Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 6904  Knights of Columbus  Whippany, NJ

March 2008 News Letter

My Brother Knights:

As we enter the month of March, winter is winding down, but Council 6904 is gearing up for spring. Our annual St Patrick’s Day Dance at the American Legion on March 15^th is chaired once again by Warden Mark Kearney and PGK Derek Jess. This dance is a success thanks to their hard work and dedication, which is the theme of all the successful events run by our Council. I urge all Brothers to call Mark to see how you can help be a part of one of our most popular events.

When I first became Grand Knight, I stressed the importance of not taking things for granted. Just as we acknowledge the chairmen of our events, I would like to recognize the Brothers who cannot attend our meetings, mostly due to their living out of state, out of the region, or having to work on our Thursday meeting nights. Your dedication to our Council by supporting us with your dues each year enables Council 6904 to donate to those charitable endeavors that are the foundation of the Knights of Columbus. Letters and emails are always welcome so that we can hear from you.

Our Council application for the George Coppola Scholarship is due to the Grand Knight by April 1^st. All members, including those I mentioned above, are encouraged to have all eligible applicants apply. More importantly, the application for the Bishop Dougherty Scholarship is due by March 1^st, and I must forward those applications to the State Chairman by April 1^st. I ask all Brothers who have applicants to submit the completed forms as soon as possible.

Ralph Cetrulo has run a successful Free Throw Contest over the past few years at Our Lady of Mercy Gym, which has also become the venue for our District Free Throw Contest. The preparation and dedication for this task allows our Council to present itself in a positive light to our youth and their families. It was a welcomed site to see Ralph hand out trophies and medals to the participants at our February social meeting. I would like the Council to recognize Ralph Cetrulo as the March Knight of the Month.

Finally, I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter.

Vivat Jesus,
Dennis

~~~~~ NEW MEETING DATE ~~~~~ The March Social meeting has been MOVED from March 20th to March 27th because the 20th is Holy Thursday. IT’S STUFFED PORK NIGHT !!!

- POSTINGS -

A motion was made and seconded to donate $500 to the Bishop Dougherty Scholarship Fund.

A motion was made and seconded to donate $1,500 to the Veterans’ Memorial Fund of Hanover Township.

A motion was made and seconded to donate $600 to the Whippany Park High School Knights of Columbus Scholarship.

A motion was made and seconded to donate $600 ($1,200 total) to each of two seminarians which our Council is sponsoring.

INSURANCE NEWS

The 20:1 Retirement Rule

Here’s an actuarial rule of thumb to give you a ballpark figure of how much savings you’ll need to generate enough retirement income: It takes about $20 of savings to provide $1 of retirement income. For example, a nest egg valued at $200,000 dollars would generate only about $10,000 in annual retirement income for life, assuming that it earns a modest interest rate. This is a handy method for a quick estimate. For a more concrete assessment and a plan of action, let’s talk.

What works better for you?

• Through our Single Premium Annuity, you make one payment and select the age you begin receiving benefits.
• Through our Flexible Premium Annuity, you make periodic payments of as much as you want, for as long as you want.

For more information, contact our insurance agent, John Stabile 973-539-2761

SEMI-ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE

The February Blood drive was held at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church. The drive was very successful as we collected 66 pints of blood with an additional 12 people being rejected, for a total of 78 donors. Seventy-eight donors are the most since I have been chairman. I would like to thank everyone who helped. First, I want to thank Jerry Martino for making all the calls from the hospital and helping on Saturday as well. Then there was Vince Lobello and Majella (his wonderful wife) who helped with the location and poster inside Notre Dame, Dennis Fashano and Joe Bono for their help Friday night, and Father Jude for allowing us to use the facilities. Also thanks go to my son Ralph for sending out the e-mails. Finally, thanks to all the brother who help on Saturday or donated blood: Jerry Martino, Dennis Fashano, Ralph Cetrulo, Vince Lobello, Derek Jess, Joe Salko, Joe Ward (Kevin & Nathan), Mark Kearney, Joe Milano, Dennis Dittrick, Joe Kowalski, Richard (“Coffee”) Koch, Jerry Berardi, Bob O'Hare, Don DePalma, George Coppola, Bob Gallo, Mike Ricciardi, Perry Florio, Joe Bono, Joe Gilberti, Daniel Zarzycki, Ray Keimig, Jack Vales, Daniel Aloia, and Bob Fleiger. It was reported that the ‘Count’ was allowed to give blood this drive - which is a first. If at first you cannot give try, try again.

Thanks, Nick Cetrulo, Chairman

George F. Coppola Scholarship fund

This year marks the beginning of what will become a tradition in our Council. We will award our first scholarships to graduating high school seniors. We will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships.

Applicants must be high school seniors who are preparing to matriculate into an institute of higher learning. He/she must be a relative or dependent of a Brother of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Council #6904 in good standing. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance and community service.

Applications will be available by February 1^st. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2008 and awards will be presented at the June 5^th meeting. For details and applications, contact Joe Milano at 973-463-0797.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO KNIGHTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The following are a listing of available scholarships through the various levels of the Knights of Columbus. I hope this list clarifies a lot of questions. All but the Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarship applications are available through Council 6904. You need to get on the web site, www.kofc.org for the other application.

George F. Coppola Scholarship- Council 6904- See above.

Paterson Federation Scharship- Available to any Catholic student entering freshman year at a Catholic High School- applicants need not be sons or daughters of members-application due May 15^th to Paterson Federation- based on academics and service- $1000 annually for four years.

Bishop Dougherty Scholarship- State Scholarship- Available to Council members and their siblings- sponsor must be a Knight of Columbus- application due March 1^st to Grand Knight- based on academics- $1000 one time scholarship for entering college freshman.

Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships- Supreme Scholarship- Available to Council member in good standing; the son or daughter of such a member, or of a deceased member who was in good standing upon his death- for entering college freshman at Catholic University of America or any Catholic colleges-application due March 1^st -to New Haven K of C-$1,500 annually for four years maintaining good academic standing.

Tricky Tray Reminder – Friday, June 6, 2008 !!!!

It’s only 3 months away! We are accepting donations (gifts and cash).

Can you identify any businesses that might donate???

Contact Joe Milano 973-463-0797

FREETHROW CONTEST RESULTS !

This year we had over 50 participants enter our free throw contest.
The age range was from 7 to 14 years old.

This year’s winners are:

Thank you all, Ralph Cetrulo, Chairman

Annual Golf Trip

The Knights of Columbus, Elizabeth Ann Seton Council #6904 will be running our annual golf trip to the Water Gap Country Club. The date is Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Cost is $120 per person and includes: bus transportation to and from the golf course, lunch, dinner, golf and cart. The bus will be departing from the Our Lady of Mercy Parking Lot at 10:30 am. This is always a great time and slots are limited. For reservations and information please contact Derek Jess by email at gomezdjj@hotmail.com or by phone at 732-585-8493.

CAMDEN YARDS

Our Annual trip to Camden Yards to watch the Yankees play the Orioles will be Sunday, August 24^th. Game time is 1pm. Cost is $60/pp and will include ticket to the game, bus transportation to/from the game (leaving from Whippany) and beverages on the bus. If you would like to go to the game, but drive yourself, let me know how many tickets you want. Cost will be between $20 and $22/ticket.

THANK YOU… THANK YOU… THANK YOU…

To Jerry and Candice Martino for the wonderful desserts of cream puffs and cake that capped off our February Social meeting. They were Deeeeee-licious !!!

	WHEN: Saturday, March 15! WHERE: American Legion Hall, Whippany TIME: 7-12pm COST: $45 per person INCLUDES: Dinner, Music, Dancing, Beer/wine/soda WHY: Because it’s a GREAT time. WHO: For reservations, contact Mark Kearney at 973-884-1955 Get your reservations NOW before they’re all gone. Seats ARE still available !!!

PIEROGI DINNER

Will be held at the Ukranian Center on March 7^th from 5-9pm. Cost is $10 and entertainment will be provided. For info, go to www.uaccnj.org or see Fr. Dan.

FATHER DAN’S 24^TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT !!!

On March 2^nd at 6:30 at the Ukranian Center, Father Dan will celebrate his 24^th anniversary with food and music. The amazing “Magic Slim” & the Teardrops will perform. Tickets are normally $23 but Father Dan has invited all Knights to come for FREE.

“HELP MENTALLY CHALLENGED CITIZENS”

The Drive will take place on April 24-27. Save the dates. Volunteers needed. Contact Dennis Fashano at 973-292-9560.