West Knights of Columbus Council 2305

2-11-08

Sunday, January 27th was an emotional day for Miss Shaw and many who attended this benefit in her honor. Miss Martha Shaw has been a dedicated teacher at St. Mary's Catholic School, here in West, for 40 years. Due to health reasons, she had to retire. Now she is without health insurance and is not yet eligible for Medicare. So a group of parents (some are KC members) formed a committee to hold an appreciation dinner/benefit.

The date quickly approached and a lot of hard work by many volunteers made this day a success for Miss Shaw. The West Knights of Columbus served a major role for this benefit. We donated the use of the hall and kitchen, all plates and cups, preparation and serving of the meal, and parking of the cars.

Mayor Jerrell Bolton proclaimed the day Miss Shaw Day in West. Principals of past and present gave testimony to the kindness and dedication Miss Shaw has displayed during her tenure. And the 4th grade class sang two songs that left not a dry eye in the hall.

The last total calculated from the meal, CDA silent auction, KJT country store, live auction, and monetary donations appears to have surpassed the $30,000 mark. Miss Shaw tearfully thanked everyone who took part in this remarkable day. Please keep Miss Shaw in your prayers.

Miss Shaw (center) with past & present principals:  L-R, Ericka Sammon 2006-present, Beth Culverhouse (secretary), Joe Gough 1992-2006, Dianne Atlas 1978-1986, Delores Kern Vrana 1986-1992

2-5-08

If you have driven by the KC hall since June 2007, then you have noticed a drastic change in scenery. Thanks to fellow KC members, Junior and Raymond Vybiral, for the many hours they put in clearing trees and shaping the creek with their two bull-dozers.

"This has been a long time coming," says brother Knight Dan Pokluda, who was the driving force in getting this task accomplished. Dan said this now allows us to accomplish more goals for use of the grounds such as future RV spots, improved parking, new playground equipment, and new horse-shoe pits.

Brother Jimmy Muhl has been instrumental in generating funds to buy new playground equipment. Jimmy, along with David Gerik and Edwin Sulak, motivated the bar workers to hustle for tips and donate them to the playground fund. "We need to do this for the kids. They need a place to have fun and play while mom and dad are in the hall having fun," Jimmy said. Other means of raising money for the playground included a gun raffle, donations from the 4th Degree, cooking hamburgers at Sunday dances, and donations from individuals. We have raised enough to purchase the playground equipment and hope to begin construction in the next few weeks, weather permitting. "We want to have the new equipment in place and usable before the June picnic," Joe P. says.

More work is needed around the grounds to get prepared for future projects. A work day is planned for March 1st. Raymond Dulock said, "We need to get members to come on the workday to help pickup wood, rocks, clear brush and limbs, and what ever else need to be done." "We're gonna fix lunch too!" Dan said.

We need more members to come out to help make this a place we are very proud of; so call a fellow member and invite them to partake in the work and fellowship.

9-5-07
"Get your beer bread sandwiches!" was the banter from the KC booth this year. Evidently it worked and tempted a few patrons unsure of the un-intoxicating delicacy.                                      

Reports from patrons and brother Knights, claim that our booth made the nightly news in major cities from Dallas to Austin. According to brother Knight Rick Vrbas, "There was a documentary that has aired on PBS stations about Westfest, which has featured the Beer Bread Sandwiches we produce." It was noticed by some that there were a couple of people who would make several purchases within minutes of the last, and state that "these sandwiches are addicting....I think I'm cathing a buzz." Well, they were not buzzing from the sandwiches, but maybe too much pivo.

Again, a lot of hard work went into making the fundraisng project a success. Over 1,200 pounds of sausage and 400 loaves of bread...now that's a lot of sandwiches. Thanks to all that worked in and behind the booth. We look forward to next year!