Postal carriers are still at the heart of American life, despite the times we have received our neighbor's mail or waited until sundown to see our boxes filled.
Imagine not having the convenience of sitting at home and sipping a beverage while waiting for an important document or heartwarming greeting card to be delivered personally.
That's what makes Kathy Cretella's job so important, and she realizes that. Cretella is a United States Postal Service letter carrier in Mount Vernon. She has been on the job for over 15 years. She started her career as a window clerk in a Montana town near Yellowstone National Park.
"At the time, I was doing a lot of odd jobs in Montana," Cretella said. "I was doing a lot of piecemeal jobs because I was a stay-at-home mom and my daughter was in school. And that's when I decided to apply for the clerk job and the post office. I'd always heard good things about the post office. So, I wanted to give it a try."
After moving east to Mount Vernon, Cretella was able to transfer to the town's postal station as a letter carrier. She is one of two women who deliver mail in Mount Vernon. Cretella delivers in the neighborhoods and her partner, Amy McFadden, covers the downtown area.
"I'm on the eastside," Cretella said. "I do have some businesses. But, McFadden's route handles a lot of companies in downtown Mount Vernon. I walk about 12 miles a day through Mount Vernon neighborhoods. We are fortunate that the USPS gives us a clothing allowance yearly because I go through a sturdy pair of New Balance shoes twice a year."
Cretella is married and has a 28-year-old daughter. They live in Mohican State Park.
Technology has taken a big bite out of the postal service, like other professions. Many people prefer to send a text message with a heart emoji attached than taking the time to write a note inside a card.
"I've seen a big decrease in letters and cards," Cretella said. "So, when I see letters and cards in my routes, I am thrilled that people are still using the post office to further the written word. The parcel has increased by tenfold since I first started."
Cretella's shift typically starts at 7:30 a.m. She is out the door on her route by 8:15 a.m., returning to the station at 4 p.m. to check out.
Some people think the biggest challenges when delivering mail are snow, rain, wind, and cold. No; according to Cretella, it's dogs.
"Dogs are always an issue for letter carriers because they bark when we come, and when they bark, we go away," she said. "Here's an interesting tidbit: If we get bitten by a dog, which I have, we are told it's our fault. This job required you to walk and chew gum at the same time. You must be aware of your surroundings. The best part of my job is getting paid to exercise, and I love meeting the people on my route."
Cretella hopes more young people will want a career in the postal service.
"It's a feeling of tremendous satisfaction when you start with a huge pile of mail and ending [sic] the day knowing you did something productive," she said.
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