Pine Mountain GA helps customers apply for American passports

Ann Mullins, SSA/Passport Agent processed seven applications.

On March 9, 2013, more than a dozen Post Offices and Stations in the North Florida District conducted a passport fairs for people planning to travel to Canada, Mexico and overseas.

“We’re here to help our customers as they prepare to travel the world,” says Pine Mountain Postmaster Elaine Ferguson. “We make getting a passport easy and convenient with a one-stop shop solution,” explained Ferguson.

In addition to the familiar passport book, travelers can also apply for a passport card, which may be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean region. The wallet-size passport card is a less expensive alternative for those who travel to these destinations, but it cannot be used for international air travel.

To apply for a passport book or passport card for the first time, applicants need proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a certified copy of their birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, or a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Applicants will also need a valid form of photo identification, and must submit a photocopy of identification, such as a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.

Bridgette Colclough, PTF Clerk/Passport Agent processed 10 applications
including the Postmaster Myra Mays of Cataula, GA.

For first time applicants, the fee for a passport book is $110.00 to the Department of State with an acceptance fee of $25 to the Postal Service. The fee for an adult passport card is $30.00. An expedited process is also available.

Passport applications for both the book and the card require a 2 x 2 photograph in color, which can be taken at the Passport Day event for a $15.00 fee.

Customers can learn more about passport application costs and save time by downloading forms at www.usps.com/passport. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

For the latest information on passport deadlines and other travel requirements established by the U.S. Department of State, go to www.travel.state.gov. Travelers can check the status of their passport applications online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/status/status_2567.html.

La Florida stamp unveiling set for St. Augustine April 3

On April 3, 2013, in St. Augustine, Florida, the Postal Service™ will issue the La Florida First-Class Mail® commemorative stamp (Forever® priced at 46 cents) in four designs in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item 470600).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide April 3, 2013. The U.S. Postal Service® commemorates the 500th anniversary of the naming of Florida with four new stamps that celebrate the beauty of the state’s floral abundance. 

Spanish explorers named the land “La Florida” for Pascua Florida (“Feast of Flowers”), Spain’s Easter celebration, and for the verdant display of vegetation that they could see from their ship. 

The four stamps contain a cascade of blossoms that evoke the feeling of a tropical garden. Each stamp shows a particular variety of flower: red and pink hibiscus; yellow cannas; morning glories in white, red, and shades of purple; and white and purple passionflowers. 

The selvage features an imagined scene of explorers traveling in a small boat along a river or channel surrounded by tropical foliage. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the La Florida stamp issuance, with floral art by Steve Buchanan. To learn more about the stories behind the stamps, visit www.beyondtheperf.com.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. 

They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to: La Florida Stamp U.S. Postal Service 99 King Street St. Augustine, FL 32084-9998 After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark for quantities under 50. All orders must be postmarked by June 3, 2013.

How to Order First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp and stationery issues. 

These items are postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at http://usps.com/ stamps or by calling 800-782-6724. 

 Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to: U.S. Postal Service Catalog Request PO Box 219014 Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Who’s your retirement specialist?

Employees should seek help from HRSSC

Some employees, particularly in the Southern Area, are being solicited by individuals presenting themselves as retirement specialists.

These so-called experts have requested and sometimes received from employees Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) passwords and salary information.

The Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) and Postal Inspectors are reminding employees that the only official USPS retirement specialists are in HRSSC, and that Federal Employee Group Life Insurance is the only official federal life insurance product offered by USPS.

Postal Inspectors remind managers and supervisors the best way to prevent unauthorized retirement specialists from obtaining access to the workroom floor is to make sure all visitors are issued proper postal ID badges.

Managers also are reminded that, as noted in the Administrative Support Manual, 271.6, employees may not receive personal mail at worksites. Such mail must be returned to sender.

Employees should be wary of anyone outside of the Postal Service who offers to help employees change TSP allotments.

They can call the Employee Service Line at 877-477-3273 with questions on employee benefits. Select Option 5, the Shared Service Center, to talk to a Human Resources representative.

Carrier alert — tax refund scams

Tax refund checks will soon be in the mail. Most are legitimate. But Postal Inspectors want to alert employees about a possible scam involving the mail that could affect carrier safety.

Organized gangs have in the past filed fraudulent tax returns using stolen names and Social Security numbers, directing refunds to addresses under their control. Some have resorted to stealing arrow keys from carriers to unlock mailboxes in apartment buildings and mailrooms.

To stay safe, carriers should follow these tips:

• Always comply with a robber’s demands.
• When a suspicious person follows you, go to a safe place and contact police before calling your supervisor.
• If you’re robbed, call 911 when it’s safe to do so. Then call your supervisor, who will call Postal Inspectors.
• Make notes of details you can remember, such as the suspect’s description, direction traveled or vehicles used.

Postal Inspectors should be contacted if a carrier notices large amounts of mail in collection boxes addressed to the IRS. Tax refund checks addressed to names not usually associated with the addresses listed, change of address orders that request forwarding of tax refund checks, or multiple tax refund letters sent to the same location are also signs that something is amiss.

Following these tips, which also are available in a Stand-Up Talk for carriers — can help prevent crime, protect the mail, and protect employees.

Every Door Direct Mail – Retail for Small Businesses Now Even Easier to Use

 

Features New Online Mapping Tool and Credit Card Payment

An online mapping tool and credit card payment are two new enhancements to Every Door Direct Mail – Retail that are making it easier for small businesses to reach the customers who matter most — those in their own neighborhoods.

First launched as a test product in 2011, Every Door Direct Mail – Retail is a simple, affordable service from the U.S. Postal Service that allows local businesses to reach customers without the need for names or addresses. The new online mapping tool facilitates selection of the neighborhoods, cities or ZIP Codes to which the user wishes to market. For added convenience, credit cards are now accepted for both online and Post Office postage payment.

Every Door Direct Mail – Retail also now includes improved search functionality and the ability to create mailings up to 30 days in advance of the mailing date.

“We learned a lot in the last year and a half about how to make the product better, but most of all, we learned just how much the small-business community would use a product that is affordable and easy to use,” said Gary Reblin, vice president, New Products and Innovation. “Local businesses have seen as much as 10, 20 and in some cases, more than 30 percent response rates on their Every Door Direct Mail – Retail campaigns,” said Reblin.

Every Door Direct Mail – Retail can be used with a wide range of formats, from oversized postcards to fliers. It’s ideal for promoting sales and special events or for announcing new businesses to a community. Mailing permits are not required, and at a postage cost of 16 cents per piece, Every Door Direct Mail – Retail is a cost-effective way to place coupons, menus and promotional calendars into the hands of customers and prospective customers.

Every Door Direct Mail – Retail customers can drop off their mailings at their local Post Offices. U.S. Postal Service letter carriers will deliver the mailings to every address along chosen routes.

“Our data show that Every Door Direct Mail – Retail has been a great product to drive repeat business to the Postal Service, and it’s been a great product to drive repeat business to our small-business customers,” said Reblin.

For more information about Every Door Direct Mail – Retail, visit usps.com/everydoordirectmail.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Swainsboro GA Post Office hits 20 RCE perfect scores

The staff in the Swainsboro GA Post Office has achieved 100 percent for 20 straight Retail Customer Experience measurements.

The Retail Customer Experience process gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Congratulations to the Swainsboro team (in photo)led by Postmaster Jerry Lawson along with Denise Braswell, Irvin Cox and Mickey Flanders.

Callahan, Hillard Post Offices Shine in Retail Customer Experience

Callahan, Hillard employees were recognied by District Manager Charley Miller (left), Postmaster Steve Gray, SSAs Debra West and Rhonda Denmark, Acting Retail Manager Brenda Johstono, MPOO Keith Pierle.  Not pictured is SSA Phyllis Silcox.

The Callahan and Hillard Post Offices have completed their 20th Retail Customer Experience with no issues.

Recently, District Manager Charley Miller visited these offices to congratulate them on their accomplishment.

The Retail Customer Experience gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday, March 10

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10, 2013 (and ends Sunday, November 3, 2013).

With modern technology, most phones autoset and computers automatically update to sync with the time change.  However, the time change still can be confusing. 

Most people remember the trick to clock changing by the old quote of "spring forward, fall backward," which reminds us to set forward our clocks for Daylight Saving

Time in the spring and set backward for Standard Time in the fall. 

So what is Daylight Saving Time? Its origins go back to Benjamin Franklin who supposedly came  up with the idea. 

The point of setting back the clocks is to give an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon, while having an hour less of daylight in the morning. 

Yet, it was not put into practice across most of the United States until 1967.  And beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time was expanded --- Americans now observe Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday of March until the first Sunday of November. 

Likely few people will move the clock hand, or dial, forward an hour exactly at 2:00 am local time.   But that's when Daylight Saving Time officially begins on Sunday, March 10. 

Ever wonder why we change the clock at 2:00 am?  Visit http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/.

During the time change, the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend that consumers change the battery in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.     

Passport Day in the USA to continue at Post Offices on March 9

Many Post Offices will host special passport days on March 9 to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Here are the locations that will be participating in the North Florida District:

FACILITY NAME                     ADDRESS                            STATE
Aiken Post Office                       307 Laurens St NW               SC
Beaufort Post Office                   501 Charles St                       SC
Branford Post Office                  104 Suwannee Ave Nw           FL
Eglin AFB Post Office                307 W Van Matre Ave             FL
Fleming Island Post Office          1880 East-West Pkwy             FL
Gainesville NW Postal Store       4111 NW 16th Blvd                FL
Glen Saint Mary Post Office       7345 W Mount Vernon St        FL
Gonzalez Main Post Office         1450 Old Chemstrand              FL
Pensacola Navarre Station          1910 Navarre School Rd        FL
Panama City Main Post Office    1336 Sherman Ave                  FL
Pine Mountain Post Office          158 N McDougald Ave           GA

The U.S. Postal Service and many non-Department of State Passport Acceptance Facilities, including post offices, clerks of court, and libraries will celebrate Passport Day in the USA, a national passport acceptance and outreach event.

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air.
U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government. 

Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Due to the budget sequestration, Department of State Passport Agencies will not be participating and will be CLOSED on Saturday, March 9.*

Before Email: Letters from Black America in Jacksonville

As part of the Black History celebration, the Ritz Theatre and Museum along with Director, Emanuel Washington presented a night of history, understanding and love of the art of letter writing. 

The letters were presented in the style of Readers Theatre. “Readers Theatre is an activity in which students or actors, while reading directly from the scripts, are able to tell a story in a most entertaining form, without props, costumes, or sets. Actors are asked not to memorize their lines. 

They are, however, encouraged to “ham it up” and use intonation and gestures appropriate to their characters and their characters’ words.” The actors presented each letter as if they were the writer themselves. The voices, the gestures the play on words, it was all there.  

The actors read letters from W.E.B Dubois (Stamp issued in 1992), Madam CJ Walker (Stamp issued in 1998), Michael Leon, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston (Stamp issued in 2003), Martin Luther King Jr. (Stamp issued in 1979) and many more. Behind the reader was a picture of the writer or copy of a stamp as issued from the  United States Postal Service.

Mr. Washington gave the Postal Service many accolades for honoring Black Americans on the postage stamp and having such a diverse workforce. 

“This event gave incite to why it is so important for all Americans to continue writing letters to their friends and family. 

The art of writing has to come back. Events like these will help to ensure, we as a people see the value of the written word and use it to our advantage.” Wanda Mckinney, Customer Service Supervisor.

Mr. Washington and his actors were presented a plaque from the Postmaster’s office to add to the black history event. 

This was the first annual event for the group, they plan to make this a tradition.

Claxton Post Office continue to provide excellent service

 
This past holiday season the Claxton Post Office made a connection with the local bakery. Claxton Bakery was shipping with UPS prior to the holiday season, when an employee mentioned the United States Postal Service flat rate and regional rate boxes. 

The bakery took a chance and used the priority option as offered by the USPS to ship their world-famous Fruitcakes.

Will Parker, Office Manager for Claxton Bakery was happy to say that they had a great season of shipping the Fruitcakes, and had very little problems. 

“The Claxton Post Office and Carriers did a great job getting the Fruitcakes where they needed to be!” Says Will Parker, Office Manager for Claxton Bakery. Dale Parker the VP stated that they would save a lot of money by shipping with the regional rate boxes though the Postal Service vs. UPS.

Although the holidays are over the carriers continue to pick up 25-100 packages daily from the Bakery.

“We understand how important service is to not only our customers, but their customers too!” says Postmaster, Rosalie Bolton.

Thanks team!

The Northeast FL PCC continues to do big things

Darnell Babbit, MacPapers and Dan Lawlor,
TC Delivers, Industry-Co Chair

Recently, the NEFLPCC asked Darnell Babbit, Human Resources Manager, for MacPapers to be the keynote speaker. 

The presentation was refreshing to say the least. Ms. Babbit explained the essential elements when dealing with new hires, interviews and communication between employees.

The Northeast FL PCC host a monthly meeting geared toward educating businesses and their employees.

The Postal Customer Council (PCC) is a local and national network of business mailers, mail industry representatives, and USPS representatives, who gather regularly to discuss and resolve local mailing issues, develop content rich education programs, and work continuously to improve communications between the Postal Service™ and mailers by promoting an effective networking platform. 

If you are looking to find ways to improve your knowledge or skills, locate a PCC or visit the Northeast FL PCC’s website: http://www.northeastflpcc.com

USPS social media update

With thousands of fans and friends online, the Postal Service is more social than ever.
USPS is active on a variety of social media sites. Currently, there is a corporate presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

USPS Stamps also uses several social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter, as well as Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, Google+ and the Stamp of Approval blog.

Careers@USPS on Facebook alerts job seekers to open positions and upcoming career fairs.
The Postal Service is growing its social media influence every day — engaging customers on these platforms to reach them in today’s digital culture.

Customers and employees can find a variety of information and interactive content on social media platforms, with recent outreach during Winter Storm Nemo and the six-day package delivery announcement as examples. In both situations, multiple updates and links to additional information were posted on USPS accounts to provide immediate responses.

Employees can get access to social media on work computers through eAccess if they have a business reason for it, with a manager’s approval. The official USPS social media policy is online at the Postal Service Policy Net website, and includes guidelines for professional use.

Employees are encouraged to visit these sites even if they do not have a work computer or access at work. These sites, as well as Link, are optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Dublin GA rural carrier reaches a safe million miles

Dublin, GA rural carrier Eddie Floyd received his million mile award on Feb 1st from MPOO Angela Collier.

The Million Mile Club is the National Safety Council’s highest safety honor among professional drivers and recognizes drivers who have driven more than one million miles or more than 30 years without a preventable accident.

The United States Postal Service and the National Safety Council have teamed up to promote and ensure the safety and health of the USPS workforce nationwide.

As a long-standing member of the National Safety Council, the United States Postal Service has established an agreement with the Council that entitles all facilities to take advantage of member benefits in an effort to prevent unintentional injury and illness.

Eligible postal employee participants of the Safe Driver Award Program include those who have a normal daily assignment that involves the driving of a motor vehicle for official business use, and who have not had their driving privilege revoked or suspended

Pictured is Mr. Floyd and Dublin OIC Chris Mitrisin.

New survey shows most Americans support delivery plan

USPS has released the results of a new survey showing 80 percent of Americans support the new six-day package, five-day mail delivery schedule.

The survey, conducted Feb. 8-11, shows consistently high support for the new schedule among urban, suburban and rural communities, as well as among all age groups and income levels. Support for the schedule rose to 85 percent among all respondents when asked whether they would back the new delivery schedule if it helped stabilize the financial situation of the Postal Service.

Earlier research indicated that nearly seven out of 10 Americans supported the switch to five-day mail delivery as a way for the Postal Service to reduce costs. Maintaining six-day package delivery has increased support for the new delivery schedule, according to the new survey results.

The survey, commissioned for the Postal Service, was completed by Ipsos, a leading independent market research company.

Banking the Sick Leave

Sick leave is a valuable asset to any career employee. When employees are faced with an unforeseen situation, like surgery or an accident, they know their bills and family will continue to be taken care of.  Such is the case with Dwight Raulerson, Rural Carrier for the Sanderson, FL Post Office.

Last July, Dwight fell off a ladder at home and broke both his ankles and both wrist. His recovery has taken months. Because Dwight conserved his sick leave, he is able to be stress free knowing he can take advantage of his sick leave.  

“Dwight did not know he was going be sick or have to use his sick leave, but he knew how important it was to conserve his sick leave. Dwight is currently at home, taking the time to nurture his injuries so he can return to work. That’s the important thing, coming back and being ready. Dwight’s story illustrates the value of banking sick leave!” Michael King – (A)Postmaster, Sanderson, FL

Teaching the Kids

If you teach them when they are young… we have heard that all throughout life and history.

The Jacksonville Beach post office is taking that statement to heart. Recently, the Palms Preschool students visited the Jacksonville Beach location to receive an illustrated tour of “The Post Office”. Acting Supervisor, Cynthia Jones gave the kids a tour of the facility and a postal vehicle, beginning with a visit to the collection box, where all the kids mailed a valentine letter to their parents.

Assistant Director of the Palms Preschool, Cathy Wildes, says “the teachers commented that the trip was very informative and understandable for their age group. It was well run also. They really liked getting to see behind the desk, where the customers were, and of course 2 classes saw the mail truck which just added to the success of the trip!” Best of all, their was great excitement when the valentine cards arrived in their home mailboxes!

“They were so excited and most of the kids paid close attention to what was said. I think it is important to do these types of events. It gives us an opportunity to teach the kids about the processes that are in place for mailing a letter. Hopefully, they will remember when they get older!” (A) Station Manager, Elizabeth Hardy

Retail Customer Experience around the North Florida District

The Keystone Heights team:  (left to right) Frank Geisenberg,
Postmaster Steven Marcus,  Wanda Traver, and Ted Stanley

Ever heard of someone doing a thing perfectly 20 or 25 times in a row? The North Florida District has several offices that have done just that--the Keystone Heights Post Office.  They have completed their 20th Retail Customer Experience with no issues!.

What is the Retail Customer Experience? Well, it gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations. It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue. The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit. This is a wonderful milestone for this location and the new Postmaster, Steven Marcus is thrilled to be a part of a team that believes so strongly in customer service.

But don't forget the Fleming Island Office in Orange Park, FL - they received their 25th perfect shop!

Fleming Island has set the bar here in the North Florida District, particularly high. Yet several offices are striving for similar success. With dedication, a good smile, and knowledge of the customer needs they are all sure to achieve retail success. A key to their retail success is treating every customer as if they are the Mystery Shopper.

Sealed with love

Today is Valentine’s Day which traditionally is celebrated by sharing elaborate cards, flowers, candy, and other unique gestures of affection with a loved one.

Be sure to show that special person what they mean to you by offering them a token of your appreciation. A few potential gift ideas available from the Postal Service are listed below. There’s still time to choose the perfect gift, so plan ahead and select that keepsake today.

Evans GA customer appreciation week

Evans GA celebrated Customer Appreciation Week for our customers!   The customers were provided with bottled water, cookies, mints and candy.  The retail staff at the Evans office did an outstanding job!  They are all pictured here during our celebrations.

Middle Georgia PCC Makes a Comeback

After the consolidation of the South Georgia and North Florida District, the Middle Georgia Postal Customer Council (PCC), based in Macon GA, had been struggling and all but become a past memory. 

However, with the efforts of Jonathan Godfrey of MailSort Macon, Industry Co-Chairperson of the Middle Georgia Postal Customer Council; Tim Goodwin, Postmaster of Macon GA, and Tammy Jones, Postmaster Secretary, as well as many others working behind the scenes, the Middle Georgia PCC met on January 10 for a PCC business luncheon with many new faces and many old friends.

Jermaine Person, Southern Area Mail Piece Design Analyst provided a presentation on the new Postal rate changes and the new folded self-mailer requirements.

There was also a surprise appearance from Matt Bankston of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) who gave customers an overview of what the OIG and the Postal Inspectors do to protect the mail. 

More than 30 attended the meeting with 25 being customers representing small and large businesses. 

Godfrey, praised everyone for their efforts and looks forward to carrying on the momentum with other meetings and events. 

He said that with the changes occurring in the Postal Service, it is critical for all mailers to be knowledgeably informed in order to make the necessary adjustments to keep their business strong and their customers happy.

Archer Post Office honors veterans, Native Americans

Every year our nation  and the Postal Service celebrate  those men and women that have served this great country. 

While it speaks volumes to acknowledge these dedicated men and women with a thank you,  Archer Postmaster Michael Richardson and staff celebrated  this great day by hosting a Veterans Day Feast and Native American heritage event at the local post office. This is a tradition that began with retired Postmaster,  Jim Waldrap. 

The feast was a great success! Covered dishes were donated by the staff of the Archer Post Office and the very generous customers of Archer. We can’t forget Jordan Glen School  who always sends the lion’s share! The city of Archer supplied tables, chairs and grill for the warming as they do every year.

The Native American veterans honored attendees by handling the roll call of fallen warriors.  This was a very special event for all employees, customers and A very special thank you to all volunteers. 

Rosa Parks Forever Stamp on Sale Nationwide

Second in New Set of Civil Rights Stamps Commemorates Historic

Acts of Freedom, Courage, Equality

DEARBORN, MI — The U.S. Postal Service issued the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp during the National Day of Courage celebration at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

The Rosa Parks Forever Stamp goes on sale at Post Offices nationwide, and can be purchased online at usps.com/stamps or by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

“Rosa Parks was the epitome of courage. Her single act of defiance changed a nation. Today, her legacy lives on for generations as we bestow upon her one of America’s highest honors,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman. “Her quiet strength helped to change a nation. Let this stamp be a symbol of her courage and determination. And, let it remind us to never forget the indignities of days gone by — and to never stop fighting for the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”

The National Day of Courage was established to encourage every American to take a stand and commit themselves to do something courageous just as Parks did Dec. 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, AL, city bus. That singular act of courage helped spark the civil rights movement and a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality.

Customers may view the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp and preview other stamps to be issued in 2013 at www.usps.com/stamps and on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

How to Order First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
1401 W. Fort Street
Detroit, MI  48233-9998

Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
3800 Greenfield Road
Dearborn, MI  48120-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 4, 2013.

How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items post¬marked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog, online at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

What Can You Do? Make the Call

When you hear these words?
Life is not worth living . . .
I have nothing to live for . . .
What’s the use of going on . . .
I might as well end it all . . .

Words matter. These comments may be a way to just vent or they could mean something much more serious. Below are steps that may helpful for you to consider if someone you know makes statements that concern you.

1. LISTEN.
2. Take the comment SERIOUSLY.
3. If possible guide the person to a private location.
4. Say, “Let’s talk about this. I’m concerned about what you said.”
5. Ask for clarification: “What did you mean by that comment?”
6. Stay focused on the issue.
7. If the threat appears imminent, call 911.
8. Offer to assist the person. Say, “I’d like to call the EAP right now.” 
9. Make the call, speak to the EAP, and put the person on the line.
10. In the days after the incident, follow up with the person by asking, “How are you?”

 This may have been a very difficult situation to deal with; consider calling the EAP for your own self care.

Customers can receive their mail — no matter where they are

With the Postal Service’s Premium Forwarding Service (PFS), customers can continue receiving their mail while they’re away from home and living at temporary residences anywhere in the U.S.

Customers can use PFS from 15 days to one year. For a one-time enrollment fee and an additional weekly flat fee, USPS will package and reship a customer’s mail by Priority Mail once each week.

Customers can enroll online at usps.com or at their local Post Offices. Customers who enroll online must also update or pay for PFS online.

A customer applying for PFS at a Post Office must provide two forms of ID and evidence of residence at the primary address listed in the application. A customer who enrolls at a Post Office also must pay for and update the PFS service at the same Post Office.

USPS usually reships bundled PFS mail on Wednesdays. However, Express Mail items are forwarded directly to customers without delay. USPS reroutes separately and at no extra cost First-Class Mail items that don’t fit in a weekly PFS shipment.

Effective Jan. 27, 2013, the enrollment fee for PFS will be $15. The weekly shipment fee will be $17.

Brief History of the Forever Stamp

Forever means for-ever!

 Liberty Bell stamp, first of the Forever stamps, was issued in 2007.

The popular Forever stamp has had a brief history, but in many ways, it’s changed the public’s perception of stamps.

The first Forever stamp, introduced in 2007, was an immediate hit. The success of the format led to the strategy, starting in January 2011, of issuing all domestic First-Class commemoratives as Forever stamps. Of the 20.8 billion stamps sold this year, 84 percent were Forever stamps.

The first Forever stamp featured the iconic Liberty Bell. During its 2007 introduction, then-PMG Jack Potter said, “The Forever stamp is a consumer innovation guaranteed to deliver unprecedented convenience and value to our customers. It’s good forever.”

Potter was right. In 2012, the Cherry Blossom Centennial was the most popular Forever stamp, selling at its height around 700,000 per day and leading to a second printing.

Forever stamps always are sold at the current First-Class, 1-ounce letter rate. Customers can use them to mail a letter weighing no more than 1 ounce regardless of when they were purchased and no matter how prices change.

Soon, USPS will add an international stamp to the Forever inventory. The stamp will go on sale in January.
Forever stamps are available at Post Offices and self-service kiosks nationwide, online at The Postal Store, by phone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724), or through the USA Philatelic Catalog.