American Philatelic Society program coordinator Janet Houser is retiring at the end of August, after more than 30 years with the organization. Executive director Scott English says Janet made him promise to find a new youth coordinator (Houser’s main assignment) and not to make her go to Columbus for StampShow this summer.

In addition to youth activities, Janet has also been running the On The Road and other adult education programs. English says she doubled the number of students in the OTR program last year, to 150.

Janet also handles the free album pages for children (and, undoubtedly, adults) and Scott said she will continue to do that as a volunteer – to which Janet feigned surprise.

Later, she confirmed to The Virtual Stamp Club that she will be working on the album pages after retirement.

In a telephone meeting June 11, 2018, the APS board approved unanimously a resolution honoring Houser.  Executive director Scott English noted that she began at the APS in 1990, and worked in the accounting department before moving to education. He said he was “extremely grateful” for her help as he became the organization’s CEO and made changes. “Janet has been extremely supportive of the education initiatives” and “an ambassador of good will,” he said. “I’ve been grateful for having her.”

English joked that he is trying to convince her to volunteer five days a week, but that is still under negotiation.