The installation of our 2014-15 officers and the crowning of Tom Greco as the council’s 28th annual Knight of the Year were the highlights of 8157’s annual awards dinner held in Holy Spirit’s community center gym on June 14.
Tom has spearheaded the effort that led to the creation of the council’s first degree team two years ago. That convenient avenue for bringing in new members has greatly contributed to continued significant growth in the council. Tom was awarded not only with the ceremonial bowl handed out to the winner each summer but with an additional “Tom-specific” gift – a new cowboy hat.
“This is the most amazing thing,” said Tom, who recalled off the top of his head the dates that he took his First Degree and Major Degrees in 2007 and ‘08. When he called his father to tell him that he’d joined the order, his father replied, “They took you?”
The installation of officers was headed by the promotion of Nick Kleinhaus to Grand Knight and Jim Richardson to Deputy Grand Knight. Other brothers assuming new offices are: Tom Greco as Chancellor, John Espree as Warden, La’Don Wright as Inside Guard, Al Alonzo as Outside Guard and Frank Salazar – the outgoing Grand Knight – as Trustee Third Year. Officers returning from the previous fraternal year are: Advocate Russell Gully, Financial Secretary Peter Perta, Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, Recording Secretary Jeff Miller, Lecturer Jim Russell, Trustee First Year Jack Ramsden and Trustee Second Year Andy Goza. Council member Bill Dover, our District Deputy, presided over the installation. Other outgoing officers along with Frank were Inside Guard Bob Lamb, Outside Guard Art Senato and Trustee 2nd Year Chris Edwards.
The two recipients of the council’s annual scholarships were announced. They were Trevor Edwards (son of Chris Edwards, graduate of Duncanville High headed to Texas A&M-Commerce) and Taylor Kvapil (granddaughter of Jack Ramsden, graduate of Waxahachie High headed for Stephen F. Austin).
Jack Anderson was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Frank Salazar was presented with a lapel pin as well as a personal version of the Grand Knight ribbon that he has worn during the past two years.
With Andy Goza serving as emcee, a number of groups of Knights were recognized.
The Degree Team: Tom Greco, Jim Richardson, Andy Goza, Al Alonzo, John Espree, Peter Perta, Ramon Presas, Jim Russell, Art Senato, David Dybala, Allen Reitmeier and Bill Dover.
The directors of our service committees: Service committees supervisor: Nick Kleinhaus; Health: Patrick Stepniewski; Council: Andy Goza; Pro-Life: Mike Moloughney; Youth: Art Senato and Larry Dumais; Family: Jim Richardson; Community: Dan Murphy; Church: Pat May; Membership: Tom Greco; Knight Hands: Allen Reitmeier.
Members of the new Baseball Committee: Allen Reitmeier, Jim Myers, James Smith, Andy Goza, Greg Warr and Jose Montoya.
Members of the Awareness Committee: Jorge Ruiz, Allen Reitmeier, Jim Kowalski, Chris Kubin, Al Alonzo, Nick Kleinhaus, Brad Lamb, Mike Moloughney and Jeff Miller.
Thanks to all of the Knights and their ladies who made the evening possible, including providing red-white-and-blue leis for the women in attendance.
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