The Buckeye Blast A Publication of the Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus
Volume 1 Issue 4
KOFCOHIO.ORG
April 2021
2021 State Convention Edition My Brother Knights of the Ohio State Council, This letter is our UPDATED notification for a nontraditional VIRTUAL state convention meeting. We are utilizing all forms of communication to ensure that information is accurate and timely. • With the cooperation and assistance of Supreme Council, the VIRTUAL STATE CONVENTION is scheduled for Saturday May 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. • We need all councils in good standing to register as voting delegates on the state website by April 26, 2021. [Every council in Ohio is permitted two voting delegates, generally the Grand Knight and a Past Grand Knight, per the bylaws. For more information, please go to the Ohio State Council website (kofcohio.org) and click on the tab that says State Convention information.] Please complete the Council Delegate Registration form. • At least 7 (seven) days before the scheduled 2021 Ohio State Council Virtual Convention Meeting, all delegates are to be notified about the date and time. The following 3 (three) resources are now available (or soon will be) for review: ✓2020 Annual Meeting Minutes and Reports of Committees ✓Reports of Officers, Resolutions, and the Budget (if required) for 2021-2022 ✓Special Rules of Order for the 2021 State Council Virtual Meeting • The 2021 Super Cash Bonanza drawing will take place during the virtual convention. The Super Cash drawing will be conducted the same way as we did in 2020. The State Officers and the Ohio Charity Foundation members will assist with the drawing again. • The election of the state officers to their next offices will take place; in addition, a state warden will also be elected virtually following Supremeapproved protocols. Along with the above information, please review the following copied reminders sent in the First Call mailing:
• The deadline for the “We Are Many; We Are One” state general program is May 1, 2021. This means that State General Program Director Mike Nau and his team will accept submissions of COUNCIL activities by April 15,2021 and the HONOREES of the YEAR through April 01,2021. • Please continue to keep membership at the top of the list. With online membership and the video of the new Exemplification, there are more ways of bringing new brother knights to the Order. Several virtual Exemplifications via Go-toMeeting have taken place across the Ohio State Council. For information in participating in one of these future broadcasts, please contact one of the following: ✓State Membership Director Stewart Vetter at BetterWithVetter@hotmail.com ✓S t a t e D e p u t y B o b robert_byers@hotmail.com
Byers
at
✓S t a t e W a r d e n J a m e s M a s l a c h a t kofcjkm@gmail.com In closing, these are updates and a review of the changes we are making in conducting business. In all the above ways, the state officers are remaining proactive in addressing this current pandemic. T h e O h i o S t a t e C o u n c i l w e b s i t e ( w w w. kofcohio.org) is updated frequently and provides a good source of K of C information. However, if there are any unanswered questions or if you need additional information, please contact me or your diocesan state officer. Stay healthy and please pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Fraternally,
Bob Byers Robert E. Byers State Deputy
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“We need some rootin’ tootin’ Catholic men…” – Stew Vetter, Membership Director I can’t believe it’s time for another Buckeye Blast. I hope this finds you ensconced in your favorite throne (that is why it’s printed and sent to you) and ready for some interesting information. In honor of April’s incentive, I tried to write this like it was an old western movie script but it was an EPIC fail. So, you get the usual me. Sorry…ish…ok maybe not really. It would have been cool in old western though. March’s incentive that pitted diocese versus diocese was a great success. Ohio brought in 145 new Knights and Cincinnati improved their standing by 8% to take the win and get the extra incentive dollars. Alas, it didn’t get them to the top spot in the state overall though. That honor is still held by Steubenville. At least for now. There is still lots of recruiting to go. For April, we are on The Roundup of new members. We need some rootin’ tootin’ Catholic men to join our great order. The weather is warmer, the state is backing off the restrictions, mass attendance is up, vaccines are being distributed to just about everyone that wants one. I mean even Fr. Ron managed to find one so I guess they will give them to anyone. (Settle down fellas, Fr. Ron has a good sense of humor. He will be ok and if he isn’t, I’ll get a Facebook message.) What I’m trying to get at is: It’s a great time to host some sort of event and to recruit. Be safe and make it fun so families come and make sure they know who hosted!!! For every new cowpoke you bring in the State Deputy has authorized a crisp new $20 bill for your council. I’ve heard $20 isn’t much but it’s several year’s state per capita for that guy. If you pay Supreme and State per capita it covers most of 2 years. When you look at what it REALLY costs the council for each Knight, $20 really goes a long way. We want your council to get Star Council. (That was a smooth transition, wasn’t it?). As a State team, we really do want you to get Star Council. Star Council means your council is recruiting and developing new brother Knights to be future directors and
officers and; it means you are active enough to be relevant in the parish and the community. Star Council means you do the things we, as Knights of Columbus, are supposed to do. So far, 49 councils have met or exceeded their adjusted Star Council membership quota. If you missed it, Supreme lowered the Star Council membership quotas due to the pandemic. We still have about 10 weeks in this fraternal year. That’s plenty of time to get to your councils membership and activity quotas even if you haven’t started recruiting yet this year. Ohio is still offering online degrees on Wednesday evening and Saturday morning and Supreme has on demand degrees available and live degrees are always an option and more and more are being offered by councils and districts. We want your council to get Star Council because you deserve it. Your council does the work. The state team sees it and we want you to be recognized with the Order’s top council prize. I hope you’ve enjoyed the little videos that come out with the incentives. We have a great time shooting them despite how ridiculously stupid some of them are (yes, I mean the rap video). I/we do these videos because we want you to laugh, to share them, and to remember that month’s incentive. We are willing to be ridiculous and embarrass ourselves because we believe THAT MUCH in the goals of our Order and in the great Knights here in Ohio. We want to motivate you to get active and recruit so more men can help change lives through charity. The videos and social media graphics are NOT AT ALL a solo operation. It is VERY MUCH a group effort and I can not thank those guys enough. There are lots of emails, texts, attachments, phone calls, and hard work that go into these videos but because it is a group effort it doesn’t seem like work. If you enjoy them, show it through recruitment. I know it’s not easy but nothing worth doing is so let’s do the hard things because they make the best memories. Recruit safely. Exemplify passionately. Mentor wisely.
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Be G
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Ca d da e F
April 2021
S a e Wa de
Brett Gissel has been a resident of Worthington, OH since 2005 and is a member of St. Michael parish in Worthington. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University, has worked in the actuarial field, taught mathematics, worked in healthcare analytics, and is currently employed by Deloitte as a Solution Senior Consultant. Originally from Trenton, MI, Brett attended Trenton High School (1 1) and earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State (1 5). Since moving to Ohio Brett met – through a Catholic website - and married Jeanne. They were joined in marriage on May 16, 200 at St. Michael Church. Together they have 2 children, Augustine ( ) and Maria ( ), who are in 1st Grade at St. Michael School and are often seen volunteering with mom or dad. Brett is a third-generation member of the Order on both his side of the family and Jeanne’s side of the family. He joined the Columbian Squires in 1 , joined the Knights of Columbus (Msgr. Eppenbrock Council 3615; Trenton, MI) in 1 2, and became a Fourth Degree member late in 1 2 (Msgr. Van Antwerp Assembly 4 5; Wyandotte, MI). Brett is currently a member of St. Michael Council 11445 (Worthington, OH), and Columbian Martyrs Assembly 23 0 (Columbus, OH). He has held the offices of Church Director, Inside Guard, Warden, Grand Knight, and Trustee in his council and the offices of Faithful Inner Sentinel, Faithful Pilot, Faithful Navigator, Faithful Trustee, and Color Corps Commander in his assembly. Brett has also served as District Deputy (2013-1 ), Chapter President (2015-16), State Culture Of Life Director (2016-1 ), District Master (201 -1 ), and State Faith Director (201 -Current). K g
Of C b N ab e 2010-12 Assembly grew over 30 (4 members) through active recruiting as Faithful Navigator by visiting all 12 councils assigned to assembly 2011-12 Star Council 2012-13 Star Council 2014-15 Star District 2015-16 Star District (All Stars District with all 5 council earning Star Council; 1 of 13 All Stars Districts in the Order) 2015-16 Ohio District Deputy Of The Year 2016 – Panelist for Supreme’s first live webinar on recruiting young men to the Order 201 – Delegate to 135th Supreme Convention 2013-1 - Total of 10 Star Council awards in district out of a possible 1
At church Brett serves on the Pastoral Council (since 2014) and serves as an usher (since 2010) with one kid in tow or assisting since 2013. He has also been a server, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and sacristan. Since 200 Brett has been involved in the annual Labor Day weekend parish festival, which nets between $50,000$100,00 per year. From 200 -13 Brett was the Volunteer Chairman recruiting volunteers for over 1,400 positions, for 2015 and 16 Brett was the overall Chairman of the festival, and since 201 has served as Food Court Chairman responsible over the front end of Food Court during the weekend. Brett is also a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre (2011), a Lay Dominican (2012), and a Cub Scout Den Leader (201 ).
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Christopher Michael Sarka - Candidate for State Warden Christopher Michael Sarka DOB – 1979.08.04 Spouse – Gina Marianne (Aelker) Sarka (mar. 2008.06.21) Parents – Michael Sarka, Patricia Sarka (dec. 1996.08.02) Hometown: Kalida, Ohio Current Residence – New Albany, Ohio Current Parish – Church of the Resurrection 4th Degree - Knight of Columbus (Past Grand Knight, Council 10941; Past Faithful Navigator, Assembly 3037; 2019-2020 Greater Columbus Chapter President; District Deputy #46, Ohio Jurisdiction; Ohio State Council, Diocesan Membership Director.) Church Activities: • Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist • Usher (Lead Usher – assisting Sacristan in Mass preparation) • Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration – Member • Knight - Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem • Adult Leader – Youth Group - Annual Service Project (Gospel Road) – Work with Youth Minister for pre-trip planning of service projects, designing and ordering material for construction work, leading group with asst. leader, adult youth site runner, and up to 8 high school youths. • Co-Chair 2015 Dinner Dance Auction – (Raised general funds for operations and sustaining ministries of the parish and significant donations to Habitat for Humanity and Cristo Rey Schools) Volunteering in the Community (past and/or present): • VA Hospital • Habitat for Humanity • Special Olympics • President of UA-HOA • Multiple food banks, shelters and soup kitchens for those in need. Professional Experience: • Current role – Oversee engineering and maintenance for an international frozen food production facility. Responsible for developing goals and actions plans that align with company objective. Manage continuous improvement strategies and apply to improve efficiencies. Define and track metrics, ensuring target are being met. Develop and execute annual budgets, both operational and capital improvements. Annual budgets combined are approximate $13,000,000. Strategic planning, prioritizing and alignment with corporate goals worldwide. Very hands-on style approach. • Experience – 20 + years in management. 5 years in senior leadership. Project management, financial analysis, planning, procurement, production / operations supervision, process improvement engineering, mechanical engineering, fabrication, electrical controls, automation, etc. • Bachelor’s Degree – Business Management – University of Toledo. • Proven ability to learn, adapt and grow into new roles and responsibilities. • Servant leader who has passion to drive excellence.
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April 2021
"A Million Dollars for Charity” Reminders – Jeff Kiliany, State Treasurer Just a quick reminder that the second and final turn-in is due to me on or before Friday, May 14, 2021. Remember that due to this being a virtual convention this year there will not be an opportunity to deliver tickets in person at the convention
Important Reminder
Extra materials and tickets can be obtained contacting your Diocesan Officer. Any questions concerning the 2021 Super Cash Bonanza Campaign should be directed to me, Jeff Kiliany; S t a t e Tr e a s u r e r a n d C h a i r, b y e m a i l a t jtktg@yahoo.com or by calling me at 330-853-6099
cell. Please continue to promote the program and it’s not too late to partner! Remember, we are here to help you work toward the success of the 2021 Super Cash Bonanza charity campaign at your local council and all indications are that it will be a success! Thank you to all my brother knights for helping us in our quest to sell $1,000,000 worth of tickets, so that together we can raise money for all of our charitable causes. Jeffrey Kiliany State Treasurer
Resolutions for the 2021 State Convention MUST be submitted 30 days prior to the State Convention. This means that it must be received by the State Secretary by April 21, 2021 in order to be considered. Congratulations to the 2021 State Free Throw Winners Tim Mangan, State Community Director
and Congratulations to Ohio’s 2020 International Soccer Challenge Winners! Mallory Haltkamp Council 5128 St. Malachy (Morrow)
Aydan Baldwin Council 5128 St. Malachy (Morrow)
Each international winner will receive the coveted the International Soccer Challenge Championship Trophy. This crystal award is being specially engraved with their name, sponsoring council, and location. It will be presented to them at a ceremony arranged by the Ohio State Council.
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April 2021
53rd Annual Ohio K of C State Family Campout July 26 – August 1, 2021 Meadowbrook Park (www.mbpark.org) 5430 West Tiffin Street, Bascom, OH 44809 Greetings Brother Knights and Families! Make your plans to attend! The 53rd Annual Ohio Knights of Columbus Family Campout has been scheduled for Monday July 26 thru Sunday August 1, 2021, at Meadowbrook Park in Bascom, Ohio, hosted by the Attica, Republic, New Washington, and Monroeville Councils. Join us for a weekend of fun, food and friendship! Come early in the week and enjoy some local attractions on your own….Mass at the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, enjoy a Mass or walk the Stations of the Cross winding through the woods at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, Civil War Museum in Tiffin, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Charter Fishing on Lake Erie, Water Parks in the Sandusky area, Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum in Bellevue, Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park in Fostoria, Seneca County Fair in Tiffin (that whole week), Copper Kettle Works in Bucyrus, and Biking/Hiking in the Seneca County Park District. A tour of the Historic Ritz Theatre in Tiffin is planned for Thursday. The Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe is across the street from the Theatre for anyone wishing to visit after the tour. Also don’t forget about the Annual State Campout Golf Outing to be held on Friday Morning! Camping for Friday and Saturday is $80 with $35 for each additional night (refer to the Registration Form). Picnic tables will be provided. Firewood will be available. Anyone not camping but wishing to visit and enjoy the Friday and/or Saturday activities and meals must preregister as a Visitor so we have enough food available. The fee will be $5 per person per day. If you are not camping, here are a few local hotels: • Hampton Inn, 2492 State Route 231, Tiffin, OH; 419-443-5300 • Holiday Inn Express, 78 Shaffer Park Drive, Tiffin, OH; 419-443-5100 • Days Inn, 1927 South State Route 53, Tiffin, OH; 419-447-6313 We hope to see you at the 53rd Annual 2021 State K of C Family Campout! Register by mailing the registration form before June 20, 2021. Reservations after this date cannot be guaranteed a site. For more information you may call/text Gary Siesel at 567-267-0519 or email gskofc3062@aol.com. Looking forward to seeing you in July! The 2021 State Campout Committee Driving Directions: From Interstate 75 take US 224 east, turn left (north) on CR 7 to SR 18 east, turn right into Park. From the East, travel west on US 224, then west on SR 18, turn left into Park at edge of Bascom. From the South, travel north on US 23 to SR 53 north to US 224, then left (west) to SR 18, turn left into Park. From the North, travel SR 53 south to SR 12 west to SR 635, then south to SR 18 east, turn right into Park.
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April 2021
REGISTRATION 53rd Annual Ohio K of C State Family Campout July 26-Aug 1, 2021 Meadowbrook Park 5430 West Tiffin Street, Bascom, OH 44809 Name Address City
State
Phone
Council Number
Council City
Zip
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April 2021
122nd Annual State Convention Delegate Registration is Now Online To register as a Delegate to the 2021 Ohio State Convention you must register online by going to the State website KOFCOHIO.ORG and click on the “State Convention News” button or you can find the page by going to Activities > State Convention. The following information is required:
• Council Number • Your email address • Confirmation of your email address Then fill out the information for each delegate and alternate. Be sure to include their Membership Number (without leading zeros). This information must be accurate in order to verify membership for voting privileges during the convention:
99999 John316@net.com John316@net.com
e l p m a S
John Smith
1234567
Grand Knight
419-555-1212
John316@net.com
Luke Smith
1234568
Trustee
937-555-1212
LK2342@net.com
Matthew Smith
1234569
Trustee
614-555-1212
MT2028@net.com
122nd Annual State Convention In Memoriam Form is Now Online To submit the name(s) of brother Knights who have passed away since last year’s Ohio State Convention please use the form online at the State website KOFCOHIO.ORG then Activities > State Convention and clicking on “In Memoriam Form”. PLEASE make not of any Former District Deputies who have passed away from your council. This information is forwarded to Supreme for the Supreme Convention Memorial Mass.