Grand Knight's Report February 2017- WGK Greg Villard

Worthy Brother Knights:
          I would like to open this Grand Knights Report on a sad note - the passing of Brother Vince Garra.  
       Although Vince was not the one who recruited me into the Knights, I have always considered him to be my mentor in the Council.  He was a great leader, a tireless worker, and a wealth of knowledge within our Council, as well as in other organizations.  He will be greatly missed as he leaves us with a huge void in leadership in so many of our activities, especially the Lenten dinners and food/drink preparation for our business meetings.  
  
      As you are probably already aware of, Vince's services will be on Friday morning at the Church with rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11.00 a.m. A catered luncheon will be served in the Hall following the Mass.  Our Council will be responsible for leading the rosary, serving non-alcoholic beverages, and cleaning up the Hall afterwards. Any Brothers who can help in the Hall will be greatly appreciated.  Also, please plan on attending tonight's business meeting as we are having a special tribute to Vince.  After the meeting ends, we will do a toast to Vince - a small shot of whiskey - very appropriate for a guy who hasn't drank alcohol in the last 28 years of his life.  
        On Saturday night from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., we will be hosting our Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance.  This will be another fun-filled evening with prime rib and baked salmon prepared and served by Cupid's Catering with music provided by DJ Brother Billy Eatmon and his daughter.  Tickets can be purchased at our business meeting tonight or on our website for $40 per person or $280 for a table of 8 people.
     On January 20th, we hosted another movie night.  Approximately 15 parishioners saw the movie "Romero."  Thanks to Ed Reidy for chairing this event.  Our next scheduled movie night is for March. 
       Last month, our Council participated in the National Knights of Columbus essay contest for eighth graders.  This year's topic was "the importance of religious freedom."  Brothers Leo McGarry, Pat Esquibel, and Greg Villard judged essays written by 24 members of the Santa Sophia Academy eighth grade class. First, second, third place winners were awarded prize money of $100, $75, and $50, respectively.
       
         Brother Andre Cleveland, our recorder, has received a promotion in his job with the Navy.  As a result, he is scheduled to be transferred out of state in March.  Ernie McAbee has volunteered to assume the position of recorder. 
          On Sunday, February 5th, our Council was one of 28 Parish organizations that participated in in the Santa Sophia Parish "Know Your Parish" weekend.  Thanks go to all the brothers who helped man our Knights of Columbus canopy, carried our Knights of Columbus banner in the Church procession, and assisted in signing up two new members to our Council.
     On Saturday, March 25th, our Council will be traveling to Tecate to prepare lunch for the boys, sisters, and workers at the orphanage.  This will be the last outing of the Tecate outreach program this year.  Please contact Ed Reidy if you are interested in participating on this outing.
     On Saturday, January 21st, our Council participated in the annual San Diego Walk for Life to support the pro-life movement and rights for the unborn.  Three members of our Council, Brothers Pat Esquibel, Vince Garra, and Greg Villard attended the event and were designated as security patrol for the walk.
     
       Brother Leo, our financial secretary, has mailed out billings for annual membership dues.  Thank you goes to all Knights who have paid their dues for the 2017 year.  For those who haven't, please remit your dues ASAP to Brother Leo so we can save the Council unnecessary time and postage costs.
       So far this year, we have recruited four new members to our Council.  We need to recruit five more new members by June 30th to attain Star Council status, which is one of the goals of every Knights of Columbus council.  If any of you Brothers have any friends or relatives who might be interested in joining our Council, please contact me.  Remember, every Brother is a recruiter for our Council.
     
        Anyone who has chaired an event or activity this year should complete a service award form for that activity/event.  All completed service award forms and supporting documentation (i.e. pictures, flyers, etc.) should be submitted to Leo McGarry or Shawn Reidy ASAP.    
       Vince Garra has been in charge of the Lenten dinners for our Council for the past twelve years. In his absence this year, our Council has had to scramble to continue this tradition at Santa Sophia Church.  Some of our Brothers have stepped up and have volunteered to help with this year's dinners - Jim Maasch to run the kitchen and purchase food and supplies, Carl Bloemendaal, Sam Caeti, Paul Michael, Paul Melcher, and Greg Villard to be chefs, Shawn Reidy to run the bar, and Ed Reidy and Leo McGarry o sell tickets and collect money.  We need other Brothers to volunteer to help at these dinners in the roles of food preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup.  If you can help in any of these capacities, please contact Jim Maasch or me.

      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. 
 Let's continue to work together in the spirit of Fr. Michael J. McGivney with 
Charity, Fraternity and Unity.
    
   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!

Vivat Jesus!
 
Greg Villard | Grand Knight | Valle De Oro |Council 9332