new york chapter of upma empire state upmanyunitedpma.org/upma_newsletter_april_2017-final.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 2017Volume 2017 / Issue 4
New York Postmasters, Managers and aspiring Managers... making a difference.
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Page 3 ...................................From the Co-PresidentPage 4 ......................................................Donna DortPage 9 - 12 ..........................Convention Information Page 13-14 ............ From the Co-Presidents Retired
United Postmasters and Managers of America
New York Chapter of UPMA
Empire State UPMA
NEW YORK CHAPTER
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
Steven Steinbaum meets Postmaster General/CEO Megan Brennanat UPMA Legislative Advocacy Days, Monday and Tuesday February 27th and 28th on Capitol Hill.
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 Clayton 13624PO 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
Chapter Member Representatives
Kristine A. Lion301 Sierra Vista Lane
Valley Cottage, NY 10989(914) 572-2774
Dave JalonackPM RetiredUtica 13501
(315) [email protected]
Dan LeonardPostmasterBath 14810
(607) [email protected]
Dawn PorterPostmaster
Slate Hill 10969(845) 206-6061
Kimberly BrucePostmaster
Cross River 10518(845) 807-8743
Charlie BessettePostmaster
Cuba 14727(716) 307-6025
Lisa TripodoPM Lake Katrine 12449
78 Hapeman RdElizaville, NY 12523
W: 845-382-2086C: 518-929-2320
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 CoordinatorMary Dillon
PM Alexandria Bay 13607(315) 771-5073
4th District Coordinator Jill Gresens
PM Cropseyville NY 12052PO Box 104
Poestenkill NY 12140W: 518-279-1220H: [email protected]
5th District CoordinatorDawn Porter
PM Slate Hill, New York 10973485 Liberty Corners
Pine Island, NY 10969W: 845-355-4741C: 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 CounselorCatherine Winnie467 Mill Hook RdAccord, NY 12404W: 845-626-5881C: 845-742-7774
Eastern Adverse Action CounselorTim Burke
834 Reserve WayHarrisburg, PA 17110
NE Area Postal Area CoordinatorGeoffrey Randall
PM Delmar PO Box 502
Delmar, NY 12054W: 518-439-1933C: 518-729-9767
Eastern Area Postal CoordinatorJo Oberly
1105 Old Eagle Rd.Lancaster, PA 17601
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
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. Periodical postage paid at Bradford, PA and additional mailing 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.
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 3
By now many of you have heard about common core math. Well I have a problem that I need help solving.
Country wide we have 187 potential supervisor jobs. Out of that 187, we figure about 20% actually qualify for a supervisor. We also have another 181 jobs that we feel are solid and will qualify with no problem. That gives us a total of 368 more potential jobs. See each one of those offices need to run their web coins data with the swcs formula and see where they fall. In some situations, the office is over staffed due to an ORNA or some other reason. HQ will not give you a supervisor if you are over staffed. Sounds simple right. WRONG. Here are many of the problems I have come across and it starts with you the Postmaster or supervisor, I have found many do not know they even earn a supervisor and are pleased when they hear my voice informing them, but they (you) have work to do. See the District, Area and HQ will not simply say thank you for letting them know they look for you to remind them week after week. In one district I am going on 6 months before it finally got to HQ and was disapproved. We are still working on that particular office as there are questions about staffing. I have come across many different reasons for denial and the most popular one is over staffing. So the magic number for city carriers per route seems to be 1.4. For Rural routes it is not the number of employees it is the number of routes including any aux routes. What frustrates me more that anything is when everything is good and we send it in and the district does not respond nor does the Postmaster follow up, So below is a list of 21 offices in New York State that “MAY” qualify for a supervisor. The first 11 have enough employees, the other 10 are within one employee. If you are on this list or know someone that is, please look into the potential of earning that supervisor position. If you need assistance, I can be reached via email at [email protected] I check my emails frequently and will get back to you by close of business.
ARMONK PO, CHESTER PO, BAYVILLE PO, CENTER MORICHES PO, BOONVILLE PO, COOPERSTOWN PO,
DELHI PO, RAVENA PO, SKANEATELES PO, HOLLEY PO, SCOTTSVILLE PO
ARDSLEY PO, MOHEGAN LAKE PO, WEST POINT PO, MOUNT SINAI PO, CAZENOVIA PO, CHATEAUGAY PO,
COBLESKILL PO, GANSEVOORT PO, TICONDEROGA PO, WATERLOO PO
Postmasters often ask what the organization is doing for them and some ask why they should join. I can assure you that Tony, Sean and our National board work hard for Postmasters every day. It does not stop there though,
we have area coordinators, State boards and district coordinators that are there for support as well. I want to invite everyone to attend there local meetings. We have these meetings so that you can network and find out what is going on. If you have an issue that you would like address, feel free to call me at any time. I hear people say they do not have the time, we do not ask for a lot of time. We ask
you to attend a meeting once a month and to support the organization that supports you.
As you may have heard, The Post Office has each District giving career Awareness Conferences. Listed below are the date’s career conferences going on in NY. Contact your local Learning and Develop liaison for more information. Many District are doing Postcard mailing to notify employees.
WNY September 22-23 in Buffalo NYNew York April 23 New York NYAlbany April 23 LiverpoolLong Island April 30 MelvilleWestchester April 23 & 30Triboro June 21 Brooklyn
Frank Kouba Co-PresidentPM Selden 11784 85 Columbus Ave. C: 631-806-6766Farmingville, NY 11738 [email protected]
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
...I have found many do not know they even earn a supervisor and are pleased when they
hear my voice informing them...
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org4
Donna Dort Past President, NYS PostmastersPostmaster Retired H: 716-267-3503PO Box 92 F: 716-267-3503Kennedy, NY 14747-0092 [email protected]
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
Here in the Sunny Southwestern corner of New York State, we are having a beautiful sunny 30-degree winter day!
I’ve been standing at our kitchen window, watching the birds feeding in a large, open-sided feeder my dad built; the sparrows, nuthatches and woodpeckers love it! About 8 feet west of the feeder is an apartment-style birdhouse he also built. One of the nuthatches keeps leaving his food to fly to the birdhouse to check out the interior; I think he (and his family) will probably be moving In soon!
It’s great to see the snow going, the grass greening,
and the birds coming back.With the welcome change of seasons, our spring
District Meetings are coming up!Do make plans now to attend; the exchange of ideas
with your peers is stimulating to the intellect; will lift your spirit, and send you back to your office with renewed vigor and dedication!
Hope you are all making plans to attend the State convention in Alexandria Bay. It should be lovely in June!
Have a safe trip!Sincerely,Donna
Hi, Everyone! Happy Spring! I attended my first mid winter on Jan 28th and set up my first PAC table. Thank
you to everyone who contributed to such an important cause for Postmasters and Managers. We also did very well on the 50/50 raffle for PAC-won by Cathy Winnie.
What is PAC? For those of you who aren’t familiar with PAC, it is the Postmasters and Managers political fund, UMPA PAC. It is a multi candidate Political Action Committee (PAC) fund created with the merger of the PAC connected with NAPUS and League. It is made up of voluntary contributions solicited from the members and families of UMPA. The sole purpose of UMPA PAC is to provide bipartisan political financial support to members of Congress and Congressional candidates who are supportive of UMPA legislative agenda. A strong PAC enables UMPA to let legislators know that Postmasters and Managers financially support those legislators who
have been responsive to needs of UMPA members. You can read more on PAC and Legislative issues by visiting our website.
There are a few more ways to contribute to PAC other than the PAC table at meetings and conventions. You can use the Member Voluntary Contribution form in the UMPA newsletter, through an allotment in PostalEASE on the liteblue website, a direct credit card contribution, a debit contribution through Signature Federal Credit Union, or Retirees can contribute by telephone, internet or letter. All the information is available on our website or you can call or text me at (845) 750-1234 and I will mail you the forms.
I recently received a PAC check from 91 year old, Pauline Powers, who retired in 1980! Thank you, Pauline, for your contribution!
I hope to see everyone at beautiful Alexandria Bay in June! Take Care! Brenda Finch, UMPA PAC Chair
Brenda Finch VP / PAC ChairPM Arkville 12406 W: 845-586-4182PO Box 297 C: 845-750-1234Roxbury, NY 12474 [email protected]
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 5
Dan Leonard Chapter Member RepresentativePM Bath 14810 607-398-8200 [email protected]
Postmastersand Managers
of America
By the time you read this in April, I should have already received any input on changes anyone would have liked to have adopted in to the Bylaws. I haven’t received anything as of March 11th. We all should be concerned on the content of the Bylaws that will be voted on at the 2017 State Convention that will take effect upon close of the vote. In order to proceed with elections this has to be voted on first. We need to move forward with a good sound structure. We should also remember when voting on the document of Bylaws that we need to have a starting point and can always change as we go. If the document isn’t approved as presented at the State Convention we have no choice but to use the transitional document until the next Convention. I urge you to look at this document and when it comes time to vote on it, ask yourself if you can live with it for one year and make any other necessary amendments to it the following year.
If you compare the Transitional document to it, we will be on a more solid ground moving forward. If approved however, it still has to be submitted to the National for final approval but we will move forward assuming it will pass.
My prior article in March stated the Bylaws wouldn’t take effect until Nov 1st 2018. My mistake, that date had to do with something altogether different. The Bylaws if approved will be effective immediately and if there are any changes after the National looks at it we will address them at that time. The District Coordinator’s Article XIV should also have said Chapter Member Representatives not Adverse Action Member Representative Chair on three different lines. I gave this explanation and made the changes rather than republish. Please look at the March ESUPMA publication for the published proposed Bylaw document.
Proposed Bylaws
Postal Issued PhonesThose exempt Postmasters level 18 and above who
have been or will be issued these phones, beware. Use them during business hours for business use. If you desire to take them home before we are required to or given the option to, please be wise. I say this as you know anything said across these lines can be recorded and your locations tracked and used against you. Please read all the documentation that is emailed or provided about these phones. It does say these phone lines are not private and may be recorded. If used for personal use and the use will be in conflict with any work related activity as in during normal working hours it may too be held against you.
The procedures regarding the use of the phones, the required time to have these phones hooked to your hip is still being worked on. Will we be required to respond to emails outside of normal business hours? We are all responsible management employees who handle are office crisis when they arise but now our social life is in jeopardy and we need to stand against this. I know I don’t want to be hunting, cutting firewood, enjoying myself with water recreation, quenching my thirst or anything else and have a time limit to answer an email and responsibly.
Welcome New MembersVictoria E Wilson Postmaster 21 Cedar Ave. Medford NY 11763 David A. Jalonack Retired 15 Westwood Lane New Hartford NY 13413 George V. Da Silva Supervisor 612 Commons Lane Saugerties NY 12477 Richard C. Distefano Associate Member 4021 W 4th St. Patchogue NY 11772 Frank Paul Miceli Postmaster 156 Centre Ave. New Rochelle NY 10805 Santi Colloca Postmaster 1248 Oak Ave. West Islip NY 11795
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org6
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 7
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org8
Check out our all new web page especially for Retirees!www.nyunitedpma.org/Retiree-s-Corner.html
H.R.756 - Postal Service Reform Act of 2017; how will it affect retirees?
John Olson National Co-President UPMA Retired233 Poplar Ave C: 320-805-0094Lowry, MN 56349 [email protected]
Postmastersand Managers
of America
At our Washington DC Legislative Advocacy Days, we learned a few things that I think will be helpful to all Postal Annuitants. This year’s Postal Reform Bill, HR 756, was introduced by Representative Jason Chaffetz (R) UT on January 31, 2017. Cosponsors include Representatives Elijah Cummings [D-MD], Mark Meadows [R-NC], Stephen Lynch [D-MA], Gerald Connolly [D-VA] Dennis Ross [R-FL], Steve Russell [R-OK], and Brenda Lawrence [D-MI], Part of this bipartisan bill deals with the integration of Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). That means that current and future Postal retirees, who are Medicare-eligible, will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A, B and D.
First, as to the question of whether or not any current retirees will be “Grandfathered” in. As currently drafted, the short answer is no because that is the major source of the estimated postal savings. In addition, Medicare integration would virtually eliminate the Postal Service’s unfunded health liability. If you weren’t aware, postal retirees who left service on or after January 1, 1984 are entitled to Medicare Part A coverage upon their 65the birthday, without any premium. These retirees already paid for it with your Medicare payroll tax. Although FERS retirees do not have to file any additional paperwork, CSRS retiree do need to file a form to ensure Part A coverage.
Medicare Part A is hospital coverage and provides for Inpatient hospital care. Limited inpatient stays in most skilled nursing facilities. Hospice and home health services are also covered.
Medicare Part B is optional and covers most outpatient services and supplies that are medically necessary to treat your health condition. This can include office visits, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, power mobility devices, etc.)
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, D, is
provided and coordinated by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
If you sign up late for Medicare Part B, you would normally have to pay a late penalty premium every month for the rest of your life, along with your Part B premium. Your monthly Part B premium would go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Medicare Part B but did not take it. You can see that with some annuitants having been eligible for several years or even decades, that could add up to a really significant monthly penalty.
The next question is whether or not the “Late Penalty” will be waived for current annuitants brought into Medicare under HR 756. The answer to that is yes the penalty would be waived HR 756 provides language that will roll current annuitants into Part B and D without any penalty.
Although there are retirees who, at the time they reach their 65th birthday, believe that they would prosper financially by being covered solely by FEHBP and waiving Medicare Part B coverage, many later regret not having elected to enroll in Part B. The concern for many who have declined Part B coverage is that they will be burdened with an additional premium. Nevertheless, dual coverage carries the benefit of no copayments or deductibles, meaning 100% insurance coverage. So, in the long term, Medicare integration may be a good thing for the overwhelming majority of retirees. An added benefit is that FEHBP premiums be less than they would have been otherwise for all postal FEHBP participants – that is active and retired postal folks.
Of course, all of this is speculation, because HR 756 has not passed yet and amendments may modify the bill including how Medicare may integrate with FEHBP for postal retirees. It still has a way to before it can be signed into law by the President.
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 9
UPMA State Convention 2017Come On! Get Ready-Get Set! Get
your coverage!When: June 9-11, 2017
Where? Edgewood Resort & Convention Center
Alexandria Bay NY 13607Call For Reservations 315-482-
9923Send in your Registration Form to:
Maureen Wratten!
Time and Place 2018 Time and Place is a group effort to plan, and find our future Convention Venue.Anyone and everyone can submit places to be canvassed, and someone will be asked to follow through and
receive all the bids to be voted on at State Convention. The following is the criteria that has been used in the past, to get started when inquiring about a venue:
For 2018:Convention Date: Historically the first or second weekend in JuneRoom rates/Comped rooms/menu prices/ Hospitality Room availability/area attractionsIn my experience, you have to start with the date availability first (places book up fast with weddings, etc. on the
weekends), then the room rates. That can be a deal breaker if one of these criteria cannot be feasible to our group. ANYONE who has any ideas for places, please bring them forward to any officer, and we’ll help with getting the
information ready and submitted for the 2018 Convention site.Donna JennessConvention 2017 [email protected]/315-408-5165
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org10
Come On! Get Ready-Get Set! Get your coverage!
Where? Edgewood Resort & Convention CenterAlexandria Bay NY 13607Call For Reservations! 315-482-9923Send in your Registration Form to Maureen Wratten!
When? June 9-11,2017
What’s in store at Convention this year? It’s of course our business meeting, but it’s time to
relax, time to learn, time to voice your opinions, time to network, time to build our new organization into a solid group of Postmasters and managers to work towards a better workplace for the present and the future.
Please make your reservations and reach out to a new Postmaster and fill them in on why they should attend.
This year we are having a Christmas theme for Auction night! Wear your X-mas PJs, or your ugly X-mas sweater! Santa will have a special gift for you if you are a winner!
Please bring auction items this year that are gift appropriate, something new, homemade, etc.
A table will be set up this year for a silent auction for all of our crafty PMs ( or their family) so we can showcase all the talent that is out there also!
We will have access to a coffee nook so if you’d like to furnish Christmas cookies, bring them along!
Some tid bits you may like to know…The Convention Center is within five minutes of a
major grocery store, dollar store, drug store, banks, wine/liquor stores,etc.
There are many shops, restaurants, boat tours ,etc in downtown Alexandria Bay if you wish to take them in!
Visit www.visitalexbay.org
Please contact me to sign up for any committees that you are interested in helping with: Banquet, First Timers, Sergeant at Arms, ,etc.
UPMA State Convention 2017
Donna Jenness Convention ChairPM Clayton 13624 C: 315-408-5165PO Box 11 [email protected], NY 13650
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 11
NY Chapter UPMA Convention - June 9-11, 2017Edgewood Resort & Conference Center
22467 Edgewood Rd., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Convention Overnight Room Rates are:$119.00-Call for availability.
To get the special room rate and credit for NY UPMA attendance at the hotel, it is important that you call Hotel Reservations at 1-315-482-9923 and mention you’re coming to the UPMA Convention. THE HOTEL
WILL HOLD OUR BLOCK OF ROOMS UNTIL Tues. MAY 12.
Vendor Exhibit Area Vendor Information: Any organization or business is welcome to set up an exhibit to sell merchandise or distribute information. There is limited space. The cost for one table (8’ long) size area is $75.00 for the entire convention. Exhibitors & vendors may start setting up Thurs. afternoon June 8 and remain set up through Sun. morning June 11.
NY Chapter of UPMA 2017 CONVENTION Exhibitor Application
Company/Organization: ______________________________________________________
Product/Service: _____________________________________________________________
Contact Name: ____________________E-mail:___________________Phone:_____________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________St_______Zip________
Fee for 1 - 8’table area is $75.00. Number of areas needed ____ X $ 75.00 = $______.___
Submission deadline is May 15, 2017 - Please include the fee (check or money order) made out to “NY Chapter UPMA” with application. Mail to: Maureen Wratten 1108 Mason Rd Waterville, NY 13480. (Contact Maureen Wratten@ [email protected] or 315-525-2822 )
* * * Aditional opportunities to join the convention attendees:
If you are interested in doing a 10 minute presentation to the attendees Friday or Saturday afternoon during convention, check here and you will receive information. ____________
If you’re interested in joining the attendees for their on-site lunch Friday or Saturday during convention, check here and you will receive pricing and information. ___________
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org12
The 1st Annual NY Chapter of United Postmasters & Managers of America
ConventionJune 8-11, 2017
REGISTRATION - PLEASE PRINT IN BLOCK LETTERS
Name_________________________ E-Mail Address ___________________________ Phone:______________
Office______________Zip______ County___________________
Circle ALL that apply: Postmaster, OIC, PMR, Associate Member, Guest, PM Retired, Guest Retired, First Timer State Convention
County/State/Area Officer (List Office Held: _________________)
Names of guests attending with you: ____________________
REGISTRATION FEES: Circle choice(s)
ACTIVE FULL Convention: (coffee breaks/2 lunches/1banquet): $ 50.00 / After May 1 $ 70.00
RETIRED FULL Convention: (coffee/2 lunches/1 banquet):$ 37.50 / After May 1 $ 57.50
ONE DAY Convention: (coffee break/ lunch) FRI. $ 35.00 or SAT. $ 35.00
Number of Additional Single Banquet tickets: _______ at $ 50.00 each
Total Enclosed: For Registration $_________ For Additional Banquet $________
--------CLIP HERE TO RETAIN CONVENTION & HOTEL INFORMATION BELOW ------
ALL Active and Associate Members: Your Registration Fee and 1 night hotel room will be reimbursed IF you attend the main session each day you attend. ALL RETIREES: Your Registration Fee and 1 night hotel room will be reimbursed IF you attend the annual retiree meeting Saturday. Attendance will be reviewed. ($20 Late Registration Fee after May is Non-Refundable) Remit registration check now & submit voucher after event. NOTE: STATE Officers covered by the organization do not include a check. Indicate office held. EVERYONE MUST REGISTER. Event badges required for admittance / door prizes. Send registration form/fees, check or money order, made payable to NY UPMA to: Maureen Wratten 1108 Mason Rd Waterville, NY 13480 Questions-call/text Maureen 315-525-2822 or email [email protected] PLEASE NOTE: After you register, if you find that you will be missing one or more meals, please notify Maureen Wratten by May 25th or ASAP so that UPMA isn’t paying for meals missed. Attendees will not receive credit for missed meals.
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 13
David Cook Co-Retiree PresidentPM Retired Westbury H: 516-676-284329 Glenwood Rd. C: 516-572-7804Glen Head, NY 11545-1313 [email protected]
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
Retired and HappyPRESIDENTS MESSAGE
The following is posted on the NYS UPMA web site which you can see at www.nyunitedpma.org.
The United Postmasters and Managers of America states in the Articles of Incorporation, in part, the following:
This organization shall be incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit organization and shall be known as the “United Postmasters and Managers of America.”
The purpose for which the corporation is organized as an independent, non-p artisan professional membership association shall be to: provide a vehicle through which members may assist one another in matters connected with their employment in the United States Postal Service.
The Bylaws of the United Postmasters and Managers of America states:
As an affiliate of United Postmasters and Managers of America and subject to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of UPMA, the purpose of this is to promote, assist and instruct retired Postmasters and Managers in all areas of personal and related items of interest or concern and to work cooperatively in the of UPMA aims and goals.
A UPMA Retired member shall be any person who has retired from the Postal Service, pays membership dues,
and includes the following:All persons having held the title of Postmaster at any
time during their career.All persons having held an EAS position at any time
during their career.An Associate member shall be an individual who pays
dues, has all privileges of other members, and exercises an interest in the Organization to include the following
U.S. Postal Service employees (not otherwise described).
Former Postal Service employees (not covered in the above article, but including Postmaster Reliefs at the conclusion of their position with the Postal Service).
Surviving Spouses.Associate members shall be considered members of
the UPMA Retired Organization.I have tried to schedule a boat tour during our State
Convention that would fit in to our tight schedule, but, after communications with the tour Company I am unable to schedule a group tour. I have asked if they accept walk on passengers, I will notify everyone when I receive their reply.
If you wish to be added to our Postmaster Retired e-mailing list, please sent your e-mail address to me at the following: [email protected]. Everyone is welcome to receive our notices and information.
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org14
Michael Silvestri Co-Retiree President7 Queens Street H: 631-271-3980Huntington, NY 11743-3724 C: 631-241-1430 [email protected]
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
The Downstate ProspectiveMarch has arrived in the Northeast. Finally the
days start to get longer. The weather starts to show promise of warming up. The Legislative Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. has passed. The NYS delegation is back from a successful visit to Washington D.C. Now the District Coordinators are making ready for the Spring Swing Meetings. The executive board is working on our UPMA NYS Chapter convention in Alexandria Bay NY. I am looking forward to both events.
While in Washington the legislative delegation was from the senate side of the Capitol to the congressional side in shirt sleeves with our suit jackets over our arms in sunny seventy degree weather. On Monday our first stop was Senator Gillibrand’s office. The second stop was Senato Schumer’s Office. Both visits received positive feedback. Then it was on to the Capitol Visitors Center for a presentation from our own Bob Levi. The Postmaster General also came by to discuss the importance of HR 756 The Postal Reform Act of 2017 to the Postal Service. On Tuesday morning we attended meetings in Congressman Chris Collins office (thank you to Mary Converse for making the appointment). We stop by Congressman Tom Suozzi office. We spoke with Ellie Arbeit and left a copy of the issues that affect our members. Dave Cook and I had met with Cynthia Rogers the aide to Tom Suozzi at his Long Island office the Thursday before our trip to D.C. As he is a freshman
congressman Dave and I are attempting to make a strong connection with our representative. President Frank and Gary Bonura met with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Tuesday morning at a breakfast the congresswoman’s Washington home.
I am not going to go into detail the Legislative Advocacy Summary. It is posted on the National website and the NYS website: www.nysunitedpma.org I urge you to make an effort to meet with your representative and discuss the issues that affect you, our members and our new organization. As we were a small delegation (six) we were not able to visit all the New York State representatives.
It was my privilege and honor to be able to make this trip and walk the halls of congress and the senate. I would urge all, that in the future, you make plans to make the trip to Washington D.C. It has always been a trip I have looked forward to making and an enjoyable experience.
Just a comment about my mention of March and the weather in the first paragraph. As you know March did come in like a lion. We went from above seventy degrees in Washington D.C. to the teens and twenties when we returned to Long Island. I am hopeful since March came in like a lion, it does go out like a lamb. I hope this finds you all in good health. Best wishes to you and your family for the upcoming holidays in April.
March 2017 www.unitedpma.org 15
Candidacy Announcement for Vice-President of the NY Chapter of UPMA Retirees
It is with great honor that I, Mary Converse, announce my candidacy for Vice-President of the New York Chapter of UPMA Retirees. I have had the pleasure of serving in this position in NAPUS before the merge and then as one of four Co-Vice-Presidents since the merge. I also served the NAPUS NY Retirees as Secretary-Treasurer and then as President.
I became Postmaster of West Bloomfield, 14585, in 1975 and served there until my retirement in 2003. I also served as OIC in Silver Springs and Hemlock during my tenure. I began as an officer in the Ontario-Wayne
Counties organization serving as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President. I also have served NAPUS District 2 as Director for 2 years, and Vice-President for two years and served on several National Committees during this time, including banquet, budget, teller and audit committees.
I was elected NAPUS NY Chapter Secretary-Treasurer in 1993 and served two four year terms in this position, with a year as NAPUS NY Membership Chair in between these terms. After retirement I was elected NAPUS National Secretary-Treasurer for the years 2007 and 2008.
Membership has been my main interest for the past several years and I would make that my priority if elected as your NY State UPMA Vice-President.
Candidate Announcements UPMASusan Rice Candidate for UPMA
National Vice President for the EastMaking a difference through
sound leadership – that’s my goal! I’m Susan Rice, candidate for UPMA National Vice President for the East. Being a Postmaster and serving my fellow Postmasters and Postal Managers is a passion of mine. I was on the NAPUS National Executive Board in 2014-2016 as we worked to blend our two organizations, and I welcome the opportunity to serve
our membership again as we continue to grow. As a NAPUS National VP, I worked directly with the Northeast, Great Lakes, Eastern, Cap Metro, and Southern Areas. I
was an active participant in the national pilot program for Postmaster Essentials training for Level 18 – 20 Postmasters and am a Course Facilitator for the Alabama District and the Southern Area. I believe that it is important for our organization to continue to encourage our growth as leaders within the USPS with continued training opportunities. I am currently Co-President for the Alabama Chapter and have served my chapter in various capacities through the years.
As a Postmaster, I understand the everyday challenges we face as managers. I will represent the membership of UPMA as we build upon our past to make our future better. Thank you for your consideration.
March 2017www.nyunitedpma.org16
Candidacy Announcement UPMA NY State Branch Retiree Vice PresidentGreetings, fellow Postmasters,
Managers, and esteemed Retirees. My name is Keith Miner, Postmaster of Hurley NY 12443. I consider it a great honor to announce my candidacy for 2017 UPMA New York State Branch Retiree Vice President. I am running as a retiree simply because, after a 32-year Federal career, I am retiring effective March 31st, 2017. I wish to continue the
work I did as a New York State Vice-President with the National League of Postmasters by recruiting and helping active and retired members alike.
I believe that I have a tremendous amount of life and work experiences that would serve you, the members of the UPMA community. I grew up the upstate NY community in Schuylerville NY 12871, graduating high school in 1979. In 1983, I received a BA from Siena College in American Studies and Social Studies Education. After a one year stint as a manager with Montgomery Wards, I enlisted in the Army to help pay off my college loans. I ended up serving 26 years as an Active and Reserve member with the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 11th Special Forces, and United States Special Operations Command as an intelligence analyst, Arabic linguist, and paratrooper. I am a disabled combat veteran, having served at many locations in the continental United States, Central America, Europe, the Middle East in Operation Desert Storm and several locations during the Global War on Terrorism. After my first 4-year stint with the Army, I joined the Postal Service in 1988 as a PTF MPLSM clerk in the Mid-Hudson P&DC 12555 (then called SCF Poughkeepsie). I worked as a clerk there for 5 years, then, as an SSA in Woodstock 12498 and Hudson 12534 until 2003, when I became Postmaster of Connelly 12417. I became Postmaster of Glenford 12433 in 2004 and Hurley 12443 in 2013. Along the way I served as an Acting Distribution Supervisor and MPLSM Supervisor in Mid-Hudson, 204b in Woodstock 12498 and Hudson 12534, and OIC in Hurley 12443,
Ancram 12502, Palenville 12463, Phoenicia 12464, West Shokan 12494, and Glasco 12432 (all post offices ranging from Level 11/13/15/16/18/20). I have served as an Accident Investigator, City and Rural Route Inspector, F-2 and F-4 team member, and have assisted three POOMs with details within their POOM groups. In 2006, I was named the Westchester District Small Post Office Postmaster of the Year. I am married for 31 years to my wife Lorraine, who I met at Siena in 1980, and I have two great kids, Victoria Rose, 24, and Timothy, 19.
As an active Postmaster and as a member of both NAPUS and the League, I have always assisted my fellow Postmasters with any issues they may have had, especially with SOV. I have been an active participant in several state conventions and, after my children graduated, have now had the time and resources to attend the last two National Conventions. I have actively campaigned for Postmaster rights and Postal Service needs with our elected representatives in Congress. Locally, I have served as Treasurer and Vice President for the Ulster County Postmasters Association, and for two years prior to the NAPUS/NLPM merger, served as a NYS Vice President for the League. I love public speaking, teaching in formal or informal settings, and learning from my more experienced colleagues.
I believe that I will bring energy, enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to the office of Vice President. I am proud to have the support of many current and retired Postmasters, elected members of the NY UPMA Board, and our National UPMA Vice President, Cathy Winnie. I hope to have your support so that I can continue to serve the members of the UPMA.
Respectfully yours,
Keith Miner101 Highwoods Rd.Saugerties, NY 12477-3420(845)246-3489 Home(845)706-9894 [email protected]
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
PERIODICALSPOSTAGE
PAID
New York Chapterof UPMA
Calendar 2017
April 9th Deadline for May/June Issue of
Empire State UPMA
www.NYUnitedPMA.orgwww.facebook.com/groups/NYUPMA
1st Annual NYS UPMA State ConventionJune 8 – 11, 2017
Edgewood Resort & Conference Center Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
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.)
UnitedPostmasters
and Managersof America
FY 2017 Career Awareness Conference ScheduleArea/Dist Point of Contact Phone Date Location
Albany NY Patricia DiMento 315-452-3675 Apr 23 Liverpool, NYNew York Joanne Kelly 212-330-3960 Apr 23 New York, NYWestchester Michelle C Nicolosi 914-697-7183 Apr 23 & 30 Newburgh/White Plains, NYLong Island Dolores Witkowski 631-755-2549 Apr 30 Melville, NYTriBoro Jeanette Brooks 718-348-3301 June 21 Brooklyn, NYWestern NY Julieann Morgan 716-846-2329 Sept 22-23 Buffalo, NYAlbany NY Patricia DiMento 315-452-3675 Nov 6 Albany, NY