Dear Friend of the Franciscan Center,
It is our hope and prayer that you are safe and well after the recent storms! We are grateful for the many messages of concern for our staff and beloved Center and other properties on Perry Avenue. The outpouring of supportive messages, visits to assure our safety, offers of assistance, and help received are a blessing and a sign of our connectedness in and through the Center. The calls and emails are too numerous to list. There are a few people that I, Brian Lemoi, like to acknowledge for their dedication to the Center and all of you our colleagues, supporters, and guests: friends of the Center all!
Our staff members have done huge amounts of work to clean up after the flooding due to Helene. Thankfully, the waters came within inches of the Center Building and lapped at the doorstep of Sabbath House, but no water got into any buildings. Likewise, after that cleanup, the staff prepared the entire property, all buildings, and fixtures for round two with Milton.
The saddest loss from the storm for all who love the Center and Perry Avenue property was the loss of 9 trees. 3 Cedars that lined the driveway to Sisters’ House and Sabbath House and were planted by Joseph Miyares the former owner and donor of this wonderful property. The other 6 trees lost were large Oaks and Pines.
The Center sheltered several people during Milton. Karen who was already displaced due to Helene was in residence and did so much to help the people who came to the Center for shelter. TJ, our part-time facility tech stayed at the Center through Milton as his home is located in a flood-prone zone. He made rounds of the building, secured the roof door that was opened by winds, and protected the building and Fr. Michael’s precious artwork from harm. Nothing short of heroic in my book. Doug has spent countless hours cleaning up the grounds and restoring the operation of all equipment on the property. He is so dedicated, and I am so appreciative. Mary Beth managed our banking and payroll remotely so that no staff would be without funds when needed for storm relief! Thank you! Our kitchen staff and housekeeping personnel have done a wonderful job preparing the Center, St. Elizabeth Convent, and Sisters’ House so that we can welcome guests beginning Monday, October 21.
Of note was the quick response and service of Mid-Florida Forestry LLC. They responded in less than 32 hours after learning that a tree was leaning over Sisters’ House threatening to cause roof and building damage. They prioritized coming to the Center using some of the last bits of gas they had for the equipment at the risk of preventing themselves from getting home at the end of their long day. This is service above and beyond and we wish to acknowledge their professionalism and loving commitment to the Allegany Franciscan Sisters and the Franciscan Center. You are a blessing for us.
Two neighbors and frequent guests/program participants at the Franciscan Center and Sisters’ House, Bianca, and Jay Hollon came to the Center on Friday morning and labored with Doug for several hours to clear the smaller debris out of the path of the tree removal company workers and equipment. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors. You are also a generous blessing for us.
Sr. Margaret Magee, OSF, and the Leadership Team of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany were in regular contact before, after, and throughout the storms and made it possible for us to recover financially from the fiscal effects of the storm. At the Leadership Team’s direction but also her own generous service to all sponsored ministries of the FSA Community, Ellen Weaver, Finance Manager for the Congregation and doubtless other “behind the scenes” staff members of the Mother House staff/Congregational Offices could not have been more timely and helpful in beginning the insurance claim for the losses on the entire Perry Avenue property. Thank you also to Sr. Jo Streva, Congregational Councilor and liaison to the Board of the Franciscan Center. Sr. Jo assisted in many ways helping to contact contractors and vendors for St. Elizabeth Convent and Sisters’ House. Thank you all!
Peace and All Good!
Brian Lemoi
Executive Director