Grand Knight’s Message
I hope all of you had a very
happy and Blessed Thanksgiving. We had
45 or so brothers and family members attend the Thanksgiving Day Mass at the
Council Hall on Thanksgiving Day. It
was a great turn out. Thank you, Father Sean, for saying the mass and
for your powerful words. It was a great
start to the day for which we all should give thanks. I extend my gratitude to all that helped set up the altar and the
room and participated in the mass. The
day was capped off with a coffee social after the mass. My appreciation goes to all those that
helped set that up.
It was a day indeed for us to
give thanks to God. He asks so little
from us and gives us so much. This is a
day in which families put aside their differences and show their appreciation
for each other and for the Blessings of God.
As I sat and listened to
Father Sean’s words, it became clear to me that we all need to search our
hearts and ask ourselves if we are giving what we can as Knights in God’s army. We have around 400 members and yet it
becomes increasingly difficult to get my brothers out to work a social at a
church, participate in Charity events, come to meetings, run a program, and
take an active role in a project or Council event. I am not talking to the 25 – 30 that do the lion share of the
work. I am focused on the new members
that have come into the Knights in the last couple of years, and the long time
members that we have not seen for some time.
Oh, there are some new members that have stepped up and some of the long
time members that I am starting to see now and then. There are many more of you that I am appealing to step up and
become more active.
I am endeavoring to set up
programs that will spark your interest or push that hot button to get you
involved. We are now in the process of
calling fellow brothers to give you a personal invitation to the meetings and
let you know what is going on at the time so you can participate. We are having some success, but time will
tell how successful it will be. We just
had a Knight at the Races and preliminary numbers show we will make a profit,
but there were only 60 or so people there and many of them were not Knights of
Columbus members. Where were all of
you? I know this is a busy society, but
I expected to see at least 100 or so participants. I am very grateful to those that showed up to work the Race and
for those that did come and help us to raise some money
to take care of some of our
programs and the running of the hall.
We have several programs
coming up that I have been promoting.
They include a possible Family Breakfast in a couple of the churches to
help pay for contributions to School and Church programs and to help fill some
of our financial gaps for Council expenses.
We are in the process of setting up Family Masses at each church to show
unity and family values as well as visibility in the parishes. It will
give us a chance to celebrate
mass as a family of Knights. We want to
set up a “Fish Fry” during lent to raise funds to pay for some of the council
programs and expenses of the council.
There will also be a “Men’s Day of Prayer” in the spring that I will
head. We are preparing for an Art
Auction in May.
We need fellow Knights to take
lead roles in these programs and others to work with them. The rest of us need to participate in the
events in order to make it successful.
My view is that many are waiting for the other guy to do it. You must keep in mind that while all events
should be council events for all to participate in, you owe it to your parish
to be first in line to work a church project in your parish and work with your
Council Round Table to make all events successful. We are revitalizing the Round Table and your coordinator will be
contacting you soon.
Why am I concerned? We appear to have become a “money will fix
the problem” society. As Knights, we
should be involved with Church, School, Community, Youth, and Family programs. We should be involved with programs that
will not cost us funds that the council may not have. I would like to propose programs like, “Visit the Vets Day”. As a council we could spend the day with a
vet and keep them company. We could
visit nursing homes and bring a smile to an elderly person that starves for a
friendly face or simple conversation.
Why can’t we visit an orphan home, shelter for kids, etc.. and be a
parent for a day to those kids? Maybe
we can help a displaced family due to fire, financial problems, etc… in our
parishes with our labor to get them moved.
We can work with our churches and schools through the Round Table to
assist on various projects. Money is not needed in these cases. It does take commitment and responsibility
on all of our parts. There is concern
that we cannot get the commitment needed to answer the needs. Don’t get me wrong. As for the hand full of Knights that show up
for many events and do the work, they should be proud and satisfied for true
reflections of Knighthood. How can we
propose these types of programs when we can’t get enough knights to man a
recruitment day at the church, help man a booth at a time and talent Sunday,
stand in front of a store for ARC to raise money for Special needs citizens,
etc….? The few are wearing out. It is time for all of us to step and do our
part. “Back to the Future” is our State
Deputy’s theme song. Council 1432 in
Somerville should be a model of that theme.
Let’s get back to what our council has been and what it should be. Come to the meetings, come to the social
nights, get involved in a project or program and feel the rewards. If we all do something, we will get the job
done easily with very little effort.
Ask yourself when you were involved in a program. If you cannot remember, it is time to get
back in the program.
Let me know what you think of
some of the programs I am proposing.
Can we see the vets, the nursing home residents, kids needing a parent
figure? E mail me at RRnewsom@patmedia.net or call me
908-237-9258 and let me know what you think.
Do you have the commitment, the drive, the burning desire to make a
difference? I hope so. For Thanksgiving is a time for being
thankful for all that we have. It is
also a time for sharing the talent and time we have with others. Knights are the fraternal backbone of the
family and community. We have an
obligation as Knights to demonstrate that quality and demonstrate our
willingness to share what God has given us.
Be first to step up and get involved.
The other guy will follow your lead.
Are we ready? Can we make a
difference?
I want to take this
opportunity to wish you all a Holy and Happy Christmas from the Newsom family
to our family of Knights. May God
continue to bless you.
Vitat Jesus,
Ron Newsom, Grand Knight
Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, Dec 10
A Somerville Council tradition
continues with a pancake breakfast and a visit from Santa! It all takes place Saturday, December 10 with breakfast
served from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and Santa scheduled to appear about 10:30 a.m.
(perhaps sooner if it’s windy!). Adults
$4.00, children free. Don't be left out -- Call Art Beaver at 908-369-5905 with the number of adults and children
attending or use the sign-up sheet at the hall.
In addition, council members are needed to help Santa and
work the griddle. Give Brother Art a call if you can assist.
Art Beaver, PGK
Adult Christmas Party – Friday, Dec. 16
Doors open 7:30 PM. Your entrance fee for each couple will be a
dish of finger food. e.g. cheese plate, chips & dip, … you get the idea.
Drinks will be at half price. Come out and wish each other a Merry Christmas.
We will have music, cheer and play a little group Christmas Trivia. Sign up at
the hall so we know how many people are coming.
Chairman Joe Raimondo, PGK
Christmas
Food Baskets – Wed. Dec. 21
Wednesday Dec. 21. We will be picking up, packing and distributing food baskets for
the needy. Help is required. What a wonderful way to spread the word of God by
feeding the needy at this blessed time of the year. We will be meeting at
Pathmark Somerville at 6:30pm to
load the food on trucks and take it to the Council. There we will box it up and
ship it to the different churches. Sign up sheets are at the hall. If you
cannot get to Pathmark come down to the council hall – we should be arriving
back around 7:15 pm.
Chairman
Joe Raimondo, PGK
Upcoming Events
Dec 1 (Th) Reg Business Meeting 8 PM
Dec 4 (Sun) 4th
Degree Christmas Party 3 PM
Dec 8 (Th) Social Night at the Council
Dec 10 (Sat) Breakfast With
Santa 9:30 AM
Dec 14 (Wd) 1st Degree Ceremony 8 PM
Dec 15 (Th) Reg Business
Meeting 8 PM
Dec 16 (Fri) K of C Adult Christmas Party 7:30 PM
Dec 21 (Wd) Christmas Food
Baskets 6:30 PM ---
Dec 22 (Th) Social Night at the Council
Vets-to-Mass
Brothers, "Vets-to-Mass" volunteer Sunday, at Lyons Veterans
Hospital, for our council was Nov. 13th.
We had an excellent showing of volunteers to escort about 12 veterans to
Mass. Many thanks to Brother and
"Brotherette" Steve and Cathy McCarthy, Brothers Stan Horoszewski, Frank Mollo,
John Smith, Lou Masi and Past Grand Knights Henry Yablonski and
Art Beaver. Special
commendation to Brother Lou Masi who volunteers his time every
Sunday morning at Lyons. The
administrator (a perennial volunteer herself) of the Sunday morning Mass escort
program was well pleased with the number of us who came to help the vets. For
any of you (if so inclined) it seems that volunteers are sorely needed almost
every Sunday at Lyons to escort Vets to Mass.
I was told that the week before (Nov. 6th), no volunteers showed up to
escort Vets to Mass and the week before that (Oct. 30th), only 2 volunteers
made themselves available.
Once again, many thanks to all the
volunteers. The next
"Vet-to-Mass" Sunday for our council is February 12, 2006. I hope
to see just as many volunteers in Feb. I want to take this opportunity to wish
all Brothers and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Sincerely, PGK Mike Cebo
Knight at the
Races
We had a very generous crowd
of about 50 people at the Nov. 18th Knight at the Races. Everyone had a good time and it looks like
we netted around $800. Hopefully our
next race night will be one of greater participation of Knights, their family
and friends. A big thanks to Mike Power for getting the event
started and for Henry Yablonski for
getting the permits and gift certificates and working on the flyers. Joe
Raimondo was excellent at the race caller.
Thanks go out to the guys manning the betting tables and the guys in the
back figuring the odds and the winners.
Eric and Lynn served up a
great brew for the bar. Joann Power managed the kitchen to
perfection and for all those that helped with the food, Carl LaTerra, … thank you very much. Pete was at the door
and his friendly smile was a wonderful sight as he collected the money. Lastly, a hearty thanks to all of you that
participated and gave so generously. We
raised $540 in the 50/50 and the council received $270. Great job everyone.!
Your Grand
Knight and Council Need You
We are in the stages of
establishing a family Prayer Mass at each of the churches. Brother
Scott Morrisey is our Round Table leader and will be meeting with the Round
Table to make plans at each of our churches.
When you get the call or receive the message of the time and date of
your Family Mass, please sign on and make it a wonderful blessed event.
For those of you that have not
been to a meeting lately, PLEASE COME BACK! We need you and your input on
council issues, programs, etc… We have
things like the Teen dance, Altar server appreciation party, Men’s prayer day,
Lenten Fish Fry, All you can eat Family Breakfast, Art Auction, Spring Dance or
Council raffle, etc… in which we will
need your support and your help. There
is something for everyone. Thanks to Jim Farmer, we are embarking on a phone
out project to each brother once a month.
We hope to keep you informed and see you at a meeting or event real
soon. If you do not know who to go to,
then please come to me. I can be
reached at 908-237-9258 or email at rrnewsom@patmedia.net.
I need leaders and supporters
from each parish to be successful. If
anyone is interested in being a Pro-Life Couple for the Council, please let me
know. This is an important program and
we need a chairman to handle the various programs, attend pro life meetings and
organize activities.
Publicity is a needed part of
the Council. I really could use a
Publicity Director that will make sure important programs and articles go to
various K of C as well as the public news media. We need to let the public know what we are doing and spread the
word of our dedication to God, Church and Family.
I am looking for someone to
take over the Newsletter responsibilities from Brother George Cox. As Treasurer, George has a lot on his
plate. If you don’t feel you can take
the leadership role, then let me know if you are interested in helping with distribution
/ mailing. If we can form a committee, the burden would be light for all.
Lastly, I will lead a team in
a Men’s prayer day in the spring.
It would be a program held on a Saturday Morning starting with Mass and
Breakfast. We would bring in a guest
speaker to talk about a “Knight’s role in the family” or something along those
lines. We would have lunch and then
finish up with discussion or continued talk and then adjourn for the day. It could be held in the Hall and is open to
all men who wish to attend. Let me know
if you are interested in helping with the program.
Please consider these programs
and let me know how you would like to help.
Let me know what you would like to do or I will discuss ways that you
can help. This is an opportunity for
new members to get involved and for some of our long time members to get active
again. A little of your time is all I
need to be successful.
Retention: The retention committee of Ken Genco (Chairman), Tom Russell, Mike Cebo, Jerry Nugent,
Henry Yablonski and myself are following up on those that have failed to
pay their dues. We set up a program
last year and had no brothers in arrears as of the end of the Columbian
year. We now must follow up on 50-60
brothers. If you have not received your
current membership card, you are in arrears.
Please call Tom Russell or
one of the committee members and get your dues in. If you have an issue, call Tom or me to help.
Your cooperation is appreciated. We do not want to suspend any members. Most of the time it is just an
oversight. Thank you in advance for
your prompt attention.
Ron Newsom, GK
Columbus Club Corner
Remember
the council hall is open every Thursday beginning at 7pm for
socializing; so come on down.
Hall
Rentals: One of your benefits of
membership in our council is the ability to rent the council hall. Rental rates
are reasonable and the decorated hall makes an excellent venue for many
celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, showers, sacraments, etc.
Contact me to reserve your date.
Jim Trenchard, PGK (908) 231-0827
President
and Hall Rental Chairman
Religious Articles
Do you have any extra religious
articles that you do not know what to do with?
Please bring them to the next business meeting. Brother Bob Behling will ensure that they are sent to Missions in Developing Nations.
Eye Glasses/Cell
Phones/Printer Toner
Reminder: Ongoing
support is required for the drives to collect eye glasses for the needy, used
cell phones and printer cartridges.
These items can be brought down to the council hall any Thursday
night. Spread the word to friends and
relatives to help us in these efforts.
K
O C Apparel & Entertainment Books:
Jackets w/ Hoods Sizes M – XL $37.00 XXL $40.00
Colors: Navy Blue or Hunter Green
Note: name embroidered for just $5.00 extra !!!
Polo Shirts Sizes M–XXL $20.00
Navy Blue, Hunter Green,
Black, Gray or White
White Pocket T-Shirts Sizes available: M-XXL
K of C Emblem on Pocket
$9.00 each
K of C Emblem on Back
$12.00 each
K of C Emblem on Pocket & Back $14. ea.
Embroidered Hats $15.00
Colors: Navy Blue, Hunter Green, Black, White
Please contact Eric Derwid at
(908) 685-3913 or by email ederwid@earthlink.net with your order. Proceeds will go to the “Save the Building”
fund.
Columbiettes News
The Columbiettes is the Lady’s
auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, they do a lot of wonderful actives which
help out our Council. If you know
someone who is interested in getting involved please contact: Grace Longo 908-725-1114.
Insurance Corner - - Long Term Care
Long-term care’s impact on your financial and
personal well-being is intensifying period! With each passing day your
awareness of this looming crisis continues to heighten through the media,
consumer reports, and sometimes tragically through your own personal
experiences. Many of you have chosen to
down play this problem, brushing it aside as being unlikely to occur. Others
have taken the positive approach by addressing this matter through various
asset accumulation/protection solutions.
Is quality of life important to you, your spouse or
your family? You better believe it
is! A recent survey concluded that asset protection is
critical in consumer buying decisions. It also brought out other factors such
as, freedom of choice, (concerning care providers), and independence (from
family) which are just as important to your well-being.
The fact remains that quality of life often makes
it difficult for those analytically minded to come to terms with Long Term Care
Insurance. Peace of mind far outweighs
the burdensome decision of whether to purchase or not to purchase. Do you want to preserve your lifetime
earnings/savings? Do you want to place the burden of
your care on your family? Do you want peace of mind, and security? Is your family willing to take on the
additional responsibility? Ask yourself
these questions. Yes, these are eye
openers! Have you taken the necessary steps for
your family's protection needs?
On a personal note, I am in the process of working
out Long Term Care plans for an elderly relative. Six months ago she was up and
around. In December, she turned 89. Unfortunately now, she can no longer care
for herself. She wants nothing more than to go home. That’s no longer a
possibility. Medicare cut off benefits after 18 days, when it was determined
she’s not going to improve. The Nursing Home wants an astounding $6,500 a
month! NOW! A lifetime of savings will be wiped out in just a few short years.
Don’t let your family be put in this same position. You owe it to them to at
least explore your options. Feel free to call to discuss our K of C Long Term
Care.
Fraternally,
Tony
Anthony Petto, PGK
(908) 253-8633 – b (908) 625-4021 - c
AOH Happenings
Want
to know what is going on at the AOH? Now the AOH publishes its Newsletter
online: Click on WEB Updates at the
bottom of the AOH home page:
Somerville Council: Officer Roll Call
Msgr. Liam Minoque, Pastor MMOG
Rev. Sean Broderick, MMOG Chaplin
|
908-874-8220 |
Ron
Newsom
Grand
Knight |
908-237-9258 |
Ken Genco
Deputy Grand Knight |
908-874-7039 |
|
George
Cox Treasurer |
908-431-9362 |
Eric
Derwid
Recorder |
908-685-3913 |
Scott Morrisey
Warden |
908-359-7650 |
Tom
Russell
Financial.
Secretary |
908-722-8299 |
Giulio Capra
Chancellor |
908-371-1327 |
Jim
Farmar
Advocate |
908-203-3464 |
Carl
LaTerra
Co-Lecturer |
908-874-4613 |
John Lynch
Co-Lecturer |
908-371-0720 |
Robert Behling
Inside
Guard |
908-526-1431 |
Tom Faenza
Outside
Guard |
908-369-8230 |
Henry
Yablonski
3-yr
Trustee |
908-526-1165 |
Jerry
Nugent
2-yr.
Trustee |
908-526-7504 |
Mike
Cebo
1-yr. Trustee |
908-874-4835 |
Tom
Mendelson
District Deputy |
732-469-7419 |
“Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Knight”
Send
Your E-Mail Address
If you are getting this Knight
Life in the mail only and have a valid E-Mail address, please send it George
Cox. We have been endeavoring to get as
many of the email addresses as possible which would put the Knight Life in your
hands in a timely manner, update you on issues that come up during the month
and save your Council some money.
Please send an email to George
Cox gjc3@patmedia.net . He will add you the list and we will save on the paper
and postage and labor.
Click It!!
Check
out the new Somerville Council Site dedicated to highlight and inform the
membership on activities and initiatives
underway.
http://www.catholic-church.org/somervillekoc1432/
Santa Dec, 25
