Janet Brockhouse, Eagan, MN
“Handwritten hope” was another great article about beautiful humanity at work. There’s nothing like receiving the touch of another’s heart through their personal writing. […]
Katie Howard
Posts by Katie Howard
Midlothian, VA, Rural Carrier Adrienne Burns
“I know my customers. If my older customers don’t pick up their mail for a few days, I let someone know so they can check on them. It’s about customer service.” […]
Read More… from Midlothian, VA, Rural Carrier Adrienne Burns
Roll with it
For more than 50 years, Doris Jenkins has traded shifts between the Topsail Beach, NC, Post Office and the roller skating rink that she and her husband built upstairs. Jenkins, a contract Postmaster, operates the Post Office during the day and runs the rink every night. Both have been family affairs. “My grandmother was a […]
Plain and simple
The Postal Service has simplified the marking and documentation requirements for mailers who are authorized to ship ethanol-based flammable liquids and solids in air transportation. Here’s what you should know: • Mailers who use Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail and First-Class Package Service to ship limited quantities of ethanol-based flammable solids and liquids […]
Gone, but not forgotten
“The list” has spent the past few weeks looking at some of the unique ways USPS delivers mail. Here are six methods that are no longer used. 1. Pneumatic tubes. From the 1890s to the 1950s, mail zipped between some postal facilities through a series of underground tubes. The mail was carried inside canisters that […]
Northern Virginia District Information Systems Specialist Bill White
“Passwords are like chewing gum. They should never be used more than once, and they should never be shared.” […]
Read More… from Northern Virginia District Information Systems Specialist Bill White
Sharon Abegg, Merlin, OR
I’m so proud of Willow, AK, Retail Associate Michaela “Misha” Wiljes and her dogs for completing the Iditarod. She is a very brave woman. […]
Mary Burd, Pitman, PA; Judith Bates, Red Oak, OK; Reginald Sloan, Oklahoma City
Postal Service employees in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma recently responded quickly and effectively when they spotted fires. Retail Associate Mary Burd was driving to work in Pitman, PA, when she saw flames shooting out of a home’s garage. She called 911 and knocked on the front door, but no one was there. Firefighters couldn’t save the […]
Read More… from Mary Burd, Pitman, PA; Judith Bates, Red Oak, OK; Reginald Sloan, Oklahoma City
Still going strong
More than two dozen Post Offices are marking their 225th anniversaries this week. The 26 offices are located in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. Several of these offices are celebrating by decorating their lobbies and passing out treats to customers. “We’re all amazed by our rich […]
Leader of the pack
Clarence Lyles has learned a thing or two after 45 years with USPS — including proper loading techniques. The Charlotte, NC, letter carrier says properly loading vehicles and carts while making deliveries helps protect employees, customers and the mail. “It’s very important to know how to load without accidents,” Lyles says. Employees like Lyles help […]
Need to know
Flag Day. June 14 is Flag Day, one of six days each year that Postal Service facilities are required to fly the POW-MIA flag. The flag honors the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action. The POW-MIA flag must fly below the U.S. flag. For […]
Leandra Beckemeyer, Howe, TX
Thank you for sharing the beautiful “‘Until death us do part’” love story. The Postal Service is the bridge that crosses states, oceans and even continents to bring people together. I am proud to be a part of it. […]
Fort Worth District Manager Tim Vierling
“It’s important that our customers have an effective and efficient experience.” […]
Riley Grady and Scott Smith, Kinston, NC
Two custodians at the Kinston, NC, Post Office recently saved the day when a light bulb apparently overheated and started a fire. Scott Smith discovered that the bulb had burst and ignited the fixture’s plastic covering, dripping flaming material onto the facility’s box section. He sprang into action, notifying Riley Grady, who activated the fire alarm […]
Mush!
Michaela “Misha” Wiljes recently completed the race of a lifetime. The Willow, AK, retail associate was one of 72 mushers who competed in Alaska’s famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This year’s grueling, 1,000-mile course stretched from Fairbanks to Nome. At times, the temperature dropped to 46 degrees below zero. “I was perfectly fine with […]
Green miles
Through a collaboration with the Postal Service, a highway contract route supplier recently switched from diesel gas to compressed natural gas, a cleaner fuel. The Arkansas-based company, Pat Salmon and Sons Inc., operates 4 million miles annually in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. USPS negotiated with the trucking firm to convert 27 tractors to compressed natural […]
Need to know
Time for a change. The Postal Service is changing the hours for its Time and Attendance Collection System (TACS) Help Desk. Beginning June 10, the new hours of operation will be 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Central time, Monday-Saturday. The TACS Help Desk is closed Sundays. If you need assistance outside the new hours, the Postal Service […]
Terrell, TX, Retail Associate Lisa Monaco
“I love my job. Your career can go anywhere you want while working for the Postal Service.” […]
James Zukauskas, Waterbury, CT
“Honor thy children” was a great article about the good work being done by Alton, IL, employees William Perkins and Wayne Able. I want to learn more about their program to help children battling illnesses. […]
Christopher Burgler, Buffalo, NY; Ricky Pippin, Henryetta, OK; Melanie Bostic, Bristol, VA
Postal Service employees around the nation recently helped people in their communities get out of harm’s way. Buffalo, NY, Letter Carrier Christopher Burgler was delivering mail when he encountered a man attacking a woman outside her home. Burgler intervened and the man fled. The postal employee then called 911 and stayed with the woman until […]
Safety matters
In a new “Business Focus” video, PMG Megan J. Brennan discusses the importance of on-the-job safety. She reminds employees to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and always buckle up. “We want you to go home safely every day to your family and friends,” Brennan says. The PMG also thanks employees for participating in […]
Fair exchanges
Post Offices across the nation are holding passport fairs to generate revenue and help an influx of customers prepare for their summer travels. Many offices are extending their hours to meet rising demand. The Medford, OR, Post Office held an appointment-only passport fair on a recent Sunday, while the Westfield, NJ, Post Office planned a […]
Need to know
In the news. USPS has introduced Mail Call, a quarterly newsletter for employees who served in the military. The newsletter’s goal is to provide relevant information and resources available to veterans in the Postal Service. “We are continuing our workforce engagement efforts through this targeted newsletter,” Chief Human Resources Officer Jeffrey Williamson said. “Our military […]
Access denied
Reminder: USPS prohibits employees from using postal computers and mobile devices to log into their personal email accounts, such as Hotmail, Yahoo, Excite and MSN. Access to these accounts is blocked to protect postal networks from phishing emails and other security threats. If you attempt to use USPS equipment to access a non-postal email account, […]
Theresa Singer, Middleburg, VA
Coy Hill, the employee who won a home through a fundraising promotion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is a positive example of “what goes around comes around.” […]
Sherry Moodespaugh, Caledonia, OH
A customer in Caledonia, OH, who recently suffered a stroke got the help he needed thanks to a concerned postal employee. Rural Carrier Sherry Moodespaugh noticed that the man hadn’t picked up his mail in several days, and she grew concerned when she knocked on his door and got no response. She alerted his neighbors, […]
Atlanta District Business Development Specialist Sonia Holley
“Direct mail now has the capability to link to websites, videos and digital content. It’s a very effective tool for small businesses on a tight budget.” […]
Read More… from Atlanta District Business Development Specialist Sonia Holley
Informed connections
The National Postal Forum (NPF), the mailing and shipping industry’s largest annual conference, will be held from May 21-24 in Baltimore. This year’s theme is “Make Informed Connections.” The keynote address features PMG Megan J. Brennan, who will discuss her vision and strategies for growth of the Postal Service and the mailing industry. Chief Customer […]
Good eats
A new Postal Service video goes behind the scenes of the recent Delicioso stamp dedication ceremony. The 1-minute, 14-second video features remarks from Network Operations VP Robert Cintron, who dedicated the stamps in Albuquerque, NM. Remarks from New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Secretary Veronica Gonzales and chef Marie Yniguez are also included. […]
Bank on it
Next time you check your financials online, keep in mind that hackers can steal your money and personal information if you’re not careful. The CyberSafe at USPS team is offering these tips for safeguarding your accounts: Alert your bank of your upcoming travel plans and set a maximum daily withdrawal limit for your account. Use […]