Do you need a passport for an upcoming vacation? A trip to the Post Office is the first stop of your journey. On Saturday, September 17, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Department of State will promote “Passport Day in the USA.” Along with regional passport offices, Post Offices nationwide, including four South Florida locations, will host Passport Fairs:
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Fort Lauderdale Main Office, 1900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Ft Lauderdale
Hallandale Post Office, 500 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
West Palm Beach Main Office, 3200 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Deerfield Beach Main Office, 212 E. Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach
Employees are reminded that their participation is an off-the-clock activity. Please contact the respective Post Office for an appointment.
Currently, all U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the countries of the Caribbean by land and sea. In 2009, the U.S. government implemented new rules requiring U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea and land ports of entry to have a passport or passport card. A passport card is similar to a state-issued driver’s license in appearance, but will grant individuals easy entrance back into the United States from the countries mentioned above.
Passports are valid for 10 years and are normally processed within 4 to 6 weeks. It is recommended that customers apply for passports at least 2 months prior to the planned date of departure in order to avoid extra charges to expedite applications.
Here’s what you’ll need:
-- Proof of American citizenship or naturalization (a state-issued certified birth certificate, a previous official passport, or a naturalization certificate if you are foreign-born);
-- One officially acceptable state or government photo ID (a driver’s license or military ID);
-- One recent photograph that meets specific passport requirements (available at participating Post Offices for $15); and
-- Passport application, which can be downloaded and should be completed prior to visiting the Post Office (available at www.travel.state.gov). But please do not sign the form ahead of time!
Information on the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or passport card can be found at www.travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens also may obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Anniversary Cards Commemorate 9/11
People are remembering and reflecting upon the anniversary of 9/11, a day which forever changed America.In New York and Triboro Districts, employees had a say in how they could honor those fallen on a 9/11 commemorative card. Each district had a commemorative card contest to choose the words which would appear on their respective 10th anniversary cards. The two winning submissions:
“Projecting through these beacons of lights are the memories of loved ones shinning bright” — Triboro District Retail Associate Renee Flowers.
“The Content of Her Character and the Sacrifices of its Citizens, America Lives On” — Morgan P&DC Schemes & Schedule Clerk Mamie Grimes, New York District.
“The Content of Her Character and the Sacrifices of its Citizens, America Lives On” — Morgan P&DC Schemes & Schedule Clerk Mamie Grimes, New York District.
Each commemorative card costs $4. The keepsake souvenir card can be ordered by customers nationwide, while supplies last. To order by mail, send a check or money order, payable to Postmaster New York, to: Special Events, J.A.F. Bldg Rm. 3113, New York, NY, 10199. Indicate quantity and the quote selection from above.
National PCC Day is Going Hollywood!
National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day, the premier Fall event for the mailing industry, is going Hollywood. Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe will host a national satellite broadcast from Tampa FL to postal customers and partners in Hollywood FL and across the country.
On Wednesday, September 21, from 9 am to 1 pm, the Miami-Dade County PCC and the PCC of Broward County members will join together at Dave & Busters located at 3000 Oakwood Blvd in Hollywood. South Florida businesses are invited to register in advance to listen to the Postmaster General’s presentation, participate in round table discussions with local postal officials and industry professionals, meet their local Postmaster and the PCC Board of Directors, and network and share best practices with other business mailers --- and enjoy lunch!
Throughout the year, each PCC provides a forum for mailers to discuss and resolve mailing issues and to exchange ideas and offer suggestions on new postal products and services. It’s an opportunity to meet face to face in a friendly, informal setting to learn firsthand about the latest postal and industry news that may impact your business.
On Wednesday, September 21, from 9 am to 1 pm, the Miami-Dade County PCC and the PCC of Broward County members will join together at Dave & Busters located at 3000 Oakwood Blvd in Hollywood. South Florida businesses are invited to register in advance to listen to the Postmaster General’s presentation, participate in round table discussions with local postal officials and industry professionals, meet their local Postmaster and the PCC Board of Directors, and network and share best practices with other business mailers --- and enjoy lunch!
Throughout the year, each PCC provides a forum for mailers to discuss and resolve mailing issues and to exchange ideas and offer suggestions on new postal products and services. It’s an opportunity to meet face to face in a friendly, informal setting to learn firsthand about the latest postal and industry news that may impact your business.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Employees Are Our Best Security Force
The best security force for our facilities is the people who work there. You know if there are problem areas in your building. You know how to get in and out. You know how to compromise security, and you may even know a few people who do that. That’s why YOU are the best security guard. Each of us seriously must take this responsibility if we are to keep secure ourselves and our facility.
Sometimes it’s easier to leave open a door because it’s closer to the swing room or the credit union, or because it makes it easier to get to the parking lot. But we can’t sacrifice security for convenience. And you are sacrificing the security of ALL employees if you keep a door propped open when it should be closed.
It only takes one open door to compromise the security of the entire building. When a door that should be locked is left open, a breach in our security perimeter occurs. Unfortunately, there are unauthorized people with criminal intent who are waiting for just such an opportunity to get inside your building.
We can’t compromise safety and security. Locking facility doors and vehicles are our first line of defense. Remember these security measures:
-- We know that doors must be opened to let employees and the mail in and out. But at all other times, they must be closed and locked.
-- Make sure that all doors close and that all locks properly function.
-- We also must make sure this “closed door” policy doesn’t compromise safety. If people quickly have to get out because of fire, for example, they must have a clear path.
-- Only authorized personnel are allowed in our facilities.
-- Wear your Postal ID badge that authorizes you to be in your facility.
-- Anyone without an ID badge must wait outside until cleared for entrance by a supervisor.
-- Each time you inspect your vehicle, visually verify that any government license plates (USPS or GSA) still are affixed.
-- Designated employees must complete a daily vehicle inventory and document the results. A PS Form 4569 or local worksheet can be used, as long as all vehicles assigned to the operation are identified. When a vehicle is overnight at a service station or dealer’s facility, you must contact the vendor daily to ensure that the vehicle is still at that site.
-- IMMEDIATELY report anything missing.
-- Remove keys from the vehicle when not in use, and keep all doors locked. If you are delivering, collecting, or transporting mail, you must secure your vehicle at all times. If you cannot maintain the vehicle in your direct, full sight and be absolutely sure that neither the vehicle’s interior or its contents are tampered with, then the vehicle must be locked.
Sometimes it’s easier to leave open a door because it’s closer to the swing room or the credit union, or because it makes it easier to get to the parking lot. But we can’t sacrifice security for convenience. And you are sacrificing the security of ALL employees if you keep a door propped open when it should be closed.
It only takes one open door to compromise the security of the entire building. When a door that should be locked is left open, a breach in our security perimeter occurs. Unfortunately, there are unauthorized people with criminal intent who are waiting for just such an opportunity to get inside your building.
We can’t compromise safety and security. Locking facility doors and vehicles are our first line of defense. Remember these security measures:
-- We know that doors must be opened to let employees and the mail in and out. But at all other times, they must be closed and locked.
-- Make sure that all doors close and that all locks properly function.
-- We also must make sure this “closed door” policy doesn’t compromise safety. If people quickly have to get out because of fire, for example, they must have a clear path.
-- Only authorized personnel are allowed in our facilities.
-- Wear your Postal ID badge that authorizes you to be in your facility.
-- Anyone without an ID badge must wait outside until cleared for entrance by a supervisor.
-- Each time you inspect your vehicle, visually verify that any government license plates (USPS or GSA) still are affixed.
-- Designated employees must complete a daily vehicle inventory and document the results. A PS Form 4569 or local worksheet can be used, as long as all vehicles assigned to the operation are identified. When a vehicle is overnight at a service station or dealer’s facility, you must contact the vendor daily to ensure that the vehicle is still at that site.
-- IMMEDIATELY report anything missing.
-- Remove keys from the vehicle when not in use, and keep all doors locked. If you are delivering, collecting, or transporting mail, you must secure your vehicle at all times. If you cannot maintain the vehicle in your direct, full sight and be absolutely sure that neither the vehicle’s interior or its contents are tampered with, then the vehicle must be locked.
PMG on 9/11; Flags at Half-Staff Sunday
Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe’s video message to employees highlights the U.S. Postal Service’s observance of the attacks of September 11, 2001.The U.S. Postal Service will mark the tenth anniversary of the attacks on Sunday by lowering the flags at postal facilities to half-staff to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during the attacks.
According to ASM 472.22, "When employees are on duty in a postal facility, the flag must be displayed, except in severe weather as noted in 472.14. It is raised as soon after sunrise as practicable and lowered at the time of closing or no later than sunset." That means there is no requirement to fly the flag if no one is scheduled to be in your building. No other days are designated for flags at half-staff, if your facility is unoccupied on Sunday, September 11.
In his video, Donahoe recalls the September 11 tragedy with an expression of gratitude to those who responded to the attacks in New York City and Washington DC, as well as the heroic actions of the airline passengers who sacrificed their lives near Shanksville PA, and prevented a third attack.
Donahoe also recalls the efforts of postal employees who, he said, responded to the attacks by “working hard to restore mail service” in New York and Washington DC as quickly as possible. He said the sight of employees collecting and delivering mail had a “calming effect that we would somehow return to normal.”
The PMG said the country will never forget the life-changing events of September 11. He added that Americans also will remember that postal employees “knew what to do when our country needed assurance and a friendly reminder of more peaceful times.”
Click here to see the PMG’s video.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
CFC to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
This month the Postal Service joins other federal agencies in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This year's theme is "The Magic of Life is Giving ... Together Our Star Shines Brighter." Despite economic conditions, CFC organizers know that traditionally, postal employees have been generous in their contributions. You'll be hearing more about the CFC in your work location in coming weeks.
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