SAINT VERONICA COUNCIL # 12579
KNIGHTS OF THE MONTH

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January 2021

Rick Simard

Our Financial Secretary Rick Simard devotes countless hours to the council, especially this time of year as he's collecting dues and getting the financial records of the council in order. Beyond his time supporting the council, Rick volunteers at St Veronica as a money counter and usher. His steady hand on the council records and finances ensures we are able to do the council business accurately and with a spirit of charity, unity and fraternity.


December 2020

Frank Brickfield


November 2020

Mike Kovalcik


October 2020

Steven Grist

Steve Grist exemplifies our Order's focus on the sanctity of life in all its stages. As our council Lecturer, Steve always provides inspiring words during our council meetings. More importantly, Steve leads by example as our Life Programs Director. This month was especially notable as we celebrated 40 Days for Life. Steve led the council in praying the rosary at the Falls Church abortion mill, setting the example for how we should all be visible advocates for our faith in action.


September 2020

Paul Chadowski

Sir Knight Paul Chadowski is selected as the St Veronica Council Knight of the Month for September 2020 for his exceptional leadership of the 12th MESA personal items drive. His superior planning and coordination skills, and dynamic personality and his tireless devotion to this community project resulting in record breaking donations and contributions.


August 2020

Paul Hannan

SK Paul Hannan is selected as Knight of the Month for August 2020 for his continuing support to our monthly pancake breakfast. Most importantly, Paul planned and catered our Past Grand Knights' Dinner on August 20th, feeding approximately 25 Knights and spouses. Thanks for all your great work Paul!


July 2020

Spencer Rainey

SK Spencer Rainey is the Knight of the Month for his superior service as the Council Treasurer. Specifically this month Spencer was key to the council resuming our monthly pancake breakfasts. Spencer worked tireless in the kitchen - first Knight in and last Knight out with over 6 hours of service supporting our efforts. His service as the Council Treasurer has been flawless since he accepted the position several years ago - his attention to detail and solid bookkeeping skills ensures the timely inflow and outflow of funds necessary to accomplish our many works for our Pastor, our Parish and our Community - well done Brother Rainey!


June 2020

Kevin Schneider

Kevin Schneider's service as the fraternal year 2019-2020 Grand Knight was an exceptional one. Not only did he lead us to Star Council this year, he also demonstrated amazing leadership in navigating the challenges of COVID-19 during the last four months of his tenure. He quickly transitioned us to the new normal, establishing virtual meetings, coordinating support to the Pastor and Parish, and ensuring the council operations continued without interruption.


July 2019

Carmine Mendicino


June 2019

Dockins “DOC” Grantham

Congratulations to Doc Grantham our June 2019 Knight of the month. Doc is a regular at most every council activity – casino night, pancake breakfasts, soccer challenge, Oktoberfest, St. Patrick/Joseph celebration, MESA, KOVAR and St. Lucy food drives to name a few activities he helps with. Doc also serves as an usher for our church and our Worthy Guard for the last several years. Most recently Doc coordinated and ran our basketball free throw event for our school where over 200 kids participated in some high spirited fun and competition. We are very appreciate of all Doc’s contributions and are proud to name him our June Knight of the Month.


May 2019

James "Wick" Wickersham

Congratulations to James “Wick” Wickersham who has been chosen as our Knight of the month for May. James is a relatively new Knight who has clearly been a wonderful addition to our council. Besides being a tremendous father figure for his family, Wick has assisted the council with numerous activities this year. Most recently Wick helped at our St. Patrick’s/St Joseph’s day celebration. Let face it, no one can so authentically wear a kilt like Wick. He has been part of our pancake breakfasts, and provides a positive energy to all he does for us and the parish. Wick will also be in charge of our children’s activities for the upcoming council picnic. We are very appreciate of all Wick’s help throughout this year and proud to name him our Knight of the month.


April 2019

Dr. Francis Brickfield

Congratulations to Frank Brickfield who has been chosen as our Knight of the month for April. Frank has been a tremendous help with St. Veronica’s religious education program over the last several years. He is a regular at nearly every activity the Knight’s sponsor or participate in. He is a familiar face at pancake breakfasts, casino nights, St. Patrick’s celebrations, as well as Lenten meals, and Oktoberfest. Both he and his wife Betty do an outstanding job serving as our resident bar tenders for many of our events. They truly have “shaken not stirred” down to a science. Frank currently serves as our worthy advocate for the last few years and has been our Grand Knight and a trustee in the past. Frank is very humble in all his activities with our council, but contributes so much unseen by many month after month. We are very thankful for all Frank’s contributions to our church and our council.


March 2019

Rev. Deacon Paul Ochenkowski

Deacon Ochenkowski is our March 2019 Knight of the month. The Deacon recently led our Knights council in its first ever spiritual reflection retreat. The day was well received by all who attended, and is sure to be a strong foundation that will be built on and repeated in the future. His educational and thought provoking talk during the retreat was also a wonderful addition to our day. Deacon provides daily support to our St. Veronica Church and school, and he leads our parish Religious Education Program which ministers to around 150 children who would otherwise have no formal source of school-based faith teaching and direction. This program requires tremendous dedication of his time and talent and enables students to be properly prepared to receive Sacraments including Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation. Deacon Paul is also our parish lead for our extraordinary ministers and lectors for our parish. We are very thankful for all the Deacon does and so name him our March Knight of the month


February 2019

Steve Grist

Steve Grist is recognized as our February 2019 Knight of the month. Steve is perhaps the best example of what a Catholic witness to life is. Steve is a true champion for the unborn, and has devoted many hours of his life to a very difficult ministry. Steve most recently was involved in organizing and participating in St. Veronica’s involvement in the 2019 March for Life in Washington DC. He also is a regular leader and participant in rosaries lead at abortion mills throughout our area where both babies, and parent’s souls indeed have been saved through his prayer and intervention. He is active with the TMIY (That Man is You) program. Steve has also served as one of our council officers, our worthy lecturer for the past few years, and brings both words of inspiration and spiritual enrichment to our council. We are proud to name him our February Knight of the month.


January 2019

Rev. Father Dennis Kleinmann

Father Kleinmann is recognized as our January 2019 Knight of the month. It is fitting we start 2019 by recognizing Father, for he is always a great champion for the Knights and a wonderful spiritual guidance for our council. He spends countless hours each week ministering to the parish, its ministries, our school, and the local community. For all practical purposes he is on the job 24/7. Father recently led our parish through a very holy and spiritually renewing Advent season which has now blossomed into this joyous Christmas season we are so thankful to be a part of. Father in his humble Christ-like nature is the last person to draw attention to himself through his significant contributions to our spiritual wellbeing. He is often the first person at the church, and the last to leave at night, yet he maintains a vital, active and essential role in our Knights council here at St. Veronica. We are truly blessed with Father as our shepherd. He is a great example of what a priest should be and a perfect example of what a Knight is. We are proud to name him our January 2019 Knight of the month.


December 2018

Mike Lamatrice

Mike Lamatrice is named our December 2018 Knight of the Month. Mike only recently became a Knight in our council but has hit the ground running. He has helped with numerous Knight’s and Church projects. He has assisted us with several pancake breakfasts, the St. Lucy food drive, Kovar and with our Knights moving crew. Additionally, he worked Oktoberfest with his brother Knights, is a member of the Parish Council, and assists with Church functions at the local sunrise nursing home. Mike was even spotted pulling weeds and cleaning up the Church’s garden. Mike’s “always willing to help attitude” is a great example for us all, and we are pleased to name him December’s Knight of the month.


November 2018

Russ Gustin

Russ Gustin is our November Knight of the month. In addition to the many things Russ is constantly doing to keep our council in the forefront, and moving in the right direction, Russ organized, and successfully ran our 2018 KOVAR drive to support people with intellectual disabilities. Many people with intellectual disabilities will directly benefit from Russ’s diligent work. Russ currently is organizing our upcoming casino night which will greatly benefit our St. Veronica’s school through our Kathy Hannan Scholarship program. He also just worked our first council soccer challenge done in direct coordination with the St. Veronica School. The challenge allowed nearly 150 students to showcase not only their soccer skills, but more importantly to learn and exhibit the lesson of sportsmanship. Russ is often the unseen guy that makes sure supplies are available for events like Oktoberfest, pancake breakfasts, first Saturday coffee/breakfast, and casino night to name a few. Russ gives many hours each week to the council to ensure we are successful. We are thankful and blessed to have Russ as part of our council. He is very deserving of the Knight of the month award.


October 2018

Kevin Schneider

Kevin Scheinder is our October 2018 Knight of the Month. Kevin currently is serving as our council’s Chancellor. He has greatly participated in many of the council’s charitable activities. Most recently, he helped the Knights support the school PTO with their back to school BBQ, as well as our parish Oktoberfest. He has supported our council sponsored pancake breakfasts. He continues to be very active in supporting our new Knights by coordinating their attendance, and attending their degree ceremonies while providing information and encouragement to continue their journeys toward Knighthood. Kevin’s works are clearly worthy to present this October Knight of the month recognition. We look to him to play an even greater role in our council in the future.


September 2018

Knight's Moving Crew

David Thompson, Doc Grantham, Randy Riddell and his son, Doug Munger, Patrick Chisholm, Paul Chadowski, Paul Hannan, and Russ Gustin are all commended for their ongoing charitable works, but especially this month for their going above and beyond, by moving a parishioner in need to her new apartment. As Grand Knight, I was fortunate to join my brother Knights with this move. This was not the easiest of moves given both the summer heat, and the many flights of steps involved in loading and unloading household goods from the old home to the new home. These Knights simply rose to the challenge, did the job, no questions asked, and with a smile. For this and all their ongoing charitable works for the people of St. Veronica, they are all awarded the Knight of the month Award.


August 2018

Pat Sharon

Pat is awarded Knight of the month for his significant contributions while serving not only as one of our council trustees, but also for his continuing efforts to ensure our Knights social events are successful. He has provided the council with great opportunities for spiritual enriching experiences, and he is a great supporter of all the council’s programs throughout the year. There are very few, if any council events that Pat is not active in supporting. Pat remains a steadfast champion for supporting unborn life and routinely helps keeping our website up to date. He is a valued asset to our council, and does so many thankless behind the scenes things to ensure we are successful. Pat also serves the church weekly, by functioning as an extraordinary minister for weekend masses. Pat is a true Knight is every sense of the word.


July 2018

Lyle Vestermark

Lyle is awarded Knight of the month for his tireless efforts to make the transition for the new officers and the council’s new fraternal year seamless, and for countless behind the scenes works he has done for the council. His actions as our Grand Knight reflect greatly on himself and our council.


April 2016

Russ Gustin

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for April is PGK Russ Gustin. PGK Gustin organized our annual Casino Knight which raised $5200 for the Kathy Hannan scholarship to provide tuition assistance for St Veronica students. PGK Gustin is also a Council Trustee and a regular helper at the monthly pancake breakfast and has led many Council events throughout the year. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


March 2016

Mike Bartnick

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for March is PGK Mike Bartnick. PGK Bartnick organized and ran our Parish’s annual St Patrick’s/St Joseph’s Day party. He also directed the parking for the Easter Masses, is a Council Trustee and a regular helper at the monthly pancake breakfast and with Council events throughout the year. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


December 2015

Spencer Rainey

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for December is Brother Spencer Rainey. Brother Spencer led the update of our Council by-laws. He also helped decorate the church for Christmas and set up the crèche. He supports the Parish as a money counter, Eucharist minister, and substitute EMHC for Fair Oaks Hospital. In addition, he is a Council officer and key helper at the monthly pancake breakfast and with Council events throughout the year. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


November 2015

Jerry Kelly

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for November is Brother Jerry Kelly. Brother Jerry is a Council officer and key helper at the monthly pancake breakfast and with Council events throughout the year. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


October 2015

Russ Gustin

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for October is PGK Russ Gustin. PGK Gustin helped organize the Parish Oktoberfest and the recent Tootsie Roll KOVAR collection, and assisted with the St Maria Goretti Pilgrimage of Mercy visit to the Parish. PGK Gustin also keeps our pantry stocked for the monthly Parish Pancake Breakfast, assists with setup, cooking and serving, is a member of our Council Board of Trustees, and volunteers countless hours to help organize and carry out Council and Parish activities. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


September 2015

Fernando Flores

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for September is Brother Fernando Flores. Brother Flores organized the recent Farm, Food and Faith Dinner for the Parish and is an active member of the St Veronica PTO. Brother Flores is also an active member of the Council and volunteers many hours to help organize and carry out Council activities. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month, and thank you for all you do!


August 2015

Paul Chadowski

Sir Knight Paul Chadowski is our Knight of the Month for August. Brother Paul coordinated with other Knights of Columbus Councils to raise $2600 and build a storage shed for the Madison Emergency Services Association (MESA) which allows them to better serve the needy in rural Virginia with donated items. Brother Paul also organizes regular clothing and personal items drives to collect donated items for MESA. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month!


April 2015

Mike Bartnick

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for April is PGK Mike Bartkick. PGK Bartnick organized the highly successful St Patrick/St Joseph Party, led the parking directors for Easter Sunday Masses, and holds office as one of our Council Trustees. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month!


March 2015

Creg Howland

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month for March is Brother Creg Howland. Brother Howland transported 2000lbs of food donations down to Manassas over the course of several weeks for our Parish food drive. He is also a regular volunteer at our monthly pancake breakfast and council events, and holds office as our Council Treasurer. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month!


February 2015

Jack O'Brien

The St Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is PGK Jack O'Brien. PGK O'Brien has tirelessly led our Council for the last eighteen months as Grand Knight. Under his leadership the Council has grown by nearly ten percent and was recognized at Virginia State Council for this achievement. PGK O'Brien instituted our highly successful monthly social meetings to improve the fraternity of our Council. PGK O'Brien has been a ubiquitous participant in all our activities, supporting our Brothers and the St Veronica Parish in every way. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as our Knight of the Month!


January 2015

Russ Nero

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is DGK Russ Nero. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for January 2015. The Council would like to recognize DGK Nero for all that he does for the Council, but in particular, his efforts with the recent very successful Keep Christ in Christmas campaign. Brother Nero organized, for the third year, the Council's efforts in this important program to emphasize the true focus of the season. The Parish and the Council are very thankful for all that Brother Nero does to support our activities.


December 2014

Pat Sharon

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Pat Sharon, PGK. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for December 2014. Pat is involved in almost every aspect of our Council’s activities, serving as the Financial Secretary and Council Committee Chairman. However, it is for his significant efforts in driving the creation of the Council’s first First Degree Team that he is being recognized this month. The creation, certification and execution of this team is a Major accomplishment and it would not have happened without Pat’s commitment. His efforts are greatly appreciated.


November 2014

Steve Grist

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Steve Grist. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for November 2014. Steve has been a Council Officer for many years and always provides outstanding lessons in Catholic apologetics to our members. Steve is also the Parish Pro-life Coordinator, who organized the recent ’40-Days for Life’ campaign. This effort was a critical reminder of the importance of efforts to continue and fight for our most basic human right. Steve can always be counted on to plug into the Council when needed and make a difference. His efforts to the Council and Parish communities are greatly appreciated.


October 2014

Jeff Oliveto

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Jeff Oliveto. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for October 2014. Jeff is an outstanding example of a dedicated and reliable Knight, as exemplified by his regular support at our monthly pancake breakfasts. Jeff can always be counted on to prepare the pancakes and has found a way to productively plug into the Council and make a difference. His efforts are greatly appreciated.


August 2014

Paul Chadowski

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Paul Chadowski. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for August 2014. Paul has been an active member of our parish and Council for years, but in particular we want to recognize his efforts in leading the June clothing drive, named in honor of our deceased brother Anthony Ferlaino. Paul and Anthony worked for years together on this important ministry and Paul wanted to ensure that not only did the Council continue this work, but honor Anthony’s memory in the process. The recent clothing drive was an outstanding success and many less fortunate persons are better off as a result of Paul’s efforts.


July 2014

Kelly Dobson

Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for July 2014. Kelly was already a very active member of the Parish family, serving as the leader of the "That Man is You" (TMIY) group. However, he stepped up to serve as a Council Officer for the upcoming year. In addition, he recently organized the training and appreciation picnic for the Parish Altar Servers.


June 2014

Ray Wong

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Ray Wong. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for June 2014. As he prepares to complete his term as Council Treasurer, this is but a small token of recognition for his years of service as a Council Officer. Working with the Financial Secretary to keep the fiscal books of our Council in order is a critical task. Those of us who are Officers understand the sacrifice and extra effort that go into this level of commitment. His time and dedication to the Knights, our Parish and the community do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.


May 2014

Shawn McConnell

The St. Veronica Knights of Columbus Knight of the Month is Shawn McConnell. Congratulations from the Officers and all the Brothers of our Council for being selected as Knight of the Month for May 2014. A small token of recognition for his years of service as a Council Officer. In addition, his is always there to help with Pancake Breakfast and many, many other activities during the year.


April 2014

PGK Mike Bartnick

PGK Bartnick is being recognizing as our Knight of the Month for April 2014. This is a small token of appreciation for all that he does for the Council and Parish, but most particularly for his recent efforts (once again) in organizing another very successful St. Patrick/St. Joseph's Day Extravaganza. This event has become one of the major Parish yearly events and this is entirely due to his untiring efforts to organize an event which is enjoyed by all members of the Parish community.


March 2014

Paul Hannan

Knight of the Month for March 2014 is Paul Hannan, PGK, PFN, as a very small token of the Council's appreciation for all that he has done for St Veronica Parish and Knights. As all the members of our Council know, Paul is always there to help keep us on the 'clean and narrow' during pancake breakfasts or any other event that we have. His service to the 3rd and 4th Degrees as PGK and PFN respectfully is a great service to this Order. Finally, his years of service as our insurance agent, providing for Knights long-term financial needs and representing Father McGivney's vision of supporting those who have lost loved ones, have been excellent.


January 2014

Mike Mattock

As well as having served as a Council Officer for several years, Mike is the constant rock with regard to organizing the Council's ministry in support of Christ House. It is so wonderful to have Mike in charge of this effort, as he has it on 'auto-pilot' and the Council always know that he will get this important ministry will be done and done right.


December 2013

DGK Russ Nero

The Council would like to recognize DGK Nero for all that he does for the Council, but in particular, his efforts with the recent very successful Keep Christ in Christmas campaign. Brother Nero organized, for the second year, the Council's efforts in this important program to emphasize the true focus of the season. The Parish and the Council are very thankful for all that Brother Nero does to support our activities.


November 2013

Jim Fitzpatrick, PGK

Jim is being recognized for all of his efforts with the recent Parish Oktoberfest. The Officers and members of the Council appreciate all his hard work for this event, the support he continually provides to the Pancake Breakfast and other activities within the Parish and Council.


September 2013

Jim Erwin


August 2013

Al Walls

 
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