Grand Knight's December Letter & Knight/Family of the Month
Jan 25, 2002December is a most difficult time to choose a Knight and Family of the Month . . .since, it is so busy with many worthwhile events. Every one should be very happy with their personal commitment and efforts toward the completion of these events. As the GK, knowing that brother Knights and their families are committed to these programs is very heartwarming!
Lets review just the period starting with the Christmas tree lot set up in November.
With the help of out Scout troop we set up and off loaded the Christmas trees in about 30 minutes. We sold 510 trees for a profit in excess of $9000.00. Our new eager Knights jumped in and sold trees, these included Rob Parker who worked the day shift, Dan and Mike Purtill, Brian Knapp, Mike Collins, Manny Garcia, and others dove in with the other shifts.
On the following Tuesday we held our Business Meeting and First Degree that was preceded by Mass celebrated by Fr. Rooney. This was the last scheduled degree Captained by Tom Kelley; who after many years as the Team Captain and member has turned over the reins to Tim Hogan.
On Saturday the Grey Gost's and a few other Knights assembled the Crèche in front of the Church [and in front of the hall]. Then Fr. Rooney blessed the Crèche and carols were lead by Priscilla Hogan . . . a reception by the Columbiette's was held in the hall for the parish afterwards.
While these events were going on our normal routine of stacking newspapers, watching the [8 and 8] Redskins, coffee clutch on Sat., maintenance of the hall, and various other tasks were accomplished. And the biweekly food collections were picking up steam. Hank Urban was opening and closing the lot every day . . .collecting the moneys, counting it, and depositing it.
Continuing on to the next Sat, we held our Adopt a Spot lead by Dave Miller and assisted by the Boy Scouts and Scoutmaster Dick DeiTos and Sean Wilson. Prior to this was our monthly Abortion Clinic Rosary [one of the most important events we hold] lead by Dave Todd, Jr.
That night the Council held its annual Christmas Party . . . Al and Linda Leightley and the Columbeitte's [Ann, Elaine. Linda, Flo, and Randy] should be congratulated for their 'very' impressive decorations and setting the ambiance.
The next day, Sunday, was the Parish Breakfast lead by Don Hansen . . . and, of course, Santa's annual visit. Every child received a picture with Santa taken by Pat Leffas . . .
On Tuesday the Grey Gosts had their monthly meeting and invited their wives for a Christmas feast prepared by Larry N, Hank, Greg Skorupski and Gerry...
On Fri. and Sat. Bill Ward coordinated the assembly and delivery of 58 baskets to the needy. This involved the transportation from the tree trailer to SVDP and their storage facility to the hall for assembly. Then on Sunday the baskets were delivered to the families . . . the council also provides a turkey and Gift Certificate for produce. Bill Ward is to be congratulated for his dedication, organization, and long hours in coordinating this project. Additionally, he led the Knight's Christmas Carols at a local nursing home.
Thelma and George Billy and a number of Knights cooked, transported, set up and fed the homeless in DC.
Larry and Karen Lynch stood in the cold weather and sold The KCIC cards . . . a very successful event.
Tim Tilson coordinated KOVAR collections at several local stores.
After a short break; the council only takes a short break . . . we have Al and Linda Leightley's New Years Eve party to attend and ring in the new year . . . another exceptional party.
And the New Year's schedule is just as packed as this short period.
With a council of this size and the number of activities I know I have forgotten many names and events . . .yet, this in it self is a testament to our Knights and their desire to serve.
The Knight of the Month for December was Bill Ward for his work with the Christmas Baskets for the needy and the Christmas Carols at Commonwealth Home. And the Family of the Month was Al and Linda Leightley for their coordination of two exceptional parties . . . the Christmas and New Years Eve. Again, congratulations to everyone for a great six months of the fraternal year.
Larry G
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