Dave Librande, Frank Rich, and Gerald McDougall helping set up our KC nativity scene by St. Francis de Sales Church. Even though it looks a little brown to get in the Christmas spirit, it didn't stop this group from doing their part to remind us all of the meaning of Christmas.
On Sunday, October 4th, a small group of KC members and family marched from the church to Maple Ridge Care Center where we prayed the Rosary for the Protection of Life.
We can't expect an event like this to occur without some glitches. First, the Silver Rose, I found out Sat. afternoon, wouldn't be here until this evening at 6, But, with the Rosary planned and runners and bikers committed to today, we continued without the Rose. We went to the same meeting place set with the next council as if we had the Rose.
You likely remember the weather this morning at 7 am. Cloudy, At 7:05 - drizzle, At 7:10 - light rain, At 7:15 - hard rain. But, it didn't stop Dave Librande from leading us through the Rosary at the Memorial to the Unborn in front of St. Francis de Sales Church. By 7:30 the first runner started out. I had explained how this isn't just a run for exercise, but really a sort of pilgrimage for the Culture of Life. I reminded the runners and bikers that we do this for those that should be running with us, but were never born. And for women and people of color that they can run without harassment, assault and even death. And also to remember as we runners age, that we may die a natural death with dignity. Not one would quit because of the rain. Kirby started us out in the middle of the really intense downpour. Curt took over half way to Sarona. Anna was next to take it at St. Catherine's. Mark Sauer came out in the rain after mass there and rode his bike with Anna, and also Ryan who did the next leg. Denny, not being a runner, took a short leg just before the Long Lake dam. Scott and I finished it up into Birchwood, after the rain had stopped. The bikers took it the next 60 miles through the Blue Hills, south of Ladysmith to Jump River. They arrived just a little before 4 pm. The bikers were Ryan, Scott, who did the whole 60 miles, and Alex with John from Rice Lake that just did the Blue Hills to Bruce. The Silver Rose arrived at 6 pm tonight. Scott on his way home is driving through Jump River to hand it off to the Athens council. Blessings, Allen, GK The St. Francis de Sales Knights Council 5397 participates in picking up and delivering nonperishable donations from the Church weekly, as well as picking up and delivering donations of mostly baked goods from the local Kwik Trip store 3 days every week. I was asked by the Washburn County Food Pantry Director Sue Adams if the Knights would do the Kwik Trip pickups. As I was already delivering the Church donations. I ran this by the council and it was approved. WGK Al Peterson, Jerry Mcdougall, and myself each take one of the three days to pick up donations in the mornings. Andrew Medley and Jeff Stellrecht also are volunteers. We also weigh the donations at the Food Pantry and keep track of the donations from St. Francis, as we send in the total figures from the Church to the Supreme Council to receive funds to give to our Washburn Country Food Pantry annually.
We set up a special combination lock to hold the spare key for us to use in the mornings as the food Pantry is closed when we deliver the donations. I started picking up the Church donations almost 2 years ago, and we recently began picking up the Kwik Trip about a month ago. It is working out fine for all concerned. Brother Frank Rich The Knights of Columbus recently distributed the checks from the 2019 Tootsie Roll Drive held the first weekend of May. We had beautiful weather this year and everyone was in a giving mood. We distributed checks of over $500.00 each to 3 local charities that work with the Intellectually Disabled in the community.
The Knights of Columbus believe in serving the less fortunate of our brothers and sisters. We stand behind our intellectually disabled citizens. Our charity helps bring about an awareness that they deserve as well as providing them with funds for needs or events.
Of the monies collected during our annual Tootsie Roll Drive, 75% of our collections come back to our community. We have been splitting this refund three ways between Harmon House, Special Olympics and Ventures Unlimited. These are all local groups that aid these citizens at home, at work, and at athletic competitions. Some of the Harmon House residents help us with our fundraising because they know that it’s for a good cause. The other 25% of collections (after paying for the candy) goes into a state fund for the Intellectually Disabled. Councils across Wisconsin raise these funds knowing that this money is allocated judicially to qualified applicants for special equipment that will improve the quality of life for many individuals. Thank You to all the people who helped with the 2019 Tootsie Roll Drive and to all the local residents and visiting tourist for your donations. They will be put to good use and we hope you enjoyed the Tootsie Rolls! Project Chairmen, Dan Lee Dan Olson |