Knight Action JUNE 2019 - Knights of Columbus
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Knight Action
JUNE 2019
The Official Publication of Wilmington Council 1074 Knights of Columbus
Grand Knight’s Report
Brother Knights
April was a great month for the Council. As most of you know, our Council was honored at this year’s
State Convention with several awards – The Charity Award, the highest award given, first place for the
Scrapbook, congrats to SK Charlie Backes and the LAMB award, congrats to SK Jim Laraia. These awards
are a testimony to the great work our council did and does for our community. In addition to these awards, we
were honored to receive a special award for our work with Special Olympics. Brook DeAmaral, the new
Special Olympics Coordinator, along with Special Olympics Ambassador Mark Allen, presented Council 1074 with the
award at our May meeting. I know all the brothers who attended the meeting were impressed with Mark and the manner
in which he spoke and conducted himself in front of a bunch of strangers. He is an inspiration and a testament to the
good work Special Olympics does with their Olympians. Thanks to SK Bob Macaluso our S. O. chair, and his volunteers
for all their hard work.
I have been informed by DD Frank Reck, that there will be a Knighthood degree on June 1 st at Fr. James Keenan
Council #11266 in Garner, NC. Anyone wishing to go to this degree should contact me as soon as possible. While this is
short notice, I urge all brothers who have taken their second degree to consider going for their third degree and
completing their knighthood. I know there will be a third degree soon at one of the councils in our district. Along those
lines, new GK Ralph Maggio is considering hosting a 2 nd Degree at our council in August. I urge all 1st Degree Knights to
take the opportunity to advance to the 2nd Degree. I am sure you will hearing more on this as the year progresses.
Congratulations to all the new officers for the 2019-2020 fraternal year!
At our May meeting, we elected our new officers for our fraternal year 2019 – 2020. Congratulations to all the
new officers. I know the Council is in good hands and that you all will support them in the upcoming year.
As this is the last article for the newsletter I will be writing as Grand Knight, I would like to thank all of my brothers
who graciously volunteered their time and energy to help me with the council activities. Special thanks go to all the
officers, especially DGK Tim Pflaum who worked tirelessly on all the forms that had to be submitted to the state, to Rich
Boccard and Steve Hargett for their work on the finances of the Council, to Ralph Maggio for his hard work on the RSVP
program as well as our successful Christmas party and Founder’s Dinner, to Steve Levesque for his work on the Men’s
day of Reflection which I believe was a great success and an event that I hope the new officers will continue to support
and expand, and of course to Charlie Backes whose enthusiasm, hard work, and love for the Knights is extraordinary. As
I have said in the past, this is your Council and you will get out of the Council only what you put into it. These men are
examples of what it takes to make a Council great. By their example, I trust our Council will continue to prosper, continue
the good work we do, and grow in our faith and love for each other. Thank you all for making this past year a truly
memorable one for me!
We are Called,
SK Bob Benazzi GK
Chaplain's Corner
Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori
Invaluable to the Christian life is a warm and loving devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.
I was blessed to grow up in a home where the rosary was prayed daily, even on the busiest and
most difficult days. There was always a statue of the Blessed Mother in our home and other
reminders of Mary's love for us, her children. At school, May processions culminated in the
crowning of a statue as we all sang to our Lady.
In time, I got into the habit of praying a daily rosary, and as I mediated on the life of Jesus through the eyes of
Mary, my vocation came into sharper focus. In my final years at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., I often
went to the beautiful grotto up the mountain, a national shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. In the quiet of that
grotto, my love for Mary deepened as I prepared to serve the Church as a priest.
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 1 of 11
Chaplain's Report, continued
But it was not until I visited Lourdes, France, for the first time in the 1980's that I was overwhelmed with the
healing power of the Blessed Mother's intercession. In that holy place, where Mary revealed herself to St. Bernadette as
the Immaculate Conception, I experienced a wonderful healing, cleaning and renewal of body, mind and spirit. Over the
years, I have returned to Lourdes many times, often with pilgrims, many of whom suffer from serious illnesses. I visit with
them before they go into the baths and, when feasible, pray with them after they emerge. The purifying love and powerful
intercession of Mary is palpable to those encounters.
My love for the Blessed Mother likewise intensified when I visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico
city for the first time in 1990 and looked upon her miraculous image. The experience filled me with joy and opened my
eyes to Mary's role in the evangelization of the world.
Inspired by these experiences, Marian devotion has become an essential part of my life. Like every good Knight
of Columbus, I carry a rosary in my pocket. My father's own K of C rosary also remains in the little chapel in my
residence. When the house is quiet at night, I often slip into the chapel and pray with my dad's rosary. As I do so, I think
about all the people I met during the day and the any people who asked me to pray for them. As the day comes to a
close, nothing is more consoling than to spend a little time in conversation with Mary.
I also look upon a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother that I received from Cardinal James Hickey, my mentor
and friend, when I became a bishop many years ago. When I look upon that image, I never fail to pray for the cardinal,
whose example and memory continue to influence my life so deeply.
During the month of May we honor Mary in a special way, and on June 10, the Monday after Pentecost, we will
celebrate her as the Mother of the Church. Her virginity symbolizes the truth and purity of the Church's teaching and the
sacrifice that the Church daily offers. Her motherhood symbolizes the maternal care that the Church give to us, her
children, reborn by water and the Holy Spirit. This love reaches us through many channels, the not the least of which are
the Church's ministries of healing and charity. And when members of the Knights of Columbus live the principle of charity,
we help extend the loving care of the Church to the poor and the vulnerable.
We must turn our gaze toward Mary, asking her prayers that the Church might be purified.
These days, though, it is the Church—sinful in her members—that needs healing. Sins against young people and
the failure of church leaders to respond continue to haunt and hobble the Body of Christ. Many practical steps still need
to be taken to ensure that bishops and other leaders are held accountable for their actions. But those steps alone,
important as they are, won't fully heal the Church's wounds. For that, we must turn our gaze toward Mary, asking her
prayers that the Church might be purified, cleansed, healed and renewed.
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Archbishop William E. Lori
Election of Officers
The annual election of new council officers was conducted during the May meeting for Council 1074. The results of the
election are as follows:
Grand Knight – Ralph Maggio
Deputy Grand Knight – Richard Boccard
Chancellor – Lou Mattes
Treasurer – Gerry Roggerman
Advocate – Frank Militscher
Warden – Howard “Bud” Avil
Inside Guard – Jim Cavanaugh
Outside Guard – Conrad Caranno
Trustee (1 year) – Ned Reilly
Trustee (2 Year) – George Plarre
Trustee (3 year) – Robert Benazzi
Special Olympics Spring Games
Bob Macaluso called his Special Olympics team together to help at the Spring Games at Ashley High School on
May 3, 2019. Several tasks needed to be taken care of at these games so Bob needed at least a dozen knights. The
tasks were parking assistance, game coordination, and keeping the water coolers filled and available to the athletes. The
knights who responded to Bob's call were: Jim Mulligan, Conrad Corrano, Joe Mazur, Charlie Backes PGK, Ron
Thompson, Keith Hartung, Ralph Maggio, Jason Gatt, Bob Spiegel, Bill Skinner and his brother, Bob, and George and
Paula Plarre and their friends Kelly and Jim Hargrave (from Michigan).
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 2 of 11
During the opening ceremonies, Council 1074 was recognized as a special contributor to New Hanover County
Special Olympics because of the $14,000.00 donation we made to them last fall. The New Hanover Special Olympics
coordinator Brooke Deamaral presented Bob Macaluso with a plaque in recognition for the great donation. All knights
present were called upon to be recognized by the large crowd present. We were all surprised and pleased.
The below picture shows from left to right, PGK Bob Macaluso, GK Bob Benazzi, Brooke Deamaral, and Mark
Allen. Mark Allen is a Special Olympic representative who has just presented the council with the special plaque
recognizing Council 1074 as a major contributor to the New Hanover County Special Olympics Organization.
From left to right: PGK Bob Macaluso, GK Bob Benazzi, Mark Allen, and Brooke DeAmaral
Flowers for Mother's Day
Each year Council 1074 honors the mothers of our parishes on Mother's Day.
This year the grand knight decided that we could hand out carnations. Volunteers were
recruited to hand out the flowers to the mothers of The Bacilia Shrine of St. Mary and
Immaculate Conception Church. At least twenty knights helped with this effort at both
churches. Thanks to all the men who made this a worthy effort appreciated by the ladies.
Knights who helped hand out the flowers at ICC are: 5 PM Mass – Nick Burton,
Joe Mazur, and Ray Wycoff. At the 8:30 AM Mass – Charlie Backes, Mike Bender, Pete
Traveras, Ken O'Leary, and Ken Buckery. At the 10:30 AM Mass -- Ken Levy, Joel Morin,
Chris Behm and overall event coordinator, Barney McAtter.
Knights who helped hand out the flowers at BSSM are: 5:30 PM Mass – Jaime
Spagnoli, John Gasson , PGK Jim Laraia , and John Kristan; at the 8 AM Mass – GK Bob Benazzi, PGK Bob Jenski,
PGK Bob Macaluso; at the 9:30 AM Mass – Jim Mulligan, Ralph Maggio, Rich Schrum; at the 11:00 AM Mass – Frank
Pinto, Paul Carey, Jim Cavanaugh, and Ron Thompson.
Right to Life Vigil
On the fourth Friday of May, May 24 2019, three members from Council 1074
took up the monthly vigil at the 16th Street and Hospital Plaza Drive location. Just down
the street is an abortion clinic. From 9 to 10 AM the three members quietly prayed for an
end to abortion. While we waited and prayed, approximately 1000 cars drove by on 16 th
Street. Bud Avil, one of the members, erected a small sign that read, “Honk for Life”;
approximately 65 drivers did so. One driver made a vigorous attempt to show that he
somehow disagreed with us and gave us a very big thumbs down. Does that mean that
that driver is in favor of killing babies? Makes one wonder.
When you read this think about how it would look if we had a lot more members out there with us. Give it some
thought and try to remember to show your support for those unborn babies that just might die down the street. The
members is the picture are Bud Avil, in chair, and Joe Mazur. Charlie Backes took the picture and prayed with them.
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 3 of 11
Upcoming Golf Tournament
Wilmington Council 1074 of the Knights of Columbus will hold a CHARITY golf
tournament on Monday September 16, 2019 at the Pine Valley Country Club. For
Information please go to www.kofc1074.org. You can also register and pay on- line on
this website. The council will be looking for golfers and are currently looking for
sponsors. Please see Lou Mattes if you want to play or can provide information about a
possible sponsors.
Bocce Tournament
Council 1074 will sponsor the Second Annual Knights of Columbus Bocce Tournament in
the southeast part of North Carolina on June 1, 2019 from 9 AM to 1 PM. We have heard
from St. Marks, St. Theresa, Hampstead, and CastleHayne and Shallotte; they all will
have at least 1 team. WE WILL BE CHALLENGED this year. Please bring your $10
entrance fee and your Bocce Balls if you have them.
May Meeting
The main item of business at the May meeting was the election of new officers for the 2019-2020
fraternal year. Those officers are mentioned in another section of the newsletter as well as the
summary at the end of this newsletter. Full details of the meeting are in the May meeting
minutes, posted here in the “Members Only” section of the council website. Please submit any
comments, corrections or additions to Recorder, Jim Mulligan.
Our June Business Meeting will be held in the Saint Mary School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.
Ralph Maggio won $25 at the May meeting. All he had to do to win was be there. The monthly prize is $25. YOU MUST
BE PRESENT TO WIN!
Important June Dates
June 1 Bocce Tournament at Empie Park 9 AM to 1 PM at the Bocce Courts
June 1 Third Degree in Garner, NC. Degree starts at noon.
June 1 LAMB Drive at Harris-teeter Long Leaf Mall 9AM to 6 PM
June 4 K of C O and D meeting 7 PM, social chambers
June 6 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Allied troops landing in Normandy France
June 8 Deacon David Miller ordained to the Priesthood at HNOJ Cathedral in Raleigh, NC
June 8 LAMB Drive Harris-Teeter Hanover Center 9 AM to 6 PM
June 8 Regional training session Jacksonville, 8 AM to 4 PM Infant of Prague Parish
June 11 K of C regular business meeting, 7 PM in St. Mary School Cafeteria.
June 13 Admission Degree in Southport
June 14 Flag Day
June 15 LAMB Drive Harris-Teeter, Waterford CC, Leland 9 AM to 6 PM
June 15 Family of the Month nomination due to supreme
June 16 Father's Day, Return all the baby bottles given out on Mother's Day
June 18 K of C 4th degree meeting, St. Mary School Cafeteria.
June 21 Summer begins.
June 25 Men cook for our ladies at K of C social hall.
June 28 Right to Lift Vigil at 16th Street and Hospital Plaza Drive 9 to 10 AM
June 29 LAMB Drive, Harris-Teeter on 820 S. College Rd 9 AM to 6 PM
June 30 Annual report on Roundtable due to supreme.
June 30 Columbian Award Application due to supreme
June 30 DD form 944 B due
June 30 Food for Families form 10057 due to supreme
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 4 of 11
Prayer Requests
Please keep these people and their families in your prayers.
Leo and Kay Torrens
Jean Bua
Uncle Paul
Bertha Militscher
Harry and Diane Kozma
Frank Metzger
Reilly Howell (Student killed at the UNCC shooting. His dad is a Knight of Columbus.
Special Olympics Update
Much has happened in the past month since my last update on Special Olympic activities. On Friday, May 3 rd,
over 400 athletes from the local schools, agencies and adult care facilities came together at Ashley High School to
participate in the Spring Games. Approximately a dozen Knights from Council 1074 were on hand to control the parking
for parents, visitors and most importantly the school buses. The Knights also maned the hydration tents as well as
encouraging all of the athletes in the games. Prior to the start of the games, as part of the opening ceremony, our council
was recognized and presented with a plaque for being a Title Sponsor for our donation of $14,000 this year. Thanks to all
my brothers for their support of Special Olympics. I can’t tell you how many times I have been thanked for your help.
The annual Superheroes Spring Dance was held on Sunday, May 19 th at Halyburton Park on a beautiful summer
evening. While the dance was not well attended compared to previous dances this did not stop the athletes from having a
good time. Four brothers, George Plarre, Lou Mattes, Ralph Maggio (Grand Knight elect) and me along with two
spouses, Paula Plarre and Ginger Macaluso cooked and served over 200 hotdogs as the athletes and guests danced and
enjoyed each others company.
Raleigh or Bust, the spring bowling league will soon be ending. Over the past 3 months 29 athletes have been
improving their skills to prepare for the summer games that will be held on Friday, May 31 st through Sunday, June 2nd. Of
the 29 bowlers that signed up for spring bowling, only 22 will be attending. Of the 7 that will not be attending, 2 have
medical conditions and 5 either chose not to attend or did not meet the minimum number practices. I would like to thank
Charlie Backes and my wife Ginger for their time to assist with coaching and support. Please say and extra prayer for our
safe travel to Raleigh for the athletes, chaperones and me.
Vivat Jesus!
SK Bob Macaluso, PGK
District Deputy’s Message
Brothers,
We are in the final month of the Columbian year. Thank you to all of the Officers and Directors
who have served the councils during the year, especially those who are stepping down. Before doing that
however, please note that there are several forms due by June 30 th; please make sure that they all get
filed on time.
Now is the time for the incoming Grand Knights to assemble their teams and plan for the new year. Please file
your Forms 185 and 365; due on July and August 1st respectively, on time. They’re online here. Please also send the
names and contact information for new officers and directors to me so I can update my records.
We need to schedule installation of council officers. Please let me know of some good dates for each of your councils.
We also need to schedule a District meeting. I’m planning another joint meeting with District 1. We don’t have a
date yet. One option is to hold it before the Formation Degree on August 3 rd to avoid everyone having to travel to the
meeting on a separate occasion. I would appreciate any thoughts from the GKs and officers in the District.
Degrees: Thank you Southport, Wilmington and Shallotte councils for hosting degrees. Southport is definitely
hosting an Admissions Degree on Thursday, June 13th. Wilmington is tentatively hosting a Formation Degree on Saturday,
August 3rd and Shallotte is hosting a Knighthood Degree on Saturday, August 31 st. We should also be holding a
Knighthood Degree each month in the District. I would propose to continue the current rotation, which means that
Wilmington would also host a Knighthood Degree in July, (most likely on the 23 rd), Southport in August and Shallotte in
September (on dates to be determined) and then the cycle would repeat every three months.
Francis X. Reck PGK, PFN
District Deputy, North Carolina District #25
We are Called!
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 5 of 11
Deputy Grand Knight Report
Brother Knights,
My wife and I just returned from a two week tour of Ireland. It was a wonderful trip. We were
able to visit the beautiful National Marian Shrine of Ireland at Knock. On August 21, 1879, Our
Lady appeared with Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist on the wall of the Parish Church
at Knock. On the altar a snow white Lamb appeared representing Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
After we returned, I read in the Little White Book that the youngest witness to the apparitions at
Knock was a five-year old boy named John Curry. At 25, John Curry emigrated to New York,
then to London and then back to New York in 1911. He worked as a railroad laborer and as an
attendant at the City hospital on what is now Roosevelt Island. He died at 69 in the care of the
Little Sisters of the Poor and was buried in an unmarked grave on Long Island. IN 2005, Cardinal
Timothy Dolan learned about Curry’s unmarked grave. He arranged for John Curry’s remains to
be reburied on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and on May 13, 2017, a funeral Mass was
offered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for John Curry.
Vivat Jesus!
Tim Pflaum, DGK
Family Director’s Report
Since we did not hold the Men Cook for Ladies event in May, I propose that we do it in June. This
month we should have a cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fun, party fixins. Men do a lot
of the cooking for these events anyway so it should not be too much of stretch for us this month. We
will discuss it at our June Officers and Directors meeting and see if it makes it.
Vivat Jesus,
Charlie Backes for the Family Director
Lecturer Report
This month I will read a short story about Ann Margaret at a book signing. A vet shows her a picture
from Viet Nam and she remembers her time there. A really touching story that changed the life of an
Army veteran.
SK Charlie Backes, Lecturer
Life Director’s Report
Our monthly Respect for Life Vigil will be held on Friday, June 28, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the corner of South 16th
Street and Hospital Plaza Drive, Wilmington.
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 6 of 11
Memorial Day 2019
Memorial Day 2019 was special to many members of Council 1074 this year so we made a special effort to make
a public demonstration. Several members from the council assisted members from the Msgr. C. Dennen Assembly by
laying a wreath at the national cemetery located off Market Street in Wilmington, NC.
Knights attending the ceremony were from left to right: JohnGasson, Jim Mulligan, Ken Levy, George Plarre,
Richard Boccard, Tim Pflaum, Joel Morin. Also attending were Ralph Maggio and Jim Bilisoly from our council and Greg
Decker from the Father James Waters Council.
Faithful Navigator’s Report
Brothers,
May was a busy month for the Assembly with Memorial Day at the National Cemetery and 2 Passing of the Colors
Ceremonies to our Catholic grammar school students, St. Mary’s and at St. Marks.
We also had May elections and here are the election results of those who will serve as Assembly 2017 Officers for
2019 to 2020. As you may notice many are fellow council members. Term starts on July 1, 2019:
Faithful Navigator: SK Bob Macaluso
Faithful Captain: SK Steve Hargett
Faithful Pilot: SK George Plarre
Faithful Admiral: SK Frank Militscher,PFN
Faithful Scribe: SK James Bilisoly,PFN
Faithful Comptroller: SK Charlie Backes,PFN
Faithful Purser: SK Dennis Yott
Inner Sentinel: SK Russ Cappello
Outer Sentinel SK Gary Wool
Trustee 3 year: SK Jim Laraia,PFN
Trustee 2 year: SK Ned Reilly
Trustee 1 year: SK Bobby Philips,PFN=
We are looking forward to Saturday June 8th, the Ordination to the Priesthood of our fellow Sir Knight Deacon
Dave Miller. Please allow 2 ½ hours to get to Raleigh for the service being held at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in
Raleigh. Service starts at 10 AM. Assembly Dress is Tux and Social Baldric. Hope to see you there.
Vivat Jesus,
Frank Militscher, Faithful Navigator
Color Corps Schedule
Please contact Color Corp Commander, Steve Hargett to confirm your participation in any event.
The June Assembly Meeting will be held in the council chambers in the basement of the Tileston Center, starting at 7:00
PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
SK, Frank Militscher, Faithful Navigator
LAMB Chairman’s Report
Please take a look and let me know if you can fill the duty where you see an opening.
DATE TIME LOCATION ADDRESS LAMB CO-DIR. LAMB CAPTAIN
1-Jun-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Long Leaf Mall 2800 S College Rd Nord Cofini Nord ???
8-Jun-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Hanover Center 3501 Oleander Drive Tim Pflaum Ron Thompson
15-Jun-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Waterford Com. Ctr. 2021 Olde Regent Way Bob Macaluso Ron Thompson
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 7 of 11
29-Jun-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - College Road 820 S College Road Nord ??? Charlie Backes
6-Jul-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM Food Lion - Carolina Beach College Road Jim Laraia Charlie Backes
13-Jul-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Mayfaire 6805 Parker Farm Road Jim Laraia ???
3-Aug-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Oak Landing 8260 Market St Bob Macaluso Bob Macaluso
31-Aug-19 9:00 AM - 6 PM HT - Lumina Commons 1940 Eastwood road Jim Laraia ???
TBD 9:00 AM - 6 PM Open
TBD 9:00 AM - 6 PM Open
TBD 9:00 AM - 6 PM Open
Jim Laraia, LAMB Director
Food Collections
Brother Knights,
SO FAR THIS YEAR WE HAVE COLLECTED $4,151 and 1,693 BAGS OF FOOD
Our next Food Drive is SATURDAY, JUNE 8 at the 4 Harris-Teeters
HT WATERFORD – Waterford Shopping Center in Leland
10 AM to Noon - Les Christensen and Paul Carey
Noon to 2 PM - Bill Beer and Bob Corriston
2 PM to 4 PM – Jim Morrow and ?????????
HT LONGLEAF – Longleaf Mall (Corner of College and Shipyard)
10 AM to Noon- Bob Olski
Noon to 2 PM - Joe Mazur
2 PM to 4 PM – Mike Sharkey
HT BEAU RIVAGE – Beau Rivage Marketplace (Carolina Beach Road, South of Monkey Junction)
10 AM to Noon– Nick Burton Jr.
Noon to 2 PM - John Hanby
2 PM to 4 PM – Don Paulson
HT HANOVER CENTER– Across Oleander from Independence Mall
10 AM to Noon – Michael Murray
Noon to 2 PM - Bob Diehl
2 PM to 4 PM – John JJ Schmidt
Don't Just Live It, Wear The Shirt!
All sizes are in stock. Contact SK Frank Militscher or see him at the meeting to order yours. S, M, L and
XL are $26 XXL are $28 and XXXL are $30. Magnetic name tags are only $10. Contact SK Frank
Militscher to order your wife a name tag or to upgrade your own. If you have a badge please wear it when
you attend mass to help make others aware of our presence, especially if you are a minister of some kind.
Meals on Wheels
We participate in Brunswick County on Mondays and New Hanover County on Wednesday and Friday. If you can spare
two hours once a month, between 10:00 AM and Noon, please email SK Bob Macaluso or call 914-260-2310 for New
Hanover or email Ron Thompson or call 910-399-4763 for Brunswick County. We can always use more help.
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 8 of 11
Quote for the Month
This quote by a famous American is in honor of the 75 anniversary of D-Day in Normandy France and for Flag Day that
occurs this month on June 14. Although this American has been dead for some time, it says a lot about how some of us
still feel about our country. “Sure I wave the American Flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country
with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.
John Wayne
Website of the Month
This month’s website is usapatriotism.org. If you have a favorite link that you would like to see included here please
forward if to Editor, Charlie Backes.
Service Anniversaries
Here are the service anniversaries for the month of JUNE, based on 1st Degree dates. Congratulations to all!
John Clyne 5 years Bill Muro 5 years Gordon Arminger 10 years
Council Surveys
Last year the council officers wanted to know more about how things were going within the council. They
commissioned a survey put together by three Past Grand Knights and approved by the council officers. The survey was
sent out to all members who have email in January of this year. To date 13 surveys have been returned for processing. If
you want your thoughts heard by the officers on how to improve the council and council meetings, find and fill out the
survey. The survey can be found on our website (www.kofc1074.org). Fill it out and return it to Charlie Backes, the editor
of this newsletter, for processing.
Of the 13 surveys received so far some very good ideas, some not so good ideas, and other suggestions have
been made by the membership. These results and comments will be passed on to the newly elected officers for their
consideration and action.
Editor’s Notes
Brothers,
The deadline for the newsletter is the 20th of the month for the next issue but don’t wait. As soon as you’re planning
something please send it along. As the new administration gets settled the positions will be filled in and confirmed. Ralph
and Rich will need the help of many members of the council to be successful. Here is the opportunity many of you have
been waiting for: take it this time around. You can be a big help and make a difference in the workings of Council 1074.
You have talents that you used to make a living, use them now to help others and the council.
Vivat Jesu!
SK Charlie Backes, Newsletter Editor
Frank Militscher's Biography
On a cool, sunny May morning I met with Frank Militscher at 4504 Still Meadow Drive, Apartment
101, in Wilmington to conduct this interview. Frank told me he was born on April 1. 1953 and that he has
a sister born exactly one year later on the same day. His early years were spent in Brooklyn, New York,
but his parents moved around a bit and he also spent time on Long Island then back to Brooklyn and
Pittsburgh, Pa. too.
His early schooling was at a Catholic Grade School in Brooklyn. He attended high school in Pittsburgh for three
years; his final year he had a private tutor to help get him through school; he graduated in Brooklyn, NY. He did not go to
college directly after high school but did attend the Insurance College of New York later.
To say that Frank had a varied work experience is to put a too fine a point on it. His work experiences range from
banking; his early years, to insurance, the stock market, professional recruiting, and finally sales. He told me that he
started working before he could read: at age five. Since both parents were avid readers they put him to work selling their
old books in the neighborhood. A thin book would go for 5 cents while a thick book would garner a dime. Some of his
efforts brought him into close contact with some well know celebrities; one being Ms. Duke of the Duke University fame
who lived in New Jersey. He was working at a recruiter and managed to recruit the person who took over the job as Ms.
Duke's personal assistant.
Frank was a partner with another man managing a Sleepies Furniture Store on Staten Island. The wife of the
other man managed the store part time. At times, when she was alone, a lady by the name of Bertha would stop by to
keep her company. Frank met and got to know Bertha, they dated, then got engaged, and after three years they married
in 1996. They do not have children. Bertha is a quiet lady who is part native American; she is half Cherokee Indian from
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 9 of 11
her father's side while her mother is of a mainly white, European stock. Bertha also grew up in Brooklyn at the same time
that Frank did and they did not live very far apart but never met until the furniture store.
Frank's parents moved to Wilmington after he retired from his International Banking career in Manhattan. Since
his parents were aging Frank and Bertha followed them to Wilmington 2008. Frank found a variety of jobs in Wilmington.
Frank joined a Knights of Columbus council in Staten Island, New York in 1975 by becoming a member of Council
1675. He took his degrees there and became their recorder before moving on to another council in New York. He was
their C & B chairman for a year or two. The C & B chairman is similar to the LAMB chairman here. After transferring to
Council 1074 he became active again in the Knights. He started out here as the recorder and moved to deputy grand
knight. After serving for one year as grand knight he relinquished the position to allow John Schmidt to move up to the
grand knight position. John was in his eighties then and wanted dearly to be a grand knight since he had become active
in the council again. By Frank stepping aside it allowed John the opportunity to take the GK position. As it turned out he
died while serving his second year as grand knight for Council 1074. Frank is currently serving his second year as
Faithful Navigator for Msgr. Christopher Dennen Assembly #2017 in Wilmington.
Monthly Quiz
This month the quiz full of words that rhyme. This is a little more difficult than the past ones.
1. jejune adj a. in flower b. immature c. dark-haired
2. doubloon n. a. cannon b. two-run homer c. gold coin
3. importune v. a. shrink down b. vocalize c. urge
4. dragoon n. a. hunting rifle b. soldier on horseback c. westerly wind
5. festoon v. a. decorate b. take shelter c. go bad
6. picayune adj. a. trivial b. bristly c. pinkish
7. boon n. a. small knife b. blessing c. ghost
8. clair de lune n. a. blue porcelain glaze b. fit of madness c. french cookie
9. saskatoon n. a. frozen lake b. goose c. june berry shrub
10. tribune n. a. Roman official b. bugle call c. reporter
11. harpoon n. a. ceremonial dance b. barbed spear c. ship's mast
12. opportune adj. a. musical b. on the left side c. timely
13. galloon n. a. clumsy oaf b. lace trim c. two bushels
14. rune n. a. clever insult b. cold fog c. mystical writing
15. maroon v. a. red paint b. leave stranded c. tie to a buoy
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-c, 4-b, 5-a, 6-a, 7-b, 8-a, 9-c, 10-a, 11-b, 12-c, 13-b, 14-c, 15-b
Monthly Joke (almost)
Bob's team has five players; four of them are named Jojo, Koko, Lolo, and Momo. What is the name of the fifth player?
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 10 of 11Answer on next page.
Council Officers and Directors 2019-20
Title Name Phone E-mail
Grand Knight Ralph Maggio 910-303-3402 gk@kofc1074.org
Deputy GK, Program Director Rich Boccard 910-399-3700 dgk@kofc1074.org, recruit2@kofc1074.org
Chancellor, and Vocations Chairman SK Lou Mattes 910-399-4041 chancellor@kofc1074.org
Recorder Jim Mulligan 972-343-8593 recorder@kofc1074.org
Treasurer Gerry Roggermann 914-610-9834 treasurer@kofc1074.org
Lecturer, Fraternal Record, & Newsletter Editor SK Charlie Backes 910-791-0844 lecturer@kofc1074.org, editor@kofc1074.org
Advocate SK Frank Militscher 910-409-8677 advocate@kofc1074.org,
Warden SK Bud Avil 910-399-6001 warden@kofc1074.org
Inside Guard Jim Cavanaugh 412-445-6953 insideguard@kofc1074.org
Outside Guard Conrad Carrano 910-799-2148 outsideguard@kofc1074.org
1-Year Trustee SK Ned Reilly 910-313-3344 trustee1@kofc1074.org
2-Year Trustee SK George Plarre 910-233-1624 trustee2@kofc1074.org
3-Year Trustee SK Bob Benazzi 910-228-5369 trustee3@kofc1074.org
Financial Secretary SK Steve Hargett 910-833-7471 fs@kofc1074.org
Faith Director Steve Levesque faith@kofc1074.org
Community Director SK Jim Laraia community@kofc1074.org
Family Director family@kofc1074.org
Life Director Joe Mazur life@kofc1074.org
Membership Director Rich Schrum 910-376-4274 membership@kofc1074.org
Recruitment Committee, Roundtable ICC SK Barney McAteer 910-399-2482 recruit1@kofc1074.org
Insurance Promotion insurance@kofc1074.org
Health Services health@kofc.1074.org
Food Collections Rich Boccard 910399-3700 food@kofc1074.org,
LAMB Chairman SK Jim Laraia 937- 609-1753 lamb@kofc1074.org
Webmaster SK David Altman 910-409-0058 webmaster@kofc1074.org
Chaplain Fr. John McGee 910-791-1003 chaplain@kofc1074.org
Public Relations SK Kenny Levy 910-398-0818 pr@kofc1074.org
District Deputy SK Frank Reck 910-789-1783 dd25@kofcnc.org
Field Agent SK Marty Yakimovich 910-617-2805 martin.yakimovich@kofc.org
Knights of Columbus, Wilmington Council 1074, PO Box 1841, Wilmington NC 28402-1841 www.kofc1074.org
Answer to the joke: The fifth player's name is Bob.
Wilmington KofC Council 1074 JUNE 2019 Page 11 of 11You can also read
