| KNIGHT KNEWS |
Oct.-Nov. 2003 |
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Sir Knight E. A.J. Rivard, Editor |
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Former Deputy Grand Knight Sir Knight Patrick E. Burke, interim Grand Knight since the September resignation of William R. (Bill) Furst, has agreed to accept the responsibilities of the office of Grand Knight for the remainder of the current fraternal year. In order to be free to fill the position full time, Sir Knight Burke tended his resignation as Deputy Grand Knight. Taking advantage of the gathering for the Award Presentations and Pot Luck Dinner on Tuesday, October 21st, District Three Deputy Gary Green accepted Burke's resignation, and immediately appointed him Grand Knight to the resounding approval of all present. Burke received a pledge of support from the entire cadre of current year officers, who promised to work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition and guarantee unbroken continuation of all activities, events and programs to which the council is currently committed. New GK Burke then opened a short meeting for the purpose of accepting nominations for his vacated position, and two other positions that needed filling, those of Warden and Inside Guard. The nominations will remain open until the regularly scheduled membership meeting on Tuesday, November 18th. At that time, nominations will close and an election will be held. With a strike of the gavel and a closing prayer, GK Burke brought the meeting, and the evening's activities to a close. The appointment of Sir Patrick as new Grand Knight was a happy and fitting end to an already very successful and immensely joyful evening.
Dwight Booth Accepts Star Council Award.
The highlight of Tuesday night's Award Presentations and Pot Luck Dinner came when Past Grand Knight Dwight I. Booth accepted the coveted Star Council Award on behalf of Council 6806, from Former State Deputy Wayne Hogan. In presenting the award, FSD Hogan explained to the Sir and Brother Knights and their families in attendance, that in order to earn the Star Council Award, a council must first earn three other awards; the Columbian, Father McGivney, and Founder's Awards. As Hogan pointed out, to earn the Columbian Award, the council must conduct and report at least four major activities in each of the following sections of the Service Program: Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. That means keeping accurate records of what the council does, and who is involved in doing it. It also means staying in close communication with activity chairmen and the Financial Secretary to ensure sufficiently detailed reports get turned in on time. In order to achieve this, PGK Booth had to, first of all, be sure he had dynamic leaders chairing the various activities, committees, and events. Secondly, he had to stay connected to what was happening without badgering the group doing it, or trying to micro-manage the task. To his credit and the ultimate success of the council, Booth did this with great aplomb; displaying the utmost trust and respect for his Brother Knights.
The Father McGivney award is earned by meeting or exceeding the membership quota for the year. For councils with fewer than 100 members, the quota is five new members. Now, one would think that picking up less than half a dozen new members would be an easy thing to do. But in actual fact, there is a lot more to it than that. First of all, there has to be a push by the GK to "motivate" members to get out and ask the men of our parish to join our order. Secondly, what few of us realize, and Sir Wayne was only too happy to enlighten us about, is that a recruitment goal is the number of new or lapsed members brought in above the number of losses for the same period.
For our council, with a total of seven losses in the first month, it meant a recruiting goal of 12. Dwight did two things simul-taneously. He showed us the way by single-handedly bringing in seven members, and, by so doing, he covered the losses. Thus it was left to the rest of us to bring in the five with which the council was originally goaled. Inspired by his drive, we did better than that, recruiting another eight men for the council and the order, bringing the total to 15, for 125% of goal. Which brings us to the third of the Big Three awards necessary to garner the prized Star Council Award: the Founder's Award. This one requires three insurance mem-bers more than losses (other than death) for councils with 100 mem-bers or less. In our case, since we had lost one insurance member earlier in the year, we had to come up with four new insurance mem-bers. Although this is the province of our insurance Field Agent, Ron Sholz, all of us can "sell" someone on the need for, and/or advantages of, the K of C's superlative insurance program. In fact, we do this regularly when we sign up a new member, because the information needed to do so is right there on the Form 100. In any event, we managed to get not only the four we needed last fraternal year, but one extra besides, for a total of 5 new insurance members, for 125% of this goal as well. Finally, and it almost goes without saying, unless all the foregoing reports are received by Supreme on or before the due date, the council would not qualify for those awards, and therefore would not be eligible for Star Council. This is the one thing, more than any other, that PGK Booth stayed on top of. He was a stickler for submitting reports - all reports - in a timely fashion. Not only were Council 6806 reports turned in on time, most of the time they were early. So, the bottom line is this. It was primarily through Booth's planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and supervising efforts that all things came together, and OLQH Council 6806 was able to receive the Star Council Award. You led us well Sir Dwight. Our sincere and heartfelt Thank You.
Are You a New Knight?
If so, are you a Knight in Shining Armor? The "Shining Armor" award is given to new members who exem-plify what it means to be a true Knight during their first full year of membership. To qualify for this award, new Knights must:
If you have met these requirements, please let us know so we can process your award, and bestow upon you the title of "Knight in Shining Armor."
Help Wanted.
Attention Brother Knights and Ladies, the Spana-Park Senior Center is in dire need of volunteers in the following areas:
The need is greater this time of year because many of the regular helpers "snow bird" south for the winter. For more information, or to volunteer, call Frank Silva @ 537-1636 or Hazel at the Senior Center @ 537-4854.
Thanksgiving Time.
For the members, widows and wives, and friends of OLQH Council 6806, that means it's time for the annual Joseph C. Martin dinner for clergy, seniors and residents of veteran's homes. Although at the beginning it always seems like a dauntless task, the usual turnout of many willing volunteers of all ages makes light work of each part to make the whole seem easy and fun. This is our council's premier event of the year, requiring the donation of hams or turkeys and pies cakes and other desserts, the cooking of hams and turkeys, both in Greier Hall and in the homes of those who donate them, cleaning up during and after all phases of food preparation and feeding of the multitudes, and, of course, serving the meal, bussing tables, and cleaning up afterwards. Here is what is needed this year, and, in some cases, the timetable in which to provide it.
If you have never been part of this event in the past 23 years, you owe it to yourself to come and participate - just this once. Never mind the camaraderie, the verbal thank you's, the hand shakes and pats on the back, and other feel goods. The smiles of those we serve and the looks of gratitude they give us will leave you speechless, and feeling better than you've ever felt before. I guarantee that you can never participate in something like this only once. Come out this year for the first time, but plan on coming back. You won't be able to stay away. For specific times to bring things, be here to help, or to volunteer for any of the above, please call Sir and Brother Knights Frank Silva, 537-1636; Earl Davis, 537-0874; Ray Nelson, 538-9836; Ben Smith, 531-7338 or Gary Green, *82-531-9086.
Memorial Mass for Deceased Knights.
Our Council's charter and by-laws require us to arrange for the celebration of a memorial Mass for the happy repose of the souls of our deceased members during the month of November. The names of our most recently deceased Brothers and spouses, Angelo Manzo and Marie Stefani will be read from the altar, and the council's Memorial Plaque will be displayed in front of the altar. Since the memorial to our deceased Brothers will be held in conjunction with the usual Saturday evening Mass at 5:30 p.m. on November 1st at Our Lady Queen of Heaven, it is desirable that as many of us attend this Mass as possible. We will try to reserve several pews in the front of the church so that we may sit as a group. Officers, if possible, please wear your jewel of office. Hope to see you all there. Frank Silva, Memorial Committee Chairman
Monthly Breakfasts.
The following Sir and Brother Knights and their family members showed up to cook, serve and clean up at the monthly breakfast and blood drive in September, as well as October's breakfast. They are: Carlos Ayuso-Martinez, Dwight Booth, Pat Burke, Ed & Julie Camacho, Eugene Camacho, Allen Cole, Tony, France & Cassie Colon, Cameron Duckworth, Stan Fijol, Bill Furst, Bob Gates, Justin Garrod, Fred Glenister, Gary Green, Tim Greer, Cliff Gunderson, Frank McFall, Ray Nelson, Keith Painter, Bernardo Queja, Rudy Queja, A.J. Rivard, Ron Sholz, Frank Silva, Ben Smith, Gary Strub, Roy Uppendahl, Robert Villanueva, Tom Walker, Adrian Waltz, and Chris Weiss.
Second Annual OLQH Fall Fest.
Council 6806 Sir and Brother Knights, wives, widows and friends were an integral part of Our Lady Queen of Heaven's second annual Fall Fest again this year. As usual, our responsibility was to cook and serve the food. This year, we also undertook to run the bingo. Those lending a hand this year were: Carlos & Margrit Ayuso, food booth chairman Dwight Booth and wife Rosa, Linda Burke, Ed & Julia Camacho, Eugene Camacho, Rick Collins, Cameron Duckworth, Bill & Irene Furst, Josh & Norma Irish, Bob Kondrat, Frank McFall, bingo chairman Bill Medinger, Alice Murrell, Ray & Helen Nelson, Frank Silva, Ben Smith, Gary Strub, Ruth Tinsley, and Chris Weiss.
Prayer Requests.
Please continue to pray for our Sir and Brother Knights and/or their families who are suffering or recovering from surgery, illness, injury, disease or disability, or have experienced a death in the family. Pray especially for: Julie Collins, Bob & Kimi Dardis, Tom Flanders, Liz Hagen, Gordon Hoey, the family of Liz Kraft, Vivian Kondrat, the family of Angelo Manzo, Alex Ryncarz, Frank Silva, the family of Marie Stefan, and Sook Walker.
Coming in November.
Third Quarterly Awards Night Held.
On Tuesday, October 21st, Council 6806 held its third quarterly award presentations and pot-luck dinner. The festivities began around 6:45 p.m., with the prayer before meals being led by acting Grand Knight, Patrick Burke, followed by those present passing by the buffet line and filling up their plates. Even though many were still eating, the award portion of the evening's agenda began on time, with co-chairmen Sir Knights Pat Burke and A.J. Rivard doing the honors. The following members were recognized. For their participation in the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful project Certificates of Appreciation from Associated Ministries, project organizers, were awarded by the homeowners, Reggie and Renée Edge to: Pat Burke, Ed Camacho, Gene Camacho, Allen & Karen Cole, Rick & Jared Collins, Cameron Duckworth, Reggie Edge, Jr. (the homeowners son), John Fette, Fred Glenister, John Logologo, Michael Mason, A.J. & Michael Rivard, Ben Smith, Harald Speckmaier, and Gary & Hannah Strub.
For their contribution to the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), Pennies for Heaven "365 Club" certificates were awarded to: Dwight Booth (2 certificates for 2 major contributions), Pat Burke, James Crosgrove, Sal DeAlba, Gary Green, Eugene Hister, Giles Hulsmann, III, Paterno Jorda, Bob Kondrat (2 for 2), Frank McFall (2 for 2), Frank Silva, Liz Silva, and Marvin Stillwell.
Being recognized as Honorary Life Members and receiving their permanent membership card (no more dues for these men) were: Carlos Ayuso-Martinez, John Gohrick, Robert Hagen, Rev. Marc Powell, and Frank Silva.
Receiving their First Degree certificate commemorating their recent installation into the Order, were: Ronald J. Anderson, Justin S. Garrod, Keith G. Painter, Joshua J. Irish, Michael D. Mason, Rev. Marc L. Powell, Rudy S. Queja, Leo B. Sheridan, Robert M. Villanueva, Adrian J. Waltz, Allan H. Wehrman, and Will O. Wright.
Likewise, certificates were awarded to the following Knights on the occasion of their advancement to the Second and Third Degrees. Ronald J. Anderson, Justin S. Garrod, John I. Logologo, Keith G. Painter, Rudy S. Queja, Robert M. Villanueva, and Adrian J. Waltz.
Because of their outstanding participation in council and church programs, activities and events the following men were presented with Knight of the Month certificates. A.J. Rivard for April, Gary Green for May and July, Fred Glenister for June, Eugene Camacho for August, and Chris Weiss for September.
And finally, (we always save the best for last) the following couples were recognized for exemplifying a Christ centered family life full of faith, love, and charity, and were awarded Family of the Month certificates. Robert & Vivian Kondrat for April, Gary & Heidi Strub, for May, Cliff & Colleen Gundersen for June, Dwight & Rosa Booth for July, Patrick & Linda Burke for August and Edward & Julia Camacho for September.
The others recognized that evening were PGK Dwight I. Booth, and GK Patrick E. Burke, both of whom were highlighted in opening stories in this newsletter.
Birthdays.
Members who celebrated a birthday in October were: Earl Davis 10/19, Sal DeAlba 10/22, Bob Etteldorf 10/30, Bob Hagen 10/31, James Petrella 10/11, Leo Sheridan 10/19, Roger Stockwell 10/16, Ernie Visitacion 10/14, and Chris Weiss 10/12. When you see these gents, wish them a belated birthday.
Those among us who are going to have birthdays in November are Carlos Ayuso-Martinez 11/4, James Crosgrove 11/13, John Eyler 11/14, John Fette 11/13, Tom Flanders 11/8, Cliff Gundersen 11/18, Eric Ignacio 11/8, Leo Pecchia 11/7, Bernardo Queja 11/12, Frank Quintanilla 11/3, and Robert Villanueva 11/20.
Pro-Life Tidbit.
This is a companion piece to a rather lengthy pro-life article that follows. This comparison is presented to show just how rabid a pro-abortion supporter Warren Buffett has been. As you can see, he leads the TOP FIVE CONTRIBUTORS TO PRO-ABORTION GROUPS by a considerable margin. The listed family foundations are followed by the amount they contribute to pro-abortion groups and services, the overall total they contribute to all non-profit groups or causes (both in millions of dollars), and the percentage those figures represent.
Pro-Abortion Total %
*Co-founders of Hewlett-Packard Electronics. The computer I use to generate this newsletter is an H/P, as is the financial calculator I use in my Real Estate business. This means that I have indirectly contributed to pro-abortion groups or services or both. Ouch!
On The Pro Life Front - David Takes On Goliath, And Wins.
Cindy Coughlon, a wife and mother of great Christian faith and former Pampered Chef consultant, left the business in order to home school her children. When she decided to return to her cherished profession recently, she discovered that something had rastically changed. Initially, the company, founded some 20 years ago by Doris Christopher, a professed Christian whose Christian values were very much a part of her corporate world, featured prayer at the opening of business meetings and conferences, and had a mission statement which read, in part, "We are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to develop their God-given talents and skills …" While not a Christian business, per sé, many of the consultants who are Christian felt right at home in the organization, and proudly highlighted the way their founder's faith shaped PC's corporate policy. That was then. The reality when Mrs. Coughlon rejoined the company, was that the $700 million per year business, with over 70,000 consultants, had been bought by Berkshire Hathaway, owned by billionaire entrepreneur, Warren Buffett, THE NUMBER ONE CONTRIBUTOR OF PERSONAL AND CORPORATE WEALTH TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND OTHER PRO-ABORTION GROUPS/CAUSES. (See related article under Pro-life Tidbits) Coughlon decided that, no matter how much she looked forward to being a PC consultant again, she could not sell PC products, or encourage anyone else to do so, knowing that part of the profit would help fund abortions. Furthermore, believing that many, if not most, of good, God-fearing Christian women associated with Pampered Chef had no idea what their new owner was up to, she resolved to spread the word. She began by calling every hostess and her one recruit, to inform them of her decision, and the reason for it. She gave them the option of rescheduling with another consultant. No one wanted to. Their reaction was to join her in disassociating themselves from The Pampered Chef. Everyone she contacted decided that their love for the unborn was greater by far than their "love" for TPC. They also expressed shock that Doris Christopher could sell her company to a man such as Warren Buffett. Could it be she was simply not aware of his unparalleled support for abortion? A phone call to TPC's home office revealed not only that they were aware of who and what Mr. Buffett was and how he spent his money, but also that they intended to keep quiet about it. That revelation was even more shocking than the fact that the company was now an unwitting participant in their new owner's pro-abortion strategy. This angered our stalwart housewife, and transformed her into a most unlikely warrior; one who was willing to take on the giant of the business and financial world, Warren Buffett himself. After discussing it with her husband, she launched a two pronged campaign to 1) spread the word to as many PC consultants, hostesses, and customers as possible, and 2) to pressure Warren Buffett to cease his and Berkshire Hathaway's support of abortion and population control. She accomplished both by circulating a petition in which she shared the information she had obtained. In her own words, "It was not my intention to tell other people what to do with the information they received, but I strongly believed they should have that information so they could make their own informed decision. For that reason, I left the closing paragraph open-ended so they could include a personal response to the situation." Everyone who received it was encouraged to mail the petition to The Pampered Chef as well as to Berkshire Hathaway. The immediate results were truly inspiring. Many consultants stopped selling immediately, putting their finances and the welfare of their families in God's hands. An east coast woman even gave up a directorship - and an all expense paid Hawaiian vacation she had earned - to join the boycott. HER PC BUSINESS WAS HER SOLE MEANS OF SUPPORT. Secondarily, other pro-life organizations joined the bandwagon. Life Decisions International hosted a web page where the story was featured, and The American Family Association, Focus on the Family, and the American Life League all joined in to spread the word. Christian radio stations began to conduct interviews with former PC consultants locally, putting a "this is happening right in our own backyard" spin on the situation. All over the country, consultants and customers alike continued to join those who vowed to "not send their money to a man who would use it to kill the innocent unborn." The next thing that happened was that Doris Christopher and her corporate cronies at The Pampered Chef began a campaign to explain and defend their actions. But as any reasonable human being will tell you, you can't defend the indefensible. No one was swayed by their rhetoric, and business continued to fall, as more and more consultants quit selling PC products. And then, the unexpected happened. Without even giving TPC a "head's up," Warren Buffett ended his support of Planned Parenthood. In fact, he ended his support of everything. In a terse statement, he said, "Effective immediately, Berkshire Hathaway will cease all corporate contributions of any kind to any non-profit organization, including the Buffett Foundation. Let me be clear, there will be no possibility of any Pampered Chef profits being donated to any cause not of their choosing." Cindy Couglon, the David in this story, had this to say about her monumental victory. "It is unfortunate that Mr. Buffett made such a sweeping decision," effectively defunding hundreds of schools and non-controversial non-profits that will now have to seek support from other sources. "It demonstrates that we still have a long way to go in changing his heart."
Treasurer's Report.
As of October 7, 2003, our bank accounts reflect the following:
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