Putnam April 19 pasta dinner to raise money for local priesthood candidate

Seminarian is just weeks from ordination

Putnam, Conn. – There will be a Pasta Dinner at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall, 64 Providence Street, Putnam, on Saturday, April 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The menu will include pasta with meatballs and homemade sauce, salad, rolls and cake for dessert. Tickets are $7.00 per person, either eat-in or take-out.

Proceeds will help to pay for the education of Seminarian P. Gregory Jednaki, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich. A native of Poland, Jednaki, 28, will be ordained a priest in the diocese on May 31, after he completes his education at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He’s scheduled to graduate just before his ordination.

Tickets will be available at the door, or in advance at the Knights’ Council Hall, or by calling Gregory Gazzola at (860) 963-0009 and leaving a message.

The event is sponsored by Cargill Council 64, K of C, Putnam and by Catholic Family Life Insurance, Union St. Jean Baptiste’, Chapter 52, of Danielson.

Dazzle Light Parade

November 26, 2007

The annual Dazzle Light Parade will take place on Sunday, November 26 beginning at 5:00 PM.  Cargill Council #64 will again present a float for the parade.

The float will be assembled at Brother John Ryans house at 12 noon.  We are looking for volunteers to pass out Tootsie Rolls and collect donations for the mentally challenged and also to help put the float together.

Please contact John Ryan if you can help, or show up at noon.

Putnam K of C helps to make 2007 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip a success

27^th Year Cargill Council 64 raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut

Thompson, Conn. – Jim Wolffram^[1] sat in his wheelchair, looking out at the unusual group of people gathered along the public beach at Quaddick Pond State Park. It was just before eight o’clock on Thanksgiving morning, as a crowd of almost 140 people dressed incongruously in bathing suits waited for the signal to run into the water. Several hundred onlookers and friends milled through the group, many carrying towels or cameras, offering support and encouragement. The atmosphere was festive. Add the lingering traces of overnight fog to the morning’s 45-degree air temperature and the upcoming dip in the pond promised to be invigorating, to say the least.

At ten minutes past eight, Putnam radio station WINY owner and general manager Gary Osbrey counted down and sent the dippers into the water, marking the 31^st Annual Turkey Dip for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut.

Wolffram was the Ambassador for Thursday’s event. Since 1981, people from many groups in northeastern Connecticut have been jumping into the water on Thanksgiving Day to raise money for MDA. What started with just nine people in 1981, this year had 138 dippers from dozens of teams. Collectively, they raised over $43,000.

Wolffram, 49, of Putnam, has muscular dystrophy. The neuromuscular disease forces him to split his time between a wheelchair and a walker. For a man born with a serious degenerative disease, he’s remarkably free of bitterness. He smiles and laughs and is fun to be around. It’s his third year as the event’s ambassador, telling the people of northeastern Connecticut what MDA is doing with the money they give.

“The money is being used here in our community,” Wollffram said. “I’ve gotten plenty of help for years and never been refused once. And I’m not the only one. MDA helps with wheelchairs and ramps and all kinds of things. They’ve been wonderful.”

This year’s Turkey Dip chairman, James D. Mahoney^[2], 50, of Putnam, on Thursday celebrated his 21^st Thanksgiving of jumping into Quaddick Pond for MDA. He’s also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Putnam’s Knights of Columbus Council 64. The council helped to found the Turkey Dip for MDA in 1981. The Roman Catholic fraternal group remains a corporate sponsor of the event, as does Putnam-based radio station WINY, United Natural Foods, Wheelabrator of Putnam, Wal-Mart, Xtra Mart convenience stores and the Mohegan Tribe. After the festivities, Cargill Council hosted a post-dip breakfast for dippers and supporters, at its home on Providence Street in Putnam.

“Right now it’s looking great,” Mahoney said, drying off after his plunge and bundling himself into a heavy sweatshirt and long pants. ”We have collected over $43,000 in cash and pledges so far and we’ll certainly accept more if anyone wants to help. It’s not too late.”

Exactly $364 of the total came from 14-year-old dipper James G. Gazzola^[3], of Putnam. His father, Dr. Gregory M. Gazzola, who operates a dental practice in Norwich, is a Cargill Council Brother Knight.

“I was in the local Relay for Life (for the American Cancer Society) this year,” James Gazzola said, as he ran a towel through his hair just after emerging from the water. “This is kind of a similar thing, so I went around and asked people to donate. I like helping people.”

Dan Marquis^[4], the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut’s Northern Connecticut Chapter’s District Director, is thrilled with this year’s results, noting that it’s about as much as they raised in 2006, when they also collected over $43,000.

“We use the money people donate to improve the lives of about 4,000 people we serve here in Connecticut,” Marquis said.

The MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to combating MD and 42 other neuromuscular diseases. MDA conducts research on these diseases, including gene therapy research and the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions.

MDA’s comprehensive service program includes medical examinations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters and assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs and leg braces.

“It’s amazing what someone can accomplish with a little help. Thanks to donations from generous people, we can provide that help here in Connecticut, for the people who need it. We’ve also made tremendous progress with our research into these diseases. The money people give makes a real difference,” Marquis said, adding that the Turkey Dip has raised almost half-a-million dollars since it began collecting money for MDA more than 25 years ago.

Shawn T. Johnston^[5], 48, of Thompson, remembers the beginning. Johnston, an area state representative and a Past Grand Knight of Cargill Council 64, was there on Thanksgiving Day 1977, when a bunch of friends decided to jump into the cold water of Alexander Lake in Dayville, just before leaving for the annual Putnam-Killingly high school football game. No one seems to remember why. The next Thanksgiving, more friends joined the group and took the plunge. The Turkey Dip tradition was born. In 1981, Woodstock, Connecticut, native Troy Almquist, who was then an infant nephew of one of the dippers, Cargill Council Brother Knight Kurt Almquist, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Because of this, the group decided to start raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut. They moved to Quaddick Pond in Thompson in 1991.

Johnston said the 2007 Dip was “inspired by the life and memory of Troy Almquist,” who died in 2005, at age 24. He said it was also in memory of long time dipper Richard Franklin, of Woodstock, who died earlier this year. The late pharmacist was the dip’s leading fund-raiser for several years, inspiring many people with his enthusiasm for the cause.

As for himself, Johnston took the plunge on Thursday morning, marking his 31^st Turkey Dip. He’s been there for all of them.

“The Turkey Dip has become a tradition in my life. It’s very meaningful to me,” he said, shortly after coming out of the water. “Our first ambassador when we started was Paul Burton, a young boy from Windham. He had muscular dystrophy. He was our ambassador for years, until he died at just 22 years old, a week before he was supposed to graduate from college. I was with him in his hospital room the day before he died. I’ve seen how MDA helps families coping with these diseases and how generous people are here in our part of Connecticut. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Also showing his pride on Thursday was Robert E. Desrosiers^[6], 50, of Putnam. Desrosiers, a member of the Cargill Council 64 Board of Trustees, celebrated his 27^th time getting wet for MDA on Thanksgiving Day. He’s been there since the council started co-sponsoring the event in 1981.

“It’s a few minutes of discomfort for a good cause,” he said, after drying out and warming up with some of the contents of the big urn of coffee he made for Cargill Council’s team of dippers. “There’s people in wheelchairs who can’t run into the water like this. We’re doing it for them.”

Uphill from the shore, on a piece of flat ground, Jim Wolffram sat in his wheelchair and smiled.

“It’s amazing the progress we’ve made with things like DNA research,” Wolffram said. “We’ll beat these diseases if we all keep working at it. I have a 24-year-old daughter with muscular dystrophy. I hope that the work we do at things like this breaks the chain.”

Donations are still needed. All proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut. To donate, please call 2007 Turkey Dip Chairman James D. Mahoney, at (860) 933-6817. Further information is available at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s website, http://www.mda.org.

Wolfram Signs K of C Application:

Jim Wolffram, of Putnam, was the Ambassador for Thursday’s 31^st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dip, to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut, held at Quaddick State Park in Thompson. Wolfram has muscular dystrophy. He’s shown here signing his application to join Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, Putnam. Cargill Council is an original corporate sponsor of the Turkey Dip.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Cargill K of C at Turkey Dip, 11-22-07:

Brother Knights, left to right, Robert E. Desrosiers, Michael A. “Peach” Campbell, and Kurt Almquist, from Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, Putnam, enjoy their last few minutes of dryness, as they prepare to take the plunge into Quaddick Pond, at Thursday’s 31^st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dip, to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut, held at Quaddick State Park in Thompson. Cargill Council is an original corporate sponsor of the event. Brother Knight Kurt Almquist helped to begin the event in 1977. When his young nephew was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1981, the Turkey Dippers started raising money for MDA.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Waiting To Go In at Turkey Dip, 11-22-07:

More that a hundred dippers waited for the signal to hit the water, at Thursday’s 31^st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dip for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut, held at Quaddick State Park in Thompson.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Turkey Dippers, 11-22-07:

Dippers took a cold and wet romp at Thursday’s 31^st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dip for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut, held at Quaddick State Park in Thompson.

Photo: John D. Ryan

2007 Turkey Dip still needs donations and volunteers

Quaddick Pond event’s goal at $40,000 for Connecticut Muscular Dystrophy Association

Thompson, Conn. – It’s almost time for turkey, football and the refreshing annual dip in Quaddick Pond, to help people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.

The 31^st annual Turkey Dip for the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be held November 22, early on Thanksgiving morning, at Quaddick Pond State Park.

Festivities will begin at six a.m., with a social and awards ceremony on the shore, to be broadcast live on radio station WINY, 1350 AM.

“We’ll have you dried off in time to get the high school football game of your choice,” said Past Turkey Dip Chairperson Rachel L. Johnston. “What we need now are volunteers to get out there and collect money and pledges, so we can reach our $40,000 goal. Anyone who’d like to donate their time or money is welcome.”

The event began inconspicuously on Thanksgiving Day 1977, when a bunch of friends decided to jump into the freezing water of Alexander’s Lake in Dayville, just before leaving for the annual High School football game.  Whether it was on a dare or just a lark, no one seems to remember.  The next Thanksgiving, more friends joined the group and took the plunge. The Turkey Dip tradition was born.  About six years into this annual ritual, Woodstock native Troy Almquist, a nephew of one of the dippers, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.  Because of Almquist, the group decided to move the event to Quaddick Pond and to start raising money for the Connecticut Muscular Dystrophy Association.

What started thirty years ago as an annual frolic is now a major fundraiser for the Connecticut Muscular Dystrophy Association, with dippers collecting pledges from donors throughout northeastern Connecticut.

This year’s Turkey Dip chairman, James D. Mahoney of Putnam, has jumped into the pond 21 times. He’s also the chairman of the board of trustees of Putnam’s Knights of Columbus Council 64. The council helped to found the Turkey Dip for MDA when it moved to Thompson. The Roman Catholic fraternal group remains a corporate sponsor of the event, as is radio station WINY, United Natural Foods, Wheelabrator of Putnam, Wal-Mart, Xtra Mart convenience stores and the Mohegan Tribe. Cargill Council is hosting a post-dip breakfast for dippers and supporters, at its headquarters on Providence Street in Putnam.

“We started way back with just nine people,” Mahoney said. “Last year we had about 250 people, on 37 teams, all raising money for MDA. It’s important we do this and it’s doubly important to get more people involved to help. The people with muscular dystrophy and the other related diseases need you.”

Mahoney said the 2007 dip is “inspired by the life and memory of our original inspiration, Troy Almquist,” who died in 2005, at age 24. It’s also in memory of long time dipper Richard Franklin, of Woodstock, who died earlier this year. Mahoney noted that the pharmacist was the dip’s leading fund-raiser for several years, inspiring many people with his enthusiasm for the cause.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency dedicated to combating MD and 42 other neuromuscular diseases. MDA conducts research on neuromuscular diseases, including gene therapy research and the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions.

The Association's comprehensive service program includes medical examinations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters and assistance with purchase of wheelchairs and leg braces. Information is available at the organization’s website, http://www.mda.org.

“MDA are the people with the Jerry Lewis telethon,” Mahoney said. “We can get so wrapped up in the showbiz from that that we can forget we need help for our own local people, all year. That’s why this year’s Turkey Dip Ambassador is Jim Wolfram.”

Wolfram, 45, of Putnam, suffers from muscular dystrophy, as do several members of his family.

“MDA doesn’t take government grants or ask the people they serve for money, Mahoney said. “We need regular people to volunteer and contribute.”

All proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Connecticut. To help, please call Mahoney, at (860) 933-6817.

Contacts:

• James D. Mahoney, 2007 Turkey Dip Chairman; cell:(860) 933-6817; email: jmahoney@primefinancial.com
• Rachael L. Johnston, Past Turkey Dip Chairperson; office: (860) 923-3377; email: johnstonre@sbcglobal.net

·Brother Norman Smith is organizing a bus trip to New Haven to visit St. Mary’s Church, the final resting place of Father Michael McGivney, and the Knights of Columbus Museum. The trip is scheduled for November 4^th, and is open to all Knights and their families and friends. Space is limited to 46 people, and the cost of the bus trip (excluding lunch) will be between $20.00 and $25.00 per person. The bus would leave the St. James parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and return late afternoon. Contact Norman Smith at 774-4889 or Gene Audet at 774-4218 for tickets or more information.

Note:  Council #64 members please contact GK Frank Bichard if interested in attending!

Twelfth annual event raises over $950 for local charities

Putnam, Conn. – About 400 people enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s twelfth annual Labor Day weekend breakfast. The three-day event raised over $950 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Cargill Council Deputy Grand Knight Peter A. Lombardo, 44, of Putnam, took note of the steady stream of customers coming through the doors of the council hall on Providence Street. He had to. For most of the Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning event he was one of the Knights dishing out scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham and home fries to customers.

“We’ve done particularly well,” Lombardo said, smiling. “It’s nice to see everybody here and it’s nice to make that kind of money for our charity fund.”

More than a dozen Cargill Knights were up early on each of the three days, making coffee and shuttling seemingly endless trays of food from the kitchen into the council hall. Everything was cooked on the premises.

“There was a steady stream of people each day. It’s just over $950 profit after expenses,” said event chairman and Cargill Council Trustee Robert E. Desrosiers, 49, of Putnam. “That’s what we like to see.”

It was no accident that the steady stream was often made up of people heading to or coming from the Woodstock Fair.

“Members of the Council decided over a decade ago to hold a reasonably-priced breakfast on Woodstock Fair weekend, at our hall, right on Providence Street, a main route to the fairgrounds,” Lombardo said. “It’s been a good decision.”

Indeed, many fairgoers and fairgrounds workers took advantage of the three-day breakfast. Lombardo noted that he saw some of the same people on each of the three days.

“Nothing like repeat business,” he said. 

Above the chatter and clatter of breakfast, Cargill Council’s current Grand Knight looked out at the crowd and talked about what this event accomplishes, thanks to the money it raises.

“Our council exists to be a helpful part of our local community,” said Frank Bichard, 63, of Putnam. As Cargill Council’s elected Grand Knight, Bichard serves as its chief executive officer.

“We get requests all year from worthwhile local causes. This money is kept in a fund so we can fill as many of those requests as we can, as they come up over time,” Bichard said. “I’m absolutely thrilled that so many people came out to have a good time and support what we do. Now we can help because of their generosity.”

Cargill Council 64 is made up of over 200 local Roman Catholic men and their families. The council covers part of northeastern Windham County, in the areas served by St. Mary Church of the Visitation Parish in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pomfret. Council 64 was founded in 1892, only a decade after the parent Knights of Columbus organization was founded, in New Haven, in 1882.

In addition to support for its families, the council also sponsors or assists with many positive, local programs, including youth sports, the Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, essay and poster contests in area schools and strong, ongoing work for its two parishes. The council also holds a recitation of the Rosary for the public on the first Monday evening of every month.

Led by Bichard, its elected officers run Cargill Council. As with programs such as the Labor Day weekend breakfast, the organization does its own fund-raising, using all of the net proceeds to pay for its local programs.

The Knights of Columbus are a fraternal benefit society made up of Catholic men and their families. It was founded here in Connecticut by a parish priest, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Looking at the problems being suffered by immigrant Catholics in and around New Haven in the last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, he founded the society so that members could help to support each other, socially, morally, religiously and financially.

Since then, the Knights of Columbus have grown to more than 1.7 million members and their families in over 13,000 active, local councils, in a dozen countries worldwide, including many of the nations in the Western Hemisphere. In 2005 the Knights expanded into Europe, founding the first councils in Poland.

McGivney, a Waterbury, Connecticut, native who died in 1890, is an official candidate for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. If the pope canonizes him, McGivney would become Connecticut’s first Catholic saint and the first American parish priest to be so honored.

Six-year-old Jasmine Alvord, of Putnam, has fun with her father, Justin Alvord, 28, during the annual Labor Day weekend fund-raising breakfast at the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus hall, on Providence Street in Putnam. During the three-day event, Cargill Knights raised over $950 for their local charitable fund.

Photo by John D. Ryan

Six-year-old Jasmine Alvord, of Putnam, enjoys her meal, during the annual Labor Day weekend fund-raising breakfast at the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus hall, on Providence Street in Putnam. During the three-day event, Cargill Knights raised over $950 for their local charitable fund.

Photo by John D. Ryan

Knights of Columbus Connecticut Council District 28

FIRST DEGREE AT CARGILL COUNCIL 64

64 Providence Street, Putnam

Sunday, August 5*

The Exemplification will be held at 9:15 a.m.+

(The ceremonies are open to Knights and candidates only. No outside guests are allowed.)

*The Supreme Office of the Knights of Columbus requires that each and every candidate for membership be a practical Catholic in communion with the Holy See. In practice, this means a candidate must be a registered and participating member of a Catholic parish in the region.

+Candidates must wear a dress shirt, necktie, suit jacket, slacks and dress shoes. Sneakers and jeans are not permitted.

+Fees due to the council by each Cargill Council candidate at or before the time of the First Degree Exemplification are a one-time $10.00 induction fee and $45.00 first year’s dues, for a total of $55.00. Candidates from other councils should make their own payment arrangements with their councils.

Proposers and/or council officers must RSVP no later than Thursday, August 2, by calling District 28 First Degree Team Captain Robert E. Desrosiers at 928-2305 or District 28 Warden John D. Ryan at 928-7241.

Putnam Knights of Columbus to celebrate 115^th anniversary

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who made yesterday possible.  I really appreciate all your help.  Although I had wished more brothers had stopped by the hall, the attendance at mass was heart-warming.  I received many compliments regarding the Fatima statue and how well it complimented our anniversary.  Look for news articles in this week’s newspapers.

Again Thanks,

Jason McMahon

Putnam Knights of Columbus to celebrate 115^th anniversary

Founded in 1892, Cargill Council to host Fatima statue procession & memorabilia show

CONTACTS:

Cargill Council 64 Religious Devotions Chairman Jason P. McMahon, (860) 928-0397 (home)

Cargill Council 64 Public Relations Director John D. Ryan, (860) 928-7241 (work), (860) 928-5873 (home)

Putnam, Conn. – The United Nations International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, as part of the public 115^th anniversary celebration of Cargill Council, Knights of Columbus. Starting at 10 a.m., the day-long event will include a free display of council memorabilia going back to 1892, at the council’s home, at 64 Providence Street. All Knights and their families are invited.

Later, the public is invited to watch the statue’s arrival, on Saturday, July 28^th, at 2:30 p.m. At 3:30, a colorful procession of Knights in ceremonial regalia will carry the statue into the church, with Mass for Knights, their families and the public to be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited immediately after Mass, with a reception to follow. For information, call Brother Knight Jason P. McMahon, at (860) 928-0397. 

Photo:

United Nations International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

The United Nations International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will visit St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, Conn., on Saturday, July 28, as part of the celebration of the 115^th anniversary of Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus.

Photo: Jason P. McMahon

Putnam Knights of Columbus celebrate Order’s 125^th anniversary

K of C started in New Haven in 1882

 Putnam, Conn. – Last Thursday, Teddy Messier had a great 92^nd birthday. Born in Putnam on March 29, 1915, he says that when he was younger he never gave any thought to living past 90. He also never thought that he’d eventually join an organization that had the same birthday, 33 years earlier.

Theodore J. “Teddy” Messier, Sr., was one of about three-dozen people in attendance Thursday night, March 29^th, at a Mass and reception held to commemorate the founding of the Knights of Columbus organization 125 years before, in New Haven, on March 29, 1882.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal benefit society made up of Roman Catholic men and their families, dedicated to promoting Catholic morality, human dignity, respect for life, Christian family values and community betterment.

Sponsored by Putnam’s Cargill Council 64, K of C, the celebration was held at the council’s home, at 64 Providence Street.

 Messier, a lifelong Putnam resident, has been a Knight since 1961. He’s been Cargill Council’s treasurer for 35 years.

Cargill Council does its own fund-raising, using all of the net proceeds to pay for its own local programs.

 “The council is doing fine now, I’m happy to say,” Messier said, in between bites of anniversary cake, served after Mass. “We’ve always had to watch the money carefully. We’ve been in the red now and then, but we’ve been able in recent years to do all of our activities and not have money problems. I’m happy about that. Today has been a great birthday present.”

Moments earlier, with council members, their families and the families of deceased members looking on, the Mass was celebrated by Cargill Council’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier, pastor of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam.

 “This is a good thing that we come together like this, as a family,” said council member David J. Meunier, Sr., of Putnam. “It’s good to invite the widows and families of our deceased members and have an event together.”

Founded in 1892 and led by elected Grand Knight Frank Bichard, Cargill Council 64 is made up of over 200 local Catholic men and their families. The council covers part of northeastern Windham County, in the areas served by St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pomfret.

 In addition to strong support for its two parishes, Cargil Council works to help people who have vocations to the Catholic priesthood or religious life. Locally, the council sponsors many positive programs, including youth sports, the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip in Thompson to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a monthly Rosary recitation for the public and continuing support for local people with intellectual disabilities.

 “We’re proud of what we do here, for our local community,” said Cargill Council Trustee and Past Grand Knight Richard P. Watson, of Woodstock. “It’s our obligation to support our Catholic faith and to make our community a better place to live. I think we do a good job.”

Thursday’s Mass was celebrated in honor of the council’s deceased brother Knights and their families and to petition for the canonization of Rev. Fr. Michael J. McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus.

A 19^th Century parish priest, McGivney is a candidate for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Waterbury in 1852, he founded the Knights of Columbus 30 years later, at Saint Mary’s Parish in New Haven. He died in 1890. If he’s declared a saint, he would be the first person from Connecticut and the first American parish priest to be so honored.

The Knights have expanded from their beginnings here in Connecticut in 1882, to more than 1.7 million members and their families in over 13,000 active, local councils, in a dozen countries worldwide, including many of the nations in the Western Hemisphere. The Order expanded into Europe in 2005, starting the first local councils in Poland. 

 ART:

Reproduction of a painting of the K of C’s Founder, The late Rev. Fr. Michael J. McGivney, circa 1882, from the K of C Supreme Council, New Haven, Conn.

Watson and Messier Communion:

Cargill Council 64 Chaplain Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier gives Holy Communion to Council Trustee and Past Grand Knight Richard P. Watson, of Woodstock, during the March 29^th Mass at the council’s home on Providence Street in Putnam. The Mass and reception celebrated the founding of the Knights of Columbus on that date 125 years earlier, in New Haven. Shown behind Watson is Council Treasurer and Past Grand Knight Theodore J. “Teddy” Messier, Sr., of Putnam, who celebrated his 92^nd birthday on the same day.

Photo: John D. Ryan

 Cloutier says Mass to group

Cargill Council 64 Chaplain Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier celebrated Mass on March 29^th at the council’s home on Providence Street in Putnam for about three dozen members, their families, and the families of deceased members. The Mass and reception commemorated the founding of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, on March 29, 1882.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Cloutier celebrates Mass:

Cargill Council 64 Chaplain Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier celebrated Mass on March 29^th at the council’s home, on Providence Street in Putnam. The Mass and reception for members and their families commemorated the founding of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, on March 29, 1882.

Photo: John D. Ryan

 Cloutier preaching during Mass:

Cargill Council 64 Chaplain Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier is shown preaching during the Mass he celebrated on March 29^th at the council’s home, on Providence Street in Putnam. The Mass and reception for members and their families commemorated the founding of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, on March 29, 1882.

Photo: John D. Ryan

 Belanger Communion:

Cargill Council 64 Chaplain Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier gives Holy Communion to council member Daniel J. Belanger, of Eastford, during the March 29^th Mass at the council’s home. The Mass and reception celebrated the founding of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, on March 29, 1882.

Photo: John D. Ryan

St. Mary's Heating System Replacement

Dear Brother Knights:

As we wrote to you last week, on behalf of Grand Knight Frank Bichard, we are asking all of you to make a special effort to attend Cargill Council’s next monthly meeting, to be held this Thursday evening, March 8, at 7:30 p.m., at our Council Home, at 64 Providence Street in Putnam.

Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier, pastor of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and our council’s chaplain, will present his conclusions about the recent breakdown of the church’s heating system. Based on this, father Cloutier will discuss what we as Knights could do to help in this situation.

St. Mary’s, along with Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, are our council’s two parishes. We Knights should do everything we can to support our parishes in their times of need. This is both an obligation and an opportunity for us as Brother Knights to show leadership at a time like this.

Therefore, we ask all of Cargill’s Brother Knights to join us this Thursday evening, March 8. Please contact other Brother Knights and ask them to attend.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact John Ryan by phone at 928-7241, or by email, at johnryan1776@hotmail.com.

Putnam Knights of Columbus present founder’s biography to area pastors & libraries

Putnam, Pomfret and Woodstock get books

‘CLOUTIER BOOK PRESENTATION’ PHOTO

Putnam, Conn. – Almost 125 years after Fr. Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus at his parish church in New Haven, historians Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster have written a best-selling biography of the priest. Putnam’s Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 has given copies of Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism to public libraries in Putnam, Pomfret and Woodstock, as well as to the pastors of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Pictured here is Cargill Council Deputy Grand Knight Peter A. Lombardo, left, giving a copy of Parish Priest to St. Mary’s pastor and Cargill Council’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Roland C. Cloutier.

Photo: John D. Ryan

‘RYSZARD SLIWINSKI K OF C BOOK PRESENTATION’ PHOTO

Note: “Ryszard’ is the correct spelling of his first name.

Pomfret, Conn. – Almost 125 years after Fr. Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus at his parish church in New Haven, historians Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster have written a best-selling biography of the priest. Putnam’s Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 has given copies of Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism to public libraries in Pomfret, Putnam and Woodstock, as well as to the pastors of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret and St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. Pictured here at the book presentation in Pomfret, left to right, is Cargill Council Trustee and Past Grand Knight Herman F. Bishop, Most Holy Trinity Parocial Administrator Rev. Fr. Ryszard Sliwinski and Deputy Grand Knight Peter A. Lombardo.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Putnam Daughters of Isabella and Knights of Columbus children’s Christmas party Dec. 17

Free for children and grandchildren of members, RSVP by Dec. 8

Putnam, Conn. – Putnam’s Daughters of Isabella St. Mary’s Circle and Cargill Knights of Columbus Council will jointly hold a free Christmas party for the children and grandchildren of members of either group, on Sunday, December 17^th, from 12 to 3 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 64 Providence Street. Children and grandchildren must be 12 or under to attend. Members must RSVP with the number and ages of children attending, no later than Friday, December 8^th, by calling Mrs. Mannon Meunier, at 774-7552. Please leave a message.

Tom & Jerry Night

Tom and Jerry Night, our annual members only Christmas Party will be held on Fri. Dec.15th.  Festivities begin at 6:30 P.M. with a light buffet served at 7:30 P.M.  Hourly $50 drawings will be held on the hour at 7, 8, 9, and 10 o'clock.  So come and enjoy some holiday cheer with your brother Knights.  Hope to see you there.

Dazzle Light Parade

The Dazzle Light Parade was held on Sunday, November 26.  After a late start, it proved to be one of the best attended parades since it inception.  Our float was assembled at brother John Ryan's home that Sunday with the help of Bob Derosiers, Peter Lombardo (Mr. Tootsie Roll), John Ryan, Frank Bichard, Jim Mahoney, Herman Bishop, Tim Brown, and a special thank you to Cargill Chervrolet for the use of their flatbed truck, and St. Mary's Church for the Nativity statues.

The brother knight collected over $700, which was a new council record, from our tootsie roll drive for the mentally challenged during the parade.  It was a job well done through their efforts.     

Putnam K of C to sponsor local ‘Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge’ Competition

Putnam, Conn. – All local boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competitions at the “2006 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge.” The Putnam Knights of Columbus, Cargill Council 64, will hold the contest at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 22^nd at Owen Tarr Recreation Facility, at the intersection of Providence and School streets.

There will be two separate competitions. The first will be for boys and girls ages 10 or 11. The second group will include boys and girls, ages 12, 13 or 14. There is no charge to participate.

“The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge” is a competition designed for players to demonstrate the most basic of soccer skills — the penalty kick. Each player will be allowed fifteen shots at the goal from the penalty line.

“The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge” is sponsored annually, with prizes given for top finishers as they progress through local, regional and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters in New Haven.

Participants will be required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Entry forms will be available at the field.

For information, call Cargill Council Chancellor John Ryan, at 928-7241 and leave a message.

Columbia Magazine - October

Knights of Columbus help Pomfret parish with tent

Knights’ Parish Circle members working at Most Holy Trinity

Pomfret, Conn. – “We’re here to help. That’s what we do.”

Those are the words of Deputy Grand Knight Peter A. Lombardo, of Putnam, second-in-command of Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, based in Putnam. Several Knights gave part of last Sunday afternoon, September 24, to help parishioners at Most Holy Trinity Roman Catholic parish to take down and store a large tent that had been set up next to the church, at the corner of Routes 44 and 169.

The church used the big tent for Confirmation, First Communion and for social gatherings held throughout the summer.

“The Knights helped to put the tent up back in May, so when we were asked to take it down, we wanted to be here,” Lombardo said, pausing from his work loading one of the tent’s metal braces onto a truck. “We are committed to serving our two parishes, Trinity and St. Mary’s, to be there when they need us.”

Founded in 1892, Cargill Council 64 is made up of over 200 local Catholic men and their families. The council covers part of northeastern Windham County, in the areas served by Most Holy Trinity Church and St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam.

In keeping with national Knights of Columbus policy, Cargill Council maintains what’s called a Knights’ Parish Circle at each parish. The circles are made up of Knights who are also parishioners. Most Holy Trinity’s circle showed up in force on Sunday.

“I’d like to thank everybody who volunteered to be here,” said Cargill Knight and Trinity parishioner Daniel J. Belanger, of Eastford, who chairs the Most Holy Trinity Parish Circle. “Projects like this can be done because the Knights come out to work.”

A parish circle answers directly to the priest in charge of its particular parish. The priest decides what needs to be done, then asks the Knights in his parish circle to do the job. Most Holy Trinity Temporary Parochial Administrator Rev. Fr. Richard Sliwinski asked the Brother Knights from Cargill Council to help to put the big tent up in the spring, and then take it down on Sunday.

Sliwinski is also a Brother Knight.

“I’d like to thank the Knights of Columbus for coming out for us. We can always use the help,” he said.

This isn’t the only thing Cargill Council has done this year for Most Holy Trinity. Last December the council obtained sixteen choir robes for the church, donating them in time for Christmas.

“We’ll be right here for whatever’s needed,” Belanger said.

In addition to support for its two parishes, the council also sponsors or assists with many positive, local programs, including youth sports, the Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and essay and poster contests in area schools, among others. The council also holds a recitation of the Rosary for the public on the first Monday evening of every month.

The Knights of Columbus organization is a fraternal benefit society made up of Roman Catholic men and their families. It was founded here in Connecticut in 1882 by a parish priest, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Looking at the problems being suffered by immigrant Catholics in and around New Haven in the last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, he founded the society so that members could help to support each other, socially, morally, religiously and financially.

Since then, the Knights of Columbus have grown to more than 1.7 million members and their families in over 13,000 active, local councils, in a dozen countries worldwide, including many of the nations in the Western Hemisphere. In 2005 the Knights expanded into Europe, founding the first councils in Poland.

McGivney, a Waterbury, Connecticut, native who died in 1890, is an official candidate for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. If the pope canonizes him, McGivney would become Connecticut’s first Catholic saint and the first American parish priest to be so honored.

Putnam Knights of Columbus hold successful Labor Day weekend breakfast

Eleventh annual event raises over $1,000 for local charities

Putnam, Conn. – More than 300 people enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day Weekend breakfast. The three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Cargill Council Past Grand Knight Herman F. Bishop, of Putnam, took note of the steady stream of customers coming through the doors of the council hall on Providence Street. He had to. For most of the Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning event he was the guy dishing out scrambled eggs to customers.

“We’ve done particularly well,” Bishop said, smiling. “It’s nice to see everybody here and it’s nice to make that kind of money for our charity fund.”

More than a dozen Cargill Knights were up early on each of the three days, making coffee and shuttling seemingly endless trays of eggs, ham, sausage and home fries from the hall’s kitchen to its social hall.

“It’s a new record, almost $250 more in profit than what we made at last year’s breakfast,” said event chairman and Cargill Council Trustee Robert E. Desrosiers, of Putnam. “There was a steady stream of people each day. That’s what we like to see.”

It was no accident that the steady stream was often made up of people heading to or coming from the Woodstock Fair.

“Members of the Council decided over a decade ago to hold a reasonably-priced breakfast on the Woodstock Fair weekend, at our hall, right on Providence Street, a main route to the fairgrounds,” Bishop said. “It’s been a good decision.”

Indeed, many fairgoers and fairgrounds workers took advantage of the three-day breakfast. Bishop noted that he saw some of the same people each day.

“Nothing like repeat business,” he said. 

Above the chatter and clatter of breakfast, Cargill Council’s current Grand Knight looked out at the crowd and talked about what this event accomplishes, thanks to the money it raises.

“Our council exists to be a helpful part of our local community,” said Frank Bichard, of Putnam. As Cargill Council’s elected Grand Knight, Bichard serves as its chief executive officer.

“We get requests all year from worthwhile local causes. This money is kept in a fund so we can fill as many of those requests as we can, as they come up over time,” Bichard said. “I’m absolutely thrilled that so many people came out to have a good time and support what we do. Now we can help because of their generosity.”

Cargill Council 64 is made up of over 200 local Catholic men and their families. The council covers part of northeastern Windham County, in the areas served by St. Mary Church of the Visitation Parish in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pomfret. Council 64 was founded in 1892, only a decade after the Knights of Columbus organization was founded, in New Haven, in 1882.

In addition to support for its families, the council also sponsors or assists with many positive, local programs, including youth sports, the Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, essay and poster contests in area schools and strong, ongoing work for its two parishes. The council also holds a recitation of the Rosary for the public on the first Monday evening of every month.

Led by Bichard, its elected officers run Cargill Council. As with programs such as the Labor Day weekend breakfast, the organization does its own fund-raising, using all of the net proceeds to pay for its local programs.

The Knights of Columbus are a fraternal benefit society made up of Roman Catholic men and their families. It was founded here in Connecticut by a parish priest, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Looking at the problems being suffered by immigrant Catholics in and around New Haven in the last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, he founded the society so that members could help to support each other, socially, morally, religiously and financially.

Since then, the Knights of Columbus have grown to more than 1.7 million members and their families in over 13,000 active, local councils, in a dozen countries worldwide, including many of the nations in the Western Hemisphere. In 2005 the Knights expanded into Europe, founding the first councils in Poland.

McGivney, a Waterbury, Connecticut, native who died in 1890, is an official candidate for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. If the pope canonizes him, McGivney would become Connecticut’s first Catholic saint and the first American parish priest to be so honored.

Evan Lundt at K of C Breakfast, 09-06:

Three-year-old Evan Lundt of Woodstock enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day weekend fund-raising breakfast. Evan’s dad, Colum M. Lundt, is a Cargill Council Knight. With more than 300 people buying tickets, the three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Cormac & Evan Lundt at K of C Breakfast, #1 and #2, 09-06 (suitable for either):

Ten-year-old Cormac Lundt (left) and his three-year-old brother, Evan Lundt, of Woodstock, were among more than 300 people who enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day weekend fund-raising breakfast. Their dad, Colum M. Lundt, is a Cargill Council Knight. The three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Bishop serving at K of C Breakfast, 09-06:

Herman F. Bishop, of Putnam (right), was among more than a dozen volunteers who helped to serve breakfast to more than 300 people this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day weekend fund-raising breakfast. Bishop is a Past Grand Knight of the Council. The three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Photo: John D. Ryan

Watson at K of C Breakfast, 09-06:

Richard P. Watson, of Woodstock, was among the more than 300 people who enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day weekend breakfast. Watson is a Past Grand Knight of the Council. The three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Photo: John D. Ryan

K of C Breakfast, 09-06:

More than 300 people enjoyed breakfast this past weekend at Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus in Putnam, at the Council’s eleventh annual Labor Day weekend breakfast. The three-day event raised over $1,000 for Putnam-area Knights of Columbus charities.

Photo: John D. Ryan