Friday, November 29, 2024
People
On the air
A VP promotes USPS Operation Santa and a highway contract route driver departs
The Postal Service’s marketing vice president appeared on ABC’s “GMA3” last week to promote USPS Operation Santa, the longstanding program that allows generous people to fulfill the Christmas wishes of families in need by adopting their letters to Santa Claus.
Sheila Holman explained how USPS Operation Santa brings people together through holiday goodwill and highlighted a new addition this year — an online store with items from Toys “R” Us that makes it easier for participants to fulfill letter writers’ wishes.
“There are so many great stories behind the letters — and the kids who write the letters,” she said. “[USPS Operation Santa] is such a great showcase of the dedication of the men and women of the United States Postal Service and how we play Santa’s elves and really deliver on our mission to deliver joy.”
Holman appeared alongside Dana Nachman, director of “Dear Santa, The Series,” a TV show that takes viewers behind the scenes of USPS Operation Santa.
The segment, which aired Nov. 21, can be viewed on the “GMA3” website.
Parting is such sweet sorrow
Delbert Caswell, a highway contract route driver in Adel, OR, recently retired after 43 years with USPS.
Caswell, an Army veteran and a fourth-generation highway contract route driver, was known as the “candy man” because of his penchant for handing out sweet treats to everyone he met.
“Delbert is a true icon among the residents here,” said Kati McGarva, the local postmaster. “He never knew a stranger and always lent a helping hand to any in need along the route he served. We will sure miss seeing him out delivering the mail.”
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News Quiz
Retail details
How much do you know about the new USPS prototype?
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end.
1. In what city did the Postal Service recently unveil its new retail space prototype?
a) Athens, GA
b) Fort Lauderdale, FL
c) Waco, TX
d) None of the above
2. What toy retailer powers the Postal Service’s online gift catalog, as part of the USPS Operation Santa program?
a) FAO Schwarz
b) Target
c) Toys “R” Us
d) Walmart
3. What financial services company will administer the Postal Service’s flexible spending account program in 2025?
a) Inspira Financial
b) Merrill Lynch
c) Morgan Stanley
d) Wells Fargo
4. What will be the competitive price increase for USPS Ground Advantage when the new shipping services prices take effect on Jan. 19?
a) 1.7 percent
b) 2.4 percent
c) 3.9 percent
d) 4.6 percent
5. Amber McReynolds was elected chair of the USPS Board of Governors on Nov. 14. When did she join the board?
a) July 2019
b) January 2022
c) September 2020
d) May 2021
Answers: 1) a. 2) c. 3) a. 4) c. 5) d.
December 6, 2024
Datebook
PSHB CareFirst webinar
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn more about health, dental and vision plan options within the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The “Blue Product Overview” webinar will be led by representatives from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The session will be held Friday, Dec. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
To participate, employees must register on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
December 6, 2024
Datebook
EAP orientation
The USPS Employee Assistance Program will hold its next online orientation on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.
The orientations, held on the first Friday of each month, offer information on how Postal Service employees and their families can use the program.
Employees must register in advance on the EAP website.
December 5, 2024
Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar
USPS employees and annuitants may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
The session will be held Thursday, Dec. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern and from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.
Postal Bulletin focuses on mobile devices
Postal Bulletin’s latest edition, published Nov. 28, offers tips on how employees can keep their mobile devices safe while traveling.
Updates to the organization’s policies, procedures and forms are also included.
Employees can go to usps.com to read and download the latest Postal Bulletin, along with past issues.
WestPac Area, IA-NE-SD District on top in scanning
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 97.55 percent during the week ending Nov. 22, down 0.27 percent from one week earlier.
The data was collected Nov. 27.
WestPac led the four areas with a rating of 97.73 percent, while Southern ranked last with a 97.28 percent rating.
Among the 50 districts, Iowa-Nebraska-South Dakota, part of Central Area, ranked first with a 98.44 percent rating, while Alaska, part of WestPac Area, ranked last with a 95.03 percent rating.
Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost loyalty and drive revenue.
To see the latest data, go to the Informed Visibility website and select “Customer Experience,” followed by “DES 2 Scan Performance.” Postal Service employees must request Informed Visibility access through eAccess.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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People
On the air
A VP promotes USPS Operation Santa and a highway contract route driver departs
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News Quiz
Retail details
How much do you know about the new USPS prototype?
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December6Datebook
PSHB CareFirst webinar
-
December6Datebook
EAP orientation
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December5Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar
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Brief
Postal Bulletin focuses on mobile devices
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Brief
WestPac Area, IA-NE-SD District on top in scanning