J U L Y
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New York State Circle COLUMBIAN SQUIRES
In this issue: 2
Letter from the State Chief Squire
3
Letter from the Past State Chief Squire
4
Letter from the State Youth Director
5
Letter from the State Squires Chairman
Congratulations to our newly-elected State Officers! State Chief Squire Alex Bedosky State Deputy Chief Squire Will Liles
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State Officer Reports
7
2012 Convention and New Officer Positions
8
State News and Announcements
9
Recruitment Challenge and Fundraising
Upcoming Deadlines:
Membership Numbers
Form #468
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Visit our website: www.NewYorkSquires.com Join us on Facebook: Facebook.com/NewYorkSquires
State Notary Squire Mario Giustizia State Bursar Squire Patrick Reyes State Marshal Squire Kyle Kilkenny State Sentry Squire Steven Gandolfo Form #247-NC st
Due August 1 Officers & Chairmen Form must be submitted to Supreme.
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Due September 1 Semi-Annual Circle Status and Audit Report Form must be submitted.
Form #1728C PAST DUE Please submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Form ASAP.
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
Letter from the State Chief Squire
Alex Bedosky
Worthy Squires, Counselors and Knights, It is truly an honor to address you today as New York’s State Chief Squire for the 2012-2013 Columbian Year. The year is already off to a fantastic start. Great strides are being made in terms of statewide communications with the upgrading of our website and publication of this State Circle Newsletter. Your State Officers will be meeting later this month during the annual Indoctrination Meetings held every July in Suffern. We will be speaking with the leaders of the Knights of Columbus and how they can help us better implement our goals for the coming year – specifically, helping us reactivate and invigorate dormant circles. We will also have an opportunity to hold our own meetings, where we will elaborate on each officer’s duties for the year. State Deputy Chief Will Liles will serve as chairman of next year’s convention; State Notary Mario Giustizia will organize our spiritual activities; State Bursar Patrick Reyes will chair the Journal Committee; and State Marshal Kyle Kilkenny and State Sentry Steven Gandolfo will be in charge of membership and recruitment. (Please feel free to contact any of these officers if you have any questions or would like to get involved on their committee!) We have a great group of individuals working hard to make this another banner year for the New York State Circle! One of our most important goals this year is increasing membership. While we have over 150 Squires aging out of the Squires and transitioning to Knighthood this year, we have many circles that are coming dangerously close to losing their last members. For this reason, we must redouble our efforts and maximize our recruitment potential. The State Circle is issuing a challenge to all circles in New York: one Squire, each circle, each month. Resources can be found on our website to assist in your recruitment activities, and remember that the State Circle will present recruitment awards at convention! While we live in a very large state, we must focus our attention on increasing communication between circles. Our website and Facebook page provide easy means to reach out to a Squire from another circle to share ideas, event invitations, or just say “hey.” Post your news and announcements, and share photos of your circle in action! Thank you, again, for the opportunity to serve as your State Chief Squire. I know that this will be another record-setting year for the program, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you along the way! Esto Dignus
Alex Bedosky 2
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
Letter from the Past State Chief Squire
Patrick Klein
Brother Squires and Knights of New York State, I would like to congratulate every Squire in New York on a year well done. The State Circle had many successful activities and events. The year was also successful in membership statistics and next year looks even better for the State Squires Circle. I extend special congratulations to all officers from circles around the state; without you, the State Circle would be nothing. I would also like to challenge every Squire to run for an office in their circle before they graduate into the Knights when they turn 18. Challenge yourself in a safe environment! Your counselors and Brother Squires are here to help. However, only run if you will take the responsibilities of the office seriously. Circles should start fundraising now for next year’s convention. The date will be announced later in the year, but there is no reason not to get a head start on fundraising. Every circle interested in attending should be informed that this is a major expense and should be financed properly. In closing I would like to thank many people as my time as a Squire ends, in particular my parents for all their work and support throughout my entire life. I would also like to thank Tom Gillin and Mike Galgano for all their support in my time as State Chief Squire. I would also like to thank all my fellow State Officers and circle members for their support. Good luck to all of next year’s State Officers! Esto Dignus
Patrick Klein Join our Mailing List to receive event invitations, news, and updates from the New York State Circle! www.tinyurl.com/SquiresMailingList
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NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
Letter from the State Youth Director
Michael Galgano
Worthy Squires, Counselors and Knights, Welcome to the start of a new fraternal year! However, before we talk about the year to come I must take a moment to thank Past State Chief Squire Pat Klein, his State Officers and State Squires Chairman Tom Gillin for the outstanding year that the Squires program in New York State just finished. We end the year #2 in Net Membership Gain and are in a position to have some even more impressive gains in 2012-2013. Our Squires program this year saw an increase in participation at the Br. Barnabas Mass and was honored to have the State Squires Chairman from Connecticut attend. State Convention attendance was also up this year, both in number of circles and number of Squires attending. Even more impressive was the record breaking turnout in January at Chaminade HS for the Holy Hour and Dodgeball event, sponsored by Blessed William Chaminade Circle and the State Circle. With all of this activity throughout the year, as the end of June neared I thought we were done with Squires business for 2011-2012. There was, however, one last piece of business to attend to: Following the Independence Day Parade in Brooklyn on June 30th, I had the privilege of presenting Michael Zwosta of Fr. O’Connor Circle with a certificate naming him as a “Squire of the Body of Christ.” Mike becomes only the second Squire in New York State to achieve this well deserved honor. Congratulations Mike! My congratulations go to our new State Chief Squire Alex Bedosky and his Officers. With the gains that were made last year, they certainly have their work cut out for them but I know that they will continue to move this great State Circle forward. Work has already started in planning and setting dates for the Installation of Officers and Brother Barnabas Mass, and will begin soon on the 56th Annual Convention in May/June 2013. As always, one of the biggest concerns for the Squires Program is membership. We are constantly receiving inquiries from, and reach out to, Councils interested in starting and/or reactivating Circles. In order to facilitate this process our State Deputy, Sal Restivo, at my urging has appointed a State Chairman for New Circle Development/Reactivation and two Auxiliary Chairmen. The State Chairman is Anthony Critelli PSCS and the Auxiliaries are Sean Breiman PSCS and Pat Klein PSCS. With these new men working with us, we should be better able to respond to the needs of these Councils and hopefully see an increase in Circles statewide. I look forward to working with Anthony, Sean and Pat as we strive to make the New York State Circle larger and stronger! Another key area of concern is communications. Communication between the State Circle and member circles has always been a major obstacle with a state as large as New York. The addition/upgrading of our website, the renewed publication of this newsletter, 4
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
(Letter from the State Youth Director, continued...) and the addition of our Facebook page have helped immensely in this area. In order to ensure continuity in this area, I have appointed Past State Deputy Chief Mike Adam to the position of State Circle Communications Director. In this position he will be responsible for the updating of the website and Facebook page, as well as producing the State Circle Newsletter. Better communication takes cooperation from both the State Circle and local circles, so please send Mike information on any activities that your circle does so that we can publicize them for you! I hope that the rest of the summer is enjoyable for you, and I look forward to meeting up with many of you at the various events and activities that the State Circle will sponsor and attend. Esto Dignus
Michael Galgano
Letter from the State Squires Chairman
Thomas Gillin
Worthy Squires, Counselors and Knights, As we start a new Columbian Year, I wish to thank Pat Klein and the 2011-2012 State Officers for a fun-filled, exciting year. A lot of groundwork was done that we will capitalize on this year. I am looking forward to a record-setting year. With our new State Chief Squire Alex Bedosky and his team, we plan to hit the ground running. My objectives for the year are membership growth and communication. Our goal for this year is ambitious: we plan to be #1 in the country in membership growth. We have been second for several years in a row, and that is no longer acceptable. This year is out year! To that end, we have several new circles ready to take off in the next few weeks. We need at least 12 new circles to meet our goal. I also want to see more communication between circles via the State Squires Facebook page. Please post your upcoming activities as well as reports afterwards. This will help share ideas and activities. It is a win-win situation. By seeing the great work of the Squires circles, others will be inspired to start circles in their areas. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Esto Dignus Thomas Gillin 5
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
From the State Marshal Squire… Worthy Knights and Brother Squires, I’m very excited for the coming Columbian Year! Since becoming a Squire over four years ago, I have had the pleasure of working with several circles both on Long Island and upstate. That is why for the coming year, my main goal is to help increase membership and communication between circles across the state, and I’m looking forward to working with all of you to meet this goal. Hope you all are enjoying your summer vacation and getting involved within your circles and parishes! Let me know if I can be of any help. Esto Dignus Kyle Kilkenny
From the State Sentry Squire… This year’s State Convention was a complete success in our eyes. It was very productive and provided a great experience for our officers. We even had one of our members elected to the State Circle! We learned a lot from how to conduct a meeting quickly and efficiently to the roles and responsibilities of officers. All in all, it was a great experience! As far as membership goes, we added two new members into our circle in May and have three more waiting for Investiture. We finished our spring fundraiser, chocolate bar sales, and raised almost $3,000, which set a record in our circle for the highest amount of money raised. We are also planning on holding our annual car wash on July 14th, so if you’re in the area please stop by and say hi! We will be donating a significant amount of the money raised to cancer-related charities I support of our counselor, John Panero, who is currently fighting it. We just held our Circle Officer elections for the 2012-2013 Columbian Year, and the results were as follows: Chief Squire Dominick Gandolfo, Deputy Chief Squire Patrick Barkaus, Bursar Squire Steven Gandolfo, and Notary Squire Matthew Gandolfo. The new Chief Squire appointed the following officers: Marshal Squire Gregory Gandolfo, Arms Captain Alex Berry, and Pole Captain Jason Cardona. Finally, we held our annual award ceremony, at which Andrew Nohilly was recognized as Squire of the Year, and the following Squires were recognized with Achievement Awards: Alex Berry, Jason Cardona, and Gregory Gandolfo. A new program was motioned and instituted by our new Bursar Squire Steven Gandolfo, called “The Squires of Tomorrow,” which will be a mentoring program to not only prepare future officers but also to provide a hands on experience to the younger Squires in our circle. Basically there will be “junior officers nominated by each current officer in our circle and for about 3 months they will learn the duties and responsibilities of that officer. And finally to see what they have learned we will be holding a “junior officer meeting” in which the juniors get the chance to conduct their own meeting. We are hoping this program will be a success as well as a new way to better prepare our future officers. Finally, we are currently planning our annual trip to Six Fags Great Adventure. And that’s everything that’s going on here in Lynbrook!
Esto Dignus. State Sentry Squire Steven Gandolfo and Circle 547 6
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
delivered a captivating address on the need for better communication and stronger familial relationships. State Squires Chairman Tom Gillin presented each State Officer with a plaque. In addition, Blessed William Chaminade Circle 5419 and Fr. O’Connor Circle 574 were presented with awards for achieving highest membership gains in New York State for the Columbian Year.
The Annual Meeting of the New York State Circle was held from May 18-20, 2012 at Roaring Brook Ranch and Resort in Lake George. There were twelve circles represented, comprised of Squires, Counselors, and State Officers. We were also very pleased to have State Deputy Sal Restivo and his wife, Margie, join us for the weekend.
After the State Chief Squire’s Final Report was submitted, State Officer elections for the 2012-2013 Columbian Year were held Sunday morning. The dates for next year’s convention will be set in the coming weeks, please keep an eye out on our website and social networking pages. Also, be sure to check out the convention minutes and reports, which will be available on the website soon!
After an opening pizza party Friday night, the first business session was convened. During the business session Saturday morning, Past State Deputy Chief Mike Adam gave a presentation on parliamentary procedure business protocol. After an exciting day at the “Fun Spot” – which featured go-karts, laser tag, mini golf and an arcade – everyone headed bck to the convention site for the Annual Convention Banquet. State Deputy Sal Restivo 7
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
Squire of the Body of Christ The New York State Circle would like to congratulate the state’s second Squire of the Body of Christ:
Michael Zwosta Circle 2156, Brooklyn
Squire of the Body of Christ is the highest honor awarded through the Squire Advancement Program that requires years of active participation. Squires are tested on their knowledge of the Church and the Order, and must organize a capstone service project to benefit their parish or parish institution. For more information on the Squire Advancement Program, visit our website!
Past State Officer Lapel Pins Acknowledging that there was no official means of recognizing the service of our Past State Officers, a resolution was unanimously passed by the delegates at the 54th Annual State Squires Convention that a lapel pin be commissioned and presented to those individuals who have served the Columbian Squires at the state level. To request a Past State Officer Lapel Pin, email us at nysquires@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page. Please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and years/positions on the State Circle. Pins will be supplied free of charge. Esto Dignus – Be Worthy.
Join us on Facebook! Our page is updated daily with statewide and local event information, officer reports, religious reflections, and much more. Like our page!
www.facebook.com/NewYorkSquires 8
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
Recruitment: The Power of ONE The State Circle is excited to announce the beginning of our largest recruitment drive yet, The Power of ONE: one new Squire, each circle, each month. While this is a very lofty goal, it is critical for the continued success of the program, and your State Officers are confident that it can be accomplished with the help of every Squire in the state. Recruitment is an ongoing process, and it can take some effort at times, but once you demonstrate the principles of our Order to potential members, you will be welcoming them into your Circle in no time. Below is a list of recruitment supplies you might find helpful (all items can be ordered from the Supreme Council Supply Department or downloaded on our website), and please always feel free to contact your State Officers for help and advice. And remember, top circles in Net Membership Increase and Percentage Membership Increase will receive awards from the State Circle at the 2013 State Squires Convention! Recruiting Guide (#4038) – Guide to organizing and implementing a successful recruitment plan. Believe in Fun (#4556) – Flyer to be used for Squires recruitment highlights different activities. A Strong Support System (#4557) – Overview brochure for Squires recruitment. Sensory Overload (#4560) – Poster for Squires recruitment, includes space for contact information. Twenty Questions (#480) – Flyer to be used for Squires recruitment, answers Squires FAQ. Pass It On (#2064) – Flyer for Squires recruitment encourages currents Squires to invite friends. Open House Notice (#1929) – Poster advertising Open House sessions for potential members. A Generation Without Role Models (#4558) – Flyer for Counselor recruitment.
Fundraising for Convention Make sure your circle starts fundraising NOW for the 2013 State Convention! Letter Writing Campaign: Write a letter explaining the Columbian Squires to neighbors, friends, local businesses, etc. asking them to help sponsor your trip financially. Babysitting Service: Create a flyer to share with your family, friends, neighbors, and Knights. Offer games and activities for children, and plan group babysitting for parishioners. Lawn Mowing, etc.: Create a flyer to share with your family, friends, neighbors, and Knights. Offer lawn-mowing services in the summer, raking in the fall and snow shoveling in the winter! You can ask Knights to sign up for these services and team up with fellow Squires to get the job done! Pancake Breakfast: Fun and easy! Advertise your event in council newsletters and your parish bulletins. Offer a pancake breakfast after Mass in exchange for free will donations. Raffles & Silent Auction: Request donations from local businesses, arrange for tickets to be printed and distribute to the Squires in your circle. Ask each Squire to sell a certain number of raffle tickets. 9
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012
New York: Membership Recruitment/Retention As of June 30, 2012 Current Net Gain Standings: 2nd Gain: 143 Loss: 8 NET GAIN: 135
Current Percentage Net Gain Standings: 9th NET GAIN: 18.62%
TOTAL CIRCLES: 49 TOTAL SQUIRES: 860 Need help with recruitment? Visit our website for presentations, guides, posters, and more! www.NewYorkSquires.com
NEW YORK STATE CIRCLE State Father Prior for Youth……………....…Rev. James Williams, S.M. State Father Prior for Youth...................................Rev. Dennis Nikolic Associate State Brother Prior for Youth……….Bro. Peter Heiskell, S.M. State Chief Squire…………………………….....……….….Alex Bedosky State Deputy Chief Squire………………………………......William Liles State Notary Squire…………………………………..…...Mario Giustizia State Bursar Squire………………………………………......Patrick Reyes State Marshal Squire……………………….……...............Kyle Kilkenny State Sentry Squire………………………………............Steven Gandolfo State Youth Director………………………………........Michael Galgano State Squires Chairman………………………..……...……Thomas Gillin State Chairman for New Circle Development…….……Anthony Critelli Auxiliary Chairman for Membership/Retention………….Sean Breiman Auxiliary Chairman for Membership/Retention…………..Patrick Klein State Circle Communications Director……………..…….Michael Adam
NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL State Chaplain………….…………….Most Rev. William Murphy, D.D. State Deputy………………..………………………...Salvatore A. Restivo State Secretary…………………..………………………….James Connors State Treasurer……………………..………………………Charles Ardillo State Advocate…………………………..………………Michael Stephany State Warden…………………………….....………….Thomas Tompkins