Neffs Postmaster Susan Gilio, who has served that community for nearly three years, retired July 31 after 28 and a half years with the U.S. Postal Service.

Prior to arriving at her Neffs assignment in October 2009, Gilio worked at the Lehigh Valley Postal Processing Center, first near Lehigh Valley International Airport, then along Route 512, Bethlehem.

She served as a clerk, window service helper, philatelic clerk and sales.

When the sales department downsized, she transferred to Neffs. Her only previous experience at a local post office was a brief stint in Limeport.

Gilio said she has been very happy working in Neffs.

"It's a tight-knit little community with the church and bank, which have things going," Gilio said. "Everything is really good here.

"I love the small town post offices. This is small town Americana. The customers are great. I got to know their kids, dogs and families."

The Neffs Post Office serves 250 postal box customers, however, Gilio sees people from all over stop in for postal service as the post office is located along busy Route 873.

The Neffs Post Office has only one employee, clerk Anita Auletti, in addition to the postmaster.

"She's wonderful," Gilio said. "Customers love her. I'm very fortunate to have a good clerk."

Looking back over her postal career, Gilio recalls when machines were purchased to sort mail at the processing center.

"We didn't think that would last. Now the machines can read handwriting and even sort things like magazines."

While the volume of letters has declined, Gilio notes the package business is booming, due to online shipping and parcels being sent to troops overseas.

She says priority mail is a great service with many options.

"Priority mail is a good deal with the same price for wherever it goes," Gilio said.

She said parcels have become an increasingly important aspect of postal service.

"When people come in, I advise them on the best way to send things," she explained.

She said some customers are interested in stamp collecting, but she hasn't noticed many young people involved in the hobby.

In her retirement, Gilio looks forward to traveling and hiking, accompanied by her dog Gavin.

Management employees throughout the system will be welcome to bid on the Neffs postmaster position.

Until someone new arrives, Auletti will take on the responsibilities.

Gilio leaves a message for her people at Neffs and those outside the area who stopped in for postal services.

"It's been a pleasure and honor to be their postmaster. I wish them the best in health and happiness."