IretonKC at 3300 Old Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236 US - Grand Knight's Message

I hope all of you had a blessed and merry Christmas. I am sure all the youngsters received from Santa all they requested of him. As many of you know, Mr. & Mrs. Claus visited the Bishop Ireton Center on December 18th. Santa and Mrs. Claus were the Council's featured guests for the children's annual Christmas party. A big thanks goes to Lynette Clements and her "elves" for once again for doing a great job. A big thanks also goes to "Toy Soldier" in disguise, John Quinn for being the chief steward of the "Reindeer Races". There were over 125 "kids" (big and small) in attendance. In addition to assisting at the Christmas party, John spearheaded the annual "Light Up for Christ" ceremony at the Council on December 8th. The featured guests for the evening were the St. Augustine Church Choir. The choir performed splendidly and led the attendees in the singing of Christmas Carols.

On January 1st we will begin the New Year with the annual shrimp feast. Hopefully everyone of you have made your reservations. If you have not yet done so and you receive this newsletter prior to New Years' Day please call the 276-9959 and let Nadine or Bobby know you are coming. The cost will be $9 for a shrimp dinner and $3 for a non shrimp meal.

There are events planned for 2006, some that have become a tradition and others which will be new to Council 6189. The perennial events will be the sponsoring of a bus to Washing for the annual Right to Life March. This will be held on Monday, January 23. Please contact DGK Rich Mayer (276-1263) for reservations. On March 25th, we will have the annual "Public Service Awards Night". There will be new twist to it this year as we honor the Sheriff's Officer of the Year in addition to the Chesterfield County Firefighter, police officer and teacher of the year. Prior to the Public Service Awards evening a Council Fashion Show is being contemplated for March 11th. Details are still being worked out but Dillards' Department Store will be one of the primary sponsors. There is additional information within this issue of the Informer. In May a '50's dance is being planned. Get out your bobby-sox, crinoline, penny loafers comb your ducktails and be ready to Be-bop, do-waw and jitterbug, it will be a time to party. A definite date has not been determined other than it will be held in May.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bobby Brodzinski for his many years of chairing our bingo committee. After seven plus years Bobby is stepping down as bingo chairman. Bobby hanged tough through a difficult time, most notably when the BIC Board voted to create a nonsmoking environment for the Bishop Ireton Center. Although we initially lost some business, Bobby kept a positive attitude and provided an atmosphere for our clients that made them want to play bingo at the Knights of Columbus. This attitude eventually brought our customer base back to the prior levels. I want to also thank DGK Rich Mayer for taking over as bingo chairperson.