BY CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — Her formal title is “Sales and Services Distribution Associate” and her full name is Angela Bagby. But she’s “Angie” to anyone who has used the Yachats Post Office for the past 10 years. And after her shift Friday, she’s leaving her familiar post to work closer to her new home in Florence.
Yachats’ loss is Florence’s gain, as the highly-regarded staffer starts her new job (same title) at the Post Office there. Bagby moved from Yachats to Florence 1½ years ago when she bought a home and has wanted to be closer to home to care for her mother.
“It was a hard decision,” she said. “I wanted to stay in Yachats because I love the community, the people … they’re like family. But I need to look out for the future. I’m going to miss everybody.”
Postmaster Chanda Kowitz of Yachats said Angie “will be greatly missed.”
“I am so grateful that she has been here for my first year as postmaster,” Kowitz said. “I have learned so much from her, and know that I can continue to count on her for advice” even after her departure.
Kowitz requested a replacement for Bagby weeks ago, when her final Yachats workday was set. No fewer than eight Postal Service officials have to okay that request before the job could even be posted internally.
“It will take some time before we have a permanent replacement for Angie’s position,” she said.
The postmaster in Neotsu is allowing Kowitz to borrow one of their clerks, Lezlie Pyatt, for a minimum of two weeks, beginning Saturday.
“She has helped here before and is excellent,” Kowitz said. “I would like to assure everyone that no matter what, there will not be any changes in the normal operating hours, as I know has occurred in the past.”
An Arizona resident is in line to replace Bagby, but must first complete U.S. Postal Service training; her start date has yet to be determined. Technically, the Yachats office is supposed to be staffed with two clerks, but that “only happened briefly at the beginning of last year,” Kowitz said.
Staffing problems plagued the Yachats facility during 2019-2021. In August and September 2021 severe staff shortages caused the Post Office lobby to be closed periodically, sometimes with limited hours, sometimes with little advance notice. Several potential new staffers began work — and then left — when they were unable to find affordable local housing. The prior postmaster, Jeff Davis, retired in the summer of 2021.
Big thanks to Angela “Angie” Bagby for her service!
When my wife and I moved to the Yachats area in 2021, she welcomed us with a warm heart and was super helpful in getting us started with mail forwarding and delivery. Each time we would mail something from the post office she was in good spirits and a delight to speak to.
We wish her all the best for her future.
Many thanks,
Mark & Gabi
We love you Angie!
So sorry you’re leaving, Angie.You’ve been such a good friend for a long time, and I remember when you and your mom first had Raindogs gift shop across the street. I’ll miss your smiling presence behind the counter, but it’s good to know you’ll be just down the road in Florence. Much happiness to you and your mother.
Love Angie! I always looked forward to getting out the monthly bills with her as she was always helpful and cheerful despite all that volume! Wish her the best.
When the address was wonky, Angie could always help it find the right box partly because she could read wonky handwriting but mostly because she knew each one of us and our box number. Also, on more than one occasion Angie helped me eliminate the box so I could stuff the contents into my backpack because I was walking. Other times, I saw Angie carrying a box out to a car for a client. So many day-to-day kindnesses makes it so hard to replace someone like Angie B.
Angie: You were a highlight of any trip to the Yachats Post Office. I’ll miss swapping pup stories, but you’re not that far away. Take care; you’ll be so missed by this community.
Thanks Angie