Patrick Morgan Is New AFDCS Membership Chair

Patrick Morgan of St. Charles, Mo., is the new chair of the Membership Department of the American First Day Cover Society and a member of its Executive Committee. He succeeds Patrick MorganFoster E. Miller, III, who had held the position since 2008.

Morgan, with an MBA from Washington University, worked for IBM for 25 years, where he managed infrastructure architecture for services customers before retiring, and served for four years on the board of the St. Louis affiliate of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization. He is presently in his first term on the AFDCS Board of Directors.

Pat collects FDCs topically — by subject — and is also a member of the American Topical Association, as well as the American Philatelic Society, Poster Stamp Collectors Club, and the Greater Mound City Stamp Club, of which he is Treasurer. He also collects postal cards with Fleetwood cachets and Artmaster airmail FDCs, and has written articles for First Days and Topical Time.

“Pat was highly recommend by everyone to whom I talked,” said AFDCS president Lloyd A. de Vries. “He started looking at our membership programs even before he was confirmed by the Board.”

Miller remains chair of the AFDCS Sales Department and represents the organization at many shows each year. He is also on the Board.

“We could not have made it through the past few years without Foster reconstructing and then maintaining our membership records,” said de Vries. “Now, however, I want to lighten his load and also put more emphasis on recruitment and retention of members.”

The AFDCS is the largest not-for-profit first day cover society in the world, with members in more than a dozen countries. It publishes an award-winning journal, First Days, six times a year, as well as handbooks, catalogues and You-Tube videos, and is a co-sponsor of the annual Great American Stamp Show. It holds an annual cachetmaking contest and two mail auctions a year, and encourages philatelic exhibiting and writing about FDCs.

Morgan can be reached directly at membership@afdcs.org. For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057

Robins Celebrate Holidays (Netherlands 2024)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL launches December stamps with robins: a sign of hopeThe Hague, 18 November 2024 – This year, PostNL is issuing atmospheric December stamps with robins, designed by illustrator Marieke Ruts. The ten unique scenes on the stamps convey a message of hope and warmth for the holidays. The robins, beloved birds that symbolize comfort and resilience, are incorporated into various playful and wintery decors.

Exclusive gift with purchase
Anyone who buys two sheets of December stamps will receive a special Christmas ornament from Vondels, designed in the shape of the gifts as seen on the sleigh stamp. With this, PostNL offers an extra festive gesture to anyone who wants to send Christmas and New Year cards, with a favorable rate of €1.06 per December stamp, valid from 18 November 2024 to 4 January 2025.

A contemporary twist
Ruts designed the illustrations with a wink and a contemporary twist. “I wanted to create something light and fun, without any nostalgia,” says Marieke. “With a few sparklers, for example, but no firecrackers – my dogs can’t stand them. And the Christmas tree is in a wheelbarrow, because after Christmas it will simply be put back in the ground. Isn’t that sustainable?” Marieke also added playful details that are not quite right. “Who hangs a Christmas sweater outside on the washing line in the winter? And who lets a robin drive a sleigh? Those little details bring a smile and some joy during the holidays.”

About the illustrator
Marieke Ruts, also known as Mevrouw Emmer, has been working as a freelance illustrator since 2011 and opened her concept store in Oostvoorne in early 2024. In addition to her work as an illustrator, she offers a range of unique products there. With these December stamps, she shows a contemporary and cheerful view of the holidays, where tradition and humor come together.

Availability
The December stamps will be available from November 18, 2024 at all PostNL sales points in the Netherlands and via the webshop. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite, but the December stamps may only be used from November 18, 2024 to January 4, 2025 without adding any additional stamps. A sheet with 20 December stamps costs € 21.20 this year.

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Collectors may also wish to contact the U.S. firm Bombay Stamps, which can also obtain first day covers upon request, with lower shipping fees. The email is sales@bombaystamps.com Again, The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

USPS Operation Santa Enters 21st Century

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Operation Santa Launches Online Catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe Powered by Toys“R”Us®
New e-commerce option for gift fulfillment makes it easy to shop for and ship the perfect gift

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is announcing the debut of an online e-commerce catalog for the fulfillment of gifts: Santa’s Gift Shoppe, an online option developed exclusively for USPS Operation Santa letter adopters, powered by Toys“R”Us, just in time for the start of the program’s first day of letter adoption.

The new site offers a streamlined experience, making it easier for participants to shop for the ideal gift and ship it from the comfort of their homes with just a click.

The online catalog boasts a selection of toys and gifts from Toys“R”Us, allowing letter adopters to find something special for each letter writer, while the integration with shipping options from the Postal Service, such as USPS Ground Advantage, helps ensure that gifts are affordable to ship and arrive in time for the holidays.

“USPS Operation Santa has connected communities through holiday goodwill for over a century,” said USPS Marketing Vice President Sheila Holman. “This year, through our collaboration with Toys“R”Us, we’re thrilled to bring an easier way for generous people to make a difference. With the launch of this new e-commerce platform, we’re making it simpler than ever to help fulfill wishes and spread holiday joy.”

The introduction of Santa’s Gift Shoppe marks the first of what the Postal Service hopes to be several collaborations in expanding its online catalog to include clothing, shoes, books and more.

“Our joint effort with Toys“R”Us is just the beginning. We’re looking to broaden our selection of gifts in the future to help expand the impact of USPS Operation Santa and create even more opportunities for Americans to spread holiday cheer,” said Holman.

Since its inception 112 years ago, USPS Operation Santa has enabled the public to adopt letters to Santa written by children and families. By choosing a letter, participants make a direct impact on their communities, bringing hope, joy and generosity to the holiday season.

The launch of the e-commerce site coincides with the first day of letter adoption for the program’s 2024 holiday season. Supporters are invited to visit the official USPS Operation Santa website to browse letters, choose a child’s wish to fulfill and benefit from the enhanced shopping and shipping options through Santa’s Gift Shoppe to make holiday dreams come true.

“At Toys“R”Us, our mission is to bring joy to children, and what better way than to surprise them with gifts from Santa,” said Gary Haas, vice president of e-commerce at Toys“R”Us. “Through this new e-commerce platform, generous individuals can easily adopt a letter to Santa and help create magical moments for a new generation of Toys“R”Us kids.”

Also this holiday season, USPS Operation Santa will be featured in a new season of “Dear Santa, The Series,” debuting Nov. 24 on all ABC-owned television stations and streaming on Hulu beginning Nov. 29. The series provides a heartwarming, behind-the-scenes look at the impact of the program, showcasing real stories of generosity and the spirit of the holidays as letters are answered and wishes are fulfilled. “Dear Santa, The Series” captures the essence of USPS Operation Santa, highlighting the dedication of the Postal Service, the support of generous Americans and the joy felt by recipients across the nation.

For more information on how to participate in the program, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Financial Woes for Major Publisher?

by Lloyd A. de Vries

Amos Media, the largest philatelic media publisher in the U.S., appears to be having financial difficulties. Amos publishes the Scott Postage Stamp Catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly, as well as publications for other hobbies.

In a discussion in The Stamp Collecting Forum started by veteran philatelic writer Ken Lawrence, readers reveal they have not received their printed copies of Monthly for several months and columnists report no payments for their articles since June. In addition, printed editions of the Scott catalogues that were due for release on or after September 1 are on back-order, with no date of delivery. Digital editions are available.

Printed editions of Coin World magazine, also published by Amos, also are not available. In a post on a coin collectors forum, a customer service representative was quoted as saying that no date was available for the resumption of printing.

Abruptly in mid-August, Linn’s Stamp News announced it was immediately halting the printing of its weekly newspaper and it would only be available online. The announcement said SSM would continue to be printed and mailed to subscribers who had chosen that option.

The Virtual Stamp Club has asked Amos Media executives for comment.

The Scott books are the major catalogues for stamp collectors in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The first Scott catalogue was a 21-page pricelist in 1886 by New York City stamp dealer John Walter Scott. Scott Publishing was acquired by Amos in 1984 and the operations moved to Sidney, Ohio, near Dayton. Today, the catalogue is six volumes plus related specialty catalogues and thousands of pages and costs nearly $700 from the Amos website (list price $1,034.92).

The major catalogue publisher for British Commonwealth issues, Stanley Gibbons, has been in financial trouble, reorganizing in December 2023 to relieve itself of a debt burden. (The Linn’s Stamp News story is here.)

Annual Holiday (Secular Christmas) Issue (U.S. 2025)

Nothing about this issue has been announced or confirmed, but The Virtual Stamp Club will go out on an evergreen limb and say that there will be such an issue and that it will likely be at least four stamps and have the word “holiday” in its name. While no references will be made in the promotional material to “Christmas,” the designs will have symbols associated with that holiday and the word “seasonal” will be used several times.

However, stamps for the Madonna and Child, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are unlikely, inasmuch as these seem to be on a two-year cycle and stamps for these subjects were issued in 2024.

Boston 2026 (U.S. 2025)

A stamp or stamps will be issued to promote the upcoming International stamp show in the U.S. The first day will be either the first or second day of Great American Stamp Show, i.e., August 17 or 18. No announcement has been made by the USPS and no further details are available at this time. Shown here is the Boston 2026 logo, not the stamp design.

Winter Landscapes (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

Offered in booklets of 20, these five stamps feature photographs of iconic winter landscapes from around the country. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using images from various photographers.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Betty White (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades — including roles on “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals. Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Baby Wild Animals (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

Offering whimsical, eye-catching designs for letters and cards, these 10 stamps show baby wild animals from across the United States, with visual elements suggesting the habitat or behavior of each one. Tracy Walker designed and created the artwork by digitally layering colored shapes on solid backgrounds. Greg Breeding provided art direction.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Luna Moth (Nonmachineable Surcharge) (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

This new stamp for irregularly sized envelopes features a luna moth (Actias luna), considered one of the most beautiful moths in the United States. Artist Joseph Scheer created this composite image by using a high-resolution scanner with extended focus to capture multiple layers of a preservedmoth. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.