February Meeting Minutes

February 2026 Meeting Minutes
February 16TH 2026
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by Grand Knight (GK) Joe Tarallo.
Warden’s Report
All present were in possession of a current membership card.
Opening Prayer
Opening prayer was led by Mike Sabella .
Pledge of Allegiance
Salute to the flag was led by the council members.
Chaplain report
Deacon Tony was absent tonight.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted on a motion by Bob Jacobs, seconded by
Wallace Krake the 2nd, approved with a unanimous vote.
Grand Knight’s Report (Joe Tarallo)
GK wanted to welcome our new members that were present at tonight’s meeting. Alex
Giaquinto, Paul Capone and welcomed back returning member Anthony Grasso.
GK wanted to thank all who participated in the CUFF event held on February 9th. GK stated that
event was a success.
Gk Stated that we held past events such as the March for Life, Bishop’s Night and the Baby
Bottle Drive.
GK stated that the special Olympics are coming up and that we have a local young woman
named Ashley Conover who will be participating in the Bowling competition. She and her
mother were going to attend tonight’s meeting but had to cancel. We will be working as a
council to provide support to her efforts. GK also stated that there is a letter available outlining
her planned participation in the upcoming Special Olympics.
GK Stated that the Hoops Mania event is currently underway and that it will support scholarships
for local students. Usually the proceeds also help support the Eucharistic Procession but due to
reduced costs of this year’s planned event the proceeds can be used for the planned scholarships
instead. GK Stated that we plan to give out (1) $500, (1) $1,000 and (1) $1,500 scholarships for a
total of 4 scholarships for Mt. Olive High School and Pope John Paul High School students.
GK stated that there is also Scholarships for college students available for the Knights of
Columbus family members. Additionally there is a $1000 scholarship available for any students
that plan on attending a trade school.
GK stated that last year we only had 5 applicants for the 4 promised scholarships therefore
making it a rather simple task to pick candidates.
GK stated that Lent is starting on this Wednesday and that stations of the cross is planned for
April 3rd 2026 and that volunteers will be needed to help.
GK stated that there is a disabilities drive coming up along with a 4th degree meeting and on June
6th 2026 is our planned Eucharistic Procession. Additionally the State Convention is planned for
Thursday 5/14/26 through Sunday 5/17/26 and members are encouraged to attend as our council
6100 member Jim Sweeney will be honored at the event due to his position.
GK Stated that we are planning the installation of the Officers meeting on 7/12/26.
Finally GK stated that as always we should be implementing more Family oriented programs.
Treasurer’s Report (Michael Uszacki.)
The bank statement was sent to trustees. A copy is available upon request..
Financial Secretary’s Report (Gerard Petrocelli)
Financial secretary’s report is emailed in advance to Trustees for approval of expenditures.
Membership Report (Chip Sturm)
Chip stated that we are at 135% of our commitment of recruitment for the Columbian year with
still 6 months to go. Chip stated to invite your friends to join as we have a good chance to
achieve star council again this year.
Program Reports – Led by John Watral
Bingo (Mike Mallon) – Mike stated that Bingo is going well and that the patrons are behaving
themselves and that there weren’t any fights. Mike stated that as always we need help during the
start of Bingo for setup and at the end of Bingo for cleanup. At a minimum we need 6 people for
start up to run the pull tabs, cash registers and to hand out the papers. Mike also stated as a
reminder that members are expected to volunteer at Bingo at least 1 Friday per month.
Soup Kitchen (Lenny Martin) – Lenny stated that there is nothing to report except that the next
Soup Kitchen is planned for the last Tuesday of March 2026.
Blood Drive (Gerard Petrocelli) – Gerard stated that the last blood drive was held on January 31st
and that we collected 151 total products. We had 146 scheduled appointments and collected 119
whole products and 16 double products. 11 folks cancelled their appointments. NJ is still under a
blood shortage emergency due to the cold weather and other factors. We also had a record
number of products from our December Drive. Gerard also wanted to thank everyone who
helped at the Drive as well as the volunteers who helped with the setup and breakdown. Gerard
mentioned that as we have 150 members on the Rooster only 8 Knights and about 12 of their
family members donated and he would like to see that number increase. He also stated that we
have 4 more planned drives for the year to be held on 4/11/26, 6/6/26, 8/8/26 and 12/5/26.
RTL (Gerry Kaufhold) – Jerry stated that Don Campbell is a tremendous help with the
communications in getting the word out about the RTL events and that Don does excellent work.
Gerry would like to see us expand our advertisements in the Church Bulletin, the Beacon as well
as the Columbian Magazine. Gerry also reminded us that we should be taking some photos at
important events so that we can show others what we do as a council. Gerry stated that the
March for Life Event was held on 1/23/26 and that we had 6 people on the bus that attended the
event and even though it was a low number that over 100,000 people participated in the event
held in Washington D.C. this year. Gerry stated that just after 9 AM mass on this Ash
Wednesday that we are starting the 40 days of prayer vigil. After 9 AM mass Jerry can take folks
to Morristown for the planned praying of the Rosary outside the Planned Parenthood Facility.
Folks can expect to return to St. Jude’s by 11 AM. Gerry also stated that sometimes other
Councils meet us there and that when we have 10-15 members outside that they have an
influence on people’s decisions. Gerry stated that the Baby Bottle Drive is underway and that
bottles are due back in 2 weeks. Gerry stated that we collected $2169 dollars so far plus loose
change and that our proceeds will go to support pregnancy help centers such a Care Net in
Hackettstown and Birth Haven in Newton. We usually give about $1,000 each to these
organizations and the Knights match that amount.
Joe Tarallo (Coats for Kids) stated that Coats for Kids event that was held in Paterson was a huge
success and the we donated $2700 and that amount was matched by Supreme bringing in a total
of $5400 from our Council only. This was enough to supply over 200 Coats meaning our
Council was responsible for about 10% of the donated coats. Joe stated that we also contacted a
donation location in Newton where we have provided coats before but they informed us that they
had enough Coats and didn’t need anymore.
Charity Mania Drive (Tom Rohe) – Tom said that the Hoops Mania tickets are due no later than
March 14th and that we have only sold 19 tickets to date. He is urging members to sell more
tickets so that we can donate the funds to scholarships that will help students in need. At the
current amount of tickets sold our donation will be quite small. Tom is asking us to get the word
out and sell tickets.
4th Degree ( Bob Jacobs) – 4th Degree is the next step commitment to the Knights of Columbus.
Next meeting is planned for tomorrow night at 7 PM at 2 Schmidt Lane in Flanders. Bob and
Tom Rohe stated that there are packets available on the back table of tonight’s meeting that
contain applications on how to join. They encouraged members to take the next step and join.
Bob stated that the program’s focus is on helping Veterans and to hold events for Veterans. He
also stated that you do not need to be a Veteran to join so all are welcome. Tom state that
numerous members are already 4th degree and he would like to see more join. Some of the
activities include the Knights participation in parades where we would be in full dress uniforms.
Other events are gatherings such as meals provided for Veterans. A Pasts Dinner is a planned
upcoming event to be held on 4/13/26 at our Parish Center. All are encouraged to join.
Squires (John Watral) – John said we will need volunteers for the upcoming Stations of Cross to
be held on Good Friday. John stated that the Squires held an event 2 Saturdays ago and that 4
new members joined. John stated that he is working on getting the kids to form more sub groups
called circles and that we joined with another group of Squires from Sparta.
Eucharistic Procession – (Dan Fuller) – Dan needs a co-chair to help with the event planning.
Intellectual Disabilities Drive (Mike Sabella) – Mike stated the intellectual Disabilities event is
planned for 4/18/26 and 4/19/26. Each day will consist of approximately 2 hours each per
Volunteer at various locations to be determined thought out the local community. Past locations
were Tractor Supply and Weis in Flanders. Volunteers will be needed to man the locations
during these 2 days. There is a sign up sheet on the back table.
Corner Stone (Mike Sabella) – Mike stated that the Cornerstone is a small men’s group that
usually meets from 8:00 AM till 8:59 AM just before mass. Mike reminded members that we
should listen to Deacon Tony to become a different person during lent and to get closer to Jesus
by Easter. Mike also stated that in lieu of giving up something for lent that we do something
extra to help others. Mike gave suggestions like volunteering for AARP or possibly one of the
organizations listed on the Morris County Volunteer page. Mike mentioned that on next Tuesday
2/24/26 at St. Jude’s Church that there will have a visiting Priest that will speak about the Icon’s
of the Church and that all are encouraged to attend.
Worthy DD (Anthony Caroleo) provided the following statements:


Greetings From Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, and State Deputy James Sweeney.
 Membership: on tract for Star Council; You are at 10 new members (125%) + 1 new
member in the hopper! We still have 4 months! – Are we going for double STAR?
 Thank you to your CUF team – it was an excellent ceremony. The team was well
prepared and did an outstanding job.
 Fraternal Benefit Event is needed.
 Safe Environment is up to date or compliant.
 Annual Survey of Council Activities (form 1728) is completed
 File 10784’s – in March State reviews for State program awards at convention.
 Consider Knight of the Year and Family of the Year Awards
 Please look at the Faith in Action website – there are several new programs that may be
of interest
 COR –As we begin our Lenten journey this week we should participate in council and parish
activities because It is through our acts of service that we will evangelize our faith.
 Consider participation as a council in Lenten activities in our parishes, like Stations of the
Cross, prayer services, rosary services – Let’s continue being the example of our faith in our
family, our parish and our community. It’s not only what we give in in financial support and
service, but it’s what we give by our example as Knights.
 Dates to remember:
 Ash Wednesday Feb 18th
 April 25 – 4th Degree Exemplification – if you are not a Sir Knight, why not?
 March 17 – St Patrick’s Day – any parades
 May 14-17 Convention room reservation form is available
Unfinished Business
The following motions were made and passed unanimously.
2526.54 Council $1,000.00
2nd READING Set aside up $1,000 to support attendance at the
State Convention in 2026. This is to be used to cover costs of
attendees who need subsidy. If any funds are left over, we will use
the excess to subsidize up to $50 per attendee.”
Joe
Tarallo
New Business
The following motions were made and passed unanimously:
2526.56 Family $250.00 Donate $250 to support the Pet Food Drive
Mike
Sabella
2526.57 Council $200.00 Spend $200 to pay for an Advertisement in the Ad Journal for
the 4th degree.
Joe
Tarallo
2526.58 Community $500.00 Donate $500 to the John Attardo scholarship
Tom
Rohe
2526.59 Council $250.00 Spend up to $250 to place an AD in the State Convention
Journal advertising the Knights-Use the same ad as last year.
Joe
Tarallo
2526.60 Council $125.00 Spend up to $125 to sponsor 2 bingo prizes at the upcoming
State Convention
Tom
Rohe
2526.61 Community $300.00 Spend up to $300 to purchase yarn to support the Knitters
Club.
Chip
Stum
2526.62 Council $0.00 Vote for the Council to obtain a Credit Card to be used for
Council expenses.
Dan
Fuller
Good of the Order
The Good of the Order was directed by John Waltral
List of Sick and Deceased
Sick/Distressed
Nicholas and Frances Tarallo
Margaret Sweeney
Randy Ramierez
Jack & Elaine Abbot
Mel Kaufhold
Gregg Buckaleu
Bruce Olsen
Gerard Petrocelli
Joe Castalano
Sick/Distressed Continued
Alice Campbell
Ben (Last Name Withheld)
Judy Cicora
John Occipinti
Addison Wright
Harry and Dodie MacDonald
Nadine Kernizan
Deceased
Anne Capone
Tish Rohe
Kathy Coughlan
Karen Rohe (2nd Year Anniversary)
Grace Posse
Nancy Kubicki
Edward Shutterley
Billy Strum (1 Year Anniversary)
Closing Prayer
Closing prayer was led by Mike Sabella
Attendance: 27 people. Meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM