Local businesses provide employment for area residents and products and services close to home. Mid-county Memo Business Memos celebrates news, advancements, promotions, retirements, expansions and other noteworthy events at these cornerstones of. our community. To share news of your business with our readers, Business Memo submissions for the February issue are due by Thursday, Jan.15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. You may also mail submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, dial 503-287-8904. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.
Congregation welcomes new leader
Interfaith activist, the Rev. Patti Pomerantz, takes helm at Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist.
COURTESY PATTI POMERANTZ
Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist, 1133 N.E. 181st Ave. has a new parish minister. The Rev. Patti Pomerantz has been associated with the congregation for seven years as one of four community ministers. Pomerantz’s responsibilities at Eastrose Fellowship will range from worship services to religious education, pastoral care and consultation with the board and committees. It is highly anticipated that the congregation will strengthen and grow under her leadership.
Born and raised in the Jewish community in Philadelphia, Pa., Pomerantz’s passion for interfaith activism began early and has continued through her Quaker training for ministry and her 27 years as a Unitarian Universalist. She fell in love with the Pacific Northwest during a visit more than 30 years ago and never left. She has special interest in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community and the spiritual direction of both recovery and care giving. Her passion for interfaith work comes from her conviction that bringing diverse religious communities to a common table is necessary to build a sustainable global community of peace and cooperation. She will continue to provide spiritual direction through the Interfaith Spiritual Center in North Portland.
Pomerantz received a bachelor’s degree at Kirkland (now Hamilton) College in Clinton, N.Y., a master’s of education and administration at Arcadia University, in Philadelphia, and a master’s of divinity and spiritual direction training at Earlham School of Religion, Richmond, Ind. She was ordained in 2005 by the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and has received final fellowship certification from the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Pomerantz has a passion for and deep commitment to Unitarian Universalist ministry and the Eastrose community. She brings her sense of humor and love of storytelling, as well as energy, curiosity and focus to her work. Pomerantz’s inclusive and authentic leadership will guide the Eastrose Fellowship congregation as it moves into a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, adding its voice to the cry for peace and justice in east Portland, the larger community, and the world.
Bar giving away a car
A Boss Hawg’s Bar ‘N’ Grill customer fills out the first entry for the 2014 Chevy Cruze owner Larry Olsen is giving away to one lucky customer in March.
COURTESY LARRY OLSEN
In March, bar owner Larry Olsen is giving away a new car to one lucky customer. Olsen said he wants to return some of the Oregon Lottery money he has reaped over the years in the form of a brand new car for one lucky person. “I decided to take my profits that I make from the lottery into a giveaway to my customers,” Olsen said in a recent telephone interview. “My response has been really good; I already have a lot of entries.”
There is no purchase necessary to enter, and you can enter more than once. All you have to do is visit one of the three sports bars Olsen owns and enter to win.
Olsen, who owns Boss Hawg’s Bar ‘N’ Grill in Hazelwood on Northeast 102nd Avenue, Mr. Dealer’s in Powellhurst-Gilbert off 122nd Avenue, and the Daily Double Sports Bar on Northeast Halsey Street in the Wilkes neighborhood, said people can enter to win the 2014 Chevy Cruze every time they visit one of his places.
Olsen said he is drawing names of ten finalists in March; he will give them each a key, and then have an event around St. Patrick’s Day where finalists test their keys in the car’s lock. The one whose key fits, wins the car.
The winner gets the car, but is responsible for taxes and license, title and state taxes.
Olsen added he would like to do this every year. Depending on how the inaugural give away goes, Olsen said he might make them an annual event. “I’d like to do this every year,” says Olsen. “We’ll wait and see how this first one goes.”
Theft stuns Grotto employees, visitors
Three plaques, like the ones shown here, were stolen from The Grotto last month.
COURTESY PORTLAND POLICE BUREAU
Monday Dec. 15, at 8:19 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to The Grotto on the report that three bronze plaques were stolen from the property. The Grotto is located at 8840 N.E. Skidmore St.
Employees said the plaques were stolen overnight. The plaques were located near the monastery on the upper part of the property. The three plaques are 18” x 18” and are similar in design to others on the property.
Each of the plaques is valued at $15,000 and holds significant sentimental value to Grotto employees and visitors.
Anyone with information about the theft and/or the location of these plaques should call the Police Non-Emergency line at 503-823-3333.
Royals take to the gridiron once again
Jon Roberts has been hired by Portland Christian High School to reestablish its varsity football program.
COURTESY LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY
Portland Christian High School was unable to field a varsity football team for the 2014 season. Current interest is at 19 players for the 2015 season and the Royals have hired Jon Roberts to be the head coach. However, nineteen does not a football team make, so PCHS is looking to co-op with another area school to field a team. Officials say they are excited to get the program back up and running.
