knights host successful food and blood drive...knights have had another month of accomplishments....

Wilmington Council 1074 Knights of Columbus December 6, 2020

KNIGHT ACTION Knights Host Successful Food and Blood Drive

Saturdays are always eventful, and Wilmington Council 1074 had an amazing Saturday December 5th with a very successful blood drive and food drive.

At St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Wilmington, Knights collected over 700 lbs of food and $600 in donations (plus $150 in blood donor gift cards.) Additionally, 27 blood donors raised another $270 for the council’s charitable endeavors.

Thank you for all the brothers who volunteered their time and to all the people participating in this charitable event, especially Brother Don White. This event was sponsored by Council 1074 in conjunction with The Blood Connection (www.thebloodconnection.org)

After much consideration and a lack of support for the Christmas Party and the Valentines Dance we will be cancelling these two events, due to concerns from COVID. It is in the best interest of our council, their families and friends.

Thank you all and hope to do these events in the future once again.

GK Ralph Maggio, [email protected], P: (910)-303-3402 1

http://www.thebloodconnection.orgmailto:[email protected]


From the Desk of Grand Knight Ralph Maggio

Worthy Brothers

Welcome to November. In the month we recruited two new members via on line. They are Christopher Montalbano and James Lucky.

We also created a new round table at St Mary’s being led by brother Bruce Teeling. We will continue to work with our Spanish Brothers to join our brotherhood. We had to cancel some events like the Christmas party and Valentine’s dance.

However, we will be working on getting our new chambers up and running. I truly hope all Brothers and their families stay healthy happy and enjoy all that God gives us.

Ralph Maggio

Grand Knight Council 1074


COVID-19 Information In case you need information about the COVID-19 pandemic for the State of North

Carolina, City of Wilmington and nearby Counties, or our area Churches, please see the links below

NC Health and Human Services - www.ncdhhs.gov

New Hanover County Health Department - health.nhcgov.com

Brunswick County Health Department - www.brunswickcountync.gov

St. Mary’s Basilica - thestmaryparish.org

Immaculate Conception Parish - iccwilm.org

mailto:[email protected]://www.ncdhhs.govhttp://health.nhcgov.comhttp://www.brunswickcountync.govhttp://thestmaryparish.orghttp://iccwilm.org


Deputy Grand Knight Report

Worthy Brothers

I hope all had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. The month of November has been very trying for all of us with Covid cases going up. Despite all this, the Knights have had another month of accomplishments.

We started with Adoration at ICC on Friday Nov. 6 and we had 9 Knights and their wives plus parishioners say the Rosary prior to Adoration. We had 2 Food Drives: one at Piggly Wiggly and one at Beau Ravage Country Club. We were able to present checks and Food to Sister Isaac and Federal Point Community Center to help the needy.

We honored Sharon and Lee Parker - parishioners at St Mary's - as Family of the month for October at Sunday Mass Nov. 15. We also gave a 25-years of continuous Knights membership and service award to Father Ryszard at the same mass.

Brothers Frank Bua and Bob Benazzi were given Knight of the Month awards at our

November meeting. Father Bob and Ned Riley were given 25-year certificates and Brother Jim Morrow was given a 50-year certificate. Congratulations to all.

We purchased over 15 wreaths to be placed at the Veterans National Cemetary for Christmas. We have a Food Drive and a Blood Drive scheduled for Dec. 5th.

Everyone stay safe, stay in touch, and stay involved. If you cannot get involved, please pray for our continued success.

Vivat Jesus!

Rich Boccard Deputy Grand Knight


Make Your Service Hours Count I hope all are healthy and safe. Please send me your service hours for September,

October and November.

Stay Safe and in Touch. If you or someone you know is in need of anything,please let me know.

Rich BoccardDeputy Grand Knight

Wilmington,NC Council #1074910 777 8839

mailto:[email protected]


Get to Know a Knight: SK Charlie Backes

Theon C. (Charlie) Backes was born on February 1, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to a woman named Mary Wood. Mary Wood would not become Charlie’s lifetime mother since she gave him up to an orphanage. Charlie spent his first 17 months living in St. Luke Orphanage in St. Louis.

In the summer of 1947 a couple named Adolph and Laura Backes were looking for a daughter to be a companion to their adopted daughter Elizabeth Ann Backes. The adoption agency did not have a baby girl available at that time and they recommended taking a look at this young boy, Charlie. They took him home to Loose Creek, Missouri in August of 1947. After a year long trial period they officially adopted Charlie in the summer of 1948.

Charlie attended Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek for eight years. He then attended Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri for four years graduating in 1963. A two year stint at Linn Technical Junior College in Linn, Missouri followed with an Associates of Arts Degree in Electronics in May of 1965.

In 1965 the Viet Nam War was gearing up and since Charlie wanted to have some control over what was going to happen to him, draft wise, he talked to the Air Force and the Navy to see what was available. He liked the navy uniform better and they presented a better opportunity for advancement, in his opinion, so in June 1965 he joined the United States Navy.

His navy career involved boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, electronics technician school in Great Lakes, first phase nuclear power school in Vallejo, California and second phase nuclear power school (called prototype) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. When he volunteered for the Navy Nuclear Power Program he also volunteered for submarines. Submarine School was in New London, Connecticut so after finishing nuclear power school he finished his navy schooling in Submarine School. Upon completion of sub school he was assigned to the submarine USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN 617) which was in the yards in New London undergoing a refuel and overhaul in October 1967. The Hamilton completed the yard period and crossed the Atlantic to operate out of Rota, Spain. After completing three patrols on the Hamilton he was transferred to Portsmouth, New Hampshire for new construction of the submarine USS Sand Lance (SSN 660). He took the Sand Lance through all of its testing prior to being declared ready for sea. In May of 1972 Charlie was discharged from the navy.

While in service Charlie met an acquaintance from his early childhood named Mary Ruth Maasen in the summer of 1967. After a whirlwind romance during which Charlie made three patrols, Charlie and Mary were married in Bonnots Mill, Missouri on December 14, 1969. That was two weeks




before Charlie was transferred from the relatively warm Charleston, South Carolina (60 degrees) to the frigid New Hampshire(10 degrees).

Just a few short months later Rex Charles Backes was born in the Portsmouth Navy Shipyard Hospital in October, 1970. After he left the navy Kimberly Marie was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1973 and Ian Joseph in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1981.

Charlie worked for General Electric as a trainer of nuclear plant operators in Morris, Illinois for four years, General Physics in Hixon, Tennessee for another four years and then Carolina Power and Light for twelve years before he was laid off by CP&L. He moved to Cary, North Carolina to take the CP&L job and when the position was moved to be nearer the Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant he moved to Wilmington, NC. Charlie worked several jobs after the lay-off with four years at DuPont being the longest job. Charlie Retired in 2007.

While in Cary a friend named Chuck Evans asked Charlie to join the Knights of Columbus. At the time Charlie was doing a lot of travel and did not join then. After moving to Wilmington Charlie had second thoughts and asked Bob Jenski about joining the Knights which he did on his 40th birthday, Feb1, 1985. He was asked to become an officer after taking his third degree and later became Grand Knight. He has also been Faithful Navigator of the fourth degree and district deputy. He has served almost all the officer positions in Council 1074 at one time or another.

Get to Know a Knight:  Barney McAteer

Bernard P. (Barney) McAteer was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital on July 5, 1941 the oldest of six children; five boys and one girl, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father made a good middle class income but all of the kids were put to work helping the family when they got old enough to do so. They had paper routes, cut yards and many other tasks to help out. This was excellent experience for later in their lives.

St. Athanasius was Barney’s grade school and Cardinal Doughtery was the high school he attended. He received a BS from LaSalle University majoring in languages.

In 1963, while attending LaSalle, he met Joanne at a basketball game between LaSalle and some other team; he did not remember who they played. I wonder why? Joanne maybe! They dated for a while and married in 1965. They had two boys: Kevin and Keith.




After college Barney when to work for Atlantic Richfield as a salesman. During his seven year tenure at AR he covered, at differing times, accounts from the Delmarva peninsula to New York. He then moved on to Sun Electric now selling major automotive repair equipment. He was at Sun for about seven years. From Sun he moved to Snap-on-Tools as an account manager for thirteen years with the last five as the head of the Industrial Sales Department. He retired in 2006.

While working he also maintained a membership in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for six years. He left the service after his enlistment was up as a Specialist 4.

One of Barney’s children, Kevin, moved his family of a wife and three children to the Raleigh area in 2006 because of a job opportunity. Not long after that Kevin wife was diagnosed with leukemia and she passed away in February 2008. Kevin had several family members who were willing to help with the family, Barney and Joanne being among the group. To be closer to Kevin and the kids Barney moved to the Wilmington area in 2009. Since then Kevin has remarried a woman who also had three children about the same ages as Kevin children. This has lead to an interesting family arrangement for the last ten years or so.

In 2011 PGK Ken O’Leary, a neighbor, asked Barney about joining the Knights of Columbus. Barney was interested and did, indeed, join a short time later. He has maintained an active profile with Council 1074 now serving as Roundtable Chairman and ICC membership director.

Interview conducted by SK Charlie Backes at the November Beau Rivage Food Drive

A Message from our Faith Director - Bruce Teeling

Brothers all,  Current Activities:

• Holy Hour of Prayer - Every First Friday at ICC after the 9:00 am Mass

• Day of Recollection/ Retreat - During Lent 2021

• RSVP - Raffle to be held through Dec. Drawing in December 2020

• Marian Prayer Program - Waiting on Supreme

• Rosary - Concurrent with Corporate Communion: January 31; May 30

• Novena for Life - Waiting on Supreme

• Sacramental Gifts - Dependent upon Religious Education Program

New Initiatives we are evaluating:

Into the Breach Deepen members' spirituality and formation to combat the crisis of religious faith in our world




through instituting men’s study groups to read the Apostolic Exhortation Into the Breach and use copies of the Into the Breach Booklet (#340) as a resource.

Lastly, other 2021 considerations are a small Bible Study Group and other opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Vivat Jesus!

SK Bruce Teeling, PGK, FDD

Attention! Meals on Wheels Needs Your Help!

We have a serious shortage of volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program in Leland and we need your help. Taking one 2 hour route every 6 weeks or offering to fill in once in a while would really help our current volunteers who are being stretched thin. This is the type of program that reflects the values of the Knights of Columbus and the compassion of Christ. Please put

your faith in action and consider volunteering if possible.

Contact Jaime Spagnoli at [email protected] for more information.

4th Degree Report from Faithful Navigator Bob Macaluso

Worthy Sir Knights,

First I want to wish each of you, and your family, an incredibly Happy Thanksgiving. Despite the Covid-19 virus and the governor’s restrictions on social gatherings, we still have much to be thankful for. We live in the greatest country in the world under a Republic that has lasted over 244 years.

Looking back over the past 3 weeks, we have seen the Beatification of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, the free election of a new President, regardless if you voted for him or the current President. We have also seen the promise of at least two vaccines that may return us back to pre-covid-19 days. And the greatest reason to be thankful for is that we have a God that loves us and is willing to forgive our sins and offers us eternal heavenly life if we choose to follow his commandments.


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


Sir Knights, Sunday, November 29th starts the 1st week of Advent. Many of us have the car magnet, “Keep Christ in Christmas” but I say ‘Christ IS Christmas’. Whichever phrase you choose to say, let our actions towards one another express our faith.

Fraternally,

Bob Macaluso, FN

District Deputy’s Message - Bob Macaluso

Brothers,

More information will be available from DD SK Bob Macaluso in a future newsletter.

Please read the Tar Heel Knight and Golden Plume on the State Website for details of what is going on around NC.

News and Information NC Entered Phase 2.5 on September 4th increasing outdoor gatherings to 50 people and indoor gatherings to 25 people with face coverings still required for mass gatherings. This will remain in effect until further notice. Please continue to follow your pastor’s directives concerning use of parish facilities and events.

State Pins are now available. Each council will receive seven pins that they are asked to sell for $2 each.

Each member who welcomes at least five new men to join the Knights from now until June 2021 will earn a special commemorative Father McGivney medallion celebrating the beatification of the Order’s founder, Father Michael McGivney.


Not a 4th Degree Knight? It’s time to join! Find out more about the 4th Degree - The Patriotic Degree - by contacting FN Bob Macaluso at [email protected] and consider joining the Msgr. Christopher

Dennen Assembly 2017. You’ll receive all the benefits of completing all four degrees of Knighthood, as well as receiving the monthly newseletter The Beacon.

mailto:[email protected]://kofcnc.org/communication/thk/january-2020-tar-heel-knight/https://kofcnc.org/4th-degree/golden-plume/january-2020-golden-plume/https://kofcnc.org/mailto:[email protected]


Road to Star Council Recruiting is down in the district as several councils have lost members during the last month. Please endeavor to recruit new members to replace them. 

Degrees Degree dates TBD

Regional Events Golf Tournaments

• Shallotte 9039 – Rescheduled to Spring 2021

Dates to Remember 

December

6th - 2nd Sunday of advent 8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8:30 and 11AM masses at ICC) 

13th - 3rd Sunday of Advent 20th - 4th Sunday of Advent 24th - Christmas Eve 25th - Christmas Day 31st - New Year’s Eve 

Bob Macaluso PFN District Deputy, North Carolina District #25

Membership InsuranceCouncil Quota Net % Quota Net %

1074 14 1 7.14% 2 0 0%

9039 12 -1 -8.33% 2 0 0%

11494 3 -6 -200% 2 0 0%

11817 3 1 33.33% 2 0 0%

12537 12 0 0% 2 0 0%

District 25 31 5 -16.13% 10 0 0%




Set a reminder!  December Business Meeting

Our December Business Meeting will be held at St. Mary’s Basilica Cafeteria

Tuesday December 8, 2020

November Message From Your Field Agent, Kenny Levy

We seem to say it ever year, “It’s almost Christmas, where has the year gone?” As we look back we measure the passing of the seasons, from one holiday to the next, and see how our lives have changed over that time. Christmas and the end of the year mark a milestone for most of us. The season gives us pause to thank God for sending his only-begotten Son to redeem us and it is a time to reflect on all the gifts we’ve received from him. God’s gift to us inspires the gift-giving so many of us enjoy at Christmastime. We certainly enjoy receiving those gifts, but reflect for a moment of what the giving of gifts does for the gift-giver.

Some gift-givers aren’t so good with words, so they use gifts: Remember “Say it with flowers,” the slogan of FTD. Some get a sense of satisfaction in seeing the happiness of the recipient, some feel appreciation that they are able to share what God has given them. It seems to fulfill the need to please, encourage or help someone. It makes us feel good to give.

As I look back at 2020 I can’t help but think of all of the selfless members of the Order who gave gifts to help others. We are “Knights of Charity.” And we prove this every day with the many people who give of themselves; give of their time, their talent or their treasure, to help those less fortunate and those in need.

Knights are known for their generosity. We are indeed, Knights of Charity.

All of these important initiatives help many others, but don’t forget about your own family... and I’m not talking about gifts that you’ll put under the tree. This holiday season as we think of giving and receiving, when we think of all the good gifts we have been given and all we are able to give, make sure you give your family the gift of peace of mind. Secure in the knowledge that whatever challenges they may face, you have protected them.




The Knights of Columbus has the products that will do just that: Provide financially for your family if you aren’t here, make sure you have enough for a comfortable retirement, give the care needed if you can’t care for yourself and make sure all of this comes to pass if you are sick or hurt and can’t work. It’s painless to sit down with me to analyze your particular situation.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us be thankful for all the graces God has showered on us, especially the gift of his Son, our Savior! As Isaiah 9:5 says: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

I WORK FOR CATHOLIC FAMILIES! I WORK FOR YOU!

Let’s talk in person or virtually soon. [email protected] 910-398-0818  

Blessings on a Happy Christmas and Advent Season!

Vivat Jesus!

Kenny Levy Field Agent [email protected]

Prayer Requests Please keep these people and their families in your prayers (Deceased on Date) 

• Arthur Korreck (Dec 2020)

• Hazel Black, wife of SK Carl Black (Nov 2020)

• Bob Spiegel’s Mother

• Gerry Boyle (August 2020)

• Leo Torrens (June 2020)

• Sam Johnson, Father-in-Law of Jim Mulligan (May 2020)

• Lori Nussbaum, Wife of Past State Deputy John Nussbaum (March 2019)

• Sandra Kryn (Wife of Edward) (Feb 2020)

• Conrad Corrano (01-03-2020) 


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


A Reminder From The Editor:

Newsletter articles and photo submissions should be sent out by the 20th of every month to John Reynolds,

[email protected]

Council Officers and Directors 2020-2021

Title Name Phone E-mail

Chaplain Fr. Father Ryszard Kolodziej910.762.5491 x100 [email protected]

District Deputy 25 & First Degree Team Captain SK Frank Reck 910-789-1783 [email protected]

Grand Knight Ralph Maggio 910-303-3402 [email protected]

Deputy GK, Program Dir. & Recruitment Committee Rich Boccard 910-777-8839 [email protected]

Field Agent SK Kenny Levy 910-398-0818 [email protected]

Chancellor, Retention, & Vocations Chairman Phillip J Winn 813-720-0301 [email protected]

Recorder Jim Mulligan 972-343-8593 [email protected]

Treasurer Pasquale A Milantoni 248-736-0067 [email protected]

Lecturer Timothy D Pflaum 240-277-7045 [email protected]

Advocate,Shirts, Name badges SK Lou Mattes 910-200-8928 [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


Warden John Gasson 252-532-7991 [email protected]

Inside Guard Richard Schrum 910-376-4274 [email protected]

Outside Guard Jim Cavenaugh 412-445-6953 [email protected]

1-Year Trustee SK George Plarre 910-233-1624 [email protected]

2-Year Trustee SK Bob Benazzi 910-228-5369 [email protected]

3-Year Trustee SK Stephen Hargett 910-264-2087 [email protected]

Financial Secretary Edward McCormick 973-650-7643 [email protected]

Faith Director Bruce Teeling 910-726-0434 [email protected]

Community Director Paul Normand 703-967-4401 [email protected]

Family Director Robert Spiegel [email protected]

Life Director Donald White Jr. 910-352-9693 [email protected]

Health Services

Public Relations

Membership Director Rich Schrum 910-376-4274 [email protected]

Recruitment Committee SK Barney McAteer 910-399-2482 [email protected]

Food Collections & Recruitment Committee Rich Boccard 910-777-8839 [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


LAMB Chairman Open

NC State Raffle Council Chairman

Belk Charity Sale Chairman SK Lou Mattes 910-200-8928 [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity Director John Gasson 252-532-7991 [email protected]

Newsletter Editor SK John Reynolds 201-841-5095 [email protected]

Webmaster SK David Altman 910-409-0058 Da;t,[email protected]

Public Relations SK Kenny Levy 910-398-0818 [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

News and InformationRoad to Star CouncilDegreesRegional EventsDates to Remember

knights host successful food and blood drive...knights have had another month of accomplishments....

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