See who was given awards by the Parkrose Business Association this year – and, take a look at all the fun they had at their annual banquet …
At the annual Parkrose Business Association Holiday event, Alison Stoll of Central Northeast Neighbors, Marsha Lee from Copy Express, and Brent Grabinger of ASE Supply Inc. are checking in guests.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although their event was threatened by blustery winter weather in December, the jolly members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) held another successful annual awards dinner and Holiday party on December 11 – this year, at The Grotto.
The event featured a silent auction, magical entertainment, good conversation, a first-class dinner with libations – and enough gifts given to members under the Christmas tree to make Santa blush.
And (see below) Judy Kennedy, Laurie Larsen, Luke Shepard, and Kyle Ziegler were given President’s Awards…. LeeAnn Burner was presented the “Artie Johnson Award for Excellence”…. and the “Karl F. Lind Award” for community service was presented to David F. Ashton.
The evening, in photographs
Michael Taylor of ACE Academy talks with Joe Rossi of Rossi Farms.
Mark Eves from “Mark W. Eves, PC, Attorney”, and his wife, peruse silent auction offerings.
PBA member, and Portland City Commissioner, Amanda Fritz is welcomed to the event by PBA president, Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates and Argay Square.
Led by Parkrose High School choral instructor Lesley Bossert, the Debutantes perform.
The staff of The Grotto serve a three-course banquet.
After performing “close-up magic” at guests’ tables, entertainer Bob Eaton makes his version of a magical Christmas card appear.
Servite Father Jack Topper, director of The Grotto, welcomes all to the facility.
PBA Annual Awards
Judy Kennedy from the Pacific NW Federal Credit Union is presented a 2009 PBA President’s Award by Wayne Stoll.
Another PBA President’s Award “For unselfish dedication, support and promotion of the Parkrose Business Association” is presented to Laurie Larsen of Compaction and Recycling Equipment.
PBA Director Luke Shepard, who is with US Bank, is presented a special President’s Award by Wayne Stoll.
After being presented a “Homecoming Queen” sash – (this is a humor-loving group) – Kyle Ziegler is then presented the “Outstanding PBA Board Service” award.
“Artie Johnson Award for Excellence”
LeeAnn Bruner from L.A. Signs receives the “Artie Johnson Award for Excellence” from Marsha Lee.
LeeAnn Bruner of L.A. Signs was invited up, as PBA president Wayne Stoll explained why she was selected to receive the 2009 “Artie Johnson Award for Excellence”:
As the old adage states: “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” This is certainly true in the case of this year’s Artie Johnson Award recipient LeeAnn Bruner.
Artie Johnson was a selfless, warm, gracious and welcoming presence for many, many years in the Parkrose Business Association. She volunteered and participated in every event her busy schedule allowed. LeeAnn Bruner has continued that legacy. Since joining the PBA, LeeAnn has immersed herself in our annual Cruise-In, serving on the committee almost since the very first day of her membership. When asked in 2008 to take over the direction of the Cruise-In, LeeAnn accepted without question. It is not an easy task to organize and successfully pull-off an event as large and complicated as our Cruise-In. LeeAnn does, however, make it look easy.
LeeAnn not only does the prep work for the Cruise-In but she works the event on “game” day by answering questions, hauling supplies and conducting various money-raising activities. She really digs in and gets her hands dirty. And all the while keeping her business customers in mind and meeting their sign needs (with clean hands, of course!).
Whether it is working on another successful Cruise-In, running a successful business or acting a “Marc Benecke” role, LeeAnn is the kind of person Artie Johnson would be proud to call a fellow Parkrose Business Association member.
“Karl F. Lind Award” for Community Service
David F. Ashton (your editor) accepts the “Karl F. Lind Award” for community service from PBA president Wayne Stoll. Brent Grabinger photo
We were surprised to be called to hand off the camera to Marsha Lee’s husband, Brent Grabinger, and receive the PBA’s 2009 “Karl F. Lind Award” for community service. Stoll told the group:
Where there is news, there is David Ashton reporting and photographing. Attend almost any event, and you just might see David with his trusty camera hard at work. Parkrose Business Association is very fortunate to count David among the membership.
Come to a PBA luncheon and you will see David taking photos, and then generously sharing those photos with the editor of the PBA Newsletter. It is those photos that give our newsletter a more professional look.
What David accomplishes in 24 hours is nothing short of astounding. Where he gets his energy to attend the different functions (sometimes several in one day), gather the news, take the photos, process the photos and information to update his online news, is a mystery. Most of us call it a day long before he does.
Look through this Directory and you will see David’s talent gracing many pages, in particular the Holiday Event and the Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in. Thankfully, David is not afraid of heights, as he climbs into the bucket on the Davey Organicare truck, riding it high into the air to take unique aerial photos.
David’s experience in various communication media over the years has clothed him in professionalism. But what sets him head and shoulders above the rest is his generosity, and the fact that he is a gentleman through and through.
When one knows what the Karl Lind Award represents, and what is used to measure the merits of a recipient, and you will see why the committee’s choice for 2009 is DAVID ASHTON.
Come meet the PBA on January 21
The Parkrose Business Association welcomes business people outer East Portland to come by at 11:30 a.m. on January 21 to meet their fun, energized members at their monthly meeting.
This month: Wayne Stoll presents “The State of the PBA”. The Member Moment will be presented by Luke Shepard of U.S. Bank.
They’re offering a complete hot dinner for just $17, including dessert and gratuity; reservations are NOT required. For January and February, their meeting has been moved to Quality Inn & Suites Airport at 9727 NE Sandy Blvd. For more information, see their web site: CLICK HERE.
© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
click here to subscribe
