DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a great idea for a postage stamp but have been unable to find out how one submits artwork for a U.S. stamp and to whom. You are so good at finding information. Can you help? Thanks in advance. — No Name via email

ANSWER: The U.S. Postal Service has a website, http://tinyurl.com/3bqzokd, where you can learn everything you need to know about the stamp selection process.

It says that “many of the subjects chosen to appear on U.S. stamps and postal stationery are suggested by the public. Each year, the Postal Service receives from the American public thousands of letters proposing stamp subjects. Every stamp suggestion meeting criteria is considered, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented.

“On behalf of the postmaster general, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee is tasked with evaluating the merits of all stamp proposals. Established in 1957, the committee provides the Postal Service with a ‘breadth of judgment and depth of experience in various areas that influence subject matter, character and beauty of postage stamps.’

“The committee’s primary goal is to select subjects of broad national interest for recommendation to the postmaster general that are both interesting and educational. In addition to Postal Service’s extensive line of mail use stamps, approximately 20 new subjects for commemorative stamps are recommended each year. Stamp selections are made with all postal customers in mind, not just stamp collectors. A good mix of subjects, both interesting and educational, is essential.”

As you might imagine, proposals are not accepted by email! You can send your idea to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300, Washington, DC 20260-3501.

The post office is looking for ideas for stamps, not finished artwork. The artwork is designed by the post office, although professional artists who wish to be considered for an assignment can apply.

The committee meets four times a year. Once they’ve decided your idea has met the basic criteria, it will be put on the agenda for the next meeting. It can take a while:

“Subjects should be submitted at least three years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration and for design and production, if the subject is approved. All properly submitted proposals for eligible subjects will be reviewed by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee regardless of how they are submitted, i.e., stamped cards, letters or petitions.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston will again be offering its popular community trick or treat on Halloween evening, Thursday, Oct. 31. This event is well attended every year and greatly appreciated by the residents.

However, candy donations are still dearly needed by the activities department. Treats should be unopened and still in the bag.

Collection bins are located in the lobby of St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion at 102 Campus Ave. and in the lobby of St. Mary’s hospital.

If you have any questions or wish to volunteer on Halloween evening, please contact the activities office at 207-777-4203. Thank you. — Shawn via email

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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