2025-01-28 Business Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: Grand Knight Greg Peters: January 28, 2025, 7:15pm

·         Total in attendance: 45  Brothers

·         Officers Attendance Report: End of this report

·         Burning candle memorial: Deputy Grand Knight – Michael Brouillette

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         For Sue & Eddie Ray Hunley, sister-in-law & nephew of SK Mike Alexander that tragically perished in a house fire in December

·         Deceased Brother Knight Jim Stock

Opening Prayer: Hail Mary by Miguel Saldana who filled in for Father Cesar who was unable to attend.

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Special Guests: State Secretary- Rick Lewis, Worthy District Deputy -  Gene Ziemba, Regional District Deputy- Frank Reicht, State Deputy – Sergio Miranda,  and State Warden – Chris Kramer

Visitors: No additional visitors.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: Minutes were approved unanimously.

Financial Reports:

·         Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bud Tascone
Financial statement is available upon request. Our financial status is very strong and there are no issues.

·         Financial Secretary Report: SK Cary Newman Worthy Financial Secretary

·         Dues Assessments: We still have 50 Brothers who have not paid their dues.  A second Dues Notice will be issued on January 29, with a return envelope and is due back by February 10.  Please make your payment on line as soon as you receive your second notice....or even before if you know you are delinquent.

·         In order for all brothers to receive their ID cards in a prompt manner, the FS has sent the 2025 ID cards to all 206 members of the council.  If you have yet to pay your dues and then do not pay on the second notice, you are in danger of having your ID card revoked.

·         NC State Raffle Tickets:  Of the 700 tickets allocated to our council, we still have about 240 not paid for or returned.  Even if you are not buying a ticket, you have an obligation to return the ticket to the Financial Secretary in the provided Return Envelope which you all received.  There are 140 tickets still out there that needs to be returned. Email the FS if you have lost or misplaced your tickets. The FS must account for all 700 tickets in a report to State. .  We get half the proceeds so participate as much as possible.  It is a great fundraiser for us as a Council. 

·         The Semi Annual Audit is due to Supreme on 2/15.  This a monumental amount of work and the FS is going through the learning curve.  Bear with me...but we will get it done.  The Trustees and the GK must sign the Audit Report so the FS will hand deliver it to the signatories if needed. Our Council donated $24,150 to various organizations/charities and had 5,333 hours of service donated.

·         Purchase of Superbowl Pool tickets is under the control of our worthy Trustee and past FS. 

Chaplain Report:  Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge for January reported by Lecturer Miguel Saldana

·         [A]nd on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. (Gospel for Jan. 5, Mt 2:11a) The solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord recalls the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. The Magi recognize the newborn king and offer him homage. This great feast occurs during the liturgical season of Christmas, which begins on Christmas Eve and continues through the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During Christmas time, we all remember and celebrate the reality that God assumed our human nature and became a little child. May this season also remind us to recognize the dignity of all children — including unborn children — today.

·         Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori: This month, I challenge you to work toward greater recognition of the sanctity of unborn human life by participating in a peaceful pro-life demonstration or supporting a pregnancy resource center.

·         Questions for Reflection: Do you look upon the lives of children — and all people — with respect, recognizing the dignity of human life? What more can you personally do to protect and support life wherever it is threatened or in need? Are there ways you can witness to others — in word or deed — to foster awareness of the sanctity of life?

Membership Report: Membership Director Michael Brouillette

·         We currently have 207 members in council 12017. A membership exemplification was conducted Monday January 27, one prospect, Zachary Lester was exemplified into our order. Still working on a Latino exemplification.

·         GK Peters introduced Zachary Lester, who was in attendance at the meeting, to the members. Zachary wanted to join the Knights in college but never had a chance. He joined our Council at the request of the GK.

Programs Reports: GK Peters conducted in the absence of Program Director Larry Greer

·         Faith Director Report: Faith Director John Clyatt

·         COR (Heart) Program – COR continues to meet the first three Thursdays of the month(four were held in January) at 7pm to 8:30pm in the John Henry Newman room. No COR on February 6, due to Fr. Thomas Price High School Information Meeting. The group is experiencing really profound sharing and discovery in the scriptures.  I warmly invite others to join us. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, let me know. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 719-393-2870.

·         Quarterly Knight’s Mass - Brothers we need at least Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMoHC) for each Mass.  Whichever Mass you regularly attend, please consider becoming an EMoHC.  We also need more brothers for reader and usher.  The remaining scheduled Masses are February 2 at the 9:30am Mass and June 15 at the 11:30am Mass.  If you are willing to step up, let us know.  All brothers are encouraged to attend wearing your council name badges or shirts to support the many Knights who will participate as Ushers, Greeters, EM’s, Readers, and choir members. We have new points of contact for this effort- Mike Krawcyzk, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 910-398-6517 and Miguel Saldana, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         St Mark Eucharist Revival: Hosted by St Mark Church the revival was held January 4 and 5. The Fourth Degree honor guard had five members present to process into the gym with the Monstrance to begin ceremonies and later to process to the church for the beginning of Adoration. The Knights were allowed to place recruitment materials in the gym for the event and prepared 200 hotdogs to feed those in attendance.

·         Spiritual Reflection/Retreat: He is  working with Terrie Baldwin preparing for the March 29 Spiritual Retreat sponsored by the Council and Columbiettes, from 11:00 am– 1:00pm. Retreat is entitled, “Will Christ See Himself in You” More info coming.

·         Family Director Report: Family Director John Danchisko

·         Faith on Film Series (Movie Night)- 2024 - Our last film was the documentary about Our Lady of Guadalupe.   The date was Saturday 11 January.  200 attended and $250 was collected.  It went very well and thanks to Miguel Saldano for his help and talk on Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The next film on February 8 will be: “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: Man of Hope and Healing”. It is a compelling docudrama that provides the viewer with an insightful look into one of the most beloved saints of the 20th century whose simple humility and profound faith transformed lives around the world.  Joe D’Alessandro handed out pamphlets for both this movie and the next one on March 8.(“Liberating a Continent: Saint John Paul II and the Fall of Communism”) We are planning to screen one film per month in 2025. Currently, we have selected the following Saturdays: February 8, March 8, April 5, May 10 and June 7. Joe D’Alessandro welcome any suggestions of films to screen. For any questions/comments  or to volunteer to help, reach out to: Joseph C. D’Alessandro, 910-352-7607, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Community Director Report: Community Director Ray Repage

·         Knight’s Breakfast is co-chaired  Joe D’Alessandro, Ray Repage and Bob Stevens , and mentored by Warden George Schadt. Contact Joe D’Alessandro at Cell:  910-352-7607. Jan 12 went well with 160 participating and $717 was donated. Let Joe know if you can volunteer to help and/or are supporting so we know how many will be there to set up another successful breakfast. Our next Pancake Breakfast on February 9, Super Bowl Sunday, will be used as a Kick Off Event  for the Bishops Annual Appeal (BAA), with all proceeds going to the BAA. That will be followed by hot dogs and hamburgers being served after the 11:30 am and 1:30 pm Masses. Future dates are February 9 and March 9. Joe and his team will be reaching out for volunteers to assist with these events on February 9. Help is needed for grill, hot table serving, beverage table serving, set up and clean up.

·         Blankets for the Homeless: Final distribution of blankets, socks, gloves, hand & footwarmers was made in December to the Lords church in Wilmington for the area homeless led by brother Tim Kroll and (4) council brothers. Brother John Bolger distributed 24 blankets to the Good Shepherd Ashley house to support veterans in need.

·         Blood Drive: The December 26th went well with 26 units collected.  The next drive will be April 17. Contact Ron White at 910-395-5990 if any questions.

·         Knights Free Throw Contest: Event was held January 12. The program was run by brother Steve Simms, with the assistance of four brother knights. We had four participants that qualified for the district championship.

·         NC Disaster Response: We have stopped collecting supplies and will now be moving into the cleaning and support of rebuilding areas of western NC.  Long email sent out on how you can help in the recovery effort.  Sincere thanks to all who have helped and are helping in this effort!

·         Life Director Report: Life Director Michael Breit

·         March for Life- March for Life February 8 from 10 till 12:30pm at Long Leaf Park Shelter #8, rain or shine.  This event will feature three guest speakers. All brother knights are encouraged to attend this event supporting our commitment to life.

·         Prayer vigil supporting Life: A reminder of Wednesday's 9–10am at the corner of 17 Street and Hospital Plaza. It lasts about an hour. Best contact is Larry Geer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell- 910-471-1574

·         Superbowl Pool: Email went out.  Contact Greg Decker if you want to participate.  Please participate as you can and you always have a random chance to win some money!

·         Knights on Call: Mike Alexander This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-200-9683 Program to help others.  If you want to join this group or if help is needed anywhere just send the info to Mike and he will send e mail out for volunteers.

Fourth Degree Report:  SK Greg decker reported in the absence of SK Larry Greer

·         Faithful Navigator, Frank Bio This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-899-8946.

·         Monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 7pm.  Location is being rotated among parishes.  Go to the site for details - https://kofc2017.org/  The January 21 meeting was cancelled due to the storm and hazardous driving. Next meeting is February 18 at 700pm at 1074’s Council Chambers at St. Mary.

·         Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America They are grateful for all the support they received this year to make possible a wreath on every grave at the Wilmington National Cemetery.  We brought in ~$500 last year for Veterans support.  The link is on the Assembly 2017 website and the Council 12017 website. Lastly, on January 29 (moved from January 23 because of the storm) beginning at 9am, they are looking for volunteers to remove this year’s wreaths.  Bring a rake or other utensil to make this go faster .It will take less than an hour to complete.  Location: Wilmington National Cemetery on Market Street. Honor Guard recently participated in a ceremony at Camp Lejeune.

·         LAMB Report:  LAMB Director Tim Niggel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cell 910-470-5490 (cell preferred)  

·         Annual Wilmington Polar Plunge- February 8 at 3pm at Kure Beach Oceanfront Park, 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach. The event will open at 11AM with the actual splash happening at 3:05PM. Brother Tim has secured a room for Knights to prepare and warm up after the plunge. Come out to support Special Olympics and this worthy event. For the bold, consider joining your brother knights that will take part in the splash. Details at -https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/event/special-olympics-polar-plunge-%26-run/4489/

Latino Roundtable:  GK Peters Reported. The Roundtable meets every 4^th Thursday of the month in the Juan Diego Room at 7:15pm immediately after Mass.

·         We conducted out first meeting of the year on January 9th. Selection of new roundtable leaders was held by the roundtable. Nector Diaz was selected the new Coordinator, Geronimo Santamaria was selected Deputy Coordinator, and Tirso Martinez was selected as the new Latino Membership Chair. The roundtable will now meet on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month at 7PM in the St Jaun Diego room. The roundtable has $1,144 in funds collected from the last car wash. They have a Taco dinner fundraiser scheduled for 5/4. New business included a discussion on a 12X16’ storage facility for Christ the King church, 3 estimates have been collected for construction cost estimates. Christ the King parishioners have also contributed $800, plus an $1,100 carryover from last year, for this most needed storage facility. We are working with Father Cesar and the church operations staff to determine if permitting is required and location, and to finalize budget prior to construction. The roundtable currently has 22 members, they have (4) brothers interested in membership and have set a goal of 10 new members for 2025.

Old Business:

·         Unfinished business – Nothing that wasn’t previously discussed or covered.

·         Habitat for Humanity Home Build Worthy Chancellor Ron White gave update. 7 participated in our first event and put up siding on the house and had a great time!.  Our next event is March 8. We need 10 people for each event (can also be family members or friends).  All safety gear provided. If you want to bring your favorite tool belt, feel free, but tools will be provided by the site foreman. This should be vinyl siding prep on a new home in a new development called Haven Place. Haven Place is located off of Castle Hayne Road. It would be 7:45 am to 2:00 pm with lunch provided. The address for the home is 104 Jubilee Court, which is not currently on digital maps due to it being so new. Please note that Jubilee Road is a new road in a new neighborhood (Haven Place) and is not yet showing up on digital maps. For reference, please use the address: 3121 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429 when using your GPS. This address is the property next to our new neighborhood, Haven Place. You will see the Haven Place sign and entrance right after this address.. POC- Worthy Chancellor Ron White 910-395-5990

·         200 Club Update: This council fundraiser was proposed in 2024 to help support LAMB, to date we have approximately 30 brothers that have already purchased the $50 yearly ticket. I proposed that we open this up to the parish community. I discussed at our recent officer’s meeting that to help gain Father Greg’s approval that we would take 25% of the net proceeds to contribute to Father Greg for the Saint Philomena fund that the parish can use to support specific programs that our priests specify. If we get 200 members, we estimate $4,000 in net proceeds. This would mean $3,000 to the council for LAMB and $1,000 to the church to support their identified programs. Our council officers approved this recommendation. I will be preparing a letter and subsequent meeting with Father Greg to discuss.

·         Christmas Party: A Christmas Party was held at the Bonefish Grill on December 15 for the council and our Columbiette sisters. We had 83  participants. We are considering having a 15-30 minute social prior to dinner for next year.

New Business:

·         Novant Health Marathon: On 2/22 the Novant Health Marathon will occur. The Knights will be responsible for station #2 directly across from St Mark church on Eastwood Road. We will be serving water, Gatorade, and energy gels to the race participants. We will meet at 5:30am to begin setup for the event, we still need volunteers to help with this event. Time commitment would be from 5:30 -8:00am. Please reach out to PGK Larry Greer for help if needed on registration information GK forwarded information regarding this event via email to the members.

·         Thank-A-Cop Lasagna Dinner: Proposed by brother Tim Kroll, Council 12017 will prepare a Lasagna dinner on April 12^th for the New Hanover Jail facility. Brother Tim is soliciting funding for this worthy event from Wilmington area businesses. Logistics are being worked out by Tim, we will likely need possibly 6-10 Knights to volunteer to cook and serve this meal. Sign-Up Genius forthcoming.

·         Knights Golf Tournament: Has been scheduled for April 14 at Castle Bay Golf Course.  SK Mike Alexander will begin the planning for this major fundraiser. More info coming. We will need participants and volunteers to help with the event.

·         Knights Magic Show: We are working on a LAMB fundraiser to offset loss of collections from Harris Teeter & Food Lion to support LAMB. Brother Tim Niggel has proposed hosting a magic show on Sunday June 8^th. The featured performer will be nationally recognized magician Brian Saint., who on three occasions stumped Penn & Teller Fool Us. We have reserved the school gym to host the event and must complete diocese paperwork & alcohol license for approval. Brother Tim was able to get a contract from the entertainer at a reduced rate. GK Peters stated that we have received approval from Fr. Greg for this fundraising event.

·         St Patrick’s Day Party: Saturday, March 15 from 6 till 10pm in the St. Mark Parish Social Hall. A DJ will be playing your favorites. Catering by Middle of the Island featuring: Corned Beef, Boiled Potatoes & Carrots, Steamed Cabbage, Green Beans Almondine, Spinach Strawberry Salad, Penne Pasta, Cornbread, Iced Tea, Water, Soda, Beer & Wine, Dessert. $50 per person. Only 120 tickets will be sold; no walk-ins. Seating will be on a first come basis. Order Tickets Online online on the council website: https://koc12017.org.

·         Lenten Fish Fry- March 21.  More info coming.

Miscellaneous:

·         Mike Alexander thanked the brother Knights for all their prayers and support over the recent deaths in his family, it was appreciated.

·         GK reported that thank you cards were received from the seminarians for their Christmas gifts; from Coastal Therapeutic’s Jefferey Werner Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1,200

·         State Secretary Rick Lewis thanked the membership for their financial support, donations and assistance , six truck loads of relief supplies, during Hurricane Relief efforts. He said that things are coming along and weekend crews to help with rebuilding are still needed for those who are interested and could help.

·         Brother John Clyatt has prepared a meal for members to enjoy after the meeting. Donations to offset his costs are appreciated.

Grand Knight’s Report: GK Greg Peters:

·         Previously discussed under Program Director Report and New Business

Good of the Order:

·         Family of the Month –

·         Knight of the Month – Ron White

·         Other Awards- State Deputy Sergio Miranda presented a Double Star Award. He mentioned that the Council is united in faith, as demonstrated at tonight’s mass prior to the meeting. He stated that “We are the ones answering prayers” helping those in need in our community and North Carolina. A plaque was presented to PGK Cary Newman for the council’s achievement.  

·         District Deputy Gene Ziemba then presented Membership Recognition Pins to PGK Newman, Past Membership Chair and current GK Peters and past membership Co-Chair and current DGK Brouillette for attaining and exceeding membership goals.

·         Worthy Lecturer Miguel Saldana continued with his very informative monthly presentations on Our Lady of Guadelupe and St. Juan Diego. He spoke about the timeline of how this led to St. Juan Diego’s sainthood/canonization.

Prayers for Brothers in Need:

·         Names in the Prayers Book

·         For the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney

·         George Schwartzman; John Danchisko’s son John who is fighting cancer; Jack Murphy’s upcoming by-pass surgery on February 18

Next Meeting: February 25 at 7:15pm

Closing Prayer: Our Father was led by Worthy Lecturer Miguel Saldana

Meeting Adjourned: 8:22pm

Minutes completed by Substitute Recorder: SK Jack Murphy