While writing my column on Wednesday morning, I could not help but notice that change is beginning to take place with regards to the weather patterns nationwide. Although we won’t see any significant changes until mid to late October (on average), areas in North and North central Florida will experience near record low temperatures this evening with the passage of the first “cool” front of the season. So while those from Orlando northward will be experiencing somewhat cooler weather, we will remain locked in the tropical pattern of warm, sticky mornings and hot afternoons with thunderstorms. Although our Naples summer extends well into fall, the trade off is well worth it when winter rolls around and we can spend our days outside in beautiful weather. Naples truly is paradise even though during the summer months many will beg to differ.
Some of you have asked me about my fascination with the weather. For those that don’t know, from approximately the age of eight, I wanted to become a broadcast meteorologist. After high school, I attended Florida State University and received my undergraduate degree in meteorology. While in Tallahassee, I interned at the ABC and CBS affiliates working with the local meteorologists. Obviously, God had other plans for me and here I am as your General Manager and staff meteorologist. If you ever want a forecast for any area of the nation, I would be more than happy to provide the most accurate information for you.
The inaugural Faith and Wine gathering took place this past Tuesday, September 6 in the ballroom of the Parish Life Center. Fr. John was the featured speaker and he spoke to a packed house. Original attendance estimates were in the neighborhood of 70 guests, however, nearly 200 showed up to participate at this new venue. Due to a power outage in the vicinity, the Faith and Wine group had an unexpected candlelight theme. Fr. John and Mary Beth Clary never missed a beat and all attendees took the power outage in stride. If you missed the inaugural event, make sure to sign up for the next meeting on October 11. Please see the bulletin for details on the next event.
Are you in the market for a new refrigerator? If so, we would love to take your old fridge off of your hands. We have been using hand me down refrigerators in the electrical room of the church for many years. These refrigerators keep the post Mass refreshments cool so that you may enjoy a snack after leaving church. Once again, one of ours has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. If you fit the aforementioned criteria and would like to donate your “gently used” refrigerator to St. John the Evangelist, we would love to have it. We will provide you with an acknowledgement of the gift to be used for tax purposes. We will also send over a truck to pick up the refrigerator. Thanks in advance to any who wish to help out with a donation.
Would you like a discount on your automobile insurance? I would, but, unfortunately, I don’t qualify. But if you are a senior, you most likely do qualify. We are hosting an AARP Driver Safety Class on September 24 from 9:00 .am. until 4:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room of the Claussen Center. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. This is a very informative and fun class. Upon completion of the program you will be eligible for a substantial discount on your automobile insurance by submitting documentation to your provider. If you are interested in participating, please contact Toni Valery at 593.9329.
The new crosswalks have been installed in the main parking lot outside the front of the church. These crosswalks are clearly marked in yellow paint and direct our parishioners to the paver walkways dividing the different areas of the parking lot. We hope that this addition will help you safely navigate your way from the parking lot to the church. With this addition, we had to create several compact spaces where before there were normal sized spaces. We kindly ask that you do not attempt to park your Hummer or Suburban in these compact spaces.
Did you know that since the installation of the votive candle stands back in April, we have received donations totaling over $8,000.00. Fr. John told me that I would be surprised at how many parishioners would choose to light candles for their devotions to Mary and St. John the Evangelist. I have to admit that I was skeptical and suggested otherwise. I will now humbly acknowledge that Fr. John was right on the money (no pun intended) with his observation of the need for the votive candle stands. Thank you again to James and Tomasina Schiro for their generous contribution to purchase the votive candles and stands.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager