CAREFREE – On Friday, Aug. 11, Maxine Douglas, who has managed the Carefree Contract Postal Unit (CPU) for 34 years, posted a notice on the door stating the Carefree CPU will be changing to a federal post office beginning Oct. 6, 2017.
Douglas wrote, “It is with great sadness we must all say goodbye to our many box holders, friends and loyal customers.
“I started my career with the Carefree Post Office in 1983 and became the Post Master/Mistress in 1996.
“It has been a pleasure serving you over the years and we will miss seeing you and chatting every day. My employees are the best anyone could ask for, and go above and beyond what is expected of them.”
Douglas signed the letter and listed all the current employees along with the length of time they’ve worked there, pointing out some have been employed for nine, 12, 15, 16 and 20 years.
USPS states in the last line of its criteria that must be met for a supplier to become a CPU: “Contracts are set up with an indefinite end date,” and Douglas may have been blindsided by the notification of her end date.
Apparently the USPS will be spending $350,000 to completely overhaul, upgrade and expand the existing facilities.
Postal service will continue, uninterrupted, during construction, which is expected to begin shortly and scheduled for completion in October.
I had the pleasure of working for Douglas at the Carefree Post Office back in the ‘90s and can sense the sadness felt by Douglas, her crew and the community.
Someone posted a “frowny face” on the door in reaction to the notice that stated, “So Sad!”
