In his latest video message to employees, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discusses the next phase of the Delivering for America plan, which USPS began implementing more than two years ago.
“We will accelerate the pace of our improvements and will make great gains the coming years,” DeJoy says.
He highlights the organization’s investment in a battery-electric delivery vehicle fleet; new products, such as USPS Connect and Ground Advantage; and other sales and service initiatives.
The video, released May 11, is available on Link and other postal websites and will be shown to employees throughout the organization this week and next.
Champion for children
USPS releases Tomie dePaola stamp
The Tomie dePaola stamp dedication ceremony took place at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH.
The Postal Service dedicated a stamp honoring children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola during a ceremony in New Hampshire on May 5.
The Forever stamp was unveiled at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, which holds more than 100 of dePaola’s works in its collection and established a Tomie dePaola Art Education Fund to support art education for young people.
“There are many gifted children’s book authors and illustrators, but Tomie dePaola’s genius is unique in so many ways: He could communicate with — and without — words, and touch readers across cultures and generations,” said Steve Monteith, USPS chief marketing and customer officer, who spoke at the ceremony.
“At the Postal Service, we feel great kinship with this idea. We help Americans of all backgrounds and generations stay connected, no matter where they are,” he said.
In a career spanning five decades, DePaola (1934-2020) wrote or illustrated more than 270 books and sold nearly 25 million copies.
The stamp features artwork from “Strega Nona,” the picture book series for which he is probably best known.
The “Strega Nona” stories read like bygone folktales, as do many of dePaola’s other works.
Whatever the subject, dePaola’s illustrations are instantly recognizable. Characterized by bright but muted tones and charming, two-dimensional perspectives, they offer a distinctive mix of Romanesque painting styles and traditional folk art.
Joining Monteith were Dr. Susan Lynch, former first lady of New Hampshire and Currier Museum board member; Judie dePaola Bobbi, sister of Tomie dePaola; Erin Fehlau, WMUR-TV anchor; Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; Sarah Mackenzie, founder of Read-Aloud Revival; and Kathleen McCaffery, English language arts consultant at the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Bruce McColl, director of engagement at the Currier Museum, served as master of ceremonies.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with dePaola’s original art.
The stamp is available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
Taking part in the ceremony were, from left: Dr. Susan Lynch, former first lady of New Hampshire; Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; Erin Fehlau, WMUR-TV anchor; Steve Monteith, USPS chief marketing and customer officer; Judie dePaola Bobbi, sister of Tomie dePaola; Sarah Mackenzie, Read-Aloud Revival founder; Kathleen McCaffery, English language consultant at the NH Department of Education; Bruce McColl, Currier Museum engagement director; and Sean Parr, who sang the national anthem.
Judie dePaola Bobbi, the sister of Tomie dePaola, signs a commemorative program.
Several of Tomie dePaola’s books were on display, including some from his “Strega Nona” series.
Behind the screen
Webinar to be held May 18
The May 18 session will cover the types of health screenings that participants should get.
Postal Service employees can participate in a webinar about the importance of preventive health screenings.
The session, “Preventive Health,” will be held May 18 at noon Eastern.
Representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover the types of preventive screenings participants should get and offer tips on staying proactive about wellness.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees may only participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
USPS facilities should fly the U.S. flag at half-staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day on Monday, May 15.
Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, is Monday, May 15.
Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff. When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, all other flags must fly at half-staff, too.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The USPS Administrative Support Manual has guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
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