Holiday hours are announced

The U.S. Postal Service Columbus District is announcing a change in retail hours for Post Offices, stations and branches on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve of 2009.

Most Columbus Postal Service facilities with ZIP Codes beginning with 430-433, 437, 438, 456 and 457 will close at noon Thursday (Christmas Eve) and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve).

Holiday operating hours will be posted in the lobbies of local Post Offices. Normal Post Office Box services will be provided at all locations. All offices will be closed on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day. For more information on available services go to www.usps.com.

Mailing envelope is available

For those mailing gift cards, the U.S. Postal Service has added a special Priority Mail Flat Rate Gift Envelope to its lineup of flat-rate mailing products.

Measuring 10 inches by 7 inches, the Priority Mail Flat Rate Gift Mailing Envelope is available for a limited time at most Post Office retail counters nationwide. Each envelope is decorated with a holiday-themed bow, and includes a convenient slot inside for securing gift cards. Available for expedited delivery service to domestic addresses at $4.95, the flat-rate Gift Mailing Envelope also makes a great way to send oversized greeting cards to friends and family members during the busiest gift-giving time of year.

If you’re mailing gift cards, and don’t select the Priority Mail option, here are some packing tips:

• Consider using a padded envelope.

• Select an envelope that is strong enough to hold the card or attach the gift card to a thin piece of cardboard.

• Place an extra label or notice on the gift card with the delivery or return address; this ensures the safe return should the outside label become damaged or fall off.

Procrastinators, mail-by dates are shrinking. If you want to get it there in time for the Christmas holiday, here are some dates to remember:

• Monday for Priority Mail; and

• Wednesday for Express Mail.

Garbage schedule is announced

The garbage will be picked up in Portsmouth on delayed schedule this week. Monday through Thursday will be picked up on regular schedule. Friday, Christmas Day, will be picked up on Saturday.

The garbage will be picked up on regular schedule the week of New Years.

Food order schedule is announced

Potter’s House Ministries, 5409 Winchester Ave., Sciotoville, will be taking Angel Food orders for January at these times:

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 29 and 30, and Jan. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Jan. 6 and 13.

The last day to order will be from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 15. Distribution day will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 23.

For more information about this program, call (740) 776-4004.