A Teacher with a Passion for Stamp Collecting

Reporter Varsha Mohan writes on the New Indian Express website about high school teacher Mathew John who recently displayed his stamp and coin collection at his school.

Varsha writes, "Though Mathew has a wide collection, he takes special pride of the stamps and coins he has from the time of British rule  through the 1950s."

Matthew, who was inspired to collect stamps and coins by his father and grandmother, is quoted as saying,  “These are very valuable and just a glimpse can brief you about the history of the particular country. I feel so happy to be able to educate students through my collection."

To read the entire article, click here.

Stamp Chief Replaced

Bill McAllister, Washington correspondent for Linn's Stamp News that "Susan McGowan, a public relations executive who was named head of the United States Postal Service’s stamp program in December 2012, has been replaced..."

According to Bill, "Spokesman Mark Saunders said McGowan was 'not ousted' from her stamp position, but had been detailed to another position in the marketing department. Cindy Tackett, a senior Stamp Services executive, was named McGowan’s interim replacement, Saunders said."

Bill goes on to pen, "There has been considerable turmoil within the Stamp Services office, which controls the stamp program, according to several current and former postal employees.The office also has come under fire from stamp collectors, especially first-day cover collectors, for the slow release of information about upcoming new stamp issues."

Shown above,  Susan McGowan.

To read the entire column, click here.

5 Reasons Why Your Kid Should Collect Stamps

A tip of the tongs to Gretchen Moody of the Education Department of the American Philatelic Society who tipped me off to an Associated Press story titled "5 Reasons Why Your Kid Should Collect Stamps."

While Gretchen (who is quoted in the article) can probably think of several hundred reasons why  children should collect stamps, these are the 5 that reporter Melissa Rayworth came up with...

By collecting stamps...

1. Kids can develop patience and focus.

2. Kids develop expertise.

3. Kids discover stunning artwork and intricate graphic design.

4. Screen time is minimal, and optional.

5. A stamp collection can be personalized.

To read the entire article, click here.

For more information about children and stamp collecting, click here.