January 31
By Paul Shockley
Grand Junction CO
January 28, 2008
“I hope your Valentines is radical” read one card.
Others, like the card crafted by 3-year-old Ximena Navarro, didn’t need any words. The girl went straight for stickers and liberally applied the hole puncher."
“Just a bunch a scribbling,” said mom, Patrisia Navarro of Fruita. “We have a friend in Iraq, so I told her to come make a card.” Most of Saturday’s card makers knew someone deployed. Within one hour after setting up shop Saturday at Mesa Mall, organizers with the Blue Star Mothers had about 50 handmade Valentine’s Day cards signed and ready to be mailed to U.S. troops abroad.
“If we can keep positive morale, there’s a better chance they come home safe,” said Wendy Hoffman, president of Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers. The local chapter of Blue Star Mothers was started last November — they meet [monthly] and are up to 14 members.
Over the weekend, they invited Mesa Mall shoppers to make Valentine’s Day cards or donate items for care packages to troops. Hoffman said they desperately need cash in order to mail the cards — hundreds are expected to be mailed, including cards crafted by youngsters at Lincoln Orchard Mesa, Dos Rios and Mesa View elementary schools.
Hoffman’s son, Army Pfc. Dallas Hanson, has been serving in Baghdad the past year. While Hanson’s received regular correspondence, Hoffman said others haven’t been as lucky. “He told me a friend of his stopped going to the mail room because his name never gets called,” Hoffman said.
While Hoffman’s Valentine card table saw an early rush, fewer and fewer Saturday shoppers stopped to work on a card. Three people walked past her tables and said they couldn’t take the time, which frustrated Hoffman. “It’s out of their consciousness,” she said. “But we have our freedom because of our troops.”
Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com.
Grand Junction Free Press - Community News
More pictures
January 26
Day one of the Mesa Mall Valentines event.
January 22
Postal Service Announces Two New Shipping Initiatives
Governors Approve Bigger Flat-Rate Box with First-Time Military Discount,
Express Mail Sunday and Holiday Premium
WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service announced today that its Board of Governors approved two new initiatives to grow its shipping business and revenue. A new, larger Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current box. It will be offered at a discount to overseas military addresses, a postal first for the armed forces. The agency also announced a new Sunday and holiday delivery price for Express Mail. Customers can begin using the new boxes March 3, the same day the premium takes effect.
The Postal Service filed notification of these decisions today with the Postal Regulatory Commission. They are the first actions under the new pricing regulations set forth under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. Notice of the changes will appear in the Federal Register.
New Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box
The current flat-rate box, which gives customers a single, predetermined rate regardless of the weight or delivery zone, was introduced in November 2004. The new, larger box extends the agency’s successful flat-rate offerings, providing more choices for small businesses and consumers.
“We listened to our customers, and we’re giving them a new box that lets them ship larger items while still enjoying the benefits of a flat rate,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “Flat-rate boxes are very popular and the new, larger version provides even more value.”
The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12" x 12" x 5½") can be used for both domestic and international shipments. This extends the flat-rate price and ease-of-use benefits to international shippers. There is also a 5 percent online discount.
There will be a special version of the box for the military, with a $2 discount, if shipped to an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address.
All Postal Service Priority and Express Mail packages and envelopes are environmentally friendly, exceeding the highest standards for recyclability.
Military Shipping
• APO/FPO Addresses
$10.95
International Shipping
• Canada and Mexico
$29.95
• Other Countries
$49.95
The Postal Service will continue to offer its original Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes, which currently retail domestically for $8.95.
Express Mail Sunday Delivery Price
The Governors also approved a $12.50 premium for Sunday and holiday Express Mail delivery. The premium, equal to competitor surcharges for Saturday delivery, reflects the unique delivery option the Postal Service provides on Sundays. As an alternative to Sunday, customers can choose Monday delivery at the standard Express Mail price.
“These are the first initiatives that take advantage of the flexibility afforded us by the new pricing regulations under the Postal Act of 2006,” said Potter. “They enable us to compete in the marketplace while continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
More information can be found at usps.com.
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USPS News Release: Postal Service Announces Two New Shipping Initiatives
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