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.

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OUTSTANDING ACTIVITY, "A" DIVISION
WESTBROOK COUNCIL # 2219 - WESTBROOK
-HOUSE REPAIR FOR A SICK BROTHER KNIGHT-

When a brother knight suffered a severe stroke, he and his wife decided he should retire, sell the house and move into living quarters that required no maintenance. When brother knight Paul Concannon learned that necessary repairs to make the house saleable were lagging, he offered to get involved. What was originally described as replacement of a few trim boards soon swelled into a major project that included installation of interior handrails, new entry stairs, replacement of more than 150 feet of fascia boards, replacement of 50 feet of trim boards and repairs to the roof and entry ramp of the storage shed. Once the carpenters completed their work, the cosmetic facelift began. This included pressure cleaning the garage roof and entry stairs, priming and panting of all installed woodwork and repairing and repairing and sealing both the driveway and walkways. Throughout the project, the family consistently communicated their appreciation, even to the point of writing a thank you note for the parish bulletin, which stated in part "The Lord's face was reflected in the faces of these wonderful brothers as they selflessly carried out His work. Thank you so much for caring about your brother in Christ."

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OUTSTANDING ACTIVITY, "A" DIVISION
COUNCIL # 1753 - FORT FAIRFIELD
-COUNCIL HALL ADDITION PROJECT-

A 560 sq. ft addition to the back of our main council building was constructed to add extra capacity and in preparation for a potential future project to expand the size of the hall kitchen. Over 25 members and 2 non-members donated over 380 hours to construct the addition over a period of time starting in May through December of 2007. The addition gave an area for storage of supplies that have historically been stored in the main hall area. With the addition, the appearance and presentation of the manl hall has been greatly enhanced. This project cost our council over $7,000. It would have been more like $15,000 if it were not for the donated labor, reduced cost and donated supplies and the craftsmanship of the brother knights who own businesses that greatly assisted the project, i.e., earthwork, pouring of concrete, building of walls, extending the gas propane piping, etc. On January 17, 2008, a recognition dinner was held in appreciation for all the participants who helped (monetarily and/or with manpower) on the building of the hall addition. A choice of pork or roast beef with all the fixings and dessert was served to 31 well-deserving brother knights for all their hard work in making this addition possible.

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OUTSTANDING ACTIVITY, "B" DIVISION
COUNCIL # 10020 - NORTH WINDHAM
-JANUARY SOCIL EVENING-

 

At our social meeting on Monday, January 21, 2008, as part of our ongoing effort to stand behind and support the youth of our parish, the brother knights of Council # 10020 decided to donate ½ of the supper proceeds from our September, 2007 public supper so Casey would be able to participate in a most worthwhile program. Upon Casey's return from Ethiopia where he served as a volunteer with Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity , he was asked by our grand knight, Tim Wilson, to be the guest speaker at our January social. Casey presented pictures and spoke .to those in attendance about what he did during his time there and he also shared many other items of interest. It was very rewarding to be present for this program and to see just how much Casey enjoyed helping those in need.

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OUTSTANDING ACTIVITY, "B" DIVISION
COUNCIL # 10259 - SOUTH BERWICK/BEWICK
-HELPING A FELLOW KNIGHT IN NEED-

On Friday, November 30, 2007, the financial secretary of our council was contacted by a member of our council and informed that a member of the knights whom our council had known for years was in need financially. The member's name was Tim Molina. He had been a past insurance field agent for our council and had become friends with some of our council members. This call informed the financial secretary that Tim had recently suffered from some medical conditions which required him to drive several miles to therapy each day and that, due to other problems, he was unable to get employment at the time. Tim had asked if the council could assist with defraying some of the travel costs so that he could get strong enough through therapy to get back to work. Through discussions with the trustees and the grand knight, the grand knight determined that the council could provide $250 as an emergency donation to help Tim. The treasurer was immediately informed to provide the funds as soon as possible to help Tim. We are hoping to make a visit to Tim's house soon to see if we can help in other ways as well.

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