By Barbara Morris
By now, you possibly think you know someone who fits the description of the above individual. We've seen them in a variety of places and situations. For years, whenever such difficult situations occur in the jurisdiction of the Jamaica Post Office, Jamaica Postmaster James Burns readily admits he calls on Michael Lowrey to “Pour oil on the troubled waters.” Somehow, Mr. Lowrey seems to have no problem listening to all sides and then sorting out the rights from the wrongs. He then clearly mitigates the situation to the satisfaction of those involved. What an art! We should have more people like him.Some months ago, when his good friend Frank Fazio told members of the Jamaica Postal Advisory Council that he was planning to retire, we were hit with a double whammy. Mike Lowrey laughed and told us he, too, would be retiring shortly thereafter. Well, that happened Jan. 20 at the beautiful Sand Castle restaurant in Franklin Square. The day was VERY cold. The waterfalls in the Sand Castle garden froze as the water tumbled into the pools below.Inside, however, the highly shined marble floors reflected huge bouquets of spring-fresh flowers being guarded by an army of ghosts of medieval knights! The armor stood in silence as the 200 or so guests arrived, ready to congratulate this tall, dark, and handsome gentleman and his beautiful, very sweet wife, on a long, successful career, and all best wishes for a long and happy future. The good news for the Jamaica Postal Advisory Council and the folks whose stations we represent is that both Frank Fazio and Mike Lowrey have agreed to stay on with our group. We have every hope that both Mr. Mike Lowrey and his (and our) good buddy, Mr. Frank Fazio, will be present for the Jamaica Post Office's next stamp unveiling honoring Black History Month. This year, the stamp to be unveiled depicts a portrait of a black author named Charles Chestnut. Another author, Bessie Blake, whose life story book, “Speak to the Mountain,” has been an award winner, will speak. At this time, the event is scheduled to take place at the main library, 89-11 Merrick Bouulevard, Jamaica, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. More about this later.In the meantime, why not save the date and plan on attending, and maybe say “Hi” to Postmaster James Burns, Mr. Frank Fazio, Mr. Mike Lowrey or one of the other members of the Jamaica Postal Advisory Council. We'd love to hear good reports or suggestions about your postal service.
