Postal carrier likes meeting people

After nearly three decades at the same place of employment, you might think work would become a bit boring. That’s not the case for Petaluma postal carrier Jeff Cella, who has been delivering mail for the past 29 years.

“I was at a time in my life when I needed a better job, and this one came up,” said Cella. “I took it, and never regretted it. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

His love for his job shows, and that’s why he’s been chosen as Service Person of the Week and placed in the running for the Service Person of the Year award.

“I grew up in Petaluma and know a lot of people in town,” said Cella, who started his postal career in Rohnert Park before transferring to Petaluma a year later. “I get to meet a bunch of people and it’s always really neat meeting different people. I get along with everyone.”

Cella’s route takes him through the Payran neighborhood, where customer Julie K. Smith lives.

“Jeff is nice and always dependable,” she said. “He’s very friendly.”

While he hasn’t encountered any problem dogs in his route, he has made a lot of friends through the years, including youngsters.

“One of the younger children on my route made me a snow globe out of a baby bottle and put a mailman inside with snowflakes,” said Cella. “That’s one of my favorite Christmas gifts ever.”

Cella is the second person selected as Service Person of the Week.

“I’m honored that someone notices me,” he said. “That means I’m doing something right.”

Five nominees will be named Service Person of the Week, through Feb. 19. Then, locals will vote on which one should be crowned Service Person of the Year. He or she will be honored in the Argus-Courier and at the 2009 Community Recognition Awards on March 27.

To nominate someone, use the online nomination form at www.petaluma360.com to tell us why you think your nominee should be considered for the service person award. Nominations can cover all aspects of the service industry, but should not include business owners or managers. Previous Service Person of the Year honorees will not be considered.

— Argus-Courier