June, 2014
State Deputy’s Annual Report By Ken Girt State Deputy
As I prepared for my term, I thought about a theme that would have meaning to every Knight of Columbus in Ohio. One Sunday a few years ago, I had heard Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus told his followers to be the “Light of World” ….. and “let that light shine before all so that they will see our good deeds and give glory to our Father in heaven”. Our “good deeds” are examples of the first principle of the Order; Charity. What better way to show our good deeds to others than through our charities. This is how the “Light of Ohio” theme came to be. And thanks to Fr. Antoninus Niemiec, OP, a priest of the Order of Preachers serving St. Dominic Church in Youngstown, who created our graphic logo. I wanted a simple approach to our general program contest and I choose to keep it as simple as the criteria of the one Supreme Council award that judges and awards a grand knight and council for achieving the basic objectives of the idea council. Those objectives include membership growth, charitable service programs, insurance promotion and two reports that Supreme Council requires for communication purposes and maintain our tax-exempt status. So we took the criteria of the Star Council Award and created the “Light of the Ohio” State Program Contest. Continued on Page 4
Another year of Great Ohio Membership Crusade winds down By Ken Gardner
State Membership Director
Three years ago this July, the membership theme of “The Great Ohio Membership Crusade” was introduced, with the now famous “Ohio Jones” leading the way. Ohio Jones’s main message was that councils in Ohio need to join the quest to go out and search
for the treasure of a new member and that Catholic men throughout Ohio are eager to join a fraternal organization that stands for the principle of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Since this theme was rolled out, many councils have rallied behind Ohio Jones and joined the Crusade, searching for new members and successfully growing their
councils and the Order. For the 20132014 fraternal year, as of May 31, Ohio had grown by 1,655 new and reinstituted members -- below our goal of 2,500 and less than the 1,830 members brought in during the same time period for the 201213 fraternal year. On the positive side, our losses for the
State Convention
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Girt, other officers re-elected for 2014-2015 “Light attracts. Light guides people. Light brings people together. This is a great theme for us to reflect on.” Most Rev. James Griffin, Bishop of the Columbus Diocese until his retirement in 2005, reflected on the Ohio State Council’s 2013-2015 theme, “We are the Light of Ohio”, as he spoke at the State Deputy’s Banquet of the 115th Annual Ohio Knights of Columbus Convention, held May 23-25 in Columbus. “I think that’s beautifully stated,” he said. “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You are the light of the world’. Every one of us Christians are called to be the light of the world. As Knights, we are illuminating the world by what we do.” Ken Girt, who was elected State Deputy in 2013, will begin his second year leading the nearly 60,000 Ohio Knights on July 1 based on being re-elected at the 2014 convention. The other current officers Continued on Page 3
Retired Columbus Diocese Bishop James Griffin spoeaks at the State Deputy’s Banquet of the State Convention.
Ohio Knights again surpass $100,000 in Pennies for Heaven collections
Ohio’s 2013-2014 Pennies for Heaven Campaign – the fund used by diocesan vocations directors to promote and assist those seeking a religious life – surpassed the $100,000 mark for the third consecutive year. Pennies for Heaven Chairman Dave Helmstetter, the Immediate Past State Deputy, reported at the State Convention that $103,287 was collected during the 2013-2014 fraternal year. In the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fraternal years, $101,214 and $115,029, respectively, were collected, both setting new records. “It once again proves that our Knights in Ohio will do whatever they can to help with religious vocations,” said Helmstetter. Pennies for Heaven funds are given to the six diocesan vocations directors to be used to promote vocations and assist in the recruitment of men and women to a religious Continued on Page 2
OR CURRENT RESIDENT Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus Buckeye Bulletin 32649 Surrey Lane Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642
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Page 2__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_____________________________________________________________ June, 2014
The Light of Ohio Award
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
State Treasurer Kevin Miller (left), chairman of the 2014 Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign, and Joseph Adam Dick, of St. Joseph of Monroe County Council 509 check the winning ticket before making the announcement. Brother Dick picked the winning ticket from the barrel.
Ticket sales reach $800,000 mark in 2014 Super Cash Bonanza campaign
The Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign finally has again reached the $800,000 plateau in ticket sales. Ohio councils in the 2014 campaign sold 160,003 tickets and $800,015 in ticket sales, announced Chairman Kevin Miller, State Treasurer, at the drawing for 25 cash prizes held on May 23 in conjunction with the Friday Night Party of the 2014 State Convention. Top winner in this year’s campaign, which began last February, was Albert Fortine, of New Franklin in the Cincinnati Diocese. His winnings are $49,680, payable $414 a month for 10 years. The second ticket drawn belonged to Liesel Parsons, of Westerville (Columbus Diocese), who receives $18,780 ($313 a month for five years). Third-place winner was Eric Noltkamper, of Chagrin Falls (Cleveland Diocese), who receives $12,720 ($212 a month for five years). Top selling council, with 3,111 tickets sold, was North Olmsted Council 4731 (Cleveland Diocese). Others in the Top Ten are: Ottawa 1757 (Toledo Diocese), 3,000; Our Lady of Peace 4243 (Steubenville Diocese), 2,638; Msgr. Lang 1039 (Toledo Diocese), 2,223; Garfield Heights 4130 (Cleveland Diocese), 2,183; South Akron 3410 (Cleveland Diocese), 2,035; Fr. Maruskin 10936 (Cleveland Diocese), 1,933; Fort Recovery 3324 (Cincinnati Diocese), 1,825; Immaculate Heart of Mary 472 (Steubenville Diocese), 1,683; Poland 3371 (Youngstown Diocese), 1,548. In the tickets sold per member category, Fr. Maruskin 10936 (Cleveland Diocese), was tops with 17.11 tickets sold per member. Others in the Top Ten are Holy Family 15056 (Cleveland Diocese), 14.13; Our Lady of Monroe County 5009 (Steubenville Diocese), 13.60; Our Lady of Peace 4243 (Steubenville Diocese), 13.32; St. Anthony of Padua 15614 (Cleveland Diocese), 11.75; Fr. Bauschard 13581 (Columbus Diocese), 11.72; Msgr. Von Kaenel 15424 (Cincinnati Diocese), 11.46; St. Peters Loudonville 13601(Cleveland Diocese), 11.29; St. John the Cross 15737 (Cleveland Diocese), 11.23; Our Lady of Carroll County 15401 (Steubenville Diocese), 11.00. In addition to the top three winners, those sharing in more than $108,000 in cash prizes were: (4) Michael Klima, Columbus Grove, $4,000; (5) Roger Brockert, Elida, $3,000; (6-9) Leo Heisley, Elyria; Eugene Budner, Salem; Charles Pellerite, Newark; and Penny Furda, Garrettsville, all $1,500; (10-13) Seth Herrnstein, New Washington; Frank Kolebuck, Maumee; Liz Mendicino, Marietta; and Jonathon Cockrell, Columbus, all $1,250; (14-17) Richard Cole, Bloomville; Chris Sauby, Waynesville; Dorothy Yenser, Defiance; and Terry Schlaht, State of Washington, all $1,000; (18-21) Geoffrey Flagg, Maineville; Paul Varrati, Garfield Heights; Maria Rodriguez, Westlake; and Virgil Cruz, Centerville, all $750; (22-25) Douglas Smith, Cecil; Christine Huggins, St. Clairsville; Tom Jankowski, North Ridgeville; and Dave and Peggy Moeller, Independence, all $500.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Given to the top five councils in each of the five divisions. Division 1 St. Marks Council 15447, Lancaster (Columbus Diocese) St. Anthony of Padua Council 15614, Parma (Cleveland Diocese) St. Joseph Council 13977, Austintown (Youngstown Diocese) Fr. John Kempf Council 10820,Dresden (Columbus Diocese) St. Dominic-Delhi Council 15533, Cincinnati (Cincinnati Diocese) Division 2 Fr. Reidy Council 1786, London (Columbus Diocese) St. Louis IX Council 3335, Gallipolis (Steubenville Diocese) Fr. Sheldon Kelly Council 11224, W. Jefferson (Columbus Diocese) St. Elizabeth Council 11193, Columbus (Columbus Diocese) Immaculate Conception Council 5628, Sylvania (Toledo Diocese) Division 3 Delaware Council1056, Delaware (Columbus Diocese) Fr. Daniel Venglarik Council 11915, Boardman (Youngstown Diocese) Blessed John XXIII Council 14502, Perrysburg (Toledo Diocese) St. Peter Council 11216, Columbus (Columbus Diocese) Mother Teresa/River East Council 14344, Oregon (Toledo Diocese) Division 4 St. Leonard Council 10215, Centerville (Cincinnati Diocese) St. Hiliary Council 14551, Fairlawn (Cleveland Diocese) St. Jude Council 5801, Gahanna (Columbus Diocese) Brunswick Council 4847, Brunswick (Cleveland Diocese) James Martin Council 637, Lorain (Cleveland Diocese) Division 5 St. John of Beverly Council 4617, Churchtown (Steubenville Diocese) St. Brigid of Kildare Council 10863, Dublin (Columbus Diocese) Gilmour Council 310, Mayfield Heights (Cleveland Diocese) Coldwater Council 1991, Coldwater (Cincinnati Diocese) Lancaster Council 1016, Lancaster (Columbus Diocese)
Pennies for Heaven surpasses $100,000 again Continued from Page 1
life. Funds collected in a particular diocese are given to the vocations director of that diocese. Councils in the Columbus Diocese for the second consecutive year surpassed the $50,000 barrier, collecting $51,375. Other diocesan totals were: Cincinnati, $17,292; Toledo, $12,132; Cleveland, $12,124; Youngstown, $5,483; and Steubenville, $4,675. Thirty councils, plus the Columbus Chapter and the James Valent Insurance Agency, raised $1,000 or more in 2013-2014. St. Brendan Council 11208, Hilliard (Columbus Diocese), was tops in the state with collections of $9,143.
The Buckeye Bulletin
State Chaplain
State Deputy
State Secretary
Fr. William Kraynak 409 W. Main Street Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 296-9193 wkraynak@youngstowndiocese.org
Ken Girt 6433 Lutz Ave. N.W. Massillon, OH 44646-9341 (330) 837-6670 girtken@sssnet.com
Robert Collins Jr. 10181 Tracy Trail Parma, OH 44130-5310 (216) 410-7174 rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
Kevin Miller 1101 Arbor Oaks Lane Galloway, OH 43119-8507 (614) 853-2642 km8007@columbus.rr.com
Robert Byers 565 Indian Run Rd. Marietta, OH 45750-6693 (740) 373-7154 robert_byers@hotmail.com
Mark Siracusa 1310 Markey Dr. Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 553-9552 cuzza@roadrunner.com
State Treasurer
State Advocate
State Warden
Immediate Past State Deputy Chief of Staff Buckeye Bulletin Editor Dave Helmstetter Jack Campbell Harding Christ 5421 County Road 33A 1630 34h St. NE 32649 Surrey Lane St. Marys, OH 45885-9658 Canton, OH 44714 Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642 Tel: (419) 394-1180 Tel: (330) 453-0872 Tel: (440) 933-8986 dhelmstetter@bright.net Email: cootzbabe@att.net Email: harding.c@oh.rr.com The Buckeye Bulletin is published by the Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus and mailed via Third Class NonProfit Postage, Permit No. 229, at Cleveland, Ohio. Any member of the Ohio State Council in good standing may subscribe free of charge. Editorial Content Forward all editorial content to Harding Christ, Editor, 32649 Surrey Lane, Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642. Subscription Status Address Change Forward all requests for new subscriptions, changes of address or cancellation to Harding Christ. New subscriptions must include the full 9-digit Zip Code.
June, 2014______________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 3
State Convention Notes . . . Fr. F. Richard Snoke, Former State Chaplain and long-time Father Prior of Ohio’s Columbian Squires, was not in attendance at the State Convention for the first time in many years. He has been rehabilitating from surgery. State Squires Director Marty Schumacher, who visited with Fr. Snoke recently, carried his message to the conventioneers. “Tell them to get off their duffs and start Squires Circles,” was Fr. Snoke’s message – a familiar one whenever he would speak to Knights on the subject of Squires. Schumacher reported that the Squires raised $1,645 in a weekend raffle they conducted. A fundraiser to assist the family of the late Marvin Vetter with medical bills was held on June 14 in his hometown of Van Wert. The Ohio Charity Foundation pledged a $500 donation. Marvin was a Former State Squires Director who passed away last year. *
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Clay Hall, a Columbus television
John Spencer receives the Kirwin Award, emblematic of the top field agent in Ohio for the 2013-2014 fraternal year. With him is his wife, Crystal, and State Deputy Ken Girt.
ABC affiliate in Columbus and has covered central Ohio sports for 19 years ….. Don Hall, a former State Director and now Vice Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree Hennepin Province, which includes the Ohio and Michigan jurisdictions, attended the Michigan Knights of Columbus State Convention on Thursday and Friday on Mackinac Island, and then drove approximately 600 miles to be at Ohio’s convention on Saturday. “I have one sentence for you to remember: Somewhere today, a knock on the door will bring one or more families to their knees in a grief that will never go away,” he said. *
Clay Hall
sportscaster, talked about Columbus sports – especially Ohio State – as he addressed the Men’s Luncheon on Sunday. Hall is sports director for the
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Eleven teams competed in the convention’s Msgr. Krispinsky Golf Outing. The winning foresome included John Santin, Greg Jones, Ken Jones and Jim Santin. Mark Steele was chairman of the event, with Richard D’Auteuil as his co-chair ….. Collections taken at the weekend Masses amounted to $1,800, and were given to State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak for his favorite charities.
Convention dignitaries: (from left) State Deputy Ken Girt, State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak, State Deputy’s Banquet Toastmaster Past State Deputy Dennis Shonebarger, and Vice Supreme Master Don Hall.
Supreme Warden George Hanna speaks at the State Deputy’s Banquet.
State Convention: Girt re-elected State Deputy Continued from Page 1
also were re-elected: Bob Collins, State Secretary; Kevin Miller, State Treasurer; Bob Byers, State Advocate; and Mark Siracusa, State Warden. Dave Helmstetter, State Deputy in 2011-2013, will continue as Immediate Past State Deputy. Girt, who began an association with the Ohio State Council as a District Deputy in 1990, said “I have enjoyed these 24 years. Let us continue to be the Light of Ohio, and of the world.” When addressing the delegates at the Saturday business session, Girt emphasized his goal of 57 Star Councils in Ohio for the fraternal year. That will be determined after June 30, Supreme Council’s deadline for submission of all materials necessary to be Star Councils. The convention began with the traditional Friday Night Party, followed by a Memorial Mass for deceased Knights and an Awards Session Saturday morning, business session in the afternoon, banquet in the evening, Sunday Mass, a second business session and finally men’s and ladies’ luncheons. Special convention guest was George Hanna, Supreme Council’s Supreme Warden. “Look at all the good that has come through the works of Fr. McGivney,” he said. “Get involved and make the world a better place. Fr. McGivney understood the importance of charity. We are called to help our brothers and sisters in need. This is who we are.
State General Program Director Jeff Kiliany conducts the Awards Session presentations. “I challenge you to grow the Order in Ohio,” he continued. “Continue to be the beacon of hope and light of the world.” State General Program Director Jeff Kiliany was in charge of the Awards Session, where hundreds of presentations were made to individuals and councils that earned them. Kiliany noted that 327 councils participated in the 2013-2014 general program, 72 councils maxed the six service programs, 42 councils maxed the entire program, 90 councils maxed the Membership Activities, 117 councils met or exceeded their state membership quotas, 3,432 activities were reported by councils, and 85,800 total points were earned.
Cincinnati to host 2015 State Convention
The 2015 State Convention will be held in Cincinnati on the weekend of May 22-24, according to Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter. Headquarters will be the Millennium Hotel in downtown Cincinnati.
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State Deputy Ken Girt’s Annual Report for the 2013-2014 fraternal year Continued from Page 1
Our goal and hope was to have all councils in Ohio participate in our state program contest. In addition to a special membership quota for our contest, we also added a few mandatory administrative reports. Most of these reports are already required from Supreme Council, and having them part of the program contest helped to draw attention for filing the reports. And we asked that councils participate in our state council fundraisers and we created a minimum donation or minimum number of tickets sold. We reduced the number of mandatory “Honorees of the Year” nominations and we hoped councils still would elected to submit a nomination. There were no mandatory programs in the service program activities. Our goal was to keep councils participating in the State Program Contest instead of dropping out since they may have missed a requirement. We also created our top state awards in each division, which is based on the size of the council. In addition, I made it a goal for Ohio to achieve and exceed our Star Council Quota of 57. I think it is very achievable and we have until June 30 for councils to achieve their membership quota, their insurance quota, to submit their Columbian Award application (with four activities in each of the six service areas), to file their Service Program Personnel Report #365 and their Fraternal Survey #1728. Let’s review this Star Council criteria approach for our state program. Service Programs. Our state program asked that every council perform four activities in each of the six service areas; Church, Community, Council, Family, Culture of Life and Youth. We choose four activities since that is what is required for the Columbian Award, which is one of the requirements for Star Council. We also encouraged councils to sponsor one or more of Supreme Councils “featured programs” in each of the service areas. Jeff Kiliany is our State General Program Director and he will be presenting the awards on Saturday for those councils who demonstrated their dedication to our state program contest. We are now hoping that all councils submit their Columbian Award application by June 30. And thanks, Jeff for accepting the challenge of General Program Director for Ohio. From being a former GPD myself, I know it’s a lot work. Our State Program Directors have done an excellent job in their promotion of their programs and their review of the hundreds of activities submitted by our councils. They include: Don Prall, Church Activities Director; Larry Droesch, Community Activities Director; Mike Nau, Council Activities Director; Michael Saine, Family Activities Director; Gary Anderson, Culture of Life Director; Bob Walsh, Youth Activities Director. Assisting them were Paul Haig, Vocations/Round Table Director; Paul Goldsmith, Fraternal Benefit and Insurance Liaison; Marty Schumacher, Squires Director, and Harding Christ, Public Relations Director. Thank you, gentlemen for all your hard work. Membership . “Ohio Jones” Ken Gardner continued his quest that he started under then State Deputy Dave Helmstetter to help councils find their “treasures” in new members. I want to thank Ken for taking this challenge during my term and what a challenge it was! Helping “Ohio Jones” in each diocese were our Diocesan Membership Directors. They included: Michael Freil (Cincinnati), John Brown (Cleveland), Robert Rhode (Columbus), Joe Solomon (Steubenville), Bob Boyer (Toledo), and Mike Jordan (Youngstown). Thank you for your assistance in membership recruitment. And while the Star Council Award is based on a council achieving their Supreme Council
State Deputy Ken Girt speaks at the State Convention. Membership quota, we created a smaller membership quota for “maxing” the Light of Ohio State Program Contest. In this way, a council who may not achieve their Supreme Council quota and miss the Star Council Award, may be able to achieved the Maximum points for our program contest and receive an award at the convention for their efforts. Under the guidance of State Ceremonial Director, Ed Ponder, we have eight certified conferring officers for the 3rd Degree ceremonial in Ohio. They include: Hank Borchers, Bob Powell, Frank Iannaggi, Paul Crowley, Gary Dechant, Don Hall, Don Hite, and Ed Ponder, who have memorized the 3rd Degree ceremonial and have made it easier for all Knights in Ohio to advance to the knighthood degree. I also want to thank all the 1st and 2nd Degree Teams in Ohio for doing their part in advancing our members to the higher degrees. Retention Directors Jim Klatte (west) and Nick Gresko (east) have done an excellent job in membership retention. But we are discovering more and more councils that have been holding onto members three, four, and five years for non-payment of dues. As we have always stated, sometimes withdrawals and suspensions are necessary, and all we ask of councils is to follow the retention process. Thanks, Jim and Nick, for your commitment and the hours spent in your retention efforts. I am happy to report that six new councils were developed in Ohio under the guidance of Council Development Director Bill Wirtz. We achieved our quota of six new councils. Well Done! Our thanks to: DD-34 Ted Johnson for starting Fr. Charles Griffin Council 15793 in Chillicothe and St. Thomas Council 15824 in Zanesville (Columbus Diocese); DD-21 William Donohue for starting St. Adelbert Council 15901 in Berea (Cleveland Diocese); DD27 Mike Kalal for starting St. Mary Council 15942 in Chardon (Cleveland Diocese); DD-56 Denver Mossing for starting St. Joan of Arc Council 15905 in Holland (Toledo Diocese); DD-79 Michael Jordan and DD-77 Anthony Wainio for starting St. Edward Council 15959 at Former State Chaplain Msgr. Robert Siffrin’s parish in Youngstown. This new council development process was started by Former District Deputy and now deceased, Jerry Resatar. I also want to thank Paul Haig for his efforts in our Round Table Program. We came up short this past fraternal year on our Round Table quota, but we hope to improve on that next year. The Round Table program brings the work and presence of the Order back into our parishes from those councils supporting more than one parish. Insurance. Another requirement of the Star Council Award for a council is achieving its Supreme Council insurance quota. And while our General Agents and field agents have been working on this quota, it is still a council’s duty to promote the Knights of Columbus insurance to all our members. This was one of the reasons for creating the Knights of Columbus by Fr. McGivney. I would like to thank our State Insurance Liaison, Paul Goldsmith, and all the General Agents in Ohio: Jim Valent, Ed Ponder,
Jeff Harty, and recently appointed Chad Osterholt. We appreciate all you and your agents do for the Order here in Ohio. And thanks for helping Ohio achieve its goal of Star Council Awards! Administrative Requirements. There are two Supreme reports that are mandatory for Star Council. One is the report of Service Program Personnel #365 and the other is the Fraternal Survey Report #1728. As mentioned earlier, we added several other required reports and fundraising activities to our Administrative Requirements for the State Program Contest. In addition to the seven Supreme or State mandatory report forms, we also added the Knight of the year, Family of the Year and Chaplain of the Year as mandatory requirements. All other nominees of the year were encouraged but optional. We also asked to have 100% participation in our various state council fundraisers and placed minimum amounts to qualify. In some instances, a $10 donation (Pennies for Heaven and Matching Funds) or a 10 ticket minimum (Charity Drawing and Football Sweepstakes) was all that was required to participate. Unfortunately, this tactic was a little disappointing. For example, we received Matching Funds donations from 177 councils, or 45% of the total councils in Ohio. Our state fundraisers are important to Ohio State Council and to our many recipients of our generosity These fundraisers include: Pennies for Heaven. Our thanks to Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter for chairing this fundraiser, which offers financial support for our seminarians and for vocation awareness in our six dioceses. Dave reports that we collected a little over $103,000 from 209 councils (55% participation). We had 31 councils in our “$1,000 Club”, with Council 11208 contributing over $9,000. Great job! And thanks to all councils that supported our Pennies for Heaven Campaign. Matching Funds. Thanks to our State Advocate Robert Byers for chairing our annual campaign to assist our diocese’s religious education departments in purchasing books and videos on Catholic education for our parishes and schools. We collected $26,958.50 from our councils, assemblies, chapters and circles. With the $25,000 from our Ohio Charity Foundation, the total provided to our six dioceses was $51,958.50. And thanks to all who donated to our 2013 campaign! Measure Up. State Advocate Byers also chaired our 2013 Measure Up Campaign that assists agencies around the state that support and educate our special friends with developmental disabilities. We raised $388,704 from 256 councils, for a 68% participation rate. Thanks, Bob, for all your efforts and thanks to all who participated in our 2013 campaign. Super Cash Bonanza. I would like to thank our State Treasurer Kevin Miller for a great 2014 charity campaign. Kevin and his team tried some new approaches and his successes will be detailed in his final campaign report. Kevin reports that we raised over $103,000 for the 1st Phase turn-in. This amount came from 291 councils for a participation rate of 77%. While many of us will not be lucky to have
our tickets drawn, it’s our state and council charities that are the real winners of the Super Cash Bonanza Campaign. Thanks to everyone who participated in our 2014 campaign. Football Frenzy Sweepstakes. I want to thank Past State Deputy Gary Eckstein who continues to chair this annual program that helps our council’s general funds. Gary reports that we sold 11,609 tickets for the 2013 campaign. The tickets were sold by 227 councils, for a participation rate of 60%. We returned $28,680 to our councils for their share of rebates and the state council’s profit for the campaign was $38,068. Thanks to all councils for their participation. These were the criteria of our “Light of Ohio” State Program Contest and, hopefully, we will see an increase in Star Councils. Receiving Star Council is a cherished award for any council and for its Grand Knight. State Program Contest Summary. The following is the summary of our 2013 - 2014 State Program Contest: The number of Councils that Maxed the State Program Contest: 41. The number of Councils that Maxed the Service Program requirement:72. The number of Councils that reported activities for one or more of the Six Service Programs: 227. The number of Councils that Maxed our special Membership Quota for the Program Contest: 117. In addition to a number of programs that were part of our state program contest, we had many others that were parts of our program year. These include: Buckeye Bulletin. Editor Harding Christ continues to provide an excellent newsletter on our Ohio State Council activities. Thanks Harding, for another great year. Lighthouse. Executive Secretary Robert Gilliland issues an electronic newsletter each month, based on the articles submitted by our state officers and directors. The Lighthouse is an excellent media for communication with our district deputies and grand knights for important reminders, news, and general updates on our programs. Thanks, Bob, for creating the monthly newsletter and distributing to our members. Website. Our KofC website continues to provide information and a means for reporting state program activities. Thanks to website creator Brett Baxter and webmaster Jerry Lowery for all their input into our website. As you may know, for the expanding number of our councils, assemblies, and chapters who share space on our state website for their individual websites, we have been levied a steep yearly charge by Microsoft. The state council paid over $3,000 both for 2013 and 2014 for over 90 websites. We recently send notices to these councils, assemblies and chapters asking for a nominal annual payment to help with this expense. License Plates. Ohio State Senator James Hughes, of the 16th District, sponsored a bill through the state legislature authorizing Ohio to produce and make available for purchase a “Knights of Columbus” license plate. Governor John Kasich signed the bill in March and we are currently gathering 500 names for a petition for listing the interested members that want to purchase the plates. The KofC plates would mean an extra $20 per year in additional to the normal license plate fee, with $10 of the extra fee going to a special fund our designated charity, the Ohio Special Olympics. The petitions are coming rather slow as of this report period and we do hope we can eventually get the required 500 signatures. I would like to add, both Senator Hughes and Governor Kasich commented on the “great things the Knights of Columbus do in Ohio”. We are demonstrating that we are the Light of the World in Ohio! My special thanks to Richard
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State Deputy Ken Girt’s Annual Report for the 2013-2014 fraternal year Continued from Page 4
Meyer for his efforts. Property Tax. Through the efforts of several fraternal and service groups in Ohio, a State Property Tax relief bill was passed by the Ohio legislature that will reduce the tax on property owned by these groups. This includes our Knights of Columbus home companies. More information is available on our website. Thanks again to Richard Meyer for his efforts and to our State Advocate Robert Byers. Fourth Degree/Chaplain’s Fund/VAVS. The Fourth Degree of our Order continues to flourish and grow in Ohio. Former Master and Former District Deputy Don Hall has been installed as the Vice Supreme Master for the Hennepin Province, which comprises all assemblies in Ohio and Michigan. Don is also promoting the Supreme Council’s Military Chaplains Program, which collects donations to help seminarians with their education in exchange for service in our Armed Forces as chaplains. Don also organizes our VAVS (Veterans Activity Volunteer Service) for Ohio. The VAVS chairmen in Ohio include: Anthony Roark, Carl Kroskey, Randall O’Connell, Bernard Dyer and Joseph McPeek. We thank them for all their service to our veterans. And thanks to the Masters of the three districts in Ohio. Master William Studenic, District 1 (Youngstown and Cleveland dioceses), Master Richard Tabler, District 2 (Toledo and Cincinnati dioceses), and Master Charles Giametta, District 3 (Columbus and Steubenville diocese.) And special thanks to Masters Tabler and Giametta for the exemplary work and dedication to the Order over these past several years. Both are stepping down this year after completing their term of office. Patriotism lives in the hearts of all our members, but especially in the hearts and service of our 4th Degree Sir Knights. Columbian Squires. Even though State Father Prior Fr. F. Richard Snoke had medical issues this past year, he continues to be the vital source of leadership and spiritual guidance for the Ohio Columbian Squires. Get well, Father! And our special thanks to State Squires Director Mary Schumacher, Squire Circle Development Director Paul Ault and the state squires officers; State Chief Squire Luke Miller, State Deputy Chief Squire Kyle Knight, State Notary Squire, Patrick Worley, State Bursar Squire Spencer Merriss, State Marshal Squire, Lawrence Akainyah and Imm. Past Chief Squire Tommy Petrushka for all their dedication in their programs and in growing the Columbian Squires here in Ohio. Diocesan Chaplains. State Chaplain Fr. Bill Kraynak will continue to develop our Diocesan Chaplain Program and will be planning a Day of Recollection for Lent 2015. Second Responders. I regret that we have had little time to devote to our Second Responders Program. But we will look into developing this vital program for emergency support during the next fraternal year. Read & Raise. We continue to support the Read and Raise program for members subscribing to a number of Catholic newspapers and magazine. More information is available on our website and I encourage all members to learn a little more about your Catholic faith. Ultrasound Machine Donations. I am happy to report that councils around Ohio continue to fund half the cost of an Ultra Sound Machine for their local pregnancy centers. The other half is paid by a grant from Supreme Council. Councils that have purchased, or are in the process of purchasing, a machine include: Council 11370, Maumee; Council 1344, Napolean; Council 1641, Cambridge; Council 4847, Brunswick; Council 13984 and Council 10792, Cleveland; and the Stark County Chapter, which is purchasing its third ultra sound machine. Thank you, Brother Knights, for what you do for the “Culture of Life”. Immaculate Conception – Marian Prayer Program. Four beautiful images of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception have been touring our districts and our councils have been sponsoring the prayer program in their councils and local parishes. Thanks to State Warden Mark Siracusa for coordinating the program in Ohio. State Council Finances. As the convention Audit Committee discovered from our annual audit by the
2013-2014 Membership crusade winds down Continued from Page 1
year as of mid-June stand at 716, lower than the 971 losses last year as of May 31. These lower losses mean that our net intake of 939 for this year is higher than the net of 859 as of the same time last year. Several councils in the State of Ohio have been very successful this past year bringing members into our Order. There are currently 35 councils on pace to bring in one member per month. Remember: this should be the goal of every council in the Order -- ONE MEMBER … PER COUNCIL … PER MONTH. I am certain that these councils are VERY visible and active in their parishes and communities and that men in their area know all that the Knights do and what we stand for. But never forget that we still need to ASK MEN TO JOIN THE K OF C in order to grow. Sadly, there are many councils in Ohio that have not brought in any new members for the past several years. A total of 107 councils have not brought in a new member this fraternal year. Are these councils offering something a Catholic family is looking for? Are they visible in their parish? Do they ASK men to join the Knights? My guess would be the answer to all of these questions is NO. These councils need to step back and look at what they are doing and ask if they are living Fr. Michael J. McGivney’s dream. Another important treasure that has been discovered in Ohio this past year is new councils. Six new councils were started in Ohio during the 2013-2014 fraternal year, representing 125 new members. New councils bring excitement and energy to a parish and community, and often fire up the other councils in the area. A big thank you goes out from Ohio Jones to New Council Development Director Bill Wirtz and the District Deputies and others who help form these new councils. Ohio Jones will be back for the 2014-2015 fraternal year, and will continue to push councils to recruit new members.
accounting firm of Fleming Brockschmidt and Durkin, the Ohio State Council is financially solvent with no financial debt. We continue to use QuickBooks Pro and recently converted our QuickBooks program to an on-line version which enables the fiscal officer (State Deputy, State Secretary and State Treasurer) to edit and view the real time status of our finances. We continue to maintain four Chase Bank accounts: our General account for routine deposits and check writing for our general operating expenses, our Fundraising account for the “Football Frenzy” deposits, winners checks and council rebate checks, our Savings account and our Measure Up account, which we deposit the 20% of the annual Measure Up collection. And, as any business adjusts their spending when revenue is reduced, the State Council has made several adjustments to address the reduction in per capita assessment and the unbudgeted expense of our website. We have reduced the number of Buckeye Bulletins per year by one issue with saving of around 14%. We will be reducing our upcoming Supreme Convention expenses by 20% and will be reducing our expenses of our annual State Council TOUR meetings in July by 15%. Remember, the state council changed its per capita billing two years ago to reduce the per capita from our inactive insurance members. This resulted in a reduction of nearly $8,000 a year for our state council budget. Other adjustments will be reviewed and changes made if needed. I do want to assure everyone that the financial status of the Ohio State Council will remain solvent. However, it may be necessary to increase Per Capita in the future. Appreciation. Just as any team depends on the support of all its members, the Ohio State Council depends heavily on the contributions of its “team”. The State Deputy cannot do it alone. So, I want to thank this great “team” of ours. Thanks to the State Officers; our State Chaplain and spiritual leader, Fr. Bill Kraynak, Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter, State Secretary Robert Collins Jr., State Treasurer Kevin Miller, State Advocate Robert Byers, and State Warden Mark Siracusa. I have enjoyed the the past year working with you and I look forward to another year of challenges and continued success. Special thanks to the state deputy staff. They include Jack Campbell, Jim Sieber, Dave Bender and Ray Tully. And thanks to our Executive Secretary Bob Gilliland, for the time needed to enter all the data from our copy’s of Forms 365 and 185 for our state directory. Thanks to Richard Meyer for assisting on the KofC license plate and home company property tax issues. And I thank Mike Felerski who continues to expand our social media presences with our Twitter and Facebook programs. Thanks to Joe Mackos, our State District Deputy Director and all our district deputies who stepped forward and accepted the challenge during this past fraternal year. I look forward working with you again for the next fraternal year and I hope you will help us promote our Star Council initiative and our State Program Contest. We appreciate everything you do for the State Council and for the Order. And thanks to our Diocesan District Deputy Coordinators for their valuable service. They include: Mike Felerski (Cincinnati), George Metz (Cleveland), Ted Johnson (Columbus), Tom Offendberger (Steubenville), James Collins (Toledo),
and Mike Rodgers (Youngstown). And thanks to the Grand Knights and leaders of our councils! They have been selected to lead our councils in its quest for the Star Council Award. You may not think about it in that way, but it is true. Everything expected of the Grand Knight during a fraternal year is included in this one award. Now I would not have dedicated these past 25 years if it weren’t for the support of my family. I want to thank my daughters Christina and Laura, and my son Rick who have supported all my Knight of Columbus activities. And, finally to my wife Linda, who has stood by me all these years as I advanced through the various positions of the Ohio State Council. I could not have done it without your support and understanding. Love you much! In conclusion, let us all continue to grow our councils and to grow the Order here in Ohio. We need to bring in other Catholic men to help us with all our work. And in doing so, they join us as we all grow in our charitable service. As Jesus commanded us in Matthew’s gospel, let us be the “Light of the World” so that others can see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Delegates elected to 2014 Supreme Convention
Ohio delegates to the 2014 Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida on Aug. 5-7 were elected at Area Caucuses during the State Convention. They are:
Area 1 Delegate: Stephen Majer, Toledo Alternate: Michael Berry, Defiance Council 11450 Council 1039 Area 2: Delegate: Mark Fox, Bucyrus Alternate: Stuart Vetter Jr., Bellevue Council 711 Council 752 Area 3: Delegate: Jose Rivera, Wickliffe Alternate: Don Morris Sr., Cleveland Council 5405 Council 2726 Area 4: Delegate: Laddie Marous, Jefferson Alternate: Steven Hill, Madison Council 5589 Council 5286 Area 5: Delegate: William Wirtz Jr., Dayton Alternate: Robert Burns, Dayton Council 14882 Council 4022 Area 6: Delegate: Robert Rhode, Dover Alternate: Fred Schletz, Columbus Council 1973 Council 2898 Area 7: Delegate: Shawn Zarych, Mingo Junct. Alternate: Adam Dick, Lewisville Council 4361 Council 5009 Area 8: Delegate: Fr. Ron Williams, Cincinnati Alternate: Michael Felerski, Fairfield Council 2798 Council 8115 The eight will join State Deputy Ken Girt and Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter, who are automatic delegates.
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Presentations made to individuals, councils at Awards Session of the 2014 State Convention PROGRAM ACTIVITY AWARDS Candle Light Award Councils 1039, 1065, 1362, 1801, 1973, 2158, 3269, 3724, 3904, 4022, 4130, 4168, 4361, 4731, 5239, 5669, 7970, 7978, 10936, 10941, 11187, 11208, 11275, 12359, 12772, 12939, 14155, 14255, 14504, 15056. 1000 Points of Light Award Councils 310, 472, 1016, 1056, 1569, 1786, 1944, 1991, 3304, 3335, 3813, 4212, 4539, 4617, 4847, 5128, 5534, 5628, 5801, 6373, 7491, 10215, 10820, 10863, 11193, 11216, 11224, 11450, 11915, 13608, 13977, 14344, 14406, 14502, 14551, 14882, 14891, 14995, 15043, 15447, 15533, 15614. Best Public Relations Activity Statewide: Council 1016 Div. 1: None Div. 2: Coun. 3698 Div. 3: Coun. 5534 Div. 4: Coun. 4847 Div. 5: Coun. 1016 Best Council Newsletter Statewide: Council 14111 Div. 1: Coun. 14111 Div. 2: Coun. 5628 Div. 3: Coun. 1056 Div. 4: Coun. 11445 Div. 5: Coun. 5776 Best Special Interest Story Div. 1: None Div. 2: None Div. 3: Coun. 5128 Div. 4: Coun. 637 Div. 5: Coun. 1016 Best Council Website Div. 1: Coun. 13977 Div. 2: Coun. 14344 Div. 3: Coun. 11550 Div. 4: Coun. 4847 Div. 5: Coun. 11187 Best Church Activity Reporting Div.1: Coun. 14995 Div. 2: Coun. 1944 Div. 3: Coun. 13984 Div. 4: Coun. 11208 Div. 3: Coun. 968 Best Community Activity Reporting Div. 1: Coun. 15533 Div. 2: Coun. 386 Div. 3: Coun. 14344 Div. 4: Coun. 4847 Div. 5: Coun. 1991 Best Council Activity Reporting Div. 1: Coun. 15447 Div. 2: Coun. 386 Div. 3: Coun. 11550 Div. 4: Coun. 4847 Div. 5: Coun. 1016 Best Youth Activity Reporting Div. 1: Coun. 15533 Div. 2: Coun. 11828 Div. 3: Coun. 10765 Div. 4: Coun. 7978 Div. 5: Coun. 3724 Best Family Activity Reporting Div. 1: Coun. 1944 Div. 2: Coun. 12772 Div. 3: Coun. 11915 Div. 4: Coun. 11208 Div. 5: Coun. 2640 Best Culture of Life Reporting Div. 1: Coun. 15056 Div. 2: None Div. 3: Coun. 11550 Div. 4: 14255 Div. 5: Coun. 310 FORMER MASTERS AWARDS Patriotic Award Statewide: Council 5534 Cincinnati Diocese: Council 3754 Cleveland Diocese: Council 4847 Columbus Diocese: Council 5534 Steubenville Diocese: Council 3335 Toledo Diocese: Council 14344 Youngstown Diocese: Council 11915 MEMBERSHIP AWARDS Best Membership Activity of Year Statewide: Council 14093 Div. 1: Coun. 14093 Div. 2: Coun. 1786 Div. 3: Coun. 11915 Div. 4: Coun. 10215 Div. 5: Coun. 4617 Best Membership Retention Activity Statewide: 14406 Div. 1:Coun. 10820 Div. 2: Coun. 3335 Div. 3: Coun. 14406 Div. 4: Coun. 4168 Div. 5: Coun. 3724 Best Membership Activity Reporting Div.1: Coun. 15447 Div. 2: Coun. 11828 Div. 3: Coun. 11915 Div. 4: Coun. 11208
Div. 5: Coun. 4731 Power of One Awards Councils 310, 360, 472, 505, 608, 671, 741, 1016, 1056, 1757, 1991, 3269, 3324, 3930, 4022, 4617, 4731, 5253, 5776, 5801, 10215, 10863, 10941, 11275, 11550, 11915, 13429, 13813, 14502, 14551, 15009, 15447. Highest Net Membership Percentage Division 1: Council 15447 – 25.5% Division 2: Council 134.29 – 18.9% Division 3: Council 11915 – 10.2% Division 4: Council 10941 – 7.7% Division 5: Council 4617 – 6.9% Highest Net Membership Intake Division 1: Council 15447 Division 2: Council 13429 Division 3: Council 1056 Division 4: Council 10941 Division 5: Council 608 Highest Recruitment of New Members 20 New Members: Council 15043 17 New Members: Council 15901 14 New Members: Council 15793 10 New Members: Council 4617 10 New Members: Council 14551
DISTRICT DEPUTY AWARDS District Deputy of the Year Statewide: DD-79 Michael Jordan District Deputy of the Year – 2nd Half Cincinnati Diocese: DD-8 Michael Freil Cleveland Diocese: DD-20 John Brown Columbus Diocese: DD-45 Duane Lord Steubenville Diocese: DD-52 Anthony Offenbrger Toledo Diocese: DD-56 Denver Mossing Youngstown Diocese: DD-79 Michael Jordan Administrative Flame Awards DD-2Jeerome Tebbe; DD-4 Frank Carchedi; DD10 William Keane; DD-13 Michael Feldman; DD-21 William Donohue; DD-22 Edward Ryan; DD-23 Chris Nagel; DD-26 Kevin Cornelius; DD28 Thomas Petersen; DD-36 James Colegrove; DD-39 Joseph Dickman; DD-43 Shawn Ansboro; DD-48 Erol Hosdil; DD-49 John Swan; DD-51 John Sprouse; DD-54 Christopher Bercaw; DD57 Douglas Sallows; DD-59 John Madison; /DD63 James Collins; DD-65 Robert Boyer; DD-69 Clarence Sedlock; DD-71 Joseph Yash; DD-75 Jeffery Van Oss; DD-77 Anthony Wainio. Candle Light Award DD-19 Jim Maslach; DD-30 Bruce MacMeans; DD-31 George Metz; DD-32 Robert Walsh; DD-33 Julius Hamilton; DD-40 George Jones; DD-41 Brett Gissel; DD-42 Terry Fitzpatrick; DD-55 Douglas Smith; DD-60 William White; DD-61 Matthew Smith; DD-62 Daniel Maag; DD-64 Mark Fox; DD66 Joseph Spieldenner; DD-67 Dominic Palumbo; DD-68 Phil Salasek; DD-70 James Stevenson; DD73 Joseph Fraser. Lantern Award DD-1 Thomas Wuebker; DD-2 David Warner; DD-7 Timothy Mangan; DD-8 Michael Freil; DD16 Richard Bischof; DD-18 Robert Weaver; DD-20 John Brown; DD-25 Brandon Robinson; DD-27 Michael Kalal; DD-34 Theodore Johnson; DD-35 Ronald Klausing; DD-37 William Reinhard; DD38 John Stara; DD-45 Duane Lord; DD-46 Keith Dunnigan; DD-50 Steve Ishmael; DD-52 Anthony Offenberger; DD-53 Donald Frymyer; DD-56 Denver Mossing; DD-58 David Lewis; DD-74 Robert Simon; DD-78 Dr. Joseph Mersol; DD-79 Michael Jordan. Best DD Newsletter Award DD-30 Bruce MacMeans Best DD Coordinator Newsletter Award Michael Felerski New Council Award DD-21 William Donohue; DD-27 Michael Kalal; DD-34 Ted Johnson; DD-56 Denver Mossing; DD79 Michael Jordan.
2013-2014 Honorees of the Year
Knight of Year Chaplain of Year Religious of Year Lady of Year Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Robert Bidwell Fr. Robert Kitsmiller Sr. Mary William Luxford Mary Ellen Redington Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Clarence Michael Fr. Larry Tharp Sr. Mary William Luxford Linda Stelzer Council 968 Council 8115 Council 5128 Council 1991 Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland Walter Danko Fr. Steven Brunovshy Sr. Beatrice Fitzgerald Mary Ann Vitou Council 11406 Council 14551 Council 547 Council 13984 Columbus Columbus Columbus Columbus Craig Blackwell Fr. Robert Kitsmiller Albert E. Baltz JoAnn Homan Saint Council 1786 Council 11224 Council 1016 Council 11208 Steubenville Steubenville Steubenville Steubenville William McGovern Fr. James Dunfee Sr. Katherine Caldwell Mary Ellen Redington Council 11828 Council 4361 Council 472 Council 4361 Toledo Toledo Toledo Toledo Robert Bidwell Msgr. Marvin Borger Deacon Leon Holmer Patricia Majer Council 7978 Council 7978 Council 14344 Council 11450 Youngstown Youngstown Youngstown Youngstown Paul Crowley Fr. Benson Okpara Sr. Mary Cora Skirvan Murph Gelet Council 14491 Council 4733 Council 7491 Council 7491 Family of Year Volunteer of Year Youth of Year Bluecoat of Year Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Dan & Cindy Chappie Louis Martin Colon Joseph Solon Mark Wasylyshyn Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Dan, Cindy Chappie Louis Martin Margaret Mochty Randy Baldridge Council 5128 Council 4424 Council 1801 Council 15645 Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland Gregg, Barb Tomusko Elizabeth Sobieski Colon Joseph Solon Joseph Kallay Jr. Council 14406 Council 14551 Council 13984 Council 947 Columbus Columbus Columbus Columbus Thom, Ellen Laughery Dan Pugh Maureen Schwenninger Walter Lee Distelzweig Council 11187 Council 11208 Council 10863 Council 11188 Steubenville Steubenville Steubenville Steubenville Dennis, Julie McFarland Mary Jo Yanda Luke Potenzini James Marguis Council 1786 Council 11828 Council 4361 Council 472 Toledo Toledo Toledo Toledo Matt, Patricia Gaffney John Jenkins Austin James Wlodarz Mark Wasylyshyn Council 7978 Council 7978 Council 14344 Council 7978 Youngstown Youngstown Youngstown Youngstown Scott, Kristy Winkart Anthony Pondillo Beau Boswell Rob Kerns Council 5582 Council 15086 Council 4733 Council 7491
2013-2014 Best Program Activities of the Year
Church Community Council Famiily Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Council 15447 Council 5534 Council 968 Council 5405 Division I Division I Division I Division I Council 15447 Council 15533 Council 15533 Council 3813 Division II Division II Division II Division II Council 5613 Council 12772 Council 12772 Council 11450 Division III Division III Division III Division III Council 5286 Council 5534 Council 14406 Council 1569 Division IV Division IV Division IV Division IV Council 3754 Council 14255 Council 637 Council 4424 Division V Division V Division V Division V Council 13517 Council 3724 Council 968 Council 5405
Youth Culture of Life Squires Vocations Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide Council 5405 Council 14406 Council 5534 Council 11208 Division I Division I Division I Division I Council 3813 Council 13977 None Council 1890 Division II Division II Division II Division II Council 1944 Council 1786 Council 8115 Council 14891 Division III Division III Division III Division III Council 13608 Council 14406 Council 5534 Council 1569 Division IV Division IV Division IV Division IV Council 14551 Council 14255 None Council 11208 Division V Division V Division V Division V Council 5405 Council 11187 Council 11187 Council 1991
Our Deepest Sympathy Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of AnneWilhelm, who passed away May 23 at the Hospice of Dayton. She was preceeded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Past State Deputy Robert Wilhelm.
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Best Program Activities of the Year
Each year at the State Convention, awards are presented to councils that report the Best Program Activities of the year as judged by the respective State Directors. Following are capsules of the 2014 presentations. Best Church Activity St. Marks Council 15447, Lancaster (Columbus Diocese) Fr. Gideon asked the Knights if they would clean up an area near the church that had long been neglected. A playground had been taken over by trees, weeds, grass and trash, preventing local children from playing there. The Knights took on the project, taking them 200 hours of hard work – supported and encouraged by many ladies who helped by providing drinks, food and even helped paint. The project exemplified what can be done by a few Knights: Jumping right in when the pastor asks for help; providing funds along with the church and offering fundraisers; making the project FUN, and working together, praying together to get the job done. Best Community Activity Marysville Council 5534, Marysville (Columbus Diocese) When Knights of St. Marks Council were introduced to the idea of hosting a Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team game by Brother Duane Lord, they readily agreed to undertake the project. But there were some expenses involved – for transportation, lodging and food – approximately $10,000. That proved to be no problem. The Knights raised $31,581 by connecting with 78 businesses and organizations, 12 councils, four assemblies and 38 individual donors. Expenses amounted to $15,581, so there was $16,000 to be donated to the Wounded Warriors Team and a local Marysville support group. Two games were scheduled, played in September, 2013. It was a true success. Best Council Activity Fr. Butler Council 968, Hamilton (Cincinnati Diocese) The Knights of Fr. Butler Council were asked to rehabilitate the Grotto at St. Stephens Cemetery, which originally was built in 1886 and through the years had fallen into disrepair. The project was begun in 2012 and completed a year later. Upon completion, Fr. Mike Pucke, pastor of St. Billiart Church, wanted to recognize the effort with a formal rededication. It was held on Nov. 2, 2013, with the Knights and Sir Knights present. The project involved 150 hours of work. Best Family Activity Wickliffe Council 5405, Wickliffe (Cleveland Diocese) After a fire destroyed the home of a Past Grand Knight, Wickliffe Council sponsored a benefit fundraiser at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish on Jan. 10. The council promoted the event throughout the parish and community, and it was an incredible success, raising approximately $40,000. The Past Grand Knight and his wife were overwhelmed by the response. They were to begin building a new home this year. Best Culture of Life Activity Our Lady of Charity Council 14406, Broadview Heights (Cleveland Diocese) Two Knights of Our Lady of Charity Council have relatives in The Philippines, and when Typhoon Haiyan devastated the area, the council vowed to send medical assistance. The wife of Past Grand Knight David Zuber, Dr. Jeanne Zuber, of the Cleveland Clinic, and Brother Knight Dr. Paul Russ, a local dentist, arranged to take leave from their practices in order to assemble and personally deliver medical supplies – worth more than $22,000. The council offered financial support as well as logistical and spiritual support. Best Youth Activity Wickliffe Council 5405, Wickliffe (Cleveland Diocese) A youth rally was an event within the FEST – an annual gathering in the Cleveland Diocese – bringing together more than 1,400 teens from all over the United States and Canada. Wickliffe Council sponsored and planned the rally, which was started with a concert, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and a prayer service. In planning the rally, the council wanted to increase its visibility, encouraging young men into its new Squires Circle and increasing their knowledge of the Knights of Columbus. Videos and materials from Supreme Council were used. The teens, youth ministers and attendees were very impressed with the rally. Best Public Relations Activity Lancaster Council 1016, Lancaster (Columbus Diocese) When a chemical spill polluted river waters in the Charleston area of West Virginia, Brother Knights of Lancaster Council collected and delivered water to a town in the area where people could not drink the polluted water or even use it to bathe. The Knights contacted local businesses for financial donations or bottles of water, and held a fundraising dinner. Another Lancaster council – St. Marks 15447 – donated
The Columbus Convention Executive Committee (from left) Past State Deputy Gary Eckstein, Past State Deputy Dennis Shonebarger and State Treasurer Kevin Miller. Not pictured: W. Lee Brock and Fred Scheltz.
approximately 700 bottles of water. In all, the Knights collected 5,500 bottles of water plus 415 gallon jugs, loaded them into a rented truck and drove to Madison, West Va., for distribution to the residents. Best Squires Activity Marysville Council 5534, Marysville (Columbus Diocese) The Knights of Marysville Council have been helping the newly formed Squires Circle with fundraising efforts by co-hosting a “Doughnuts with the Deacon” every Sunday between Masses at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Brother Knights have been rotating in groups of five to support at least five Squires each Sunday. Best Membership Activity St. Anthony Council 14093, Columbus (Columbus Diocese) St. Anthony Council 14093 has had a decent year recruiting new members, reaching its Supreme quota. Conferring the First Degree for one member in particular makes the recruiting efforts stand out. A member of St. Anthony Parish, Eric Harper, was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. He wanted to join the council, but was bedridden and could not attend a First Degree. So the council took the First Degree to him, conducting it in his home. He now is a proud Knight, and has been able to obtain Knights of Columbus insurance.
Delegates approve resolution promoting Fourth Degree language in ceremonials
Delegates to the 2014 State Convention debated and then voted to approve a resolution asking Supreme Council to rewrite a part of degree ceremonials to include the statement, “As you take the next steps on your journey, you aspire to ultimately reach full knighthood in the Third Degree with the option of proceeding to the honorary Fourth Degree in the Order”. The resolution was introduced by St. Hilary Council 14551, Akron (Cleveland Diocese). Reasoning behind the change, according to the resolution, is that “there still remains an unintentional oversight in the conferring of exemplifications in the First, Second and Third Degree ceremonies where the Fourth Degree is not mentioned ….. and there needs to be an expectation announced during the conferring of the first three degrees that all Knights may aspire to reach the Fourth Degree”. The resolution will be forwarded to Supreme Council for its consideration. Delegates also approved a resolution asking the Ohio State Council, through its Ohio Charity Foundation, make available three individual scholarships per year of $1,000 each, for training for fire, police and emergency medical technicians. Priority would be given to Knights of Columbus members who apply. It was forwarded to the Ohio Charity Foundation for its consideration. A resolution to halt the use of CD’s of the First Degree ceremonial was rejected. Resolutions honoring Fr. Michael J. McGivney, Pope Francis, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori, the Bishops of Ohio, State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak, Former State Chaplain and current Squires Father Prior Fr. F. Richard Snoke, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, special convention guest Supreme Vice President of Fraternal Services George Hanna, State Deputy Ken Girt, Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter, Vice Supreme Master Don Hall, and veterans of armed services, both living and deceased, were approved.
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Chaplain of the Year Fr. Robert Kitsmiller
Fr. Kitsmiller was nominated by DD-37 William Reinhard and Fr. Sheldon Kelly Council 11224, West Jefferson (Columbus Diocese). He has given up his parish, Sts. Simon and Jude, in order to further his study in Canon Law. He is with State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak (left).
Lady of the Year Mary Ellen Redington
Knight of the Year Robert Bidwell with State Deputy Ken Girt
Knight of the Year
Robert L. Bidwell Nominated by Perrysburg Council 7978 “Bob is a faithful Catholic man who actively serves his parish, the community and his council.” Msgr. Marvin Borger, of St. Rose Parish in Perrysburg, gave that testimony on behalf of the Ohio State Council’s 2014 Knight of the Year Robert L. Bidwell. Since converting to the Catholic faith in 1999, he has been very active at St Rose Parish, where he is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He is a member of Perrysburg Council 7978 and a Sir Knight of Msgr. Robert Yates Assembly 2800. He has been active as a fundraiser for his council, his parish and the community. He and his wife, Pat, have two sons and seven grandchildren.
Youth of the Year Colon Joseph Solon
Mary Ellen is an active member of Triumph of the Cross Catholic Church, Steubenville, where she is a Lector and her husband, Randall, is a Deacon. She was nominated by Msgr. Dooley Council 4361, Mingo Junction. She is with State Deputy Ken Girt.
Religious of the Year Sr. Mary William Luxford
Colon, with State Deputy Ken Girt, recently was graduated from Berea-Midpark High School (Cleveland Diocese), and will enroll at Muskingum University to study criminal justice. He was nominated by St. Peter the Apostle Council 13984, Brookpark.
Sister Mary is a Pastoral Minister at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Morrow. She was nominated by St. Malachy Council 5128, Morrow. She is with State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak.
Family of the Year Dan and Cindy Chappie family
Nominated by St. Malachy Council 5128, Morrow (Cincinnati Diocese) The entire Chappie family, which includes six children, are active in so many activities. The Chappies have passed their faith along as part of their family heritage.Dan and Cindy share not only with their own family, but serve as foster parents. The children are Meagan, Luke, Grace, Michael, Gianna and Xavier. They are with State Chaplain Fr. William Kraynak (left) and State Deputy Ken Girt (right).
Bluecoat of the Year Mark Wasylyshyn
Mark is the Sheriff of Wood County (Toledo Diocese) since 2005 and is a member of Perrysburg Council 7978, which nominated him. He is with State Deputy Ken Girt.
Volunteer of the Year Louis J. Martin
Brother Martin could not be in attendance at the State Deputy’s Banquet of the State Convention to receive his award. He was nominated by Our Lady of Peace Council 4424 (Cincinnati Diocese).
District Deputy of the Year DD-79 Michael Jordan
Among Michael Jordan’s many achievements during the fraternal year was formation of a new council, St. Edwards Council 15959, He resides in Austintown, and his councils include 3813, 13586, 13977, 15086. He is with State Deputy Ken Girt.