Author: Rick Lewis
In crafting my message for November, the biggest challenge is reducing it from TWELVE PAGES down to a more modest article that fits into the space and time for people to read. So much has happened in October.
First and foremost, I want to thank ALL who have had a hand in helping and supporting those impacted by Helene. On September, the State Deputy activated our state’s disaster response plan. Those on that call unanimously agreed to appoint me as the Incident Commander for this event. It’s been 25 years since I had to perform in this capacity. Without the help and support of key individuals, we could not have initiated the plan.
Ed Christian – DD 12 – Deputy Incident Commander
Peter Ashby – DD 24 – Warehouse Logistics Greensboro
Tom Kotz – RDD 5 – Ashville Support
Gaylon Brooks – GK Arden – Distribution Support St. Barnabas
There were so many facets that needed to be reviewed and implemented, and we couldn’t have done any of it without our TRUSTED PARTNERS at Catholic Charities Amy, Debra, and Daniel. Additionally, the outpouring of support from brother Knights and families, councils and assemblies, parishes, and many from other state jurisdictions ALL contributed to helping those in need.
We are moving out of support now and focusing on rebuilding. In collaboration with the State Deputy and Brother Knight Antonia Garcia, we are focusing efforts to support a community rebuild in Swannanoa, NC. This community was annihilated with over 30+ homes needing complete overhauls and rebuilding. I was directed to go to Swannanoa and establish a logistic plan to support the efforts of this community. My time spent there was humbling. We have initiated a plan and we are moving to help this community recover and rebuild. We will continue to send out updates via email.
As we continue to moving to the rebuilding phase, financial donations are still being accepted. Any person or organization that wants to financially contribute can do so as follows:
SEND CHECKS TO:
Rick Lewis
309 Bergen Ave
Apex, NC 27502
ATTN Helene
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
NC State Council KOC
If submitting by or on behalf of council/assembly, PLEASE ensure that the council/assembly number is noted on the check somewhere
MEMO LINE: Please put Penny-Per-Day Helene
TECH UPDATE:
We met with the majority of the Tech Team in October. Plans continue to complete our State Website and email distribution abilities. It is important to note that we are NOT paying for this service. This is being done by volunteers in the business, who also have regular full-time jobs. Patience and understanding are needed. We have come a long way in our first 100 days, but there is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done. We will be setting up trainings with the DDs and RDDs on how to gain access to information. They in turn will then be able to work with their respective councils. Her is an overview of materials in process:
Training Portal: a place to store the pieces of training we conduct along with other training from Supreme where you can go to and find items of interest with just a click or two
Contact information updates: auto reminders for all officers, directors, chairman, and members every six months
Continued enhancements to our state website to make it more user-friendly
STATE MID-YEAR MEETING:
The State Mid-Year meeting will be held January 3-5, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC (off of Exit 210). The state Deputy and I are finalizing the Itinerary and agenda. There will be registration links going up on the State Website by the first week of November.
State Calendar (AS NOTED FOR THIS PUBLICATION:
Each November Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
November 2 – State Soccer Challenge at St. Bernadette’s in Fuquay Varina, 10a.
November 7 – STAR Council presentation council 7186
November 8 – Raleigh Diocese Centennial Mass 9a Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral
November 15 – Family of the Month for October due
November 17 – TRIPLE STAR Council Presentation Council 10504
November 26 – DOUBLE STAR Council Presentation Council 12281
November 28 – THANKSGIVING
Each December Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
December 1 – Advent Begins
December 15 – Family of the Month for November due
December 20 – Southport 25-year recognition presentation
December 25 – CHRISTMAS
Each January Sunday – the Weekly Rosary sponsored by our State Advocate and GPD
January 1 – NEW YEARS DAY
January 3 – START OF NC STATE MID-YEAR MEETING – EMBASSY SUITES GREENSBORO
January 15 – Family of the Month for December due
To all, have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Rick Lewis, SS