|
Knights of Columbus |
| Father Maher Council 6793 | |
|
|
|
| Council 6793 Home | |
HONORING THE PAST ~ EMBRACING THE FUTURE
June 2005
VOLUME XXIX ISSUE 12
| Please Patronize Our Advertisers |
Contents . . .
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN
by Fr. Fred Close
"Oh What a Knight!"
The month of June is the month of graduations, weddings, and Father's day. This year it marks for our Council the retirement of Msgr. Thomas A. Kane, that good and faithful servant who has been leading St. Patrick's for the past 20 years. Msgr. Kane was and is a good Knight, and the way he has lived out his vocation is instructive for us all.
Msgr. Kane has vision, determination, and persistence, three qualities of successful leadership. It takes vision to see things that are not there (the bell tower, and better, the grade school) and issue the challenge: "Why not?" It takes a lot of determination to take a good idea in theory, and guide a community step by step through the homework of planning and construction and so translate the vision into bricks and mortar. It takes persistence to convince people to join in the effort and make the financial sacrifices necessary so that the bricks and mortar are paid for.
And now it is our turn. We come to this milestone not simply to remember Monsignor, but to emulate him. What this good Knight did in his chosen vocation as priest, and in responsibility as Pastor, we must do as Knights in our time, with the challenges facing us. Permit me to mention two.
This Council needs a home, one built by its own sweat and blood, time and treasure. It needs it not just for its own internal needs, but as an expression of its service to its parish communities. Why don't our youngsters have a gymnasium? Why must our brides and grooms go to country clubs and hotels for their receptions? How about those who cannot afford it?
This Council needs to call the whole Knights of Columbus back to Fr. McGivney's original vision for this fraternal order of Catholic Gentlemen by doing for this generation, nay this new century, what he did for his. Just as that generation met the need of Knights for Life Insurance, so this generation must meet the need of Knights for health insurance, no compromise Catholic health insurance.
Every organization must constantly renew itself or die, and the Knights are no exception. We come not to bury Monsignor Kane, nor merely to praise him, but to find in his example as a great builder the encouragement we need to take up our task, confident that if we build these things, good men will come, and the vision of brotherhood be that much closer to fulfillment. For this, let us pray and work.
Fraternally Yours,
Father Fred
DISTRICT DEPUTY'S MESSAGE
The 107th Annual State Convention was May 20th through the 22nd at the Princess Royale in Ocean City. The District's hospitality room was most enjoyable. We offered a variety of foods and beverages to our visitors and had plenty of fun.
The election of Council officers is just about over for the next fraternal year. Congratulations to our new officers. I look forward to working with all. The Grand Knight's seminar this year will again be at Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmetsburg the weekend of June 24th through the 26th. As your elections are completed, each new Grand Knight should receive an invitation. Please remember to complete Form #185 "Report of Officers Chosen" this form is due no later than July 1, 2005.
I would like to congratulate all the officers that served our order this past fraternal year. Your work will not be forgotten. I would like to thank our State Deputy Ron White for allowing me to serve as District Deputy for our district, the State Council and all the Councils. I have enjoyed working with all of you.
I would like to thank you for your prayers during my illness this past year. Between your prayers and my Rosary, I know it all helped me recover.
Please remember to pray for our troops and continue to pray your Rosary and may God bless each and every member of this order and their families.
Kevin L. Jeffords,
District Deputy #11
GRAND KNIGHT'S MESSAGE
Dear Brothers, Ladies and Widows,
As we are about to end our 2004-2005 fraternal year, it gives me a great pleasure and satisfaction to recognize all of the accomplishments of our council. A lot has been done - thanks to the help and collaboration of all of you.
In this newsletter, I have included the report, which I submitted to the Maryland State Council for the 2004-2005 107th Annual Convention Book of Reports, which was distributed to all brothers at the 107th Annual Convention held May 20th - May 22nd 2005 in Ocean City, Maryland. Because of space limitations, our article could not contain everything that Council 6793 has done over the year, but the report did give the flavor of a hardworking council that cared about people in the community and cared about each other
At the Convention we won a 3rd place certificate for our Lecture Program. Special thanks to Joe Feakes for conducting an outstanding program during the year. Brothers, this is the beginning of us climbing the ladder that will take us to the top in ALL of our activities. I would also like to congratulate John Moore, Jr. for winning the Statute of the Holy Family for the month of March.
My dear Brothers, Ladies and Widows, we have been through happy times and sad times, through periods of disagreement (short lived) and periods of being 100% together; however, for me the most important thing is that through it all we have remained "family."
Let me end by saying, as I did in the article, that it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Grand Knight of Father Peter Paul Maher Council 6793. All that was accomplished was a result of the mentoring, sharing, and caring of Brother Knights both at home and across the State of Maryland. As a result of this experience I have been able to understand in the fullest sense Worthy State Deputy, Ronald B. White's motto: "It is in giving that we receive." So I say thank you to our State Deputy, to all of the State officers, and to each of you, my brothers, for your support and guidance during my administration. May God bless and protect each and every one of us so that we may continue to serve. Remember our troops in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Innocent P. d'Almeida, Grand Knight
A MESSAGE FROM DONNA d'ALMEIDA
As Innocent and I are coming to the end of our fraternal year, it gives me a great deal of joy and gratitude to personally thank the officers, chairmen, members, and, most especially, the wives and widows for your support in all activities of the Council.
Over the past year the Council, has participated in many initiatives that have affected the lives of residents in Montgomery County such as the Tootsie Roll Drive, the annual Inwood House Halloween Party, and our Christmas party to name just a few. These activities have become a tradition for the Council but also our families have adopted these as family traditions. The time and commitment which you have given to our projects has been a tremendous sacrifice but we know that you made that sacrifice out of love for the work of the Council.
Although Innocent and I are coming to the end of our fraternal year, we are encouraged by your commitment. We know that the initiatives that were undertaken will continue in the future as well as new initiatives of importance that effect our community.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the wives and widows who have diligently supported me throughout the year. Thank you for being there for me during some very trying times in my life; especially during the loss of my mother and other life events which affected my family. Your phone calls, prayers, and other acts of kindness meant so much to me. You will always be a part of my family and hold a special place in my heart.
Special thanks to Jackie White, wife of our State Deputy, for her leadership and to Shirley Jeffords, wife of our District Deputy. My sincere thanks also to Phyllis Giacalone, Pat Moore, and Grace Bushar. I would also like to thank Barbara Mazonkey, my sister and friend, and Lynn Feakes both of whom provided guidance and direction for me over the year.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank my husband and our children for their steadfast support and love. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council in the coming years.
Yours in Christ,
Donna Simms d'Almeida, First Lady 2004-2005
THE RESULTS ARE IN...
On Saturday February 19th, Father Peter Paul Maher Council 6793, with the Lions Club of Olney held their 29th Annual Pancake and Sausage Day. The "ALL YOU CAN EAT" breakfast continues to be a successful event year after year and provides a major source of funding for the Council's annual Scholarship Program.
The Lions handed us a check for $1,938.16 this year which will be added to our Scholarship fund. Thanks to all who contributed to this effort. Join us on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30pm at the Marian Assisted Living center where the Scholarships will be awarded.
NOMINATION REPORT
The Nominating Committee submits the nominations of new Council Officers for the fraternal year beginning July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2006. The nominees are as follows:
| Grand knight | Jack Giacalone | |
| Chaplain | Appointed by Grand Knight | |
| Deputy Grand Knight | Harry F. Bushar | |
| Chancellor | John E. Moore | |
| Warden | Joseph F. Krempasky | |
| Financial Secretary | Appointed by Supreme | |
| Treasurer | Stephen E. Goldhammer | |
| Recorder | Charles W. Cozad | |
| Advocate | Open | |
| Lecturer | Appointed by Grand Knight | |
| Inside Guard | James N. Padams | |
| Inside Guard | Nick J. Padams | |
| Outside Guard | Edward J. Cummings | |
| Trustee (1 Year) | Open | |
| Trustee (2 Year) | Richard L. Sherbert, Jr. | |
| Trustee (3 Year) | Innocent P. d'Almeida | |
| Convention Delegate | Harry F. Bushar | |
| First Alternate | Robert M. Mazonkey | |
| Second Alternate | Carmine G. Amatucci |
The election is scheduled to be held during the June 8, 2005 Meeting. The nominations will still be open until the time before the election.
TAKE ANOTHER LOOK
So, here we are again, about to begin a new fraternal year with new officers, new ambitions, new ideas, new goals and an old challenge: how to increase our active membership participation? It seems we face this challenge every year but we never seem to get our arms around it. As an organization we have over 450 members but rely on a handful of dedicated brothers and their wives to identify, plan, staff and run the annual events that are the backbone of our organization. If more of us could do a little more to help out we could help reduce the burden on the "usual members".
I believe that the Knights of Columbus will continue to strive in our community and continue to do the work we are meant to do. As the demographics of the community change so does our council. We are encouraged to see participation by our newer members, bringing with them a new energy and fresh ideas. We need to continue and expand this trend and encourage more of our members to actively participate. Therefore, I am asking every brother Knight "Take Another Look" at the reason you joined the Knights and re-affirm your commitment to yourself and to our organization. If you can give us a little time, energy and ideas please give me a call, we have plenty left to do.....
If you are interested in helping out in any capacity or would like some additional information, you can contact me at 301 774 6338 or jgiacal@verizon.net. Thank You.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- It is coming!
On Saturday, October 15, 2005, the Father Peter Paul Maher Council No. 6793 of the Knights of Columbus will be hosting its 2nd Annual "Dinner/Dance and Auction Night" at the St. Andrew Kim Parish Hall in Olney, Maryland. For all those who attended last years inaugural event you know what a smashing success the evening was; featuring exquisite catering, a beautifully decorated hall, the lively tunes of everyone's favorite DJ, Robert D'Onofrio, the MC talents of Joseph Feakes and, of course, fantastic auction items ranging from dinners at your favorite area restaurants to Florida vacation getaways and round-trip airfare for two anywhere in the continental United States.
Not only was the "Dinner/Dance and Auction Night" one of the hallmark events of the Council last year, it was also one of the most important and effective fundraising efforts to date. In order to continue our support of the various charitable and community service activities of the Knights of Columbus, we need your continued support and look forward to your participation in this year's event.
Please mark this special event on your calendars and plan on attending with your Brother Knights, their spouses, and community members. Invite your friends and neighbors, as this event is open to all and we hope to have an even larger show of support at this year's event.
Tickets are still only $25 per person. Send your check to Patricia Moore, 4500 Prestwood Drive, Olney Maryland 20832 and she will send you your tickets. Checks should be made payable to Fr Peter Paul Maher Council 6793. Thank you for your support....
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME ! ! !
The 2005 Baseball season is upon us and the O's are having a great season....
As you know the concession stands at Camden Yards are manned by charitable organizations thru Aramark Corp. participating organizations share a % of the gross sales from that concession stand for that game. Last year the council brought in over $1900 to help support council activities. We will be manning the concession stand on Labor Day September 5th, Orioles vs. Tampa Bay.
We need 18 people, 17 years old or older, to man a stand for each game. Each game begins at 1:35pm; however concession workers should be present at least 2 - 3 hours before each game. This stand only sells food and beverages to fans that come to the stand, we DO NOT walk the stadium to sell these items If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Jack Giacalone 301 774 6338.
BACK ON TRACK...... COUNCIL RECOGNIZED
This past weekend, May 20 - 22, Maryland State Council held its 107th annual convention at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City. On Saturday morning at 9 am the Grand Knights assembled for their procession into the main atrium where the award ceremony would take place. Shortly after 10am the master of ceremonies announced the third place division "A" winner for the 2005 Council Lecturer program... 'FR Peter Paul Maher 6793" he proclaimed. A cheer bellowed from the side of the atrium where all the other council members were watching the ceremony. Grand Knight Innocent d'Almeida accepted the award on behalf of the council.
A special thanks to Joe Feakes and his committee members for all their hard work in the Lecturer program this year.. Please consider becoming part of the executive team to help run our council and Thanks...
FINANCIAL SECRETARY NEWS
We are happy to announce to the membership that we have a new Financial Secretary: Robert (Bob) R. Caron, PGK.
As we go through the membership records, a number of faulty addresses and telephone numbers have been found. Over the course of the next few months a general update of the records will take place. If you are aware of a member of the Council who has not received his dues notice or other mailings from the council, please remind him to contact the Financial Secretary, or any officer, with his updated address and/or phone number.
Any member having questions on his bill status or status of his current membership card should also contact the Financial Secretary. Second Notices for this Fraternal Year have been mailed. Bob can be reached at: 17601 Country View Way, Ashton, MD 20861, at Tel 301-774-6951 or email at rrcaron61@comcast.net.
COUNCIL POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The following Council positions are available for this fraternal year beginning July 1st thru June 30, 2006. There is also plenty of guidance and direction for each of these positions:
If you have any questions on any of the above positions please contact me at 301 774 6338 or jgiacal@verizon.net
STATE COUNCIL BOOK OF REPORTS
by 2004 - 2005
This is the Father Maher 2004-2005 information that went into the State Council Book of Reports. It is all of the activities that our Council has participated in under the five fraternal categories, Church, Council, Community, Family, and Youth. Please read carefully and see that our Council is very active and would appreciate more involvement by many more of our members and their families.
Our Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM. Meetings are held at the Marian Community Center, 19101 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland 20832
On August 22, 2004, officers of Father Peter Paul Maher Council were installed after Mass celebrated by Chaplain Fr. Frederick Close at St. Andrew Kim Church. The Installation was exemplified by District Deputy Kevin Jeffords assisted by District Warden Earnest Harley. State Secretary Edgar D. Haynes; Monsignor Thomas Kane, pastor of St. Patrick's Church; His Excellency Cyrile Oguin, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin and Mr. Ike Liggett, former President, Montgomery County Council were among the dignitaries. The Cardinal O'Boyle Assembly Color Guard and an organist added to the ceremonies. A reception followed at St Andrew Kim Church, Cardinal Mc Carrick Hall.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR - Jack Giacalone, DGK CHURCH ACTIVITIES - E. J. Cummings
In June the Council participated in the official visit of His Eminence Cardinal Kim, of Korea, who came to the United States to visit the Korean Community in their newly dedicated church in Olney. In June we held our annual Clergy Appreciation Night where we acknowledged the efforts of the clergy at St. Peter's and St. Patrick's Parishes and the Marian Fathers, who unselfishly serve the needs of the Knights and their families and all parishioners. The Council continues to support our seminarians by providing financial assistance to them while they are attending Seminary. In 2004 the Council presented 7 seminarians with checks for $500 each to help with their expenses. In October the Council provided the kitchen support for the St. Peter's School of Religion's "Oktoberfest". "Breakfast with St. Nick" found council members and their wives cooking again; this time pancakes, sausages and all kinds of breakfast foods to assist St. Peter's parish with their annual Christmas Bazaar. In December, in response to a request from St. Peter's, the Council provided twelve men to greet parishioners at 2 of their Christmas Eve Masses; one of which was celebrated by Cardinal McCarrick. Again this year the council put up two "Keep Christ in Christmas" billboards and provided all council members with "Keep Christ in Christmas" seals for their Christmas mailings. In January the Council assembled and painted crosses, which were displayed at St. Peter's Parish in support of the annual March for Life. On April 22 Council members acted as "Greeters" for the annual "DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY" activities at the National Shrine. In keeping with the established tradition, the Order celebrated the International Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child on the feast of the Annunciation at the Marian chapel with a rosary prayer service.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Bill Gulban
In May the Council took part in the Memorial Day Service for Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Council members assisted in serving refreshments to the Clergy and those supporting the memorial Mass. The month of October saw the Council out in force collecting for "God's Special People" during the annual Tootsie-Roll Campaign. The Council collected over $6,000, which was distributed to organizations as part of the Montgomery County Councils consolidated allocation. On October 30 the Council hosted a Halloween Party for over 100 disabled residents of Inwood House in Silver Spring, MD. On December 15 a group from the Council went caroling at Montgomery General Hospital to the delight of both patients and staff.
COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
Joe Feakes, PGK, FDD
The Council held the Installation of Officers on August 22. The Council experienced an excellent participation in the State Incentive Program. This was followed by many Council members attending the Columbus Day Ball. "Maher's Knightly News", edited by Bro. Gerry Hemmingson, continues to provide timely, lively communications to all Council members, widows and members of the State Family. The Council continues to recognize its "Knight and Family of the Month" with appropriate ceremony and certificate. The annual Memorial Mass for deceased members was held at the St Patrick's Church on October 31st. The Council's First Degree Team continues to provide excellent exemplifications for the Council. Council members make up a significant number of the District's Second Degree Team. The Council again supported the Cardinal's Annual Charity Ball in support of the Kennedy Institute. The Council had several successful fund raising activities during the year to support its many charitable activities. Our Dinner Dance Silent Auction, Spaghetti Dinners and Oriole Concession stand were among the most popular.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
John Moore, Jr.
The Council Charter dinner was held at St Andrew Kim Cardinal McCarrick Hall on Saturday June 12. On September 12 the Council had its annual Family Picnic at St Patrick's church grounds. On December 19 the annual Family Christmas Party was held at Our Lady Of Grace parish hall. Five Seminarians were presented with a check for $500 each. Council members and their families were asked by St Peter's and St Patrick's to help coordinate and participate in their annual church family picnic.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
The Council again awarded College Scholarships of $1,000 each to five High School graduates. A Children's Craft Corner was conducted as part of the Council Picnic and Christmas Party. The Council provided support to both St Peter's and St. Patrick's scout troops for Scout Sunday activities in February. On February 19 the Council held a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast to raise funds for the scholarship program in conjunction with the local Lions Club. In December Council members were asked to help move furniture to the newly built school at St Patrick's school for grades K thru 8. In addition the council provided funds for an Eagle Scout project.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Homer M. Chen, PGK, FDD
Active recruiting programs were conducted at St. Peter's and St. Patrick's Parishes. The Council sponsored open house activities to provide information about Council events for new and perspective members. To date the Council has recruited 17 new members. The Council is within reach of its annual quota.
CONCLUSION
There is not enough time to mention all of the outstanding activities that this Council has taken part in over the last year. However, these are some of the highlights. I want to thank all the officers, their wives and the widow of the Council for their unselfish commitment to charitable undertakings, support and understanding. Special thanks to my Deputy Grand Knight Jack Giacaloni who helped carry out our programs and served as my right hand man! Thanks also to our District Deputy Kevin Jeffords and his Warden Ernest Harley for all their help and, of course, to Monsignor Thomas Kane our Honored Guest, for his continuous support. I also extend special thanks to my wife Donna, for her constant encouragement, patience and understanding. Finally, I want to thank our children Paulin, Monique and Sabrina for their ongoing help.
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Grand Knight of Father Peter Paul Maher Council 6793. All that was accomplished was a result of the mentoring, sharing and caring or Brother Knights both at home and across the State of Maryland. As a result of this experience I have been able to understand in the fullest sense Worthy State Deputy, Ronald B. White's motto: "It is in giving that we receive." So I say thank you to our State Deputy and to all of the State officers for their support and guidance during my administration. May God bless and protect each and every one of us so that we may continue to serve.
Fraternally Submitted,
Innocent P. d'Almeida, Grand Knight
THIRD COUNCIL SPAGHETTI DINNER WAS A FUN & SOCIABLE EVENT
by Bill Gulban
On Pentecost Sunday, May 15, hungry family guests showed up at St. Patrick's Parish Center. During the 2 1/2 hour dinner serving, 121 adults and children came from various local parishes to share fun and food. Total donations including the attending families, drawings of the 50/50, the basket of cheer, and certificates given by our friendly Olney Chesapeake Bagel Bakery took in $968.50. Half of the attendees were from other local parishes and a quarter of the total bunch was children.
The cheer basket was won by our E.J. Cummings, who was very happy. Our Council shall miss the Church Activities he directed this past Council year. EJ has accepted a job transfer to South Carolina this summer.
Many sincere thanks go all members of the worker team that made our spaghetti dinner possible.
SPRING FUND-RAISING RAFFLE
To date about 130 members (34%) have returned their raffle ticket stubs. Please check, and if you have not yet sent yours in, DO SO NOW. If you have misplaced your tickets, please contact the chairman for replacements. The raffle Prizes, ( First Prize - $500; Second Prize - $100; Third Prize - $50) will be drawn at the last meeting of this Council Year on June 22, 2005.
The ultimate success of the raffle will depend on maximum participation. We need the support of every member. We sent every member twelve tickets in hopes that all would participate to that level. We understand that some cannot, therefore we need whatever extra participation other members can contribute. Extra tickets are still available from the Chairman. (Bob Caron 301-774-6951). Several members have made significant contributions in addition to their ticket sales. We are truly thankful for their support. All ticket returns must be in before the meeting on June 22, 2005. Ticket stubs can be mailed back in the envelope provided or they can be turned in at any meeting. (Thanks to all those who have responded to date.)
HEALTH FOR K OF C MEMBERSHIP LONGEVITY
by Bill Gulban
New food trends. Trends in food and nutrition are nothing new. Like Pet Rocks, some food fads are pointless and their popularity plummets quickly-think of the restrictive and unpalatable cabbage soup or grapefruit diet, which only resulted in temporary weight loss. Others fall out of favor when scientific studies dispute their value. Until the mid-1960's, a high fat, low-fiber diet was actually recommended to prevent disease. And still other trends, like the Atkins diet and other low-carbohydrate eating plans, may peak, fade, and return for yet another comeback years later. Despite this country's skyrocketing obesity rates and love affair with Big Macs, there are some encouraging signs of healthier eating patterns. The following are three trends-showcasing less meat, better fast food, and slower more mindful dining-that are worth raising.
Moving away from meat. These days, the line between meat-eaters and vegetarians has blurred, with an estimated 40% of Americans now considered "flexitarians". This new term, which was voted the most useful word of 2003 by the American Dialect Society, refers to people who want more flexibility-they prefer a vegetarian diet, but they also occasionally eat meat, poultry, fish, or all three. Flexitarianism indicates less of a move from strict vegetarianism and more of a shift toward eating less meat in general. Dedicated vegetarians believe that many flexitarians will eventually go completely meat-free. The move toward less meat may be due in part to the increasing availability of foods such as soy products and veggie burgers. They're now sold at most supermarkets and even appear on restaurant menus.
Fast food gets healthier. In March, McDonald's unveiled a marketing campaign promoting physical activity to reduce obesity. Exercise is definitely important, but the food giant would do better to improve the quality of its meals first. McDonald's and other chains have some attempts at providing healthier fare like salads, yogurt, and fruit, probably in response to charges that their food contributes to poor health. Fast food menus are still loaded with salt, fat, and calories.
"Slow Food" gathers momentum. The antithesis of McDonald's may be Slow Food, an international movement that aims to restore pleasure, quality, and cultural diversity to the dining experience. Unlike fast food, Slow Food involves preparing fresh, unprocessed meals, eating them slowly, and supporting locally grown, organic food. You can now find Slow Food cookbooks and restaurant guides for sale, and the movement's influence can be seen in some of the offerings at natural food stores such as Whole Foods.
The above article is supported by Andrew Weil's Self Healing Newsletter.