History of the Lester Viles North Portland Project Association
Founded in 2007 with a bequest by the estate of North Portland businessperson Lester Viles, the Lester Viles North Portland Project Association (LVNPPA) helps North Portland businesses grow and thrive through community improvement micro grants.
We believe strong businesses are an integral part of vibrant communities. Our mission is to build vibrant community by providing micro grants to North Portland businesses. The link between strong business development and vibrant community is at the core of our mission, and our primary purpose is to help area businesses succeed in order to build community and improve the quality of life for North Portland’s residents.
Current Board of Directors
Joseph Purkey, President
Joe is an architect who has lived in Oregon his whole life and in St Johns since 2002 with his wife, Laura, where their kids were born and attended neighborhood schools.
He is proud to have been a part of building Convergence Architecture from is founding and of the colleagues he has the privilege to work alongside. His involvement in the North Portland community has been through various boards and other volunteer positions, including running many improvement projects through St. Johns Main Street.
Joseph is passionate about equity and serving others, which he gets to live out in the public and pro bono architecture projects he takes on. This passion is why he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to lead the rebuild of this organization after its pandemic hiatus.
Babs Adamski, Secretary
Babs Adamski has been a St. Johns resident for over 15 years, having been lured to N. Portland by family members who appreciated the community life.
Babs has a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University in Community Development. She works for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) as a liaison in the workforce sector.
As a committed neighbor who champions equity and diversity, Babs looks to her role on the LVNPPA board as an opportunity to connect financial resources to projects that encourage stewardship.
Babs lives on the north side of Fessenden with her husband Peter and their favorite dog, Abby.
Nancy Chapin, Treasurer
Nancy is a native Portlander who has worked with Business Districts in the City of Portland since 1986. For 15 years she was the Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA) that is currently known as Venture Portland.
She appreciates both the work and the dedication that it takes to create and maintain a business and, even more so, to also devote the time and energy it takes to be involved in maintaining the health and well-being of a Business District Association . For Nancy, working with the LVNPPA Board which exists to serve and assist with the North Portland Business Community’s health and success is an appreciated honor.
Her previous experience includes: High School English Teacher/Drama Coach, Head Start Director, MPA from PSU, The Support Group (TSG Services), and Solopreneur.
Mary Ann Aschenbrenner, Webmistress
Mary Ann is the President of Waterlink Web, a digital agency specializing in WordPress website design. Her experience includes e-Commerce and membership websites, websites for local nonprofit organizations, and starter websites for small businesses.
She and her husband, John Aschenbrenner, moved to St. Johns in 1990, raised a family here, and are active community volunteers.
Friends of Pier Park is her company’s charity of choice and she continues to be active in promoting and protecting Pier Park and, particularly, the seasonal outdoor pool. You can learn more about Mary Ann on the About page of her website.
Bart Blasengame
Bart Blasengame is a small business owner who has lived in North Portland since he moved to town in 2007. He and his wife, Marli, opened The Fixin’ To in 2010 and built it into a mainstay of St. Johns’ vibrant bar culture.
Before opening the bar, Blasengame was a journalist who covered sports, music, and culture for a variety of national publications. The Blasengame’s live just outside of St. Johns with their daughter, two dogs, and two cats.
Former Directors
Steve Weir, Past President
Steve was born and raised in North Portland, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. After honorable discharge from the Navy, he rediscovered the beauty of the northwest and returned to his roots. He became the third generation owner of Weir’s Cyclery, where for 25 years he had many opportunities to volunteer with many business and community leaders. Steve had served as Grand Marshal for the St. Johns Parade, received the Spirit of Portland Award, and was President of the North Portland Business Association.
Past Board Members
- Chris Darcey
- Lisa Horn
- Tamara Maher
- Jenna McCracken (Forzley)
- Jodi Rafkin