California BranCh national league of Postmasters DATES TO

January 2010
Volume L • Number 3
California Branch National League of Postmasters
“May the Joy of the Seasons bring you closer to your Family & the League”
DATES TO REMEMBER
State Convention
May 21 - May 23, 2010
Residence Inn on March Lane
Stockton, CA 95219
National Convention
July 18 - July 22, 2010
Town & Country Resort
and Convention Center
San Diego, CA
National League of
Postmasters Convention
Summer 2011
Albuquerque, NM
California Branch National League of Postmaster
Executive Board
Steve Tomlins, President
555 E Main St
Turlock 95380
(O) 209 669 3021
(F) 209 632 6543
[email protected]
Tim Brown, Ex VP
PM Copperopolis 95228
(O) 209 785 2326
[email protected]
Shari Hetzler, VP
PM Pioneer 95666
(H) 209 223 7920
(O) 209 295 7490
[email protected]
Richard Samaniego, Vice Pres
PM Huntington Beach CA 92647
(O) 714 843 4200
[email protected]
Lorri Meza, Treasurer
PM Jamestown CA 95327
(O) 209 984 5864
(H) 209 533 4335
(C) 209 770 4336
[email protected]
Robin Clover, Vice Pres
PM Planada 95365
(O) 209 382 0051
[email protected]
Terry Fincher, Secretary
PM Jamul CA 91935
(O) 619 669 0424
[email protected]
Gary Spizzirri, Editor
PM Vista CA 92083
(O) 760 726 7902
(F) 760 726 4310
[email protected]
Bev Fickes, Immediate Past President
PM Orland 95963
(O) 530 865 9573
(H) 530 357 5969
[email protected]
Carolyn Hill, Retiree Pres & Rep
422 Vista Way
Martinez, CA
(O) 925 202 3747
[email protected]
Pacific Area
Coordinator
Norma Powell,
PM Groveland 95321
(O) 209 962 7792
(H) 209 962 4571
[email protected]
District Coordinators
San Diego – Bryson Kim
PM Chula Vista
(O) 619-498-0971
Santa Ana – Bill Brockett
PM Chino Hills 91709
(O) 310 322 0700
Sierra Coastal – Kim Simpson
PM Avila Beach 93022
OIC Nipomo
(O) 805 929 4614
[email protected]
Bay Valley - Irma M. Solis-Smith
PM Salinas
(O) 831 757-0218
(F) 831-757-0306
[email protected]
San Francisco – Jerome Link
PM Eureka
(O) 707-442-5141
Sacramento – Donna Geary
PM Hilmar
(O) 209 632 3469
(H) 209 632 9368
Los Angeles – Vacant
Membership- Tim Brown
Membership Retention- Lorri Meza
Code of Governing Rules- Robin Clover
Effective ServiceResolutionsSite Selection- Carolyn Hill
Legislation- Shari Hetzler
RegistrationWebmaster- Rose Brace
3 Digit- Bev Fickes
Historian- Charlie Harper &
Carolyn Hill
2
Retiree Board
Carolyn Hill - Retiree Pres
[email protected]
Regina Taber, Imme. Past President
PO Box 399
Raymond, CA 93653
(H) 559 689 3288
[email protected]
Carol Slocum - Secretary/Treas
[email protected]
Cheryl Corey - Vice President
[email protected]
Rod Rodinsky - Exec Vice President
[email protected]
Mary Mueller - Vice President
[email protected]
AuxiliAry Board
Mary Tomlins, President
[email protected]
Gwenda Mapa, Exec VP
[email protected]
Richard Mueller, VP
[email protected]
Dieder Rodinsky, Sec/Treas
[email protected]
Claudia Hayes - VP
[email protected]
NLPM CALIFORNIA STATE
WEB SITE
postmasters.hypermart.net
LEAGUE Address
One Beltway Center
5904 Richmond Hwy Suite 500
Alexandria VA 22303-1864
Phone 703 329 4550
Fax 703 329 0466
www.postmasters.org
Legal Services
DiFalco & Associates
8010 South County Road 5 Ste 206
Windsor, CO 80528-9004
(O) 970 530-2121
(F) 970 530 2122
[email protected]
Adverse Action Counselors
Bev Fickes
(O) 530 865 9573
(H) 530 357 5969
[email protected]
Tammy Vielguth
(O) 619 7858
[email protected]
Cover Photo:
iStockphoto.com / Maica
Steve Tomlins
President, California Branch
National League of Postmaster
PM Turlock CA 95380
W
e have made it through another challenging year
which has brought a lot of changes to the Postal
Service. One of them was the retirement of the
Pacific Area Vice President Mike Daley, will be greatly missed. He
was a man of integrity and guided the Pacific Area in a positive
and successful direction. Mike was a friend of the League and
when we had issues it was very easy to talk with him or his
direct reports. We were able to resolve many issues and those
that were not were always given the respect of a response and a
reason as to why. We now have a new Pacific Area Vice President
Drew Aliperto and I wish him the same success leading the
Pacific Area as we have had in the past.
CHANGES
The Pacific Area has taken pride in Service up and Cost down,
however, I have not seen that recently. Last year we were told
that service should not be given at any cost and we were still
able to manage the mail in the units. We were able to reduce
overtime in the beginning of the week and have work available
at the end of the week. Now we have been told that we must
take all mail daily except bundled carrier route. This is not Service
at a reasonable cost it is Service at any cost. With the reductions
we have felt in staffing and how we have been told to deliver the
mail I have seen an increase in carriers leaving late, an increase
in Penalty Overtime and carriers out past 8:00 PM if not later. In
my opinion this is not good business. Yes, we are in the delivery
business and we do strive to increase our service scores but at
what cost.
How have you handled all of the changes that have affected you
or your offices? Two of the biggest changes we have noticed are
the reduction in volume and revenue. When this happens to any
company, drastic measures need to be taken in order to survive.
Some of the measures taken have had a dramatic impact on Post
Offices. An agreement with the NALC was made to accelerate
the route inspections processed which has reduced hundreds in
not thousands of routes throughout the Nation.
I am not trying to be negative and most of the changes that have
been made are very necessary. However, changing productivities
to reduce staffing and then taking our ability to manage the mail
away and expecting us to do it in 8 hours with no overtime are
unreasonable.
Our 40th League Forum begins January 30, 2010.
We have had several employees take the early retirement which
had some impact. Then there was the incentive that was given
to the clerks and mail handlers which had a greater impact
and is being felt by the majority of medium to large offices. We
have had some plant consolidations with more possible which
could possibly free up some clerks to fill the needed vacancy’s.
There have been consolidations of delivery units, reduction in
collection boxes and collections, reductions in window hours
and an increase in CSV productivities. There have been changes
made that have affected the 150’s which in turn has affected
Postmaster levels and a reduction in Supervisor positions.
Now more than ever we need to have Postmaster’s
participate. If you have never attended it is an experience
of a life time and you will want to stay a day or two
extra to see the sites. Come find out about the Postal
Legislative Issues, attend our Training workshops, visit
with your Congressional representatives to discuss the
issues and attend the Laying of the Wreath at the “Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier”. Then you can relax and enjoy
the Reception and Grand Banquet. I am looking forward
I can understand why most of the changes have been made,
however, I do not understand the increase in CSV productivities
and the changes that have been made to affect the 150. I know
that when a goal is met you strive to improve but I do not know
of any studies that have been conducted to justify the increases.
I do know that the League at National has been addressing
these issues.
to seeing you there.
Steve Tomlins
President California League of Postmasters
3
Charley Mapa
President’s Message
National NLPM President
PM Gold Run CA
December 22, 2009
Dear Leaguers,
The big day of Christmas is almost upon us! It is a season
My mom’s love radiated out from that tree to each airman there.
where several holidays are celebrated, including Hanukah and
For a week that tree became our symbol of home and all the good
Kwanzaa and Eid. Whatever your preference, I hope for you that
things that we had left behind and that we would soon be return-
this is a time of happiness and joy for each of you and that you are
ing to.
able to gather your loved ones around you. Here in the north and
the east, it can be a good excuse to huddle up and get warm! It
has to give you second thoughts, however, about the whole glob-
like so many of your sons and daughters, is a long way from home
al warming controversy; we just had a record setting snowstorm
in a strange and not so friendly place. Charlie Jr. is 9 ½ time zones
right here in the Washington DC area! Rather than get involved
away in Afghanistan taking care of business. Two weeks ago, I
with that political beach ball, I’ll instead wish each of you a joy-
found out that his mom, my wife Gwenda, sent him a flat rate
ous Christmas Day (my tradition) along with all of its blessings!
Priority Mail package. In that parcel? You guessed it; cookies and
Of course, during these special family times, our thoughts turn
a little plastic Christmas tree with lights! I know that Charlie has
to those who are not with us; our friends and family who have
shared all the cookies and I’m sure that that little plastic Christ-
passed away whom we’ll deeply miss during this time, and those
mas tree is prominently displayed so that Charlie’s airmen get a
who are just a long way from home.
little touch of home.
Forty years ago, this Christmas, I was a 19 year old air-
So here it is, 40 years later, my son, MSgt. Chuck Mapa,
I guess the points I’m trying to make are two. First of all,
man at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. There
when you cut through all of the commercial parts of this season,
we were, I and the 39 other airmen in my flight, far from home
you find something very special. The Christmas season is some-
during a special family time of year. Almost every one of us was
thing that draws friends and families together; there is nothing
getting melancholy about being away from our families during
else quite like it during any other time of the year. Secondly, YOU
Christmas, in a strange and not so friendly place. On a day just
deliver Christmas! Without you and all your postal family deliv-
before Christmas, I received something by airmail (yes, there
ering Christmas in all those cards and letters, parcels and pack-
was something before Priority Mail) from home. The package I
ages, even to places as far away as Afghanistan, Christmas just
received contained a big can of my mom’s homemade chocolate
would not be the same. Thank you! And for all of you with loved
chip cookies and a little fifteen inch high Christmas tree! I doled
ones far from home, I’ll quote Charles Dickens’ Tiny Tim; “God
out the cookies (which were hard to share as they’d always been
bless us, every one!”
my favorites) that, though delicious, were soon gone and forgotten. What made a lasting impression was that little plastic Christ-
Merry Christmas,
mas tree. It quickly went from being my tree as I pulled it from its
box, to being our tree as I set it upon the TV in our day room. The
Charley Mapa
guys seemed to huddle a little closer around that TV with that
President
little tree sitting upon it, even when the TV was switched off!
National League of Postmasters
4
Kathy Felker
Martha O. Diaz
Retired Postmaster
Family Award for 2009
Presented to Kathy Felker
Dear California Branch League Members:
I would like to thank the California Branch of the National League of
Postmasters for honoring me with the Martha O. Diaz Family Award
for 2009. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the convention this year
in southern California to receive this award in person.
I retired officially on March 31, 2009 after serving 25 years with the U.
S. Postal Service and haven’t looked back. I was fortunate to work 3
afternoons a week at a local golf course during the summer. I enjoy
playing golf, spending time with my 18 month old granddaughter,
Abby, reading, gardening, and just enjoying life. My husband, Kyle,
says it is nice to have his wife back. Indeed happiness has returned.
I was fortunate to have met Martha Diaz in the early 1990’s when I first
joined the League. Martha was a very active member of the Postmaster
Auxiliary and always an enthusiastic participant in whatever activity
was going on during our conventions. Martha was diagnosed with
cancer in 2006 and lost her battle on May 10, 2007. She left behind a
legacy of service, charity, and family. This award was created in 2008
to honor her memory. I am humbled to be included in the group of
Postmasters who have been presented with this award.
Once again, thank you very much for presenting me with this award,
Martha was a true inspiration to all of us. I hope to see you in Stockton
at our state convention in May.
Respectfully,
Kathy Felker, Retired Postmaster
It has been a pleasure to serve as the Scholarship Chairperson for the
past 10 years. It was always such a joy to recognize the accomplishments
of our young people. As Postmasters we should all be very proud of
our children and grandchildren.
CHANNEL/STEPS FOR
RESOLVING CONFLICTS
(Non-Adversarial Issues Only)
Debra Egemo
National NLPM Vice President
The final step is for the Area Coordinator to present the issue to the
National League President who will pursue the subject matter; policy;
mandate; procedure, etc which is in dispute to the HQ’s level.
Postmasters should attempt to resolve differences with the POOM/
MPOO; one-on-one. (if you are inexperienced on to how personally
communicate issues of concern) or feel intimidated, call your State
League President for support). Your District Coordinator and Adverse
Action Counselor may also be of assistance. Keep documentation of
all conversations, emails, correspondence as part of your personal belongings, not filed or stored at the Post Office. Always keep your communications respectful and focused on what the issue of concern is.
If none of the above steps prove successful, the National President
may choose to involve outside parties (League’s Legislative Consultant; Post Office Continuance Coordinator) or other to seek a remedy.
Some issues of national scope that appear unjust and affect the majority of Postmasters can also be offered through the legislative process or
other external channels.
If unsuccessful at the local level, the State President or District Coordinator can address the inequities or concerns. Their intent should be
to seek a remedy at the District level, or if of a general nature, the issue
may be presented to the POOM/MPOO or to the level of expertise relative to the subject matter (i.e., Mgr of Labor; HR; Finance; Operations,
etc). The next person in the channel of events would be the District
Manager who has responsibility for all District issues.
Footnote: It is of essence that from the initial stages of problem-solving;
addressing challenges; etc…..everyone involved must document the
facts at hand, i.e. names of people contacted; subject inquiry; answer
from superior(s); next step taken……same protocol……..all calendar
of events need to be kept in written form and kept away from the Post
Office premises. Building collaboration for resolving concerns is critical for us to be successful in our efforts to effectively change and influence the levels above us, each level of the organization – Local; District;
Area must have the opportunity to bring solutions to our challenges
before we take them to the highest level at HQ’s.
If unresolved at the District level, the next link would be for the President or District Coordinator to push it up to the Area Coordinator who
will attempt to find a resolve to the problem or a compromising solution for the good of Postmasters and the USPS. This attempt may not
be successful.
5
Norma Powell
Is your
activity
criminal?
Area Coordinator Report
PM Groveland CA 95321
I thought I was having a bad nightmare one week. Too many calls
about postmasters in trouble not to mention some had spent days
with the OIG in their office and made no calls to anyone. First off
if the OIG shows up you need to make “2” calls the first to your
League representative and the second to your MPOO.
Currently the OIG is watching several reports but some basic reports are the bad check list and office and clerk stock limits. With
the removal of IRT’s small offices have become more visible in their
accountability. This should pose no issue as long as you remember your charge as a postmaster-”Protect Postal Funds”. I will tell
you my office came up on a list showing I had over a $1000 in my
till. Talk about excited I emailed the MPOO and support staff that
published the report. Interesting enough I only had $65 in my accountability. Remember reports have errors also, in this case we
had 3 postmasters on the list that data was incorrect. However
within an hour I had a member of the OIG staff email me asking
why I had that much money in my accountability. I explained the
issue and of course included them in the future emails regarding
the erroneous numbers.
Take a look at your office. Is your activity protecting postal funds
or putting them at risk?
Have you completed your Bulk Funding requests in eBuy for the
new FY? Are all of your payments for purchases entered in the
eBuy request? Do you have your declining logs? Don’t spend
money from your till or issue a No Fee Money Order without a
supporting eBuy request.
Do you have a PS3368’s and PS3369’s on file for each till and main
stock in your office? I use one file folder per accountability and
staple both of these supporting documents on the left side and the
counts (PS3294’s) are kept on the right side.
Have you taken or “BORROWED” money from your till? Have you
cashed a bad check at a Post Office? Have you bought something
for your personal use with postal funds?
Are you using your Government Travel Card or SMARTPAY card
for personal use?
IF SO STOP RIGHT NOW!
You might ask how could these items be taken as criminal activity?
Let’s talk about postal funds. If a person came to your counter and
said “give me your money this is a hold up” you would comply
and call 911. But some postmasters who took money from behind
the counter and put it in their pocket/purse considered it borrowing. This is theft of postal funds. The OIG will prosecute YOU! The
USPS is not a Pay Day Cash Advance business.
You are required to protect postal funds so let’s make sure we do
our duty. Complete till counts when required either monthly or
quarterly depending on your office criteria. If you are not sure
what your audit frequency should be ask for assistance.
Your board is here to help along with your District Coordinators.
Make sure you use current versions of the forms found on the Blue
Page Find It section. Remember every till and main stock must
have PS3369’sand PS3368 insuring stock and cash limits are not
exceeded and counts are completed on time. Don’t forget to know
your office accountability limits. You must stay within your stock
limits or ask permission to exceed from your MPOO.
Don’t issue a No Fee Money Order or send PS8230’s for payment
until you have completed your eBuy request for that item. There
may be rare exceptions for emergencies which require MPOO approval.
All credit card usage must be for approved postal use. Travel
credit cards may only be used when travel has been pre-approved.
SMARTPAY cards are for postal supplies and services only.
In today’s Post Office we have many new OIC’s that haven’t had
the opportunity to train in finance. Try to help your neighbor especially the new OIC’s .
Make finances your top PRIORITY protect all postal funds entrusted to you!
Don’t let your activity be criminal instead be educational.
6
From The Editor
Gary Spizzirri
The career, professional and personal development of members is a cornerstone of the
LEAGUE’S mission. That’s why The LEAGUE is committed to being “The Education Organization”
The Traditional Day of Togetherness Honored on U.S. Postage Stamp
Thanksgiving Day Parades Featured
A high-resolution image of the stamp is available for media use only by emailing [email protected]
NEW YORK—This turkey day the nation has something extra special to appreciate – besides Mom’s dressing.
Today, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in four designs featuring iconic scenes inspired by America’s variety of Holiday celebrations, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The stamp dedication ceremony
was held at Macy’s Herald Square.
Observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a traditional day of togetherness, when
Americans of all backgrounds gather to reflect on the events of the past and give thanks for all they presently enjoy, especially family and friends. Held in large cities and small towns throughout the U.S., Thanksgiving Day parades have been
an important part of this tradition since the early 20th century. A typical parade features marching bands, colorful floats,
large balloons of favorite animals and popular characters, and, of course, crowds of delighted onlookers.
“Thanksgiving Day stems from a rich history of American celebrations,” said Joseph Corbett, U.S. Postal Service chief
financial officer and executive vice president, who dedicated the stamp. “The best known of these is the first harvest
festival at Plymouth, where in autumn 1621, some 50 colonists and 90 Native Americans gathered for a three-day feast to
offer thanks for a bountiful harvest.
7
“In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation of Thanksgiving, marking the beginning of national recognition of an annual U.S. Thanksgiving holiday,” Corbett said. “The Postal Service is proud to carry on this rich tradition
through the issuance of these colorful stamps.”
Joining Corbett at the stamp dedication ceremony were Robin Hall, executive producer, Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group, and Jean Picker Firstenberg, chair, USPS Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee.
“Paul Rogers beautiful rendering of a New York street teeming with energy and life under a winter sky filled with giant
helium balloons captures the spirit and the purpose of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade perfectly,” said Robin Hall,
executive producer, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “And like the Macy’s Parade itself, it mirrors a moment in time;
it’s both a snapshot of popular culture and a reflection of our enduring traditions.”
These four stamps illustrate a lively marching band, large balloons of favorite animals and popular characters, and crowds
of delighted onlookers. Drawing on the long and rich visual history of Thanksgiving Day parades in the U.S., artist Paul
Rogers of Pasadena, CA, based his design on American advertising and poster art from the mid 20th century. Rogers used
a combination of airbrush and digital media to create the colorful and nostalgic images featured on the stamps.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post
Office, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to
envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed
to:
Thanksgiving Day Parade Stamp
Postmaster
421 Eighth Ave., Room 2029B
New York, NY 10199-9998
Compensation Leave
Q. I’m an exempt postmaster, and I worked the last two Saturdays during the rural count and my POOM won’t let me
take a full day of Comp time. Is he correct with this?
A. Technically, yes he is! There is no such thing as Comp time. You do not “bank” hours for personal leave. You are
required to work at times outside of your normal schedule, but as an exempt postmaster you ARE entitled to personal
leave.
Personal leave can be used for absences up to four hours in a workday, and is self approved. The hours are recorded as
work hours, and you must maintain a Form 3971, and most districts require one to be submitted to the POOM. Anything
over four hours will usually require you to take a full day of leave of some type. Again, there is no banking or Comp time;
this leave is completely independent of your working any hours outside of your normal schedule.
Personal leave abuse can be dealt with just like sick leave, etc, so do not abuse this privilege.
League Education Topics
K.I.P Clips Effective Service News Letter
A list of K.I.P news letters can be found on the National league of Postmasters Educational web page; Postmasters.org
To request a list of topics that are available for LEAGUE members use either for Career development, topics for three-digit
meetings or personal/professional growth please click the request link and provide your name and office information for
membership verification. Additional topics will be added from time to time. If there is a topic or reference material you
would like available, or have a useful tool you would like to share, please let a member of Effective Service Committee
know. HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” [email protected]
8
“The Postman” wagon model
“The Postman” is one of five quarter-sized specimen rural delivery wagons built for the Post Office Department by the Terre
Haute Carriage and Wagon Company in the late nineteenth century. The Department used these wagons to help drum up
Congressional support for a Rural Free Delivery (RFD) service. This fully operational working model, “the Postman,” has
the sliding doors and windows of the finished product. The four-wheeled wagon was designed to be used with either one or
two horses, was equipped with sliding doors and “storm proof” windows, built-in drawers for holding postal supplies and
pigeonholes for mail. The wagons, made from hickory and ash with poplar panels, were hand painted.
The company created these quarter-size working models in 1899, only three years after the Department had begun testing
RFD service, and before any decisions had been made on RFD’s long-term future. When the company built the models, they
were investing in the service’s long-term success in hopes of creating a new market for their goods. The company’s efforts
were rewarded with numerous orders for the wagon, especially after RFD became an official service in 1902. The company
ran a series of advertisements for “The Postman” in postal employee publications, including The Postmaster’s Advocate
and RFD News. Rural carriers, responsible for providing their own equipment, were the company’s target audience. The
company produced two sets of ads, one touting the wagon as a cool and comfortable summer conveyance, and a winter
ad that boasted the wagon was perfect for cold, chilly and freezing temperatures. As reported from one ad, the wagon was
“cool on a hot day, warm on a cold day, and storm proof on a wet day.” HYPERLINK “http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/
museum/1d_Terre_Haute.html” \l “_edn1#_edn1” \o “” ¹ The Terre Haute Carriage & Buggy Company and foundry, located at First and Wabash streets in Terre Haute, Indiana, also produced large red and white mail screen wagons for the Post
Office Department as well as a variety of other wagon types, including ice wagons, butchers wagons, milk and meat wagons.
The company’s factory covered almost 50,000 square feet of floor space, and utilized steam heat and electric lighting to enable production to continue day and night.
McCormick, Mike, “Terre Haute: Queen of the Wabash,” Arcadia Pub., 2005, p. 101.
Written by Nancy Pope
November 2009
Legislation
• October 23, 2009 - Congress Passes Credit For FERS Leave
• October 1, 2009 - League Legislative Report: One-Year H.R. 22 Provisions Become Law.
• September 25, 2009 - League Legislative Report: H.R. 22 Passes the House Again,
Embedded in this Year’s Continuing Resolution.
9
CALIFORNIA BRANCH NLPM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Name_______________________________________Social Security Number______________________
Address__________________________________________City________________CA Zip___________
Phone Number___________________________High School____________________________________
Class Rank___________Grade Point Average___________Major (if known)_______________________
College you will be entering (Fall 2010)_____________________________________________________
Relationship to League Member______________ Name of League Member________________________
Postmaster of or Retired from what city_____________________________________________________
Applicant Address_________________________________ City_______________CA Zip____________
Activities you have participated in: (you may use a separate sheet if necessary)_____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
On a separate sheet, please provide a short narrative why you feel you should be considered for this scholarship.
Please provide three letters of reference and send with your application and narrative to:
Kathy Felker
401 First Street
Quincy, CA 95971
Application postmark deadline is March 31, 2010
10
10
Wanted
Website Design & Webmaster
for the California League
of Postmasters Branch
Anyone interested in hosting the California
League Branch website and has computer
skills in website design and knowledge of
updating website news and information for
the California League Branch should send a
message of interest to the editor Gary Spizzirri
at [email protected]
or [email protected]
or call (760) 726-7902
for more information
11
11
Shari Hetzler
Vice President
PM Pioneer CA 95666
During the last few months I have been thinking a lot about
promotions. I remember when I first went to Modesto as an
ASP newbie. I did not want to appear stupid but there was so
much to learn. There I was learning how to run a delivery unit,
the reports, communicating with the carriers and attempting to
meet my trainer’s expectations. Then I was the “Supervisor”.
They actually turned me loose in the unit to do the job on my
own. When I promoted to Jackson as the Supervisor I was given
a week shadowing the Postmaster learning the duties and
responsibilities, then it was my job.
Now I am the Postmaster and I have trained my clerks to take
my place should I be called out of the office. I have showed them
the daily reports, where to find the information and one more
thing—who to contact when there was a question!! The WHO is
the secret to success.
All of the training that I went through to become a supervisor and
then a Postmaster taught me one major lesson to be successful—
NETWORKING. I met people who had the skills and knowledge
that I did not yet have. I would ask them detailed questions
so I could better understand my job duties. I still ask my peers
network questions. My network has grown considerably since
I became active in the League of Postmasters. I have access to
many Postmasters who know far more than I do, and who have
become experts in many different areas of Postal related topics.
Each of them is willing to answer my questions but I have to keep
the foresight to ASK!!!
Asking the Question
There are so many new innovative ways of doing our job coming
down the pike. There are new requirements because of SOX. These
are very critical and financially important to the Postal Service. Your
MPOO will be looking at all of this and so will the OIG as well as the
district auditors. Don’t assume you know it all ask someone to come
into your office and do an internal audit to check out your processes.
Ensure that your financial recording keeping is in order and well
documented.
No matter what the level your office is, there are days when things
come up that the Postmaster will knowingly have to use his or her
resources to obtain the proper course of action. There are times when
I feel so out of it and have to ask the same question more than once
of the same person or even different people. I thought is its better to
know and feel comfortable that I understand and have the knowledge
at hand to do my job efficiently and to be in compliance with Postal
procedures. I sometimes think how foolish I would look if an audit
team came into my office and I had left things undone because I was
unsure and did not take the initiative to ask for clarification. My
advice is to ask questions and be comfortable knowing you fully
understand the duties and responsibilities you are accountable for.
“Ask questions”.
Shari Hetzler
New State Secretary
Terri Fincher
Please welcome Terri Fincher as the new Secretary to the California Branch National League of
Postmasters. She is Postmaster of the Jamul Post Office, 13961 Campo Road, Jamul, CA 91935-9998.
Thank you, Terri, for volunteering to support the League of Postmasters California Branch
with your time, talents and efforts! We are glad to have you on our team.
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Carol Slocum -
San Diego has so many activities and places to enjoy.
CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE.
CA PM Retired
• Balboa Park (architecture built to celebrate the Pan American Exposition)
with Museums galore. Air & Space, Automotive, Photographic Arts,
Hall of Champions, Museum of Art, San Diego History, Model Rail
road Museum, Natural History, Veterans Museum and Memorial of
Man, San Diego Art Institute, Mingei International Museum and
Timken Galleries, in addition to the Ruben H. Fleet Space Center
and Imax, replica of the Old Globe Theater, the Botanical and Japanese
Friendship Gardens, reflecting pool and Artist Colony called Spanish
Village.
2010 San Diego National
Convention
Hot off the BLOG. Excitement is building for the 2010 San Diego
National LEAGUE of Postmaster’s convention. The tourist bureau has reported they are ready for the huge influx of Postmasters from all over the
United States with many tours and activities available to knock their socks
off. Wonderful temperatures have been ordered for the week of the convention July 18th, 2010 to ensure a fantastic experience, in fact, most summer
weather runs around 75 degrees.
Wow! The hotel is right by the light rail system, the San Diego Trolley
which goes to downtown San Diego and with a transfer, right to the Gas
Lamp District. Speaking of PARTYING, the Gas Lamp has the largest concentration of restaurants and evening entertainment in all of San Diego. It is
THE happening place. If you are not into adult beverages and haute cuisine;
try walking around it and looking up at the many architectural details of the
old buildings. Or, stop in at the Horton Grand Hotel and ask about their
ghost. If you are into ghosts, San Diego has a few for you to check out. The
Hotel Del Coronado made famous by the Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemon/
Tony Curtis movie “Some Like It Hot” is located across the bay over the
“Big Bridge”. It too has a room with a ghost. And not to be outdone, “Old
Town San Diego”( where the Main Trolley stop is located) also has a ghost
that likes to rock the rocking chair at the Whaley House. So don’t ignore the
San Diego Trolley.
Want to be inspired by shopping and golfing and eating? Well everything is
right there at the Town & Country Hotel. Okay, across the street and parking
lot. While your spouse or significant other/partner/friend/traveling companion is shopping at Fashion Valley that offers over 200 specialty shops as well
as stores like Bloomindales, Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus,
Macy’s as well as an 18 Screen Cineplex movie theater; not to mention
restaurants like PF Changs, Crosby’s ( for Bing Crosby) and the Cheesecake
Factory, you can be learning how to increase your take home pay. For you
retirees out there who have been honing your golfing skills, the Riverwalk
Golf Course is just across the street. So close in fact, you can walk to it
from the hotel even with your clubs. 2:00 PM Tuesday afternoon is tee time
for those of you who want to enter the Golf Tournament and show off your
chipping skills.
Every year LEAGUE Postmasters and their family come to the convention
city and before they know it , the convention is over and no one really had
much time to do anything; Not this time in San Diego. Tours have been set
up for Saturday, prior to the start of the convention as well as for Friday after
the convention.
Ever wanted to try your hand at kayaking? Perhaps being pampered and
chauffeured to various wineries, for wine tasting? Take the Temecula( Napa
South) Wine Tour. So you brought children and want to know what to do
to keep them occupied? How about the World Famous San Diego Zoo with
it’s giant pandas, not to mention those cuddly looking koalas, long necked
giraffes, gargantuan gorillas and dreadlocked orangutans. All in a setting
that seems natural to them. Would you like to go to Africa without spending
thousands of dollars to get that Kodak Moment? Try the Wild Animal Park
in nearby Escondido, where animals commingle with each other on the recreated African plain. You say they aren’t into animals, how about surf lessons?
Everyone wants to enjoy the beach and July is the time to do just that.
• La Jolla high class boutique shops, Seal pup pool, La Jolla Cove-for scuba diving and bathing, art galleries and jewelry stores. Hob Nob with the rich and famous on California’s own French style Riveria. While there take a little drive up the hill and stop at Scripp’s John Birch Aquarium to get a stunning view of the coast and La Jolla skyline as well as check out the “jellies” and local kelp bed fish.
• U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier museum permanently positioned on the waterfront with it’s own variety of planes on the top deck. Wander on
down the board walk to the Maritime Museum with the tall ship “Star
of India”, a Russian Submarine and an old ferry boat the U.S.S. Berkeley.
Cabrillo Point National Monument with a view of Ft Rosecrans cemetery
(our version of Arlington) and the San Diego City high rises flanked
by Mount Laguna in the distance. You may even be able to see some of the Islands and for certain Mexico. See the old Lighthouse at the tip where below Juan Cabrillo first stepped on American soil.
• Mission San Diego and the Presidio site of the first mission. If you are into California history, these are the must visit places. We have all read about Father Junipero Serra who rode his donkey a days ride and established communities and missions at each stop.
Legoland in nearby Carlsbad.
• Del Mar Race track- The horse racing season starts July 21st, during the convention and goes until September.
Sea World- who could leave that out.
• Harbor cruise- Daytime or Nighttime. Your choice.
Past National Conventions have been interesting, but none compare to what
is being offered at this 2010 San Diego National Convention. Yes, a new
National LEAGUE President will be elected, and yes there will be continual
activities and excitement to keep attendees at the top of their game; add to it
training seminars on topics Postmasters are begging for. Subjects that make
you a better informed Postmaster. Sunday night will start with a Mexican
Fiesta, Monday night a Beach Party themed Buffet, Tuesday night free on
your own, Wednesday night- State’s Night commonly referred to as Adult
Trick or Treat and Thursday night the Grand Banquet.
This will be a FIRST. The National LEAGUE of Postmasters has never held
a National Convention in San Diego, and it will be one that everyone remembers. Start planning now. National Convention scheduled for July 18-22nd
2010 San Diego at the Town & Country Hotel.
Having been born here and considered one of the few natives, I know you
will have a great time enjoying of what San Diego has to offer you when you
come and join me here.
Carol Slocum
CA Retiree enjoying one of the Temecula Wineries
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107th LEAGUE
Blue Skies &
Cantoria MT bold, Caslon semibold, Caslon semibold italic
National Convention
LEAGUE Spirit!
July 18 - July 22, 2010
Town & Country Resort and Convention Center
San Diego, California
Name
�Last�
First�
Middle�
Initial�
�Nickname�
Post Office Address
�City�
State�
ZIP�
Code
Mailing Address
�Street�
City�
State�
ZIP�
Additional Registrant�s�
�Last�
First�
Middle�
Initial�
�Nickname�
Code
�Last�
First�
Middle�
Initial�
�Nickname�
Code
� Check here if this is your
E�Mail Address: _______________________________________________________
first National Convention
Codes: A� Auxiliary� R � Retired Postmaster� G � Guest� B � B�R�A�T�S�� Y � Youth� P � Postmaster� PMR � Postmaster Relief
Convention Committees and
Standing Committees will meet on
Sunday� July ��� ����
_____ Postmaster fee paid before March �� ����� ����
_____ Retired Postmaster fee paid before March �� ���� ����
_____ Auxiliary & Guests� fee paid before March �� ���� ����
Official Convention Opening
Monday Morning� July ��� ����
_____ Postmaster fee paid before June ��� ���� ����
_____ Postmaster fee paid on or after June ��� ���� ����
Special Needs:
� Check here if you have a disability and
may require accommodations to fully partic�
ipate� Please provide a phone number and
you will be contacted�
Daytime: �_____� ________________�
_____ Retired Postmaster fee paid on or after June ��� ���� ����
If you have a special dietary need� check one:
_____ Retired Postmaster fee paid before June ��� ���� ����
_____ Auxiliary & Guests fee paid before June ��� ���� ����
� Diabetes
� Vegetarian
� Other __________________�
_____ Auxiliary & Guests fee paid on or after June ��� ���� ����
_____ Youth �B�R�A�T�S�� registration fee ���
____ TOTAL
Please indicate appropriate code above; number of registrants and total here�
For Exhibitor information,
contact: [email protected]
or call (410) 997-0763
� _____________________________
METHOD OF � MasterCard � VISA
PAYMENT Exp� Date ____�____ Signature _________________________________ � Check Enclosed
Note: Cancellations or transfers received after June �� ����� are subject to ��� administration fee�
Mail form to: National League of Postmasters� One Beltway Center� ���� Richmond Hwy�� Suite ���� Alexandria� VA ����������
Rates at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center are Garden Room $139 single/double or Royal Palm Tower $149 single/double
plus tax which is currently 12. 5%. Reservations made after the cut-off date of June 27, 2010, will be subject to space and rate availability.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-772-8527 or reserve online at www.towncountry.com or [email protected].
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See you at the
107th League
National Convention
July 18 - July 22, 2010
San Diego, CA
Bev Fickes
INFORMATION SECURITY
Immediate Past President
PM Orland CA 95963
COMPUTER USAGE
BEWARE
If you are checking your home email account from work, stop. It is prohibited. If you are reviewing websites for Business
Connect customers, write it on your calendar to refer back to. Keep your records for three plus years. The employee I represented had discipline issued, averaged less than 15 minutes a day and the data pulled from the computer was over 2 years old.
Review AS-805 from the Blue Page PolicyNet for the full do’s and don’ts of computer protocol.
I’ve been researching Information Security since we have issues surfacing for improper access of computers. The AS-805
for Information Security is over 100 pages. We all assumed we had limited personal access and in the past have been told we
could access our own personal emails. FALSE. The AS 805 specifically states that limited personal use means occasional use
that meets the following criteria:
a. Is of limited duration, length, or size and does not intefere with employees’ official duties or the transaction of official
Postal Service business.
b. Results in only minimal, if any, additional expense to the Postal Service or minimal wear and tear on Postal Service office
equipment, uses a small amount of data storage; has only a small to moderate transmission impact; or requires only small
amounts of consumable office products (such as ink, paper, toner, and computer memory).
Some examples of limited personal use are:
a. making a few photocopies
b. make occasional, brief telephone calls that result in little or not cost.
c. Sending an occasional facsimile of a few pages
d. Sending a brief e-mail message.
e. Doing a brief Internet search.
Limited personal use of PS office equipment, MUST NOT:
a. reduce employee productivity or interfere with official PS business
b. Be for the purpose of maintaining or promoting a personal or private business
c. Be for the purpose of posting unauthorized commercial or advertising materials.
d. Be for any illegal purpose.....
e. Be in relation to sexually explicit ......
f. Refer or relate to illegal gambling, illegal weapons, and/or terrorist activities.
PROHIBITED USE
Do not use Postal Service information resources to check PERSONAL EMAIL ACCOUNTS SUCH AS HOTMAIL, YAHOO, EXCITE, MSN, ETC. Other prohibited activities when using PS email include, but are not limited to sending or arranging to receive the following etc........
Do not use your computer at work to access personal email accounts. Period. Additionally, if you are accessing websites
because of Business Connect activity, log it. I was keeping personal records for a little over a year. We had an employee that
was discipline for activity on their computer from 2006! Keep your log. It’s hard to remember yesterday let alone three years
ago when being questioned by OIG investigators.
Beverly Fickes, Adverse Action Counselor
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National League of Postmasters
California Branch
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
RSM,CA 92688
Permit #209
National League of Postmasters
IRENE TRITZ EDITOR
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA 92688-9998
Gary Spizzirri
Editor
PM Vista CA 92083
Before the age of computer technology and email, the art of letter writing was common place. Years ago, when you received a letter in
the mail from that special loved one, relative, friend or business acquaintance, it was the only personal means of communication. Letter writing
is an art that connects people across the miles and around the world.
Imagine our military service men and women overseas that receive that
special letter that gives them that moment of joy that connects them to
their home and the people they love. They hold on to it as though the
person who wrote it is right there with them. You can see the smile on
their face the gleam in their eyes and sometimes a slow dripping tear
that captures the emotion. The written letter becomes a word of art that
could stand the test of time in any museum. In most cases letter writing
is that one personal touch that keeps life real and has that human touch
and sensitivity. In this day and age of computers blackberries, texting
by phone and on line bill paying has dramatically changed the Postal
Service to look for other means of generating Postal revenues.
The art of letter writing seems to have faded into the abyss
with the majority of people. My daughter Deanna, who is a 5th grade
elementary school teacher at Sycamore Elementary in Tucson, AZ, and
I have developed an interesting letter writing exercise with her class of
22 students. The exercise is to write a letter to myself the Postmaster
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Letters of a
Lost Art
indicating what their goals in life are after they finish their education. In
response I would write back to each student a positive message of encouragement and support that with hard work and determination they
can become what ever they desire in life. For the cost of a book of stamps
and a box of envelopes, the response from the students was magical and
inspiring. The students learned first hand the art of writing a letter starting with how to address a letter; then writing the letter itself using a
heading, introduction and the body of the letter with a closing signature.
My daughter Deanna and I have been so encouraged by the educational
experience the students learned from addressing and writing a letter and
the emotional excitement receiving a letter in response from me the Postmaster at their school. My daughter has said the experience the students
felt receiving a letter from the Postmaster was as though it came from the
President of the United States.
The letter writing exercise seemed so promising that I would
like to start a letter writing campaign for young students around the
country that could be identified with the local Postmasters through the
Postal Service. For now it’s an idea I would like to pursue and maybe
the “Art of Letter Writing” will be saved and not become a lost art. The
benefit to the Postal Service is to continue the legacy of mailing letters.
Gary Spizzirri
Editor