To all members and friends,

Each year, the Knights of Columbus hosts the Knights Little Elves Kids’ Christmas Party to bring joy to children in need across Jefferson County. What began as a small effort to help children from the food pantry has grown to include kids from local schools who also need assistance.

We’re fortunate to partner with a group led by Matt Casey, who collects toys outside Walmart, allowing us to reach even more children. Additionally, we raise funds through cake raffles at shooting matches to support this worthy cause. However, this year we’ve encountered challenges, as Walmart has not granted permission to collect toys outside their store. This may significantly impact our ability to provide toys for all the children we aim to help.

Both the Knights and Columbia Anns have generously donated $500 each toward this effort, but we need additional support. We are asking for monetary or toy donations from our members and community to continue making this event possible.

How You Can Help:

Drop off toys or monetary donations at the Clubroom

or

Send checks made out to the Knights of Columbus Christmas Fund to:
KC Hall
13225 State Rd E
De Soto, MO 63020

Deadline:
Donations must be received by December 14th to ensure we can provide for the children at this year’s party.


Your generosity makes this all possible, and we thank you in advance for supporting this meaningful cause. Together, we can make this Christmas special for those who need it most.

Dear Brother Knights,

Our hall has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly 40 years, serving as a hub for countless events such as dinners, youth practices and games, shooting matches, cornhole, horseshoe, softball, picnics, car shows, wedding receptions, Christmas parties, 4th of July celebrations, reunions, bingo, auctions, dances, and more. It’s a vital asset to our council, church, school, and community. However, maintaining the building and grounds while accommodating these events is often a challenge. It requires teamwork and balance between hosting council events and generating revenue to support the facility.

Operating the hall comes with significant costs, including the mortgage, utilities, insurance, and repairs, which run into the thousands. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteers their time to keep everything running. Your efforts, even if unnoticed or unrecognized, are the foundation of our continued success.

At our November meeting, we welcomed a new member, David Lueck. Welcome to the council! We are also sponsoring an essay contest for the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students at St. Rose and in the PSR program. Thank you to all who attended the recent fraternal benefit seminar in the clubroom. Our insurance agent, Joe Pehar, is planning an in-person presentation before our February meeting—details to come.
The new camera system is now operational, with 8 cameras covering the hall’s exterior and 2 inside at the main entrance and clubroom doors. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Veterans Day parade. Special thanks to the veterans who rode on the float and to Vicky Moss for organizing it. Last year, we were the only organization not in the parade—this year, we were the only one with our picture in the paper!

We are currently accepting bids for parking lot concrete replacement and hope to begin work as weather and events allow.

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful holiday season.

Fraternally,
John Ziegler
Grand Knight

Dear Ladies,

The holidays are quickly approaching! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with gratitude and cherished moments shared with family and friends. Here's to creating lasting memories during this special time.

At our recent meeting, we played "Rob Your Neighbor" and had some great laughs and fun with it. On a more practical note, the new chairs and tables are set to arrive on November 18th. We’re replacing 12 wooden round tables with new ones, along with 96 chairs and a cart for the tables. This should help reduce the need to move tables and chairs between the two halls.

A big thank you to Larry and Sue for heading to St. Louis to get parts to fix the freezer issues last week. Your efforts were much appreciated!

Looking ahead, Vicky is arranging for someone to talk about first aid kits at our January meeting. This will be a great opportunity to learn something useful for both our organization and personal lives.

Reminder: December is party time instead of a regular meeting! The party is on December 7th, with doors opening at 5:30 pm. The Columbia Anns will provide the main dish, so please bring a covered dish to share. If you'd like to participate in the gift exchange, bring a $20-$25 gift.

Wishing everyone happy holidays, and I look forward to seeing you all in January!

Happy Holidays,
Vicky Moss
Columbia Anns President

Dear Members and Friends,

As we near the end of another year, it’s the perfect time for reflection and gratitude.

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside you."
– Deepak Chopra

This past year has been a journey filled with highs and lows, the blooming of spring, the vibrant celebrations of summer, the transformations of fall, and the surprises that winter always seems to bring. Through it all, we’ve had the honor of sharing these moments with you.

To our regulars who make the Clubroom feel like home and to all the guests who join us for events and parties, thank you. Your continued support and presence mean more than words can express. You are the reason the Clubroom is such a special place, and we are so grateful to celebrate life’s moments with you.

�� Mark Your Calendars:
Friendsgiving: Tuesday, November 26th, starting at 6 p.m.
Ugly Sweater Party: Friday, December 6th, with live music and prizes!

As we prepare for the holiday season, please note the
Clubroom will be closed:
Thanksgiving Break: November 27th–29th
Christmas: December 24th–25th
New Year: December 31st–January 1st

We hope this season brings joy, peace, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones. Thank you for being part of our Clubroom family. We look forward to creating even more memories with you in the coming year.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
The Clubroom Committee

We are excited to welcome two new members to our council! David Lueck was initiated into the order, and Ignatius Chibitty has transferred into the council. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome.

Our recent "Tootsie Roll" drive faced a bit of a challenge with the "De Soto Goes Pink" walk, which led to Main Street being shut down for over an hour. Despite the setback, I’d like to extend a big thank you to John Ziegler, Gary Drope, and Lance Milner for their efforts with the collection. Thanks to their dedication, we were able to collect $1,339.00. The council contributed an additional $700.00, allowing this effort to count as one of the projects for "Star Council."

Thank you for your continued support.

Fraternally,
Todd Milner
Financial Secretary

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, it’s only fitting to honor the memory of a man whose love for the holiday embodied the spirit of gratitude and togetherness: Charles DeClue. Known affectionately as Charlie or Jerry to those close to him, he was a cherished member of our Knights of Columbus community, a dedicated manager of the Clubroom, and a man whose passion for Thanksgiving left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Charlie’s Thanksgiving traditions were deeply rooted in family and faith. Born and raised in De Soto, he spent much of his early life learning the art of cooking from his grandmother, who passed down her knowledge of creating hearty, home-cooked meals. Charlie embraced these lessons and carried them into his adult life, especially during the Thanksgiving season. He was the kind of man who took pride in preparing every dish from scratch, whether it was turkey with all the fixings or his famous chicken and dumplings, which became a favorite for those lucky enough to share his table.

His love for cooking was not just about the food but also about bringing people together. Whether hosting Thanksgiving for his family or preparing meals for firefighters at the station, Charlie’s kitchen was a space filled with warmth, generosity, and a sense of community. He believed that food had the power to connect people, and he lived that belief every day.

As manager of the Clubroom, Charlie brought this same sense of hospitality and care to his role. For decades, he worked tirelessly to ensure the Clubroom thrived, providing a welcoming space for members to gather and create memories. His dedication extended beyond managing operations—he made everyone feel like family. It’s no wonder the Clubroom flourished under his guidance.

Charlie’s impact went far beyond his culinary skills and managerial expertise. He was a man of faith, kindness, and generosity, always willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. He also valued the importance of tradition, not just in cooking but in fostering a sense of community. Whether it was organizing Thanksgiving meals, supporting local causes, or ensuring the success of the Clubroom, Charlie’s contributions enriched the lives of those around him.

Even in his passing on January 1, 2021, at the age of 80, Charlie’s legacy continues to inspire us. As we sit down to our Thanksgiving meals this year, let us remember his love for family, food, and fellowship. Let us honor him by sharing stories, offering gratitude, and extending kindness to others, just as he did throughout his life.

Charlie DeClue’s life reminds us of what Thanksgiving is truly about—celebrating the blessings we have, cherishing those we love, and coming together as a community. As we reflect on his remarkable contributions, we are grateful for the indelible mark he left on our hearts and our Clubroom.

Thank you, Charlie, for your unwavering dedication and for teaching us the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Your spirit lives on in every meal shared, every laugh echoed, and every moment of gratitude celebrated in our community.