U.S. Postal Service Brings Wonder and Amazement to Town with New Limited-Edition Vintage Circus Posters Forever Stamps Stamps Available Today Online and at Post Offices Nationwide

SARASOTA, FL — Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Children Of All Ages… step right up and share the magic of the circus as the U.S. Postal Service today issues the new, limited-edition Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps. With the help of a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ringmaster and clowns, the new stamps were unveiled during an interactive stamp dedication ceremony held at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, the Postal Store, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide or visit ebay.com/stamps to shop for a wide variety of postage stamps and collectibles. The new Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps are modeled after original circus posters — including those promoting the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — and are now part of the Tibbals Digital Collection at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “P.T. Barnum, the great American showman, businessman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, once wrote that ‘the noblest art is that of making others happy.’ At the Postal Service, we think these new stamps will do a spectacular job of doing just that,” said Ellen Williams, member, Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service, in dedicating the new stamps. “We hope people will proudly display these new stamps on all their cards, letters and packages and, just like the circus does, we hope they will bring joy, wonder and amazement into the lives of everyone who receives them.” Joining Williams to dedicate the stamps were Mark Riddell, national public relations director, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus; Steven High, executive director, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; and David Shipman, ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes. The circus has brought together Americans of all ages and walks of life to watch the amazing acts and let imaginations soar. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, companies such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey used evocative posters to let people know that an exciting attraction was coming to town. “The magic of the circus is celebrated here every day at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the estate of the Circus King John Ringling,” said High. “There is no better place to issue stamps honoring circus history than in Sarasota, the Circus Capital of the World. We are grateful for the philanthropic efforts of Howard and Janice Tibbals, whose collection and life’s work including their namesake building on our campus ensures that the legacy of the American circus will never be forgotten.” “We are honored to be a part of this celebration along with our partners at the U.S. Postal Service and The Ringling Museum. At Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey we create circus legends, The Ringling Museum preserves the history and now the U.S. Postal Service celebrates that history and honors the legacy of the circus,” said Nicole Feld, executive vice president for Feld Entertainment and producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. About the Vintage Circus Posters Forever Stamps The Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps pay tribute to the wonder and amusement of the circus which Americans have enjoyed since the late 18th century. This pane of 16 self-adhesive stamps features reproductions of eight vintage circus posters. In the 19th century, lithography became the medium of choice for poster artists. The Amazing American Circus Poster, a book featuring the work of the Strobridge Lithographing Company, describes the process as being “based on the principle that oil and water do not mix.” Using grease crayon or liquid, the artist applied the design in reverse onto a flat surface such as limestone. A chemical process fixed that grease image to the plate, making it receptive to holding ink. Then, the surface was moistened, covered with an oil-based ink and printed onto paper. During the process, the wet, blank areas repelled the ink. Companies such as Strobridge and Erie Lithographing & Printing created bright, detailed works of art that were displayed prominently in cities and towns across the United States. These posters were not simply modest, restrained ads either. They were big and bold — just like the circuses they touted. Poster size was measured by the “sheet.” A sheet was 42 inches by 28 inches (or vice versa). But posters didn't stop at one sheet. There were two-sheet, three-sheet, four-sheet and even 12-sheet, 24-sheet and 100-sheet posters, which covered entire sides of buildings. The language incorporated on the posters was usually as colorful as the images it described. These eye-popping late 19th and early 20th century posters showcased majestic elephants, fierce tigers and colorful clowns, alongside acts such as acrobatic gymnasts, graceful wire dancers and daring stuntmen. Colorful clowns were also poster mainstays. “Clowns might easily thrive outside the circus,” The Amazing American Circus Poster states, “but the idea of a circus without clowns is almost inconceivable.” Each stamp features one vintage circus poster. The pane's verso text includes a brief discussion of the history and purpose of circus posters. The selvage features an image of a circus entrance shot by photographer Edward J. Kelty in 1937. Art director Greg Breeding worked on the stamp pane with designer Jennifer Arnold. Customers may view many of this year’s other stamps on Facebook facebook.com/USPSStamps, Twitter @USPSstamps, Pinterest pinterest.com/uspsstamps, Instagram instagram.com/uspostalservice or on uspsstamps.com, the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news. Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, 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 larger envelopes addressed to: Vintage Circus Posters Postmaster 1661 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34230-9998 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 up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, the price is five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 4, 2014. Ordering First-Day Covers The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items 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 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 Philatelic Products There are 10 philatelic products for this stamp issue: 472104, Pane of 16 with selvage, $7.84 472106, Press Sheet with die cuts, $47.04 (print quantity of 2,500) 472108, Press Sheet without die cuts, $47.04 (print quantity of 2,500) 472110, Keepsake (Pane of 16, 1 random single Digital Color Postmark), $9.95 472116, First-Day Cover (set of 8), $7.44 472118, Full Pane First-Day Cover, $10.34 472119, Cancelled Full Pane, $10.34 472121, Digital Color Postmark (set of 8), $13.12 472130, Ceremony Program random single, $6.95 472124, Framed Art, $39.95 The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. # # # Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm. For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf. Follow us on twitter.com/USPS and like us at facebook.com/USPS. For more information about the Postal Service, go to usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.

GREENWOOD RURAL CARRIER MISTY TEAGUE HONORED AS A HERO

Misty Teague, Greenwood Rural Carrier recently received a letter from Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe commending her for quick action in helping a customer.

"I want to commend your selfless display of civic duty.  You deserve the highest level of admiration for alerting a business owner that a fire he left unattended had spread out of control, and you called the fire department.  Your actions resulted in this emergency situation having a positive outcome.  Thank you for being the eyes and ears of your community."

Congratulations and thank you Misty!

LITTLE ROCK MAIN OFFICE PASSPORT AGENT RECOGNIZED FOR PROFESSIONALISM

Little Rock Passport Agent Owen White often receives compliments and positive comments regarding his enthusiasm and professionalism.  

"His office is a reflection of his passion for travel and excellence in his position as a passport agent," one customer stated. "He has flags from several countries, clocks that reflect the different time zones and a map that displays the countries from which the customer is from, and has filled out a passport application in Little Rock. The Postal Service should be proud of his commitment and positive attitude."

LITTLE ROCK POST OFFICE HOSTS BOOTH AT AMERISTAMP EXPO - LOVIN' LITTLE ROCK

Diana Smith at the USPS booth

Enthusiastic crowds of stamp collectors arrived in Little Rock for the spring AmeriStamp Expo themed “Lovin’ Little Rock” February 14-16, 2014. 

The First Day of Issue and unveiling for the Winter Flowers stamp was held during the Expo on February 14^th. Special guests and speakers were Mike Hart, Sr. Plant Mgr (A), Stephen Reinhard and his team from the American Philatelic Society, Janet Klug, Chair of the US Postal Service’s Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee and Ms. Ginger Beebe, the First Lady of Arkansas.

The Little Rock Post Office hosted a booth and generated approximately $22,000 in new revenue, including 167 packs of the Jenny stamps.

It was a team effort and leading the success was Chenal Rural Carrier, Diana Smith who has been detailed to the postmaster’s office.  “Diana took the challenge, gathered a team and executed the event like a professional, stated John Confer LR Officer In Charge. “We are all very grateful for her exceptional comment and great attitude.”

LR Clerk Brian West, Conway Clerk Kim Moore, Diana Smith assisting customers

NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK - SHRED SMART

U.S. Postal Service Celebrates Consumer Protection Week

Arkansas Post Offices Tells Consumers How to Avoid Scams and Fraud

Little Rock — The U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service join with government agencies, advocacy organizations and private sector groups nationwide to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 2-8, 2014. This coordinated, consumer-education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

“The Little Rock and Conway Post Office is proud to work with a broad coalition of groups to share tips and information to protect consumers against fraud,” said Officer-In-Charge John Confer. “As one of the most trusted companies and the most trusted government agency, consumers have a high confidence in the mail and expect the Postal Service to protect the privacy of their personal information.”

This year’s theme, In a Sweepstakes, If You Pay to Play — You Lose, highlights the importance of using good consumer sense at every stage of life — from grade school to retirement.

The Little Rock Post Office, Inspection Service and Shred Smart are partnering to offer the public an opportunity to shred their confidential documents at no charge.

Shred Smart will be on-site on the following dates, all times are 11 am – 1pm:

Tuesday, March 4 - Little Rock Main Office, 600 E Capitol, Little Rock AR

Wednesday, March 5 – Conway Post Office, 1060 Hogan Ln, Conway AR

Friday, March 7 – Little Rock Chenal Station, 815 Technology Dr., Little Rock AR

Document shredding is a key component in avoiding identity theft. The Postal Inspection Service investigates scams that take advantage of people by using personal information to obtain and abuse credit cards. Shredding sensitive documents can keep that information from accidently ending up in the wrong hands.

Established in 1998, National Consumer Protection Week is a federal program, led by the Federal Trade Commission, to draw attention to issues and ideas that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials and services, and improve their knowledge of how to combat fraud. For more information about National Consumer Protection Week, visit http://www.deliveringtrust.com/ and www.consumer.gov/ncpw.

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The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

LITTLE ROCK MAIN OFFICE RETAIL CLERK BUTCH KING RECEIVES CUSTOMER ACCOLADES

Mr. King recently earned a gold star and continually receives nice compliments from customers that do business at Little Rock Main Post Office.  One customer recently took the time to let Officer In Charge, John Confer know about his excellent service.  

The customer stated, "Mr. King is always professional and services customers with a friendly attitude.  Whenever I visit the Main Office in Little Rock, I am given priority treatment and I know he has my best interest at heart.  I am thankful for such a diligent and kind person to help me with my mailing needs." 

Feb 7, 2014		Local Contact: Leisa Tolliver-Gay leisa.m.tolliver-gay@usps.gov 501-375-1414  usps.com/news
U.S. Postal Service unveiling Winter Flower Stamps in Little Rock at American Philatelic Society Expo
What:	With Winter Flowers, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of issuing stamps that present beautiful, floral-themed art. Each of these four stamps depicts a close-up view of one plant — amaryllis, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, or paperwhite — with detailed and colorful renderings of its blossom and foliage.
Who:	Janet Klug Chair of the United States Postal Service’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee Stephen Reinhard President American Philatelic Society Ken Martin, Executive Director American Philatelic Society Invited guests include: Ginger Beebe, First Lady of Arkansas
Where:	Statehouse Convention Center Wally Allen Ballroom A Markham and Broadway Little Rock AR 72201
When:	Friday, February 14, 2014; 12 noon CST
More Info:	Find more information about the new stamp at usps.com/stamps, facebook.com/uspsstamps or uspsstamps.com Find more information about the AmeriStamp expo at: http://stamps.org/AmeriStamp-Expo-ASE # # # Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at http://about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm. Follow the Postal Service on twitter.com/USPS and at facebook.com/USPS.