Saratoga News Photograph by George Sakkestad Kathleen Arno stands in line with her holiday packages at the post office in the Village. 'Tis the season for waiting in line Post office offers time-saving tips By Michelle Alaimo Although the holiday season may bring an endless number of lines, the United States Postal Service is offering up some alternatives to help save valuable time. Although none of the three Saratoga post office locations will offer extended hours this season, they are offering stamps by mail. Saratoga Postmaster Rick Araujo said customers can send in their stamps-by-mail form and receive stamps back in their mailbox the next day. Araujo said residents can also save time by calling the 1-800-ASK-USPS number for ZIP code and rate information. And those with Internet access can surf their way to information at http://www.usps.com. The Web site offers ZIP code rates, postage calculators, express mail tracking, and postage rates and fees. Another way to cut down time spent in post office lines is to come during non-busy times, Araujo said. Mondays and Fridays are always very busy at the post offices, he said. And, he adds, there is a surge in customers between 4 and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Araujo suggests that customers pick an afternoon hour Tuesday through Thursday to visit the post office. Holiday mailers also have a choice of three locations, all of which take credit cards. In addition to the main post office at 19360 Allendale Ave., which is open Monday 8 a.m. to 5:15; Tuesday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., customers can also visit the Village post office on Saratoga Avenue. The Village post office, with a staff of one, is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to the two post offices, customers can go to Fernwood Florist at 18840 Cox Ave. Its hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, December 9, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.