Register for
Digest by Email

Brother Knights and Friends of Union Council 4504

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to attend the mid-year Grand Knights meeting in Piscataway.  As they do each year, the State Officers put together a full agenda meant to energize and motivate the attendees as we prepare for the second half of the Columbian year.  The prevailing message was that we have only six months left to make a difference in our current term of office.

I personally found the meeting to be somewhat of a mixed bag, with some of the speakers very motivating, and others somewhat less exciting.  That being said, I am looking forward to the rest of my term, as I do think we are on the right track in many of the things we have started this year.  I still feel extremely fortunate to be the Grand Knight of this Council, and very grateful for the tremendous level of support that I have received from so many of you.

The one topic that is on the agenda for every meeting with the State Officers is membership, and this year was no different. While the size of our Council makes meeting our expected quota of new members virtually impossible, I do have concerns that our energy level toward recruiting new members is not as strong as it could be.  We currently have a strong Membership team in place, with incentives to reward Brothers who sponsor new members, but the first steps start with each and every one of us.  If you know of any Catholic gentleman who are not yet Knights, why not invite them to join?  

While February may be considered somewhat of a slow month, collectively we do have several important events planned.  The Columbian Club will be going all out with its Super Bowl party (GO GIANTS) and the chili cook off early in the month.  The Council itself is going to be hosting the annual Valentine’s Dance for Camp Fatima on Saturday February 11th and a first degree ceremony at our first meeting on February 13th.

By far however, the biggest event of the month is the annual Tricky Tray sponsored by the Columbiettes that will be held on Saturday February 25th.  As I had explained in a blast email a week or so ago, the women are still seeking donations of baskets and other items needed to make the event as successful as possible.  Due to the current economy, business and corporate donations have decreased, making it difficult for them to have the same number of goods and other items available as prizes.  If you can help in any way, please contact either Chris Burlew or Gina Zangari as soon as possible.

Even though it is currently mid winter, keep in mind that that the Saint Patrick’s Day parade is only 6 weeks away, and work parties start in only 7 weeks!  Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Comedy Night, the RCD drive and the Convention will be on us before we know it.

Please take advantage of all that we have to offer, and don’t hesitate to ask friends, relatives or neighbors to join.  There’s plenty for them to do!

Vivat Jesus!
Andy Schopfer, PGK
Grand Knight 2011-2012