Check Out the New Green Lexicon: 'Environmailist'

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) presented the Postal Service with a special 2009 International ECHO Award. This was the first time in its history that DMA had awarded an ECHO Green Marketing Award. DMA’s new award recognizes the most creative and strategic use of eco-responsible marketing tactics that deliver outstanding results, from a response or a return on investment perspective, while producing impacts that positively effect the environment.

A USPS campaign focused on four specific targets that either champion or influence the use of Direct Mail in the marketplace: large businesses, advertising agencies, printers and letter shops, and direct marketing professionals.

To bring this campaign to life, a new term also was created as part of the green lexicon: “Environmailist” (a mailer who adopts greener business practices and explores ways to make marketing communications more eco-friendly.)

Perhaps the best part of the Postal Service’s campaign is that it practiced what it preached — using recycled materials, Green-e Certified paper stocks, environmentally-friendly inks, and wind-generated paper production processes.

The History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11 --- A time to remember and to thank all veterans who have, or continue to serve, in the military.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.

Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11.

Since the U.S. Postal Service began issuing stamps more than 150 years ago, many have commemorated veterans and their accomplishments. Refer to Publication 528, “Veterans and the Military on Stamps” at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub528.htm and Publication 529, “World War II: A History of Stamps” at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub529.htm

Federal Employees Benefit Fairs

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
Miami P&DC Cafeteria, 2200 NW 72 Ave, Miami
6:30 am - 10:30 am and 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
South Florida P&DC Cafeteria, 16000 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines
6:30 am - 10:30 am and 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Ft Lauderdale P&DC, 1900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Ft Lauderdale
6:30 am - 10:30 am and 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009
West Palm Beach P&DC, 3200 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
6:30 am - 10:30 am and 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

(Please note all Fair attendance is voluntary and is an off-the-clock activity.)

Foods to Help Your Body Fight the Flu

The swine flu virus (H1N1) currently accounts for about 98% of circulating flu viruses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Having a strong, healthy immune system is the body's only true defense. Build up your immunity with these nutritionist-recommended foods:

Colorful fruits and veggies. Antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C are key to immune system health. Get your daily dose of beta-carotene with a half-cup serving of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones like sweet potatoes and carrots.

Yogurt. Look for varieties containing probiotics, "good" bacteria that may strengthen the digestive system. Two 6-ounce servings per day may ease diarrhea, prevent yeast and urinary tract infections and improve overall health.

Lemons. The proper pH balance is crucial for disease-fighting. Four tablespoons of lemon juice can help maintain an internal climate in which healthy bacteria, instead of viruses and harmful bacteria, thrive.

Garlic. Two cloves a day of the smelly herb stimulate infection-fighting white blood cells and sharpen their virus-killing instincts.

(Thank you to Barbara Crowley, A/Safety Manager, and Mary Jane LaCentra, secretary, MPOO, for sharing these health tips.)

'The Postal Service Delivers Dreams'

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the Postal Service and historically generates the most media coverage. With all the news these days about our financial situation, possible reduced delivery and consolidation of offices, this holiday season offers a chance to focus on one thing that has been true for the past 234 years and will continue again this year. "The Postal Service Delivers the Holidays, the Postal Service Delivers Dreams."

To bring attention to the important role that postal employees play in their communities, this year's holiday campaign will kick off on December 1 with a national event in New York City with the Postmaster General and The Muppets. That's right, Kermit the Frog is joining the PMG in the Big Apple for one of the biggest ever holiday kickoffs! Tied to the release of a "Letters to Santa CD" on sale in select Post Offices and the network premiere of "The Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa" movie, the event will highlight the Postal Service's holiday operations, as well as the Letters to Santa program. The song tracks include performances by Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Vanessa Williams, Monica Mancini, David Koz, and The Muppets.

This year's campaign will support and complement the national advertising campaign. This holiday, our affordable products and services can make the season even brighter for our customers. Americans are looking for great bargains --- Our Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes make it simple to ship gifts home for the holidays. Remember the $2 discount on the "America Supports You" Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes to servicemen and women stationed at APO/FPO addresses!

The 2009 public relations and media campaign will add social media components to the traditional media mix. For the first time, holiday messaging will be communicated through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. From online videos showing proper packaging instructions to holiday shipping "tweets," social media will play an important role in promoting the Postal Service's products and services through this new and important channel.

'Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall' Replica Travels to North Lauderdale November 6-8

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, will be open for public viewing November 6-8, at Bailey Memorial Gardens, 7801 Bailey Road in North Lauderdale. To date, millions of Americans have visited the replica which has traveled to more than 200 cities across the country.

Free and open to the public 24 hours a day from Friday through Sunday, the replica is eight feet high and 240 feet long. Its black, reflective surface is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or are missing in Vietnam. Paper and pencils will be provided so visitors can make rubbings of names etched on the wall.

The three-day exhibition is sponsored locally by Bailey Memorial Gardens with support from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 23. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled Friday at 10 am; the reading of the names from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will begin at 11 am and continue through the weekend. For additional activities at the memorial this weekend, visit www.facebook.com/DignityMemorialVietnamWall.

Lost & Found

While vacationing in the Florida Keys, Tampa Letter Carrier Steven Cueto of Ybor Station found a wallet containing hundreds of dollars, blank checks, credit cards, and personal identification on the ground in front of the Key West Post Office. Cueto turned in the wallet to "Lost and Found." The customer, also on vacation, was contacted and needless to say, was extremely grateful to Cueto and the Postal Service. Steven, thanks for being a positive role model and shining a positive light on the Postal Service!