Friday, July 20, 2012

Our Customers Appreciate our Efforts

Customer & Industry Contact Manager Karen Kucharczyk received the following letter form a customer who wanted to express her appreciation for service above and beyond the call of duty:

Good morning Ms. Kucharczyk,                             

I just had to write you today to let you know what a great employee you have in Janice Gray.                

I work for the largest union in the state, AFSCME Council 4. Two weeks ago I did a very large mailing; over 440 pieces and each piece cost $4.90 in postage, totaling over $2,156.00.  Two days after this mailing went out, they started coming back with a hand-written message “USPS Flat Rate Env. Rate CB Price ONLY” written on one of the eight pieces that was returned that Friday.  After making calls and talking to a man at Pitney Bowes, I was told that even though I had the right dollar amount, I ran the postage incorrectly as it was supposed to reflect language about “ComBas Rate”.  Needless to say, I was sick at the thought that most or all of these packets would be returned.  Not only was time-sensitive material enclosed, it would cost the union another $2,156 to re-mail them and another 2 days of work to prepare them again.

I phoned your post office and spoke to Janice.  She saved my sanity and probably my job!  She had me scan a copy of what the large envelopes look like, then she sent an email along with the scanned copy of the envelope to all the post offices throughout the state asking the head postmasters to forward these envelopes on to the addressees even though the “ComBas” language was not printed on the envelopes.

I was on vacation all last week but constantly worried about the returned mailing.  When I got into work this morning and immediately asked my co-worker how many in total we got back last week, she told me that beside the 8 I received on that Friday, she only got 2 more back.  Ms. Kucharczyk, I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate what Janice did for me.  Too often in this day and age we find employees that only do what they need to do to get by.  It is so refreshing to see such a conscientious, dedicated employee with work ethics that stretch far beyond most.  I could not let this go without letting Janice’s supervisor know what she has done for me.

Sincerely,

Barbara Williams
AFSCME Council 4

When Customer & Industry Contact Manager Karen Kucharczyk thanked the customer for her kind words, she got the following response:
Ms. Kucharczyk,

Thanks for your reply assuring me you received my e-mail.  I’ve always held a high opinion of the Postal Service being amazed at how quickly those thousands/millions of pieces of mail reach their intended destination every day.  And after doing business with Janice, I see now why it runs so smoothly.

-Barbara Williams

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Son Credits Norwich Carrier With Saving Dad's Life



Walter Fleming
On Saturday July 7, 2012, with temperatures in the 90s and oppressive humidity, Walter Fleming was delivering his park and loop route in Norwich CT.

When he arrived at a customer's home on Washington Street, he
noticed that the mail had not been picked up the previous day.

The 92 year old resident of Norwich, a retired newspaper delivery man, had asked Walter to please check on him if he failed to pick up his mail every day.

Walter, remembering this, went to the door of his apartment in this multi-family dwelling. When the customer didn't answer, Walter checked the door which was unlocked. He entered and found his customer curled on the floor in the fetal position, cold to the touch and barely alive. Walter immediately called 911 and waited for the first responders to get to the scene.

During the rest of the day he attempted to get in contact with the landlord to obtain a phone number for the customer's son. He accomplished this and then notified the son that his father had been rushed to Backus Hospital.

It was the son, not Walter that alerted USPS management of Walter's deed. He insists that had it not been for Walter being alert to his customers his father would not be alive today.

Walter's route runs across from the hospital, and on Monday during his lunch, Walter stopped in to see his customer and was elated to see his improvement. Walter is a humble hero, and an asset to the Norwich Post Office.


Monday, April 2, 2012

Stamford Connecticut Student Deliver a Postitive Message - "Wee" Love the U.S. Postal Service

St. Cecelia's students enjoy the Wee Deliver program.
Saint Cecilia Elementary School began participating in the Wee Deliver program in 1994, and has kept the program running every year since then.  Wee Deliver is a school-wide postal program designed to allow students in all grades (pre-K - 5th) to send and receive mail with teachers, classmates, parents and school staff.  

This unique program supported by the Springdale Post Office in Stamford CT, encourages children to write letters and to learn how the postal system works.

Wee Deliver is a student-run activity.  Fourth and Fifth graders are eligible to be postal workers, while children in all grades are encouraged to send mail. 

Saint Cecilia's has 4 sessions of Wee Deliver each year to accommodate the over 50 students that participate in the program as postal workers. Postmaster Andrea Dallas assists in deciding on creative contests and special mail days to encourage the students to write letters.  

Supermom Megan Janik has coordinated the Wee Deliver program for the last 10 years. 

Friday, March 30, 2012

CFC Director Thanks Postal Employees for Their Generosity

In an email to CTV District Manager Kimberly J. Peters RI and SEMA CFC Director Elizabeth J. Comeau wrote:

"I ended my day late yesterday afternoon speaking with some CFC colleagues about our 2011 campaigns, specifically the USPS participation in the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign.

And, I knew I wanted to begin my day by sending this e-mail to you – mostly to, again, extend to you my most heartfelt thanks for your support of the RI and SEMA CFC.

First and foremost, know that like me, all of my colleagues have the USPS family in our thoughts and prayers given the current circumstances, uncertainties and this unsettled economic environment.
 
Secondly, I must share with you that I continue to be humbled and in awe of the continuing support of this campaign by USPS employees.  Despite the challenges they face, they have not forgotten that there are others whose situations are far more challenging – the countless people served by our CFC-participating charitable organizations.

I’m sure you’ve seen the numbers…

USPS employees in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts contributed almost $275,000 to the 2011 Campaign.  Their rate of employee participation is greater than that of the campaign’s overall rate of participation – AMAZING. 

I know, too, that it is because of YOU, your support, that we were able to achieve these extraordinary results!  Few USPS campaigns across the country were able to achieve (and/or maintain) their records of giving like our USPS Campaign was able to do.

I will look forward to working with you again in 2012, and I know that, with your support (and with the team we have put in place), we will continue to help those who
need our help and are counting on us. 

Again, thank you so VERY MUCH and may GOD BLESS YOU for your charitable spirit."

Best regards,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth J. Comeau
CFC Director
RI and SEMA Combined Federal Campaign

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Helping Businesses Do More Business...

That was the theme of the Fairfield County CT Postal Customer Council Spring Mailing Expo that took place on March 7th at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield CT.

Fairfield County Postal Customer Council learns
about mailing opportunities at a local Mailing Expo.
Attendees of the Mailing Expo gained valuable information from USPS experts that will help them save money and grow business through the mail.Topics included - Non Profit Mailing, Mail Piece Design, Every Door Direct Mail and the 2012 Rate Case. The event also provided an opportunity for business mailers to network with local postal officials while enjoying a great breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere.
The FCCPCC, headed by Industry Co-Chair Art Gerckens, Mail Center Manager Sacred Heart University and Postal Co-Chair Andrea Dallas, Postmaster Stamford, is dedicated to innovation and education.
Businesses interested in learning about the latest USPS products, services and technologies can become members of the FCCPCC by contacting Lisa Landone Customer Relations Coordinator at lisa.j.landone@usps.gov.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Wilbraham MA Employees Receive Special Honors

Wilbraham Letter Carriers Remo "Rey" Lalli, a 37-year postal veteran and Eric Sutter, a 32-year postal veteran were recently honored with service pins at the Wibraham Post Office. 

Sutter also received a million mile award. A professional driver must have driven for either 30 years or a million miles without a preventable motor vehicle accident to be honored with a million mile award.

Sutter shares a photo of the type of truck he drove when he first joined the Postal Service.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Hartford Postmaster Hosts Every Door Direct mailing seminar

Hartford Postmaster (A) Ted Goonan and the Greater Hartford PCC hosted an Every Door Direct Mail seminar in the Hartford PEDC.  About 35 people attended the event, which serves to educate customers about the value of Every Door Direct Mail, a product that allows customers to send mail pieces for as little as 14 cents per piece to a select set of addresses.

The product is easy and great for customers who want to mail to a targeted neighborhood, area or ZIP Code. 
Business Solutions Specialist Darryl Forbes (L) and
Business Development Specialist Randy Yott (R) help
educate customers about the value of Every Door Direct.
 
Every Door Direct is a retail product using Simplified Addressing that was launched on February 11, 2011. EDDM-Retail makes it possible for small businesses to send Direct Mail without a permit and without the expense of list purchasing.

“Customers like the convenience and versatility of Every Door Direct Mail,” said Goonan. “It is a valuable tool to expand the customer base of small businesses.”




Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Despite Delay, We Still Delivered

It was only a couple of days after Valentine’s Day when Karen Kucharczyk, Manager of Consumer and Industry Contact, received an email from Gene Tewksbury, aide to Congressman Joe Courtney.  He told her he had received the following email form a constituent:

“On January 28, 2012, I mailed a package from the Old Mystic Post Office to my daughter in law… in Norman, OK,” it said.

She has not received it. The package contained items that were very sentimental and spoke of the deepest bond of love, that of mother and son.
Postal employees help process and
deliver packages everyday whose
value is immeasurable.

Her email continued, “My son died during open heart surgery in Oklahoma. I cannot replace the items in this package, most important (sic) a DVD of Jeremy's Memorial Service, a hand written letter encouraging my daughter-in-law, a handmade dress for my 2 year old granddaughter and other things.”

She may have lost hope but our Consumer and Industry Contact team did not. With the help of Consumer and Industry Contact representative Jane Saddler and Lionel Snow, Manager at MRC Search, the package was located and returned to the customer.

“At times it can be frustrating in Consumer Affairs and every single Consumer Affairs clerk knows this.  But, outcomes like this, makes (everyone) know the value you add each day,” Kucharczyk told her staff with a heartfelt thank you.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Stratford Letter Carrier Helps Accident Victim

Lou Dellilo, USPS Safety Specialist, was on his way to the Stratford Post Office last Friday when he was shocked to see a body in the road.


 Stratford Letter Carrier
Julia Kovach came to the aid
of an accident victim.
Apparently, a woman had just been struck by a vehicle and was left there. As he approached, he saw letter carrier Julia M. Kovach kneel down next to the woman.

The 24-year postal veteran start talking calmly to the woman to her keep her comforted until the ambulance came.

“The carrier displayed great compassion and stayed with her until medical teams arrived,” said Delilo, expressing his pride to be a member of such a compassionate postal team.  “I’m sure she did this from the heart,” he said

Friday, March 16, 2012

Congratulations to Our Sales & Service Associates

A smile, a kind word, quick solutions; that is what our customers want and the postal employees of the Connecticut Valley District know it.  Our Sales and Service Associates and Postmasters who work the window are ranked #10 nationally by our residential customers for “friendliness and courtesy” for January 2012.  That is tenth place out of 67 districts.

These are difficult economic times, but a smile and a caring attitude carries a lot of weight with our customers and does not cost a cent.  Employees feel better when they smile and our customers feel more confident they are getting the best service available. 

Let’s hear what our customers have told us:


    “USPS (window staff) is doing an outstanding job.  Thank you.”

    “Just keep up the good work. I'm very satisfied with the services provided to me and my family.”

    “Employees in my post office are very friendly.”

    “I love the people at the post office!”

    “I'm totally satisfied.”

When you think that no one notices your efforts, be assured your customers notice them everyday and they appreciate your positive attitude.  Thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of our customers.


Nobody cares how much you know; until they know how much you care.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Fall River Post Office Employees Give Because They Care

Fall River PO employees raise almost $14,000 for CFC

Fall River postal employees have made the Fall River office a sustaining office in the  Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Lucille Rezza, general clerk, and Paul Knarr, city carrier, have been CFC Coordinators in the Fall River office for many years.

As Coordinators, they help to secure CFC Keyworkers for the branches of Fall River, educate fellow employees about the CFC and how some of the charities have affected them or have affected their families and friends in one way or another, and make sure that pledges are sent into the SEMA CFC Coordinator in a timely manner.

Keyworkers do their part to secure pledges and get the pledges to the coordinators. They work together as a team to ensure that the CFC goal of 100% contact with employees is met to  be sure that every employee is given the opportunity to pledge if they so choose.  The generosity of postal employees in the Fall River office have made this office one of the most successful in the SEMA campaign area.

In 2010 Lucille and Paul were asked to be in a locally produced CFC video, along with other federal employees, to be used in the RI /SEMA CFC campaign. The video was also used in some other campaigns. Fall River had a record breaking year for CFC contributions in 2010 by raising $16,862.76 and has come close to that total this year with $13,746.92 in pledges. Fall River is also an office that excels in community relations. They have supported blood drives, food drives and numerous community causes.

Fall River Postal Employees Certainly Do Give Because They Care and on behalf of all the charities and causes that benefit from their caring and generosity we say:
Thank You!  Thank You!   Thank You!

Hartford Postmaster Unveils Johnson Stamp


On Feb 24, 2012, the Hartford Post Office unveiled the John H. Johnson stamp at the 11th Annual Black Heritage celebration at the State of Connecticut office Building. The event was well attended and drew media interest as well. (A) Hartford Postmaster Ted Goonan and Angela Berry, Connecticut State Department of Education Division of Teaching, unveiled the stamp.  The Hartford Post Office also sold $945.00 in John Johnson Stamps.


Program Excerpt:Legendary Publisher Honored

With the 35th stamp in the Black Heritage Series, the U.S. Postal Service honors John H. Johnson, the trailblazing publisher of Ebony, Jet< Negro Digest and other magazines. His magazines portrayed black people in a positive manner when such representation was rare. His magazine redefined the image of black people, played an important role in the civil rights movement in American history and helped shape American culture. the magazines were the foundation of his business empire that included publishing, radio stations, television production, cosmetics, fashion and insurance. In 1982, Johnson became the first African American listed in Forbes magazine as one of the 400 wealthiest people in America.  

Providence Post Office Among the Best in the Nation in Ready Post & Greeting Card Sales


SSA Lenny Rachlaw and Patricia Marino (Hallmark
representative) keep the Providence Post Office stocked
with greeting cards.

Providence Sales & Service Associate Lenny Rachlow handles all of the ready post and greeting cards in the Providence Main Post Office. The office is ranked 5th in the nation for greeting card sales.
  
Here are some of the reasons why they are ranked so high. "One thing that Lenny does is every day before we open, he makes sure the cards are neatly displayed. He also requested from our Hallmark representative small card holders that we have strategically placed on the queue line," said window supervisor Tracy Pirie.

Lenny also places funny "Birthday' cards in the displays daily. If there is a holiday, he also places the holiday cards in the displays. Some of the clerks offer cards as their additional item. And the large cardboard card display is placed just to the right of where the customers stand in line. It is great to see customers reading the cards while waiting to be called.

SSA Lenny Rachlaw helps a customer with Ready Post.

Providence is also ranked 6th in the nation for all ready post products. They place a few of the decorative boxes on display on the slat wall and also have each of the white ready post boxes put together in a pyramid with the price and size of the box on each display box.

"This makes it easier for the customer to choose the correct size box. We keep the product neat and well stocked during the day. Lenny keeps an eye on the levels of product that we have, if we start running low on cards , we perform an audit on that item and let our Hallmark representative know our concerns, said Pirie.

Hartford Holds Yellow RIbbon Event for Deployed Military Members


Senior Master Sergeant Keith Buckhout (L)
of the 104 Fighter wing Barnes Air National
Guard in Westfield, MA who also works as
a Supervisor of Maintenance Operation in
the Springfield Bulk Mail Center is happy
to receive information about overseas
mailing from Hartford Customer Relations
Coordinator Vicki Lincoln.

Mark Levesque, CTV sales & services/distribution associate, and Vicki Lincoln, Hartford Customer Relations Coordinator, represented the US Postal Service at the Air National Guard yellow ribbon event.  The yellow ribbon event prepares service members and their families for deployment.

Vicki and Mark were able to provide information on regional rate boxes, flat rate, customs forms and items appropriate for mailing to 230 Airmen that attended the event.

“It was an honor to be there to support our military troops who sacrifice so much for the freedom of this country,” said Lincoln, who has two sons that were deployed.

One is currently serving in Afghanistan and one served in Iraq. I know just how important it is to send mail to our soldiers," she said.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Saving Lives - It's all in a day's work

Fall River Letter Carrier Gil Canuel Honored
Fall River Letter Carrier Gil Canuel, a 25-year postal veteran, began the new year on a high note. Canuel was delivering mail in his Flint neighborhood of Fall River MA when he noticed the mail piled up at  the home of one of his customers.  He notified authorities and rescue workers found the 82-year-old customer on the floor suffering from a broken hip and dehydration.

Canuel was honored by the city for his heroic efforts last month. The customer's son expressed his appreciation to the Letter Carrier at an event at city hall to honor the postal employee. "I can't thank you enough," said the son, adding, "I had not planned on visiting my very independent father for a few more days. We know what could have happened."

The customer is recovering in a rehab center and Canuel is back on the route keeping an eye out for the rest of his customers.  "I'm glad I was able to help," Canuel said. Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan presented the Letter Carrier with a citation and said that if it were not for Canuel's alert actions, the outcome may have been much different. "I believe he saved his life," said the Mayor.

New Canaan Postmaster Nancy Cornelio wins Q1 Business Connect Contest

Congratulations to Nancy Cornelio, Postmaster New Canaan, CT.  Nancy has been recognized as the Quarter 1 Business Connect Contest Winner, and is the proud recipient of a trip for two to the National Postal Forum in Orlando, Florida this upcoming April. 

The Focus of this contest for Quarter 1 was Every Door Direct™ (EDD) and International Shipping. The objective -  conduct a minimum of five Business Connect activities, to include three customer meetings or events about International Shipping services and two customer meetings or events promoting Every Door Direct  (EDD).

Nancy Cornelio was randomly selected as the Business Connect grand prize contest winner from 262 other qualifying managers whose names were also entered into the contest drawing.

During Quarter 1, Nancy met with 21 customers and conducted a total of 59 Business Connect activities, of which 15 were bonus activities which exceeded the qualifications for the Business Connect Contest and generated $165,000 in new revenue. Nancy is commended for educating and promoting the benefits of Every Door Direct (EDD) and  International Shipping  to small businesses and customers in her community. 

So, hats off to you, and to all postmasters who continue to participate in the Business Connect program. 

Centuries of Safe Driving

 As most of us know, the U.S. Postal Service has the largest fleet of vehicles outside of our military. And those who drive them are consummate professionals.  Many of our letter carriers have driven more than a million miles to deliver mail to the customers on their routes - often without a single accident.  Some of those who were honored for that distinction include the following.

WestportCT, Post Office honored Frank Mantlik, a 34-year postal veteran and Robert Rotty, a 30-year postal veteran. Neither has had a motor vehicle accident during their entire career. In In Waterford CT, 3 letter carriers were also honored for more than 30 years of accident free driving.  They are Dale Herrick, 32 years; Walter Kaika, 31 years and Marshall King, 30 years

All were inducted into the National Safety Council’s “Million Mile Club." To be qualified for the Million Mile distinction, a professional driver must have driven without a preventable motor vehicle accident for either 30 years or a million miles.

Safe driving is a life long lesson according to Rotty, who said, "When I was in the Army I had an eye opening experience. I was driving home from Fort DevinsN.J. and fell asleep at the wheel while driving 75 mph. wound up hitting a car and am lucky to be alive to talk about it. Ever since then, I made it a point to be aware of my surroundings and not to take my eyes off the road."

Westport CT Letter Carriers Smile for Safe Drivers