Dear Brother Knights and
Sister Columbiettes:

I am honored to be the 44th Grand Knight of the New Hyde Park Council and I would like to thank you for the vote of confidence that you have shown in me. With your help, your officers and I will strive to lead our Council forward through the next fraternal year, building upon what we have already accomplished.
I was sponsored by Brother AI Smith and made my First Degree in February 1999. Two weeks later, I made both my Second and Third Degrees. Through the great advice and frequent reminders of PGK Tom Liddy, I made my Fourth Degree in October 2002, along with Brothers Steve Bremer, John Klostermann, Robert Paresi, Robert Willis and William Cann.
During my term as Grand Knight, we will be focusing on three vital areas that are of utmost importance. The first area is membership. Our Membership Director is Kevin McHugh who also serves as our Chancellor. Deputy Grand Knight Brian Ennis also is part of the membership team. Kevin, Brian and I are planning to actively solicit our membership agenda at all three of our parishes. Brother Knights who are enthusiastic at the prospect of building our membership and who want to help please contact Kevin or Brian. We need to continue to grow our membership as we wantto continue to be known as the "Can - Do" Council.
The next area of focus is to build our Degree Team. Brother Frank Lappin isour Degree Team Coordinator and we need Brother Knights to step forward and be part of the team. I have been an activepartidpant in the FiistDegree team since 2002. Brother Gino Kucich has played a vital role in all degrees, as have Brothers Harry Baieriein, Tom McGowan, PGK, Joe Caspary and InsuranceAgentDan Garda. I have enjoyed working with the entire degree team. Wh ile all of us are more than willing to assist the degree team - we need your help and appreciate any support you can provide. Any Bother Knight who can help please see Frank Lappin.
My last item on my agenda is Bingo. Any Brother Knight or SisterColumbiette who has any interest in helping with Bingo on Thursdays please see Bingo Chairman Richard Critelli or me. The list would be too long to acknowledge everyone involved with Bingo but please know that all our volunteers do a great job and Bingo would not be as successful as it has been without their efforts.
Two Brothers who I need to thank are Brothers Artie Schmaeling and AI Airone. Artie has been very instrumental in organizing and informing all of our officers about wakes and keeps in contact with our Brottlers who are ill and with the families of our members who have died. AI is responsible for the two papal portraits that are prominently displayed in our lobby. I want to further recognize AI for all his hard work and unique artistic talents that he shares with our Council.
In addition, special thanks to the following Brothers for stepping forward. Brother Nick Cambria is our C & B Chairman and Brother Paul Cush is our new Treasurer. Have a great summer!