VanNatta Public Relations
Emergency Messages as of 10:22 pm, Mon. Mar. 18
No information currently posted.
News Releases
\Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM (left) and Josh Graves (right)
\Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM (left) and Josh Graves (right)
MEDIA ADVISORY ONLY - March 20 - Celebration Commemorates Transfer of Queen of Angels Monastery Ownership to Catholic Community Services (Photo) - 03/18/24

What:  This event celebrates the historic, ceremonial transfer of ownership of the Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel, Oregon (the historic home of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel) to Catholic Community Services (CCS) of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast. This transfer of ownership will preserve the monastery's rich heritage and bolster community service programs founded by the sisters and now operated by CCS.

Please note: Attendance is by invitation only, and event details are not for publication prior to the event. Media representatives are invited to attend.

When: Wed. March 20, 2024 - 2:00-4:00 pm 

Where: Queen of Angels Monastery, 840 S Main St, Mt Angel, OR 97362

  • Prayer and Transfer Ceremony at the Chapel
  • Reception and listening session at Agatha Hall (downstairs from the Chapel)

Who: The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS)

Format: Prayer Service in the Monastery Chapel followed by a reception and listening session

  • Selected readings and comments from the Benedictine Sisters
  • Blessings, hymns, and intercessory prayers
  • A symbolic exchange of gifts between the Benedictine Sisters and Catholic Community Services (CCS board members, CEO Josh Graves)
  • Dismissal to Agatha Hall (downstairs). Special recognition presentation.
  • Guests will sit at tables with facilitators and have the opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts related to the monastery

Visuals/Photo op:

  • Pictures of beautiful Mt. Angel Monastery
  • Prayer service and transfer ceremony
  • Sisters from The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Representatives from Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS).
  • Guests at a reception, sharing thoughts with facilitators at each table.

Interview Opportunities:

  • Josh Graves, CEO, Catholic Community Services
  • Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM, Queen of Angels Monastery

About the Benedictine Sisters and the Queen of Angels Monastery

The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel are a Catholic religious community which was established in Oregon in 1882. Queen of Angels Monastery, the Sisters' historic home, dates to 1887. The Sisters' major ministries are hospitality, prayer, service to the local community, and Shalom at the Monastery, a retreat and spiritual renewal center. At present, the Benedictine Sisters have 19 professed members (nuns) and 80 oblates (non-professed members).

About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley

Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) is a non-profit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers 11 programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,000 people each year. They operate with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call them to work for the common good and to serve their neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish.

###

Background:

On Dec. 27 , 2023, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) today announced the official closing of the sale of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel to CCS. The monastery, built in 1888, has been the home of the Benedictine Sisters as well as their central offices from which they undertook an

impressive number of endeavors for the greater good, including the Shalom at the Monastery retreat ministry, the Benedictine Nursing Center next door, and St. Joseph Shelter/Mission Benedict across the street. (https://www.benedictine-srs.org/our-history)

The Sisters, who have moved to the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center's Orchard House next door, will continue to have offices in the monastery and will help guide and sustain St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, ministries which they founded in 1988. The Sisters transferred day-to-day operations of these ministries to CCS in 2017.

A formal transfer ceremony is planned for March 20, 2024, during which CCS, the Benedictine Sisters and guests will come together to pray, celebrate and share hopes and dreams for the future of the monastery.

"The Benedictine Sisters have owned the historic monastery and grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery since 1887 when they purchased the property from Mount Angel Abbey. The sisters have shared their monastic buildings and grounds in ministry to countless guests, students, oblates, retreatants, family, and friends. Now the Benedictine Sisters entrust the mission and use of it to Catholic Community Services," said Sister Jane Hibbard, Pastoral Administrator of the Benedictine Sisters. "The sisters look forward to seeing what develops and also promise to pray daily for what will emerge for the future use of the buildings and property. They are deeply grateful for the partnership with and commitment of CCS to the people of Mount Angel, Marion County, and beyond, as well as to the many people who continue to support the Benedictine Sisters."

"We are honored and humbled by the confidence the Sisters have placed in us, and we look forward to our continued partnership to sustain the ministries they founded and to preserve the monastery as a place of hope and healing," said CCS Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves.

Olivia Sproed, the first female Eagle Scount in Salem served as the emcee at the 2023 event.
Olivia Sproed, the first female Eagle Scount in Salem served as the emcee at the 2023 event.
Mid-Valley Eagles Soar: Celebrating Scouting's Impact in Salem, OR - April 12, 2024 (Photo) - 03/13/24

SALEM, OR – Mid-Valley Eagles Soar, a celebration of Scouting's community impact, will recognize and honor Eagle Scouts from Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem. The social hour and silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m., with an opening program and dinner at 6 p.m. Mid-Valley Eagles Soar is hosted by the Santiam River District of the Cascade Pacific Council. 

This year marks the second annual Mid-Valley Eagles Soar event. In addition to celebrating Mid-Valley's most recent Eagle Scouts class and their accomplishments, this event will raise funds to help extend Scouting to more neighborhoods, school communities and towns in the Willamette Valley. Funds from last year's event helped launch Troop 9051 for girls in Lebanon, Pack 584 in Albany, and Pack 7019 in Salem. Over 20 Eagle Scout projects will be showcased around the room to highlight Scouting's community impact. 

Grace Parry and Juliette Lloyd, two of Salem's first female Eagle Scouts, will emcee the event. Other scouts presenting include Marshall Morrison, who overcame a disability to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and 8-year-old Aurora Logan, who will share how Scouting has provided fun adventures and inspired her to become an Eagle Scout. One Eagle Scout will receive the first-ever Mid-Valley Eagles Soar College Scholarship. 

This event will feature silent and oral auction items, all donated by local businesses and community leaders. While the event is free to attend, donations are strongly encouraged. All donations support local Scouting programs and are tax deductible. Those interested in attending can RSVP by registering online at: 

https://cpcbsa.org/upcoming-events/eagles-soar/

About Santiam Rivers District: The Santiam District of the Cascade Pacific Council, BSA, serves the Amity, Cascade, Central, Central Linn, Dallas, Dayton, Falls City, Gervais, Greater Albany, Jefferson, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mt. Angel, North Santiam, Perrydale, Salem-Keizer, Scio, Sheridan, Silver Falls, Sweet Home and Willamina school districts.

About  Cascade Pacific Council: Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America (CPCBSA) serves approximately 7500 boys and girls in NW Oregon and SW Washington through exceptional programming that gets youth to "go play outdoors." From summer camps to S.T.E.M. workshops, our inclusive programs grow leaders of tomorrow who are connected to nature, family, and community. Designed for families with children ages 5 – 20, our programs encourage family participation in activities, including summer outdoor adventure camps located on the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountains, year-round experiential learning events, and civic service. Learn more at cpcbsa.org.

MPCMSlogo
MPCMSlogo
Marion-Polk County Medical Society Elects Tanie Hotan, M.D. as President (Photo) - 02/28/24

Salem, OR  Feb. 28, 2024 - The Marion-Polk County Medical Society is pleased to announce the election of Tanie Hotan, M.D., as its new president, succeeding Keith Neaman, M.D. The induction, held on February 15, 2024, at the Illahe Hills Country Club, was paired with the Society’s awards ceremony.

Dr. Hotan is a family medical physician at Santiam Hospital’s Aumsville Medical Clinic. She graduated from the University of Oregon and Oregon Health Sciences University. She completed her residency at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Hotan has a special interest in physician wellness. She is an award-winning dance performer, instructor, and owner of Tanie Hotan Dance, a dance entertainment company.

Dr. Hotan presented the President’s Award to the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation and Erin Cramer, PA-C.

The Salem Clinic Medical Foundation received the prestigious President’s Award for developing a website encouraging Salem-Keizer youth to explore healthcare careers. SKHealthcareCareers.org highlights healthcare careers in Marion and Polk counties, skills needed, pay ranges for the local market, and regional schools where students can obtain a degree or certification. Jobs range from physician to administrative staff and focus on students who want to be in a healthcare environment. Salem Clinic Director Ryan Farwell and Corporate Development Manager Ericka Kingsbury accepted the award.

Erin Cramer, PA-C, Medical Director of Santiam Hospital, was recognized for his work on behalf of the profession. Cramer serves as the Physician Assistant Director of the Oregon Medical Board, which regulates the practice of medicine in Oregon. In addition, he serves as chair of the Administrative Affairs Committee and as secretary of the full board.

About the Marion-Polk County Medical Society: Established in 1870, the Marion-Polk County Medical Society is a proactive advocate of healthcare providers and patient rights in both the public and private sectors. The Medical Society serves healthcare providers and their patients by promoting ethical, educational, and clinical standards for the medical profession. Membership to the Marion-Polk County Medical Society is open to medical doctors (M.D.), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APRN), and doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) who practice in Marion or Polk counties, as well as those who have retired from practice. www.mpmedsociety.org.

Attached Media Files: MPCMSlogo , TanieHotanMD