Calendar Art Contest

The 1999 Postal Life Calendar Art Contest has begun, and we are looking for the very best postal-themed art and photographs employees have to offer.

The prize, in addition to a $100 gift certificate to the mail order catalog of the winners' choice, is publication of the winners' artwork in the 1999 calendar. In addition, winners may have the opportunity to see their work reproduced on postal notecards.

When creating artwork, keep in mind that judges will be looking for variety in postal subject matter — operations, delivery and retail; postal people — custodians, mail handlers, mechanics, clerks, city and rural carriers, supervisors, postmasters and technicians; and art tied to specific holidays and seasons.

Rules:
1. All employees (previous entrants and winners included) are eligible to enter except those in Corporate Relations.
2. Only original artwork or photography by postal employees (no submissions by children or nonpostal spouses) will be considered.
3. All work must be done on the employee's own time.
4. The artwork must relate to the Postal Service, but art in the form of stamp designs will NOT be considered.
5. You may use any reproducible medium except clip art.
6. Entries should have a horizontal orientation or be reproducible on a horizontal 8 1/2-by-11-inch calendar page.
7. If you prefer, you may submit a color slide or photo of your artwork for preliminary judging. If necessary, we will contact you prior to final judging to obtain the original.
8. Include a self-addressed mailer of the proper size for any material that you wish us to return. We will make every effort to return your work, but we cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
9. Send as many entries as you like, but each must be marked with the medium used (watercolor, acrylic, oil, etc.) your name, postal facility, address, and home and work telephone numbers.
10. The Postal Service has the right to reproduce the winning entries in the 1999 Postal Life Calendar and to display the original art as part of a traveling exhibit throughout the year at postal facilities across the country. Additional reproduction rights will be requested for artists whose work is selected for notecards that may be sold.
11. Send entries to:

Athens-Meigs QWL Team is still accepting cards from folks looking for pen pals. We received letters from 35 states last year; let's hear from the other 15. Send name, address, age and hobbies to PEN PAL, RR8, ATHENS OH 45701-9998.

Employees who would like assistance making decisions about postal financial benefits should take the time to view a new video called Personal Finance. The 2-hour tape, which can be viewed in six separate sessions, includes practical explanations on the Thrift Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, CSRS and FERS Retirement and other financial subjects. It's a video employees can't afford to miss. For more information, call your local Postal Employee Development Center (PEDC) today.

CHESS PLAYERS:
Enjoy playing chess via the mail? Then send your name, address and skill level to JIM MCGRANE, POSTMASTER, PO BOX 24, FOUNTAIN RUN, KY 42133-0024 and I will match you up with a fellow employee.

Looking for toys: Letter carrier who collects small postal toy trucks would like to trade trucks with other postal workers around the country. Contact WAYNE GRAY, 631 ORIOLE DR, STREAMWOOD IL 60107-2035.