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May 4, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Former mayors of Adrian, Michigan, bestowed on the Adrian Dominican Congregation the 2026 Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award. Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, and Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, accepted the award on behalf of the Congregation during the Adrian Mayors’ Legacy Benefit April 18, 2026, at the Hills of Lenawee Golf and Banquet Center. 

Former Mayors Joe Wagley and Chuck Jacobson presented the award, citing the “long history” of the Sisters in supporting institutions across the country, as well as St. Joseph Academy, Siena Heights University, and Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian. The Sisters were recognized for “their many contributions … especially their selfless, extraordinary work over many years in our beloved city. Our community has been and continues to be a wonderful beneficiary of their prayers, their presence, and their sacrificial service for the benefit of our citizenry and beyond.”

In accepting the award on behalf of the Congregation, Sister Elise outlined the Sisters’ contribution to Adrian and Lenawee County in its almost 150 years of presence in the city, beginning in 1879, when four Dominican Sisters came from New York to teach at St. Mary School and, a year later, additional Sisters came to teach at St. Joseph School. 

Through the years, Sister Elise said, the Congregation grew, leading Sisters to minister in most U.S. states and in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. “The Sisters came to be known as Adrian Dominicans after our Adrian, Michigan, home base,” she said. “We have carried that name wherever we have been missioned …. We are proud of our Adrian home.”

She concluded by noting that, in the Dominican Republic, the Sisters are known as Hermanas Dominicas de Adrián. Many in the Dominican Republic believe that Adrián is a saint. “We see no reason to disabuse anyone of that notion,” she said. “The people of Adrian, this beloved community and its sacred lands, have become holy ground for us. And we are so grateful to all who have made it so.”

The award, a vase, was created by Siena Heights University Professor Dennis Swartzlander. Its wooden base was created by Sam Beauford, of the Woodworking Institute in Adrian. 

The evening also included a presentation by former Mayor Gary McDowell to Adrian Public Schools, the mayors’ 2026 fundraising designee through the Adrian Mayors’ Fund. Adrian Public Schools focuses on academics, the arts, and athletics “and has long been known for modeling a ‘Tradition of Opportunities and Future of Possibilities’ for all students.”

The program also included live and silent auctions, live music by the Phoenix Theory Band, and final remarks by Mayor Angela Sword Heath.

“I was personally touched by the tribute of the various mayors,” Sister Frances said. “They knew our mission to be of service, and that we certainly fulfilled that mission.” She also appreciated the dedication of the former mayors.  

The Adrian Mayors’ Fund was established in May 2025 to partner with other individuals and organizations to raise funds to assist a worthwhile Adrian organization or group. The Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award recognizes citizens or organizations in the city who have a positive local impact on education, social services, the performing and visual arts, health and wellness, business, and civic or nonprofit involvement.

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, front left, holds an award from Adrian Mayors with Sister Fran Nadolny, OP, General Councilor. Standing behind them are former Adrian Mayors Gary McDowell, Joe Wagley, and Chuck Jacobson, and current Mayor Angela Sword Heath.

April 28, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – What nurturing does our writing need to grow into finished works? Observing master writers and teachers can give us new information and encourage us to try new methods.

That is the focus of the next Writing Workshop, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, in person at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. Come join other new and experienced writers – in person or on Zoom – to write to prompts, read our just-written work, and receive feedback. A Zoom link will be sent closer to the date of the workshop.

The workshop is facilitated by Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, an Adrian Dominican Sister and a certified leader of Amherst Writers and Artists workshops. Share the flyer (PDF) for this event.

The cost is $35 per session. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.