ANNUAL AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT MAINE STATE CONVENTION
ROCKPORT, MAINE APRIL 18-20, 2008
(Updated June 24. 2008)

Each year, award winners are announced at the Maine Knights of Columbus state convention. These include the Family of the Year and the Chaplain of the Year. Also recognized are projects conducted by individual councils through the organizations "Surge with Service" program.

One project from the state is chosen annually as the "Most Unique Project."

Two councils in Maine are named Outstanding Council. One honor is awarded in to a larger ("A") council and one goes to a smaller ("B") council.

Councils conduct activities throughout the year in five program areas. church, community, council, family life and youth. Within each of the five program areas, one project is chosen for the "Supreme Award." Additionally, four projects are chosen as "Outstanding Activities" in each category. Two of these awards go to larger ("A") councils and two go to smaller ("B") councils.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Rev. Louis J. Phillips of Augusta	Rev. Lawrence J. Conley of Gorham

FIRST DEGREE EXEMPLIFICATION CEREMONY

A very special First Degree ceremony was held in honor of Bernard Mann, who is 97 years old and has been a member of Council #114 for 71 years! The Degree Team had eight new Knights taking their Degree and each was presented with a certificate in Bernard's' name along with a written biography of his life accomplishments.

The ceremony was presented with dignity with all the key Degree Team members present along with invited Brother Knights as guests.

Mr. Mann addressed the membership explaining that the end of the world seems near; just look around the world and one can see.

Mr. Mann served his community admirably these past 71 plus years through his Knightly service, his involvement with the local Boy Scouts and YMCA, teaching piano and chess and visits to the area nursing homes.

This memorable ceremony was capped with cake and punch after the event and everyone admired Mr. Mann for his beautiful and charitable life.

It was a wonderful Degree with a program that will, hopefully, encourage more brothers to take their First Degree!

OUTSTANDING "B" COUNCIL
FR. GEORGE E. DANDANEAU COUNCIL # 5756, BUCKSPORT

This Brother Knight is a two year member of Council #249 in Bath. Immediately following his First Degree, he asked if he could become a part of the "team". He was VERY impressed with the ceremony and wanted to be a part of it. He memorized his major part and totally unscripted, does a terrific presentation and instruction to the new candidates. He is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Church. He is our Council's Youth Activities Director and is attempting to reorganize the Columbian Squires Circle. Whenever asked, he helps out at various church activities. At our monthly breakfasts, you'll find him doing his "specialty" delicious omelets. Bob is also on the Parish Council and he is chairman of St. Mary's Family Groups. His entire family is involved. Another family activity that they are involved in is the annual "Tootsie Roll" Drive. His family is always, when time permits, at our covered dish socials as well as other council functions.

His wife Kim is a member of St. Mary's Choir. She is a cantor, soloist and a gifted flutist at various Masses. She fills in for our organist and as an instrumentalist when needed. Kim is involved with the High School Youth Ministry as well as the F\Girl Scout Movement of the Kennebec Girl Scout Council.

Daughter Megan is active in Girl Scouts and loves every minute of it. She is a member of the Youth Choir, a cantor and beautiful soloist. Being involved with the Drama Club at Lincoln Academy and the Community Theatre, she appears to have found her "calling". Meg is also involved with the High School Youth Ministry.

Son Jimmy is also a member of St. Mary's Youth Choir. He is a cantor and soloist as well. He plays baritone sax in St. Mary's Youth Band and he also plays in the band at the Woolwich School. Jim is a member of the Drama Club at school and has recently had the "lead role" in "The Jungle Book". He is an excellent actor and vocalist and is also a member of the Odyssey of the Mind" team. Jimmy can also be found working at our council's monthly breakfasts with his dad. It is wonderful and inspiring to see this father and son team working side by side! Jim is working with his Dad to get the Squires reorganized, as he wants to be a part of this circle and, eventually, a knight. He is also in the Cub Scouts, loving every minute of it. Jim is an altar server and loves assisting our priest with the Mass. He helps with various church and council activities as time permits.

Meg and Jimmy both baby sit for a "special needs" Downs Syndrome child when one of her parents has to be away from home due to work schedules or just needs some time for themselves. The love these children give Ann Marie and the love she returns are evident. This is something that not too many teenagers can do, or would want to do. Ann Marie's parents are aware of Meg and Jimmy's upbringing and they do not hesitate entrusting their daughter to either of them.

This family is so involved. Robert and his entire family are looked upon with admiration by the parishioners as well as his brother knights. They are loved by all and they return this love to all they are in contact with. Being a VERY busy and beautiful family, they do what they can for the Knights as well as their parish and community.