Officers and Directors 2015-2016
Father GeorgeThayilkuzhithottu Chaplain
Bill Chrostowski Grand Knight 715.830.9371
Randy DeMars Deputy Grand Knight 715.832.1639
Mark Aebly Financial Secretary 715.874.5574
Bob Kortes Recorder 715.836.9248
Jerry Whalen Treasurer & Council Director 715.834.1981
Dallas Short Chancellor 715.828.3836
John DeLestry Advocate 715.307.4769
Mike Sheehan Warden 715.338.9470
Randy Brunner Inside Guard 715.834.6788
Kent Hoff Outside Guard 715. 797.2948
Terry Knutson Field Agent 715.425.8074
John Blaeser Bowling Secretary 715.832.1131
Tim Carroll 3 Yr. Trustee 715.834.5954
Kevin Friederichs 2 Yr. Trustee 715.315.0571
Bob Sieben 1 Yr. Trustee 715.829.3657
Knights of Columbus
John F. Kennedy Council #1257
P.O. Box 923
Eau Claire, WI 54702
Meetings & Socials at K of C Hall 2708 Thomas Drive Eau Claire, WI
Thanks guys, it's been a blast. There's a very old country song from the late 50's or early 60's entitled 'Do whatcha do, do well boys'. And while the song's singer and many of the lyrics escape me now, I can still hum and/or sing the chorus lines and recall the gist of the tune's intent.
As I close out my two years as your Grand Knight, I feel you 'boys', my fellow brother Knights have carried out the order of that old song quite well. It's a sentiment many of you have heard me voice many times over the years, usually right after the rare times we finished a project that didn’t meet our expectations I've basically said "most of what we do, we do very well'.
And so it continued the last two years, with little or no thanks to me. To witness: this year already our lifesaver drive netted an all-time high (by far) and our tootsie roll drive results were the best in a decade. We're in position to greatly increase our take from Country Jam parking (thanks to our past performance) next month and 'Slamfest', in its' third year is also spiraling upwards. Our relationships with Special Olympics and other local charities remains rock solid. All this good news is due solely to the GREAT leadership of EACH of those worthy endeavors and to the selfless, capable efforts of the Knights of JFK Council #1257. Those are the simple, encouraging facts of the matter.
In short, as my tenure ends, all I've done is maintain the status quo. I had several grandiose plans that I didn't fulfill, didn't come close to be truthful, but I will hopefully live to fight another day on behalf of 1257 beyond my time as GK.
I want to thank and acknowledge my predecessor, Kevin Friederichs, who turned the council over to me in very good shape-that was no small task. Likewise, although I still have some work to do, I expect to give my successor, Randy DeMars, a fully functional, up and running council to inherit.
For a variety of reasons, I feel DeMars is more prepared and qualified than perhaps any incoming GK in recent memory. His fingerprints are all over almost every aspect of our operation, but in addition to that he comes in with a lot of knowledge about the Knights from a regional, state and national perspective as well, and he comes by that knowledge from his own initiative. He's also been far and away our most effective recruiter in recent years. This is a man well worth following, please try to give him your best as you have done for me.
In closing, I could fill up this entire bulletin and several others giving testimony to the individual character of so many of the men of 1257. The respect and admiration I have for you guys makes my cup runneth over and my eyes moist. I hope that sentiment has shone through to you as we have worked, played and prayed together because that feeling is genuine. Retired Packer Hall of Famer Willie Davis once said of Vince Lombardi "he's all the man there is". That's a deeper and more profound compliment than first meets the eye when you think about it. Anyway, that's how I feel about you guys. Thanks for being there for me and our council.
Please remember the soul of Mrs. Jerry Boettcher in your prayers. Please congratulate Liam Wilgus, one of our newest and youngest members, on his recent graduation, and some guy named Jerry Olson will turn 80 at our next meeting on the 13th, which will commence with a 1st Degree at 6:30. See you there.
Vivat Jesus!
Bill Chrostowski
Our May Knight of the Month is Kent Hoff. Kent has recently stepped forward to be our council’s outside guard. Kent also helps out in the St James Round Table as well as helping out with council projects such as Buck Shot Run and Filling the Dream. Thank you for your service Kent.
Saturday, June 17th, 2017 please join us for a celebration honoring Jerry Olson’s 80th Birthday! From 3:00pm – 6:00pm at the Olson Residence E2257 Jaybee Drive Eau Claire, WI 54701. Come thirsty and hungry. No gifts please! RSVP to Renee Liming (715) 832–4085 or .
Tuesday June 13 there will be a First Degree at 6:30 PM with business meeting and election of officers to follow the Degree at the Kennedy Hall.
Thank you to the ten Brother Knights that worked the Filling the Dream Event for WI Special Olympics on Saturday May 13. It was a beautiful day and a great event again this year. Tim Carroll event coordinator.
Grand Knight Bill Chrostowski taking care of a customer at Filling the Dream Event 2017
Tuesday June 27 Officer Installation and Steak Fry. We will have out installation of newly elected council officers. Bring a steak to throw on the grill and the council will provide the rest of the meal for $4.00. Knights and their families are welcome, just bring some meat and help welcome the new slate of officers for the upcoming fraternal year.
Columbus Site will have meeting at 5pm on Tuesday June 27 before the social.
July 20-22 Country Jam Parking We will be working selling parking passes again this year at the Jam and will have even more slots to fill this year. Contact Dallas Short 715.828.3836 to sign up if you or family members are able to help out. Remember that everyone who works a shift gets an arm band to go into the show after their shift and proceeds go to our council charity fund.
July 27-29 Slam Fest Food Concessions We will be looking for volunteers to help out at the food tent at the Chippewa Valley Slam Fest again this year this year. Contact Randy DeMars 715.832.1639 for details if you are interested in helping out. This is a good fundraiser for Regis Catholic Schools and has the added benefit of raising money for our council as well.
Submit articles to Tim Carroll: http://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=1257