By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Oct 15, 2019 7:30 PM

The 2019 State Soccer Shootout for the Michigan Jurisdiction was conducted on October 6th at St. John Vianney Church in Wyoming.  We had a great facility, fabulous weather and participants from across the state competed.

Our winners for 2019 are:

 9 yr old   girls:    Elley Shoultes          Bentley                  Council #2986

 9 yr old   boys:   Hunter Alspaugh      Cadillac                  Council #1224

10 yr old girls:    Elizabeth Doerr         Bad Axe                 Council #1546

10 yr old boys:   Isaac Richter            Cadillac                   Council #1224

11 yr old girls:    Chloe Robinson        Indian River            Council #7365

11 yr old boys:   Levi Cameron           Sterling                   Council #2724

12 yr old girls:    Rebecca Doerr          Bad Axe                 Council #1546

12 yr old boys:   Landen Galarno        Bad Axe                  Council #1546

13 yr old girls:    Olivia Seif                 Grand Rapids          Council 13641

13 yr old boys:   Anderson Kolenda    Grand Rapids          Council 13641

14 yr old girls:     Natalie Wandrie       Alanson                   Council #7365

14 yr old boys:    Bryce Verdusco       Omer                       Council #7717

Thanks to all that made this event succesful! Mike Haughey State Youth Activities Director

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Oct 13, 2019 7:30 PM

The Detroit Catholic Digest ran a great article on October 11th describing how the Knights of Michigan contribute more to Special Olympics than any jurisdiction in the Order.

To view the entire article click here.

By: Gary Merritt - Sat, Oct 5, 2019 7:30 PM

Severe weather could not stop these amazing athletes. The 2019 Special Olympics Fall Games took place September 20-22, 2019. The Games began on Friday, September 20, with a Young Athletes festival and the Opening Ceremony, held in Ann Arbor, MI. Prior to the Opening Ceremony, several Knights and their families greeted the athletes and handed out Tootsie Rolls; as the athletes entered the ceremonies.

During the Ceremony, Special Olympics Michigan athlete James Tippins from Saginaw in Area 22 was named the 2019 Perkins/Cottee Sportsmanship Award winner. William Rotunno from Area 9, the 2018 recipient of the Perkins/Cottee award and Willie Winkle, K of C Special Olympics Assistant, lit the Flame of Hope to signify the official start of the Games.  After the lighting ceremony the Michigan State Council gave a check to President of Special Olympics Michigan, Tim Hileman. This donation represents the hard work of all the councils in the State of Michigan.

On Saturday, a severe storm that was rolling through southeast Michigan led to the shortening of softball and golf competitions in Canton and Ypsilanti, but the 1,600 athletes in attendance still finished the weekend strong!  Throughtout the day the athletes competed in Cycling and Flag Football in Chelsea, Golf in Ypsilanti and Softball in Canton.  Congratulations to all who competed in these events.  For more photos of these competitions you can go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/specialolympicsmichigan/albums

The Sunday weather cooperated much better. Under clearing skies, athletes competed in Kayaking in Ypsilanti and Soccer in Canton. At the Soccer competition in Canton, over 50 Knights and their families prepared lunch for these hungry athletes (and their coaches).  Special thanks goes out to Councils 8284,8244, 3959, 14213 and 16169 for their help with the setup, cooking, serving and cleanup. I know there were Knights from Temperence, Milford, Rochester Hills and St. Clair in attendance. Their commitment to Special Olympics is greatly appreciated.

And then there were the winners. Awards were handed out and worn by some very proud athletes.                                

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED!

John Hundiak Mich. State Special Olympics Director  

By: Gary Merritt - Fri, Oct 4, 2019 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Sep 30, 2019 7:30 PM

The State Deputy along with members of the State Board had the pleasure of attending the Jubilee Mass for former State Chaplain Ron Hutchinson as he celebrated the 25^th anniversary of his vocation Saturday September 28 at the Basilica of St. Adalbert in Grand Rapids.

Pictured with Fr Ron is Bishop of Grand Rapids David Walkowiak, State Deputy Bill Chasse, State Secretary Walter Winkle, State Advocate Barry Borsenik and State Warden Charlie McCuen, Master of District 4 Keith Woodrum and members of the Honor Guard.

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Sep 26, 2019 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Sep 26, 2019 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 24, 2019 7:30 PM

Coming to an Area near you.

A presentation by Supreme Regional Training Director Jon Olson.

We are asking to have as many members of your councils attend, especially Grand Knights and Council Membership Directors.

The program will consist of a short review on Delta Drive and Jon will also cover council growth in the aspects to recruit through programs and priest/council relations.

Making Sustainable councils.

All are scheduled on weekdays with a light meal at 6:30 pm,

training to begin at 7 pm.

Thank you, State Program Director William LeVeque Sr.

 *Detroit Diocese Monday October 14

St. Hubert’s Council 11658 Roundtable @ St. Louis Parish

24415 Crocker Boulevard, Clinton Township, MI. 48036

*Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo Dioceses Tuesday October 15

Bishop Allen J. Babcock Council 7341 Holy Family Parish Family Center

9669 Kraft Ave. Caledonia, MI. 49316

*Lansing Diocese Wednesday October 16

Dexter Council 2959 meeting hall

8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd. Dexter, MI. 48130

*Detroit Diocese Thursday October 17

Fr. Victor J. Renaud Council 3292 meeting hall

 150 Fair St. Plymouth MI. 48170

*Gaylord Diocese Monday October 28

St. Mary’s Council 2781 meeting hall

2753 Wilkinson Rd. Gaylord, MI. 49735

*Marquette Diocese Tuesday October 29

Escanaba Council 640 meeting hall 

1812 9th Ave. N. Escanaba, MI.

*Saginaw Diocese Wednesday October 30

Fr. Van Rooy Council 2740 meeting hall

1021 Woodside Essexville, MI. 48732

By: Gary Merritt - Fri, Sep 20, 2019 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 17, 2019 7:30 PM

August 23-24, Coldwater Lake Family Park

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, you missed an awesome time if you didn’t join us at the annual State Campout. The weekend was a great success and a fun time was had by all.

Highlights included:

An outdoor Mass, multiple bonfires, a 50/50 Raffle and a plentiful potluck.

An exciting water balloon volleyball game. No winners just loads of fun.

Fishing Tournament: Won by Ben and Molly Avery.

Bean Bag Toss tournament: Won by our Worthy State Advocate Barry Borsenik

 and daughter Olivia.

All 4 Principals of the Knights of Columbus were visible.

Charity: A total of $440.00 was raised, with $220 given to the Sacred Heart

Major Seminary by our Worthy State Deputy William Chasse.

Rumor has it that our State Deputy- Bill Chasse and our Worthy State Secretary-

Walter Winkle lost their match, in the Bean Bag Toss Tournament, to the Metiva

Brothers on purpose so that our Worthy State Advocate- Barry Borsenik and his

Daughter Olivia could win. That my Brothers is Charity at its best.

Unity: Unfamiliar to many, the Volleyball Water Balloon event was enjoyed by all

who participated. Grandparents, moms, dads, sons, daughters and friends tried

to catch over 240 balloons, with some coming over the net 8 at a time which

made for a wet and sandy game of fun and laughter. Some on the sidelines were

involuntarily included in the wet fun. Many comments were made in hoping this

event will be held again next year. A BIG thank you to the Avery family for filling all

the balloons. Job well done. It was stated that next year there should be more

balloons, because the fun ended too quickly.

Fraternity: A beautiful outdoor Mass, followed by a potluck and bonfire were

enjoyed by all. 100% participation made this camp out a success!

Patriotism: The Love of our Country was evident from the patriotic displays on

many of the campers and trailers at the campground.

Respectfully submitted by Dan Searle- State Community Director.