MEMBER NEWS

Brothers the next Men's Holy Hour prayer service is scheduled for June 08, 2022. The service is held in the Chapel of St. Margaret's Parish in Bel Air, from 6-7 PM. Spend at least one hour a month with other men in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary together, with prayers of petition for ourselves, family, friends, nation, world and our church, listening to a reflection by our Deacon or Priest, spending some time in silent personal prayer, praying the Litany to St. Joseph, our model of manhood, concluding with Benediction and a Eucharistic blessing. Come spend time together with our Lord who desires you to make time to strengthen your relationship with Him. The Lord makes himself present for us to be with Him in the Blessed Sacrament, take the time to shut out the world and be present with Him, 

All men are welcome, you do not have to be a parishioner of St. Margaret's.

Fields Christmas event was attended by many and was a hugh success, thanks to Brother Knight John Knapstein and his helpers.

Caption: 4th Degree Color Corp Mass at St. Margaret’s for Memorial Day

L to R Eric Tiso, Dick Belmonte, Kevin McNamara, Steve O’Brien, Al DiCocco, Don Kern 


Saturday, 4/29, The St. Mark Altar Server Dinner honoring the Deacons, Sacristans, and Altar Servers. The dinner was held at the council and serving began about 5:30-5:45.   There were 40 attendees and 9 volunteers serving the dinner.


Sunday, 4/30, The St. Mark Pancake breakfast which was held after the 9 o'clock Mass. Attendance was done due to the stormy weather. There were 40 attendees at this event.

2023 Community Awards Dinner held in Bel Air’s Knights of Columbus Hall

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the Bel Air Knights of Columbus, Council 4714, honored four Bel Air community members for their exemplary service and presented Paul Zarachowicz Tootsie Roll Campaign donations to The Harford Center and The Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region. In addition the Knights donated to The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation in recognition of all Health Care personnel. 2003 Knights of Columbus Community Awards Dinner Chairman and Past Grand Knght John Knapstein led the crew of Knights of Columbus and CLSO volunteers assisting with the event who included Grand Knight Stephen Michael, Jerry Wagner, Tyler Stone, Sharon Delgoto, Dee Kozlowski, and Karen Warner. Grand Knight Stephen Michael announced that the Knights of Columbus Paul Zarachowicz Tootsie Roll Campaign accumulated more than $200,000 in donations to The Harford Center and The Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region over the past 25 years. 


Pictured above from left: Grand Knight Stephen Michael, Fire Department Honoree Robert Hoskins, Police Officer Honoree Senior Deputy Hana Pilachowski, Elementary Teacher Honoree Mrs. Pauli Dillon, High school Teacher Honoree Mrs. Courtney Von Lange, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region representative Mrs. Sara Garbanino, The Harford Center representative Mrs. Sherry Nolte, 2003 Knights of Columbus Community Awards Dinner Chairman and Past Grand Knight John Knapstein.


Exemplification

The Council held an Exemplification on December 6, 2022, followed by a Christmas Social to welcome our Fellow Brothers enjoyed getting together and renewing our friendships that we have missed due to the Pandemic. Our next Exemplification will be in February which will also be followed by a Social at the Council. Hopefully, we can build on the number of Brothers attending as it was an enjoyable evening. Steve O'Brien


KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS POSTER CONTEST-2022

In September, the Bel Air Council invited St. Margaret School to participate in the 2022 Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest.  St. Margaret School has participated in this event during the COVID epidemic the last two years, and the awards were given directly to the art teacher, Mrs. Dawn DeVoe to be presented to the children.  However, this year we were able to present the awards to the children at the school.  Rules for the contest required the children’s interpretation of the birth of Jesus be on posters measuring 12” x 18”, and the theme should bear the message of the birth of Christ.

This year, the students in grades 2 through 8, (439), children participated in the event.  The third place winners received a $10 gift card, second place winners received a $15 gift card, and the first place winners received a $25 gift card.  One poster was selected to go to the state where that student could receive an award of $25 for third place, $50 for second place and $100 for first place.  The poster could then be sent to national, then international if it placed as one of the winning entries.  Members of the council judged the entries and determined the winners.

                 

               

The FIELDS Christmas party was held at the council home on Dec 15th. Almost 60 people attended with clients and volunteers. Jerry Wagner did the food prep and CLSO did the serving. Volunteers include Dick and Dee Kozlowski, Terry and Pat Lejewski, some of Pat's relatives , Karen Warner, Natalie Boyd and John Knapstein. Natalie played music for the event and Terry called bingo, an added twist this year. NO SANTA ! What??? (client's wishes). A fun evening was had by all and clients left with a goodie bag full of candy.

St. Mark Annual Trunk or Treat, 2022

On Sunday, October 30, St. Mark held its’ annual Trunk or Treat on the campus parking lot.  An estimated crowd of 150-175 person attended.  There were 18 vehicles that were decorated in the Halloween Tradition.  The weather was next to perfect.  In the morning it appeared that we might get rain, however mother nature provided a very delightful afternoon.  The event started at 4:00pm and ended at 7:00pm.  Several members of the Bel Air Council helped with parking and traffic control keeping safety in mind.  Safety was a major concern as this event draws a considerable crowd
The children went through the parking lot tricking and treating while enjoying the afternoon activities.  They went from car to car collecting candy treats.  Adults who attended but did not decorate their vehicles also handed out candy treats.  In addition to the activities in the parking lot, hot dogs, chips, soda, and hot chocolate was available throughout the program.  Prizes, in the form of gift cards were given out to the participants.  There was a total of nine categories: infant-age 2, ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14 and up, the best saint costume, duos and groups, and finally trunk decorating.  First place winners in each category received a $25 gift card, 2nd place winners received a $15 gift card, and 3rd place winners received a $10 gift card.
Father Foppiano and three other parishioners acted as judges for the afternoon.  Brother Jim Hunter acted as MC for the parade and judging.  Many thanks to the Brothers that helped with traffic control and safety:  Jim Hunter, George Hector, Dr. Joy Tobin, and parishioner Larry Hart Ms. Suzan Goad, parishioner organized and coordinated the Trick or Treat Program for the parish. 
A good time was had by all!               

By participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, you will raise funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer's Association® to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

This year held at Ripken Stadium.

Team raised $3271.88 so far.   Hoping for more. 

Bel Air Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Trivia Game Night on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Newport Terrace, 23 Newport Drive, Forest Hill. MD. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and Games will start at approximately 7 p.m.  Trivia games will be run by Fischbowl Trivia.  Admission is $10 per person and teams of up to 8 are encouraged.  Cash prize paid to the winning team. Lite fare will be available for sale as well as soda, beer, wine and mixed drinks.  Call John Knapstein 443-567-2824 for additional information and tickets.

Labor Day Flag Detail - Members of Bel Air Council and Havre de Grace Council (part of St. Francis Xavier Assembly) turned out for Labor Day Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Mission of St. Margaret Parish.   Father Ferdinand Ezenwachi celebrated Mass delivering a homily on the importance of taking an occasional break from one's labors to refresh and renew oneself and thank the Lord for the gifts he has given to us.   


Left to right: Kevin McNamara PGK, PFN; Troy Conley; Eric Tiso PGK; Steven Conley, FDD, PGK; Father Ferdinand Ezenwachi, Associate Pastor, St. Margaret Parish; Steven O'Brien; Richard Belmonte, FDD, PGK; Don Kern, FDD, PGK, PFN; John Marley, PGK, FN


Bel Air Council 4714 K of C Donation to Rage Against Addition (RAA)


Pictured  from left, Stephen Michael (Grand Knight), Wendy Beck Messner (RAA Founder and Executive Director), Rachel Bongiorno (RAA Recovery Coach and Daughter’s House Program Director), Paul Roeger (K of C Community Chair).


RAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting addicts and their families with the resources they need to find a path to recovery that will enable them to lead happy healthy lives. Their mission is to provide awareness and support to anyone affected by drug and alcohol abuse, including the family. RAA understands that the disease of addition is a family disease and that NO FAMILY IS IMMUNE. For more information refer to https://rageagainstaddiction.org/


Life Programs 

(Life Program Director – Dick Belmonte – Contact a Knight for more Information.


Rage Against Addiction – The proceeds of $870 from an All-Night Bingo were presented on August 22 at the Rage Against Addiction Office in Bel Air.   Thanks to Paul Roeger for coordinating this program.

Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser – Members and their families can participate in the annual Alzheimer’s Association walk-a-thon conducted at Leidos Stadium in Aberdeen on October 1, 2022.   Alzheimer’s disease affects many individuals and their families.   Members and their families can register for the walk or support a walker of the Knights of Columbus District 16 team by going to: 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Harford/Cecil: Knights of Columbus District 16 | Walk to End Alzheimer's

Ultrasound program:  The council, in coordination with the MD state council is endeavoring to find an opportunity to support the installation of an ultrasound machine in Harford County in 2022-2023.

Novena for Life ProgramOne of the Knights of Columbus recommended programs is a Novena for Life.   In January 2021 and 2022, we had a novena that was convened via Zoom.   This offered a safe format during the pandemic and can serve as a useful alternative for those who might have a challenge attending a novena in person during January.   We plan to renew this program in January 2023. 

Maryland Special Olympics – Raising funds through our bingo program, the council will be making a contribution of $2,000 to the Maryland Special Olympics www.somd.org after the January 2023 membership meeting.


Attached is a photo from January 28th, when Eric Tiso delivered 72 new coats in various sizes for children and teens, and had a variety of styles for both boys and girls. 


We again worked through Leonora Robinson with the Harford County Office of Homeless Services, who put us in touch with Greg LaCour, with the Bel Air United Methodist Church. Greg volunteered to receive the coats, and help distribute them as needed among the five organizations that work with the Office of Homeless Services. There were several gently used coats that were also donated, which went to BSA Troop 777's clothing drive.


Mark Zimmerman and John Knapstein took part in a Habitat for Humanity project on Oct 23rd. They put up sheathing and hung drywall in bedroom and bathroom closets.

John Knapstein, 443-567-2824

Please come out and join in on the fun with us on Saturday February 12th, 2022 for The Miracle League of Harford County Bowling Fundraiser sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council #10100 in conjunction with Forest Hill Lanes. Details for this wonderful event are listed below:

➢ Fundraiser Date – Saturday, February 12, 2022

➢ Check-In – 1:30pm. Starting Time – 2:00pm

➢ All lanes have a 4-person minimum, 6-person maximum

➢ Total cost – $250 per lane for 2 hours of unlimited bowling

➢ Cost also includes shoe rental, pizza & beverage, and door prize raffle tickets ➢ Extra Games, Raffles, Silent Auctions, and Prizes available

All that are interested in joining may contact Steve Friedman at sfriedman1107@gmail.com or by phone at (443) 243-2259. You may also contact Forest Hill Lanes at (410) 838-4477 for additional information. Business sponsorships are welcome. Space is limited so please don’t delay! Come on out and have fun with us while supporting a great cause! Additional details for the Miracle League of Harford County can be found at miracleleagueharford.org.

SHROVE TUYESDAY

On Tuesday, March 1, the evening preceding Ash Wednesday 2022, brought approximately 40 guests to Bel Air’s Knights of Columbus Hall who enjoyed a Shrove Tuesday meal of delicious pancakes, sausage, apple sauce, and various soft drinks. John Knapstein led the crew of Knights and CLSO members assisting with the event who included Grand Knight Stephen Michael, Deputy Grand Knight Bruno Baran, Karen Warner, Joe Novad, Joe Taylor, Donna Taylor, Mark Zimmerman, and Paul Roeger. Many guests expressed their gratitude as they left the hall prepared for Lent. Steve O'Brien

PLEASE NOTE: This policy is set forth to give guidance on Newport Terrace closures when inclement weather is present.  All youth activities and BINGO  will follow the closures established by the Harford County Public Schools for SNOW events only.  Closures for other meetings and events will follow the policy for Harford County Government.  The County web site www.harfordcountymd.gov will give the latest closure information.  The Harford County Government closure phone line is 410-638-3484 and has the same information as the website.  Our Constant Contact Email System will also be used to disseminate information about meetings via email.

Share by: