Mount Prospect neighbors bid farewell to postal carrier

Neighbors on George Street in Mount Prospect — along with their dogs — are getting ready to welcome a new postal carrier for the first time in more than 21 years.

But they couldn’t let Chris Cokkinias switch mail routes without a farewell block party Friday afternoon, complete with popcorn, lemonade and plenty of stories.

“This is just crazy but very nice,” Cokkinias said. “Everyone has always treated me very well here.”

Julie Madler, who’s lived on the block of 42 years, remembers introducing her border collie puppy to Cokkinias in hopes of having a dog that actually liked the letter carrier.

“I remember Chris said, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll learn to hate me,’” Madler said.

Madler, Patty Wolfe, Beth Dukes and about two dozen other neighbors presented Cokkinias with a drawing of George Street near Central Road, back when numerous trees lined the picturesque road to form a canopy.

They said they’ll remember Cokkinias for being reliable, hardworking and perpetually friendly.

Cokkinias, of Schaumburg, said he’s leaving to deliver mail on a less physically demanding route in Prospect Heights.

Wolfe, who hosted the get-together, laughed at the cheerful scene and wished Cokkinias well.

“This is suburbia at its finest,” she said.