brightly lit Christmas tree contrasts with the snowy shrubs on the other side of the glass and a snow-covered wreath hangs in front of frosted windowpanes.

50 Years and Counting ...

County Line Annex Letter Carrier Willie Morris, Jr. (center left) celebrates his 50-year career milestone among co-workers, managers, family, and friends.

 

Story & Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Recently, County Line Annex Letter Carrier Willis Morris, Jr., celebrated a career milestone among co-workers, managers. family, and friends. At a celebration in his honor, Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez presented Morris with his 50-year Service Award and Pin, a gift from Miami Customer Services, and a congratulatory letter signed by Postmaster General/CEO Megan Brennan.

Morris is very dedicated to his family, customers and co-workers.  His customers know him by name; he has seen the children grow into adults, having children and grandchildren of their own. Morris is like their extended family that they see sometimes more than their relatives.  

 

Over 50 years ago, Morris began his postal career at Miami’s Norland Branch. He then transferred to County Line Annex where he has been most of his career.  When asked if he was getting ready to retire, he just nudged his shoulders and said “I am not ready yet, but you will be the first to know.”

 

During the celebration, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 1071 President Mike Gill personally thanked Morris for setting an excellent example for all who have had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.
“As an active NALC member, Morris is greatly appreciated by all his union brothers and sisters,” said Gill.

His wife, retired Letter Carrier Beverly Morris, spoke about the loyalty and commitment her husband has to the Postal Service.  

NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gill (left) and Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez (right) congratulate County Line Annex Letter Carrier Willie Morris, Jr. (center), on reaching his 50-year career milestone. 

Award Nominations Due August 1

Nominations for the Engagement Leader of the Year Awards are due Aug. 1.

The Postal Service is introducing the award to honor leaders who are involved, enthusiastic and committed to improving their workplace environments.

Awards will be given at the district, area and headquarters levels, culminating with a final honoree who will receive a national award in January.

Nominees must be Executive Administrative Schedule (EAS) or Postal Career Executive Services (PCES) employees in leadership positions and have employees who report directly to them.

The awards will be given in three rounds, beginning with 67 district-selected awardees. During the second round, seven area and 22 headquarters awardees will be chosen, followed by a third round of 10 finalists selected by the Executive Leadership Team.

From these 10 finalists, a single winner will be chosen for the National Engagement Leader of the Year Award.

The Employee Engagement LiteBlue site has guidelines and a nomination form.

 

Wonder Woman to Celebrate # 75

The U.S. Postal Service, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, previewed four Forever stamps  that commemorate the 75th anniversary of one of the most iconic Super Heroes of all time — Wonder Woman.

The stamp pane will be revealed at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 23, at Comic-Con International: San Diego. The First-Day-Of-Issue dedication ceremony will take place at New York Comic-Con, Friday, October 7.

Fans are encouraged to share the news on social media using the hashtags #WonderWomanForever and #WonderWoman75.

First seen in October 1941 in a back-up story for All Star Comics #8, meant to test her appeal at a time when female superheroes were rare, Wonder Woman quickly broke out and headlined her own title by the next year. Subsequent generations came to know the star-spangled heroine with metal bracelets on her wrists and a magic lasso by her waist via her hit 1975-79 television series and roles in animated shows and movies, as well as her historic appearance on the cover Ms. Magazine #1 in 1972. This past March, Wonder Woman was seen for the first time in a live action motion picture with her introduction in the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates her diamond anniversary by chronicling her evolution on Forever stamps from her World War II origins to today. This new issuance showcases four different stamp designs on a sheet of 20 stamps depicting Wonder Woman during four eras of comic book history: 

Golden Age (1941–55)

Silver Age (1956–72)

Bronze Age (1973–86)

Modern Age (1987–present)

The selvage, or text outside of the stamp images, features the current block-letter Wonder Woman logo in white against a comic book style power burst rendered in shades of blue.  

Randel to Lead SFL Mail Processing

Earl Randel

Effective Saturday, July 23, Earl Randel, Manager, In-Plant Support, Southern Area, will be Acting Senior Plant Manager in the South Florida District. The Miami P&DC and West Palm P&DC will report to Randel at the Royal Palm P&DC which now is the senior plant in the district.

Randel has 28 years of postal experience, beginning his career in 1988 as a Clerk in Kansas City, MO.  He advanced into managerial positions, including Manager, In-Plant Support, Dallas District; Manager, Processing Distribution Operations, Columbia, MO; Senior Manager, Distribution Operations, St Louis, MO; and Manager, Distribution Operations at a number of locations including Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas and Kansas City, MO.

     

Throughout his career, Randel also has held several detail positions, including Coordinator, Network Rationalization, Southern Area; Senior Plant Manager, Alabama District; Lead Senior Manager, Distribution Operations, St Louis, MO; and Manager, Processing and Distribution in several locations --- Corpus Christi and Waco, Texas, and Kansas City, Kansas.

 

Randel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a focus on Process Management and Quality Improvement.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Postal Service’s Processing Distribution Management (PDM) and Advanced Leadership Program (ALP). He has attended Executive training programs at Rapport International and Columbia University. He is Green Belt Certified and is currently working on his Black Belt project.

Miami to Host Hanukkah Stamp FDOI

 

Miami will be the location of the First-Day-Of-Issue (FDOI) for the 2016 Hanukkah stamp. Preliminary plans, including site selection, are underway. The ceremony will take place in late October or early November.

The Hanukkah stamp features a holiday menorah in the window of a home. Artist William Low added visual interest to the scene by highlighting the contrast between the hot candles flames and the cool snow, the vertical candles and the horizontal window frame, and the dark menorah with brightly lit candles. Bhel Kessler was the art director.

SFL Mail Processing Changes

Recently, the Postal Service took steps to reevaluate mail processing operations in the South Florida District. With continued changes in customer mailing trends, including levelling off of letter and flat mail volumes and increasing package growth, such an examination was prudent. Given the complexity of today’s mail processing environment, the Headquarters Organization Design team assisted with gathering and evaluating data, in order to make a sound business decision to keep the Postal Service viable now and into the future.

Effective Saturday, July 23, the Miami P&DC and West Palm Beach P&DC will report to the Royal Palm P&DC which now is our Senior Plant in the South Florida District. Some leadership team changes also will be implemented:

• Earl Randel, Manager, In-Plant Support, Southern Area, will be Acting Senior Plant Manager
• Juan Gonzalez will serve as Plant Manager, Miami P&DC
• Linda Gray will be Acting Plant Manager, West Palm Beach P&DC

It's an Out-of-this-World Experience!

An out-of-this-world experience is coming to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARL&CC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. 

During the grand opening of Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey traveling exhibit on Monday, July 25, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney will dedicate an enlargement of the 16 "Views of Our Planets" stamps to library officials. Meet Guiney, community officials and other special guests at 6 p.m. in the seminar room.

Eleven-year-old planet enthusiast Sophia Maritato is traveling from Pittsburgh, PA, to participate in the dedication ceremony. Her painting of the solar system will be displayed in the exhibit.

The American Library Association awarded this exhibit to the AARL&CC. The exhibit covers topics such as the formation of planetary systems, asteroids and comets, Mars exploration, and solar storms and their impacts on Earth. The AARL&CC is one of eight sites nationwide to host the exhibit, on display locally through October 14.

Employees who attend this free event are reminded that it is an off-the-clock activity.

  

Flags at Half-Staff for Baton Rouge

President Obama has ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor victims of the July 17 attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 
Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset July 22.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The Postal Service’s guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance have additional information

Flags at Half-Staff Through July 19

President Obama has ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor victims of the July 14 truck attack in Nice, France.
Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset July 19.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The Postal Service’s guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance have additional information.

Help the USPS Deliver Democracy

The Postal Service is proud of the important role the U.S. Mail plays in the election process ,and we are committed to providing voters with First-Class service.  With more than 25 million return ballots expected to be mailed this fall, the U.S. Postal Service is ready to handle the additional volume and is encouraging all voters to mail early this election season.

From now until the November elections, we can expect to see absentee ballots in the mail. Employees must be aware that absentee ballots materials are handled differently than other unpaid or short-paid mail pieces.  Here are some important points:

ü  Absentee ballots addressed to an election office, with or without sufficient postage, must be delivered.

 

ü  Absentee ballots must not be detained or held for postage payment.

 

ü  Do not delay delivery of balloting materials.

 

ü  Although we attempt to collect all postage due, absentee ballots must be delivered even if the receiving election office refuses to pay.

 

ü  Military and overseas absentee ballots bearing indicia “US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406” are not short-paid and no additional postage is needed.

It’s everyone’s duty to be on the lookout for these mailpieces. If you see ballots marked or sorted for return, bring it to the attention of management. Any mailpiece with the Official Election Mail logo should not have a hand stamp for “Return to Sender” OR a Postage Due amount OR a yellow sticker.  If you see election mail with any of these markings, bring it to a supervisor or manager. Please do your part to ensure all absentee balloting materials in the mail are handled promptly. With your help, the Postal Service will be able to retain this valuable mail volume.

A Blast from the Past: Missile Mail

Postmaster General Arthur Summerfield, fourth from left, postal officials and U.S. Navy personnel watch the loading of missile mail into the Navy submarine USS Barbero.

You know mail has been delivered by automobile, airplane and the Pony Express, but did you know it’s also been sent via missiles?

On June 8, 1959, 3,000 letters were launched by a U.S. Navy submarine in a nuclear-capable turbojet cruise missile. The letters landed at a naval station in Mayport, FL, after a 20-minute flight.

The launch was “an obvious and self-admitted stunt,” the Popular Mechanics site noted in a recent retrospective. All 3,000 letters were written by then-PMG Arthur Summerfield, who was an enthusiastic proponent of delivering mail via missiles.

“Before man reaches the moon, mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to England, to India or to Australia by guided missiles,” Summerfield said.

History proved otherwise, but this experiment is seen today as an example of the Post Office Department’s pioneering spirit.

“The slight improvement missiles might have offered just wasn’t worth the inflated cost, and the first official missile mail would also be the last. But boy was it ever a delivery to remember,” Popular Mechanics noted.

Source: LINK