At Worthy Grand Knight Don Wilkinson's last meeting of his term,
he recognized many of the key people that helped him throughout the year.

The meeting also recognized the Young Man and Young Women of our Council for their contributions.

There were ten scholarships awarded.

(Click the picture for a larger view)

    

WGK Wilkinson recognized the Officers, Committee Chairs, and others that helped throughout the year


Top Left: Dave Sharpe, Al Obuchowski, Chris Brensy, WGK, Dave Lopez, Fidel Rodriguez, Gerry Rutkowski.


Top Right: Steve Morales, Jerry Hovan, Paul Armstrong


Bottom: Sandy Obuchowski


Young Man of the Year - Eric Beauchemin

 

Eric is an honor roll student, a past Chief Squire, a Boy Scout working on his Eagle Scout attainment, an altar server and a volunteer extraordinaire with Knight activities to include dinners, breakfasts, Christmas tree offload and sales, clothing drive, Labor Day picnic, KOVAR tootsie roll drive and many others.


Council 8600's Young Woman of the Year and

Virginia State Council's Young Woman of the Year - Catherine Ly

Catherine is an honor roll student who has received academic awards for visual arts and physics and astronomy.  She serves as the Chief Squire Rose and received the Adults Silver Award for completing 175+ hours of service in 2010 to include 15 or more different volunteer projects within the church and community.  She is a Girl Scout who was awarded the Senior Girls Scout Career Award in 2010 and is a member of the U.S. Tennis Association.


Knight of the Year - David Lopez

David is being honored for his service to the Church, community and the fraternity.  He is a member of the pastoral council, an officer of this council, member of the Board of Directors for Marian Homes, a National Shrine usher, volunteer driver for fellow brothers and Supreme dignitaries.  He was a workhorse with the Christmas tree sales.  He is an active 4th degree member and is involved in all of our major activities.  He personally recruited several new members to the Order this year and was our bowling team captain.  Super effort Dave -- thank you!


Family of the Year - Dan Turgeon family

This family is very involved in the parish.  I honor them because they have been an inspiration to me.  Both husband and wife have been great mentors to me in the past year and excellent communicators with the church front office and pastor.  The whole family plays a major role in the church with music and religious education but they go above and beyond with their involvement and leadership roles in the Kairos Prison Ministry and Paul Stefan Foundation for unwed mothers.  They take part in many events in the local community to include Food for Others, the local hypothermia shelter, dinners and Lenten Soup Suppers, and the Children’s Christmas party to name a few.  Their daughters work with the church as well to include singing in the choir, directing the children's choir, assisting with Vacation Bible School or serving on the altar.  The Turgeon family has been a model for us to follow as their faith shows through their actions.

No photo available.


The Kelly Elizabeth Baker and
nine Knights of Columbus Council #8600 scholarships
were presented.

 

Twenty applications were submitted this year's Councils awards! 

Five of our winners are graduating high school students, representing four different schools.  Four of the recipients are college students, three of whom are repeat winners.  Of the nine winners, five are women and four are men.  The recipients include musicians, athletes, and scholars, and all have distinguished themselves by their service to their church, their community, and their schools.


Kelly Elizabeth Baker Memorial Scholarship

The co-sponsored Knights of Columbus, Council 8600, Kelly Elizabeth Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lauren Rowson on June 14th at a Special KofC Meeting. Lauren's essay stood out the most based upon her improvement in her Senior year, Artistically, Scholastically, Emotionally and Spiritually. She will be attending James Madison University in the Fall with a major in theatre or teaching. Congratulations, Lauren!


Timothy Tran will graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School. Timothy has been active at St. Mary’s, serving weekly as piano accompanist for the Youth Choir.  He participated in the Diocese summer work camp last summer.  He coaches young Vietnamese how to swim, in treasurer of the French Honor Society, and was co-captain of the cross-country, winter track, and spring track teams at Jefferson.  He plays travel soccer, and has won competitive awards at various piano competitions.  Timothy will attend Princeton University.


Emily Smith, last year’s Kelly Elizabeth Baker Memorial Scholarship, is a student at York College of Pennsylvania.  Emily was diagnosed with multiple types of arthritis at an early age and has used her own life experiences to help others with the same affliction. Following her graduation from high school, Emily worked as a counselor at a camp for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Pennsylvania, and donated her salary to the camper’s scholarship fund so than a child with JIA could be sure to go to camp.  She has been invited by the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at eh NIH, to speak at the Scientific Symposium commemorating the institute’s 25th anniversary.


Leah Pfeiffer, another repeat winner attends the Culinary Institute of America in New York.  Leah is president of Catholics at the Culinary, a reader at Mass, and helps with the chapel maintenance at her school.  She was president of the Chef & Restaurateurs Club in 2010 and a member of the Sustaining Agriculture Club. She is presently working as an intern at the Inn at Little Washington.


Eduardo Perez-De La Rosa will graduate from Fairfax High School. Eduardo was the Chief Squire of the Columbian Squires and has spent countless hours working at pancake breakfasts, Lenten soup suppers, and improve-a home projects with the St. Mary’s’ Knights of Columbus.  He was captain of his varsity swim team and a member of the varsity track & field and cross-country teams at Fairfax High School.  Eduardo will attend the University of Virginia.


Collin Kourtz, a repeat winner of one of our scholarships, is a student at Loyola College in Maryland.  Collin is a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Loyola University Chapter.  He made a mission trip to Chimbote, Peru last summer.  He is a FIFA soccer referee and president of the Loyola Physics Club. While at Loyola, he accompanied several fellow students to hospitals when they were suicidal, sick, or injured—spending the night in the ER with them to make sure they were


Kelly Gawne will graduate from Robinson High School.  Kelly was an active member of St. Marys Youth Group and a singer in the Youth Choir.  She did peer tutoring, rowed varsity crew at Robinson—winning the Virginia State Championship in the eights, and placed seventh nationally in 2010. She was a clarinet player and drum major as well as a varsity swimmer at Robinson.  Kelly will attend the University of Notre Dame. 


Michael Dulan will graduate from Robinson High School. Michael was project manager for the K of C Improve-a-home project at the Marian House.  He was President of the Future Business Leaders of America at Robinson, and a varsity cross-country and soccer player. He is an Eagle Scout and saved another scout from hypothermia in the mountains of New Mexico.  Michael will attend Pennsylvania State University. 


Leah Bonuccelli is a student at Lynchburg College.  Leah is active in Lynchburg Christian Fellowship, mentors a fifth-grader through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Virginia, and is a varsity basketball player at Lynchburg College.  She is currently the women’s basketball representative on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.


Ruth Madeline Bernero will graduate from Bishop O’Connell High School. Madeline was active in St. Mary’s Youth Group, and participated in diocesan work camps in 2008 and 2009, and spent a week in the diocesan mission in Banica in 2010. She coaches swimming to young children, rowed on her school’s crew team, and was treasures of her high school’s Social Justice Club.  Madeline will attend Franciscan University in Ohio. 

Award received by her father!

 

Contributions:

Young Man, Young Woman, Knight of the Year and Family of the Year awards prepared by WGK Wilkinson.

Kelly Elizabeth Baker award prepared by Bill and Andi Baker.

Other scholarship awards prepared by Fred Walker.

Photos provided by Michael Ly.

Hit Counter

 

Fred and Mary Walker visited Guatemala with a group called TEACH. They are  trying to drum up more interest in the program as they are working on a "scholarship" program--actually a program to provide funding for Guatemalan children, completing their middle school education, so that they can attend a high school. No free public HS education down there. Read the article.

Jim McHugh presented 2nd degree award

Tom Silva accepting the Family of
the Month Award on behalf of
Marques Silva

Paul Armstrong, Webmaster,
accepting Knight of the Month
Award

Council Knights awarded Life Honorary and Honorary Awards

Sadly or happily, our season ended with yesterday's tournament. As you know both our teams had to face teams with 1 bowler short, and this of course placed us in a great disadvantage. I don't think we will be winning any trophies or plaques. In any case, I hope you had fun. I surely did, except when you all started ribbing me about my first game score. I admit it, it was ugly awful, and what makes it worst is that I don't have any idea why I was so consistently bad on each frame.


Front Row: Peter Tompkins and Toni Maltagliati
Back Row: Dave Lopez, Paul Armstrong, Mike Coughlin, Joe Scavetti, Paul Maltagliati and Jerry Hovan

So how did the Knight Riders (Paul M, Toni, Peter, & Dave) vs. the Knight Flights (Paul A, Jerry, Joe, & Mike) do? Here are the final scores.
Game 1 Knight Flights win 536 v. Knight Riders 384
Game 2 Knight Riders win 474 v. Knight Flights 470
Game 3 Knight Riders win 512 v. Knight Flights 507
Hope to see you on October 7, 2010. That's when we start up again to get ready for the 2011 tournament.

 

I wish to thank all who helped make the Memorial Mass for Harold Brown on Friday January 15 very special for the Brown Family, St Mary of  Sorrows Catholic Church, and friends and colleagues of Harold. I have  heard many compliments for the effort put forward by the Knights of  Columbus Fourth Degree, especially by Father Barkett, the Pastor, who has expressed his sincere appreciation on the numerous times I happened to see him over the weekend.

The final roster of the participants (I regret I do not have Assembly affiliation information for all of the Sir Knights):

1. SK Ralph Rossi, Vice Supreme Master, Calvert Province (light blue)

2. SK Richie Head, Master, Virginia Jurisdiction (gold)

3. SK Thomas Trudeau, PFN, District Marshal - Arlington Diocese (green)

4. SK George Billy, FN Fr Malloy Assembly #1894, Color Corps Commander (purple)

5. SK Cy Alba, PFN, PSD Assembly #1894 (white)

6. SK Rich LaRoche, FN Rappahannock Assembly #1613 (white)

7. SK David Chichester, PGK, FDD, PFN (white)

8. SK Dick Owens, PGK, PFN Assembly #1894 (white)

9. SK Dick Lee, PGK, PFN Assembly #1894(white)

10. SK Dennis Brown, PGK, FC, Fr Malloy Assembly #1894 (red)

11. SK Johnny Restivo, PGK, DD District 14 Assembly #1894 (red)

12. SK Loui Stevens, PGK, DW District 11 (red)

13. SK Dan Turgeon, GK Council #8600 St Mary of Sorrows Assembly #1894 (red)

14. SK Randy Bordelon, GK Council #4654 Santa Maria Assembly #1894(red)

15. SK Fred Hundemer, FOS Fr Malloy Assembly #1894 (red)

16. SK Al Obuchowski, PGK, FDD Assembly #1894(red)

17. SK Paul Gauthier, PGK Assembly #1894(red)

18. SK Jerry Hovan, PGK Assembly #1894(red)

19. SK George Johnson, PGK (red)

20. SK Paul Armstrong Assembly #1894 (red)

21. SK Greg Bacani Assembly #1894 (red)

22. SK Bill Baker Assembly #1894 (red)

23. SK Larry Brindza Assembly #1894 (red)

24. SK Tom McFarlane Assembly #1894 (red)

25. SK Joe Osborne Assembly #1894 (red)

26. SK Gerry Rutkowski Assembly #1894 (red)

27. SK Joe Scavetti Assembly #1894 (red)

I believe the Honor Guard was the largest turnout of Sir Knights for an event at St Mary of Sorrows Parish in Parishioners' memory, and the first time all echelons of Knights of Columbus 4th Degree leadership within the Calvert Province were represented.

In addition, the Rappahannock Assembly Honor America Corps provided a static display of flags which added a significant patriotic flair to the Memorial Mass for Harold Brown who was killed in the line of duty serving the Nation in Afghanistan.

Virginia State Secretary SK Bill McCarthy, PFN will be representing the Virginia State Deputy (3rd Degree) and will not be in regalia.

Vivat Jesu,
Dick Lee, PGK, PFN
 

Read a special announcement for military veterans from the Veterans Administration.
Click to see videos of the Marian Homes Dedication
Click for Golf Outing
Crowder Farm Pictures 2009
 

The MARINER enters the 21st Century!  Commencing with the September Mariner, the newsletter will be predominantly electronic.  The reason we are doing this is to cut operating costs, as well as providing a better product to our membership.  The E-Mariner has many advantages over the present form: 

  1. It will be in color. Current printing costs prohibit color printing.

  2. It will be available on a specific date, since we will not have to rely on the US Postal Service for delivery.  We will send out an email notification to remind you to go to the website to read the Mariner when posted.  Of course it will require that you ensure we have a current email address on file with the council Financial Secretary; please verify by emailing the financial secretary at FS8600@earthlink.net.

  3. It will always be at your fingertips any time you need it right here at www.kofc8600.org.

  4. It will save on printing and mailing costs, we estimate that we spent over $1,800 last year in printing and postage alone, not to mention the man-hours spent to collate and post the mailings--that is a lot of pancakes!  These savings can then be turned around to continue the good works of the council.

  5. It is the "green" thing to do, as it will reduce paper waste in our local landfills and save trees.

  6. Lastly, it will cut down on the clutter in your mailbox, and who couldn't use that?

We hope that you will find this change a benefit. Look for your E-Mariner on our website in September!
Those who are unable to receive email, or do not have access to the internet, please write to us at:

Knights of Columbus

Attn: Mariner Editor

Box 339

Fairfax Station, VA  22039-0339

We will print individual copies and arrange to get a newsletter to you

See a video of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Dedication. Video provided by Bill Baker.
Click on the image below. (approx 5 min - 29mb)

 

Once again, Bill Baker has produced a video this on the Memorial Day Mass.  Take a look! (8mb)

 

See Bill Baker Productions of "Raising St. Mary's Easter Tent" and "Improve a Home Mulch Project"

Fr. Ephrem receiving the case for the Chalice provided earlier this year

Don Wilkerson receiving his VIP Club Award

Grand Knight Maltagliati presenting awards to Council Knights

Gene Molinelli

Gerry Rutkowski

District Deputy Al Obuchowski

 

During his recent visit to Guatemala, Brother David Megal presented Bishop Gabriel Peñate of Vicariato De Izabal with a check from Council 8600 in support of our sponsored seminarian, Aníbal Marel Álvarez Méndez."

 
  • Click for a slide show of our famous bowling Team.

  • Click for a slide show of our participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Results of Council 8600's  annual chili cook-off

The competition is over and the winners are:
     Most unusual - Deputy Grand Knight Dan Turgeon
     Hottest - Grand Knight Paul Maltagliati
     Best Overall - Warden Pete Marzloff (for the 2nd year is a row)

 

At the March 3, 2009 meeting, Grand Knight Maltagliati handed out awards.


Family for Feb 09
Obuchowski's for the Polish Night


Knight for Feb 09
Frank Gniazdowski for Polish Night

Knight for Oct 08
Bob Ritchie for Family Statue
 
Not present was Charlie Gulac
Knight for Jan 09 for all he does on Sunday
 

Polish Night 2009 was a big hit.  Take a look at the videos of the event.
(Click picture to start video.  Depending on connection, please allow several minutes to download)

Meet and greet time
1.1 minutes - 2.9mb

Father Barkett's Blessing
13 Secs - 3.2mb

Dinner is served
1 min - 2.5mb

Interview with Alex
24 secs - 9.9mb

Grand Knight and State Deputy
38 secs - 9.7mb

Wrap Up
16. secs - 6.3mb
 

On February 2009's Saint Valentine's Day weekend, the Marotta Team served the Pancake Breakfast

Dan Turgeon
Family of the Month (Jan '09)
For the Kairos Cookie Program

Dave Lopez
Family of the Month (Nov '08)
For Christmas Tree Scheduling

Frank Romano
Knight of the Month (Dec '08)
Photographer and Mariner

Don Wilkerson
First Degree Honoree

 

Click on the image for some pictures from the December Pancake Breakfast.

Photos by
Frank Romano

Then click on the Christmas Tree picture to see a day at the sales.

Photos by
Frank Romano

 

Bishop Paul S. Loverde's Message to the Knights

Our State Chaplain, Bishop Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, recorded a special message to our State Council for the Mid-Year Meeting on January 10th. The complete message is available for playing or download by clicking Here [15MB WMV file playable with Windows Media Player or other .wmv players ]

 

On Holy Family Sunday, Fr. Barkett dedicated the Sanctity of Life statue that the Knight's Columbus Council 8600 bestowed to Saint Mary's.

This event culminates a multi-year activity on the Knight's part. 

 Click the picture for a video review

Read the  history by PGK Meinsen

The Grand Knight's Christmas Party was a great success.
Click to see some Pictures of the event!!

Great Job!!  Worthy Grand Knight


Erc Barone organized a Veteran's Day Mass for the Knights and families.
Here are some pictures (click the picture for a larger view)


 


The annual event at Bill and Mary's farm in Madison VA occurred on Saturday Nov 1, 2008
Go see Crowder Farm Pictures

See some pictures from the Oct Pancake Breakfast (photos by Frank Romano) 

See some pictures from the May-Jun 2008 events.

Here are pictures from the annual Picnic at Burke Lake Park


On June 2, 2008, Council 8600 supported eight Knights in the Salute Military Golf Association's charity golf tournament. 
The event was held at the Army-Navy Country Club Fairfax Course on June 2, 2008.


Jerry Hovan, Dan Cronin, Phil Torrey, Jerry Hurley


Jim Cella, Paul Armstrong, Tom McFarlane, Dick Berger

Click for more information on the SMGA Tournament


kofc logo
NEWS FOR KNIGHTS  
 
Knights of Columbus sets record for charitable giving, volunteer service 
 
 
SK
New Haven, CT - June 6, 2008 - The Knights of Columbus announced today that it set new all-time records for charitable giving and volunteer service hours in 2007.   Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson released the results of the survey in a speech to state deputies and members of the board of directors in New Haven.
 
The results of the Order's Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity for the year ending December 31, 2007 show that total contributions to charity at all levels reached $144,911,781 - exceeding the previous year's total by more $1 million.  The figure includes $31,235,220 donated by the Supreme Council, and $113,676,561 in charitable donations from state and local councils, Fourth Degree assemblies, and squire circles.
 
The survey also shows that the reported number of volunteer hours by Knights for charitable causes grew to 68,695,768 hours, up more than 400,000 hours from 2005.  There were 393,030 Knights of Columbus blood donors during the year, and Knights made more than 5.5 million visits to the sick and bereaved.
 
Cumulative figures show that during the past decade, the Knights of Columbus has donated nearly $1.28 billion to charity, and provided in excess of 612 million hours of volunteer service in support of charitable causes.
 
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest lay Catholic organization, with more than 1.75 million members in the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Central America, and Poland.
 


Recently, the Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) presented their program on organ transplants.  WRTC is the federally designated organ procurement organization for metropolitan D.C. WRTC, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, provides excellence and integrity in organ and tissue donation and transplantation services while providing support for donor families.  For more information please contact WRTC's Community Affairs Team at (703) 641-0100 or www.beadonor.org
 

 

  • kofc logo

    NEWS FOR KNIGHTS

     

     

    Poll: big shift among practicing and non-practicing Catholics after papal visit

    More likely to vote, better understand Church teaching

     

     

    New Haven, CT - New polling data released by the Knights of Columbus shows that Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States in April produced a sharp jump in the proportion of American Catholics with a more positive view of the pope following his trip. 

     

    The new information provides data specifically about Catholics, and is a companion to the analysis released last week about the views of Americans generally.  The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion interviewed 1,013 adults nationwide, and the survey results issued today are from an oversample of an additional 502 Catholics nationwide, and are statistically significant at ±4.4%.  All polling was done between April 22 and April 29, 2008, immediately following the pope's return to Rome.

     

    Of particular interest are data showing much more positive views among both practicing and non-practicing Catholics.  For example, the proportion of practicing Catholics describing Benedict positively as a spiritual leader went from 70% before the visit to 82% afterward, a 12% jump.  Among non-practicing Catholics, the proportion went from 62% before the visit to 79% afterward, a 17% jump.

     

    A majority of Catholics, 54%, said they were more in touch with their spiritual values as a result of the pope's visit, and 41% said they were more likely to vote in the November elections as a result.  Sixty-four percent of Catholics said they better understand the Catholic Church's position on important issues as a result of the trip.

     

    Among the other key findings:

     

    ·         88% of practicing Catholic, and 73% of non-practicing Catholics say the trip met or exceeded their expectations.

    ·         72% of Catholics have a more positive view of the Church as a result of the visit, including 82% of practicing Catholics and 56% of non-practicing Catholics.

    ·         81% of Catholics - practicing and non-practicing - have a positive view of Pope Benedict, compared to 63% before the visit.

    ·         72% have a more positive view of the Catholic Church, including 82% of practicing and 56% of non-practicing Catholics.

    ·         82% of American Catholics view Pope Benedict positively as a world leader

     

    Also important, half (50%) say they are more likely to lead a moral life and make family a bigger part of their lives, while nearly 40% say they are more likely to become more active in their community or church.

     

    Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that the poll results "show clearly that Pope Benedict has presented the Catholics of the United States with a tremendous opportunity.  Americans are a religious people, and they responded very positively to the message of faith, hope and love that the Holy Father delivered throughout his visit.  It is now up to all of us in the Catholic community to walk through the door he has opened for us, and work together to build a civilization of love."

     

    Here are links to all three Knights of Columbus poll analyses related to Pope Benedict's visit to the United States:

    Poll 1 - taken two weeks prior to the pope's visit

    Poll 2 - Poll taken immediately after papal visit - response of all Americans

    Poll 3 - Poll taken immediately after papal visit - response of Catholic Americans


    A Civilization of Love available outside U.S.ACOL

     

    Carl Anderson's new book, A Civilization of Love, is now available at select bookstores outside the United States.  Here is the current listing:

     

    Australia - A&R, Koorong

    Canada - Indigo Books

    Guatemala - Libreria Artemis Edinter

    Italy - Libreria Coletti, Libreria Belardetti, Libreria S. Paolo, Feltrinelli (Largo Argentina)

    Mexico - Libreria Gandhi

     

    New Zealand - Dymocks

    Panama - Exedra Books, Hombre de la Mancha

    Philippines - National Bookstore

    South Africa - Exclusive Books, Fascination Books

    United Kingdom - Wesley Owen, Waterstones

  •  

    Added May 1The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.

    See their website (www.golfsalute.org) for more information.

     

    In the meantime, Brother Vanderbeek announced their golf tournament.

    Read the brochure for details.

     

    kofc logo

    NEWS FOR KNIGHTS

     

     

    Papal visit results in big jump in positive view of Benedict and Church, poll shows

    One third now more likely to vote and be more active in community and church

     

    (NEW HAVEN, CT) - A poll taken immediately following the conclusion of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States shows that it had a powerful impact on public attitudes toward the pope, the church, and a willingness to live their faith more fully.  The nationwide poll of 1,013 adults was commissioned by the Knights of Columbus and conducted by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion between April 22 and April 24, 2008.   Marist conducted a similar poll prior to the pope's visit, allowing before-and-after comparisons.

     

    Among the highlights of the poll results:

     

    ·         65%  of Americans have a more positive view of Pope Benedict as a result of what they saw and heard during his visit

    ·         52% have a more positive view of the Catholic Church

    ·         The proportion of Americans with a favorable view of Pope Benedict jumped from 58% prior to his visit to 71% afterward

    ·         The proportion describing the pope positively as a spiritual leader went from 53% to 62%

    ·         The proportion describing him as a good or excellent world leader went from 41% to 51%

    ·         56% see his ability to promote good relations between the Catholic Church and other religions as good or excellent, up from 40% prior to his visit

    ·         More than a third (35%) say they are now more in touch with their own spiritual values as the result of the pope's visit

     

    Even more importantly, nearly half (49%) now have a better understanding of the Catholic Church's positions on important issues, and a significant proportion of Americans are prepared to change their personal involvement as a result:

     

    ·       About four in ten say they are more likely to lead a moral life and make family a bigger part of their lives

    ·       One in three are more likely to participate in elections, community activities and their churches as a result of the papal visit

     

    Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that the poll results "show clearly that Pope Benedict has presented the Catholics of the United States with a tremendous opportunity.  Americans are a religious people, and they responded very positively to the message of faith, hope and love that the Holy Father delivered throughout his visit.  It is now up to all of us in the Catholic community to walk through the door he has opened for us, and work together to build a civilization of love."

     

    The complete poll results can be found at:

     

    www.kofc.org/cmf/resources/Communications/documents/americans_reflect.pdf


    Council 8600 sponsors Aníbal Marel Álverez Méndez, (see photo) a 24 year old second year seminarian at the National Seminary of the Assumption in Mixco, Guatemala.  He was born on March 5, 1984 and is one of 13 sons of Policarpo Álverez Castillo and María Marta Méndez.   His father farms, while his mother cares for the children.  Upon ordination in year 2013, Bishop Gabriel Peñate will assigned Aníbal to a parish in his Diocese of Izabal, Guatemala.

     

    2008 KOVAR Drive a Great Success.

     

    Many thanks to the many Knights who made this year’s KOVAR fundraiser a big success two weekends ago.  Despite the foul weather we had on Sunday, this year’s collected contributions exceeded $10,000, surpassing last year’s total weekend collection by over $500.  These funds will go towards grants and loans assisting people with intellectual disabilities.

     

    A special thanks to the 2008 site captains, Dale Allen, Tom Milos, Al Obuchowski, and Al Sullivan, who did a bang-up job recruiting, managing and motivating.  Jim Cella and Phil Torrey deserve special thanks as well, as they spent the weekend assisting on the bean-counter end of KOVAR.

     

    If you are interested in getting more involved in the KOVAR drive next year as a site captain, please contact Scott Leitch at samaleitch@verizon.net.

    Again, thanks for the fine effort.


     

    Participants in the District #14 First Annual Free Throw Contest, held at half time during the Knights vs. Earthen Vessels (Priests) at St. Bernadette's School on 11 April 2008.

     

    Click picture for a larger view

     

     

     

     

     

    Left to Right: Chris Perry, GK St. Bernadette Council#6153; Paul Maltagliatti, DGK St. Mary of Sorrows Council#8600; Bill Canavan, 2008 Free Throw Champion and GK Fr. Sikora Council#7992; and Bob Billeaud, GK St. John Bosco Council#12846.

     

    Click picture for a larger view

     

     

    Our Council does a lot every year.  See some statistics being reported Supreme for 2007.

    Click to see Grand Knight's Party.   See the First Degree Exemplification held on Jan 18th.


    Geoff Smith receives Knight of the Month for December


    Tony DiGregorio and Joe Boyle receive Honorary Life Membership

    Click for the Winning Chili Recipe (Dave Sharp)

     

     

     

     

     

    Here is a collage of just some of the activities in our council during the first half of the year.

    Photos provided by Frank Romano.

     

     

    Added Nov 21
    At the Nov 20, 07 meeting of the Council, a request to support Courtney Lenaburg was approved. 

    Please read her story and check out http://www.courtneyscampaign.blogspot.com.

    Click to see some Pictures from Italian Night 2007!

    At Italian Night, many of us asked Lucio for his Lemoncello  recipe.  Here it is:

    Lucio’s Limoncello

    Requirements:

    -I liter of grain alcohol (190 proof-available in Class VI)

    -6 fresh lemons

    -I liter of natural spring water

    -450 grams of sugar

    Directions:

    -peel the very top of the rind of the lemon (avoid the white layer)

    -place the rinds in a stainless steel container

    -add the alcohol, cover and marinate mixture for three days

    -melt sugar in warn water (heat the water to help melt the sugar)

    -strain the alcohol/lemon rind mixture and pour into the sugar water/mixture (at cool temperature)

    -bottle it and store in a  FREEZER (This is a must to fully appreciate the taste of limoncello)

    Lucio D'Andrea

    Serve cold and enjoy

    On Oct 16, 2007, the Scouts provided the meal at our Knight's meeting.  Click here to see some photos.

    On Saturday, August 4, 2007 the Council supported Bishop Loverde and the Serra Club by providing a cookout.
    Check out some pictures from the event

    Point of Hope Picnic  Saturday 7/28/07         

    We had a wonderful turnout for the Grief Counseling Camp for kids at the Point of Hope Picnic.  This was our 2nd year of working this event. It was held all weekend from Friday noon to Sunday afternoon at the Methodist Camp site in Middleburg by Capital Region Hospice, for kids 7 to 14 who lost a parent or sibling during the year.  It was a big success with 13 Knights and wives showing up to cook and serve a dinner for 130.  A late change in the menu was made to cook hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs instead of the original plan for baked chicken with salads and corn on the cob.  A tactical error by yours truly was made in not changing the start time from 1 pm. to 3 or 3:30 to compensate for the difference in cooking time, however it did give us some down time to talk to each other and the camp director and counselors who were there.  We also had a chance to hike down to the pool and witness the frozen tee shirt contest.  It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, a little warm but held in their Oaks Lodge (one of 5) which was air-conditioned and had a magnificent kitchen. 

     

    Many thanks are due to the capable and hard working team who came to work: Paul Armstrong, Jim Cella, Tom Gilding, Dave Lopez, Dixie Lopez, Gene Molinelli, Al and Sandy Obuchowski, Joe Osborne, Bob Ritchie, Dave and Ann Sharp were always two steps ahead of the coach when something needed to be started or completed.

     

    Dan Turgeon headed up the Kitchen staff with his prior restaurateur experience and last years Warden duties, to efficiently run the cooking of the beans, sauerkraut, corn on the cob and directing the salad platters.  Sandy Obuchowski and Dixie Lopez were wonderful at setting up the serving line and and prepping the potato and bean salads, pickle trays and condiments table and organizing the servers.  They were assisted by Al, Joe, Paul, Tom and Dave Lopez.  Jim and Dave Sharp were outstanding (figuratively and literally) cooking all the burgers and dogs on the brand new grills just purchased by the camp the day before.  Bob and Paul did a great job keeping the beverage jugs filled and running the meat trays up to the line.

     

    One of the adult counselors from Hospice told a sad but touching story to a few of us.  An 8-year-old boy commented after one of their grief circles with 3 other kids and their adult buddies (counselors).  After each kid got to share their story this one boy was asked by the group leader if he got anything out of this session.  The boy lost his 4-year-old brother who died after jumping off off a pool table and catching a pool cue through his neck.  His answer was “I learned that I didn’t kill my little brother”  I’m sure there were other that made the whole experience very rewarding.

     

    Vivat Jesu

    PGK Jerry Hovan

    Check out some pictures from Point of Hope Camp

    On June 29, 2007, the installation of officers for the 2007/2008 Fraternal Year was held at St. Mary of Sorrows.

    Attending was State Delegate Cy Alba along with incoming Grand Knight Johnny Restivo.

    To see more pictures, click Installation Photos.

    On Sunday June 10,2007, St. Mary's celebrated Corpus Christi with a procession from the Parish Center to the Historic Church.  Check out the pictures.

    To AOH/LAOH and KofC members:
         Greetings and best wishes from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Chicago. How thoughtful and generous you all are and how quick you are to respond to a  person in need. Thank you very much for the excellent computer that you  sent me. I am a novice when it comes to computer skills, but with the set  like the one you sent me I am ready to get to work. I can see that the  possibilities are endless. The information I got from the Google map of  Izabal, Guatemala was overwhelming. I could almost see the Mayan Indians  trudging over mountain paths going to and from their remote villages. An  interesting feature of the map is that it gives the distance to the  villages; often we would wonder just where are we. It's so nice to see the pictures of Livingston and than to hear the music of the Marimba. 

         Once again thank you all for your kindness and generosity and may God bless you and your families and the good work that you do.

    Sincerely,  Fr. Tom

    On Tuesday, May 15, 2007, the Council presented Fr. Ephrem with a chalice.  Check album for photos.

    Our Council is supporting a Sanctuary of Life effort.

    Take a look at possible statues.

    Check out some pictures from the Chili Cook-off.
    Overall winner - Jim Cella
    Spiciest winner - Jerry Hovan
    Most unusual winner - Dan Turgeon

    Polish Night - What a great time - Take a look at some photos
    More Pictures
    from Photographer: Al Obuchowski
    Moved Mar 19. 2007

    Check out the Photos from  the Grand Knight's Christmas Party.

    Additional photos from the Christmas Party have been added- added Jan 17

    Added Nov 28 Coach Jerry receiving the 2nd place trophy for our Mighty Casey's softball team. (Oct 06)

    Added Nov 28 Council wins the Star Council award from the state for last year.  (Oct 06)

    Added Nov 28 Council receives the State award for the degree team led by Elmer May. (Oct 06)

    Added Nov 28 Joe Scarfetta (Photo 1 and 2)  addressed the Council on his book "The True and Unbiased Story of Christopher Columbus".
    The book covered Columbus' early years, his four voyages, his death, the canonization efforts, the controversy over where his body is (the Old World, the New World or both), and a special section speculating about what would have happened if Spain did not back his Enterprise of the Indies. (Oct 06)

    The Council celebrated Italian Night Nov 18, 06.  Check out some pictures. (Nov 06)

    Congratulations, new brothers of the First Degree, Fourth Degree, Transfers, and Reinstatements Read More ...  (Oct 06)

    St. Mary of Sorrows Council #8600 Presents Award to Retiring Illinois Congressman, Henry J. Hyde" (Sep 06)

    See the Labor Day pictures (Sep  2006)

    August 1st Council Meeting:  Check out the awards presented. (Aug 2006)

    Several of our Knights and some wives went to Middleburg VA to prepare dinner for the Point of Hope Counseling Center.
    Check out the Photos to the fun that was had. (Jul 06)

    Our Council is very fortunate to have really good men who stand up to continue our great work.
    Click on the Officers (on left) to see the men who stepped up for the 2006/2007 fraternal year and
    view pictures of the Installation Ceremony and post-party. (Jul 2006)

    One of the last official acts of our out-going Grand Knight Jerry Hovan
    was to host Family Day Picnic and to thank some fellow knights.
    The picnic was held at Burke Lake. 
    The timing was a bit iffy due to the severe rainstorms the area was having but
    we were blessed with a sunny (mostly) day and a fun time. 
    Check out some pictures taken by fellow Knight, Frank Romano. (Jul 2006)

     Pictures from the Polish Night 2006