|
Knights of Columbus |
| Father Maher Council 6793 | |
|
|
|
| Council 6793 Home | |
HONORING THE PAST ~ EMBRACING THE FUTURE
April 2005
VOLUME XXIX ISSUE 10
| Please Patronize Our Advertisers |
Contents . . .
GRAND KNIGHT'S MESSAGE
Dear Brother Knights, Ladies and Widows,
As I was passing a news stand last week, I saw a title on Times Magazine that caught my attention. It read: Hail, Mary. I'm sure you know that I stopped immediately and picked up the magazine. Right then and there I said my Hail Mary to remind myself how good it is to have a Mother so gentle and full of grace to watch over me. This is the exact title on the cover: "Hail Mary" Catholics have long revered her, but now Protestants are finding their own reasons to celebrate the mother of Jesus." Isn't it wonderful that so close to Easter other denominations of Christianity are beginning (slowly perhaps) to understand/recognize what we, as Catholics, have known and understood for so long, the rightful place of our Blessed Mother in the Bible, in our hearts and in our minds. Please visit www.time.com (AOL Keyword: time) (March 21, 2005) to read the entire article.
I hope everybody had a Happy Easter! Spring is here, it is the time of year that means clean-up time, in and out; and the time to see flowers begin to bloom, grass turning green... the beginning of new life. Which reminds us of our membership Blitz which is coming in April. Let's recruit new members by asking them to join our family for the experience of a lifetime.
As of May 30th our council will no longer have a home at the Marian Community Center. The property has been sold. Thank you Brother Leonard and the Marian's for making us feel at home for the past 3 years. We hope to always remain as part of your community. With this we are looking at sites to hold our meetings and for storage space. Right now we are talking to St. Patrick's as a potential meeting site. I will keep you posted.
Speaking of change, Ed Ramos has recently resigned as Financial Secretary of the Council due to personal reasons. Ed, thank you from all of us, your Brothers of Council 6793. Supreme has appointed Bob Caron as our new Financial Secretary. We welcome Bob and, again offer many thanks to Brother Ed Ramos who served the Council for the past year and a half.
Brothers, I ask you to pray for the speedy recovery of our District Deputy Kevin Jeffords who is seriously ill. Please keep him in your prayers and also pray for our troops.
Yours in Christ,
Innocent P. d'Almeida
Grand Knight
DISTRICT DEPUTY'S MESSAGE
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your needed prayers this past month. As many of you may not know, I was in Montgomery General Hospital with encephalitis. This is an infection of the brain. I'm sorry to say, I do not remember much of anything from the end of January including, buying a new car and getting a dog.
I would like to thank our State Deputy, Ron White for making me the Honoree for the Third Degree that was held at Father Rosensteel on March 4th. I was there but I just don't remember it. Things are looking up. I feel better and I am now sleeping in my own bed and should be able to return to work soon.
I want to thank the four doctors and the many angel nurses for getting me through this and putting up with me. I was told that I was not a good patient.
I would also like to thank my wife Shirley for her love and patience. She was with me every minute. I love her so much.
Please remember to we still have a few months and events left in this fraternal year including the Cardinal's Charity Ball to be held April 16, 2005 ( it a Saturday ) at Loew's L'Enfant Plaza. Contact your Grand Knight for information. We also have to State Convention on May 20th through the 22nd at the Princess Royal Hotel in Ocean City.
Please remember to pray for our troops and pray the Rosary.
Kevin L. Jeffords, District Deputy #11
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
by Homer Chen
On behalf of the Council, I would like to welcome Christopher Bowe and Anthony Rossi, who joined our council by taking the First Degree on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Center.
During the weekend of April 16 and 17, we will conduct an Order-wide Blitz (membership drive). We also have scheduled a First Degree on Wednesday, April 27 to initiate new members.
Let's talk to our friends, co-workers, family members and fellow parishioners and invite them to join us.
For membership information, please call Ed Ramos at 301- 924-1898 or Homer Chen at 301-460-0580.
FRATERNAL BENEFITS
INSURANCE NEWS: IT TAKES MORE THAN MONEY
Most commodities can be bought provided you: 1) Have the money, 2) can find a willing seller, and 3) can agree on a satisfactory price. In like manner, most investments -- real estate, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, bank accounts -- required only an arm's length agreement and a deal is struck. All it takes is money!
There is one notable exception to the above statements. The purchase of life insurance. When the purchase of life insurance is considered, in addition to setting aside dollars, the prospective insured must prove that he is in good health. If a man is deemed to be "uninsurable", no amount of money will make this commodity available to him.
The ability to qualify for life insurance is an asset that is temporary at best. Without warning, your health can fail, and you may never be able to add to your life insurance program. Other hazards may prevent you from qualifying -- occupation, character, even old age. What would happen if you suddenly woke up and decided to buy life insurance, but had lost your ability to qualify for it? Ever think about that?
I can tell you about our guaranteed purchase option. Think of that! The ability to secure additional insurance, depending on the amount of your option, on a guaranteed basis - without necessarily being in good health. This option can be added at issue of a new certificate up through age 37. Find out at your convenience how little it costs to guarantee the right to increase your protection.
Call me today for an appointment. I want to hear from you.
Fraternally,
Rick Morin, FICF/LUTCF
Your K of C Agent 301.384.7627
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CORNER
by Bill Gulban
LEISURE WORLD MADE DINNER A SUCCESS
On Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2005, folks from Leisure World packed Our Lady of Grace Parish Center, ready to eat a spaghetti dinner. Bulletins from our local Churches announcing our second Italian spaghetti dinner brought in the rest of the crowd totaling about 220 hungry eaters. The complete dinner included many selections and a choice of home made dessert donated by council wives.
The kitchen had no cooking range and therefore spaghetti and sauce was cooked on three burners outside on the patio. We are grateful that Brother Joe Krempasky furnished the cooking paraphernalia. He and Jack Giacalone worked hard cooking the spaghetti, sauce, and meatballs. Phyllis Giacalone tended the kitchen warming ovens. Many kudos go to the planning and operation team of our Council Brothers, their wives, some Council widows, and also scout members of Olney Troop #264.
The fund event raised was well over $1600. Responsibility for advertising this event goes to Jack Giacalone. Bob Caron designed the flyer and I distributed flyers to local stores.
In addition to the Kudos named above, further thanks go to the scouts from troop #264, Ryan McFarlane, Victor Santos, and Chris Chirigos who bussed our 22 tables. John Moore, Jr trucked in the dinner goods. Further help for the beverage table of iced & hot tea, orange-aid/lemonade, and hot chocolate included Bill Homick & Sons, and Paul McFarlane. Bill also sold tickets for the door prizes (donated by the Moores), one years' worth of bagels (144) & cheese (donated by Chesapeake Bagel Bakery of Olney), a baseball kit, and a musical doll (donated by the Homick's). Chuck & Mary Cozad took dinner donations and Mary took the survey that provided the summary & analysis for future dinners. Roberta Homick chaired the dessert portion of the dinner getting the wives to donate baked goods. Olivia Sweeney helped to call the women to the cause and Tina Moore helped to cut & serve desserts at the dinner. The music was provided by Rob D'onofrio. Lastly, in giving the above named worker team my and John Moore's thank you for their dedicated effort toward their responsible jobs I want to add a important Brother Knight who took in 50/50 donations, Innocent d'Almeida, amounting to $218. With all the fun that we had at this successful fundraiser event, there are already calls to have another spaghetti dinner.
NOMINATIONS FOR NEW COUNCIL OFFICERS
It is that time again to accept the nominations for the council officers of the upcoming fraternal year beginning July 1, 2005. Any third degree brother knight of this Council is eligible to be nominated for any position of the officers. You can also nominate yourself if you wish. For information or nominations, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee. They are PGK. FDD Bob Mazonkey at 301-253-6274 and PKG, FDD Homer Chen, Chairman at 301-460-0580.
The election is scheduled to take place at the June 8, 2005 meeting.
FR. CANICE TREACY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
For several years, Father Maher Council has offered scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors who have been accepted as full time students to an accredited college or university following their senior year.
We are pleased to announce that our Council, under its "Father Canice Treacy Memorial College Scholarship Fund" will do the same for calendar year 2005.
Any graduating high school senior (Catholic or non-Catholic) is eligible to apply for a grant under this fund, provided that they reside within the geographic limits of the parishes of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church in Norbeck and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Olney. Students shall also be eligible if they are the child or grandchild of a member in good standing of Council #6793 or the child or grandchild of a deceased member of the Council who was in good standing at the time of his death, regardless of the applicant's place of residence.
This year the Council hopes to make awards up to $1,000 each to several students. Applications and eligibility requirements may be obtained by calling Bill Krumenaker at 301-774-2717 deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, May 7, 2005. Scholarships will be awarded in June of this year.
NAME TAGS
Please order your nametag and one for your wife, to wear at all K of C functions and social events, by calling me, Harry Bushar, at (301) 929-1425 or by completing the following form and sending it to me at 15004 Columbine Way, Rockville, MD 20853, along with a check ($5 for members, $3 for wives, and no charge for widows of the Council): Harry F. Bushar (301) 827-4361.
---------------------------------------------------------- MEMBER NAME TAG ORDER FORM Preferred name ____________________________ $5.00 Wife's name ____________________________ $3.00 (print exact spelling how you want it to appear on tag) ----------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH FOR K OF C MEMBERSHIP LONGEVITY
by Bill Gulban
Fruits & Vegetables. If you have seen my short article on the 'Community Activity News Korner' elsewhere in this newsletter, the nutritionist who spoke at our social meeting presented an outstanding talk; she recommended a healthy daily eating of 5 or more servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some recommendations say 9 servings. Don't let that number scare you. You need to remember that a 'serving' size is modest. In fact, for the first time the new guidelines talk as much in terms of 'cups' as the often-confusing servings. For fruits and vegetables, a serving is only a half-cup-that's just a few bites. The guidelines also place a fresh emphasis on eating a variety of fruits and vegetables-aim for a 'rainbow' of colors to make sure you're getting a good mix. You should especially try to eat from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, other vegetables) several times a week.
The Secret of the Grape. Now that scientists have discovered that many phyto-chemicals have potential health benefits, these plant compounds are often in the news and are increasingly being marketed as dietary supplements. One example is resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine, red grape skin, red grape juice. Peanuts also contain it, though in smaller amounts. Resveratrol is the darling of the wine industry, and many people now claim the resveratrol in red wine explains why the French have half the rate of heart disease of Americans. Some wineries even boast about their wines' high resvertrol levels. A study funded by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, for instance , found that New York State wines, particularly the pinot noir, have more resveratrol than most wines. According to websites selling resveratrol supplements, there's little the substance cannot do. They point to research suggesting that resveratrol can entend the life of cells, stave off cancer, boost antioxidant defenses, reduce the risks of Alzheimer's prevent blood clots, reduce inflammation, and protect the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys. However, when you take a look at the studies on resveratrol, you find that nearly all were done in mice or fruit flies or in test tubes. There's no evidence that resveratrol improves human health. In fact, some research suggests that resveratrol is rapidly broken down in the intestine, so that not much makes it into the bloodstream. In addition, the form that does get absorbed may not be active in the body. Supplements should not be taken which .are unproven and likely to be worthless.
You might want to drink a glass of red grape juice occasionally. It is high in calories, however-150 in eight ounces, with more sugar per ounce than cola. Peanuts are nutritious containing "good" fat and other potentially beneficial phytochemicals besides resvertrol, but also they pack a lot of calories (140 per ounce).
As for red wine, a glass or two can be a pleasure; alcohol consumed in moderation (whether in red or white wine, beer, or spirits) has been shown to cut the risk of heart disease. But if you don't drink, you should not start just for the heart benefits, since alcohol also has potential risks, and some people cannot or should not drink.
The above articles are supported by Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, and University of California Wellness Letter.
COUNCIL 6793 INFORMATION EXCHANGE
On Sunday, April 10, 2005, Fr. Peter Paul Maher Council Knights and their spouses are invited to attend our Council's first Information Exchange.
The event will be at Fr Tracey Center from 1:30 - 3 pm. Lunch will be served at 1:30 followed by a 50 minute Information session. Tracey Center East will be available and staffed to entertain your children during the meeting.
The purpose of this event is to re establish direct contact with our members and to give us the opportunity to inform them about what we have accomplished and, more importantly, what we would like to accomplish as an organization in the future. We are looking for pro-active discussion that will help us make improvements to our organization and develop new thoughts and ideas that will help us establish future goals and objectives.
We also want to encourage all members to become more active and provide a little time to help us with various committees and activity groups the council supports Please contact Jack Giacalone 301 774 6338 to let us know if you can attend, or if you have any questions.
Don't miss this important event - Hope to see you there...
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY NEWS KORNER
by Bill Gulban
On the Council social meeting evening, March 23, Council family members enjoyed one of the best speaker programs we've had in several years. A registered dietitian, Irina Smolyar is the Clinical Nutrition Manager at Montgomery General Hospital. She spoke on nutrition and current good healthy diets. Ms. Smolyar's working experience and background in biology research produced an exciting wealth of interesting information in her talk. It was so informative in regards to the science of nutrition that it was difficult to pack all the information within an hour of presentation. With a period for questions from our council members everyone enjoyed the program. Before the refreshments that topped off the evening, two door prize drawings held. The gifts were donated by John Moore.
STATE COUNCIL TOURS
All approved by State Deputy Ron White
2004 ~ 2005
Cancun, Mexico
4 Nights
May 1- 5, 2005
Spend 4 glorious nights at the beautiful Crown Paradise Club All Inclusive, in fun filled Cancun, Mexico. The Crown Paradise Club captures the magic of Mexico and the comfort of home. The unique architecture enables all guests to enjoy the sights of the Caribbean while providing the open atriums with lush tropical vegetation. This is a Family-oriented all-inclusive resort with activities and entertainment for all ages.
Your ocean view accommodations have 2 double beds or a king size bed, bathroom with tub, hair dryer, safe, 24 hour room service and a balcony or patio. The Crown Paradise Club has 4 pools, a swim up bar, tennis, climbing wall, mini-golf and a health club.
Start your days with a sumptuous breakfast and maybe a bloody mary to give you a jump start before heading to the beach! 24 hour food and beverage service, snacks & all meals (theme, buffet or ala carte) are all included. A dress code & reservations are required for dinner in the 5 specialty restaurants.
The rate is $1,014.50 per person double occupancy. Price includes: R/T air from BWI, hotel, taxes, transfers, all gratuities and a $50.00 donation to the Maryland State Council Scholarship Fund.
For more Information contact: Mary Ann Caguin at Holidays Afloat 410-666-6100-office, 410-252-4815-home or 800-970-7245 Toll Free.
Other trips in the planning stages:
September 2005 - Mackinac Island & Frankenmuth's Little Bavaria (bus trip)
January/Ferbruary 2006 - 7 to 10 nights Cruise
May 2006 - Ireland
123rd ANNUAL FOUNDERS' DAY MASS AND RECEPTION
On Sunday March 13, 2005, the Maryland State Council will celebrate the 123rd anniversary of our Order. The celebration begins with the Founders' Day Mass at 3:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Severna Park, Maryland. The address of the church is 689 Ritchie Highway. Everyone is encouraged to make a special effort to join in commemorating this special occasion.
The Mass will be followed by an Awards Dinner at Holy Trinity Council #3413, 335 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, Maryland. Dinner tickets will be $17.50 per person. The tickets may be obtained from Michael Sallese, Founders' Day Mass Chairman, until March 4, 2005. His phone number is 443-852-1442 or 410-836-0862. All checks must be made payable to the Maryland State Council. Dress for the Mass and dinner is business suits with jewel of office.
NEWS FROM SUPREME
2005 Eucharistic Congress -- Event to Cap Church's Year of the Eucharist
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson announced that the Knights of Columbus will sponsor its third Eucharistic Congress in Chicago on Aug. 4-5, 2005.
The event will take place immediately following the organization's international convention in Chicago, and will cap the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by Pope John Paul II on the feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for "Body of Christ"). The theme of the 2005 congress is "Starting Afresh from Christ," a phrase Pope John Paul II used in an apostolic letter entitled Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Millennium), released at the close of the Church's celebration of the Jubilee Year 2000. In announcing the Year of the Eucharist, the pope noted that "the Eucharist is at the center of the life of the Church," in which the Catholic faithful receive Christ "as the bread of life for our journey on the paths of the world." "It is especially rewarding for the Knights of Columbus to be able to sponsor this very important event in the life of the Church," Anderson said.
"This is in response to the Holy Father's initiative, which we greet with great joy as an opportunity to serve his pastoral mission. He places enormous emphasis on the importance of the Eucharist, and there is little doubt about the need to renew the Church's teaching on the subject. Making events like this possible is essential to achieving our goal of 'Service to One, Service to All.'"
Eucharistic congresses have been held periodically since 1881, when the first such event was held in Lille, France, as part of an effort to renew the faith of Catholics. The Knights of Columbus has sponsored two previous congresses, in 2002 and 2003, both held in Washington, D.C.
Last year's gathering focused on the pope's 2003 encyclical on the Church and the Eucharist, Ecclesia de Eucharista, and attracted more than 1,300 participants. It featured addresses by Washington's Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Archbishops John P. Foley (president of the Vatican Council for Social Communications), Lawrence A. Burke (Nassau, the Bahamas), and Sean O'Malley (Boston); and Bishops William E. Lori (Bridgeport, Conn.), Jean-Louis Plouffe (Sault Ste.-Marie, Ont.), Placido Rodriguez (Lubbock, Texas) and Donald Wuerl (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Participants in the 2005 Knights of Columbus Eucharistic Congress will be announced at a later date.
RECRUIT THE 1.7 MILLIONTH MEMBER
The Knights of Columbus is fast approaching a major milestone in membership -- its 1.7 millionth member.
It's an exciting time to be a Knight, as we continue to grow and prosper as the largest Catholic Fraternal organization in the world.
In honor of the special occasion, the Knight who becomes the Order's 1.7 millionth member and his recruiter will win a trip to New Haven to visit the city where the Knights of Columbus was founded.
Also, to mark this tremendous accomplishment a limited casting of solid gold cuff links will be made and presented to the recruiter and the 1.7 millionth member while in New Haven. These limited edition cuff links will also be presented to the recruiter's state deputy, state membership director, district deputy and his grand knight.
Recruit the 1.7 millionth member and be our "link" to success.
COUNCIL CONDUCTS ANNUAL CHARITABLE FUND RAISING RAFFLE
In order to meet the budget and continue our community service and charitable programs, we need everyone's help to raise approximately $1,000. A raffle is one way for EVERY member to support the council. The raffle will be held at the final meeting of this fraternal year on June 22, 2005.
The Council will conduct a raffle for the Following Prizes: First Prize - $500.00; Second Prize - $100; Third Prize - $50. The tickets are $1.00 each.
Thanks to the support of just over 45% of the membership of the Council, last year's raffle was a success. To ALL who helped in any way, THANKS!
A letter with the raffle tickets will be sent to all Council Members in early April. Included in the mailing will be a return addressed envelope. The support of every member is needed to make the raffle a success. Thanks in advance.
Bob Caron, PGK, Chairman. (301-774-6951)