Steak Out | Summer Carnival Potluck | Shoe Drive | Oktoberfest | 2025 Memorial Mass
Grand Knight’s Message
I hope this newsletter finds everyone enjoying their summer.
It was a fun evening on July 12. Thanks to Brother Dan O’Donnell for cooking such a great meal for us before the RubberDucks baseball game. Over 40 of us enjoyed watching the game and fireworks.
July 1 started the 2025-2026 fraternal year for the Knights of Columbus. On July 20, I attended the Knights of Columbus State tour. At this meeting, they introduced the new state officers. They went over different programs the councils could do and the expectations for councils in the upcoming year. Also at the meeting, they recapped a little of the past year.
Once again, our council received the Star Council award. We were one of 59 councils out of over 400 councils in the state to earn this award. That is 2 years in a row! Thanks to everyone who helped in numerous ways. This includes brothers attending Fraternal Benefit nights, donations to local charities, volunteering and recruiting new members. A huge thanks goes out to my wife, Missy, who does a lot and records to the supreme council about all the activities we do.
As we start the new fraternal year, I think we can three-peat as a Star Council. As always, a big part of the process is recruiting new members. This year we need to recruit 15 new members. Last year I didn’t make it to the churches to do a drive. I thought if a brother or two would speak before or after mass at their home church, people that the parishioners know versus me who they do not know, may help us recruit. I would be there for back up. Please consider this to help our council grow. We’ve added some new members over the past couple of years that have been a great asset to council #3410.
It’s that time of year for Football Crzr tickets sales. South Akron Knights of Columbus Council placed 7th in the state last year for ticket sales. That is out of 400 councils! Thank you all! This tremendous effort reduced our per capita bill by 50% plus earned the council other small incentives along the way. The $20 ticket entitles the owner the chance for prizes in each of the last ten weeks of the NFL season. Each week, the ticket owner gets 4 teams, chosen at random. If the teams’ point totals are the highest for the week or the lowest for the week, the ticket owner receives a cash prize. Twenty three cash prizes are awarded each week. Council #3410 had multiple winners last year. This year we are asking each Brother Knight to buy/sell at least 2 tickets to help us reach our goal of 310 tickets sold. If we do not see you at the hall, your tickets will be mailed out to you with an addressed envelope for return. If you write a check, please write it out to Steve Dort, as I will need to cash them and send one check in with all our ticket stubs. Also, please remember to write council #3410 on the ticket stub to ensure our council is properly credited. Please watch for other ways to volunteer and help us sell tickets. Attention to social members, we will have tickets at the hall for you to sell/purchase also.
Keep reading for future activities. If you have any questions or would like additional tickets feel free to contact me.
Be Good Everyone.
Steve Dort, Grand Knight
Steak Out – Saturday, August 9
Sign up sheets are in the hall now for the next Steak Out. Come out and grill your steak or chicken to your liking. Shrimp is also available. Baked potato, green beans, salad and rolls will be provided. Desserts to share welcome to be brought in. Steak $20, Chicken $12, Shrimp $12, and you can add a six piece side of shrimp for an additional $5. MUST RSVP by August 7 and payment upon sign up is appreciated.
Summer Themed Potluck
Wednesday, August 27 is our monthly drawing potluck – how about we do a theme? In summer 2023 we had a luau, and in 2024 we celebrated the summer olympics. For 2025 how about a carnival? Bring a dish or dessert inspired by your favorite carnival food. We will have some carnival games for people to play as well.
Shoe Drive
Announcing our 2025 shoe collection at the hall during the month of September. We wanted to give some time for everyone to clean out their closets and see what shoes may be in there that you do not use anymore. Starting in September we will have a box or two for everyone to place their gently used shoes in. All donated shoes will be given to the Free Store at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore.
Oktoberfest
Wednesday, September 24 will be our monthly drawing and Oktoberfest celebration. We are welcoming back for a third year, the Culkar-Golob Band to play polkas for us. They will be playing from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Doors to the hall will open at 5 p.m. You are welcome to invite family and friends to celebrate Oktoberfest with us. We will be collecting $10 per person for dinner and also taking donations to cover the cost of the band. We will be making sausage and peppers and perogies. Everyone attending is welcome to bring a German side dish or dessert. Do not forget to wear your favorite Oktoberfest clothing!
2025 Memorial Mass
This year’s memorial mass will be on Saturday, November 15 at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore. The mass begins at 5 p.m. This is the mass in honor of all our council brothers who have passed away.
New Years Eve
Let’s get the word out that we will be having a Black and Gold New Year’s Eve Party at the hall on December 31. Tickets will include food and drinks. There will be a DJ playing music for the dance floor. We will only sell tickets for the amount of space we have and once they are sold out, no others will be made available. Ticket sales begin October 1.
2026 Ohio Bowling Tournament
Consider joining a great fraternal activity that you may have not considered recently, the fun and excitement of bowling! In case you didn’t know it – the Ohio Knights of Columbus have an annual bowling tournament and you are encouraged to join in. It takes place the first 3 weekends in March. If you are interested call Steve Dort or John Simon.
Some events going on in the Diocese of Cleveland
Wednesday Evenings Live – May 28 to August 27 – Cathedral of St. John Cleveland. New this summer is the first ever summer concerts featuring local and regional musicians. Free to attend, but bring money for food and drinks. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Evening starts with vespers, then live music and community.
New podcast – There is a new catholic podcast coming out of the Diocese of Cleveland. It is called “Catholic Pore Over – What’s percolating in the Land and beyond.” Spotify | Apple Podcasts You can also follow them on Instagram @catholicporeover. The hosts are Fr. Damien Ference and Maria Wancata.