knight life...knight life page 3 financial secretary message i’d like to share my congratulations...
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KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 1
KNIGHT LIFE
EDWARD DOUGLASS WHITE COUNCIL 2473 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
July 2020 Founded May 20, 1923 Number 1
GRAND KNIGHT’S MESSAGE
Brother Knights, welcome to a new
fraternal year! First and foremost, I
would like to thank all of you for
your continued support and ser-
vice to EDW Council 2473 and our
charitable work.
I want to share my congratulations
and heartfelt appreciation for the
newly elected Council officers. We
have a wonderful team. Finally, I want everyone to know that
I am exceptionally humbled and honored to serve as your new
Grand Knight. I am looking forward to serving the Council as
well as supporting all of our Brother Knights and their fami-
lies.
Well, we are certainly living in interesting times. We’ve had to
make many adjustments to our daily routine as we try to mini-
mize our exposure to the coronavirus and reduce the spread of
COVID-19. However, our state and our region are beginning
to reduce restrictions and reopen the economy. That means
we can soon return to in-person meetings and activities!
And, that is just what we will do. Providing our region stays
on course, our Council meetings will begin again, every first
and third Thursday of the month at 7:30pm in the Paradise
Lounge. Of course, we understand and encourage anyone who
is at increased risk due to existing health conditions or age to
not attend our meetings at this time.
If our region decides to slow or reverse the easing of re-
strictions, we are prepared to hold virtual meetings using
Zoom. If that needs to occur, we’ll let everyone know and send
out instructions on how to participate. Either way, we are
back in business!
As your new Grand Knight, I want to share with you my ini-
tial priorities for this fraternal year. With your support, I want
to focus on charitable activities, strengthening connections to
our parishes, and improving our communications.
1) Charity is the first guiding principle for the Knights of Co-
lumbus and is at the heart of our work and our faith. This year,
I want to reinforce our traditional annual works of charity,
which are always a success, and explore new charitable oppor-
tunities to build up our strong charitable foundation.
2) Parish support is integral to our charitable works. Knights
are best when fully integrated into the ministries and charita-
ble works of our parishes. This year, I want to reinforce our
connections to our four parishes and get more involved in par-
ish life to grow closer to Christ in the Catholic faith.
3) Communications is key to our overall success and sustain-
ment. This year, I want to work on improving communication
by providing clear, consistent, and timely information through
emails, our website, and our social media sites.
Each one of these efforts will need a dedicated team of Brother
Knights to step up, establish new committees, and drive us
forward. I’m looking forward to hearing from volunteers will-
ing to assist. Together, I know we can achieve positive growth
in all these areas that will help sustain EDW Council 2473’s
stellar reputation, impactful size, and nationally recognized
leadership.
Finally, I want to thank our Past
Grand Knight John Rovinski Jr.
and the entire Columbus Club
Board of Directors for successfully
leading the Council and the Club
through these unprecedented and
exceptionally challenging times
resulting from the coronavirus
pandemic. Rather than folding up,
they charged forward and have
brought us through this challenge
stronger and more stable than be-
fore. We all owe them our heartfelt
appreciation.
As we move forward together, please remember that I am hear
for you, my Brother Knights. Please feel free to contact me any
time. Please remember to pray for our Brother Knights in
need, pray for healing and guidance during this pandemic,
and pray the rosary as often as possible. Thank you.
Vivat Jesus,
Jim Saenz
Grand Knight
Jim, in 2004, preparing to
jump while in the Army.
KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 2
COUNCIL OFFICERS 2020-2021
Grand Knight: Jim Saenz 703-638-0075
Chaplain: Fr Joseph Giordano, CICM 571-982-5902
Dep Grand Knight: Scott Wanek
Chancellor: John Dresden
Fin Secretary: Bill Wester 571-276-1410
Treasurer: Andrew Rudolphi
Recorder: Charles Feghali
Advocate: Paul Kozich
Warden: Bryant Gilbertson
Inside Guard: Nick Beirne
Outside Guard: Mark Joyce
Trustees: Steve McTeague, PGK 703-969-1570
Joseph Baker, PGK 808-333-9686
John Rovinski, Jr, PGK
Fraternal Benefits Advisors
Robert J Canter, Jr, CSA, FICF, LUTCF 301-952-0180
Edward Imperati, CFP 703-677-6923
Council Office 703-536-9656 x 320
Council Home Mansion 703-536-9656 x 314
In case of illness or death of a member
Please call the Council Office 703-536-6356 x 320
Committee Chairmen
6-Point Program: John Rovinski, Jr, PGK
Church Activities: Art Gamotis PGK 703-448-0332
Community Acts: John Carmany 703-876-4654
Council Activities: Art Gamotis PGK 703-448-0332
Fraternal Activities: Joe Baker PGK 808-333-9689
Youth Activities: Steve Willenbucher 571-438-1517
500 Club: Council Office 703-536-9656 x 320
Advertising: Rick Vranesh PGK 571-214-9775
Blood Drive: Len Sese 703-641-4843
Charity: John Rovinski, Jr, PGK
Culture of Life:
KCIC: Jim Holland PGK 703-533-1550
Knight Life Editor:
KOVAR: Art Gamotis PGK 703-448-0332
Ladies U-Knighted: Jo Balsamo Wood 703-263-1185
Membership: Greg Strizek 703-346-4387
Organ Donors: Jerry Garren PGK 202-498-1638
Retention: Jim Holland PGK 703-533-1550
Special Activities:
Waiters: Bob Muschamp 703-237-8475
Columbus Club of Arlington 2019 Board Officers
Grand Knight: Jim Saenz 703-638-0075
Dep Grand Knight: Scott Wanek
President: John O’Neill, III 571-437-9415
Vice President: Greg Strizek 703-346-4387
Secretary: Charlie Boone 703-843-4248
Treasurer: Tom Maguire 703-314-5213
Asst Treasurer: Jerry Garren PGK 202-498-1638
Board of Directors
Bob Dannemiller FDD PGK 703-685-3795
Anthony Demangone 571-332-2512
Bryant Porter 202-213-8650
Brett Smith 703-489-3112
Bill Wester 571-276-1410
Club Staff
General Manager: [email protected]
Operations Mgr: Nick Beirne 703-536-9656 x 310
Events Mgr: Rene Padilla 703-536-9656 x 311
Summer Camp Director: Marty Lerner 703-536-9656 x 324
Pool Phone in Season: 703-536-9656 x 313
July 2020 Knight of the Month This month, we recognize our most
recent Past Grand Knight, John
Rovinski Jr.
John just com-
pleted two years
serving as our
EDW Council
2473 Grand
Knight. During
that time, he
showed us true servant leadership,
dedication, and sacrifice as he
steered this giant ship known as
EDW. (Get it--he’s a Navy guy.) As
has been tradition for our Grand
Knights, John continued to increase
our membership, improve our chari-
table activities, and sustain our social
activities. However, uniquely and
impressively, he also led us through
the challenges of the coronavirus
pandemic and the resulting re-
strictions during his final months in
office. Throughout that time, John
made sure EDW and the Columbus
Club continually took appropriate
action to keep our Brother Knights
and families safe and healthy, while
also keeping us financially viable. On
top of that, he found the opportunity
for EDW to support our parishes and
communities during this pandemic
by establishing a team to coordinate
home deliveries for vulnerable indi-
viduals, distribute masks, make do-
nations and deliveries to local food
pantries, and provide meals to Christ
House. He enabled EDW to, once
again, provide for our communities
in need during difficult times. John,
thank you for your superb leadership
and caring friendship. We look for-
ward to your continued service as
one of our Worthy Trustees.
Together We Can Beat This “You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortag-
es in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”
- U.S. Surgeon General
The INOVA Health System has again asked our EDW Council for help to
maintain a strong blood supply for their
patients, especially during this pandem-
ic. Let’s show INOVA how Knights re-
spond to a call for help. Please donate!
Where: Knights of Columbus EDW Council #2473
5115 Little Falls Rd
Arlington, Virginia
When: Sunday, July 26, 2020, 8:30AM to 2:00PM
Make your appointment today at: https://bit.ly/KCED07262020 org OR
Call: 866-256-6372 and use sponsor code 6216.
KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 3
FINANCIAL SECRETARY MESSAGE
I’d like to share my congratulations to the slate of officers elected to serve the
EDW membership during the fraternal year running July 1, 2020, through June
30, 2021.
I would especially like to congratulate my
brother, Jim Saenz, who is at the helm this year.
You are all a great group of guys, who have
stepped up to the plate to make EDW work.
Please take notice: Inside this newsletter, you
will find the revised proposed budget for the
upcoming fraternal year. This will be voted
upon during the upcoming July 16 the meet-
ing. I hope you can join us, as your input and
participation are hugely important.
Also, as financial secretary, I want to pass along my kudos to the leadership of
both EDW and the Columbus Club for taking difficult, yet necessary, decisions
to shepherd our organizations through this COVID-19 Crisis.
Bill Wester, Financial Secretary
LEND ME YOUR EARS,
AND YOUR UP-TO-DATE
EMAIL ADDRESS
As our Worthy Grand
Knight highlighted in his
message, the Knights will
focus on improving commu-
nication to its membership in
the upcoming year.
We need your help!
Please make sure we have
your most up-to-date email
address on file. It will take
just a moment, but it will
help us greatly.
Update/confirm your email
address by contacting Finan-
cial Secretary Bill Wester.
P. 703.536.9656 Ext. 320
Email: [email protected]
We use the letters EDW quite
a bit.
Those
letters
are quite
meaning-
ful.
Those are initials of Edward
Douglas White, the first
Catholic Supreme Court As-
sociate Justice and Chief Jus-
tice of the Supreme Court of
the United States from 1910
to 1921.
We hope you’ve been able to enjoy the new Pfundstein Patio on the EDW Campus! Keep
an eye out for Friday and Saturday evening seatings. Be sure to like the EDW Facebook
page to stay on top of all that is happening—www.facebook.com/KofCEDW/.
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KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 6
One of the best views in all of Arlington.
OBITUARIES
The following Brother Knights
have gone on to meet our Heav-
enly Father. Please keep them in
your prayers.
PGK Leo P. Maimone—1/1/2020
Samuel H. Houser—2/4/2020
Richard P. “Steve” Stephenson
3/1/2020
Mark. E. Nester—4/7/2020
Raymond E. Fioramonti—
4/30/2020
Dominick J. D’Alexander
6/18/2020
SICK AND IN
OUR PRAYERS
Please remember the following
members and their families in
your prayers. If you have time,
give them a all or drop them a
note.
Norm Marcocci
Bishop Paul Loverde, State Chap-
lain for the K of C
Paul Murphy
John O’Neill
Chris Hudson
Paul Murphy
Collin McGowan
Jack Halpin
Art Gamotis PGK
THE MANSION AND COVID-19
The Deep End will be open with limited menu and hours on weekends. Starting July
4th weekend, we will be serving out of the Deep End Patio Friday & Saturday! Picnic
Tables are available by reservation ONLY via this link. It is imperative that we stress a
limit to ONE table per family, per day. We anticipate increasing capacity & frequency
as we progress through Phase 3. A total 30 tables will be set up on the lawn and we
expect all our members to observe all our social distancing guidelines.
Let’s not forget, our regular Friday and Saturday evening dining on the Pfundstein
patio. Come up and enjoy some food and drink, reservations can be sent
to [email protected]. Seating’s at 5:30 &7:30 both nights!
Here are additional details:
• The picnic tables will be set into limited sections.
To comply with government orders, we will per-
mit 8 persons per plot per picnic table area. Social
distance guidelines are expected to be followed
while on the picnic grounds.
• Tables are NOT to be moved from designated
spaces.
• All recreational equipment will be open at a use-at
-your-own-risk policy. Compliance with social dis-
tancing is required at any of these locations.
• Grills will be permitted for usage, at your own risk.
• Masks are to be worn when not seated in your picnic area.
• When conversing with other patrons social distancing is required and masks are
mandatory.
• Masks are to be worn when ordering food and drink at the Deep End.
• Masks may be removed when seated at your table/plot on the grounds
One of the best parts of being a Knight is the
enjoyment of our 10-acre campus, which in-
cludes the iconic Saegmuller Mansion.
The Columbus Club board of directors have
been making difficult, but necessary decisions
in light of reduced income due to the cancella-
tion of this year’s camp program and head-
winds against pool operations.
We’ve received many questions along the lines
of this: When is the Mansion re-opening?
We hear your concerns and we understand.
However, please be patient with us. We are
working on two fronts. First, when the Man-
sion opens, it must be done in a safe and secure
manner that follows state and local guidelines.
Second, changes likely will be made to the
operations to ensure the Mansion operations
are fiscally responsible.
As the situation unfolds, we’ll keep all brothers
updated. Until then, we appreciate your pa-
tience and understanding.
PHASE 3—THE DEEP END AND GROUNDS
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KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 7
The COVID-19 crisis has hurt area food banks, as donations have dried up,
just at the same time as many newly unemployed Americans are seeking help.
Pictured to the right, Brother Knight (and past Grand Knight) Bob Dannemil-
ler delivers a donation from the EDW Council to the Saint Lucy Food Project
in Manassas, which is administered by the Catholic Charities of the Arlington
Diocese.
Our Brother Bob and other knights relentlessly volunteers his time to numer-
ous food backs in the tri-state area. He represents us well, shuttling pallets of
bread and other food to grateful food banks in our area. Brothers Bob Muschamp and Jim Connell are heavy volun-
teers as well.
The EDW Assistance Team continues to deliver food and medication to those in need. Now we are focusing on tak-
ing donations to stock our area food pantries. With food supply lines strained, businesses shut down, and people left
without income, the need for food has increased. We ask your generous donation to feed families with no other
means of putting food on their tables.
Please consider donating to EDW’s efforts to help our local food pantries by selecting "Food Pantry Support" on the
EDW food pantry donation website.
The time has come, and the Columbus
Club Pools entered Phase 3 on July
2nd!
Under guidance from our governor,
the CDC and our local health depart-
ment, we have put together a plan we
hope works best for all. Phase 3 opens
up our facility for free swim, limited
wading pool usage, picnic grounds (by
reservation only, and recreational
equipment on the grounds. We have
enacted procedures and policies based
on guidance from around Northern
Virginia.
All details on the new pool policies can
be found on the Columbus Club Web-
site.
Parents and guardians are in charge of
maintaining the required 10-foot social
distancing requirement. Lifeguards are
focusing on water safety protocol.
Anyone under the age of 16 must be
accompanied by an adult.
All staff and members will be screened
for COVID-19 symptoms. Details are
outlined on the club website.
Entry will be through the front desk,
and everyone will exit onto the
grounds near the sidewalk the picnic
area.
Three lanes in each pool will be active
in each swim session.
One hour time-slots for swimming can
be reserved via the manage reserva-
tions link on the pool website. We are
limiting 3 swim sessions per family,
per week.
We’ll be at 75% capacity. Also, one
family per time slot can reserve the
wading pool.
Exiting members must wear face
masks.
We understand these are big changes,
and we appreciate your understand-
ing. If we all follow the rules, the pool
will be a safe and fun diversion this
summer. (Something we all need!)
Again, details are outlined on the
Columbus Club Website.
EDW KNIGHTS FIGHTING HUNGER IN OUR REGION
7
THE NEW RULES FOR THE KNIGHT POOLS IN PHASE 3
KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 8
New Slate of EDW Council Officers Slated for 2020/2021
The EDW Council 2473 officers for the fraternal year 2020-
2021 were installed in a ceremony conducted by the new
District Deputy and EDW PGK John Rovinski, Jr. on July
2nd. The new EDW officers look forward to serving the
Council and their brother Knights.
The officers are:
Grand Knight: Jim Saenz
Chaplain: Fr. Joseph Giordano
Dep. Grand Knight: Scott Wanek
Chancellor: John Dresden
Financial Secretary: Bill Wester
Treasurer: Andrew Rudolphi
Recorder: Charles Feghali
Advocate: Paul Kozich
Warden: Bryant Gilbertson
Inside Guard: Nick Beirne
Outside Guard: Mark Joyce
It was wonderful to
hear laughter and
splashing on the cam-
pus over the Holiday
weekend. The new
pool deck was enjoyed
by all. A hearty thank
you to the Columbus
Club board and staff
for getting our pool
ready. We look for-
ward to seeing you on
campus!
KNIGHT LIFE PAGE 9
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Edward Douglass White Council 2473
5115 Little Falls Road
Arlington, Virginia 22207-1899
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