For some time now, we have had some very serious problems with our parish hall.    The roof is leaking seriously, and some parts of the roof have rotted.     The hall also has a severe termite problem, as our water table is only 14 inches below ground when it is not raining.    It additionally has electrical problems, which has resulted in three electrical fires over the past 23 months.    One in the DRE office, which absolutely shocked Suzanne Scrofano as her desk is right next to the wall where the fire suddenly began burning.     And, as all know who ever try talking to a group in the hall, the sound system is impossible at best. 

We looked into making the necessary repairs, which would run several hundred thousands.     But, since we are in violation of LA County Code regarding disability access, we would only have two-thirds of the present main floor space because of having to add a ramp for the back portion of the hall and a ramp for the stage.     Nor would we gain any additional storage space, which is badly, badly needed.

Two parishioners who are contractors suggested re-building the parish hall from scratch. This would also give us some additional storage by straightening the walls.    Because of contracts made earlier with neighbors and the City of Westlake Village when building, we cannot raise the height of the hall.    And because of our lack of parking, we cannot add any additional meeting room space, only storage and kitchen-working space.   We can only replace the meeting space that we currently have.         

A Development Cabinet has been appointed to further look into this question.     Over the next couple of months interviews will be conducted with a sampling of parishioners, and an in-pew survey will also be taken.     Your help with these fact finding activities would be greatly appreciated.

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about our Annual Oktoberfest! This year's Dates:     Saturday, Oktober 14^th, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Oktober 15^th, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grand Prize Tickets:   these will be mailed the first week of September.       

"Marketplace":   needs NEW items, large or small, such as toys, kitchen gadgets, cameras, lamps, artwork, furniture, beauty supplies, exercise equipment, floral arrangements, knick-knacks and bric-a-brac, silk or dried flowers, lace or needlepoint items, wines and spirits, etc.     The marketplace can also use gift certificates for the theatre, movies, department or specialty stores, sporting events, vacation homes, etc.   We also need lots and lots of baskets of all sizes, colored cellophane and ribbon.      Please contact Marie at the Parish Office:  818 - 889 - 1279 or Debbie Meier at 818 597-1464 .

Used Books:   Just that: any and all used books, hard cover or soft cover.   Drop them by the Parish Office.

Cake Walk & Sweet Booth:   homemade or store bought cakes, pies, cookies, fudge, breads, rolls, pastries, jellies and jams, and candies.      Whenever making some of your favorite desserts, why not make an extra or two and freeze it for the "Oktoberfest".

Booth Sponsors:  sponsors are needed for our "Oktoberfest 2000" booths to offset the expenses of the Oktoberfest.

.     Platinum Sponsor:   $200. Gold Sponsor:  $100.00 .      Silver Sponsor: $50.00

The name of your family and/or any business advertising will be prominently displayed on your booth.    Make you checks payable to: "St. Jude's Oktoberfest".     Please include your name, address, and phone number, plus the name and location of your business when submitting your donation.      This is a tax-deductible donation

Donation Drop Off:    please drop off all donations in front of the Parish Pastoral Office, except spirits and wine as these items must be kept out of reach.

NB:    Please do not drop off Garage Sale Items. We cannot use them at the Oktoberfest and it is costly and time consuming for us to transport them to a donation center.

Food Booths, Games Booths, and Rides (more Rides than ever before at St. Jude's --- all that we are permitted by our limited space).

Volunteers are needed:   to chair and to work booths, to help make boutique items, to solicit booth sponsors, to solicit new items and gift certificates from local merchants, to sort books and other donated items, and to also put together baskets for the "Marketplace".    Leave your name and phone number and best time to call you with Parish Office, and someone will definitely quickly get in touch with you.Also needed are volunteers who have construction and electrical skills. Give Joan San Filippo n.

More info:   please contact Carolyn Chowanec, Chairperson 818 597-8836  Father Dan or Marie at the Parish Office:   818 - 889 - 1279. To volunteer to work a booth, set-up or clean-up call Chairperson  Joan San Filippo at 818 706-1005.