Greetings Brothers,The June meeting is a very important one, as we will elect our officers for the 2011 – 2012 Columbian Year. Please try to attend. Thanks to those who have agreed to let their names stand for election.
We've accomplished quite a bit in the past season, making financial contributions to a seminarian, to the Cornerstone of Faith, to the Japan Earthquake Relief, to the Marian Center, to Saint Vincent de Paul Society and to other causes. We were the second-largest Charities Appeal ticket-sellers after a Red Deer Council. Next year we hope to be number one. We donated $2,000 to Pennies For Heaven at the Calgary Convention which was the largest donation in Alberta/NWT.
Our membership quota has been met and exceeded due to the hard work of our Worthy Membership Director, Brother Paolo Festa-Bianchi and Brother Wally Streit. Welcome to all new Knights. Please consider attending Major Degree Exemplifications when you are called.
We are on track for the Star Council Award, but we have one
small roadblock that we must hurdle by the end of June. We are short on our
insurance quota, but it is an easy hurdle to clear. We only need another three members to become
insurance members by the end of June, and a simple way to do that is to take
out a minimum $300 tax-free savings account. Call our Financial Adviser Brother Todd
Bouchard at (780) 986 5429 to discuss your options.
We congratulate Brother Real Demers who was awarded the great honour of Knight of the Year at the State Convention in Calgary.
We've been working to acquire an ultra-sound machine for the Pregnancy Crisis Centre with the tireless leadership of Brother Andrew Tarnowski. While we've been frustrated by delays at Supreme, it's been decided that we “go it alone” and complete the project. Should Supreme eventually send funds, then we will decide on a separate recipient institution to receive a second unit.
We bid Father Eduardo Santos farewell as he moves on to his new parish. We wish him well in his new duties, and look forward to seeing him on occasion as he will remain in Edmonton.
The last event on our schedule will be the Awards Night BBQ which follows the installation of officers for the next term. Call Brother Arnold Lorenz at (780) 988 5634 for tickets which are priced at $15. It will be an evening of good fellowship, some surprise awards, and a steak BBQ.
Thanks to my mentors, Past Grand Knights Ken Shivak, Ken Schwartz, Paul Liber, Lou Normand and Wally Streit. They have made my job so much easier by their guidance and advice.
And thanks as well to those who have served as Executives and Directors. Your contributions to the success of our Council have been very much appreciated.
I wish you and your families a safe and happy summer. Should you be travelling, may God be with you, and may He bring you home safely.
Vivat Jesus.
Al Girard, Grand Knight