Daily printout: Sept. 16

The Postal Service dedicated two new holiday stamp releases at a ceremony on Sept. 14 in Washington, DC.

Up first was the Christmas Madonna and Child stamp, which features an oil painting from the workshop of the 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi (1609-1685), known as “Sassoferrato.” The extent to which Sassoferrato had a hand in painting it is unknown, so the portrait is attributed to his workshop.

The artwork depicts a watchful Madonna, her head tilted toward the sleeping Christ child nestled against her.

“The Christmas Madonna and Child stamp is a beautiful reminder of the season’s roots,” said Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s marketing vice president, who spoke at the ceremony.

“It’s a timeless design that brings a touch of reverence and warmth to every piece of mail,” she said.

The ceremony’s second release was the four Holiday Joy stamps, which feature folk-art inspired images of colorful flowers and Christmas ornaments.

Antonio Alcalá worked with Michelle Muñoz to create the unique images of holiday décor, inspired by a love of Christmas, vintage ornaments and Mexican folk art.

“These stamps provide our customers with beautiful images for the holidays and are more than just decorations for their cards and packages — they enable and provide a bridge between families and friends across America,” said Mark Guilfoil, the Postal Service’s supply management vice president, who also spoke at the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the National Postal Museum. Other speakers included Toby Mensforth, the museum’s deputy director, and Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS.

Jacquie Gales Webb, host of “Gospel Spirit,” a show on WHUR-FM (96.3) in the Washington, DC, area, was master of ceremonies.

The Holiday Joy and Christmas Madonna and Child Forever stamps are available in booklets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.

The Postal Service will observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration held each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Around 13.5 percent of USPS employees identify as having Hispanic ancestry.

It may seem unusual to have a monthly observance start and end in the middle of a month, but it makes sense in the context of Hispanic history. Mid-September holds a number of meaningful dates throughout much of Latin America.

Sept. 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Toward the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month, on Oct. 12, is Dia de la Raza, or Day of the Races. This holiday acknowledges the hardships brought by colonization and celebrates the multicultural, multiethnic societies that evolved as a result.

Each year, the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers chooses a theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year it is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

The National Hispanic Heritage Month and the National Museum of the American Latino websites have more information.

To help mark National Preparedness Month in September, the Postal Service is encouraging employees to take steps to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Employees should:

• Update their emergency contact information.

• Review posted emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

• Be familiar with the USPS National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-363-7462). Employees can call the hotline after an emergency to report their condition and check for changes in their scheduled work reporting status.

The Personal Preparedness Blue page has more information, including checklists and other tools.