February 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 K of C Council turning 50 Current active members, pictured front row, from left: Jack Considine, Joe Homer, Donald Mills, Rich Carauthers and Tom Antonucci. Back row: Fred Shaver, George Thompson, Jr. and George Thompson, Sr. (continued from page 10) Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Several hundred families have benefited from this program over the years. The group constructed and painted a “Keep Christ in Christmas” sign that was installed on Dec. 11, 1971. This sign was displayed annually on the Midland Park munici- pal grounds until 1980, when atheists objected to the con- stitutionally of the display. Since that time, the sign has been displayed on the grounds of the United Methodist Church directly across from the municipal building. In 1971, the council initiated an annual Community Recognition Night to honor local citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the community, school, church, and youth activities. In that same year, in coop- eration with the state program, Pope John XXIII began assisting disabled veterans in getting to Sunday Mass at Lyon’s Veteran Hospital. Between 1971 and 1973, the council supported other state council programs, such as Right to Life and Eyes for the Needy. In 1975, the council began participating in the state- wide Tootsie Roll campaign to benefit developmentally disabled children. The council has solicited donations of over $90,000, most of which was donated to the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat for the care of special chil- dren. The council has also initiated visits by council mem- bers and their families to the retreat house. These regular visits involve running parties and activities with the help of the 4-H Club. During America’s bicentennial in 1976, the Pope John XXIII Council was the only fraternal organization invited to contribute to a local time capsule. The council donated an American flag along with a history and the names and pictures of the council’s Past Grand Knights. In November 1985, under the leadership of the late Past Grand Knight Ken Marks (1983-85), the council started a major new undertaking that is considered the highlight of the council’s history. By initiating a profitable weekly Bingo program, the council was able to generate enough proceeds to significantly expand the size and scope of its programs. The local group teamed up with a brother council in the Philippines in support of the supreme council’s “twinning” program, which was established to promote close ties between councils in the United States and Canada and in the Philippines. Pope John XXIII is twinned with St. Martin de Porres Council in Paranaque, Metro Manila. St. Martin de Porres Council provides a free medical clinic to help the poor in their area. Pope John XXIII’s donations are used to buy medical supplies for the clinic. Bingo proceeds also allowed the council to expand its scholarship program to provide three scholarships, two offered to high school students toward college expenses and one to a graduating eighth grader who would be attending a parochial high school. A total of $3,000 per year is put aside for these scholarships. In 1987, the coun- cil was able to make a $5,000 donation to the Church of the Nativity to put siding on the chapel. By the time the Bingo program was discontinued in 2000, over $200,000 had been raised. During the 21 st century, two events impacted the coun- cil’s ability to run its programs: the discontinuation of bingo program and the country’s economic issues. The result was a significant reduction in the available funds for programs. Today, the council is working to increase its active membership and to initiate new fundraisers. The group’s current membership sees a bright future for the local council. Known as the “12 apostles” of the K of C, this group plans to build on its strong traditions, while continuing to set high standards for excellence in charitable, church, and community programs. For more information, contact Grand Knight George E. Thompson Jr. at (201) 445-9835 or getjr@verizon.net. Park Windmill Chamber plans meeting The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce will host a Feb. 6 luncheon meeting from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Fiona’s Restaurant located at the corner of Godwin and Vreeland avenues. The cost is $15 per person. RSVP to Lisa Plasse at flute76@aol.com Payments will be accepted at the door. Spring lacrosse registration open Registration for the spring season of Midland Park/ Waldwick Lacrosse is under way. This competitive pro- gram is open to boys and girls in grades three through eight, and will run from March 1 through June. The cost of the program is $110 and does not include equipment. Children in kindergarten through grade two are invited to participate in Fiddlestix. This instructional session focuses on the basics of the game: throwing, catching, and scooping. Fiddlestix is an eight-week program held on the Waldwick High School turf field from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The cost is $50 and includes a stick, ball, and T-shirt. Registration for lacrosse programs may be completed online at www.wlax.net. Coffee with the Mayor set Midland Park Mayor Bud O’Hagan will host his monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” session on Saturday, Feb. 15. O’Hagan will welcome the public at 10 a.m. in the second floor conference room at borough hall. Residents are encouraged to stop by and discuss any items of inter- est in this informal setting. Borough hall is located at 280 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. MPHS honors Good Samaritans Midland Park High School has announced its Good Samaritan Award recipients for December and January. The following individuals were recognized for their volun- teer service, community pride, kindness, and caring: Ryan Raffaeli, Christi Mollica, Avery Malcolm, Kendra Cirone, and Brooke Van Kampen. Have a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ The Midland Park Memorial Library invites patrons to stop visit the library during February for a “Blind Date with a Book.” Patrons may select a wrapped book. Books are staff recommended and will include romances, myster- ies, biographies, and more. The Midland Park Memorial Library is located at 250 Godwin Avenue. For details call (201) 444-2390. Church to host Songfest 2014 The Midland Park Church of God will host Songfest 2014 on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the church at 400 Godwin Avenue. The 6 p.m. event will feature a special lineup of African-American choirs. Admission is free and the com- munity is invited. For more information, contact Pastor Lloyd at (201) 445-3814.