All posts by Fred Struck

Hello, My name is Fred Struck. I live in Sacramento California. I am a member of St. George Melkite-Greek Catholic Church where I am know as Reader Fred. I have been the Reader at St. George's since 1988. I am also a Past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Sacramento Council 953.

Grand Knight’s Message, December 2016

Bryan McKrell Grand KnightDear Brother Knights:

Merry Christmas. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Al Piccardo delivered big time on another fabulous Giant Shrimp Dinner. Our Toy Drive was a big success and brother Dominic Ielati delivered a trunk full of toys and a check to the Mustard Seed School. I’m personally looking forward to a large turnout for our annual
Christmas Potluck on the 15th of December, where hopefully Santa Claus will make a special appearance. And we added four new members to our ranks including two priests at the same 1st degree, which may be a possible first for our Council.

Looking forward we still have a crab feed, Pasta For Life, and a Greek Night which all promise to provide a wonderful social calendar in the first half of 2017. I am truly honored to be serving as the Grand Knight this year and it is definitely providing a greater meaning for my Christmas celebration in 2016. Thanks to all of you for everything you do. And if there is anything I can do for my brother Knight’s, please do not hesitate to call or write.

Most Sincerely,
Bryan McKrell
Grand Knight, Council 953

Resolutions Presented to Longtime Members

Congratulations to Bill Renard for 40 years of service
Congratulations to Bill Renard for 40 years of service
Congratulations to Dick Cutting for 43 years of service
Congratulations to Dick Cutting for 43 years of service
Congratulations to Charlie Nulk (son Tom is pictured) for 57 years of service
Congratulations to Charlie Nulk (son Tom is pictured) for 57 years of service
Congratulations to Rudy Nagle for 56 years of service
Congratulations to Rudy Nagle for 56 years of service

At the November business meeting, several of our longtime members of Council 953 were presented resolutions honoring their many years of service to the Knights of Columbus. These resolutions were prepared by our PGK Lewis Munoz, presented at the 2016 State Convention, and recognized by the Supreme Council.

Life Insurance as a Gift

The initial reaction for many people when you mention life insurance as a gift is a quick step back and a questioning stare. How morbid, they may think quietly or aloud. While it may seem that way when you first mention it, life insurance is a really thoughtful gift that can be a financial life preserver in tough times.

The problem with life insurance is the general perception. Many think of life insurance only in cases where someone dies. Life insurance should, in fact, be thought of as a precautionary protective measure for a family unit. The purchase of this product can mean saving your home, sending your children to college, and preserving your spouse’s quality of life in the event of your death.

One of the times you may want to purchase life insurance for someone is when a family has a new baby. It’s a great, low-cost way to set money aside for the future (i.e. college tuition, housing, business start-up, etc.). Of greater importance, it ensures these children will have insurance as adults, in case an illness later in life makes him or her uninsurable.

Newlyweds are also ideal recipients for life insurance. As they join their lives and financial responsibilities, young couples need to make sure that their early investments are fully protected. If something were to happen to one of them, the other may be faced with serious financial hardship. A life insurance policy is an ideal way to ensure their future and protect their assets.

As nontraditional as it may be, life insurance is a wise and caring gift to purchase for many people. To learn more about our various life insurance products, contact me today.

Fraternally,
C. Philip De Leon (CA License #OK63623)
(916) 607-1645
philip.deleon@kofc.org
www.philbetterinsured.com

Grand Knight’s Message, November 2016

Bryan McKrell Grand KnightMy Brother Knights and Families:

It’s November, but it sure feels like Winter has come on quickly. A wet October is certainly a good omen for a large amount of much needed rain this year. It would be quite a turn of events if we could experience a year of heavy precipitation. Keep praying for rain, no matter how annoying the wet weather can be.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Memorial Mass for our brother Knights who have passed away this year, today, at St. George Parish. The ceremony was Orthodox Christian and I must admit I was completely amazed by the entire service. Father Brendan, our previous Chaplain from nearly three years ago, presided with another priest, and our current chaplain, Father Aaron, was invited to assist during the mass. I have never been shrouded in so much incense and our own past Grand Knight, Fred Struck, sang and cantered beautifully for nearly two hours. I would encourage every brother Knight to attend a mass at St. George in the next few months because it certainly opens your eyes to the rich breadth, depth, and variety that is present in our beautiful religion. I promise that you will leave the ceremony with a greater love, respect, and appreciation for your Catholic faith and the many aspects of it that are a true mystery to many of us.

November presents two big opportunities for us as Knights. The first is the Giant Shrimp Feed, coming up on Friday, November 18th. Unfortunately, I will be on vacation at this time, but luckily my Father In-Law just joined the Knight’s last week and he is ready to take my place and invite a few friends. The Giant Shrimp Feed is the
biggest fundraising event on our calendar so please support it as much as you can. Attend, volunteer, buy raffle tickets, donate a raffle prize, and tell your friends, colleagues and family how great an event this is every year. I am sincerely asking you to take a moment and find a way to support this great event. I realize that some of our members are unfortunately allergic to shrimp but don’t worry, Pasta For Life, is coming soon fellas.

Our second big opportunity is, of course, Thanksgiving. I know personally that I have so much to be thankful for in my life, and nothing is more important than saying thanks to all of you for allowing me to be Grand Knight. It is very rewarding to be more involved this year and it has brought me a greater appreciation of both my faith, and the work that we do. I hope that each of you takes a moment to find something to be thankful for this year. This will make you feel better about eating Giant Shrimp on the 18th and enormous turkeys on the 24th. If you can’t think of anything then just be thankful for Steve Mills and Tom Nulk. This dynamic duo put on our annual Oktoberfest, which not only raised a lot of money for the Council, but the Hall Board had a record night of Beer Sales. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Most Sincerely,
Bryan McKrell
Grand Knight, Council 953

Christmas Potluck Dinner

The Council’s Christmas Potluck will be on Thursday, December 15. All Brother Knights and their families are invited. The hall and bar will open at 5:30pm, and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. The Council will provide both a ham and a turkey for the potluck, and we will be showing a Christmas movie, yet to be determined.

Also, we would ask that you bring an unused baby item for a donation to the Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home.

Some suggestions are:
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Formula
• Bottles & Nipples
• Baby Toys
• Onesies
• Receiving Blankets
• Baby Washcloths
• Baby Soaps

Please fill out the online form at https://sacramento.kofc953.org/event/christmas-potluck-dinner-4 to let us know how many people you have coming and what you are bringing. Or, you may leave a message at the hall, 916-736-0953. Note: There is no regular business meeting in the month of December.