I want to thank our newly elected Council Officers as we start next fraternal year. I also want to thank and recognize our volunteer/appointed members of our Council who provide a valuable service to our Council, church and community. Financial secretary, Rich Miller, Program Director, Vince Ursini, Church Director, Tom Pardo, and Community Director, George Loewen, (who will be stepping down this year after many years of service and is being replaced by Tom Gray), COR Director, Mike Essad, Council and Family Director, Craig Thomson (who is handling two positions), Youth Director, Art Krygowski, and finally Membership Director, Phil Mularski. These Knights support and initiate many programs in Council, Church and Community such as the Silver Rose, Vocation support, Keep Christ in Christmas, Basketball Free throw, Knight of Month and Year, Rosary Rallies to name a few. Thank you for all that you do!
Church Beatification – The guys got together to spruce up the church by laying some mulch and trimming the bushes and trees. They put down 10 yards of mulch and trimmed all trees around the church! That’s a lot of mulch and trimming! The church looks great. Thanks Mike Pasqual, Jeff Gapczynski, Rich Miller, Paul Parker, Mike Essad, Steve Kargenian, Ray Coughlin, Ken Krause, Rob Hannigan, Art Krygowski and Marty Winiarski. If I missed someone my apologies.
Pot Luck Dinner – I thought the dinner went well. The hall was pretty full. There was just a bunch of great food and conversation. We handed out the inaugural Scholarship Awards to three very deserving students. We also awarded Knight of the Year and Family of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the dinner to make it a success.
Special Recognitions – Family of the Year was presented to Christine and Jeff Gapczynski. Jeff was a founding member of the Council and it’s first Grand Knight. He is the Vocations Director and part of Detroit Archdiocese Vocations League, runs the MI Drive and has held many Council and State positions. His knowledge of Council history is priceless. Chris has also been a huge part of this Council. She is the editor and publisher of the Knight’s Shield for many years. No small task! She helps at the fish fries and feeds the crew with her chocolate chip cookies...the best! Jeff and Chris have supported our Council throughout the past thirty years! They are a great team and an asset to our Council.
Knight of the Year was presented to Gino Gattari, long time member who remains very active in our Council. He was a founding member of the Council. Gino most likely has recruited half our members single handedly! He livens up the meetings with his quick wit and great stories. The award was well deserved.
Lifetime Achievement Awards– These Knights have 149 yrs of service! The following received the awards:
Dave Wisneski – Knight 50 yrs; Fourth Degree Knight; Grand Knight; Deputy Grand Knight, Advocate, 3Yr Trustee; Lecturer (Not present at dinner)
Rob Tusset – Knight for 54 yrs; Fourth Degree Knight; Recorder/Scribe; Choir; Casey the Teddy bear program
Joe Phillips – Knight 30 yrs; Fourth degree Knight; Always willing to help; Fish Fry; Shirt guy; Happy warrior
Mike Hartel – Knight for 15yrs; Fourth Degree Knight; Grand Knight; DKG; Trustee; Recorder; Program Director (Not present at dinner)
