Editor’s note: Voted onto the board at the May meeting, the three newest members are Kati Babinec, Rich Woyma, and Laurie Holtz. We start with a profile of Laurie.
Laurie Holtz grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis, graduated from the University of Iowa, and ultimately followed a job here to Portland. Originally planning to stay in Portland for a few years, she ended up loving it and is now in her ninth year of residence. Mother of a one-year-old and working in advertising and marketing, Laurie’s free time is limited. That said, among her favorite leisure activities are trying new restaurants, cooking, entertaining, and hanging out with family and friends at the family cabin in Montana.
Laurie loves the neighborhood vibe of Beaumont-Wilshire, though it’s still city. She has fun walking around with her family “to see the neighborhood in action—whether that’s kids playing, people mowing their lawns, hanging out, decorating their house for the holidays, etc., and I also love the walkability to so many different areas, parks, restaurants, and shops.” Asked what her favorite neighborhood store or restaurant is, she lamented, “Do I have to pick just one?!” At the top of her list, though, is Blackbird: “It’s a great space, has delicious wine, and their salt slab bread basket is fantastic!”
Laurie welcomes the opportunity to serve on the Board: “I joined the board because I want to contribute to the momentum of the neighborhood and am hoping I can add a fresh perspective. It’s important to me to support the local businesses and make sure Beaumont-Wilshire stays a clean and safe place for everyone.”
Welcome aboard, Laurie, and thanks for your service to the neighborhood!