USPS Issues Jack-o'-Lantern Stamps

Jack-o'-lantern stamps on a sheet of 20 are now available at your local Post Office.

With customs and traditions that vary widely by community, Halloween now inspires parades and revelry, corn mazes and haunted houses, neighborhood and school parties, jack-o’-lantern and pumpkin festivals and even pumpkin-catapulting. No matter how or where people observe this ever-changing holiday in the early 21st century, Halloween remains a much-anticipated celebration.

Brought to North America by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland, Halloween soon became a distinctively American celebration that transcended social boundaries and ethnic origin. A 2014 survey showed that nearly 67 percent of the American population celebrates Halloween in some way — and jack-o’-lanterns are always there to lend a festive glow.

In Europe, these ghoulish lanterns were originally carved out of turnips — but in North America, native pumpkins proved to be a more fitting medium. Now emblematic sights at autumn festivals and Halloween events, they grin and stare from windows and porches, ingeniously combining the eerie feel of the season with the uncanny pleasure of laughing at the darkness.

Halloween fans are encouraged to share the news on social media using the hashtag #HalloweenStamps.

EEO Team Praised: 'Job Well Done!'

Pictured L to R: Manager, EEO Compliance Jeff Slye; Manager, EEO Dispute Resolution, Southern Area Nancy Falanga; Manager, EEO Dispute Resolution Nancy Duarte; and EEO Dispute Resolution Specialists Maria Franquez, Vanessa Brown, and Ranard McPhaul. Photo: Jann Miller

The South Florida EEO Team of Vanessa Brown, Maria Franquez, Ranard McPhaul, and Ann Strickland were celebrated for their performance and for their commitment to Employee Engagement. 

 

"Team members truly care about each other and the USPS employees and their families," said Nancy Falanga, Manager, EEO Dispute Resolution, Southern Area. "To celebrate their successes, their managers came to South Florida to review their annual performance and to recognize them for a job well done." 

Don't Get Hooked: Avoid Phishing

The CyberSafe at USPS Team advises employees to be mindful of potential phishing scams.

 

The CyberSafe at USPS team advises employees to be mindful of potential phishing scams.

Employees who fail to identify or send phishing emails pose serious threats to the Postal Service’s information security, the CyberSafe at USPS team warns.

Phishing occurs when hackers use fraudulent emails to steal online passwords and other personal information. The emails can appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a financial institution, business or government agency.

The team advises employees to never share passwords or USPS credentials. Other tips:

• Be wary of emails from senders you don’t know.
• Be cautious of emails or calls requiring immediate action.
• Think before clicking links or opening attachments.
• Be on the lookout for misspellings or incorrect grammar use.
• If an email doesn’t seem right, verify it.

The team also advises employees to be aware of insider threats — current or former employees who misuse authorized access to the organization’s network.

Report suspicious activity and phishing emails to the CyberSecurity Operations Center. The CyberSafe at USPS LiteBlue site has additional information.

Source: LINK

Boca Raton to Host Hanukkah FDOI

The U.S. Postal Service will host a First-Day-Of-Issue dedication for the 2016 Hanukkah Forever Stamp at Temple Beth El, 333 SW 4 Ave, Boca Raton, Florida, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1. This will be an off-the-clock activity for employees who choose to attend this national event.

The menorah is viewed as if from inside a room, looking through a window to the outside. The candles --- one for each of the eight nights and days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the shamash or "servant," used to light the other candles --- are a creamy white and have all been lit. The white window trim is visible through the branches of the menorah, which echo the tangle of snow-covered tree branches beyond the glass. The artist added visual interest to the scene by highlighting the contrast between the hot candle flames and the cool snow, the vertical candles and the horizontal window frame, and the dark menorah with the brightly lit candles.

Watch for Newsbreaks with additional information in coming weeks.

North Miami Carrier Attains 50 Years

South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor, NALC Branch 1071 President Mike Gil, North Miami Branch Letter Carrier/NALC Shop Steward Darrin Taylor, North Miami Branch Letter Carrier Lewis Bradshaw, North Miami Branch Manager, Customer Services Brian Goldstein, and Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez celebrated Bradshaw’s 50 years of service. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

 

On August 25, Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez, presented North Miami Branch Letter Carrier Lewis  Bradshaw with his 50-year Service Award and Pin. Postmaster General/CEO Megan Brennan signed the award certificate. Miami Customer Service presented Bradshaw with a small token of appreciation for his dedication to the Postal Service throughout the years.

On August 24, Bradshaw was inducted into the National Safety Council's Million Mile Safe Driver Club. He was recognized for having driven more than  30 years without incurring a preventable motor vehicle accident. Suarez congratulated and thanked Bradshaw on maintaining a safe driving records for so many years.

Help Military Members Vote by Mail

Helping military service members around the world participate in the U.S. electoral process by voting this election season is a priority for the U.S. Postal Service.   To ensure absentee ballots are delivered in time, the Postal Service recommends that ballots be mailed no later than the mailing dates given in the table below. The table shows locations requiring 14 mailing days or more. A complete list of countries and mailing dates can be found at usps.com/election-mail/2016-americans-overseas-ballot-mailing-deadlines.pdf.

2016 Election Season Recommended Absentee Ballot Mailing Dates by APO/FPO

APO/FPO	AA/AE/AP	ZIP CODE	GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION	MAILING DAYS (FROM ELECTION DATE)	RECOMMENDED MAILING DATE          (FROM ELECTION DATE)
APO	AE	09397	ETHIOPIA	30	OCT 09 2016
NAVY SHIP (DEPLOYED) FLEET POST OFFICE (FPO)	AA/AE/AP	DEPLOYED	ATLANTIC/ PACIFIC FLEETS	25	OCT 10 2016
APO	AE	09304	UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09305	IRAQ	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09315	JORDAN	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09320	AFGHANISTAN	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09815	TURKEY	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09832	EGYPT	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09851	GAZIANTEP	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09861	NIGER	20	OCT 19 2016
APO	AE	09753	BULGARIA	17	OCT 22 2016
FPO	AE	09313	KUWAIT	15	OCT 24 2016
APO	AE	09720	PORTUGAL	15	OCT 24 2016
APO	AE	09340	KOSOVO	14	OCT 25 2016
APO	AE	09343	ISRAEL	14	OCT 25 2016
APO	AE	09365	QATAR	14	OCT 25 2016

The Postal Service works closely with the Federal Voting Assistance Program, Military Postal Service, Council of State Governments and Local Election Officials to enable end to end tracking of military ballots for active servicemen, serving overseas at APO/FPO addresses.

Military personnel with APO/FPO addresses can now return absentee ballots via Priority Mail Express using Label 11-DOD. “Waiver of Signature” and “Guaranteed by End of Day” endorsements are printed on the label, so ballots sent with Priority Mail Express are delivered on the day they arrive at the destination Post Office.

The Military Postal Service distributes the labels overseas. Postage is paid through a congressional appropriation.
The Priority Mail Express ballot label is only for absentee ballots mailed from Military Post Offices overseas by military members and their qualified dependents.  
The label may be used on any size ballot envelope. Always place the label in the upper-right corner. 
Voters can keep part of the tracking label and use the tracking number to track their ballots.

Security Requires Your Vigilance

Employees should be diligent when accepting packages.

The U.S. Postal Service is reminding employees to remain vigilant at all times regarding the security of USPS facilities and vehicles.

Employees should take extra care when accepting mail at retail counters and when collecting or delivering mail. Report any suspicious mail items to the Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement officers.

Employees must follow these security procedures at all USPS locations:

• Exercise diligence when accepting mail at retail counters and follow all procedures to determine if packages contain hazardous materials.
• Letter carriers who use satchel carts must keep the cart in view at all times.
• Ensure all collection boxes, lobby mailboxes and collection receptacles have a current legible DDD-1 or DDD-3 customer notification labels.
• Lock any vehicle that cannot be maintained in full, direct sight.
• Immediately notify the Inspection Service, local Postal Police and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility manager of lost or missing vehicles and government license plates.

If you have security concerns, contact your facility’s Security Control Officer.

Source: LINK

Planets & Pluto Stamps at the Library

On Saturday, September 24, the Broward County Main Library at 100 S. Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to an out-of-this-world experience!

It’s the library’s “Creation Station and Space Day Celebration” from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and at 12:00 Noon, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney will present enlargements of the Views of Our Planets and Pluto – Explored! stamps at a special dedication on the 6^th floor. 

Employees are reminded that their participation is an off-the-clock activity.

Plan your day at the Broward County Main Library to take advantage of a day of Creation Station activities and planetary programs. Visit the Star Lab planetarium, take photos with the moon rock and life size astronauts, and do daytime solar viewing.


The Creation Station will show you its 3D printers and give you a chance to explore outer space with Virtual Reality. There will be giveaways for the children, and everyone may enter a drawing for a family four-pack of passes to the MODS Exhibits and IMAX Theatre. All events are free and open to the public.

National PCC Day in South Florida

Postal leaders are meeting with more than 12,000 business customers across the nation this week to thank them and discuss ways to grow the mailing and shipping industry.

The meetings are part of National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Week, an annual event that brings participants together to get training, stay on top of mail innovations, and learn how to develop more effective, efficient and profitable mailings. This year’s theme, “Tune In To,” underscores the value of tuning into the PCCs to hear what business customers have to say.

The PCC of Broward County, Miami-Dade County PCC and the PCC of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast have joined together for South Florida's National PCC Day today, Friday, September 23.

Isaac Cronkhite

Isaac Cronkhite, Vice President, Enterprise Analytics, is guest speaker. Cronkhite is responsible for leveraging data and technology to provide the business intelligence needed to drive performance and improve efficiencies through enterprise reporting and performance measurement systems.

Cronkhite leads the Postal Service innovations in technologies and tracking systems, overseeing scanning improvements and the integration of network information visibility systems, including the national address management system.

Throughout the week, local PCCs  are hosting sessions featuring USPS leaders, including PMG/CEO Megan J. Brennan, who addressed the Greater Dallas and Fort Worth PCCs. The Greater Dallas PCC earned the PCC of the Year Award (large market) in 2015.

“We pursue strategies together that create value and deliver higher returns for your mail and e-commerce investments. Together, we will grow this industry and grow our businesses,” Brennan said.

Key Largo Postmaster Retires

Vincent Recupero Photo: Debra Recupero

Key Largo Postmaster Vincent Recupero has retired after 36 years of postal service and four years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. He also was in the U.S. Navy Reserves for nine years.

Recupero started his career in 1980 as a Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) Clerk at the Miami General Mail Facility (GMF). In 1983, he transferred as a City Letter Carrier to the Homestead Post Office. Three years later, Recupero was promoted to Supervisor, Mail Processing.

In 2000, Recupero transferred as Supervisor, Customer Services, at the  Key Largo Post Office. He then served as Officer-In-Charge, Marathon Post Office in 2002.

He was sworn into office as Postmaster, Islamorada in 2003, and then became Postmaster, Key Largo in 2007. 

This year, Mr. Recupero celebrated his 25^th wedding anniversary to Debra Recupero who is the Postmaster, Islamorada. They have four daughters and two grandchildren.

WPB Manager is 'Engaged' at Work

West Palm Beach Main Office Window Unit Manager, Customer Services Marlene Findlay is all smiles upon learning she was chosen as South Florida District Employee Engagement Leader. Photo: Gale Jackson

West Palm Beach Main Office Window Unit A/Manager, Customer Services Marlene Findlay was selected as the District Employee Engagement Leader in a national competition.

All 67 districts were invited to choose one leader based on standard criteria, including their involvement, enthusiasm and commitment to improving their workplaces. In each district, a selection committee reviewed nominations and forwarded finalists to the district’s leaders.

All honorees will be recognized at ceremonies in their district, where they will receive a crystal award and coverage in local newsletters.

The honorees will now enter a second round of competition in which seven area and 22 headquarters awardees will be chosen, followed by a third round of 10 finalists selected by the Executive Leadership Team at USPS Headquarters. The competition will conclude in January with a national Engagement Leader of the Year Award.

West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders nominated Findlay for this recognition.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Marlene for the past year," said Rogers-Saunders. "Marlene is a leader who is dedicated to building the brand of the Postal Service through developing employees. She is well respected by her employees, and they are always willing to go above and beyond for the best interest of the business.” 

Pompano SSA Earns 100% RCE Score

The Pompano Main Office scored 100% on its most recent Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Sales and Service Associate Rosario Sierra earned a perfect score on her first day alone at the retail counter after completing training. Pictured: Pompano Postmaster Edwin Coppola (right) recognizes and thanks Sierra (left) for providing outstanding service to her customer. Photo: Sharon Puhl

 

Flooding: Know What to Do

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere.
To stay safe, experts offer these tips:

·  Know your flood risk. Learn whether you live, work or travel through areas that are prone to flooding.

· Know how to stay informed, such as signing up for phone text alerts. Receiving timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events can make all the difference in knowing when to take action to be safe.
·  Know your community’s local flood evacuation plan and identify several escape routes if roads are blocked.
·  Do not go through flood waters.
·  Determine how you will communicate with family members since your first thoughts will likely be the safety of your family and friends. Practice how you will communicate with each other. Texting is often faster than making a phone call.

Source: LINK

 

TV Audition VIdeos Due Sept. 19

The Postal Service is extending the deadline for employees to audition for this year’s holiday TV advertising campaign.

Submissions are now due Monday, September 19, at  12 p.m. EST.

All employees are invited to audition. No prior acting experience is required.

To audition, follow these steps:

Create an audition video. In the video, state your name, where you’re from, your USPS position, how long you’ve worked for the Postal Service, why you love your career and your favorite holiday-specific postal memory.

Upload the video. Visit the USPS Holiday 2016 Employee Casting site at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=37109b7d23054eb3949c5ecbe198c426 to upload your video. You’ll be asked to complete an online form and hit “Submit.” Video uploads are limited to 30 megabytes.

The holiday campaign will be the latest to feature actual employees.

All applicants must receive approval from their manager before selection and production begins in late September.