National League of Postmaster’s, The Education Organization

Michigander

Official Publication of the National League of Postmasters

Michigan Branch

Editor, Peggy Swander, Postmaster Lambertville, MI Nov/Dec 2013

Inside this issue:

Pictures from the 2013 State Convention

Pictures from the 2013 National Convention

Articles from Board Members

APO info sheet for your RPMO’s

Introducting the new Michigan web site

www.michiganpostmasters.org

The very best in the world!

Kathy Hansen, Big Leaguer of the Year 2013

Peggy Swander, Postmaster of the Year 2013

2

Denise Owen, State President Postmaster, Clarkston Important Information

“You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in

business tomorrow. “ Anonymous

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows

the way”. John C. Maxwell

Several of us just returned from a very informative and exciting League National Convention in San Diego. With the change

in the scheduling of the National Convention meetings, we were able to enjoy being tourist, experiencing the great southern

California weather. Information was shared from, National League President, Mark Strong, PMG Pat Donahoe, and Chief

Operating Megan Brennen, who all spoke on the changes we can expect.

National President Mark Strong said part time offices are another step toward closure but for now must continue to provide

good service. We can provide guidance to the PMR’s and encourage them to provide good service to the customers. The PostPlan is the Postal Service’s plan and life as we know it has changed but for the most part offices are still open. Mark spoke

about the APWU arbitration award, with the cost of placing a clerk into the Level 18 offices will require millions of dollars.

PMG, Pat Donahoe. Right now the Postal Service counts Sunday as a service day, resulting in Monday’s high committed

volumes and high overtime. But currently eliminating Sunday as a service is something they are considering eliminating which

would move the commitment of delivery to Tuesday. Headquarters has reduced office space from 7 separate buildings down to

one, several areas vacant in the building, they will supply the League with trend charts for head counts reflecting the decline.

Chief Operating Megan Brennen said about 48% of the Postal Service’s cost is benefits. She also stated that First Class mail

volume in continuing to decline to only 43% by 2017. mPOS, is a handheld POS unit that will be used in the lobby to sell

stamps and Ready Post, which will assist with decreasing the time of processing customers transactions and time spent waiting in line. She also encouraged postmasters to keep their eCareer file updated to be ready for postings.

Next year’s National Convention will be held August 3 - 6, 2014 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV. Room

rates range from $89 .00+ tax to $109.00 + tax. Visit the National website for more information. www.postmasters.org.

The Michigan Board is planning on holding several 3-Digit Meeting in several areas of the state in late September and early

October. A postcard will be mailed out and also broadcast email will be sent out the information.

If you would like to be added to the Michigan Branch email broadcast email list please send your name, office, and email

address to: nlpm_michigan@tir.com Also visit the new Michigan Branch webpage to read the latest news. Including information on next year’s state convention which will be held at beautiful Shanty Creek which offers exciting things to do

once the general meeting and classes are over. There is a area to review some YouTube links, the link address is listed

…….enjoy http://www.michiganpostmasters.org/

Gossip and Rumors – can be a form of exclusion, can be a form of bullying, can destroy trust, can damage reputations, believing in rumors can lead to bad choices – Why are they started? Out of jealousy or revenge, for attention, power or control.

You need to get the facts, don’t be an audience, there are no innocent bystanders with harmful/hurtful rumors, Make the

rumors and gossip stop with You.

3

101st Michigan State Convention

Fred Smith, State Convention Chairman

June 12-14, 2013

We had beautiful weather the entire time we

were in Sault Ste. Marie; this year’s event was

held at the Ramada Ojibway Hotel in the heart of

downtown. Wednesday night’s Ice Breaker was

held in Hotels Restaurant “Freighters” we

enjoyed a Nacho Bar with a view of the ships

going through the Locks. After dinner most of

us strolled through the adjoining Locks Park,

viewed the ships and the local talent show in the

park.

Thursday we opened the Session with the VFW

Color Guard, and then were welcomed by our

State President Denise Owen. National

Executive Vice President Sean Accord was in

attendance for the entire Convention, he

informed us on the issues that the League was

dealing with in Washington, and gave a very

informative session on POStPlan and took the

time to answer everyone’s questions. This year

we tried something different, instead of having

breakout sessions for classes we just worked

them into the day. I received a lot of good

feedback on this and may try it again next year.

Detroit District Manager Lee Thompson, and

Grand Rapids Postmaster Theresa Mullins, spoke

of the issues in their Districts and what is

happening in the Post Office.

Thursday night was a free night, many of us

enjoyed looking at the local shops, trying the

Brew Pub and dinner out with friends. And of

course we all went to the Hospitality Suite for

some great fun and laughs. Thanks to Jean, Sue

and Gena for supplying the refreshments and

cleaning up after us.

Friday was

filled with

more great classes, and additional information

from our National VP, and State President. Our

Vendors, Family Life and Blue Cross were there

and as usual, with snacks and prizes for all.

Also, this year we were very surprised to have a

new Vendor, Sarah Fitzek, she wrote a

children’s’ book about her father, who was a

letter carrier and we were very fortunate to have

her there selling it throughout the week, many

thanks to all who supported her. Elections were

held in the afternoon, congrats to all the winners.

Friday afternoon we had a few free hours; some

enjoyed the Soo Locks Boat Tour before the

Banquet. At the Banquet we enjoyed a Prime Rib

dinner, with great company. After dinner we had

the drawing for Chinese Auction, thanks to all

who either contributed for the Auction or

purchased tickets to make it very successful. We

announced the winners of the Postmaster of the

Year and Big Leaguer. Also, Sean Accord swore

in all of the new officers.

I just want to thank everyone who volunteered to

make this a very successful Convention. I

especially want to thank Sean Accord and Denise

Owen for the leadership. Jean Dirkse and Sue

Guernsey for everything they did to make the

Hospitality Suite enjoyable. And Larry Epple of

Family Life Financial and Michelle Leifer of

Blue Cross, Blue Shield, you always have been

very generous and supportive of the League.

4

Me and My New Red Flip Chart:

Dala Crosby, Postmaster Kingsley

I received the new Red Flip Chart at the office the other day.

Did you get yours? I was very excited. Here is my recollection

of what happened:

Hmmm what’s this! It’s preeeeeetttty. Opening it up I grabbed

my heart in excitement. I put my hand to my face. I yelled to

my clerk, “BETSIE! IT’S A FLIP CHART!”

“Oh Boy!” says Betsy, (who wasn’t far, as this office is a small office), started to giggle, she knows how excited I get

with new products. With one carrier left in the office I sought

her attention as well. “SHARON! LOOK SHARON! IT’S A

FLIP CHART!!!! OMG THEY LOVE ME, BETSIE! THEY

SENT ME A FLIP CHART!!”

“What’s a flip chart?” Asked Sharon, beginning to smile.

“A FLIP CHART (yes I speak in caps lock at times) IS A

CHART USED TO SELL SOMETHING!!!”

I could see they were not impressed. (Surely if I explained it, they would be?)

“Let me set the scene” says I, “have you ever been to a sell-

you-something party? There is a hostess and some pretzels and

some kind of nasty veggie tray (I hate veggies, I have never

like veggies and contrary to what my Mother said will happen;

I will forever hate veggies) and some cookies or fruit salad in

a their-house-is-better-than-mine-they-are-never-coming-over

setting?!?! Then there is a sales lady who stands up and tells

jokes she has told hundreds of times before. Her voice sounds

like she swallowed helium before you walked in. That sales

lady wants to give you something.”

I continue, “The sales lady says, but if you want to win you

have to say a catch phrase to win! Like Dala is beautiful! That

Jewelry looks stunning!!” Then the sales lady will give you

treats or bright colored coupons for saying all the right things!

And whoever has the most coupons or treats wins!

Now Betsie and Sharon are starting to understand.

“But what’s with the flip chart?” said Sharon. Betsie starts to

laugh and said “Oh Boy” She seems to say that a lot when people talk to me. Perhaps I should analyze this? That will be

something to put on my to-do list: later.

I smiled and grabbed

the chart and flipped it

open, and as I let the

notebook hang over

my forearm I began to

show her the pages

within. “At a party,

while the sales lady is

reading from one side” I explained, “the party crowd is

looking at the other side. The sales lady has all the right things to say on this side and we have pretty pictures on the other

side so we can…THINKABOUDIT!”

(Thinkaboudit: a universal term used in the presence of

poorly behaved minors by their matronly keepers)

“Here” I say to them, “let’s practice!!!! I will be the sales lady

and you two are my party guests and you will say all the right

phrases and when you say all the right phrases I will give you

a priority sticker and whoever has the most stickers will win!”

“What will we win?” asked Sharon

“YOUNG LADY THAT IS AN EXCELLENT QUESTION

AND FOR ASKING THAT QUESTION YOU GET A

PRIORITY STICKER!”

“Thank you” giggled Sharon “Well, what will we win? We

still don’t know what we will win...”

“ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION, THERE ARE NO

STUPID QUESTIONS! HERE, HAVE TWO PRIORITY

STICKERS! YOU WILL LOVE THE FREE GIFT; IT IS MOST WONDERFUL FREE GIFT EVER! NOW LETS

TALK ABOUT PRIORITY MAIL AND HOW WE NOW

OFFER 50 DOLLARS FREE INSURANCE AND FREE

TRACKING WITH ALL PRIORITY MAIL AND…”

“You’re crazy” says Sharon “I have to go deliver mail.”

“WAIT! WE HAVENT COUNTED OUR STICKERS YET!!

I AM GIVING AWAY A FREE PRIORITY BOX! COME

BACK!”

So, have you seen the new red notebook? IT’S SO

PREEEEETTY! ~Day

5

Postmaster of the Year

By Peggy Swander, Postmaster Lambertville, MI

It was a great honor for the Michigan Branch to name me Michigan Postmaster of the Year in Sault Ste. Marie in June 2013 at

the annual state convention. I was so surprised. Fred Smith, last year’s winner, was the person doing the introduction; he started to tell interesting things about the winner, that this person has served as vice

president for four years, been a 3 digit coordinator, how many Postmaster position and OIC position this person had been in,

that this person was married, had children, had been convention chairperson. I

remember thinking “wow” this person really has done a lot, then Fred got to the last identifier of “buys her gas in Toledo

OH” did I realize he was talking about me! Holy Cow! I was so surprised I can tell you. I got up to the podium to say my thank you:

I can remember not having anything constructive to say, just standing there

being stunned. So now that I’ve had time to reflect I want to say a proper thank you. Thank you to my mentors, you taught me so

much. Thank you to my fellow postmasters, you trust that I know the

answer when you call me with the question. Thank you to my fellow

convention chairperson, you made that process so easy. Thank you to my family, you put up with me being gone so much.

Thank you to the League for the chance to prove my leadership capability. Thank you to the Postal Service for allowing me to do

a job that while a challenge at times is truly the perfect place to exercise my

skills, knowledge and abilities.

The Michigan Branch has a new web site.

The board wanted something else and I was tasked with finding someone to build it, I

thought “ok, how hard could it be?” “I could do that”, well… I’m here to tell you that it was a challenge. But I got it done

and now it’s up, running and I think it looks great! www.michiganpostmasters.org

Please give me your feedback about it by posting a comment on the new www.michiganpostmasters.org

6

National Executive Vice President, Sean Acord

A bunch of us took a tour through the Soo Locks

The “Stewart J. Cort”, the first 1,000 foot

Great Lakes Freighter. Most identifiable

because of the giant number #1 painted on the

back of the ship.

Pictures from the 2013 Michigan Branch State

convention held in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Swearing in the

Michigan Branch

State Board

7

COMING UP! National League Convention in Reno 2014

How do you feel about classic cars? Being the daughter of an auto dismantler, I love them. I have

attended Hot August Nights a few times in the 90’s. My husband lowered and dressed up a ’64 Chevy

pickup. We had a ’55 Ford Custom and a few other toys over the years. The current classic car in our

home is not as old as these, but is a ’78 MG. Hopefully you will see it in Reno. One thing you learn

about classic cars is that they are always having things

done to them.

Come to Reno a little early and you will feel the

full frenzy of Hot August Nights. The streets will be

crowded with viewers and owners walking the streets to

see the cars. Many of them will have the hoods up so

that you can see the chrome and the engines. They

shine. Of course, attending a Show N Shine is the

perfect way to get your best view of some classics.

As I was checking out the entertainment for this

year, I noticed Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers

was a Thursday night act. First time I saw the Righteous

Brothers was at Hot August Nights. It was fantastic. We

were in the fifth row at UNR watching them sing. Whew!! I knew every song!! Sonny Turner, former

lead singer of the Platters, is also there this year. Every year there are classic acts that you can purchase

tickets to see. I also see that “Grease” is playing. What would you like to see?

I googled “Hot August Nights” to find this year’s acts. I am sure that finding the acts for next year

will be just as easy. Showing up a few days early for Hot August Nights could be the highlight of your

year. Rooms for Hot August Nights disappear on October 1st. We are lucky to have a block at the Grand

Sierra which is a first class hotel where many of the shows will be held. This will be like having front

row seats to a Righteous Brothers concert. Make your reservations early. Don’t wait until the last

minute.

Shari Hetzler

111th National League of Postmasters Convention August 3 - 6, 2014 Grand Sierra Resort and Casino 2500 East 2nd Street Reno, NV 89595 Reservations: (800) 648-5080

Group: National League of Postmasters

Shari’s ‘78 MG comes home

8

INVITE LETTER

9

1187

10

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE NEWLY APPOINTED POSTMASTERS

Michele McAuliffe MICHIGAN CENTER MI 49254-9998

Lisa Wilcox PECK MI 48466-9998

Pamela Marshall ROSEBUSH MI 48878-9998

Andrew Groll HANOVER MI 49241-9998

Pamela Booms MINDEN CITY MI 48456-9998

Pamela Rambo ROYAL OAK MI 48068-9998

Dawn Kibbey ONONDAGA MI 49264-9998

Lori McDowell BROOKLYN MI 49230-9998

Michael Aprea FIFE LAKE MI 49633-9998

Matthew Haines STOCKBRIDGE MI 49285-9998

Polly Nedeau WETMORE MI 49895-9998

Wanda Vanhorn INKSTER MI 48141-9998

Eric Sieler MILAN MI 48160-9998

Claudio Naccarato NEW BOSTON MI 48164-9998

Christopher Vandeuren LAINGSBURG MI 48848-9998

Mark Maciejewski COOPERSVILLE MI 49404-9998

Kimberly Wiseman Thomas NORTHVILLE MI 48167-9998

Robert Fryling MIDDLEVILLE MI 49333-9998

Steve Stidham MANISTEE MI 49660-9998

Margo Santti SKANDIA MI 49885-9998

John Plona BIRMINGHAM MI 48012-9998

Thomas Ellerhorst FLAT ROCK MI 48134-9998

Robert Alt PLYMOUTH MI 48170-9998

Angela Isby ROCHESTER MI 48308-9998

Hermon Gillum JR DAVISON MI 48423-9998

Kimberly Green MOUNT MORRIS MI 48458-9998

Marilynn Onufry SWARTZ CREEK MI 48473-9998

Shareen Anderson CLIO MI 48420-9998

Rosalinda Rios BELDING MI 48809-9998

Linda Kudelka IDA MI 48140-9998

Krista Miller TECUMSEH MI 49286-9998

Geraldine Kern NEW HUDSON MI 48165-9998

Gary Rowe WATERVLIET MI 49098-9998

Willard Blevins JR ADRIAN MI 49221-9998

Shirley Corts LESLIE MI 49251-9998

Andrew Groll MICHIGAN CENTER MI 49254-9998

Heidi Lanius PARMA MI 49269-9998

Diane Brigham TEKONSHA MI 49092-9998

Rob Macgregor MC BAIN MI 49657-9998

Timothy Moore DUNDEE MI 48131-9998

Thomas Timmer ATHENS MI 49011-9998

Jonathan Scott SOUTH HAVEN MI 49090-9998

Jeffrey Helmuth ST. CLAIR SHORES MI 48080-9998

Robert Oaks MANCHESTER MI 48158-9998

Barbara Arnold NEW LOTHROP MI 48460-9998

Treina Norris UNION CITY MI 49094-9998

Robert Gonzalez ARMADA MI 48005-9998

Joe Johnson JR FRASER MI 48026-9998

11

Tracy Pagel MARINE CITY MI 48039-9998

Mara Boyle HAMBURG MI 48139-9998

Debra Redmond SALINE MI 48176-9998

Dorothy Cole UNION LAKE MI 48387-9998

John Swazey BAD AXE MI 48413-9998

John Crocker IV GRAND BLANC MI 48439-9998

Michael Steiner II MONTROSE MI 48457-9998

Jeannie Henderson NORTH BRANCH MI 48461-9998

Charles Leverich JR ELSIE MI 48831-9998

Kelly Lott FOWLERVILLE MI 48836-9998

Michael Sochay BELLEVUE MI 49021-9998

Matthew Kangas CONSTANTINE MI 49042-9998

Lisa Nelson NEW BUFFALO MI 49117-9998

Theresa Pitsch HOWARD CITY MI 49329-9998

Vern Piper WHITE CLOUD MI 49349-9998

Lawrence Wood RAVENNA MI 49451-9998

Judith Zimmerman BENZONIA MI 49616-9998

Derek Hightower HAZEL PARK MI 48030-9998

Peggy Swander LAMBERTVILLE MI 48144-9998

Janette Bremer LAKE ODESSA MI 48849-9998

Mindy Barnwell WEIDMAN MI 48893-9998

Diane Sybesma FENNVILLE MI 49408-9998

Steve Stidham HART MI 49420-9998

Darrel Kordie CADILLAC MI 49601-9998

Marcia Beaudoin KEWADIN MI 49648-9998

12

Pictures from the 2013 National Convention

Gena Nelson & Lora Herrmann Mindy with a part of the first timers group

Kathy giving a speech at a general session Mark Strong & Patrick Donahoe, PMG

The Michigan delegation, 2013 National

Convention.

The PMG and Sue

13

Lora giving a presentation at a general session Mark Strong and Lora with her leadership award

Kathy and her leadership award The four postmasters who won the leadership

award

Mark Strong and the Postmasters from AZ

performing Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” Kathy giving a presentation at a general session

14

Shanty creek

15

Forum 2014

16

Remote Possibilities By Julie Peterson, Postmaster Le Roy We all know what happened last May and how POStPlan has rolled out APO and RMPO’s offices. I knew my remote would be a challenge when I attended a POStPlan meeting and I was not wrong. I started immediately trying to fix items where I could and by persuasion where I had a reluctant crew. I found my patience tested as I was not physically present in the office, I could not see/hear what they were doing. By trying to fix the issues I found in my new RMPO’s I could see that I also needed to get my own house in order. I got my own house in order by becoming more organized. I used the LMS to take classes and read whatever I could about running a RMPO office. Administrating another office is so much more than signing a financial transfer and saying “I am the administrative PM”. The customers of the RMPO’s were also in an uproar over rumors as to what a remote office was. They were very suspicious of most of my actions and fixing the problems in the office took on an added dimension. I was fortunate, (if you can call it that) I had gotten some inside info on how bad the situation was and I called in help. Many extra hours on my part as well as another postmaster, consulting other Postmasters and using the resources on the national League web site along with my insistence of following policy has lead to the office making strides in the right direction. My first piece of advice to a new APO office? Get organized. You have much to do; you may have thought you were pretty busy before POStPlan, right? You’ve not seen anything yet. Use the Remote Snapshot form; a shortened form is in this issue of the Michigander while the longer, more complete form is posted at www.michiganpostmasters.org. Second piece of advice, GET HELP, DO NOT let a remote's problems drag on. Talk to another APO office; call a still sitting Postmaster in that size office. The National League web site www.postmasters.org

has many tools. I was talking to a friend about keeping track of everything going on with my

RMPO and she suggested that I make an archived file in my email and when I receive or send an email to the RMPO, I put it into that archived file. I keep a daily journal of what I did for the remote that day. It has been indispensable to me, it shows me how I spend my time and helps new APO’s with the issues I have had to deal with. Many remotes are on eMoves, Admin offices are usually POS. These retail systems are very different. Take some time and learn the eMoves system. How can you manage finances in a system you do not understand? USPS and the management associations have been working to improve small retail unit systems. Check out the classes on line. Call the still sitting Postmasters in small eMoves offices before fall 2014 rolls around. Many will be leaving then. Many POStPlan remotes have revealed themselves to be dismally run for a long time. (If that comment also fits your office, please fix it, fast.) We could debate the reasons but the fact remains now it is your office to straighten out. Your first response might be "OMG, Yuck, or I can whip this place into shape in a week"! If you can, more power to you, my experience has taught me that bringing an office up to scratch take time and dedication. So where do I go from here? My most important task is communication. Your remote will not see many emails that pertain to their office. It is up to you to make them aware. Training is essential especially with new staff. I try to keep it simple and keep it coming. Thank them for even small things. Carriers are very appreciative of their safe driver's award. I include my RMPO’s in my thinking as I do my own tasks. Do they need stamps or supplies? I adapted my daily check list to their office. The biggest complaints small offices have is they missed out on communication, training, and opportunity. I plan to not let it happen where I am administrator.

17

An RMPO’s view By Lora Herrmann

Julie has asked me to respond to her article from the RMPO viewpoint. It is a difficult task as I am still a Postmaster and the APO will not be in charge of my office until September 30, 2014. However, I can respond as a transfer agent who has been witness to both sides of the fence. What I have observed has been disturbing. It is difficult to manage an RMPO on eMoves when you are an APO on POS. The systems are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Training for APO’s to manage RMPO’s is lacking. Many RMPO’s are being run by new employees who have not had sufficient training. We need to offer assistance to all these employees. We, as League members have always had leadership skills that are of the utmost importance at this time. Share your knowledge and your expertise with both APO Postmasters and RMPO employees. Help them make the necessary contacts with Postmasters that have expertise in specific areas. We need to rely on each other more than ever! If you hear or see of an office in trouble, offer assistance, not judgment. If you are an office that needs assistance, now is the time to reach out for help from your fellow Postmasters/Managers. Do not let problems be compounded by ignoring an issue. Help is a phone call or email away! The League has taught me so much, that it is my obligation to share that knowledge with others. I am here for anyone who needs assistance with eMoves, etc. There is never a problem that cannot be resolved, but it easier to fix when the error occurs, rather than later. If you are overwhelmed with your duties call a fellow Postmaster and ask them how they manage their day. Sometimes, something as simple as organizing your office can help you to manage your daily duties. The most important thing I can share with you is “Do Not Isolate Yourself”! The League is here to assist all Postmasters, PMR’s, PSE’s and OIC’s. You can do it! The League can help!

Why Join the LEAGUE? A brief Summary of Benefits

Adverse Action Legal Services

Security Legal Services

Job Protection

Education and Information that is important for your job and your future.

Education in “The Postmasters Advocate” at the League Website and at state and national events.

Extensive training and educational opportunities at national convention.

Consultative sessions with Postal Headquarters about issues that concern YOU and your job.

The LEAGUE listens to the needs and concerns of Postmasters and takes those concerns to Postal Headquarters.

Networking on the state and national level, whether at a League event or in your home office.

The LEAGUE provides you with an entire network of contacts that will help make your job easier.

Our own in-house Post Office Continuance Coordinator, Legislative Counsel and Adverse Action Attorney.

The LEAGUE gives you opportunities to expand your knowledge, both personally and professionally.

A life line to assist you with many of the fast pace changes in the Postal Service.

The LEAGUE gives you the opportunity to take important issues to your representatives on Capitol Hill where your voice will be heard.

Helps Postmasters, OICs, PMRs and EAS employees build relationships from the ground up that can help you should a problem arise.

Gives you a sense of pride in knowing that you belong to an organization that truly cares and does something about the needs of its members.

18

National Leadership Award Winners, Kathy Hansen and Lora Herrmann

Kathy Hansen is the extraordinary treasurer for the

Michigan Branch of the NLPM. Kathy has taken great care

of the monies of our branch. She has supplied the board

with accurate and detailed accounting of all receipts and

expenditures. All reports have been filed in a timely manner. She has always created an annual report as well as

a proposed budget for the following year. She has been an

asset to our branch and to the League. What makes Kathy

most unique is her desire to share our finances with all our

State members. She believes it is essential to give back to

our members. At Kathy's suggestion the board has agreed

to refund the registration fees to all in attendance at the

State Convention in June in the form of a gift card. Kathy

also serves on a National Committee for the League. She is

the chairman for the Credentials Committee. She has

served the League well in this capacity and always keeps our elections accurate and without reproach.

Lora has been a League member for several years and

from the moment she attended her first national convention

she has been a dynamo! She has served in her state branch

as the branch secretary and has signed many Postmasters

and PMRs in her home state to the League.

Lora is an important member of the National Membership

Committee and has volunteered to do membership mailings for many states. Several of them have taken her

up on that offer and she is signing new League members

from all across the country every month. She will likely be

an MB Morrison Club member next year since at this

writing she is very close to signing 100 League members!

Lora's innovative spirit and ability to face new challenges

have made her an invaluable part of the National

Membership Committee. We know that if we have a major

task to do all we need to do is to ask Lora for help and she

is ready to help us. Lora's positive attitude is contagious

and she brightens the lives of those around her.

Lora is the National Secretary Club's president and has

also served at National Conventions as the First Timer's

Chairman. Her vibrant personality and willingness to work

for the League has brought many new members to the

League. I am very thankful that Lora Herrmann is a

part of our League family because I don't know what we

would do without her.

National League President Mark Strong and

winner of the National Leadership Award,

Lora Herrmann at the 2013 National

Convention in San Diego

Kathy Hansen accepting her National

Leadership award at the 2013 National

Convention in San Diego

19

LEAGUE Members

Mark Strong, National League President

Although I mentioned the news about the level 18 POStPlan offices in the latest Advocate, some still have not received this information. COO Megan Brennan had mentioned a few months ago that she was looking at locking the level of the POStPlan 18s regardless of the earned hours for FY/13. She has

committed this to the Postmaster organizations now. Regardless of the earned hour evaluation at the end of FY/13, any POStPlan level 18 office outside of the Zone of Tolerance will not be downgraded until FY/16. You will continue to get evaluated each year so you are well aware of the earned hours and

actual level, but the actual downgrade does not take place until FY/16.

In October I spent time traveling in Indiana and Iowa and talking with Postmasters. Although there were few surprises, the depth of issues with RMPOs and APOs was a bit more than I expected. It is clear that we have work to do to help APO Postmasters get training if needed, help get them the support that they need and work to get the time added to their hours each day to complete the tasks associated with overseeing the RMPOs. It is clear that many of the tasks and responsibilities being required of APO

Postmasters require more than “just a few minutes” to complete.

Make sure and take the time to review the NPA charts in the November Advocate. The last part of my article covers the changes for FY/14. Keep in mind that FY/14 is the first year of the 5 year pay

agreement with Headquarters that allows for PFP to be applied to NPA.

Legislation is on hold again. It was reported two weeks ago that the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee had announced a committee markup for Wednesday, November 6, 2013, of the Carper/Colburn Senate bill, S. 1486. Well if you did not hear, the committee markup was postponed. The LEAGUE does not support the bill as written and indeed the bill does not enjoy wide support. This is why the markup has been postponed. There is still a division between key senators on the health care proposals as well as objection from mailers on pricing flexibility. The LEAGUE has strong objections to the small post office provisions and is working with sympathetic senators, led by Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D- ND) to alleviate our concerns. We are hoping that an amendment will make sure small post offices receive consideration while giving the Postal Service the means to increase revenues and reduce costs to strengthen its financial position well into the future. The possibility of broad, significant amendments is very real. Please be on the alert and ready to reach out to senators or to get involved in any Legislative Call to Action that might be necessary. If the bill is not significantly amended, it will be

very difficult for the bill, as written, to make it out of committee.

Even if it gets out of committee, it still has to have a floor vote and then congress needs to get a bill through the House, and this has not even started yet. Why bring this up? We have to get good postal reform passed or we can expect the same workplace issues. The LEAGUE will have its chance at a critical time to push the legislation we want through. Before the holidays start, make a commitment to join your fellow LEAGUE members for the 44th Forum in Washington DC. Register online and make your

hotel reservations today so we can have a Postal Service tomorrow.

20

FOR YOU TO USE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUR RMPO’S, KEEP IN A HANDY PLACE.

REMOTE PO INFORMATION SNAPSHOT

OFFICE NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE NUMBER

FAX NUMBER

FINANCE NUMBER

FEDSTRIP NUMBER

CAG

METER SERIAL #

COUNTER HOURS

MON - FRI SAT

LOBBY HOURS MON - FRI SAT

LUNCH CLOSED

SPMS SCAN TIME

MON-FRI SAT

BARCODE LOCA.

CPMS SCAN TIME

MON - FRI SAT

BARCODE LOCA.

DISPATCH SC TIME

MON - FRI SAT

BARCODE LOCA.

SCANNER #'S PO

SCANNER SYS. ID

COMPUTER S.N.

MAIL ARRIVAL

MAIL DISPATCH

EBUY PURCH. LMT

STAMP STOCK LMT

PQ 1 PQ 2-4

LOCATIONS CONTINGENCY PLAN

HAZMAT INFORMATION

This is a short version of the form, the full

version can be found at

www.michiganpostmasters.org

21

AVIATION SECURITY

SECURITY AUDIT

POOM NAME

PHONE

ACCOUNTING HELP

PHONE 866-974-2733

IT HELP PHONE 800-877-7435

INSPECTION SERV

PHONE 877-876-2455

FACILITIES ( FSO)

PHONE 866-334-5376

PURCHASING SS

PHONE 877-293-2410

LANDLORD NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

SECURITY ALARM

NO YES

RETAIL SYSTEM MANUAL POS

PO BOX LOCKS COMB. KEY

LLV NUMBERS

VMF PHONE

MUSTER LOCATION for EMERGENCIES

RURAL ROUTE NUMBER BOXES MILES SEASONAL RT +/-BOXES +/-STOPS

PERSONEL

POSTMASTER NAME

COMPUTER LOG ON

EMPL ID NUMBER

PHONE NUMBER

EMERG. CONTACT

CLERK, PSE, PMR

NAME

COMPUTER LOG ON

EMPL ID NUMBER

HIRING DATE

PHONE NUMBER

EMERG. CONTACT

CARRIER RT1 NAME

EMPL ID NUMBER

PHONE NUMBER

EMERG. CONTACT

SUB RT1 NAME

EMPL ID NUMBER

PHONE NUMBER

EMERG. CONTACT

22

Help to do your job or making the process understandable By Peggy Swander, Postmaster Lambertville

There is so much information out there to help you do your job, but how do you filter out the “useful

information” from the “just of interest information”. Manuals, the Blue Page, our district web sites, other

Postmasters/Managers are all good places to start, another place you may have not thought of is the

National League web site www.postmasters.org.

The home page is up-to-date on the very most recent information coming from Postal Headquarters.

Upcoming League events are also displayed on the home page. Along the left side are the links;

POStPlan News, League News, Membership, State Branches, Legislation, Calendar of Events, Resources,

Publications and Educational dig deeper into the issues.

It would be a disservice to any of these subjects to say that one link is more valuable than the other, but I

use some more than I use others. The Recourses link brings up LINKS, where I scroll down and find my

interactive form 150. The Educational tab gets used when I transfer to another office, I check my list

again their task list to make sure I’m not missing any important task.

The advantages of membership in the Education Association become immediately evident when you log

into the on-line video training, these video courses are paced so that anyone can follow the

subject. Access to the videos is another reason to be a member; adverse action help and fellowship are

many others.

The State Branches tab leads you to the web sites of other state branches around the country; I look at

these sites to see what issue will be coming Michigan’s way as local ideas are implemented nationwide.

The Membership tab gives an extensive list of benefits you receive as a member. As a member did you

know that you have access to many no fee services, reduced rate services and fixed rate service? Check it

out; you might just save yourself some money and who doesn’t want to save money?

The League is offering a free membership to newly appointed Postmasters/OIC’s/PMR’s, to find out more

you can either contact a board member, me or go to the www.postmasters.org web site to find out more

information.

DON’T FORGET, The National League of Postmasters is not JUST for Postmasters, PMR’s and OIC’s

can join to and receive the benefits.

Retired Postmasters, you know the League has not forgotten you, there are resources for you to determine

what your best options is. Check it out at www.postmasters.org

23

2013-2014 MICHIGAN BOARD MEMBERS

Denise Owen, President

Postmaster, Clarkston

(O) 248-625-0648

(H) 810-797-5285

(C) 810-964-9418

(F) 248-625-1084

dendaned@tir.com

Julie Peterson, Vice President

Postmaster, Le Roy

(O) 231-768-4943

(H) 231-829-3780

(F) 231-920-1703

jimandjuliepeterson@gmail.c

om

Keith Raymond, Vice

President

Postmaster, Dryden

(O) 810-796-3760

(C) 810-287-8321

Kray62@yahoo.com

Laura Groat, Treasurer

Postmaster, Linden

(O) 810-735-7072

(C) 810-287-8321

Lauragroat1@gmail.com

Dala Crosby, Vice President

Postmaster, Kingsley

(O) 231-263-5820

(H) 231-632-9064

crosbyxxl@yahoo.com

Fred Smith, Secretary

Postmaster, Marysville

(O) 810-364-7922

(H) 810-985-7584

fcacsmith@aol.com

Catherine Davis-DeLoach,

Vice President &

Legislative Chairperson

Postmaster, Bloomfield Hills

(O) 248-332-3981

(C) 313-580-2091

cdel444501@aol.com

Judy Buffmyer, Retired

President

Postmaster, Retired

(H) 248-373-7794

Jbuffmyer@msn.com

Jean Dirkse, Auxiliary

Postmaster, Retired

(H) 231-269-4207

jmdirkse@acegroup.cc

Peggy Swander,

Editor/Historian/Web

Postmaster, Lambertville

(O) 734-854-2392

(H) 517-445-2750

(C) 517-260-3407

swanderp@tds.net

Dues schedule

24

Michigander A Publication of the National League of Postmasters

Michigan Branch

Peggy Swander, Editor

P. O. Box 21

Hadley, MI 48440-0021

Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

Permit #19

Hadley, MI