MORRIS PLAINS — The Knights of Columbus Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495 hosted its annual Family Life Night on Tuesday, July 15, at the Red Oaks School. The event celebrated the spirit of service and community, highlighting the Council’s charitable efforts and honoring outstanding contributions to both parish and community.
The evening began with an opening prayer of thankfulness offered by Father Luke Wnuk, Pastor of Saint Virgil’s Parish. Grand Knight Gary Richenaker then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Grand Knight Richenaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Brother Knights for their unwavering dedication throughout the year. He announced that the Council had donated over $30,000 in support of individuals and organizations serving Saint Virgil’s Parish and the greater community.
Brother Knights Keith Chesnut and John Boudreau were recognized for their assistance in setting up and serving dinner and refreshments.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards in various categories, with honorees recognized by Grand Knight Richenaker, District Deputy Mike Spieker, Father Luke Wnuk, and Brother Knights John Boudreau and Jim Cannestro. Among the many awards presented:
- Paterson Federation High School Scholarship ($8,000): Kaitlin Shenloogian
- George Marinaro Award for Highest Academic Achievement: Birannea Memory and Sofia Viola
- St. Virgil’s Appalachian Outreach and Youth Ministry: Nina Rangel and Keith Chesnut
- Saint Virgil’s Faith in Formation Award: Marcy Funk
- Sir Knight James McErlane Memorial Award: Bernadette Ponticelli Szoke
- Catechist of the Year: Rachel Sambrowski
- Family of the Year: The Paviar Family
- Police and Firefighter Shield Awards: Patrolman Nyquan Shaw and Firefighter Michael Zucker
- Thaddeus Kosakowski Memorial EMS Award: Daniel Cantirino
- Paterson Federation “Keep Christ in Christmas” Billboard Award: PGK Mike Vaclaviecek
- Special Parent Organization Award: Steven Coutts, Director and Founder
- Morris Minute Men: Lee Bender
- Several Sources Shelter: Karen Carbonello
Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities Donations were presented to the following organizations and representatives:
- ARC of Morris County – Laura Jennings
- Employment Horizons – Kaitlin Krumeich
- Camp Fatima – Regina Smith and Kira Cruz
- Camp Marcella – Jose Nieto
- DPD Calabrese House – Hazel Yaptangeo and Michael Calabrese
Additional charitable contributions were made to:
- Homeless Solutions – Julie Hess
- LIFENET – Omar & Jenny Fernandez
- Walking with Moms in Need – Executive Director Joanna Miller
- Birth Haven – Tina Magarino
- JBWS (formerly New Jersey Battered Women’s Services) – Jayne Blake
- Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County – Director Carolyn Lake
- Morristown Meals on Wheels – Jami Blake
- Operation Chillout – Jane Flynn
- Remember Me Inc. – Nina Amello
- Operation Jersey Care
The final presentation was a donation to support Saint Virgil’s Parishioners In Need, accepted by Father Luke Wnuk.
The Council was also honored to receive eight Knights of Columbus State Awards, including the prestigious Star Council Award, presented by District Deputy Mike Spieker to Grand Knight Gary Richenaker.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Knight of the Year Award to Brother Knight Mike Fichter, who humbly accepted the honor on behalf of all Brother Knights of Council 3495.
All recipients expressed sincere gratitude to Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495 for their generous contributions and unwavering support. The night ended in prayer, led by Father Luke Wnuk, marking a heartfelt conclusion to an evening of faith, fellowship, and community service.
