b'2020 FAMILY OF THE YEAR: Jack and Joanne CapiesMSGR. EDWARD J. DODWELL 6920, GAINESVILLEJack and Joanne Capies have been aChristmas morning. Free Santa Day is quiet force for the Saint Vincent de Paulheld after the Capies and their team set organization for the past seven years.up the tables and bags of toys are there They have both been the president andfor the parents to choose from. co-chairsfortheSt.MichaelsSaintThe Capies worked a total of 2,785 Vincent de Paul. All throughout the yearhours for SVP. They drove over 2240 they offer help to those who are movingmiles.JackandJoanneserved2099 into memory care, smaller homes, be- fellow citizens in need.Jack and Jo-ing evicted, and those who have familyanne have been doing this for SVP for and friends call with the need of some- over a decade. They are dedicated to onetocomeandtakeitemsastheyserving the poor. move out.Their time includes; Case visits, Food Area organizations call on the CapiesDelivery, Homeless Shelter Trips, Cor-when they have a need arise. When therespondences,CountingCollections, homeless shelters or Saint Vincent deworking the Food Panty, help line, Trea-Paul help to put a family or single moth- sures Duties, Aged visits, Daycare Vis-er in an apartment or home, the hunt toits, Conference Meetings, Food Drives, find the proper necessary item stored inThrift Store Visits, Meeting Attendance, the Capies basement begins.Office Work, Item Pick-ups, and Item The position of the Grand Knight isDeliveries for SVD case clients.an honor that comes from being as aWhen not serving for SVdP Jack and recognized leader and a man of ideas.Joanne are busy at Saint Michael Cath-The Knights of Columbus honored JackolicChurchservingasExtraordinary CapiesbyelectingJacktobetheirEucharisticMinisters,ProLifeactivi-Grand Knight not only at ONE parish but at TWO parishes;ties, Pro-Life Marches in Washington with fellow parishioners, Rock Creek Council 2797 in Maryland and again 25 years later,Ministers to the Homebound, Ministers to the Hospitals, Cap-at Saint Michael in Gainesville GA. At both parishes, decadestain of the St. Michael Ushers, Hospitality Committee, Parish apart, fellow Knights put their trust in Jack Capies leadershipFinance Council.and abilities. Each time Jack led his family as they worked to- The Capies have taken in many who are in times of trouble. gether for those in need, the poor, and less fortunate among us.Holy Cross was saved by Jack who was the Chairman of the For their work, the Knights were awarded the highest Honor ofHoly Cross Finance Committee. Joanne. the pastor, the Principal Star Council. It is an honor few Knights achieve.and an attorney when they put together a budget, a plan and a Jack and Joanne have raised their two daughters, Michelleprayer. The School was to be shut down but is still in existence and Natalie, in the Catholic faith. They attended Holy Crosstoday.Many a time, those dealing with drugs or an unplanned Catholic School. Their daughters worked alongside their par- pregnancy would become an invited member of the Capies fam-ents at parish events like bingo and fish fries. They accompa- ily and be invited into their home to turn their life around through nied them on their bread runs to collect day old bread and de- the spiritual gifts. The uplifting others that Jack and Joanne have liver it to the area homeless shelters for years. They collected,be given as their gift from God and they continue to use it.sorted, and delivered thousands of items to the homeless shel-Jack continues his love of his country and is an honorary Life ters over 30 years. They shared their parents and their homeMember of the 4th Degree Sir Knights of Columbus. He march-when the Capes took in women in need.es in Memorial Day Parades in his regalia each Memorial Day Jack chaired the refurbishing at Holy Cross Convent. Theand lays wreath on the graves of soldiers for Wreaths Across family along with others, worked tirelessly, for months, at theAmerica.Holy Cross Convent after raising funds to refurbishing the con- From the very first days of the Capies marriage, with their vent. After all the donated funds ran out the convent was stilldaughters,duringtheirworkyearsandintotheirretirement not completed. Realizing some of the sisters rooms were stillyears, the Capies have been humble servants of the Lord. This in need at Holy Cross, Jack Capies family heart made the de- family has given their time, talent, and treasure their entire mar-cision to stay for the next 3 years and used their own fundsried lives. Love is the family of Brother Jack Capies: they have to complete the job. Together they painted 32 dorm rooms forlove for Jesus, and they share it with all they meet. You can see the nuns. They went on to finish each room with; lights, lightit in their marriage and the way they support each other. They switches,screens,miniblinds,towels,drapes,andfurnacehave made Saint Michael, the local community, and the City of registers. They humbly distinguished themselves with their 1Gainesville better places because of the Capies hearts of mer-000s of volunteer hours, leadership qualities, and their servantcy.The Capies family is a family of distinction because of their hearts. Jack and Joanne have committed their lives to servicelove of God, service to their fellow man, and their commitment for God. Their family acts of service show others what a life ofto their marriage and their children. service looks like and others become engaged. Congratulations to Sir Knight Jack and Joanne; daughters Jack worked with the area Marines to be the contact pick upMichelle and Natalie; and grandchildren Alyssa, Josh, Acadia, person for area toy from drop off locations. The Toys for TotsLogan and Delaney Capies the Georgia State Council Family of toys are then dispersed to their SVD clients with children forthe Year for 202071'