Another Sheldahl becomes postmaster

Karen Sheldahl took over as Camp Sherman postmaster last week after her husband, Jon Sheldahl's retirement.

Jon had served the Camp Sherman community for 11 years and now his wife carries on the Sheldahl tradition of service.

Karen had been postmaster at Powell Butte previous to taking the Camp Sherman position. She has been with the postal service for 20 years, having started in Denver on the graveyard shift working the letter-sorting machine.

Karen was born in Fort Collins, Colorado and lived her early life in a small mountain community.

"I always thought what a wonderful job it would be to work for the post office," she said. "My chance came in Denver and it's been wonderful ever since."

Karen has lived for 13 years in Oregon, the last six in Central Oregon. She and her family live in Metolius Meadows, a residential Camp Sherman development. Karen hopes to be able to bike commute the two miles from her home to the downtown Camp Sherman Post Office.

It should cut about 15 hours a week from the commute time each week by working in Camp Sherman.

"It will allow me more time as a mom with my family," said Karen.

"I also have a large gardening project started," she noted.

"It was Jon's idea to make the change," Sheldahl said.

"It took me a little while to decide, but now, I'm sure it was the right move. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to work here in Camp Sherman and serve the local people."

The local population seems quite pleased with the continuation of Sheldahl tradition as well.

"It's good to have her in the local community," Neil Koch said. "Everybody is very happy with Karen becoming Camp Sherman's new postmaster."

Karen doesn't foresee any major changes in post office operations in Camp Sherman. She says she is open to ideas for improving service.

The mail driver from Sisters will take on additional sorting and delivery duties starting next month and that may cause mail delivery to be a little later than at present for Camp Sherman residents.