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Catlett This Week: Writer spends day at post office
Although the central focus of the local post offices is getting the mail out to customers and providing window service, it's hard to realize what really goes on behind the scenes until you have been there.
I was recently invited to be "postmaster for a day" in Catlett, where I learned what really happens in getting my mail.
My day begins at 7:30 a.m. I log on the computer and download information to give carriers, and check USPS.com to get reports regarding today's business activities. I then reply to each issue, if necessary. Acknowledgment must be made to show I have read this report. If I neglect this, CAP-Metro, which manages the districts of Merrifield, Dulles, Richmond and D.C., will be notified, and I will get a personal call from my direct supervisor.
After this is done, I get my window essentials out for operating the business of the day. The window is opened at 8 a.m., and I must be ready for that first customer.
The first truck arrives around 7:40 a.m. This truck brings 95 percent of the day's mail. By this time, my three mail carriers and one part-time employee are ready to start the day.
I am amazed as I watch the employees work. There is a formal greeting as they enter the building, then complete silence for an hour and a half, as each hurries to get the mail sorted for the day.
While the carriers are busy with the route mail, the part-time employee and I get the P.O. box mail sorted and in the boxes. All box mail has to be in by 9:30 a.m.
I continue to help place mail in boxes, answer the phone, and assist customers. It is a pleasure to work in such a small village and know each customer personally.
We had a truck arrive at 9 a.m. with a delivery of a once-a-month paper. We never refer to any mail as "junk." It is always "bulk" or "standard" mail.
Security is very important. Special-delivery mail in any form must be signed for by carriers as well as customers. On this day, I had a customer with mail being held for customs in Rome. A phone call was made to assure it was there.
At day's end the carriers leave, and I am here alone or with one part-timer. A scan is used continually during the day to indicate each operation is done on time. This is for the customers' protection, as well as for the employees.
I get the outside mail at 4:45 p.m. and the inside mail at 4:50 p.m., and time-scanned. After the inside door is locked, I then place all window items in the proper place for the night.
The last truck for the day is here around 5:20 p.m., loading carts from the morning truck and taking outgoing mail, as well as bringing in some next-day mail.
Our post office employees are postmaster John Black; carriers "Little," Tami and Nicky; and part-timers Darlene and Garrett. Linda and Patty are part-time clerks.
As I slipped out and started home I thought "What a contribution the post office makes to our community." I resolved never to complain again of receiving "junk" mail or if someone's letter happens to be in my box.
It is truly amazing what the staff does daily, personally handling thousands of pieces of mail. Remember to keep your mail-box area clear of snow and mail-box doors in good working order.
Have I gone full circle? Miss Jill was Catlett Postmaster for many years, and wrote the Catlett column for a lot longer.
Catlett columnist Virginia Copeland can be reached at (540) 788-4609 or catlett1966@earthlink.net.
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