Here we are in the middle of January and it feels like it could be April from the weather we have experienced recently. By the time you read my column, we will have set several record highs for the month of January. While we are experiencing unusually warm weather, many other parts of the nation are dealing with normal winter conditions. As you may remember, last winter in Naples and throughout most of the contiguous United States was the year without a winter as everyone experienced above normal temperatures. For those wintering in Naples and for those who may be vacationing, enjoy the amazing weather while it lasts. Although my comments may irritate some, I for one would like to have some cooler weather so that it feels like winter rather than late spring. I believe that us “year rounders” pay our dues during the brutal summer months and are entitled to cool weather, if only for a few short months.
This past week, our entire staff realized first-hand how dependent we are on technology in our personal and professional lives. Our computer server crashed (hard) on Saturday and we were not back up and running until Wednesday morning. All of our files, calendars and contacts are stored on the server and we were basically helpless for two business days. On behalf of the clergy and staff, I would like to apologize for the delay in responding timely to email or other requests which required computer assistance. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy of our server and had very little recourse. The good news is that everything is backed up nightly and we didn’t lose any data. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Important notice regarding IRA Charitable Distributions
The retroactive reinstatement of the highly popular IRA charitable rollover provision (as part of the “fiscal cliff” deal) is welcome news for donors and charities alike. It clarifies that direct transfers made from an IRA to eligible charities at any time during 2012 qualify for IRA charitable rollover treatment, as ATRA retroactively reinstates the rollover treatment to January 1, 2012. Although the transitional relief is welcome news, such relief is somewhat limited, as taxpayers having taken distributions from their IRAs prior to December 1, 2012, are not eligible for rollover treatment with respect to such distributions, as the relief provision only applies to distributions received in December 2012, not for any distributions received during 2012. The transitional relief does allow, however, a direct distribution from an IRA to charity in January 2013 to be treated as made in 2012, so that another charitable rollover can be made in 2013. So, for charitably-inclined individuals having large IRAs, the transitional relief does allow, in any event, for a $100,000 IRA charitable rollover in both 2012 and 2013. Contact me at 566.1678 if you have questions about making a charitable gift from your IRA to St. John the Evangelist.
The final results are in for the 2012 Catholic Faith Appeal. To say that our parishioners really came through this year is an understatement. As you know, our assessment or goal was $443,000.00. We officially ended the annual appeal with pledges of $501,296.16. This means that we exceeded our goal by $58,296.16. In my 15 years at St. John the Evangelist, we have never achieved such success. This entire surplus will now be returned to the parish free of assessment to be used for whatever programs and ministries are most in need. Thank you again for your extreme outpouring of generosity.
Tickets for the 15th Annual Super Bowl Party are flying out of the office at a very brisk pace. If you would like to join us, please get your ticket soon. We are limiting sales to the first 300 to ensure that everyone has a great viewing experience. Your $25 ticket (price has not increased in 15 years) will entitle you to a full buffet and an open bar with beer and wine included. Proceeds from this event will be used for the benefit of our Youth Ministry program.
After a long hiatus, we are hosting another AARP driver Safety Program at St. John the Evangelist. The next class will take place on January 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room of the Claussen Center. There will be a one hour lunch break. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The focus of the course is to give drivers over the age of 50 an opportunity to compensate for the changes occurring in their aging bodies, however, anyone may take the course. As a bonus, you receive a discount on your auto insurance premium. For more information or to register, please contact Toni Valery at 239.593.9329.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager