It's Official! WPB P&DC Has New MDO

Jeanette Levy-Mitchell was promoted to Manager, Distribution Operations (MDO) at the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center in January 2018.

Levy-Mitchell started her postal career as a Letter Carrier in Queens, NY, in 1993. Two years later, she transferred to the clerk craft and worked at the Queens Processing and Distribution Center in New York. In 1996, she transferred to Boca Raton as a Senior Mail Processing Clerk and soon became an Acting Supervisor, Distribution Operations.

 

In 2006, she was accepted into the Associate Supervisor Program. For the past 11 years, Levy-Mitchell has worked all three tours at the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center. Levy-Mitchell also served as the Acting MDO before being awarded the position.

 

Levy-Mitchell obtained a degree in Business Administration in Kingston, Jamaica and  always has aspired to be a part of the management team. Levy-Mitchell has a wealth of knowledge of postal operations and continues to be an asset to her team.

 

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

Employees may participate as an off-the-clock activity.

Miami Olympia Heights Branch SSA Reels in the Revenue with mPOS

Olympia Heights Branch Sales and Services Associate Maria Garcia proudly demonstrates the results of her promoting the Mobile Point of Sale (mPos) during the holidays. 

 

On Dec. 18, 2017 Garcia assisted the branch with Wait Time In Line reduction by approaching all Miami customers at the lobby entrance. Garcia assessed their mailing or shipping needs, and if she were able to complete transactions on the mPOS device, she did so successfully for a total of $3,398.53 in one day.  

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte 

Black Heritage Stamp is Lena Horne

The U.S. Postal Service will honor legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne on the 41st stamp in the Black Heritage stamp series. The First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony will take place in New York City tomorrow. 

Lena Horne was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color and used her fame as an entertainer to become an important civil rights spokesperson.

The stamp art features a photograph of Lena Horne taken by Christian Steiner in the 1980s. Kristen Monthei colorized the original black-and-white photo, adding a background reminiscent of Horne’s Stormy Weather album, with a few clouds to add texture and subtly make the album reference. “Lena Horne” is written along the bottom of the stamp, with “Black Heritage,” the stamp series title, at the top. “USA” and “Forever” appear on the lower right-hand side above Horne’s name. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Miami SSA Earns Gold Star Award

Avenue of the Americas Postal Store Sales and Services Associate Trinice James earned a Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction in Miami. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte 

Miami GMF Finance Unit SSA Earns Gold for Perfect Retail Transaction

Miami General Mail Facility Finance Unit Sales and Services Associate Elias Acosta strikes a pose with his Gold Star Award for achieving a 100 percent Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

FEOY Nominations Are Due Feb. 6

The South Florida Federal Executive Board is proud to announce the Annual “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards Program/Luncheon. As every year, outstanding federal employees, including postal employees, in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties will be recognized. The awards program will be on Friday, May 11 during National Public Service Week. 

The recognition process begins with you! This is your opportunity to honor outstanding federal employees at all levels within your agency or installation for their meritorious work and overall contributions to the South Florida community. Do you have an employee or know of an employee who consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty?  A member of the South Florida Postal Family who deserves recognition for his or her heroic efforts demonstrated in a life-threatening situation? An employee who generously volunteers his or her time to benefit others?

Award categories include Administrative, Clerical/ Administrative Support, Innovation, Law Enforcement, Management (except Agency Head), Organizational Partnership, Professional, Scientific, Service to the Community, Technical/Information Technology, Trades and Crafts, and Valor.

Nominations must be based on demonstrated performance between Oct. 1, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2017. Ask your supervisor for a copy of the nomination package with category definitions and general information/examples. Submit your completed nomination package to Manager, Learning Development and Diversity Damaris Agrait on or before Tuesday, February 6.

ISC Seeks Ad-Hoc Network Specialist

Are you looking to broaden your horizons? There’s an ad-hoc Network Specialist, EAS-17, position available at the Miami International Service Center in Miami, FL.

All qualified career employees within local commuting distance (50 miles) of the Miami ISC, 11698 NW 25 Street, Miami, FL, may apply for this ad-hoc position. Work hours will be 1000 – 1830 with Saturday/Friday as non-scheduled days. 

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE: Coordinates activities between suppliers and postal supervisors to ensure the efficient movement of mail and mail equipment; provides guidance in administering network changes regarding dispatch and routing activities within the postal installation and its area served.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Evaluates supplier performance; recommends and implements changes to improve effectiveness of suppliers. 2. Maintains and circulates schemes and schedules; provides feedback to Distribution Networks Office on routing and labeling errors. 3. Receives and processes requests for postal equipment from postal installations and private mailers; ensures adequate inventory of equipment is on hand at facility and prepares documents for the shipping and receiving of trailers. 4. Reviews irregularity, delinquencies, and other deficiencies by suppliers and follows with appropriate action; verifies the validity of reported infractions. 5. Provides technical advice and makes recommendations regarding dispatching problems and rerouting instructions to offices routing mail to provide timely movement of mail. Maintains contacts with other offices to ensure the level of transportation service provided is effective and economical. 6. Coordinates plant load operations with the Distribution Networks Office and assists in reviewing supplier schedules and operations; recommends schedule changes, adjustments, and establishment or discontinuance of vehicle service between facilities to improve service and reduce fuel consumption. 7. Reviews and monitors supplier performance, compliance with contract, operational activities, and safety requirements ensuring proper procedures are being followed. Responds to inquiries and complaints, maintains files and certifies payment for services. 8. Coordinates the dissemination of information and guidance for all dispatching and ramp employees engaged in activities relating to the receipt, transfer, and dispatch of all classes of mail. May supervise transportation-related employees in absence of supervisor or manager. 9. Administers national and regional rules, regulations, and special instructions governing the distribution and routing of mail. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Ability to analyze information regarding mail dispatch, distribution, routing, and vehicle service in order to recommend or make corrective changes and adjustments. 2. Ability to coordinate schedules for the receipt, transfer, and dispatch of mail. 3. Ability to maintain an equipment inventory to meet postal and customer needs. 4. Knowledge of mail distribution and routing operations including policies, procedures and regulations. 5. Ability to monitor supplier compliance with contract terms and prescribed safety standards. 6. Ability to communicate orally in order to consult with customers and suppliers concerning operational activities and to coordinate work activities with the Distribution Networks Office. 7. Ability to monitor mail records and payment forms and make recommendations to reconcile inconsistencies with current regulations. 8. Ability to gather and analyze performance data in order to identify problems and recommend changes for improvement. Employees must submit a cover letter, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the above requirements. All applications must be mailed and received by Close of Business on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Send applications to Donna Demirgian, Manager, Transportation Networks, Miami International Service Center, 11698 NW  25 Street, Miami, FL  33112.

Miami SSA Earns Gold Star Award

Blue Lagoon Branch Sales and Services Associate Matarava Hill earned a Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction in Miami. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Bioluminescent Life Stamps Bring Ocean Darkness to Light on Feb. 22

The South Florida District is hosting the First-Day-Of-Issue dedication of the Bioluminescent Life Forever stamps at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, at the Sunrise Theatre, 117 South 2^nd ST, Fort Pierce, FL. The event is free and open to the public. Employees may attend as an off-the-clock activity.

 
U.S. Postal Service Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President Jeffrey C. Williamson will share officiating duties with Dr. Edith Widder, American oceanographer, marine biologist and co-founder, CEO and Senior Scientist at the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (located in Fort Pierce).

Bioluminescence reigns supreme in the darkness of the deep ocean. Fishes, squids, jellyfish, worms and many other ocean organisms make varied use of their ability to glow. Their light can lure food or attract a mate or fend off a predator. For many species, bioluminescence is security lighting. For example, a midwater jellyfish sets off flashing, swirling rings of light when it is threatened. The display alerts other predators more likely to eat the attacker than the jellyfish itself.
 

Some species are born with bioluminescence, while others, such as certain fishes and squids, have receptacles for displaying bioluminescent bacteria that they capture.

Since the late 19th century, many breakthrough discoveries regarding bioluminescence have come through the study of fireflies. Because these beetles exist on every continent except Antarctica, they provide scientists with the most convenient means by which to investigate the phenomenon.

Hosting the US Flag Stamp Dedication

Acting District Manager Timothy R. Costello (pictured left) will be the dedicating official at the First-Day-Of-Issue  dedication of the U.S. Flag Forever stamp at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 9. The public, including our employees, are invited to attend this free event scheduled during the American Stamp Dealers Association Winter Postage Stamp Show at the War Memorial Auditorium at 800 NE 8 ST in Fort Lauderdale. Employee attendance will be an off-the-clock activity.

For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This eye-catching new issuance continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds.

Although the American flag had appeared on U.S. stamps as far back as 1869, usually as a small element in a larger vignette, it was only in 1957 that the U.S. Post Office Department developed a quick and economical way to produce bicolor or multicolor stamps that could depict the flag in its true red, white, and blue, thanks to a special press acquired from Switzerland by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 

In the decades since, multicolored flags have become a consistent motif on U.S. postage. Whether paired with famous landmarks, shown against inspiring vistas, placed in their historical context, or used as a graphic element in a larger design, the flags on U.S. stamps connect us to our nation’s history and serve as icons of patriotism for generations to come.

Coral Gables SSAs Earn Gold Status For Two Perfect RCE Transactions

 

Sales and Services Associate Maritza Sanchez

 

 

 

Sales and Services Associate Paris Whitehurst

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Miami's Aventura Finance Unit Earns Gold Stars for Retail Performance

The Aventura Finance Unit was recognized with two Gold Star Awards for perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions. From left, Manager, Customer Services Miranda Lovett; and Sales and Services Associates Juana Curry, Rose Hammitt, and Marie Blaise. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

USPS Introduces Priority Mail Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service will issue the new $24.70 Priority Mail Express Sleeping Bear Dunes stamp and the $6.70 Byodo-In Temple Priority Mail stamp Sunday, January 21.  

A special dedication ceremony will take place at Michigan’s Sleeping Bears Dunes National Lakeshore later in the year. A special dedication ceremony will take place at the Byodo-In Temple January 23 on the island of O’ahu Hawaii.

Priority Mail is a fast domestic service that includes flat-rate shipping in one, two or three business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent. Priority Mail Express is the fastest domestic service, with limited exceptions, available 365 days a year, with a money-back guarantee and delivery shipping to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes.  

The Priority Mail Express stamp highlights the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which name is from a Native American legend. Rising 450 feet above Lake Michigan, the dunes are the highest perched dunes in the Great Lakes region and are protected within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The stamp art celebrates the grandeur and serene natural beauty of the dunes and surrounding park. Dune grasses mark the beach in the foreground, as gulls dive and soar in the breeze. Art director Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove of Chicago. 

The Priority Mail stamp features a colorful illustration of the Byodo-In Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Hawaii. A smaller-scale concrete replica of a wooden Buddhist temple in Japan, the Byodo-In Temple is located in a private cemetery on the island of O’ahu. Built in 1968 to commemorate the centennial of the first Japanese immigration to Hawaii, the temple is available for use for ceremonies, services, and events such as classes and concerts. Greg Breeding also designed this stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove. 

 

Customer Sends Letter Praising Miami Beach Carrier to PMG

A Miami Beach customer wrote to Postmaster General/Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan to praise Letter Carrier Annie Burgains. Following are the customer’s letter and a response from the PMG/CEO’s Office:

Dear Mr. Gorin, 

On behalf of the Postmaster General, thank you so much for taking the time to compliment the exceptional service you receive from the Miami Beach Post Office. It is obvious from your comments that the staff at the Miami Beach Post Office is working to continue the tradition of providing good customer service.

Your kind remarks will be brought to the attention of the local postal officials who will notify the appropriate managers.

We are pleased that Annie Burgains has been of service to you.

Their performance enhances the image of the Postal Service and speaks well of the efforts we make every day to provide the finest service possible.

Again, thank you for writing.

Sincerely,
N. Harris
Customer Relations Specialist
U.S. Postal Service

Miami Beach Letter Carrier Annie Burgains

Photo: Camille Moscola-Calvo

 

Dear Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan,

I can't allow another year to end without acknowledging my letter carrier, Annie Burgains.

Annie is an extraordinary individual. She always makes me smile and feel better when I see her. I am not alone in this observation. She has an inward joy that is infectious and spreads to all that she meets.

She has been my carrier here for the past 13 years and with that she completes her appointed rounds, in heat and storm without complaints or unhappiness. Her efficiency in her job and accuracy are to be commended.

I have told Annie that she is never permitted to retire, although in a few short years she will have earned that privilege and no one should deprive her of what she has truly earned.

I want to bring her work and esprit to your attention; she is a most valuable employee associate and an apt ambassador for the Postal Service.

I am, most sincerely yours,
Roy Gorin

Miami SSAs Earn Gold Star Awards

North Miami Branch Sales and Services Associate Virginia Jordan

 

 

Miami Shores Finance Unit Sales and Services Associate Marc Opper   

 

 

Uleta Finance Unit Sales and Services Associate Charlyne Hawkins

 

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

 

Meyer Lemon Stamp Gives Its 2 Cents

The Postal Service will dedicate the 2-cent Meyer Lemons definitive stamp today at a First-Day-of-Issue ceremony during the 2018 Winter Stamp Fest and Postcard Show in Kenner, LA.

The Meyer Lemon is a citrus fruit thought to be a cross between a true lemon and either a mandarin or common orange. The stamp design is new to the ongoing Fruit definitive series, which began almost exactly two years ago when the 10¢ Red Pears stamp was issued in a coil of 10,000. Other stamps depicting apples, grapes and strawberries, in various coils or in panes of 20, have been issued in this series. 

For more than a century, the Meyer lemon was known mostly for its looks. In its native China, it was primarily a decorative houseplant. The Meyer lemon might still be decorating homes today if it weren't for one man. In the early 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent Frank N. Meyer, an agricultural explorer, on several trips to Asia with the mission of collecting new plant species. Among more than 2,500 plants that he introduced to the U.S., the Meyer lemon was named in his honor. Sadly, Meyer would never live to see the success of his namesake. He died on an expedition near Shanghai in 1918.

Dedicating the Love Flourishes Stamp

Today the Postal Service dedicates the Love Flourishes stamp at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ.

The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love” written in cursive script. Hand-painted with opaque watercolors on papery by artist Anna Bond, the original art is whimsical and vibrant, at once retro and timeless. The flower garden includes stylized roses, peonies, and dahlias in pink, coral, and yellow, with pale blue-green berries and gold fronds and leaves. The word “Forever” appears in the lower right-hand corner of the stamp, and “USA” is on the lower left. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp using Bond’s original art.

Got Driving Skills?

Do you know someone with excellent driving skills and who needs a job? 

The Postal Service is seeking PSE Tractor Trailer Operators in Miami and Opa-locka, FL. Starting salary is $20 per hour. Employment for one year only. Apply online at www.usps.com/employment through January 21.

Delray Beach Postmaster Praised

A/Manager, Post Office Operations Brian Frazier (right) presented Delray Beach Postmaster Joe Molfetto (left) with an award recognizing outstanding performance.

 

Sawgrass LSSA Earns Gold Star

Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Postal Store Lead Sales and Services Associate Joseph Marciano (left) joined Sales and Services Associate Wendy Fung (right) in celebrating her Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. “Wendy really knows her job,” Marciano said.

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

Miami LSSAs Earn Praise

Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (far left) and Miami Postmaster, Enrique (Rick) Suarez (far right) recognized Miami Customer Service Lead Sales and Services Associates during a quarterly meeting. 

Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (standing, right) shared quarterly scores with Miami Lead Sales and Services Associates.  

Miami Postmaster Enrique (Rick) Suarez (standing, right) opened the discussion with Miami Lead Sales and Services Associates. Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal (standing, left) also participated in this quarterly Customer Service meeting.

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte