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The Garden State Rural Carrier Volume 37 Issue 3 NRLCA Vice President Don Maston to be the Keynote Speaker at NJRLCA Convention The 114th NJRLCA State Convention of this year’s convention and is a full will convene Saturday, June 1, 2019, facility hotel. All NJRLCA members are at 10:00 am. National Vice President encouraged to attend and get the latest Don Maston is our honored guest and contract, engineered study, legislative, will give the keynote address. The and USPS information from our national National Auxiliary President, Cheryl and state officers. Don’t miss the oppor- Rodenbeck, is scheduled to address tunity to hear career defining informa- the delagates also. The Holiday Inn, 1 tion at YOUR state convention. Maston’s bio is on page three. NRLCA Vice President Pureland Dr; Swedesboro, is the site Don Maston

: official publication of the nj rural letter carriers association ’ Inside this issue:- Contacts : 2; NRLCA Vice President Maston Bio, President Gavel : 3; District Elections : 4; : Eastern States Report : 5,6,7 Got Ideas? : 7 Legislative Update : 8 Steward Articles : 9,10, 11 Membership Form, RAFT $$ For You: 12; Back in the Day : 13; Finances: 14; New Members, Retirees, Deaths : 15 Page 2 2018 -2019 New Jersey State Board

President Vice President Secretary / Treasurer Jeff McDonald Joyce Armstrong Kelly Inman 12 Highland Dr. 5 DaVinci Way 95 W. Main St. 5-156 Jackson, NJ 08527 MaysLanding,NJ 08330 Chester, NJ 07930 908-278-1790 609-464-4414 201-230-4060 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

6 NRLCA Steward System Covering NJ Executive Board Northern New Jersey Postal District District Representative : Phil Tremper PO Box 515, Pine Bush, NY 12566 845-744-4437, [email protected] Dan Matthews - Chairman 209 Mystic Dr. Assistant District Representative:Margaret Throne E.H.T, NJ 08234 [email protected] PO Box 52, Franklin Park, NJ 08823 609-601-6395 (H) 609-214-4724 (C) 732-274-2663 Northern New Jersey/Westchester/Long Island Dmatthews108 @ comcast.net South Jersey Postal District Daniel Veit District Representative : Michael W. Swain 5 Brink Rd. PO Box 224, Egg Harbor, NJ 08215 609-625-1299, [email protected] Sussex, NJ 07461-3225 Assistant District Representative: William Collins 973-875-7234 PO Box 353, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 732-678-3834 [email protected] [email protected] 085 & 086 offices in Mercer Co. and Ocean Co. without local stewards. Barnegat, Hightstown, Hopewell, Jackson, Manahawkin, Mike Logan Pennington, and Tuckerton PO Box 23 Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Assistant District Representative: Margaret Throne 856-889-8428 PO Box 52, Franklin Park, NJ 08823 732-274-2663 [email protected] [email protected] Offices in Hunterdon Co, Middlesex Co, and Monmouth Co. offices oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo without local stewards. Belle Mead, Eatontown, Englishtown. Appointed Board Freehold, Rocky Hill, Ringoes, manapalan

Janine Cowart - Chaplain NJRLCA District Officers 908-625-1239 District I [email protected] President Bruce Genung 333 Brown Trail, Hopatcong, NJ 07843 862-219-8002 Vice President Heidi Fuhrman 207 Mohican Rd. Highland Lakes, NJ 973-222-8143 Diane Irrgang - Editor Secretary-Treasurer James Aiazzone - PO Box 278, Hewitt, NJ 973-296-9907 [email protected] 609-364-4233 E-Board Anthony Previte 45 North Main St, Flemington, NJ 908-565-4277 - [email protected] [email protected] District II Yvette Sharp - Provident Guild President James Massimillo 3004 Norma Pl Toms River, NJ 732-267-7368 jmassimillojr @verizon.net Vice President Kimberly Trischitti Sec.-Treas. Anna Gibson 896 Forge Lane Toms River, NJ 732-581-5698 [email protected] Bonnie Boychuck - Insurance Rep. E-Board Luke Strittmatter,Robert Kish 856-562-2985 [email protected] District III President Bonnie Boychuck 403 Kennedy Ave. Williamstown,NJ 856-562-2985 [email protected] Mike Logan - Legislative & PAC Vice President -Patrica Ray PO Box 513, Atco, NJ 609-519-0449 856-889-8428 Sec-Treas Yvette Sharp 140 Joanie Ave,Williamstown 609-929-4034 [email protected] E-Board Dan Matthews, Maria Copsetta, Robert Tulini

NJRLCA Auxiliary Officers President: Mike Pino - 726 Proposed Ave, Franklinville, NJ 08322 Vice President: Joshua Armstrong - 5 DiVinci Way, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 Secretary -Treasurer: Sharon Swain - PO Box 392, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Exec. Board : Anita Gibson

Volume 37 - Issue 3 - May 31, 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier is published bimonthly as a benefit to the members of the NJRLCA. Deadline for submission is the 1st of every odd numbered month. Late articles will not be published in that months’ paper. Any member of the Association may submit an article of interest to share. All articles and letters to the Editor must be signed and include an address and phone number for verification purposes. Names will be held at request, but, articles and letters not signed will not be printed. All Letters to the Editor must be reviewed and approved by a majority of the Executive Board before being printed. All content is the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the NRLCA, NJRLCA, or Editor. May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 3 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH from the President’s gavel OF DONALD L. MASTON, The 2019 Eastern VICE PRESIDENT NATIONAL rectly affecting the Eastern States States Conference Conference member states. RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ was held April 5-7, Chris Westerman of Members ASSOCIATION at the Claridge Hotel Wealth Management presented in Atlantic City, NJ. “Understanding Your Social Secu- Don was elected to the office of New Jersey had 19 rity.” Vice President at the 114th Na- members attend this Dianne Yost of the Atlanta Postal tional Convention in Grand Rapids great conference. The Credit Union and Linda Foran of Michigan. Prior to that Don served ability to talk to your the National General Insurance on the National Board as an Execu- Jeff McDonald President National Board is simply Company updated us on the cur- tive Committeeman from 2008 to amazing. They’re there rent programs of their respective 2018. Don brings an extensive labor for the entire Conference, you can just companies. relations background to the position walk up to them and ask as many ques- The afternoon continued with of Vice President with close to three tions as you want. The 2020 Conference presentations by Cameron Deml decades of experience as a steward will be held at the Holiday Inn (Harris- on the NRLCA Insurance Programs, at every level in the organization. burg/Hershey) I-81 in Grantville, PA. Paul Swartz on Legislative updates He has been involved in 3 rounds Friday – April 5: and Michael Gan on Legal Issues. of collective bargaining as well as The morning started with the Invocation A Banquet followed at 6 pm. National Interest Arbitration. Some by Gareth Settle, WVRLCA State Chaplain Three Candidates for National Of- of his duties include; Editor of The and the Pledge of Allegiance. fice were each given 5 minutes to National Rural Letter Carrier maga- An EAP presentation lead by Cindy address the audience. zine, assisting with rural carrier Trunell, LMFT began the first of three Sunday – April 7: retirement issues, National involve- seminars in the morning. The Retirement The Eastern States Conference ment in the training academies, Seminar was conducted by NRLCA Vice Business Meeting was held. The negotiating contracts and oversight President Don Matson and Cameron Pennsylvania Delegation proposed of National Conventions. Deml, NRLCA Manager of Insurance two locations for the 2020 confer- Don served on the California State Programs and the New RCA /New Regu- ence. The Holiday Inn, Grantville, Board as an Executive Committee- lar Carrier Seminar was run by Dennis PA. was chosen. man for 3 years, Vice-President for Conley, NRLCA Executive Committee The National Board then an- two years, State President for two Chairman. swered many questions that were years and served as California’s full After lunch, we heard from Jim Walsh submitted by members during the time State Steward prior to being about the Thrift Savings Plan. He weekend. elected to the National Board. stressed the importance of putting in at As the host State for the Confer- Don served as a member of the least enough to get the Postal Service ence, NJ ran the PAC (Political National Legislative Committee, match for your retirement. Between 5- Action Committee) fundraising. Steward Task Force One and on the 6:30pm a Labor Relations Seminar was $4051.00 was raised. A big thank National Resolutions Committee as held by Sue Knapp, NRLCA Director of you to those who worked the table a member and Chair. Steward Operations and Michael Gan, during the weekend! His route is a K45 non-L in Malibu NRLCA Legal Counsel. Over 200 Members attended the Canyon, California, serving 453 The Meet and Greet was held from 7-9 Conference! mounted boxes and is 57 miles long. pm. As always, please contact me His route receives both DPS letters Saturday – April 6: with any questions, suggestions or and DPS flats and is assigned an LLV. NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts gave the concerns you may have. Don is happily married to his lovely Keynote Address. The tentative contract rural carrier wife Michelle and has is sitting on the Postmaster Generals’ two grown daughters, Samantha and desk waiting for her signature. He talked Taylor. Revised February 2019 about the Engineered Study. Mapping all routes is taking longer than anticipated and all manuals must be changed before Please join us in the new system can go into effect. The welcoming Don Maston NRLCA and management are working on fixing the Rural Academies. The mem- to this year’s NJRLCA bership continues to grow. Over 3,000 State Convention. routes were added since last year. Executive Committeeman Dennis Con- There was a great turn out at the ley brought us up to date on issues di- Eastern States Conference. Page 4 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019 District Election Results

District I : President Jeff McDonald District II : President James Massimillo District III : Committeman Maria swears in President Bruce Genung, Jr; Vice President Kimberly Trischitti, Copsetta and Robert Tulini, Sec/Treas. Vice President Heidi Furhman, Sec/Treas. Anna Gibson, and Yvette Sharp, Vice President Patrica Sec/Tre as. James Aiazzone and Committeeman Luke Strittmatter. Ray, and President Bonnie Boychuck. Committeeman Anthony Previte

Delegates to the 2019 NJRLCA State Convention District I District II District III

1. Janine Cowart 1. James Massimillo Jr. 1. Mike Swain 2. Jim Aiazzone 2. Luke Strittmatter 2. Bonnie Boychuck 3. Allen Harrell 3. Bill Collins 3. Bob Powell 4. Kevin Gibson 4. Melissa Frank 4. Dan Matthews 5. Margaret Throne 5. Kimberly Trischitti 5. Diane Irrgang 6. Anthony Previte 6. Margot Townsend 6. Patty Ray 7. Bruce Genung 7. Anna Gibson 7. Joyce Armstrong 8. Robert Ingentio 8. Jeff McDonald 8. Bob Tulini 9. Joe Odnoha 9. Mark Dittman 9. Mikey Showack-Pino 10. Ray Williams 10. Robert Kish 10. Mike Logan 11. Dan Veit 11. Jessua Minunni 11. Terry Pratt 12. Lacinda Snyder 12. Maria Pillar 12. Linda Rossi 13. Kelly Inman 13. Donald Teague 13. Cheryl Hughes 14. Janet Freund 14. Nick Loutas 14. Amanda Pratt 15. Nancy Nunn 15. Mark Crocco 15. Maria Copsetta 16. Ray West 16. Dawn Rodriquez 16. Benita Talley 17. Ed McCarthy 17. Janeen Blondo 17. Bill Christmas 18. Eric Rush 18. Scott Carpenter 18. Rick Cannone 19. Barbara Kulasinski 19. Helen Layton 20. Carolyn Infante Alternates: 20. Lou Miniens 21. JR Stockley 21. Sandy Summers 22. Karl Vasquez Bonnie Clark 22. Kristy Diggs 23. Grant Ingallis Alternates: 24. Georganne Bruno Alternates: Shelly Benetin Joe Chalow Adam Turkel Jennifer Graeber Page 5 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019 Eastern States Conference Report The ESC was next open season, which could be you wish, in installments (monthly, called to order at 9 months, or in the case of life insur- quarterly, annually) or all or part of your am April 5, 2019, by ance, years away. The basic life account in an annuity. He explained President Tim insurance is free. If you don’t get it in that the Lifetime (L) cycle choice will be Thomason, WV. This the first pay period as a regular, changing to five-year choices from the years’ conference contact HR immediately. Do not present ten-year choices. He detailed was held at the depend upon your manager to get it for how the Postal Service matches the first Claridge Hotel in you. 5% you put in, giving you 10% of your Atlantic City. After Another important thing that both salary saved for retirement. Walsh Diane Irrgang the introductions new regulars and RCAs need to check explained the Roth and Traditional Editor and Pledge of Alle- is that your seniority is correct. The plans, and that you can have your TSP giance, President seniority of regulars is what is used to split between the two plans if you David Greene, RI asked to address the determine who has to work their day choose. He went into detail about how group. With a heavy heart, Greene told us off or who will get the open route when the TSP impacts your retirement, what about the recent passing of Past National you both bid on it. As a new regular, part your pension and social security Committeeman Francis Raimer, RI. If you check that you have been added to the play, and how to get the most out of your wish to see a note to Laurie, the address seniority list correctly. They stressed money. He was available all weekend to is Laurie Raimer, 128 Barbs Hill Rd; that this is VERY IMPORTANT. New answer questions. At this time, RCAs are Greene, RI 02827-1800. During his RCAs also need to check that they’ve not able to contribute to TSP, but they invocation, Gareth Settle, WV asked us been added to the matrix correctly and should put at least 5% in (if not more) as all to keep Francis and his wife Laurie in that they are added to the Sunday soon as they become regular. our thoughts and prayers. work list. They stressed that even if Day one ended with a Meet and Greet EAP SEMINAR you do not sign on the Sunday work for all in attendance. Cindy Trunell, LMFT (Licensed Married list, you may have to work some Family Trust) and Liza Davidson, Northern Sundays on a rotating basis if not New Jersey EAP Counselor, gave an EAP enough RCAs have volunteered. The seminar. They explained that EAP regular seniority, RWDL, and RCA (Employee Assistance Program) is a FREE Sunday work list are required to be voluntary service for employees and their posted on the Rural Carrier Bulletin families. They stressed that they are NOT Board. If it is not, contact your steward postal employees and your manager only and file a grievance. If two carriers are needs to know you are seeing them if you hired or become regular on the same attend on the clock. They respect that day, the tie is broken per Article 12.2b anything you tell them is confidential and of the contract. are there to help you or a family member Knapp and Conley went over how the NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts addressed with any problems you have. matrix works, when you can change the Eastern States Conference. They fully understand the stress postal positions on the matrix, and where you employees experience on duty and off can find this information. If the matrix Saturday, April 6, 2019 duty. Retirement coaching is also is not followed, and someone else President Tim Tomlinson, WV called available through their service. They have works when you are supposed to, you the meeting to order at 9am with an three ways you can interact with their can get paid for sitting home. Contact invocation by Gareth Settle, WV. The counselors. 1. In person counseling. 2. your steward when this happens. keynote address was given by NRLCA Phone Counseling. 3. Text counseling. They also explained the way to add or President Ronnie Stutts. If you or a loved one needs help with any subtract addresses to the red book, Stutts began talking about the current life problem, don’t hesitate to MAKE THE and more importantly that the 4003 legislative mess in DC. “They keep CALL! gets updated. If you only maintain the kicking the can down the road instead EAP counselors can be reached at (800) red book, and your manager doesn’t of fixing the USPS.” He said the legisla- EAP-4YOU, (800) 327-4968 or at EAP4Y- change the 4003, your pay will not tion for Postal reform is under the fence, OU.com. change. This could cost you thousands and it’s all about politics and not fixing NEW REGULAR/NEW RCA SEMINAR of dollars between mail counts. They the problems. He said PMG Megan The new RCA/new Regular seminar given gave out a really good pamphlet Brennan has shared the ten-year by NRLCA Director of Steward Operations showing what to do and how to do it. I forecast she is going to present to Susan Knapp and NRLCA Executive hope to include this in a future edition Congress with him and that it is not Committeeman Dennis Conley. of The Garden State Rural Carrier. rosy. Offices are losing Amazon pack- When you become a regular carrier, there TSP SEMINAR ages at an alarming rate and we’ve is a lot of duties you must now perform Jim Walsh presented the TSP semi- already lost the return package busi- that you may not have done as an RCA. nar. He explained the many changes ness. The GEO (Government Accounting You should receive a blue benefits coming in Sept. that will make this low Office) came to our headquarters and package book from HR. You only have 60 fee retirement plan a good choice for asked their opinion of the Task Force days to enroll in health and life insurance. your future. You will be able to make Report. Stutts said they gave them an If you don’t, you’ll have to wait for the lump sum withdrawals every 30 days if ear full. The Task Force wants to May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 6 Eastern States Conference (continued) privatize the Postal Service with no confident will get ratified if presented to Chief Marketing Officer Diane Yost and bargaining rights. They also want to the membership. Chris Westerman from Members Wealth change the FEHB (Federal Employee NEW VEHICLES – Stutts said the Management presented a great finan- Health System), and not to our benefit. national officers saw the vehicles being cial seminar. Yost explained that APCU Stutts shared the latest stats. From presented to the Postal Service. They now has VA loans and a great youth PP-05 2018 – PP-05 2019 we are up didn’t care for any of them and made account program to teach financial 3,194 routes nationwide. H and J routes recommendations on changes they felt responsibility to children starting at a are down, K routes are up. There are only were needed. The Postal Service will young age. APCU now has a new NRLCA 593 CSRS (.83%) Rural Carriers still pick the final vehicle(s) in 2020. Stutts card which the union gets a small working, Female Rural Carriers are at said he doesn’t expect to see the new percentage of the fees they charge for 75,612 (57.74%) and Male Rural Carriers USA made vehicles deployed until 2025 every transaction. are at 55,338 (42.26 %.) The longest or 2026. Westerman gave an overview of the route is in KS – 185.5 miles. The RESPECT – Stutts said we are having impact social security has on your shortest is in TX – 1.4 miles. The more Union/Management meetings at retirement. He stated if nothing is done longest route with a government vehicle every level. We touch the public. to shore up SS, in 2034 benefits will go is in FL – 135.70 miles. 80% of offices Management’s attitude affects our down 21%. 62 million people are have five or less rural routes. attitude. Respect is a two-way street. currently on SS with 71% retiring before The new NRLCA APP is available at SAFETY – Stutts said in no circumstance their full retirement age. Westerman the Apple Store or Google Play and should we be texting and driving. You said everyone should verify their SS it’s FREE. It will be updated as the should not be answering your phone on statement for accuracy at www.SSA.gov webpage is updated, and if you accept the route for any management call. Only every year. How much you will get notifications, you’ll get the new info if they provide you with a phone should depends upon several factors, including first. To date, 1,545 Apple devices and you be answering it, and the compensa- claiming age, earnings statement, 917 Android devices have downloaded tion for this duty needs to be negotiated. marital status, and longevity. You can the app. Unless it is a real emergency (time you’re get an annuity estimate by going to RRECS (aka Engineered Study) 4,200 coming back is not an emergency) you www.ssa.goc/retire/estimator.html routes are doing a study on mapping should not be getting texts on your NRLCA COMMITTEEMAN DENNIS using the bread crumbs from the scanner. If you are you need to grieve CONLEY scanners. This should be simplified as this and notify your steward. Conley spoke on safety and working most points are already on the maps after dark. He feels your badge is not from your stopping at the box every day. enough to identify you going up to doors, ACADEMIES – Stutts said the acad- especially after dark. Conley spoke emies are being revamped. A rural about the digitization of routes from carrier from each area was picked to bread crumbs from the scanners, and meet with management for updating the that they can’t change your mileage on current program. There are NO lead the 4003 from that information. Many trainers. That was a one-time assign- routes are showing shorter miles driven ment to train the trainers, and once that than are on the 4003. We have language was completed, the assignment was that states that they can only change over. The new curriculum includes one your mileage using a certified calibrat- hour of union recruitment. The NRLCA ed vehicle and that you have the right will be picking the trainers, with the to ride along (off the clock) to verify the Postal Service having veto power over mileage. those we pick. NJRLCA members Benita Tally and Conley warned that what you put on CONTRACT – Stutts stated our current Cheryl Hughes attended their first ESC. social media can be used against you contract expired May 20, 2018. The and put your job in jeopardy. Task Force report has hurt the negotia- NATIONAL GENERAL INSURANCE Conley recognized the stewards that tions. We have been back and forth for SEMINAR were present and thanked them for the over a year now and are very close. NGIC Insurance Manager Linda Foran work they do. He then gave statistics for Standards are off the table because of gave an overview of what your insurance his and Johnny Millers areas. RRECS. While we have no contract at policy means and what is and isn’t HEALTH INSURANCE SEMINAR this time (April 7, 2019) the negotiated covered. Even if your policy covers you NRLCA Manager of Insurance Pro- contract is in the PMGs hands. Several while delivering mail, it usually doesn’t grams Cameron Demi urged everyone to MOU’s need to be signed. RCA health cover you if you’re using it for Uber or go over their health insurance policies insurance is on the table. Meanwhile, Lyft or to deliver pizza. It was an interest- and know what you have. Don’t be afraid Stutts said they are preparing both for ing seminar with a lot of eye-opening to ask questions about your benefits and ratification meetings, as required by our information. The factors insurance how they work. If you’re not with the constitution if we negotiate a deal, or companies use to determine your rates RCPB (Rural Carrier Benefit Plan), he arbitration if we have to go that direc- could change from company to company. urged that you check it out. We’re the tion. They have been working on a APCU and SOCIAL SECURITY only plan that pays 100% for cancer three-year contract, which Stutts is APCU (Atlantic Postal Credit Union) coverage and have a low co-pay on Page 7 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019

Eastern States Conference (continued) Got Ideas? drugs. Demi said the RCPB currently has before and that our level of cooperation It was great to meet 60,000 members using 1.6 million will change because of the current some new people at prescriptions per year. He spoke about attitude to unions. We are in challenging the District Election the opioid addiction problem and the times. Gan is hopeful for a negotiated Meetings this year. difficulty to get needed drugs because contract, which he said is always better I even got to meet of it. Demi spoke of the perfect combi- than an arbitrated contract. a Jedi from District nation of Medicare parts A & B and CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL OFFICE II. There were some RCPB once you are eligible for Medi- The day ended with three candidates changes to the care. announcing for National Office. Bill Mea, Kelly Inman district boards. I PA; wasn’t sure which office he was Secretary- hope to see some new running for but was interested in term Treasurer ideas for meetings and limits for national officers, an NSS more new faces soon. (National Steward System) code of I’ll say it again RCAs are our future. You ethics, and reviewing the NSS which is need to get involved and come to a meet- now 9 years old. Nicky Phillips, GA; is ing. If you met me in the orientation you running for Director of Steward Opera- have heard my story about when I was tions. He feels the NSS is not what we hired. My first year and a half, I worked were promised and needs to be changed. my route, ran to another office picked up A woman from TX, Markisha is running “Hotmail” in my own car and was never for Executive Committeeman. She is very paid any extra. No one ever said, “Hey disappointed with what we were prom- Kelly, you get paid extra for that.” Now in ised and didn’t get, especially with NSS. my office, Karl, after his year anniversary, The PAC Table raised over $4,000! The way veterans and retirees are comes in and talks to me about what he treated was also an issue she was has read in the contract. I love it, this is PAUL SWARTZ – DIRECTOR OF GOV- running on. what we need, people to know what their ERNMENTAL AFFAIRS SUNDAY APRIL 7, 2019 rights are. People who care to learn what Swartz spoke about the difficulties of The business meeting of ESC was the they are entitled to. the 116th Congress. He was very start of the day on Sunday. The roll call of The union presentation in orientation is disappointed in the Task Force Report. states showed a total of 238 attendees still relatively new, it wasn’t around when On the block is privatization, access to with 19 from NJ. Elections were held and I was hired. It’s so important in this com- mailboxes, increase FERS contributions, LuAnne Moreland, MD; was elected pany to learn, as soon as possible, what high 3 to 5 years, reduce cola’s, reduce President, Kelly Magalis, VA; was you are entitled to and whom you can TSP interest rates, Postal reform, buy elected as Vice President, and Lorraine trust to give you the correct information. back legislation (doesn’t include Postal Pacheco, MA; was elected as Secretary/ If you don’t have a local steward in your employees), and reduced FEHBP Treasurer. Two sites were presented for office, you have an outside steward assigned to your office to call. Whom your funding. Not very good for us. hosting the ESC in 2020. The Holiday Inn steward is must be posted, in your office, The house has several resolutions that in Hershey, PA was chosen. Room rates on the Rural Carrier Bulletin Board. If are good for us. They include HR23 - will be $99 with free parking. The dates you’re unsure about something you are door delivery maintained; HR33 – not are March 27-29, 2020. privatized; HR54 – maintain 6-day being told to do, if your pay is wrong and delivery; HR60 – bring standards of it hasn’t been fixed, call your steward. mail delivery back to July 1, 2012, If we don’t know there is a problem, we can’t fix it! You are entitled to be reim- and Senate bill S99 which is an bursed mileage to attend the academy. anti-privatization. If your manager did not create an ACE Our new PAC (Political Action account for you, so you can be paid, let Committee) Manager Jordan Schultz us know. Don’t forget about Amazon Sun- was introduced to us. Nationally we day either. If you must travel to another have given $315,327.20 to PAC. The office, and you must travel further to get ESC states gave $43,305.21. New there then your home office, you are en- Jersey members gave $2,565.00. titled to be reimbursed for the difference At the close of business, the ESC (round trip) in travel distance as well. conference attendees donated over So, everybody, this is what I want you to $4,000 to PAC. The 2019 - 2020 ESC Officers do, besides coming to the meetings, let NRLCA LEGAL COUNSEL MICHAEL Secretary Lorraine Pacheco, MA; us know where you would like to see a GAN Vice President Kelly Magalis, VA; meeting held. If we haven’t been in your Our attorney addressed the confer- President LouAnne Moreland, MD. area for a while, and you know of a good ence. He had warned that “Winter Was place for us to meet, give one of your Coming” at the National Convention. The conference ended with a panel of district board members a call. We are Gan stated, “When challenged you must National Officers and employees answer- here for you; we have years of experience rise to meet the challenge.” He said ing numerous questions from the and tons of information to share. We just we’re under more scrutiny than ever attendees. Pura Vita. need you to show up. Got Ideas? May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 8 Legislative Update Postal Issues in the 116th Congress When the 116th ing Payne, Pallone, Watson-Coleman, presently no cosponsors. Congress took their Sires, Smith, Pascrell, Gottheimer, House Resolution 109: oath back in Janu- Kim, Van Drew and Norcross. Recognizing the duty of the federal ary, all legislation House Resolution 54: government to create a Green New on the table had to Expressing the sense that the Deal. This resolution has 92 cospon- be reintroduced. House of Representatives that the sors including Watson-Coleman and I have compiled a United States Postal Service should Pascrell. listing of Bills and take all appropriate measures to S. 59 : ensure the continuation of its 6-day Mike Logan or Resolutions in Thiss an identical bill to H Res. 109 Executive Board both Houses that mail delivery service. This resolution but in the Senate. This bill would have Legislative and have a direct impact has 222 cosponsors including Smith, an effect on the USPS as it addresses PAC Chair on the Postal Ser- Watson-Coleman, Sires, Pallone, Van emissions released by government vice. I also included Drew, Pascrell, Kim, Malinowski, and vehicles. This bill is cosponsored by the names of the co-sponsors who Norcross. 12 Senators, all Democrat, including hail from New Jersey. All information House Resolution 60: Corey Booker. is current as of April 25. Expressing the sense that the S. 99: House Resolution 23: House of Representatives that the A resolution expressing a sense in Expresses the sense of the House United States Postal Service should the Senate that Congress should take of Representatives that the United take all appropriate measures to re- all appropriate measures to ensure States Postal Service take all appro- store service standards in effect as of that the United States Postal Service priate measures to ensure the con- July 1, 2012. This resolution has 143 remains an independent establish- tinuation of residential and business cosponsors including Watson-Cole- ment of the Federal Government and door delivery. This resolution has man, Pallone, Smith, Pascrell, Van not subject to privatization. This reso- 167 cosponsors including Smith, Van Drew, Norcross, Kim and Malinowski. lution has 37 cosponsors, none being Drew, Kim, Watson-Coleman, Pallone, House Resolution 78: from New Jersey. and Malinowski. Expressing the sense of the House A majority in the House of Repre- House Resolution 33: of Representatives that the United sentatives requires 218 votes while Expresses the sense that the States postal facility network is an as- the Senate requires 51 votes. House of Representatives should take set of significant value and the United Upon reviewing the names of the all appropriate measures to ensure States Postal Service should take representatives cosponsoring legisla- the United States Postal Service appropriate measures to maintain, tion favorable to the Postal Service, remains an independent establish- modernize and fully utilize the exist- first-term Congressman Mikie Sherrill ment of the Federal Government and ing post office network for economic is not a cosponsor of any of these bills is not subject to privatization. This growth. This was introduced by Rep. and Josh Gottheimer is listed only resolution has 228 cosponsors includ- Mark E. Amodel (R-NV-2). There are once.

How to CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE Menendez, Robert - (D - NJ) 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 (202) 224-4744 Contact: www.menendez.senate.gov/contact Booker, Cory A. - (D - NJ) 717 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 (202) 224-3224 Contact: www.booker.senate.gov/contact

1st Norcross, Donald (D) 2437 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-2615 Norcross.house.gov 2nd Van Drew, Jefferson (D) 331 CHOP Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6572 VanDrew.house.gov 3rd Kim, Andy (D) 1516 LHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4765 Kim.house.gov 4th Smith, Chris (R) 2373 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3765 chrissmith.house.gov 5th Gottheimer, Josh (D) 213 CHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4465 Gotheimer.house.gov 6th Pallone Jr; Frank (D) 2107 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4671 Pallone.house.gov 7th Malinowski, Tom (D) 426 CHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5361 Malinowski.house.gov 8th Sires, Albio (D) 2268 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-7910 Sires.house.gov 9th Pascrell Jr; Bill (D) 2409 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5751 Pascrell.house.gov 10th Payne Jr; Donald (D) 103 CHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3436 Payne.house.gov 11th Sherrill, Mikie (D) 1208 LHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5034 Sherill.house.gov 12th Watson Coleman, Bonnie (D) 2442 RHOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5801 WatsonColeman.house.gov May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 9 Steward Stump District Representative South Jersey and Philadelphia Metropolitan Postal Districts

Have you had workers and as citizens. Such aspira- spaghetti straps to hold it up. She enough of bad man- tions are our right and shall be pro- also wishes to wear soft canvas agers, information tected against all threats, In God We type shoes. and working condi- Trust. It is the position of the U. S. tions? Do you want The Association is dedicated to the Postal Service that the policy to make a difference discharge of its responsibilities and prohibiting the wearing of soft in the workplace? the achievement of its objectives in canvas type shoes on workroom If you will put in the accordance with the democratic prin- floors will be consistently ap- Mike Swain effort, we will train ciples embodied in this Constitution. plied. The shoes pictured in this Distict Rep. and mentor you. You The object of the Association shall be case would be prohibited footwear. can make a huge dif- to improve conditions of labor with the As for blouses, individual circum- ference by becoming a local steward. United States Postal Service, advance stances must be viewed within the The union achieves its best results the methods used by Rural Letter Car- prescribed guidelines and existing when there is a local steward in the riers and promote a fraternal spirit dress code as consistently applied workplace. The association cannot among its members. at the local level in all crafts con- appoint a local steward. Our constitu- The Association was created and cerned. tion requires that a local steward be exists to help you. It is not simply a (ref Step 4, 11-19-81, H8R-4B-C elected by the members in the local subscription service where you pay for a 33982) unit. A local steward, by being on the service. Rural carrier employees are re- workroom floor on a daily basis, can Your dues offset the cost of running sponsible for maintaining a neat best protect rural carriers’ rights in the organization. To control costs and and clean appearance and will be the workplace. provide service to the members of our dressed in suitable attire when If being a local steward is not for craft, we need you to be involved. A hand- performing official duties. you, you can help by attending our ful of stewards and officers cannot do Postal management at the local meetings and supporting your district everything. Your attendance helps. The level will be responsible for deter- and state association officers. They more you know, the more it helps your mining the appropriate standard of are there to help you understand the fellow members, officers, and stewards. appearance. However, local postal function of the NRLCA. I do not know If you are interested in serving as a management will be reasonable and the reason why you have not come local steward, please contact me for the rational in determining that appro- out to our local district meetings. I necessary forms and information needed priate standard of appearance. am very curious why you would not to conduct an election and become certi- (ref: Pre-Arb, 1-28-82, H8R-4B- take the few hours needed to partici- fied. C-33982) pate. Are you content to let things Dress Code So, look around the workroom stay as they are? Do you want your Yes, the weather is warming up. It is floor and see what everyone else voice heard? I joined the NRLCA to time to wear clothes that keep you cool. is wearing. Take a good look in the have a voice in our affairs, I want my Summer clothes are coming out of the mirror. If you came up to your door, voice heard. I want your voice to be back of the closet and back into the what would you think? Is your attire heard as well. workplace. Rural carriers have a fairly something a professional carrier The language in Article II Purpose liberal dress code. Yes, we don't have should be wearing? What message of our constitution has some lofty a uniform. The PO 603 states that the are you sending? If you are in line ideals: dress code as; "Presenting a neat, clean, with everyone else, you should be The Association is established and professional appearance reflecting a ok. upon the long-recognized need positive postal image." Local management is committed of Rural Letter Carriers to orga- (ref: PO 603 12 b.) to being "reasonable and rational" nize and create a united force, with the dress code. Like everything advance the interests of all mem- It has also been defined in some griev- else, if you have questions please bers, ensure job security, enhance ance decisions: give your steward a call and discuss opportunities and assure our full The question in this grievance is your concerns. share in the success of the United whether or not management violates I truly look forward to meeting States Postal Service to which we Article 19 of the National Agreement you at our next meeting. Please contribute so substantially. The with regard to the proper and safe look for me and introduce yourself. Association shall seek, with all of attire to be worn by rural carriers. The "Seek first to understand, the resources at its command, to grievant, in this case, wishes to wear, then to be understood." assist its members in the realiza- for working purposes, a blouse with no Stephen R. Covey tion of their highest aspirations as sleeves or shoulder coverings and thin Page 10 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019 Forms - Forms - Forms - Forms Knowing the Rules Your Postal Life Is Driven By Forms! Often when you Ever since I was a just have to provide a reason if it is call a steward young child playing longer. for assistance board games with PS Form 3971 Request for or Notifi- with any number my brothers, sports cation of Absence of issues you with my friends, or This form is for requesting leave. will be asked for any other activ- It should be noted that it should be various forms that ity that involved submitted in triplicate. One copy for are important to competition, I management to sign and date that it resolve those is- always wanted to was received, one copy for manage- Dan Matthews Bill Collins sues. While you know the rules of the ment to retain for its records, and the Area Steward Assistant District may not think that game. Yes, my broth- Representative last to provide to the carrier with an such information ers would cheat to win and the lesson approval or disapproval. is necessary, or it is a pain to gather that I learned at a young age was PS Form 4003 Official Route De- that information for the steward, it is to learn the rules of the game. The scription those forms that we rely on to prove lesson that I learned was not just for This is your line of travel. or disprove your case. childhood games, it was a life lesson PS Form 1769, Accident Report At times some of those forms are that we all need to practice with our PS Form1767, Report of a Hazard- incorrectly filled out by manage- job as rural carriers. I receive more ous or Unsafe Condition or Practice ment and that can win a case all by phone calls than you can imagine This form is very important to itself. There are many forms that from both experienced and new anyone working in a Postal facility. It touch our lives daily in the Postal carriers in regards to the rules and may be filled out by anyone to report Service. Some we see and are very regulations that are being introduced unsafe acts, practices or hazardous familiar with, some we may never see and enforced by management that conditions. I commonly find egress although their importance becomes violate the National Agreement, doors blocked by equipment that very clear when we need them. I the ELM, and other handbooks and could hamper someone exiting from would like to discuss some of the manuals. The most recent issue that the building in case of an emergency. forms that are most common in the I had to address was management These forms should be prominently grievance process. redoing the matrix and changing RCA posted near safety stations and PS Form 50 Notification of Person- primary assignments and bumping bulletin boards for easy access by nel Action junior RCAs from their assigned posi- all employees. It should be noted This form is mailed to you each tions on the matrix. The best way when this form is filled out by an em- time you have a change in employ- to defend this is to educate yourself ployee, management has twenty-four ment i.e.: raises, switching routes, of the rules and policies of your job hours to address the complaint. leave category change, etc. It is also and know where to find the rules in Other forms that may be important available to you on the Lite-blue web- writing. to you, although it is my hope that you site in your EOPF at any time. This As I have stated in the past, I hated don’t need them, are the OWCP forms. form is a necessity in every grievance unions when I joined the USPS back CA-1 Federal notice of Traumatic file. in 2005. I decided to become a stew- Injury and claim for continuation of PS Form 4240 Rural Carrier Trip ard during a mail count when I was pay. Report told by my postmaster that letters CA-16 Authorization for Examina- This is your sign-in sheet. It will collected on a Saturday only counted tion and /or Treatment. be requested by your stewards for as one, even if I collected 100 letters CA-17 Duty Status Report various issues that include payroll, for the day. I realized, on that day, OWCP form listing job functions and attendance, and scheduling, to name that I needed to learn the rules of the carrier medical restrictions. a few. game so I could protect myself and PS Form 8191 PS Form 1234 Utility Card my livelihood. I have heard too many This is the Step One form to initiate This is especially important to re- times, from experienced carriers, a grievance. You fill in one - four, with lief employees. This is the green card, “well, this is the way it has always number four being in the formof a and as any relief employee knows, been done in this office.” My answer question. management loses them constantly. is just because it has always been These are just a few of the most The union advises that you maintain done a certain way over the years common forms we see as stewards. a log or copy of your hours in the does not mean that it is right. Bad If you have need of one of these or event that payroll issues arise. local policy, and backdoor agree- other forms, please don’t hesitate to PS Form 8127 Rural Carrier Supple- ments made with local management approach your local steward, or one mental Pay Form that violate the National Agreement of the stewards listed for your office, This is the form management uses but are accepted as part of the daily and ask for guidance. These forms are to pay carriers for duties outside the routine in local offices hurt our cause also available on our website www. scope of their evaluation. Manage- as a whole. New carriers that have NRLCA.org or from your postmaster or ment claims they can only do an hour no idea or knowledge of our contract supervisor. at a time, but that is incorrect. They and that are assigned to these offices As always, BE SAFE! Bill (continued on page 11) Page 11 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019 New BLOOD How many of in the workings of the union. You learned, and moved into more vital you have come to need to stand up and be counted—be- positions. a NJRLCA meeting come a local steward in your office, It doesn’t require you to give up this year? We just to start. You will be trained and will your personal life—just a little time had election meet- get back-up from more experienced outside of work that will help ensure ings in each of our stewards, and you can become the that your working life, and that of your three districts, and leaders of the future. We can’t make fellow carriers, is the best it can be. I was disappointed things better overall by having one or Obviously, not every member is go- Margaret Throne to see almost no two people representing the carriers ing to be an officer or a steward, but Assistant District new faces at any of in dozens of offices, we can only fight the officers and stewards are not the Representative the meetings, and individual battles. A steward can only entire association. The more input not very many familiar ones, either! be in one place at a time, and while and communication they have from Regular carriers, RCA’s and ARC’s there, they can’t be responding to their fellow members, the stronger seem to be content to ignore their anyone else. As a local steward, you they will be in their jobs, and the more union unless they are in trouble. Every will be in a position to react immedi- they will be aware of the issues and member has access to the NRLCA ately to issues that come up in your problems faced in all the offices, not website—www.NRLCA.org—but office, even nip them in the bud, while just their own. when I talk to you, you have gone to a steward from outside learns what’s The NJRLCA State Convention is the unofficial sites and gotten “gossip” going on after the fact and only as first weekend in June this year. It’s a information. Some of it might be true, much as people share. good place to start. National Vice some is opinion, some is downright We need strong officers for the as- President Don Maston will be in wrong, but none of it is official infor- sociation, too. Carriers who become our state and ready to talk to you, mation from OUR elected leaders, involved in the union earlier in their whether you are a 30-year veteran who are making the decisions and career not only enhance their own carrier, an RCA who has waited 5 agreements that affect OUR working USPS work experience because they years to become regular, a brand new lives. Your union is working for you, are far more aware of the rules in the RCA hoping to have a career in rural and it needs you to work for it! contract and their own rights, but delivery or a once a week ARC. Every Lots of the people who are strongly they also learn how the Union works, member is important, and any involved in the association are get- and become leaders in the craft. The member could have an idea that ting older. A lot of them, like me, are people who are running this associa- could make a difference. But your nearing retirement. You younger mem- tion now did not start out knowing idea will never be heard if you never bers need to step up and get involved everything, they got involved locally, get involved. We need New Blood!

Knowing the Rules (continued from page 10) just accept these rules which allow We all have to remember that manag- www.NRLCA.org and the new NRLCA the bad policies to continue. I know ers come from all crafts and they are APP. this for a fact because this is exactly not familiar with our contract. They I have seen management in local what happened in my office and that also do not receive enough training offices pick and choose what parts is when I decided to become a stew- in regards to the rules and policies of of the contract they want to enforce, ard and learn the rules of the game. the rural craft. and what parts they want to ignore. Do yourself a favor and stop relying on (ELM) section 665.15 Obedience to How many of you have been warned management, coworkers, or anyone Orders states: by management in regards to your else to give you the actual rules, Employees must obey the instructions attendance, leaving times, or going policies, and procedures of your job. of their supervisors. If an employee over your evaluation in the past year? This is your livelihood and you should has reason to question the propriety How many of you have been denied take the time to learn the difference of a supervisor’s order, the individual leave, did not receive your 3971 in a between fact and fiction. must nevertheless carry out the order timely manner, were not called into When you are given instruction by and may immediately file a protest in work on your relief day when you’re management or advice from a cowork- writing to the official in charge of the on the overtime desired list, or have er that you do not believe is right, you installation or may appeal through of- your vehicle repaired in a timely fash- need to ask these basic questions: ficial channels. ion? Is there a rule? What does the rule We all have access to the PO 603 We cannot continue to let man- say? Where can I find the rule in writ- (Rural Carriers Duties and Responsi- agement pick and choose. ing? bilities), EL 814 (Employees Guide to It is important for all of us to learn If you cannot find the answer to your Safety), EL902 (Contract), and many the rules of the game! question, please call your steward. other manuals via our union website, Knowledge is power! May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 12

Kelly Inman - NJRLCA Secretary 95 W Main St 5-156 Chester, NJ 07930

Page 13 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019

New Jersey’s Poet Being Honored By A New Stamp on his 200th Birthday WALT WHITMAN AT 200 Walt Whitman, said Blake, was CAMDEN – Camden, Walt Whitman many things: a journalist who never said, brought him “blessed returns.” stopped thinking of himself as one, The poet, writer and American who brought a reporter’s eye for de- icon, during his life and in the many tail into his poetry and prose; a sage years since his death, has returned and to some even a prophet whose those blessings. work seemed to predict the upheaval His words are etched in the stone of the early 20th century; a natural- of Camden’s City Hall, and his earthly ist who reminded a rapidly industrial- remains are interred in its most izing nation what it meant to smell famous cemetery. His likeness is all lilacs and sit in “a field where the over Camden, from the “City Invin- unmow’d grass grows.” cible” mural on the Admiral Wilson “He’s documenting everything, and that makes his work a window Boulevard to the bust in the lobby at May 29 at Rutgers–Camden’s Stedman into the past. He was the poet, the cham- City Hall. The only home he ever owned is Gallery in honor of his 200th birthday. pion, of American democracy.” carefully preserved, a downtown land- “In my opinion, if it weren’t for Camden Being in Camden, and experiencing the mark that draws visitors to Camden from and his friends here, we wouldn’t be cel- Walt Whitman House, can bring a greater around the world. And his imprint, his ebrating Whitman,” said Blake. understanding of the man and his work, influence and his legacy are still strong in “This was it ... He was ours,” said Blake and also help unleash creative inspira- the city where he spent most of his final with a smile. Whitman’s finished “Leaves tion. two decades. of Grass,” the defining work of his life, in Whitman was more than a distant fig- “Camden was originally an accident,” Camden, and not only chose to be buried ureand more than the stoic bearded bust the poet wrote. “But I shall never be sorry in Harleigh Cemetery but had his parents that often represents him today. I was left over in Camden.”The “accident” disinterred and moved to his tomb here. There’s a twinkle in his eye in photo- was his mother’s illness, and while Whit- Whitman, Blake said, was a working- graphs that says, I’m about to tell a really man may have come to Camden in 1873 class writer, albeit one with many famous funny joke, and you can be in on it. The not intending to stay, by the time his friends. Still, he spent a lot of his time in- poet brought that “creative cheekiness” brother George left for Burlington years teracting with Camden’s ordinary people, into his work, and it’s something that can later, Whitman had made the city his talking to workers on the waterfront, still inspire creative people today. home. He bought a modest Mickle Street conversing with travelers who stopped in There are so many artists working in house on March 26, 1884 for $1,750. He the city on their way to Philadelphia, New different media who still find Whitman remained there until he died on March 26, York or Atlantic City. very inspiring. There must be something 1892, at the age of 72. He lived on a little side street and he magical that stems from his poetry, some- Although he was a renowned writer, loved the people who lived in the neigh- thing that still speaks to people today. journalist and poet by the time he arrived borhood, he loved going to the waterfront Whitman made Camden his home in in in the city, it was a Camden neighbor, and talking to the ferryhands and the large part because of the relationships Horace Traubel, who is credited with pre- riverboat captains. That was who he was. he forged here, and the people he came serving his legacy and championing his Whitman celebrated ordinary people in to love: the housekeeper who became his work after his death, explained Leo Blake, his poetry, something that was rare for its caretaker, the friend who became his bi- curator at the Walt Whitman House. time: He wrote about prostitutes and poor ographer and champion for his work after Traubel befriended Whitman, and found people, the enslaved and the oppressed, he died, the ferrymen and families he met their conversations so engrossing he though Whitman’s views of slavery and as he moved about the city. began taking notes, Blake said. Those African Americans were inconsistent and To walk into that house, and know what notes would evolve into “Walt Whitman still a subject of debate today. a great thinker, poet and writer he was. To in Camden,” a nine-volume biography of Whitman’s outlook on life, and on see his chair and think about the condi- the poet and the seminal piece of Whit- American ideals, would likely have framed tion and culture of the city at the time, man scholarship. He would also assist his view of Camden today. to learn about his great love for mankind, Whitman as the poet continued to revise “A sense of optimism is something and his sense of brotherly love that was “Leaves of Grass,” and, Blake explained, that’s key to his work, that no matter how just that. become his de facto literary agent as the bad it could get — and in some periods it You understand that the ‘city invincible’ poet’s health began to fail. really did — his story was really to survive is not about guns and armies. It’s a place Whitman’s other friends in Camden ral- here in Camden.” where people love each other and take lied around him as well as age and illness The house’s own survival in a city that care of each other. It’s a place where love took their toll. They threw a lavish birth- has seen riot, ruin and decay is symbolic is real. day party each year after the poet’s death of the poet who survived strokes but Kudos to the USPS for honoring Walt — a tradition that continues to this day, bounced back more than once. including an art exhibition and reading on Whitman on his 200th Birthday! Page 14 The Garden State Rural Carrier May/June 2019 Balance Sheet Profit & Loss

Statement Financial Position May 1, 2019 INCOME July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019 Budget % of Budget ASSETS Incentive Income 4,495.00 2,500.00 179.8% Current Assets Membership Dues 82,538.18 95,386.00 86.53% Checking/Savings Interest/Dividends 2,659.86 2,200.00 120.9% National General Insurance 17,734.02 18,500.00 95.86% APCU Checking Account-20 9,830.28 Reimbursements 682.59 0.00 100% APCU Share Savings Account-01 . 34,623.79 Total Income 108,109.65 118,586.00 91.17% Certificate of Deposit-71 . . . . . 15,762.56 Certificate of Deposit-74 . . . . . 15,709.56 EXPENSE Certificate of Deposit-75 . . . . . 15,687.49 Accounting Fees 2,530.00 4,700.00 53.83% Certificate of Deposit-76 . . . . . 15,663.24 Awards and Recognition 164.85 350.00 47.1% Certificate of Deposit-77 . . . . . 15,663.00 Education and Training 1,764.05 2,400.00 73.5% Certificate of Deposit-82 . . . . . 15,453.52 Equipment Purchases 0.0 500.00 0% Certificate of Deposit-84 . . . . . 15,400.54 Equipment Rent 1,153.15 1,400.00 82.37% Certificate of Deposit-85 . . . . . 14,858.33 Insurance Expense 888.00 1,000.00 88.8% Certificate of Deposit -86 14.871.69 Miscellaneous Expenses 126.88 00.00 100% Certificate of Deposit -87 . . . . . 14,865.20 National Convention 26,485.78 26,000.00 101.87% Certificate of Deposit-88 14,848.14 Office Expense- Supplies 2,599.34 3,000.00 86.65% Certificate of Deposit-89 . . . . . 10,030.59 Office Rent 2,500.00. 3,000 83.33% Certificate ofDeposit -90 ...... 5,671.51 Payroll Expenses 93.85 600.00 15.64% Total Checking/Saving ...... 228,939.45 Payroll Taxes 2,262.25 4,000.00 56.56% Per Capita Dues 5,746.24 8,000.00 71.8% Total Current Assets 228,939.45 Postage 1,693.33 2,260.00 74.93% Printing 282.50 2,300.00 25.33% Fixed Assets Regional Conference - ESC 3,506.67 5,000.00 70.13% Fixed Assets 10,649.29 Salaries 24,226.94 38,600.00 62.76% Total Fixed Assets 10,649.29 State Meetings 2,929.05 17,300.00 16.93% State Paper 14,265.71 14,725.00 96.88% TOTAL ASSETS 239,588.74 Travel 2,653.47 6,900.00 38.46%

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Total Expense 92,172.06 142,038.00 67.71% Net Income ______11,993.59 - 23,452.00 -51.14% TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 239,588.74 RAFT Recruit a Friend Today

On top of the National Raft incentive of $15.00 for a relief carrier recruited and $50.00 for a regular carrier recruited, from now till June 30, 2019, the state association is running a separate membership incentive. Any member in good standing (who is not a State Board member, Academy Trainer, DR or ADR) who recruits a carrier to join the union will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 gift card. The carrier who joins will be entered to win as well. The winner will be drawn on June 30th and announced in the July paper. So get a non-member to fill out the form on page 12! If you are a member in your office and you are reading this paper, please try to recruit a new member in your office. We are only as strong as our membership. May/June 2019 The Garden State Rural Carrier Page 15

Welcome New Members Recently Deceased Natasha Trimmingham Maribell Catalan RCA John Bieder RCA George Resotka - Retired Forked River RCA Columbia Blairstown Chester - Past State Officer Nabeel Chaudhary RCA Barry Vega RCA Patrica Conti RCA Jeffrey Shukdinas - Regular Trenton Milford Williamstown Williamstown Emoni Gudell RCA Arthur Warezak RCA Tyler Dunn ARC Eugene Tasso - RCA Toms River Monroe Twp. Cape May Vineland “Until we meet again” Ta Shay Henderson RCA Allison Bryk RCA Eric Gendron RCA Vineland Forked River Blackwood Samantha Herkert RCA Tina Camp RCA Andrea Greenlaw RCA Howell Woodbine Bellmeade Congrats to Cristina Justiniano RCA Tina Forshaw RCA Donna Delia Regular Retirees Trenton Atco Sussex Rebecca Minnella RCA Jeffrey Kerstetter RCA David Hebert Regular Ringoes Toms River Ringoes Amy K Walder - Bridgeton Jennifer Re RCA Gabrielle Marella RCA Daniel Sapienza RCA Adrienne F Barnwell -Moorestown Pennington Atco Toms River Janet E Freund - Flemington David Rossi RCA Felix Okoy RCA Daniel Hower RCA Judith F Kenny - Hackettstown Barnegat Marlton Pennington Theresa A Pratt - Hammonton Dana Sloan RCA Donna Tortora RCA Denise Iezzi RCA Cheryl D Rich - Blackwood Bayville Hightstown Vineland Richard J Shea - Belle Meade Audrey Whittaker RCA Nadezda Botyan RCA Vanessa Ladino ARC Yevgeniy A Zhykulin - Somerset Forked River Hammonton Dover Savannah Arenberg RCA Patrick Dunn ii RCA Cintia Lago RCA Your new adventure begins! Cape May Woodbine Englishtown Enjoy the next mail box of your life! Ashley Cooper RCA John Giltinan Sr RCA Percival Lopez I RCA Mount Laurel Pennington Sussex Edna Maria Vogel ii RCA Rebecca Guercioni RCA Isreal Mejia RCA Barnegat Pleasantville Montville Stephen Welby RCA Alexis Haines RCA Tyler Revak RCA New Rural Academy Mickleton Pleasantville Sicklerville Finally Opens Amy Wood RCA Demeka Reed RCA Duane Roberts RCA It took the Postal Service over a Vincentown Atco Bridgeton year since announcing a second Rural Daniel Bonforti RCA Steven Stabinski RCA Roshandra Rogers RCA Academy in the Northern NJ Postal Dis- Eatontown Pennsville Trenton trict, to finally get it put together and Dan Burkart ARC Jonathan Cullari RCA James Sambade RCA opened. The first class at the “new” Somerset Pleasantville Brick academy in the Wharton, NJ facility Sembudurage Jayaratne Colin Gillespie RCA Alice Simmons RCA took place in April. RCA Blackwood Mendham Six RCAs had their training in the Montville Muhamer Hadzi RCA Matthew Smuzinsky Jr new facility. They were Catalan Mari- Devieka Matthews ARC Oak Ridge RCA bell, Blairstown PO; Alice Simmons, Warren John Palmer iii RCA Millville Mendham PO; Israel Mejia, Montville PO; Percival Lopez,Sussex PO; Tommy Veronica Murphy RCA Lake Hopatcong Mary Thompson RCA Bratel, Newton PO; Paul Accardo, Vincentown Radut Dediu RCA Williamstown Mendham PO; and Yvette Nieves Dacos- Lake Hopatcong Richard Vizzi RCA Viridiana Nava Juarez RCA ta, Sparta PO. Pleasantville Alexander Bodnar Jr. Jackson Any rural carrier who would like to Lee Ann Orem RCA RCA Toms River become an Academy Instructor should Moorestown Thomas Bradford RCA contact their District Representative Heba Sadek RCA Newton listed on page two. The Rural Acad- Bedminster Patrick Carr RCA emies are being revised and updated in Englishtown the near future. PRST STD The Garden State U.S. POSTAGE PAID Rural Carrier PERMIT #309 VINELAND, NJ 08360

Million Mile Award Date Reminder Rural Carrier Doug Kuegler, from the Howell Post Office, 5/27/19...... Memorial Day joined the elite group who 5/31/19...... Payday 5/31/19...... State Board Meeting have driven One Million Miles 6/14/19...... Payday without an accident. PM 6/28/19...... Payday Joseph Bambrick marked this 7/1/19...... Paper Deadline 7/12/19...... Payday achievement by presenting 7/26/19...... Payday him with the National Safety 7/30/19...... District III Night at Phillies Council Million Mile Award! 9/1/19...... Paper Deadline Geat job Doug on 30 years State Convention of safe driving! 5/31 - 6/2/19...... Swedesboro, NJ

Eastern States

NJRLCA Night at the 3/27-29/2020 ...... Hershey, PA

Come ONE - Come ALL- Bring National Conventions Family - Bring Neighbors Grapevine, TX...... 8/13-16/19 Bring Friends - Bring Spokane, WA...... 8/18-21/20 Orlando, FL...... 8/17-20/21 Members - Bring Non-Members Washington DC...... 8/16-19/22 Grand Rapids, MI...... 8/15-18/23 July 30, 2019 VS. San Francisco Giants Send Payment to: NJRLCA STATE RLCA-NJ District III CONVENTION Section 330 PO BOX 23 June 1 -2 $20 per Ticket Mullica Hill, NJ Holiday Inn Tailgate 5 PM Parking Lot K 08062 Swedesboro Under Solar Panels LFF Your chance to see your 1st Pitch 7:07 Reserve by June 25th Union in action. Why not stop in?