Grand Knight's Report June 2014-WGK Ed Dondero

Worthy Brothers all!

     Congratulations to the newly elected Valle de Oro Council officers! The list of new officers is below. Thank you to these worthy brothers for their dedication and commitment. Also, congratulations to our new Knights of Columbus Insurance Field Agent, Valle de Oro Knight Van Fritzenkotter. Van's contact is listed on this newsletter. Finally, congratulations to Father Minh Do from Valle de Oro Council on his Ordination on May 30th. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church was filled to capacity with a large number of Knights of Columbus Color Corps in attendance. We wish him well and pray for him as he assumes duties on July 1st as associate pastor at St. Francis Assisi Parish in Vista. 
     Father Minh celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving the following evening at Santa Sophia. This was also the first mass in the newly reopened church, so it was truly a special day. Thank you to all the Knights in attendance and especially the Color Corps. What a fantastic celebration. 
      Speaking of Color Corps, I am happy to announce that Balboa Assembly Color Corps took 2nd place statewide at the Knights of Columbus State Convention in Santa Clara on May 15th. Brothers Jerry Kay and Vince Garra are members of that CC. The State Convention was held on May 15-18 and was attended by 9332 delegates GK Ed Dondero and DGK Ed Reidy. This year's theme was "Family is God's Garden". The highlight of the convention for us was on Saturday. I was honored to receive 5 plaques that were awarded to Valle de Oro Council 9332. Thank you to all that made this happen. Council 9332 definitely received some statewide recognition and acknowledgement. 
     With all that, Council 9332 still managed to hold an extended membership drive on May 24, 25, 31, June 1, 8, and 9. Thank you to Brothers Pat Esquibel, Ed Reidy, Bobby Schaefer, Shawn Reidy, and others that stopped by to help. I hope we can see better participation at our next drive. 
     The Scholarship Committee selected their winners for the Knights of Columbus Valle de Oro Scholarship and two $1000 scholarship were awarded on June 4th to Gabby Belsito and Chris Melcher by Chairman Randy Klotz and GK Ed Dondero. Congratulations to both these 8th grade graduates on their outstanding work. It was quite obvious from the amount of recognition both of these students received at the SSA Awards Ceremony that they have both worked very hard. 
     Finally, let me congratulate David Harfy on his upcoming U.S. citizenship. David will be sworn-in on Wednesday, June 25th at Golden Hall. Please check the council website for details. David has invited all his brother Knights to join him and his family either at the swearing-in ceremony or for a reception afterwards. 
     This Columbian Year is drawing to a close fast and it has been a pleasure to serve as your Grand Knight. Thank you for the opportunity and for all your support. It has been a valuable learning experience for me and I have not only learned so much more about the Knights of Columbus, but I have come to know some of your much better. I pray for the continued success of this council and ask you to support Brother Ed Reidy during the upcoming year. Remember our principal of unity and together we can make Valle de Oro a stronger and better council. 
     Don't forget about our upcoming events: Installation and Award Ceremony, Pasta Palooza, Craft Beer Tasting. Your help is needed for all these events. If you cannot help, please support your council by attending and bringing your family.
All are invited to the Installation and Award Ceremony, please email: kofc9332@gmail.comwith the total in your party that will be attending.  
Please check the council website for more information: Valle de Oro Council 9332