(MT) – The Hoodland Lutheran Church is bringing in the classics, and a star-
studded field of headliners, for the “Blessed Gifts” concert and lecture benefit
on the Mountain.

Blessed Gifts will be presented at the local church as a major fundraiser,
taking place from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4. The event will go a long way in
the church’s commitment to helping Mountain community members who need
help. Tickets are $10, family $30.

The composers of the selected music, Schubert, Schumann, Barber, Chopin,
Beethoven, Bach and Elder Joseph of a Shaker community all overcame great
obstacles in their lives.

Ticket sales for the benefit will kick off Sept. 6 at the Wy’east Book Shoppe
and Art Gallery, or ducats can also be obtained by calling the church at 622-
3916.

The program was planned by Sandra Hyslop (Mountain Profile, Page 2), a
resident of the Mountain community and three performers from Portland.
The performers will describe the hardships that the composers endured in
their lifetimes.

Pianist Sandra Hyslop has performed solo recitals, concertos with orchestra
and chamber music concerts with a variety of instruments and voices.
Having woven her passions for music, language and people into a rich
tapestry, she returns to Oregon after many years living in other parts of the
United States.

Elizabeth Ecklund, a mezzo-soprano, will also appear for Blessed Gifts. She
has performed around the U.S. and western Europe. Her particular passion for
the modern composers, often under-represented in recitals and concerts, has
in no way diminished her love for the titans of song composition.

Robert Huffman holds a degree of Bachelor of Music from the University of
Oregon School of Music and has traveled to France and studies for three years
with Noel Lee. He now resides in Portland where is principal pianist for
Portland Ballet.

Sarah Watts, a violinist from Portland, has degrees from Virginia
Commonwealth
University and Manhattan School of Music. She has played background music
for television documentaries, free lancing and recording.

She currently teaches at Mt. Hood Community College as well as playing
future concerts in Nevada and Massachusetts.

The Neighborhood Missions is a community outreach program sponsored by
Hoodland Lutheran Church which responds to family needs by providing food
and financial assistance for heating supplies, medicine, utility payments,
gasoline vouchers, transportation and bus passes to people in need.

Neighborhood Missions began more than 20 years ago and has evolved into a
dynamic group of people on the Mountain serving their community.

Committee members are on call for a week at a time on a rotating basis.

The mission invites anyone who is interested to come to a meeting.

The membership is open to those who are not members of the local church.
Clarence Edelman is chair of the organization and can be reached at 622-
5694.