Geometric Snowflakes (U.S. 2015)

Posted on August 20, 2015 by VSC

Updated December 7th: Scott Catalogue numbers:
5031 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – purple & lilac snowflake
5032 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark blue & blue snowflake
5033 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark green & green snowflake
5034 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark red & pink snowflake
a. Block of 4, #5031-5034
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5031-5034
c. As “a,” imperforate
d. As “b,” imperforate

Updated September 25th: The first day Digital Color Postmark.
This DCP measures 2.64″x1.23″. The black-and-white postmark has been changed to the standard four-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE cancel.

Updated September 21st:
On October 23, 2015, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue Geometric Snowflakes (Forever® First-Class Mail® priced at 49 cents) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 20 stamps (Item 680400).

The stamps will go on sale nationwide October 23, 2015.

Celebrate the joys of a winter snowfall with Geometric Snowflakes, four colorful new stamps issued in a booklet of 20. Each new stamp depicts a different snowflake drawn in one of four colors: purple, pink, green, or blue. These bright, cheerful stamps are sure to add a whimsical splash to holiday cards, thank-you notes, invitations, greeting cards, and any mailing that calls for a touch of warmth during the coldest months of the year. Art director Antonio Alcalá and Leslie Badani designed the stamps.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Geometric Snowflakes Stamps
Special Events Coordinator
380 West 33rd Street
New York, NY 10199-9998

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. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 22, 2015.

There are seven philatelic products for this stamp issue:

680406 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80.
680408 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $58.80.
680410 Keepsake (set of 4), $16.95.
680416 First-Day Cover (Set of 4), $3.72.
680421 Digital Color Postmark (Set of 4), $6.56.
680430 Ceremony Program (random), $6.95.
680431 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Geometric Snowflakes Stamps
Item Number:680400 Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20  (4 designs)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 23, 2015, New York, NY
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Leslie Badani, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.09 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.04 x 11.76 in./ 280.42 x 298.70 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Cool Gray
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
• Plate numbers in peel strip area  • © 2015 USPS in peel strip area

From the USPS:
4 designs
FDOI: October 23 in New York, NY at the ASDA Stamp Show
Format: Booklet of 20

Each of the four Geometric Snowflakes stamps depicts a different snowflake. In nature, untold millions of ephemeral ice crystals form unique patterns that are as stunning in their complexity as they are fleeting. This infinite variety inspired the designers to experiment with different graphic shapes. Each snowflake is drawn in one of four colors: purple, pink, green, or blue. Applying light and dark shades of color enhanced the intricate geometry of each flake and added a feeling of playfulness to the stamp art.

Art Director: Antonio Alcalá

Charlie Brown Christmas (U.S. 2015)

Posted on August 20, 2015 by VSC

Updated October 1st:: Photos from the ceremony by VSC member Chris Lazaroff: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” producer Lee Mendelson.

And photos from the USPS:

Updated September 3rd:: The first day cancels. The DCP cancel measures 3.0″x1.85″. The B&W pictorial measures 1.99″x1.46″. This special cancellation, which other post offices than Santa Rosa may use, measures 2.99″x1.32″.

Updated September 3rd: USPS press release:

Charlie Brown Christmas Forever Stamps Bring Cheer to Holiday Greetings and Packages
Stamps Based on 1965 Holiday TV Classic

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service begins celebrating the holiday season by dedicating the Charlie Brown Christmas Forever stamps Oct. 1. The booklet of 20 stamps features 10 still frames from the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (two of each design) celebrating the classic’s 50th anniversary.

The official dedication ceremony will take place at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA, at 9 a.m. PT. The event is free and open to the public and the stamps will be available nationwide that day. Customers may pre-order the stamps now through this link only for delivery shortly after Oct. 1.

Scheduled to join Postmaster General Megan Brennan at the ceremony are: Schulz’s widow Jean Schulz; Schulz’s son Craig Schulz; and, A Charlie Brown Christmas Executive Producer Lee Mendelson.

The stamp images include: Charlie Brown holding the sapling that eventually becomes his Christmas tree; Charlie Brown and Pigpen with a snowman; Snoopy and children ice skating; the cast of the program gathered around the Christmas tree; Linus kneeling by the sparsely decorated Christmas tree; Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a Christmas card; Charlie Brown and Linus leaning on a snowy brick wall; Charlie Brown and Linus standing by the Christmas tree; a frustrated Charlie Brown standing in front of Snoopy’s doghouse; and, Charlie Brown decorating the tree in front of the prize-winning lights display on Snoopy’s doghouse. Art director Antonio Alcalá Alexandria VA, designed the stamps.

The early October release of the stamp coincides with the Peanuts comic strip debut in seven newspapers on Oct. 2, 1950: The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, The Allentown Call-Chronicle, The Bethlehem Globe-Times, The Denver Post, and The Seattle Times. When Schulz announced his retirement in December 1999, the Peanuts comic strip was syndicated in more than 2,600 newspapers worldwide, with book collections translated in more than 21 languages.

The Christmas Classic
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first animated special featuring characters from Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip Peanuts, aired on CBS the evening of Dec. 9, 1965. Over the years, the ode to the holiday season has become a tradition. The program now airs annually on ABC.

Work began on “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in the spring of 1965, when Schulz met with producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez. Instead of hiring adult actors, the group decided to take the then-unusual step of having children provide voices for most of the characters.

Schulz insisted that the program should not have a laugh track, which he considered cynical and unnecessary. “Let the people at home enjoy the show at their own speed,” he said, “in their own way.” Composer Vince Guaraldi contributed a memorable jazz score. “Linus and Lucy,” a lively piano tune that plays in the film, is still synonymous with Peanuts.

Schulz’s script focuses on Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas. All around him, his friends are enjoying themselves, but he is bothered by the season’s commercialism. “I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess,” he tells Linus. “I like getting presents, and sending Christmas cards, and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy.”

At Lucy’s request, Charlie Brown agrees to direct their school’s Christmas play. The production is temporarily derailed when the other children laugh at him for choosing a small sapling — not a shiny aluminum replica — as a Christmas tree. After an exasperated Charlie Brown wonders if there’s anyone who knows what Christmas is all about, Linus says that he does, and proceeds to recite a stirring rendition of the biblical Nativity story. When he’s finished, he picks up his blanket and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Encouraged, Charlie Brown rushes home to decorate his small tree, only to be disappointed again when it collapses under the weight of one ornament. His pals, however, come to the rescue, turning the sapling into a glimmering masterpiece.

Watched in more than 15 million American homes, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was a smash hit. It won the George Foster Peabody Award and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is being issued as Forever stamps that will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

From the Postal Bulletin:
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

A Charlie Brown Christmas Stamps
Special Events
PO Box 7838
San Francisco, CA 94120-7838

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. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by November 30, 2015.

There are eight philatelic products for this stamp issue:

680206 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $78.40 (print quantity 500).
680208 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $78.40 (print quantity 1,500).
680210 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (Random), $11.95.
680216 First-Day Cover, set of 10, $9.30.
680221 Digital Color Postmark, set of 10, $16.40.
680224 Framed Art, $39.95. [shown on the right]
680230 Ceremony Program (Random), $6.95.
680231 Stamp Deck Card (Random), $0.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: A Charlie Brown Christmas Stamps
Item Number: 680200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (10 designs)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 1, 2015, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 500 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block Tagging
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.56 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.22 x 23.11 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.74 x 2.38 in./145.88 x 60.33 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.49 x 9.5 in./291.74 x 241.3 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Plate numbers in peel strip area • © 2015 • USPS in peel strip area

10 designs (click on the picture for a larger view)
FDOI: October 1 in Santa Rosa, CA at the Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center
Format: Booklet of 20

On December 9, 1965, millions of Americans learned what Christmas is all about. That evening, A Charlie Brown Christmas, the first animated special featuring characters from Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip Peanuts, aired on CBS.

Over the years, watching the beautifully understated ode to the holiday season has become an annual tradition. The program now airs every year on ABC.  The art features 10 still frames from A Charlie Brown Christmas (two of each design).

They include:

Charlie Brown holding the sapling that eventually becomes his Christmas tree
Charlie Brown and Pigpen with a snowman
Snoopy and children ice skating
The cast of the program gathering around the Christmas tree
Linus kneeling by the sparsely decorated Christmas tree
Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a Christmas card
Charlie Brown and Linus leaning on a snowy brick wall
Charlie Brown and Linus standing by the tree
A frustrated Charlie Brown standing in front of Snoopy’s doghouse
Charlie Brown decorating the tree in front of the prize-winning lights display on Snoopy’s doghouse.

Art Director: Antonio Alcalá

From the briefing at StampShow on August 20, 2015: The art of Charlie checking his mailbox will also be used on USPS self-service kiosks.

The Peanuts comic strip debuted on October 1, 1950 (Wikipedia says October 2nd) and the Schulz family requested October 1st as the first day date (65th anniversary).

Early Word: U.S. 2016 Issues

Posted on August 20, 2015 by VSC

Quick notes from a briefing Thursday, August 20th, at APS StampShow by Mary-Anne Penner, acting director, Stamp Services, USPS:

Year of the Monkey, 9th in series, pane of 12 again, two bright red-orange peonies.

Quilled Paper Heart pane of 20 elegant heart created using ancient art of quilling — rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper, gluing to make designs. Almost looks psychedelic.

Black Heritage: Richard Allen. 39th in series preacher activist and civic leader; coincides with his founding of AME church and election as its first bishop. Detail from an 1817 (?) print.

Sarah Vaughan Music Icon; based on oil portrait based on 1955 photo by Hugh Bell.

Botanical Art – booklet of 20, 10 designs, each a detail of an illustration in an American nursery catalogue 1891-1912. part of seed catalogue collection.

Indiana Statehood, 200th anniv., photo of cornfield near Milford Indiana, near sunset. artist grew up near Milford

Jaime Escalante, pane of 20, Calif. educator; proved that students thought to be unteachable could be taught to master even the most difficult subject. Based on 2005 photo taken by his son.

Pets – booklet of 20 – 20 diff designs from existing photos by one photographer. puppies, fish, hamster, goldfish, rabbits, cornsnakes, mice, horses, etc. Made sure all the pets are legal to own in EVERY one of the 50 states. (Ferrets didn’t make the cut for that reason.)

At World Stamp Show:
Repeal of the Stamp Act, 1766, pane of 10, souvenir sheet format, one design; crowd gathering around a liberty tree to celebrate repeal. Selvage shows proof of the one-cent tax stamp. Not part of a series.

another commem sheet, souvenir sheet, will be based on the two stamps issued today.

Spectrum Eagle Stamps (U.S. 2015)

Posted on August 19, 2015 by VSC

Here are the exact Scott catalogue numbers:

5013 (25¢) Eagle coil – green behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5014 (25¢) Eagle coil – blue green behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5015 (25¢) Eagle coil – blue behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5016 (25¢) Eagle coil – red violet behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5017 (25¢) Eagle coil – brown orange behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5018 (25¢) Eagle coil – yellow orange behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
a. Strip of 6, #5013-5018

On September 2, 2015, in Eagleville, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Spectrum Eagle Presort First-Class Mail® nondenominated stamp (priced at 25 cents), in six designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 (Item 788500).

The stamps will go on sale nationwide September 2, 2015.

The Spectrum Eagle Presorted First-Class Mail issuance celebrates the grandeur of the bald eagle with an artist’s rendering of this magnificent bird. Originally issued in 2012, these stamps are being reprinted in 2015. The eagle’s profile is depicted in white, set against a sequence of six varying shades of reds, yellows, greens, and blues. Each color blends with the one following, resulting in a gradual spectrum from left to right across the six stamps. Illustrator Michael Osborne worked with art director Ethel Kessler to create the stamp art.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet the First-Class Mail requirement. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Spectrum Eagle Stamps
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

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, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by November 1, 2015.

There is one philatelic product for this stamp issue: 788517, First-Day Cover (set of 6), $5.64.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Spectrum Eagle Stamps
Item Number: 788500
Denomination & Type of Issue: Presorted First-Class Mail
Format: Coil of 10,000, 6 designs
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 2, 2015, Eagleville, MO 64442
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Michael Osborne, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 150 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Bruce Marsden Declares for APS Treasurer

Posted on August 16, 2015 by VSC

[press release]
Personal Background
I am a California native and attended my first Westpex stamp show as a teenager in 1968. I graduated from U.C. Berkeley’s School of Business with a B.S. in Accounting followed by an MBA degree in 1977.

As a result of a job transfer in 1999, my family and I relocated to New Jersey where we now live. My wife of 32 years and I have two young adult children who are embarking on their own chosen careers.

Philatelic Activities
While I have not parted ways with my blue Scott Internationals, the focus of my collecting interest is Switzerland, in all its permutations. I have several exhibits and I am constantly striving to improve them.

After joining the APS in 1976, my first local stamp club was the East Bay Collectors Club where I served as President in the early 1980s. Following a move to the San Francisco peninsula, I joined the Peninsula Stamp Club and later served as its President until my family’s move to New Jersey.
Today, I am privileged to serve as Treasurer of the APRL, Treasurer and Webmaster of the American Helvetia Philatelic Society (AHPS), Secretary and Assistant Commissioner General of the World Stamp Show-NY2016 Organizing Committee, President of the Collectors Club (New York), and am a member of the NOJEX stamp show committee and the Westfield (NJ) Stamp Club.

Accomplishments Benefiting the Hobby

Designed numerous local show cachets and cancels and organized the 1983 Lake Merritt Balloon Mail Flight in conjunction with the annual East Bay Collectors Club Stamp Show.
Presented “Stamp Collecting and the Internet” seminar at the Pacific 97 International Stamp Exhibition in San Francisco
Organized a successful fundraising campaign among members of the AHPS to support the Switzerland Philatelic Literature Collection at the APRL
Expanded the volume of Swiss philatelic publications and exhibits that are available for viewing and downloading at the AHPS website
Formally incorporated and obtained 501(c)3 tax-exempt status for the AHPS
Obtained an offer of bank financing to complete the permanent APRL space in the Match Factory that was unanimously approved by the APRL Board of Trustees
Obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce the designation of World Stamp Show-NY 2016 as a “Fair” for the purpose of promoting international trade
Organized the 2015 visit of the All China Philatelic Federation and the first multi-day stamp exhibition at New York’s Collectors Club in modern times

Professional Qualifications
I am a Certified Public Accountant with an active license in California, a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Charterholder and a Certified Internal Auditor.

I began my career as a staff accountant at Deloitte in San Francisco, and was promoted to audit manager within five years. The bulk of my career has involved a variety of accounting and financial management positions in the financial services industry culminating in semi-retirement after serving as Chief Financial Officer for Private Banking at U.S. Trust.

I currently serve Riverside Research Institute, a not-for-profit scientific research organization part-time as its Internal Auditor, working with its Board of Trustees on various financial and risk management issues. My part-time status at Riverside affords me the opportunity to also serve philately in volunteer roles.

My Long Term Vision for the APS and APRL

The APS provides a robust suite of services to members which enhance the experience of the hobby
The APS and APRL jointly fulfill an educational and cultural preservation mission for the public good
The Match Factory’s commercial tenants provide long term financial stability to the cultural resource that is the APRL and provides facilities supporting the activities of the APS
The APS grows in its capabilities and reach to become a “mother ship” organization supporting philatelic activities throughout the United States
The APS and APRL are valued members of the Bellefonte, PA community which hosts our physical and professional human resource infrastructure

I Seek Your Support
In 2016 I expect to complete six years of service on the Board of Trustees of the APRL including four years as APRL Treasurer. I will be stepping down from that role and am running in the 2016 election for the position of Treasurer of the APS.

I have had the opportunity to develop strong and collaborative working relationships with recent APS Treasurers Kathy Johnson and Ken Nilsestuen and with Controller Rick Banks. These relationships, the knowledge I have gained in serving the APRL, and my professional and philatelic experience combine to make me your best choice as Treasurer of the APS for the 2016-2019 term.

I thank you for your support.

Bruce Marsden

Elvis Presley Music Icons ceremony photos

Posted on August 14, 2015 by VSC

The main discussion about the stamp issued August 12, 2015, is here.

Postmaster General Megan Brennan, left, and Priscilla Presley and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), right. Photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff. L to R: Quintin R. Smith, Pastor, Historical First Baptist Church of Millington; Memphis City Councilman Harold B. Collins; Joshua D. Colin, Vice President, Area Operations, USPS; Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr; PMG Megan Brennan; Priscilla Presley; Rep. Steve Cohen; Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises; Shelby County Mayor, Mark Luttrell. Photo courtesy USPS.Priscilla Presley. Top photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff. Bottom photo courtesy USPS.

Photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff.Elvis fan Bobbie Clark meets Priscilla Presley. Photo courtesy USPS.A fan reacts to the playing of the new version of “If I Can Dream.” Photo courtesy USPS. L to R: Quintin R. Smith, Pastor, Historical First Baptist Church of Millington; Memphis City Councilman Harold B. Collins; Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises; Postmaster General Megan Brennan; Priscilla Presley; Rep. Steve Cohen; Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell; Kevin Kern, Director of PR, Graceland. Photo courtesy USPS, as is the photo of the fans above this one.

Ken Nilsestuen Declares For APS Presidency

Posted on August 13, 2015 by VSC

Ken Nilsestuen, current APS treasurer, has announced his candidacy for APS president in 2016. As president he will bring years of leadership experience as a philatelist, as a business professional, and as a non-profit board member.

Ken has stated: “The role of the APS board is to exercise its independent fiduciary oversight on behalf of all members of the APS. The organization will prosper by offering desired services to stamp collectors at all levels. The board must work to see that the APS succeeds, our staff succeeds, and help our new executive director as he learns about the stamp collecting hobby. Through all of this, we, the board, must be responsive to our members.”

Nilsestuen’s business experience includes an over 40 year career as a CPA in the largest accounting firms and at the head of two NYSE-listed corporation tax departments. In the late 1990s he was also co- owner of Summit Auctions, a stamp and ephemera auction house. Throughout his entire career Ken focused on managing clients and his own staff to function as effective teams.

He has also been active in non-profit boards for more than 30 years. In addition to the APS he has served as treasurer or president of the Akron Symphony, the International Institute of Akron, the Cleveland International Piano Competition, the Collectors Club of Akron, the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club and the Rubber City Stamp Club.

Ken has been an active philatelist since he was a kid, entering organized philately as a young adult. A Minnesota native, Ken soon became editor of the Twin Cities Philatelic Society newsletter, and over time he joined the APS (1979), CCNY, France and Colonies Philatelic Society, and many other philatelic groups. He has been president of the France & Colonies society for seven years. Ken has been exhibiting for more than 30 years, winning many gold medals and a Grand Award. He made it to the C- of-C in 2010, where he tied for second. Ken qualified for the APS judging corps in 2004, has judged more than 40 shows and is now an active accredited chief judge. This past year he also served on the search committee for the new APS executive director.

In addition to his other accomplishments, Nilsestuen has also written articles for the American Philatelic Congress Book (2004 and 2015) and other publications, mostly on French area philately. In 1999 he co- authored a monograph on Algerian cancels.

Ken believes his extensive business experience, love for the APS and philately, and collaborative leadership style is the necessary combination for a great society and staff guided by an independent and effective board.

Final APRLibrary Construction About To Begin

Posted on August 5, 2015 by VSC

[press release]

American Philatelic Research Library Final Construction Begins The long-anticipated completion of a new state-of-the-art American Philatelic Research Library is much closer to reality. The APRL Board of Directors on Friday, July 31 approved plans for the library’s final construction, which should begin by mid-August.

“The completion of this project will provide secure and appropriate storage for the library’s unique collections and much-needed workspace for our staff, volunteers, and visitors,” said APRL librarian Tara Murray.

The new library space, which will increase the current library’s size by about 50 percent, could be ready to be occupied as early as April 1. The grand opening would be several weeks later to allow time for materials to be transferred from the current library.

The library is within the 100,000-square-foot American Philatelic Center, which occupies the historic former Match Factory in Bellefonte, Pa. The APRL and American Philatelic Society, both nonprofits, share about 55,000 square feet of space while the rest of the facility is leased to 11 tenants.

The Centre Region Planning Agency in July gave final approval to the $2.1 million final phase of the library project. The cost of the entire APRL project is about $3.5 million. A good portion of the final phase is being funded via a $1.3 million gift from Walter Weber of Bellingham, Washington, who passed away in May 2014. It was the largest gift ever received by the APS.

The American Philatelic Research Library is considered one of the world’s most valuable assets in the hobby of philately. The library holds more than 23,000 book titles, and 6,000 journal titles, on its nearly three miles of shelving. More than 30,000 society members are invited to utilize the library’s services, either on-site or from long distance, and the library is open to the public.

“Not only will the new library provide visitors in Bellefonte a more flexible and comfortable space to browse and research, but it will also allow our staff and volunteers to provide better library services to researchers around the world and to carry out digitization, preservation, and indexing projects,” Murray noted.

The new library will take up the bulk of space in the upcoming renovation and construction of 19,500 square feet. The new space will bring together all functions, collections and resources of the APRL, which has been scattered throughout the American Philatelic Center since moving there in 2004.

The new library includes a secure separate rare book room; space-saving compact shelving; public access computers and Wi-Fi throughout; reading lounges; a space for map and large-document storage; a donation-processing room; climate-controlled storage areas; study carrels with lockable storage; and a group study area. It also will include adjoining restrooms, an elevator to offer handicapped accessibility, and a used book and gift shop.

About $1.4 million in prior construction beginning in 2010 — including a new floor, roof, windows, stairwells and structural support — has been completed in the library’s new space.

Veronesi Building and Remodeling Inc. of State College, Pa. is the general contractor on the final phase of the library project.

Overall, the center includes 18 adjacent buildings on about 6 acres of land and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The APS and the library moved from nearby State College into the American Philatelic Center in May 2004. Since purchasing the property — which was an active match factory from 1899 to 1947 — in 2002, the APS has already completed $13.5 million in renovations to the property.

The APS was founded in 1886. The APRL was incorporated in 1968 as serves as the library and archives for the APS. Both are non-profit educational organizations.

The American Philatelic Center employs 31 full time staff and about 20 regular volunteers are on site. The center, at 100 Match Factory Place, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. business days.

Detailed plans for the library can be found online at stamps.org/userfiles/file/library/Case_for_Support.pdf.

[The two pictures above are from 2013; we are checking to see if the architects’ conception has changed. -LdeV]

Scott English Named APS Executive Director

Posted on July 24, 2015 by VSC

The American Philatelic Society, the largest stamp collecting organization in the U.S., has chosen Scott English to be its executive director. He officially starts August 10th. The full APS press release is below.

According to his Linked In profile, Scott English is currently Chief of Staff to Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina. The S.C. governor he served as Chief of Staff was also Stanford. In between, he was Chief Operating Officer for the South Carolina Department of Education for exactly the same period that APS vice president Mick Zais was Secretary of Education in that state.

“I encouraged him to apply,” Zais told The Virtual Stamp Club. “I explained to him why it would be a good fit.”

Although English is not a philatelist himself, “he kind of knew [what the APS was] because I would disappear for a couple of weeks every summer for Americover and StampShow,” Zais added.

Zais chaired the search committee, but wasn’t involved in choosing English, he said. They were talking on the telephone one day, when Zais mentioned he was chairing the committee. English asked for more information, because he wanted to move closer to home and where his and his wife’s families live (Maryland). English also told Zais he wanted to get out of politics.

Zais says he told the other members of the search committee “up front that I knew him.”

There were initially 33 applicants for the executive director position. The professional search firm screened them, and narrowed the field down to 15. That smaller group was interviewed via FaceTime, and six candidates were referred to the search committee chaired by Zais. That panel interviewed the candidates using GoToMeeting.com and brought two candidates to Bellefonte for in-person interviews and to meet the staff. —LdeV

[press release]

American Philatelic Society Announces
New Executive Director

Bellefonte, PA — The American Philatelic Society (APS) announced today the hiring of Scott English as its new executive director. Scott has an extensive record of success leading large organizations with multiple constituencies, as well as working with volunteers and fundraising.

As the Chief of Staff to a former Governor of South Carolina, he oversaw operations and policy for 15 cabinet-level agencies, more than 200 boards and commissions, and the Executive Office of the State. His effectiveness in harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers and the generosity of donors was critical in this position.

As Chief Operating Officer for South Carolina’s Department of Education, he oversaw the operation of a staff of more than 800 providing oversight for 82 school districts, 1,250 schools, 52,000 teachers, and 720,000 students, while supervising the execution of a $4 billion annual budget.

APS President Steve Reinhard stated, “We are enormously pleased that a man of Scott’s experience and talent will be our new executive director. We expect he will make major contributions improving services to our 31,000 members as well as outreach to other philatelic organizations, both in the United States and abroad.

Scott commented, “It’s an honor to join the American Philatelic Society as Executive Director. This organization has a rich tradition, with a dedicated staff and members who share a great passion for stamp collecting. My first priority is meeting as many members as possible in the coming months and learning how the APS can best serve them. I also want to learn how the APS can effectively partner with other organizations with similar interests.” He added, “My family and I are looking forward to moving to Centre County. It is clearly a wonderful place to live. My wife and I will also be closer to our childhood homes and parents.”

Ken Martin, the previous Executive Director, has been offered the position of Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity the APS will continue to benefit from his tremendous experience in the APS and his extensive knowledge of the hobby.

Scott will begin work on August 10, 2015.

Battle of Britain (historical info) (UK 2015)

Posted on July 15, 2015 by VSC

[press release]
ROYAL MAIL ISSUES SPECIAL STAMPS TO MARK THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

A miniature sheet featuring six Special Stamps will be issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which was fought in the skies over southern England during the Second World War [more on the stamps]
The decisive air campaign would change the course of the War, and with it, the course of history
Royal Mail vans in a selection of locations close to RAF bases will carry an image of a stamp from the set
The anniversary will also be marked with a special postmark on all stamped UK mail between 16 and 18 June. It will read; ‘75th anniversary Battle of Britain’
The stamps will be on sale from 16 July 2015 at www.royalmail.com/battleofbritain and from 8,000 Post Office branches across the UK and by calling 03457 641 641
Some of the veterans shown on the stamps were given a preview 10 July. Photographs courtesy Royal Mail.

The Battle of Britain took place over the summer and autumn of 1940 and saw the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe contest the world’s first independent and decisive air campaign in the skies over southern England. The Battle of Britain would change the course of the Second World War – and with it, the course of history.

The six stamps feature photographs from this period, showing some of the many aspects of the battle and the service personnel involved, including pilots, ground crew, observers and Operations Room staff.

The miniature sheet border features an image of Prime Minister Winston Churchill at a coastal defence position on 31 July 1940, alongside the famous quotation from his speech about the battle; ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’

The Battle of Britain began in early July with German attacks on Channel convoys and ports. On 1 August, having probed Britain’s defences, Hitler ordered the rapid defeat of the RAF prior to the launch of an invasion, eventually set for 15 September. The Luftwaffe sought to overwhelm Fighter Command in the air and on the ground. The main targets were 11 Group’s airfields in the south and south-east, which were heavily bombed. The RAF’s fighter command had 715 serviceable aircraft, against the Luftwaffe’s 2550.

The RAF responded well, but the air raids intensified. Between 24 August and 6 September, 300 Hurricanes and Spitfires were lost and the airfields and communications network were severely damaged. Worryingly, 230 pilots were killed or wounded and there were insufficient replacements. With the pilots of 11 Group exhausted, reserves of aircraft low and Fighter Command seemingly on the verge of defeat, the Germans changed tactics.

Impatient to see the RAF beaten and angered by British raids on Berlin, Hitler ordered attacks on London. On 7 September, 300 German bombers, escorted by 600 fighters, raided the capital. The bombers caused serious damage and killed 400 civilians, but with the change of target, pressure was taken off 11 Group’s airfields, allowing the RAF to recover and regroup.

On 15 September, the Luftwaffe launched two massive raids on London, but both were fiercely repulsed by the RAF pilots, who shot down 60 enemy aircraft. This day is now commemorated as Battle of Britain Day. It was clear that the Luftwaffe could not defeat Fighter Command, and on 17 September 1940 Hitler postponed the invasion plan ‘indefinitely.

The German raids on Britain continued, and the night ‘Blitz’, lasting into May 1941, would cause widespread destruction and over 40,000 deaths. Nevertheless, the Battle of Britain had been won by the RAF in the fighting over London in September 1940. Fighter Command’s decisive victory represented the first check to Hitler’s ambitions for world domination. It also ensured that Britain would survive as a rallying point and strategic base from which the invasion and eventual liberation of Europe could be launched.

Royal Mail vans in a selection of locations close to RAF bases will feature a stamp from the set.

The anniversary will also be marked with a special postmark on all stamped UK mail between 16 and 18 June, reading ‘75th anniversary Battle of Britain’.

Andrew Hammond, Director, Stamps and Collectibles, Royal Mail said: “Our new stamps pay tribute to the men and women who helped protect Great Britain from the formidable threat of the Luftwaffe 75 years ago. It is fitting that these stamps will help us remember the debt that we will forever owe them.”

The stamps will be on sale from 16 July June 2015 at www.royalmail.com/battleofbritain and from 8,000 Post Office branches across the UK, and by calling Royal Mail Tallents House on 03457 641 641

Left to Right Top row Standing – Wing Commander T F Neil DFC AFC AE, Wing Commander PC Farnes DFM, Geoffrey Harris Augustus Wellum DFC.
Left to Right bottom row Sitting – Wing Commander T M Kane, Squadron Leader TG Pickering AE, Flying Officer K A Wilkinson AE.

virtualstampclub.com

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