Thursday, January 25, 2024
Now live
The Postal Service’s new HR website is available to all employees
The Postal Service launched MyHR, a new human resources website, on Jan. 23.
The site centralizes all USPS human resources information and applications, including tools to enroll in benefits, update Thrift Savings Plan accounts and prepare for retirement.
All employees can access the site by going to Blue or LiteBlue on a computer or mobile device and selecting the MyHR link.
MyHR offers enhanced search features and links to the latest USPS human resources news and events. Employees can personalize their MyHR homepage by displaying frequently used applications and recently viewed pages.
The site is part of the Postal Service’s effort to invest in new tools and technology to meet employee needs, a priority of the Delivering for America plan.
Off the Clock
The butterfly effect
With this hobby, a postmaster doesn’t just wing it
My name is Valarie Faria and I’m postmaster at the Selden, NY, Post Office.
When I’m not working, you might find me with my favorite winged creatures — butterflies.
I think I’ve always loved them. When I came across a video series about raising butterflies, I went out and bought some milkweed seeds. That was 2017, when I began to raise butterflies as a hobby with my young son. We both love gardening.
My process is to screen the milkweed — mostly swamp milkweed or common milkweed — daily for eggs. Milkweed is the only plant on which monarch butterflies will lay eggs, and baby caterpillars’ only source of sustenance.
If I spot some, I’ll pull up the plant, bring it inside and place it in one of my “critter containers” — kind of like a hermit crab container. They’re so tiny, I don’t want to give them too much room. They need to be able to reach the milkweed easily once they start crawling.
When they reach the chrysalis phase, I transfer them to the outdoor butterfly house. I name them all — Blossom, Joy, mostly flower names.
In 11 to 13 days, they arrive at the butterfly phase. I let them sit for a day, to make sure their wings are completely dry and it’s safe for them to be released in nature.
It requires a level of dedication. It’s time-consuming. You can’t go on vacation. If I go away — I was on a travel detail assignment in 2021 — my son Marck takes over. He’s 11 now, and amazing at it. We’re a good team.
In all, I’ve released about 1,400 to 1,600 butterflies since I started. It is vital that we safeguard monarchs, and I am passionate about helping to increase their population.
“Off the Clock,” a column on Postal Service employees and their after-hours pursuits, appears regularly in Link.
Shopping for Valentine’s Day? The Postal Service has gifts you’ll love
We’re pretty sure your sweetie will enjoy them, too
How do you love thee? Count the ways with help from these Postal Service-themed gift options for Valentine’s Day.
All are available from The Postal Store, part of usps.com, unless otherwise noted.
Apparel. USPS offers a fitted short-sleeve women’s T-shirt that shows the 1984 Love stamp ($17.95) and — while supplies last — a long-sleeve unisex T-shirt featuring the 2021 stamp ($28). Also available: a pin featuring the puppy on last year’s Love stamp ($14.95) and T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and other items that show this year’s Love stamp ($19.99-$45.99, USPS Forever Stamps Officially Licensed Collections store on Amazon).
Stationery and mailing products. Use a set of 2021 Love stamp notecards ($18) and a matching Retro 51 Tornado Rollerball Love stamp pen ($58) to write a heartfelt note to your valentine. When it’s time to mail it, don’t forget to use this year’s Love stamp, available in panes of 20 ($13.60).
Et cetera. You and your sweetheart might enjoy putting together a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that displays a history of Love stamps ($19.99). Afterward, use a pair of Love stamp mugs to enjoy a warm beverage together ($32, National Postal Museum store). And when you’re not gazing into each other’s eyes, gaze at the framed 2022 Love stamp on the wall ($39.95).
And if sending flowers aren’t your thing, why not send floral stamp-themed tote bags or framed art instead ($9.95-$29.95)?
Release the dragons
The latest Lunar New Year stamp is here
The Postal Service will release its Year of the Dragon stamp on Thursday, Jan. 25.
The stamp is part of the Lunar New Year series, which honors an annual observance in many Asian cultures and the United States.
Beginning on the night of the second new moon following the winter solstice, the festival celebrates the coming of spring and the promise of renewal with parades, parties, fireworks, customary foods and gifts.
This year’s festival marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, the fifth of the 12 animals associated with the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon begins Feb. 10 and ends Jan. 28, 2025.
Dragons are the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. Considered by many to be the most auspicious sign in the zodiac, people born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be successful, wise and powerful.
The stamp features a dragon mask. Gold and red are the predominant colors — with gold signifying prosperity in the coming year, and red representing good fortune.
Referencing the ornate masks used in Lunar New Year parades, the series offers a contemporary take on the tradition of paper folk-art created during this time of year.
Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with original artwork by Camille Chew.
The Postal Service’s two previous Lunar New Year stamp series ran from 1992-2004 and from 2008-2019.
The current series began in 2020 with Year of the Rat, which was followed by the Ox, Tiger and Rabbit.
The Year of the Dragon stamp will be available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
The Postal Service will dedicate the stamp Jan. 25 during a ceremony in Seattle.
WestPac Area, California 6 District on top in scanning data
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 95.38 percent during the week ending Jan. 19, down 0.91 percent from one week earlier.
The data was collected Jan. 24.
WestPac led the four areas with a rating of 96.59 percent, while Southern ranked last with a 93.52 percent rating.
Among the 50 districts, California 6, part of WestPac Area, ranked first with a 97.45 percent rating, while Texas 2, part of Southern Area, ranked last with an 86.23 percent rating.
Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost loyalty and drive revenue.
To see the latest data, go to the Informed Visibility website and select “Customer Experience,” followed by “DES 2 Scan Performance.” Postal Service employees must request Informed Visibility access through eAccess.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
-
Now live
The Postal Service’s new HR website is available to all employees
-
Off the Clock
The butterfly effect
With this hobby, a postmaster doesn’t just wing it
-
Shopping for Valentine’s Day? The Postal Service has gifts you’ll love
-
Release the dragons
The latest Lunar New Year stamp is here
-
Brief
WestPac Area, California 6 District on top in scanning data