Community Activities
- Chuck Paquette
- Community Director
- 816-918-0833
Strong Knights, Strong Communities
We are called to serve those in need. Our community programs help us to reach more people in need, helping many from our family to our Country. These programs are build to help us reach out and to others, showing our strength and vigor as we build our Communities, Churches and our Family.
Community Activities Chairmen
- Chuck Klingsick
- Development Disabilities – West
- 816-529-6984
- Victor Bender
- Developmental Disabilities – East
- (573) 358‐5307
- John Myers
- Coats For Kids
- D (573) 883‐3838 N (573) 483‐3189
- Timothy Vargesko
- Basketball Free Throw & Soccer Challenge
- (573) 639-0878
- Open
- Communications / Technology
- -
- Tony Dohmen
- Historian
- (573) 635‐1898
- Matt Gray
- Life Services: Blood Drives, Wheelchairs, Agape House
- (314) 952‐8400
- James Baldwin
- Legislative/MCC Liaison
- (573) 578‐4980
- Bill Lueckenhoff
- Essay Contest
- (573) 619‐8969
- Ken Wehmeyer
- Mariner Editor & Publisher
- (573) 547‐5561
- Chris Nelms
- Website Coordinator
- (314) 303‐5365
- Jay Locker
- Photographer
- (573) 744‐5838
- Pat Kennedy
- Publicity and Social Media
- D (660) 229‐0002 N (660) 886‐8068
Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities 50th Annual Drive Goal = $700,000
October 7, 8 & 9, 2022*
Chuck Klingsick, Developmental Disabilities Chairman – West
Victor Bender, Developmental Disabilities Chairman – East
Jerry Herbert, Columbian Charities Treasurer
(*Councils are asked to conduct their drive the weekend of October 7-9; however, if there are special circumstances that your council cannot conduct its drive that weekend, the insurance purchased by the State Council to cover the DD Drive is effective every weekend in October.)
Thank you to every Knight’s hard work, generosity, and dedication to the DD Drive, the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center moved out of the hospital and into the second floor of the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation building in May of 2013. This new facility has more than doubles the size of the center from 4,200 sq. ft. to 10,500 sq. ft. It also has its own parking lot which is located just steps away from the door. When the Center opened back in 1982, it was served by a staff of just 3; now the Center can boast of a staff of over 20 dedicated staff members.
As members of the Missouri Knights of Columbus we are committed to supporting organizations who are dedicated to the health, education and welfare of persons with developmental disabilities. This is highlighted each year by our “Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities” (formerly known as the “Tootsie Roll Drive,” and more recently as the “MR Drive”).
Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
One-half of all proceeds collected in this annual drive go to support the Developmental Center which was started by the Missouri Knights in 1982. The Center specializes in diagnosing and treating thousands of children afflicted with: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Prader-Willie Syndrome, Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. This is done by a staff of Child Psychologists, Educational Diagnosticians, Social Workers, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Special Family Therapists, and special consultant “Higgins” (a Goldendoodle) the therapy dog. Other programs in place include: Parent Education, Developmental Screening, Professional Training and Developmental Education.
Turn-Around Funds
The other half of the proceeds collected goes back to your council to use to support local programs for persons with developmental disabilities. Over 230 different agencies across the state received support through these funds last year.
Councils who do not have a specific agency in their area which works with the Developmentally Disabled are encouraged to request that their turn-around funds be donated to the Missouri Knights of Columbus Developmental Center or to Special Olympics Missouri. You can indicate your preference on your Developmental Disabilities Drive Disbursement Request Form.
Turn around fund request forms must be completed no later than June 30, 2023.
Coats for Kids
John Myers, Chairman
The Knights of Columbus developed the Coats for Kids program which allows Missouri Councils the opportunity to purchase new winter coats for children at a discounted rate and distribute them to children in need in the Council’s local community. Since Coats for Kids began in 2009, over a half of million coats have been distributed. Every Knights of Columbus Council is encouraged to participate in the Coats for Kids program. (2021 case pricing is not available at press time.) Coats may be ordered through Supplies Online on the Supreme website, or some Councils have arrangements with local retailers. If a case of coats is outside the Council’s budget, please work with the Council’s District Deputy or Chapter to partner with a nearby Council to be a part of this wonderful program. Immediately after the Council’s event is finished, complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784).
| Type of Coat | Coats Per Case | Number of Cases | Cases Requested | Total Coats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | 12 | 6 | 72 | |
| Teen | 12 | 4 | 48 | |
| Light | 24 | 4 | 96 |
Life Services
Matt Gray, Chairman
Blood Drives
In 1938 the Knights of Columbus was the first national organization to establish a blood donor program to be implemented throughout the Order. Knights families continue to support this life‐ giving program today, but we need the Council’s help in reporting blood donations. As part of our coronavirus response, Leave No Neighbor Behind, please schedule a drive of the Council’s own, or support one scheduled in the Council’s area, and then send in a report on the number of units collected using the Blood Drive report form on the state website.
Wheelchair Mission
An important part of our Life Services program is our partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission, which provides brand new wheelchairs to people in need. Due to the generosity of Knights families throughout the U.S., thousands of wheelchairs have been donated around the globe. A donation of $150
will help deliver one wheelchair to someone in need. Just as important, past generosity allows State Council to provide a free wheelchair to our neighbors in need. Purchase of a large
container of 110–280 wheelchairs, depending on size, is required to receive Featured Program credit. Please consider holding a Wheelchair Sunday drive this year! Make checks payable to Columbian Charities and note Wheelchair on the memo line.
Agape House & Prison Concern
The Agape House (pronounced agapē) provides families of prisoners a place to stay overnight when they are visiting family members who are incarcerated. Agapē, which translated means “Christian Love,” treats all of its guests with respect, love, and caring. Each Council, Assembly, and Auxiliary is asked to donate $50 to this worth while cause. Make checks payable to Columbian Charities and note Prison Concern on the memo line.
Habitat for Humanity
While Habitat has not been a typical partner for Missouri Knights, Knights families in other areas have strong relationships with their local Habitats to provide homes for the homeless and at risk. Knights of Columbus Councils work closely with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian
organization, to build homes for families in need at substantially reduced costs. Each year, Councils throughout the Order donate a considerable number of volunteer hours and dollars to this worthy cause. In order to satisfy program requirements, Councils may donate a minimum of $1,000 or 200 service hours to Habitat for Humanity projects in their community to receive credit for the Featured Program. Contact the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the Council’s area for information on upcoming projects at www.habitat.org or by eMailing: [email protected]
Helping Hands
The Helping Hands Program is designed to recognize the important work many Councils already do to care for the most disadvantaged members of our communities–the homeless, the addicted, the elderly who may feel isolated and abandoned, and many others. Through this program, Councils will aid the needy through the activities they feel best suit their community, such as serving at or running a soup kitchen, repairing the facilities of a local service organization or something entirely unique.The requirements for this program are very broad in order to allow Councils to serve their community in whatever way is most needed. Some needs may be physical, while others are social, emotional or spiritual. Whatever the need, Councils are encouraged to assisst and creatively support their broader community.
Disaster Preparedness
Communities can be brought to a halt when disaster occurs – from large natural disasters to local crises. As community leaders, Knights of Columbus will ensure that their members,families and parish communities are prepared through a campaign that promotes planning and education. This program motivates Councils to take a holistic approach to emergency situations by promoting readiness in times of crisis, assessing response capabilities, and learning how to properly respond well ahead of a disaster. Councils can also fundraise and teach (where able) in anticipation of larger efforts to assist brothers in need. To begin, contact the Council’ l o c a l department of emergency management or police to inquire about the procedures in place in the Council’s community in a disaster situation. Remember the Council’s parish: meet with the Council’s parish priest on a n annual basis to identify specific needs of the parish in the event of a disaster and determine how the Knights can assist.
Essay Contest
Essays must be 350 to 500 words; a student’s original work; reflect the assigned topic; be typed on 8 ½” by 11” paper, double spaced, with one-inch margins. All entries become the property of the Missouri Knights of Columbus and will not be returned. Plaques will be awarded to the top three winners in each grade level in the State.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ESSAYS FOR THE MISSOURI STATE CONTEST TO THE SUPREME COUNCIL
Youth Sports
Timothy Vargesko, Chairman
Our soccer and basketball free throw contests are each long-standing programs, and Councils are encouraged to contact their local schools and sports teams early to organize their participation.
Children ages 9 – 14 can compete at the Council, District, Regional and State levels.
Soccer | Basketball – Free Throw | ||
Order Kits (Supreme) | SC-KIT | FT-KIT | |
Ages 9 to 14 as of | September 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 | |
Council Contest | September 16 -25th | January | |
Council Awards | Council’s choice: Trophies or Plaques | ||
District Contest | October 1 – 16th | February 1 – 15 | |
District Awards | Medallions | ||
Regional Contest | October 16 – 30th | February 16 – 29 | |
State Contest | November 6th. | March | |
Regional & State Awards | Plaques | ||
International Awards | Trophies | ||
Score sheets are not returned to the participants, and each winner’s sheets forwarded to the next level of competition. The international competition is not in-person, rather, each state winner’s score sheets are compared. An estimated number of participants should be kept at each level and forwarded to the State Chairman for their information.
Social Media & Website
Chris Nelms, Website Chairman (Webmaster)
Communications Chairman – Open
Jay Locker, Photographer
Pat Kennedy, Publicity & Social Media Chairman
Many of our leaders, members, families, and prospects are on the web, and the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more important, as people use web resources to shop, make connections with friends and family, find information, and hold meetings and classes of all sorts. Our State Council technology team is leveraging the state website and our social media presence on Facebook and else where to spread our message of charity, unity,fraternity,and patriotism.
The State Council continues the build & elaboration of a new website for 2021–2022 on the popular WordPress platform to replace UKnight as the development environment, to make the content on the website more accessible and the facility to search and make revisions easier for everyone. Look for these changes soon, and meanwhile, LIKE our Facebook site, under Knights of Columbus Missouri State Council. Visitor posts to the Facebook sites how in local Knights of Columbus Council, Assembly, Auxiliary, and Chapter events are encouraged but will be reviewed by a moderator.
Regular communications are sent to fraternal leaders via Constant Contact. Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries with an email account should send their name, email address, Council number, and office to [email protected] with the header “StateDirectory–[CouncilNumber].” This information will be strictly confidential and only used for Knights of Columbus business.
Missouri Catholic Conference
James Baldwin, Chairman
Former US Speaker of the House Thomas ‘Tip’ O’Neill was well known for his aphorism, “All politics is local. ”We are fortunate to live in a democratic republic, and as Knights families exemplifying our charism of patriotism, it is important that we take part in our government consistent with our Catholic‐formed conscience. The Missouri Catholic Conference represents the priorities of our state bishops. To receive the Missouri Catholic Conference newsletter and action alerts, log on to mocatholic.org.
State Museum
Tony Dohmen, State Historian
After many years, the Missouri Knights of Columbus has our own museum. The State Council archive is located at Father Helias Council #1054 in Jefferson City. Over the last few years, many items dealing with the Missouri State Council have been collected in this amazing historical archive of more than a century of Knights ’history in Missouri. Councils are welcomed to consult with the Historian to determine if any materials they might Tony want to donate are of a state wide historical nature worthy of being retained in the State Archive.
The Mariner
Ken Wehmeyer, Editor in Chief
The Mariner is the Missouri Knights of Columbus quarterly state newspaper, received by mail by every Knights family and by Knights widows by request. It contains news of what Knights families, Councils, Assemblies, Auxiliaries, Agencies, Districts, Chapters, and the State Council are doing all around the state. Publication deadlines are the 5th of September, November, March, and May.
Copy
Mariner material should be in the office of the Mariner Editor ON OR BEFORE each deadline date. A common error made by persons submitting copy for publication is that of writing or mailing the material on the deadline date. This means the material will not reach the editor in time for publication. Please allow two or three days prior to the actual deadline for the articles or photos to reach the editor’s desk if sending via regular mail. If submitting by fax, or by email, material may arrive up to the deadline to send. The address, phone and fax number, and email address are listed above.
For all articles sent by regular mail, or by fax, type written is preferred, and in sentence case, in order to avoid as much misspelling of proper names as possible. However, if unable to type, please write or hand‐print copy as legible as possible to avoid typographical errors. With this latter thought in mind, many district deputies and chairmen fell into that category of not being able to type, but they still did a fantastic job of making their copy legible. If submitting via email, please do so in Microsoft Word format (.doc, .docx), or just type the article in the form of an email for conversion. Confirmation of receipt will be provided if requested.
Photos
Pictures submitted should be in positive form if by regular mail. It can be a colored print; it can be a Polaroid or instamatic print; it can be a digital print. But please remember WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET! IF USING A CAMERA PHONE OR DIGITAL CAMERA, MAKE SURE TO TAKE THE PHOTO OF THE SUBJECT AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. THE LARGER THE ENLARGEMENT, THE GRAINER THE SUBJECT. A PHOTO CANNOT BE SENT VIA FAX, NOR MAY A COPY‐MACHINE PRINT OR PHOTO COPY FROM ADIGITAL PRINTER BE USED.
If submitting a photo via email, which is preferred, please provide it in jpeg format, and limit the size to no large rthan 8”×10” or 1536×1024 pixels. It is most important that all photos be properly identified, and please try to answer the basic 5‐”W” questions in your copy: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY. Again, please avoid larger size than 8×10. Image scan been large do reduced to fit proper spacing. Regardless of how submitted photos PLEASE try to submit a good photo for publication. In several cases where a member will cut a photo out of a local newspaper and try to submit it for publication. Some of these are just so badly reproduced in the local newspaper that they cannot be used.
Articles or photos should be submitted via a district deputy, a state Council officer, director, or chairman. Councils who do not see their submitted articles in the next issue may contact the editor.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE MARINER.
The address list for the Mariner editor is generated from Supreme Council’s Missouri roster only. Changes of address are entered through Member Management.
Columbian Charities
Jerry Herbert, Columbian Charities Treasurer
Columbian Charities of Missouri, Inc., is the charitable IRS 501(c)(3) arm of the Missouri State Council. Its treasurer, Jerry Herbert, is the point of contact for donations that involve the Missouri Knights of Columbus. Jerry will be receiving and distributing checks to the Councils for the following Programs:
- Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
- American Wheelchair Mission
- Agape House/Prison Concerns
- Missouri Religious Vocation Fund
- Sympathy Card / Memorial Board Donation
- Family Involvement Events–KC Royals & St. Louis Baseball Games
- Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO)
- Meet Life Campaign
- Roses for Life
- Knight of Columbus License Plates
When submitting the Council checks to Columbian Charities please make note on the check’s memo line which program the check supports. This will expedite the processing for the Council and Jerry.
