The indiana Hoosier Postmaster

Volume 14, Issue 2
March/April 2014
The
indiana Hoosier
Postmaster
INDIANA STATE CONVENTION
APRIL 24 –26TH
MARTEN HOUSE INDIANAPOLIS
COME AND DON’T MISS THE EXCITEMENT
TRAINING, POSTPLAN, SOV, CSV,
POOM’S, GREATER INDIANA LEADERSHIP,
DISTRICT MANAGER, AREA VICE PRESIDENT
SCANNING, FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST,
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
RETIREE LUNCHEON
NECROLOGY REMEMBRANCE
FUN, EXCITEMENT, NETWORKING, OLD FRIENDS
AND NEW FRIENDS
2014 STATE OFFICERS
President
Karen Wolf
Gas City IN 46933
[email protected]
O-765.674.2880
C-765.251.6465
Secretary-Treasurer
Pam Ford
North Manchester 46962
[email protected]
O-260.982.2313
C-574.354.0024
Editor
Kimberly Sharpe
Pierceton, IN 46562
[email protected]
O-574.594.2627
C-574.527.0441
Legislative Chairman
Mike Colvin
C-765.251.0554
Membership Chairman
PM Rep Chairman
Pam Ford
North Manchester 46962
[email protected]
O-260.982.2313
C-574.354.0024
Jim Simon – PM Rep
6811 W Fall Creek Dr
Pendleton IN 460645
simonsimon95@gmailcom
765.778.4347
Anita Park – PM Rep
French Lick IN 47332
[email protected]
O-812.936.9899
C-812.630.9474
PAC Chairman
Scott Bowser
Avilla IN 46710
[email protected]
O-260.897.2221
C-260.385.3700
Judy Dishman (Retired)
[email protected]
C-765.524.0485
Sevice Representative
Janice Boettcher
PO Box 265
Granger In 46530
[email protected]
State Chaplin
Dallas Sharpe-(Retired)
Warsaw, IN 46580
574.453.6964
Past President
Sandi Greiwe
Hope, IN 47246
[email protected]
H-812.591.3359
National V-P’s
9 &10 IN.KY.OH
Patti Bascom-859.760.0808
[email protected]
Kim Sharpe- C-574.527.0441
[email protected]
Glenda Rountree
National Retiree Membership
Chairman
C-502.417.8702
2014 Retired State
Officers
President
Judy Dishman (Retired)
[email protected]
C-765.524.0485
Secretary-Treasurer
Ralph Halley
315 W Third St
Peru IN 46970
[email protected]
765.469.1358
Registration Chairman
Janice Boettcher
PO Box 265
Granger In 46530
[email protected]
H-574.675.9190
C-574.596.8468
State Historian
Barb Burge
H-765.453.9640
Membership Co-Chairs
Pat Grube & Sue Herr
Indiana NAPUS Website
www.indianapostmasters.org
ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT
HOOSIER POSTMASTER
ARE DUE!
by email:
• June 1, 2014
• July 1, 2014
• October 1, 2014
(electronic files preferred)
[email protected]
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Log on to www.NAPUS.org membership services and change your address
using the code above your name from the
Gazette label.
If you do not have computer access, send
change of address to:
Hoosier Postmaster
1711 Jenny Lane
Warsaw, IN 46580-1804
DO YOU HAVE MEMBER NEWS?
I want to include joyful events, births,
and deaths, in the Hoosier Postmaster. Did
a NAPUS member do something special for
you and you want to say thank you? Is
someone in the hospital? Just email me
at [email protected] and I will
include it in the next issue of the Hoosier
Postmaster.
“LET US DO TOGETHER WHAT WE
CANNOT DO ALONE”
The articles in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States.
• Karen Wolf — State President–Postmaster • Gas City IN 46933 •
• [email protected] • O: 765.674.2880 C: 765.251.6465
A Message From Our President...
Indiana NAPUS State
Convention
I would like to begin by inviting everyone to the State
Convention which will be held on April 25th and 26th
at the Marten House 1801 W. 86th St, Indianapolis.
There have been a few changes, good and no so
good. The not so good is that the room rate has changed to $91.00 per night
and is only good through the 29th of March. The good news is that we will
have speakers from the Area and the District who will help us with some of the
changes that the Postal Service is going through. The great and fun news is
that our luncheon speaker will be RUPERT from Survivor. He will be speaking
of his charity called ‘RUPERTS KIDS’. After lunch, which will also include our
Necrology Ceremony, we will return to the general session and have training.
Some of the training will consist of CSV / SOV and those with RMPO’s will want
to pay particular attention to make sure they are getting the credit they deserve
for these offices. Addie Plew HR, has requested to meet with the POST PLAN
affected Postmasters to give them all the information they may need to make a career decision. I will have Addie
toward the end of the program, around 4pm so that any Postmasters that are unable to come to the beginning of the
training will have opportunity to be at this session. Remember, you have a small window of opportunity to secure
a position by September 30,2014. You do not have to be a NAPUS member to come to the Friday session.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
Washington DC Legislative
Conference 2014
Several of us just returned from the NAPUS Legislative Conference
in Washington DC. We met with representatives of our legislators,
and our agenda was and is Postal Relief and Strength through
constructive Postal Relief Legislation. We were able to give them our
concerns and support items with H.R. 2748 and with S. 1486. We are
still working toward relief of the retiree health benefit payment through
amortization and we are asking that the Postal Service be allowed to
diversify and innovate our products and services, among other issues.
By giving you this short background of what your NAPUS representatives did in D.C. I am telling you this because
NAPUS needs you to become involved in this process. Every year we reach out to you to attend your Legislative
Conference, we even give monetary relief of up to $599.00 to offset your expenses. This is all done because we need
to make a show of solidarity, as the National Association of Postmaster, to the dedication we have in the future of the
Postal Service. This is your future and I would like for you to consider attending this Conference next year.
Hope to see you at YOUR NAPUS State Convention in April,
Karen Wolf
President Indiana NAPUS
Retirement, Retirement,
Retirement
We are millionaires and didn’t win the lottery!
Yes, I am retiring from the Postal Service. It doesn’t
seem possible; I will retire with 33 years and 9 months. I
hope most of you realize how fortunate we are as postal
employees. I didn’t really think how lucky I was until about
six months ago, when I was contemplating my retirement.
Each of us who retire as a career employee will receive a
monthly retirement check and we have a thrift saving plan
we can take out as a lump sum or later draw out when it
is needed. We have health insurance and life insurance
we can continue to have into retirement. Do you realize
some major corporations do not offer this to their retiring
employees? Some companies do not allow their employees
to carry over sick or annual leave and must use it up every
year. My sick leave balance has added 9 months to my
retirement years! A lump sum check will be sent to me for
my remaining annual leave, pretty good deal!!
Ok, I hope I still have your attention about my opening
statement about winning the lottery.
No, Dallas and I did not have the winning lottery ticket,
but we do have federal employee retirements. Have you
considered how much money you would have to have on
deposit in a saving account to get a monthly annuity check?
A check you will get for the rest of your lives? (I do want to
add a disclaimer, this is only an estimate and each person’s
situation is different). 1 million dollars or more would have
to be on deposit. I know many of you are skeptical, so
let me give you
the approximate
numbers. I am
just using this
amount
as
an
example:
1,000,000.00 x .03%=1,030,415.96. So if you had a
million dollars in a saving account that paid 3% in one
year you would have $30,415.96 extra dollars. Some of
your retirements will be more or could be less, but this
just gives you an idea how fortunate we are to have this
security for our retirement.
You have worked hard, struggled with no employees,
worked 6-7 days a week, ran rural routes and carried city
routes and put in many hours you were not compensated
for, but in the end we do have a pretty good deal. Did
you ever think you might have the possibility to retire as
a millionaire? My point is we need to stay positive and
look at the bigger picture of how fortunate we are to be an
employee of the Postal Service.
I do have to tell you my husband who has been retired for
22 years, is not a happy camper I am retiring.
Dallas says, “Twice the wife and half the income”.
Proud Retired Postmaster
Kimberly R. Sharpe
Editor-Hoosier Postmaster
Here is what some retirees do with their
extra time!!
First Capitol Quilt Show
A purple pansy/butterfly cross stitch quilt by
Vickie Fessel, retired Postmaster of Palmyra
was the top vote-getter for the People’s Choice
Award. Vickie describes her People’s Choice
purple pansy and butterfly cross stitch quilt to
Karen Schwartz, President of the Historical
Society of Harrison County at the First Capitol
Quilt Show
The second annual First Capitol Quilt Show,
sponsored by the Historical Society of Harrison
County, was held at the First State Office
Building, part of the Corydon Capitol State
Historic Site. Hundreds visited to view the sixty
quilts on display.
News to Use...
The following instructions are for procedures we may not use very often, but that Postmasters, PMRs,
and clerks should be familiar with:
PS Form 1509- Sender’s Request for USPS Package Intercept Service (formerly known as Recall of Mail)
The title of the form pretty well says it all, except that it is used not only for packages, but for all classes
and shapes of mail. The fee is $11.50. Read through the form. It’s self explanatory. Explain to the
customer that there is no guarantee that we will be able to intercept the item and that the fee is nonrefundable. If there is a tracking number confirm that the item has not already been delivered.
The customer completes Sections A & B and the USPS employee completes Section C. Collect the fee
from the customer and affix a meter strip for the $11.50 to the form. Call the destination office and then
fax or email the form. That office then attempts to intercept the package and return it to the sender.
The most likely reason a customer would use this service is in the event of suspected mail fraud.
Money Order Inquiry- Form 6401
If your office is a POS office the money order inquiry is filed directly on the POS. If you are an eMoves
office a hard copy form must be completed. The fee for filing a money order inquiry is $6.10. For the
fee the customer receives a copy of the paid money order or if the money order is not paid in sixty
days a replacement will be sent to the customer. An inquiry must be on file before information will be
provided on the status of a money order. Always remind your customers to retain the money order
voucher as it will be needed in order to file an inquiry.
Refer to page 67 of the new e1412 User’s Guide for complete instructions on replacing a damaged or
mutilated money order presented at an e1412 Post Office.
If you are an e1412 office print out, save a shortcut, or the file for the e1412 User’s Guide from:
http://blue.usps.gov/accounting/e1412/e1412UserGuide.pdf
NAPUS and PAC
By Scott Bowser, Indiana Chapter PAC Chair
NAPUS PAC serves a vital function in advancing Postmaster legislative priorities.
The voluntary contributions of thousands of active and retired Postmasters permit
NAPUS PAC to proclaim a unified and forceful voice in the political process.
NAPUS PAC does not use association dues - it relies solely on you, its donors.
With important congressional elections taking place this November, we hope
that you will consider contributing to NAPUS PAC. There are many ways to do so. First, you may write
a check to NAPUS PAC and submit it to your Chapter PAC Chair; second, you may establish a direct
allotment through PostalEase or through pension allotment; third you may arrange a periodic debit from
your NAPUS Credit Union account; or fourth, you may arrange for a monthly charge to your credit card.
Either way, your NAPUS PAC contribution will greatly be appreciated.
Please be prepared to donate at the Indiana Chapter of NAPUS State Convention. The job or benefits
you save, may be your own!
Chaplains View
• Dallas Sharpe — (Retired) State Chaplin •
• Warsaw, IN 46580 • 574.453.6964 •
As I begin my article it is a cold but sunny day, I ask myself is this weather really
just fooling with me? It surely will not snow again, at least so much that I will
have to get out the trusty snow blower again. I have been in Indiana enough
time now to know that it does snow but this year it has been a real trial on
my understanding of just how much snow and how cold it can be up here
35 miles south of the Michigan border. This week we have finally seen what
has been under all this dirty snow for nearly 3 months now. I even went to
Washington DC and still had to fight 7 inches of snow on the day I left and it
snowed while I was there several inches. Boy I like you am ready for the sunshine and warm days.
Easter season is almost upon us and we must remember why we as Christians celebrate this time.
When Jesus was crucified sacrificed his life for us and raised by God. Can you imagine giving your
only Son as a sacrifice for others, that they might have an everlasting life? Our God is a merciful
and gracious God who believes in us and that we will follow the teachings of his beloved son. We
just need to study the Holy Bible and try our very best to do the right things, it is hard to be fair and
understanding but our hard job is to do the right thing consistently. There are many things in the Old
and New Testaments that refer one to the other. We must review and study to try to do our best in
everything we do.
As a little challenge I have included a few Bible occupations: see how many you know or look them up;
Deborah (Judges 4:4)
Luke (Col. 4:14)
Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 3)
Paul (Acts 26:28)
Andrew (Matt. 4:18)
Noah (Gen. 9:20)
Nicodemus (John 3:1)
God bless,
Dallas Sharpe
Indiana NAPUS State Chaplin
Greetings...
I have been around for a while, but I was asked
by President Karen to be the NEW Service
Rep for the Indiana NAPUS Chapter. I just
returned from the Leadership Conference in
Washington DC. I attended training for all
Service Reps and will let you know some of
the information that I received.
One thing that is new to the Credit Union
is “You asked, We Delivered!” All of your
family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors
are eligible to become members of the Credit
Union. Share your love of the Credit Union
as well as the amazing rates, products and
services the Credit Union has to offer with
everyone
you
know. Applications
are available for
members to hand
out to anyone
interested
in
membership either
online at www.napusfcu.org or by request
from me. Potential members can also use this
special URL https://www.napusfcu.org.NewMembers-Page to apply.
Till next time,
Janice Boettcher
Service Rep
Legislative Conference —
Washington, DC from Napus.org.
Despite Monday’s snowstorm and the congressional
recess, Sen. Tom Carper, chairman of the Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee, traveled to Washington, DC, to update
Postmasters on postal reform legislation at the
NAPUS Leadership Conference.
Both the House and Senate have reported postal
reform bills, which are awaiting consideration by
the full House and Senate. Carper described the
legislative effort as a long, slow, tedious process.
He acknowledged the way we communicate has
changed and people are less dependent on the
mail. “Does that mean the Postal Service no longer
is relevant?” he asked. “Absolutely not.” Carper
said he and Sen. Tom Coburn, the committee’s
ranking Republican, want to pass legislation that
ensures the USPS isn’t just hanging on, but that it’s
vibrant and robust.
He said the especially unique thing about the USPS
is it’s the only entity that goes to every mailbox,
residential and business, five or six days a week.
“What we have to do,” he urged, “is be smart and
figure out how to use the Postal Service’s legacy
and distribution network in a way that enables it to
make money. We need to think outside the box so
the Postal Service can be around and profitable for
a long, long time.”
Just cutting jobs, mail distribution and post offices
won’t get the job done. The Carper-Coburn bill,
S. 1486 allows the agency to be more creative
and innovative; it makes the legacy distribution
organization relevant in a digital world. The intent
of the bill also is to find ways to provide service
in communities across the country without closing
their post offices. And it’s imperative that the agency
be financially strong.
Carper said he does not want to pass legislation
and then have to do it again a few years down the
road. Rather, they need to fix the problems and
provide the mechanics to avoid those problems
going forward. “If we can push this legislation
through the House and Senate,” he said, “then we
will have a Postal Service not just hanging one, but
one the rest of the world will admire, that continues
to have the customer service ratings it has had over
the years. And customers who run businesses will
have the certainty the Postal Service will be here
and provide the service they need.”
Postmaster General Pat Donahoe took time out
of attending the National Postal Forum, going
on at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center
nearby, to address NAPUS members. He thanked
Postmasters for the tremendous job they are doing.
He gave an overview of the business, saying the
trends are positive; packages continue to increase,
which is transforming the agency’s revenues. He
credited this growth to Postmasters’ excellent work
in terms of delivery and service. “Our intent is to
grow that even faster because that will be the future
in terms of revenue growth,” he said.
Amazon continues to grow and for certain ZIP
codes, the USPS will be a seven-days-a-week
package delivery company. “That’s the growth and
job security for the future,” he declared. What the
Postal Service offers that beats its competitors is
value, visibility and service.
Donahoe told Postmasters they do an outstanding
job and acknowledged it’s been hard working
through the many changes. Tough decisions and
sacrifices have been made and a lot of costs have
been taken out of the organization. He said it’s time
for Congress to get legislation resolved so the focus
can turn to growing the organization—the only way
to stay healthy in the long term.
From:
Secretary’s Desk
• Pam Ford — Postmaster North Manchester 46962 •
• [email protected] • O: 260.982.2313 C: 574.354.0024 •
The Legislative Agenda
Each March the National Association of Postmasters holds its annual Legislative/
Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The Legislative Agenda and the
program agenda both differ somewhat from one year to the next but the
purpose remains the same: educate our members on what is happening within
both NAPUS and the Postal Service, educate members of Congress on the same,
and promote our Legislative agenda.
You need to plan on attending the conference in 2015, for yourself and the
organization. The last few years Indiana NAPUS has reimbursed expenses for
attending members at a rate of about $760.00. This will not pay for the trip as
it is expensive, but it will make it a very reasonable trip. Airfare for members
this year ranged from $220 out of the Dayton Airport to about $350 out of
Fort Wayne, plus luggage fees. The room rate at the convention hotel, The Crystal City Marriott, was $234
a night this year and registration was $160. Crystal City a is very nice place to stay. You can walk out the
hotel door and into an underground mall and to the metro without ever going outside. You can be to the
National Mall and the Capital Building via the metro in less than 30 minutes from this hotel and there are
several reasonably priced restaurants nearby.
This year I arrived in DC about 2:30 Saturday afternoon and checked into the room where both of my
roommates had arrived earlier in the day. I unpacked and rested while I waited for them to return from
Union Station and the Postal Museum where they had spent the afternoon. The ten members from Indiana
who attended this year went out to dinner that evening and then met afterward to plan our visits to the
hill and discuss other State Chapter business. If you were interested in singing in the choir on Sunday you
could attend choir practice that evening. The hospitality provides an opportunity to network with other
Postmasters from across the country.
Church service started at 8:00 on Sunday and officers had training that started at 10:00 and for some
training lasted until late afternoon. Anyone interested in attending training is welcome to do so or Sunday
provides another opportunity to do some sightseeing.
Monday the General Session started at 8:00. The Marine Band was supposed to play at the opening ceremony
and the Marine Core Color Guard was to have presented the colors, but due to the six inches or so of snow
that had fallen overnight and the fact that federal offices were officially closed they cancelled! As a result
the organization had to improvise and put together our own color guard. General session lasted until 4:00
that afternoon with a break for lunch on your own. The assembly heard from NAPUS National Officers,
Postmaster General Pat Donahoe, Chief Executive Officer Megan Brennan, our Legislative Representative
Bob Levi, and others. The day ended with the grand banquet, followed by a comedy act, and dancing.
Tuesday morning about 200 NAPUS members arrived at the Capital Building at 8:00 to hear Ruth Goldway
of the Postal Regulatory Commission and others speak on postal affairs and pending postal legislation before
making visits to the offices of our Congressional Representatives. These visits had been pre-arranged by
our State Legislative Chair Mike Colvin. I personally went to the offices of Representative Pete Visclosky
and Representative Jackie Walorski. There we met with legislative aides where we were warmly received.
The staffers we met with were well versed on postal affairs and took an interest in what we had to say
and our agenda. No promises, but I believe our voices were heard. If you want information on pending
legislation, the issues that were presented, and the agenda NAPUS presented to Congress go to napus.org.
I hope that my agenda from Capitol Hill motivates you to start planning and that you will make the trip in
2015. Take care ‘til next time.
Resolution Log Process
from Napus.org — It’s Simple!!
This is a nationally recognized process between the
Postal Service and NAPUS. If you (the Postmaster)
have an issue in your Post Office that is not being
resolved, the issue may be submitted to the chapter
president to determine whether a Resolution Log is
necessary. FIRST- Have followed the chain of command
or protocol? What does this mean? You must contact
your current manager or POOM to discuss your issue. If
at all possible try to work it out with your manager. If you
feel you have not been able to work out the issue at that
point, you can contact the Indiana State President with
your issue. VERY IMPORTANT!. You will need to have
all the information, documentation, emails, dates/times
and anything that has happened relating to your issue.
The NAPUS National President or Executive Director
will write a cover letter summarizing all of the relevant
facts concerning the issue and submit the letter
along with the necessary documentation to the Labor
Relations office at USPS Headquarters. The Executive
Director will work with the Postal Service on the issue
with the results relayed to all parties when completed.
STEP 1 If the chapter president determines that
a resolution log is necessary, he/she will start a
Resolution Log form. (form located on the NAPUS
website) The chapter president will contact the District
Manager or their designee to try to resolve the issue.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the District level,
the chapter president should document the District
response (Who you met with, what they said, and date
of meeting.) The chapter president should then send
the form and documentation to the NAPUS National
Vice President who will take the issue to the Area office
• Stay focused on the issue that’s being presented
and not be sidetracked by unrelated matters.
STEP 2 The NAPUS National Vice President will
contact the USPS Area Vice President or their designee
and present the issue.
If the issue cannot be
resolved at the Area
level,
the
NAPUS
National Vice President
should document the
AVP or designee’s
response (Who you met
with, what they said, and
date of the meeting.)
The NAPUS National
VP should then send
the completed form
and documentation to
the NAPUS National
Office, attn. Executive
Director.
Some important things to remember
The meetings with the District Manager/AVP, should
not be seen as confrontational of personal, but should
be viewed as constructive and trying to resolve the
issue at hand.
•Depending on the severity of the problem being
presented, it is reasonable to expect a response
from the District Manager/designee or AVP/
designee within 30 days. It is important that
the chapter president/NAPUS VP be persistent
in requesting a response, by contacting the
appropriate USPS official by email and/or
telephone. A response is needed at each level.
NAPUS works for you!
A Letter, a Lad, and a Lizard
The Postal Service delivers letters, and sometimes it delivers service above and beyond the call of duty.
For instance, the postmaster of Orlando, Florida, received the following letter in December 1954 from a
boy who sent an important enclosure:
Dear Sir,
I am sending my chameleon because I live in Fostoria Ohio and it is to cold for him here. Will you
please let him loose.
Sincerely yours,
David _________
P.S. Could you let me know if he arrives there O.K. Than you very much. I am so woried about him.
The postmaster responded:
December 7, 1954
Dear David,
I received your chameleon yesterday and he was immediately released on the Post Office grounds.
With best wishes for a very Merry Christmas I am,
Sincerely,
L. A. Bryant, Jr.
Postmaster
The lizard traveled in style in a pre-stamped envelope for three cents (image below). Fortunately, the
envelope had been hand-canceled.
Nowadays, David still could mail his chameleon, but he'd have to package it more carefully than slipping it
into a pre-stamped envelope. His mailing container would have to protect as well as contain his
chameleon. If you must mail your chameleons to Florida for the winter, remember to package them
securely!
Image of hand-canceled envelope which carried a little boy’s lizard to safety in 1954.
From:
Editor’s Desk
• Kimberly Sharpe — National V.P. Areas 9 & 10 •
• [email protected] • C: 574-527-0441•
“Nothing is constant but change.”- Chinese Proverb
I just returned from the
Legislative Conference in
Washington, DC. I have to tell
you I am so excited! I really
think the Postal Service is
on the upswing and going
to make many, many new
strides to stay viable. I haven’t had this truly positive feeling
for quit sometime about the future of the Postal Service. I felt
that Congress might really be listening to us and recognizing
how important the Postal Service is to everyone!
This was my first opportunity to attend an Executive Board
meeting as a Vice President. I have to tell you we made a
great decision in electing our NAPUS National President
Tony Leonardi. Tony’s enthusiasm and leadership style is just
what Postmasters need to direct our organization. Each of
the speakers from the Postal Service alluded to how much
they respect Tony.
We had several VP’s from the Postal Service speak to us
about some of the current issues and innovations. VP-of
Labor Relations talked about the APWU arbitration. They
could not tell us any specifics; it could make some significant
changes with the 2, 4, and 6 hour offices. He said, that 20
cents of every revenue $1 has to do with health benefits. The
option for self + 1; this will go into effect 2016. Currently, we
have self and family; this change should reduce our premiums
for this new designation.
This isn’t news to anyone, but parcels, and more parcels
are expected to be up 20% this year and still growing. Our
partnership with Amazon is very important for the Same Day
Delivery. This is going to be expanding to many locations.
First indications are that Amazon is very satisfied with the
results of our scanning and delivering their parcels. The
Postal Service is testing many new innovations having to
do with the parcel business. They just ordered 3500 new
vehicles and they want to vehicles to be similar to the ones
UPS is using. There have been so many accidents where
the carrier is standing behind the LLV and have been injured
by someone hitting them. The new vehicles would allow the
carrier to walk around inside and deliver the packages from
the front and of course, need to be a larger capacity.
The VP for Human Resources discussed training and how
the LMS system is not working. Many of us voiced our
concerns about no longer having face-to-face training. Look
for changes coming in the training arena.
Phil Jones, NAPUS lawyer told us to never get yourself into
any situation where you could be accused of improprieties.
We must remember life is not a straight road, but a winding
path that with unexpected twists, turns, and intersections.
But rarely are we left without choices and it is our reaction to
the changes and the twists and turns that make us what we
are. It’s how we got where we are and what will make us who
we become in the future. What if we had a crystal ball and
could see into the future? Would we all take the first step if
we knew where the journey would lead? I think this is why I
have always loved working for the Postal Service….everyday
is a different day!
At some level I think that we all need the challenge and the
anticipation of the unknown. Sometimes the path twists in
unexpected ways leading us to decisions we may not have
expected to have to make. Many times in our lives we come
to an intersection where there are hard decisions that must
be made; at those times we need to assess our options and
goals carefully. What changes will most likely take us where
we want to go?
Things change and the Post Office of today is not the Post
Office I went to work for thirty years ago. Efficiencies
have improved, but pressures from declining mail volumes
and increased operating costs are changing the way we do
business. Some things remain constant- pride in a job well
done and the camaraderie in working together for a shared
goal. Our jobs can be frustrating and stress filled, but overall
life is still good.
All that we can do is make the best decisions we can with the
choices we are given and face the road ahead with optimism.
Opportunities lay ahead for all- make the most of them.
Change is constant and we must change too.
“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a
thing, you’re right.” — Henry Ford
Stay Strong!
Kimberly Sharpe
National V-P
• Pam Ford — Postmaster North Manchester 46962 •
• [email protected] • O: 260.982.2313 C: 574.354.0024 •
The Indiana NAPUS
State Convention will
be held at the Marten
House Hotel April 2426. Your officers have
made some changes
in the schedule that
we hope will better
fit Postmaster’s busy
schedules.
The
convention will kick off
Thursday night with
the Early Bird Party.
Friday morning the
organization will host a continental breakfast in
the hospitality room to which the POOMs have
been invited. This should provide a relaxed
atmosphere for members to voice ideas and
concerns with their POOMs.
District Leadership and our Area Vice President
have been invited to attend on Friday and address
the convention. There will be a variety of training
sessions throughout the day tailored to appeal to
a varied audience. The cost of all your meals
on Friday is included in your registration fee. We
sincerely hope you will be able to join us so that
we can network and learn together.
I want to share with members the following
situations. We received a package with electronic
postage that was marked Media Mail a few weeks
ago. It seemed pretty obvious that it was not,
so we opened and verified the contents. The
package was marked up and the letter sent to
the sender. In addition, I emailed the office of
origination. I heard back from the Postmaster the
same day. It turns out the sender was a postal
employee- A postal employee with discipline on
file. I’m not sure how the situation turned out. It
raises several questions and concerns. I’ll ask
only one of them — Do you and your employees
pay attention to revenue protection in your office
and do you know how to handle items that are not
paid at the correct rate?
We have also had a situation where we suspected
one of our patrons of mail fraud involving a reshipment scheme. The reason this came to our
attention was because we received multiple recall
of mail notices for this customer within the span
of a few weeks. I’ve only dealt with a few recall
of mail requests in my entire career and to have
received multiple requests for the same customer
raised a red flag. Do you and your staff know how
to initiate a recall of mail for a customer?
The last situation is a sad one. There was a postal
employee in our service who was suspected of
diverting postal resources for personal use-theft.
After several months of hard work by the office
and the Inspection Service it was proved that this
was happening. The employee has not yet been
formally charged, but that will now happen soon.
What would you do if you suspected an employee
of theft?
The knowledge we can gain from one another
is an invaluable asset in the performance of our
jobs. Attending conventions and conferences can
help you not only do your job better through the
sharing of ideas and knowledge but also provide
you with sources for venting your frustrations.
Take care and hope to see you soon.
Pam Ford
Secretary/Treasurer
PM Rep
NAPUS Chapter Presidents Learn
the Nuts and Bolts from Napus.org
President Tony Leonardi welcomed chapter presidents to their breakout session
at the NAPUS Leadership Conference. One of the initiatives Leonardi has
undertaken since assuming office is having monthly telecons with the chapter
presidents. As Gurka explained, it’s getting information straight from the
“horse’s mouth:” Postal Headquarters gives the information to the NAPUS
president, who gives it to the chapter presidents. They, in turn, are
responsible for getting it out to members.
Executive Director Dave Ravenelle discussed the Resolution Log. It is
NAPUS’ vehicle, recognized by the Postal Service, to escalate issues
for resolution. The log, available on NAPUS’ website, is simple to fill
out. Ravenelle explained it is important to provide documentation, which
allows the National Office to move issues up for resolution. The intent of the
log is to resolve issues at the lowest possible level; it brings issues forward and
makes people respond. And it makes people accountable.
“We’re managers, we’re reasonable and we want to solve things at the lowest level;
we want accountability,” he said. A chapter president pointed out it’s important to keep
district managers informed of the process: It’s not personal; it’s business.
National Parliamentarian John Galera discussed parliamentary procedure with the group. The presidents’ binder has three
pages on the subject—a down-and-dirty guide for presenting motions. But it doesn’t explain how to run a meeting, etc. He
said every chapter should have a copy of “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised,” 11th edition.
Galera pointed out parliamentary procedure is complicated; he encouraged chapters to appoint a parliamentarian. “I would
not be comfortable in a meeting without a parliamentarian,” he said. A parliamentarian advises, knows the rules and helps
meetings run smoothly. If nothing else, he advised that presidents be sure to have a copy of “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised.”
He encouraged chapters to develop members to be parliamentarians; he is available as a resource. “Most importantly,” he
stressed, “parliamentary procedure tells you how to run a meeting fairly; everyone has a vote and the right to be heard.”
Secretary-Treasurer Mike Quinn addressed the presidents, explaining the Executive Board is looking at ways to cut the
budget in response to declining membership, especially when POStPlan is implemented this September. “It’s a challenge,” he
admitted, “but, being an optimist, it also presents opportunities.” It requires a change in thinking and impels the organization
to look long term. But, he pledged, whatever decisions are made will be carefully thought out—no snap decisions. Quinn
reiterated that more members need to step up and run for area vice president positions. The chapter presidents, as leaders
in their states, need to encourage Postmasters to run and give back to the organization.
National PM Rep Committee Chair Larry Jones addressed the presidents. He said they have a responsibility to develop state
PM reps to respond to Postmasters who are issued Letters of Warning. He pointed out a PM rep doesn’t happen overnight; it
takes time to learn. The national PM reps are happy to help train state PM reps. Also, this is a position that should not have
high turnover.
NAPUS SOV/CVS Guru and Wyoming Chapter President Curt Artery provided a detailed explanation of Form 150s and
SOV and CVS. As concerns parcels, which a Postmaster may not get credit for, it’s imperative they keep logs of how many
parcels they are working. This year’s numbers, he pointed out, will determine post office levels. “Document everything,” he
urged. “And, if no one listens, use the Resolution Log.” As part of SOV, the RMPO worksheet is new.
Education and Development Committee Chair Becky Burbach discussed the importance of the NAPUS Knowledge Base,
accessible at www.napus.org. Besides providing manuals, documents and programs, the Knowledge Base is a great
membership tool. In order to download information, you must be a NAPUS member. Information also is available at this site
to conduct training at state conventions. The intent of the Knowledge Base is to help NAPUS Postmasters do their jobs better.
MEMBERSHIP CONTEST
January 1, 2014 until August 31, 2014
TWO QUESTIONS
PRIZES
TWO HATS
TWO
Do you know a recently retired Postmaster who has not completed their 1187R?
Would you like to spend a week in Florida January 2, 2015 OR receive free
registration for 2015 National Convention in Mobile AL?
 There will be two (hats) for the drawing! One for sponsors (this could be YOU) No limit
on number of entries. The more you sign up, the more times you get your name in the
hat.
 The second hat is for the new member names. They can be a winner also.
There will be two prizes and the lucky sponsor gets first choice.
1. Seven day stay at Oyster Point Resort in Sebastian FL, which fronts the Intercoastal
waterway/Indian River. The unit sleeps six and has a complete kitchen. Many
attractions within an hour’s drive including Disney.
O
R 2. - Free registration to beautiful Mobile, Alabama for 2015 NAPUS National Convention.
After you choose, we will then draw a member winner and they will get the remaining prize.
If you have any questions, please contact Glenda Rountree, NAPUS National Membership Chairman
Phone: 502-417-8702 email: [email protected]
NAPUS Indiana State Convention Agenda
April 24-26, 2014
Thursday-April 24- Early Bird Party 6:00 pm
Games and Networking-Pizza Party
____________________________________________________
Friday-April 25, 2014
7:00 am Free Continental Breakfast-Meet and Greet
8:30 am-General Session
 Speakers-District Manager and GLA Vice President-POOMS
 OIG
11:45 am Luncheon for Retirees/Necrology Ceremony
Speaker will be Survivor Contestant-Ruppert
2:00 pm-Training Sessions
 2:00-3:00-Darcy Leisch-SOV and CSV
 3:00-4:00-How to be safe-Self-Protection
 4:00-5:00-Addie Plew-POSTPLAN and HR
Scholarship Banquet
6:30-7:00 pm Socializing
7:00 pm Entertainment and Dinner
8:30-??Dancing and Karaoke
__________________________________________________
Saturday-April 26th, 2014
7:00-8:00 am-Free Continental Breakfast
8:30 am-Business Meeting-11:00 am-Meeting Adjourned
2014 Indiana NAPUS
State Convention
CASINO ROYALE
April 24-26, 2014
Marten House Hotel
1801 W. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN. 46260
Phone 800-736-5634 or 317-872-4111
ROOMS $91 + TAX PER NIGHT.
USE CODE “POSTMASTER” WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS
NAME____________________________________
OFFICE________________________ZIP_______
NAME ON BADGE___________GUEST _________
1st Timer is eligible to receive free registration only if they have signed an 1187 between
May 5th 2013 and April 1st, 2014
____THIS IS MY FIRST CONVENTION
____QUALIFIED FREE REGISTRATION
POSTMASTER
OIC
Assoc. Member
PM Retired
PM Retired Guest
$30.00_____________
$30.00_____________
$30.00_____________
$30.00 _____________
$30.00_____________
INDIVIDUAL DAILY SESSIONS WITHOUT MEALS: $15.00
EXTRA TICKETS
RETIREES & PAST PRES. LUNCHEON $25.00___________
1ST TIMERS BREAKFAST
$25.00__________
GRAND BANQUET
$30.00__________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $________
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO INDIANA NAPUS AND SEND TO
JANICE BOETTCHER
PO BOX 265
GRANGER, IN 46530
Mark your calendars.... Join your fellow Postmasters!
I want to include joyful events,
births, and deaths, in the
Hoosier Postmaster. Did a
NAPUS member do something
special for you and you want
to say thank you? Is someone in
the hospital? Just email me at
[email protected] and I
will include it in the next issue
of the Hoosier Postmaster.
ticlesst
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2014
Nation
Conven al
Atlantic tion
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Sept. 1 ity, NJ
3-18
INDIANA
NAPU
ANNUAL S
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CONVEN TATE
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April 24
-26,
2014
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2014
mas
Christ
Party
Don’t forget our Indiana State Website: www.Indianapostmasters.org
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
WARSAW, IN
PERMIT 147
Postmasters-Proudly Serving America
Hoosier Postmaster
1711 Jenny Lane
Warsaw, IN 46580-1804