It was back in 2001 that Debbie and Joe Schneider got tired of the "rat race" they found themselves to be living in. Debbie had graduated from The School of Visual Arts in NYC with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts with a major in graphic design. She was working at McGraw Hill Publishing and met her sculptor husband while out ballroom dancing. The frantic New York City lifestyle had taken it's toll on them. Joe had family in the Northwest, and they both had a desire for a different pace of life. Moving to Portland to begin with, they were introduced to Realtor John Leamy from Corbett. John tried to sell them on the idea of living peacefully in Corbett, but they were initially not interested in such a "rural" lifestyle! Things happen, and John ended up selling them a home close to the Corbett Schools, where Debbie is now working in both the MS/HS office as well as the district office when needed. Husband Joe is a Corbett bus driver by day and a sculptor by night! For the July 4th Parade, Joe created (sculpted) the huge "Statue of Liberty" float that many locals helped him assemble in his barn. Both Debbie and Joe volunteer up at the grange, assisting with the "Helping Hands" food program. They also both volunteer their time to help out with the grange's monthly dances. They offer cost free instruction as well as assist with the music and set up. One thing Debbie loves is the ample physical space that Corbett living offers. She said she can sit on her deck and enjoy the same peaceful views she did 10 years ago, the only change being one new barn. Debbie also said she just loves being around the Corbett students, who "make my job easy to enjoy" as they are all so kind and polite. Sounds like she has no immediate plans to head back to the Big Apple.
