Executive Director and CEO of Special Olympics - Arkansas Terri Weir addressing the knights

After praying the rosary and enjoying a great meal of venison chili, the meat for which was donated by the Donnie Miller family and Ron Boudreaux, the knights had a full meeting with a guest speaker and a 1st Degree Exemplification.

Knights of Columbus State Director Dub Green introduced Terri Weir, the new Executive Director and CEO of Special Olympics of Arkansas.   She was accompanied by Rex French and Sawyer Ramsey, two young men who had just started in their positions with the organization.   Terri emphasized that Special Olympics is not just important to the athletes, but to the families and communities as well.  "Community building is the pillar of Special Olympics." 

Each year there is a theme for the event.  Terri chose the 2013 theme as Revealing the Champion.  It is important to note that the champions are not only the athletes, but all the people involved, because they are all affected in a good and positive manner by the experience.

Responding to a question from a knight, Terri stated that it is "hard to describe the impact of the Knights of Columbus upon Special Olympics - Akansas, because it is so significant."  Another question had to do with expenses for the athletes with the response that all expenses for the athletes in all competitions are covered, including international travel.  Expenses for families are covered in local competitons with other situations examined on a case-by-case basis.

Arkansas Law Enforcement is involved with bringing the Flame(s) of Hope from the four corners of the state to the Capitol, where one is taken to Harding University.  Last year it arrived by helicopter.  The officers are also involved in presenting the awards.

New knights pictured following their exemplifcation (l-r): Dennis Sissan, Ken Buch, Gordon Wilson, Bud Campbell, and Roger Witcraft.

Participation by bikers is a recent devlopment, and it totaled 267 last year.  "Olympians love the bikes."  Arkansas' first lady, Mrs. Beebe, may lead the the bikers this year, if security can be properly implemented.

A 1st Degree Exemplification was conducted for seven candidates with two from Hot Springs and five from Hot Spring Village.  Council 10208 welcomed Ken Buch, Bud Campbell, Dennis Sisson, Gordon Wilson, and Roger Witcraft.  The exemplification team consisted of Roy Anderele (Mena), Bill Patterson, Tom Yerina, Gerald Krawczynski, Mike Kerwin, Mike Frantz, and Buddy Dixon.   Following the meeting, Deputy Grand Knight Bill Nosek was making arrangements for the new knights to attend a 2nd/3rd Exemplification in Conway on Sunday.

2013 Montserrat Retreat Resized

The annual retreat to the Montserrat Retreat House in Lake Dallas TX was again coordinated by Church Director Tom Yerina, who schedules it a year in advance with the Jesuits.  It begins on Palm Sunday evening and concludes at noon on Tuesday.

This year the Retreat Director was Father John Payne assisted by Father Edd Salazar.  There were five prayer conferences with time between sessions for private prayer, meditation, and private conferences.  Two masses, including a healing mass, stations of the cross, and a reconciliation service were also an integral part of the retreat.

There were 29 knights in attendance, including: Jim Anderson, John Bodensteiner, Bob Bowman, Bob Brandt, Jaime Cardenas, Ed Doyle, Jim Dyar, Bill Hartnett, Bob Honzik,  Ken Huber, Wayne Kapple, Mike Kerwin, Bob Kindelsperger, Scott Krantz, Gerald Krawczynski, Al Kuhn, Chuck MacDonald, Bill Maher, Mike Miller, Art Morissette, Dan Murphy, Bill Nosek, Milt Spaniel, Phil Stephenson, Carl Suttor, Tom Thornton, Mike Welsh, Tom Yerina, and Marvin Young. 

In addition to the knights, there were Sacred Heart of Jesus parishioners Bud Campbell, Terry Geske, and Don Ritter.  Other retreatants were Tom Kochtanek (Bob Brandt's son in law) from Columbia MO, Bob Earhart and Stan Wang from Texas, and Gary Johnson from Illinois.

The food was plentiful, but in contrast to previous years, the weather was a bit chilly and kept the retreatants inside most of the time.   

First Step in Hot Springs has

In December, Grand Knight Bill Roe (l) and CPID Co-Chair Milt Spaniel presented Namcy Baxter with a check from the 2012 Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

been an annual recipient of funds raised in Council 10208's Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities.  At the March 5 membership meeting, Ann Baxter addressed the knights to update them on the services of their beneficiary which received $2,650from the 2012 Campaign.

While First Step occupies two square blocks in Hot Springs with its main office located at 407 Carson Street, it also has facilities in six other Arkansas communities, including Malvern, Fordyce, Glenwood, Mt. Ida, Sparkman, and Hamburg.

Having started in 1958 as the Garland County Association for Retarded Children with one teacher and seven students, First Step offers "multiple programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  Early intervention is its forte!  On the recommendation from a physician, the staff can evaluate and advise a course of action to help achieve the best possible results."  Services include school (preschool and regular), therapy, adult, and supported living (personal care, home care, and case management).   

With a staff of 1,000 full- and part-time employees, it serves 1,900 clients from a 27-county area.  It is a private, non-profit organization that does not receive any state or federal support.  However, many of the clients do receive state and federal financial assistance to pay First Step for its services.

First Step "rewards individuals for reaching their goals.  That's why First Step rings with shouts of laughter of kids playing, discovering, and growing...it is a world of adults, who, like other adults, are learning life skills necessary for productive and independent living."

Pam Bland, Executive Director of First Step states, "We are committed to helping ordinary families faced with extraordinary circumstances get the help they need."  

At the March 5 Membership Meeting, Grand Knight Bill Roe announced the Knight and the family of the year for 2012-2013.  Milt Spaniel is the knight and Marvin and Lucy Young are the family of the year.  Their names and resumes have been submitted to the State Council for consideration in the state-wide competition.  The winners will be announced at the state convention in April.

State Deputy Michael Kieffer has asked all Grand Knights to promulgate the following information and prayer to all of their knights:   

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Knights of Columbus – the world’s largest Catholic fraternal group – is asking its members and all Catholics to pray for the pope and the Church in anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement, scheduled for the end of this month.

This is a prayer written by Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church,
we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI
and the selfless care with which he has led us
as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church
on the rock of Peter’s faith
and have never left Your flock untended,
look with love upon us now,
and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.

Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us,
a new Pope for Your Church
who will please You by his holiness
and lead us faithfully to You,
who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amen.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson issued the following statement which appears on the Knights' web site www.kofc.org: 

In these remaining days of his papacy, our thoughts and prayers are with Pope Benedict XVI, who has worked so hard in leading the Church, and has always been such a good friend to the Knights of Columbus. We wish him all the best in his retirement. In addition, we pray  for all those cardinals who will take part in the conclave, and for his successor, that God may inspire them as they carry out the mission with which they are entrusted.

Mardi King and Queen, Bill and Becky Roe

The annual Mardi Gras fundraising party was held in the Lower Hall on Tuesday, February 12.  There were many knighs, spouses and their guests in attendance.

Dan Murphy and Ed Miller were co-chairs of the event.  Admission was $18 per person.  Blue Velvet provided the music for listening and dancing. 

An party of this type requires a great deal of planning and preparation, including special food and elaborate hall decorations.  Many attendees also get creative with their costumes.

Approximately 35 knights and spouses volunteered many hours to ensure its success.

Food Preparation: 
- Jambalaya - Ed and Mary Ann Miller
- Creole and Rice - Dan and Kathy Murphy with assistance from Tom Robinson for vegetables

Kitchen:
Led by Rick Hiemenz, the crew consisted of Ray Ambrozich, John DeJanovich, Bill George, Greg Rogers, Tony Raymond, Dave Salmen, Dave Struthers, Jack Wallisch, and Ron Wilging.

Refreshments:
Ron Cuba and Bob Rodgers
  
Decorations and Dining Set-up:
Coordinated by Ron Cuba and Milt Spaniel, their group had the capable assistance of Bob Bowman, Pat Cuba, Mike Garstecki, Gary Joy, Gerald Krawczynski, Rick Meyers, Terry O'Brien, Bob Rodgers, Bill Roe, Steve Schramer, Carl and Anna Suttor, Mike Welsh, Dave Witchger, Gary Wolfer, and Richard Woodfin.

Grand Knight Bill Roe and Becky reigned as king and queen. 

Check the pictures in the PHOTO Gallery.  The event raised $2,073 to support the Council's charities and causes.