2024 archive

The Knights of Columbus Council 16492 is where you will find the pot of gold. This picture was shot by Brother Tom Costello from the registration desk at the Pickleball Veritas Tournament the weekend of April 26-28.

Sir Knight Gary Rotella and his wife, Denise, won the mixed doubles crown in their division during this year’s Pickleball Veritas tournament the weekend of April 26-28. Who knew a couple of former pharmacists could be so competitive! Congratulations to the athletic couple! 

Three new Knights were installed on Tuesday, April 23 at the 3^rd Degree Exemplification ceremony. From left to right are Monsignor Mike Morgan, Patricia and Bob Cowhey; Patricia and Richard Oertle; and Leah and Alfred Busbee and Grand Knight Pete Falcone. Welcome to our newest Knights.

Thanks to the guys for the 11th-hour response to taking down the destroyed tent at SJPII on April 13 after the strong winds ripped it to oblivion. A new tent is being planned. 

Sir Knight Tony Cutright (white shirt) oversees the scoring at the March Special Olympics Bocci Ball event in Jacksonville. Ten Knights and family members participated. Thanks to those who stepped up and had a great time at this massive event. Your help was greatly appreciated by SO personnel.

From the guys who create it to the guys who clean it all up. Thanks to all our volunteers who have participated in the first two fish fry events. The creators, from left to right, Steve Brennan, Mike Lassonde, Tom Holton, Mike Spigelmire, Vince Dlugos and Phil Barlage. The cleanup crew, left to right, Henry Lofton, Mark Van Engelen and Joe Shannon. Thanks to all.

This is the first State/National award Assembly 3771 has received. The Civic Award is a tribute to the spirit of patriotism and national pride exemplified by the assembly’s program of activities.  In order to qualify, the assembly must conduct and report at least four varied patriotic programs held within the fraternal year. 

Our four 2022-23 Patriotic Projects were First Responder recognition to the staff of Nocatee Fire Rescue Station 18, Patriotic Rosary for our Country, First Coast Honor Flight – 5 nominees, and BBQ for Veterans at Lassen Veterans Nursing Home.

Bishop Eric Pohlmeier said Mass at St. John Paul II in late January and was escorted by the 4^th Degree Color Guard.

Members of Assembly 3771 visited with Five Star Veterans Center leadership on Feb. 8th after lunch which was provided for the staff and clients by the Knights.

From left are, Sir Knight Mike O’Brien who is the Director of Development at Five Star; Father Ron Carmarda, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, priest for the dioceses of St. Augustine and retired Naval Chaplain; Sir Knight Pete Falcone; Sir Knight Tom Ballweg; Colonel (ret.) Len Loving, CEO of Five Star; and Sir Knights John Berry and Joe Cruz.

Sir Knight Tom Ballweg visited with members of the Five Star Veterans Center on Feb. 8. Assembly 3771 purchased lunch from Mission BBQ for the staff and clients to honor their service and support the center’s rehabilitation programs.

Our February meeting on Feb. 13, will be our Annual Spouses’ Dinner to coincide with Valentine’s Day. This year we budgeted enough that Knights will eat for free and we will charge $25 for spouses or significant others.

We will eat at 6 p.m. with drinks available at 5:30 for socializing. Dinner will be over by 7 when we say the Rosary. Our meeting will begin at 7:15 and will have an abbreviated agenda.

We will be catered by Trattoria di Bernardone and it will be a pasta and chicken buffet. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided.

 Please sign up as soon as possible with your name and the name of your spouse or date. We will need a headcount by Feb. 8.

This should be a fun night paying homage to our loved ones. If you haven’t attended one, it’s a terrific way to build camaraderie and make new friendships. Hope you can make it.