New arrivals at the postal retail window are the Katherine Anne Porter and the Amber Alert stamps. On sale May 15 was the 22nd stamp in the Literary Arts series. It is a colorful picture of the Pulitzer Prize winning author from Texas, Katherine Anne Porter. She is best known for her novel, “Ship of Fools”. The Amber Alert stamp representing America’s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response system went on sale May 25. It is a chalk pastel illustration done by Vivienne Flesher aimed at drawing attention to social causes of this country. Don’t hesitate to ask the Centerville clerks for a look at these stamps.

Due to a shortage of personnel, I recently had the “opportunity” to carry a few relays on the city routes. Each one of these experiences teaches me something new. I had forgotten the importance of prominently displayed house numbers until I was on my own, carrying. I carried mail for several years, but that seems long ago now and I hadn’t thought about this problem. It would be extremely helpful for those customers currently without numbers to add them. Although there are not a lot of unnumbered properties, it makes a substitute unable to perform their job efficiently. I have instructed them to cease delivering mail to a house that is not properly identified. Delayed delivery of mail is better than delivering an important letter to the wrong house. It would also be helpful for those unattached mailboxes, many of which are laying on the ground, to be placed at an easily accessible height. Broken or lost lids that allow the mail to be blown out by the wind or soaked by the rain should also be repaired. If you are having any particular problems with your mail, don’t hesitate to call and ask to speak with me. I will research your problem and try to alleviate your concerns. Many times communication between the customer and carrier resolves the issue.

Postal Trivia: Beginning in 2007, the USPS will sponsor two annual prizes for scholarship on the history of the American postal system. More information is available on our website www.usps.com

* * * * *

Along with the upcoming observance of Memorial Day, the Postal Service is reissuing the Purple Heart Stamp in a 39-cent denomination. The Purple Heart decoration was created by General George Washington to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his command. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first award made available to a common soldier. The award was not continued after the Revolutionary War, but was reinstated on Feb. 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birthday. The stamp is a likeness of the actual Purple Heart, which consists of a purple heart of metal bordered by gold and suspended from a purple-and-white ribbon. In the center of the medal is a profile bust of George Washington beneath his family coat of arms. These stamps will be made available on May 26.

To be released for sale on May 27 will be the Wonders of America sheet of 40 stamps. The sheet consists of pictures of 40 of the most remarkable places, structures, plants and animals in America. Text on the back of each stamp reveals statistics and other interesting information. These stamps are fascinating as well as colorful and will be enjoyed by customers of all ages. May 28 will be the first day of sale for the Voyage of Samuel de Champlain stamp. The attractive likeness of a sailing vessel, it is a joint issue with the Canada Post. Samuel de Champlain played a major role in the French exploration of North America. In 1606, he took part in a coastal expedition beginning in Nova Scotia and continuing south to the land presently known as Massachusetts.

We are now in the process of spring cleaning at the Centerville Post Office. We are taking it one area at a time. When we have completed the job, we will have a sale of the excess equipment. Among these pieces will be old desks, files etc.

Postal Trivia: An Act of Congress on June 25, 1910 established the Postal Savings System. This legislation aimed to get money out of hiding, attracting the savings of immigrants accustomed to saving at Post Offices in their native countries. After World War II, deposits declined. On July 1, 1967, the system officially ended.