National League of Postmaster s, The Education Organization. Michigander. Official Publication of the National League of Postmasters Michigan Branch

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1 National League of Postmaster s, The Education Organization Michigander Official Publication of the National League of Postmasters Michigan Branch Editor, Peggy Swander, Postmaster Osseo, MI. and Co-Editor, Deb Ladner, Postmaster, RET May/June 2012 DATES TO REMEMBER: State Convention National Convention Amway Grand Walt Disney Swan Resort Grand Rapids, MI Orlando, FL June 13-16, 2012 July 29 Aug 2, 2012

2 2 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Denise Owen, State President OIC, Sterling Hts/Utica Important Thoughts Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can't are both right..- Henry Ford "If you wish others to believe in you, you must first convince them that you believe in them." -- Harvey Mackay "Managers help people to see themselves as they are. Leaders help people to see themselves better than they are." -- Jim Rohn I am inviting you attend the 100th Annual National League of Postmasters Michigan State Convention. This year's convention will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the beautiful, Amway Grand Plaza. Room rates are only $112 + tax for a standard room. The convention registration fee includes several meals consisting of, two lunches, the ice-breaker supper and the Grand Banquet. As the Education Organization, we will schedule speakers and sessions that are worth your attendance. All of the speakers and trainers will supply information concerning your employment, income and the future outlook of the U S Postal Service. Make your reservation today at the Amway Grand Plaza: state that you are with the National League of Postmasters - the phone number is: ( ). Visit the Website: On April 25 th the Senate passed S 1789, the list below covers some of the main sections: Sec Treatment of postal funding surplus for Federal Employees Retirement System. Sec Incentives for voluntary separation. Sec Restructuring of payments for retiree health benefits. Sec Postal Service Health Benefits Program. Sec Medicare Educational Program for Postal Service Employees and Retirees. Sec Arbitration; labor disputes. Sec Retirement reporting. Sec Executive compensation. TITLE II POSTAL SERVICES AND OPERATIONS Sec Maintenance of delivery service standards. Sec Preserving mail processing capacity. Sec Establishment of retail service standards. Sec Expanded retail access. Sec Preserving community post offices. Sec Area and district office structure. Sec Limitations on changes to mail delivery schedule. For detailed information, visit the League s website at and click on the link. With all the pressure to make sure we are the best, coaching can help reach that goal. Coaching is letting people know what they do is important to you and the Postal Service, never let good work go unnoticed-acknowledge it. Expected performances should start with a clear goal, after giving specific goals you should give verbal, positive, specific feedback often and it can improve performance. Behavior is controlled by consequences positive or negative, you usually get more for what you reward. Periodic Reviews serve a good purpose, giving you the chance to cover everything with the employee, from goals, sick leave usage to discussing a Postal program the employee doesn t understand. It also gives the employee time to speak about what concerns them. Use a check off sheet so you will know exactly what was discussed. Remember being a good coach also means giving specific performance (good or bad) feedback frequently and not waiting for the bad action for a scheduled review Praise in public, correct in private is very important part of coaching. This is very good advice unless the behavior presents a liability concern that must be stopped immediately which would send a strong message to others. Some good examples are purposeful safety violation, an incident involving some form of harassment, other very inappropriate conduct or when other employees are aware of a very negative situation and might assume you view it as acceptable if you say nothing With Deepest Sympathy, Our Condolences to the Family of Theresa Kimbrough. Theresa was a Michigan Branch NLPM Vice President & Adverse Action Counselor, who passed away suddenly from an illness. We all just traveled with her to Forum in DC. Theresa will be missed

3 3 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Top 10 of what you need to know about the 100 th Michigan State Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan 10. Fill out your 3971 for annual leave; send it to your POOM. 9. From this issue of the Michigander, fill out the registration form and send it to Kathy Hansen, do not use a postal penalty env. The cost is more after June Call the hotel and reserve your room using the phone number listed on page 8 of this issue of the Michigander. Reservation cut-off May 14, There will be a hospitality room this year 6. There will be valet parking at a cost of $12 per day, there is complimentary self-parking 5. The Grand Banquet on Friday night is your chance to dress up, ladies in dresses, skirts or pantsuits, men in nice shirt and tie. 4. Bring your children; Grand Rapids is a really neat place to visit. 3. Bring money for the special quilt that was made especially for this 100 th State Convention. 2. Bring your early bird prizes already wrapped and donation to the white elephant silent auction to be held Friday night. 1. Invite a fellow Postmaster/OIC to relax, learn, and have a great time and JOIN-IN on the Celebration! This is going to be a FUNtastic Convention! A, B, C s of useful references, Part 2 Peggy Swander, Postmaster Osseo, MI Michigander Editor AIC and GLA Crosswalk F101 Appendix A Book about the history of the Postal Service. PSN Customer s arguing over their mail? Disputed mail POM 616 Definitions of mail NOT sealed against inspection ASM Employee items, reporting and clearing. F First class mail return, with corrected address put on it needs new postage. POM g General delivery. POM Harassment, Guide to Understanding, Investigating, Preventing PUB 552 Interested in what you allowed for a cleaner? MS-47 J-day for rural carriers. HB F exhibit 561 Keys, attach to belt or clothing. Keep in pocket when not in use. M-41 section 522 Labels for the DYMO Label Writer. Ebuy2, search # will bring up a roll. Money order verification after 24 hours of issue Number of PO BOX must be on mail delivered to P.O.BOX. DMM Overflow of P.O. BOX mail? DMM exceeds capacity 12 days out of 20. Parcel will not fit into rural mail box? Must be delivered to house HB PO Quitting? Had enough? Resignation PS for 2574 Reinstatement of recovered employees. ELM 873 Security Requirements, Building and Site HB RE-5 Travel Time, HB F Unreasonable union requests for information? Relevance memo, Detroit HR-labor page. Veterans Preference Claims HB EL-312 section 4 Withdrawal, measure and record mail for rural carriers. HB PO X-day rules for rural carriers. EL C.5.F You were over paid for etravel? Fill out PS form 1018 ZIP code stands for Zone Improvement Plan

4 4 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 The National League of Postmasters Michigan Branch 100 th State Convention Amway Grand, Grand Rapids June 13-16, 2012 Wednesday, June 13 th 4:30-6:00 Registration 6:00-9:30 Ice Breaker Gerald R. Ford Ballroom/Cash Bar Thursday, June 14 th 7:30 Registration 8:15 Early Bird Drawings 8:30-12:30 General Session Denise Owen, Michigan State President Theresa Mullins, Grand Rapids Postmaster Mark Strong, National President John Olson, National Vice President Chuck Howe, Detroit District Manager 12:30 Lunch Honoring Retirees Imperial Ballroom 1:30-2:00 General Session Judy Buffmyer, Adverse Action Lora Herrmann, Bone Marrow Registration 2:15-3:15 Session 1, Classes 3:30-4:30 Session 2, Classes 4:30-6:30 Dinner, on your own 6:45-8:00 Greater Michigan Plant Tour 8:30-11:00 Century Celebration Party Imperial Ballroom/Entertainment/Cash Bar

5 5 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Friday, June 15 th 7:30 Registration 8:00 Early Bird Drawings 8:15 Memorial Service 8:30-10:30 General Session Mayor of Grand Rapids Mark Strong, National President John Olson, National Vice President John Difalco, League Attorney 10:45-11:45 Session 3, Classes 12:00 Lunch, Honoring First Timers Pantlind Ballroom 1:00-2:00 Session 4, Classes 2:15-4:30 General Session Election of Officers 8:00-12:00 Grand Banquet/Quilt Raffle Pantlind Ballroom/Entertainment/Cash Bar Saturday, June 16 th 8:00 Breakfast, on your own 9:00-10:30 Board Meeting Explore Grand Rapids experiencegr.com *Tentative Schedule

6 6 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Peggy Swander, Postmaster Osseo, MI Michigander Editor This is a heartfelt, grateful and sincere thank you to everyone who sent me a picture that I used to make the quilt that you see on the front page of this issue of the National League of Postmaster s, Michigan Branch newsletter. Listed below are the people who deserve the accolades of working with other s to get a project done. This quilt will be raffled off on Friday, June 15 th, 2012 at the Michigan Branch s 100 th state convention. Proceeds from the raffle will fund the Michigan Branch NLPM scholarship. Tickets will be available from Wednesday to Friday. Grand Rapids Amway Grand is the place to be to see this unique art work in person. Pictures submitted by the following people: 1. Alpena-County Court House, by William Brenner, PM Alpena, MI 2. Antrim 45 th Parallel sign, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force Ret. 3. Arenac-Train Depot, by Paula Lynch, PM Standish, MI 4. Bay-Great Lakes freighter, by Julie Jacobson, PM Bay City, MI 5. Benzie Crystal Lake, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 6. Branch Mail Pouch, Quincy, Peggy Swander, PM, Osseo MI 7. Charlevoix Round Lake, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 8. Cheboygan-Live Statue, Mackinaw City, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 9. Chippewa Great Lakes Freighter, St. Mary s River, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 10. Clare -127 Rest Area, Labor Day Weekend, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 11. Clinton-War Memorial, by Greg Boog, PM St. Johns, MI 12. Emmet Mackinaw Bridge, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 13. Gogebic-Statue near Sunday Lake, by Kristine Niemela, PM Bessemer, MI 14. Grand Traverse TART trail, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 15. Hillsdale County Fair Grounds, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo 16. Houghton Keweenaw monument, by Peggy Swander, PM 17. Iosco-Lumberman s Monument, by Susan Vittitow, PM Tawas City, MI 18. Iron Iron Mountain Museum, by Peggy Swander, PM, Osseo, MI 19. Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, by Rob Dean 20. Kalamazoo Kal-Haven Trail Head, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 21. Kalkaska-Trout Statue, by Maggie Rohring, PM, Kalkaska MI 22. Keweenaw Copper Harbor Fort, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo 23. Lapeer County Court House, by Denise Owen, PM Clarkston 24. Leelanau-Little Glen Lake from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 25. Lenawee MIS building, by Peggy Swander, PM, Osseo, MI 26. Luce Tahquamenon Falls, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 27. Mackinac Mackinaw Bridge Labor Day Walk, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 28. Manistee Portage Lake, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 29. Mason Ludington State Park, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 30. Monroe Bears statue, Cabela s, Dundee, by Peggy Swander, PM, Osseo, MI 31. Muskegon Duck Lake State Park, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 32. Oakland-Sign for Oakland University, by Judy Buffmyer, PM RET. 33. Ontonagon Lake of the Clouds, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo 34. Oscoda-Kirtland Warbler, suggested by Annie K. Miteen, PM of Mio MI 35. Otsego County Building, by Carole Singer, PM 36. Ottawa Grand Haven Lighthouse, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 37. Presque Isle-1,000 Presque Isle and 1,000 Stewart J. Cort, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 38. Sanilac-New Deal Art Mural, by Martin Garavaglia, OIC, Sandusky, MI

7 7 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June St. Clair -1,000 foot Freighter, St. Clair River, by Peggy Swander, PM Osseo, MI 40. St. Joseph Flowers on the roadside, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET 41. Tuscola-Octagon Barn, by Bob Garske, PM, Caro MI 42. Van Buren Covered Bridge east of South Haven, by Linda Graybill, U.S. Air Force RET. 43. Washtenaw Mill Pond Park, Saline, MI, by Peggy Swander, PM, Osseo, MI 44. Wayne Skyline of Detroit, by Dan Lesperance, Customer Relations, Detroit District 32. Oceana-Historical Park and Museum 33. Ogemaw-Map of Rifle River 34. Osceola-Township Cemetery sign 35. Roscommon-AuSable River 36. Saginaw-Zilwaukee Bridge 37. Schoolcraft Big Springs 38. Shiawassee-Durand Union Station 39. Wexford-Cadillac, County Library Additional pictures from other sources: 1. Alcona Quilt Trail Map 2. Alger Pictured Rocks 3. Allegan Tombstone, County Poor Farm 4. Baraga Lake in Baraga County 5. Barry Bridge at Warner Sanctuary 6. Berrien Benton Harbor High School 7. Calhoun Combine Derby, Calhoun County Fair 8. Cass County Courthouse 9. Crawford Sign for Grayling Fish Hatchery 10. Delta Park in Delta County 11. Dickinson Vulcan Mine 12. Eaton Clock in Eaton Rapids 13. Genesee Paddlewheel Riverboat 14. Gladwin City of Gladwin Street flowers 15. Gratiot County Courthouse 16. Huron-Pigeon Wind Farm 17. Ingham-County Park sign 18. Ionia-I-96 Grand River Bridge 19. Isabella-Mt. Pleasant Water Tower 20. Kent-The American Horse, Meijer Gardens 21. Lake-Canoeing on Marquette River 22. Livingston-Wedding Chapel, Hell Michigan 23. Macomb-Macomb Community College 24. Marquette Presque Isle Park sign 25. Mecosta-Piety Hill, home of Russell Kirk 26. Menominee County Park 27. Midland-County Courthouse 28. Missaukee-Dolph Bridge 29. Montcalm-Winter Inn 30. Montmorency-Lewiston Branch Library 31. Newaygo-Gazebo in Hesperia

8 8 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 National League of Postmasters 100th Michigan State Convention June 13-16, 2012 When does the hotel become the destination? When the moment you walk through the door you feel as if you've been transported - by the elegance, the details, and the gracious service. When your every expectation of what a hotel can be is exceeded. Welcome to the Amway Grand Plaza, where every stay is marked by a memorable moment. Whether it's a stroll through the historic Pantlind Lobby, the great view from one of our glass Tower rooms, the classical architecture, or your first bite at one of our 8 restaurants & lounges, you too will agree that the Amway Grand Plaza is much more than a hotel, it's a true destination. Guest Room Rates: We are pleased to confirm the following special rates: call toll free Room Occupancy Single/ Double (1-2 persons) $ Triple/Quad (3-4 persons) $ Guest room rates are subject to an 8% occupancy tax and 6% state tax. Complimentary Self-Parking and reduced rate for Valet Parking of $12.00 per day. Reservation Cut-off: May 14, 2012 Any reservations received after May 21, 2012 will be accepted on a space available basis and may be subject to Hotel rack rates. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel 187 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI Check In Time: 4:00pm Check out Time: 12:00pm NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS

9 9 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June th MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION Grand Rapids Amway Grand Hotel, June 13-16, 2012 Celebrating 100 years Register before May 31, 2012 pay $ Registration fees will increase after June 1, Fee Paid Now After June 1 Postmaster/OIC $50 $75 1 st Timer Postmaster/OIC $50 $75 Retired Postmaster $50 $75 Auxiliary Member $50 $75 Guest of Postmaster/OIC $50 $75 B.R.A.T.S.* - Youth attendee $50 $75 Daily Rates Thur/Fri/Sat (please circle) $35 $45 Please Print NAME Work Office/ZIP HOME ADDRESS CITY/ZIP HOME ADDRESS Auxiliary, Guest, or B.R.A.T (circle one) NAME Auxiliary, Guest, or B.R.A.T (circle one) NAME Please make checks payable to NLPM- Michigan Branch Send to: Kathy Hansen NLPM-Michigan Branch 3551 Rogues Edge Dr. Rockford, MI RESOLUTIONS: Why and How to Write Them

10 10 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 RESOLUTION is a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent, voted by an official body or assembly group. Do you have an idea that could help the Postal Service? Would you like something changed? Put your idea or suggestion in the form of a resolution to be acted on at our State Convention this June. One way to make suggestions or submit ideas for change to Headquarters is through resolutions. Resolutions must be voted on and passed at the State Conventions to be submitted at our National Convention. If passed they are presented to Headquarters for responses from our Postal leaders Please note the following procedures when preparing and submitting Resolutions: 1. Each resolution should be submitted on a separate piece of paper and double spaced. 2. A resolution consists of two parts: The first is a PREAMBLE; the second is the ENACTMENT. The preamble gives the reason for the resolution. Each reason why the resolution is presented should be stated in a separate paragraph. 3. A resolution uses standardized form and punctuation. a. Each reason in the preamble begins with the conjunction Whereas and a comma. b. Each paragraph of the preamble closes with a semicolon followed by and with the exception of the last paragraph, which needs only a semi-colon. c. The enactment begins with the conjunction, Be it resolved and a comma. Use that as the first word of the enactment. d. Each paragraph of the enactment closes with a semi-colon followed by and, except the last paragraph which closes with a period. Have an idea? Give it a try, following the example below. Send your Resolutions to Kathy by June 10th so that she can have them ready to submit at our State Convention. Whereas, There is considerable time and effort spent by the Resolutions Committee in reviewing resolutions; and Whereas, Many Postmasters submit more than one resolution on the same sheet of paper; and Whereas, This makes the work of the Committee much more difficult; Be it resolved, That all Postmasters be instructed that each resolution submitted to the Resolution Committee must be presented on a separate sheet of paper. Mail your Resolutions to: Kathy Hansen, NLPM-Michigan Branch 3551 Rogues Edge Dr. Rockford, MI Resolutions State situation: Whereas State Proposed Answer: Be it resolved

11 11 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Nominations for Big Leaguer of the Year and Postmaster of the Year Nominations for the Postmaster of the Year will be accepted until June 5 th. If you know of someone who is deserving of one of the League s highest awards A Postmaster who did an outstanding job for the Postal Service, always willing to help out if they can or knows who to call if they can t. This postmaster does more than just sit in their office, helping others at the district, area, or maybe even national level. This Postmaster shares information to make your job easier. Please submit their name, along with the reasons why this postmaster deserves the award. Please send your nomination to: Postmaster of The Year AWARD and Big Leaguer of the Year Award to: Kathy Hansen NLPM-Michigan Branch 3551 Rogues Edge Dr Rockford, MI Nomination for Postmaster of the Year Name Office Date Appointed Postmaster Degrees/Diplomas Other Postal Positions held Date Joined the League Offices and Committees in League Other League Activities Civic/Professional Organizations Awards, Honors, etc. Nominated by ***Attach a biography of the Nominee Attach additional sheets as needed to list awards, honors, organizations, etc. Nominations for the Big Leaguer of the Year are now being accepted. This award is presented each year to the member who is selected and given recognition for their outstanding achievements and contributions as a League member. The nominee can be a Postmaster, Officer-In-Charge, Retiree, Auxiliary or Associate Member. The award will be presented in June, at the State Convention. Please submit by June 4 th. Nomination for Big Leaguer of the Year Name Position Other Postal Positions held Date Joined the League Degrees/Diplomas Appointed Offices and Committees in League Other League Activities Civic/Professional Organizations Awards, Honors, etc. Nominated by ***Attach a biography of the Nominee Attach additional sheets as needed to list League accomplishments

12 12 G MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 ood bye and God Speed Peggy Swander, Postmaster Osseo, MI Michigander Editor I was at work Saturday morning, March 31, 2012 when an from the Detroit District A/POOM 1 Debi Gruschow came over the computer. This e- announced with great sorrow the passing that morning of a Postmaster, a mentor, Theresa Kimbrough. I looked up on Postmaster finder to see were Theresa served and this is what I ve come up with. She was appointed OIC of Inkster in Aug of 2001 and made Postmaster in March of She served as Postmaster of Monroe since 2007 doing an OIC detail in Jackson in Jan of I know that Theresa also worked on many different teams for the Detroit District. As a League member Theresa served most recently as VicePresident, Adverse Action Counselor, and the Detroit District Area Coordinator. Just this past January she traveled to Washington D.C. with other Postmaster s for the National League Forum, meeting Senator Stabenow and Congressmen Dingell. Theresa also was instrumental in getting more of the Detroit District Postmaster s involved with the League. While I write this memorial I hear her saying to me, now Peggy, you know what s going to happen is., or now what did I tell you about that. on whatever subject it was we would be talking about. Theresa, I m going to miss you like crazy. Calling all B.R.A.T.S Nicholas Swander, BRATS President This is it, the convention you want your parents or grandparents to bring you to. We are going to be at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids. I ve never been to Grand Rapids before, so I went to the internet to see what there was to do in Grand Rapids that was exciting. I couldn t believe all the stuff there was to do and all close to the hotel. Here is just a short list of the stuff we can decide from: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Van Adler Planetarium inside the Public Museum (and I can t wait to see), John Ball Zoo, Meijer Gardens with that GIANT Metal Horse. Then just a few miles away from the Hotel is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the Celebration Cinema IMAX movie theatre. And don t forget the heated indoor pool. Hope to see you in June at the Amway Grand!

13 13 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 And now for a laugh Submitted by Peggy Swander, Postmaster Osseo, MI and Michigander Editor I was sent the Nebraska League of Postmaster s Branch newsletter by Michigan s state President Denise Owen. I found an article in it that I would like to share with Michigan s Postmasters. It s written by Nebraska Vice-President Tom Riggs, Postmaster of Glenvil, NE who was gracious in allowing me to republish it in the Michigander. So here it goes What if. Postal Service titles were created/assigned by musicians we might be known as the Moody Blues. Some other interesing names for positions and functional areas could be NALC Mail Recovery Center Rural Carriers The Letterman Grateful Dead REO Speedwagon Postal Regulator Commission.... Dire Straits POOMS The Animals Great Lakes Area Postmasters ,000 Maniacs Employee Assistance Program... Loving Spoonful Vehicle Maintance Mike and the Mechanics Village Post Office Operators... Village People Transportation Network Fleetwood Mac Postal Rate Commission Sam, The Sham and the Pharos CFS Clerks Nixie Chicks Maintance The Carpenters TACS Strawberry Alarm Clock PMG The Boss (Bruce Springstein) Claims Adjusters The Turtles Accounting Help Desk The Guess Who OIC s Grassroots Office of the Inspector General... Bad Company Postal Inspectors The Police Sustainability Management Rare Earth etravel Journey Postmaster Relief s The Replacements Human Resources Culture Clubri PFP/NPA The Shaft Put in your favorite CD and enjoy the humor while you work!

14 14 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 LEFT TO RIGHT with additional information provided by Wikipedia and Postmaster Finder at usps.com th National League of Postmasters Michigan Branch State Convention, Lansing Jack Tar Hotel Lewis Capen, Postmaster Millbrook, Sec-Trea; Appointed Acting Postmaster of Millbrook Post Office in Mecosta County, Michigan made Postmaster on Ray Michalski, Postmaster Bitely, President; Appointed Acting Postmaster of Bitely Post Office in Newaygo County, Michigan made Postmaster Cleo Aldrich, Postmaster, Board Member, Clayton; Appointed Acting Postmaster of Clayton Post Office in Lenawee County, Michigan made Postmaster Mr. George Romney, Govener Canidate; George Romney (July 8, 1907 July 26, 1995) was an American businessman and Republican Party politician. He was chairman and president of American Motors Corporation from 1954 to 1962, the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, and the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1969 to He is the father of former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney and the husband of former Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Lenore Romney. Norris Miller, Postmaster Sears, 1 st Vice President; Appointed Postmaster of Sears in Osceola County, Michigan Shirley Thorne, Postmaster Horton, 2 nd Vice President. Appointed Acting Postmaster of Horton Post Office, Hillsdale County, Michigan on made Postmaster

15 15 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Postmaster of Grand Rapids Chuck Howe and Winnie Brennan, Postmaster Chesaning 1994 Michigan Branch State Convention, Grand Rapids, MI Chuck Jarrett, in white shirt, Postmaster Hudson, Michigan and Jackie Bourgard, in black shirt, Postmaster Mesick, Michigan

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18 18 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June th LEAGUE National Convention July 29 - Aug. 2, 2012 Riding the Winds of Change Walt Disney World Swan Resort Or Orlando, Florida Name Last, First, Middle, Initial Nickname Post Office Address City, State, ZIP Mailing Address Street, City, State, ZIP Additional Registrant s Last, First, Middle, Initial Nickname Code Code Last, First, Middle, Initial Nickname Code Check here if this is your first National Convention Address: Codes: A- Auxiliary, R - Retired Postmaster, G - Guest, B - B.R.A.T.S., Y - Youth, P - Postmaster, PMR - Postmaster Relief Convention Committees and Standing Committees will meet on Sunday, July 29, Official Convention Opening is Monday morning, July Postmaster fee paid before May 21, 2012, $195 Retired Postmaster fee paid before May 21, 2012 $155 Auxiliary & Guests, fee paid before May 21, 2012 $145 Postmaster fee paid on or after May 21, 2012 $210 Retired Postmaster fee paid on or after May 21, 2012 $175 Auxiliary & Guests fee paid on or after May 21, 2012 $165 Postmaster fee paid on or after June 15, 2012 $295 Retired Postmaster fee paid on or after June 15, 2012 $245 Auxiliary & Guests fee paid on or after June 15, 2012 $235 Youth B.R.A.T.S. registration fee $50 TOTAL METHOD OF PAYMENT E a r l y D e a d l i n e E x t e n d e d t o M a y 2 1, Please indicate appropriate code above; number of registrants and total here. MasterCard VISA # Exp. Date / Signature Check Enclosed Note: Cancellations or transfers received after June 1, 2012, are subject to $25 administration fee. Special Needs: Check here if you have a disability and may require accommodations to fully participate. Please provide a phone number and you will be contacted. Daytime:. If you have a special dietary need, check one: Diabetes Vegetarian Other. For Exhibitor information contact: Frank Augustosky faugustosky@postmasters.org (703) Mail form to: National League of Postmasters, One Beltway Center, 5904 Richmond Hwy., Suite 500, Alexandria, VA Rates at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort are $119 single/double plus tax which is currently 12.5%. Extra person charge, $25 per night. Children under 18 years of age may stay for free in their parents room using existing bedding. These special rates will be offered three days prior and three days after the meeting dates. Reservations made after cut-off date of Sat., July 7, 2012, subject to space and rate availability. Make reservations by calling

19 19 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 By going on line and typing into the address bar the following address, it will bring you to the hotel registration page. Personalized Electronic Reservation System For National League of Postmasters 109th Annual Convention Sunday, July 29, Thursday, August 02, 2012 Welcome to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Personalized Electronic Reservation Request System! Please submit only one request per room (i.e., if you are sharing a room, only one person should submit the reservation request). If you need to change a reservation, please contact the reservations department ( or ). Proceed to Secure Reservation Request Form. Notice: Reservation requests for National League of Postmasters will be accepted through this on-line reservation system through Saturday, July 7, 2012 or until the block is sold out (whichever comes first). Reservation requests received after this date are on a space availability basis.

20 20 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Mark Strong, National League President Today, the United States Senate passed S. 1789, the 21st Century Postal Act of 2012, in a bipartisan fashion 62 to 37. The bill gives rural post offices more support and adds on a number of restrictions to the Postal Service s ability to close them. Clearly, the Senate was not at all pleased with the behavior of the Postal Service in attempting to close thousands of small post offices over the last year or two. The bill contained a moratorium on closing small post offices in rural areas for one year, as well a moratorium of going to five-day delivery for two years. From a broader perspective, the bill returns some $11 billion of overpaid FERS money back to the Postal Service, allowing some to be used for buyouts, and the remainder to be used to pay down its debt and to cover other employee benefits, such as workers compensation, pensions and health care. Further, the bill also begins a 40-year amortized payment schedule for the Postal Service to fund the rest of its retirees health benefits and would calculate those payments using the same discount rate that is used for the major federal government retirement funds. The bill would also begin paying current postal retirees health care premiums out of the funds accumulated from earlier payment, thus reducing the size of USPS current payments for the prefunding. Together, these measures would save the Postal Service billions of dollars annually while still ensuring adequate funds for future postal retirees health benefits. Although, as noted below, the Postal Service received substantial financial relief, it generally was not a good day for the Postal Service, and a significant vote of no confidence in the way it has been handling matters such as small post offices, small business issues, and overall service reductions. The bill restricts, to some degree, the Postal Service s attempts to cut delivery standards, go immediately to five-day delivery, and close mail facilities. The bill allows the Postal Service to offer new products and new services, subject to PRC approval, so long as it follows all federal laws and regulations required to be followed by private sector companies. Specifically, in terms of small post offices. The Postal Service must establish national retail service standards that take into account such factors as the proximity of retail postal services to customers, the age and disability status of individuals in the area, and the transportation challenges in the areas served.

21 21 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Moreover, in order to counter the Postal Service s willingness to sacrifice the needs of rural communities in favor of its own needs, the bill forbids the Postal Service to close any post office if, after it would be closed, there would be no other post office within ten miles from the post office to be closed (as measured on roads with year-round access). Further, no post office could be closed if the area served by the post office does not have adequate access to wired broadband Internet, as identified by the NTIA. See for example Additionally, the Postal Service could not close a post office if the economic loss to the community served by the post office as a result of the closing exceeded the cost to the Postal Service of not closing the post office. Further, the Postal Service could not close a post office without determining that businesses located in the community served by the post office would not suffer substantial financial loss as a result of the closing. Finally, postal customers would have to continue to receive substantially similar access to essential items such as prescription medications and time-sensitive communication sent through the mail or the Postal Service could not close the post office. The bill also allows the filing of a complaint concerning a closing or consolidation, and the immediate suspension of the closing, if the person filing the complaint does so on the basis that it is not in conformance with service standards issued under section 3691, including the service standards required to be maintained under law; or unsupported by evidence on the record that substantial economic savings are likely to be achieved as a result of the closing or consolidation. It does allow the Postal Service to reduce hours. The Commission, in considering closing where there is broadband, would have to take into consideration how good and how widespread it is. Finally, the Commission shall make a determination based upon such review no later than 120 days after receiving any appeal under this paragraph. The Commission shall set aside any determination, findings, and conclusions found to be either arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law; without observance of procedure required by law; inconsistent with the delivery service standards required to be maintained under section 201 the law, not in conformance with the retail service standards established under the law, or unsupported by substantial evidence on the record, including that substantial economic savings are likely to be achieved as a result of the closing or consolidation. A more comprehensive analysis will be available in several days. The Postal Service is the cornerstone of a $1 trillion mailing industry that accounts for more than 8 million jobs in manufacturing, publishing, advertising, and other sectors.

22 22 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 A First Timer s Notes on a National League Convention Julie Peterson Postmaster Le Roy, MI You have heard it all before. If you read the state or national magazines, if you listen to your League neighbors, or if you just think about it, you have heard it before. Come to convention; it is a fantastic opportunity and a great experience. To refresh your memory here are some of the reasons to come to a convention. Great classes on many relevant topices Terrific people to meet and learn from Postal Leaders to question and discuss issues with Learn how to be a delegate to a national convention and get involved with operations and functions of the League Vote on resolutions Elect officers who work directly with the PMG and union presidents Learn from the many vendors at the booths Meet financial planners who specialize in federal retirements and planning Make friends with Postmasters from all around the county. They have fresh prespectives and solutions to some of our problems and we can offer support and help to them with theirs. A bigger network is a stronder network Learn where you dues go See a new part of the country; have some fun That is quite a list; I am sure there is more. The point is: IT S ALL TRUE; IT REALLY IS! All of that and more happened to me at my first convention. I was welcomed by Postmasters from all across the country. Everyone was willing to help me. I could have taken more classes; all were excellent. The booths had more information and the people were very friendly and helpful. My first timer responsiblilites were fun and reqarding too. I met a National League officer who recognized my first timer ribbon and asked what state am I from? When I replied Michigan I was told Michigan is a very well run branch of the League. What a compliment to our past and current officers. Many thanks to our officers for their dedication, helpfulness, professionalism and support. I experienced firsthand all that and more from the Michigan Branch. You can too. Come to convention! Orlando anyone?

23 23 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 MICHIGAN BOARD MEMBERS President Denise Owen Sterling Hts MI O C Executive VP Drew Merriner Glen Arbor, MI O Vice President Barbara Kiehborth Grand Haven, MI O Vice President Fred Smith Marysville, MI O Vice President Cynthia Zeigler Cadillac, MI Treasurer Greater Michigan Coordinator Kathy Hansen Greenville MI O Secretary Lora Hermann Irons, MI O Editor/Historian Peggy Swander Osseo, MI O H C Co-Editor Debbie Ladner H Legislation Catherine Davis-De Loach Inkster, MI O H Chaplin Sharon Roddy Topinabee MI O Auxiliary Mike Kowalczyk 5024 Bass Lake Rd. Pierson, MI Retiree President/ Lead Adverse Action Counselor Judy Buffmyer

24 24 MICHIGANDER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POSTMASTERS MICHIGAN BRANCH May/June 2012 Michigander A Publication of the National League of Postmasters Michigan Branch Peggy Swander, Editor P. O. Box 21 Hadley, MI Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit #19 Hadley, MI