Monday, October 31, 2016

'Halloween Station' Comes Alive!


On Saturday, October 22, Boca Raton Officer-In-Charge Joe Marrone and his staff were dressed in their Halloween costumes to greet customers at the annual "bootification" of the Boca Rio Branch.

Boca Raton Stamp Club members postmarked "Halloween Station" special cancellations on envelopes and packages for customers, who also took this opportunity to purchase jack-'o-lantern stamps at the retail counter.


Pictured from left: Manager, Customers Services, Boca Palmetto Park, Lori Cangemi, Customers Ronnie Cangemi and Emily Clark; A/Manager, Post Office Operations (MPOO) Area 7 Carlos Rodon; Supervisor, Customer Services Angelo Rosado; Boca Raton Officer-In-Charge Joe Marrone; Boca Raton Stamp Club Vice President Max Cohen; Boca Raton Postmaster's Secretary Jacqueline San Lucas; and Amiyah Saunders, daughter of West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders.

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

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Sunrise Employees Shine Light on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sunrise Branch employees strike a pose for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
“It should be important to all of us; not only does it touch someone we may know or love, I myself am a three-year breast cancer survivor," said Supervisor, Customer Services Miriam Ramirez. "I am really proud of my staff for participating and reminding all of our customers about Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

 
First Row: Postal Support Employee (PSE) Clerk Yolanda Sailor. Second Row, left to right:  Retail Associates Shawna Mitchell, Theresa Young, Cheryl Andrews and Eva Lanier, Distribution Clerk Sharon Williams. Third Row, left to right: Supervisor, Customer Services Miriam Ramirez; A/Supervisor, Customer Services Melissa Schade; Retail Associate Annette Green; Distribution Clerks Karol Jobe and Robin Foster; and Manager, Customer Services Esteban (Steve) Martinez. Fourth Row, left to right: Lead Retail Associate Michael Brand, A/Supervisor, Customer Services Tory Thornton and Distribution Clerk Richard Powell.  Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman
 
 

#PostalProud


Saturday, October 29, 2016

Oakland Park Employee Recognition



Recently, Oakland Park Manager, Customer Services Johnson D'Souza and his management team recognized Laborer Custodians Harvey Taylor, Jr., and Adrian Webb for outstanding performance.

“Every day Harvey and Adrian work together and take care of the Oakland Park facility and the finance units. We all appreciate what they do,” D’Souza said.


Front Row (seated) Oakland Park Supervisor, Customer Services Wilma Sheppard. Second Row, from left: Laborer Custodians Adrian Webb and Harvey Taylor, Jr.; Supervisor, Customer Services Alan Siegel and A/Supervisor, Customer Services Kyna Wright. Back Row, from left: Supervisor, Customer Services Manuel “Alex” Herrera and Manager, Customer Services Johnson D’Souza.

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

 

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#PostalProud


Friday, October 28, 2016

Hanukkah Stamp Dedication Comes to Temple Beth El of Boca Raton 11/1


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The U.S. Postal Service invites the public to its national First-Day-Of-Issue (FDOI) Hanukkah stamp dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1, at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, 333 SW 4 Ave, Boca Raton, FL.
 
Joining U.S. Postal Service Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President David E. Williams in dedicating the stamp will be Rabbi Jessica Brockman, Senior Rabbi Dan Levin and Rabbi Greg Weisman of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. U.S. Postal Service South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
 
On November 1, the Hanukkah stamp will be available for purchase at the temple and at Post Offices nationwide. Also at the temple, other related philatelic products will be available for sale in the Social Hall adjacent to the Sanctuary where the FDOI ceremony will be held. Official FDOI programs will be distributed to all those who attend. Following the dedication, all FDOI ceremony participants will be at a table for guests to have their programs autographed, if they wish.
 
The Hanukkah stamp depicts a warm, elegant illustration of a holiday menorah in the window of a home. The white window trim is visible through the branches of the menorah, which echo a tangle of snow-covered tree branches beyond the glass. Artist William Low 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. Low, of Huntington, NY, worked under art director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, to design the stamp. 
 
Employees are reminded that their attendance will be an off-the-clock activity.  Please RSVP at usps.com/hanukkah.

It's Survey Time Now through Nov. 4

Employees have just a few more days to complete the latest Postal Pulse survey. The survey, which launched on October 4, is still open and available until November 4, 2016.

The Postal Pulse survey is conducted twice each year and provides valuable feedback that the Postal Service uses to help improve its workplaces.
 
“The Postal Pulse survey is an excellent way for employees to share their feedback.”” said Southern Area Vice President Shaun Mossman. “When employees provide input, we can get a clear picture of areas with opportunities for improvement. Just as important, we can identify and celebrate our successes. It’s everyone’s responsibility to continue improving our organization by honestly and effectively communicating with each other, and the Postal Pulse survey is a great tool for doing that.”
 
The survey has just 13 questions and takes about 5 minutes to complete. Bargaining employees received the survey at their home and workplaces, while non-bargaining employees received an email that allows them to complete the survey on a secure site run by Gallup, the organization that conducts the Postal Pulse.
 
Additionally, all employees can take the survey on LiteBlue, using a personal or work computer. You need your employee ID number and password to log in. You will be provided time at work to take the survey on the clock. Please check with your supervisor on the best time.
 
Although USPS is providing employees multiple options to complete the survey, only the first survey received by Gallup for each employee will be counted. Gallup doesn’t share individual employees’ responses with the Postal Service.
 
Remember, the Postal Pulse survey is available only until November 4, 2016. The Employee Engagement LiteBlue site has more information.

 

#PostalProud


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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Oceanview Employees Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Miami Beach Oceanview Station employees decorated their lobby in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All employees have promoted the sale of Breast Cancer Research semi-postal stamps to family, friends, neighbors, and customers throughout October.

#PostalProud




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Celebrating a Career Milestone

Town and Country Postal Store A/Manager, Customer Services Leonardo (Lenny) Padron (right) and Manager, Customer Service Operations Manuel (Manny) Molina (left) present Retail Associate Cheryl Alexander (center) with her 30-Year Service Award and Pin. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

#PostalProud


Dream Team Races for the Cure


The U.S. Postal Service Dream Team of South Florida District employees and retirees participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Miami on Saturday, October 15.

#PostalProud


#PostalProud

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

#PostalProud


Miami Town & Country Quartet Earn 100% Score on Passport Acceptance

On behalf of the Miami Passport Agency, Town and Country Postal Store employees are recognized for their achievements. Pictured from left, A/Manager Customer Services, Leonardo (Lenny) Padron; Retail Associates Serita Dallas, Luisa Fernandez, Jerry Galindo, and Cheryl Alexander; and Manager, Customer Service Operations Manny Molina. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte
 
In recognition of Miami's Town and Country Postal Store receiving a perfect score on a recent Passport Acceptance Facility Oversight Assessment, Manager, Customer Service Operation, Manny Molina and A/Manager, Customer Services Lenny Padron provided Retail Associates with a luncheon and a Certificate of Appreciation. Retail Associates Cheryl Alexander, Serita Dallas, Luisa Fernandez, and Jerry Galindo worked very diligently with the passport operation to ensure the Miami Passport Agency high standards were met daily. 
 
"We have many efficient Retail Associates who also qualify as Acceptance Agents throughout the South Florida District,” said Molina. “The Acceptance Agents at the Town & Country Postal Store received a 100% score which represents the proficient passport acceptance service provided to our customers." 

Miami Beach Employees Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Miami Beach Main Office Letter Carrier Alexis McGee (left) and Sales and Services Associate  Charles Burnett, Sr. (right) strike a pose for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They encourage their co-workers to purchase Breast Cancer Research semi-postal stamps to help cure this disease.
City Carrier Assistant Shantel Ruiz smiles in front of the Breast Cancer Research Semi-Postal Stamp board at the Miami Beach Main Office.
Letter Carrier Ann Burgains uses her imagination and displays her breast cancer awareness attire on the "runway" on the Miami Beach Main Office workfloor.
Miami Beach Main Office Letter Carrier Cecilia Borgmeyer wears her breast cancer awareness attire that includes pink glasses and a "Fund the Research; Find a Cure" tee-shirt.


Photos: Norma Vazquez
 

Survey Deadline is November 4

U.S. Postal Service leaders are emphasizing three “C’s” — candor, confidentiality and change — during the administration of the latest Postal Pulse survey.

“Employees who take the survey should answer each question candidly. Their feedback helps the Postal Service identify issues and make improvements,” said Employee Engagement Executive Director Kelvin Williams.

Additionally, employees are being reminded that Gallup, the organization that conducts the survey, does not share individual responses with the U.S. Postal Service.

“When you take the survey, your identity is kept private,” Williams said.

Leaders also are pointing to organizational changes sparked by the Postal Pulse survey. Based on feedback from previous surveys, the U.S. Postal Service has started ambassadors and awards programs to foster stronger employee engagement.

All employees are urged to complete the five-minute survey before the November 4 deadline. Bargaining employees, who are receiving the survey at home and on the job, should complete their surveys at work. Non-bargaining employees can complete the survey via email. Additionally, all employees can take the survey on LiteBlue.

Although the U.S. Postal Service is offering employees multiple options, only the first survey received by Gallup for each employee will be counted.

#PostalProud


Sunday, October 23, 2016

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Dixon is Plant Manager, Miami ISC

Sheldon Dixon is the newly-promoted Plant Manager, Miami International Service Center (ISC).

Dixon began his postal career as an Operations Industrial Engineer in the South Florida District. Throughout his career, he has successfully served in a variety of positions within the South Florida District. He was detailed as Manager, In-Plant Support; Senior Manager Distribution Operations; Plant Manager, and Fort Lauderdale and South Florida Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs). He also served as the Network Optimization Coordinator for the consolidation of the Fort Lauderdale and South Florida facilities into the Miami P&DC.

In 2012, Dixon earned his Green Belt certification and became Black Belt certified in 2013.  Currently, he is pursuing his USPS Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification and has entered the Lean Leader program. As the South Florida District’s Lean Six Sigma Coordinator, Dixon has saved the District over 5.6 million dollars to date.

Prior to joining the U.S. Postal Service, Dixon worked for three years as a Manufacturing Engineer for Ernie Green Industries, Tier 1/Tier 2 Supplier for General Motors and Toyota.  He became TPS (Toyota Production System) Green Belt certified.

Many Happy Returns for the Holidays


















The South Florida District welcomes Annuitant Sigrid Sweatt (left) whose wealth of postal knowledge and experience will help ensure smooth mail processing operations this holiday season. Pictured with Sweatt are Postal Police Officer (PPO) Gustavo Cabanas (right) and PPO Edgar Solano (background). 
 













A/Human Resources Specialists Ismary Veiga (left) and Marlene Mourin (right) welcome retirees who've returned to the Postal Service to lend a hand (and some expertise) during the holidays. Looking on to the right is Hialeah Supervisor, Customer Service Support Veronica Ortega.



Photos: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Friday, October 21, 2016

#PostalProud


#PostalProud


Florentine Madonna Christmas Stamp

Thursday, October 20, 2016

She Reads All About It on Link Mobile


West Palm Beach Address Management Systems Technician Karin Nolf reads Link mobile on her smartphone.

Employees are continuing to embrace Link mobile, the new mobile-friendly version of the Postal Service’s daily news site. West Palm Beach Address Management Systems Technician Karin Nolf was featured in a recent Link edition.

USPS introduced Link mobile this year for employees who don’t have access to postal computers or prefer to read news on their mobile devices.

The site offers the same content that employees receive when they read Link on a desktop computer, including news reports, feature articles and "Heroes' Corner" profiles.

“It keeps me informed about changes and updates within our postal family,” said Cottonwood, AL, Postmaster Sandra Bell.

The site is expected to come in handy during this fall and winter, which is traditionally a busy time for the Postal Service.

The open season benefits enrollment period will begin in November, along with the holiday shipping and mailing season.

USPS leaders are encouraging employees to stay up-to-date during this period by going to www.usps.link to subscribe to weekly emails with recent Link highlights. More than 18,000 employees have signed up so far.

Karin Nolf, an address management systems technician in West Palm Beach, FL, began receiving the emails a few months ago.
"I like having access to postal news even when I am not at work,” she said.

Source: LINK

USPS Announces Shipping Changes


The Postal Service has announced additional price changes to take effect next year, after the end of the holiday season. The changes, which USPS filed October 19 with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), include adjustments to Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes. The current and new prices are as follows:
  • Small flat-rate box: $6.80 (current), $7.15 (new)
  • Medium flat-rate box: $13.45 (current), $13.60 (new)
  • Large flat-rate box: $18.75 (current), $18.85 (new)
  • Large Army/Air Post Office and Fleet Post Office flat-rate box: $16.75 (current), $17.35 (new)
  • Regular flat-rate envelope: $6.45 (current), $6.65 (new)
  • Legal flat-rate envelope: $6.45 (current), $6.95 (new)
  • Padded flat-rate envelope: $6.80 (current), $7.20 (new)
The changes, if approved, represent a price increase in Priority Mail of 3.9 percent and an average increase of 3.3 percent in retail prices. The changes do not include price increases for First-Class Package International Service, Priority Mail Express International or Priority Mail International.

The PRC will review the prices before they are scheduled to become effective  January 22, 2017. The complete Postal Service price filing with the new prices for all Shipping Services products can be found on the PRC site under the Daily Listings section: http://www.prc.gov/dockets/daily.

Town & Country Career Milestone


Miami Town and Country Postal Store A/Manager Customer Services Leonardo (Lenny) Padron (left) and Manager, Customer Services Operations Manny Molina (right) presented Retail Associate Serita Dallas (center) with her 30-Year Service Award and Pin. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Miami GMF PS Retail Associate Earns Two Perfect RCE Scores


Miami General Mail Facility Postal Store A/Manager, Customer Services (left) and Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (right) recognized Retail Associate Briggett Glinton (center) on two perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions in August and September. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Miami General Mail Facility Postal Store Retail Associate Briggett Glinton’s achieved two perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. Her recent accomplishments add up to a total of four perfect RCE transactions.

The auditor was asked “On a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being "Not at all positive" and 10 being "Extremely Positive, how would you rate your Overall Experience as a customer at this location?” Their response to the retail experience provided by Glinton provided was “10.” In the August report, the auditor writes, “I would return for the friendly and helpful service.”




Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Miller Retires with 42 Service Years


West Palm Beach Officer-In-Charge Robert Weiser (left) was one of many who congratulated Supervisor, Customer Service Support Leslie Miller (right) on her retirement. Miller retired after 42 years of service. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

West Palm Beach Supervisor, Customer Service Support Leslie Miller has retired with over 42 years of service.

Miller, one of several postal employees in her family, accumulated the most years of service.

She began her career in Philadelphia and then worked at Postal USPS Headquarters in Washington DC. She transferred to West Palm Beach where she has worked the past 18 years.

“I have enjoyed my postal journey, and now I am looking forward to enjoying my retirement traveling and spending quality time with family,” Miller said.

“It has been a pleasure working with Leslie,” said West Palm Beach Officer-In-Charge Robert Weiser. “Leslie was a wealth of postal knowledge which made her a huge asset to the Postal Service. She definitely will be missed.”

#PostalProud

 

#PostalProud


Monday, October 17, 2016

Miami-Dade County PCC Wins Gold!


The Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (PCC) once again was recognized with the Gold Level Certification Award during the South Florida District 2016 National PCC Week event. Pictured from left, South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor; USPS Vice President, Enterprise Analytics Isaac Cronkhite; PCC Postal Co-Chair/Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez; PCC Industry Co-Chair/Florida Power and Light Supervisor Susan Reed; Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte; and PCC Secretary/Battery Bob Owner Robert Parker. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders 

Hanukkah Stamp First-Day-Of-Issue


Sunday, October 16, 2016

Boca Carrier Technician Earns Praise

































Boca Raton Postmaster Carlos Rodon, Jr. (left) presented Boca Palmetto Park Carrier Annex Carrier Technician David Townsend (right) with a gift certificate for outstanding performance.
 

Pinecrest Trio Earns Recognition


From left: Pinecrest, FL, Retail Associate Geneva White; Manager, Customer Services Orencio (Larry) Suarez; Retail Associates Tyshika Whitehead and Diana Rios. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Pinecrest, FL, Finance Unit Manager, Customer Services Orencio (Larry) Suarez recognized the accomplishments of Retail Associates Diana Rios, Tyshika Whitehead and Geneva White. Suarez provided lunch to celebrate  having achieved their fifth perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. This was the third Gold Star Award for Whitehead.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

'Halloween Station' to Open Oct. 22

In keeping with tradition, the Boca Rio Branch will offer a "Halloween Station" postmark to Trick or Treaters who bring their own envelopes on Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Post Office is located at 8185 Via Ancho Road in Boca Raton. Stop by and say hello to postal managers and Boca Raton Stamp Club members in costume for the occasion. And while you’re there, purchase some jack-o-‘lantern stamps.

In the spirit of Halloween, the Postal Service has issued these delightfully eerie stamps featuring photographs of four different jack-o’-lanterns. These creatively carved pumpkins have been symbols of Halloween in the United States since the late 19th century, not long after celebrations of the holiday began here.

This is an off-the-clock activity for employees. 
 

 

WPB P&DC Seeks Ad-Hoc OIE

West Palm Beach A/Plant Manager Ronald Ralph and In-Plant Support Manager Gabriel Miron are looking for a qualified employee to detail as an Ad-Hoc Operations Industrial Engineer EAS-21.

All qualified career employees within local commuting distance (50 miles) of the West Palm Beach P&DC, 3200 Summit BLVD, West Palm Beach, may apply for this Ad-Hoc position (not to exceed two years). Work hours will be 11:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. with Sunday/Monday as non-scheduled days.  

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE: Oversees and applies nationwide industrial engineering, standardization, and continuous improvement policies, standards, and processes to improve service and cost performance through direct involvement in mail processing operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (REQUIREMENTS)

1. Performs analysis of mail processing operations using industrial engineering and continuous improvement principles to improve service, productivity and cost performance.

2. Implements national standardization programs and processes through direct involvement in mail processing operations to improve service, productivity, and cost performance.

3. Develops costing and staffing models to promote the effective use of employees and equipment; provides advice and guidance on how to best schedule employees to meet mail volumes and time constraints.

4. Develops alternatives to improve operating performance and reduce costs; monitors the implementation of new procedures and evaluates and reports on results.

5. Provides input for the preparation and justification for new and altered facilities and equipment; recommends changes to workroom floor layout of equipment and operations.

6. Provides technical advice and guidance to managers throughout the facility on all aspects of engineering; may coordinate the work of Operations Support Specialists and Technicians.

7. Oversees and monitors operations and equipment performance using national and local reporting metrics to improve service, productivity, and cost performance.

8. Leads multi-functional teams working on service, cost and productivity improvement efforts.

9. Provides training to mail processing managers and employees on standardization and continuous improvement tools and processes using nationally-developed training material.

10. Communicates orally and in writing to provide technical advice, program guidance, training and policy interpretation to both Headquarters and field offices.

11. Exercises a normal regard for the safety of self and others; uses normal protective care of materials and equipment used.

How to Apply: Interested employees must submit their eCareer profile, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the requirements stated on this posting.
All applications should be mailed to West Palm Beach P&DC, In-Plant Support Manager, 3200 Summit BLVD, West Palm Beach, FL 33416 or via email to gabriel.c.miron@usps.gov by Close of Business Friday, October 28, 2016.