Gainesville FL PO salutes Jimi Hendrix

Gainesville customer Diane Otto recently went to the Gainesville Post Office and was welcomed by Window Supervisor David Davis who was honoring guitarist Jimi Hendrix adorned in his best 1960s outfit in honor of the latest Music Icon postage forever stamp.

Otto and her husband are big Hendrix fans and Davis' tribute to Hendrix put a smile on her face and the faces of many of the customers in line that day.  Some of them even called him "Jimi" and wanted to take pictures with him.

Davis decorated the back wall with records displaying pictures of some of the music legends that are currently being offered on stamps and Otto declared  "I'm very happy to see a postal worker with enthusiasm and spirit."

Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix displayed an innovative style that embraced the influences of rock, R&B, modern jazz and the blues, inspiring musical artists of his era and beyond.

The Jimi Hendrix Forever Stamp went on sale earlier this month at Post Offices nationwide, online atusps.com/stamps, at the Postal Store on eBay at ebay.com/stamps, and through 800-STAMP24
(800-782-6724).

“Combining influences from rock, modern jazz, soul and the blues with his own innovations, Jimi Hendrix helped found three new genres of music — heavy metal, jazz fusion and funk — and in doing so, left behind an indelible mark on pop music and popular culture generally,” said Joseph Corbett, chief financial officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service.

The Postal Service has released numerous stamps to celebrate and honor music icons who had a big impact on American culture and the music industry. The Jimi Hendrix Forever Stamp kicks off the 2014 Music Icons series, which will include Janis Joplin later this year. The 2013 Music Icons series honored Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and Lydia Mendoza.

The new limited-edition Jimi Hendrix stamp, designed by artist Rudy Gutierrez, features a vibrant, colorful design fashioned to evoke the movement and rhythm of the late singer and pay homage to the psychedelic rock era of the 1960s.

The stamp pane, designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve, features a painting of Hendrix’s face surrounded by colorful swirls and small icons that reference song lyrics or aspects of Hendrix’s life. The various icons include flowers, a guitar, a mermaid and a butterfly. The stamp art shows Hendrix in performance, wearing one of his trademark vintage military jackets and playing one of his beloved white Fender Stratocaster guitars.

For more information, here is the link to the Postal Service's website with more information about the Hendrix stamp.

http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2014/pr14_015.htm

Gulf Atlantic District Retirements

Gainesville FL-- Denny McCoy and Helene Hawkins

The employees at the Main Street Station in Gainesville FL organized a retirement party for two rural carriers who decided to start a new chapter in their lives.

Denny McCoy has been a Rural Carrier at this unit for 31 wonderful years, while Helene Hawkins worked at the same unit for a period of 13 years.

They both had some good stories to tell others about treating customers with courtesy and respect. We wish them both well on their retirement.

Pictured from left to right: Lisa Murphy (A) SCS, Helene Hawkins (Rural Carrier), Angelo Rollins (Mgr, C/S) and Denny McCoy (Rural Carrier).
 

Leesburg GA--John Floyd

Full Time Clerk,John Floyd (center) has retired after 30 years of service. Also pictured is Postmaster Lori McDonough (left) and Supervisor Reames Clanton (right).

Gulf Atlantic Post Offices celebrate Consumer Protection Week

The U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service recently joined with government agencies, advocacy organizations and private sector groups nationwide to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week in March.  

Special lobby information was provided at Post Offices in Warner Robins GA, Tallahassee FL, Macon GA and Jacksonville FL.

This coordinated, consumer-education campaign encouraged individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

“The Post Office is proud to work with a broad coalition of groups to share tips and information to   protect consumers against fraud,” said Consumer and Industry Contact Tony Joy. “As one of the most trusted companies and the most trusted government agency, consumers have a high confidence in the mail and expect the Postal Service to protect the privacy of their personal information.”

This year's focus was on sweepstakes scams. How can you tell if a sweepstakes is legitimate? Thankfully, most sweepstakes are legitimate and appropriate marketing devices.

The Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act, sometimes referred to as the “Sweepstakes Law,” helps safeguard consumers by placing certain requirements on companies that sponsor sweepstakes contests.

At a minimum, sweepstakes sponsors are required to include these statements in their mailings:

• No purchase of a product or service is required to win, and a purchase won’t improve your chances of winning.
• Number, retail value, and complete description of all prizes.
• Name and business address where sponsor can be contacted.
• Entry procedures and eligibility requirements.
• Termination date for eligibility.
• Estimated odds of each prize.
• Winner selection method.
• Geographic restrictions for the offer.
• Approximate dates when winners will be selected and notified.

All required disclosures must be “clear and conspicuous” to consumers.

These tips can help protect you from becoming a victim in a sweepstakes scam. To learn more, visit our fraud education and prevention website at www.deliveringtrust.com.

 

Warner Robins GA

Homeland Security Coordinator Jill Jacquin interacted with Warner Robins customers sharing key facts in how to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes during this month's National Consumer Protection Week.

 

Tallahassee FL

At the Tallahassee Centerville Station (from left to right)  Consumer and Industry Contact Tony Joy, Postmaster Michelle Kulik and  Tallahassee Manager Customer Services Marion Grubbs worked at a display to distribute literature to customers about safeguarding their personal information.

MCSO joins postal service in combating drugs through the mail

Reprinted from Ocala Star Banner (Ocala.com)
By Austin L. Miller
Staff writer

Cyndi Chambers/Star-Banner
Lt. Brian Spivey, left, along with Sheriff Chris Blair, describes the operation that netted
illegal drugs, weapons, and money shipped through the US Postal Service to Central Florida.

Drugs valued at nearly $750,000, six weapons and thousands of dollars in cash were seized, and 14 people were arrested, in a month-long operation conducted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Postal Service.

The announcement was made at the Sheriff's Office, where the confiscated items were displayed during a press conference.

“The results are quite impressive,” said Sheriff Chris Blair in addressing the media.

Since assuming office in January 2013, Blair has formed the Crime Suppression Unit – comprised of the Tactical Investigations Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Property Crimes Unit and Drug Interdiction Unit – with a goal of reducing crime, arresting those who commit crimes and removing drugs from the streets of Marion County.

Lt. Brian Spivey, one of the supervisors within the Crime Suppression Unit, said the cooperative operation went from Jan. 13 through Feb. 12, during which time the agency worked with the U.S. Postal Service to find the drugs and then find the recipients and arrest them.

Spivey said the USPS mission for the operation was to remove drugs and weapons from the mail, keep the mail safe, and protect their employees from harm.

Spivey said a postal inspector came to Marion County and, with detectives from the Tactical Investigations and Drug Interdiction units, examined numerous packages, looking for any that might contain drugs. The packages that were identified as containing drugs - which came from throughout the United States - were delivered to addresses within the county. Some of the addresses were for vacant homes.

When anyone would pick up one of the packages, that person would be detained and the officers would obtain search warrants for the packages. Most of the deliveries were made to residents in the area of Silver Springs Shores, authorities said.

Officials said most of the names and addresses listed for where the packages originated from were fake. Those that were not fake were shared with law enforcement agencies in those areas.

Items found during the operation included a rifle and five handguns, three of which had been reported stolen to the Sheriff's Office. Also 300 Viagra pills; 370 Cialis pills; 79 oxycodone pills; 36 methadone pills; two kilograms of powered K2, which is a form of synthetic marijuana; 25 ½ pounds of synthetic marijuana; a ½ kilogram of cocaine; and 69 ½ pounds of high and low grade marijuana. Authorities also found $6,611 in cash.

The people arrested during the operation were Kirkland Small, 37; Joseph Buddington, 27; Grechen Walker, 27; Ralph Blackmon, 59; Dexter Lewis, 50; Julian Mesa, 24; Joshua Moore, 34; Dwayne Lambert, 27; brothers Kadir and Zayd Pollins, ages 19 and 24, respectively; Angel Marin, 24; Justin Ojeda, 35; Mitchell Davis, 26; and Amos Oliver, 31.

The charges against them range from possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, to possession of a scheduled I controlled substance with the intent to distribute, to trafficking in oxycodone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities said some of the tactics used to mask the drugs were the inclusion of peppers and honey in the packaging. They also said some of the people met, exchanged information and made deals in Internet chat rooms.

Spivey said authorities are seeing new trends every day as dealers find more and varied ways to ship their products.

“The drug game is a competitive game,” he said.

And, Blair added, “We know crimes are driven by drugs.”

Sapelo Island GA Postmaster loves her job!

Other than her family, a love for the Postal Service and her customers are what brings sheer joy to Sapelo Island GA Postmaster Linda Futch.

Talk about commitment.  Linda has quite a challenge each day.  

She retrieves her mail from Townsend GA Post Office, places it in her car and travels 17 miles to unload the mail onto the ferry dock in Meridian GA. 

She then rides the ferry to Sapelo Island where she unloads into a waiting car that transports her and the mail to Sapelo Island Post Office, a few miles from the dock,  where she unloads one more time then starts her day.  
Linda has to finish timely each day or she literally misses the boat.   

Ms. Linda, as she is affectionately called, said:  “Missing that ferry is not an option because that is failure to my customers.    I love my job.   Do you understand me?  I love my job and my customers!  I love the Post Office!  Honey, I am so happy every morning that I can get up and go to work.   I cannot understand why any postal employee would not give 100% or better dedication to how they do their job. ”

Ms. Linda  also  is a proud 72-year-old mother of six children,  grandmother of 22, and great-grandmother to 9.  

She is a 22-year postal veteran who began her career as a Postmaster Relief .  She formerly was Meridian  GA Postmaster, being promoted to her present position in June 2013.  

When she recently visited Meridian for mail pickup, a couple of customers gave her joy when they asked:  “Ms. Linda, are you back.  We miss you. ”   Simply an amazing lady.

Gainesville FL Rural Carriers celebrate retirement

Pictured from left to right: Acting Supervisor Customer Services Lisa Murphy, Rural Carrier Helene Hawkins,
Manager Customer Service Angelo Rollins and Rural Carrier Denny McCoy

The employees at the Gainesville FL Main Street Station recently honored two rural carriers who decided to start a new chapter in their lives.

Denny McCoy has been a Rural Carrier at this unit for 31 years, while Helene Hawkins worked at the same unit for 13 years.

Their co-workers will miss them tremendously, and both have some good stories to tell others about treating customers with courtesy and respect.

We wish them both well on their retirement.

Augusta GA employees receive service awards

The Augusta GA Post Office recently congratulate City Letter Carrier Ernie Hammonds for 35 years of service and  City Letter Carrier Paula Stephens for 25 years of service.  

Pictured are: Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele, Letter Carrier
Ernie Hammonds and Acting Manager Mary Lowery

Pictured are: Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele, Letter Carrier
Paula Stephens,  and Manager Jeannette Harmon

Jacksonville NDC employees "red" for new revenue

The challenge was issued to all Gulf Atlantic District employees to generate new revenue on Valentine’s Day   by wearing the color red and purchasing a book of the newly issued Love Stamp.  

With the support of Jacksonville  National  Distribution Center  Plant Manager David McClelland,  District Sales Manager Mary Alexander stood firmly with this initiative and encouraged strong participation with the NDC employees resulting in a beautiful portrait of red from a cohesive group of committed employees.

Jacksonville GMF employees celebrate Black History Month

The retail employees at  the Jacksonville General Mail Facility never take Black History Month lightly.  

Not only did they take the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage, culture and contributions of African-Americans ,  but they created a Black History display that honored the Postal Service’s recognition of outstanding African-American achievements in music.  

The display included the USPS Legends of American Music – Black Heritage Series postcards which included recognitions of Jelly Roll Morton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Josh White, and more.  

Also, included in the display were summarized documents on African-Americans of various influences, i.e., Rosa Parks (Character/Commitment), Fannie Lou Harris/Dorie Miller (Courage), Barbara Jordan (Citizenship), Maggie Lena Walker (Responsibility), and Alex Haley (Respect).  

Rounding out the celebration was the feast of all feast, recognizing the various food staples that have been passed down from generation to generation.

From front to back:  Sales & Service Associates  Glorious Rivers, Latonya Putmon,  and  Lee Fuggs; right side-front to back:  Supervisor Dawnette “DeeDee” Tinsley, MCS Al Walker, SSAs  Angela Cuffy, and Derek Blanks

Eatonville FL honors Zora Neale Hurston

 
Lucious Sumlar, Gulf Atlantic District Marketing Manager, joined Nancy Rettinhouse, Suncoast District Manager, and the Suncoast Team at the 25th Annual Zora Neale Hurston Silver Anniversary Festival in Eatonville, FL.

Representatives from the Gulf Atlantic and Suncoast Districts, along with various politicians and community leaders from throughout Florida,  dedicated the new Black Heritage Stamp honoring Trailblazer Shirley Chisolm.

The annual festival is held in Eatonville FL and throughout Orange County, and is a multi-day, multi-disciplinary event celebrating the life and work of 20th century writer, folklorist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, in her hometown.

Eatonville is the nation’s oldest incorporated African American municipality and the contributions people of African ancestry have made to the United States and world culture.

Gulf Atlantic Post Offices shine in customer service

The Retail Customer Experience (RCE) process gives the Postal Service an objective view of how well we are serving our customers.

Taking a look at the top performers in the Gulf Atlantic District shows some very impressive results.

In the most recent national rankings, two district Post Offices, Callahan FL and Hazelhurst GA are tied for the fourth best RCE scores in the nation with 33 straight perfect scores in a row.

But it doesn't end there.  Here are the district's other top consecutive perfect score performers:

32--Lyons GA and Vidalia GA
30--Keystone Heights FL
29--Starke FL and Swainsboro GA
27--Baxley GA
26--Douglas and Kingsland GA

"RCE is used as a real-time snapshot of customer interaction.  It is not just about the score," said GFA Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.  "However, we have some outstanding achievement throughout our district."

The attributes measure in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to every day performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not changed 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.

Douglas GA achieves 26 perfect scores in a row

The Douglas GA team recently was honored for its outstanding performance.  From  left  to  right : former District Manager Charley Miller,  Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar,  Customer Services Supervisor Bryan Steedley ,Sales & Service Associates Glen Gunter, Myra Register, Ed Smith, David Taylor,  Postmaster Damita Gaskins, and  Manager Post Office Operations Ron Jarrell.

McAlpin FL customer thrilled as USPS comes to the rescue

Renetter Randolph, Complaints & Inquiry Clerk, jumped into immediate action after receiving a phone call from customer Sharon Breen of McAlpin FL. 

Breen frantically explained to Randolph that she realized that she accidentally dropped her employer’s bank deposit along with other mail in the collection box on the previous day.  The deposit, $1,200 in $100 dollar bills, was in a bank envelope with the name of the bank on it. 

Randolph calmed the distraught customer and immediately sent out an email alert with a description of the envelope. 

She started making phone calls and continued to do so and send follow up email alerts for two weeks.  She also remained in touch with the customer to ensure her that she had not been forgotten.  Her persistence paid off. 

JAX P&DC General Clerk Tanya Whitaker called Randolph stating a bank envelope fitting the description had been given to her.  Randolph verified the bank envelope and contents ($1,200). 

She contacted the customer to deliver the good news.  Ms. Breen was extremely happy and thanked Randolph for being persistence.  It paid off in more ways than one!

Newspaper celebrates 6.5 million successful Postal deliveries

The Bryceville (32009), Callahan (32011), and Hilliard (32046) FL Post offices have been delivering the Westside Journal to every household, business, and Post Office box customer in their customer service areas for years.

The Westside Journal recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by recognizing the excellent and dedicated customer service provided by Postal employees at these offices. 

The hometown newspaper article stated:  “As we, the Westside Journal, continue celebrating our 10th Anniversary, we would like to show our appreciation and gratitude to a group that helps our paper reach our readers each week.  Our February Appreciation goes to our Postal employees and carriers in Callahan, Bryceville and Hilliard.  We would like our readers to share our appreciation by thanking your carriers or employees with a simple ‘thank you’ for delivering the Westside Journal each and every Thursday!”

“Last Thursday, while casing the neighborhood paper, Westside Journal, it was a very nice surprise to see recognition dedicated to the clerks and carriers that deliver these papers every week,” stated Kim Vojtech, Postmaster, Hilliard.  “The paper serves as a local informational tool to keep its citizens connected, informed and also serves as a buy/sell/trade/rent venue to advertise local events, services and any and all things for sale or trade.  Another VERY nice surprise arrived bright and early the day after the news article when Westside Journal staff members delivered breakfast goodies, served with milk and OJ!”

The customer service area that these three post offices serve consists of 12,600 residential, business and post office box customers.  The box holder newspaper is delivered every Thursday, 52 weeks per year.  Ten years of delivery service equates to 6,549,400 deliveries over the 10-year period.  That’s a whole lot of newspapers!

Hilliard FL Rural Carriers Wanda Sobota (left) and Melissa Holden show breakfast "goodies" sent by an appreciative local newspaper.