Retirement Reminder: TSP Catch-Up

The U.S. Postal Service is reminding employees that the deadline to make Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) catch-up contributions effective for the first pay period of 2017 is January 4 at 4 p.m. EST.

There is no open season for TSP. Employees can make or change TSP elections at any time during the year.

In 2017, employees can make up to $18,000 in regular TSP contributions. Employees age 50 or older can contribute an additional $6,000 in catch-up contributions.

Retiring Oakland Park Letter Carriers

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (left) recognized retiring Oakland Park Letter Carriers for their years of dedicated postal service. From left, Daniel Demonica, 31 years; Patricia Sullivan-Smith, 29 years; and David Webb, 34 years. Letter Carrier Faith Durham has 31 years, but was not available for this photo opportunity. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

USPS Announces More New Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has announced more stamps to be issued in 2017. Here are the newest additions:

Oscar de la Renta
Most widely known for dressing the nation’s first ladies and celebrities, Oscar de la Renta (1932–2014) was one of the world’s leading fashion designers for more than 50 years. This pane of 11 stamps features an evocative black-and-white portrait of the couturier and 10 details from several of his most exquisite gowns. De la Renta's innovative designs and close attention to detail are said to have elevated American style and brought international attention to New York as a world leader in fashion.

Azulillo (stamped card)
The U.S. Postal Service issues a new stamped card for 2017 featuring an illustration of a Chilean blue crocus (Tecophilaea cyanocrocus) from pre-existing artwork by illustrator and designer Dugald Stermer (1936–2011). His penciled calligraphy under the flower indicates one of its common names azulillo — loosely translated from Spanish, it means “little blue thing”— with its botanical name above. The Chilean blue crocus is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones seven to nine. It generally flowers in February or March in North America.

Lili‘uokalani Gardens (Priority Mail)

This Priority Mail stamp is being issued to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Built on land donated by Queen Lili‘uokalani (1838–1917), the last Hawaiian monarch to govern the islands, the gardens were dedicated in 1917 and named in her honor. Hilo's Lili‘uokalani Gardens are Japanese in style with influences of Hawaiian remains of lava flows, plantings of tropical trees and flowers, and a view of the Mauna Kea volcano — Hawai‘i’s highest point. The stamp art features one of the gardens' most iconic structures, the red wooden shelter on a stone bridge spanning a portion of the pond. The bridge is surrounded by three stone lanterns and lush tropical plants.

Gateway Arch (Priority Mail Express)

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Gateway Arch, in St. Louis, MO, with a new Priority Mail Express stamp. The Gateway Arch was built as a memorial to President Thomas Jefferson and the 19th-century traders and pioneers for whom St. Louis was the gateway to the West. The stamp art depicts the majestic stainless-steel arch at sunset in its setting on the banks of the Mississippi River. Towering above the city’s skyline, the Gateway Arch is reflected in the rippling water below, where a barge passes by. 

BME Tech is Retiring after 35 Years

Fort Lauderdale Business Mail Entry Technician Ron Lux (front row, from left) is retiring after 35 years of service. Next to Lux are Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Anne Diego and Manager, Business Mail Entry Joycelynn King. Second Row, from left: Business Mail Entry Technician Dale Lopez; Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Warren Clarke; and Business Mail Entry Technician Taphine Wilcox. Third Row, from left: Business Mail Entry Technician Keith Young. Back Row: Business Mail Entry Technician John Reynolds. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

#PostalProud

EAP: A Program You Can Trust

The U.S. Postal Service reminds employees that counseling and other services are available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) throughout the holidays — and all year long.

If you need to talk to someone, you can call EAP’s toll-free number at 800-327-4968 (800-EAP-4YOU). The TTY number is 877-492-7341.

Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including New Year’s Day.

The most valuable assets of the U.S. Postal Service are its employees. Both the employees and the organization benefit when employees have access to services that will help to maintain and enhance the quality of their lives. At varying times in each of our lives, we must face personal problems. Some problems are more easily resolved than others, but many can best be solved with professional assistance.

Your EAP is more than just another benefit. It's a time-saving, stress-relieving, powerful tool that helps put resources at your fingertips. The EAP is available to USPS employees and their families provided by the USPS at no cost, your EAP gives you the ability to ...

Improve your health and well-being Manage stress Prepare for retirement Strengthen relationships

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