NEVADA KNIGHTS IN ACTION

June 2007

State Deputy Welcomes Supreme Warden to 97th Annual Meeting

Supreme Warden Lawrence Costanzo & State Deputy Wayne Bieniasz

...a Thank you note from the Supreme Warden Lawrence Costanzo and his wife Sandy

June 2007

Brother Knight John Snyder received the honor of being inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, in a surprise ceremony.   Snyder has been in a wheelchair since the late 1990s, after nerves in his legs were severed during surgery to remove a tumor on his spine. Snyder said he underwent the surgery knowing of the risk. But Snyder, who can stand but cannot walk, said he doesn't consider his condition a handicap, just a "major inconvenience."  

Snyder is one of only five teachers nationwide to be inducted into the Hall of Fame's 2007 class. He also became the first Nevada instructor to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Recognizing Snyder's achievement, Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, who was not at the ceremony, declared April 19, 2007, "John Snyder Day." Patience, Selflessness, Enthusiasm and the Personal Attention he gives students were reasons Snyder deserved the honor, according to a Hall of Fame official, the school's principal and Snyder's students.  

At a time when many teachers are leaving the profession because of dissatisfaction, Snyder, a 36-year teaching veteran, said he can't get enough. "I'm not going to retire until they drag me kicking and screaming from this building," he said.

Brother John Snyder, PGK, PFN, has 21 years of service in the Order and is a member of St. Viator Council #8282 and a Fourth Degree member of the Reverend Theodore Van Skee Assembly #2164 in Las Vegas, NV.

May 2007

Salvation Army Recognize Brother Knights from Council 13754 in Mesquite Nevada, for volunteer work performed in their Community during the past year. Brother Art and Ruth Hammerschmidt received honors as the Mesquite Salvation Army Volunteer Couple of the Year. Brother Art and his wife, Ruth, volunteered over 650 hours in directing the entire Christmas Bell Ringing operation. They were instrumental in collecting over $34,000 for the Mesquite Salvation Army. Mesquite Council 13754 received a Plaque honoring their Ringing Bells at El Rancho Grocery each Wednesday for eight-hours, for four-weeks. These worthy community awards personify the numerous areas in which the Knights of Columbus involvement in the Mesquite community is being recognized.

April 2007

The Nevada Jurisdiction Celebrated the Legacy of Father Michael J. McGivney, a Parish Priest and Founder of the Knights of Columbus on the eve of the 125th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus... a Mass of Thanksgiving was offered for Fr. McGivney & All Parish Priests at "Guardian Angel Cathedral" in Las Vegas, NV., and a Reception followed in Celebration of 125 Years of Faith in Action.

March 2007

Cosmo Palomba, a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Council 13897 in Fernley, NV., services an electrical panel while working in the Gulf Coast. After reading about the need for volunteers in the February issue of Columbia, Palomba made the trip to aid with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

Msgr. John J. Lambe Assembly #611 in Las Vegas hosted a Nun’s Appreciation Dinner to honor and entertain the 26 sisters residing in the Las Vegas Diocese and all other sisters visiting.

February 2007

Council 4828 in Fallon sponsors Living Rosary Prayer Services on the 1st Saturdays of each month at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 9:00 a.m. and on the 3rd Wednesdays of each month, typically at 7:00 p.m., just before their regular business meeting.  Everyone is invited. The most important thing is that we get as many people as possible to join in prayer for an end to abortion and for the protection of life at all stages.

JANUARY 2007

Prince of Peace Council 9899 in Las Vegas hosted a breakfast with Santa for more than 30 people.

DECEMBER 2006

Mesquite Council 13754 held their 2nd Annual Acolyte Breakfast at the Eureka Casino restaurant at 9 AM on Saturday, July 15, 2006. Brother Terry Perkowski, Youth Committee Director arranged this First Activity of the new Columbian Year which was greatly appreciated by all.   The council hosted this event for their much needed Mass Server's along with at least one parent as guests of our Council. Father Bob was present as well as many Brother Knight's. The Knights Council 13754 of want to emphasize their support for the young boys and girls that serve our Lord and help us celebrate Mass in Mesquite/Bunkerville.

NOVEMBER 2006
(excerpt from Knights in Action @ kofc.org)

Rosary Council 3741 in Henderson presented copies of Parish Priest to council chaplain Father Steven Hoffer, chaplain emeritus Father Donald Casey, and Father Bernie Waters, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Church.

Prince of Peace Council 9899 in Las Vegas began a partnership with nearby Helen J. Steward School. The council donated $1,000 from its fund drive for people with intellectual disabilities to the school’s Special Olympics team and held a poster contest.

October 2006

Knights Of Columbus, Mesquite Council #13754 sponsored a Mass by Father Bob Puhlman for our Firemen, Police, Mayor Nicholes, City Council and members of the La Virgin de Guadalupe Catholic Parish at the new Catholic Chapel in downtown Mesquite. The service was well done and the sermon was directed to the above Guests for their service to the community and, in particular, in remembrance of the sacrifices made by our protector's during the destruction of the twin towers in New York City on 9/11. It was the First time many of these dedicated organizations were represented at a Catholic Mass in their honor or ever attended a Mass. The service was well received by all in attendance. The Mesquite Council greatly appreciates the impressive service conducted by Father Bob, our Parish Priest, and feel this has given a big boost to our being recognized in this area.

SEPTEMBER 2006
(excerpt from Knights in Action @ kofc.org)

Nevada State Deputy Wayne Bieniasz presented Father Thomas Fransiscus with a copy of Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism and By Their Works at the 2006 District Deputy and Grand Knight Orientation and Training Meeting.


Prince of Peace Council 9899 in Las Vegas donated $200 to the Serra Club to offset the cost of the group’s annual religious appreciation dinner.

AUGUST 2006
(excerpt from Knights in Action @ kofc.org)

Prince of Peace Council 9899 in Las Vegas received a commendation from the Committee for Veterans Stand Down, an intervention program that helps homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. The council aided in housing veterans at the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge over three days in May.

St. Francis of Assisi Council 13456 in Henderson presented each member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church confirmation class with a book about the lives of saints.

Brother Leo McGinty, Mesquite Council #13754, kicked off this year's support for the Mesquite Special Olympics on Saturday, July 8 thru Dec 2, 2006. Brother's Leo & McCluskey assist several bowler's confined to wheelchairs bowl each week from 10 AM to !1:30 AM at the Virgin River Bowling Lanes. You should experience the thrill these young bowler's express when they get a spare or a Strike. Brother's Courtney and Griffin have also assisted. All member's of the Parish are invited to come down each Saturday morning and just observe and give their support to the ~ 22 participants.
Guarantee you will enjoy yourself.

Nevada Councils, Assemblies, or Squires Circle, Share your news!

If you have pictures of "Nevada Knights in Action" and would like them to be posted online, send them to the web editor Pat Sullivan by e-mail: kofcpat@earthlink.net

Be sure to include Council Assembly or Squires Name & Number, Name of the Event, Date of Event, and Summary - What took place? Where did it occur? When was the project held? How much money was raised? How many hours of time were volunteered? Who was the beneficiary of the project?

For questions about the Knights of Columbus, please contact the Nevada State Council.
New Address: 2332 Quartz Peak ST, Las Vegas, NV 89134

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