Grand Knight's Report August 2014-WGK ED Reidy

 Greetings Worthy Brothers All:
“We have a moral obligation to invite every eligible Catholic man to join the Knights of Columbus.”
 Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight
We must be ready at all times to explain the Knights of Columbus to a potential member.  It is helpful to have a 2 minute summary, an “elevator speech”, because often that is all the time we may have to make an impression with a membership candidate. We should be able to explain in our words how our Council has provided support to the Parish and greater community, and how our faith based mission and guiding principles represent a call to action, a call to serve others so we may better serve Our Lord.
“Together we could be an enormous force for good in a world that so obviously needs the love of God and love of neighbor, which are reflected in our work.” Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight
Since my last report the Council has held its First Annual Craft Beer Tasting event. More than 100 guests attended and sampled more than a dozen different craft beers from local microbreweries. Brats, quesadillas and fine cigars were also available. By all measures, the event was a success, and many Knights and their family members contributed but special recognition belongs to Brother Knight John Martin. Serving as event director, he had the vision and determination to make that special night happen. On Saturday July 19th we hosted the SD Chapter leadership retreat. It was a great event thanks to the hard work of Vince Garra, Ed Dondero, Shawn Reidy, Jim Maasch, Paul Marquis, Liz Reidy and Jason Reidy. On Monday evening Ed Dondero, Leo McGarry, Shawn and I attended an informative presentation by our Worthy District Deputy Tony Villaman and Jerry Kay and others at Saint John of the Cross Knight’s Hall. The officers orientation lecture reviewed Council organization and areas of responsibility along with essential event planning. On Sunday Aug. 3  many Council members attended and celebrated Leo and Gisela’s Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary Party. Their commitment to each other, faith and family is truly inspirational. Friday afternoon, August 8th, our Council provided a BBQ at the Parish athletic field for the students and staff of Vacation Bible School. Brother Paul Melcher was event director and with support from John Martin, Vince Garra, Ed & Shawn Reidy we were able to prepare and serve 300 cheeseburgers, and 150 hot dogs along with all the fixings.  Students and Staff were very thankful to the Knights for a great meal with family and friends.

GK Ed Reidy