Norene Westerbeck |
The affable and very popular former council member Ray Peters, who with his wife Janis currently lives in Robson Ranch near Denton TX, attended the meeting and was welcomed by many friends as he worked the room. Although Ray has switched councils, he is still an Assembly 2316 member.
Financial Secretary Gerald Krawczynski was given a standing ovation when Grand Knight Dick Breckon announced that Gerald was named the 2013-2014 Arkansas Knight of the Year at the annual convention in Russellville. Dick also identified the awards the Council received which included the Memorial Mass and Banquet as the Family Award, the most CPID funds raised by a large council, and the most money donated to the Pennies from Heaven fund.
Three women representing organizations which are beneficiaries of the Council's charitable giving were guests at the dinner: Anne Dierks, Project Rachel Director ($500); Angela Issacs, St. John's School Principal ($2,000); and, Janice Beaver, Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center Director in Hot Springs ($500). Father Bill accepted the $1,300 check for Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Gordon Wilson was named Knight of the Month for April, and Bill and Diane Patterson were named Family of the Month.
With the assistance of a DVD, Norene Westerbeck, District Representative for the National Camps for Blind Children, told the knights about the activities of the one-week camp held each year at Camp York on Lake Ouachita. Last year there were 72 campers of all ages who came from across the country, including Canada. This year's camp will be held July 6-12, and there may be some blind veterans from Shreveport LA in attendance for the first time.
Janice Beaver (l) and Angela Issacs (Anne Dierks was not available for photo) |
With fellowship as one of the most important aspects of the camp as evidenced by the enthusiastic participation in the talent show, the scheduled activities include, but are not limited to: fishing, rowing, canoeing, zip lining, swimming, rappelling, rock climbing, archery, horseback riding, and bowling. While members from various Village service organizations volunteer, the Council is involved primarily with the bowling activity under the leadership of Mike Frantz, who has served in that role for a number of years. Mike encouraged knights to contact him about volunteering for the bowling sessions each Monday - Friday afternoon. He also said they can go to the camp any day and help as needed as well as to transport campers to/from the Little Rock airport on Sunday and the following Saturday.
Chaplain Father Elser spoke about the convention and his conversation with the new State Deputy Adrian Dominquez. If Bishop Taylor approves, Father Bill will continue as state chaplain, and there may be an associate chaplain with responsibility for the Hispanic population. He asked the knights to remain faithful in their prayer life, to pray for our semiarians, and to get involved with Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. He suggested that the Council could take responsibilty for one of the major Parish Life functions.
An election of officers for the 2014-2015 fraternal year was held. There were no nominations from the floor, and a unanimous vote was cast for this slate of officers:
Grand Knight Bob Honzik
Deputy Grand Knight Gary Wolfer
Chancellor Steve Fetcko
Financial Secretary Gerald Krawczynski
Treasurer Ed Doyle
Warden Chuck MacDonald
Advocate Mike Frantz
Recorder Rick Meyers
Lecturer John Meyers
Chaplain Father Bill Elser
Inside Guard Scott Krantz
Outside Guard Gordon Wilson
First Year Trustee Dick Breckon
Second Year Trustee Bill Roe
Third Year Trustee Dave Johnston