Welcome to the August 2026 edition of our Council newsletter!

A quick but important item up-front before we get into the news.

• Our next regular business meeting will be a week later than usual, on Wednesday, August 19th, starting at 7:30 p.m. Dinner for $5 will be at 6:30, as usual. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

A Message From Our C&B Chair

I'm asking each member who has yet participated to buy at least two books for $20. If that happens, we will be well on our way to achieving double or triple bonuses this year!

Just a reminder that they're $10 for two chances per book/sheet. Also, those buying five books/sheets ($50.00) in one shot will be eligible for a special drawing of a $100 VISA card.  

This will be the last opportunity to get in on the $100 VISA Card giveaway!  

We are currently behind pace of last year (158 vs. 167 sold YTD). We need to kick it up a notch if we want to stay on pace for the added bonuses we achieved last year!

Get your tickets now in time for the next drawing on September 26th, 2026. 

And remember that not only do your ticket purchases support lots of great charities throughout New York State, our Council will receive $4 per book/sheet sold.

As usual, thanks for all your help. 

Fraternally,

Kevin Shea

C&B Program Chair

Thanks to Our Parish Feast Volunteers!

The 2026 Feast of Saint James, held over three evenings from July 9-11, was another great success thanks in no small part to the many volunteers from our Council.

Our members and Ladies Auxiliary once again stepped up and helped with the planning and staffing of numerous, critical areas including the casino, the casino bar, the Sausage Connection and Polish food booths, the beer tent, as well as with security and accounting functions. As always, we donated all of the beer and wine that was sold in the casino bar and beer tent.

Practically everywhere you looked, you found a brother Knight or Ladies Auxiliary member volunteering in one capacity or another.

Grand Knight Rick Kreps expressed his gratitude to all of the "captains" who planned for and managed the various areas, as well as to all of the volunteers who donated their time and talents to ensure that we were fully staffed for all three nights. Many days of hard work -- planning, shopping, food preparation, booth setup, cleanup / breakdown, etc. -- went into making the event the success that it was.

Volunteer Worker Thank You BBQ - Saturday, Sept. 12

As a token of appreciation for all who help our parish throughout the year and at the annual Feast of St. James, our parish is throwing a Tent Party on Saturday, September 12th, from noon to 3 p.m., in the lower field by Doherty Hall.

This is a party for adults only and spouses are invited. Food and drink will be provided.

Our Members and Ladies Auxiliary should let GK Rick Kreps know that they are coming so that he can give a list of reservations to the parish on our behalf.

Comedy Dinner Theater Returns September 19th!

Join us for another night of fine food and laugh-out-loud fun as a three-headliner Comedy Night returns to our Council on Saturday, September 19th.

All the details are on the flyer below. Make sure you make your reservations and pre-pay before it's too late. These events always sell-out (for good reason!) and there are no walk-ins!

Reserve for our 55th Annual Dinner Dance - Saturday, November 7th

Don't miss our event of the year! Our 55th Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony is Saturday, November 7th, at Mill Creek Caterers in Hopewell Junction.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., we'll enjoy a top-notch cocktail hour, open bar, full buffet dinner, dessert, dancing, photo booth, and entertainment. The cost is still only $125 per guest, and it's well worth the price for an event of this quality, not to mention its importance to our Council and our worthy honorees.

Ensure your spot by dropping off your check at the Council or by mailing it in (10 Fair Street, Carmel, NY 10512, ATTN: Annual). Please give the names of your guests and enclose $125 for each. You may also pay by credit card at our upcoming membership meetings.

This year we are honoring as our "Knight of the Year" Brother Knight Kevin Heis, and as "Family of the Year" The Petriello Family!

We'll have a large-format (8.5" x 11") souvenir journal with additional color pages in the center. Please click here to take an ad to honor a special person or group, or to promote your business or organization. No ads will be accepted without payment!

Reservations and pre-payment are absolutely required. No walk-ins and no payments at the door. All reservations and payments must be made by October 25th.

The festivities will start at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour with plenty of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a great buffet dinner, our brief awards ceremony, entertainment and dancing, and delicious desserts & coffee. Open bar all night and we'll have use of the outdoor patio and fireplace!

Reserve today!!! No reservations or sales after October 25th!

Fourth Degree News

MEETING NOTICE

There will be NO AUGUST MEETING of Mother Cabrini Assembly. The next meeting will be Thursday, September 17th, at Carmel Council starting at 7:30 p.m.

• Sep. 20 (Sun.) - Cash Bingo - The Ladies Auxiliary will resume their monthly Sunday bingo games starting on September 20th. Details will be in next month's newsletter.

• Oct. 3 (Sat.) - Oktoberfest! Authentic German cuisine, German beer, and live German music from the famous Austrian Boys Band will all be back, so save the date and plan to be there!

Remember, a full calendar of events can always be found on our website: carmelknights.org under the Upcoming Events tab. And don't forget to "like" our Facebook page and Instagram for up-to-the minute announcements, photos, event listings, and items of interest.