University City Post Office spoke at the OBA meeting	

by Willa Boisseau, Scanews Senior Editor

	The Olive Business Association celebrated the Chinese New Year with a 
cheerful and delicious Chinese buffet before the meeting on February 11.  
Attendance is increasing again, with new members around the tables.
       
	Diane Small from the University City Post Office spoke at the meeting. 
 She told of the new programs going into effect.  More people will be 
available at the windows for faster service.  More private boxes will be 
added, and all will be renumbered.  Access for the handicapped will ready in 
six months, she said.
       
	A Small Business Specialist, Michelle Rouse, will take calls from 
merchants and businesses to answer questions, solve problems, and help 
simplify regulations regarding the new services.  A Customer Reference Card 
is available from the Post Office with phone  and FAX numbers for each 
special service.
       
	A new computer service will include printable mailing labels and a 
premium postcard printout.  At the Postal Service web page, new services, 
purchases and supplies are handy.  The web page is available at www.usps.com. 
 Try it and see how you like it.  The U.S. Postal Service is stepping into 
the 21st century. 
       
	Shari LeKane-Yentumi of U. City East said students from Doors to 
Success, a program of the Adult Education Center of U. City East,are 
distributing membership forms for the OBA door-to-door to all Olive Street 
Road businesses.  They are wearing nice-looking caps, donated by The Shirt 
Guy, with OBA identification.
       
	Thomas Moton, Assistant City Manager of U. City, updated the 
Association on work in Heman Park on Olive.  He said architects have been 
selected for the fitness center, first phase of the new Recreation Center.  
They will begin work within the next two months, and work on the swimming 
pool will begin later this year.
       
	The Oriental business community, celebrating New Year, did not attend 
this month.  This recent and very important part of business life on Olive 
continues to build good relationships with the older businesses. Merchants 
are learning together to interact in the great and diverse mix of University 
City.  The Association wishes the Chinese community a very happy New Year.
       
	On March 11 the OBA will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with an Irish 
buffet before the meeting.  Be sure to attend at 6:00 P.M. at the Heman Park