Valdosta Supervisor shares proud Academy Award moment

Valdosta Supervisor Customer Services Tony Hall and family traveled to Hollywood CA to watch son Zane Hall accept the Gold Student Academy Award in the Alternative Category for the film “Person.”  Zane was the cinematographer, sound engineer, colorist and First Assistant Director for this film.  It is now being considered for an Academy Award in the Short Film category.  Zane is currently working on pre-production for his Senior Film at the Art Institute of Jacksonville. Congratulations!

L-R:  Zane Hall, Valdosta Supervisor Tony Hall

Employee Educational Fair – Jacksonville FL

Learning, Development and Diversity Manager Delano Jackson coordinated an Employee Education Fair at the Jacksonville P&DC to provide employees of all crafts and levels the opportunity to communicate with and obtain developmental materials and information for career empowerment and self-development.  Many employees took advantage and visited the schools represented at the fair which included the University of Phoenix, Barry, Bethune-Cookman, DeVry, Walden, Troy, Nova, Strayer, and Saint Leo Universities.

L-R:  Health and Resource Management Specialist Phyllis Alexander,
DeVry University’s Reuben Bryant.

College counselors discuss options with employees

Gainesville Letter Carrier Symonette helps save a life

Sinking SUV

Marcus Lady was working in a shop at the Uptown Village apartment complex along Northwest 39th Avenue on Tuesday afternoon when he heard three loud bangs.  As the apartment maintenance man ran toward apartment buildings on Northwest 23rd Drive where the noise was coming from, he saw two cars, yards apart with their sides smashed in. He saw the cause of the crash when he turned toward the nearby retention pond, he said.

In the middle of the pond, halfway sunk, was a dark burgundy SUV. Lady could see a man inside, he said, but he wasn't moving and the vehicle was sinking.  The man inside the car -- later identified as Gerald G. Bacoats, 64 -- had lost consciousness after apparently having some sort of medical episode, Gainesville Police Department officers said, which caused Bacoats to hit two vehicles and then crash into the pond around 2 p.m., GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said.

Lady didn't waste time. He took his cell phone out of his jeans pocket, pulled off his dark brown work boots and dove in. A mailman, later identified as Gainesville Main Post Office Letter Carrier Alan Symonette,  on his route nearby also waded into the pond to help Lady. "I didn't think about the snapping turtles, the snakes or the alligators," Lady said. "I just jumped in."

Lady and the mailman searched, but couldn't find a way inside the vehicle. The doors of the SUV were shut and Bacoats, who apparently lives in Uptown Village, didn't seem to realize his car was brimming with green pond water, Lady said.  Russell Gault heard the crashes too while he sitting in his apartment. He ran out to the retention pond and saw Lady and the mailman trying to get Bacoats out of the SUV.  At first, it looked like they had everything under control, Gault said. But the vehicle with Bacoats inside was sinking quickly and deeper into the pond, so Gault dove in as well.

Gainesville Letter Carrier Alan Symonette

Bacoats' eyes were wide open, but blank and unresponsive, Gault said. Finally, Lady, Gault and the mailman found a way in through the open driver's window, he said.  Other bystanders had joined them and together they pulled Bacoats out of his vehicle and onto the shore. Bacoats was alert and responding by the time they reached shore, even recognizing Lady.

Tobias said officials transported Bacoats to UF Health Shands Hospital with minor injuries. GPD officers called Ultimate Towing, who chained the vehicle and pulled it out. Gallons of water burst out of the SUV, in which the driver's airbag had deployed.

After going home to change, Lady and Gault both came back to the scene. They told the story again to people passing by and each time, they asked, "So, where's the mailman?"  He just left, Lady said, smiling. After they pulled Bacoats to shore, the mailman told them he had a route to run and disappeared down the road.   (As reported in the Gainesville Sun newspaper)

Pottsburg Carrier to the rescue

Jacksonville Pottsburg Station’s City Carrier Associate Mark Pegram was delivering his route. As he passed a residence, a man speaking only Spanish came to the door. Mark could see he was in obvious distress and at home by himself. Mark noticed the man was having difficulty breathing and being understood. Mark called 911 and attended and stayed with the man until the medical attendants arrived. Seeing everything was being taken care of, Mark proceeded and completed his route.  Accolades are extended to Mr. Pegram for being attentive and reacting quickly to save a customer’s life.

Macon GA Post Office Recognized for Best Retail Customer Experience Performance

Macon GA Post Office under the leadership of Postmaster Tim Goodwin, is recognized as the top performing Retail Customer Experience city in the Gulf Atlantic District for EAS 24 offices.  They have achieved six continuous quarters at 100% for Wait-Time-In-Line.

Congratulations Macon Post Office!

L-R:  Manager Post Office Operations-4 (A) Paul Birge MPOO 4, District Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, Southern Area Marketing Manager Yolanda Loar, Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt,  Macon Postmaster Tim Goodwin, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Susan Aronson, Senior Plant Manager  Steve Hardin.

Statesboro Post Office achieves retail success

Congratulations to Statesboro GA Post Office for successfully achieving 10 consecutive Retail Customer Experience evaluations at 100%.

L-R:  Manager Post Office Operations (3) Ken Brantley, Sales & Services Associates Glenna Henry and Lori Giles, Statesboro Supervisor Customer Services Marvin Palmer, Sales & Services Associate Hillary Coney, Statesboro Postmaster Mike Thompson, Sales & Services Associates Christy Davis and Sara Owens, District Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.

Atlantic Beach Carrier assists Police capture bank robber

The police from three different departments were combing the Neptune Beach area for a man who had just robbed a bank, of an undetermined amount of cash, and reportedly fled into a wooded area that led into a residential neighborhood.  Unaware of this incident, Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier Steven Gonzalez was delivering mail, on his route, when he noticed a suspicious man on a bicycle in some bushes, approximately a third of a mile from the robbery scene.  Gonzalez immediately called the Neptune Beach Police Department and reported the suspicious activity and his observations.  The police rushed to the area and after a short chase tthe man was apprehended after being subdued with a taser gun. Jacksonville’s main newspaper The Florida-Times Union published an article about the robbery, which included Gonzalez’ observant and quick action that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.  Gonzalez is commended for taking precautionary measures and assisting in the capture of a robbery suspect.

Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier Steven Gonzalez

Jacksonville Post Office Promotions

Al Walker promoted to Manager CS, Westland Station.
Al was previously Manager CS, Naldo Station

Evelina Atanassov promoted to Manager CS, Atlantic Beach.
Evelina joins us from the Greater Boston district.

Dee Carter promoted to Customer Relations Coordinator.
Dee was previously a Human Resource Specialist.

Jacksonville P&DC employees helps co-worker

On the morning of May 17th, television stations around Jacksonville broadcasted the tragic news of a fire that destroyed an entire building of 32 units.  No lives were loss but the contents of the apartments were.

When Jacksonville P&DC employees found out one of their own, Mail Handler Assistant Sherika Guyton, lived in the building along with her young nieces and nephews, her co-workers immediately sprang into action and set-up a collection site for toys, clothing, and other everyday necessities.  The support and camaraderie of the P&DC Team is commendable and gives strength to the term “it takes a village.”

Jacksonville P&DC Mailhandler Tony Cameron holding donations for Sherika Guyton.

JAX Pottsburg Team supports our troops

When Pottsburg Manager Customer Service Terry Atkinson was contacted by customer Florida Blue to assist in the preparation of 266 Large Flat Rate Priority Boxes which contained care products for the troops overseas, he wholeheartedly agreed like he has done for the past seven years.  Atkinson utilized two of his trucks to transport the packages to his office.  With his team of volunteers:  Pottsburg Supervisor Customer Services Ginger Trisch, Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle, Retail Manager (A) Brenda Johstono, Supervisor Customer Service Support (A) Dinah Mulvey, and Customer Relations Coordinator Dee Carter; the task was accomplished within three hours. “As the mom of a retired Army Veteran, I know how much these care packages mean to the men and women serving in our Armed Forces,” said Supervisor Trisch.  The packages filled five GPCs and were sent to Jacksonville P&DC for processing.

L-R: Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle, Retail Manager (A) Brenda Johstono, Pottsburg Supervisor Ginger Trisch, Supervisor Customer Service Support Dinah Mulvey.  Seated:  Pottsburg Manager Terry Atkinson.

Ponte Vedra hosts capacity crowd for eBay Workshop

Ponte Vedra Postmaster Beverly Dye and Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle were expecting 20 customers for the ‘eBay – Grow Your Business Days’ workshop held at Ponte Vedra Post Office on June 26, 2014.  However, on the day before the workshop over 63 customers had signed up to attend.  Ponte Vedra’s small conference room only accommodated 20 but Dye and Pierle worked diligently within the final hours to transform a corner portion of the workroom floor into a seating area large enough for the attendees. eBay Certified Education Specialist Danna Crawford captivated the attendees with great marketing and starting points for buying and selling eBay strategies which included a bonus session on Every Door Direct Mail.

L-R:  Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle,
Ponte Vedra Postmaster Beverly Dye

eBay Workshop Attendees

Biohazard Detection System Exercise at Jacksonville P&DC

One June 10th, Jacksonville P&DC conducted a Biohazard Detection System (BDS) full drill exercise to ensure management and craft employees are knowledgeable and prepared in case of an actual emergency.  Local first responders including state and local health departments, city emergency management, local police, and fire personnel were active participants with the Gulf Atlantic District Emergency Management Team, Postal Inspection Service, and the Employee Assistance Program counselor.  The facility’s employees were well-prepared thanks to extensive preparedness communications and informational signage posters displayed throughout the facility which also houses district administration.
     

Jacksonville P&DC employees observe the simulated BDS exercises in action.

 

Jacksonville Post Offices earn top honors in Quarter II

At the Gulf Atlantic District’s Quarter II Leadership Meeting, Jacksonville Stations/Branches/Associate Offices (MPOO s) was recognized for its performance.  Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik accepted honors for Best Percentage of Carriers on the Street by 0930; Best Percent to Standard F2A, Best Performance Carriers Back by 1800; Best to Plan Total Operating Expenses; Best Percent to Standard F2B; and Best Reduction in Overtime Grievance Payout.

Postmaster Gornik shared the accomplishments with her team members at her staff meeting.  Sick Leave Performance Recognitions were given to the following: Brian Gordon Mgr Arlington 3000 hours; Albert Diaz Mgr South Jax 2500 hours; Charles Prince PM Yulee 2500 hours; Jan Farmer PM Green Cove Springs 2000 hours; Debra Gornik PM Jax 2000 hours; Michael Wright Mgr Monument 2500 hours; Susan Phillips PM Middleburg 2000 hours; Al Walker Mgr Naldo 2500 hours; and Dolores Seuwin 2000 hours Sick Leave.

Jacksonville Stations/Branches/Associate Offices Managers,
Postmasters holding category awards.

L-R:  JAX Managers Customer Service Brian Gordon (Arlington), Albert Diaz (South Jax), Yulee Postmaster Charles Prince, Green Cove Springs Postmaster Jan Farmer, Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik, Jax Manager Customer Service Michael Wright (Monument), Middleburg Postmaster Susan Phillip, Jax Manager Customer Service Al Walker (Naldo), Manager Customer Service Operations (A) Dolores Seuwin.

Jacksonville Postmaster celebrates Historical Oath of Office

On May 30th, Southern Area Vice President (AVP) Jo Ann Feindt administered the Oath of Office to Jacksonville Postmaster Debra A. Gornik.   This historical event not only recognizes Gornik as the 35th Postmaster of Jacksonville FL, but she is the first female Postmaster since the appointment of a Jacksonville Postmaster in 1824.  Gornik also served as Jacksonville’s first female Officer-in-Charge in 2013.  She joined the Jacksonville Postal family after serving nearly 26 years in the Suncoast District.

In addition to AVP Feindt, program participants included Southern Area Manager Operations Support Eric Chavez, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Mary Sullivan, Postal Customer Council Industry Co-Chair Dan Lawlor, NAPS Southeast Area Vice President Jerry Sebastian, Jacksonville Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Michelle Barth, Manager Post Office Operations (A) Paul Birge, Melbourne Postmaster Diane Tindle, and Manager Customer Services Cynthia Myers. The Jacksonville Naval Air Station Honor Color Guard Team performed the Presentation of Colors with the National Anthem performed by Priscilla Upperman of Davidsonville, MD, Ms. Gornik’s niece.

In the presence of many dignitaries from the Duval County community and over 150 attendees that included postal executives from around the nation, Deputy Chief of Staff Michelle Barth presented Gornik with a City of Jacksonville Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Alvin Brown which proclaimed May 30th as American Postmistress Day in Honor of Debra Gornik.  The proclamation also acknowledged the accomplishments of female postal employees nationwide.

Debbie Gornik began her postal career 27 years ago as a Clerk/City Letter Carrier in Pinellas Park, FL. During the span of her career, she has held numerous positions including Supervisor Mails; Supervisor of City Delivery and Collections, Manager Customer Services; Manager Post Office Operations; Officer-in-Charge and a detail assignment to the Southern Area as Manager of Delivery Programs.

As Jacksonville Postmaster, Gornik oversees 33 stations, branches, associate offices and 1,449 employees.  She is responsible for mail delivery to 549, 342 residential and business delivery point and 40,185 post office boxes.

In 2011, she was awarded the Postal Customer Council (PCC) Postal Leadership Award for the Southwest Area and is also the Northeast Florida PCC Co-Chair.

Debbie is the proud mother of two wonderful men, Vince and Mikey.

L-R:  Melbourne Postmaster Diane Tindle, Jacksonville’s Mayor Chief of Staff Michelle Barth, Jacksonville Manager Customer Services Cynthia Myers, NAPS Southeast Area Vice President Jerry Sebastian, Northeast FL Postal Customer Council Industry Co-Chair Dan Lawlor, Jacksonville Postmaster Debra Gornik, Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Mary Sullivan, Southern Area Manager Operations Support Eric Chavez.

Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt (left) administering the Oath of Office to Jacksonville Postmaster Debra Gornik with hersons Vince (left) and Mikey (right) assisting.

Green Cove Springs Post Office takes marketing postal products to a new level

Green Cove Springs Post Office Supervisor Rocky Bolin put his marketing talents to work to promote postal products comparable to the month of June.  Bolin partnered with other employees at this unit to create an impressive wedding display fit for a queen in the lobby.  Since June is the favorable month of weddings, a mannequin was dressed in a beautiful floor-length wedding gown complete with bouquet.  Included in the display is a ring bearer’s pillow, beautiful vase of white roses, photos of a wedding cake and white roses, and all the bells and whistles to set the stage for a perfect wedding.  This awesome display will assist in promoting the purchase of the wedding stamp.  Is that a wedding ring on the mannequin's finger?

Good News - Valdosta GA Post Office

Valdosta Post Office Postmaster William “Bill” Spangler and MPOO 2 Ron Jarrell recognized Tony Hall and Vanessa Plair for their recent promotions to Supervisor, Customer Services.   Mr. Hall began his postal career as a manual distribution clerk on Tour 1.  His last assignment, prior to being promoted to Supervisor Customer Services, was Lead SSA.  He also was honored with a 25-year service award.   Ms. Plair began her career with the postal service in 2005 as a distribution clerk at Valdosta Main Post Office.  Later, she accepted assignments as Sales, Service Associate and Passport Clerk.  Congratulations to both employees!

L-R:  Valdosta Postmaster Bill Spangler, Supervisor Tony Hall, MPOO Ron Jarrell

L-R:  Valdosta Supervisor Tony Hall, Postmaster Bill Spangler, Supervisor Vanessa Plair

L-R:  Valdosta Supervisor Tony Hall and Supervisor Vanessa Plair

Good News - Augusta Post Offices

Augusta Peach Orchard Station Manager Jeannette Harmon presented Sales, Service Associates Barbara Bynum and Hester Dunbar with gold stars for achieving 100% shops. This was Peach Orchard's 3rd consecutive 100% shop.  Congratulations!  Way to go!

L-R:  Sales, Service Associate Barbara Bynum, Station Manager
Jeannette Harmon, Sales, Service Associate Hester Dunbar.

Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele recognized clerk Valerie Dickerson with her 25 year Service Award and pin. Val's co-workers joined in congratulating her.

L-R:  Postmaster Paul Steele, Sales, Service Associates Pam Davis,
Valerie Dickerson, Gloria Brown and Carin Tichgelaar.

Augusta A/Manager James Lloyd and A/Supervisor Customer Services Johnny Fowler recognized Sales/Services Associates Carin Tichgelaar and Valerie Dickerson with gold stars for their recent perfect shops. The Augusta Main Office has had 8 consecutive perfect shops.

L-R:  A/Manager James Lloyd, Sales/Service Associates Carin Tichgelaar,
Valerie Dickerson, and A/Supervisor Johnny Fowler.

Good News - Jacksonville BMEU

Bulk Mail Tech Jan Powell was recognized with a Letter of Appreciation for her continued success in the Valdosta BMEU and detailed assignment to the JAX BMEU.  The Valdosta BMEU just recently passed with a 100% on an Area Audit, making this their fourth straight year of perfect 100s.  Over the past four years, sales have averaged $1,900,000 a year with 16 area audits and 8 district audits.

L-R:  Manager Valdosta-Northside Station Ken Stakich, A/BMEU Manager Amy Hicks,
Sales, Service Associate/Bulk Mail Tech Linda Combs, Bulk Mail Tech Jan Powell,
Valdosta Postmaster Bill Spangler, and MPOO 2 Ron Jarrell.

Bulk Mail Tech Jan Powell (sitting) and back up tech Linda Combs, both hard at work!!

Hardwick Postmaster educates customer

When a customer approached Hardwick Postmaster, Mary Brokenburr, for post office box rental information, the customer mentioned how a friend had been a victim of mail fraud.  Ms. Brokenburr seized the opportunity to discuss with and provide the customer with pamphlets and documents pertaining to consumer protection from mail fraud and fake sweepstakes.  The customer was very appreciative and indicated the information would definitely be put to good use.

Good News - Augusta GA Post Office

Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele was excited to present Main Office Sales/Services Associate Alfreda Hankanson with her first Gold Star for her 100% shop. Paul decided he couldn’t wait for someone to locate a camera and took a ‘selfie’ photo.  Co-worker Carin Tichgelaar was on hand to applaud the honors.  Congratulations, Alfred!  Good photo-op Paul!

L-R:  Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele, Sales/Services
Associates Alfreda Hankanson and Carin Tichgelaar.

Beaming with pride after being presented with her fourth consecutive Gold Star by Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele, Augusta Hill Station Sales/Service Associate Wilhelmenia Scott shared the momentous occasion with co-worker Sales/Services Associate Anita Turner.  This was the Hill Station's 12th consecutive 100% shop.

L-R:  Augusta Hill Station Sales/Services Associates Anita Turner, Wilhelmina Scott

Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele presents Peach Orchard carrier Raymond Pearson with his 30 year Service Award and Pin. Congratulations Ray!