A 'Touching' Tribute to a Solar Eclipse

 

The Postal Service will soon release a first-of-its-kind stamp that changes when you touch it.

The Total Solar Eclipse stamp will be issued June 20 to commemorate the eclipse that will occur in the United States August 21.

The stamp will show an eclipse that transforms into an image of the moon from the heat of a finger. This is the first U.S. stamp application of thermochromic ink, the technology that makes the transformation possible.

Tens of millions of people in the United States hope to view the eclipse, a rare event that has not been seen on U.S. mainland since 1979. The eclipse will travel a narrow path, running west to east from Oregon to South Carolina. Portions of 14 states will be included.

The stamp image is a 2006 photograph taken by Fred Espenak, an Arizona astrophysicist who also is known as “Mr. Eclipse.”

The back of the stamp pane provides a map of the eclipse path and times it may appear in some locations.

Source: LINK

Celebrating at Southside Station

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (right) presented Southside Station Letter Carrier Diane Walden (center) with her Retirement Certificate. National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 2550 President Jerrel Kinloch (left)  joined Guiney in thanking Walden for 43 years of service. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Retiring in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (far left) presented Alridge Station Lead Sales and Services Associate Helen Wolfe (second from left) with her Retirement Certificate for more than 32 years of service. Also pictured: Lauderridge Annex A/Manager, Customer Services Tom Petrush (center); Fort Lauderdale A/Manager, Customer Service Operations Dawn Hutson; and Alridge Station Manager, Customer Services Dorothy Brown. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Employee Patriotism Goes Viral

Rochester, NY, City Carrier Assistant Robert Franklin is receiving recognition on social media for an impromptu display of patriotism.

A Rochester, NY, postal employee is receiving praise on social media after he was photographed saluting the flag while making deliveries recently.

City Carrier Assistant Robert Franklin was finishing his Sunday deliveries when he saw a customer raising an American flag outside his home.


After asking if he needed assistance, Franklin stood at attention near his postal vehicle saluting until the flag was fully raised.

“Unbeknownst to me, a neighbor saw and took a photo,” Franklin said.

The neighbor, Umer Sheik, who is a rural carrier assistant, shared the image to LinkedIn and wrote: “Many thanks to retired U.S. Army sergeant Robert Franklin who is still serving his country, rain, sleet or snow.”

The post has been shared more than 2,500 times on Facebook.

Last year, a Pensacola, FL, letter carrier also received praise on social media after he was photographed saluting a military veteran’s funeral procession.

Franklin appreciates the positive response.

“I hope it encourages other postal employees to participate and share flag etiquette,” he said.

“It’s a way to show as an arm of the federal government, we are the stewards of these customs and courtesies.”

Source: LINK

Miami Customer Praises Norland Mgr.

Miami Postmaster Enrique Suarez received the below letter from a customer who commended Norland Branch Manager, Customer Services Teresa Mason (pictured right) for outstanding service. Photo: Estrella Noguera

 

Dear Mr. Suarez,

I would like to share with you a positive Post Office experience with you. 

Last week there was a postcard left in my mailbox about a package that could not be delivered since we were not home. Signature confirmation was required since it was an expensive medication from the pharmacy. On Monday I came with the slip to the Norland Branch to pick up my package. 

A postal employee spent approximately 10 minutes looking for it and told me he couldn't find it. I explained to him this package was very important since it was ADHD medication for my daughters. In addition, I explained that they would be taking the SAT tests next week and it was critical they have this medication for the test. He told me he would call me before 8:00 p.m. so he can speak to the carrier and find out where it is. Unfortunately, I never received a call back and the following day when I called the Post Office, I reached the employee. He told me since he couldn't find the package, he didn't call me. 

Now begins the positive experience!!! I arrived yesterday at the postal branch and I asked to speak to the supervisor on duty. Ms. Teresa Mason arrived very quickly. After explaining to her my situation, she spent over 30 minutes with an assistant looking for the package. After not finding it, she gave me her cell phone and told me to call her the next morning. She told me she would do everything in her power to find my package. Today I came to the branch for other business and Ms. Mason saw me and gave me a big smile. She opened the side door and gestured for me to come to her.  Once I came she showed me my package. I would like to commend Ms. Mason for an outstanding job. In my opinion she went above and beyond her duties as a supervisor and took personal interest in my situation.  Without her involvement, my daughters would not have been able to take their exams. 

Thank you,

Joe Baker

Miami Passport Fair is Sat, April 29

Planning a summer vacation? First visit the Passport Fair at the Miami GMF Postal Store, 2200 NW 72 Ave, Miami, on Saturday, April 29, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointments required, but employee participation will be an off-the-clock activity.

 

How to Prepare for the Passport Application Process

·   Bring proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note that a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.)

·   Bring proof of identity. This must be either: a recently issued U.S. passport; a recently issued naturalization certificate; a recently issued certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.
·   Bring a photocopy of proof of identity. Each applicant must bring a photocopy of the front and back of the ID that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance.
·   The passport application requires recent color passport photograph of you (2” x 2” in size). The Post Office will offer passport photo service for $15.  
·   To save time, employees should download the passport application at www.travel.state.gov and complete beforehand in black ink. Do not sign the application.
·   All applicants, including minors, must appear in person.
·   Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

Each passport for an adult must be accompanied by a check or money order for $110, made payable to the U.S. Department of State and a $25 acceptance fee made payable to USPS. Fees for children under 16 are $80, payable to the U.S. Department of State and $25 payable to USPS.

Help 'Stamp Out Hunger' on May 13

The National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC’s) 25th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is just weeks away — on Saturday, May 13. South Florida food drive coordinators representing NALC branches are finalizing their preparations for the nation’s largest one-day food collection event.

“Too many people in this country are going hungry,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “We know this to be true because we see it as we deliver to every address in America at least six days a week.”

Nearly 49 million Americans — 1 in 6 — are unsure of the source of their next meal. This includes 13 million children, as well as about 5 million seniors over age 60 — many of whom live on fixed incomes and often are too embarrassed to ask for help.

Last year, the food drive collected a record 80 million pounds of nonperishable food, raising the total amount of donations picked up over the quarter-century history of the drive to more than 1.5 billion pounds.

This year’s partners are the U.S. Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA), the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), Valpak, United Way Worldwide, the AFL-CIO, the AARP Foundation and Valassis.

“Our extraordinary history of filling local food pantry shelves in communities across the country is made possible by our partnerships with these national organizations, in conjunction with the dedication and hard work of letter carriers,” President Rolando said. “The food drive is just one of the many ways letter carriers give back to our communities, and it’s almost time for us to shine once again.”

Be sure to keep in touch with the food drive’s official social media accounts — on Facebook, “like” facebook.com/StampOutHunger, and on Twitter, follow @StampOutHunger.

Fostering Diversity

Chief Operating Officer David Williams addresses the recent African-American Postal Leaders United for Success (A-PLUS) national convention in Philadelphia.

The U.S. Postal Service is committed to fostering diversity at all levels, Chief Operating Officer David Williams told a gathering of African-American postal leaders and employees last week.

“We are proud to represent a diverse employee population,” Williams said during his keynote address at the national convention for African-American Postal Leaders United for Success (A-PLUS) in Philadelphia.

“We endeavor to embrace an inclusive environment that recognizes and values the richness of people’s viewpoints, experiences, cultures and backgrounds.”

Williams discussed the Postal Service’s efforts, which include:

• Expanding its Executive Diversity Council, the organization’s senior advisory group on diversity and inclusion matters
• Offering more training to help postal leaders effectively manage diversity in their workplaces
• Participating in activities such as Celebrate Diversity Month, which is held each April to help employees from all walks of life gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other

A-PLUS also marked its 30th anniversary at the convention. The organization was founded in 1987 by 14 individuals, and eight of the nine who are alive participated in the convention.

Source: LINK

Kudos to Miami GMF Postal Store

On March 24, employees at the Miami, FL, General Mail Facility (GMF) Postal Store were recognized for their outstanding performance in mPOS Survey responses for the third time! Employees scored an overall customer satisfaction response rate of 97.50% based on 40 surveys.
 

 

From left, Miami, FL, General Mail Facility (GMF) Postal Store A/Supervisor, Customer Services Nancy Horta; Retail Associates Evelyn Garcia and Leslie Christie; and Manager, Customer Services Lawrence (Larry) Rogers celebrated their mPOS achievement.

 

From left, Miami, FL, General Mail Facility (GMF) Postal Store Retail Associate Irma Knighton; West Carrier Annex Supervisor, Customer Services Andreis Gonzalez; Mail Handler Robert (Bobby) Stinson; Distribution Clerk Viola Brown; Retail Associates Elias Acosta, Wang Lee, Sonia Cofino, and Vijaya Reddy; and Manager, Customer Services Lawrence (Larry) Rogers celebrated their third victory. 

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Preventing Dog Bite Attacks in WPB

During National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Lt. Ann McCaffrey-Elder (behind table) of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, along with Blackie (far left), participated in an educational event in the lobby of the West Palm Beach Main Office.

Lt. McCaffrey-Edler graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a Bachelor’s degree; concentration in Biology/minor in Marine Science. She has been employed in various capacities working with animals, wild and domestic, captive and in the field for over twenty years. Interpreting and recording animal behaviors has been an integral part of each position.

After relocating from New York, she joined Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in 2007 as an Animal Control Officer. She served as the Dangerous Dog Coordinator during her four years as Sergeant, successfully filing the agency’s first felony charges under Florida’s dangerous dog statute. Lt. McCaffrey-Edler has served as Field Supervisor since 2012.

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

'Your Key to Success' May Await at the Career Conference May 6-7

District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor always has believed in empowering employees and providing them with the tools to be successful in their chosen careers. To help all employees take full advantage of career opportunities, he has tapped instructors who are Subject Matter Experts in their respective fields to share their postal experience and knowledge at this year's Career Conference, "Key to Your Success."

On Saturday and Sunday, May 6 – 7, the Career Conference will be at the Bonaventure Resort and Spa, 250 Racquet Club Road, Weston, FL. Take advantage of a great weekend of activities. Hotel rooms will be offered at discounted rates. Sign up for a spa treatment. Relax at the pool. Play a round of golf at a special rate. Book an Everglades tour. Sign up for the Saturday night dinner/dance and enjoy an evening of fun, food and networking!

Sunday will be an action-packed day of keynote speakers, workshops, learning experiences, and networking opportunities. Meet Southern Area Vice President Shaun E. Mossman and the South Florida District Leadership Team. Meet representatives from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and learn about career opportunities in these areas. 

“Come celebrate your career at the conference,” said District Manager Jeffery A. Taylor. “The possibilities are endless.”

To register, please visit https://uspssflcareerconference.com/. Event registration is $40 for career employees and $20 for non-career employees. The dinner/dance is $60 for any employee. On the registration page, remember to select the Pay Pal button for the credit card payment option.

2017 CAREER CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Leader of the Pack
Henry Dominguez, A/Senior Plant Manager, Royal Palm P&DC
So you want to be a leader? Our A/Senior Plant Manager will share some of his tips for success over the past several years of his career.

Making the Most of Your Benefits
Erica Hayton, Manager, Benefits and Wellness, USPS
The Postal Service provides a valuable package of benefits, but many employees do not know how to make the most of them. Whether you are new to the Postal Service or you are preparing for retirement, come find out how to make sure you are making the right decisions to protect your physical and financial health now and in the future. 

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) from A to Z
Arvella Collins, TSP Training Specialist
This course covers every aspect of TSP participation, and would be beneficial for a mixed group covering every stage of professional life. Topics include the benefits of savings, traditional vs. Roth contributions, investments, loans, and post-separation withdrawals.

Winning at the Financial Game
Catalina Franco-Cicero, Director, Financial Wellness and Fiscal Fitness Clubs of America
Can you imagine going onto a football field and not knowing who you are playing, not knowing who’s on your team, or running plays without a playbook? Not anybody who wants to win! This class introduces you to the playing field, who’s on the other team that you must be prepared for, and some of the critical team members that you need to vet as the quarterback. It’s a fun way to understand personal finances and some of the plays life will throw at you. 

Overview of Retirement Processes - CSRS & FERS
Richard DeFeo, Supervisor, HRSSC Operations; and Nancy Castiglione, Personnel Processing Specialist, HRSSC
In this workshop, you will receive an overview of information available on the retirement websites and be provided a workbook on this subject. They will cover both Civil Service retirement and FERS retirement.

Nutrition & Fitness
Roeyon Ragin, CEO, Operation F.I.N.E. (Fit Individuals No Excuses)
This class will help you jump-start or recharge your diet and exercise regimen with a few fat burning techniques and super food additions that will help you look and feel amazing!

eCareer: How to Apply for Jobs
Barbara Munoz, Staffing Specialist; and Lorraine Ramsey, Field Recruiter
Tips on proper completion of the eCareer profile and how to make your profile stand out from the crowd. You will learn how to answer a KSA, how to organize and begin and end documents effectively.


Are We Worth the Investment?
Javier A. Gates Algarin, Operations Industrial Engineer; and Denise Young, Manager, Post Office Operations
For new employees - This class is just for you to see how your career will matter and the many opportunities the Postal Service can offer.

Interviewing Skills
Joseph A. Croce, Jr., Manager, Customer Service Operations, Pompano Beach, FL; and Phyllis A. Reed, Postmaster, Hollywood, FL

Surviving an interview can be a nerve-racking or uplifting experience, depending on which way you approach it. Learn what managers are looking for, how to answer interview questions, and discover techniques that will help you convince a review board that you are the best person for the job.

Writing for Career Advancement
Debra J. Fetterly, Strategic Communications Specialist, Southern Area

Effective business writing can open doors and can help you move up the corporate ladder. Clear, concise written communication always stands out as an impressive credential. Your ability to express yourself, in writing, often creates a first impression to the review board that reads your eCareer application or to a manager who reads your detail request letter. What does your writing style say about you? Like most things in life, writing well gets easier with practice. Learn more about the importance of good writing skills in today’s workplace and how to develop that distinct competitive edge.

Career in Law Enforcement
Ivan Ramirez, U.S. Postal Inspector, Miami Division; Jeldrys Lowry, Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Office of Inspector General; and Captain Don Martin, Postal Police
Learn what career opportunities are available, with the Postal Police, Postal Inspection Service and the Office of Inspector General.

Career in Customer Services
Enrique M. Suarez, Postmaster, Miami, FL; and David C. Guiney, Postmaster, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Discover career opportunities available in the Customer Service side of the Postal Service.

Career in Mail Processing
Juan Gonzalez, Plant Manager, Miami P&DC; Linda Gray, Plant Manager, West Palm Beach P&DC; Sheldon Dixon, Plant Manager, Miami ISC
Discover the many career opportunities within a Mail Processing plant.

Career in Maintenance
Carl Powell, Manager, Maintenance, West Palm Beach P&DC; and Michael Kirk, Manager, Maintenance Operations, Miami P&DC
This workshop provides an overview of the application, testing and candidate supplemental application booklet for the Maintenance craft. Receive insight on how to prepare for a career in the technical fields for employment with the USPS Maintenance Department. Career in Finance
Joel Ouellette, Manager, Finance
Learn what career opportunities are available in the Finance Department.

Career in Marketing
Juan Nadal, Manager, Marketing; and Lilliana Castro, Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact
Learn about the rewarding career opportunities in the Marketing Department.

Career in Operations Programs Support
Kristopher Novy, Manager, Delivery/Customer Service Programs   
Learn about the exciting career opportunities that are available in the Operations Programs Support Department.

Career in Human Resources
Tom Noone, Manager, Labor Relations; and Charisse Nadal, Manager, Safety
Learn about career opportunities that are available in the Human Resources Department.

Building Team Success
Dr. Sharon Johnson, Employee Engagement Ambassador, Southern Area

Success is not a destination; it is a process, a lifelong strategy of building on strengths, minimizing weaknesses, and focus on the people and points of life that are most important. You will achieve great things by understanding four very important success-building areas: Relationships, Equipping, Attitude and Learning.

Motivation – Seize Your Dreams
Dr. Sharon Johnson, Employee Engagement Ambassador, Southern Area
Your dream … it can inspire you, it can empower you. But will it reward you?  Most people fail to realize their potential because their dream remains hypothetical.  Together we will discuss the ownership question: Is my dream really my dream? The clarity question: Do I clearly see my dream?

Latin American Cuisine on Stamps

The Postal Service has released Delicioso, a booklet of 20 stamps that celebrate the influence of Central American, South American, Mexican and Caribbean foods and flavors on American cuisine.

The stamps feature six dishes from an array of Latin American culinary traditions that have found new life and variations in the United States. The dishes are tamales, flan, sancocho, empanadas, chile relleno and ceviche.

“Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together the many threads of our national tapestry,” said Network Operations VP Robert Cintron, who dedicated the stamps in Albuquerque, NM.

“With the issuance of the beautiful Delicioso Forever stamps, it is the Postal Service’s way of saying these Delicioso dishes epitomize the best of America, and will do so forever.”

Other speakers at the dedication ceremony included chef Marie Yniguez; Veronica N. Gonzales, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs; and Michael Flores, the Postal Service’s Arizona District marketing manager.

The ceremony also featured performances by Voces de Coronado, among others.

Source: LINK

It's Administrative Professionals' Day

National Administrative Professionals’ Day, also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day,  is observed on the Wednesday of the last full week in April of each year. It is a day to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists and other administrative support professionals.  

First originated in 1952, Administrative Professionals Day is now observed in a number of countries worldwide and is one of the most celebrated workplace holidays, especially among support staff.

Saluting Our FEOY Nominees

From left, Postal Inspectors Ivan Ramirez, Blanca Alvarez and Bladismir Rojo are nominees in the South Florida Federal Executive Board's "Federal Employee of the Year" Awards Program. Photo: John Walenda

Congratulations to Postal Inspectors Blanca Alvarez, Ivan Ramirez and Bladismir Rojo who were nominated in the Law Enforcement category in the South Florida Federal Executive Board's 52nd annual "Federal Employee of the Year" Awards Program. They are competing among category nominees from Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties.

Postal Inspectors are charged with securing the mail system and protecting the U.S. Postal Service and its employees. Inspectors Blanca Alvarez, Ivan Ramirez and Bladismir Rojo of the Miami Division (state of Florida and southern portion of Georgia) enforce more than 200 federal statutes and carry a firearm. Inspectors have investigative jurisdiction over any criminal, civil or administrative crimes involving the U.S. Postal Service. They often work with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to solve crimes related to armed robbery cases, bank fraud, child exploitation, identity theft, international drug trafficking, mail theft, mail bombs, and suspicious substances. They also were tasked with the auxiliary duties of Public Information Officer (PIO). All three embraced this additional responsibility with the same high level of professionalism and enthusiasm as demonstrated in their regular duties.

The blog will feature additional nominees in the coming weeks. 

The awards program, which includes a luncheon, is Friday, May 12, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel. Employees are invited to attend as an off-the-clock activity. To purchase a $38 ticket, contact Manager, Learning Development and Diversity Damaris Agrait at 305-470-0881.