In June, “People” introduced you to Kalani Han, a Chicago letter carrier who organized two history exhibits at the Post Office where he works.
We couldn’t help but notice: This fellow has style.
It turns out we’re not alone.
“Folks on my route call me ‘Mr. Hollywood’ and around the city I’ve come to be known as ‘The Dapper Mailman,’” Han said.
“There’s something about vintage — and even giving the uniform a fresh interpretation — that turns an everyday delivery into something a little more memorable.”
Han, 34, has been into vintage style since he was a child, a trait he attributes to a “wonderfully eccentric” babysitter in his native Hawaii whom he considers an early role model.
He gets most of his retro items from online shops and estate sales, “but some of the most meaningful pieces have come from retired postal workers who were kind enough to gift them to me,” he said.
“You feel the weight of its history. And when I wear it now, I try to carry that forward with care and a little flair.”
Han is clearly besotted with the postal past. He recently collected U.S. Air Mail coat buttons and a pin from the 1930s to use on a peacoat he sewed in a tribute to the Air Mail era.
But his love of vintage is not confined to work hours.
“Most days you’ll find me in high-waisted trousers and a button-down — not too far from my postal uniform, really. There’s just something about the silhouettes and sensibility of vintage style that speaks to me. It feels timeless, intentional and a little bit romantic.”
Coming up aces
Postal Service employees in Milwaukee, WI, are participating in a local program that aims to help retail associates keep hazardous materials out of the mailstream.
“It’s encouraging to see how engaged and responsive our teams are when it comes to safety,” said Natrice Williams, customer services manager at Shorewood Finance Station, where retail associates recently scored 100 percent on a hazmat pop quiz.
“These small incentives reinforce the training and make learning memorable, all while celebrating our employees for doing the right thing.”
Open for business … and fun
USPS continues to hold open houses across the nation to showcase its new sorting and delivery centers.
A recent open house at the Bloomington, IL, Sorting and Delivery Center drew more than 300 attendees, including employees, their family members and retirees.
In addition to showcasing the building’s new lights, floors and restrooms, a USPS next-generation delivery vehicle was on display and there were refreshments, face painting, inflatable toys for kids and prizes.
“I’ve never seen a turnout like that at a Post Office function. We don’t see co-workers’ families often, so this is good,” said Alissa Lyons, a letter carrier.
Lance Moise, a rural carrier associate, said that he “was excited to show my wife where I work — it’s very morale boosting — and a lot of fun.”
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