Grand Knight Message for October 2007

Dear Brother Knights and Sister Columbiettes:          

Wake up New Hyde Park and the rest of our country because the times are changing and I fear not for the better! It seems there are ignorant people who for their own selfish reasons want to take away our treasured traditions and values. When these individuals proposed to take away our annual Christmas concerts at our local grammar schools and move them to February and rename them winter concerts our community stood tall and said No. It is about time that we stood up for our rights. What was impressive was that there were people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds who also were against the change. This strong reaction by the community has kept the concerts intact this year but we must be vigilant and speak out as one on this issue or any others we do not agree on in the future.

            As reported in last months Clarion we held an End of Summer Dance on August 25^th.  Although we only had 121 people attend; those who did attend had a wonderful time. I thank PGK Harry O’Connor for taking reservations. In addition, Harry and his wife, Mary Anne, helped my wife, Fran, and I with the decorations and choosing the centerpieces for the tables. On Sept 1^st we held our annual picnic at Eisenhower Park. It was a beautiful day with over 400 adults and children participating. And on September 15^th our council manned a booth at the Annual New Hyde Park Street Fair. For those of you who do not attend our fraternal functions you are missing out on a great time.

            This month we will conduct our membership blitz at Notre Dame Church on October 6 and 7. We need a lot of help at each Mass so please contact Membership Director Kevin McHugh to volunteer. Remember it is important to bring in new members as this is the life blood of the Knights of Columbus. Our Annual Italian Night will be held on Saturday, October 13^th. This is always a very enjoyable night chaired by Brothers Al Caligiuri and Guy Taliercio. For reservations please contact Bro. Gino Kucich.  

            Now until the end of November we are still conducting the C & B Drive. For every C & B book sold and returned with $10 our council receives from New York State Council $6. This money is very important as it goes into our charity fund which is used to help the many local charities that seek our assistance. Our council has over 1,000 Brother Knights and as of this writing C & B Chairman Rich Critelli has reported that we have received only about 20 percent of the books mailed out. Many of our Brother Knights do not get involved in any of our activities. I realize we live in a busy world and many of you have other things taking up your time, but you must have joined the K of C for a reason. So please join us in this fundraiser by returning your sold books with the $10 or $20 check made payable to NHP K of C. Charity is the first principle of our Order and with your support we will have a successful C & B Drive 

Fran and I wish everyone a Happy Halloween as we start to prepare for the Holiday Season!               

 Grand Knight Council 2852,

      Henry Hurtle

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