Holiday dinner fete makes Gateway business folks merry

The Gateway Business Association celebrated
the Holidays with a grand dinner on the town …

Pastor Brian Heron, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, is welcomed to the GABA Holiday Dinner by Ann Sanchez, Realty Brokers and event chair, Kris McVicar, Washington Mutual Bank.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In a departure from years past, members of the Gateway Business Association (GABA) chose to celebrate the Holidays by dining at The Refectory restaurant on December 13.

Other than self-introductions, there were few formalities during the evening. A surprise guest, Jeff Merkley, speaker, Oregon House of Representatives, and candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for Oregon State Senator, came by the party to talk about his campaign.

Enjoy our photo album of the event

East Precinct’s Sgt. Michael Gallagher sets up a video slide show of GABA’s activities throughout the year.

GABA past president and secretary, Fred Sanchez of Realty Brokers, welcomes Barbara Yerke, and Kevin Minkoff, CPA (not your ordinary bean counter), to the event.

Ed Dahm (past GABA president) and his wife Norma welcome Mary James, American Red Cross, to their table.

Darl and Susan Stuvick, Minuteman Press, greet Karen Montez of Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker, Inc., and her guest.

GABA president, Alan Sanchez, greets the group gathered to dine, mix and mingle at The Refectory.

“The Gordon Neal Herman Trio” provides the gift of live, jazz music at the GABA holiday celebration. Gordon is a pianist, composer and GABA member.

With a selection of salads and hot dishes, guests enjoyed a complete dinner.

Jeff Merkley, speaker, Oregon House of Representatives and candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for Oregon State Senator, thanks guests for their past support, and asks for their vote in the Primary election.

Keeping up the “down-on-the-farm” rivalry, Lee Powell of Farmer’s Insurance surprises Fred Sanchez with this pointed gift. No bull!

Meet the 2008 officers and board members of the Gateway Area Business Association!

Comments are closed.