Grand Knight’s Blog – June 2021

Next Meeting

Date:     Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Time:     7:30 p.m.
Place:     Zoom Video Conference. 

Log in with this link:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89497475792?pwd=eFMyS01uQm5jVnhQaEdwUUtKK3BPdz09

A password is required on all Zoom meetings now, and the password is:   kc81

Or dial in:            (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID:        894 9747 5792
Passcode:           kc81

Activities and News Since Last Meeting

• KofC Mexican Martyrs.
  A really good article is posted on the Supreme Website about a time in our history I had never heard about: the “Cristada” and the persecution of Catholics in Mexico in the 1920’s.  https://kofc.org/en/news-room/mexican-martyrs/index.html?utm_source=Aristotle-Knightline&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aristotle-Knightline-2021-05-18  A really good read, especially if you are a history buff, which gives some insight into U.S. – Mexico relations.  Soon to be a major motion picture with Andy Garcia starring as a Knight!
• Free Membership.
  Free membership goes through June 30^th. If you are aware of any potential candidates, now is the time!  Let me know, I’ll get them a Form 100 or direct them where to join online.
• Family Fraternal Benefit.
  In keeping with the Knight’s dedication to family values, Supreme has initiated a new fraternal benefit which will provide a cash benefit for the loss of a child, and up to $5,000 in life insurance for children under age 18. All new members receive this automatically at no cost, but existing members must enroll.  More info here: https://info.kofc.org/index.php/email/emailWebview?md_id=12587
• Roundtables.
  The Roundtable initiative has gotten good response. I have a volunteer to lead the Portuguese/Brazilian Roundtable, and one for St. Matthias.  I’m looking for a leader for St. Michael’s Parish in Hudson.  Any volunteers?
• Raffle Tickets.
  If anybody wants or needs State raffle tickets, please let me know. I have them in my office, you can swing by even if I’m not there, my secretary Kim can take care of you.

Programs and Upcoming Events

• Ultrasound Initiative
  I have heard nothing further from Kari Corda, the director of First Concern in Marlboro, about their desire for funding of an Ultrasound machine for their facility on Bolton Street. I did research and got connected to the principal players in the KofC state organization, and told Kari to go shopping and get back to us with their choice.  So we will table this until we hear further.
• Nominations and upcoming Elections.
  Tonight is Election Night!  The Nomination Committee has submitted the following slate:

If anybody is interested in the Chancellor job, please let me know.  I promise there is no heavy lifting involved.

• State Golf Outing
  Friday, June 25^th in Westminster.  $90 per player.  Let me know if you are interested, I have the enrollment forms.
• Boston Harbor Cruise.
  The Boston Chapter is hosting a harbor cruise aboard the Boston Belle on July 23^rd. $50 per person, cash bar on board. Departs from Marina Bay in Quincy.  Contact Joe McHugo for tickets.  joemchue@aol.com   
• A Night for Life.
  Thursday, June 17^th at 5:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 850 Hancock St., Quincy, sponsored by the Boston Chapter. A program of speakers including Cardinal Sean, and music.  More information hereL  Night4Life.com
• Catholic Essay Contest.
  When we get back to work in September, one of our first initiatives should be to start work on the Essay Contest. Please let me know if you can help out.  I need three people to interface with the religious education directors at St. Michael’s, St. Matthias and I.C.
• Labor Day Parade.
  According to Melanie Whapham, the daughter of long-time parade chairman George Whapham, the parade is on for September 6, 2021! Any interest in participating this year?  It may be a smaller than usual parade, thus we will be bigger fish in a smaller pond and get more exposure.  Any volunteers to get us registered and organized?

Other Meeting Agenda Items

• Prayers / Intentions:
  Carole Avey.   Our deceased brother Cliff Avey’s sister, Carole, remains in hospice. Please keep her in your prayers.  Brother Phil Short had his surgery and reported a good result, but it still sounded pretty serious to me, so please keep Phil in your prayers.
• Covid Recovery.
  After the June meeting, we are off for the summer, but it is our sincere hope that the September meeting will be in person.  Stay tuned to the website for more information. With luck, the next year should be back to normal and more productive for us.
• Other business?  If you have an item to add to the agenda, please let me know.
• News? If you have any news to report, email GrandKnight@kofcmarlboro.org.

See you all tonight on Zoom.

Vivat Jesus.

Mike Tremblay, Grand Knight