Grateful Hearts, Serving Hands
November reminds us to recognize our blessings---and use them in service to others.
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November naturally invites us to slow down and reflect.
We begin the month by honoring the men and women who have served our country. As Veterans Day approaches, we are reminded of the sacrifice, courage, and commitment shown by those who answered the call to serve. Many of those veterans are also members of our own Council, parish, families, and community, and we are grateful for the example they continue to set.
Later in the month, Thanksgiving gives us another opportunity to recognize the blessings in our lives — our families, our faith, our friendships, our parish, and the community we share.
But gratitude is about more than simply saying thank you.
True gratitude has a way of moving us to action. When we recognize how much we have been given, we become more willing to share our time, talents, and resources with others.
That spirit can be seen throughout Council #1185. It is present in the members who volunteer at events, prepare meals, collect donations, support local charities, maintain our Hall, assist our parish, and quietly step in whenever someone needs a hand.
Not every act of service receives recognition, but every act matters.
As we move through November and prepare for the holiday season, may we take time to appreciate those around us, remember those who have sacrificed for us, and look for opportunities to share our own blessings with others.
A grateful heart notices what it has received.
Serving hands turn that gratitude into something meaningful.
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Vivat Jesus!
David Kennedy, Grand Knight
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From the Financial Secretary
I want to thank everyone who helped with the many activities around the Council throughout October. It is our busiest month of the year, and none of these events happen without the time, effort, and support of our members and volunteers.
We also receive a great deal of help from outside the Council to make many of our projects successful, and as some of our events continue to grow, so does the need for our own members to step forward.
The Car Show is a perfect example. We have become a victim of our own success — more cars mean more work and more volunteers are needed. Next year, we will be making some changes to the parking setup, and additional help will be especially important.
If you come out to enjoy the cars, consider giving us an hour of your time while you are there. There are opportunities to help with setup, parking, during the event itself, and cleanup afterward. Even if you cannot physically be there, you may be able to help by making phone calls and helping coordinate volunteers.
The Car Show is one of the Council’s largest fundraisers each year, and the entire Council benefits from its success.
If you think you do not have anything to offer — think again. Every bit of help is needed, and we can find something for everyone to do.
I especially want to thank all of our chairpersons for the tremendous amount of time, talent, and responsibility they take on to lead these events. Being the person in charge is not always easy, and the more support we can give them, the easier we can make their jobs.
We have more than 350 members. We have a great Council — and we can accomplish even more when everyone pitches in.
Thank you again for everything you do.
Tootsie Roll Drive
I do not have the final totals from this year’s Tootsie Roll Drive yet, but I will have a full report for the next newsletter.
In the meantime, I want to thank Larry and Sue Krodinger, Gregg Cobb, John Ziegler, Jim Sampson, Don Taylor, Frank Wilson, Darla Muzzey, and Jess Alexander for helping collect donations on Main Street.
I am not sure of everyone who helped collect after the Masses, but I sincerely thank each of you who gave your time to support the drive.
Thank you again for your help and continued support!
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Todd Milner, Financial Secretary & Tootsie Roll Chairman
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From the Treasurer
We have officially entered the busy season at the Hall, with the Car Show, Whole Hog Sausage Dinner, Shooting Matches, Trunk-or-Treat, Fried Food Fridays, Sunday Football, and several disc golf events all taking place. Our recent fundraisers have had a strong impact:
14th Annual Car Show: The Car Show was another success, resulting in a net profit of $14,958.
Whole Hog Sausage Dinner: The Whole Hog Dinner produced a net profit of $3,928. This was down from our April dinner due to higher expenses and having less sausage available to sell. Even so, the sausage was in high demand—we sold out in less than one week.
Giving Back to Our Community
The funds raised through our events allow Council #1185 to continue supporting our parish, local organizations, and charitable causes. A few of our recent donations include:
- St. Rose School – $1,500 - The Columbia Anns contributed $500 toward this donation.
- De Soto Goes Pink – $50
- De Soto Historical Society – $350 - Representing half of their Hall rental from Trivia Night.
- 55 South Volleyball Club – $3,000 - Donated from Car Show proceeds in recognition of the players and parents who volunteered throughout the day.
- St. Rose Teachers – $1,000 - Donated from Car Show proceeds.
- Hope 4 Autism – $2,865 - Donated from proceeds raised through our Disc Golf events.
These numbers are a great reminder of why our events—and the volunteers who make them possible—are so important. The work being done at the Hall directly supports organizations and people throughout our community.
Thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer, participate, and support Council #1185.
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From the Columbia Anns President
Happy November, Ladies!
As we enter the month of November, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. I am especially thankful for each of you and for the time, talents, and generosity you share with our Auxiliary. Our organization is successful because of the wonderful ladies who volunteer, lend a helping hand, and support our many activities.
November is a busy month as we begin preparing for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. I encourage everyone to get involved whenever you can. Whether you volunteer at an event, help with a project, or simply share an idea, every little bit makes a difference!
I would also like to thank everyone who has helped with our recent activities. Your willingness to step up and help is truly appreciated. It takes all of us working together to make things happen, and I am proud to be part of such a caring group of ladies.
As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving, let’s remember those who may be struggling or could use a little extra kindness. Sometimes the smallest gestures can mean the most.
Thank you for your continued support, friendship, and dedication to our Auxiliary. I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming meetings and events. If you have any ideas, questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I always welcome your input!
Wishing you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and many reasons to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Cathy Rogers, Columbia Anns President
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Maintenance Committee Update
The Maintenance Committee has begun compiling a list of projects that have been suggested for ongoing maintenance and future improvements to our facility.
Some of the lower-cost items are already being addressed, while others are longer-term goals that will require additional planning and funding.
Please keep in mind that the costs listed below are preliminary estimates only. Nothing has been formally sent out for bid at this time.
For projects estimated to cost more than $500, priority and timing will be subject to discussion and approval at Knights meetings.
We welcome input from our members. If you have ideas, concerns, or additional projects you believe should be considered, please share them with a member of the Maintenance Committee.
Big Hall
- Repair or replace double doors on the south side of the gym — $2,500
- Strip and wax gym floor — $1,000
- Install temperature alarm for gym beer cooler — $250
- Add additional chair storage racks — Cost TBD
- Replace gym HVAC units — Approximately $30,000 each
- Re-key locks throughout the building — $2,000
- Purchase lighter-weight volleyball poles and new net — $3,000
- Install backup-generator tap box for connection to a rental generator — $1,000
- Larger renovation project including repainting the Hall, stage improvements, new doors below the stage, and new gym flooring — Approximately $75,000
Upstairs Hall
- Replace batteries for floor machine — $600
- Repair or replace oven — $500–$1,500
- Update entryway, including flooring, doors, and walls — $1,000–$3,000
- Install door on kitchen pass-through window — $100
- Build closet in kitchen storage area — $500
- Clean out chlorination room for additional storage — Cost TBD
- Replace flooring in upper hall — Approximately $20,000
- Install timers on HVAC units — $300
- Add spot cooler in printer room — $1,000
Outside
- Add convenience electrical outlets outside the Clubroom and near the retaining wall — $1,000
- Annual parking lot concrete replacement — $10,000
- Purchase large freezer for concession stand — $5,000
- Install basketball hoop — $250
- Re-stripe parking lot — $1,500
- Repave upper parking lot — Approximately $100,000
These projects range from small repairs to major long-term improvements. The purpose of this list is to help the Council better understand our facility needs, begin planning ahead, and prioritize projects responsibly.
Thank you,
Maintenance Committee
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Honoring Those Who Served
Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, remember, and thank the men and women who answered the call to serve.
Each November, Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to recognize the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Their service has taken many forms. Some served during times of war, others during times of peace. Some spent years far from home, while others served closer to home. Each answered the same call to place duty, country, and the needs of others ahead of themselves.
For many veterans, service does not end when the uniform comes off.
We see that spirit right here within Council #1185 and the Columbia Anns. Veterans continue to serve their families, parish, Council, and community through volunteering, leadership, charitable work, and a willingness to step forward when help is needed. The values learned through military service—commitment, sacrifice, loyalty, teamwork, and service before self—continue to make a difference long after active duty ends.
This Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the veterans in your life. Ask about their service. Listen to their stories. Remember those who are no longer with us, and keep in prayer the men and women who continue to serve our country today.
Council #1185 is especially proud of the veterans among our Knights and Columbia Anns. We are grateful not only for what you have done for our country, but also for the ways you continue to serve our organization and community.
To all who have served:
Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service.
May God bless our veterans, their families, and all those who continue to defend the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy.
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The Great Thanksgiving Survival Plan
A little laughter, a lot of food, and plenty to be thankful for
Every family has a Thanksgiving plan.
Someone is in charge of the turkey. Someone else brings the potatoes. There is always one person who insists they are bringing “just a little something” and arrives with three casseroles, two pies, and enough rolls to feed the entire parish.
Then there is the person who shows up and asks, “What can I do?” approximately twelve seconds before dinner is served.
Thanksgiving has a way of bringing out the best in us — and occasionally the most competitive. There are debates over whose stuffing recipe is correct, whether cranberry sauce should come from a can, and exactly how much whipped cream is legally allowed on one slice of pie.
And then comes the great post-dinner challenge: finding room for dessert after everyone has already announced, “I couldn’t eat another bite.”
Somehow, pie changes the rules.
But underneath all the cooking, chaos, laughter, and family traditions is something worth remembering: the best part of Thanksgiving usually isn’t what is on the table. It is who is around it.
It is the stories we have heard a hundred times. The relatives who make us laugh. The empty chairs that remind us of people we still carry with us. The friends who have become family. And the simple blessing of having people with whom we can share a meal.
So this Thanksgiving, eat the pie. Go back for seconds. Laugh at the same old jokes. Take the family picture nobody wants to stand still for.
And somewhere between the turkey and the leftovers, take a moment to look around and give thanks.
Because years from now, we probably won’t remember whether the turkey was perfectly cooked.
But we will remember the people who were there.
Happy Thanksgiving from Knights of Columbus Council #1185!
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FAITH ANCHOR - A Heart of Thanksgiving
Gratitude is more than a holiday tradition---it is a way of living our faith.
Thanksgiving gives us a special opportunity to gather around the table, enjoy time with family and friends, and reflect on the blessings of the past year. But as Christians, gratitude is meant to reach far beyond one meal or one day on the calendar.
A thankful heart begins by recognizing that so much of what we value cannot be measured by what we own. Our faith, our families, the people who walk beside us, the opportunity to serve others, and even the ordinary moments we sometimes overlook are gifts worthy of gratitude.
That does not mean every season is easy. We all experience challenges, loss, disappointment, and uncertainty. Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not pretending those difficulties do not exist. It is choosing to recognize that God remains present through them.
Gratitude also changes the way we treat others. When we recognize how much we have received, we become more willing to give. We notice the person who needs encouragement. We become more generous with our time. We appreciate the volunteers working beside us. We look for opportunities to serve instead of waiting to be asked.
This Thanksgiving, may we take time to thank God for both the extraordinary blessings and the simple ones—the people around our tables, the friendships we share, the faith that sustains us, and the opportunities we have to make a difference in someone else's life.
And may our gratitude continue long after Thanksgiving Day has passed.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Annie Stearns
Member for 5 years
If you’ve spent much time around our Knights of Columbus, chances are you’ve seen Annie Stearns lending a hand, pitching in, or making sure things get done! Annie is currently one of our amazing bartenders, but her contributions to our Council go WAY beyond the bar!
From helping clean the hall to volunteering at fish fries, auctions, car shows, disc golf events, whole hog dinners, Clubroom events, and so much more, Annie is always willing to jump in wherever she’s needed.
She’s the kind of person who doesn’t just show up for the fun, she shows up to help make the fun happen! Whether it’s a big event or the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed, Annie gives her time and energy to help keep our Council going strong.
Our organization is built on people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, give their time, and support their community. Annie is a perfect example of that spirit, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our KC family!
Annie, thank you for everything you do, for every hour you give, and for always being willing to help. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re lucky to have you!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!
The Clubroom Committee
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