HISTORIAN’S CORNER

PHELPS HISTORY

CLIFTON SPRINGS HAS A NEW POSTMASTER
BY FRED GIFFORD

      In earlier years, the appointment of a new Postmaster was a celebrated event in each community. Today, I am sorry to say, the office changes hands and we often hear little about it. This article will at least be an introduction to the new head of our local Post Office.
      On June 25th of 2004, our then Postmaster, Michael Kise, took a transfer to Clyde, NY, which was his old hometown. This was in keeping with his wish to be nearer his family home. While here, we did not see much of Michael because his postal talents detailed him to several offices in the area to help in the installation of new and updated computer equipment. While our Postmaster he was a bright and active addition to our community. He was generally in the office early and quickly learned and assisted in the sorting of mails so that carriers could be dispatched to their routes at an early hour. By serving and meeting people at the front service counter, he soon became acquainted with many of his patrons. He even took the time to join our local Rotary Club.
      On June 28th, 2004, Paul J. Sidoti, then living in East Rochester, NY was sent to Clifton Springs on temporary detail, until such time as a new Postmaster was selected. Under present regulations, Postal personnel interested in the position of Postmaster make application for any office which becomes vacant. I am not aware of who the appointing officer in this area is but eventually a decision was arrived at and a selection made to fill the position. Paul had applied for the office and was appointed the new Postmaster for Clifton Springs on November 20, 2004.
      Rather than an official swearing in, as had been done in the earlier years, Paul heard of his appointment by phone and mail. Most of us did not even know that a change of hands had been made except a new face had appeared at the front service counter from time to time. With the strong support of the fine staff of postal employees here in Clifton Spring, Paul has moved quickly into this new leadership roll, which began at one of the busiest seasons of the postal year.
      To introduce Paul to you, and myself I stopped in my old office and had a chat with him. Here is what I learned. Paul was born and raised in W. Irondequoit, where he attended high school. He later studied at SUNY in Morrisville, NY. He was at one time a licensed optician and has been in the Postal Service for the past 9 years. He started as a city carrier and most recently was a supervisor at the Pittsford, NY Post Office. He is single with an 11-year old son and they presently reside on East Avenue in East Rochester, NY. As a hobby, Paul enjoys snowmobiles and has a camp in the Tug Hill area of New York State, which is known for it's winter snows. The Postal Service in Clifton Springs has seen many changes since I held the office of Postmaster from 1958 until 1983. You can no longer see the office force at work as there is a partition now screening that from the front counter. Computers now hold sway where before clerks had to carry on postal transactions without their aid. Like so many things, changes are necessary in each new generation.
     We are thankful, however, that it still requires "human effort" to affect the necessary postal tasks. Clerks and carriers now have part of their deliveries processed at an area sectional center but mails still have to be merged before they can be delivered. One day soon, I must spend a day "behind" the scenes, to view first hand how things of the 21st century Postal Service are carried on.
     Paul said that he was looking forward to serving the people of Clifton Springs and fully intends to continue the fine Postal Service that this community and area have become accustomed to. Won't you please join me in welcoming Paul Sidoti by stopping in to greet him when you have need of the special services of the U. S. Postal Service in Clifton Springs! PAUL, WE WISH YOU WELL!

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