Manager of Post Office Operations Bobbi Riey, left, administers the oath of office to new Lodi Postmaster Beverly Leymaster on Friday at the Lodi Post Office. Leymaster is the first woman to hold that position in the Lodi branch. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

Lodi postmaster sworn in

Among friends, family and co-workers, new Lodi Postmaster Beverly Leymaster took the oath during a swearing-in ceremony at the Lodi Post Office on Friday morning. Bobbi Riley, manager of Post Office Operations, administered the oath.

Leymaster began her career as a letter carrier in Stockton.

"This is so exciting," Leymaster said. "For me, it's a dream come true. Shortly after I started, I knew I wanted to be a postmaster."

She moved through the management ranks by working at post offices in Westly, Linden, Ripon and Stockton. She has served as postmaster at Riverbank and most recently in Galt in 2005.

As Lodi Postmaster, Leymaster will oversee 108 employees and the daily operations of 55 routes. The branch delivers a daily mail volume of 136,878 pieces to nearly 30,000 residents.

"I have always heard Lodi was the place to be," Leymaster said. "Everyone was always talking good things about Lodi."

The first woman postmaster in Lodi received words of kindness from her colleagues, and gifts including a lai.

Beverly Leymaster gives a kiss to her grandson, Cameron Hasenkamp, 9, after being sworn in. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

Leymaster's daughter, Carrie Hasenkamp, of Stockton, read a poem to her mother, who shed some happy tears.

"Postmaster Leymaster will always get the job done," Hasenkamp said. "Your mail will be delivered through rain, snow, sleet or 100-degree sun. She is the 'go to' person when push comes to shove. Postmaster Leymaster fits Lodi like glove."

Leymaster also reminded everyone to: "Have a dream ... It is so wonderful when it comes true."