On Friday, January 17th, we honored 15 members of our Assembly who are veterans at our Inaugural Veterans Recognition Dinner. 2 of those Vets are from WWII. Each Veteran received certificate and a gift from the Assembly.
Thanks to SK’s Giuseppe Pampena and Scott Criscuolo for helping FN George Ribellino with organizing the event.
A special thanks to Sir Knights Al Latte and Ken Prince for leading the kitchen crew and will deliver a wonderful meal A heartfelt thanks to Vicki Perez for the beautiful and delicious cake that we will enjoy Thanks to all the SK’s serving and to my daughter Mia and friends Roman and Buckley for helping with clean up in the kitchen Your help is most appreciated in helping us honor our veterans in a special way. Gratitude to GK Walter Cerrtani and Council 46 for their hospitality in using the hall.
Thanks to News 12 CT for coming out to cover this beautiful event!
First and foremost, I want to begin tonight by recognizing all those among us who have been a part of the great brotherhood and sisterhood we call the U.S. military—our veterans, active-duty service members, guardsmen and reservists. It is your service and sacrifice that has kept our country safe and free. Not only have you defended our country but as a 4th Degree Knight in Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 you continue to defend our Catholic Faith and foster the spirit of patriotism through the demonstration of one’s love for its country and by responsible citizenship.
No matter which branch you served in, whatever your job path or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act. One that resulted in few guarantees—of where you would be assigned; whether and where you might deploy; and, in some cases, if you would return home in one piece—or at all.
Thanks Again for your service. You knew the risks but you accepted them in many cases so that others did not have to God Bless you and God Bless our great nation the United States of America. -Faithful Navigator George Ribellino -Friday, January 17, 2020.
A rewarding day delivering Christmas presents to our veterans at the VA Hospital in West Haven. Our Assembly joined Assembly 107 who started this beautiful tradition 27 years ago. It was so beautiful to see the smiles on the patients faces as Santa, his Knights and families delivered gifts and greetings. It is an honor to thank our men and women for their service to our great nation. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Coat Distribution Event’s Record Response Demonstrates Community Need
Norwalk, Conn. – More than 220 brand new and 75 gently used winter coats were distributed during the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids event held this year at Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) on November 23, 2019. This event helps keep kids warm over the winter months by providing this necessity, and this year’s event had a record response with all coats claimed in just 45 minutes.
Knights of
Columbus Councils from Norwalk, Darien, New
Canaan, Westport, Weston, and Wilton came together purchase the
new coats. The local event is part of the Knights of Columbus
national Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative and, since the program
launched in 2009, more than 390,000 coats have been distributed in 49 states
and all 10 Canadian provinces.
“While our society is pushing us to purchase
items for the Christmas season, we don’t want to forget those that need basic
necessities for the upcoming cold winter season,” said Project Chairman and
District Deputy George Ribellino, Jr. “It’s great to see brother Knights come
together from different councils to combine resources to help more people in
need.”
The Coats for Kids distribution took place at
the same time as the Connecticut Food Bank’s mobile food pantry distributed
fresh groceries outside in partnership with Filling in the Blanks and Family
& Children’s Agency.
“By bringing the incredible generosity of the
Knights of Columbus and the vital resource of the Connecticut food bank into
our community, we make it easier for our neighbors in need to access the
services they need,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family &
Children’s Agency. “The incredible response to the coat drive demonstrates
how great the need in our community is.”
Funds were
raised by the Greater Norwalk Councils and Assembly 100 to purchase the brand
new coats.
Thomas J
Finn Council No. 46-Norwalk
Rev John
Stapleton Council 2287-New Canaan
Westport
Council No. 3688
Rev James
McGuane Council No. 4460-Darien
Our Lady
of Fatima Council No. 12698-Wilton
St
Matthew Council No. 14360
St
Francis of Assisi Council No. 17166
Bishop
Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100
Family & Children’s
Agency is a leading non-profit human services organization with programs for
community members of all ages, including behavioral and mental health,
addiction recovery services, after-school programs, parenting education,
homeless services, family counseling, specialized foster care, home care for
older adults, and more. The organization serves more than 13,000 people every
year. www.FamilyandChildrensAgency.org
About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of
Columbus is one of the nation’s premiere volunteer and charitable
organizations. Last year, Knights worldwide donated more than 75.6 million
hours, and more than $185 million to charitable causes in communities
throughout the Americas, as well in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From
helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping
stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable life insurance to its
members, the Knights has been at the service of the community for more than 130
years.
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 takes pride every year in honoring those who served our country defending our freedom and way of life here in the United States of America. The Assembly took part in 3 great events in honor of our Vets.
On Friday, November 8, Assembly members FN George Ribellino, Captain Scott Criscuolo, Pilot Anthony Armentano and SK Jim Booth attended the Homes for the Brave Annual Mini-Golf Tournament. The money raised at the tournament goes to assist homeless veterans.
On Sunday, November 10th, the Assembly took part in the Annual Norwalk Exchange Club Field of Flags. The Assembly provided Honor Guard for the procession and ceremony. Many members of the Assembly also attended the ceremony which honored our veterans.
Later that day, 30 members of the Assembly attended the Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner at the American Legion Frank C Godfrey Post 12 in Norwalk. Sgt Juliet Taylor past speaker at the Assembly’s Annual Patriot Dinner was the featured speaker and her emotional story inspired the attendees.
On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, Assembly 100 honored the memory of our deceased Knights over the last year at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton. Faithful Friar Father-Reginald Norman delivered a moving homily. A roll call of our fallen Knights were read and Faithful Navigator George Ribellino it candles in memory of our Brothers. Family and friends enjoyed fellowship at the conclusion of Mass with light refreshments in the parish center. We will miss our Brothers for their love and dedication for their families and the Order.
Deceased Knights
Sir
Knight William F. Kelley
Sir
Knight-Paul Laracca
Sir
Knight-Vito Ottaviano
Sir
Knight William Surette
Brother
Knight Paul Bowles
Brother
Knight-Luke Ferrandino
Brother
Knight-Alfred Napolitano
Brother
Knight Frank Porco
Brother
Knight John Stanizeski
Thank you for joining us as we
remember our brothers who now reside in our Eternal Chapter.
Bridgeport-Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 welcomed 13 new members after they were made Sir Knights in the 4th Degree at the Fall 4th Degree Exemplification on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at St. Andrew in Bridgeport. In total 63 new Sir Knights were exemplified in the CT District of the Bishop Healy Province.
Great job by the Degree team. 3 members of the Degree team are from Assembly 100 (Degree Leader Paul Niche, Anthony Armentano, and Jon Starr). Faithful Navigator George Ribellino and Faithful Captain Scott Criscuolo members of the Masters Staff assisted with various roles in the Exemplification.
“I am excited about adding 13 new members to Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100. Congratulations and blessings to the 13 new Sir Knights,” said Faithful Navigator George Ribellino, Jr.
Congratulations to the New Sir Knights below in Assembly 100
Leonard “Chip” Lake
Bramwell “Woody” Wood
Kevin Emro
Jared Gonthier
Arthur Magee
Vito Quivelli
Michael Aldrich
Stephen Pond
Michael Musilli
Mark Rubino
William Osterndorf
John Hamel, Jr.
Robert Lenihan
Welcome Sir Knights to Bishop Fenwick Assembly 10063 New Sir Knights in the CT District-Congratulations Sir Knights!
NORWALK, Conn. — In a solemn ceremony
held at Notre Dame Health & Rehabilitation Center in Norwalk on Saturday,
September 7th members of Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Fourth Degree
Assembly were joined by their families as well as residents and staff of
Notre Dame at a special Mass in remembrance of those who lost their lives
eighteen years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.
“It is nice to take time to honor
those we lost on that day and keep their memory alive” said George
Ribellino, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 100. “This is the fifth year of
having the Memorial Mass and picnic with the residents of Notre Dame and
we are so appreciative of the hospitality of Sister Lucie, Sister Frances
and the staff of Notre Dame.”
In past years the procession and Mass was held outside in the courtyard area, but due to the rainy weather on Friday, September 6th, the grassy area was to wet for the patients’ wheelchairs so the Mass was held inside Notre Dame in the large dining and recreation area. The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard formed a procession along with members of the Catholic Daughters from St. Matthew Norwalk.
Father Reggie Norman, Pastor of Our
Lady of Fatima parish in Wilton and Chaplain of Knights of Columbus
Assembly 100, was the celebrant of the Mass. Norman, in his homily
about the 9-11 Anniversary said, “Remember those who sacrificed for us not just
today, but every day.” There was also a
moment of silence to remember those lost on 9-11-01.
The Mass was coordinated by Notre
Dame’s Sister Lucie Monast, SSTV, with assistance from KofC Assembly 100
(4th Degree). “It was truly a
special and memorable morning for all”, said Monast
Following the Mass, a special lunch
was held for the residents, families and Knights of Columbus.
The following day 4 members of the
Bishop Fenwick Assembly Color Corps took part in the Diocese of Bridgeport
Annual Blue Mass which commemorates the 9/11 terrorist attacks by honoring the
bravery and service of first responders in Fairfield County. “We are honored to be in procession every
year with the first responders who keep us safe each and every day. God Bless them for their sacrifice,”
Ribellino said.
Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 60-bed
residence, including six private rooms, and located on five landscaped
acres in Norwalk. It is operated under the loving sponsorship of The
Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Their goal is to optimize the
quality of life for the chronically ill and convalescent elderly.
On June 30, 2019, 65 members of the Knights of Columbus donned the iconic feathered chapeaus and capes one last time. The Supreme Knights of Columbus have discarded the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of its fourth-degree members as of July 1, 2019.
The Knights had traveled from different councils and assemblies throughout the state (and beyond) to be a part of the procession. Six members of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 traveled to Waterbury for this historic event. All the Knights in colors gathered in front of the Father Michael J. McGivney statue at the intersections of Meadow and Grand streets in Waterbury.
The Supreme Knights of Columbus made the change in an attempt to modernize the fraternal group, and to attract new younger members. The new uniform consists of a blue blazer with the fourth-degree emblem, dark gray slacks, a blue tie and a black beret.
Norwalk-KofC Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 was so honored to be a part of the Annual Flag placing at St John Cemetery. Thanks King Industries for sponsoring the event.
Hundreds of people met at St. Johns Cemetery Saturday to
lay flags on grave sites and remember those who have helped protect our
freedom.
Volunteers placed flags on the graves of more than 5,000
military veterans across eight Norwalk cemeteries.
The annual event, hosted by King Industries, takes place
right around Memorial Day. Organizers say the purpose is to remind people that
the day is about more than sales or barbecues, it’s about those who have
served, continue to serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Assembly 100 was honored to be invited to be a part of the Shea-McGrath Memorial Ceremony on Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. It was a beautiful day and ceremony.
Each year the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee holds a
remembrance ceremony in honor of the two Norwalk residents who were awarded the
Medal of Honor. The ceremony is held at the Shea-Magrath memorial at Norwalk’s
Calf Pasture Beach on the third Sunday in May. This year’s ceremony will take
place on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 12:00 p.m.
John Magrath was Norwalk’s first posthumous recipient of
the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism while fighting in Italy with
the 10th Mountain Division. It is remarkable that John was the lone member of
that famed division, which fought so heroically throughout the Italian
campaign, to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2858/magrath-john-d.php
Daniel Shea was a medic serving with the American
Division in Vietnam and he earned the Medal of Honor by repeatedly risking his
life to provide battlefield care to his comrades, ultimately giving his life as
he sought to save theirs. http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3411/shea-daniel-john.php
Both of these heroic sons of Norwalk were fine young men before entering the service, serving the community and being active in the Boy Scouts of America. John was an Eagle Scout and Daniel’s love of the outdoors was recognized by the naming of Shea Island (visible from the Shea-Magrath Memorial) in his honor.
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 donated dinner proceeds to Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes and the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets
Check out the article on the Diocese of Bridgeport website
NORWALK, Conn. – The Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly
No. 100 recently hosted its 3rd Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday,
May 11, 2019 at the Knights Hall next to St. Ann Club in Norwalk. The dinner raised over $2,000 for veterans at
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes and the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets. In addition, a portion of the funds raised
was will help the Knights of Columbus purchase new t-shirts/supplies for the
Cadet Post.
The dinner was a sell out with around 110 guests which included members of
the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the Knights of
Columbus. The title sponsor for the
dinner was Assembly member Sir Knight AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s
Landscaping, LLC.
“I am so appreciative of Brother AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s Landscaping
for being a sponsor which helped offset the costs so we can donate a more funds
to our female veterans”, said Assembly 100 Faithful Navigator George Ribellino,
Jr.
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS: FH) a program from
Homes for the Brave is Connecticut’s first and only community-based
transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their
young children. Housed at the Nicholas A. Madaras Home, FS:FH provides
ten beds for female Veterans and five beds, when available, for their
young children.
Since opening in 2011, the program helps female Veterans by meeting
their needs for a safe, secure home and adequate food, and by empowering
residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent
housing, achieving financial stability, and working toward greater
self-determination. Each resident works with a Case Manager to develop
personal, housing, and employment goals. ABRI vocational staff coach residents
in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques,
computer training, and other life skills.
The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home is named in tribute to a young
soldier from Wilton, Connecticut. The organization Nick’s family and friends
developed in his memory, Kick for Nick, was an integral part of making the
vision for FS: FH a reality. Visit
kickfornick.org to learn more about Nick Madaras, Kick for Nick, and the
collaboration that has helped over 100 women Veterans regain their independence
to date.
The guest speaker was Homes for
the Brave board member and veteran Juliet Taylor. She spoke of her time in the
service as well as adjusting to civilian life after being injured in battle and
dealing with PTSD. In 2002 Staff
Sergeant Juliet Taylor enlisted in the US Army. After her initial training,
Juliet was mobilized and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
II. She was medically retired in 2014. She spends her day working in the
community as an avid Veteran Advocate and a Reintegration Support Specialist
while earning her degree in Public Health.
Juliet continues to serve her
community through several non-profit organizations: Am Vet, Post 43; DAV
Chapter 13; Operation Gift Cards; Habitat for Heroes Fairfield Coastal County;
Female Soldier Forgotten Heroes: Homes for the Brave; Trumbull Rotary; and VFW
Post 10059.
“Many,
many thanks to the Knights of Columbus for inviting me to speak at last
night’s dinner. The pleasure was all mine. It was an enormous privilege to have
been given the opportunity to address this great community which supports
Veterans in their need to make a strong transition back to civilian society.
The love and admiration I received was overwhelming and inspiring,” said Taylor.
Ribellino had a vision of a
fundraiser once a year for a specific Veterans or Law Enforcement Organization
when elected to lead the Assembly in September 2016. “One of my goals when I
took over as the Faithful Navigator of the Assembly was to assist an
organization that works and helps our veterans and our law enforcement”, he
said. Assembly Member Al Latte was in
charge of the catering part of the dinner. Ribellino went on the say “I am so
appreciative of Brother Al for being in charge of the kitchen. I am thankful
for him and the Brother Knights and members of St Ann Club who prepared a delicious
Italian meal.
In addition, Assembly 100 wanted to do something for the youth and future
leaders in our community so they decided to help the young men and woman in the
Norwalk Public Safety Cadets Post 1913.
“My daughter is a member of the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets and I see
the program has done for her by helping her grow into a disciplined young lady,
so we’re thrilled to help such a great group of young adults,” said
Ribellino.
The Norwalk Public Safety Cadets assisted with serving and clean up.
Ribellino went on to say, “I was so impressed at how the Cadets jumped
right in and made the attendees feel right at home. I am so grateful for the
help they provided. We were happy to return the favor with the donation of Post
t-shirts and supplies for their hard and exemplary work.”
Public Safety Cadet Advisor, Norwalk Police Officer Chris Holms acknowledged
the crew of cadets by having them come up to the podium while he spoke of the
program and how proud he is of the hard work and dedication they give to the
program and community.
The Public Safety Cadet program is a shared program between the Norwalk
Police and Fire Departments for youth ages 13-20. This program gives youth the
opportunity to learn about both departments, while participating in community
service and learning leadership.
At the end of the evening Ribellino presented a check for $1500 to Taylor
and Elizabeth Gorenbergh from Homes for the Brave.
“Homes for the Brave is so proud of Board Member Taylor, who gave an awesome presentation as the Guest Speaker for the Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly’s Patriot Day Dinner. In addition, we are incredibly grateful to Bishop Fenwick Assembly for this remarkable contribution to our Female House, the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home for Female Veterans, and for the Assembly’s amazing support of our organization throughout the year,” said Vince Santilli, CEO Homes for the Brave.
