“I think every carrier would end up saying they meet awesome
people. You learn customer’s names, they know you, they expect you
around a certain time, and they greet you enthusiastically. A lot of
people don’t even care about the mail, they just want to pop out and
say hello, and that’s a good part of the job I think. You are putting a
smile on people’s faces whether they are getting the mail or just being
able to talk with you. And they, in turn, put a smile on our face.”
“I also love my route, which includes basically the South side of
4th Street to the river, and from Burleigh up to Park Street near the
hospital. The downtown route was intimidating at first because of
so many businesses, but I quickly realized the business owners and
employees are very friendly and I have become friends with many of
them. They also keep me well fed with offerings of cookies and donuts
and such!”
Having a walking route is also great exercise. Laddie kept track of
his steps while delivering and came up with over 33,000 steps. This
computes to over 16 miles each day, all while on the job. “Then my
wife wonders why I don’t want to go for walks with her in the evening,”
he jokes.
Delivering mail with a walking route can also take its toll on the
body. “I recently had a large tear of the meniscus in my knee repaired.
You see that a lot with carriers.”
When asked what his thoughts were when it came to Canines and
Mail Carriers and the ability to co-exist, his answer was that it is not a
problem, MOST of the time!
“I am a dog lover, don’t have any dogs, but I always give them the
benefit of the doubt. When I approach them, you look for the signs: is
their hair standing up, or are they wagging their tail. You get to know
them and they get to know you. The ones that are very territorial are
doing their job, and they know they’re doing a job. They see you come,
they bark like mad, you go away, hey, job done, goal completed for the
dog. And that is a routine for them every day.”
He stated carriers do have to carry pepper spray with them at all
times, as some dogs out there do more than just bark. “They do sneak
up on you sometimes and I have had to be quick with my reflexes, but
fortunately I have only gotten teeth sunk into my boot and not into my
skin!”
When Laddie is not on the clock carrying mail, he and his wife are
busy with their 5 children and 4 grandchildren. “Kids and grandkids
are pretty much our hobby, whether we are babysitting or attending
games and recitals. Our kids range in age from 28 to 11, so there is a
big variety in there. One is in college, one graduated high school last
semester, and our youngest daughter, Jenna, is in dance and soccer.
This winter is her first year with indoor soccer and we are finding out
how exciting and fast-paced it is.”
“In the past 2 years we have gone from 0 grandkids to 4, so that
keeps us going! Our kids and grandkids keep us young, but also
sometimes make us feel very old!”
Laddie Novak, local Postal Carrier for the city of Yankton is
dedicated to the delivery of the daily mail. He does this with a smile
and love for the job. In all weathers you will see him going about his
route, at times wind burnt, other times sun burnt, but always steadfast
and swift. If you see him out and about give him a wave! This reporter
assures you that more often than not you will receive one in return.
“I think I am an outgoing, friendly type of guy. I like to learn the
people’s names, I like to say hello, even if I am passing someone I don’t
know on the street I like to greet them because it is the proper thing to
do.”
vBy Brian Teel
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