Monday, June 2, 2025
Wellness challenge begins June 16
This six-week program will use summer memories to promote physical activity
The USPS Benefits and Wellness team is encouraging employees to participate in the Summertime challenge, a six-week interactive program designed to track and encourage physical activity.
The program will use the theme of summer memories to motivate participants to reimagine and recapture the boundless energy of childhood.
Participants will have access to healthy recipes, daily wellness tips and an interactive message board.
Members of the winning team and the top individual scorers will each receive a $20 gift card.
Employees can register on the Summertime website from June 2-23.
The challenge runs June 16-July 27.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
For more information, email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
Heroes
She was a perfect match
A stranger needed a kidney and this letter carrier donated hers
Letter Carrier Tara Marsh of Imlay City, MI, recently delivered the gift of life by donating a kidney to someone she has never met.
After Marsh saw a social media post about the person who needed a kidney, she inquired about becoming a potential donor.
Marsh, a mother of four, then took health, blood and tissue tests to determine if she was a match — and she was.
Upon learning the results, Marsh scheduled the surgery.
“Tara is an exceptional employee and has a heart of gold. She is always going above and beyond for all of her customers and neighbors,” said local Postmaster Jay Sucaet.
Marsh has recovered and returned to work.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered May 25-31
Dog bites, postal history and semipostal stamps made news
Last week, Link told you about the Postal Service’s preparations for this year’s USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which begins Sunday, June 1.
The organization announced there were more than 6,000 dog attacks on Postal Service employees in 2024, up from about 5,800 such incidents the year before.
Los Angeles led major cities with 77 cases, while California topped the states with 701 attacks.
“The most important message for our customers … is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager.
It was also a week for looking backward: We published the fourth story in our series on the postal system’s 250th anniversary — this one focused on major events from 1925-1974 — and reminded employees to never get rid of postal artifacts without first checking with the USPS historian.
Additionally, Link offered guidance on promoting semipostal stamps, which raise money for good causes, and told you about the recipients of this year’s Supplier Performance Awards.
Finally, we introduced you to a trio of newsworthy postal employees: Tara Marsh, an Imlay City, MI, letter carrier who donated a kidney to someone she has never met; Frances Reynolds, a Talkeetna, AK, retail associate who hosts a local radio show; and Michele Decilla, a New Haven, CT, letter carrier who recently received a safe driving award.
Decilla, who’ll soon retire from USPS, also recalled how she began her career in 1987 after graduating high school.
“My aunt was in the Post Office, and my uncle, and they sent me the information to take the test,” she said. “It’s been a great career.”
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June 9, 2025
Datebook
‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’
USPS employees may participate in a webinar that will help explain how the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and Medicare work in retirement.
The session, “PSHB and Medicare in Retirement,” will be held Monday, June 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the webinar.
Participants must register on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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Wellness challenge begins June 16
This six-week program will use summer memories to promote physical activity
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Heroes
She was a perfect match
A stranger needed a kidney and this letter carrier donated hers
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered May 25-31
Dog bites, postal history and semipostal stamps made news
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June9Datebook
‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’