Ocala letter carrier delivers as Santa's elf

Letter Carrier Mark Gourley in his elf outfit.

Reprinted from Ocala Star Banner

By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent

SILVER SPRINGS SHORES — Letter carrier Mark Gourley, known this time of year as the “Elf Mailman,” would have a heap of trouble sneaking up on anyone.

It's not just the red elf jumper with suspenders, the full-length green and white striped elf leggings, the red elf hat and the special shoes he dons for at least two weeks during Christmas season.

It's those big, noisy elf bells on his feet.

“People mention they hear the bells all the time,” said Gourley, 51, who has dressed like this during Christmas for the past six years.

The get-up is Gourley's way of spreading holiday cheer — even if all he has for you in his mail sack is a pile of bills.

Gourley's wife, Wendy, said the elf outfit was the result of a friendly seasonal costume competition among employees at the Maricamp Road branch of the U.S. Post Office.

“It started with bells,” she said, “and escalated.”

“The kids love it. They look for him coming along the route. If he wears the elf costume at a place like Walmart, everyone asks to take a picture with him,” she said.

Mark Gourley commented on the costume challenge that launched the elf look.

“I started doing this basically because someone said I wouldn't do it,” he said on a recent day after finishing his route.

“He sure brings a smile to your face,” said Ashley Huff, whose three children — Jayleigh Scott, 9, Jordyn Scott, 7, and Nevaeh Huff, 6 — “go crazy” when they hear the mailman pulling up to their home.

While making his rounds recently the kids piled out to see the elf. One even clutched the family cat, Tigress.

Ashley Huff's mother and the children's grandmother, June Huff, said both adults and kids like to see 'Mark the mailman.'

“The kids go crazy when he comes around; he makes everyone smile,” June Huff said.

On a recent day Gourley stopped to greet a young boy and his mother when he passed them near Wings of Faith Church, which is on his route.

The youth, Dylan Kucharck, chuckled at the elf when Gourley said he was a friend of Santa's.

People driving by Gourley as he delivers the mail often honk or wave.

“I don't think I could wear one of those outfits myself,” Wendy Gourley said.

The Gourleys live in Fort McCoy. He has been with the Postal Service about 14 years.

“As a rural carrier I'm not required to wear a uniform, but I had to get permission to wear this get-up. The first time I asked my supervisor he didn't really think I would do it,” Gourley said with a laugh.

Co-worker Cheryl Hopkins said Gourley is the only postal worker at the branch who dresses up in full seasonal costume.

“He's got the spirit,” Hopkins said.

Gourley said one of his favorite elf memories was when he had to take a certified (letter) to a door for a signature.

“A little girl answered the door and stared at me and shouted back to her mom, 'There's an elf at the door,' and the mother said, 'Yeah, yeah, and stayed on her cellphone until she also came to the door,” Gourley said.

When asked why he doesn't dress up like Santa, Gourely said with a wry look it was because elves are a bit “mischievous.”

“Actually, I wanted to dress up like Baby New Year,” he confessed. “But they wouldn't let me.”

Macon customer praises USPS letter carriers

Here is a letter from a Macon GA customer who truly appreciates her USPS letter carriers:

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to express my grateful feelings towards two individuals at the South Macon Station in Macon Georgia.

I have known Mr. Wiliam Rich since I have lived in my current home from around 2006.

Mr. Rich has always gone out of his way to take care of the needs of our neighborhood and treated his people on his route as if they were his own neighbors.

For a short period of time, I was concerned that my mailbox had been tampered with and Mr. Rich hand delivered the mail to my front door.

When Mr. Rich was ever out of town, he always informed me that that a new postman would be in his place.

When Mr. Rich was away, he didn't just leave a replacement, he sent Mr. Johnny Beaton, who was just as diligent in taking the same meticulous care on his mail route.

It was important for me to write about these two extraordinary men and their work ehtic, because it is so rare to find such honorable and ethical individuals to go the extra mile as they do.

I em extremely grateful for people like Mr. Rich and Mr. Beaton.

Warmly,

Mary Kay Groover Williams
Macon, GA

Gainesville Postal workers help get flags waving again

By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent Gainesville Sun

FORT McCOY — And long may they wave.

That's the sentiment of the 55 residents and all the staffers at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Retirement Village in Marion County now that 40 American flags lining the entranceway have been replaced after a three-month absence because of a controversy over flag etiquette.

The newly installed flags are the result, in part, of the efforts of VFW Post 4209 Senior Vice Commander Robert Ortiz, an employee at the 34th Street Post Office in Gainesville, who got contributions from three post office branches in Gainesville.

When the debate boiled over in August, the board of directors of the facility ordered the flags taken down. Between now and then, six flags had been displayed near the building during the day and were struck each night.

The newly installed flags are lighted by solar lights affixed to each pole, with each set costing about $50.

“It's wonderful they are back and the flags on display meet the Flag Code,” said Doris Ogburn, 94, a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps who has lived at the VFW Village twice, most recently over the past two years.

During his latest residency, Ogburn initiated a letter-writing campaign to bring attention to what he considered a display of the American flag that lacked proper respect because the flags were not illuminated while they remained flying outside at night.

“The flag should be treated as a living thing. It represents our country, and we need to set an example for our children,” said Ogburn, who said he is a great-great-great-grandfather.

The letter campaign was first carried out anonymously but Ogburn later was identified by fellow residents.

Jim Gerline, 90, a World War II veteran who spent harrowing hours in a submarine trapped beneath a Japanese ship aimed at destroying the sub, said he felt the flag flap was over a “technical point.”

“The flags belong there,” Gerline said.

Al Lugo, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has supervised the retirement village for about five years. He said manpower and expenses were an issue in lighting the flags.

“The facility is funded by resident rent, the VFW, fundraisers and backed by individual VFW posts and individual Friends of the VFW Village,” Lugo said.

He said the nonprofit, established 22 years ago, gets no federal, state or county financial support.

When word about the flag removal got to the McCullough-Mixon VFW Post 4209 in Ocala in August, members and officers jumped in to try and help the home restore the beloved flag line.

Ogburn is a “Life Member” of Post 4209 and has his original membership card, dated Dec. 1, 1945. Ogburn retired from the Army as a master sergeant in 1962.

Post 4209 Commander Mike Roberts said a fundraiser was held at the post and Ortiz, who works at Gainesville's 34th Street Post Office, got post office branches in Gainesville involved in donating.

The efforts by Post 4209 netted about $1,600 toward buying new flags and solar LED lights.

Lugo said the village hosted a Family Day on Oct. 12, with proceeds supplementing the flag fund.

So far, the monies have helped replace flags on both sides of most of the entrance road and for the placement of two flags at a gazebo.

“We hope to line the rest of the distance (about 125 feet) to the front entrance,” Lugo said.

He added that it would require about 20 more flags and lights to complete the line.

Lugo said the return of the flags seemed to boost the “camaraderie” at the home.

Korean War veteran John Becker, 82, and his wife, Maxine, are pleased the disagreement has been resolved.

“It shouldn't have happened,” Maxine Becker said.

Dino DeAngelis, 88, a World War II veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds he got at the Battle of Anzio, said he is glad the flags are back.

“When I moved here about two years ago, we had trouble finding the location. When I saw the flags I knew I was home. It's that important,” DeAngelis said.


This is the link to the article from the Gainesville Sun: http://www.gainesville.com/article/2013131129516

The article from the Ocala Star Banner can be found at http://www.ocala.com

Glen St Mary Post Office enjoys "little helpers"

If you happened by the Glen Saint Mary FL Post Office in late November you may have seen little helpers everywhere.

Glen St. Mary Postmaster Latrelle McDowell hosted a tour for Westside Elementary’s entire 2nd grade of about 200 students. 

Each class toured the facility which included the inside of a right-hand drive rural carrier vehicle furnished by Sanderson Rural Carrier Kim Pietrowski.

At the front window, they put all the little helpers to work at the window dating postcards that each child had handwritten and addressed with a special message to someone.

Then the students went on a scavenger hunt that taught them how a post office box works for customers to receive mail and packages.  

Postal coloring books and juice were provided for the students that made the trek from the school to the post office in chilly weather. 

Although teachers commented they were quite warm by the time they arrived at the post office, Nathan King, MacClenny Post Office supervisor, volunteered by talking about delivery to rural mailboxes, showing the rural mail vehicle and helping facilitate the kids as they toured the inside of the post office. 

Historic stamps featured at Florida Classic football game

Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller, Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar and Orlando Officer-In-Charge Gary Vaccarella joined Congresswoman Corrine Brown on the field during the Florida Classic football game Nov. 23 in Orlando to highlight three commemorative stamps that were issued in 2013.

Orlando OIC Gary Vaccarella, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller and Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar
held a stamp dedication event at the Florida Classic in Orlando last month.

The Althea Gibson, Ray Charles, and the 1963 March on Washington commemorative stamps have great historic value related to sports, music and civil liberties.

“May each of these images be stamped in our thoughts to remind us of the contributions by the late Althea Gibson, the late Ray Charles and those
who played a role in The 1963 March on Washington,” said Miller.

 “The Postal Service continues to recognize notable people and events to ensure they are never forgotten.”

St. Augustine school honors alumni Ray Charles

From left to right, Dr. Jeanne Glidden Prickett Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller, and Acting Jacksonville Customer Relations Coordinator Amy Escobar attended a special stamp unveiling of the Ray Charles stamp.

A Ray Charles Stamp unveiling event was held at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) last month.

Ray Charles was enrolled at FSDB in 1937 after becoming blind at the age of seven.

At FSDB, he learned to read Braille and played a variety of musical instruments including the piano, organ, and clarinet.

He left the school at age 15 to begin performing and along the way, dropped his last name of Robinson because
boxer Sugar Ray Robinson was rising to prominence and he didn’t want any name confusion.

District Manager Charley Miller noted another honoree, Frank Sinatra, once described Ray Charles as “The only true genius
in show business.”

After the dedication, Miller gave each Outta Sight Band member a copy of the Postal Service Ray Charles Forever CD.

The CD is still a chart topper and available at local Post Offices.

Veterans, Purple Heart recipients honored at Mayport ceremony

Captain McCall, Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Chapter 524 Commander Bill Thompson and Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller formally recognized 33 Northeast Florida Veterans with Veterans Special Recognition Certificates at a ceremony held at Naval Station Mayport’s Ocean Breeze Conference Center on Nov. 8. 

In addition to recognizing these Veterans, the Postal Service unveiled the Purple Heart Forever Stamp. “As you may know, the Postal Service issued a special stamp 10 years ago to recognize the spirit and honorees’ of the Purple Heart. Every postage stamp is unique, but my Postal Service colleagues and I take special pride in this one.” said Miller.

During the annual ceremony, they officially honored the military service of veterans who served the country from World War II through Operation Storm. 

Crenshaw, McCall and Miller also presented certificates of recognition from the Postal Service to Purple Heart recipients.

“Jacksonville’s Week of Valor is a fitting time to honor all our veterans, including 33 servicemen and women from Northeast Florida communities who received the Fourth Congressional District Special Recognition Certificate,” said Crenshaw. 

“The United States Postal Service also gave special tribute to regional Purple Heart recipients.  Let us never forget that our nation’s greatness is drawn from the blood and sacrifices of honorable and courageous men and women. I thank each of our honorees for standing in the face of incredible danger and hardship and give them my deep appreciation.”

Eglin FL Air Force Base Post Office begins holiday mailing

It's not too early to start sending Christmas packages to military service members overseas.

At the Eglin FL Air Force Base Post Office, Sales and Service Associates Walter "Will" Williams and Marsha Ridenour helped the local 96th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) begin sending Christmas cheer to military service members serving abroad. 

Will and Marsha assisted in processing 38 Large Flat Rate Boxes for troops in Afghanistan. 

The 96th SFS had previously gotten boxes and custom forms before they came to the Eglin Post Office which enabled the process to go smoothly.

The boxes included cookies, games and magazines as well as Christmas cards. 

It's never to early to get start sending holiday cheer.

The deadline for Priority Mail to make it to military service members is December 17th. 

Tifton GA Post Office honors its veteran employees

Pictured left to right: Acting Supervisor Kevin McCorkle, Luther Overstreet III, Brian Rhoden, Kenneth Glass, Patrick Roe, Loyd Whittle, Jimmy Whiddon, and OIC Erica Carmichael.  Not pictured:  Samuel Burns, William Moore, and David Fogarty.

With Veterans Day recognitions and ceremonies being held nationwide, Tifton’s Officer-In-Charge Erica Carmichael, felt compelled to have a personal tribute to the veteran employees at Tifton GA Post Office.

Carmichael dedicated Friday, Nov. 8th as Veterans Recognition Day and honored each of the nine veteran employees with a Certificate of Recognition and a Veterans lapel pin.

The recipients were City Carrier Patrick Roe (Navy), City Carrier Kenneth Glass (Navy), Clerk Brian Rhoden (Navy), Rural Carrier Luther Overstreet II (Army), RCA David Fogarty (Army), City Carrier Samuel Burns (Army), City Carrier Loyd Whittle (Army), City Carrier Jimmy Whiddon (Air Force), and PTF City Carrier William Moore (Air Force). 

The ceremony ended with refreshments and the cutting of the veterans tribute cake.

“We must always remember the sacrifices our military veterans have made for our safety and freedom; and continue to pay tribute and honor to all who served in defense of our country.  With great pride, I am honored for the opportunity to pay tribute to our veterans,” stated Carmichael.

Delivering Holiday Cheer to Service Members Worldwide

Postal Service Recommended Mailing Dates

WASHINGTON — Making sure those serving in the nation’s armed forces receive their presents and care packages in time for the holidays is a priority for friends and family members of military personnel serving around the world and for the U.S. Postal Service. Helping to get packages on their way, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box at $14.85. The price includes a $2 per box discount for military mail being sent to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide. 

In addition to a lower cost per package, customers can be assured that shipping with the Postal Service provides reliable, trusted and secure delivery to military personnel stationed anywhere in the world.

Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are available at no cost at local Post Offices, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online anytime usingClick-N-Ship.

To ensure timely delivery of holiday wishes by Dec. 25, send cards and packages to military APO/FPO/ DPO addresses overseas no later than the mailing dates listed below.

Shipping Deadlines

Thanksgiving	Christmas	New Year’s
Tuesday, Nov. 26 Normal delivery day Normal Post Office™ hours Wednesday, Nov. 27 Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Priority Mail® accepted today will have an extra day added to the delivery time Thursday, Nov. 28 Post Offices closed Only Priority Mail Express™ will be delivered Friday, Nov. 29 Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Saturday, Nov. 30 Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours	Monday, Dec. 16 Busiest mailing day for cards, letters and packages Wednesday, Dec. 18 Busiest delivery day for cards and letters Thursday, Dec. 19 Busiest delivery day for packages Friday, Dec. 20 Deadline for sending First-Class Mail® Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Saturday, Dec. 21 Deadline for sending Priority Mail Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Monday, Dec. 23 Deadline for sending Priority Mail Express Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Tuesday, Dec. 24 Normal delivery day Most Post Offices will close at noon Mail in blue collection boxes will be picked up at noon or earlier Priority Mail accepted today will have an extra day added to the delivery time Wednesday, Dec. 25 Post Offices closed Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered	Monday, Dec. 30 Normal delivery day Normal Post Office hours Tuesday, Dec. 31 Normal delivery day Most Post Offices will close at noon Mail in blue collection boxes will be picked up at noon or earlier Priority Mail accepted today will have an extra day added to the delivery time Wednesday, Jan. 1 Post Offices closed Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered

Use the Military Care Kit to Send Presents and/or Care Packages
With Priority Mail supplies as the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the Postal Service created a free “Military Care Kit” based on the items most frequently requested by military families.

The kit contains:

·         Two Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes.

·         Two Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes.

·         Priority Mail tape.

·         Priority Mail address labels.

·         Appropriate customs forms.

To order the kit, call 800-610-8734. Guidelines for packing, addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops can be found at usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-guidelines.htm. To order flat-rate boxes featuring the “America Supports You” logo, go to store.usps.com.

Addressing the Package

1.    Write out the service members full name in the address.

2.    Include the unit and APO/FPO/DPO address with the 9-digit ZIP Code (if one is assigned).
For example:

·         CPT JOHN DOE
UNIT 2050 BOX 4190
APO AP 96278-2050

·         SGT ROBERT SMITH
PSC 802 BOX 74
APO AE 09499-0074

·         SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH
USCGC HAMILTON
FPO AP 96667-3931

·         MSG JANE DOE
CMR 1250
APO AA 09045-1000

3.    Include a return address.

Valdosta GA Main Post Office decorated in pink

Valdosta GA employees from left to right:  SSA Oscar Griffith,  SSA Wayne Chism,  Winner Jerry  Mack,  Kolonda Washington (Mack’s daughter), and SSA Clyde Foster

For the past three years, the Valdosta GA Main Post Office has festively decorated its retail lobby in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Not only is the retail area decorated but when a customer purchases a sheet of Breast Cancer Stamps,  the customer can enter to win a “Breast Cancer Goodie Bag”. 

This year’s bag (a reuseable Breast Cancer bag) contained pink items including a pair of socks, scarf, stuffed monkey, lotion, hand soap, knitted cap and a discount card to local area businesses.

With 30 entries, the drawing was held on Monday, November 4th at the MPO. 

The elated winner was customer Jerry Mack.  Mr. Mack bought Breast Cancer stamps in support of his daughter, Kolonda Washington. 

Ms. Washington, in her 20s, is battling several medical challenges but continues to maintain a very upbeat and positive attitude while being actively involved with her church’s youth and children.

What an awesome initiative!  Hats off to all of the employees at Valdosta Main Post Office.  What a great team!

Wellborn FL Postmaster walks to fight cancer

Wellborn FL Postmaster Rhoda Norton, Postmaster joined hundreds of other supporters who bravely participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in Tampa Bay, FL last month.

With eight survivors leading the way, the 60-mile journey began in Clearwater FL with a 19.5 mile trek supported by the Seminole Fire Department handing out pink Italian ice.

The route (capturing gorgeous views of the beaches) traveled through Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and on Day 3, a 15.8 mile journey wound its way through St. Petersburg ending at Spa Beach Park for an emotional closing ceremony, capping off a weekend of beautiful weather, spectacular views of Florida, and fun.

“What a great experience!”, said Norton.  “This is my 2nd walk with more to follow!”

New Americus GA Postmaster is sworn in

Pictured from left to right are Mayor Barry Blount, Postmaster Martin Akins, Jackie Akins, and Keith Pierle.

Martin Akins recently was sworn in as the 28th Postmaster of Americus GA.

The Oath of Office was administered by Manager Post Office Operations Keith Pierle.

Americus Mayor Barry Blount, was the guest speaker. Jackie, Marty’s wife, along with his mother and sister attended this special ceremony.

Two Georgia Postmasters assume new positions

Post Office Operations Manager Angela Collier recently welcomed two new postmasters in her territory.

Pam Williams, Postmaster, Unidilla

Pam Williams was named Unadilla GA Postmaster. Pam was formally the Postmaster of Marshallville, GA before being promoted to Unadilla.

Nicole Rhodes, Postmaster, Kathleen

RMPO Postmaster Nicole Rhodes will lead the Kathleen GA Post Office. Nicole was formally a Postmaster Relief in Pineview, GA and also detailed as the Officer-In-Charge in that office.

Nicole is pictured here at the Perry, GA Post Office where she is learning to 204b as a Customer Service Supervisor,

South Macon achieves 10th straight RCE perfect score

The Macon team include (from left): Postal Office Operations Manager Angela Collier, Sales & Service Associate (SSA) Anthony Lane, Station Manager Rob Collier, SSA Eva Bilderback, SSA Alma Thomas, SSA Felicia Brown, Macon Postmaster Tim Goodwin, and Consumer & Industry Contact Tony Joy.

 Congratulations to the South Macon Retail Unit for achieving their "10 in a Row Award" in Retail Customer Experience (RCE).

Postmaster Tim Goodwin said, "Working together to provide excellent customer and putting the customer firstare the key in ingredients to success."

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked , how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Teresa Register named as Bolingbroke GA Postmaster

Post Office Operations Manager Angela Collier recently welcomed new RMPO Postmaster Teresa Register to her new position in Bolingbroke GA.

"This is a wonderful community and I look forward to serving their Postal needs,"  Register said.

Register started with the postal service as a PTF on the workroom floor in 1988. 

She was promoted first to the OPS Support Secretary and then  to Secretary in Human Resources.

In 2005 she was promoted to Postmaster of Smarr GA.

Register has a total of 25 years of service with the Postal Service.

Jacksonville carrier makes a difference with Jamaica project

Jacksonville City Carrier Stacy Swain feels blessed.  

Swain says "many residents of Jamaica find that providing for themselves and their families is a monetary challenge.  In some case even basic toiletries and clothing are unreachable because of the expensive local economy."

She is assisting a small percentage of these residents by collecting and purchasing basic items such as toothpaste, deodorant, under garments, clothing and shoes and providing them to the needy at no charge.

The items are shipped to Jamaica and where Swain distributes donations through a budding network of assistants and religious charitable organizations to needy areas of Jamaica.

She collects donations such as new and used clothes, medicines, toiletries, etc. and takes them to Jamaica and distributes them in the poor barrios of this country.  

This year Swain has made eight trips to Jamaica.   She has applied for a 501C (non-profit application) and is also partnering with a pastor in country to help her with this mission.

Stacy is working on a website to help communicate the need and collect donations from others:  http://www.stacysblessings.com/indexworking.htm   (See photos on her website)

"Every trip has rewarded me, but also embedded a resolve to do more.  The need is great!"

Eatonton GA achieves 5th straight RCE perfect score

The Eatonton team includes (from left): Postmaster Jerry Sparks, Sales & Service  Distribution Associates Aronica Ballard and Barbara Smolinski.

Congratulations to the Eatonton GA Post Office for achieving their "5 in a Row Award" in Retail Customer Experience (RCE).

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.
It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.