Message from the Grand Knight

Brothers:

In contemplating the content of my last article as Grand Knight I thought it would be best to reflect on the important events of the last 4 years.

As I began my term I thought it would be best to survey our membership and let you decide what priorities should get my attention first. In the beginning there were significant issues dividing the Building Association and the Council. It was very hard from the start but as time went on things really started to improve as I attended as many Building Association meetings as possible. My ability to work cooperatively with brother knights who understood that changes were necessary made the effort very rewarding for all of us. Lyle Robbins and Bill Larson have been extremely cooperative and we have come a long way in many areas of our operations.

Secondly there were a number of administrative issues that had to be cleared up. As Tom Ketchum became our new District Deputy he wanted to run a tight ship. Tom was very patient in the beginning as well as extremely helpful in getting our operations back on track so that we remained compliant with all the rules and regulations we must comply with. Tom is a very dedicated Knight and in all cases had our best interests in mind. He was instrumental in helping is win various awards over the last 4 years.

As all of you know Fr. Hart was a very close friend. Serving as our Chaplin at my request made a significant impact on my leadership. He helped me keep on track spiritually and was a pillar of strength as I faced some very trying times in fulfilling my responsibilities as G. K.

Finally I would like to especially thank all of the men who agreed to serve as officers of the council during that period of time. All of you were truly a blessing to me and the job responsibilities that I had. I would like to especially thank Matt Carlton who filled in for me when I was sick, Henry Hartwell who made sure we kept our finances in order and told me when we were out of line.

Doug Zuidema, Brian Nolan, and Dick Lavery who always responded favorably when I needed help. Joe Gawron, John Gawel, Trent Klairter, Pat McKeown, Bob Nolan and Gene Kendra who were very supportive of all that I asked of them.

Once in a great while you have the opportunity to meet and work with someone who is very gifted in many areas. For me that person is Larry Kolker, one of our trustee's. Larry, thank you for all of your help in so many of the various responsibilities of being a Grand Knight. Your undying energy and enthusiasm for the things that we do as Knight's is truly a source of inspiration and encouragement to all that we do.

I also want to thank Lee Smrcina for agreeing to be our new financial secretary. Thank you Lee for answering my call and responding in a time of need.

I want to thank the numerous men I have recruited to be members of the Knight's. I pray that you become more involved and enjoy the many blessings of being a Knight.

In closing I want to assure all of you that our council finances are in good shape . Under my leadership we have set up a Grand Knights Charity Fund to insure that we are able to respond when needed to the needs of others. Your contributions to that fund over the last four years have been very helpful.

The new officers under the leadership of Henry Hartwell are very experienced and dedicated men who will insure that Dan M. Kennedy Council will continue to serve the greater Muskegon Catholic community for many years to come.

Yours in Christ,
Vivat Jesus,
Dick Perri,
Past Grand Knight