This past weekend there were a "skillion" events scheduled. It was daunting to open the mail each day, as another group would send a notice that they were holding an event on either Saturday, Sept. 18 or Sunday, Sept. 19.

Rather than tell you what we didn't do we'll share with you what we did. On Saturday, just as the sun came out, we attended the installation and reception for the Rev. Peter Casparian of Christ Church. It was a heart-warming experience to watch as parishioners welcomed their new pastor.

Rosemary Colvin representing the Culturo Centro Hispanico which is housed at Christ Church said she especially appreciated the sermon given by the Very Reverend Douglas W. Hutchings of St. Paul's of Glen Cove, the Dean of the North Nassau Deanery (13 churches on the north shore). He said, we need to be kind to each other and to spread warmth. He said we can get warm two ways, we can put on a coat and stay at home all warm and cozy or we can build a fire and invite others to come and be warm. He asked people to consider which kind of person you are.

He said, "our mission is to spread warmth."

It was a beautiful way to offer ourselves an insight into our being, and an opportunity to decide if that is what we want to continue to do.

Local pastors were there to greet the Rev. Casparian. It was wonderful to see Rev. Kenneth Nelson, Pastor Louise Stowe-Johns, Rev. Jeffrey Prey as well as several Episcopal church officials taking part in the day, wearing their official robes. The Rev. Casparian wore what appeared to be a simple monk's robe in white. He said it was to express his humility.

The next day, at the Friends of the Bay barbecue, at the Seawanhaka Yacht Club, the Rev. Casparian and his wife Marguerite were out meeting local people. It was a lovely event and we told Jack Williams, FOB board president that they had raised the bar on local events. Everyone was having a great time.

FYI: At the last minute, we were not able to attend the dedication of the St. Dominic's fields. We called the parish office and Father Peter Dariusz said he believed there would be photographs available. At the barbecue a friend told us they drove by the site and there were lots of cars parked there so we are sure everyone had a wonderful time. They had a plan for rain: to meet in the gymnasium where a luncheon would follow.

That's a good hint. If you plan for rain, it appears you up your chances for sun. There is so much more to tell, but the presses are waiting and there are more great stories to tell next week.

-DFK