Greetings Brothers,

First I want to thank Morris Baraniecki for taking on the role of Deputy Grand Knight at a time when there was no one else lined up for the position. Brother Morris has been my companion for the last two years as we carpooled to Chapter and attended two conventions together.

I want to thank the outgoing members of the Executive. Our Worthy Treasurer Cliff Bowman will probably be moving to Ontario to be with family. Thanks, Brother Cliff, for the outstanding job that you have done. You and Yvette will be missed. Thanks to Brother John Murphy for the fine job you did as Trustee for the last three years.

Thanks to the members of the Executive and the Directors who will be staying on for another term.

Thanks to my mentors, the past Grand Knights who have guided me over the past two years. In no particular order, thanks to Brother Paul Liber, Rob Liber, Ken Shivak, Ken Schwartz, Ken Vincent, Wally Streit, Lou Normand and Tom Spiller.

Thanks to the team that helped our Council set a record in Charities Appeal sales. It was a team effort, and it paid off big time. Chairman Wally Streit along with team leaders Arnold Lorenz, Paul Liber and Ken Shivak did an outstanding job.

Thanks as well, to Arnold Lorenz for the outstanding job he has done as Community Director. He leaves that position to take on the role of Treasurer. If you are a third degree member and you'd like to become Community Director, please notify a member of the executive.

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered in any way. Thanks to the new members who have joined our Council, and thanks to those of you who attend our meetings.

Our First Degree Team deserves congratulations for a job well done over the past two years. They have been the first experience of the Order for new Knights, and their efforts and dedication are worthy of our gratitude.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Grand Knight for the past two Columbian Years.

Vivat Jesus

Al Girard