Grand Knight's Report January 2017- WGK Greg Villard

Worthy Brother Knights:
 Happy New Year to everyone!  
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.    
 It has been another busy month for our Council.  I appreciate everyone's continued support for all our Council's activities.   
     On Saturday, January 7th, our Knights members traveled to Tecate to serve lunch for the boys, Religious sisters, and workers at the orphanage.  We prepared food and served lunch to a record 180 folks as well as watched the boys produce a Christmas program. Many thanks go to Ed Reidy, who again chaired this event, and the other 13 Knights and their family members who participated.  Also, thanks also go to all those who donated Christmas gifts to the boys.  Our next Tecate outreach outing to the orphanage will be in March. So if you've never been to Tecate, think about joining us and making a difference.
     The next day, January 8th, approximately 60 Knights, and family members attended our annual Epiphany party.  This year's dinner featured a delicious Italian feast.  Everyone had a great time with the Christmas gift exchange. Thank you, Jerry and Pam Kay, for hosting this event at their home again this year.
     On Friday night, January 20th, we will be hosting another movie night for the Santa Sophia Parish.  This month's featured movie is "Romero" and will be shown in the DeMoor Room at 7:00 p.m. Water, popcorn, and sodas will be provided by the Knights.  All are welcome to enjoy this movie about the life of Arch Bishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador.
     
      On Saturday, January 21st, our Council will again be participating in annual San Diego Walk for Life in support of the unborn.  
This event goes from 8:30 until 12 noon and features a walk, exhibits, and speakers and is held between Laurel and 6th Avenue in Balboa Park.  Knights who plan to attend can meet at the Santa Sophia Church parking at 7:30 a.m. to carpool.
     
Preparations for our annual Sweetheart Dinner/Danceon Saturday, February 18th are underway.  Tickets have been printed and available for sale for $40 per person or $280 for a table of 8 (a savings of $40 over buying 8 tickets individually).  This will be another fun-filled evening with prime rib and baked salmon prepared and served by Cupid's Catering™, and with music provided by DJ Brother Billy Eaton and his daughter.  Visit our website for more information on this event or to purchase tickets. [tickets will also be available at the kiosk after weekend masses and the Parish office] With Ed Reidy as chairman, the next Sweetheart Dinner/Dance committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the DeMoor room prior to our general business meeting on Thursday night.
     Sunday, January 29th is the Fifth Sunday of the month.  Therefore, the Knights of Columbus (under Pat Esquibel's guidance) will be leading Santa Sophia Parishioners in saying the rosary immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass.  All Knights and their families are encouraged to participate    
        This year, our Council has elected to participate in the national Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program.  We purchased a dozen coats and distributed them to needy children at La Presa Elementary School in Spring Valley.  Andre Cleveland chaired this activity.
     
    Brother Leo McGarry, our financial secretary, has mailed out annual membership dues billings.  Thank you goes to all Knights who have paid their dues for the 2017 year.  For those who haven't responded to Brother Leo, please remit your dues ASAP so we can save the Council unnecessary time and postage costs. Keep in mind; you can save time and postage by paying online from our website, using your credit/debit card and our PayPal™ service. 
 In addition, thank you to all of the Knights who turned in their fraternal survey forms to Leo who, in turn, summarized the data and submitted it to Supreme.
     
        Brother Andre Cleveland, our recorder, has received a promotion in his job with the US Navy.  As a result, he is scheduled to be transferred out of state in March.  Therefore, we will need to find a replacement for his position of recorder.  If anyone is interested in assuming the responsibilities of recorder after Andre relocates, please contact me.  
     We had a service award committee meeting last week.  
I have prepared a list of activities/events we have participated in so far, this Columbian year.  Anyone who has chaired an event/activity should complete a service award form for that event by February 10th. This service award form can be downloaded from our website's homepage. All completed service award forms and supporting documentation (i.e. pictures, flyers, etc.) should be given to Leo McGarry or Shawn Reidy.
     
     Each Columbian year, one of the goals of every Knights of Columbus Councils is to attain Star Council status.  The last time our Council achieved Star Council was four years ago.  Part of the requirements to achieve Star Council recognition is for a Council to increase net membership from one year to the next.  Supreme has determined that our Council must have a net increase of nine members by June 30, 2017.  So far, this Columbian year, we have added only two new members.  Therefore, we need to obtain seven new members by June 30, 2017.  We are currently discussing ideas on how to sign up those seven new members needed to achieve Star Council status.  If any of you Brothers have any ideas on how to accomplish this membership goal or have friends or relatives who might be interested in joining our Council, please contact me.  Remember, every Brother is a recruiter for our Council.  
      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 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