The Collier County Elections Board will be sending a Voter Outreach Team to St. John the Evangelist this weekend to facilitate voter registration. The team will be onsite in the narthex on Saturday from 2:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. They will bring a laptop with the current registered voter database so that parishioners can verify their status. If you are not registered, a team member will assist you in completing your application. The deadline to register to vote in the general election in November is not until October 9. If you are not registered to vote or are unsure, this will be a great opportunity to make sure that you are ready to cast your ballot in November.
Bathroom renovations in the Parish Life Center began this past week. As was the case when we renovated the bathrooms in the church two years ago, there are always surprises when the demolition begins. Much of the drywall in the bathrooms must be replaced as what was initially installed is not appropriate for a commercial bathroom application. We will install “Durock” cement board, which is water and mold resistant. In addition, the new flooring in the PLC bathrooms will be travertine versus traditional ceramic tile. The finished product will be absolutely beautiful, and there will be no grout lines, which is always a constant maintenance issue in commercial bathrooms. The installation process for travertine is more time consuming as each piece must be “floated.” We were able to find a beautiful travertine stone at a price lower than ceramic tile. Granite countertops and stainless steel sinks will 
also be included in the bathroom renovation. While we complete the men’s room, guests in the PLC ballroom may use the bathroom in the classroom hallway. Thanks for your understanding and patience while we complete this much needed renovation.
We are also in the final stages of the bid process to refinish the stage and dance floor in the Parish Life Center. We have not refinished these surfaces in over eight years and it is well overdue. Once we select the final bid, the process will take approximately one week.
We are currently seeking individuals interested in working in the nursery which is located in the Parish Life Center. This is a paid part time position. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, willing to be fingerprinted, participate in a Safe Environment Training seminar and be able to handle multiple children at one time. If you are interested, please pick up an application in the parish office.
Have you visited our memorial garden recently? Surrounded by a beautiful and very thick Ficus hedge on the Southwest side of the church, many would not even know this garden exists. Our landscapers have done a magnificent job of creating a delightful environment as the final resting place for our parishioners and their immediate family. Just this past week, four different parish couples chose to purchase space in our memorial garden. One of these four couples was hesitant about purchasing space in our Catholic Memorial Garden and suggested they might like to look elsewhere. After comparing prices at other cemeteries, they quickly returned to St. John the Evangelist and took advantage of a truly great deal. It costs only $1,200.00 to purchase a space in our memorial garden. This is an all-inclusive price meaning it includes the opening, closing, urn and granite headstone. I can assure you that this is an incredibly competitive price. As a reminder, space is very limited and sale of space in the garden may be terminated without notice. I took over the management of the memorial garden several years ago and have learned plenty since that time. The most important thing I have learned is that pre-planning is essential. Those couples that plan ahead and purchase space in our memorial garden have one less thing to worry about when a loved one passes away. Conversely, when you pass away, you will leave your family one less thing to worry about.
Although at a slower summertime pace, we continue to make strides towards our goal for the 2012 Catholic Faith Appeal. We are still well ahead of our level at this same time last year with respect to our goal. In addition, our goal is only $3,000.00 greater this year than last. If you have not yet made a pledge for the 2012 appeal, there is plenty of time to do so. As a continual reminder, if you are a seasonal resident or visitor, please make you check payable to the Catholic Faith Appeal with St. John the Evangelist in the memo line.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager