Patricia Branch-Brown, Cleveland
Stories like “Caught on camera” — the profile of Ronald Murphy Jr., the letter carrier who was recorded carefully delivering a customer’s package — show why USPS employees are important to the public. […]
Shawn Selby
Posts by Shawn Selby
Going ‘Green’
After learning last year about the Green Book, the African-American travel guide that inspired one of this year’s top Oscar contenders, Postal Service employee Mark Curry wondered if his family might have a connection to the publication. Curry’s grandmother, Mamie Sanders, owned a beauty salon in Kansas City, KS. After some online sleuthing, he found […]
Minor detail, major effect
The Postal Service is reminding employees about the proper handling of mail transport equipment (MTE) labels. The labels identify the destination for each mail container, which means a misplaced label can send the mail to the wrong destination. Employees are responsible for removing all labels and tags from sacks, trays and tubs when they empty […]
Safe at home
Refrigerators, coffee makers, fitness equipment and other internet-enabled household devices and appliances could become targets for online hackers seeking personal user information. These devices and others that incorporate smart audio speakers, TVs, light switches and home security systems — as well as voice-controlled personal assistants — operate on a concept known as the “internet of […]
Heart of Dixie
To help mark the release of the Alabama Statehood Forever stamp this week, here are five facts about the state known as the “Heart of Dixie.” 1. Alabama pioneered two holidays. The first Mardi Gras in America was not held in New Orleans, but rather in Mobile, AL, reportedly in 1702. Alabama was also the […]
Juan Zamudio, Washington, DC
“Caught on camera” was a wonderful article about the viral video that shows Tacoma, WA, Letter Carrier Ronald Murphy Jr. carefully delivering a package. He should make everyone proud to work for USPS. […]
Prince’s knight
Rural Carrier Bradley Cook was recently delivering mail in an Edmond, OK, neighborhood when he encountered a family in distress: Paul and Olivia Makanya were scrambling to save the life of their 2-year-old son, Prince, who had fallen into their swimming pool and wasn’t breathing. Cook immediately called 911 and helped Paul perform CPR on […]
Cactus Flowers
Post Offices across the nation will soon be blooming with Cactus Flowers. The organization’s newest stamps celebrate the beauty of cacti, flowering perennial succulents that are abundant in the Southwest and other parts of the world. Most cacti grow very slowly and are tough, adaptable and low maintenance. Cactus flowers are often large and flamboyant, […]
All about the Benjamins
Here’s Link’s latest “News Quiz,” a weekly feature that invites readers to test their knowledge of recent stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: Last week, USPS reported total revenue was $21.2 billion during fiscal 2019’s first quarter (Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2018), while total operating expenses were $19.7 billion. a) […]
Deadline reminder
The Postal Service is reminding facility managers and others about the federal reporting requirements for storing hazardous and toxic chemicals. USPS locations that store certain quantities of hazardous and toxic chemicals must complete and submit the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II Form by March 1. The form must be submitted to […]
‘A selfless act’
Sterling Harris was on the job last fall when an unusual address caught his eye. The envelope was made out to Mrs. Brent Taylor at “Home of an American War Hero” in North Ogden, a small city in Utah. As soon as he saw the address, Harris, a distribution clerk at Ben Lomond Station, knew […]
Carmencita Hardin, Tallmadge, OH
The Gregory Hines stamp is a colorful tribute to a man we will forever adore and hold dear in our hearts. He was one of the classiest and versatile tap dancers ever. […]
Finish line
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the federal government’s annual workplace charity drive, ends Friday, Feb. 22. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management extended the CFC, originally slated to end Jan. 11, to help federal workers affected by the recent government shutdown. Postal Service employees can submit a paper pledge form to a CFC keyworker or […]
Call to duty
Reminder: The Postal Inspection Service is accepting applications for Postal Police officers through Thursday, Feb. 14. Only USPS career employees can apply to this announcement, which the Inspection Service posted last week. Postal Police officers patrol USPS premises to prevent loss or damage to mail and postal assets. Officers also respond to emergencies and other […]
Share your view
What did you think of Link’s story about Ronald Murphy Jr., the Tacoma, WA, letter carrier who became a viral video star after he was caught on camera delivering a package with care? How about the recent report about Informed Delivery reaching its latest milestone: 15 million users? Did you pick up any helpful hints […]
Love lines
To help get you in the mood for romance this week, here are five thing about Valentine’s Day you may not have known. 1. “Vinegar Valentines” insulted their recipients. During the Victorian Era, those wishing to deride would-be suitors, neighbors or other acquaintances might anonymously send them insulting cards. These cards, also known as penny […]
After the fall
Letter Carrier Amy Bezerra was recently making deliveries in Broomfield, CO, when she grew worried about an older customer, John Zahller, whose mail had piled up over several days. When Bezerra knocked on Zahller’s door and got no answer, she checked with a neighbor, who tried unsuccessfully to reach him by phone. Bezerra returned to […]
Vencent Quaglia, Anaheim, CA
“Repeat customer” was a very touching story about Finn Blumenthal, the 4-year-old boy who’s a fan of the Falmouth Post Office in Fredericksburg, VA. The photo was terrific. […]
Keep it clean
Keeping USPS facilities clean can be tough, but for many custodians, it’s a job they take great pride in. “I keep the customer area clean and walkways and sidewalks shoveled and salted so customers can make their way safely to mail packages,” said Chris Boerman, who maintains the Newark, NY, Post Office. “I assist the […]
On duty
Are you interested in securing USPS facilities and protecting employees and other people on postal property? The Postal Inspection Service will accept applications for Postal Police officers from Friday, Feb. 8, through Thursday, Feb. 14. Only USPS career employees can apply to this announcement. Postal Police officers patrol USPS premises to prevent loss or damage […]
Happy new year
A new Postal Service video features highlights from the recent Celebrating Lunar New Year stamp dedication ceremony. The stamp honors the Year of the Boar, which began Feb. 5. “As you add this beautiful stamp to your collection or use it to mail your letters and packages, it is our sincere wish that the Year […]
Information, please
Here’s Link’s latest “News Quiz,” a weekly feature that invites readers to test their knowledge of recent stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: Employees who violate the federal conflicts of interest law may face criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the Postal Service. a) True b) False 2. […]
Aileen Kirts, Potomac, IL
“History lessons,” the article about the college professor who uses postcards to teach history, was a great story. […]
Imminent risk
Letter Carrier Mary Smith was recently delivering mail in a Marion, OH, neighborhood when she detected the odor of gas at an older customer’s residence. Smith knocked on the woman’s door and urged her to contact the gas company. Several days later, the customer told Smith that utility workers had discovered gas leaking from the […]
Sweet 15
Informed Delivery has 15 million subscribers, a new milestone. The free feature offers multiple benefits for consumers, allowing them to preview their incoming mail and manage their packages from computers, tablets and other mobile devices. Businesses can add interactive content to the Informed Delivery emails that subscribers receive. Subscribers can click this content and be […]
Making history
The Link team would like to speak to USPS employees who have connections to the Negro Motorist Green Book, the travel guide that postal worker Victor Green founded in the 1930s. The guide, which was published regularly until 1966, listed businesses that would welcome African-American travelers. The publication inspired “Green Book,” a top contender during […]
Proud heritage
To help mark the start of African-American History Month, here are five things to know about the national observance. 1. Carter G. Woodson pioneered the precursor to African-American History Month. In the early 1900s, Woodson, a son of former slaves and a Harvard University-educated historian, became concerned that the contributions of black people were overlooked […]
NPF VIP
NPF VIP. Ramela Younekian, Sierra Coastal District’s marketing manager, is the first employee to receive a complimentary registration to this year’s National Postal Forum (NPF). Younekian earned the registration after recruiting five new business customers to attend the event, which will be held in Indianapolis from May 5-8. This is the fourth consecutive year Younekian […]
Safe and secure
USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. The program, which will mark its 16th year in 2019, is based on a simple idea: Postal Service employees know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, and are […]
Chris Kesselring, Bagley, IA
“Wheel love” is a touching story. I can see why the letter carrier cried after receiving the Lego LLV. I love how customers make our day. […]