2009 KNIGHTS IN ACTION

St. Lawrence Council 1495 hosted a First Degree ceremony that took place at it's home in Brewster , NY on Sunday, November 15, 2009. This degree was special because of the six new members joining our council ranks, five are seminarians studying in the minor seminary in The Archdiocese of New York. The degree was dedicated to all seminarians studying for the priesthood during this year of the priest.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNICL 462 THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKET PROGRAM
Submitted by Gary Leonardo, Chairman

In 1991 as a new member to the Knights of Columbus of Peekskill Council #462, I had an idea to help families in our community during the Thanksgiving holiday. Now 18 years later the program is still going strong with Thanksgiving Food baskets given to 30 families this year that were in need. The program works on donations from the Knights of Columbus Council and individuals that donate both money and food items.

The baskets give the families a complete meal for Thanksgiving and additional food items for breakfast and lunch. All the items are put together in a laundry basket and wrapped in clear cellophane wrap. The names of those receiving them we don't know or ask. We work with the parishes we serve and deliver the baskets to them to distribute to the families in need.

Along with the basket each family received a turkey, for what would Thanksgiving be without a Turkey . As the years went by the number of families in need grew and today the parishes look forward to our call on how many are needed. Helping others is the important part of this program. While we are happy to be able to help so many families we are saddened by the number of families that are in need.

Pictured left to right with baskets to be given away are Peekskill Council members William Schneider, William Taylor, Gary Leonardo, Paul Feliu, BobGalassi, Vincent Vitello, Ted Muniak and Carmo Pereira.

On Saturday, November 21st, John Cardinal O'Hara Council 13661 of Clarence, served as host for the Western New York Knights of Columbus Chapter 2009 Charity Ball. Approximately 145 Knights and their guests gathered at Our Lady of Peace Parish Center, Clarence, to honor the Consolata Fathers and their missionary works.

Grand Knight Anthony Russo of Clarence, led off the evening's program. Among the dignitaries present were Chapter Chairman Richard Merta and his wife, Diane of Darien, Past State Deputy John Dryja and his wife Alice of Lancaster, Past State Advocate Charles Esposito and his wife Patsy of Williamsville, and Administrative Assistant to the State Deputy, Charles Ardillo and his wife Chris of Depew. Among the Consolata Fathers present were Rev. Charles Bonelli, Regional Superior of the Consolata Missions from Somerset, NJ, Rev. John Reuther, IMC, and Rev. Robert Rezac, IMC, of Williamsville and Rev. Thomas Doyle of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Clarence.

Chapter Chairman Richard Merta presented a check to the Consolata Fathers in the amount of $4,300.00. Other receipts pending are expected to increase this amount to more than $5,300.00. Shown in the check presentation photo (attached) are (left to right)Rev. Robert Rezac, IMC, Williamsville, Rev. Charles Bonelli, IMC, Regional Superior of the Consolata Missions, Somerset, NJ, Chapter Chairman Richard Merta, Darien, Grand Knight of host Council, John Cardinal O'Hara Council No. 13661, Anthony Russo, Clarence, Rev. John Reuther, IMC, Williamsville and Council Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Doyle, Clarence.