Terry Wright, long-time Hamlin postmaster, is proof that having a back-up plan is a really good idea. After 32 good years in the United States Postal Service, 25 of those years in Hamlin, Wright will retire in March. And it was a career Wright almost didn't have. "It was definitely my plan B," said Wright, who graduated from Gates Chili High School and went on to earn his degree in biology from SUNY Brockport. "When I couldn't find a job in my field I took the Civil Service test," he said. Wright became a carrier in Hilton in 1973. From there he became a clerk in Brockport and a supervisor in Spencerport before settling in Hamlin. In Hamlin, Wright has worked hard to provide quality customer service to the community. His work hasn't gone unnoticed. The Hamlin Post Office regularly sees customers from surrounding communities solely because people prefer their interaction with Hamlin's staff. "I think they really like coming here," Wright said. "The word gets around when you provide good service." And Wright is determined to make his customers happy. He is a hands-on postmaster, often times working the front counter to make sure people do not have to wait in line. After doing this work in Hamlin for a quarter century, Wright has thousands of names and addresses memorized. Wright also likes to provide assistance to customers who are mailing out packages. He posted a sign in the office encouraging customers to drop off their Styrofoam peanuts, so that others may come to the post office to get some when needed. While Wright is customer focused, sometimes his biggest challenges have involved simply getting the mail to his customers. The geography of Hamlin, coupled with some amazing winter weather, have made for challenging days. "I have had a couple days where the snow banks have been so large I have had to put two people in the trucks, one to drive and one to lean out the door," he said. Wright is looking forward to working more on his golf game in the next chapter of his life. He was the first member at Ozzie's Corner Golf Course on Moscow Road and is passionate for the game. One summer he played 175 rounds of golf. He and his wife of 33 years, Theresa, will head south to visit family and friends after Wright retires. However, they do plan to return to their Hamlin home on Apple Hollow. "It has been a good 25 years," Wright said. "I'll look forward to seeing my customers around town." A new postmaster is expected to be onboard April 2. |
