November 2018

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To learn more about Contents UPMA, go to Volume 97/Number 9 • November 2018 www.unitedpma.org Follow us on Twitter @upma15 Features

UPMA Leader (ISSN-0032-552X) 19 Accuracy of the Facilities Data Base— is printed 10 times a year— It’s All About the Customer monthly, except for combined January/February and Septem- 20 Saving the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund ber/October issues—by the Unit- by Sue Carney ed Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA), 8 Herbert St., 28 Give Yourself the Gift of Convention Alexandria, VA 22305-2600; 703- 683-9027; www.unitedpma.org. Registration Periodicals postage paid at by Kathy Santo Christo Alexandria, VA, and other mailing offices. 30 After 68 Years Apart, Brothers Reunite by Eva Finley Subscriptions All UPMA and UPMA Retired members receive Columns the UPMA Leader as part of their membership dues. The annual subscription rate for individuals 4 President’s Perspective who are not eligible for UPMA Sean Acord, co-president membership is $18. For address changes, contact the UPMA Na- 8 Leadership for Success tional Office, 703-683-9027. Wayne Francis, East Area vice president

Publication Content Opinions ex- 11 From the Field pressed herein are those of the Jackie Deter, Pacific Area postal coordinator authors only and do not necessar- ily reflect the views of UPMA. The 12 National Office News publication of any advertisement Dave Ravenelle, executive director herein does not necessarily con- stitute UPMA endorsement of the 13 Focus on the Hill products or services offered. Arti- Bob Levi, director of Government Relations cles, photos and/or artwork may be mailed or emailed to UPMA Leader, PO Box 734, Front Royal, Departments VA 22630; 540-636-2569, phone/fax; kbalentyoung@gmail. 7 2019 UPMA Legislative Summit Registration Form com. 10 Form 1187 Advertising Inquiries Please contact Balent-Young Publishing, 16 Committees PO Box 734, Front Royal, VA Edmund Carley, Legislative/PAC chair 22630; 540-636-2569, phone/fax; [email protected]. 17 The EAS Perspective Jim Maher, national secretary-treasurer Reprint Permission © 2018. Permission is hereby granted to 18 I Was Thinking … UPMA members to reprint materi- Lorri Frandsen, Utah Chapter secretary-treasurer al from the UPMA Leader, provid- ed proper credit is given. Non- Thrift Savings Plan September 2018 members may request written reprint permission by contacting 22 2018 CFC Federal Employee Pledge Form Balent-Young Publishing, Inc., [email protected]. 23 2018 CFC Federal Retiree Pledge Form

Postmasters: Please send all 24 New Members address labels clipped from 27 Chapter Presidents undeliverable copies, along with USPS Form 3579, to UPMA 29 2019 National Convention Registration Form Leader,8 Herbert St., Alexan- dria, VA 22305-2600. 34 UPMA Retired President’s Perspective

Sean Acord, co-president Back-to-Basics Effort Shows Promise n Sept. 1, I had the opportunity to be be safe to estimate from the data that part of a project team tasked with fo- two hours per day Ocusing on field effectiveness. The team alone are spent re- was led by USPS Pacific Area Vice President viewing and/or re- sponding to emails. Larry Munoz and comprised various master The team made rec- black belts, district managers, A formal pres- ommendations to Postmasters, Supervisors and entation was cre- include: Managers from across the coun- ated by all three • a national try. The project was sponsored teams and pre- dashboard to host by Chief Operating Officer sented to Williams all key performance David Williams, with a goal of and other executives on Oct. 4. indicators in one location, reducing by half current emails, The presentation was favorably • one consolidated website to meetings (WebEx/telecon) and received and scheduled to be collect data from field users with reports. presented to the a standard work instruction for The team area vice presidents Headquarters, area and district worked with data “Too much time is and other stake- usage, from surveys sent to being spent on holders on or • an email hierarchy for all EAS employees in ‘non-essential, about Oct. 12. An email messages to field users, August. Over 22,000 repetitive and re- implementation • standard work instructions responses were re- dundant’ work.” plan to include for email usage, ceived from the ap- timelines will be • limiting the number of proximately 44,000 established and members assigned to email ad- EAS employees. The data showed shared with the field. Below is a dresses, an average of 2.19 hours per day is summary of the findings and • business rules for what po- spent on completing reports, 1.82 recommendations from the three sitions can send information to hours per day in meetings/tele- groups: whom, cons and 4.45 hours per day on Email Team: The data col- • developing intracompany essential work activities. lected and analyzed showed an email etiquette, The overwhelming response average of 57 seconds is being • eliminating the “reply all” was that too much time is being spent on each email. This in- button and spent on “non-essential, repeti- cludes reading, deleting or filing. • restricting the use of “all tive and redundant” work. The It does not include time for users.” amount of data and content re- emails on which you must follow WebEx/Meeting Team: Pro- ceived was eye-opening to many up later. posed solutions to reduce the on the team; thus, the group was The national average num- number of meetings include, but divided into three separate teams ber of emails received daily is are not limited to: to ensure enough time was al- 125. For many upper-level EAS • Creating a meeting cadence lowed to focus on the task at employees, that number can be proposal, hand. 300 per day or higher. It would continued on page 6

4 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Adverse Action Member UPMA Executive Board Representatives

Dixie Bentley, 1334 Whitetail President Ave, Sumner, IA 50674-9586; Dan Heins,8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305; c: 319-240-6289; pm61265@ 703-683-9027; [email protected] gmail.com—ND, SD, MO, MT, WY, CO, IA, KS, NE

Secretary-Treasurer Catherine Winnie, 467 Mill Hook Rd., Accord, NY 12404; Jim Maher, Labor Relations specialist, Hazelwood, MO, 63042; c: 845-742-7774; o: 845-626- 314-551-3588; [email protected] 5881; cathywinnie@yahoo. com—NY, WV,VA, MD, DC Vice Presidents David Disharoon, PO Box East Area West Area 1322; Dawsonville, GA 30534; h: 770-983-3660 c: 404-217- Richard Hui,Leominster, MA 01453; 978- Greg Nors,Hillsboro, TX 76645; 254-582- 2482; disharoond@bellsouth. 537-8030; [email protected] 3572; [email protected] net—PR, FL, GA, SC, NC

Wayne Francis,Red Springs, NC 28377; Norma Powell,Groveland, CA 95321; 209- George R. Finley, PO Box 500, 910-581-5158; [email protected] 962-7792; [email protected] Graford, TX 76449-0500; c: 512-365-0066; geoeva@ Kathy Frame,Neffs, PA 18065; 484-294- Brent Cofield,Blair, OK 73526; 580-801- usa.net—TX, NM, OK 7440; [email protected] 2606; [email protected] Shari Hetzler, 3350 Albion Peter Urbani,Waterford, CT 06385; 203- Richard Springer,Fulton, IL 61252; 563- Ridge Rd., Albion, CA 95410- 640-4909; [email protected] 249-4242; [email protected] 9998; o: 707-937-0667; c: 209- 419-1635; hetz51@yahoo. Angela Greene,Blacksburg, SC 29702; Stephanie Jett, Piggott, AR 72454; 870- com—Northern CA, AK, WA, 704-692-5440; [email protected] 598-2706; [email protected] ID, OR

Susan Rice,Wedowee, AL 36278; 256-589- Ann Joos,supervisor, Hamburg, MN Richard Hui, PO Box 745, 3211; [email protected] 55339; 952-212-5669; [email protected] Gardner, MA 01440-0745; o: 978-537-8030; c: 978-549- UPMA Retired President 3360; [email protected]—NJ, ME, MA, RI, NH, VT, CT Jack Wilkins, 102 Todd Ct., Carson City, NV 89704; 775-848-2228; [email protected] Robert Jett, PO Box 24; Piggott, AR 72454-0024; o: 870-236- Executive Director Parliamentarian 7636; c: 870-598-4290; [email protected]— Dave Ravenelle,8 Herbert St. Alexandria, John Galera, 2120 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, LA, MS, TN, AR, AL VA 22305; 703-683-9027; dravenelle@ HI 96820; 808-284-2833; mysurfshots@ unitedpma.org gmail.com Bill Judge, 1610 Scottsdale Drive, Tipp City, OH 45371; o: 937-773-6424; c: 513-702- Postal Area Coordinators 9702; judgey55@yahoo. com—OH, PA Capitol Metro Area: Pacific Area: Janie Holder,Tallapoosa, GA 30176; Jackie Deter,Brea, CA 92621; o: 562-544- Mark Kluge, 5850 Sunset Ln., o: 770-574-8755; c: 678-836-7788; 5835; c: 714-914-8752; scdgolf@sbc Hartford, WI 53027-9512; [email protected] global.net o: 262- 628-3535; c: 262- 644- 9359; mskluge777@msn. Eastern Area: Southern Area: com—MN, WI, MI Mari Beth Kirkland,Middlefield, OH Ron Davis,Valley, AL 36854; o: 334-756- 44099; o: 440-632-0192; c: 440-821- 3268; c: 334-744-3033; rdavis36854@ John Sertich, PO Box 273, 4667; [email protected] yahoo.com Belleville, IL 62222; c: 618- 830-6535; jmsert@hotmail. Great Lakes Area: Western Area 1: com—KY, IL, IN Mindy Barnwell, Stanton, MI 48888; Wendy Trautman,Powell, WY 82435; o: 989-831-5361; c: 989-763-0185; o: 307-754-2952; c: 307-254-2517; Jackie Deter, 1232 Castlegate [email protected] [email protected] Ln., Santa Ana, CA 92705; Northeast Area: Western Area 2: o: 562-544-5835; c: 714-914- Paul Bianca, Sherman, CT 06784; Michelle Feldhacker,N.Sioux City, SD 8752; [email protected] o: 860-567-1186; c: 860-671-0791; 57049; o: 605-232-4206; c: 605-660- —Southern CA, HI, NV, UT, [email protected] 1032; [email protected] AZ

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 5 President’s Perspective their WebEx/telecon time an av- –Create standard work continued from page 4 erage of 39 percent, an MPOO for reporting and internal –Area—AVP/MOS = 88 percent, a district manager 52 activities one hour per-week with percent and a PCES Postmaster –Create new “Report everyone; VOP three to five 68 percent. Request” mechanism times per-week for one hour Reporting Team: The high- * The “Value Added each, one hour per-week in est opportunity for savings in the Report Request” would each functional area reporting group can be nar- require an approval –District Manager = one rowed down to four categories— from the district manag- hour per-week with top op- All-clear reports (15 percent), er and the area before portunity offices, two hours opening and closing reports (11 implementation. This per-week with district lead- percent), performance/projec- process would help ership/team meetings tions reports (15 percent) and eliminate redundant re- –MPOO/PCES Post- mail volume reporting (7 per- ports being requested if master = one hour per-week cent). the information already “touchpoint” With the teams focusing on can be found from an –Postmaster/Station these key topics and knowing existing source, as well Manager/OIC = 15-minute that a 50 percent reduction in re- as eliminating the orga- Gemba huddles with Super- porting equates to an average nizational drag ulti- visors $58.7 million in return on in- mately caused by redun- • Establishing universal crite- vestment or a return to “neces- dancy. ria for effective meetings— sary” work, the following recom- I hope by the time this arti- –Clear agenda mendations were made: cle goes to print some of the –Required/involved at- • Consolidate delivery re- above-mentioned items already tendees only porting systems and reports will have been implemented. I –No telecons for cus- –DMS, CSDRS and know this type of savings is at tomer service from 7 a.m. to AM/PM were found to have the top of Williams’ list. I am 10 a.m. significant overlap confident most of these recom- –“Golden hours” deter- • Automate and reduce mendations will find their way to mined locally for the plant checklists the field in an expedient manner. –Use more time to share • Merge checklist from Getting back to the basics was best practices and provide AM/PM into DMS mentioned several times in the positive feedback • Integrate systems and re- group; I couldn’t agree more. –Review each meeting ports for effective value-added We need to focus on safety, quarterly to decide if it reporting customer service and delivery. needs to continue –Phased integration of That is our core mission, but –Treat each participant multiple delivery reporting often we find ourselves drowning with dignity and respect systems in a pool of yesterday’s issues. I • Restructuring meetings * DMS, AM/PM, understand learning from the from “beat-up” or “data-over- CSDRS (partial) in DMS past, but it won’t help today if we load” to focus on problem- * Implement single are tied to WebEx/telecons, re- solving, sign-on from DMS into ports and emails during the piv- • Restructuring vital few CSDRS otal morning hours. meetings, * Integrate DOIS, This is my last column as • Restructuring area-to-area PET Tool your national co-president. It has meetings and * Continue CSDRS been an honor to serve in this • Creating universal agenda (all) integration into capacity and one I never will for- templates. DMS get and will always be grateful. I If the above proposed solu- –Pilot new reports and came into this job four years ago tions were to be implemented, a checklists in select post of- with a goal of leaving the organi- plant manager would reduce fices continued on page 9

6 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Registration Form UPMA UPMA 2019 Legislative Summit 2019 Jan. 28-29 LEGISLATIVE Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel SUMMIT You also may register online at www.unitedpma.org JAN. 28-29 Please note: one attendee per registration form.

Name (as it should appear on your badge): ______

First Name ______Last Name ______

Title (please check one that applies): ❏ Postmaster ❏ UPMA Retired ❏ Associate Member ❏ Guest ❏ Supervisor ❏ Manager ❏ District Employee ❏ Area Employee ❏ PMR

Post Office You Represent: City ______State ______

Name of your congressman or congresswoman (not senator): ______

Your Mailing Address: ______

City ______State ______ZIP ______

Daytime phone: ______

Email: ______

Registration Fee: (please circle fee that applies) Registration On or before Jan. 1, 2019 $25 After Jan. 1, 2019 $50

Hotel Information Payment (Payment in full, using one of the following payment options, must accompany this form; payment is non-refundable): The UPMA National Office will reserve three rooms per UPMA chapter for the Legislative Summit ❏ Check payable to UPMA at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, 2800 ❏ Visa/MasterCard only South Potomac Ave., Arlington, VA 22202; 703-413- 1300. The room rate of $159 will be honored until Jan. Card Number 2, 2019, or until the room block is sold out, whichever ______comes first. All reservations must be accompanied by the first Expiration Date _____/_____ Card Security Code ______night’s room deposit. After Jan. 16, all first-night room deposits will be non-refundable. You may hold all Signature ______three rooms in one name or individually. Call Gerri Swarm, 703-683-9027, by Dec. 1 with Please mail completed forms, with payment in full, to: the name(s) and credit card information to hold the UPMA Legislative Summit Registration rooms. After Dec. 1, all remaining rooms will be avail- 8 Herbert St. able to any UPMA member who would like to attend. Alexandria, VA 22305-2600 Leadership for Success

Wayne Francis, East Area vice president What’s in It for Me? fyou are part of an organization, do you ever are many other words that describe what’s wonder, “What’s in it for me?” Do you wonder if I in it for the associa- it will be worth it? Many of us may ask these same tion. Getting involved takes some of your questions regarding being a part of UPMA. I want time, patience, tenaci- to try and help answer these tive and make a long- ty,compromise, for- questions and shine some light lasting difference. ward thinking and on “What’s in it for me?” Your love for the asso- determination. I’d Being a part of a profession- ciation, as well as the member- like to touch on each of these al association has many benefits ship, must be at the forefront of with the hope I can paint a better and values; however, you have to everything you do and every de- picture for those who still may put something in to cision you make. It be on the fence regarding get something out. I should never be whether or not to get more in- understand there “Your heart has to about what benefit volved. are some individuals be in the right you personally may It takes time and, depending who feel comfort- place in order to gain. You will get on how much you are willing to able just paying be effective and satisfaction for put in, it could be more time dues and not getting yourself. However, than you thought possible. It make a long-last- involved. Then there that should never be could be time you may need to are those who want ing difference.” more important give up to get a project done, to put as much into than what the asso- write an article, participate in a their membership as they hope ciation may get as a result of think tank or help one of your to get out of it. Not everyone your involvement. fellow members work through a feels comfortable having a lead- We need individuals who situation you may have been ership role or being in a position want to be in the lead role; how- through yourself. Patience is one with increased responsibilities. ever, we also need many more in of those things with which many Some are comfortable being in supporting, out-of-the-limelight of us struggle in our daily lives, the background, in support roles roles. Ask your national officers let alone applying it to the asso- or out of the limelight. Well, if there are committees that need ciation. UPMA has a place for everyone. help. Ask about opportunities to When we deal with pay talks Getting more and more in- do something you enjoy. Ask if or special projects, we have to be volved will pay dividends in the there is somewhere you can get patient to see what the results end for yourself, but also for the plugged in to start making a dif- will be. These processes don’t entire association. What you are ference, even if it is out of the move along quickly; they can willing to put into UPMA should limelight. UPMA has many op- surely test our patience. Tenacity be what you are willing or hop- portunities, some of which you and compromise are right up ing to get out of it. It should may never have considered. Now there with patience. You must be never be about the monetary is the time to get involved and willing to compromise and have value that may come with it, but make a difference. Now is the a tenacious spirit when getting always about what dividends the time to learn if there is some- involved to the fullest. You have association will get from your in- thing in it for you. to stand your ground for what volvement. There are many words that you feel is right. You also have to Your heart has to be in the describe what’s in it for you be willing to compromise for the right place in order to be effec- when you get involved, but there benefit of the association.

8 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Forward thinking is a must timate goal: helping your fellow need your association, so why because decisions will be made members. not get involved? for the entire association that UPMA Retired President Why not see “what’s in it for could have lasting effects. You Jack Wilkins talked about deter- you?” UPMA can’t go wrong must be willing to think outside mination during his speech at when you get involved and stay the box because operating under the national convention in Reno involved, as long as you are in it the “new norm” will not benefit and at the Southern Officers for the right reasons! you or the association. Conference in Houston. I’m glad Lastly, it takes sheer determi- Jack used this word there and at nation to be involved and stay several other UPMA events be- involved. The road is not always cause we won’t thrive if we don’t President’s Perspective smooth and straight. There are have members willing and deter- continued from page 6 many bumps and curves we have mined to give it their all. zation in a better place. In many to endure to resolve issues that UPMA has a wealth of ways, I know that goal was affect our association. That de- knowledge among its 14,000- achieved. But, in my heart, I termination should be complete- plus active members and 10,000- wish more could have been ac- ly geared toward the associa- plus retirees. UPMA needs you complished. tion—not just what you will get to get involved and make a dif- UPMA is a great organiza- from it. Granted, feeling a sense ference. There is something “in it tion, but there is room for im- of accomplishment and getting for you” when you get involved provement. We knew there accolades for a job well-done is and help make a difference. Your would be obstacles along the satisfying, but remember the ul- association needs you and you road on our journey to merge our former organizations; thankfully, we were able to over- come many of those obstacles. But some obstacles still exist. When trying to resolve is- sues, we first must find the root cause. The primary obstacle I see remaining is “pride.”Money may be the root of all evil, but pride goes before a fall. What we have in UPMA is great, but it could be so much more. Be thankful every day for the blessing of life as we have no guarantee of tomorrow. Kristi and I thank you again for the hospitality shown us over the years and, more importantly, for your friendship. May God bless each one of you. Always know that wherever Kristi and I call home, our door always is open to you. With all sincerity.

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 9

From the Field

Jackie Deter, Pacific Area postal coordinator Hold Yourself Accountable ere we are in yet another fall mailing season. name just a few. There are several HThen we will end the year with Christmas breakout sessions, and all the challenges the holiday season brings! role-playing activities and exercises to en- This is, by far, the busiest time of year for us. It’s gage participants and easy to get caught up in this hec- carrier units, new facilitate their learn- tic time, but let’s not forget to training is coming ing. The Function 2 stay focused on our financial re- from Postal Head- operation is the sponsibilities. Everyone can use quarters called “Delivery Super- largest part of our budgets and some help with time manage- visor Confidence Training.”It is the training reminds me of the ment. intended to bring a tools Supervisors have to man- Have you re- back-to-basics level of age the daily operation efficiently viewed your accounts “Everyone can understanding to and sustain productivity. receivable lately? Do use some help front-line Supervi- Before we know it, 2019 will your employees owe with time man- sors. It is designed to be here. Then it’s time to plan for the Postal Service agement.” give them the tools our state conventions. Set time money? Are you rec- needed to hold their aside now and plan on attending. onciling Voyager and carriers accountable There will be much-needed net- eBuy, as required? Make it a part and to manage their delivery op- working and support from your of your routine to stay on top of eration from the standpoint of peers, as well as training to assist financial compliance. Put re- USPS handbooks and manuals. in managing our workdays. If minders on your calendar and There are several modules with you have not attended a conven- make sure to hold yourself ac- course material, including use tion, I encourage you to do so. countable. of the M-39, M-41, Labor Rela- You will be glad you did! To assist Managers of our tions and attendance control, to

In Our Prayers

… Queen Wilson,re- Bloomfield, IL 52737. mailed to the family at PO Fern St., Township of Wash- tired Postmaster of Isle of … Roberta Sivley, Box 3, Smyrna, NC 28579. ington, NJ 07676. Palms, SC, whose sister, Arkansas UPMA Retired … the family of Lee … Carolyn Hatch,re- Hattie Miller Morant, died president, whose father, Ed- Scriven,retired Postmaster tired Postmaster of Hanks- June 13. Cards may be sent ward Pentz, died Aug. 24. of Reeds Spring, MO, who ville, UT, whose mother to Queen at 374 Sanders He served in the Army and died Oct. 1. Cards may be died. Cards may be sent to McNeil Rd., Moncks Cor- was buried with full honors sent to her husband Ed Carolyn at PO Box 27, ner, SC 29462-4777. at the Biloxi, MS, National Fluekiger at 3604 W. Blakey Hanksville, UT 84734. … the family of Celma Cemetery. Cards may be St., Springfield, MO 65810. … the family of Robert “Sally” Birdsall,retired sent to Roberta at PO Box … the family of Robert McCann,retired Postmaster Postmaster of Floris, IA, 902, Mount Ida, AR 71957- Thompson,retired Post- of Raymond, NH, who died who died Aug. 17. She was 0902. master of Dumont, NJ, who Oct. 12. Cards may be sent 110 and a UPMA lifetime … the family of Clarice died Oct. 2. His son, Tim to Lucille McCann at Cour- member. Cards may be sent Mae Willis,retired Postmas- Thompson, is Postmaster of ville of Manchester, 44 W. to her daughter Kay Chick- ter of Smyrna, NC, who died Emerson, NJ. Cards may be Webster St., Manchester, ering at 25121 125 St., Aug. 28. Cards may be sent to the family at 670 NH 03104.

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 11 National Office News

Dave Ravenelle, executive director A Tough Act to Follow irector of Government Relations Bob Levi is I’ve known Bob Levi for 20 years and D leaving UPMA and joining NAPS as its direc- was privileged to have tor of Legislative & Political Affairs. Following are been part of the re- view committee that comments and recollections from some recommended him as persons who were lucky enough gotiate a lower start- a finalist for the di- to work with Bob over the past ing salary, but Bob rector of Government two decades: would have none of it. Relations position at The old saying, “You get what NAPUS in 1999. He has served One of my most clear mem- you pay for,”is so true. NAPUS and UPMA members ories of Bob Levi is his interview Bob was, and is, the best leg- well since his arrival as the leader for the Government Relations islative person on the Hill. He of our legislative process. director position; he was the last has served NAPUS and UPMA Bob always was on top of candidate to be interviewed— Postmasters well. His sage advice the latest legislative issues and #17. He, of course, aced the in- will be missed; our loss will im- kept members and organization- terview and was hired. pact our status on the Hill. al leaders fully informed, as well Bob has been an interesting I wish Bob the very best in as guiding us through the best co-worker over the past 20 years. his new position with NAPS. I way to advance our legislative Bob is very thrifty when it comes value his friendship. He is a class agenda. to purchasing PAC and office act and will be hard to follow. Bob is the most knowledge- supplies. Don’t even think about —Ted Carrico, NAPUS able legislative representative on sending out unnecessary PAC national president, 1998-1999 Postal Service matters on Capitol envelopes. If you make that mis- Hill.It was my pleasure and take, call the recipient and ask good fortune to work beside him them to send back the envelopes. for most of his 20 years with our Whether it was letting us all organization. know about a great sale on K- I wish Bob and his family cups at Costco (he buys and the best as he takes his talents to brings them to the National Of- serve another postal manage- fice!) or how to get free flu shots ment group. Thanks, Bob! or shingles vaccines at Walmart, —Charlie Moser, NAPUS he was our go-to guy. We’re not national president, 2000-2001 sure how we will get by without this very helpful advice. My best memory of Bob Bob is the ultimate profes- Levi is from an event just before sional, the best in his field and POStPlan. Postmaster General has the set the bar high for the Pat Donohoe made a speech that next person to follow in his claimed legislators thought Post- steps. He will be missed. We love masters hadn’t given enough in you, Bob. the effort to rightsize the Postal —Gerri Swarm, CMP, execu- Service. Mailers had endured tive assistant higher rates, plants had been consolidated and delivery routes I hired Bob in 1998; he was The National Office honored adjusted, but Postmasters, Dono- heads above all the other candi- Bob Levi for his many years of hoe claimed he heard from Con- dates. I remember trying to ne- service with a crystal eagle. continued on page 14

12 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Focus on the Hill

Bob Levi, director of Government Relations Make Your Midterm Election Votes Count! t is somewhat fitting that my final column for For almost 20 years, I have pecked a UPMA is published immediately preceding the I computer keyboard most important midterm election in recent memo- to cast light on leg- islative, regulatory ry.By the time you read this, I will have assumed and political issues the position of director of Leg- sponsorship of the that impact front-line islative & Political Affairs at the measures provides tan- managers of the Unit- National Association of Postal gible evidence of who ed States Postal Ser- Supervisors. More on that in a our allies are against turning our vice—about 18 years for NAPUS moment. American postal system into a and the past two years for The wrong-headed and dan- profit-driven, service-compro- UPMA. I have strived to equip gerous White House support of mised private enterprise. A list of readers with the tools necessary postal privatization, combined H. Res. 993 and S. Res. 633 co- to be responsible and effective with a yet-to-be- sponsors is acces- citizen advocates to secure the disclosed presiden- sible on the livelihood and benefits that tial task force re- “The wrong-headed UPMA website, make a postal career rewarding. port on the postal and dangerous White under “Legislative Over the years, we have won system, poses an House support of News.” a number of key legislative victo- imminent and sig- postal privatization Only a few ries, including enactment of the nificant threat for poses an imminent weeks ago, the “Postmasters Equity Act” in UPMA members. Senate Homeland 2003, implementation of meas- and significant threat Furthermore, con- Security and Gov- ures to improve postal accounta- gressional attacks for UPMA members.” ernmental Affairs bility, defeat of legislative at- on federal employ- Committee con- tempts to undermine mail ees, which include those who ducted a confirmation hearing service and repelling numerous work for the Postal Service, for Michael Kubuyanda, a for- efforts to chip away at retirement should provide ample reason for mer staff member of the Office COLAs and health benefits. UPMA members not only to of the Postal Service Inspector However, we have been chasing vote for, but also to work on be- General and the House Over- an elusive postal reform measure half of electing members of Con- sight and Government Reform since Moby Dick was a guppy. gress and candidates for Con- Committee, who has been nomi- That quest must continue for the gress who oppose such attacks nated to fill the one vacancy on sake of the Postal Service, its em- on dedicated public employees. the Postal Regulatory Commis- ployees and the communities As this issue of the UPMA sion. Board of Governors nomi- and businesses the agency serves. Leader went to the printer, 219 nees Ron Bloom and Roman However, for UPMA, that members of the House and 41 Martinez await their Senate con- quest will continue without me. senators had added their names firmation hearing. Finally, in late Now, it’s time for me to embark to H. Res. 993 and S. Res. 633, August, the Government Ac- on a new legislative and political legislation expressing the sense countability Office published a adventure. The new journey will of Congress that the Postal Ser- report calling into question the keep me in the postal family, so I vice should remain a govern- sustainability of postal retiree still will be a key member in the mental service and not be priva- health benefits absent enactment pursuit of meaningful and con- tized. At the most basic level, of postal reform legislation. structive postal legislation. The

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 13 past 20 years have been saturated tended, helped me seek out pre- I recall prepping former with many fond memories of mier delicatessens. President Dale Goff for a 2007 events and individuals—too I recall the months-long hearing and was amazed at how many to list in an 800-word trepidation I shared with former he “connected” with members of essay, but I would be negligent if President Wally Olihovik, pray- Congress and made them feel the I did not highlight a few. ing for clear skies on the day we struggles experienced by every- I want to acknowledge the welcomed 1,300 Postmasters for day Postmasters. More recent dedicated office staff at 8 Her- the 2004 legislative rally on the memories include co-Presidents bert Street, beginning with those west lawn of the U.S. Capitol; Tony Leonardi’s and Sean whom I have spent most of my our prayers were answered. I re- Acord’s successful effort to piece waking hours over the past two member working with former together two historic organiza- decades—particularly Gerri President Charlie Moser to tions. Swarm, who has been there every thwart a Postal Service 2001 ef- My final thanks go to you, step of the way; Cora Lee Mar- fort to lift the post office closing the members of UPMA and its tins, who retired in 2016 and moratorium, enlisting the late predecessor organizations, who managed the political action Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka to have provided me the opportu- committee for about 17 years of champion the cause for us with nity to represent you. my tenure; and Executive Direc- the Postal Service. tor Dave Ravenelle, with whom I often have commiserated over the past four years. I want to thank my first National Office News his departure. Postmaster boss, former Presi- continued from page 12 I will miss him personally, dent Ted Carrico, who, in late gress, had been immune to con- but wish him great satisfaction 1998, recruited me out of NALC cessions. and success in his career. He de- to shepherd the NAPUS legisla- Bob bounded on stage with serves nothing less. tive and political program. energy and forthright righteous —Joseph Gondola, NAPUS Shortly thereafter, I had the indignation. He refuted outright national president, 1982-1983 unique fortune to be mentored what the PMG said and coun- on shedding my New York urban tered he had heard nothing of I loved Bob’s innovative ap- mentality by the late Ruthie Bar- the sort from legislators regard- proach to presentations at our ber, former Illinois PAC chair; ing Postmasters. At that point, I national convention. At our na- the late Betty Eickler, chair of the decided Government Relations tional convention this past July, committee to save historic post and political action were where I he presented “Postal Jeopardy,” offices; and Betty Berndt, former wanted to spend my energy for complete with a panel of con- New York PAC chair. the organization. testants and buzzers. Bob ap- I cherish my deep friendship Thank you, Bob, for your peared as Mark Twain in St. with such Postmasters as former many years of friendship, hard Louis in 2008, as well as one of Presidents James Miller and work,dedication and leadership. the Blues Brothers and Benjamin Joseph Gondola, both of whom We will carry on your legacy as Franklin. testified before the House Post you have inspired us to do. Bob has been a mentor, an Office and Civil Service Com- —Edmund Carley, UPMA inspiration, an irritation and a mittee while I was a staff mem- Legislative/PAC chair great source of information of ber. I would be remiss if I did not importance and unimportance. remember with affection the late Bob Levi has been the best- He is unique, he is Bob. Frances Rosenfield, retired Post- ever legislative champion for Bob will be missed not only master of Great Neck, NY, the Postmasters and the Postal Ser- because he was the best at what first Postmaster who lobbied me vice! He is totally dedicated to he does, but because he was a when I worked on Capitol Hill his job and is completely devoid friend. Good luck. and set me on the right course of any personal aggrandizement. —Dave Ravenelle, executive and, at Postmaster events she at- We will suffer a great loss with director, UPMA

14 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER UPMA PAC—Where Postmasters and postal Managers make a difference!

• Fight against importing a failed foreign model to radically change America’s Postal Service. • The “promoted” European postal privatization plan reduces service and increases postage rates. • Postal privatization would devastate rural businesses and residential customers. • The U.S. Constitution authorizes Congress to establish our postal system as a federal institution—not a tangled web of cash-hungry delivery entities.

Tell Congress the U.S. Postal Service is not “for sale!” The White House and some in Congress recently have proposed that America’s Postal Service adopt the structures and incentives used overseas—structures and incentives that oppose the historic, cherished and successful characteristics of our national universal postal system. Help UPMA win the battle to safeguard and improve a universal, affordable U.S. Postal Service by contributing NOW to the United Postmasters and Managers Political Fund (UPMA PAC). Join UPMA PAC’s fight to elect UPMA allies to Congress. Please complete the contribution card below and send it with your generous contribution to UPMA PAC, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600.

UPMA PAC Contribution Card Yes! I’ll do my share.* If you have any questions about Enclosed is: ❏ $25 ❏ $50 ❏ $100 ❏ Make check payable to making a contribution, UPMA PAC. call UPMA at ❏ $200 ❏ Other $______703-683-9027 ❏ Credit Card contributions: ______Name Type of card: ❏ MasterCard ❏ Visa ❏ Amex ❏ Discover

______Acct. #______Home Address ______CVV #______Exp. date: ______/______City/State/ZIP Signature: ______Member ID (refer to the mailing label on your UPMA Leader): ______Please return this card with your contribution.

*UPMA PAC will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution or the decision not to contribute to the non-partisan political action fund. Committees

Exactly what that Legislative/PAC will look like is un- clear at the moment, but I know this: Keep UPMA Legislatively UPMA members are the most talented, at the Forefront hardworking and re- sourceful people. We By Edmund Carley, National Legislative/PAC chair will rise to this occa- his is a season of change. couragement as I became state sion and continue to provide ex- UPMA has elected a new legislative chair, a national vice cellent services to our members. T president; the National Ex- president and eventually your It is imperative for UPMA ecutive Board, with several new National Legislative and Political chapters to have vibrant legisla- members, is meeting this month; Action Committee chair. tive and PAC activities. As we and Director of Government Re- I am incredibly grateful that enter a new year, as new Execu- lations Bob Levi has left UPMA I was given the opportunity to tive Board members come and for a new challenge work closely with go on the state and national lev- at NAPS. Bob over the past els, our members must continue I first met Bob “It is imperative few years. His to receive the services they de- in 2009 at a legisla- for UPMA chapters knowledge is unsur- serve. Make sure any requests for tive conference in to have vibrant passed in the world PAC supplies and legislative in- Washington, DC. I legislative and PAC of postal lobbying; formation are made in a timely attended a seminar activities.” he will be sorely fashion to the UPMA National he gave on the rami- missed. Office. There will be continual fications of what I always have messaging during this transition was the fairly new “Postal Ac- firmly believed that a full-time period, culminating in the Leg- countability and Enhancement legislative presence is essential islative Summit in late January. Act.”He warned about the finan- for UPMA. During the merger of Chapters must properly pre- cial hardships in store as a result NAPUS and the League, there pare by sending as many mem- of its passage. were different views on this bers as possible to this event and Bob was very kind and re- question and many arguments attending the training that will sponsive to a new Postmaster were expressed. The director of be given there. Our yearly pil- from rural Illinois. He provided Government Relations position grimage to our nation’s capital is information, counsel and en- went from a full-time National essential in the continuous com- Office position to a part-time munication we have with our Update Your Address contractor position. legislators; rest assured, it will be However, since the merger, well worth your time and invest- Are you receiving the UPMA members have not no- ment. UPMA Leader each month? ticed any reduction in the servic- On a personal note, thank If not, your address may be es they received from the Gov- you for all your support over the incorrect in the UPMA ernment Relations Department. past few years; I have been proud membership files. Members This is a testament to how hard to serve on the National Execu- can access the membership Bob works for Postmasters today, tive Board. I promise I will con- files and correct or update as he has for the past 19 years. It tinue to work—as hard as I their addresses any time at now is our job to pull together, can—to serve UPMA members www.unitedpma.org. You also form new relationships and con- in whatever capacity I am as- can call the National Office, 703-683-9027, or email tinue to keep UPMA at the fore- signed in the future. Remember, [email protected] to front of lobbying Congress for as always, “Together, We Can!” update your information. the working conditions of its members.

16 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER The EAS Perspective

By Jim Maher, national secretary-treasurer Why Should I Join? s an EAS employee, you may look at our You will be reading their thoughts in fu- A name—United Postmasters and Managers of ture columns. America—and wonder, “Why should I join?” The This new column is designed especially UPMA Executive Board understands this dilemma. for you—the non- UPMA is the product of them. Thus, this new Postmaster! The Ex- merging two, longstanding Post- column,“The EAS Per- ecutive Board recog- master organizations. During this spective,”was born. nized that a very process, we recognized the organi- A committee was formed important part of our member zation would be with a few Execu- base may not feel fully involved stronger if we in- tive Board mem- in the organization because cluded all EAS em- “UPMA values all our bers and several much of our communication re- ployees and not EAS members and real- EAS members volves around Postmasters. We restricted member- izes that everyone is a from around the want to ensure all our members ship to Postmas- valuable, contributing country, some of find something of value in every ters. We also real- whom never have issue of our UPMA Leader. member to our success ized that, to been Postmasters. The goal of this column is to enhance the value as an organization.” This column is in- provide a forum for our EAS these EAS mem- tended to provide members. We want to recognize bers receive, we needed to direct a unique perspective from many our non-Postmaster members, some resources specifically to other Postal Service positions. provide educational ideas direct- ed toward them and, hopefully, gain interaction with other EAS Benefits of joining UPMA as a Manager, employees around the country Supervisor or EAS Professional who are not Postmasters. Again, UPMA values all our EAS mem- bers and realizes that everyone is • All national UPMA leaders and sition and will help you in your fu- a valuable, contributing member chapter presidents are current ture endeavors. to our success as an organiza- USPS employees. • Annual national and chapter con- tion. • National officers serve one term only ventions that offer training to help There are many chapters in their current positions. you be successful. across the country who already • As an active member, you have the • Members have access to our net- have officers who no longer are privilege to vote and hold leadership work of Adverse Action member rep- Postmasters and hold important positions at all levels of the organi- resentatives. After you have been a roles. We appreciate their input zation. member for one year, as an EAS em- to future columns and seek any • A national website—unitedpma. ployee, you have the benefit of our and all comments and informa- org—offering the latest information Legal Defense Plan, if the need aris- tion our members wish to pro- es. regarding the organization, legisla- vide. Feel free to contact me at tive issues, online training videos • You gain a network of Postmasters, any time. and Postal Service information that Managers, Supervisors and other Welcome! affects your career. EAS professionals who can assist you in your day-to-day duties and • A national magazine and chapter Jim Maher is a Great Lakes Area mentor you for future opportunities. publications that contain information Labor Relations specialist. important to you in your current po-

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 17 I Was Thinking...

we have to remember that our Finding Value in mission still is about the Ameri- can public and the service we Belonging to UPMA provide. At the convention, the PMG By Lorri Frandsen told us we need to “demonstrate hat is the value of be- convention in Reno, I was check- the value of the USPS day in and longing to a manage- ing my email and, lo and behold, day out.”How we do that is with W ment organization such there it was! Finally, we were in- a positive attitude and the firm as UPMA? Many have asked this cluded in the pay package that belief that the agency will work question through the years I’ve just had been accepted. through the issues facing us. been a member. I al- I immediately I recently returned home after ways have respond- sent a thank-you driving my daughter across coun- ed that the UPMA “Without our or- email to Tony and try from Utah to Michigan. In the legal representation ganization, many of Sean. Without their 23 hours she and I were on the benefit is the biggest us in rural offices tireless efforts on road, I had a lot of time to think. reason to belong. wouldn’t have the behalf of me and Let’s face it: Kids still sleep in the However, my re- jobs we have.” many others in my car, even when they’re adults! I sponse now would same position, this knew if we had any issues with the include that UPMA would not have car or were caught in bad weather, works for every member. happened. What a way to start all I would have to do is contact I was a squeaky wheel in the convention week! If you the Postmaster in whatever town Tony Leonardi’s and Sean Acord’s haven’t looked at the complete we happened to be in or near. The ears for the past three-plus years. pay package, you can find it on benefits of belonging to UPMA Postmaster General Megan Bren- the UPMA website. are that I actually know the names nan said she would equalize the I firmly believe that, without and faces of a lot of those Post- pay of all PTPO Postmasters to our organization, many of us in masters. be in line with that of the RMPO rural offices wouldn’t have the Without this great organiza- Postmasters who were given the jobs we have. Yes, they are vastly tion and the opportunity of choice of giving up their title of different than before POStPlan, being an officer, I would not Postmaster to join the craft ranks but at least we still have a job have been able to travel and meet for a considerable pay increase. and the benefits that such jobs many awesome people. I just As I traveled to the airport provide. Change is continuing to wish my daughter and I would this July to leave for the national come at us at a frenetic pace, but have had time to stop and visit. I was talking with the previ- Thrift Savings Plan Returns ous Postmaster in my town the other day and she said some- G Fund F Fund C Fund S Fund I Fund thing that really stuck with me: September 2018 0.24% (0.62%) 0.57% (1.76%) 0.91% “There isn’t another person 12-month 2.72% (1.05%) 17.88% 16.22% 3.15% more honest and trustworthy than a Postmaster.”I hope we all L Income L 2020 L 2030 L 2040 L 2050 can remember this as we strive to do our very best each day as we September 2018 0.21% 0.22% 0.23% 0.22% 0.21% face all the challenges and 12-month 4.59% 6.02% 8.81% 9.96% 11.01% changes that come our way.

These returns are the net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. The performance data shown represent Lorri Frandsen is the Utah Chap- past performance, which is not a guarantee of future results. Investment ter secretary-treasurer and Post- returns and principal value will fluctuate, so that investors’ shares, when master of Woodruff. Reprinted sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. More informa- from the fall 2018 Beehive; Mike tion may be found at www.tsp.gov. Burns, editor.

18 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Accuracy of the Facilities Data Base It’s All About the Customer Submitted by the USPS

customer has a package to ship and wants A very important field in FDB is the “Last Dis- to see what time their local post office is patch of Value,”which is contained in the facility A open. They go to usps.com and select their times module. This field drives service standards ZIP code. They see the hours of operation and that for Non-Priority Mail Express pieces accepted at the office is open until 6 p.m. retail facilities based on the cutoff time in the FDB. The customer gets in their car, drives to the This cutoff time is listed under the Retail Accep- post office and arrives at 5:45 p.m. They walk up tance Unit (RAU) tab and can be different than the to the door, only to office closing time. find it locked. The Cutoff time in FDB should repre- hours on the win- sent the latest the mail can be accept- dow indicate the of- ed to make the Last Dispatch of Value fice closes at 5:30 (DOV) and is not dependent on the p.m. Frustrated, the time the office closes. If a Non-Ex- customer drives press mailpiece is accepted at an RSS away, maybe to site after this cut-off time, the system come back another will adjust the Effective Acceptance day, maybe to go to Day by one business day, giving the a competitor. customer the correct service Every Postmas- standard. ter and Station In order to ensure service Manager is responsi- standards for mailing and ble for ensuring that shipping are correct, the FDB information on RAU field for Non-Priority usps.com is correct. Mail Express should be veri- How is this achieved? Annual certification of in- fied at least once a year to re- formation contained in all modules for each office flect the Last Dispatch of in the Facilities Data Base (FDB) system. These Value. This field is editable by checks should not be “paper exercises” to stay off a the facility user or the FDB non-compliance list. The modules should be care- district coordinator when the facility is not locally fully reviewed and corrected, if necessary, to en- managed. sure that customers have the most up-to-date in- These are just a few examples of the types of formation from usps.com. uses of the data from the Facility Data Base infor- In addition to hours of operation, FDB entries mation. Many more examples exist where cus- provide information on where self-service kiosks tomers use information, ranging from drop ship- are located for customers needing access after- ment times and passport acceptance to internal hours. They advise customers of mPOS locations uses such as lobby sign needs and PO box installa- to perform in-person proofing that may be needed tion. Providing accurate information in FDB mod- for signing up on usps.com for various applica- ules impacts external customers and internal busi- tions. If fields in FDB cannot be corrected locally, ness decisions. Postmasters/Managers should contact their district Accuracy depends on you—the Postmaster or FDB coordinator to have these fields changed or Manager—to validate and ensure incorrect infor- updated as necessary. mation is promptly corrected.

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 19 SavingSaving thethe Postal Employees’

By Sue Carney strikes and all is lost, PERF pro- postal families during its 28-year vides tax-free relief grants to history, but meeting its mission our donations are need- postal employees and retirees to has become increasingly difficult ed to sustain the Postal help them re-establish their over the past decade. Fundrais- YY Employees’ Relief Fund homes and replace necessities. ing rule changes imposed by the (PERF)—a non-profit charitable PERF has provided more Office of Personnel Management organization. When disaster than $19 million in assistance to (OPM) and an increasing num- Relief Fund

ber of natural disasters have had no state was exempt. In 2017 7630, Woodbridge, VA 22195. devastating consequences on the alone, the country weathered We also can give through the fund’s operating expenses. several extensive wildfires and Combined Federal Campaign In the past 10 years, 1,290 three cataclysmic hurricanes that (CFC). Participating in the CFC natural disasters have been de- caused widespread flooding and allows employees to give to PERF clared across America; half were heart-wrenching destruction. and other charities by authoriz- deemed major in magnitude and The sum of these catastrophes, ing automatic, bi-weekly payroll in combination with consecu- deductions. Retirees can con- tively dismal yearly fundraising tribute, as well, by authorizing campaigns, has taken a toll on monthly annuity withholdings. our postal families and PERF’s Using red or black ink, com- remaining funds. plete the retiree or employee PERF is your charity. It is form on the adjoining pages. equally managed by all postal Write “10268” in the Charity unions and management associ- Code Boxes and indicate in ations and funded almost entire- whole dollars the “per-deduction ly by postal workers, retirees and amount” you want withheld for friends. Yet, less than 1 percent of PERF. Be sure to sign and date the postal workforce made con- the form. Failure to follow these tributions to the fund last year. instructions could indefinitely We all are potential victims. If we suspend your gift. want PERF to survive through Employees should submit the next round of disasters and their forms to the USPS District be there for us in the future, each Campaign manager via their im- of us must do our part. mediate supervisor before Jan. We don’t have to break our 11. Retiree forms should be piggy banks to replenish PERF’s mailed directly to the CFC Pro- funds. Making small, recurring cessing Center address listed on tax-deductible donations—as lit- the form and postmarked no tle was $2 per pay period or $5 later than Jan. 11. per month—can make a big dif- Authorizations apply to the ference. 2019 calendar, but donors can Giving is easy. There are sev- cancel their withholdings at any eral ways to contribute. Secure, time. Pledge questions should be one-time donations and sched- directed to CFC Customer Sup- uled monthly contributions can port at 800-797-0098. To pledge be made any time of the year by online or to review a full list of credit card or through PayPal by participating charities, visit visiting www.postalrelief.com. https://cfcgiving.opm.gov. Donors without a PayPal ac- count can give as a PayPal guest. Sue Carney is the APWU’s na- Donations also may be mailed, tional Human Resources director; payable to PERF, to PO Box reprinted with permission.

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 21

Welcome, New Members!

These new members joined in Stallings, James Stanton, Erika L. Jessica L. Givens, Susan W. August: Streeter, Shenitra A. Story, Karen Wright. Alabama—Christopher M. Sullivan, Brenda J. Thames, Louisiana—Lisa A. Coronel, Michael W. Cotton, Megan Y. Thayer, Rochelle D. Aranyosi, Charla Boudreaux, Linda H. Griffin, Billy Wayne Thompson, Betty J. Tipton, Cas- Derek Crockett, Julianne Eason- Murphy, Darrick D. Rather, sandra R. Tramiel, Gloriela G. Grinstead, Lea S. George, Tammy Ronald T. Robinson. Tous, Karen L. Ward, Tina L. B. Guidry, Jasmyn D. Harding, California—Mauricio Ar- White, Dres Wolcott, Beverly Jessica B. Holiday, Dianna M. guello, Elizabeth K. Kennedy Zevenon, Mark S. Zweig. Jenkins, Rhonda T. Lacey, Daniel DeOllos, Shirley E. Interiano, Georgia—Daniel K. Beck- Ludwig, Alisha Narcisse, James Deeyatra T. Jackson-Temple, ham, Ray Anthony Frazier, Sher- M. Sayles, Larry T. Scrubbs Jr., Heather D. McTigue, Berta C. Si- ri L. Gabrels, Demetra B. Hern- Caleb M. Wunderlin. monson, Ryan L. Than, Gayle L. don, Marissa Jones, Sharlene P. Maine—Justin T. Howard, Thrapp III, Lashaun Weekly- Vasser, Veronica Q. White. Stephanie Lynne Black. Nunley, Steven Yun. Illinois—Mark W. Fenwick, Maryland—Samuel E. Colorado—Genevieve V. Kristopher Gillette, Lydia How- Collins, Damon K. Hatcher, Gonzales, Michael Lewis Fittje, ard, Tyra A. Howliet, Michelle L. Tanya Anita White, Stephen A. Lauren Putney. Jones, Michele D. Madison, Wolf. Connecticut—Patricia A. Diana L. Paulson, Patrick A. Massachusetts—Robert Pouliot. Sweeney, Rhonda J. Thomas. Amato Boccuzzi Jr., Patrick M. Florida—Gulshin Ahram, Indiana—Tracy L. Barnes, Breen, Neil P. Branco, Adrian Terreca A. Andrews, Delma K. Marcella J. Bess, Teri L. Smith Constantine, Mario G. Lucas, Andrews-Powley, David J. Ar- Blair, B. Clark, Brenda J. Davis, Kyle J. McArthur, Jonathan M. nett, Dalia L. Bentley, Carmelo P. Gloreen J. Duff, Corky D. Gray, Morrissey, Yokasta Rivera, Jason Branton, Kristin M. Brown, Jacquelin Grier, Lori L. High, J. Siciliano, Jose L. Trevino, Susan Kervin E. Calderon, Alexandre Brooke Humphrey, Raymond E. A. Vautour. Castillo, Kirk A. Charles, Donna Humphrey, Michelle D. Isabell, Michigan—Cheryl Karpins- Chavis-White, Obed Cintron Jr., Brittany Tiana Jackson, Margaret ki, David Parrot, Jennelle J. Pelky, Keith M. Collier, Ryan Conley, Ilene Jensen, Amanda A. Joris, Mary Pratt, Dirk Striggow. Penny A. Crowther, Oneida Troy L. Lovegrove, Cynthia J. Minnesota—Shanetria L. Cruz, Lewis Curtis, Marie L. McKee, Tracy D. Murphy, Alvin Bady, Kevin C. Coger, Nicole DeJesus, Denise Ebanks, Marlon W. Nation, Lee Anne Pickerel, Cromwell, Teddy A. Dawes, English, Samuel Enujl, Alexander Annette L. Reed, Brittany E. Tamantha Marie McInnis, Fisher, Shamar A. Foster, Kevin Robinson, Joshua T. Shelton, Samuel Mwangi Sr., Theresa Y. Gilley, Buddy L. Hayslip, Felicia Thompson, Denise R. Pearson, Dawn J. Smiuth. Michelle A. Hoerner, Natalie M. Ubuhor, Donna D. Webster. Mississippi—Lynda M. Hogue, Joyce Hurst, Gabvrel Iowa—Jason Alton, Donna Banks, Shonderrick M. Baskin, Javier, Graham Jerek, Sean John, Bagley, Dylan J. Elisha, Scott Melissa J. Bradley, Amy M. Har- Vanethia S. Johnson, Kamaljeet David Furan, Thomas Golden- ris, Crystal A. Mayers. Kaur, Scarlett L. Kinder, Joseph soph, Tammy J. Mattice, Shan- Missouri—Cody A. Vanbu- G. LaCorte, Felicia N. Lampkin, non McGuire, Jenny Mitchell, ren. Mary L. Mustipher, Yana Os- Robert Phillips, Tara Roehrig, Nebraska—Keith H. Glenn, borne, Amanda L. Parr, Brian A. Chauntae Skelley, Diane D. Wolt- Jennifer M. Martindale, Barbara Pereira, Jamal J. Peterson, Marla man. Prothman, Angela G. Schane- E. Petty, Andrew M. Potawsky, Kansas—Kristine M. man, Carrie N. Svoboda. Melissa Potawsky, Manal Ra- Koehler, Wendy Lira, Richard Nevada—Brian M. Lacy. madum, Melissa R. Rodriguez, Pry, Rhonda R. Stull. New Hampshire—Thomas Sonya Y. Ross, Nola A. Sawyer, Kentucky—James K. Bosley, J. Eldredge, Alexandria M. Reilly- David L. Scott, Jean M. Shirley, Kristina M. Corbin, Shanna J. Collette. Richard M. Sirgu, Carrie L. Curtsinger, Rebecca L. Garrett, New Jersey—Jeretta C. Hol-

24 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER land, Amy Wilson. New Mexico—Patrick B. Browne III, Julie Delgado, New Behnaz M. Smith. New York—Patricia J. Briscoe, Kenneth A. Emmert, UPMAUPMA StoreStore Denise I. Guchone, Carletta R. Hill,William Hulbert, Matthew ustom UPMA-branded merchandise now is available at David Izykowski, Daniel P. Cthe UPMA store at http://www.costore.com/upma. Lewis, Richard M. Sweet Jr., Ian Chris Paul at FRC Marketing, with his technology partner, M. Thompson, Christopher CoreXpand, set up the store that features the UPMA products Vitagliano, Lori Zurlick. you want any time! North Carolina—Angela You can place an order for as few as one item or hun- Lynn Gaines, Carol P. Horne, dreds—whatever you need. The store is young and ready to Philip Nelson Houser, Jill M. Lang, Crystal M. Martin, Ken- grow; share any suggestions you may have with Chris at csp@ neth R. Morrisey. frcmktg.com. North Dakota—Sandra M. CoreXpand also is offering a tool to help create chapter Bartholomay. unity, build chapter brand awareness and generate overall Ohio—Lawrence E. Allen, goodwill and excitement around the UPMA brand and story. Charles Andrew Clark, Matthew IgniteCX is the CoreXpand platform that will allow you to D. Crilly, Linda A. Cross, Ra- ianne E. Fier, Charisma Johnson, create your very own custom “stores”—called “Ignite Gillian A. Lewis, Debra J. Little, Pages”—to offer products with your chapter’s branding. Trisha Yourkvitch. Think about the chapter conventions and fall events com- Oklahoma—Angela D. ing up. Check out these demo pages: Ring. • https://upma.ignitecx.com/txupmapolos18 Oregon—Mathew J. Bobe- da, Lou Ann Deiter, Michelle D. • https://upma.ignitecx.com/ilupma2018 Means, Vickey Jo Miller, Jennifer Interested in creating items for your chapter? The CoreX- JoAnn Sasser, Amy C Sherman, pand team is ready to help. Contact [email protected] to Gerri L. Smith. get started. Pennsylvania—Jaime L. Heck, William J. Mindziak, Lavonne Nickens, Doreen Richardson, Brian K. Tucker, Tracey R. Howard, Lizette Mon- Wyoming—Mary M. Allen, Carl J. Venezia. toya,Joyce L. Phillips, David A. Debby Ann Durst, Amanda J. Puerto Rico—Christine C. Savage, Abra Shepherd, Mary L. Reinier, Derek K. Sharpe. Guirty, Carlos A. Olivencia. Staub, Roberta Stevens, South Carolina—Scott A. Mosamwat M. Sultara-Neill, These new members joined in Baker, Diana Dutcher, Felicia Dudley Swallow Jr. September: Early, Samantha Gregory, Melissa Utah—Scott Alan Canfield. Alabama—Julie A. Childers, Irby,Erik Slaton, Scott Spence, Vermont—Ginamarie Rus- William Curtis Fancher, Joseph Patricia Swindler. sell. John Mansolino, Carla Stacey, Tennessee—Debra Byrd, Virginia—Patricia C. Derrick L. Strickland. Clyde Howard Davis, Dee Gwathmey, Milton J. Holliday Jr., California—Renee Marie Hawkins. Lakisha Michelle Pinn, Shawna Dispensa, Neil J. Gonzalez, Alma Texas—Shawn M. Amgzi, Snow. G. Mosley, Raymond L. Molsley Brandon E. Benjamin, Rita E. Washington—Kristina L. Jr., Joseph Smith, Johnny B. Benjamin, Hector R. Carrion, Isenhart, Jeremy P. Kurth, Corey Wade. Gerardo Claire, Toi-Anne Dit- J. Swolgaard. Connecticut—Ravinder K. more, Only D. Espinoza, Cynthia Wisconsin—Natalie Price, Somra. L. Fonenot, Milton Helaire, Valerie J. Smith. Florida—Gerry Alexis,

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 25 STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP,MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION 1. Publication title: UPMA Leader.2.Publication number: Kristin L. Barrett, Cynthia A. Carnes, Billie J .Chamberlain, 0032-552X.3.Filing date: Sept. 20, 2018.4.Issue fre- Brown, Evenel Dieujuste, Jennifer M. Drewyour, Lisa quency: monthly, with two combined issues.5.Number of issues printed annually: 10.5.Annual subscription price: Stephanie A. Easterling, Ronald Helewski, Laura Slater. $18.7.Complete mailing address of known office of publi- L. Florince, Joseph J. Gennaro, Minnesota—Maria Martin, cation: UPMA, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general Jocelyn M. Goins, Sylvia L. Hen- Hayley Allison White. business office: UPMA, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600.9.Full names and complete mailing address- drix, Randy L. Huckinberry, Jean Missouri—Jeffrey F. Meyer. es of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher— Philippe Huguelene, Michael A. Montana—Shelly Wood- UPMA, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600; Edi- tor—Karen B. Young, PO Box 734, Front Royal, VA Jordan, Michelle L. Julian, Shan- man. 22630-1600; managing editor—N/A. 10. Owner: United Postmasters and Managers of America, 8 Herbert St., drea S. King, Jimenez Ldalmis, New Hampshire—Kim Alexandria, VA 22305-2600. 11. Known bondholders, Frank B. Lyzak, Clarice N. Morss, Donahue, Sean Dooley, Patrick mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other secu- Tracy A. Norman, Trecia Pierre, Sai. rities: none. 12. Tax status: Has not changed during pre- Sheila A. Santiago, Debra New Jersey—Shelly Ann N. ceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: UPMA Leader. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: July 30, 2018. Scrubbe, TaTanisha Shipp, Vale- Montique. 15. Extent and nature of circulation: UPMA membership. A. Total number of copies—Average number copies each ria P. Terra-Baez, Deborah New York—Nora Belfield, issue during preceding 12 months: 24,212; number copies Thompson, Traci Lynn Varn, Carl Berna, C.L. Handler, Austin of single issue published nearest to filing date: 23,779.B. Paid circulation. B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscrip- Melanie Vinson, Joy Young- Paul, Michael Podeia, Michael tion stated on PS Form 3541—Average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 23,566; number Woods. Price, Gerald E. Tatlow. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: Georgia—Sermons L. North Carolina—Verinica 23,210. B2. Mailed in-county subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541—average number copies each issue during Daniel, Siomara Latham Mims, D. Coy-Sayre, Tonya Laws. preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. B3. Paid distribution out- Bonnie S. Mitchell, James F. North Dakota—Michael A. side the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, Parker Jr., Lazaro Perez. Leingang. street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS—average number copies each issue during Idaho—Tony Lee Haws, Ohio—Sandra J. Balogh, preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single issue Khrista Holman. Elizabeth R. Boomhower, Chris- published nearest to filing date: 0. B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS—average number Illinois—Michael Beutel. tine L. Buob, Cassandra Clark, copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 5; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 5.C. Indiana—Chastidy A. Large, James M. Crites, Brandon L. Eby, Total paid distribution—average number copies each issue Marsha L. Smith, Pamela J. Stew- Joseph R. Foutty, Stephanie R. during preceding 12 months: 23,571; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 23,215.D. art. Johnson, Heidi L. Kallner, Free or nominal rate distribution. D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS Form 3541—aver- Iowa—Jerry W. Robbins. Michael D. Labant, Ellen Mota, age number copies each issue during preceding 12 Kansas—Britny D. Eakes, Gail Y. Owen, Ryan R. Rozycki, months: 0; number copies of single issue published near- est to filing date: 0. D2. Free or nominal rate in-county Jenife J. Hanueman, Whitney L. Tina Sperlik, Diane Swayne, Tina copies included on PS Form 3541—average number McCormick, Robert Brock M. Sweeney. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. Springer, Brenda S. Wilson. Pennsylvania—Michael A. D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS—average number copies each issue Kentucky—Priscilla I. Hernandez, JoAnne Novack, Levi during preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single Featherstone, Candy Helpens- A. Tucker. issue published nearest to filing date: 0. D4. Free or nomi- nal rate distribution outside the mail—average number tine, Tina S. Reynolds, Tracey A. Puerto Rico—Enrique copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0.E. Seymour, Tammy S. Strunk. Lopez. Total free or nominal rate distribution—average number Louisiana—Paula S. Arm- South Carolina—Adrienne copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 0; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0.F. strong, Sunny Gardner, LaTonya M. Nix. Total distribution—average number copies each issue dur- ing preceding 12 months: 23,571; number copies of single D. Greene, LaRonica D. Kenned, South Dakota—Wayne S. issue published nearest to filing date: 23,215.G.Copies Tessie Theriot, Gordon D. Tun- Pedersen. not distributed—average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 641; number copies of single issue nell Jr. Tennessee—Misty F. Beaty. published nearest to filing date: 564.H.Total—average Maine—Stephen JoAnn Texas—Anita M. Banfield. number copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 24,212; number copies of single issue published nearest to Harris. Washington—Shima F. Gar- filing date: 23,779.I.Percent paid—average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 100%; Maryland—Kelly R. Kaylor. rison, Jaqueline J. Muck, Charles number copies of single issue nearest to filing date: 100%. Massachusetts—Fernando P. Smith. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation. A. Paid electronic copies— average number copies each issue during preceding 12 Dafonte, Richard Lunetta, John West Virginia—Robert M. months: 0; number copies of single issue published near- est to filing date: 0.B.Total paid print copies + paid elec- Maida, Joseph Marcinkowski, Tyree. tronic copies—average number copies each issue during Kenneth E. Monahan, Michael T. Wisconsin—Paula M. preceding 12 months: 23,571; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 23,215.C.Total print Nelson, Kathy A. O’Connor, Gilbertson, Cindy K. Nelson. distribution + paid electronic copies—average number Thomas Alden Roan, Sharon Wyoming—Amanda A. De- copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 24,635; number copies of single issue published nearest to filing Ryan, Frank Scardina, Elvia Sev- Witt. date: 24,202.D.Percent paid (both print and electronic copies)—average number copies each issue during pre- erino. ceding 12 months: 100%; number copies of single issue Michigan—Deana M. nearest to filing date: 100%.I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Karen B. Young, editor. 26 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER Chapter Presidents

Alabama Louisiana Oklahoma Sherry Worrell,Deatsville 36022; Donna Rabalais,Natalbany 70451; Ginger Reese,Sayre 73662; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Alaska Maine Oregon Lori Skaggs,Ward Cove 99928; Candace Tillson,Hallowell 04347; Wendy Lentz,Springfield 97477; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Arizona Maryland Pennsylvania Monique Cox,Camp Verde 86322; Robin Magee, Glenn Dale 20769; Jeffrey Lightner, Eldred 16731; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Arkansas Massachusetts Puerto Rico Gregory Williams,Marshall 72650; Jeremy Pilone,Provincetown 02657; Kendrick Comulada,Supervisor, Old [email protected] [email protected] San Juan Station, San Juan 00901; California Michigan [email protected] Shari Hetzler,Albion 95410; Brent Stothers,Ionia 48846; Rhode Island [email protected] [email protected] Charles Narciso Jr.,Barrington 02806; Colorado Minnesota [email protected] Shareen Wertz,Evans 80620; Ann Joos,Winsted 55395; South Carolina [email protected] [email protected] Steve LeNoir,Wedgefield 29168; Connecticut Mississippi [email protected] Peter Urbani,Waterford 06385; Dante Weir,Fayette 36069; South Dakota [email protected] [email protected] Michelle Feldhacker,N.Sioux City Delaware Missouri 57049; [email protected] John Douds,Frankford 19945; Steven Brown,Excelsior Springs 64024; Tennessee [email protected] [email protected] Sherwin Taylor,Chuckey 37641; Florida Montana [email protected] Toni Leonardi,Mims 32754; toni Iris Kill-Eagle,Malta 59538; Texas [email protected] [email protected] Sherry Bridges,Franklin 77856; District of Columbia Nebraska [email protected] Sara Martin, PO Box 44758, Vicki Ozenbaugh,Sutton 68979; Utah Washington, DC 20026-4758; [email protected] Clayton Querry,Kamas 84036; [email protected] Nevada [email protected] Georgia Joshua Armstrong,Kings Beach, CA Vermont Becky Manley,Madison 30650; 96143; [email protected] Linda Kirkpatrick,Williston 05495; [email protected] New Hampshire [email protected] Hawaii Mike Quinn,Tilton 03276; Virginia Sheila Apana,Kahului 96732; [email protected] Terr y Clark,Christiansburg 24073; [email protected] New Jersey [email protected] Idaho Dave Sparano,West Caldwell 07006; Washington Beth Riddle,Gooding 83330; [email protected] Wendy Fleming,Castle Rock 98611; [email protected] New Mexico [email protected] Illinois Regina Dull,Mescalero 88340; West Virginia Edmund Carley, Lincoln 62656; [email protected] Linda Augustosky,N.Tazewell,VA [email protected] New York 24630; [email protected] Indiana Dan Leonard,Bath 14810; Wisconsin Greg Tielking,Greenfield 46140; [email protected] Sunday Barnaby,Winter 54896; [email protected] North Carolina [email protected] Iowa Wayne Francis,Red Springs 28377; Wyoming Ellen Opperman,De Witt 52742; [email protected] Wendy Trautman,Powell 82435; [email protected] North Dakota [email protected] Kansas Carla Tinkham,E.Grand Forks 56721; Bob Mikulecky,Supervisor, Manhattan [email protected] Email changes to UPMA, 66502; [email protected] Ohio [email protected], Kentucky Debra Justice,Martins Ferry 43935; and Balent-Young Publishing, Jill Smith,Greenville 42345; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 27 self th Give Your e Gift of Convention Registration

hen you get Mohegan this issue of Sun has an inti- W the UPMA mate venue Leader in your mailbox, called the Wolf fall almost will be gone Den that has free and the holidays here. This is an entertainment. This is a incredibly busy time. I’d like to family-friendly area with suggest that you take a minute seating, service and professional and do something for yourself. Send By Kathy Santo Christo acts. Arrive early for the best seats. in your registration now for the We’re working with the resort to get 2019 UPMA National Convention in Connecticut. as much advance notice as possible of what acts will Consider it a present—like having the holiday in July be playing during without any of the stress. the convention If you register now, you will get the lowest rate. dates. We will share You’ll be happy you did. It’s a chance to see your that information as postal family and make new friends. soon as we receive It will be a great time. The weather will be warm, it. No matter who the sky will be blue and the hospitality will be excel- is playing, I’m sure lent. Mohegan Sun is a world-class hotel for the unbe- it will be enjoyable. lievably low price of $139 a night. Book early to secure Please join our Wolf Den your room; use the code UPMMA19 (see the facing Facebook group at page for the registration form). UPMA Connecti- Valet parking at the Mohegan Sun is free, as well cut 2019. We’ll be posting fun area attractions, tours as camper/RV parking, for a maximum of seven days. and upcoming events. We also have an e-mail ad- The resort does not include a campground. It is dry dress—[email protected]—where we will an- camping: no hook ups, sewer, water or swer questions and take suggestions for electric. However, the view of the Thames tours and sites you’d like to see. River is beautiful. The convention will be here before you Resort security often patrols and know it. Winter will end, spring will arrive shuttles run between the camper lot and and then it will be convention time. We the casino every 10 to 15 minutes. What look forward to saying, “Welcome to Con- an excellent way to buddy up and cut necticut!” costs. While in the area, there is so much to see and so many campgrounds, that ex- Kathy Santo Christo, Postmaster of Coven- tending your time and seeing more of try, CT, is the 2019 National Convention New England will be easy. chair.

28 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER 3rd UPMA National Convention July 27-Aug. 2, 2019 Official Registration Form Registration also available at www.unitedpma.org Please complete one form per registrant. Photocopy the form for additional registrations.

First Name:______Last Name:______

Title: First Name (for your badge):______❏ Postmaster ❏ Supervisor Post Office You Represent City: ______State:______❏ Manager Your Mailing Address:______❏ OIC ❏ Associate City:______State:______ZIP+4______❏ UPMA Retired ❏ Spouse First-Timer/ Cell Phone:______UPMA Retired ❏ Guest First-Timer? E-mail:______❏ Yes ❏ No

Convention Registration (only one person per form): Please circle the 7/27/18- 1/1/19- 3/1/19- After Hotel Reservation appropriate fee: 12/31/18 2/28/19 6/15/19 6/15/19 UPMA has a special rate at the con- Postmaster/Manager/Supervisor/ vention hotel beginning Aug. 1, OIC/Associate $190 $215 $240 $265 2018. You must call the hotel UPMA Retired directly to make a reservation. The or Guest* $167.50 $186.25 $205 $223.75 National Office will not handle room (PM Retired Luncheon included) reservations. To make a reserva- tion, you must make a deposit to Auxiliary/Spouse/ the hotel in the amount of your Postmaster Guest $142.50 $161.25 $180 198.75 first night’s lodging; this deposit (Does NOT include UPMA Retired Luncheon) is non-refundable after May 15, Children (17 and under) $75; includes child’s meal at the Grand Banquet. 2019. All room cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. To *UPMA Retired member may have one guest (not an active member) regis- secure the special UPMA rate, you ter for the same price. must identify yourself as part of the Grand Banquet: Aug. 1, 2019 UPMA convention. The rate is avail- Payment Information able only until July1, 2019, or all rooms in the block are sold, Convention Fee: $______whichever comes first. _____ Additional tickets for UPMA Mohegan Sun Retired Luncheon @ $25 each $______1-866-708-1340 $139—single/double/triple/quad Total Payment: $______❏ Check payable to UPMA Be sure to request the UPMMA19 group rate. ❏ Visa/MasterCard Card number______Registration Cancellation Card security code:______Expiration date:______Refund Policy (3- or 4-digit code imprinted on card) Requests for cancellation refunds must be made in writing to the UPMA National Signature:______Office. Requests must be postmarked by May 1, 2019; no refunds after that date. Mail with full payment to UPMA National Convention All refunds are subject to a $25 handling Registration, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600. fee. Registrations are non-transferable. Questions? Call 703-683-9027 By Eva Finley, UPMA Retired editor

his is a story that happens After high school, Roy Steve, Joe and Roy— once in a lifetime—a story joined the Navy and was sent three brothers re- that’s too good to be true. to Cuba; Steve enlisted in the united after 68 years. Life for Steve Brighton, re- Army and was stationed in tired Postmaster of Bethel, Germany. Steve eventually settled in Florida. NY, began for him like most Roy and Steve often thought about their kidsT his age: a father, mother and two broth- baby brother, but never talked a lot about ers. When he was only 5 years old, his moth- him to anyone. The two brothers married. er was hit and killed by a car. Steve became Postmaster of Bethel and Roy At that time, his older brother Roy was became a facility maintenance supervisor 7; his baby brother only a few months old. and village justice in Otisville. After a time, his father left the three boys Joe joined the Air Force and worked as a and moved on. This is where the story really printer for his father in New York City. He begins. did not know that his real name was Phillip The younger brother Phillip was adopt- Brighton until 1982, when his father died ed; Roy and Steve went to live with their and his mother showed him copies of his grandfather. Later, the two brothers were adoption papers. He still did not know he sent to an orphanage, Devine-Providence, had two brothers. and finally landed in the care of a foster Deena Turek, Roy’s daughter, heard the family in Otisville, NY. two brothers talking about Phillip and de- Phillip grew up in Long Island; his new cided she would do a little research. She was parents changed his name to Joseph Antoni- computer savvy and discovered via the in- ato. His father tore up the adoption papers, ternet that Roy and Steve’s father had died so Joe (Phillip) grew up not knowing he had in 1970, leaving behind two children from two brothers. another marriage. The Brighton boys now had another brother and a sister On March 29, Joe sent an email strong for the baby whose dia- they never knew existed. to Albert Steven Brighton: “My pers he had changed. Instead, his Deena kept searching. She fi- adopted name is Joseph Antonia- tears flowed in joy. After 68 nally located Phillip’s date of to,my birth name is Phillip years, Roy, Steve and Joe and birth and his baptism certificate. James Brighton. I am 68 years their extended families got to- She had no way of knowing he old and I live in the Poconos. Ac- gether for their first reunion. lived under a new name. Steve cording to Ancestry, it looks like They all wore T-shirts that read: and Roy also searched, even we are cousins.” “68 years. Our first family re- combing the Vietnam Veterans Steve’s daughter, who takes union. Our family is complete.” Memorial wall for the name care of her father’s emails, I’ve always wondered about “Phillip Brighton.”Their search freaked out when she saw the DNA tests. I know they are used was futile. message. She knew they were in forensics and thought they Then, last Christmas, Steve’s more than cousins. She immedi- mostly were successful in appre- granddaughter gave him a An- ately shot him back an email and hending criminals. To be used in cestry.com DNA test as a gift. He asked him to call. When Joe re- connecting families and chang- submitted his DNA to find a sponded, she asked if he was ing lives has convinced me that match. To find a match, the per- born Aug. 12, 1949, in Queens- modern technology is wonder- son for whom you are searching boro NY. When he replied he ful. I pray they all live happy lives also must submit a DNA sample. was, she told him that Steve was and enjoy the future together. As it turns out, fate was smiling his brother. When she told Steve If you would like to send on the family. the news, he knew he had found Steve and his family a card of Joe (Phillip) also happened his little brother; he was speech- care or congratulations, please to receive a DNA kit and submit- less. send to: Albert Steve Brighton, ted his sample in February. He The three finally met for 3198 St. Rt. 42, Monticello, NY, received word he had a close rel- their first reunion this past May. 12701. He also collects business ative, Albert Brighton, who was When big brother Roy drove up cards, if you would like to in- using his middle name, Steve. from Florida, he intended to stay clude one in your envelope.

Roy and his wife Jane, Joe and his wife Terry and Steve and his wife Peggy.

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 31 Stop Procrastinating: It’s Time to Make a Plan! By Letha Sgritta McDowell, CELA ecently, Americans lost Not having some sort of es- emption has increased to $11 the Queen of Soul and, tate plan can cost heirs in addi- million per person (neither Vir- R while it is a tragedy in tional legal and court fees, addi- ginia nor North Carolina have a the music world, the death of tional taxes and, potentially, state estate tax), all income-earn- Aretha Franklin highlights a legal losses due to a failure to see into ers are required to pay income tragedy as well. Aretha Franklin the future. If a person dies with- tax. So, while estate taxes may died with no estate plan. That out some sort of plan, each state not be of high importance to means she had no last will and has a set of rules that dictate many, income tax still is an issue testament, no revocable trust, no where assets will pass after all for everyone. Therefore, an estate irrevocable trust, no power of at- final bills and expenses are paid. plan should consider tax-effi- torney—nothing! In many cases, the state default is cient transfers of wealth to dif- For estate-planning attor- not how most want their assets ferent generations. neys, it seems ludicrous that an to be left. Even if the state default Humans have a 100 percent accomplished woman with a net is the individual’s intent, the ad- mortality rate; we will all die at worth estimated to be in excess ditional fees for passing assets some point. Yet, 70 percent of of $80 million would have no es- without a will or trust are, most Americans between the ages of tate plan. Such a plan would likely, not part of the intent. 45 and 54 do not have a will. have minimized the estate tax In addition to the considera- And more than half of Ameri- her estate will pay, which, ulti- tion of who will receive certain cans over the age of 55 do not mately, will be born by her heirs. assets at death, of equal impor- have a will. The reasons for de- Nor did she attempt to protect tance is the manner in which a laying vary, from fear of the her heirs by placing their assets beneficiary will receive the assets. process to an irrational fear that in further trusts, nor is there a For example, are the assets to executing a will or trust will has- clear statement of her intent as pass outright, in which case they ten a person’s death. to who shall inherit on her death may be subject to current or fu- A good estate-planning at- and who shall be responsible for ture creditor claims or claims of torney will work with you to so- managing her estate. a beneficiary’s future ex-spouse? lidify your goals and objectives, Already, Franklin’s four sons Perhaps there is a thought a sur- discuss potential issues you may and a niece have come forward viving spouse can and should re- not yet have considered and then as interested parties in her estate. marry. draft documents that achieve Franklin is not the only person In many cases, the remar- your goals. The process for estate of means to die without an estate riage of a spouse would be cele- planning does not have to be dif- plan: Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, brated, but the first spouse to die ficult; the need for planning does Prince, Bob Marley and Howard may wish to preserve their assets not require great wealth. Simply, Hughes are just a few of note. (or share of their jointly held as- it is a desire to preserve and pro- That said, estate planning is sets) for their heirs. With a little tect loved ones. not something that is only need- planning, these goals may be eas- ed by extremely affluent individ- ily accomplished. The goal of From the Hook Law Center; uals; estate planning is needed preserving and protecting future www.hooklawcenter.com; 757- for almost every adult. Creating generations is not isolated to 399-7506 an estate plan allows a compe- families with high net worth. tent adult to clearly specify who There are other things to Article provided by Jerry L. will make medical and financial consider, such as who will have Hulick, Mass Benefits Consul- decisions if they are incapacitat- custody of minor children tants, Inc., PO Box 828, Annan- ed and how assets will pass at should both parents die. And, dale, VA 22003-0828; 800-221- their death. while the federal estate tax ex- 3083; www.massbenefits.com.

32 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER

UPMA Retired

non-motorized). Retirees Are Good for • Bedtime for all at 9 p.m.; 5 a.m. rolls around early, you Some Things know. As I said in my opening By Jerry Nassen, retired Postmaster, Seward, AK paragraph, you might want to any chapters are having • Tours: Your choice of the become more active and not issues getting active Post- local library or Walmart. turn everything over to your re- Mmaster participation and • Dinner: 4:30 p.m. at the tirees. However, if you do want are relying more and more on Golden Corral Buffet. Don’t for- us running the whole show, be retirees to fill in the gaps. You get to insist on your senior dis- sure to contact me: I have some might want to reconsider this count. great ideas for how to run your option, as we older folks can be • Evening activities: Jigsaw chapter, your finances, your headstrong, overly frank, stub- puzzles, pinochle, bridge, canas- training sessions and more. born, tenacious, obstinate—and ta and wheelchair races (two Remember our motto: We these are our good qualities! For categories—motorized and may be old, but we’re slow! example, the following could be your state convention schedule if you let “us” take over: • Meeting to start promptly Let’s Get Involved at 6 a.m. Why so early? It’s be- By Shirley Johnson, chaplain cause we get up early and don’t believe in wasting daylight. If we hen NAPUS and the so, seek out a member of your can’t sleep anyway, neither League merged into chapter or someone with whom should you, so we might as well W one organization— you have a level of comfort. We get this show on the road. Be- UPMA—we came together, but are a united family and families sides that, it’s too early to eat. separately. We’re now one family assist and help each other. • Presentation of the colors: sharing ideas, making decisions Here are some thoughts: The Color Guard consists of oc- and working toward making “Peace comes from within, togenarian veterans riding Rascal UPMA the best it can be. We do not seek it without.”—Bud- scooters and carrying honest-to- have great leaders with the abili- dha God Garands and Colt 45s— ty to lead this organization to “Don’t let the noise of oth- none of those sissy M-16s and greater heights. ers’ opinions drive out your Berettas like they have now. Our success will depend on outer voice.”—Steve Jobs • USPS speakers: Who needs each of us getting fully on board “Management is doing right; them? We’re retired, so we’re not and becoming an integral part of leadership is doing the right interested in what they have to our organization. There are thing.”—Peter F. Drucker say. many opportunities for us to ful- “If it is not what we get, but • Education and classes: See fill our desires in UPMA at the who we become, what we con- speakers above. state or national level. Reach out tribute … that gives meaning to • First break: Okay, now to your chapter president, na- our lives.”—Anthony Robbins we’re ready to eat. Decaf coffee, tional vice president or a chapter “Many people spend money oatmeal, skim milk and prune representative and share your in- they haven’t earned to buy things juice for all. terests, skills and abilities, which they don’t want to impress peo- • More speakers: Why both- could be very helpful in you be- ple they don’t like.”—Unknown er? We can’t hear them anyway. coming an active member of “Be watchful, stand firm in • Lunch: Campbell’s tomato Team UPMA. your faith, be courageous, be soup and grilled cheese sand- Often, when we sit in silence strong. Let all that you do be wiches. and no one is aware of our capa- done in love.”—1 Corinthians • Afternoon session: Nope, bilities, we must make ourselves 16: 13-14. nap time. known. If you are hesitant to do

34 November 2018 / UPMA LEADER them out on occasion just to re- Keep a ‘Me’ Journal live the adventure. Hubby and I have taken jaunts across our Harriet Stay, retired Postmaster, Port Townsend, WA country, and through Canada t all started at a dinner party. even matter what is said or writ- and gone to Europe and South Someone asked the strangest ten after I’m gone?” America. Those journeys opened I question: Have you ever con- A positive step is to keep a my eyes to different worlds, sidered writing your own obitu- “me” journal—just for fun. many different cultures. They are ary? Make a point to note what im- sort of a “me” journal. Well, have you? I don’t be- presses you, what you did that Our youngest daughter lieve I’ve actually sat down, pen changed your life or how you wrote long, descriptive letters to to paper and made any notes may have improved or changed us for the two years she was in about obituaries, but I have the life of someone else. I have Mali with the Peace Corps. thought about how mine will journals listing the books I read When she returned, she asked for read. After all, who knows me so, by chance, if I forget, I won’t the letters. I felt devastated; to better than I do? Thinking about reread them. this day, she still doesn’t write the various venues, would one in Other journals I’ve kept are many letters. They were a piece the local newspaper be different for travel. I won’t possibly re- of her life I cherished. Perhaps I from one written for “In the member everywhere I’ve been or should have told her, but they Mailbox?” what I’ve seen and when. I pull actually were her journal. I suspect you all read the obits, if for no other reason than to learn if someone you know has died. What would you want A Reluctant Convert everyone to know or remember By Jack Swann, Area 13 rep about you? There is typically an inclu- ur world is filled with in- phone quit and the man at Veri- sion of statistics: who, where and stant gratification; we zon says it’s out of date and no when, then titles and achieve- O want everything imme- good. ments and, lastly, the names of diately. We turn on the switch All that leads me to this the relatives who have outlived and the lights come on. We drive point: The USPS is a delivery you. There rarely is any intimate through a restaurant and they service for hard copy, yet we all unfolding of what your aspira- hand us the food. Everyone an- depend on electronics. There- tions were and if you achieved swers the phone in their pocket, fore, I have written this article them. with the encyclopedia at their with pen and paper and mailed How about your world fingertips. My little part of it to Ms. Eva. To my surprise, of prospective—what did you think Lenoir City, TN, has been turned all my credit cards, Tractor Sup- about your life and the sur- upside down. ply wants me to mail them my rounding space you’ve occupied Our old desktop computer is payment. Yea! or places you may have traveled? way out of date. My laptop won’t Only the most eminent digni- connect to the internet anywhere taries are afforded wordy except at the local Mexican columns from material prewrit- restaurant. The telephone and ten. Will our lives be summa- internet service at my home goes rized in a paragraph, which is on and off. Our cable TV service generally the case? is not dependable and quits in More often, I find myself the middle of “Gunsmoke.” asking, “Why am I who I am? We have underground utili- Why do I have certain opinions ties and the service providers and behavior patterns? How do I can’t find the problem. On top of want to be remembered? Does it all that, Ms. Lula’s 3-year-old cell

UPMA LEADER / November 2018 35