On September 27, 2011, the NALC, in conjunction with other unions, launched a nationwide rally with one common goal, to support one another and Save America's Postal Service. This circle was created as a reflection of what we could accomplish if we unite as one. We went there to show not only that we are angry but we are the members and the voices of the American working class. We are not just saving our own jobs but the jobs of those Americans that would be affected if the Postal Service is allowed to implement the outrageous changes and cuts they are proposing, and with which we do not agree. We are the faces and voices of the working middle class who cared enough to go out there and delegate for our cause. We stood together along with other supporters, becoming emotionally engaged in
an issue remaining honest about what we could accomplish. With our heavy feet we rallied for what we believe and said enough is enough; although the rally ended, all is not forgotten; we are compassionate and determined and we will not be moved. Are you doing everything to ensure you are part of the movement? If you could not be part of the rally, then participate in other ways...

Are you an E-Activist? If not, then go immediately to NALC.org to sign up or contact your local steward for more information.

Do you contribute to COLCPE? If not, then contact your local steward or Branch 36 immediately for more information

Do you belong to Carrier Corp.? If not, contact Branch 36 or go to NALC.org, fill out the available form and mail it to the address provided.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to participate, we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing. Remember, when the call of duty arises, make sure you are ready!

Mr. Carannante's route is totally residential, but that did not discourage him from participating in the Customer Connect Program. He came up with an inventive way to generate revenue. Mr. Carannante approached building management with his idea, stating it would benefit both the building as well as the Postal Service. Building management not only agreed, but provided him with room so that he could set up his mini postal center. In November of 2009 the mini postal center was opened in the mailroom at 2 Gold Street. The tenants at 2 Gold, amazed at the convenience of the postal supplies, have utilized flat rate boxes, flat rate envelopes, express, certified and confirmation forms. They can pack their parcels and pay for them with click and ship and either leave them with the concierge to be picked up or personally hand their packages to Mr. Carannante.

Some tenants have switched from competitors to the Postal Service because of the convenience.

Single-handedly Mr. Carannante restocks his mini postal center daily. He can't give a specific account of the revenue that's been generated, but from November, 2009 to the present he's positive thousands of flat rate boxes as well as other supplies have been utilized.

When asked what motivated him to begin this project, he stated he will be retiring soon and he wanted to help provide a future for new employees beginning their careers and to encourage customers to use the United States Postal Service.

Special thanks are extended to Mr. Vincent Carannante for his determination and dedication in perfecting the Customer Service Program by taking it to the next level.

Losing someone or something you love is very painful. After a significant loss, you may experience all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions. The common symptoms of grief are: shock and disbelief; right after a loss, it can be hard to accept what happened. You may feel numb, have trouble believing that the loss really happened, or even deny the truth. Sadness, profound sadness, is probably the most universally experienced symptom of grief. You may have feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness. You may cry a lot or feel emotionally unstable. Guilt - You may regret or feel guilty about things you did or didn't say or do; you may even feel guilty for not doing something to prevent
the death, even if there was nothing more you could have done. Anger - Even if the loss was nobody's fault, you may feel angry and resentful. If you lost a loved one, you may be angry with yourself, God, the doctors or even the person who, died, for abandoning you. Fear - You may feel anxious, helpless, or insecure. You may even have panic attacks. The death of a loved one can trigger fears about your own mortality, of facing life without that person, or the responsibilities you now face alone. Physical symptoms - We often think of grief as a strictly emotional process, but grief often involves physical problems, which include fatigue, nausea, weight loss or weight gain, aches and pains, and insomnia.

While these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, it is a normal reaction to loss. Accepting them as part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grieving is a personal and highly individual experience. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and the nature of the loss. The grieving process takes time; healing happens gradually; it can't be forced or hurried. There is no normal timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months, but for others, the grieving process may take years. Whatever your grief experience, it's important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.

The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Turn to friends and family members; draw loved ones close, rather than avoiding them, and accept the assistance that's offered. Draw comfort from your faith such as spiritual activities that are meaningful to you; praying, meditating, or going to a house of worship can offer solace. Join a support group or talk to a therapist or grief counselor if your grief feels like too much to bear; call a mental health professional with experience in grief counseling. Sharing your sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses can help.

The five stages of grief are:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Not everyone who is grieving goes through all of these stages. You don't have to go through each stage in order to heal, in fact, some people resolve their grief without going through any of these stages. But if you do go through these stages of grief, you probably won't experience them in sequential order, so don't worry about what you should be feeling or which stage you're supposed to be in. While you're grieving, it's more important than ever to take care of yourself. The stress of a major loss can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time.

If you are having problems coping with your feelings, EAP4YOU provides specific information, valuable health and wellness information, self-help tools and more.

Contact EAP4YOU on line at EAP-4-YOU.com; or call at 1-800-327-4968. Remember "You never have to go through grief alone."

There is NO such thing as a stupid question!
Who decides what is stupid and what is not? It's a matter of perception. We believe that everyone has the right to knowledge and that everyone is free to ask his/ her query without hesitation.

There are many reasons why a person may ask what some consider to be a stupid question. The speaker may be a shy person who is trying to make small talk. Some people get nervous talking one-on-one with another person. Then too, there are those people who just don't think enough before they blurt questions. It's always wise to be pleasant, because you never know why the person asked the question in the first place.

Sometimes people ask a question to which the answer seems so obvious and that makes it hard to believe the questioner is serious. Some people will sometimes have a good question and for whatever reason, they will phrase it in a way that will not clearly communicate the question, and other contributors struggle with English, or perhaps use English as a second language.

Because someone asks about something that some may think should be obvious, that does not make the question or the person asking it stupid. Questions are good to ask and no question should be considered dumb, no matter how far-fetched it is. Posing a question is an attempt to learn something new, and that is always smiled upon.

Here at Branch 36, we consider every question asked to be important. We frown on the phrase, "stupid question." We welcome all to inquire about anything and everything that comes to mind, from the T.E. to the veteran with 50 years plus job experience. Branch 36 is made up of an unerring staff of officers with decades of experience ready to answer whatever the question may be. We hold monthly union meetings in both Manhattan and the Bronx, where all members are free to ask any question they wish. Check your Outlook for dates and times You'll meet new people and you might be surprised when someone asks the same question you were thinking about. While some subjects may appear basic and a matter of common sense to one, they may not be to another. We need to embrace each other, help each other, and build each other up, as you would want someone to do for you.

All questions are equally valid, especially if the questioner is truly looking for information. Come join us for one of our monthly meetings and always remember, "The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked."

Nothing builds and sustains credibility like a steward who leads by example. You are responsible for setting the union's standards and expectations. Actions still speak louder than words, particularly when your philosophies and behavior motivate people to participate. Doing otherwise only confuses the members and slows morale. Inspire the members to work hard, maintain loyalty, and help the union grow. Lead with honesty; promote an environment of truthfulness. Anything less than honest communication should not be tolerated; incorporate the importance of telling the truth. The most successful organizations surround themselves with capable, trustworthy stewards who can recommend solid strategies and proven processes that lead to workable solutions. Don't be afraid to listen, especially when it's the kind of news you don't like or weren't expecting to hear. When your members see that you listen, they will listen, too.

The best way for a steward to lose credibility is to play the "blame game". Always take responsibility if you "blow it", admit it. If you forget, admit that too, and don't be afraid to make a mistake. This encourages everyone to accept responsibility and accountability. Create an inspirational culture; if you want people to be inspired, motivated, and charged up, adopt an inspirational attitude. Infuse your language with passion and purpose; let members know that you're excited about what the union is doing, whether it's a fundraiser, activity, or official union business. Help them feel closely connected to and understand their roles in the union's success, and be direct so that they are confident you have a clear vision of the union's goals and objectives.

Show that when a job needs to be done, everyone at every level chips in and participates. Do your part, and make sure that what needs to get done, gets done. Inspiring your members is very important, but they must believe in you as well;
demonstrate integrity. They'll look up to you if you fulfill your commitments, even if it's something as basic as showing up for a union meeting.

Several factors have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for this type of cancer.

Older age: Colorectal cancer is more common in people over the age of 50. However, it can occur at younger ages, and in rare cases, has been reported in teenagers.

Dietary factors: An increased risk for colorectal cancer has been suggested in people who consume a diet that is high in fat and calories and low in fiber.

History of polyps: Polyps are non-cancerous (benign) growths found on the inner walls of the digestive and respiratory tracts. Polyps in the colon and rectum are common in people over the age of 50 and some are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

Certain hereditary conditions: Certain inherited conditions increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. One of these conditions is familial adenomatous polyposis, a rare disorder that causes hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum. These polyps often develop into cancer.

Personal history of cancer: A person who has had colorectal cancer in the past is at increased risk of developing it again. A woman who has had cancer of the ovaries, uterus, or breast also has an increased chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Family history of cancer: A person who has a first-degree relative such as a parent, a sibling or a child with colorectal cancer is somewhat more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Ulcerative colitis: Having a condition known as ulcerative colitis increases a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Ulcerative colitis is a condition whereby the lining of the colon is chronically inflamed.

It is important to remember that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean a person will develop colorectal cancer. It just increases a person's risk.

In its early stages, colorectal cancer does not have any symptoms. When they occur, the symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to those of many other conditions. They include:
A change in bowel habits
Blood in the stool
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Stools that are narrower than usual
General abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
Unexplained weight loss
Constant tiredness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor to determine their cause. The treatment for colorectal cancer is more likely to be successful if it is found in an early stage.

If a person has symptoms that suggest colorectal cancer, or if a person is at increased risk of developing this type of cancer, a doctor will first review their medical history and perform a physical exam. Any of the following tests may be done to help detect abnormalities or make a diagnosis of colon cancer:

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test checks for the presence of blood in the stool, which is often not visible to the naked eye. To perform the test, a small amount of stool is placed on special cards that are returned to the doctor or a lab for testing.

Digital rectal exam: The doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and check for abnormalities.

Barium enema (lower GI series): A series of x-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract can be performed to check for abnormalities. A barium-containing liquid placed into the rectum coats the inside of the lower GI tract and makes it visible on x-rays.

Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure is used to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon for polyps or abnormalities. A thin, lighted instrument called a sigmoid scope is inserted into the rectum for this procedure.

Colonoscopy: This procedure is similar to a sigmoidoscopy but uses a longer instrument (colonoscope) that allows viewing of the rectum and the entire colon.

Biopsy: if any suspicious areas or polyps are noted, a biopsy may be performed. This involves the removal of a small amount of tissue, typically during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if cancer cells are present.

When someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, his or her doctor needs to determine the extent of the cancer and whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This determines the stage of the cancer and helps determine treatment.

Colorectal cancer typically starts in the innermost lining of the digestive tract. Staging of colorectal cancer is based on how far the tumor penetrates through the wall of the colon or rectum, whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. The following stages are used to describe colorectal cancer:

Stage 0: The cancer is a very early cancer and is confined to the innermost lining of the colon or rectum.

Stage I: The cancer spreads within the colon or rectal wall but has not gone through it.

Stage II: The cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum to nearby tissue but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage III: The cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver or lungs.

Recurrent: Colorectal cancer is said to be recurrent if it has come back after it has been treated. It can reappear in the colon or rectum, or in other parts of the body, such as the lower abdomen, liver, or lungs.

When or if you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, there will be so many questions you need answers to, and so much information to take in. Your doctor will be your primary source regarding your specific medical case.

For more information regarding colon cancer or colorectal cancer access the following links...
www.cancer.gov
www.coloncancerfoundation.org
www.cancercenter.com
www.cancer.org
www.mskcc.org
REMEMBER, EARLY DETECTION IS THE BEST PREVENTION!

This article is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Carol Kirton, who passed away August 18, 2010; my cousin, Morgan George, who passed away in June, 2010; and to all our family and friends we lost to this deadly disease. May they rest in peace.

For some people, recognition from others is all that’s needed and nothing more. They need only to know that they’ve helped another, their satisfaction being more so intrinsic, and oftentimes self healing.

Volunteerism is the giving of time and effort without monetary compensation. Choosing to volunteer is a personal decision that can have many positive rewards, such as a realization of self worth and personal achievement. Choosing to make time for volunteer work will benefit both those who are being served and the volunteers themselves. From seeing volunteer efforts achieve a goal to feeling good about participating in a selfless act, everyone involved in volunteerism benefits.

There are many different programs, events, activities, and organizations sponsored and supported by Branch 36 and its members. Contact your shop steward, Branch 36, or check for postings and mailings. Give graciously of yourself and of
your time; GET INVOLVED!

Remember, Most of us have needed help with something at some point in our lives.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of those individuals who were affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Peace be with you all.

Our lives have become so hectic and stressful that we spend too little time with the people we love. Our friends, our family, are the bread of life. Even in today’s world where it seems as if we could survive without ever talking to another human being, they are important to our well-being. For those of us that are not blessed with a large extended family, it is important to cultivate close friendships. How do we determine who is a friend? Many people guess that it is the ability to communicate that determines the quality of a friendship. The best kinds of friends are the ones that you share good times with. A friend who can make you laugh is worth a handful that can’t. So often we walk around with the weight of the world on our shoulders. When the chips are down, these are the people that we can count on.

Often when you have a friendship that has lasted a long time, you continue to share memories of humorous interactions that you shared. Having humor in your life is not just a matter of experiencing a good time, it’s also a matter of living longer. This may be the glue that holds a friendship together. It is a difficult thing to predict and yet there are some friends that we have fun with almost every time we get together. Fun is the key factor in a lasting friendship.

People come into our lives disguised as angels, and sometimes, angels come into our lives disguised as people. Having friends that inspire us to rise to higher and greater levels is an awesome gift. Surround yourself with people that inspire you to do better and inspire your friends as well. It is a profound truth that the people we hang out with will shape the path that we travel. These are the people who are not related to us by blood, but care for us as if they were.

As we celebrate the holiday season, let us give thanks for a wonderful family and good friends.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

If you truly want to foster mutual respect with people who may be hard to get along with, you are going to have to set aside time to be with that person, work with that person, talk with that person. You might have to grit your teeth now and again but in the end you will gradually start to realize that their personality or point of view isn't that hard to get along with after all.

In my opinion, patience, is a combbation of empathy and selflessness. It is about other people, which is why patience is such a hard virtue to master; after all, who wants to spend time thinking about other people when we are so busy with our personal lives. The truth is that the best people, the smartest people, and the most successful people, take a good long look at other people and express empathy and selflessness,

Sincerity is also very important, a person who is simply going through the motions of being selfless will simply appear to be a fake if he or she doesn't show sincerity.

Listening is also one of the greatest manifestatibns of respect. Even if you think the ideas of a co-worker or acquaintances are way off the mark, listen carefully to what he or she is saying and then ask questions that truly make you curious,

If you laugh with others, you can relax, and when you relax and help others to relax as wen, more effective communication takes place every second. Take time to analyze your opponents sense of humor and be patient with him or her. Try to find common interests, or laugh about experiences.that you've already had together without using humor that he or she might find offensive.

Once a person trusts you and starts to show you respect, it doesn't mean you will have his or her respect.for a lifetime. In order to maintain mutual respect you have to be honest with that person even when it is extremely uncomfortable for you. If you are honest, you will become better at everything you do and others will crave your mutual respect.

You might determine that you are a husband, girlfriend, parent or employee. What kind of person you are is determined not by any of those things. It is determined by the qualities that make you up as a human being. Now what's inside depends upon what you choose. You have the ability to be loving or hateful.

You can choose to hold a grudge or be forgiving. It's your choice. You are responsible for who you are.

You have the choice every moment of every day if you want to share who you are with others or keep it to yourself.

Are you really doing what you want with your life? Are you doing something that brings you joy and fulfillment? If not, why? It's never too late to change. There may be situations in your life that would make changing challenging, but you are the only one who can take the first step. Change is possible, set your goal and begin working toward it. Set the picture of your success in your mind. Follow through with the right action for its accomplishment; you can't go wrong, and you'll be a better person for it. There are many opportunities as you can imagine. You simply have to choose. You are best served if you never believe that opportunity has passed you by. Wherever you are at this point in your life, know that many opportunities are there, and you also have the ability to create your own.

Begin today, trust your voice, and follow through on what it's telling you. You will have made one of the best friends you could possibly have. Remember you may not be used to listening and trusting yourself, but it takes practice, practice, practice, so keep at it.

So stop what you're doing, stay seated where you are and close your eyes. Keep them closed for a couple of minutes and concentrate, once you begin to feel at peace, you're almost there.

Now that you're at peace, open your eyes and embrace this feeling for a moment. Know that this is who you are. This is your life. Nobody can make it what you don't want, except you. So when you felt you really hadn't made a difference in this world, consider all you have to give.

You are now in control!
PERSEVERE!

The flu, which began in or around February 2009, was not clinically identified until April 2009. The virus which was first detected in the Mexican states and Mexico City and has now spread all over the world. There have been an estimated 49 cases in New York alone and the numbers continue to grow.

Although symptoms of the (SIV) are common with the seasonal flu, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden dizziness may occur more often than the occasional seasonal flu. There is no way to tell if you have this flu or not, but if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, chills, body aches, and other ailments, please contact your doctor immediately and get tested.

As letter carriers, we come in contact with many objects and items daily; wear gloves when in contact with mail, letter trays, buckets, post cons, and all other postal equipment. If you choose not to wear gloves, a bottle of antibacterial.hand sanitizer should be with you at all times. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose, because the (SIV) survives on surfaces for hours at a time. Wearing gloves and using hand sanitizer is also beneficial outdoors as well be cautious when handling door handles, doorknobs, doorbells, collection and mailboxes.

While out in the street delivering, avoid individuals who cough and sneeze without using a tissue or wearing a mask. Also, if you come across anyone who seems . sick, politely excuse yourself without being insulting. Since allergy season as well, it will be hard to distinguish between the two, please use caution.

Those individuals with small children and elderly in their care, take extreme caution. The (SIV) is more harmful to them: Give your children a small bottle of hand sanitizer to use during school and instruct them to wash their hands before and after snacks and lunch. If your child comes home with a cold or has any flu-like symptoms, contact a physician immediately; anyone who is taking care of an elderly relative, or friend, monitor them constantly.

Anyone who does contract this virus the earlier you treat it the better; avoid contact with co-workeys or family members and use a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
For questions and information on the Swine Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu general info.htm. http://www.nyc.govhtrnl/doh/htmVcd/cdinflu.shtml
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333 * 800-CDC-LNFO * (800-232-6348) 24 Hours/Every Day cdcinfo@cdc.gov