35 For Ruth

St. Petersburg Main Office Lead Retail Associate Ruth Shelley (front) received her 35-year Service Award and pin from Officer in Charge Jackie Villemaire (left).  Joining in to offer congratulations were (left to right) Supervisor Customer Services June Migliore, Acting Manager Customer Services Pete Ferraro and Acting Manager Customer Service Operations Darrell Moore.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service, Ruth!

Manasota Recognition

Manasota Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Acting Manager Distribution Operations (A/MDO) Tina White (center) gathered employees for a sick leave recognition event.

A/MDO Tina White (right) and MDO Alex Lewis (left) congratulate sick leave recognition recipients (left to right) Mail Processing Clerks Chris Chandler (1,500 hours), Carlos Diaz (500 hours) and Mark Browder (1,000 hours); and Manual Clerk Harold Lykins (500 hours).

A/MDO Tina White (second left) and team congratulate sick leave recognition recipients Registry Clerk Charles Korath (third right; 500 hours) and Mail Processing Clerk Vincent Grosso (right; 1,000 hours).  Team members, left to right: General Expeditor George Hayden, Jr.; Mail Processing Clerk James Ruckdeschel; Supervisor Distribution Operations (SDO) Christina Spinosa and Mail Processing Clerk Timothy Dinges.

Tour 1 sick leave recognition recipients (left to right) Maintenance Mechanics Michael Stanford (500 hours) and Sebastien Figuero (1,000 hours); Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) Mechanic Robert Libertowski (500 hours); Electronic Technician Earl Nichols (1,500 hours); and MPE Mechanic Edmond Rouleau, Jr. (500 hours).  

Supervisors Maintenance Operations Leandro Moronta (kneeling left) and Robert Romano (back row left) congratulate Tour 2 sick leave recognition recipients Maintenance Mechanic Gary Majors (kneeling right; 1,000 hours); and (center row, left to right) Custodians Richard Kissal (500 hours), Cynthia Deweese (500 hours) and Carlos Cabrera (500 hours); MPE Mechanic Edward Anderson (500 hours); Electronic Technician Lawrence Delanko (1,000 hours);  and Maintenance Mechanics Vincent Tratz (500 hours) and Walter Wynarczuk (500 hours); and (back row, right) Custodian Mitch Coleman (500 hours).

Congratulations to all!

That’s 8,500

Manasota Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic George Kisacky (second left), Mail Processing Clerk Brette Krawitz (third right) and Mail Handler Jose Rosa (second right) received recognition from Plant Manager Debbie Gornik (third left) for accumulating significant hours of sick leave.  Kisacky has 2,500 hours, while Krawitz and Rosa have 3,000 hours.  Joining in to offer congratulations were Manager Maintenance Victor Groves (left) and Manager Distribution Operations Paul Clayton (right).

Congratulations George, Brette and Jose!

2,500 Hours

Manasota Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Operations Support Specialist Debbie Macon (second, right) was recognized by Plant Manager Debbie Gornik (right) for earning 2,500 hours of Sick Leave. Fellow In Plant Support employees (left to right) Engineer Rob McHugh; Operations Support Specialist Jose Rodriguez; Manager, In Plant Support Kim Tyus; and Contract Technician Maggie Guthrie joined in to congratulate Macon and celebrate her major accomplishment.

Congratulations, Debbie!

  

Postal Family Supports Ormond Beach

During Hurricane Irma, the Ormond Beachside Station was damaged by a tornado that knocked out the windows and front structure.  Postmaster Ormond Beach Marcia Cue (not pictured) arrived to find the Inspection Service already on site. They accompanied her on a walk-through of the building to ensure no one had entered the facility. 

Within 30 minutes, Ormond Beachside Officer In Charge Drew Norberg (above) arrived; next Port Orange Postmaster Bill Spangler and Ormond Beachside Manager, Customer Services Beverly Muscatello (not pictured) arrived to assist in cleaning up as much of the debris as possible. The contractor arrived at 6 p.m. and Edgewater Postmaster Roberta Stevens-Simmons (not pictured) arrived and offered assistance. Cue and Spangler stayed until 10 p.m. when the building was finally secured.

Cue stated, “Without the support of my postal family, it would have been an even more trying day. At times of need it made me feel very good to have postal support.”

Thank you to our Postal Family!

Gold For Nicole

Sharpes Retail Associate Nicole Roberson-Rodriguez (above) was all smiles when she received her Gold Star Award and lanyard for achieving a perfect score on a Retail Customer Experience transaction.   “Nicole was converted to career in January of this year and this was her first documented Retail Customer Experience.  Working with her is a pleasure, as she always provides our customers with an excellent experience,” said Postmaster Debra Terek.  “Nicole is always smiling and suggesting the products that meet our customers’ needs.  I look forward to presenting her with many more Gold Stars.”

Congratulations, Nicole!

USPS Family Picnic October 22

The Suncoast District Diversity Committee will hold the second USPS Annual Fall Family Picnic on Sunday, October 22, from Noon to 4 p.m., at beautiful Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa FL 33637.

Cost is only $5 per person (ages 5 and older) and includes food, games and prizes.  Registration forms and flyers are posted at postal facilities.  

Can you offer support for the items below? If so, please volunteer when you register.

• Face painters
• Balloon artists
• Picnic Set up (10am-12pm)
• Picnic Clean up (4pm-5pm)
• Game Helpers (12pm-4pm) – games include bingo, dominoes, corn hole, kickball and more

Mark your calendars and register now to join the Suncoast District Postal Family for a fun filled afternoon!

Registration forms are available at postal facilities and through managers/supervisors; for more information contact Amanda.L.Parr@usps.gov

Lights Out At College Park

Orlando College Park Retail Associate Josh Lima (above) went above and beyond to keep the mail flowing to the carriers. College Park was out of power for five days after Hurricane Irma. Manager, Customer Services Gerry Santiago (not pictured) stated, “All of the employees pulled together and pitched in where ever necessary to deliver the mail to our customers”.

Thank you, College Park, for doing what it takes for our customers.

5 Golds For Terri

Wabasso Retail Associate Terri McKay (right) received her fifth Gold Star Award from Postmaster Kristel Rath (left).  McKay earned the awards by achieving perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience transactions.

Thank you for consistently providing excellent service, Terri!

Cape Coral Celebrates

Cape Coral Retail Associates Tim Sandt (third right) and Linda Robertson (fourth right) received a Gold Star Award and gift card and Custodian Steve Deverona (second left) received his 2016 Perfect Attendance Award from Postmaster Leroy Middleton, Jr. (fourth left); Manager, Customer Services Kathy Jungferman (left) and Supervisor, Customer Services Paul Elsmore (right). Celebrating as part of the team effort were Custodians Julia Rivera (third left) and William Grout (second right). Sandt and Robertson earned perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience transactions.

Congratulations, all!

Customer Service After Irma

Chokoloskee, Goodland and Everglades City were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma.  The Mobile Retail Units above were dispatched so that customers can pick up their mail and have access to retail services.

The Suncoast District quickly restored mail delivery, retail services and mail collection to most Suncoast District customers affected by Hurricane Irma, even in the hardest hit areas.  Postal operations continue to recover as quickly as it is safe to do so. 

“Postal employees continue to make every effort to provide service as soon as possible to all of our customers wherever we can ensure the safety of our employees and customers,” said Suncoast District Manager Eric Chavez. 

The dedication and commitment to service by Suncoast District employees is appreciated by our customers.  Many customers -- residential and business - have made phone calls, sent letters and emails, posted on Social Media and been featured in the media to thank postal employees for bringing a sense of normalcy to their communities after Irma.

Thank You, Suncoast Team!

Employee Dedication After Irma

The above photo of Ochopee Clerk Shannon Mitchell was featured on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle.  Mitchell is shown preparing mail for delivery after Hurricane Irma.  Despite the loss of her home and being without electrical power and running water, Mitchell reported to work to keep her community connected through the mail.  The Ochopee Post Office, the smallest Post Office in the nation, survived Hurricane Irma, and received media coverage around the nation. Photo: Alan Diaz, AP 

Post Offices in Highland County were able to fuel up their vehicles (above) when the Suncoast District Emergency Management Team arranged for a tanker to be at the Sebring Main Post Office.  “Fueling vehicles after Hurricane Irma was a task in itself. Thanks to MPOO George Miller; Lake Jackson Manager Customer Services Tad Perry; and Sebring Supervisor Customer Services Erica West for notifying all of the Post Offices in Highlands County to come to the Sebring Main Post Office to fuel up,” said Avon Park Postmaster Tonya Schmidt.  “Few gas stations in Highland County were open and the lines at open gas stations were up to four hours long.  I was worried we may not have had enough fuel to deliver in some areas.  Thank goodness for the Suncoast Team.” 

Following Hurricane Irma, Avon Park Rural Carrier Shari Kersci-McKee delivered mail (see LLV, left) to customers in the Crystal Lake Club community.  Kersci-McKee said she was determined to deliver the medications and mail to every delivery that was safely accessible.

Avon Park Letter Carrier Tracy Bornemann (above) is shown delivering mail along a downtown route where some customers’ homes were totally destroyed and marked with an “X” by FEMA.

An Avon Park employee (above right) loads mail after the Post Office lost electrical power due to Hurricane Irma. “For several days we used a generator that only ran part of the lights on the workroom floor.  Our employees worked in near darkness to ensure delivery to our customers,” said Postmaster Tonya Schmidt.  “Checks and medication were coming through the mail and customers were so appreciative.  I am so proud of the Avon Park Team for their dedication and commitment, despite the personal impacts they experienced from the hurricane.”  

The photos above and below show East Naples employees sorting, preparing and loading mail in the parking lot of the East Naples Carrier Annex after Hurricane Irma caused a large section of the roof to be completely ripped away.

“With no electrical power, every truck was unloaded by hand.  Our employees did not complain and they worked safely throughout the challenging days,” said Naples Postmaster Richard Barber.  “Our customers benefited from this teamwork and many customers took the time to express their thanks to the Postal Service.”

  

Thanks to all Suncoast District employees for your dedication and focus on safety and customer service!

Cheryl Retired

Bradenton Beach Letter Carrier Cheryl Malcolm proudly holds her Retirement Certificate.  Left to right: City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Carolyn Cusack; Letter Carriers James Crolius and Brian Andrews; Clerk Joe Randell; Malcom; CCA Janay Williams and Letter Carrier Victoria Coon congratulated Malcolm and wished her a wonderful retirement.  Malcolm retired with over 33 years of service.

Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Cheryl.

2,500 Hours Of Sick Leave

Tampa Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Supervisor Maintenance Operations Philip DeVincentis (center) received special recognition from Senior Plant Manager Ivonne Gonzalez for accruing over 2,500 hours of Sick Leave.  DeVincentis has been a postal employee for 26 years and has never used a day of sick leave during his career.  When asked how he was able to achieve such a feat, DeVincentis responded, “I seem to only get sick on my days off.”  Lead Maintenance Manager Joe Beiter (right) and Manager Maintenance Operations Conrad Johnson (left) presented the recognition award.

Congratulations, Philip!

30 For Cindy

Palatka Retail Associate Cindy Smith (right) received her 30-year Service Award and pin from Postmaster Richard Pasek (left). 

Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service, Cindy.

Honoring 60 Years

St. Petersburg Main Office Acting Custodial Group Leader Andy Gniewosz (left) received his 30-year Service Award and pin from Officer In Charge Jackie Villemaire (right).

St. Petersburg Main Office Retail Associate Dianna O’Donnell (left) received her 30-year Service Award and pin from Officer in Charge Jackie Villemaire (right). 

Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service Andy and Dianna!

District Manager Thanks Suncoast Employees

Eric Chavez

Suncoast District Manager

Hurricane Irma was one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded.  It ripped through the Suncoast District, leaving a path of destruction.  Fortunately, all Suncoast employees have been accounted for and are safe.  Despite the wrath of Hurricane Irma, the Suncoast District has once again proven that we are the best Postal Team in the nation.

I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for your personal dedication and commitment you have shown as we recover from Hurricane Irma.  Employees throughout the district arrived at work despite the personal impacts and challenges they faced from the hurricane.  Many of our facilities were without electrical power, yet we found a way to safely sort and deliver whenever possible.

You are continuing to assist us in restoring delivery and retail services as safely and quickly as possible.  The teamwork and camaraderie shown during such a critical time speaks to the outstanding caliber of employees in Suncoast. Our customers are noticing and expressing their appreciation.  

When catastrophes such as Hurricane Irma hit our communities, our customers feel a sense of normalcy when they see mail being delivered and open Post Offices.  They count on us to reconnect them with their families, friends and businesses. 

Every single job position has been important to restoring postal operations after Hurricane Irma. The teamwork that has been exhibited by Suncoast District employees has been exceptional.  I extend a huge “thank you” to every employee for your unwavering focus on customer service. 

Thank You Suncoast Team! 

Recovering After Hurricane Irma

Suncoast employees throughout the district showed their dedication despite the many challenges caused by Hurricane Irma.  Employees suffered home damage, property loss, scarce availability of gas, lack of running water and lack of electricity at home, but arrived at their duty stations, or the closest stations available, to perform their jobs.  “I am extremely proud of Suncoast employees,” said District Manager Eric Chavez.  “Our employees are making every effort to provide service as safely and quickly as possible to all of our customers, even in the hardest hit areas. I want to thank each and every employee for their commitment and dedication.”

The Ochopee, Florida, Post Office -- the smallest Post Office in the United States (61.3 square feet) – is located in the Suncoast District, near the Everglades.  The Post Office survived Hurricane Irma, despite being in one of the hardest hit areas.  Clerk Shannon Mitchell (right) sorts mail and provides retail services to customers. Highway Contract Driver Brittany Potter (left) delivers mail on the Ochopee 131 mile mail route that serves 900 residents in three counties and the Miccosukee Indian Reservation.

Mitchell (left) and Potter (right) prepare mail for delivery after Hurricane Irma.

Mitchell and many of her family members lost their homes due to Hurricane Irma. Her belongings (above) are curbside after the hurricane brought water that rose to the window sills of her house. Despite her personal loss, Mitchell said she wanted to be at work because she is devoted to providing mail service to her community. Employees from surrounding Post Offices quickly gathered much needed items to assist Mitchell and Manager Post Office Operations (MPOO) Mark Schulz organized a convoy that delivered the collections.  “What MPOO Mark Schulz is doing to help with the recovery efforts for some of our employees in the MPOO D group is going far and above anything that could be expected of a manager.  Mark has actually moved some of us to tears.  We are lucky to have him,” said Saint James Postmaster Benjamin Rotolo, Jr.

The Palm Harbor Post Office was without electrical power immediately following Hurricane Irma, so employees (above) gathered outside to hear the day’s operational plans.  Many also had loss of electrical power and running water at home.

The Interlachen Post Office was without electricity following Hurricane Irma, so employees used flashlights and headlights to sort and case mail.  Above, PTF Clerk Matt Press places mail in PO Boxes.

“I want to praise the employees of Interlachen 32148 and its RMPO offices. Hurricane Irma crippled just about every county and small town in Florida. The town of Interlachen was no different. Like many offices, we returned to no power. That didn’t stop the employees of Interlachen. Even with late trucks, terrible road conditions and personal adversity, Interlachen and its RMPO offices (Florahome 32140, Grandin 32138, Lake Geneva 32160 and Putnam Hall 32185) every employee showed up for work.  All deliveries were completed except for a few with unsafe circumstances,” said Interlachen Officer In Charge (OIC) Mike McManus.

Media outlets, including USA Today, Naples Daily News, Bradenton News and the Miami Herald ran feature stories on the Ochopee Post Office surviving Hurricane Irma. Media around the district reported on how promptly and safely the Suncoast District restored delivery and retail services for customers.  Many residential and business customers expressed praise for the outstanding efforts by Suncoast District employees to provide mail services that created a sense of normalcy for their communities.

Way to go, Team Suncoast.  We are #Postal Proud!

Jose Is A Hero

Titusville Letter Carrier Jose Fonseca (third left) received a Hero Commendation Award from Postmaster General Megan Brennan.  Manager Post Office Operations Janice Walters (second left) and Titusville Postmaster Betsy Triglia (left) presented the award during a celebratory event honoring Fonseca.  While delivering on his route, Fonseca noticed that one of his customers had not picked up her mail for several days.  He became concerned and asked several neighbors about the customer and persisted until a well check was initiated.  The customer, Joyce Boder (third right), was discovered on the floor, near death, and required weeks of hospitalization.    

Boder notified Postmaster Triglia about Fonseca’s heroic actions and attended the event to thank him for saving her life.  Fonseca’s wife, Yolanda (second right) and Customer Sally Fox (right) were on hand to congratulate Fonseca.  Fox is Boder’s neighbor and assisted with her well check.

Thank you for your heroic actions, Jose!

40 Years For Otto

Lakeland Area Maintenance Technician Albrecht “Otto” Halstead (center) received his 40-year Service Award and pin from District Manager Eric Chavez (left).  Halstead’s wife, Chun Cha Halstead (right), was on hand for the monumental presentation.  

Halstead (above) proudly displayed his 40-year Service Award and pin.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service, Otto!

Three Golds For Van

Vero Beach Lead Retail Associate Van Pate, Jr. (left) received his third Gold Star Award in a row from Postmaster Brian Frazier (right) for earning perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience transactions.

Congratulations and thank you for providing excellent customer service, Van!

Moss Is A Hero

Tampa Sulphur Springs Station Letter Carrier Jason Moss (right) was honored by Postmaster General (PMG) Megan Brennan with the PMG Hero Commendation Award.  District Manager Eric Chavez (left) presented the award and thanked Moss for his heroic actions.  Moss was on his route when he saw smoke coming from a home.  He knew his customer was a disabled man who was confined to bed.  Moss made several attempts to enter the home through the bellowing smoke and was finally able to enter through a window.  Tampa Police Officers arrived and assisted Moss in getting the customer out of the burning home.  The customer and his two beloved dogs were saved.

Hero Letter Carrier Jason Moss (second right) proudly displayed his PMG Award while receiving congratulations from (left to right) District Manager Eric Chavez, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Branch 599 Tony Diaz, Moss and Tampa Postmaster Richard Fermo.  Moss received positive media coverage on several Tampa TV stations for his heroic deed.

Moss (third left) and his co-workers enjoyed refreshments and a celebratory cake during the presentation event.

Thank you for your heroic actions, Jason!

Robert Retired

Palmetto Letter Carrier Robert Whitely (left) dropped by the Post Office for his retirement event and received his Retirement Certificate from Officer In Charge (OIC) Sam Braun (right). Whitely retired after 33 years of service and has the distinguished honor of never having a motor vehicle accident during his career.

Congratulations, Robert!

Over 600 Attend Career Conference

Over 600 employees attended the Suncoast District “Cultivate Your Potential…Your future is unwritten!” Career Conference August 11-13 in Kissimmee, FL.  District Manager Eric Chavez hosted the conference to empower employees and provide them with the tools to be successful in their chosen careers. Chavez joined Subject Matter Experts from the District Leadership Team to share knowledge and experience at the Career Conference.  Employees enjoyed a great weekend of activities that included networking opportunities, educational workshops, golfing, contest activities, dining and dancing.  Southern Area Manager Operations Support Mike Barber was a special guest speaker and shared his career experiences with attendees.

Suncoast District Manager Eric Chavez (standing) spoke with enthusiastic employees gathered for the career conference.  Chavez captured the attention of over 600 attendees by sharing key points about his postal career.  Chavez began his carrier as a Jacksonville, FL, Letter Carrier and shared a photo of himself at his case in his Letter Carrier uniform.  He also shared the handwritten notes he took during his Postal Service Orientation and encouraged employees to set career goals and take the steps to achieve them.

Southern Area Acting Manager Human Resources Charisse Newberry (standing) spoke about her postal career and motivated career conference attendees to continue to pursue their career goals.

Following a delicious luncheon, Keynote Speaker Lieutenant General Robert “Van” VanAntwerp (standing right); retired 3-star U. S. Army General; graduate of United States Military Academy at West Point; former chief of engineers and commanding general of 37,000 employees in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) captured the crowd’s attention with his message.

Manager Human Resources Nefty Pluguez (standing) answered an employee’s question during the question and answer session.

Employees attended workshops (above and below) to learn about a variety of topics to advance their careers.  Workshops ranged from interview techniques to business writing for career advancement to building team success, plus opportunities to learn more about the many functional areas within the U.S. Postal Service. 

Leadership Team Members (above) critiqued eCareers and offered one on one career advice to attendees throughout the conference.

The winners of the Career Conference Golf Tournament (left to right) Southern Area Labor Relations Specialist Joe Homolash; Clearwater Postmaster Doug Fiedler; Englewood Postmaster Sherry Jude and Retired Punta Gorda Postmaster Steven Bernier (who shot a -13 for a score of 59) posed for a photo.

Attendees participated in several contest activities, including matching the young photos (above) with the correct Leadership Team members.  One of the most coveted drawings was for Lunch with an Executive, which provided the lucky winners a one on one career session while dining with a District Executive.

During Saturday evening’s social event, employees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, networking and dancing (above).

Mid Florida Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) Supervisor Bobby Bock Supervisor (left) and Space Coast VMF Manager Mike Quijano (right) were on hand at the conference providing information about available VMF positions available in the Southern Area 1, encompassing the Central and Northern Area of Florida.  Other exhibitors included APLUS, EAP, NAPS, UPMA, FEHB Health Plans, Tampa Postal Credit Union, USPS Suncoast Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee and USPS Suncoast District Sales Department.

Special thanks to Human Resources Generalist Principal Davina Best, the Career Conference Committee Members and Support Staff for planning and hosting this year’s Career Conference.  Feedback and response from attendees has been extremely positive and plans are already underway for next year’s conference.

Photography: Desai Abdul-Razzahu and Juan Rosa.