Judith Reeder, Washington, DC
“Cool by the pool,” the Heroes’ Corner article about a Colorado letter carrier who performed CPR to save an unresponsive girl pulled from a pool, was a beautiful story. The letter carrier’s actions were commendable. […]
Katie Howard
Posts by Katie Howard
Something’s off-road
Julie Bish, a rural carrier, was recently delivering mail in New Bethlehem, PA, when the sight of a downed mailbox gave her pause. She soon spotted the apparent cause: an all-terrain vehicle that had crashed nearby. The Postal Service employee stopped to take a closer look and found a man pinned underneath the four-wheeler, which […]
Merry shipping
The Postal Service has recommended deadlines for the holiday mailing and shipping season. The suggestions, released Oct. 4, are for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic, Air/Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO) and Diplomatic Post Office addresses. Here are the deadlines: • Nov. 5: APO, FPO, and DPO addresses (all ZIP Codes), […]
Energy Action Month
October is Energy Action Month, a time for federal agencies to share what they have done to advance energy conservation and resilience. This year, USPS is highlighting its Commitment to Environmental Excellence, an eight-point framework for making sustainability a priority at all levels of decision-making. It is also a public statement of the organization’s desire […]
High achievers
Here’s a look at Postal Service employees who received appointments or recognition recently: • James C. Colling was named chief counsel overseeing National Labor Relations Board matters in the Labor Law Group. He previously served as senior litigation counsel in the national employment litigation unit. • Brenda L. Hunter, a Supply Management program analyst, received […]
Karen Meehan, Washington, DC
“Babe in the woods,” the Heroes’ Corner article about a postal worker who rescued a wayward child — was another clever headline. […]
Lookout ladies
Do you know colleagues like Stephanie Tait and Jenifer Bertolina-Teper, who took decisive action in Murray, UT, to help an 86-year-old customer who had been scammed out of over $100,000? We want to know about them, too. USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above and beyond […]
Cold facts
USPS is reminding postal facilities to properly manage equipment containing refrigerants, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Refrigerant-containing equipment includes chillers, air conditioners, fire suppression systems, drinking fountains, refrigerators and freezers. Never vent or otherwise release refrigerants into the atmosphere. Refrigerants, refrigerant-containing equipment and cylinders must be disposed of properly. Other refrigerant management requirements include: • […]
Disability employment awareness
As it does each October, the Postal Service is observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize and honor the contributions of workers with disabilities of all kinds. The Department of Labor has chosen “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation” as the theme for the month. “People with disabilities make up a wonderfully […]
Pose for elfies
The Postal Service is collecting stories and photos of employees who do whatever it takes to get the job done throughout the holidays. As part of the Postal Proud initiative, the organization shines a light on employees who go the extra mile for customers during this year’s peak delivery season. From Oct. 1-Dec. 31, Peek […]
Arm’s way
Christopher Smith, a letter carrier in North Huntingdon, PA, was recently delivering mail when he heard a customer yelling for help inside her home. Smith rushed to check on the woman, who was stranded on the floor after falling the day before and breaking her arm. The Postal Service employee immediately called 911 and comforted […]
Lynn Long, Cincinnati, Ohio
As a 66-year-young grandma elf in waiting, I’m so glad that the Operation Santa program —highlighted in the “Holiday kickoff” article — has opened up again. I began receiving Santa letters in March. […]
Rising to the top
Here’s a look at Postal Service employees who received appointments or recognition recently: • Shontay L. Porter was named talent and acquisition director. She previously served as professional development programs manager. • Jane E. Quenk, identity access and management manager, was named acting revenue assurance executive manager. • Rick G. Thompson, operations insights manager, was […]
Swift fulfillment
Victory Packaging, the fulfillment company for the Postal Service’s expedited packaging supplies, will now process and ship orders within one business day from the date of receipt. Previously, the interval between order and processing could be as much as 72 hours. The change is effective Oct. 1. The update applies to the standard expedited packaging […]
Power portal
Postal Service employees will have multiple options for submitting leads in the Employee Engagement Lead Generation Programs, starting Oct. 1. Employees will also be able to see their individual lead status reports. ACE users can access the new Employee Lead Entry site on Blue by selecting the “Submit a Lead” link under “Featured Topics.” Links […]
Who’s the Ross?
Do you know colleagues like Ross Brossart, a letter carrier who ran door to door at a Grand Forks, ND, condominium to ensure the safety of residents threatened by a devastating blaze? We want to know about them, too. USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above […]
Michael Wear, Denver
The Remote Encoding Center highlighted in the “Handwriting hackers” article is pretty cool. I have known about the process of deciphering illegible handwritten addresses for years, but it is really a mystery to most postal workers exactly how it works. […]
Pickup line
A North Carolina postmaster’s conversation with a customer has resulted in a shipping deal worth more than $2 million for the Postal Service. Matthew Walters, who leads the Elkin Post Office, noticed that the owner of a local business was coming into the Post Office each day to mail packages. Walters let the business owner […]
Display of affection
A Philadelphia woman’s use of mail to decorate her home — and honor her late father — has gone viral on social media. Lauren Rosa Miller created a wall display in her living room, using framed postcards that her dad, Dave Miller Sr., sent while she was growing up. Dave, who owned and operated a […]
Labor update
USPS and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) have agreed to extend contract negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. Although the contract with the NPMHU expired at midnight Sept. 20, the Postal Service and the union mutually agreed to extend negotiations. The NPMHU represents more than 55,000 mail handlers nationwide. […]
Babe in the woods
Rural Carrier Becky Woolard was recently delivering mail in Bath, NC, when she spotted a toddler in trouble: The 3-year-old had taken a wooded path to their grandparents’ house next door, but no one was at home at the time. Woolard walked the toddler back along the path, and the mother was unaware her kid […]
New gigs
Here’s a look at some recent changes in the Postal Service leadership ranks: North Carolina District Manager Russell D. Gardner Jr. will retire from USPS on Sept. 30 after more than 35 years. • Chanan S. Jian VI was named California 2 District’s safety manager. He previously served as a Retail and Delivery Operations Command […]
Jolly entrance
The Postal Service celebrated the release of the Holiday Elves Forever stamps at Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK. The Sept. 15 event was held against a festive backdrop and included appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. USPS Board of Governors Secretary Michael Elston served as the dedicating official. The Holiday Elves […]
Lost and found
Do you know colleagues like Donna Kessler, an Indiana letter carrier who came to the aid of a distraught little girl who was hopelessly lost after her first day of kindergarten? We want to know about them, too. USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above and […]
National PCC Week
For the first time in three years, USPS leaders will meet in person with commercial mailers during National Postal Customer Council Week. The annual meetings are held across the nation each year to bring participants together to discuss strategies to grow the mailing and shipping industry, strengthen partnerships, learn about postal innovations and receive training. […]
Opportunity taken
A sales lead from a bulk mail clerk in Maryland has resulted in a bulk mail deal worth more than $1.4 million in new revenue for the Postal Service. Rita Morgan, who works at the Gaithersburg Post Office, met a customer who seemed unsure of where to drop off her company’s mail. Morgan used the […]
Exception to the rule
The Postal Service is offering employees another reminder about the rules for participating in political activities under the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act is a law that prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activity while on duty, while wearing a federal uniform or identification badge, while on federal property or while inside a […]
Action figures
Do you know colleagues like Justin McClanahan, a city carrier assistant who rescued a driver trapped in an overturned car on an icy, isolated Kentucky road? We want to know about them, too. USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. The […]
Climbing the ranks
Here’s a look at some recent changes in the Postal Service leadership ranks: • Carlo D. Salazar, mail processing division support executive manager, was named to a special assignment in Processing and Maintenance Operations. • Reece L. Steelman was named the Richmond, VA, Processing and Distribution Center’s plant manager. He previously served as the Tulsa, OK, […]
Snapshots of service
The Postal Service encourages employees who are military veterans or presently serving in the military to submit photos for inclusion in a video in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The photos may be old or new and may reflect participation in any branch or component of the military — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast […]