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Jan/Feb/March 2016
The Virginia Postmaster
The opinions expressed in this publication are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily express the views of NAPUS or the USPS.
Immediate Past President Beatrice Robertson, Gretna 24557
176 Court Rd
Pittsville VA 24139
434-656-6996 (H)
434-250-2526 (C)
President Teresa Pearson, Strasburg 22657
70 Hidden Ln
Strasburg VA 22657
540-465-4630 (H)
540-758-1064 (C)
1st Vice President Allison Sabo, Daleville 24083
2608 Broad St NW
Roanoke VA 24012
540-293-1399
Area 3 National Vice Presidents AL/FL/GA/IN/KY/NC/OH/PR&VI/SC/TN/VA/WV
Tammy Powell, Fountain Inn, SC 29644;
864-862-3383; [email protected]
Susan Rice, Woodland, AL 36280;
256-449-6162; [email protected]
Drew Martin, West Jefferson, NC 28640
336-246-8861 [email protected]
Appalachian District VP Beatrice Robertson, Gretna 24557
176 Court Rd
Pittsville VA 24139
434-656-6996 (H)
434-250-2526 (C)
Richmond District VP Kimmy Allen, Urbanna 23175
804-758-5355 (W)
757-813-6933 (C)
Northern Virginia District VP Belinda McLawhorn, Rixeyville 22737
10107 Vernon Mills Trl
Marshall VA 22115
540-270-9624
Recording Secretary Kim Rice, Hurt 24563
108 Knollwood Dr Ln
Gretna VA 24557
804-656-3601 (H)
Secretary-Treasurer Elaine Cook, Pembroke 24136
111 Cook Ln
Newport, VA 24128
540-320-2105
Editor Anne Falls, Bassett 24055 (retired)
1805 Shadowlake Rd
Blacksburg VA 24060-2008
Co-Editor
Teresa Pearson
Scholarship Chairman
Teresa Pearson
Directors
21 & Above Bobby Shaw, Norfolk 23501
919-774-6232
18-20 Kim Rice, Hurt 24563
108 Knollwood Dr Ln
Gretna VA 24557
804-656-3601 (H)
13-16 Tina Brooks, Washington 22747
540-364-4437
A-E & 11 Helen Hurst, Susan 23163
General Delivery
Susan VA 23163
804-725-5627
Postmasters Retired President Sandra Pugh, Forest 24551(Retired)
13 Ross Woods Dr
Rustburg, VA 24588
434-528-0289 (H)
434-525-8450 (C)
Postmasters Retired 1st VP Dana Brown, Retired
PO Box 777
Cobbs Creek VA 23035-0777
Membership/PM Services Kim Rice, Hurt 24563
108 Knollwood Dr Ln
Gretna VA 24557
804-656-3601 (H)
Legislative/PAC Colanne Bunting,
Cobbs Creek 23035 (retired)
PO Box 1
Cobbs Creek VA 23035-0001
804-725-3407
Parliamentarian Mary Harrison Jones. Gloucester
23062
PO Box 306
Gloucester VA 23062
Chaplain Billy Martin, Roanoke 24022
(retired)
426 Mt Pass Rd
Blue Ridge VA 24064-1444
540-266-8859
Sandra Pugh, Forest 24551 13 Ross Woods Dr
Rustburg, VA 24588
434-528-0289 (H)
434-525-8450 (C)
Postmaster Representation
Terry Clark,
Christiansburg 24073
265 Ash Drive
Christiansburg 24073
540-552-3616 (H)
540-230-5059 (C)
Jennifer Fauver,
Stephens City 22655 9271 Travellers Court
New Market VA 22844
540-303-1459 (C)
2016 VIRGINIA OFFICERS
The Virginia Postmaster Page 3
All the holiday cheer has been delivered and we are
about to wipe the slate clean and start a fresh year. Now is the
time to consolidate all the paperwork and hang the new calendar,
fill out your registration for Virginia State Convention, make
your hotel reservations and mark your calendar. We have a great
year planned and want to share it with you.
I would like to take this time to thank the 2015 Virginia
NAPUS officers for all their time and dedication to our organiza-
tion. Thank you for all your work for our state organization and
NAPUS as a whole. We appreciate all your continued participa-
tion in our organization. I had a great year working with you at
all the events, conventions and conferences. Most, if not all of
you, will continue to serve again this year on our Virginia Board
or on one of the many committees. Thank you for your service to
our organization.
Thank you Bea Robertson for serving as our State Presi-
dent through all the adversity you have overcome the last two
years. Serving as State President has it’s own challenges let
alone trying to deal with life’s events at the same time. You are a
true trooper and I thank you for bearing these hardships and still
representing Virginia well. I look forward to serving again with
you this year.
Let’s take the clean slate of 2016 and start marking our
roles as Virginia NAPUS/UPMA members. We are no longer just
a Postmaster organization. We are now a management organiza-
tion that seeks to grow new leaders for our organization and the
Postal Service. UPMA will be the tool and guidance to provide
the training and resources to make us all successful in our
positions. We will be the stones to help make the steps into
management positions.
These stones are provided at local area meetings, State
and National Conventions. Each member in attendance is one of
the greatest resources you will be able to store in your skills and
knowledge bank. I have had a few NAPUS members contact me
through this last year. The circumstances they found themselves
in were from not being active in NAPUS. Everything I covered
with them was either taught or shared in a NAPUS function by
the training we received or the mentoring from another member.
Virginia NAPUS is excited to receive new active
members, managers, associate members, Postmasters and
OICs. We look forward to sharing with you the many
opportunities to develop you as leaders and to protect the
best interest of Managers and Postmasters. United Postmas-
ters and Managers Association will be a larger and stronger
voice for all EAS employees. UPMA is open for member-
ship to all postal employees. We as an organization can
help develop and increase our skills as well as others that
may be looking to enter the leadership team that needs the
tools and guidance to fulfill their job obligations without
the stress and lack of knowledge that may be missing.
NAPUS/UPMA has the training and resources within our
organization to make us all successful in our positions. As
members we need to reach out to others and encourage
their development.
Evolving into UPMA will bring new faces and new life
to our organization. On the State front we will be adapting a new
Constitution and By Laws that will be presented at State
Convention. We will be meeting with the Virginia League
Officers throughout the year to discuss finances, shared duties
and responsibilities, State Convention for 2017 and much more.
State Convention 2016 will be June 23-25, 2016 in
Luray Virginia. Registration and Convention Details are in this
edition of the Virginia Postmaster and on our website,
vanapus.org. We would like to invite all postal employees to join
us for the 80th and last Virginia NAPUS convention. I hope to see
many Retirees and Members join us for one final celebration
before we unite with our fellow Postmaster organization and
become a Management Organization, UMPA in November 2016.
As President of Virginia NAPUS, I would like to
continue to encourage you to work with your MPO on matters
that need to be resolved. If for any reason they cannot be worked
out, please notify me by email or phone and as your State Presi-
dent I will take the matter to your District Manager. If at that time
there is no resolution I will ask you to complete a resolution log,
which will be forwarded to the National Area VP as, our next
chain of resolution continues.
I would like to hear from you as to what is happening in
your area, positive as well as negative. This information will be
shared with other areas of the state. We have three Area Vice
Presidents in Virginia NAPUS, one for each District. Please stay
in contact with them concerning issues, information, etc. in your
Area. They will also be scheduling Area Meetings on your
behalf, to provide training and educate us on matters that relate to
your Area. Their contact information can be found in the front of
the Virginia Postmaster as well as on the website.
Allison Sabo, [email protected], is our new Webmaster
for our webpage, vanapus.org. Please share with her any infor-
mation you would like to see on this site. Also, please make sure
your contact information is current on the National Website. We
use this information for circulation. If you would like to send and
receive information by email for VA NAPUS, please send your
home email address to myself, Teresa Pearson at
(Continued on page 4)
The Virginia Postmaster Page 4
I would like to remind you that the Trigg Harrison
Scholarship and the Postmaster of the Year applications are due
March 1, 2016. Please find information in this edition as well as
on the website.
Any condolences that need to be announced can be sent
to our State Chaplain Billy Martin, [email protected]. A
memorial time will also be planned at State Convention.
Get your favorite writing apparatus out and mark your
calendars and make your plans to attend the following. If you
cannot attend the entire event please make plans to join us for a
day. Your stress level will thank you and your knowledge base
will improve. You will be a better person for engaging yourself.
Leadership Conference, Washington DC March 12-16
Virginia State Convention, Luray, VA June 23-25
112th National Convention, New Orleans,
Aug 27-Sept 1
Virginia NAPUS AREA Meeting - TBD
Hoping your New Year brings many moments to treasure as we
write the closing chapter of Virginia NAPUS and open the blank
pages of the first Chapter of UPMA.
Blessings,
Teresa Pearson
Virginia NAPUS President
Postmaster, Maurertown VA 22644
(Continued from page 3)
Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2016, another Christ-
mas season behind us. In spite of an over load of parcels (up
10.5% according to the USPS) I’m thinking maybe up 50%. But
whatever the numbers are we as Postmasters, Managers, and
Supervisors we held our own as always and got the job
completed with success.
Looking forward to the New Year we are faced with
challenges. Still the Post Office is trying eliminate more Level
18 Postmaster positions. One thing we can all do is to check our
Form 50 to make sure all information is correct. Some offices do
not have updated Form 50’s. This needs to be corrected.
Our NOVA Area District meeting is planned for April
3rd at Culpeper Post Office Conference Room, Donna and
Jennifer are being kind enough to let us use the Conference
Room, so I hope we will have a large number of people to attend.
We plan on having training on SOV, CSV, Form 50 and the 1260
program. We will update information as we receive it. All
Districts are welcome to attend. If there are any subject you
would like to discuss please let me know so we can obtain
information and speakers. My cell is 540-270-9624.
We are all in this together and need to work together for
our goals. Keeping Offices open and each of us employed and
keep our customers returning to keep that Revenue coming in.
Looking forward to working with everyone.
Belinda McLawhorn
Virginia NAPUS NOVA District VP
Postmaster, Rixeyville VA 22737
Load up the car and meet us at State Convention July 23-25, 2016 in Luray VA. Have you
seen the Luray Caverns? How about the Skyline Drive? We have a golf tournament
planned along with the local reptile Zoo giving a presentation. I promise no snakes. There
are wonderful antique shops on Main Street. We are in the country so don’t expect shop-
ping malls. Luray does have beautiful scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and
Skyline Drive. You will be in farm country. The hotel is as old as you will get, but it has
been renovated, it’s beautiful. There is no lack of good places to eat. You will be able to
spend good quality time with the family. We will have dancing at the banquet and you
will see old friends and meet new one. We will see to it that you will not want to miss
another State Convention. Bring a friend and we will show them a good time also.
See you soon!!
Page 5
The Virginia Postmaster
LEGISLATIVE/PAC 2016
Colanne Bunting, [email protected], will
be leading us to Capital Hill this year for what may
be the last annual Leadership Conference. NAPUS
contract with Marriott ends this year. The National
Board will be making decisions this year concerning
the possibility of rotating National Convention and
Leadership Conference. In the meantime, we
currently have a group from Virginia that will be
making the annual decent upon Washington in
March. This is a memorable opportunity for all of us
to participate in the daily rounds of our Congressmen
and Senators. We will be on Capital Hill with our
government officials on Tuesday. We would love to
have you join us and speak to your Congressmen and
our Senators concerning the issues facing Managers
and Postmasters. September 2016 will be a pivotal
point again for some offices when we are reevaluated
and potentially downgraded. Legislation currently
being passed around is House Concurrent Resolution
27, S.1742 the Rural Postal Act of 2015, S.2051 the
Improving Postal Operations Service and
Transparency Act of 2015, iPost.
Here is a brief summary of Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi
(D.ND) bill S.1742
Rural Postal Act of 2015
Imposes a two-year moratorium on the closing or
consolidation of any postal facility (i.e., a processing
and distribution center, processing and distribution
facility, network distribution center, or other facility
that is operated by the U.S. Postal Service [USPS],
the primary function of which is to sort and
process mail). Sets forth matters which the USPS
must consider in making a determination to close or
consolidate a postal facility, including the effect of
the closing or consolidation on the affected
community, and for using an alternate means of
transportation contract. Allows any person served by
a postal facility to appeal a closing or consolidation
to the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Preserves the current six-day mail delivery schedule.
Sets forth criteria for the closing or consolidation of
rural post offices. Imposes a one-year moratorium
on the discontinuation of a rural post office.
Grants a right of appeal to the Merit Systems
Protection Board to any USPS officer or employer
who: (1) is not represented by a recognized bargain-
ing representative; and (2) is in a supervisory, pro-
fessional, technical, clerical, administrative, or mana-
gerial position covered by the Executive and Admin-
istrative Schedule.
Establishes in the USPS the position of Chief Morale
Officer who shall oversee USPS employees, in-
cluding managers, and develop national initiatives
that address working conditions, staffing, communi-
cation, and training.
Establishes the Rural Postal Service Advisory Com-
mission to provide strategic guidance on enhancing
and protecting postal services in rural areas and to
foster innovative thinking to address challenges
facing the USPS in enhancing and protecting
such services.
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the
USPS considering options for delivery vehicles in
rural areas, providing wireless broadband Internet
access service in rural post offices, and maintaining
door or curbside delivery in lieu of centralized
delivery.
My favorite is Sen. Tom Carper’s (D.DE) S.2051
iPost legislation. I definitely support the 5-yr
moratorium of reduction of level 18 and below
offices.
Here is Virginia we have our own liaison for Postal
Reform, Congressman Gerald Connelly (D.-11th
District-NOVA Area). As a member of the House
Oversight and Government Reform Committee
and Ranking Member of the Government
Operations subcommittee, Congressman Con-
nolly is a passionate advocate for federal work-
ers and retirees.
Please continue to contact and reach out to all
your Congressmen and Senators for the state of
Virginia. Key talking points can be found in
both S.2051 and S.1742.
Support of 5 year moratorium included in
S.2051. the Postal Service may not close or
consolidate any post office or reduce the hours
of operation or reclassify downward any post
office that was classified at or below level 18.
Absence of data to demonstrate hour reduc-
tions actually saved money or reduced postal
revenue in rural offices
RCE (Retail Customer Experience) is not
measured in rural post offices, therefore the
lack of how hour reductions have impacted
service quality and service growth expansion
and revenue enhancement in rural areas.
The Postal Service would have 50 years to pay
back a reduced amount of the current funds
owed to cover the cost of Retiree Health
Benefit Fund.
The Postal Service would submit a comprehen-
sive strategic plan for reduction and
consolidation of area and district offices.
Join us in March at Leadership Conference and
receive the experience of a lifetime. Continue
to let your Congressmen and Senators know
what this legislation would mean to you as a
constituent and employee of the Postal Service.
Continue to support PAC and your Legislative
Chairman.
It has been a great learning experience for me
to serve as your Legislative Chair for the last
several years. Join me in supporting Colanne,
2016 Legislative Chair. Please know whom
your Congressman and Senators are and have
their contact information readily available. We
hope you plan to join us in Washington for
Leadership Conference. If so, you need to
provide Colanne with the name of your
Congressman or at least let her know what
District you are in. She will need this infor-
mation to make contact with their office to set
up an appointed time to meet face to face with
them when we visit Capital Hill. We need to
help inform them of the legislation that is out
there and receive their support. Remember;
“let us do together what we cannot do alone.”
Teresa Pearson
Past Legislative Chair
Calling all Executive Board Members, we will be having our Board Meeting on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at
4:00 pm in the Speakeasy Lounge. Please plan to attend. This is the only meeting we have scheduled at this
time. Your presence is required. Thank you for serving.
The Virginia Postmaster Page 6
Improving Postal Operations Service & Transparency Act
“The Post Office is the visible form of the federal government to every community and to every citizen. Its hand is the only one that touches the
local life, the social interests, and the business concern of every neighborhood...”
Former Postmaster General John Wanamaker
The Problem:
The United States Postal Service is an important part of our everyday lives and a critical engine for the American economy. However, the organi-
zation faces financial challenges that threaten its long-term viability. Due to thriving package delivery growth and an aggressive, yet unpopular,
effort to cut costs, the Postal Service generated a positive net operating income in FY 2014 and will likely do so again in FY 2015. However, the
agency continues to hemorrhage billions of dollars due to onerous prefunding requirements for future retiree healthcare obligations and the contin-
uing decline of First-Class Mail volume. We can’t stand idly by and let an institution that operates at the center of a $1.3 trillion industry and
employs more than eight million people falter. Now is the time to provide a series of sensible and balanced reforms to this critical component to
our economy, and fix its serious, but solvable challenges for the long-term.
The Solution:
The Improving Postal Operations, Service and Transparency Act of 2015 (iPOST) provides a comprehensive package of reforms to place the Post-
al Service on firm financial footing, stabilize and improve service performance, allow for the development of new products and services, and
enhance transparency.
Specifically, iPOST:
Increases Sustainability
iPOST eliminates the existing statutory payment schedule, cancels any outstanding payments, reduces the pre-funding goal to 80
percent of projected obligations, and amortizes payments over 40 years. iPOST also allows the Postal Service the option to invest its
amortization payments for up to 10 years in a more lucrative TSP-like account rather than low interest treasury bonds. At the end of 10
years, the investment income would first be used to pay any remaining retiree health liability, then debt. If those costs are resolved then
the funding can be used for other postal costs such as investment in infrastructure.
iPOST would create a new Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP) within FEHBP, implemented and administered by OPM,
for all postal employees and annuitants and require all Medicare-eligible postal annuitants and employees enrolled in the PSHBP to also
enroll in Medicare, including parts A, B and D. This is essential for protecting the American taxpayer from a future bailout and for
protecting the employees’ benefits in retirement.
Improves and Stabilizes Postal Service and Operations:
The price of postage is currently scheduled to decrease this coming spring pursuant to orders put forward by the Postal Regulatory Commission
and the federal courts. iPOST makes the current temporary rate increase put into place in 2014 permanent while freezing any further rate increases
until a new rate system can be established by the Postal Regulatory Commission by January 1, 2018. The bill also proposes a pause in the Postal
Service’s facility closing and consolidation efforts for two years for mail processing plants and five years for post offices. This pause would ensure
a stabilization of service for postal customers who have expressed concerns about an erosion of service quality in recent years. iPOST also imple-
ments stronger performance enhancement provisions to make sure that all American’s are receiving accurate and expeditious postal services.
Innovates and Modernizes Existing Postal Business Model and Increases Transparency
The bill also allows the Postal Service to introduce new non-postal products and services, ship beer, wine and distilled spirits, and
partner with state and local governments in offering government services.
iPOST increases transparency of Postal Service delivery results and would require that all transparent delivery and retail performance
results are posted in a transparent and user-friendly way.
Page 7
The Virginia Postmaster
News from Lanie
We have begun a new year with little help from
Congress. There are a few bills coming up that you
should be aware of and take the time to express your
opinion to our Representatives and Senators. Thank you, Teresa,
for reminding us of their substance and the affect we can have
on their passage.
Bob Levi in the December issue of the Postmasters
Gazette implies there maybe no more Board of Governors in the
very near future. I'm sure Headquarters is working for no over-
sight from Congress much less the Board of Governors. Senator
Heitkamp introduced the Rural Postal Act of 2015, Senate bill
1742. The bill champions a moratorium on further reductions of
postal hours. Many of the issues covered in this bill were incor-
porated into S. 2051.
In the October/November issue John Kane, Senator
Tom Carper’s senior policy adviser, and Bob Levi went to great
lengths to explain the many aspects that are introduced in Senate
Bill 2051. It affects us in Medicare, retiree funding, service
standards, freezing the closure of plants and rural post offices.
It's time to do your homework and write those letters before the
end of January.
This year will mark the last Leadership Conference at
the Marriott as our contract is expiring. Take the opportunity to
attend and reach out to your Senators and Representatives.
Whether you go or not it's also time to give to PAC to carry on
the fight. The old saying goes, “Money talks “.
Colanne Bunting
Legislative/PAC
Cobbs Creek 23035 (retired)
With a new year comes hopeful resolutions and pesky
memories of those failed resolutions in the past. New Year’s
Resolutions can be energizing and motivating and can lead to you
beat up yourself. Focusing on last year’s failures to find ways
to do better this year is no way to live your life. And when you
don’t keep your resolutions you can feel defeated.
Instead of making resolutions - why not celebrate
the memories and accomplishments you make this year. I saw an
idea where you get a jar or a box and decorate it to your own
tastes. As you have a success this year - jot it down on a piece of
paper and drop it in the container. For instance: “Met my new
grandchild - Mar 2016” “Ran a half-marathon April 2016”
“Attended the NAPUS-League Joint State Convention May
2016”.
Fill that jar up and then, in December 2016 open the jar
and read about all the good things that happened. What a better
way to spend the year and focus your attentions.
Happy New Year - remember - Let us do together what we
cannot do alone.
Elaine Cook
Secretary/Treasurer
Pembroke 24136
DUE DATE for articles and
pictures for The Virginia
Postmaster 2016 is as
follows:
March 20, 2016
May 20, 2016
July 20, 2016
September 20, 2016
December 20, 2016
Early submission is accepted and appreciated!
Send to Anne Falls at [email protected]
Kimmy Allen, will be the hostess with the mostest. If that isn’t
enough to get you registered for State Convention then maybe
our homemade refreshments will. Please consider bringing
your favorite finger food to be shared in the hospitality room at
State Convention. I am not choosy but I really enjoyed the
chocolate chip cookies that Pat Honeycutt provided at the last
State Convention that I requested food. Dips and salsa and any-
thing editable are great also. Thanks for your special attention
to this matter, my waistline will appreciate it. Drinks will be
provided along with Katy’s card game.
Page 8 The Virginia Postmaster
Having just come through another Christmas
season, I received a story via e-mail that I'd like to share
with you. It tells us two things: First, the children in this
Pageant tell the story of the Christ child. Second, it shows
us what a real blessing our children and grandchildren are
to us and that they are a gift from
God. Enjoy: THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the
time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.
I decided to do some serious praying and promised God
that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect
mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word
as my guide.
God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The
next year God blessed us with another son. The following
year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after
that we were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty.
We now had four children, and the oldest was only four
years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I
meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain,
make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children
each day as they lay in their cribs.. I was off to a good
start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't
want to disappoint Him. I tried to be patient the day the
children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor
searching for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding... when they started a hotel for
homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me
nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and
rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I
tried to see the humor rather than the mess.. and In spite of
changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a
hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at
a time, I still thank God daily for my children.
While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect
mother - I didn't even come close... I did keep my promise
to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the
mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to
church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of
soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.
Something was lost in the translation when I explained that
God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was
generous of God to give us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas
pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons
were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise
man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old
shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and
said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."
My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled
clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling
match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was
stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left
wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the
doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the
aisle crying, "Mama-mama."
Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it
tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped
forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the
manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and
we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant
got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas
program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping
tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear
the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common
sense and fur."
"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest
blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Billy Martin, Chaplain
From the Chaplain’s Corner
Page 9
The Virginia Postmaster
Trigg Harrison
Trigg Harrison was politically appointed Postmaster, Chesapeake VA in 1963. He was the
first Postmaster for the City of Chesapeake. He became very active in the National Association of
Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS). Having served the Virginia Chapter in many capacities
including Membership Chairman, Convention Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and president, he was
well known across the state. He was very proud of his accomplishments in the area of membership.
During his years, the Virginia Chapter maintained membership figures in the 90% range. He worked
very hard for the chapter and its members, and included his whole family in the work. He traveled to
every area of the state to attend area meetings and functions. He traveled the state with his wife, Anne
and put his daughters to work stuffing envelopes, applying stamps for mailings and putting together
goodie bags for conventions through the years. He also attended National events and represented our
state in a professional manner. Trigg was never too busy to be available for others or to help any
Postmaster who needed rides, meals, money, and rooms to fellow Postmasters in need. Trigg was a
very large man, but was a very gentle man. He was always seen walking around with a clipboard
taking notes and overseeing anything that needed taken care of. It was his dream to have the NAPUS
National Convention in our state. He worked diligently with other members of our chapter to promote
Virginia Beach as a possible convention site. After several years of trying, a committee presented a
presentation in Puerto Rico during the convention and won the vote to host the 1988 National
Convention in Virginia Beach. He was chosen the National Convention Chairman and he immediate-
ly began working on the plans. Unfortunately, Trigg became ill and passed away in September, 1985.
(The 1988 National Convention was dedicated in his memory.) He was supposed to be attending the
National Convention in Las Vegas, but had to cancel due to hospitalization just weeks prior. Word
was relayed to those from our state in attendance that it didn’t look good for him. The delegation met
in a room in Vegas and decided then and there that a scholarship was going to be given in his
memory. The members knew that Trigg believed in the youth and the futures that they may have.
Sadly, Trigg died the day the plane landed bringing the Virginia delegates back home. The first
scholarship was awarded in 1986 and it has continued to grow year after year. The Virginia Chapter
of NAPUS holds a benefit auction every year during the State Convention. We ask that all those
registered for the convention and anyone not able to attend or wishing to donate, bring or send their
items to be auctioned. All funds raised during this event goes to ensure our children and grandchil-
dren become educated leaders for the future. Funds for the Scholarship will be derived from this
auction, donations and memorials. Memorial donations can be made in honor of a family member or
friend. We appreciate all those that apply and give and look forward
to presenting this scholarship yearly in honor of a great man
who gave so abundantly from the heart.
Page 10
The Virginia Postmaster
Virginia Chapter NAPUS
Trigg Harrison Scholarship Fund
Rules The Trigg Harrison Scholarship fund will be available for the enrollment in a higher education program at any college, vocational-technical institute or higher edu-
cation program to any child, grandchild, or ward of a Postmaster or Postmaster retired that is in a dues paying status in Virginia NAPUS.
Article I
Section A. General Purpose
Each academic year, the Virginia Chapter of NAPUS under the “The Trigg Harrison Scholarship Fund”, will offer one but no more than three scholarships of at
least $1000 or amount available according to funds. Consideration will be given in the following order: Financial need, first time recipients and individuals already
in degree programs, grade point average and biographical letter.
Section B
Application deadline must be postmarked no later than midnight March 1 of the year scholarship is awarded. Scholarship applications are to be mailed to the Com-
mittee Chairman.
The recipient of the award must register by September of the year the Scholarship is awarded or forfeit this award. If the recipient is a High School Senior, scholar-
ship chairman will be contacting the High School to have Trigg Harrison Scholarship announced during Awards Program.
Article II
Section A. Scholarship Committee
1. The committee will be comprised of 5 members.
2. The following will serve on the scholarship committee (1) Scholarship Chairperson (2) VA Chapter NAPUS President (3) VA Chapter NAPUS Sec/
Treasurer (4) Immediate Past President (5) President of Postmasters Retired.
3. The chairman of this Committee shall preside at all meetings of the scholarship committee and shall perform the duties required of such office and shall
be the Chief Officer, thereof, subject, however, to the direction of the Scholarship Committee. The scholarship chairman will also be responsible for
notifying applicants of the results.
4. The President or his designee shall perform all of the duties of the Chairman in the absence of the Chairman.
Article III
Section A
The Scholarship committee shall meet annually at the Postmaster Executive Conference to finalize selection of candidates and for the purpose of deter-
mining the scholarship recipients and transacting such business as may properly come before it.
Section B
Special meetings of this Committee may be held at any time and place upon the call of the Chairperson or upon request of three or more members of the Com-
mittee.
Section C
Annual report to be made by the Chairperson to its members at the Virginia Chapter NAPUS Convention. At that time a full and complete report of all
activities of the Scholarship Fund Committee.
Article IV
Section A. Funds
1. Funds will be derived from fund raisers, donations and memorials.
2. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have charge of all committee books and records of The Trigg Harrison Scholarship fund. He shall
preserve all records and minutes of such committee. He shall have custody of all monies and securities of such funds and shall
keep regular books of account of its funds and property. He shall deposit all money and valuables in such banks and depositories as
the committee shall from time to time designate in a timely manner. He shall have power to endorse for deposit to the credit of
such fund all notes, checks, drafts, bonds, and other instruments received by the Scholarship Fund. He shall disburse the funds of
the scholarship fund, taking proper voucher therefore. No payment shall be made from the funds of the Trigg Harrison Scholarship
without prior authorization of the Chairperson.
3. The Secretary-Treasurer of The Trigg Harrison Scholarship Fund may at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee be required
to give bond for the faithful performance of his duties in such amount approved by the Scholarship Committee. These expenses
will be covered by the Scholarship Fund.
4. Auditing Committee shall consist of three members. It shall be the duty of the Auditors to examine the financial affairs of the
Scholarship Fund; to compare its assets and liabilities with the accounts and records; to ascertain whether the accounts are properly
and accurately kept.
5. With committee approval the Chapter Secretary-Treasurer will issue a check for each Scholarship awarded, to the Scholarship
winner and the college he-she is attending.
Virginia Chapter NAPUS
Trigg Harrison Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Deadline: March 1
To apply for a Trigg Harrison Scholarship, you must complete this application and supply the following documentation.
The completed scholarship application
Most recent copy of grades and/or grade point average
Biographical letter (not more than 400 words) Include future plans, community involvement and school activities,
positions and offices held, honors and awards and any additional pertinent information you may deem necessary,
including years of involvement.
NAME:_________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP:____________ ___________________________________
E-MAIL:______________________ PHONE NUMBER _______________
SCHOOL YOU PLAN TO ATTEND-Name and Location________________
_________________________________________________________________
Has entrance application been submitted?_________ Have you been accepted?______
Have you received this scholarship before? Yes No
What year/years? __________________
NAPUS AFFLICATION: Who in your family is a Virginia NAPUS Member in dues paying status and what relationship are
they to you?___________________________
If you are a High School Senior please state the Name and Address of your graduating High
School_____________________________________
__________________________________________________________
ESTIMATED FINANCIAL NEED
List the total anticipated amount you $_____________ will need for the year. Include the cost of tuition
and expenses such as books, transportation and housing
List funds you receive from scholarships, other sources (other than parental assistance), employment or gifts
Minus $______________
Calculate the new amount you will need by subtracting your funding (from financial
aid and any other sources listed above) from your total amount needed.
Net Amount $______________
We understand that in some cases you cannot be sure of final amounts, therefore simply make your best estimate.
Please provide any additional information that you believe would be helpful to the Scholarship Committee in assisting your
personal or financial need.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
The Trigg Harrison Scholarship can be used for tuition, room and board, books and/or fees.
Signature __________________________ Date of Application ____________
Return application Postmarked by March 1 to:
Teresa Pearson
70 Hidden Lane
Strasburg VA 22657
540-465-4620
For more information on the Trigg Harrison Scholarship visit www.vanapus.org
80th Virginia State Convention
National Association of Postmasters of the United States, NAPUS
June 23-26, 2016
401 West Main Street
Luray, VA 22835
(540) 743-5105
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
All days and Banquet are included in registration
ALL Registration $50.00
Extra Banquet Ticket only $30.00
Daily Rate (not including banquet) $30.00
NAME ___________________ POSITION___________ OFFICE ________________
HOME ADDRESS __________________________
__________________________
PHONE________________ email address ____________________________
First Timer yes ___ No___
Please send registration to:
Elaine Cook – Secretary/Treasurer
111 Cook Lane
Newport VA 24128
Refunds will be given if requested in writing as follows:
after March 1- 50% April 1- 25% No refunds after May 1
Thursday we will be hosting a golf tournament at the Caverns Country Club Resort in Luray. Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm will be the Executive Board meeting. Hospitality will be open for all at 6:00 pm with finger foods and family games.
Friday will be a full day of events starting with General Session, Special Guest, Time and Place, Constitution and By Laws, announcement of slate of officers and lunch
Retirees will then be treated to an outing to Shenandoah National Park for a Mile High black rasp-berry ice cream pie and coffee, while the General Session continues with group training, all will return for the afternoon Trigg Harrison Scholarship Auction, Past President’s cookout and Luray Zoo presentation
Thursday, June 23
AM: Golf Tournament, Luray Caverns Country Club
4:00 Executive Board Meeting
Registration open 6:00-? Hospitality Room
6:00 Hospitality open- Finger Foods and family games
Friday, June 24
8:30-5:00 General Session
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Retirees outing- Shenandoah National
Park- Mile High Black Raspberry Pie
3:00 Trigg Harrison Scholarship Auction
5:30 Past Presidents Cookout- Luray Zoo Presentation
8:00 Hospitality open
Saturday, June 25
8:30-2:00 General Session
Afternoon- Luray Caverns Tickets are available
6:00 Grand Banquet and DJ
Sunday, June 26
8:30 Memorial Service
9:00 Country Breakfast Buffet and send off
Tentative State Convention Schedule
Saturday will be General Session, voting on Constitution and By Laws, election of officers, lunch on your own. Luray Caverns tour discount tickets will be available at convention, for Saturday afternoon tour. Saturday evening will be the Grand Banquet, dress in your favorite blue and white outfit. DJ will provide entertainment.
Sunday will conclude our convention with a Country Buffet breakfast, memorial/ church service, and send off registration rebate.
Here is how it works. You complete the enclosed registration TODAY! Mail to Elaine Cook, sec/treasurer along with $50.00. You then call the Hotel, Mimslym Inn tell them you are with Virginia Postmasters and would like to make you hotel reservations for June 23-26, pay them one nights deposit to hold your room. Mark you calendar and make sure you join us for a terrific weekend. On Sunday morning after breakfast you will be given your $50.00 registration back or you can apply it to your 2017 State Convention. You must attend three days of convention and be present Sunday morning in order to receive the registration rebate. What a deal! Where else can you enjoy all the friendship, fellowship, training, meals and refund? All it will cost you is your gas to get here, hotel room and two days of leave. You will be hooked and will be joining us for every State Convention from here on out.
We look forward to seeing you in June!
__________________
We are planning a golf tournament, with prizes, on Thursday, June 23 tentatively around
10:00am. If you are up to the challenge then I need you to contact Randy Painter,
[email protected] or 540-325-9511 for signup and details.
___________________
Postmaster of the Year 2016
Nomination Form
Nominee:________________________________________________
I would like to nominate the above person for the following reason:
Postal Experience -
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
NAPUS Experience ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Hobbies/Clubs
Activities ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Awards __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Nominations must be received by March 15, 2016.
Mail to: Postmaster of the Year
Sandra Pugh, President VA NAPUS Retirees
13 Ross Woods Dr.
Rustburg VA 24588
RESOLUTION LOG PROCESS
It’s Simple!!
This is a nationally recognized process between the Postal Service and NAPUS. If you (the Postmaster) have
an issue in your Post Office that is not being resolved, the issue may be submitted to the chapter president to
determine whether a Resolution Log is necessary. If the matter is the subject of an appeal in a forum such as
MSPB, EEO, or other process, the Postal Service will not consider a Resolution Log.
Step 1 If the chapter president determines that a resolution log is necessary, he/she will start a Resolution Log
form. (Form located on the NAPUS website) The chapter president will contact the District Manager or their
designee to try to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved at the District level, the chapter president
should document the District response (Who you met with, what they said, and date of meeting.) The chapter
president should then send the form and documentation to the NAPUS National Vice President who will take
the issue to the Area office
Step 2 The NAPUS National Vice President will contact the USPS Area Vice President or their designee and
present the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved at the Area level, the NAPUS National Vice President should
document the AVP or designee’s response (Who you met with, what they said, and date of the meeting.) The
NAPUS National VP should then send the completed form and documentation to the NAPUS National Office,
attn. Executive Director.
The NAPUS National President or Executive Director will write a cover letter summarizing all of the relevant
facts concerning the issue and submit the letter along with the necessary documentation to the Labor Relations
office at USPS Headquarters. The Executive Director will work with the Postal Service on the issue with the
results relayed to all parties when completed.
Here’s a recent photo of 6
retired postmasters that work for
Northrop Grumman on Postal
projects at the Merrifield VA Post
office.
In the pic is me (of course),
Maryland NAPUS member Mike
Suder and 3 other retired
Postmasters from KY, OH and
MD.
There’s 167 years of Postal
experience in this picture. Notice
the stamp poster in the back-
ground, caption is fitting for the
endangered Postmasters.
Happy New Year
Rich Radonis
NAPUS RESOLUTION LOG
Section A – Chapter President Use
Postmaster Name:_______________________________________________________ Post Office Level: _____________
Post Office Address: ____________________________________________ Post Office Phone: _____________________
Home Address: _________________________________________________ Home Phone: ________________________
Chapter President/Designee: _______________________________________ Phone: _____________________________
ISSUE (Use additional attachments if necessary):
Discussion Date: ______________________ District: ________________________ Phone: ______________________
USPS Rep’s Name/Title: ________________________________________________________________________________
RESPONSE (Use additional attachments if necessary):
IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED:
FORWARD DIRECTLY TO YOUR NAPUS NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR DISCUSSION AT THE AREA LEVEL
Section B – National Vice President Use
NAPUS National VP/Designee:__________________________________________________ NAPUS Area# : ________
Address: _______________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________
Discussion Date: ______________________ District: ________________________ Phone: ______________________
USPS Rep’s Name/Title: ________________________________________________________________________________
RESPONSE (Use additional attachments if necessary):
IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED: FORWARD DIRECTLY TO NAPUS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 8 HERBERT ST,
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22305-2600 OR CALL 703-683-9027 OR FAX 703-683-6820.
Section C – NAPUS National Office Use
Discussion Date: ______________________ NAPUS Representative: _________________________________________
USPS Headquarters Representative’s Name/Title: ____________________________________________________________
RESPONSE:
STATE AND AREA REPRESENTATIVES NOTIFIED OF FINAL RESOLUTION:
________________________________________________________ _______________________________________
Signature Date
Memorable Moments From the Past Happy New Year, and to all I hope
you had a very Merry Christmas. I had a
wonderful holiday season and a joyous time
traveling and enjoying my granddaughter. I
would like to take a moment and thank our
outgoing President, Colanne “Lanie” Bunting
for an outstanding job. Lanie take a bow you
did a fantastic job. To the entire group of
Retirees that elected me as your next
President, I say Thank You. I will continue to
give the best of all I have and represent all
Postmasters. NAPUS has been apart of my life
for a long time and I am looking forward to
our new adventure with the League. United
Postmasters and Managers of America
(UPMA) Retired, we are ready to continue
what we have always done in the past. Yes,
we have a new name. Yes, we have now
become one group of Postmasters instead of
two. Yes, we will have some things to work
out. but with all the changes we are still the
same group that formed NAPUS and League. I
know that we will continue to do the right
thing. The reason I am assured of this is
because both of these organizations were a
family. Now we have a larger extended circle
of friends that we call family.
To all of you that sent cards or asked
about how I am doing, I am doing great. I am
still making my trip to Duke every three
months but I only have to have a CAT scan
every six months now. I've only had to have
one radiation treatment in the last year and I'm
thankful that I have not needed any more. I
will probably need more treatments in the
future but I'm grateful for the way things are
going. So for now enjoy the nice spring
weather we have been having because I'm sure
we will have an extended winter. Roses were
stilling blooming in December and now the
trees are budding like it is the spring of the
year. Looking forward to seeing each of you
in 2016!
Sandra Pugh
Postmasters Retired President
Forest 24551 (retired)
I hope that your holidays were wonderful and
you were able to spend time with your family and
hopefully get some rest. Unlike in previous years we
were not able to close early on Christmas Eve. Need-
less to say we were disappointed. After about 2:00
PM we had very little activity. Customers even want-
ed to know why we were still open.
I cannot stress enough the importance of the
1260 program. Make sure you are putting your en-
tries in both timely and correctly. The union contin-
ues to ask us for documentation. I have no idea when
these requests will stop. For some union representa-
tives calls a clerk and ask about our work. The Post-
master End of the Day icon on RSS really does help
to keep up with time spent on the window and it also
prevents us from having to do and End of the Day
every time we step away from the window.
On August 27, 2015, my mom lost her house
because of an electrical fire. It is true you never know
what something is really like until you go through it.
We were blessed in that she was not at home when it
occurred. I want to thank everyone for the kindness
that you have shown to us during this time. We had
hoped that she would be in her new home by Christ-
mas but because of zoning regulations it is looking
more like February now.
My term as President ended on December 31,
2015. Thank you for continued support and the trust
you placed in me. Virginia is a great state to be a
part of. I encourage Postmasters to help one another
and consult your officers when you feel you are be-
ing treated unjustly, or just have a question about a
particular situation. Remember you have Postmas-
ters who will represent you if ever there is a need. Do
not hesitate to call on them.
God Bless Each of You.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the
Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
With Love,
Bea Beatrice E. Robertson
Past NAPUS President
Postmaster
Gretna VA 24557
2015 has come and gone and I hope everyone
had a wonderful blessed Christmas with friends and
family. As we embark on a new year, we will be join-
ing with the League postmaster’s organization to be-
come one. I’m so proud of what we were able to ac-
complish as the NAPUS organization! As the two be-
come one think about how powerful we will be as an
organization with more members. The clerk craft of
course has a tremendous membership and look at
what they have been able to get done. Giving all
credit to NAPUS because things could have been a lot
worse to the postmasters with POST PLAN but we
were able to stop it.
Now more than ever we need you to promote
membership as we go forward. You are out there and
know when we have a newly promoted postmaster.
Reach out and extend fellowship to them. Reflect
back on your first assignment and I’m sure you will
remember that person who welcomed you. Tell them
about NAPUS and what we are all about and how
beneficial we can be to their career. Send me an
email with their name and office so that I may do the
same. With so many demands placed on a postmaster
we need to have someone encouraging and supporting
each other. Be that leaning post and promote the ben-
efits of joining our organization. Let’s us do together
what we cannot do alone!
Kim Rice
Membership/PM Services
Postmaster, Hurt 24563
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Membership
February we dedicate as Membership month for
Virginia NAPUS. We will saturate distribution of this is-
sue, of the Virginia Postmaster, to all members and non
members in the state of Virginia.
If you sign up a new member their membership
fee is free till April 1, 2016. Enclosed you will find a form
1187. The form is also available on line at napus.org.
Supervisors and Managers with the designation code 090
will be converted from associate members to active
members effective November 2016. Also, OIC’s will no
longer be a member type in our database. They will
become associate members. We encourage all Postal
employees to join our organization as an associate member.
NAPUS will become UPMA effective November 2016.
Kim Rice is our Virginia Membership/Postmaster Service
Rep.
Total Active members for Virginia NAPUS 226
Non-Members 193
Total offices in Virginia 419, 53.94% Membership
339 Retirees in Virginia NAPUS
When you hear of a newly assigned Manager or
Postmaster please give her their contact information so she
can reach out and provide them a membership packet.
It is EVERY member’s responsible to reach out to
other postal employees to invite them to join our great
organization for representation and services. We can pro-
vide them with the tools they need to advance their
career in the Postal Service.
NAPUS is not a union; it is a professional
organization. It is an organization of people who hold or
have held, a proud title for more than 200 years. It does not
discriminate by race, gender, or salary level. It is, as a
vehicle, an avenue, a method, a tool that can and does help
assist, benefit, and encourage you to be a better Postmaster.
Once evolved into UPMA, United Postmasters and
Managers of America, this organization will do the same
officially in November 2016. UPMA, will be open to all
Postal Employees and will include active membership for
Postal Management positions.
Teresa Pearson
