MT. ANGEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - February 2012 Newsletter

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a proactive, all-volunteer organization bringing business and citizens together to promote a viable business community.

 

 

 

The Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Awards Banquet will be held Monday, February 27 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Center.  Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at West Coast Bank, US Bank or Wells Fargo Bank.  Please purchase your tickets by February 21.  First Citizen Bill Predeek joins a list of previous winners with a true commitment to Mt. Angel.

Bill Predeek – First Citizen
Bill Predeek receives the community’s top honor as Mt. Angel’s 2011 First Citizen.  Bill is being recognized for his commitment to education and to history of Mt. Angel. For more than 10 years, Bill has volunteered at St. Mary Public Grade School. He volunteers 3 days a week and works with the first grade students. His work includes reading to students, listening to struggling readers, giving spelling tests, helping with math and how to use computers.  According to the teachers, Bill has a very calming effect on students. His quiet, encouraging demeanor helps struggling students feel confident and eager to try. He treats every student with dignity and respect and makes sure they feel welcome and cared for.

Bill is recognized as one of the founders of the Mt. Angel Historical Society.  Bill has a passion for preserving and promoting the unique history of Mt. Angel.  His tireless devotion to meeting with residents, scanning and cataloging hundreds of photos and documents is extremely valuable to the preservation of Mt. Angel’s history.  Bill has spent the past several years establishing a treasure trove of important historical data.

The Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce is especially proud to honor Bill Predeek as Mt. Angel’s First Citizen.
 
Kaylee Aman - Junior First Citizen
Kaylee Aman was named Mt. Angel’s 2011 Junior First Citizen.  Kaylee is a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, where she has maintained an excellent GPA while fully involved as Associated Student Body President, and a member of many school clubs including the National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Future Business Leaders of America.  Kaylee is truly a community volunteer.  Her community service includes Oktoberfest, Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary Parish, Oregon Red Cross, Wurstfest, Silverton Track & Field Pole Vault Score Keeper and Kennedy High School.  The nomination for Kaylee Aman Cardenas noted her strong desire to help others, her drive to succeed, and her consistent positive attitude in all situations. Her goal is to attend the University of Portland’s School of Nursing and become a Registered Nurse for an Intensive Care Unit.  Mt. Angel is proud to honor this young citizen already making significant contributions to her community

Schmidt’s Mt. Angel - Business of the Year
The 2011 Business of the Year is Schmidt’s Mt. Angel 76.  This well-known Mt. Angel employer already had a strong reputation for local community involvement.  Founded by Ron Schmidt in 1956, Ron Schmidt and his father Andy Schmidt built a full service station with a strong reputation for customer service.  Greg Schmidt came on board as a freshman in high school where he learned to pump gas, work on cars and general maintenance on all sorts of vehicles.  Greg has been running the business ever since.  He estimates that Schmidt’s has hired more than 150 students over the years including high school and college.

Greg believes in volunteering in the community and that includes serving as a Mt. Angel Firefighter for the past nineteen years.  Greg gives lots of credit to his wife Gayle, whom he calls the “heart of the company”.  Gayle does all the book work and government paperwork. 

Customers appreciate the full service from Schmidt’s Mt. Angel 76 including pick and delivery of vehicles in Mt. Angel and Silverton.  They are open 7 days a week to provide full service; and you leave with a clean windshield!  The Chamber is grateful for their community spirit and volunteerism support of the local community; making Schmidt’s Mt. Angel 76 a clear choice for this award.

Don Wada – Volunteer of the Year   The 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Don Wada, in appreciation of his volunteer of service.  Don is retired and spends him time volunteering at Mission Benedict, and as a volunteer in the Activity Department of Providence Benedictine Nursing Center.  Don is at the Mt. Angel Senior Center every morning to help open the business and helps wherever needed.  “Don is Volunteer of the Year in my book.  He is a super, caring man and we love him. Not only does he sort clothes and help clients, but he babysits for other volunteer’s children.  He works with 4 years old and the way up to 93 years old,” Sister Angela Meister, OSB and Coordinator of Mission Benedict.  “Do would do anything for you.  He seems to have always a positive attitude”.

Don is known to keep the sidewalks and streets clean in downtown Mt. Angel.  And is known as an “ambassador” to the seniors that live at Edelweiss Village.

 

 
4th Annual WurstFest is Coming – February 17-18  Dust off your lederhosen, starch up your dirndl apron and celebrate the last bash of winter on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., in the new Mt. Angel Festhalle. This is the last weekend before Ash Wednesday and the austere season of Lent – Our own Germanic Mardi Gras. Mark your calendars now and enjoy all the fun.

Admission is $10 for adults and includes a half liter souvenir glass beer mug; easily worth the price of admission. There is no charge for those under 21 accompanied by an adult.
Sausage makers and vendors present for sale the best of their wursts - bratwurst, bockwurst, knackwurst, Oktoberfest sausage and other variations. On tap are World famous German and domestic beers, regional wines, and non-alcoholic drinks. Savor artisan breads and cheeses, pizza, chocolates and roasted nuts and many other ethnic offerings. Non stop musical groups perform throughout Wurstfest including Greg Meier and Mt. Angel’s own Z Musikmakers. A selection of arts and crafts is offered for your viewing pleasure or to purchase and take home with you.  Sponsored by the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit the chamber community improvement projects.

For more information go to www.mtangelwurstfest.com. Or call 503-586-8126.
“Like” us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/mountangelwurstfest

 

PETE WALL ELECTED CHAMBER PRESIDENT
At the January board meeting, elections were held for officers.  After many years serving as Chamber President, Mary Grant decided to step down as president and remain active on the Board.  Pete Wall was unanimously elected President.  Ryan Evenson of West Coast Bank was elected Vice President.  Maureen Ernst continues as Secretary and Kathy Wall continues as Treasurer with Ryan Evenson offering assistance. President Pete Wall appointed Susan Gallagher of Providence Benedictine Foundation and Chris Crevier of GEM Equipment to fill two vacancies on the board.

 

A big thank you to all the chamber board members for their commitment of time and energy to keep the organization….. “a proactive, all-volunteer organization bringing business and citizens together to promote a viable business community.”