MEEKER I After several months with a temporary postmaster, Meeker now has a new full-time postmaster, although he is no stranger to the post office in town.
Kevin Orlowitz began work as Meeker’s new postmaster on Feb. 28, but he was a postal clerk in Meeker for 18 months beginning in November 2008. His first job with the U.S. Postal Service was in Meeker.
Orlowitz returns to Meeker via Craig, where he has served as a supervisor and a clerk.
“I grew up in Bailey and have hunted in this area since I was 12,” he said. “Before settling in Bailey, where I graduated from high school, I was all over the place as an Army brat.”
His parents and three siblings live in Cañon City.
Orlowitz said he loves the hunting and fishing in the area and in his spare time he either heads outdoors or plays hockey or video games.
“I have a lot of friends in Craig who play hockey, and it could be really tough to leave them behind in Craig,” he said. “Right now I am commuting daily, and it really isn’t too bad. That still allows me to play hockey on the weekends.”
Why the U.S. Postal Service?
“It is a good job and I spent a lot of time trying to get in,” Orlowitz said. “The good thing about working in small towns is you get to know everyone, as I have in Craig.
“There are still a lot of people I know and recognize from when I was in Meeker before, and that makes it easier and more enjoyable,” he said. “It will just be a matter of time until I get to know everyone here.”
As for the negatives of his job, Orlowitz said, “I really don’t see any real problems here other than the lack of social interaction. And that is particularly true of someone who isn’t living here full time.”
Orlowitz said he isn’t sure when or if a full-time move will take place.
“I really like the Meeker people and the surrounding area,” he said. “But I also play quite a bit of hockey in Craig, so I’m really not sure when that move will come, but I really don’t mind the daily commute.
“Meeker has some really great and friendly people,” he said. “So I am going to have to do a little bit of thinking.”