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Dowling will trade sorting mail for casting a rod

RANDOLPH — Neither Rain nor Snow nor Sleet nor Hail are going to be an issue for a local mail carrier soon.

After nearly 36 years of “hauling mail” Randolph’s Rural Route #1 Carrier, Mike Dowling, will be retiring.

His work routine consists of driving a daily route of over 150 miles of streets, highways, and gravel roads. Dealing with traffic, hard-to-read or incorrect addresses, inaccessible mailboxes, loose pets, flat tires and vehicle malfunctions are additional challenges for rural carriers.

Customers have come and gone, and many changes including restructuring routes and the mechanization of mail sortation are some of the milestones he’s encountered along the way.

Package volumes have also increased greatly with the advent of online shopping and the rallying cry is all about scanning now.

Everyone is welcome to join his Post Office family at the Randolph Post Office Tuesday, March 30, from 9 a.m.-noon, for celebratory cake and coffee.

Dowling started his career with the Postal Service on May 25, 1985. He worked 20 years as a substitute driver and 16 years full time. He is proud of his work at the Post Office, as his vanity license plate can attest —— STMP LKR

When he started his job at the start of Ronald Reagan’s second term as President, First Class postage stamps cost 22 cents, gasoline was $1.19 a gallon, and Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

Dowling said he initially took the post because it provided good hours and benefits.

“It was an opportunity for me to obtain a job with the Federal Government with great benefits and good hours,” he said. “All I needed was a decent vehicle and to be dependable when called on to work.” He has many memories from his years of service with the Post Office.

“I enjoyed meeting people and seeing what they were up to. I am always willing to talk to them about what they needed from me and their mailing needs,” he said.

He will not only miss the people, but also the challenge of getting the job done.

“I will miss the everyday challenge of getting the job done, customers, and the occasional treat in the mailbox,” he said. “I am glad that I took the job and wish that more people would look at the opportunity to see what is offered with a position at the Postal Service in a small town.”

Technology has really changed the business of delivering mail over the years, he said.

“Many of the changes started with computers, going to automation in the Postal Service, and having to convince customers that it was not my idea for change and how I serviced them.”

With retirement comes time for himself. That includes plans to doing more fishing and golfing.

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