Grand Knight's Report November 2016- WGK Greg Villard

Worthy Brother Knights:
 
     It's been another busy month for our Council.  I appreciate everyone's continued support for all our Council's activities.   
              On October 23, ten Knights and their spouses participated in the Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Jude Church of the West.   This was a special Santa Sophia Parish event led by Father Devdas.  
           Last month was the national Knights of Columbus membership drive.  On October 30th, we co-hosted  a membership drive reception with the Catholic Daughters of America.  Through our efforts, we received two form 100's for membership consideration.  Please remember to ask any friends or relatives who are at least 18 years old and who are practicing Catholic gentlemen to consider joining our Council.    
         On Saturday, November 5th, Brother Ed Reidy led our Council to Tecate to provide lunch to the boys, workers, and sisters at the orphanage.  Also participating in this very worthwhile cause were  Ed Dondero, Jack Crutchfield, Shawn Reidy, Eddie Padilla, Jim Maasch, Rose Maasch and their two nieces.
     
           This past weekend, our Council participated in the annual Columbian Foundation's drive to support intellectual disabilities.   Brothers who assisted in passing our tootsie rolls at Vons, Albertsons, or after the weekend Masses included Gary Glenn, Harry Blanchard, Sam Caeti, Ed Dondero, Jason Reidy, Eric Drake, Andre Cleveland, Bill Kelly, Jim Maasch, Van Fritzenkotter, Shawn Reidy, Greg Villard, Ed Reidy, John Thomas, Jack Crutchfield, John Martin, Bobby Schaffer, Leo McGarry, Dennis Bauer, and Vince Garra.  Also participating were Rebecca Kelly, Liz Reidy, and several Boy Scouts. Brother Shawn Reidy should be congratulated for chairing this event.  Also, the winner of the San Diego Chargers football ticket raffle was Pat Esquibel.  Thanks  goes to Ed Reidy who donated the raffle tickets. Proceeds from the tootsie roll drive and the football tickets raffle will go to Noah Homes. 
      Tomorrow night, Friday,November 18th, the Council will be hosting a movie night for Father Devdas and the Santa Sophia Parish.  We will be showing the movie "the Letters" and will be providing popcorn, water, and sodas for all attendees.
     
        Our next Knights on Hikes outing will be this Saturday (November 19) along the Sweetwater River in Rancho San Diego.  Meet at the steel bridge on Campo Road across from the YMCA at 8:00 a.m.  Knights, spouses, friends relatives, and dogs are encouraged to get some fresh air, great cardio exercise, and experience local nature on this easy approximately 5 mile hike.   
    The Knights of Columbus have been scheduled to donuts and coffee duty in the Hall after the Sunday Masses in November.  Any Brothers who can help serve donuts and coffee after any of these Masses should contact me.
    
       On Sunday afternoon, December 11, our Council will again be hosting a turkey dinner for the Parish immediately following the Parish's Lessons and Carols production in the Church.  Please contact Paul Michael, chairman of this dinner, or me if you are able to help out in this event.  Also, Knights who pay their annual dues for 2017 by the time of the dinner will receive free admission for themselves and their families to the turkey dinner.   
      Is your family looking to purchase Christmas cards this year?  Look no further than our Council's annual Knights of Columbus Christmas card sale in the Hall after Sunday Masses.   Thanks go to Jack Crutchfield for being in charge of the card sales again this year.    
        Our Council is now participating in the American Wheelchair Mission in conjunction with other Knights of Columbus Councils across the country.  Ed Dondero and Andre Cleveland are in charge of this fundraiser.  Brother Andre has created a very informative display board promoting the wheelchair fundraising program, which can be seen in the Hall after Masses.  We are now accepting donations for this noble cause. 
      As always, please remember to wear your Knights of Columbus "name plate" to mass. Do you know a Catholic Gentleman that is 18 years or older? 
Enrich his life and give him a membership in the Knights. Every Knight is a recruiter. 
Let's all continue to work together in the spirit of Fr. Michael J. McGivney with 
Charity,Unity, and Fraternity!
 
     If you have not been to a meeting in a while, plan on attending this Thursday and reacquaint yourself with your brothers, and what is currently being planned in your council. 
I hope to see you next month!
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Vivat Jesus!
Greg Villard | Grand Knight | Valle De Oro | Council 9332