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TRANSCRIPT
FEBRUARY 2017Volume 2017 / Issue 1
New York Postmasters, Managers and aspiring Managers... making a difference.
Wha
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Page 3 ...............................................From the EditorPage 3 & 4 ..........................From the Co-PresidentsPage 6 - 7 ............................From the Co-TreasurersPage 8 ................... From the Co-Presidents RetiredPage 9 ................... Burger Scholarship Application
United Postmasters and Managers of America
New York Chapter of UPMA
Empire State UPMA
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
NEW YORK CHAPTER
Burger Scholarsh
ip Continues S
trong
February 20172
NEW YORK CHAPTER The Empire State UPMA (United Postmasters and Managers Association), [USPS 175-740] is published bimonthly with special editions in February and April by the New York State Chapter of United Postmasters and Managers Association of America (UPMA), 1142 East Main St., Bradford, PA 16701-3216. The subscription rate is paid for from the membership dues. Periodicals postage is paid at Salamanca, NY 14779, and additional offices. Publication content and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of UPMA. The Editor reserves the right to edit articles for length and to conform to the publication’s editorial style. Deadline for the ESP is the closest Sunday to the10th of each month prior to the date of issue. No ESP is printed in June, August, October or December. Notice to Postmasters: Please send all address labels clipped from undeliverable copies, along with USPS Form 3579, to Empire State UPMA, 1142 East Main St., Bradford, PA 16701-3216.
Empire State UPMA Executive BoardElected Officers
Co-PresidentHeidi Freeman
PM Brewerton 13029167 Dutch Road
West Monroe, NY 13167W: 315-676-7790C: 315-506-2691
Co-PresidentFrank Kouba
PM Selden NY 1178485 Columbus Ave
Farmingville, NY 11738C: 631-806-6766
Co-Secretary-TreasurerGerald Geddis
PM Cambridge 12816PO Box 500
Cambridge, NY 12816W: 518-677-3585C: 518-391-9251
Co-Secretary-TreasurerLisa Tripodo
PM Lake Katrine 1244978 Hapeman Rd
Elizaville, NY 12523W: 845-382-2086C: 518-929-2320
VP / Adverse Action ChairKimberly Bruce
PM Cross River NY 10518PO Box 1
Cross River NY 10518W: 914-763-3798C: 845-807-8743
VP / PAC ChairBrenda Finch
PM Arkville NY 12406PO Box 297
Roxbury, NY 12474W: 845-586-4182C: 845-750-1234
VP / Education ChairRachel Norton-RowlandPM Schuylerville 12871
2979 State Route 29Greenwich, NY 12834
W: 518 -695-9221H: 518-531-4247C: 518-708-1005
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYUPMA/
VP / Legislative ChairDonna Jenness
PM Adams 13605PO Box 11
Henderson NY 13650W: 315-232-2312C: 315-408-5165
Co-Retiree PresidentDavid Cook
PM Retired Westbury 29 Glenwood Rd
Glen Head NY 11545-1313H: 516-676-2843C: 516-572-7804
Co-Retiree PresidentMichael Silvestri
7 Queens StHuntington NY 11743-3724
H: 631-271-3980C: 631-241-1430
Appointed Officers
Empire State UPMA EditorBen Johnston
PM Retired1142 East Main St
Bradford PA 16701-3216C: 814-598-1601
1st District CoordinatorGary Bonura
PM Roslyn Heights 11577277 Syracuse Ave
North Massapequa NY 11758W: 516-621-8050C: 516-770-9540
2nd District CoordinatorAmy Dalrymple
PM Randolph, NY 147723377 Rte 958
Bear Lake, PA 16402C: 814-706-1984
3rd District Coordinator???
4th District Coordinator Jill Gresens
PM Cropseyville NY 12052PO Box 104
Poestenkill NY 12140W: 518-279-1220H: [email protected]
5th District VPDawn Porter
PM Slate Hill, New York 10973485 Liberty Corners
Pine Island, NY 10969W: 845-355-4741 C: 845-206-6061
Convention ChairDonna Jenness
PM Adams 13605PO Box 11
Henderson NY 13650C: 315-408-5165
Scholarship ChairDaniel O’Neil
PM Canajoharie 133178 Ridge Terrace East
Canajoharie, NY 13317W: 518-673-5811H: 518-673-1033C: 518-894-8696
Adverse Action CounselorCharlie Bessette
PM Bolivar 147152588 Harland Ames Rd
Bolivar NY 14715W: 585-928-2040C: 716-307-6025
Adverse Action CounselorLisa Tripodo
PM Lake Katrine 1244978 Hapeman Rd
Elizaville, NY 12523W: 845-382-2086C: 518-929-2320
Adverse Action CounselorCatherine Winnie467 Mill Hook RdAccord, NY 12404W: 845-626-5881C: 845-742-7774
NE Area Postal Area CoordinatorGeoffrey Randall
PM Delmar PO Box 502
Delmar, NY 12054W: 518-439-1933C: 518-729-9767
Retirees Board
Retiree Co-Secretary-TreasurerJosephine Zunno
PM Retired Milton NY 12547P O Box 115 Milton NY 12547-
0115 H: 845-795-5508 C: 845-453-2421
Retiree Co-Secretary-TreasurerMartha Miller
PM Retired Panama NY37 South St
Panama NY 14767H: 716-782-3509C: 716-450-2864
Retiree Vice-PresidentMichael Robinson
PM Retired Canandaigua NY 144241623 Wheatstone Dr.
Farmington NY 14425-9361 H: 585-398-2647
Retiree Vice-PresidentSteve Steinbaum
PM RetiredCold Spring Harbor NY 11724
33 Winding Path Apt 12Manorville NY 11949-2277
H: 631-909-8626 C: 631-994-6970
Retiree Vice-PresidentMary Converse
PM Retired West BloomfieldPO Box 51
West Bloomfield, NY 14585H: 585-624-1907
Retiree Vice-PresidentCarol Commisso
PM Retired Fishers NY11 Ambassador Dr.
Victor NY 14564-1203H: 585-924-2985C: 585-905-5164
February 2017 3
Co-PresidentHeidi Freeman
PM Brewerton 13029167 Dutch Road
West Monroe, NY 13167W: 315-676-7790C: 315-506-2691
The New Year is Here!!I survived the holiday season at the Post Office and am
assuming you did too if you are reading this, I know we all were out delivering packages and routes, getting up early to meet the Amazon truck, trying to schedule CCA’s and RCA’s for aux help, etc., etc., etc.
You did all of it, but now it should be a little less stressful, hopefully. Last issue, I talked about the many job opportunities that will become available. Many of you, including me, have taken a detail to a new position. OK, so now the stress is back. We will survive. Like I said this is a great time to learn new things and expand your 991. There are many upcoming events in NYS UPMA. The Mid-Winter Conference will have been completed by the time you get this issue. February 27th and 28th, a group will be heading down to Washington, DC to meet with our Legislators and Congressman to present Postal issues. You can still sign up and be a part of this important event. If you are coming, please let Frank or me know so that meetings with your representatives can be set up.
In April, we will be having our District meetings. This is an opportunity to meet with local Postmasters, Managers, Retirees and other members. It is an event that is relatively close to home and you gain valuable knowledge. Look for the dates and times in the next issue of the Empire State UPMA. Our 2017 NY State Convention will be June 8th - 11th at the Edgewood Resort in beautiful Alexandria Bay. We are planning lots of training and fun. Also, election of officers takes place here. So, if you are thinking about running for an office, you need to declare your candidacy soon. (See this issue for an example) All the elected offices are listed on page 2 of this publication. Donna Jenness is the convention chair and will have much more information
forthcoming. She is going to need all of our help, so please sign up for one of the convention committee chairperson positions or just to help on that committee. The best news is that we are offering one night hotel and registration reimbursement for each member that attends.
August 5th - 10th is the UPMA National Convention at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. If you have never been to a national convention, now is the time. Incentives for this event will be in the next issue of the Empire State UPMA.
October will bring our District Meetings. Again, these offer you information and the chance to get to know others in your area that are experiencing the same issues you are.
That is a quick synopsis of the year. I hope that you have read something that has peaked your interest and that you will plan on attending one, two or all the above-mentioned events.
Invest just a little time to attend and you will be glad that you did. If there is anything that I or the Board can help you with, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.
Important Contact Info SavePage 2 of this Newsletter: Names, Email addresses, Physical Addresses & phone numbers
www.nyunitedpma.org NY State Chapter of UPMA Website
http://www.unitedpma.org National UPMAWebsite
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYUPMA/ NY State Facebook page (Closed Group) Ben JohnstonEditor, Empire State UPMA
PM Retired1142 East Main St
Bradford PA 16701-3216Cell (814) 598-1601
February 20174
Co-PresidentFrank Kouba
PM Selden, NY 1178485 Columbus Ave.
Farmingville, NY 11738C: 631-806-6766
Now that the holidays are behind us and we are merged into one organization we shall move forward. We will be going to Washington DC this year, although this will not be done like in the past, the National board feels we should have a legislative presence. This has been scheduled for Monday February 27th and Tuesday the 28th. On Monday, the 27th Bob Levi reserved a meeting room on the hill in which currently NY has reserved 15 seats for those who choose to attend. This will be on a first come first serve basis. Please contact me if you plan on attending and are interested in attending the meeting on Monday. We will also be making appointments to visit our lawmakers on Monday and Tuesday. There will be no banquet or anything formal and there is no room block for hotels. We will be discussing this more in detail at the mid-winter conference. As always please feel free to contact me with any questions at [email protected]
I want to ask everyone to have patience as we continue to gather information and continue to grow as UPMA. At the mid-winter, we held adverse action member representative training, we asked those who have been involved or have expressed interest in doing this in the past. The NY State UPMA web site is currently up but still a work in progress. Please visit it at www.nyunitedpma.org for information. I would like to thank Lisa Tripodo and Robert Holterman
for their hard work putting the website together. The District coordinators are starting to put together their district meetings. The board will be holding monthly teleconferences to communicate with each other as to what is going on around the state. As always if anyone has any questions or concerns or would like to assist the NY Chapter in any way, please reach out to someone on the board and let them know. I will try my best to make around New York to attend these meetings. My vow to you as Co State President and National Membership chair for the east is to insure visibility. To communicate with the State as much as possible and keep you up to date with current information. All members can also join our Facebook page New York UPMA.
Dear Editor, Most probably, I am fighting Windmills. However, I
feel strongly about the DC legislative trips. I have expressed in several letters to my NYS UPMA (NAPUS) this past year, the need to not waste our money or the money of our dedicated members. Especially, while we are currently supporting 50 executive Board and National Officers.
Once again, to go to DC in an off-year election cycle will not get us anywhere. Commitments made by our Representatives, even those who support us, cannot be expected to be worked on in 2017. If we do find a need in an off year, our National officers and National Government relations officer Bob Levi can do the necessary foot work on Capitol Hill.
I have advocated for every other even year a DC legislative meeting. As a Former NYS NAPUS Legislative Chairperson for 6 years and a National Officers in the NAPS organization., It was a futile and unrewarding trip in the odd numbered years. Many times, just a chance to get together with our Postmaster friends.
During an election year, we can expect a friendlier response to our requests. We should also approach primary candidates opposing our current Representatives in 2018 Utilize the support of these primary candidates and our intention to support them if our Representative is not for
saving the USPS. Especially if he/her has openly spoke about Privatizing. the USPS. When a current member is knowledgeable that he/she is going to have a primary to are most likely to listen to us.
As a Retired PM, I find that our first Priority is the probably proposed changes in our health benefits and our retirement system, CSRS and FERS. I am sure with this New Administration and a Republican Controlled Congress, we will be caught in the coming Changes in the Social Security and Medicare programs.
I also advocate that the National Conventions should be held in the Odd numbered years. This is where our State Legislative Chairpersons and Bob Levi can discuss the priorities we need to address in the even numbered years.
Sincerely, Tony MignoneRetired Postmaster Massapequa Park NY 11762
Letter to the Editor
February 2017 5
New Year’s ResolutionGenerally the most common New Year’s resolutions after
a season of way too many cookies candies and holiday parties is to vow to lose weight and stay fit. The problem is that most people take most people take this resolution too far by forcing themselves onto restricting diets they can’t possible keep. We usually start out well and before you know it your resolutions falls by the weight side. Healthy eating plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes, heart disease and cancer, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. As a postal worker, it may seem hard to eat well and stay fit. But we don’t have to allow our work environment diminish our health we can stay fit and eat health while we are at work by staying energized, productive and fueled.
First get rid of chips, crackers and other unhealthy snacks stashed in your desk because the less you’re tempted by junk food the healthier you will eat. Replace the snack draw with dried fruit, package tuna, jerky, nuts, protein bars and fresh fruit.
Second pack lunch for work rather than eating foods from restaurants, take out counters or vending machines. Make an extra portion when your cooking dinner each night and you’ll have a healthy lunch to take to the office the next day but you will also save money by bringing your lunch.
Third, Moderate your caffeine intake and drink plenty of water. Keep bottles of water at your desk and make an effort to drink water first thing in the morning and keep drinking all day. Proper hydration can help you think clearly, increase productivity, and reduce stress. For every pound you weigh aim to drink between half an ounce to an ounce of water.
Fourth, make time for meals because it’s easy to forget to eat when you’re slammed at the office. Pause, find a quite relaxed place for 30 minutes and enjoy your lunch. You will come back refreshed and energized.
Fifth, get up, stand and move around. Walk your workroom floor, stand during your phone calls, park at the
far end of the lot, take the long way to different areas of the office and last but not least take the stairs.
“Losing A Pound Isn’t Necessarily a Reward. Being Healthy and Feeling Good About Yourself Is the Reward”. -Nancy Peterson
Excited for our future, the joining of two powerful sources
I have only been with the Postal Service for 10 years and have a long road to travel before I retire. In the beginning of my career I was always afraid of coming in and having to do something that was not planned or different than the norm. But it took me a short time to realize that nothing within the postal service remains the same and that there is constant change which can be annoying, scary, and take people out of there comfort zone. The League is known for their educational trainings and adverse action to teach and represent postmasters. NAPUS is known for their great business sense and abundance of members. In August, the League and NAPUS joined each other at the National Convention which turned out to be long deserve family reunion and the joining of UPMA. It was like the League and NAPUS was never separate. We talked business, we educated each other, broke bread together and took off our shoes and danced. I walked out the convention with a lesson learned not to be fearful of the unknown. “The secret of changes is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”. -Socrates
VP / Adverse Action ChairKimberly Bruce
PM Cross River NY 10518PO Box 1
Cross River NY 10518W: 914-763-3798C: 845-807-8743
We Need Your Help!!! We need the membership to help us Gain new membersLet us know of issues that you are having.Let us know of solutions that you have found.Let us know what we can do for you.Let us know of special skills that you may have that could help the rest of the membership.Please help us help you. Feel free to contact anyone of the UPMA officers anytime with any of the above and thank you for being a member
of NY UPMA.
February 20176
Welcome to NY State UPMAPaul Mader, Retiree Associate - WallkillShane Murphy, Postmaster - FranklinvilleJudith Sullivan, Postmaster - Mont RoseSean Lynch, Postmaster - LawrenceGregory Catalano, Postmaster - SoutholdCraig Ferrara, Postmaster West - SayvilleWalter Stehle, Postmaster - Mill Neck
Jennifer Ratto, Postmaster - Carle PlaceDonnamay A Hernandez, SCS - Warwick Joseph A Buttaccio, Jr, Postmaster - MarionJoann Diubaldo, SCS SeldenWalter Stehle, Postmaster - Mill NeckJennifer Ratto, Postmaster - Carle PlaceKeith Edgar Chappelle, Sr., Retired Postmaster - Ilip
Convention JournalDeana Wood, Convention Journal [email protected]
As we approach this year’s New York Chapter UPMA convention it is time to think about the Journal. The state executive board will have met at the Mid-Winter Conference in Saratoga and will have made decisions how the Convention Journal is to be formatted and whether or not we continue to sell ads and the cost of the ads for it. The money raised by the ads helped to defray the cost of the convention. Last year our profit was $1,257.11. Please watch for the information about the Journal in the March issue of this paper. If you have ideas about the Journal and any changes you would like to see, please let me know.
Our NY NAPUS and League Funds have been combined and new accounts under NY UPMA have been opened with Signature FCU. We will be filing our final NY NAPUS and League of Postmasters tax returns with the IRS. We still currently have 2 separate Scholarship accounts. Both accounts have brought forth their prior balances and will currently maintain their funds separately under UPMA. The NY UPMA 2017 budget was approved at our Board meeting in November. At that time, there was no proposed Legislative agenda. We have since learned that there will be a meeting and Hill assignments in Washington, DC in late February. At our mid-winter meeting Jan 28th, we will be discussing reimbursement expenses for members that attend DC. There may also be other line item changes that may be needed. Therefore, I will be waiting until our March issue to print the amended budget, with our current balances in all accounts including income and expenses.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Co-Secretary/TreasurerGerald Geddis
PM Cambridge 12816PO Box 500
Cambridge 12816W: 518-677-3585C: [email protected]
Deana WoodConvention Journal [email protected]
Long Island UPMA Meeting will be held onTuesday February 7, 2017 at 6:30 PM
2017 Sonoma Grill - 1730 North Ocean Avenue | Holtsville NY 631-307-9300
Frank KoubaPostmaster
Selden, NY 11784631-732-6797
February 2017 7
Coming Soon! A Convention for You!!
VP / Legislative ChairDonna Jenness
PM Adams 13605PO Box 11
Henderson NY 13650W: 315-232-2312C: 315-408-5165
[email protected] Are You Doing??Each of us are Postmasters or Managers in our own
respect on a daily basis, but who recently in the workplace has asked you how you are doing? You are expected to manage, budget, supervise, be a mechanic, a plumber, a customer service professional, a mentor, a custodian, etc. in some capacity. Do you ask your employees how they are doing or what they need to do their job better??
Of course you do…aren’t we supposed to treat people how we want to be treated? I know when a peer Postmaster calls me, at some point in the conversation we both ask each other how we’re doing or what we can do for each other. I’m
being asked why we aren’t getting the same courtesy from our superiors. Is everyone SO busy at every level that this has gone by the wayside with Dignity and Respect? If so folks, we are in a heap of trouble!
I would like to know How You Are! Please email me with any work frustrations you have that you find unsolvable. We will compile an anonymous list, and canvass for answers to help with solutions. I’m sure we can all come up with at least one to submit, so let’s have it!! Send an email to [email protected] and we will help each other out!
Happy New Year!
Hello fellow UPMA members,So now that the holiday push is over and we can all breathe again I’m going to touch base on
another important issue, employee engagement. Engagement starts with you and as a manager you have the greatest effect on employee engagement. It’s you who determines how you show up to work, how the day will be, how productive and successful you will be. If everyone stands strong as a team and give their best efforts every day, no one will provide better service to our customers than we do.
Employees can be taught and trained with the necessary skills to perform the job, but attitude can’t be taught. It comes from within and each person determines if their attitude will be positive or negative, but as the team leader for your employee’s we should be leading by example. Employee morale is a vital part of an offices success and makes for a much more pleasant work environment! Employees want to feel valued and know that their opinion matters, someone is listening and caring about their input. Don’t forget the flip side of this coin is recognition, a good morning or letting them know they did a good job or simply saying thank you have a good night and get home safe really does go a long way. Employees need to know they are more than just a number, they need to know someone is concerned about them as people first and employees second.
Hope to see you all at the first NYS UPMA convention in Alexandria Bay this June!
Co-Secretary-TreasurerLisa Tripodo
PM Lake Katrine 1244978 Hapeman Rd
Elizaville, NY 12523W: 845-382-2086C: 518-929-2320
Get ready, get set, it’ll be here before you know it!NYS Chapter’s First UPMA Convention!This year it will be June 9th-11th, 2017Where? The Edgewood Resort & Conference CenterAlexandria Bay, NY 136071-315-482-9923Many incentives are yet again being offered so you can attend this informative session at
little to no cost to you. PLEASE get your leave scheduled now! We plan to have national reps and speakers to fill you in on what the new organization is WORKING ON FOR YOU!
Come participate, listen, interact, learn, and relax! Plan to come early if you wish to take in some of the beautiful 1000 Islands region! The Conference Center is 10 minutes to the Canadian Border, 30 minutes to a Canadian Casino, has many little shops in town, and of course beautiful Boldt Castle to tour right out the front door!!
We will need some help of course, so please ask about being on a committee or sign up at one of the spring swing meetings coming up. I will have a more detailed article in the next ESP, and on our Facebook page as details are worked out.
Thank you and see you soon!
February 20178
Retired and Happy
Co-Retiree PresidentDavid Cook
PM Retired Westbury 29 Glenwood Rd
Glen Head NY 11545-1313H: 516-676-2843C: 516-572-7804
I hope everyone had a great holiday season with family and friends. As you read this we had a mid-winter meeting to continue to organize and structure UPMA.
As we move forward with UPMA we will be voting for our NYS Retired UPMA Executive Board in June at our state convention. In the last Empire State UPMA newsletter Deana Wood wrote an article on how to run for office, to continue with that as we now have merged I believe it would benefit members to know as early as possible who is running for which office by having each candidate write an article announcing their intentions to run with a brief biography in order for members to become aquatinted with the candidates. At this time, I have no intentions of running for any office.
Bob Levi has announced that at the first United Postmasters and Managers of America executive board
meeting, the board noted with alarm the significant legislative treats are likely to imperil UPMA members this year. Post-election discussions within the presidential transition and on Capitol Hill about reducing federal retirement benefits and eroding health security are front and center. As a result, it was the UPMA board’s consensus to sponsor UPMA Legislative Advocacy Days on February 27 and 28. So, please mark on your calendar- more information will follow.
It’s NY UPMA Scholarship Application Time!!!
Scholarship ChairDaniel O’Neil
PM Canajoharie 133178 Ridge Terrace East
Canajoharie, NY 13317W: 518-673-5811H: 518-673-1033C: 518-894-8696
And Time is running out!All applications must be postmarked by April 2, 2017.The board has approved four Scholarships at the State convention for $1000.00 each!!Are you a NYS UPMA member? Are you a Postmaster or Postmaster Retired? Do you have children or grandchildren who just graduated from high school in December or plan to graduate in June? Are they planning at attending college or a trade school?They may be eligible to apply for a Frank and Helen Burger NYS UPMA Scholarship award.The scholarship application is again in this issue. All applications and other required docu-ments must be postmarked by April 2, 2017.Again, this year all winners will be invited to attend our State convention so presentations of awards can be made at the banquet. NYS UPMA has awarded 83 scholarships since 1994 and donations to the Frank and Helen Burger Scholarship fund are always appreciated and accepted. You can send a check or mon-ey order to the following address.Daniel O’Neil, Scholarship chairperson, 8 Ridge Terrace East, Canajoharie, NY 13317-1329.Any Questions? Feel free to contact me at [email protected]
~2017~NEWYORKCHAPTERUPMA Frank&HelenBergerScholarshipApplicaFon
StudentsFullName: ___________________________________________________________________
Students address: ____________________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State: ______________ Date of Birth: _________ Sex: ____
Phone number: Home: _______________________ Cell: ___________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________________________________
College or Trade school you plan to a@end: ____________________________________________________
Course of study you plan to pursue: ____________________________________________________
Name of high school: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone number of High School: ____________________________________________________________
Date of award ceremony at High School: _______________________________________________________
Date of GraduaEon: ________________________________________________________________________
PleaseprovideinformaFononparent/GrandparentwhoisacurrentNYSUPMAmember. Name:____________________________________________________________________ Currentaddress:____________________________________________________________ RelaFonshiptostudent:Checkone:Mother_____Father_____Grandparent_____ NYSUPMAMemberis:Postmaster_____________ PostmasterReFred:_________ (Note:ThisScholarshipisonlyavailableforstudentsofcurrentorreFredPostmasters) PostOffice:__________________________________ Zip:_______________________
Pleasenote:ChildrenandgrandchildrenofAssociatemembersarenoteligibleforthisScholarship. THISAPPLICATIONFORMMUSTBEACCOMPANIEDBY: 1: Students high school transcript 2: College entrance board test results (SAT or ACT); Not necessary if a@ending trade school 3: Personal resume’ of scholasEc acEviEes, extracurricular acEviEes, sports, employment history, community service, clubs, posiEons held, and awards or honors received. 4: Applicant’s Personal Statement. Please write a statement in which you discuss a personal experience or achievement in your life. Describe how it relates to your aspiraEons for the future. EligiblestudentapplicantmustbeahighschoolseniorwhowillgraduateinDecember2016orahighschoolseniorwhowillgraduateinMay/Juneor2017.
APPLICATIONDEADLINE:MustbepostmarkedbyApril10,2017. SendcompletedapplicaFonto: DanO’Neil–8RidgeTerraceEast,CanajoharieNY13317. QuesFons??Youcanemailmeat:[email protected]
February 201710
Co-Retiree PresidentMichael Silvestri
7 Queens StHuntington NY 11743-
3724H: 631-271-3980C: 631-241-1430
The Downstate Prospective Happy New Year. Now that the holidays are behind us
we can settle in for a long winter. Now is the time to plan for the new year and the new Postmasters organization, United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA). Our new executive board has a lot to do this year. I am looking forward to assisting in making this a successful first year. We are looking forward to the mid-winter meeting being held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany NY, at the end of January. This is where we finalize our plans for the upcoming events for 2017. Our first trip as a state group will be to Washington DC to visit our Senators and Congressman to discuss issues that affect Managers and the future of the Postal Service Feb 27-28. Our second order of business is to plan and promote first UPMA NYS Branch Convention. This year’s convention to be held at the Edgewood Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria Bay N.Y. June 9-10. The next order of business will be our National Convention Aug 5-10 in Louisville KY. There is much work to be done. The state is fortunate to have a very experienced executive board to accomplished these events. I am also looking forward to hear first-hand what has been accomplished at the local level around the state. This is also a good time to plan our spring and fall swing meetings. Again, there is much to look forward to and much to accomplish at the mid-winter meeting and making UPMA’s first year successful.
As a new organization, the active Postmasters must navigate their way through a new era. They will be faced with a number of daily challenges, many of which may be blown out of proportion when looked at as an individual. Each day you must take on one issue at a time. If you don’t you will become frustrated and accomplish nothing which
leads to the feeling of failure. You don’t want to fail and you want to be successful. Let me try to assist you with this analogy. When you first learn to ski, you are taught not to ski down the slope straight from the top to the bottom. Skiing is about turns. You learn to ski the slope from side to side. This way you control your speed and are able to stay on your skis and master the slope. You accomplish your goal. You ski from the top to the bottom of the hill. You don’t get frustrated and give up. You don’t give up because you want to succeeded. Try to approach your daily tasks at work the same way. Do what you are able to accomplish. You cannot do the impossible so don’t waste your time or efforts on trying. If and when you are criticized for not accomplishing the impossible, simply request directions and guidance on how to achieve what you are being tasked to accomplish. When you are tasked with unreasonable goals, set your own goals in order to have a sense of personal worth and a sense of accomplishment. Remember you are not alone, we are all here to help each other. That is why you became a member of UPMA. Many other Postmasters and Managers are dealing with the similar issues. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance. I wish you all a happy and successful 2017.
Thank you for returning this form with your contribution.
I’ll do my share! Enclosed is: ____ $25 ____ $50 ____ $100 ____ $200 Other: $ ____________
______________________________________________________________________________Name (please PRINT)
Home Address: _________________________________________________________________ Street Address/PO Box
________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code
My contribution is by (check one): ❏ Check ❏ Money Order ❏ NAPUS FCU Visa Credit Card
Please charge my contribution to the following 16-digit NAPUS FCU Visa Account Number:
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ CVV# ____________
Exp. Date: __________ ________________________________________
Signature (required for credit card charges)
Office use: __ Pin Received __ Active Postmaster __ Retired __ Associate State to credit __ PAC
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UPMAPACforPostmastersand Managers
MemberVoluntaryContributionPlease mail to:Brenda FinchPO Box 29Roxbury, NY12474
February 2017 11
Announcing my candidacy for - Postal Area CoordinatorAllow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Bianca and I will be running for Postal Area Coordinator for the
Northeast Area and would like you to consider voting for me at the 2017 National Convention in Louisville, KY.I was born and raised in Connecticut earning an Associate’s Degree in 1985. After bouncing around in a couple of
different jobs, I decided to enlist in the Navy. I spent 3 years from 1987-1990 stationed on the USS Miller FF-1091 stationed in Newport RI. I consider my time spent in the military as one of the best possible starts for my career and life as a young man.
I started my Postal career in 1993 as a Mail Handler in the Waterbury P&DC. In 2000, I attended the Associate Supervisor Program. I was awarded Postmaster of Bantam, CT in 2002 spending 10 years in that office. Once Post-Plan hit, I wasn’t feeling very safe in my level 16 office and so I began to pursue other options. In 2012, I was promoted to Sherman, CT- a true Level 18 office. Since then, I have been applying for and working various details in order to increase my overall knowledge of the ever-changing USPS as we know it today. I am currently on detail as Assistant to the Complement Coordinator.
I began getting involved with NAPUS in 2006 joining the State Convention committee. I have always found NAPUS, now UPMA to be a wealth of knowledge and support throughout my career. I became the membership chair from 2008-2012 and I have been the State’s Secretary/Treasurer and Postmaster Rep. since then. During this time, I have represented many Postmasters receiving discipline including the representation of a Postmaster during a mediation process.
I have been a strong advocate for the rights of my fellow Postmasters and have worked hard to maintain our rights by attending our National Legislative Conference for the past 5 years.
I assure you that, if elected, I will do an admiral job representing Postmasters, Managers, and their issues on the area level.I thank you in advance for your consideration.Sincerely,Paul BiancaCT Chapter of UPMASecretary/Treasurer3 Robert St., New Milford, CT 06776(860)671-0791
Announcing my candidacy forUPMA’s New York State Branch Retiree President
Happy New Year. It is with great honor and the support of the UPMA Long Island Postmasters both active and retired that I Michael Silvestri retired Postmaster Bethpage NY, declare my candidacy for the position of UPMA’s New York State Branch Retiree President. Our new organization is facing many challenges ahead in 2017. I pledge to do my best to make NYS Branch of UMPA one branch that all members will be proud to be members. I pledge to work with the active Postmasters to grow the NYS Branch membership. I pledge to work to make the NYS Branch visible in our state by helping with originating local monthly meeting not just on Long Island but in all five districts. I pledge my support and participation to all state, area, and national events. It is my belief that NYS Branch can be the premiere Branch not only in the Northeast but in the entire nation.
I come with much leadership experience to be a good President for this new organization. After serving in the US Army I joined the Post Service in August 1971 as a letter carrier. After eight years, I was promoted the Supervisor of Delivery. After serving several details and working in several different delivery offices I was promoted to Superintendent of Postal Operations. In October of 1992 I joined both Postmaster organizations when I was assigned OIC of Huntington Station Post Office. I was promoted to Postmaster of Bethpage Post Office in December of that year. I was asked to stay in Huntington Station until July of 1993. I have attended many State and National conventions. I made the trip each year to Washington DC. I served as Legislative Chairman for many years. I organized the congressional breakfast, made the appointments with the Senators and congressman for those Postmasters who visited the Hill. I served as Vice President for two years and Executive Vice President for two years. I serviced and President for four years. I have hosted local Postmaster’s meetings. I have hosted Postmaster’s state conventions. I retired in May 2009. As a retiree, I continued to be active in both Postmaster Associations. I am presently Co-President of the UPMA NYS Retiree Branch with Dave Cook.
If elected I will do my best for all managers both active and retired. If you choose not to elect me I will still be there to assist UPMA in any way I can to make us the best, we can be in the nation.
Please complete one form per registrant. Photocopy the form for additional registrations.
First Name:________________________________ Last Name:______________________________________
Title: ❏ Postmaster
❏ Supervisor
❏ Manager
❏ OIC
❏ Associate
❏ PM Retired
❏ Spouse
❏ Guest
Aug. 5-10, 2017Official Registration Form
Hotel ReservationUPMA has a special rate at the con-vention hotel beginning Sept. 1,2016. You must call the hotel directly to make a reservation. TheNational Office will not handle roomreservations. To make a reserva-tion, you must make a deposit tothe hotel in the amount of yourfirst night’s lodging; this depositis non-refundable after May 1,2017. All room cancellations mustbe made directly with the hotel. Tosecure the special UPMA rate, youmust identify yourself as part of theUPMA convention. The rate is avail-able only until July1, 2017, or allrooms in the block are sold,whichever comes first.
Galt House Louisville1-800-THE-GALT (1-800-843-4258)$119—single/double/triple/quad
Be sure to request the Postmaster convention rate.
Convention Registration (only one person per form):
Please circle the 9/1/16- 1/1/17- 4/1/17- Afterappropriate fee: 12/31/16 3/31/17 7/15/17 7/16/17
Postmaster/Manager/Supervisor/OIC/Associate $190 $215 $240 $265
Postmasters Retired or Guest* $167.50 $186.25 $205 $223.75
(PM Retired Luncheon included)
Auxiliary/Spouse/ Postmaster Guest $142.50 $161.25 $180 198.75
(Does NOT include PM Retired Luncheon)
Children (17 and under) $75; includes child’s meal at the Grand Banquet.
*PM Retired member may have one guest (not an active PM) register for the same price.
Grand Banquet: Aug. 9, 2017
Payment InformationConvention Fee: $________________
_____ Additional tickets for Postmasters
Retired Luncheon @ $25 each $________________
Total Payment: $________________
❏ Check payable to UPMA
❏ Visa/MasterCard
Card number_____________________________________________
Card security code:_____________ Expiration date:______________(3- or 4-digit code imprinted on card)
Signature:_______________________________________________
Mail with full payment to UPMA National Convention Registration, 8 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305-2600.
Questions? Call 703-683-9027
Registration Cancellation Refund PolicyRequests for cancellation refunds mustbe made in writing to the UPMA NationalOffice. Requests must be postmarked byApril 1, 2017, for 75 percent refund; andby July 1, 2017, for 50 percent refund.No refunds after July 1, 2017. Thesedates will be strictly adhered to; exemp-tions may be made with approval of theUPMA co-presidents.
First Name (for your badge):_________________________________
Post Office You Represent City: ___________________________________ State:__________
Your Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________ State:______ ZIP+4_____________________
Cell Phone:_____________________________________________
E-mail:_________________________________________________
1st UPMA National Convention1st UPMA National Convention
First-Timer/PM Retired First-Timer?❏ Yes ❏ No
Form 1187Request and Authorization for Voluntary Allotment
of Compensation for Payment of Employee Organization DuesFill Out Form On-line, Print it out, and Return to
UPMA National Office at the Address Below for Processing
Section D: For Use by the Employee Organization
Section E: Authorization by Employee
Section F
Section A: All New Members CompleteYour title determines whether you also complete Section B or C
USPS Employee Identification Number (EIN) Social Security Number Date of Birth Gender
Name of Employee (PRINT Last Name, First, MI) Home Telephone
Home Address (Street and Number/Box) City State ZIP+4
Personal E-mail Address
Male n Female n
( )
Section B: To Be Completed by Postmaster
Post Office City/State ZIP code Post Office Finance Number
Post Office Level Postmaster’s Direct Post Office Telephone
( )
P Mail completed form to: United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA)
8 Herbert Street Alexandria, Virginia 22305-2600
I hereby authorize the above-named agency to deduct from my pay each pay period the amount certified above as the regular dues the (UN-P) United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA) and to remit such amounts to that employee organization in accordance with its arrangements with my employing agency. I further authorize any change in the amount to be deducted that is certified by the above-named employee organization as a uniform change in its dues structure. I understand that this authorization is a pay periods deduction. It will become effective the first pay period, following its receipt in the employee organization’s headquarters office: UPMA, 8 Herbert Street, Alexandria, VA 22305-2600. I further understand that revocation forms Standard Form No. 1188, “Revocation of Voluntary Authorization for Allotment of Compensation for Payment of Employee Organization Dues” are available from my employing agency and that I may revoke this authorization at any time by filling such a revocation form or other written revocation request by “Certified Mail” directly to the employee organization’s headquarters office: UPMA, 8 Herbert Street, Alexandria, VA 22350-2600. Such revocation will not be effective, however, until the first full pay period following March 1 or Sept. 1 of any calendar year, whichever date first occurs after the revocation is received in the employee organization’s headquarters office.
Signature of Employee Date
n Check this box to signify you’ve read and understood the terms in Section E of this form.
Who/what most influenced your decision to join UPMA?
UPMA NATIONAL OFFICE FOR PROCESSING
Employee Title PO/City/State/ZIP
Post Office Telephone Number Employee Pay Schedule Level
Home Payroll Office Finance Number Employee Designation Code
Section C (Check One): n Manager/Supervisor n Associate n PMR-Only Complete
( )
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
Revised 10/2016 INT
FORM 1187-R Request and Authorization for Voluntary Allotment ofCompensation for Payment of Employee Organization Dues
Please complete and mail to: UPMA National Office8 Herbert St.Alexandria, VA 22305-2600(703) 683-9027
*OPM assigns the CSA number to all Civil Service and FERS annuitants and/or surviving spouseSocial Security Number My Annuity Number is:
CSAName of Retired Employee (PRINT Last Name, First, Middle) Date of Birth
Street and Number/PO Box City State ZIP+4
Month/Year Retired Home or Cell Number GenderMale______ Female______
Chapter
Email Address Sponsored by:
Note: If not receiving an annuity contact National Office for information on membership.
FREE MEMBERSHIP through December 31st of Calendar Year in which you retire!
SECTION A - AuthorizationThe United States Office of Personnel Management is authorized to make an appropriate deduction from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA) as the amount of dues for which I am obligated, and to pay the deduction sum to UPMA. This authorization shall apply to any and all dues changes certified by UPMA.This authorization shall be valid until UPMA receives and processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the United States Office of Personnel Management. Any disputes regarding this allotment authorization shall be a matter between UPMA and me; I hold the United States Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous deductions made pursuant to this authorization.I also request the United States Office of Personnel Management to disclose any information necessary to execute this request.Signature of Civil Service Annuitant Date
Postmasters Retired monthly dues withholding is currently $5.00.
Revised 10-16
February 2017 15
PERIODICALSPOSTAGE
PAID
2017 UPMA LegislativeAdvocacy Days
February 27-28, 2017(More Information to Follow)2017 NY State Convention
Alexandria BayJune 8 - 11th, 2017
(We will reimburse each member 1 night’s hotel cost that attend the
Convention which is now 3 days long)2017 - 1st UPMA National
ConventionLouisville Kentucky
August 5th – 10th, 2017 Galt House Hotel
140 North 4th Street Louisville, KY 40202-2910
(We voted to reimburse each activemember $500.00 and each retiree member $250.00 that register for
National Convention.)
New York Chapterof UPMA
Calendar 2017