“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 Allergy Attack? Fight Back. Talk to us today about an easy, convenient and noninvasive method for treating allergies. David J. Abbott, M.D. Micah M. Likness, M.D. Board Certified Otolaryngologist Board Certified Otolaryngologist Jackie Logue, MSN, FNP-C, RN Needle Free Testing and Treatments We’re H“ear” For You! EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101, Yankton • 605-665-0062 • 1-866-665-0062 www.entyankton.com HISVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2018v5