It's the Year of the Rooster

The Year of the Rooster stamp is the 10th of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Rooster begins January 28, 2017, and ends February 15, 2018.

The stamp is available at local Post Offices today, January 5.

The stamp depicts a rooster emblazoned on a red envelope (hongbao). Parents present red envelopes containing money to children and loved ones during Lunar New Year celebrations. The color red symbolizes luck in Chinese culture, while rooster imagery is often used to ward off evil spirits.

Artist Kam Mak created this original painting. Art director and stamp designer Ethel Kessler incorporated elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps — Clarence Lee’s intricate cut-paper design of a rooster and the Chinese character for “rooster,” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun — to create continuity in the series.

Praising West Boynton Beach Staff

“I wanted to send a message of praise to the USPS West Boynton Beach Team. I work in West Boynton Beach, and usually have my staff drop off items to be mailed, but today after work, I went to this Post Office, and got a chance to observe. I honestly did not know where to drop off a large mailing.  I stood in line and got to see how things worked. The staff in this location not only was efficient, but was the most friendly and supportive team I have ever seen. I would challenge any retail outlet to have this level of service. Thank you and kudos to the West Boynton Beach postal staff for a job well done!” --- Robert Waples

#PostalProud

WPB CCA Takes First Step to Career

West Palm Beach A/Supervisor Customer Service Support Elaine Gusse (left) cheerfully processed paperwork for newly-hired City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Joel Bouza (right).

 

“I am excited to work for a great company that has been around for years,” Bouza said. "I want to grow with the company and become a career postal employee."

 

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

#PostalProud

Retiring Sunrise Letter Carriers

Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (far left) and Sunrise, Manager, Customer Services Adrian Drummond (far right) thanked retiring Letter Carriers for their outstanding service throughout their careers. Pictured are Letter Carriers Lisa Ortiz (second from left) with 33 years, Anthony Genovese (center) with 35 years and Richard Heithoff (second from right) with 31 years. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

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.