Jim Hoke Wins 2008 Honda Civic

Jim Hoke, owner of the Mt. Angel Sausage Company, was the happy winner of a new 2008 Honda Civic EX valued at $19,510 in the Benedictine Foundation's 15th Annual Car Raffle. The drawing was held at a reception following the Benedictine Sisters' Founders' Day Concert on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Sisters' Queen of Angels Monastery.

Foundation Director Steve Ritchie said, "Thanks to the continued, generous support of Beaverton Honda and Bob Lanphere's Network of Dealerships, the Foundation enjoyed another very successful raffle. This year we sold 1,095 raffle tickets, the second most ever in the raffle's 15 year-history. Most importantly, the proceeds of approximately $43,000 realized through the raffle will go directly to the Benedictine Sisters for health care and other necessities for retired Sisters, and to help the community reach out for new members." Ritchie noted that the Mr. Hoke purchased his ticket from one of the Foundation board members, Dick Hoffer, and that he said the Honda Civic was "the first thing I have ever won in my life." The raffle has generated a cumulative total of $536,000 in net proceeds since 1995.

The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel have served the people of western Oregon since 1882. Today the Sisters sponsor Shalom Prayer Center and St. Joseph Shelter, and co-sponsor Mission Benedict. All three ministries are located at Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel. St. Joseph Shelter provides emergency shelter and services for homeless individuals and families, and Mission Benedict assists low-income area residents with food, clothing, household goods, and emergency aid. Shalom Prayer Center offers spiritual renewal programs, including personal and group retreats, workshops, classes, and individual spiritual direction. The Benedictine Sisters are also known for their popular "Monastery Mustard," which comes in 12 flavors and is available at many local outlets.

Mt. Angel College Alums Enjoy Very Special Reunion

Click here to see reunion photos!

Mt. Angel College alumni turned out in droves for weekend reunion on October 9-11, 2009 at The Oregon Garden Resort and the former Commons building in Mt. Angel, currently the Fr. Bernard Youth Center.

Over 170 former students from all classes, graduates and non-graduates, joined former faculty and Benedictine Sisters at the Saturday banquet at the new Resort banquet room. This was the largest group served buffet style at the Resort since it opened last year.

Over 50 rooms were reserved for the Mt. Angel students and The Resort had all 103 rooms occupied for the weekend. Room guests enjoyed entry to The Oregon Garden and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast.

The Dovetail Gallery on Water Street initiated the weekend activities on Friday night with a special reception to view the Aluminatti Art Show of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography of former Mt. Angel College faculty and students. 15 artists have their works on display at the gallery in the offices of Prudential Realty, 210 S. Water St. in Silverton, through December.

The gallery was packed with alumni who marveled at the quality of art. A large oil painting of Crater Lake by Leland John was museum quality, according to Patti Battin, coordinator of the show. More than one local resident claimed this art show as the best they've ever seen in Silverton.

Dinner on Saturday night was highlighted by Sr. Alberta Dieker's humorous and colorful talk on "Characters I Have Known at Mt. Angel College." Efrain Diaz-Horna's short, historical videos were riveting, and Emcee Pat Patton kept the crowd in stitches with jokes, anecdotes, and good-natured harassment of his classmates. Kathy Valdez and Fred Bassett closed the evening with a sing-along medley of folk songs from the 1960s. Many of the guests lingered late into the evening, as they continued to renew friendships and share memories.

The Sunday Mass and reception at the Father Bernard Youth Center in Mt. Angel gave alumni the chance to reminisce about the social, academic, and religious education they received during their formative years in Mt. Angel. At a reception they remarked how gratifying it is to see the work begun by the Benedictine Sisters being continued for the current generation of youth who attend retreats there. A former MAC student who is a current priest in Alaska, Fr. Tony Dummer, was the celebrant for Mass.

Former teachers welcomed students they hadn't seen for over 40 years. Many alums visited with classmates they hadn't seen since school in the '50's, '60's, and '70's. Alumni attended from out of state as well as from the local region.

Mt. Angel College closed in the early '70's, leaving a legacy of outstanding teachers trained by the Benedictine Sisters and faculty.

George Fisher spoke for many when he said, "We had a wonderful time at the reunion. It was very well-organized and was the best (reunion) event since the College's demise."
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