Crestline Post Office Adopt a Pet Celebration

In the Birmingham area, the Crestline Post Office was the first office to host an event celebrating today's release of the Adopt a Pet Stamps. Homewood's Standifer Animal Clinic was kind enough to provide three dogs needing homes.

Crestline Manager Vivian Harris speaks with Channel 42 News about the Adopt a Pet stamps, the animals visiting the Crestline Post Office that were available for adoption, and the need for animal rescue awareness.

Manager Vivian Harris watches an available pomeranian charm customer Lynn Rathnell.

The same puppy begs employee Terri Gardner for a kiss and a ride home.

The adorable pom shows that he knows how to work the crowd. Here he is now with customer Judith Morgan.

High five, Crestline, for the informative and entertaining pet adoption event!

Adopt a Pet Stamps Released Today!

Like the rest of the country, Postmarks is thrilled with the Adopt a Pet Stamps that were released today. Today and in the coming weeks, events will be held across the state to promote the stamps and support the cause of animal adoption; we will share pictures of them as they trickle in.

The stamps have generated excitement from the public that hasn't been seen in a long time. People around the world can't wait to get their hands on them, and countless news venues have publicized their release.

Here is an article that was posted today on Chicago's Examiner.com website:

The new "Adopt a Shelter Pet" stamps: So cute, they may just lick you

Sure, email may be the way most of us communicate these days, but thanks to the United States Postal Service, we may want to rethink things. In fact, mailing a letter just got a lot more exciting, and meaningful.


A new set of first-class stamps featuring once-homeless dogs and cats are designed to promote animal adoption from shelters. These 44-cent stamps will go on sale nationwide April 30 and are part of a "Stamps to the Rescue" campaign to raise funds to buy food for animals in shelters. The stamps, together with Ellen DeGeneres and her pet-care company, Halo: Purely for Pets, will partner together to donate a million meals to animal shelters around the country.

The stamps feature photographs of five cats and five dogs taken by photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce. All 10 animals were adopted from a shelter in New Milford, CT, according to the Associated Press. There's Teddy, the wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier rescued from a shelter, Trevor, the yellow Lab dumped with his littermates at a construction site and later adopted, and Jake, the Boston Terrier relinquished to a shelter after being purchased at a pet store.

Raising the public's knowledge and awareness about animal adoption is a huge goal of this campaign.

As stated on the Stamps to the Rescue website: "We want more Americans to know about the millions of shelter pets that need good homes. Nearly half of the animals that enter animal shelters are euthanized. Many of these cats and dogs would have made a wonderful pet...if only given the chance.

"You can make a difference. Adopt a pet, volunteer at a shelter, or just get the word out by buying these stamps."

Montgomery Earth Day Festivity Pictures

April 22, Alabama District Learning, Development, and Diversity celebrated Earth Day by providing cake, helpful information, and animal balloons to customers in the lobby of the Montgomery Post Office.

People of all ages enjoyed learning more about recycling, conservation, and green technology.

A special thanks is extended to employee Ziann Goree, who made all of the much-loved, whimsical balloon creations.

Alabama Cachet Event Results

Last Saturday, the Alabama National Championship Cachet went on sale at special events at the Tuscaloosa Main Office and at the University Station. The cachet, designed by Postmarks' Marvin Owens, sold for $10, while a plaque and laminated cachet sold for $40  $26,000 in revenue for the USPS was generated. 

These were printed in a limited quantity and the remaining quantities were sent to Birmingham MOWU, Cahaba Heights, Anniston, Ft. Payne, Huntsville Main Office, Florence, Montgomery GMF, Auburn, Dothan, Mobile Main Office, Foley, and Greenville. 

Postal employee pulls mail from blazing truck | The Columbian

Local postal employee pulls mail from blazing truck | The Columbian

By John Branton
Columbian staff writer

Thursday, April 22, 2010

We’ve heard of sleet, snow, rain or dark of night failing to stop the mail. But a determined mail-truck driver added fire to the list on Wednesday by pulling the mail from her blazing truck.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Clark County Fire District 3 was called to a mail truck on fire in the 26000 block of Northeast 194th Avenue, near Battle Ground Lake.

Mail driver Linda Just’s truck was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, but before that she’d managed to remove all the mail, according to a bulletin.

As firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, the truck’s parking brake failed and it rolled about 50 feet across a road. No one was injured.

The mail wasn’t damaged but the truck, worth about $20,000, was totaled, the bulletin said.

Alabama man finally sentenced for 2001 anthrax hoax in Cullman, AL

Alabama man sentenced for anthrax hoax | Bio Prep Watch
A Haleyville, Alabama man has been sentenced by a federal judge to seven months in prison for sending a letter filled with white powder and photos of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to the Social Security Administration in Cullman.

Patrick Bryant Wilson, in addition to the seven month sentence, was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre to three years of supervised release and seven months of home confinement.

Wilson entered a plea agreement in December with the government.

Before the sentence was handed down, Judge Bowdre noted that Wilson's threats caused terror even though they did not cause physical harm. Such threats, Judge Bowdre said, are on the rise.

"People need to understand these are not silly, adolescent pranks," Judge Bowdrew said according to The Birmingham News. "They have very serious consequences for the individuals that receive them."

According to the December plea agreement, Wilson took a letter to the Cullman post office on Aug. 25 addressed to the Social Security Administration. Wilson's home was listed as the return address.

A postal worker saw that the letter was leaking white powder that was later determine to be baby powder. The letter also included two photos of the Twin Towers in flames.

Wilson's attorney, Don Colee, said that Wilson had applied for disability and was denied. Wilson was also unemployed at the time after losing his job as a regional manager when he got hurt.

"He became frustrated dealing with Social Security Disability Office and acted as he reflected in a 'stupid' manner by not only mailing the matters in the envelope but also making several phone calls as well," Colee said in a court filing.

Saturday, May 8: Help Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger: From Unions.org

Unions.Org Blog� Blog Archive
� Saturday, May 8: Help Letter Carriers ‘Stamp Out Hunger’

With the U.S. underemployment rate at 16.9 percent in March, the Letter Carriers’ (NALC’s) annual national food drive next month comes at a time when millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table. More than 49 million people—including 16.7 million children—live in households that are hungry or risk of hunger, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This represents more than one in seven households in the country (14.6 percent).

You can help “Stamp out Hunger” by collecting canned goods and dry food, such as tuna, canned meat, soups, pasta, rice and cereal, and leaving them in a bag or box by your mailbox on Saturday, May 8. Your letter carrier will pick them up as they deliver your mail. NALC members will deliver the goods to local food banks, pantries and shelters to help needy families in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states and U.S. jurisdictions.

Last year, carriers collected a record 73.4 million pounds of non-perishable food. NALC President Fredric Rolando says the drive this year must be even bigger.

Millions and millions of families are suffering, struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. Food banks, pantries and shelters need our help more than ever this year. As families count on them for support, they’re counting on us and we will not back off on our commitment.

Rolando noted that donations are particularly critical at this time since most school lunch programs are suspended during the summer months and millions of children must find alternate sources of nutrition.

This is NALC’s 18th annual food drive, which is held on the second Saturday in May in more than 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Donations from this year’s drive are expected to push the overall total since the annual drive began to more than 1 billion pounds.

Postal employees and rural letter carriers are assisting in the effort, as are members of other unions and thousands of volunteers. In New York City, where transportation problems limit mailbox pickup, citizens are asked to take donations to their local post offices between May 3 and May 8. Those who have questions about the drive at their location should ask their letter carrier or contact their local post office.

In 1920, she saddled up for the census

In 1920, she saddled up for the census

Alabama Crimson Tide Cachet Event

This is a beautiful cachet done on silk and designed by Postmarks' very own Marvin Owens!

 Posted in WSFA 12 News:


TUSCALOOSA, AL (WSFA) - Beginning Saturday, April 17 two Post Offices in Alabama will offer an affordable and lasting tribute to the Crimson Tide's victory over the Texas Longhorns.

Postmarked by the United States Postal Service, this cachet collectible commemorates A-Day and another season of victory. Printed on silk and stamped with crimson foil, it is a memento that grabs attention and sparks conversation.

Fans of football can make it theirs beginning A-Day at the Tuscaloosa Post Office, 1313 22ND Avenue; and the University Station Post Office at 104 Ferguson Center.

The cachet costs $10 and supply is limited. Once they're gone, they're gone, say Postal officials.

Post Office offers Crimson Tide memento - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |

Athens, Alabama Mail Carrier Roy Neutze Thwarts Charging Pitbull

Unfortunately, Postmarks didn't hear about Roy Neutze's bravery until this afternoon, but better late than never.

In February while on his route, Roy came across a woman and her two small dogs who had been charged and knocked down by an escapee pitbull; he intervened, chased the dog away with only a stick, and diffused what could have been a very dangerous encounter.

To read more in the Athen's News Courier about Roy Neutze, the pitbull,  and what to do if you find yourself faced with a similar situation , click here.

Postal Service To Test Home Delivery Product Sampling

“Samples Co-Op Box” deliveries will contain various health, beauty and snack food products from multiple consumer packaged goods companies, which will share the postage costs. The USPS is working with Start Sampling Inc. on the initiative, according to Marc McCrery, executive manager for the Postal Service's sampling program.

The agency will deliver about 200,000 sample boxes for delivery to homes in Charlotte, NC and Pittsburgh as early as May 1.

To read the full article in DMM News, click here.

Carrier Dave Jefferson in The Huntsville Times

Back in March, Postmarks wrote about Carrier Dave Jefferson and awarded him our weekly service trophy. Here's another article that was written about this wonderful guy.

Letter carrier delivers much more than mail - al.com

Greeting Cards Now Available in Some Alabama Post Offices

Aunt Hilda's birthday is almost here,  and you still haven't sent her a card. There's no need to go rushing around all over town. Greeting cards are now available in the following Alabama Post Offices: Athens, Cullman, Dothan, Enterprise, Haysland Station, Hoover, Madison, Meadowbrook, Prattville, Wynn Drive Station and Vestavia.

So pick one up, pop it in the mail, and you're good to go.

Pioneer Mobile Postal Employee Inducted Into Prichard Hall of Fame

On April 2, 2010, Willie Jackson was inducted into the Prichard Sports and Leadership Hall of Fame.

From al.com:
Willie Jackson, who Hall of Fame organizers said started working with the Postal Service in 1956 and became the only black mail handler to attain the rank of supervisor in Mobile. Jackson later donated a vacant lot to Prichard, which is now known as Jackson Reading Park.


To read the full article, click here. Picture courtesy al.com.

                                                                                                                                                                             




                                                                                     

USPS News Release: Letter Carrier Larry Baker to be honored by PMG for heroic actions

Postmarks posted the article about Mr. Baker last week; he deserves all of the recognition that he is receiving. We sure do have some terrific colleagues across the country!

USPS News Release: Letter Carrier Larry Baker to be honored by PMG for heroic actions

Duncanville, Alabama Carrier Savannah Hubbard Makes Rescue Routine

Duncanville Carrier Savannah Hubbard doesn't just deliver mail to the people on her route: along with the letters and packages, she also brings a watchful eye and a caring heart. Because she has taken the time to become acquainted with the people she serves, she knows when routines are broken or when things are amiss.

Her Postmaster, Patricia Bolling, was already well aware of Savannah's many rescues of and assistance to elderly customers when a resident along Savannah's route contacted her. Mike Stevenson, a neighbor to Elizabeth Aldridge, said, "Savannah goes out of her way to look after the people on her route. Mrs. Aldridge is an old woman, and she’s alone all of the time. I’m next door, but I can’t get to her all of the time. Savannah gets to her every day. She is a good woman, and she needs to be recognized. Not many people would do that."

Elizabeth Aldridge is 82 years old, has trouble getting around her house, can't afford to pay for much assistance, and is extremely frail. Several times, Savannah has alerted the neighbors or authorities when she has suspected that Mrs. Aldridge has taken a fall. She has done the same for other elderly customers, too.
 
“I always brought her packages in to her, but I didn’t always bring her mail in because she could always get out to the mailbox at least once or twice a week, but now, she’s gotten where she can’t, so I just bring her mail in to her every day, check up on her."
 
In addition to watching out for Mrs. Aldridge's physical health, Savannah's daily presence also provides important psychological comfort to Ms. Aldridge. Mrs. Aldridge said, "Savannah is a wonderful person. That’s all I can say. She's one in a million....She is my only contact with the outside world. I don’t see anybody else. My son comes once a week to bring me groceries, but after that, I don’t see him."
 
People have asked Savannah about her ability to sense when her customers are in trouble. She replies, “When you see somebody every day and you can’t make them come out, you know that something is wrong."
 
Savannah, you are the winner of this week's On the Job, On the Ball Trophy, although Postmarks knows that you deserve a second award that's called something else, too, since so much of the care that you generously provide to your customers is done on your own time.
 

 
You are a shining example of what it means to be not only a conscientious employee but also a decent human being who gives so much to your community. Thank you.
 
Postmaster Bolling also wanted Postmarks to add the following note.
 
In addition to Savannah Hubbard, I am blessed to have a dedicated team of faithful and hard-working employees:
Rural Carrier Kay Christian, Rural Carrier Yvonne Watts, RCA Maria Shuttlesworth, TRC Naomi Davison, and TRC Angela Berry.

 

The full article about Savannah Hubbard will be published in this quarter's Postmarks.

 
 

Postmaster General Jack Potter to be on Dancing With the Stars

It was announced today that Postmaster General Jack Potter has been signed to be a competitor on next season's Dancing With the Stars.

"Employee morale needs a boost, and I believe that this will make all of us smile," chuckled Potter. "I haven't done much dancing lately."

Postmarks caught Potter practicing behind the Washington, DC Postal facility with his partner, Betty White. "Initially, I requested Shakira for a partner, but when I appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show a couple of weeks ago, Ellen talked me into dancing with Betty because she thought that it would help sales of the Pet Adoption stamps," said Potter.

Indeed, it has. The Pet Adoption stamps, due to be released April 30, can be pre-ordered on the USPS website. Ms. White, a well-known animal rights advocate, has herself ordered 10,000 books.

Although he has temporarily side-lined Ms. White by breaking several of her toes, Potter remains optimistic about his chances to win. "With over 500,000 Postal employees voting multiple times, I don't see how I can lose," Potter said.

And due to changes in Dancing With the Stars voting practices for next season, neither can the Postal Service: all votes must be submitted via the US mail, with only one vote permitted per envelope. Profits from the voting alone are projected to reach $20 million.

All Postal employees will receive Vote of the Employee (VOE) ballots in the mail that they can photocopy and use to vote as many times as they want. They will be given time on the clock to complete the ballots. "But they must buy their own stamps," Potter insisted.

The theme of next year's competition will be Dancing Around the World, and Potter is working hard to meet the challenge. "I want my dancing to reflect the US Postal Service's commitment to diversity, "said Potter.

Postmarks will keep you posted on Potter's progress.

 To read the complete story about Postmaster General Jack Potter's exciting announcement, click here.