Jerry Kimmel is one of the longest-serving members on the VtF board and a 20-year resident of Yachats.
Jerry’s history begins in NY State where he grew up. His parents encouraged him toward medical school which he completed with a specialty in pediatric endocrine & metabolic disorders. Jerry mentions that his specialty is because he has always preferred working with kids over adults. Professionally Jerry had a 28-year career as a physician with Kaiser in Walnut Creek CA. During those years Jerry was immersed in his medical career with his rare free time focused on his interest in photography, woodworking, and volunteering with a Raptor Rehabilitation program. Jerry recalls being involved with the rehabilitation and release of many orphaned hawks, owls & eagles. All of his life, Jerry has loved photography, woodworking, and birds. He continues to enjoy them all in his retirement. “Gracie” an African Grey Parrot shares the home with Jerry and Melanie.
In 1998 Jerry retired from Kaiser and he and his wife Melanie moved to Carmel Calif where they had enjoyed vacationing for many years and where Jerry could pursue his photographic interests. In those years Jerry had the opportunity to learn from Ansel Adams which Jerry still remembers as a very special time. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, Carmel began its big growth with increases in “mega-mansions” and non-owner-occupied residences. The coastal small-town-feel changed. Jerry & Melanie began to feel disenchanted and decided to look for a new place to call home.
The move to Yachats followed a visit when Jerry brought Melanie during the 4th of July holiday. As often happens the moon and stars aligned for them, they were enchanted, met local people, and before long had found a wonderful undeveloped piece of land out River road. They moved in 2000, built their home, and began to engage in the community. Jerry & Melanie have a shared value in “giving back” to their community.
Jerry was instrumental in a salmon restoration project on his property involving Helms creek working with the Mid-Coast Watershed Council. Jerry and Melanie were also on the first board of the Yachats Health Clinic and active in fund-raising activities to get it going. As a result of shared interests, Jerry and Dave Baldwin started the successful Yachats Academy of Arts & Sciences (YAAS). Jerry became involved with View the Future in the early years and is credited with coming up with its name as well as the YAAS name.
Among the activities View the Future is involved with, Jerry has a strong interest in land acquisition for the preservation of the natural environment and for promotion and preservation of healthy waterways, especially the Yachats River. He is leading the plan for activities focusing on involving the community in understanding the importance of protecting the river’s health to ensure a stable river for Yachats residents to enjoy. Look to hear more about this in the coming months.
