The Maryhill Knights of Columbus held its annual Appreciation Night on Saturday, July 16th at the Bridgeport Rod and Gun Club.

Grand Knight George Isley welcomed everyone on this festive occasion. The meal of ham, schnitzel, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables and several different kinds of dessert was served up by 5 members from the Waterloo Knights of Columbus Council #5135. Maryhill Council #6024 actually can attribute some of its roots to Waterloo Council, as some of its founding members had their start in Waterloo.

During the meal a continual slide show was shown of the 48 years of the Maryhill Knights. George recognized Elmer Zettel, who was present, and is the last surviving member of the original 5 Knights, who organized the Maryhill Council in 1968.

Tim Runstedler, District Deputy for District 69 which encompasses Guelph, Maryhill, Fergus and Elora offered the blessing before the meal and remembered the 5 decease members from the past year, Ross McDonnell, Simon Reinhart, Elmer Bruder, Bill Frank, and Hendrik Splint.

George Isley briefly went over the history of the organization starting in 1968 when they received their charter.

He recognized the new Honorary and honorary life members, and presented those present with their new card .

He also recognized and presented pins to 50 year members , who were in attendance , Ron Nosal, Allan Schnurr, and Elmer Zettel. In addition , members with 50 or more years service are Jack Fischer, Walter Meyer, Aurele Provost, Tom Schell, and John Zettel . Indeed, Mr. Meyer has been a member of the knights of Columbus for 74 years.

He also gave a brief summary of the past year’s activities and highlighting some of the new initiatives that were started this year with St. Boniface school – the September BBQ for staff, students, and families and the “Faith Files” which are included monthly in the school newsletter. Also this year was the beef fundraiser in co-operation with the other organizations in the parish and the saying of the rosary before Saturday evening Masses.

Starting with last July with the fourth annual golf tournament ; September was the Bishop’s Dinner, November was the annual Vegas Night and the parish memorial mass, January is the Basketball Free Throw, May is Right to Life Walkathon, June is the car show.

Special mention was also given to the newsletters which are looked after by Gerry Goetz and Tim Vegh. Gerry also sends sympathy and get well cards to members. The weekly Wednesday card parties are also well attended.

One highlight was being a bronze sponsor for the Special Olympics in Guelph this year which hosted some 800 Special Olympian athletes.

George also thanked his wife Linda who supplies the treats after the monthly meetings.

George Isley declined the past Grand Knights ring as he is proud to wear his father’s ring. The new Maryhill Knights of Columbus Grand Knight is Tim Vegh and he thanked George for this 3 years of dedicated service, and presented him with a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate.

All the ladies whose deceased husbands were Knights of Columbus were acknowledged.

Knights of Columbus family recognized was the Mike Runstedler family – Mike, Tim, Tom, Tyler and Tery and wife and mother Pat.

“Knight of the Year” went to two members – Gary Embro , Program Coordinator and treasurer Paul Goetz who were presented with a plaque and certificates of recognition. “Lady of the Year” was Diane Strickler who was presented with flowers and also a certificate of recognition. She too was presented with a plaque which will be returned in a year.

Music for the evening was supplied by “Melody Train”, Ron Andraza, Alan Hurtle and Casey Uhrig.