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Her husband's job at Menucha Retreat and Conference Center is what initially brought Jeri Yoder to Corbett in 1980. Although raised in Troutdale, she and husband Ernie moved to Corbett from Portland. Both of the Yoder's children were raised and educated in Corbett. Daughter Rebekah currently lives in Alaska and is a sous chef, while son Dan is a student at the Univ. of Wash. in Seattle, looking to one day enter the ministry full time. Living in the house next to Menucha, Jeri just loves the gorgeous views they have. She says God's creation is not something to be improved upon! Jeri was a cook at Menucha for 16 years before she began her dream of ownership. At Springdale's "blue house," Jeri opened up "Sonshine Bakery" for nearly five years. She was known for her cinnamon rolls, breads, cookies and especially homemade soups and sandwiches. Working long hours at a job she loved, she was forced to step back for heath reasons. This was a time in her life she remembers fondly, as the Multnomah Co. Planning Dept. made her realize just what Corbett was all about. After months and months of planning and working out the details for her bakery, the county came to her with a $1,800 zoning fee that Jeri did not have or realize was ever needed. The community rallied behind her and went to the courthouse with her! When the county stood firm, it was the community that raised the entire amount for her to stay open! Now in better health, Jeri has become the assistant director for the "Helping Hands" food program at the Corbett Grange. She estimates that at least 600 local families are served each week, as well as 5 churches that receive loaves of bread. Food is delivered daily to the grange and Jeri is a volunteer, working many days and hours per week to serve others here in our community. Having her master's degree in microbiology, who would have thought it was the Corbett food program that has been one of her favorite career choices?!
