Did you know that this Saturday, June 21 (6:51a.m.) is the first day of summer? Although our summer in Naples began quite some time ago, the summer solstice marks the true beginning. For those interested, I have included a little information on the solstice.
A solstice occurs when the sun’s zenith is at its furthest point from the equator. During the June solstice it reaches its northernmost point and the Earth’s North Pole tilts directly towards the sun, at about 23.5 degrees. It is also known as the northern solstice because it occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere. If the Earth’s rotation was at right angles to the plane of its orbit around the sun, there would be no solstice days and no seasons. The June solstice marks the first day of the summer season in the northern hemisphere. The word solstice is from the Latin word “solstitium”, meaning “sun-stopping”, because the point at which the sun appears to rise and set stops and reverses direction after this day. On this day, the sun does not rise precisely in the east, but rises to the north of east and sets to the north of west allowing it to be in the sky for a longer period of time. In the southern hemisphere, the June solstice is known as the shortest day of the year. It is when the sun has reached its furthest point from the equator and marks the first day of winter.
This past week began the installation of six new air conditioning units in the Parish Life Center. Many of the old “curbs” had to be retrofitted to accommodate the new units which caused more than a bit of angst. Due to these unforeseen issues, the installation process will certainly drag into this coming week. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the installation process as we have had to redirect numerous groups utilizing the facilities. Ultimately, we will have a more efficient AC operating system.
As many of you remember, we administered a second collection in March to be used for Capital Reserves. We plan to continue this second collection every March in an effort to build reserves to be used for items such as the above referenced air conditioning units. Until this year, we have had no reserves to be used for these capital purchases. Instead, all of the funds necessary to accommodate Capital expenditures were recognized in our operating budget. Under the direction of Paul DellUomo, we have assembled a subcommittee comprised of members of our finance and buildings and grounds committees to oversee a special three year ongoing capital budget.
As you know, we have a very talented group of maintenance personnel here at Saint John the Evangelist. Ovidio Moreno is one such talented member of our staff. Although you may have never met Ovidio, you have certainly seen his amazing stone work (and other displays of carpentry and craftsmanship.) Some of the projects he has completed include the installation of a limestone veneer as a backdrop for the Blessed Mother statue and St. John the Evangelist statue, installation of travertine on the bases of the benches and statue at the Veteran’s Memorial, complete renovation and installation of travertine in the PLC bathrooms, ceramic tile in the foyer of the PLC lobby and
numerous other projects. Recently, Ovidio completely rehabilitated the Men’s Club fountain at the entrance to the Paniccia Prayer Garden. He installed decorative mosaic tile in the base of the fountain which really gives a dramatic effect. Time permitting, Ovidio and his apprentice (Jesus) will begin renovation of the classroom bathrooms in the PLC installing travertine flooring and walls to match the ballroom bathrooms. Obviously, Ovidio has allowed us to recognize substantial savings by performing this work in house and not having to use an outside vendor. Thank you, Ovidio, for your hard work and dedication to Saint John the Evangelist. You are an asset to our staff.
Right on the heels of Vacation Bible School, this past week we hosted the divisional Cub Scout Day Camp. We went from a “Wilderness” theme to a “Safari” theme all in the course of a week. The Cub Scouts were actually able to use some of the props from VBS. In addition, many of the Cub Scout campers also attended our VBS the week before. Nearly 200 youngsters attended and participated in countless activities which included archery, BB gun target shooting, leather crafts, facemask painting out of palm fronds, American Flag etiquette and patriotism. In addition, representatives were onsite from the Kowiachobee Preserve showing the kids live animals native to Southwest Florida. The Cub Scouts also had a service project where they correctly folded miniature American Flags to send to our service men and women abroad.
We have a very active Cub Scout pack here at Saint John the Evangelist. There are currently 26 youth in our pack and it has steadily grown in only two years. Recently, we re-chartered our Boy Scout troop which had dissolved in 2013. With a flourishing Cub Scout Pack, these youth will recognize a normal progression into the Boy Scout Troop and within the next few years we will have a very active Boy Scout Troop as well. Part of the camp this past week included current Boy Scouts explaining to the Cub Scouts what to expect as they graduate into Boy Scouts. If you would like your son or grandson to participate in scouting, please contact me and I will put you in touch with the correct person.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager