“Seatbelts: Saving Lives Since 1985” was the winning catchphrase in Michigan 1 District’s first seatbelt safety slogan contest.
Keitha Gomez, a letter carrier in Redford, MI, came up with it after researching Michigan’s mandatory seatbelt law, which took effect July 1, 1985.
“I tell my kids and share with others: If you pause for only five seconds before rushing to do something, you can save yourself a lifetime of physical and financial distress,” Gomez said.
The district’s accident reduction committee held the contest, which drew 111 entries.
During a local ceremony, District Manager Rick Moreton presented Gomez with a certificate and told attendees about a letter carrier who recently survived an accident because she was wearing a seatbelt.
“Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important choices we can make to stay safe,” Moreton said.
A helping hand with emergency plans
Hurricane season began June 1, and emergency preparations are top of mind for many in what is forecast to be an active season.
They’re also top of mind for postmasters and supervisors who must review, update and certify their Integrated Emergency Management Module in the Facilities Database before the June 15 deadline.
To help with the process, the Central Area National Preparedness team offered support via Zoom calls that facility leaders joined at their convenience to gain clarification or assistance with the process.
Jackson Center, OH, Postmaster CJ Foster was grateful for the help. “It was super-easy and convenient,” he said. “I told them what my problem was and they walked me through it.”
Where Cash is king
Call it an unbroken circle.
The Post Office in Johnny Cash’s hometown of Kingsland, AR, was recently renamed in his honor, and an official renaming ceremony took place last week.
It is a return engagement of sorts for the Man in Black. In 1994, Cash — along with his wife, June Carter Cash, his son, John, and all his living siblings — performed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” at the then-new Post Office’s dedication. Nearly 3,000 people attended that event.
“This has probably been the best day of my life,” Cash said at the time. “I love you, and I love Kingsland.”
The country music icon was born in the Arkansas town in 1932. He died in Nashville, TN, in 2003.
A bill proposing the renaming of the Post Office was introduced last June and passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a unanimous vote. After passage in the Senate, it was signed into law in January.
The facility is now officially the Kingsland “Johnny Cash” Post Office.
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